Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 MANILA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A fire broke out in a two-story house before dawn Sunday in San Mateo town in Rizal province, east of Manila, killing three residents and injuring another, the Bureau of Fire Protection said. According to the bureau, the fire, which started at around 2:00 a.m. local time, trapped and killed a 60-year-old woman, her 30-year-old daughter and the daughter's 28-year-old husband. The 64-year-old husband of the woman was also injured after jumping out of the burning house, the bureau said. He reportedly sustained first-degree burns. Firefighters declared the fire out about an hour later. The bureau is still investigating the cause of the fire. Wang Yi Meets with Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to the German Chancellor Gunter Sautter Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: July 04, 2025 19:40 On July 4, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to the German Chancellor Gunter Sautter in Berlin. Both sides expressed high regard for the all-round strategic partnership between China and Germany, spoke positively of the increasingly mature and stable bilateral relations, and unanimously agreed to prepare for the next phase of high-level exchanges, make good use of mechanisms such as government consultations and strategic dialogues, strengthen strategic communication, enhance mutual understanding, promote the sustained, sound and steady development of China-Germany relations, properly handle differences with a constructive attitude, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. Wang Yi stated that China-Germany relations go beyond the bilateral scope. He expressed the hope that the German side will play a constructive role in the European Union, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of both sides, and jointly address challenges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China and Germany Hold the Eighth Round of Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: July 04, 2025 16:52 On July 3, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the eighth round of the China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security with German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul in Berlin. Wang Yi said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), and the China-Germany all-round strategic partnership has also embarked on a new decade. China-EU and China-Germany relations have reached a critical juncture of building on past achievements and opening up the future. A sound China-Germany relationship will not only drive the overall development of China-EU relations but also bear great significance for global stability and development. As the world's second and third largest economies, China and Germany shoulder important international responsibilities and carry the expectations of various parties. The two sides should work hand in hand to reaffirm mutual trust, further consolidate bilateral cooperation, and deepen bilateral relations. In the face of the current turbulent international situation marked by rising protectionism, de-globalization, unilateralism and bullying acts, China and Germany need to enhance strategic communication and coordination to contribute greater certainty to the world by building on the stability of bilateral relations, jointly advocate and practice multilateralism, uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, and remain committed to developing a more reliable, stable, and predictable all-round strategic partnership. Wang Yi stated that not long ago, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, charting the course and setting the tone for the development of China-Germany relations in the next stage. Despite changes in the international landscape, China-Germany relations have maintained steady development. The most important experience is the commitment to mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and pursuing win-win cooperation, which constitutes the fundamental logic for the 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. The key is to enhance understanding and mutual trust, and view differences in a calm and rational manner. The Chinese side places China-Germany relations in an important position in China's diplomacy and appreciates the new German government's positive and rational attitude to developing relations with China. Wang Yi expressed the hope that Germany will support China's efforts to achieve complete national reunification just as China unconditionally supported Germany's reunification, and strictly abide by the one-China principle. As a core major country in the EU, Germany has made active efforts to the development of China-EU relations. Wang Yi also expressed the hope that Germany will continue to play a constructive role in the development of China-EU relations. Johann David Wadephul said that Germany is willing to work with China as mutually trustworthy and predictable cooperative partners. In this era full of crises and challenges, it is crucial for Germany and China to maintain close communication and cooperation. With a long history of exchanges and a sound foundation for partnership, the two countries share common ground on many issues and are able to properly handle disagreements and differences with mutual respect and in a constructive manner. Germany looks forward to enhancing communication and exchanges and continuously strengthening bilateral cooperation with China. The German government firmly adheres to the one-China policy. The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis, the Iranian nuclear issue, the situation in the Middle East, and multilateral strategic cooperation. Both sides agreed to continue maintaining close communication and coordination to work for the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities as well as peaceful settlement of disputes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, Germany pledge to deepen ties, cooperation People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:00, July 05, 2025 BERLIN, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to the German Chancellor Gunter Sautter in Berlin on Friday, with both sides agreeing to promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of bilateral relations. Both sides highly valued the China-Germany all-round strategic partnership, and spoke positively of the increasingly mature and stable bilateral relations. They agreed to make solid preparations for the next stage of high-level exchanges, give full play to such mechanisms as government consultations and strategic dialogue, enhance strategic communication, and deepen mutual understanding, to jointly promote the sustainable, healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. The two sides also agreed to manage differences constructively and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that relations between China and Germany go beyond the bilateral scope, and expressed the hope that Germany will play a constructive role in the European Union to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of both sides and jointly respond to challenges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Eternal shame on supporters and justifiers of warmongering Israel: Foreign Ministry spokesperson IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 4, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei has strongly condemned Israel's backers for putting a blind eye to the killing of civilians in the regime's recent war of aggression against the Islamic Republic. Baqaei reminded the Israeli brutality in a post in Persian on his X account on Friday, along with a video showing the Israeli attack on Iranian civilians in Tehran's Quds Square on June 15 that left 18 people dead. "This is the moment when the aggressor Israeli regime did its #dirty_work for the German Chancellor on the streets of Tehran; firing missiles into the street, throwing cars and people into the sky due to the intensity of the explosion, and killing people in broad daylight!" read he post. The spokesperson explained that this is the same dirty work, the Israeli regime has been doing habitually in #OccupiedPalestine and other parts of the region for decades, and the West continues to encourage it! "Eternal shame on the supporters and justifiers of this [Israel) warmongering regime", Baqaei said, adding that Israel's backers have knowingly placed themselves on the wrong side of history. Israel launched an unprovoked war of aggression on June 13, assassinating Iran's military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians in Tehran and other cities. The regime's western backers failed to condemned Israeli crimes and its violation of international law, with some, including Germany, even defending Israel's attacks on Iran. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Azerbaijan, President Pezeshkian says Iran taught Israel a big lesson IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 4, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says the Armed Forces taught the Israeli regime a big lesson during the 12-day Israeli war of aggression on Iran and prevented the spread of the war to elsewhere in the region. Addressing the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, President Pezeshkian said the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out defensive military operations against Israeli targets in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The president said Israel started the war by violating all international laws, including Article 2(4) of the U.N. Charter, was joined by the United States, and carried out a range of criminal activities against Iranian off-duty military personnel, university professors, civilians, nuclear facilities for peaceful activities that were under the inspection of the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.), and public infrastructure. He thanked ECO members for their "responsible positions" during the Israeli war on Iran and said the ongoing summit was another opportunity to let the world know about the regional and global ramifications of the Israeli war of aggression on Iran. President Pezeshkian was greeted and welcomed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev as he arrived at the venue of the summit in Khankendi on Friday. The Israeli regime attacked Iran in an unprovoked act of aggression overnight on June 13. A number of top Iranian military and security officials and scientists were assassinated in overnight 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. At least 935 Iranians were killed in the aggression, including 140 women and children. Over 5,640 people were also wounded. 4482 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN experts urge Iran to choose protection over repression after ceasefire Press releases Special Procedures 04 July 2025 GENEVA -- UN experts* today expressed alarm over the crackdown in the Islamic Republic of Iran since hostilities began on 13 June 2025 and the subsequent ceasefire. "Post-conflict situations must not be used as an opportunity to suppress dissent and increase repression," the experts said. Acknowledging the impact of unlawful military attacks by Israel and the United States of America, the experts nevertheless expressed concern over reports of executions, enforced disappearaces, and mass arrests. Since 13 June 2025, at least six individuals have reportedly been executed on charges of "espionage for Israel", including three Kurdish men. Hundreds of individuals, including social media users, journalists, human rights defenders, foreign nationalsparticularly Afghansand members of ethnic and religious minorities such as Baha'is, Kurds, Balouchis and Ahwazi Arabs, have been detained on accusations of "collaboration" or "espionage". Those detained include human rights defender Hossein Ronaghi and his brother. Meanwhile, Swedish-Iranian researcher Ahmadreza Djalali faces imminent execution with his whereabouts unknown. The conflict has also substantially exacerbated Afghan deportations from Iran, with 256,000 returned in June alone amid serious refoulement concerns. The experts expressed alarm at official statements announcing expedited trials on accusations of espionage, putting individuals at heightened risk of summary execution or punishment without adequate due process. They also found equally concerning reports of incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence in the media, which have labelled entire minority communities as traitors and used dehumanising language such as "filthy rats." This rhetoric in state-linked Persian and Arabic media outlets has reportedly included calls for surveillance, and killing of Baha'is, echoing the 1988 atrocities. The experts warned that Iran's Parliament is concurrently advancing legislation that would classify intelligence or espionage activities carried out for "hostile Governments" as "corruption on earth"an offence punishable by death. "Criminalising the sharing of information in broad language violates the rights to freedom of expression and information," the experts said. "This legislation also represents a worrying expansion of the death penalty that violates international human rights law." The experts urged the international community to prioritise sustained support to Iranian civil society actors, including technical and financial assistance to independent media outlets and human rights groups. "The survival of civic space depends on the ability to document human rights violations, preserve collective memory, and coordinate action, which is essential during this critical period," they said. They also condemned the deteriorating conditions faced by prisoners transferred from Evin Prison after Israeli attacks on its facilities. Prisoners were reportedly moved to the Great Tehran Penitentiary and to Qarchak Prison and held in abysmal conditions. The fate and whereabouts of some prisoners remain unknown, placing them outside the protection of the lawa situation that amounts to enforced disappearances. "Following the ceasefire, the world is watching closely to see how Iranian authorities treat their own people. This will be a defining measure of the country's commitment to human rights and the rule of law," the experts said. "Iran must not allow history to repeat itself by resorting to the same dark patterns of repression that have devastated its people in previous post-conflict periods." The experts have been in contact with Iranian authorities on this issue. *The experts: Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic republic of Iran, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic republic of Iran, Nazila Ghanea , Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, , Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial summary or arbitrary executions, Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial summary or arbitrary executions, Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mary Lawlor , Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, , Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Gabriella Citroni, (Chair-Rapporteur), Grazyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Balde, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Laura Nyirinkindi (Chair), Claudia Flores (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Ivana Krstic, and Haina Lu, Working group on discrimination against women and girls. Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Even US may be unable to save Netanyahu from Iran's next 'paralyzing' retaliation: Military chief Iran Press TV Friday, 04 July 2025 7:16 PM Iran's military chief vows a "paralyzing retaliation" to any renewed Israeli aggression, warning the reprisal would be so severe that even the US may not be able to save the Israeli prime minister, who had ordered Tel Aviv's recent war against the Islamic Republic. Speaking during a ceremony in the capital Tehran on Friday, Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said the Islamic Republic had planned out the retaliation in line with a directive issued by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. "The opportunity to implement it did not arise, though," the commander added but asserted that the country would definitely carry out the reprisal in case of potential fresh Israeli transgression. "If they attack Iran again, they will see what we are capable of doing. In that case, even the United States may not be able to save [Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu." The war saw the regime carry out heavily-US-backed attacks against the Islamic Republic for 12 days starting on June 13. In swift and forceful retaliation that came immediately following the launch of the aggression, Iran's armed forces staged precision strikes targeting key nuclear, military, and industrial infrastructure deep within the occupied Palestinian territories. The response that used hundreds of ballistic missiles, including multi-warhead and supersonic ones, as well as numerous drones, came as part of Operation True Promise III against the Zionist entity. It targeted the heart of Tel Aviv, which is the regime's economic hub; Haifa, its most important deep-water port, and Be'er Sheva, the entity's modern development and technology epicenter. Overwhelmed by the unceasing counterstrikes, the regime was compelled to seek a ceasefire, although, some of the United States' most advanced missile systems had joined Tel Aviv's arsenal to deflect the Iranian projectiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. The call for a ceasefire also came even though the US itself had joined the regime's strikes towards the end of the war in response to Tel Aviv's plea for assistance. Mousavi noted that the country's response featured an initial "deterrent" stage, which was performed "strongly," and was followed by "punitive operations." 'Iranians won't rest until they put child-killing Israel in its place' Mousavi felicitated the Iranian nation on the occasion of the victory, saying, "The noble people of Iran stood strong in the face of the enemy with unity and cohesion, forcing the enemy to bow before them." Both the armed forces and the people are, at the same time, "alert and prepared" to face any renewed aggression. The Islamic Republic's adversaries should know that the Iranian nation did not achieve its dignity and independence easily, and "will not rest until it puts the child-killing terrorists in their place." The official further underlined the armed forces' dedication to defending the nation, saying, "Rest assured, we will keep the flag of our dear martyrs' dignity and honor flying high, until our last drop of blood." Recounting enemies' frustration The commander noted that the country's adversaries had been planning the imposed war for no less than 15 years. "They had organized and trained some infiltrators inside Iran, and had laid out a detailed plan." The design had aimed, fruitlessly though, to destroy the country's Islamic establishment, and prompt its disintegration, Mousavi said. The enemies, however, had underestimated the Leader's prudence, the will of the people, and the strength of the armed forces, he stated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran will no longer observe any red line if attacked again, IRGC warns Israel Iran Press TV Friday, 04 July 2025 5:45 PM A spokesman for the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran will no longer observe any red line if the Israeli regime carries out another act of aggression against the Islamic Republic. "If a new aggression occurs against Iran, Iran's response will be crushing and we will have no red lines," Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini said in an interview with the al-Mayadeen television news channel on Friday. He added that the Israeli regime failed to achieve its goals during its 12 days of acts of aggression against Iran. "Iran's swift response nullified the enemies' calculations. In the recent war, the enemy's goal was to destroy the Islamic Republic's capabilities," he said. The enemy has explicitly announced that it waged the war against Iran with the purpose of forcing the country to surrender and disintegrate it, the IRGC spokesman noted. Naeini said the enemy resorted to military actions against Iran after it failed to get its goals through negotiations, adding, "Iran's enemies have no enough understanding about the Islamic Republic." He emphasized that the Zionist enemy targeted Iranian military commanders and intended to destabilize the country "but we gave a quick response to it." The Israeli regime is now concerned about Iran's "devastating" response if it launches a new war against the Islamic Republic, Naeini said. During the 12-day war, he added, Iran fired more than 2,000 missiles and drones toward the occupied territories, most of which hit their "military, security and economic" targets. 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 jumped on the bandwagon and bombed 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 aggression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia warns of Israeli 'war party' seeking to reignite aggression against Iran Iran Press TV Friday, 04 July 2025 4:23 PM Russia has warned about various Israeli officials' efforts to trigger the resumption of aggression against Iran. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the remarks during a press conference alongside his visiting Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan in Moscow on Friday. "We sincerely hope that the so-called 12-day war is indeed over," the Russian top diplomat said. He was referring to the Israeli regime's launching attacks against the Islamic Republic's nuclear, military, and civilian targets on June 13. The assaults claimed the lives of at least 935 Iranians, including senior military officials and nuclear scientists, the latter group being targeted inside their residential buildings. The Islamic Republic responded with decisive defensive maneuvers and counterstrikes, hitting critically sensitive nuclear, military, and industrial infrastructure across the occupied Palestinian territories. The retaliation forced the regime to request a ceasefire. Lavrov, however, warned, "We intend to stay vigilant, as the 'war party' remains highly active in the Middle East." "We keep hearing a variety of statements from some representatives of the Israeli leadership," he added, suggesting that those officials were persistently agitating for the resumption of aggression against the Islamic Republic. Iran has, on many occasions since the cessation of the attacks, cautioned that its next reprisal against potential renewed aggression would be of far more intensity and magnitude to the extent that it would take Tel Aviv and its allies by surprise. 'European states role in war' Elsewhere in his remarks, Lavrov criticized some European states' "aggressive" anti-Iranian efforts, which saw them force the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s Board of Governors to issue its most recent anti-Iranian resolution. He pointed out how the European countries "unnecessarily and aggressively pushed through anti-Iranian resolutions, which did nothing to ease tensions or advance negotiations, but instead created a pretext for forceful measures." The Israeli regime used the resolution as a pretext to launch the war. The resolution was also used by the United States, the regime's biggest ally, as a plea to join it in attacking Iran towards the end of the warfare. "I sincerely hope that European nations will come to recognize their responsibility and their share of the blame," Lavrov said. For his part, the Saudi foreign minister also underlined that differences with the Islamic Republic had to be resolved through diplomatic processes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IAEA inspectors leave Iran after Tehran suspended cooperation Iran Press TV Friday, 04 July 2025 2:28 PM The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it is pulling its inspectors out of Iran after Tehran suspended its cooperation with the UN nuclear agency. "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 agency said in a post on its X account on Friday. The IAEA called for the resumption of its "indispensable monitoring and verification activities" in Iran. "IAEA 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," the agency stated. On July 2, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian gave the final approval to a resolution that suspends cooperation with the IAEA. The rationale for the move was the UN atomic agency's politically-motivated resolution which paved the way for the US-Israeli acts of aggression against the Islamic Republic. The resolution was approved during the public session of Iran's Parliament on June 25. According to the resolution, IAEA inspectors will not be permitted to enter Iran unless the security of the country's nuclear facilities and that of peaceful nuclear activities is guaranteed, which is subject to the approval of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Iran is also considering an entry ban on the IAEA chief, Rafael Grossi, who has come under fire for his politically motivated reports against Iran. In an unprovoked, brazen act of aggression on June 13, Israel targeted Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists who had previously been placed on sanctions lists based on IAEA reports. Israel also killed civilians. On June 22, the US military bombed Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan nuclear sites in violation of the United Nations Charter, international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Grossi remained silent. He did not condemn the acts of aggression, drawing criticisms from Iranian officials. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address by Xinhua writers Cheng Yunjie, Chen Shangying and Yao Yuan HEFEI, July 6 (Xinhua) -- In a high-stakes race to pursue next-generation technologies, Chinese startups specializing in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and advanced manufacturing are gaining momentum through a novel but supportive financing model called the "fund jungle." This ecosystem -- a dense network of government-led investment funds, venture capital and corporate backing -- is accelerating the rise of so-called "gazelle" firms, unicorns and niche "little giant" enterprises across east China's Anhui Province and beyond. Leading the way is HiDream.ai, which rose to the forefront of global generative AI startups in just two years. With its cinematic-quality video generation technology, the fast-growing firm has attracted 10 million individual users and 40,000 corporate clients worldwide. Founder Mei Tao said that starting an AI company was like "venturing into an uncharted territory" where both the technology and the market are entirely new. Amid shifting international dynamics that led to a withdrawal of U.S. capital and a relative shortage of RMB venture funding, the company adopted a "move fast with small steps" strategy by demonstrating its value with limited capital to attract follow-up investment. The turnaround came last year, when it secured a sizable Series A round, with state-owned Hefei Industry Investment Group being the lead investor, joined by the Anhui artificial intelligence fund of funds and other institutional investors. Beyond financing, establishing base in Hefei, provincial capital of Anhui, has helped the company expand its applications in broadcasting, film and television, and tourism, while the local government is aiming to leverage the AI technologies to empower local industries. HiDream.ai had good reason to choose Hefei as its base. Anhui Province has set out plans to cultivate a cohort of rapidly growing gazelle companies and a new wave of unicorns, startups valued at over 1 billion U.S. dollars. The province has also pledged support for local "little giant" enterprises, which are specialized small and medium-sized firms that excel in niche markets, drive innovation, tackle frontier technologies, and help strengthen industrial chains. To empower these "fantastic beast" companies, Anhui has built a "fund jungle" led by state investors and joined by social capital. The cluster of funds aims to ensure sufficient funding for a tech company at all stages of its growth. As of last October, a total of 124 funds with nearly 50 billion yuan (about 7 billion U.S. dollars) in committed capital had been set up in the fund complex, investing in more than 400 projects. The province is home to 2,191 private funds, including 50 angel funds, 734 venture capital funds and 1,407 industrial investment funds. "Different industries and different stages of growth have distinct capital needs. A 'fund jungle' offers specialized funds for each phase, thus forming a comprehensive matrix that nurtures an industry across its entire lifecycle," said Tang Zhiqiang, deputy dean of Anhui institute of industry and information technology. "This lush ecosystem of funds fuels companies' growth through tailored financial empowerment," he added. FUNDS, PATIENCE AND ECOSYSTEM Cowa Robot, based in the city of Wuhu in Anhui, is one of the beneficiaries of this funding ecosystem. The unicorn company's self-driving vehicles, such as street-cleaning robots, have started operation in more than 50 Chinese cities. Lu Wenjun, the company's vice general manager, said the Wuhu government has deep expertise in robotics and provides clear development pathways along with strong supportive policies. From establishing initial industry frameworks to continuously building the ecosystem, many firms have reaped the benefits. "Autonomous driving thrives on high-quality data to refine algorithms, and that data comes from real-world scenarios. Local governments provided critical support, from pilot programs to scaled deployment," he added. Home to automaker Chery and 96 little giant firms, Wuhu is known for patiently nurturing emerging industries. In 2024, the share of R&D expenditures in Wuhu's GDP reached 4.28 percent, far exceeding the nationwide average of 2.68 percent. The city has also set up a fund of 3 billion yuan to spur tech innovation and to solicit participation of social capital. Wanzhi District in the city has created a fund jungle totaling 11.1 billion yuan, which has invested in 58 projects and attracted an additional 3.57 billion yuan in non-local capital. Here, an industrial park consisting of nearly 200 general aviation companies, from propeller making to pilot training, has taken shape, poised to capitalize on the country's trillion-yuan low-altitude economy boom. The industry can be traced back to 2013, when CETC Wuhu Diamond Aircraft Manufacture Co., Ltd. was founded here. The company is now a little giant firm that produces both manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), after 12 years of continuous investment in R&D and government support. General manager Tian Manlin stressed that low-altitude manufacturing is the core of the low-altitude economy, requiring relentless R&D and industry collaboration. A strong focus on R&D is a shared conviction among entrepreneurs in Anhui's emerging industries. "R&D must never stop," emphasized Mei Tao, adding that HiDream.ai continually integrates user feedback to refine its models daily. "AI demands top talent and heavy funding. A healthy financial ecosystem fuels innovation, helping more tech pioneers break through," Mei said. Fears Of More Executions As Iran's New Espionage Bill Raises Alarm By Kian July 04, 2025 What You Need To Know Widening Use Of The Death Penalty: Over the weekend, Iran's parliament passed a bill imposing significantly harsher sentences for espionage and collaboration with hostile foreign governments, particularly targeting activities linked to Israel and the United States. Legal experts and human rights organizations warn that the law's broad definitions and severe punishments could lead to arbitrary accusations and mass executions, including for activities that previously carried lesser sentences or would not have been considered espionage. Cooperation With UN Nuclear Watchdog Suspended: President Masud Pezeshkian this week enacted a law to suspend Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), alarming European powers who called the move "disastrous." Suspending cooperation with the IAEA means Iran will halt inspections, reporting, and oversight activities under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Western nations caution that reducing IAEA visibility risks triggering renewed sanctions and significantly heightens nuclear proliferation concerns. Will China Give Iran What Russia Won't? Following its air defense failure during the recent conflict with Israel, Iran is seeking to modernize its outdated air force. Disappointed by Russia's reluctance to deliver Sukhoi-35 jets -- despite a strategic partnership -- Iran is now looking to China for advanced J-10C fighter jets. However, Beijing is cautious, balancing ties with Persian Gulf states and US pressure, and may prefer economic over military support. With both Russia and China prioritizing their own interests, Iran faces increasing strategic isolation and limited options to rebuild its aerial capabilities. The Big Issue Death For Dissent The passage of this bill comes in the aftermath of a brief but intense conflict with Israel and the United States, during which Iranian authorities have already executed several individuals accused of spying for Israel and detained hundreds more. The legislation covers a wide range of activities, including intelligence gathering, operational cooperation, providing military, financial, or technological support, as well as manufacturing military drones, conducting cyberattacks, or sabotaging infrastructure for enemy states -- even if such actions are ineffective. As part of the approved measures, espionage and collaboration with Israel, the US, or other hostile states are now classified as "corruption on Earth," a charge that automatically carries the death penalty under Iranian law. The bill also criminalizes a broader set of interactions, such as sharing images or videos with foreign media, publishing false news, or producing content that authorities claim threatens national security or public morale, with penalties ranging from lengthy prison sentences to execution It also explicitly criminalizes the use, possession, sale, purchase, import, production, and distribution of Starlink satellite Internet devices. Possession or use of a Starlink terminal can result in six months to two years in prison Why It Matters: The recent war with Israel exposed Mossad's deep reach into Iran. Israel's foreign intelligence service has shown clear dominance over Iran's security apparatus, apparently prompting the bill's passage. Proponents have justified the new measures as necessary to counter foreign infiltration and threats to national security, but critics argue that the new law will likely be used to suppress dissent and target marginalized groups. The bill also covers all Internet and communications equipment not certified by the Iranian government, but Starlink is specifically named as a threat due to its ability to bypass state censorship and surveillance. The authorities fear Starlink enables clandestine contact with foreign intelligence, particularly Israel and the United States, and undermines state control over the flow of information. To become law, the bill needs to be approved by the Guardian Council -- Iran's constitutional watchdog -- before it can be enacted by the government. What's Being Said: The bill was passed unanimously by the conservative-leaning parliament, with no abstentions. But it has been widely criticized by legal experts and rights groups. Tehran-based lawyer Mohsen Borhani wrote on X that the passage of the bill was "an ugly joke" and its contents "violate legal and religious principles." Dadban, a collective of lawyers that consult activists, expressed concern with the bill's retroactive application, allowing death penalties for acts not previously punishable, such as "propaganda against the establishment" or "collaboration with hostile media." It added that the bill introduces vague definitions of "espionage" and "collaboration with enemies," potentially endangering activists and journalists. Political analyst Babak Dorbeiki told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that the passage of the bill was so "shocking" he initially thought it was knee-jerk reaction to the war with Israel. "But when you read the bill, you realize it is just a strange way of seeking vengeance," he said. Dorbeiki argued that the bill would also allow those in power to target their critics and neutralize them. "This will be dangerous to not only critics of the Islamic republic, but also supporters who want to reform it," he added. Expert Opinion: "This bill fundamentally contradicts the principles of criminal law, Shi'ite jurisprudence, and the constitution," legal expert Moein Khazaeli told Radio Farda, specifically criticizing its potential retroactive application if passed. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/farda-briefing-iran-spying- israel/33462902.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel responsible for 1982 abduction of four Iranian diplomats: I.R.G.C. IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 5, 2025 The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (I.R.G.C.) has called for determining the fate of four Iranian diplomats kidnapped in Lebanon in 1982, saying that the political and legal responsibility of their abduction lies with Israel that was the occupying power at that time. On July 4 of that year, Ahmad Motovasselian, a military attache at Iran's Embassy in Beirut, Mohsen Mousavi, the Iranian charge d'affaires in Lebanon, Taqi Rastegar Moqaddam, an embassy employee, and Kazem Akhavan, a photographer for the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), were kidnapped. Their whereabouts have remained unknown since then. Iran believes that they were abducted by an armed group and transferred to Israeli-occupied territories to be handed over to the regime's forces. In a statement on Saturday, the I.R.G.C. condemned the abduction, saying that the Israeli regime is legally, politically, and criminally responsible for the kidnapping due to its presence in Lebanon as an occupying power at that time, according to the I.R.G.C.'s news website Sepah News. The I.R.G.C. honored the abductees as national heroes and expressed sympathy with their families, reiterating its commitment to continue the path of those flag-bearers of resistance. Despite Iran's diplomatic, political, and legal efforts, international organizations have not taken effective action regarding the abduction, the statement read. Therefore, it added, the I.R.G.C. reminds the United Nations, the Human Rights Council, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (I.C.R.C.) of their responsibilities in this case, urging them to undertake effective, and non-selective follow-ups. The I.R.G.C. also appreciated the efforts made by Lebanon, while calling for more serious measures and suggesting the formation of a joint fact-finding committee in cooperation with international organizations. Earlier on Saturday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a separate statement, calling the 1982 abduction as a terrorist act. 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry: 1982 abduction of Iranian diplomats in Beirut constituted a terrorist act IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 5, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement marking the 43rd anniversary of the abduction of four Iranian diplomats in Lebanon, has stressed that the kidnapping of Iranian diplomats in Beirut constitutes a terrorist act. In its statement, the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Iran has commemorated the 43rd anniversary of the abduction of four Iranian diplomats Seyed Mohsen Mousavi, Ahmad Motevaselian, Kazem Akhavan, and Taghi Rastegar-Moghaddam by elements affiliated with the Israeli regime and expressed solidarity with their families. As repeatedly stated, substantial evidence proves that the Iranian diplomats were kidnapped by an armed group inside Lebanon during the Israeli regime's occupation of Lebanese territory, handed over to the occupying forces, and transferred to the occupied territories, it added. The abduction of Iranian diplomats on July 5, 1982 in Beirut was not only a violation of international law and a blatant breach of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations but also constitutes a terrorist act under the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages (1979), the statement reads. The Islamic Republic of Iran holds the Israeli regime responsible for the abduction and hostage-taking of its nationals and continues to pursue the matter vigorously through relevant international bodies, it added. While appreciating the cooperation of the Lebanese government in pursuing the issue, including formally registering the case through correspondence with the then-UN Secretary-General in September 2008, the Islamic Republic of Iran once again calls on the Lebanese authorities, the UN Secretary-General, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and other competent international bodies to fulfill their legal and humanitarian obligations in pursuing this case and exert all efforts to clarify the fate of the abducted Iranian diplomats, it noted. Foreign Ministry has once again underlined the proposal to form a joint fact-finding committee between Iran and Lebanon, in cooperation with the ICRC, to investigate and clarify the status of the abducted Iranian diplomats. The then charge d'affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Beirut Seyed Mohsen Mousavi, military attache Ahmad Motevaselian, embassy technician Taqi Rastegar Moghadam and journalist of the Islamic republic news agency Kazzem Akhavan were kidnapped by the Lebanese mercenary army - also known as the Falangists - at gunpoint in Northern Lebanon in 1982 and were later handed over to the Israeli army. Israel has released contradictory reports on the issue. The Israeli regime alleged in a statement in 2010 that the diplomats had never been surrendered to Israel. 9376**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC: Israel bears 'political, legal' responsibility for missing Iranian diplomats Iran Press TV Saturday, 05 July 2025 6:01 PM The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the Israeli regime bears the "legal, political and criminal" responsibility for the 1982 kidnapping of four Iranian diplomats in Lebanon. In a Saturday statement on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the abduction of the Iranian diplomats, the IRGC emphasized the importance of clarifying their fate. On July 4, 1982, Ahmad Motovasselian, a military attache at Tehran's Embassy in Beirut, Mohsen Mousavi, the Iranian charge d'affaires in Lebanon, Taqi Rastegar Moqaddam, an employee of the Embassy, and Kazem Akhavan, a photographer for the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), were abducted by Israeli-affiliated armed groups. The IRGC said the 42nd anniversary of this "terrorist" event comes only few days after the end of a 12-day war imposed by the Israeli regime and the evil and terrorist United States against Iran. "Iran's decisive and deterrent response to the war further revealed the depth of the incapacity, fragility, and legitimacy crisis of this regime," it said. It noted that the Israeli regime has committed heinous crimes over the past decades against regional nations, including its ongoing genocidal war in Palestine and the assassination of top officials of the resistance front. The IRGC criticized international organizations and the self-proclaimed defender of human rights for failing to take an effective measure after four decades to pursue the "crime" of the Iranian diplomats' abduction. Therefore, the IRGC once again reminds the United Nations, the Human Rights Council and the International Committee of the Red Cross of their responsibilities vis-a-vis the case, urging them to undertake effective, and non-selective follow-ups, it said. The IRGC hailed the efforts made by Lebanon and called on the Arab country to form a joint fact-finding committee in cooperation with international organizations. It warned the Israeli regime and its supporters that they would not be safe from their past crimes, "but every act of aggression and treachery will accelerate the process of collapse of this fake regime." The Iranian Foreign Ministry earlier in the day decried as an "act of terrorism" the kidnapping of the Iranian diplomats, reiterating the Islamic Republic's call for the formation of a fact-finding group to determine the fate of the abductees. "There is ample evidence, as repeatedly stated, and copious indications proving that the Iranian diplomats were abducted by an armed group inside Lebanon during the occupation of Lebanese soil by the Zionist regime, handed over to the occupying forces, and transferred to the occupied territories," the ministry said in a statement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's oil production at records not seen since 1978: Report Iran Press TV Saturday, 05 July 2025 4:45 PM Iran has reached a record in oil production that has not been seen in the country since 1978, when Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, was still in power, according to a recent report. The report published on Thursday by Bloomberg said that Iran had produced about 4.3 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude plus another 725,000 bpd of other liquids in 2024. The report cited figures from the UK Energy Institute and its Statistical Review of World Energy, which was published last month. It said that an oil production of nearly 5.1 million bpd has not been seen in Iran since the last year of Shah's reign when the oil industry in the country was still receiving huge investment and technology from Western companies. However, it admitted that Iran has achieved a remarkable feat by raising its oil output to record levels at a time of increased American pressure. "Developing its vast condensate and natural-gas liquids riches without foreign help wasn't easy," said the report by Javier Blas as he insisted that domestic companies, including those run by Iran's elite military force the IRGC, have contributed to the country's efforts over the past decade to develop its energy sector. Iran has reported consistent rises in its oil production and exports since 2021, just two years after US President Donald Trump enforced a harsh regime of sanctions on buyers of Iranian oil during his first term in office. Estimates suggest Iran's oil exports, which mostly go to private buyers in China, have well exceeded 2.4 million bpd in recent months. Bloomberg's report said Iran's rising oil exports and the revenues it generate would be key to the country's reconstruction efforts after a recent Israeli aggression. It also reiterated that Israel's 12-day aggression against Iran, which ended on June 24, had failed to affect Iran's massive oil industry and its daily operations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Satellite data reveals Iran's crushing blows to Israeli military bases Iran Press TV Saturday, 05 July 2025 3:07 PM Satellite imagery analyzed by researchers at Oregon State University suggests that Iranian missiles struck five Israeli military facilities during last month's 12-day war, according to a report by the Telegraph. The British newspaper said that six Iranian missiles hit targets located in the northern, central and southern regions of the Israeli occupied territories, including an intelligence-gathering center and a logistics base. The findings were based on radar satellite data that identified blast damage consistent with missile strikes. These strikes were previously undisclosed by Israeli military due to strict censorship laws. Israeli authorities have not publicly acknowledged the strikes, and the Israeli military declined to comment when contacted by the Telegraph, the newspaper said. Military censorship laws in Israel restrict the publication of sensitive security information, particularly during active conflicts. During the war, Israeli officials and the United States claimed that approximately 84% of the Iranian missiles were intercepted by Israeli and American air defense systems. However, according to the Telegraph, data analysis indicates that a growing number of Iranian missiles successfully penetrated the much-vaunted air defenses during the first eight days of the conflict. Analysts suggest this may have been due to factors including a limited supply of interceptor missiles, more sophisticated Iranian technology, or changes in attack strategy. Iran employed coordinated drone and missile attacks to overwhelm Israel's air defenses. The use of suicide drones even when intercepted served to confuse systems and allow more missiles to penetrate. A senior Iranian official, quoted by the Telegraph who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the use of suicide drones in combination with missiles was a deliberate strategy aimed at overwhelming Israeli defenses. "The main goal of firing drones is to keep their systems busy. Many don't even get through - they're intercepted - but they still cause confusion," the official was quoted as saying. On June 13, the Israeli regime launched an unlawful aggression against Iran, leading to the assassination of many senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary citizens. Iran retaliated in less than 24 hours with a barrage of missiles and drones, and followed it up with a series of retaliatory operations under True Promise III. The US entered the war on behalf of Israel on June 22, when its bombers hit three Iranian nuclear sites in brazen violation of international law. In response, Iran launched a missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military air base in West Asia, in an act of self-defense. The embattled Israeli regime was forced to unilaterally accept a truce deal on June 24. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel must be 'unequivocally condemned', held accountable for Evin Prison massacre: Tehran Iran Press TV Saturday, 05 July 2025 9:52 AM Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has condemned Israel's June 23 airstrike on Evin prison hospital, saying the regime must be held accountable for the 'flagrant atrocity' against Iranians. "With each passing day, new dimensions of [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's war crimes in Tehran and other Iranian cities targeted by the Israeli regime's aggression are displayed to the public," Baghaei wrote in a post on X Saturday. Referring to a video capturing the aftermath of the regime's brutal assault on Evin Prison's medical facility, Baghaei said that the inmates' families and friends "were trapped and burned to death under the rubble alongside a number of staffers and passersby." He added that "79 precious lives perished as the result of Israel's cruel war crime." "No person of good conscience can remain silent in the face of such cruelties that are grave violations of international humanitarian law and blatant war crimes," he said. According to the Iranian diplomat, the Israeli regime "must be unequivocally condemned and held accountable for the flagrant atrocity crimes it perpetrated against Iranians." On June 23, as part of Israel's recent aggression against Iran, the regime launched an airstrike on Tehran's Evin prison, which killed prison administrative staff, soldiers, inmates, families of the prisoners, and people living nearby. Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said the Israeli regime committed a "full-scale crime" and inflicted extensive financial and physical damage to the people who lived near the jail's visitation and interrogation halls. The Israeli attack, which also targeted the prison's medical center, happened at the inmates' visitation hours with their families and social workers, he explained. After this incident, Iranian media reported that those held at the prison were transferred to other prisons in Tehran Province in order to protect their safety. On June 13, Israel launched a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression against Iran, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists. The Israeli attacks also targeted military and nuclear sites as well as vital non-military infrastructure, including a building of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), healthcare centers, outreach facilities, and both residential neighborhoods and rural communities, inflicting widespread civilian harm. These attacks also caused over 900 civilian fatalities. In response, the Iranian armed forces, led by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), launched a powerful and unprecedented retaliatory campaign, Operation True Promise III, against the Israeli regime, using many of its domestically developed new-generation missiles for the first time. Hundreds of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones overwhelmed Israeli air defenses and struck key military, intelligence, industrial, energy, and R&D facilities across the occupied Palestinian territories. On June 24, the Israeli regime, isolated and abandoned, declared a unilateral halt to its aggression, announced on its behalf by US President Donald Trump. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Full consensus at ECO: Pezeshkian says all members condemn Israel's aggression against Iran Iran Press TV Saturday, 05 July 2025 7:01 AM President Masoud Pezeshkian says that all the countries present at the ECO summit openly and strongly condemned the aggressions of the Israeli regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Pezehkian made the remarks on Friday night after returning from the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in the Azerbaijani city of Khankendi. According to Pezeshkian, the "condemnation raised by Iran was met with firm support from other members." ECO 'serious symbol of neighborliness diplomacy' Also, in a post on his X account on Friday, Pezeshkian thanked "the responsible positions of the countries of the region by protesting the aggression against Iranian territory." "For us, ECO is a serious symbol of neighborliness diplomacy and at the forefront of multilateral economic diplomacy," he added. "Together, we can achieve our vision for trade, transit, digital innovation, tourism, and resilience by 2035," he further said. On June 13, Israel launched a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression against Iran, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists. The massive strikes on Iranian territory, which lasted for 12 days, focused on nuclear-related facilities as well as civilian sites. These attacks also caused over 900 civilian fatalities. In response, the Iranian armed forces, led by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), launched a powerful and unprecedented retaliatory campaign, Operation True Promise III, against the Israeli regime, using many of its domestically developed new-generation missiles for the first time. Hundreds of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones overwhelmed Israeli air defenses and struck key military, intelligence, industrial, energy, and R&D facilities across the occupied Palestinian territories. On June 24, the Israeli regime, isolated and abandoned, declared a unilateral ceasefire, announced on its behalf by US President Donald Trump On the sidelines of the summit, Pezeshkian also met and held talks with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, and President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon. Referring to his meetings with heads of different neighboring countries, Pezeshkian stated that these trips and exchanges could pave the way for strengthening relations with Iran. "These interactions should not be limited to the level of leaders, and it is necessary for deputies and ministers also to put the follow-up of the understandings reached on their agenda," he said. The 17th ECO summit, which took place in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, on Friday, brought together heads of state and government officials to reinforce cooperation and chart a vision for peace, prosperity, and stability in Central and South Asia, the Caucasus, and West Asia. Founded in 1985 by Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan, the ECO has since expanded to include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Today, it serves as a major platform for regional economic integration.. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Conceals Data on 5 Military Facilities Hit by Iran in June - Reports Sputnik News 20250705 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Israel concealed information about Iran's successful strikes on its five military facilities during the recent escalation, which can be explained by strict military censorship laws in the Jewish state, The Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday, citing satellite radar data provided by scientists of US Oregon State University. These facilities, located in the north, south and center of Israel, were struck with a total of six Iranian missiles, the report read. Among these facilities there are Tel Nof air base, a logistics base and an intelligence gathering center, the newspaper reported. According to the analysis, conducted by The Telegraph, most of the Iranian missiles were intercepted, but the proportion of the missiles that went through Israel's air defenses was increasing during the first eight days of the escalation. The Israeli Defense Forces refused to give any comments on the issues of interception of missiles and the damage, inflicted by Tehran, The Telegraph reported. On the night of June 13, Israel launched an operation against Iran, accusing it of implementing a secret military nuclear program. Iran rejected the accusations, responding with its own attacks. The parties exchanged strikes for 12 days, which were joined by the United States, which carried out a one-time attack on Iran's nuclear facilities on the night of June 22. The following evening, Tehran launched missile strikes on the US base Al Udeid in Qatar. US President Donald Trump said on June 23 that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire to end the "12-day war." Iran denies the military dimension of its nuclear program. The IAEA has not seen concrete evidence that Iran has an active nuclear weapons program, Director General Rafael Grossi said on June 18. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sy Hersh Says Lack of Radiation Means Iran Moved Uranium Before US Attack Sputnik News 20250705 No signs of radioactive contamination have been detected since US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, suggesting that enriched uranium may have been removed from key sites before the attack, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh says. Veteran US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh says Iran moved highly-enriched uranium from key sites before attacks ordered by US President Donald Trump. The US Air Force and US Navy targeted deeply-buried Iranian nuclear sites, including those in Fordow and Isfahan, in the June 22 operation codenamed 'Midnight Hammer'. Trump and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth both claimed the targets had been "obliterated." But Hersh's sources say Iran had already removed large quantities of uranium enriched to up to 60% of the fissile isotope U235. "450 pounds of enriched uranium had been moved from Fordo to the reprocessing site at Isfahan prior to the US attack there" Hersh wrote on his Substack blog. The attack on Isfahan a site believed to be involved in further uranium enrichment and processing used cruise missiles launched from a US Navy submarine. While the official objective of the strike was the "complete dismantlement" of Iran's nuclear program, Hersh argues it was merely aimed at a temporary disruption and the destruction of critical infrastructure. His sources say the destruction of Fordow and Isfahan has set Iran's nuclear development back by several years, but did not eliminate the program entirely. "Results? Glass is half-full," Hersh writes. "a couple of years of respite and uncertain future. Critics? Half-empty. Reality? Half-full. There you are." He stresses that Israel was the main beneficiary of the operation, while the risk remains that Iran could restore its nuclear infrastructure and eventually resume the program. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (R) and his wife wave to supporters after the nomination in Kampala, Uganda, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua) KAMPALA, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was on Saturday nominated as the sole candidate to represent the ruling party in next year's presidential election. Museveni, who will seek a seventh consecutive five-year term, was nominated by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) at a meeting held in the national capital of Kampala. His unopposed nomination means the party will not hold primary elections to select its presidential flag bearer. Tom Butime, an NRM historical figure and minister of tourism, wildlife and antiquities, who officially nominated Museveni, praised the president for maintaining the country's stability. "The economy is improving while there's peace, life, and freedom in the country," Butime said. In his acceptance speech, Museveni, 80, noted that if re-elected, he would prioritize six key areas: peace, development, wealth creation, jobs, services, and markets. He also expressed his ambition to elevate Uganda from a lower-middle-income status to an upper-middle-income status by 2040. "I am ready to make my contribution in the next five years both as chairman of NRM and president," said Museveni. Uganda is scheduled to hold general elections in January 2026, with several opposition candidates expected to join the race. People wait for the nomination results in Kampala, Uganda, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua) Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (C, front) and his wife pose for a group photo with members of his party after the nomination in Kampala, Uganda, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua) Minister Akazawa's Telephone Talk with Secretary Lutnick Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan July 5, 2025 On July 3, commencing at 8 a.m., for approximately 45 minutes, and on July 5, commencing at 8 p.m., for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. AKAZAWA Ryosei, Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization of Japan, held a telephone talk with the Honorable Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce of the United States of America. The overview is stated in the attached Cabinet Secretariat press release. (Reference) Attachment Cabinet Secretariat Press Release (English (PDF) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to the Russian Federation Gul Hassan Hassan presenting copies of his credentials 3 July 2025 16:46 1148-03-07-2025 On July 3, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko accepted copies of credentials from newly appointed Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to the Russian Federation Gul Hassan Hassan. 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. 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. Promoting ties in education, sports, culture, and the humanitarian area is also a valuable asset helping to strengthen friendship between our peoples. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Increased Tariffs on Agricultural Goods and Fertilizers from Russia and Belarus Government of Norway Press release | Date: 04/07/2025 The government has decided to increase tariffs on agricultural products and fertilizer goods from Russia and Belarus in line with similar measures implemented by the EU. 'This decision must be seen in the context of other measures aimed at weakening Russia's ability to continue its brutal war against Ukraine. It is crucial that we stand together with our European partners in applying pressure against Russia's illegal war of aggression', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. As a general rule, agricultural goods from Russia and Belarus will face a 50 percent increase in tariffs. Norwegian imports of the relevant goods from Russia and Belarus currently consist primarily of fish feed and raw materials for fish feed. Regarding fertilizers, the government intends to introduce increased tariffs gradually, following the EU's approach. There has been no import of fertilizers from Russia or Belarus to Norway in recent years. The tariff increase will be formalized through a regulation currently under development. Due to certain technical differences between the customs regimes in Norway and the EU, some adjustments are necessary. Over the summer, the government, in cooperation with the Norwegian Customs Authority, will assess the need for a separate public consultation on the regulation implementing the tariff increase in this area. The aim is for the increased tariffs to take effect on January 1, 2026. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Latvian Foreign Minister Says Russian Economy 'Suffering' But Can Continue War By Rikard Jozwiak July 04, 2025 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 it's 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 won't 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 Latvia's 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 country's big exports, to once again be transported via Latvia, amid media speculation that this was one of Kellog's 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." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/interview-latvian-foreign- minister-baiba-braze/33464130.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud 4 July 2025 14:48 1156-04-07-2025 On July 4, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, who is in Moscow on a working visit. The ministers called for maintaining a regular Russian-Saudi dialogue and intensifying delegation exchanges. They stressed the need for promoting their countries' business partnership and ensuring stable positive dynamics in bilateral trade. The ministers also pointed to the important coordinating role played by the Joint Intergovernmental Russian-Saudi Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation, confirming relevance of continued effective collaboration between Russia and Saudi Arabia in the OPEC+ format. The foreign ministers compared notes on the key international and regional issues. Priority was given to the recent dramatic escalation in relations between Iran and Israel. They expressed hope that the ceasefire would be stable, something that will make it possible to avoid a recurrence of armed confrontation. They stressed the importance of collective efforts aimed at settling the remaining differences by the political and diplomatic means and promoting a constructive agenda in the Middle East. They also stated that it was necessary to adopt urgent measures to de-escalate the situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone and invigorate efforts in order to create conditions for an early resumption of the negotiating process due to culminate in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, a state coexisting in peace and security with Israel. Sergey Lavrov praised Saudi Arabia's steps to settle the Yemeni crisis. It was noted that the way towards a permanent stabilisation in the Republic of Yemen lay through the launching of a full-format UN-mediated national dialogue involving all political forces of Yemen. The ministers confirmed the relevance of energetic actions by UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, who seeks to achieve long-term normalisation. While discussing the situation in and around Syria, the ministers confirmed Moscow and Riyadh's position of principle in support of a comprehensive effort to overcome the consequences of the years-long conflict in the SAR and preserve its unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty. Sergey Lavrov set forth Russian appraisals with regard to the emerging geopolitical realities, including the state of affairs in an around Ukraine. He emphasised Russia's focus on achieving a comprehensive, fair and stable settlement of the Ukraine crisis, which is only possible via a full and irreversible eradication of its root causes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to questions at a news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Moscow, July 4, 2025 4 July 2025 14:17 1155-04-07-2025 I have just held talks with my colleague and friend, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. We focused on the development outlook for friendly Russian-Saudi relations and expressed support for continuing our collaboration in all spheres to further strengthen them. We noted the positive dynamics of our political dialogue, primarily at the highest level, but also at the level of our foreign ministries. We welcomed our mutual intention to stimulate our interparliamentary contacts, which are actively developing. We agree on the need to intensify delegation exchanges for implementing the agreements reached during the working visit of President Vladimir Putin to Saudi Arabia in December 2023 and his subsequent contacts with Prime Minister Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. We discussed our trade and economic ties, acknowledging the positive trend in the development of mutual trade in the past few years, as well as in the first few months of this year. The Joint Intergovernmental Russian-Saudi Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation is of key importance for identifying new possibilities for making full use of our two countries' potential. The commission held its previous meeting in Moscow in late 2023 and will meet next in Saudi Arabia in the latter half of 2025. Our countries are committed to continuing their close cooperation in the OPEC+ format. Just like our Saudi friends, we believe that this unique mechanism of the leading oil exporting countries is extremely important for balancing supply and demand on the global energy market. We spoke highly about the growth of our tourist exchanges. In 2024, the number of Saudi tourists in Russia was nearly six times larger than in 2023. More Russians now choose Saudi Arabia as their tourist destination. In 2024, they made over 36,000 trips to the Kingdom. I am confident that the further development of our tourist exchanges and contacts between our business communities and the general public will be facilitated by direct flights between Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation, which are scheduled to begin in October 2025, as well as by the visa waiver agreement for the nationals of the Kingdom and the citizens of Russia. Its drafting is in the final stage. I have also expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities for the attention and support they give to organising the hajj of Russian Muslims to the Islamic relics situated in the Kingdom. We welcomed the intention of our Saudi friends to participate in the InterVision music contest, which will be held in Russia in September per President Putin's decision. We will look forward to seeing Saudi participants in this interesting event, which will hopefully become regular. We discussed international and regional matters focusing on the Middle East, and welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran expressing hope that it would be a durable solution and open the door to resuming talks. Both sides believe it is imperative to refrain from taking any actions that could spark renewed hostilities. Any and all arising differences of opinion should be resolved exclusively through political and diplomatic means in full adherence to the UN Charter and with the strong involvement of the countries that have leverage over the parties' positions. Sure enough, Saudi Arabia and Russia are among them. We expect the leaders of the Gulf Arab states and Iran to demonstrate their traditional wisdom and healthy pragmatism in order to maintain the positive outcomes achieved over the recent years and to continue the efforts to promote neighbourly relations. Notably, the agreement between the Kingdom and Tehran on normalising relations played a decisive role in achieving normalised relations between the Gulf Arab states and Iran. Our positions on the Middle East settlement, the Palestinian issue, particularly the situation in Gaza, overlap as well. We consider it mandatory to take urgent measures to de-escalate the situation and to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in the Gaza Strip. The situation is not any better on the West Bank of the Jordan River. We advocate for the earliest possible resumption of talks between Palestinians and Israelis on the final status of Palestinian territories and for the implementation of the widely known UN resolutions on creating a Palestinian state. Russia highly appreciates Saudi Arabia's efforts to achieve settlement in Yemen. We remain convinced that the path to stabilisation lies through a UN-sponsored dialogue involving all influential political forces in that country, and that UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg's energetic efforts to normalise the situation remain relevant. We support bringing a comprehensive relief to the long-standing crisis in Syria based on maintaining its unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Russia expects Saudi Arabia to be properly represented at the first-ever Russia-Arab League summit in Moscow in October 2025. The date has been determined. We look forward to the League's heads of state taking part in this event. The 8th ministerial meeting of the Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue will take place in Sochi in September, before the summit. I thanked our Saudi friends for their balanced position on Ukraine affairs and their genuine desire to contribute to peaceful settlement, including by providing a platform for Russia-US contacts. Our Saudi friends are aware that achieving political and diplomatic settlement is impossible without addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, as President Putin reiterated in yesterday's telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump. An outcome that does not fully take into account Russia's legitimate security interests and does not guarantee non-recurrence of violations of the rights of the Russian and Russian-speaking population does not align with our expectations. As always, the talks were held in an atmosphere of mutual trust. I am satisfied with the outcomes, and I would like to thank my colleague and friend once again and give him the floor. Question: Are you considering the possibility of holding Russian-US talks in Riyadh, including at the highest level? Sergey Lavrov: I have said in my remarks that we are ready to consider that hospitable and friendly venue, just as we did in February 2025 when we held a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and then National Security Adviser Michael Waltz at the suggestion of our American colleagues. I was accompanied by Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov. Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud opened that meeting and wished us success. It was a good meeting. We later stated that it was a concrete and substantive conversation without any political or ideological bias. After it, we held a working breakfast with Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and his colleagues. I presume that both our American counterparts and we felt absolutely comfortable. If any subsequent contacts are planned, we will take the venue proposed by Saudi Arabia into account in coordination with Washington. Question: Moscow has called for a diplomatic settlement of the conflict in the Middle East. Is the Iran-Israel war really over? What risks will the resumption of hostilities entail? What is Moscow's role in preventing an escalation? Sergey Lavrov: We hope that the so-called 12-day war is over. Statements to this effect have been made by President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. However, we don't want the events to take their course because "the party of war" is still very active in the Middle East. Various statements have been made by some members of the Israeli leadership. I hope that the European countries will become aware of their responsibility. They have tried to push through anti-Iranian solutions, without any particular reason, at the recent session of the IAEA Board of Governors. At the very least, these solutions cannot help ease tensions or promote negotiations, and were most likely used as a pretext for using force. I hope that our European colleagues will draw the appropriate conclusions. As for Russia's role, we are communicating with the Iranian party. Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi has recently visited Moscow and held an extensive conversation with President Vladimir Putin. We are also communicating with our American colleagues. Iran was a key issue of yesterday's telephone conversation between our leaders, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Our shared opinion is that everything possible must be done for the talks to resume. This view is also shared by Saudi Arabia, with which we maintain contact on the entire range of regional issues, including the current situation between Iran and Israel. Diplomacy must focus on talks. We will do our utmost and use all the possibilities available to us to attain this noble goal. Question: Did you discuss the possibility of joint projects and initiatives within OPEC+? Sergey Lavrov: OPEC+ is largely functioning thanks to the proactive stance of Saudi Arabia and Russia, which co-chair the OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC). The committee plays the decisive role in monitoring compliance with the member countries' voluntary commitments to oil production quotas. So far, it is our shared view that these compliance levels are reasonably satisfactory and are helping stabilise the global oil and energy market. We have agreed to continue this cooperation today. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli army conducts airborne assault near Damascus, launches incursion near Lebanon Iran Press TV Friday, 04 July 2025 7:11 AM The Israeli military forces have carried out a series of attacks on the outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus, in the latest string of aggression targeting the Arab country's military infrastructure following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government. The Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news channel, citing local sources, reported that Israeli special forces conducted an airborne operation in the village of Yaafour, which lies in the Qatana district of the Rif Dimashq governorate, on Thursday night, with three military helicopters. The sources added that the airdrop targeted a site belonging to the now-defunct Syrian Republican Guard in the area, and lasted for around five hours. The Israeli troops then departed the location using helicopters. Israeli troops also launched a ground incursion into the village of Rakhlah, situated 31 kilometers (19 miles) west of Damascus and near the border with Lebanon, on board three armored vehicles. The incursion marks the first of its kind into the area. Additionally, Israeli soldiers carried out a ground attack in Saysoun village of the Yarmouk Basin area in Syria's southwestern province of Dara'a aboard six military vehicles. Local sources stated that three Israeli military vehicles also entered a former Syrian army position in the village of Ayn Zakar. Last Wednesday, Israeli occupation forces launched a ground attack in southern Syria, where the so-called Golani Brigade soldiers arrested a number of civilians. Since the collapse of Assad's government, the Israeli military has been launching airstrikes against military installations, facilities, and arsenals belonging to Syria's now-defunct army. Israel has been widely condemned for the termination of the 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria and for exploiting the chaos in the Arab nation in the wake of Assad's downfall to make a land grab. The United Nations has condemned ongoing Israeli attacks inside Syrian territory and continuing violations in and around the buffer zone created as part of a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Damascus. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK restores ties with Syria's ex-Qaeda rulers despite massacres Iran Press TV Saturday, 05 July 2025 7:25 PM Britain has officially restored full diplomatic relations with Syria, more than ten years after severing ties amid a Western-backed conflict aimed at destabilizing the Arab nation. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Syria's de facto leader Abu Muhammad al-Jolani in Damascus Saturday, marking a significant but controversial shift in UK policy. The decision comes despite extensive evidence of war crimes and brutal repression under the current Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regime, particularly against minority communities such as the Alawites, who have suffered targeted violence. Last week, Reuters said its investigation had found that fighting units associated with HTS played a key role in the mass killing of Alawite civilians on the Syrian coast last March. The British news outlet stated that between 7 and 10 March, "1,479 Syrian Alawites were killed and dozens were missing from 40 distinct sites of revenge killings, rampages and looting." The investigation found that armed units associated with HTS, the former al-Qaeda affiliate led by Jolani, participated in the killings in at least 10 sites, where nearly 900 people were killed. During an interview with Al Jazeera in 2015, Jolani vowed to kill any Alawites who refused to convert. London originally cut diplomatic ties in 2011 following the Syrian government's efforts to maintain law and order amid terrorist uprisings fueled and armed by Western powers. The UK also imposed sanctions and took part in military actions targeting Syrian forces. Following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 by a foreign-backed offensive led by Jolani, Britain has begun easing sanctions and re-engaging diplomatically. Foreign Secretary Lammy framed Britain's renewed ties as a way to support Syria's sovereignty, reduce illegal migration caused by Western-led chaos, combat terrorism, and ensure the destruction of leftover chemical weapons. Yet critics warn that Britain's re-engagement risks legitimizing a regime with a history of links to the most brutal terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda and Daesh. Despite the concerns, Britain has pledged over $129 million in aid to assist the current regime in rebuilding the war-torn country. Critics of Britain's policy shift say the pledge ignores the broader context of Western aggression and the role of foreign-backed terrorist groups that wrought devastation across Syria. Britain's move follows similar steps by the United States, which is lifting sanctions and preparing to remove Syria and its turncoat leaders from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Based on Western media reports, the US government's conditions to lift sanctions against Syria include normalizing relations with Israel through signing the Abraham Accords and expelling Palestinian resistance factions from the country. US President Donald Trump met Jolani during his trip to Riyadh in May, praising the founder of al-Qaeda in Syria and deputy commander to the founder of Daesh as a "young attractive guy" and a "fighter" with a "very strong past." Later, he signed an executive order lifting a majority of Washington's sanctions regime against Syria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK re-establishes diplomatic relations with Syria in first Ministerial visit for 14 years The Foreign Secretary has visited Syria to renew our diplomatic relationship, eight months on from the collapse of Assad's regime. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP Published 5 July 2025 Foreign Secretary's visit to Syria marks first by a UK Minister in 14 years and renews the UK and Syria's diplomatic relationship. Commitment to support Syria as the new Government seeks to rebuild Syria's economy, deliver an inclusive political transition and forge a path to justice for the victims of the Assad regime. New UK funding to assist with removal of Assad era chemical weapons and provide urgent humanitarian assistance in Syria, to bolster UK and Middle East security, tackle irregular migration, and deliver on the Government's Plan for Change. Eight months on from the collapse of the Assad regime, the UK has officially re-established diplomatic relations with the Syrian Government following the Foreign Secretary's visit to Damascus today. As the first UK Minister to visit in 14 years, the Foreign Secretary emphasised that the UK will support the Syrian Government to deliver its commitments to build a more secure and prosperous future for Syrians, increasing security in the wider region and the UK. The Foreign Secretary met President Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister al-Shaibani to reiterate the importance of an inclusive and representative political transition in Syria and offer continued UK support to the Syrian people. A stable Syria is in the UK's interests. We want to ensure that Daesh's territorial defeat endures, and they can never resurge, and we want to prevent vulnerable Syrians from being exploited by people smuggling gangs across Europe. Building closer diplomatic partnerships with Syria is critical to safeguard UK security, in line with the Government's Plan for Change. Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said: As the first UK Minister to visit Syria since the fall of Assad's brutal regime, I've seen first-hand the remarkable progress Syrians have made in rebuilding their lives and their country. After over a decade of conflict, there is renewed hope for the Syrian people. The UK is re-establishing diplomatic relations because it is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians. A stable Syria is in the UK's interests, reducing the risk of irregular migration, ensuring the destruction of chemical weapons, tackling the threat of terrorism and delivering the Government's Plan for Change. During his visit to Syria, the Foreign Secretary met Syrian Civil Defence volunteers (White Helmets) to learn more about the vital work they carry out across the country, including with the safe removal of unexploded ordnance and emergency lifesaving medical work. The fall of Assad presents an opportunity for the new Syrian government to fully declare and destroy Assad's evil chemical weapons programme. As part of the visit, the UK has committed an additional 2 million this financial year to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to support their vital work addressing the horrific legacy of Assad's chemical weapons in Syria. The UK contribution will support the OPCW's operational requirements in Syria as they help the Syrian Government fulfil their commitments to eliminate Assad's chemical weapons once and for all. Demonstrating the UK's continued commitment to sustainable development and Syria's recovery from conflict, the Foreign Secretary met women-led businesses in Syria, which have been supported by the UK's livelihoods and economic recovery programme. UK support is set to continue, with the additional 94.5 million package announced today, which will provide urgent humanitarian aid to Syrians, support Syria's longer-term recovery through education and livelihoods, and support countries hosting Syrian refugees in the region. The Foreign Secretary will travel on to Kuwait where strengthening regional security and boosting bilateral relations will be top of the agenda in meetings with His Highness the Crown Prince, His Highness the Prime Minister and His Excellency the Foreign Minister. The Foreign Secretary will advocate for UK businesses to have access to new opportunities to support Kuwaiti growing markets- further advancing business engagement between UK and Kuwait and the wider region. The Foreign Secretary will also announce a new partnership with Kuwait to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. New funding will help provide nutrition support and restore clean drinking water supplies, as Sudan faces both famine and a devastating cholera outbreak. Support will also be made available to fund lifesaving work in Somalia where conflict and the climate crisis are driving pressing humanitarian needs. ENDS Notes to Editors: The UK has provided 4.5bn of assistance to Syria and countries in the region since 2011. Over the past two years the UK has provided more than 5m to the White Helmets in support of their lifesaving emergency medical, firefighting and search rescue services. This includes 2.25m this financial year to continue this work and ensure a smooth transition of their activities to the Government. The UK has already provided 837,300 to the OPCW Syria Missions since the fall of Assad to support their immediate work in ensuring the safe and rapid destruction of Syria's chemical weapons. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ministry of National Defense Statement on the PLA's Joint Combat Readiness Patrol ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/07/02 Time: 1220 hours, July 2, 2025 The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (July 2) that, starting at 0925 hours, a total of 25 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraftincluding J-16 fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, various combat and support aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)were successively detected conducting operations in the vicinity of Taiwan. Of these, 16 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and its extension, entering the northern, central, eastern, and southwestern airspace of Taiwan in coordination with PLA naval vessels under the pretext of a so-called joint combat readiness patrol to harass Taiwan's surrounding air and maritime domains. The Republic of China (ROC) Armed Forces closely monitored the situation using integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems and responded appropriately by dispatching mission aircraft and naval vessels, and deploying shore-based missile systems. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ADDIS ABABA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government has lauded "remarkable progress" in expanding access to healthcare services. Ethiopian Health Minister Mekdes Daba, addressing a public health-themed forum in Addis Ababa on Saturday, highlighted "significant accomplishments" in the East African country's health sector. The minister emphasized that the country's nationwide health service coverage has exceeded 95 percent, thanks to sustained efforts to develop a robust health infrastructure. Addressing the forum, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh also stressed "a great success" in the Ethiopian government's community-based health insurance initiative, which aims to provide equitable access to healthcare services to all across the country. Tiruneh said that the initiative has achieved significant achievements, benefiting more than 63 million people during the current Ethiopian fiscal year ending on July 7. According to the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, the successful rollout of an income-based health insurance payment system is playing a major role in effectively expanding the community-based health insurance fund, with a particular focus on assisting low-income citizens who would otherwise be unable to afford healthcare services. Ministry of National Defense Statement on the Inclusion of "Homeland Security Resilience" in a Special Budget ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/07/03 Time: 1320 hours, July 3, 2025 Regarding the inclusion of "homeland security resilience" in a special budget, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) provided the following statement today (July 3): 1.To strengthen homeland security resilience, the Republic of China (ROC) Armed Forces, adhering to the principles of "protection and redundancy," plan to allocate NTD 115.1 billion to first establish a mobile, redundant, dual-use military-civilian ICT architecture. This encompasses enhancing ICT networks by establishing cloud and mobile operational environments, expanding satellite leasing, upgrading servers, and strengthening cybersecurity defenses. Additionally, mobile command posts and microwave systems will be established in various operational zones and the Wuqiu region. By integrating radar intelligence from the Coast Guard, Army, and Navy, a common operational picture platform will be developed. Furthermore, the capability to repair fiber-optic networks across Taiwan will be enhanced to ensure immediate restoration and maintain uninterrupted communications. 2.To enhance combat readiness, the reserve levels of high-consumption spare parts, fuel, and potable water will be increased, while aging storage facilities will be upgraded and engineering equipment prepared. These measures aim to counter grey-zone provocations by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and enhance operational sustainability. Additionally, to meet the demands of newly commissioned equipment, reserve forces, and realistic training, training facilities will be renovated to align with the ROC Armed Forces' actual training needs. The Ministry of National Defense stated that, in response to regional instability and evolving threats, relying solely on annual budgets would be insufficient to keep pace with changing threats. Only through a special budget, with concentrated resources, prioritized infrastructure upgrades, and rapid procurement, can the ROC Armed Forces maintain combat readiness at critical moments. This approach also stimulates domestic economic demand, building a nation with robust security resilience. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New HIMARS unit will boost Taiwan's defenses: Minister ROC Central News Agency 07/04/2025 08:43 PM Taipei, July 4 (CNA) Taiwan's military has boosted its self-defense capability with the establishment of a new company equipped with the U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo () said. Koo, who presided over the formation ceremony in Taichung on Friday, called the unit a significant addition to the nation's defensive strength, saying it would help deter adversaries from starting a war. The company, part of the Army's 58th Artillery Command, is Taiwan's first HIMARS unit. It is made up of top-performing soldiers who received training in the United States, Koo said in a Ministry of National Defense (MND) press release. The HIMARS can be equipped with either a pod of six 227mm rockets or a single Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which has a range of up to 300 kilometers. Taiwan has purchased 29 HIMARS launchers from the U.S. and received the first 11 in 2024. On May 12, the 58th Artillery Command conducted the first live-fire HIMARS drill at Jiupeng Base in Manjhou Township, Pingtung County. The system was further tested by the Army Command Headquarters in June. (By Wu Shu-wei, Lin Ke-lun, Ko Lin and Chao Yen-hsiang) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan holds ceremony at Hualien Air Base to mark retirement of F-5s ROC Central News Agency 07/04/2025 04:24 PM Taipei, July 4 (CNA) A ceremony was held Friday at Hualien Air Base to mark the official retirement of the Air Force's F-5 series jets after more than 50 years of patrolling Taiwan's skies. The event began with the 5th Tactical Fighter Wing flying a sortie consisting of three RF-5E reconnaissance aircraft and two F-5F fighter jets. After a brief ceremonial flight around the Hualien base and Taiwan's east coast, the planes were showered with a water salute upon their return. Colonel Hsu Chun-jung (), who was among the pilots that took part in the sortie, reported back to Vice Defense Minister Po Horng-huei () saying "mission accomplished." In his speech at the ceremony, Po said the Air Force was retiring all of the remaining active F-5F fighter jets and RF-5E reconnaissance aircraft, which were converted from F-5E jets by the Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing in 1997. The F5-E fighter jets, which were the backbone of the F-5 fleet, were retired in 2023. "Their retirement today symbolizes an end to the F-5 era," he said, adding that their missions will be taken over by the RF-16 aircraft in the future. Speaking to reporters after the sortie, Hsu said that despite being the plane's last patrol, the mission was carried out flawlessly. Although the RF-5Es are now retired, they have preserved many valuable reconnaissance images of Taiwan, he said. Earlier this week, retired Air Force Colonel Sung Wen-hsi () described the Northrop F-5E/F, a variant of the supersonic light fighter known as the Tiger II, as a formidable jet back in the day. Before the 1995 Taiwan Strait Crisis, the Republic of China Air Force was quite powerful and routinely carried out reconnaissance patrols over the airspace of Kinmen and Matsu islands, Sung told CNA in an interview. At the time, the Air Force even demonstrated "a show of power" by flying patrol missions close to China's coastline, the retired F-5E/F pilot said. Huang Yang-te (), also a retired colonel, said the Air Force back then found ways to equip the F-5E/F fighters with various capabilities to fulfill combat readiness missions, citing for example that some single-seat F-5Es could even launch Maverick missiles. Taiwan's Air Force began operating F-5A/B fighter jets in 1965. In 1973, Taiwan partnered with the American aircraft manufacturer, Northrop Corp., to produce the F-5E model domestically under what became known as the Tiger Peace Project. The first Taiwan-built F-5E rolled out the following year. Taiwan manufactured a total of 308 jets under the project, including 242 single-seat F-5Es and 66 twin-seat F-5Fs. The F-5 served as Taiwan's main combat aircraft from the 1970s through the 1990s before being reassigned for training purposes. The F-5E/F jets ended their training role as the Air Force continued receiving Brave Eagle jet trainers developed under Taiwan's indigenous aircraft program. (By Wu Shu-wei, James Thompson and Ko Lin) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan should push harder for global support: Ex-UK defense secretary ROC Central News Agency 07/04/2025 10:00 PM Taipei, July 4 (CNA) Former U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson said Friday that Taiwan can be "too polite" at times and suggested it should "push a little bit harder" in asserting its interests and seeking support from the international community. "Sometimes Taiwan can be too polite -- I think this is one of the most endearing things about Taiwan, but it shouldn't also be used as your Achilles heel," said Williamson at a symposium titled "China's Threat to Taiwan's National Security" in Taipei. Williamson, who last visited Taiwan 17 years ago, said he noticed a difference this time, with the country showing greater pride and "a greater desire to actually not be defined by a neighbor." "We need to see more of that," Williamson said, noting that most countries "often respond to who shouts at them the loudest," and that now may be the time for Taiwan to start raising its voice. The veteran British politician described Taiwan as an "immensely successful nation" on the global stage, particularly in sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing. The island country should therefore use that advantage "as part of your armory," he said. "Taiwan does so many things across the globe, but so rarely asks for anything in return," he said, adding that the country should start pushing back and making its own demands in the international community, as its opponents -- referring to China -- do every single day. "Let us start taking some of those steps that begin to rebalance ... I don't think that's aggressive -- I think it's logical and sensible. I think it's what every other nation in the world is doing," he said. 'Call it out' Echoing Williamson, Piero Tozzi, staff director of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), said Taiwan should be "more assertive" in its interactions with countries that "tout themselves as democracies." The CECC is a commission created by the U.S. Congress to monitor human rights and the development of the rule of law in China. Tozzi, an expert on Taiwan-China-U.S. relations, noted that Latin America remains one of the few regions where the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name) still has formal diplomatic allies, though the number has dropped in recent years to just seven. He said some countries that cut ties with Taiwan in favor of China "purport to uphold themselves as democracies," and argued that Taiwan should call them out for abandoning a democracy in favor of "a totalitarian, ruthless regime." "You have democracy, you have freedom, you have human rights," Tozzi said. "And you have an opponent that wishes to take that from you -- be aggressive, assert yourself." What should Taiwan ask for? Asked what Taiwan should seek from the United Kingdom and the United States, Tozzi said it should pursue "some upgraded form of recognition." "China was in a period of great vulnerability," Tozzi recalled, referring to the time when the U.S. established diplomatic ties with China in 1979 after severing ties with the ROC. "We could have kept a dual recognition, we could have kept U.S. soldiers here -- but we didn't." He added that while there is now a "very different administration in Washington" that can be "hard to follow," Taiwan could still take advantage of the situation. "But you do have to ask," Tozzi said. In the same vein, Williamson said people "should not just think everything is preserved in aspic," adding that Taiwan should seize opportunities for progress and push for a "more sensible level of recognition." "I think Britain has been more forward-leaning than most other European nations," he said, noting economic agreements between London and Taipei, including three signed on Monday to strengthen cooperation in investment, digital trade, energy and net-zero goals. Williamson said Taiwan should reinforce the Taiwan-U.K. relationship to "get Britain to chivvy others along," arguing that Europe is not a homogeneous bloc and that many countries have different interests. "Some of those interests will be very much China-focused, some of those will potentially be much more Taiwan-focused," he said. "So use that diversity in order to create allies as against just leaving the field purely there for the PRC [People's Republic of China, China's official name]." "Far too often they have a role, and we shouldn't be allowing that to be the case," he added. (By Sunny Lai) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/07/04 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. Jul. 3 (Thu.) to 6 a.m. Jul. 4 (Fri.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 41 sorties of PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 27 out of 41 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1140704_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan.JPG [Open a new window] 1140704_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan.jpg [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lai Ching-te's "lectures" are disrupting, harming Taiwan: mainland experts People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:59, July 05, 2025 BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Several leading experts on the Taiwan question have criticized Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's "10 lectures on unity," debunking his remarks that aim to disrupt and jeopardize Taiwan. "Seen from their overall viewpoint and argument logic, the so-called lectures are a representation of the cliche that has been advocated by 'Taiwan independence' forces, with the new 'two states' theory at its core," said Wu Yongping, head of Tsinghua University's Institute of Taiwan Studies. Such provocative separatist remarks will only end up harming Taiwan by intensifying social confrontation across the region and escalating tension across the Taiwan Strait, according to experts. In the latest installments of his planned series of speeches, Lai attempted to rationalize his separatist scheme under the pretext of a "constitutional government system." Experts have refuted Lai's biased remarks concerning constitutional governance. Wang Yingjin, director of the cross-Strait relations research center of the Renmin University of China, slammed Lai for fabricating selective narratives with the aim to sever the historical connections between Taiwan and the mainland, and to try to legalize "Taiwan independence" separatism. "Lai intentionally played up constitutional governance and democracy, advertised 'citizen power,' and promoted the idea of an 'external threat.' Such acts are in fact political manipulations promoting separatism instead of unity," said Han Bing, an associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Taiwan Studies. In his recent speech, Lai once again overstated the "mainland threat," defining the mainland as an "external hostile force." This, however, laid bare Lai's real purpose of stopping and restricting cross-Strait exchange for the sake of political profits, according to Wu. Han added that Lai has not only slandered and misinterpreted mainland measures that punish and deter separatist forces, but also relentlessly increased Taiwan's defense budget and colluded with foreign forces in pursuit of external support for his political scheme -- at the expense of the interests of the people of Taiwan. The so-called "10 lectures on unity," which are untenable from both legal and historical bases and have nothing to do with reality or common sense, are doomed to be abandoned as "text junk," experts have said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM call with President Macron of France: 5 July 2025 The Prime Minister spoke to the President of France Emmanuel Macron this morning. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 5 July 2025 The Prime Minister spoke to the President of France Emmanuel Macron this morning. He looked forward to welcoming the President to the UK next week, with both leaders agreeing that the State Visit will provide a historic opportunity to showcase the breadth of the UK-France relationship. Turning to the UK-France Summit on Thursday, they hoped to make good progress across a wide range of our joint priorities including migration, growth, defence and security. They underscored their commitment to delivering progress in the interests of the British and French people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU detains 14 internet agitators who praised ruscists and leaked Defense Forces locations online Security Service of Ukraine 14:00, 3 July 2025 The Security Service of Ukraine has apprehended 14 supporters of ruscism who justified russia's armed aggression and disseminated information on the locations of Ukrainian defenders online. In Zhytomyr, an enemy agitator was detained for spreading fake news about the Defense Forces and calling on Ukrainians to lay down their arms before the enemy. The detained is a 57-year-old repeat offender from Donetsk region with a previous conviction. While in Zhytomyr, the perpetrator spread kremlin propaganda among those around him, particularly in crowded places. In Zakarpattia, three more online agitators were exposed: on social media they praised the annexation of Crimea and called for the 'annexation' of Zakarpattia region of Ukraine to russia. In Rivne region, a 25-year-old administrator of a Viber group received a notice of suspicion. He tried to discredit Ukrainian defenders and leaked their locations. Among other things, he spread information about the routes and locations of mobile squads of the Territorial Recruitment Centers and the police. In Ternopil region, a local deserter was exposed who had left his military unit without permission and publicly denied russia's war against Ukraine. In the frontline areas of Donetsk region, five more accomplices of the aggressor were detained. They praised putin and glorified russian troops on their pages on the banned social networks Odnoklassniki and VKontakte. In Cherkasy region, the subversive activities of a local Telegram channel administrator, who published the locations of the Defense Forces in Uman, have been blocked. Among the leaked coordinates were the locations of the Territorial Recruitment Center. In Poltava region, two owners of a closed group on Viber were detained: they daily leaked locations of Ukrainian troops and law enforcement officers in the region. The SSU has notified the perpetrators of suspicion of committing crimes under several Articles of the CCU, according to the actions each of them committed: 114-1.1 (obstruction of the lawful activities of the AFU, during a special period); 109.2 (public calls for forceful change or overthrow of the constitutional order or the seizure of state power, as well as the dissemination of materials calling for such actions); 436-2.1 (justification, recognition as legitimate, denial of russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants). The suspects face up to 8 years in prison with confiscation of property. The operations were carried out by the SSU Offices in Zhytomyr, Zakarpattia, Rivne, Ternopil, Donetsk, Cherkasy, and Poltava regions under the procedural supervision of regional Prosecutor's Offices and the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for the Western Region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU detains another two enemy agents preparing new russian attacks on Kramatorsk Security Service of Ukraine 12:00, 3 July 2025 The SSU Counterintelligence has apprehended two enemy agents in Donetsk oblast. The two women acted separately but carried out the same tasks for the occupiers - adjusting missile and bomb strikes on Kramatorsk. One of the traitors is a local unemployed woman who carried out orders from russia's federal security service and wished for the city to be captured. To recruit this agent, russian special services used her son, a militant in the russian occupation forces who is fighting against Ukraine on the eastern front. The asset's main task was to find backup command posts and fortified areas of the Defense Forces near Kramatorsk. She also provided the enemy with locations of the sites hit and data on consequences of their strikes. Another agent is a local resident who worked for the russian military intelligence ('the GRU'). The woman came to russia's attention as the author of anti-Ukrainian content in one of the pro-kremlin groups on Odnoklassniki social network. There, she was approached by the administrator of the enemy internet community, a serving employee of the GRU, who offered her cooperation in exchange for money. On his instructions, the asset walked around the front-line town and recorded the locations of Ukrainian troops, marking the geolocations on Google Maps. SSU investigators have now notified both detainees of suspicion of crimes under two Articles of the CCU: 111.2 (high treason, committed under martial law); 436-2.1, 436-2.2 (justification, recognition as legitimate, denial of russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants). The suspects are in custody without bail and face life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The counter-sabotage measures were carried out by the SSU Office in Donetsk and Luhansk regions under the procedural supervision of Donetsk Region Prosecutor's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Training of Ukrainians evolves with warfare By Lieutenant Commander John Thompson 4 July 2025 Australia's support for the multi-national mission to train Ukrainian military personnel continues to evolve, three years after Russia's 2022 invasion escalated a conflict that began in 2014. Head of Australian Defence in London, Air Commodore Matthew Harper, said Australia's support of the operation was "steadfast". "Our objectives are twofold - to support Ukraine to resolve the conflict on its terms, and to impose costs on Russia for its aggression," Air Commodore Harper said. On June 26, 2022, the United Kingdom launched what would evolve into a multi-national operation to train Ukrainian personnel - Operation Interflex - with an initial target to train 10,000 in six months. It has now trained more than 56,000 personnel, with 13 countries involved including Australia. To date, Australian Army personnel have trained more than 2900 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, under Operation Kudu, in an effort currently led by Major Tom Folley. "It's been an incredibly humbling experience to see guys who, five months ago, were civilians on the street," Major Folley said. "The company commander today is leading 140 Ukrainian recruits - he was also a civilian five months ago." Soldiers are trained in urban and trench warfare, weapons handling, battlefield first aid, field craft, patrol tactics and the Law of Armed Conflict. The training has expanded to include a junior leader training program for section commanders, platoon commanders and company sergeants. "The war on the ground has changed over the past three years and we are evolving," Major Folley said. "We are seeing better techniques and procedures in trench training, the integration of drones, as well as changes in the way we deliver our medical training," Corporal 'Harry', part of the 70-strong Australian contingent, said he was learning almost as much from the Ukrainians as they were from him. "Drones have been the main thing for me," he said. "We touch on it a bit in Australia, but more as uncrewed aerial systems and reconnaissance, but the exercise we did a couple of weeks ago is my first experience as to how scary they sound in real life." Australian Army medic Private Bree said they had learnt a lot about what was going on in Ukraine and the types of injuries soldiers were sustaining. "So much so that it is now starting to influence the way we train back home," she said. "Particularly given the issues around the time it takes to be able to evacuate a wounded soldier from the battlefield." The Ukrainians are grateful for Australia's support. "I want to thank you for helping us; it's making a big difference on the battlefield," 51-year-old Master Sergeant 'Rahman', a former mechanic, said. Commander Operation Interflex, Colonel Andy Boardman, said the multi-national nature of the operation was one of its greatest strengths. "It started off as a UK-only operation but very quickly became a multi-national operation, and the Australian contingent, specifically under Operation Kudu, adds a huge amount to our coalition," Colonel Boardman said. "The quality of the instructors is very high, and they deliver some really high-end leadership training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. "This is a long way from Australia but there's a recognition, I think, of the shared requirement of all nations, particularly in the Five Eyes, to support Ukraine fighting for its freedom and sovereignty." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address LONDON, July 6 (Xinhua) -- China and Britain held an intergovernmental ministerial meeting on copyright affairs on Friday. The National Copyright Administration of China and the British Intellectual Property Office renewed and signed an updated version of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strengthening cooperation on copyright. The updated memorandum builds upon the original China-Britain strategic cooperation MoU on copyright signed in 2010. Under the renewed agreement, the two sides will deepen exchanges and cooperation on copyright matters, regularly exchange legal and technical information on copyright and related rights, encourage mutual visits and training programs for copyright administrators and professionals, and promote cooperation between copyright collective management organizations. Both sides will jointly develop and implement annual work plans, carry out specific initiatives to fully leverage the MoU, and make new contributions to the advancement of international copyright governance and the development of the copyright sector in both countries. Ukrainian defense companies to open production facilities in Denmark Ukraine Government Ministry for Strategic Industries of Ukraine, posted 04 July 2025 11:54 Today, on July 4, in Copenhagen, Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine Herman Smetanin and Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark Morten Bdskov finalized agreements on cooperation in defense production between the two countries. The document signed by the two sides outlines specific steps to facilitate Ukrainian defense companies in setting up new production facilities in Denmark. "A year ago, Denmark became the first country to finance the production of weapons by Ukrainian enterprises. Today, Denmark has become the first country to which Ukraine exports its domestic defense technologies for production, scale-up and supply to the Ukrainian army. This signing is a historic moment and a unique case for the Ukrainian defense industry. I am extremely grateful to Denmark for such a significant assistance to the Ukrainian defense industry, for timely decisions and high-level support of defense cooperation. This is incredibly valuable for us. Denmark is a true friend to the Ukrainian defense industry, our staunch ally in the fight against the aggressor. Ukraine, for its part, will make every effort to bolster the defense capabilities of Denmark and its partners. Together we are stronger!" said Herman Smetanin. Furthermore, the two countries will remove obstacles to cooperation and protect joint technologies from misuse through various initiatives and projects. "Denmark stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. We must support Ukrainians on all fronts. I want to thank the Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, Herman Smetanin, for our fruitful and close cooperation. With today's signing, we are taking another important step together to bring Ukrainian defense companies to Denmark. In this way, we can share experiences and give a boost to the Danish defense industry, while supporting the production of defense materials for the brave Ukrainian fight for freedom from Denmark," said Morten Bdskov. On April 16, the Kingdom of Denmark announced the allocation of 200 million Danish kroner (USD 28.5 million) for the purchase of weapons and military equipment for the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Ukrainian manufacturers. This was the first step that actually launched the ZBROYARI: Manufacturing Freedom project. "I remember last April when we were sincerely happy to receive the first donation from Denmark to the Ukrainian arms industry. Today, defense production has grown, expanded, and is already becoming a pillar of security and defense capability for the whole of Europe. When our companies launch production in the EU, it is no longer about aid, but about trust. It is about sustainable cooperation based on common interests and mutual benefit. Ukrainians know how to manufacture weapons. And now they will produce them together with Europe for the common security. I sincerely thank Denmark for its leadership and trust. Thank you for building the Arsenal of the Free World together with us!" said Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Strategic Issues Oleksandr Kamyshyn. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Update 300 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine International Atomic Energy Agency 63/2025 Vienna, Austria Jul 4 2025 Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) lost all off-site power for several hours today, once again underlining the extremely fragile nuclear safety situation at the site, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today. The plant's connection to its last remaining 750 kilovolt (kV) power line was cut at 17:37 local time today and restored around 21:11, forcing it to rely on emergency diesel generators for more than three and a half hours. While the cause was not immediately known, it coincided with air raid alarms in the region, Director General Grossi said, citing information from the Ukrainian nuclear regulator. It was the ninth time the ZNPP suffered a complete loss of off-site power since the conflict began in February 2022, and the first since 2 December 2023. The IAEA team based at the site, Europe's largest nuclear power plant (NPP), reported that 18 emergency diesel generators immediately started operating to generate the electricity the plant needs to be able to cool the reactors and the spent fuel pools. The plant has diesel fuel for at least 10 days on-site, and arrangements in place to secure further supplies. Once off-site power was restored, the diesel generators were switched off. "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. Almost three and a half years into this devastating war, nuclear safety in Ukraine remains very much in danger," Director General Grossi said. "Our team on the ground will continue to follow the situation very closely and report on further developments there," he said. The ZNPP's six reactors have been in cold shutdown since 2024 but still require cooling water for their reactor cores and spent fuel pools. The ZNPP lost the connection to its last remaining 330 kV back-up power line on 7 May, leaving the plant dependent on its sole 750 kV line. Before the conflict, it had ten off-site power lines available, highlighting the extent to which nuclear safety has deteriorated since February 2022. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia further intensifies its use of chemical weapons in Ukraine Netherlands Ministry of Defence News item | 04-07-2025 | 08:25 The Netherlands Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), the Netherlands General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the German foreign intelligence service BND warn that Russia's use of chemical weapons in Ukraine is intensifying. This is a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans today informed the House of Representatives that Russia is using a wide range of chemical weapons with increasing frequency and is not hesitating to employ more potent agents such as chloropicrin. It was already known that Russia is using teargas in Ukraine, but MIVD, AIVD and BND can now confirm that Russia is also employing chloropicrin, a more potent chemical agent that can be fatal when used in high concentrations in enclosed spaces. This conclusion was reached in conjunction with the German foreign intelligence service Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND). This represents an even more serious violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which prohibits the use of this chemical choking agent under any circumstances. According to MIVD director Vice Admiral Peter Reesink, this intensification is a cause for concern: "This shows that Russia is intensifying its use of chemical weapons, and at the same time we have noticed a growing readiness to employ such weapons. The threat emanating from the Russian chemical weapons programme is consequently increasing." Defence minister Brekelmans states: "Russia's employment of chemical weapons is intensifying. These weapons are being employed systematically and on a large scale. This is a slippery slope. It is completely unacceptable and again demonstrates the brutality of the aggressor Ukraine has to face. We are drawing public attention to this now because the employment of chemical weapons by Russia must not be normalised. Lowering the threshold for the use of this type of weapon poses a danger not only to Ukraine but also to the rest of Europe and the world. This calls for more sanctions, the isolation of Russia and undiminished military support for Ukraine." Ukrainian victims The Ukrainian defence ministry states that Russia has carried out more than 9,000 chemical weapons attacks on Ukrainian troops since the start of the large-scale invasion in 2022. According to Ukraine, at least three deaths can be directly attributed to exposure to chemical weapons. Indirectly, Russia's use of chemical weapons has led to far greater numbers of Ukrainian victims as it has forced many Ukrainian troops to break cover, allowing them to be killed using conventional weapons. Russian intensification MIVD, AIVD and BND observe that Russia's military leadership, as well as the Russian radiological, chemical and biological defence troops, support the use of chemical agents and are actively facilitating their employment. The use of both teargas and chloropicrin by Russian troops has now become standard practice and commonplace and will highly probably remain a threat in the future. In addition to the massive investments in Russia's chemical weapons programme, the country is also expanding its chemical weapons research and recruiting new scientists for the programme. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi Elaborates on China's Position on the Ukraine Crisis Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: July 04, 2025 17:11 On July 3, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi elaborated on China's position on the Ukraine crisis when meeting the press with German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul. Wang Yi said that the Ukraine crisis, occurring in Europe, has global ramifications. China's position has been open and consistent, which includes to promote peace talks, not to provide lethal weapons to parties in the conflict, and to strictly control the export of dual-use articles, including drones. China has not only effectively fulfilled its international responsibilities but also initiated the Group of Friends for Peace with Brazil and other Global South countries at the United Nations, gathering greater collective efforts for ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. China's objective and impartial stance has gained broad recognition from the international community. Wang Yi said that it takes more than one cold day for the river to freeze three feet deep. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly pointed out that there is no simple solution to complex issues. Although there are still major differences in the positions of the parties involved, it is better to talk than to fight. The history of Europe over the past several centuries has demonstrated that no matter how complex and difficult the circumstances may be, the door to peace and reconciliation must never be closed. China welcomes all parties to play a constructive role in this regard, working to reach 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump says 'no progress' made with Putin on Ukraine Iran Press TV Friday, 04 July 2025 10:43 AM US President Donald Trump admitted he was "not happy" with the outcome, conceding he "didn't make any progress" with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine war. "No, I didn't make any progress with him today at all," Trump told reporters when asked about his "pretty long call" with Putin earlier in the day. Noting that he had discussed Iran and Ukraine in the conversation, he said, "And I'm not happy about that, I'm not happy." Meanwhile, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said that Trump "again raised the question of the quick end to the military action." Instead, the conversation shifted to economic cooperation, including joint projects in energy and spacehighlighting a disconnect between stated diplomatic goals and actual outcomes. After Russia dismissed US proposals, Trump suggested in June it might be better to allow the fighting to continue "for a while" before interveningcasting doubt on the urgency behind his earlier vow. Moscow has reportedly refused to agree to a US-proposed peace agreement with Ukraine, saying "Russia will not give up on these aims" to get rid of the "root-causes" of the conflict. The Kremlin has demanded that Ukraine cede territories whose populations voted to become part of Russia. It also wants Ukraine to embrace neutrality and abandon its desire to join NATO. "Vladimir Putin, for his part, answered that we are continuing to try to search for a politically negotiated solution to the conflict," the Russian official said. The diplomatic back-and-forth comes as low stockpiles have prompted the US to pause shipments of certain critical weapons to Ukraine. The Pentagon's decision has reportedly resulted in reduced deliveries of Patriot defense missiles, which Ukraine depends on to intercept Russian missiles. "And we're working with them and trying to help them, but we haven't (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," Trump said. Trump has faced increased pressure, including from some Republicans, to apply more pressure on Putin and push Russia toward an agreement. The only tangible outcome was limited to humanitarian exchanges between Russia and Ukrainefar from the sweeping peace deal Trump had promised. Within hours of the call's conclusion, Russia launched a drone attack on Kiev. Ukraine launched an attack of the same nature afterward near Moscow, leaving swaths of the area without electricity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskyy Praises 'Important' Call With Trump, Says Air Defense Discussed By Ray Furlong, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Current Time July 04, 2025 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyyhas 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 we're hearing such an admission from Donald Trump, because usually it's bravado, usually it's 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. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-putin-call-russian-drone- strikes/33463883.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Battlefield Advantage, US Arms Shortages Give Putin Chance to Talk to US From Position of Strength Sputnik News 20250704 Thursday's Putin-Trump phone call didn't see much progress toward ending the Ukraine crisis, but in the current situation, it didn't have to, veteran former DoD insider Michael Maloof says. "There's no doubt about it that Mr. Putin is speaking from a position of strength," the ex-Pentagon senior security policy analyst told Sputnik, commenting on the conversation between the Russian and US leaders. Regardless, "it's very important that the two leaders speak directly on a weekly basis, simply because any intel brief that Trump is receiving will be very much slanted toward the Ukrainian position," Maloof said. Trump needs to "hear directly" from Putin on aspects related to the conflict, like the fact that Russia's counterstrikes are usually a response to Ukrainian attacks inside Russia, "because all that you get in the West is reporting about Russia dropping drones on Kiev," Maloof said. America: Zelensky's Weapons Lifeline "As long as he's receiving arms, whether it's from us or from others, he's going to be encouraged, and he has demonstrated that. So I think that this kind of weaning Zelensky from that dependency on us for arms may actually force him to say, 'we're going to have to sit down'," the observer said, commenting on the scaling back of advanced US arms aid to Kiev amid domestic shortages. US in No Position to Fight Multiwar As for the Big, Beautiful Bill's promise to ramp up defense production, "it takes time to get those armaments and get the production lines open, get the raw materials and the supplies and the electronics, because of all the supply chain issues that exist," Maloof emphasized. "Certainly, if another conflict were to arise tomorrow, let's say with Iran, the US would probably have to get up for a full-time, wartime production, because right now those stocks are totally inadequate for a three-front war...We can't even fight a one-front war right now," Maloof said. Putin's History Lesson The Putin-Trump phone call included a "very important" message for Trump on historical Russia-US ties that not enough Americans are aware of, the observer said, detailing the "long historical relationship" between Russia and the US, going back to the latter's founding. According to the Kremlin, Thursday's call included mention of the fact that Russian Empress Catherine the Great rejected British attempts to drag Russia into the war against the upstart thirteen US colonies. Besides this, Maloof pointed to Russia's refusal to get involved against the Union during the American Civil War amid Britain's tacit support for the Confederacy. "On our Independence Day, I will say that Russia played a significant role" in the creation of the United States. "I think that this is important, and Trump needed to hear that," Maloof said. MIC: Only Lobbyist With Power Comparable to AIPAC Whether or not the US is ready for war, the military-industrial complex is always eager to push it, Maloof emphasized. "War is good for them." "They've been very clever in putting in every congressional district some component for some weapons system that would be critical to US national security so that every congressman at the end of the proverbial day says 'yeah, we're gonna support that defense budget', and they get what they want," Maloof said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Secretary of Defense Hegseth Takes Unilateral Step to Reduce Military Aid to Ukraine Sputnik News 20250704 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has made the decision to partially suspend US military assistance to Ukraine unilaterally, ignoring an analysis by senior military officers, the NBC broadcaster reported on Friday, citing officials. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump said that the United States is still supplying weapons to Ukraine but added that former President Joe Biden had emptied out the country's munition stockpile with massive foreign assistance deliveries. This was the third time the secretary made such a move, congressional aides and a former US official told the broadcaster, adding that at the two previous instances, in February and in May, Hegseth's decisions were overturned days later. At the same time, senior military officers provided the secretary with a report saying that sending assistance to Kiev would not jeopardize the US' homeland security and stockpiles, three US officials said. Multiple sources with knowledge of the matter added that the decision surprised the US State Department and Congress, as well as European and Ukrainian officials. On Tuesday, Politico reported that the US was suspending ammunition and weapon supplies to Ukraine due to depleted stocks. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly confirmed the suspension to NBC News, stating that the decision prioritizes US interests. On Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the fewer weapons are supplied to Kiev, the sooner the special military operation would end. On Wednesday, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said that the United States cannot continue providing weapons to countries "all around the world," as it has to prioritize its own security, including that of its overseas troops. He added that the Department of Defense is working to create a new "framework" for the distribution of US weaponry. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address More Russian POWs Exchanged Under Istanbul Agreements Sputnik News 20250704 Another group of Russian servicemen has been returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime under the Istanbul agreements. A group of Ukrainian prisoners of war has been handed over in exchange, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported. "On July 4, 2025, in accordance with the Russian-Ukrainian agreements reached on June 2, 2025, in Istanbul, another group of Russian servicemen has been returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime," the ministry said. "In exchange, a group of Ukrainian prisoners of war has been handed over," it added. The freed Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving the necessary psychological and medical assistance. "All Russian servicemen will be transported to the Russian Federation for treatment and rehabilitation in the medical facilities of the Ministry of Defense of Russia," the ministry said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement on the Oral Presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and Interim Report of the Secretary General on Crimea UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and Interim Report of the Secretary General on Human Rights on Crimea. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Eleanor Sanders Published 4 July 2025 Location: Geneva Delivered on: 3 July 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Thank you, Assistant Secretary-General, for your update on the human rights situation in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories. In June 2024, the European Court of Human Rights found Russia to have committed multiple human rights violations since its illegal annexation of Crimea. In May this year, the Council of Europe urged Russia to restore Ukrainian law in Crimea and end the use of torture and ill-treatment. There are very concerning reports of civilians being detained and taken across the border into Russia, where they have been convicted on spurious charges. This includes those who work in critical civilian infrastructure, such as the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and journalists. We note your assessment that targeted use of drones, including attacks that have killed civilians while delivering humanitarian aid, has violated IHL principles of distinction and precaution. Russia must comply with international law. Rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians is needed. Those responsible must be held to account for the appalling forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, and the enlistment of these children into military patriotic training programmes, potentially then being sent to fight against their own country. Assistant Secretary-General, Given Russia's attempt to erase children's heritage, what steps can be taken to prevent the long-term erasure of their cultural and national identity? NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) RIO DE JANEIRO, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday that China is to work in unity with developing countries to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. Li made the remarks during his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Chinese premier arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to attend the 17th BRICS Summit. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Andrii Sybiha comments on Russia's night attack on Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 04 July 2025 07:23 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "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 his complete disregard for the United States and everyone who has called for an end to the war. Moscow must be slapped with the toughest sanctions without delay. Ukraine must be provided with all necessary means to defend itself. Wrong decisions can only encourage the aggressor to escalate terror. Every criminal regime in the world is now watching closely Putin's actions and responses to them. If he gets away with all of this, everyone will get a very clear message. Stop waiting for peace. Act to achieve peace. Peace through strength." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held a meeting at the MFA on returning Ukraine's share of the former USSR's foreign assets Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 04 July 2025 15:12 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine continues its systematic efforts to counter the aggressor state on all international legal avenues, including the issue of returning to Ukraine its rightful share of the foreign assets of the former USSR. On Friday, July 4, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, held a special meeting at the MFA on this matter with colleagues from other government agencies. The Foreign Minister noted that existing international treaties clearly stipulate that each successor state of the USSR has the right to a share of this property, and Ukraine's share amounts to 16.37%. The Minister emphasized that this is not about a moral right or a political declaration, but about international agreements that the Russian Federation signed and undertook to fulfill. This obligation remains unfulfilled to this day. "Ukraine will act decisively and consistently, using all available means under international law. We have a clear vision of our strategy and next steps. We are working together with colleagues from other agencies. Ukraine must reclaim everything that rightfully belongs to it," emphasized Andrii Sybiha. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine Holds Phone Call with President of the United States President of Ukraine 4 July 2025 - 17:39 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with President of the United States of America Donald Trump. The Head of State congratulated the U.S. President and the entire American people on the U.S. Independence Day and expressed gratitude for all the assistance provided to Ukraine, which helps safeguard the country's independence and save lives. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump discussed Russian strikes on civilians, including the consequences of the massive attack last night, during which the number of drones alone reached 539. Detailed attention was given to the frontline developments. The U.S. President is well-informed about the situation and fully understands what is happening. The Head of State emphasized Ukraine's need to strengthen air defense to protect Ukrainians and save lives. The leaders discussed additional practical enhancements to air defense and agreed to work on increasing the protection of Ukrainian skies, as well as holding a corresponding meeting between Ukrainian and American teams in the near future. The Presidents paid special attention to the capabilities of Ukraine's defense industry and prospects for joint production. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is ready for direct projects with the U.S., primarily regarding drones and related technologies. The leaders also touched on mutual procurement and investment. The Presidents exchanged views on diplomatic efforts and the joint work of Ukraine with the United States and other partners. The Ukrainian leader once again confirmed Ukraine's support for American proposals aimed at restoring a sustainable and dignified peace. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU and Prosecutor's Office uncover dealers selling rear positions to military personnel Security Service of Ukraine 12:00, 4 July 2025 The SSU Military Counterintelligence and investigators, in cooperation with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, have dismantled a large-scale scheme for selling rear military positions in Kyiv region. For bribes ranging from USD 15 000 to 25 000, the perpetrators helped military personnel transfer to units not involved in front-line operations. The group also offered their 'clients' dismissal from military service on the basis of fictitious certificates of 'sudden deterioration of health'. Two residents of the capital, the organizers of the scheme, have been detained in Kyiv. To carry out their illegal activity, they enlisted the help of five acquaintances, medical professionals. According to the investigation, the organizers found 'clients' and arranged for their fictitious hospitalization. Depending on the amount of the bribe, the 'patients' were given the status of partially fit or completely unfit for military service, with subsequent transfer to 'non-combat' positions or dismissal to the reserve. The Security Service documented the crime and detained the individuals involved when they received money from 'clients'. Cash obtained by criminal means and forged documents were seized during searches. SSU investigators notified the detainees of suspicion under two Articles of the CCU: 114-1.1 (obstruction of lawful activities of the AFU, during a special period); 369-2.3 (abuse of influence). The suspects face up to 8 years in prison with confiscation of property. The investigation is ongoing. The activities were carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU found Chinese-made components in drones used by russia to attack Kyiv today Security Service of Ukraine 15:20, 4 July 2025 Investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine have found components manufactured in the People's Republic of China in the Geran UAV (russian version of the Shahed UAV). This is evidenced by the markings of the manufacturer, Suzhou Ecod Precision Manufacturing Co. These components, particularly the launch catapult mounts, were seized from the drones used by russian occupiers to attack the Ukrainian capital on the night of July 4. The Security Service is currently gathering all evidence of russia's terrorist attack on Kyiv and documenting the crimes committed by the ruscists. The SSU has qualified the russian strike on Kyiv as a war crime and opened a case under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Following SSU investigation, FSB agent who spied on Kharkiv defenders under cover of trips to dacha sentenced to 15 years in prison Security Service of Ukraine 16:00, 4 July 2025 Based on evidence collected by the Security Service, another enemy agent has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property. The perpetrator spied on the locations of the Defense Forces in Kharkiv. The investigation established that russia's tasks were carried out by a 21-year-old local man, who was recruited by the FSB through a Telegram channel where he posted anti-Ukrainian comments. Under the guise of trips to a summer house near the front line, the asset tracked the positions of artillery and air defense radar systems protecting the city. He also searched the area for traces of tank tracks and Ukrainian wheeled armoured vehicles in order to pass the relevant coordinates to the aggressor. The SSU documented his crimes and arrested him red-handed in January this year while he was conducting reconnaissance near the city. Based on the evidence collected by the Security Service, a panel of judges found the accused guilty under Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason, committed under martial law). The investigation was conducted by the SSU Kharkiv Office under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU detains FSB agent who adjusted ruscist massive attacks on Kyiv (video) Security Service of Ukraine 16:45, 4 July 2025 The Security Service of Ukraine has apprehended an agent of russia's federal security service who adjusted russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv. According to the investigation, the traitor is a 17-year-old graduate of a Kyiv school, whom the enemy recruited on Telegram channels offering 'easy money.' The agent's main task was to conduct reconnaissance: he received coordinates of potential targets from his handler and was supposed to record their external technical condition. Among the main locations of interest to the aggressor were energy facilities, Defense Forces staffs, and air defense systems protecting Kyiv's airspace. The SSU detained the perpetrator near one of the military directorates of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on which he was preparing an 'agent report'. The suspect's phone was seized at the scene: he used it to photograph the objects identified by his russian handler. SSU investigators notified the detainee of suspicion under Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason, committed under martial law). The suspect is in custody and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Kyiv and Kyiv region under the procedural supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Threefold increase in the number of children killed or injured in Ukraine over the past three months UNICEF Latest UN-verified data, released by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, reveals a significant rise in child casualties, as well as evolving risks for children that merge online influence with deadly offline impacts 04 July 2025 KYIV/GENEVA, 4 July 2025 -- The verified number of children killed or injured in Ukraine between 1 March and 31 May 2025 increased by more than 200 per cent compared to the previous quarter, according to data from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. 222 children were killed or injured between 1 March and 31 May 2025, compared to 73 between 1 December 2024 and 28 February 2025. The ongoing use of explosive weapons in populated areas has been particularly deadly and destructive. Only in April this year, 97 children were killed or maimed, the highest UN-verified monthly number of child casualties since June 2022. "There is no respite from the war for children across Ukraine," said UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis. "The situation for children is at a critical juncture, as intense attacks continue to not only destroy lives but disrupt every aspect of childhood." The destruction and damage to health facilities, educational infrastructure, water and electricity networks, and safe places to play, all impact children today and into the future. At the same time, intense hostilities in areas of the north-east and eastern regions continue to result in waves of internal displacement and increased humanitarian needs, including cash assistance, essential supplies, as well as mental health, psychosocial and broader child protection support. There are also new threats evolving for children, as modern warfare merges online risks with deadly offline impacts. The use of children, through online influence, to conduct activities in Ukraine, such as attacks on military objects, sabotage, or information gathering, is particularly concerning and puts their safety and well-being at risk. As reported by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, at least two boys died, and one was injured during such acts. In addition, 91 boys and 12 girls have reportedly been detained, with 42 children convicted for their involvement in the conflict, leading to the incarceration of at least seven children, according to data from Ukrainian law enforcement authorities. The use of children by any party to conflict must cease, and authorities are urged to treat children as victims and to take swift action to support and protect them, including by ensuring access to child-friendly justice services. UNICEF is working with the Government of Ukraine to strengthen the child-friendly justice system that empowers and protects children by ensuring access to comprehensive legal support services, promoting alternatives to detention, as well as emphasising restorative justice and rehabilitation tailored to the unique needs and best interests of every child. UNICEF continues to call for immediate compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law and to end and prevent grave violations against children. Children need sustained and lasting peace to recover, one in which their rights and wellbeing are protected and prioritised. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelensky, Trump discuss Ukraine's air defense capabilities People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:50, July 05, 2025 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Romania rules out sending troops to Ukraine 'under any circumstances' Iran Press TV Saturday, 05 July 2025 9:34 AM Romania's Prime Minister, Ilie Bolojan, has said that Bucharest will deploy troops to Ukraine "under no circumstances." Speaking during a live interview with broadcaster Antena 3 CNN on Thursday, Bolojan dismissed rumors spread on social media suggesting that Romania might become militarily involved in the US-led Western countries proxy war in Ukraine against Russia. "We are not sending our young people or children to war," Bolojan clarified, after NATO member countries pledged last month to nearly triple their military spending under pressure from US President Donald Trump. Bolojan pointed out that Romania's position on the war remained the same as before. "Romania, under no circumstances, is considering participating in the war - not before, not now." However, Bolojan noted that as a NATO member state, Romania is obliged to "gradually increase defense spending". He said to fulfill its obligations to the Northern Alliance, Romania must strengthen "eastern flank" military capabilities. Bolojan added, "We can't afford to rely on the idea that others - including the US - will ensure our protection without us contributing." At the summit in The Hague, Trump persuaded NATO member states to commit to raising military spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035. The increased military spending is to be allocated to what NATO leadership describes as the "long-term threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security." Moscow has warned against increased militarization, reminding NATO member states in Europe that Russia poses no threat to the bloc. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly dismissed Western concerns about Russia's aggression as "nonsense." The Russian leadership says the US-led alliance is using fear-mongering tactics to increase the military budgets of NATO member states to empower them to purchase more arms and munitions from the military-industrial complex. Putin blames NATO's expansionist policy towards the east and its "aggressive behavior" towards Moscow for fueling the Ukraine crisis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 kicked off on Saturday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, as global attendees gathered to learn about China's progress in ecological civilization and foster international exchanges and cooperation. #GLOBALink Trump Hints At New Sanctions On Russia Amid Ongoing Fighting With Ukraine By Ray Furlong, Zoriana Stepanenko and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service July 05, 2025 US President Donald Trump has said that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin understands that more sanctions "may be coming," as Moscow continues to reject Washington's push for a cease-fire in Ukraine. Speaking on Air Force One on July 4, Trump said: "You know, we talk about sanctions a lot and he understands that it may be coming." Trump's comments reflected the failure, so far, to broker a cease-fire in the conflict and his apparent dissatisfaction with the Russian leader. Outgoing flights at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport were temporarily paused and Russia said it shot down four incoming Ukrainian drones approaching the Russian capital. Meanwhile, Ukraine's top general, Oleksandr Syrkiy, reported that he had spent two days this week in the eastern Kharkiv region, where he said Russia was preparing a new offensive. Trump's remarks also elaborated on his earlier comment that he was "disappointed" by his phone call with Putin on July 3. "He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people, it's no good," he said, adding that he was "very unhappy" with the Kremlin leader. Hours earlier, Trump had what he called "a good call" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called on the United States to impose greater sanctions on Russia to force Moscow to the negotiating table. Since taking the office, Trump has not imposed any new sanctions on Russia. His administration has also relaxed enforcement, experts say. Trump has countered that imposing sanctions on Russia would hurt peace negotiations. Trump also confirmed that he and Zelenskyy had spoken about air defense, a key issue in Ukraine as Russia has massively stepped up its aerial bombardment of Kyiv and other cities this year. The two men spoke following a huge drone and missile assault overnight from July 3-4 that Kyiv said was the largest of the war so far. Their conversation also followed a recent US decision to halt some weapons supplies to Ukraine, which include Patriot air defense missiles according to US media reports. "The Patriot missile system is absolutely valuable, and to take that away is a huge problem for Ukraine," US-based analyst Kervin Aucoin told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. "The removal of this aid by the United States to Ukraine, it has emboldened the Russians, it is emboldening Vladimir Putin to attack more areas within Ukraine," added Aucoin, who was formerly an intelligence analyst in the US military. Zelenskyy indicated that he had raised this with Trump. "We discussed the possibilities of air defense and agreed that we will work on increasing the protection of the sky." He added that they had agreed "a corresponding meeting of our teams." Also on July 4, Trump discussed Patriot missiles in a call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, one of a series of conversations he had with Western leaders on US Independence Day. Berlin has raised the possibility that it would buy Patriots from Washington and then provide them to Kyiv. Meanwhile, there were reports of fatalities as fighting continued in various regions of Ukraine. Three people were killed and 30 injured over 24 hours as a result of Russian strikes on Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions, according to data from regional military administrations. Among the injured were a 10-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl. "Civil infrastructure facilities were damaged and destroyed: in the Kupyansky district, two apartment buildings, a school, two private houses, a shop were damaged; in the Chuguyiv district, a dormitory, a service station, 10 cars, postal infrastructure, and an inoperative building were damaged," an official statement said. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that overnight Russia had launched 322 drones at Ukraine. In Russia, officials in Voronezh and Saratov regions reported Ukrainian drone strikes. The Russian Defense Ministry announced that 94 Ukrainian drones were allegedly shot down overnight in multiple regions. There were no reports of casualties. Ukraine said its special forces had attacked Borisoglebsk air field in Russia's Voronezh region. "A warehouse with guided bombs, a combat training aircraft, and probably other aircraft were hit. The results of the hit are being clarified," the Ukrainian General Staff said. It added that the attack was aimed at reducing Russia's ability to bomb Ukraine. Later, the General Staff said its forces had hit an industrial plant in Cheboksary, nearly 600 kilometers east of Moscow, that makes components for drones. Battlefield claims by both sides could not be verified. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/33464766.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Analysis: Amid Stalled Talks, Russia Has Massively Increased Air Attacks On Ukraine By Yauhen Lehalau and Ray Furlong July 05, 2025 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. Russia's 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, Ukraine's 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 Ukraine's 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/RL's Russian Service that air defense in Kyiv has been unable to cope with attacks involving 300 or more drones. Seleznyov said that Ukraine's best form of defense may be attack, citing recent Ukrainian drone strikes on targets deep within Russia. "In my view, attacks on Russia's 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 America's 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 Ukraine's 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 Ukraine's 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. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-drones- trump-negotiations-ceasefire/33464261.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Geran-2 Drones Strike Foreign Mercenaries in Zaporozhye Region Sputnik News 20250705 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces hit the location of foreign mercenaries of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Zaporozhye Region with Geran-2 drones, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. "The video shows elimination of foreign mercenaries of the Ukrainian armed forces with Geran-2 UAVs in the area of the Meridian recreation center in the Zaporozhye region," the ministry said in a comment to the published video. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier that the West had cemented itself as a party to the Ukrainian conflict by sending mercenaries to take part in the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has admitted that a number of countries are sending their regular military personnel to Ukraine under the guise of mercenaries. The Russian Defense Ministry has been warning foreign mercenaries against traveling to fight in Ukraine. Those who do not have the status of combatants under international law are not eligible for protection as prisoners of war, it says. The Zaporozhye Region is a region of Russia located in the lower reaches of the Dnepr River. It became part of Russia after a referendum in September 2022. Kiev does not recognize its results and continues to shell the area. More than 70% of the region is now under Russian control; the rest, including the regional center, the city of Zaporozhye, is held by Ukrainian troops. Since March 2023, the city of Melitopol has been the temporary administrative center of the region. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The World Is Helping Ukraine Because It Believes in Ukrainians - And Our People Truly Deserve The World's Trust - Address by the President President of Ukraine 5 July 2025 - 20:57 I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians! A brief summary of what we have accomplished during the week with our friends, the friends of Ukraine. With Denmark, we now have new agreements on coproduction of weapons. An agreement was concluded; it was signed yesterday between Ukraine's Ministry of Strategic Industries and Denmark's Ministry of Industry. We will work on Denmark's territory, and this is our joint project - the first substantial capabilities of our Ukrainian production abroad. And that's not all. More such agreements will follow. The Danish model of investing in Ukraine's own DIB here, on our soil, has proven its effectiveness. Joint work on the territory of Denmark, and soon in other key partner countries, is allowing us to scale up even more. This applies to drones and many other types of urgently needed weapons. As per drones, we have also reached an agreement with the American side to significantly increase our joint efforts. This week, an agreement was signed between Ukraine's Ministry of Defense and one of the leading U.S. companies. It will provide Ukraine with hundreds of thousands of drones as early as this year, on special terms, and even significantly more drones the following year. This includes interceptor drones, which are clearly our priority. The task for our entire state, for Ukraine's Defense Forces, and for all businesses working specifically in this field is to deliver more results literally every week, more results particularly in drones, especially interceptors. This means producing more of such drones, training more drone operators, and significantly increasing efficiency in deploying interceptors. Responsibility for this area of security is personal for everyone involved in making and implementing respective decisions. The interceptors must work. As for the call with the President of the United States of America, which took place yesterday, I'd say it was probably the best conversation we've had so far, extremely fruitful. We discussed air defense among other things. I'm grateful for the readiness to assist. Patriot systems are the key to defending against ballistic threats. We also discussed several other topical issues, which our teams will follow up on in detail at upcoming meetings. Today, I also received a report from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, regarding his communications with our European partners. We have a list of clear goals in preparation for the upcoming heating season. There are issues I raised personally with European leaders at the highest political level. Now, at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Energy, and Naftogaz, our agreements are being prepared for implementation. We expect that next week, as part of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Italy, our government officials will be able to sign the relevant agreements with our partners to secure energy resources for Ukraine. We will continue this work, and I am grateful to all our partners who are consistently helping and ready to scale up their support in the energy sector. Energy resilience is the foundation of our country's overall resilience. I also want to praise Sweden today: there is a decision on a new defense support package. Thank you, Sweden! We are actively working with Germany to speed up decisions on air defense. Latvia has also decided to provide a new defense package - thank you for that. And I thank everyone standing with us, and with our nation, with Ukraine, and with our people. I am proud of our people. The world is helping Ukraine because it believes in us, in Ukrainians - and our people truly deserve the world's trust. We're also already preparing new steps that will make Russia truly feel that it will pay for this war. There must be accountability for the aggressor. And there will be - entirely just and keenly felt. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Ukraine United Nations Secretary-General New York 05 July 2025 Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General The Secretary-General strongly condemns the latest series of large-scale drone and missile attacks by the Russian Federation, reportedly the largest in over three years of war. These strikes disrupted the power supply to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, once again underlining the ongoing risks to nuclear safety. The Secretary-General is alarmed by this dangerous escalation and the growing number of civilian casualties. Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law and must stop immediately. The Secretary-General reiterates his call for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine as a first step towards a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskyy Says New Deals Will Bring Influx Of Drone Supplies, Vows Fresh Attacks Inside Russia By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service July 06, 2025 KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed new agreements with allies that he said would provide "hundreds of thousands" of new drones to the fight against Russia, while US President Donald Trump hinted at possible additional sanctions against Moscow as it continues to reject his cease-fire push. In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy on July 5 said separate agreements with a US firm and European allies -- including Denmark and Sweden -- would give Ukraine the ability to hit important targets inside Russia, including defense industry assets, airbases, and oil refineries. Ukraine is "preparing new steps that will make Russia truly feel that it will pay for this war. There must be accountability for the aggressor. And there will be - entirely just and keenly felt." The remarks come in uncertain times for Kyiv regarding the supply of weapons from its most important ally. On July 2, Ukrainian officials reacted with shock as the United States announced plans to halt some unspecified supplies of weapons it previously provided to Ukraine, citing its own dwindling stockpiles. The comments also come after by Trump said that Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin understands that more sanctions "may be coming," as Moscow continues to reject Washington's push for a cease-fire in Ukraine. Speaking on Air Force One on July 4, Trump said: "You know, we talk about sanctions a lot and he understands that it may be coming." Trump's remarks also elaborated on his earlier comment that he was "disappointed" by his phone call with Putin on July 3. Many observers say Putin is no hurry to agree to a cease-fire deal, believing that he is winning the war on the ground and that time is on his side. Russia has, however, suffered massive losses in manpower and its economy has taken a major hit because of soaring defense spending. "He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people, it's no good," Trump said, adding that he was "very unhappy" with the Kremlin leader. Hours earlier, Trump had what he called "a good call" with Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called on the United States to impose greater sanctions on Russia to force Moscow to the negotiating table. Since taking office in January, Trump has not imposed any new sanctions on Russia. His administration has also relaxed enforcement, experts say. Trump has countered that imposing sanctions on Russia would hurt peace negotiations. Zelenskyy on July 5 again hailed his talk with Trump, stating his call the "most productive" he has ever had with the US leader. "Regarding the conversation with the president of the United States, which took place a day earlier, it was probably the best conversation we have had during this whole time, the most productive," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. "We discussed air defense issues and I'm grateful for the willingness to help. The Patriot missile system is precisely the key to protection against ballistic threats." Zelenskyy said the two leaders had discussed "several other important matters" that officials from the two sides would be considering in forthcoming meetings. But it was not immediately clear what, if any, concrete results the Trump-Zelenskyy talks produced. Asked by reporters whether Washington agreed to provide additional Patriot air-defense missiles to Kyiv, Trump responded: "They're going to need them for defense...They're going to need something because they're being hit pretty hard." Also on July 4, Trump discussed Patriot missiles in a call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, one of a series of conversations he had with Western leaders on US Independence Day. Berlin has raised the possibility that it would buy Patriots from Washington and then provide them to Kyiv. Zelenskyy earlier said Ukraine had reached has "reached an agreement with one of the leading American companies to significantly increase our joint efforts" on drones, including interceptors, which have become central to Ukrainian defense efforts against Russia since Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022. "An agreement has been signed with the strong American company Swift Beat," 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. Zelenskyy also hailed agreement with European allies as he looks to solidify support amid uncertainties regarding long-term US backing. He singled out an agreement with Denmark to co-produce weapons in that country. "With Denmark, we now have new agreements on coproduction of weapons. An agreement was...signed yesterday," he said. "We will work on Danish territory," he said, adding that it was the first substantial effort to utilize Ukrainian production capabilities abroad, vowing that similar "agreements will follow." "Joint work on the territory of Denmark, and soon in other key partner countries, is allowing us to scale up even more," Zelenskyy said. "This applies to drones and many other types of urgently needed weapons." He also said Sweden and Latvia had both had agreed on "new defense support packages." Russia has intensified air attacks on Kyiv and other cities in recent weeks. Moscow's forces launched the largest drone attack of the 40-month-old war on the night of July 3-4. As Zelenskyy celebrated the potential influx of drone supplies, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defense shot down four Ukrainian drones headed for the capital, forcing one of the capital's main airports to temporarily halt outgoing flights. Local Telegram channels reported that more than 170 flights were delayed and some 50 were canceled at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport. Russia's Defense Ministry separately said air-defense units had destroyed 48 Ukrainian drones in a period of just over five hours in the evening of July 5. With reporting by dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskyy-trump-putin-drones- sweden-denmark/33464968.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shavez Ahmed Siddiqui , the visionary fintech entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of LQUIDPAY Deobank , is making waves across the global fintech and Web3 ecosystems. With two major accolades in 2025 one from Entrepreneur Middle East in Dubai and another from Times of India Group in Lucknow Siddiquis impact is now being recognized on both the international and domestic stage. His rise reflects a larger movement: the transformation of traditional banking into decentralized, borderless, and user-owned financial systems. From Global Acclaim to National Spotlight: 2025 Awards That Defined a Movement In May 2025, LQUIDPAY Deobank was awarded Fintech Company of the Year at the Leaders in E-Business Awards in Dubai. Just weeks later, Shavez Ahmed Siddiqui received the Times Leadership Award 2025 in his hometown, Lucknow solidifying his growing stature in Indias fintech landscape. These awards highlight Siddiquis transformative work in building digital financial infrastructure that is self-sovereign, compliant, and globally accessible. Award-Winning Innovation: What Makes LQUIDPAY Deobank a Game Changer LQUIDPAY Deobank is the worlds first decentralized on-chain bank, created to offer secure, borderless, and transparent financial services. With a strong emphasis on user sovereignty, it removes intermediaries and empowers users to manage their money freely, anywhere in the world. Key Innovations: Self-Custodial Vaults for total asset control for total asset control Visa-Enabled Virtual & Physical Cards for global crypto spending for global crypto spending On-Chain Yield Savings (614% APY) backed by smart contracts backed by smart contracts Crypto On/Off-Ramp for instant fiat access for instant fiat access ATM Withdrawals via PIN + NFC Cards (launching globally in 2025) (launching globally in 2025) Enterprise API Access for Web3 fintech infrastructure These innovations are already unlocking access for users in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Global Recognition: Fintech Company of the Year Entrepreneur Middle East At the Leaders in E-Business Awards held in Dubai, LQUIDPAY Deobank was honored for creating decentralized financial tools that serve both individuals and enterprises. The award celebrates the companys ability to merge compliance, speed, and decentralization under a single ecosystem. This positioned Shavez Ahmed Siddiqui as a global Web3 leader driving the evolution of finance. National Impact: Times Leadership Award 2025 Lucknow, India On June 28, 2025, Siddiqui was awarded the Times Leadership Award 2025 in Lucknow by the Times of India Group a powerful moment of homegrown recognition. This award not only honored his technological contributions but celebrated his commitment to India's digital future. Official Publication: (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68625b36e0d38c65cf43de77/) Receiving this award in Lucknow, the heart of India, reaffirms our mission to empower 1.4 billion people with financial freedom, said Siddiqui on stage. The Vision and Mission Behind Siddiquis Fintech Movement At the core of Shavez Ahmed Siddiquis journey is a bold, human-centered vision. Vision To build a decentralized, borderless financial ecosystem where every individual regardless of geography can access, grow, and control their own financial future without reliance on centralized institutions. Mission To empower the worlds 1.4 billion unbanked through accessible, self-custodial, and blockchain-powered banking systems. Through platforms like LQUIDPAY Deobank, Siddiqui is enabling secure savings, global payments, and decentralized wealth creation for all. Financial sovereignty should not be a privilege. It should be a default, he often emphasizes. About Shavez Ahmed Siddiqui: Building the Future of Finance A self-taught technologist with 10+ years of blockchain expertise, Siddiqui is the mind behind several disruptive ventures: LQUIDPAY Deobank (2024) A decentralized bank offering crypto savings, Visa card payments, and DeFi-powered finance A decentralized bank offering crypto savings, Visa card payments, and DeFi-powered finance Protocol Yield (2025) A DeFi platform with daily profit sharing, AI-powered risk scoring (PY Score), and broker partners including Binance and Bybit A DeFi platform with daily profit sharing, AI-powered risk scoring (PY Score), and broker partners including and DODO (2023) A gasless, index-based crypto trading platform A gasless, index-based crypto trading platform BTC20 Smart Chain (2022) A high-speed blockchain with 65,000 TPS and over 17 million wallets Each initiative supports his broader goal of making finance secure, user-owned, and built for a decentralized future. Awards Timeline Date Award Title Presented By Location May 27, 2025 Fintech Company of the Year 2025 Entrepreneur Middle East Dubai June 28, 2025 Times Leadership Award 2025 Times of India Group Lucknow Whats Next: Scaling Financial Access for the World Looking ahead, Siddiqui and LQUIDPAY Deobank are focused on: ATM withdrawals with crypto cards Global market activation in Africa, LATAM, Asia and USA Financial education for the underserved Enterprise-grade DeFi tools for fintech partners Mobile-first apps for next-gen banking Siddiquis next chapter is all about scaling secure, sovereign, and accessible finance for everyone, everywhere. Follow the Journey Website: www.lquidpay.finance Media Inquiries: admin@lquidpay.finance Learn More: www.shavezahmedsiddiqui.com Disclaimer: This press release is provided by LQUIDPAY Deobank. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9fb3bcec-f682-4e36-8746-a86f16c06fc7 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a66a0d9-a1ad-4084-a880-9d25e782ac65 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/153d222c-7a60-4167-b472-88f14c960b64 TALLINN, Estonia, July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When you hear Bitcoin 2.0, your first instinct might be to roll your eyes and think, Here we go again. But once you dig past the noise, Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) emerges with something most imitators lack: a powerful technical backbone, a wealth-building strategy for the everyday user, and a clear roadmap to actual utility. As altcoin chatter and speculative memecoins begin to fade, the spotlight is shifting toward something with more meat on the bone. That something is Bitcoin Solaris. The Next Generation of Wealth Creation Whats fueling the hype around Bitcoin Solaris is more than a name. This project is designed from the ground up to empower individuals to build real financial momentum. Instead of betting on token prices alone, BTC-S is offering an ecosystem where users can earn, transact, and contribute meaningfully. Its mobile-first mining solution is already getting crypto circles buzzing. Through the exciting release of the upcoming Solaris Nova app, users will be able to mine BTC-S directly from their smartphones, bringing decentralized rewards into the palms of over 6 billion mobile users worldwide. Whether youre in a coffee shop or on a bus, your device could be earning for you. But mining is only part of the equation. Bitcoin Solaris doesnt just reward presence, it rewards performance. The rewards distribution system accounts for: Contribution score based on device type and workload. Time-weighted bonuses that increase as users stay longer. Task complexity and overall network demand. This isnt just mining, its intelligent participation. The kind that turns casual users into long-term holders. The Tech That Powers the Surge Lets talk power. Bitcoin Solaris runs on a unique hybrid consensus model that combines Proof-of-Work (PoW) with Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS), operating across a dual-layer architecture. Its a bit like driving a racecar and piloting a drone at the same time. The base layer uses SHA-256 for PoW mining, ensuring security and compatibility with existing hardware. The Solaris Layer introduces DPoS with 21 rotating validators, providing scalability with 15-second blocks and dynamic block sizes. Cross-layer synchronization ensures that state changes and validator sets remain aligned. This dual system enables BTC-S to hit up to 100,000 transactions per second on the Solaris Layer with 2-second finality. In short, this thing flies. And it does so without sacrificing decentralization or security. It even implements zero-knowledge proofs for added privacy, and a multi-layered defense against both 51% and long-range attacks. Its no surprise then that many crypto veterans are calling it one of the most technically complete projects of the year. Audited and Backed by the Community Bitcoin Solaris has passed two comprehensive smart contract audits. The first by Cyberscope and the second by Freshcoins , both of which confirmed the strength and integrity of BTC-Ss core codebase. Community conversations on Telegram and X continue to grow daily. With over 13,650 unique users already onboarded and more pouring in, this is no quiet presale. Crypto Show recently released a detailed review covering why so many enthusiasts are paying attention. From mobile mining to on-chain scalability, the breakdown highlights just how massive the upside potential really is. Presale Momentum Builds Toward a $20 Launch Were now entering the final sprint. Bitcoin Solaris is in the last few hours of Phase 10 of its limited 90-day presale. Heres what you need to know: Current price: $10 Next phase: $11 Launch price: $20 Bonus: 6% Expected launch date: July 31, 2025 Funds raised: Over $6 million User base: More than 13,650 participants This is shaping up to be one of the fastest-growing and most explosive presales of 2025. With only around 4 weeks left, the clock is ticking. Investors are eyeing a 150% return right at launch, with many seeing this as a chance to ride the next big Bitcoin-like wave. This Is the Mobile-First Wealth Engine Crypto Promised You To receive your tokens on launch day, Bitcoin Solaris recommends using Trust Wallet or Metamask for seamless token delivery. Real-World Utility Across Every Sector BTC-S isnt just fast, its functional. The ecosystem supports a wide range of smart contract applications written in Rust and built initially using Solanas programming tools. These include: DeFi tools like lending, borrowing, and DEXs Enterprise utilities, including supply chain and tokenized real estate Gaming, NFTs, and play-to-earn environments IoT applications with secure micropayments Governance platforms with DAOs and on-chain voting And thats only scratching the surface. The infrastructure is built to scale across industries, use cases, and devices without bottlenecks. If youre curious about mining potential, check the estimated earnings through the Bitcoin Solaris mining calculator . Final Verdict Bitcoin Solaris is designed to deliver a scalable, accessible, and rewarding blockchain experience for real users. With strong technical foundations and a focus on usability, it offers a comprehensive solution for long-term participation and growth. As the presale enters its final phases, early supporters have a unique opportunity to join a rapidly growing ecosystem before launch. The momentum is buildingand this could be a defining moment for those seeking meaningful involvement in the next wave of blockchain innovation. 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/7a7fda6d-3390-48a3-907c-0f47677e4285 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ca4bd08-4817-4810-ab31-c6cf3d4aa4d5 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/90c62a77-5223-4de0-a16b-e754a14c71c8 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b2fd1e48-8f94-4c3d-98b6-acda689a2cf4 Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $75,000 In Vestis To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you suffered losses exceeding $75,000 in Vestis between May 2, 2024 and May 6, 2025 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). [You may also click here for additional information] NEW YORK, July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Vestis Corporation (Vestis or the Company) (NYSE: VSTS) and reminds investors of the August 8, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com. As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Vestis ability to grow its business; notably that Vestis would be unable to execute on planned strategic initiatives to drive purported improvements to the customer experience and its onboarding efforts in order to drive new customer growth, increased customer retention, and increased revenue from existing customers. On May 7, 2025, Vestis announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, withdrew its revenue and growth guidance for the full fiscal year 2025, and provided guidance for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 that fell significantly below market expectations. The Company attributed its poor results partially to lost business in excess of new business, but primarily on lower adds over stops, which is how we describe volume changes with our existing customers. The Company attributed its decision to pull full-year guidance and provide disappointing third quarter targets to the increasingly uncertain macro environment. Following this news, the price of Vestis common stock declined dramatically. From a closing market price of $8.71 per share on May 6, 2025, Vestis stock price fell to $5.44 per share on May 7, 2025, a decline of about 37.54% in the span of just a single day. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Vestis conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the Vestis Corporation class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/VSTS or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook. Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4c96193e-9e8a-4e5d-878a-3e41b441e24a Los Angeles, California, July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ripplecoin Mining today announced the global launch of its innovative free cloud mining mechanism, offering a zero-threshold trial designed to empower users with remote cryptocurrency mining and passive income opportunities. This groundbreaking solution is set to transform industry growth, making cryptocurrency earnings more accessible and sustainable for individuals in the dynamic digital asset space. Addressing escalating global demand for eco-conscious and efficient crypto solutions, Ripplecoin Mining seamlessly integrates AI intelligent algorithms and operates through state-of-the-art green energy data centers. The platform ensures precise on-demand scheduling and robust support for mainstream cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, DOGE, and XRP, making high-return, ethical cloud mining a reality for both seasoned enthusiasts and new entrants. For too long, crypto mining's promise remained largely unattainable for the average investor due to prohibitive equipment costs, complex operations, and market volatility. Ripplecoin Mining charts a new course by profoundly lowering the entry barrier, making digital asset participation genuinely more inviting and unlocking this lucrative roadmap for a broader demographic. "We are unequivocally championing the 'right to participate'," asserted Anne Watson, Director of the Ripplecoin Mining platform. "Users are entitled to the autonomy to verify the trustworthiness of a system at the absolute lowest cost, empowering informed decisions about deeper engagement". She added that Ripplecoin Mining's strategic objective is cultivating a resilient, enduring ecosystem founded on transparent experience, unwavering technical trust, and fundamental user choice. At the nexus of Ripplecoin Mining's offering lies a sophisticated technological architecture meticulously engineered to dismantle the conventional "mining machine + code threshold". During the trial, computational power emanates directly from green energy data centers strategically deployed globally by Ripplecoin Mining. These cutting-edge centers harness AI intelligent algorithms for fluid, on-demand scheduling, transforming every user interaction into a real-time engagement with the global blockchain computing network. Currently, the platform supports BTC, DOGE, ETH, and XRP mining operations. Users benefit from unparalleled flexibility in selecting payment methods aligned with individual asset configurations, without cross-chain complexities. Additionally, Ripplecoin Mining cultivates a vibrant community through a distinctive recommendation mechanism, offering incentives and transforming personal influence into continuously appreciating passive value. This once-exclusive "mining game" now embraces every ordinary user. Seamless Entry: Begin Your Sustainable Crypto Journey Ripplecoin Mining's intuitively designed platform makes eco-conscious cloud mining remarkably straightforward, achievable in just a few streamlined steps: Register: Sign up effortlessly on the official Ripplecoin Mining website and instantly receive a $15 welcome bonus to commence mining activities. website and instantly receive a $15 welcome bonus to commence mining activities. Choose a Plan: Select a flexible mining contract that perfectly aligns with your individual budget and long-term financial aspirations. Select a flexible mining contract that perfectly aligns with your individual budget and long-term financial aspirations. Start Mining: Experience unparalleled convenience as Ripplecoin Minings secure, advanced green energy data centers diligently serve your mining needs 24/7. Experience unparalleled convenience as Ripplecoin Minings secure, advanced green energy data centers diligently serve your mining needs 24/7. Earn Daily Income: Begin enjoying a consistent daily income derived from a diverse and robust portfolio of top cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, DOGE, XRP, SOL, and many others. For ultimate convenience and real-time operational oversight, users are also encouraged to download the official Ripplecoin Mining mobile app (conveniently available for both Apple and Android devices) to effortlessly track all mining activities, efficiently manage contracts, and receive instant, real-time updates on the go. Pioneering a New Standard of Trust and Expansion This "free cloud mining" mechanism introduced by Ripplecoin Mining transcends the conventional notion of a mere trial; in the discerning eyes of industry observers, it signifies a deliberate and strategic test for the future evolution of industry pricing models. Rather than aggressively championing high-yield promises, Ripplecoin Mining has made a conscious and commendable choice to prioritize "experience transparency" as the foundational currency for cultivating profound and enduring "user trust". About Ripplecoin Mining: Ripplecoin Mining is a pioneering force dedicated to delivering unparalleled convenient and secure cryptocurrency mining solutions. The company is resolutely committed to democratizing access to passive cryptocurrency income through its highly innovative mobile platform. Official website address: https://ripplecoinmining.com App download portal: https://ripplecoinmining.com/xml/index.html#/app Media contact: Anne Watson, Director Official email: info@ripplecoinmining.com Disclaimer: The content of this press release does not constitute any form of investment advice, trading advice or financial commitment. There are risks in the cryptocurrency market. Cloud mining participants need to carefully evaluate the potential results based on their actual situation. It is recommended to consult a professional financial advisor in advance. Attachment Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with Ethiopia to promote the sustainable development of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, a flagship project of the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and expand bilateral trade and investment, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Sunday. Li made the remarks during his meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ethiopia 55 years ago, the two countries have always treated each other sincerely and supported each other no matter how the international situation has changed, Li noted. The cooperation between the two sides has long been at the forefront of China-Africa cooperation, he added. Li said Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in June, announcing new important measures such as implementing the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for 53 African countries which have diplomatic relations with China. Li said China will take the new measures as opportunities to work with Ethiopia to fully deliver the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC. The Chinese premier called for deepening bilateral all-around cooperation and making bilateral relations a model for building the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. China will, as always, support Ethiopia in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, work with Ethiopia to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, new energy vehicles, green industries, e-commerce and artificial intelligence, and intensify exchanges in tourism, youth, education and other fields, Li said. Noting that both China and Ethiopia are important Global South countries, Li said China will join hands with Ethiopia to strengthen communication and coordination within multilateral frameworks like the United Nations and BRICS, boost concerted efforts by all parties to practice true multilateralism, firmly safeguard economic globalization and free trade, and inject more stability and positive energy into the world. The Chinese premier arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to attend the 17th BRICS Summit. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) London, July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With Bitcoin currently trading at $107,000 up 60% year-to-datemany U.S.-based mining operations are facing existential threats as single-coin production costs soar to $137,000. In stark contrast, BJMINING, the UK-based cloud mining giant founded in 2015, has reduced its breakeven threshold to $68,000 by leveraging AI-powered dynamic energy networks. Operating more than 60 mining farms globally100% powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroBJMINING now serves over 5 million users across 180+ countries and has emerged as a premier ESG-compliant target for institutional capital. The 2025 Hashrate War: Survival Through AI and Green Innovation (1) Crisis of Inverted Margins Electricity Pricing Power: Electricity accounts for 75% of mining operation costs. In regions where prices exceed $0.12/kWh, over 40% of small and medium-sized mining farms have shut down. Profit Compression: Despite a 47% increase in global hashrate since the 2024 halving, block rewards have dropped to 3.125 BTCbringing marginal profits dangerously close to zero. Seasonal Opportunity: Historical data shows a 70% probability of Bitcoin price increases in July. A breakout above $116,000 could potentially triple cloud mining returns. (2) BJMININGs AI-Powered Energy Arbitrage Engine By dynamically reallocating computational workloads to regions with the lowest operational costs, BJMINING achieves a 42% reduction in energy-related expenses per unit of computing power. Highlights include: Midnight Hydropower in Norway: $0.028/kWh by leveraging off-peak grid loads Icelandic Geothermal: Stable year-round supply at $0.04/kWh Heat Recovery in Canada: Community heating technology slashes energy waste by 30% and earns government-backed carbon credits The Foundation of Trust: Triple-Layer Certification and Frictionless Experience Certification Dimension Backing Institution User Value Carbon-Neutral Operations United Nations Certification Compliant with ESG fund requirements Full Asset Insurance AIG (American International Group) Protection against hackers and natural disasters Security Defense McAfee + Cloudflare 99.99% DDoS protection success rate Transparency Engine: All mining operations and revenue distributions are verifiable on-chain. 2025 Contract Yield Matrix (July Performance Test) CEO William Thomas launches tiered hedging contracts with zero management fees and multi-currency payment support: Contract Project Investment Amount The term Total revenue WhatsMiner M50S+ $100 2days $100+$6 WhatsMiner M60S++ $600 7days $600+$52.50 Avalon Miner A1566 $1,200 15days $1,200+$234 WhatsMiner M66S+ $5,800 30days $5,800+$2,610 Antminer L7 $12,000 40days $12,000+$8,160 ANTSPACE HD5 $96,000 54days $96,000+$119,232 Our AI processes 170,000 energy data points per second10,000 times more efficient than manual operations. William Thomas, CEO of BJMINING Technology Moat: Surpassing Human Limits AI Forecasting System: Anticipates hashrate surges 12 hours in advance, boosting returns by 19.7%. Auto-Reinvestment: Reinvestment efficiency is 23% higher than manual operations, ensuring no missed gains during bull markets. XRP/DOGE Payments: Cross-border settlements in under 2 minutes, enabling seamless DeFi yield scenarios. Industry Inflection Point: Retail Hashpower Migrates to AI Platforms According to Bitdeer, 35% of retail mining hashpower is expected to shift to AI-optimized platforms by 2026. With a decade of operational experience, BJMINING sets the new benchmark: Frictionless Onboarding: DOGE/XRP payments activate within 120 seconds; new users receive a $15 welcome bonus. Volatility-Resistant Architecture: Multi-currency mining (BTC/DOGE/XRP) automatically balances yield fluctuations. Global Consensus: Over 60 mining farms span Kazakhstan (nuclear energy at $0.03/kWh), Norway, and other low-cost energy regions. How to get started- Register on https://bjmining.com/xml/index.html#/register Choose a Contract: Supports instant settlements in BTC, DOGE, XRP, and 10+ other cryptocurrencies. Start Mining your favourite currency with easy withdrawal. Official Website: https://bjmining.com App Download: https://bjmining.com/xml/index.html#/app Since its founding in the UK in 2015, BJMINING has continuously integrated low-cost green energy networks worldwide. With over 60 mining farms strategically located in resource-rich regions such as Iceland (geothermal), Norway (hydropower), and Kazakhstan (nuclear), the company has built a dual moat of AI-powered energy scheduling and zero-carbon mining. Over the past decade, BJMINING has served more than 5 million users, with over 500,000 active miners operating daily. 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. Washington, DC, July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Research firm CryptoVision projects Solana (SOL) to revisit US $200-$220 and XRP to reclaim US $1.50-$1.80 before year-end. While most retail traders chase those targets with spot buys, MGPD Finance Limited, doing business as hashj cloud mining offers a smarter path: its new Turbo-Yield Dual-Engine Cloud Lane mines both assets in real time, turning price forecasts into compounding daily income. Every new registrant receives an $18 welcome credit plus $100 of free hash powerno hardware, no configuration, instant earnings. 1 | Why Pair SOL with XRP for 2025? Token 2025 Price Forecast* Catalysts Yield Angle Solana (SOL) $200$220 (~+70 % vs. Q2 average) DePIN boom, GameFi launches, RWA tokenization; network still clears 65 k+ TPS Sub-penny fees & instant finalityperfect for rapid staking loops and fast compounding XRP $1.50$1.80 (~+90 % vs. Q2 average) U.S. policy clarity; Tier-1 banks trialling on-chain settlement 3-second confirmations and near-zero gas enable ultra-liquid daily payouts Estimates aggregated from the June 2025 outlooks published by CryptoVision, BlockSignals, and Galaxy Charts. Trend Pulse: Over the last 90 days, Google Trends shows Solana price prediction searches up 260 %, while XRP yield jumped 190%. 2 | How hashj cloud mining Converts Forecasts into Daily Cash Flow While most investors wait for prices to rise, hashj cloud mining turns projections into actionby auto-routing hash power to high-yield nodes, it transforms SOL and XRP forecasts into real-time, compounding income. 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Monitor & compound: track daily profits, enable the DeFi Booster, or withdrawyour strategy, your pace. 4 | Key Metrics & 2025 Roadmap 9.3 million+ active users active users Presence in 96 countries countries 8 000 TH/s+ aggregated hash power aggregated hash power 99.99 % node uptime across five continents node uptime across five continents Scheduled for Q4 2025: debut of a Solana liquid-staking vault along with plug-and-play deposits through an XRP payment gateway. About MGPD Finance Limited (doing business as hashj cloud mining) hashj cloud mining blends AI-driven hash-power allocation with renewable-energy data centers to deliver multi-chain cloud yieldsincluding SOL, XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, LTC and moremaking institutional-grade returns as easy as tapping a phone. Grab your $18 bonus + $100 hash-power gift now and ride the SOL $200 / XRP $1.80 wave: https://www.hashj.com London, UK, July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ALR MINER today has announced the launch of its zero cost AI cloud mining platform, changing how users will earn cryptocurrencies. This new release supports Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Ripple (XRP), allowing beginners and experienced investors to join in the fun. With this global launch, ALR MINER is setting a new standard for safe, compliant, and sustainable crypto mining. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Green Mining Vision In March 2025, ALR MINER established a definitive Bitcoin reserve signaling a long-term commitment to the market. As a result, its platform is now providing economic responsibility alongside meaningful environmental responsibility. 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"We enable everyone to earn digital assets in a sustainable and transparent way." This vision resonates with wider industry trends towards accessibility and regulatory compliance. About ALR MINER ALR MINER was established in 2018 and provides artificial intelligence assisted cloud mining services available to anyone around the world. This allows users to mine 10+ mainstream cryptocurrencies and the platform promotes the values of security, sustainability, and adherence to regulations. ALR MINER is still developing and actively innovating towards the future of mining cryptocurrencies for individuals and institutions. Begin Your Professional Mining Journey Press Contact: Company: ALR MINER Website: https://alrminer.com/ Email: info@alrminer.com Start a smarter, greener, and no-risk mining experience today. 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. Briatore interested in signing Bottas says Wolff Toto Wolff admits to speaking with his Alpine counterpart Flavio Briatore "a few times" about a new hot name on the driver market - Valtteri Bottas. Valtteri Bottas, British GP 2021 Mercedes At 35, the 10-time grand prix winner is no Formula 1 newcomer, but he has been mainly out of the spotlight since losing his Sauber race seat at the end of last year. His career was rescued for 2025 by his former boss and friend Wolff, who offered Bottas the full-time Mercedes reserve seat previously occupied by Mick Schumacher. And, suddenly, a rumour erupted in Austria that Wolff had been summoned to a meeting with Briatore, who has grown increasingly frustrated with Franco Colapinto's poor form. Colapinto's hopes of retaining the Alpine seat sunk even deeper on Saturday with another crash - in Q1. Afterwards, observers noted that the 21-year-old Argentine seemed particularly downbeat. Not too much, Colapinto insisted when asked how worried he is that Briatore will drop him. There are always different rumours, but I just have to keep working and try to help the team improve the car. But even before that incident, Briatore was clearly working on a plan B. A few times, actually, Mercedes boss Wolff told Viaplay when asked if he has spoken to Briatore about Bottas. I saw him today and we talked about Valtteri, the Austrian revealed. It seems that the interest in Valtteri is increasing even more. Wolff has Bottas under contract all year, but he says he would not prevent his friend from returning to the grid. He deserves that spot, Wolff said. If someone grabs him as a race driver, we'll let him go, of course, with a tear in the corner of our eye. Bottas is also strongly linked with a full-time seat at Cadillac next year, and some think a half-season at Alpine alongside the on-form Pierre Gasly could only endanger his chances of a multi-year contract. Ultimately, I give him advice as a friend, Wolff insisted. Valtteri ultimately makes the choice with his management. I try to stay in the background. (GMM) Cadillac admits Schumacher on the list for 2026 Mick Schumacher really could be in the running for a return to the Formula 1 grid next year. Mick Schumacher, United States GP 2022 Haas Ever since the son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher lost his race seat at Haas at the end of 2022, he has never ruled out making a comeback. However, even Schumacher's two-year stint as Mercedes' reserve driver ended late last year, and the 26-year-old has been focusing full-time on the WEC with Alpine. The German, though, was back in the F1 paddock both in Austria last weekend and again at Silverstone for the British GP. At Silverstone, he is accompanied by his new and well-known advisor Dirk Muller - and also in the paddock are Cadillac bosses Dan Towriss and team principal Graeme Lowdon. Multiple other drivers, including Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, are also strongly linked with the new-in-2026 eleventh Formula 1 team. Lowdon admitted to Sky Deutschland that among his duties this weekend are driver talks. We're very busy, he said. "It's not often that a new Formula 1 team joins the grid. Everything is new. The biggest challenge is building a team. We're now two-thirds of the way there in terms of all the people we need for Melbourne, and the car is on schedule. Lowdon tried to fend off the driver question. Hopefully, the fans will forgive us for focusing on the car for now - because if there's no car, there are no drivers, he said. But the situation is pretty good for us at the moment. There are a lot of good drivers available. I think we'll see some movement in the driver market soon. While, elsewhere in the paddock, CEO Towriss admitted that Bottas is an option for 2026, Lowdon was asked specifically about Schumacher. Mick is great, he said. "He's a very nice guy - I like him a lot. And I've gotten to know him better now. "He's still young, but he already has Formula 1 experience. Sure, that was a while ago, but he's kept himself up to date. He's also done some tests and is showing great interest in our project. We really like that. We like that a lot, Lowdon admitted. When asked for his own take on the situation, Schumacher admitted he is having a few conversations this weekend. There's no news yet regarding Formula 1, but that's still the big goal, said the German. We're working toward that. Schumacher attended Cadillac's team launch event in Miami two months ago. He's no stranger to the team, Lowdon admitted. "He knows where we stand. There are only positive things to say about Mick. He's clearly one of the drivers on the list. I should also note that the list is quite long, he smiled. (GMM) Verstappen pole, BBQ, and relief at Red Bull With an unexpected pole and a barbeque at the boss's place, Max Verstappen's Red Bull love story could be back on track. Max Verstappen, British GP 2025 Red Bull For the quadruple world champion, the last fortnight has been a firestorm of speculation about performance-related exit clauses and admitted talks with rival team Mercedes' boss Toto Wolff. Then, on Friday at Silverstone, Verstappen called the handling of his troublesome 2025 car unbelievable - and not in the positive way. I was understeering a lot but at the same time also having oversteer in places, the 27-year-old said. Team boss Christian Horner, who several times in recent days has admitted problems with some of the team's tools , says it's become a problem that the car often hits the track with a radically incorrect setup. Between Friday and Saturday, Red Bull revolutionised Verstappen's setup, further trimming downforce and resulting in field-leading top speed. The McLarens - both behind Verstappen on the British GP grid - may struggle to pass on Sunday. To be honest, at the minute, our DRS speed probably just about matches Max's speed, said Lando Norris. But it was not just about setup. He can do anything, McLaren team boss Andrea Stella gushed after watching Verstappen's pole lap. He can do anything. Even Fernando Alonso, who just a couple of days ago insisted he used to be the best on the grid, said when asked about the 27-year-old Dutchman: "Max is the best. He hasn't won as many times here as (Lewis) Hamilton, but I think he's the best. When he has a car that's similar to the others, you know he's going to be on pole. The against-the-odds pole will brighten both Verstappen and Red Bull's moods amid the swirling rumours about the quadruple world champion's next move. My view is that, for Max, only one thing is really important when making a decision, Dutch GP boss Jan Lammers told De Telegraaf newspaper on Saturday. 'Will this make me happier or not?' Lammers doubts Verstappen is looking for a Hamilton-style 'adventure'. He has acquired a privileged position for himself, he said. "I can't imagine he wants to go on some kind of adventure with a lot of question marks, then he ends up in a situation like Hamilton at Ferrari. "I still suspect that Red Bull is the team he thinks he can win races with. That's what it's all about for him. The entire Formula 1 world, with everything that comes with it these days, is not for him. I think he will only make the switch to a team where he has a reasonable guarantee that he can be successful, if that chance is greater than at Red Bull at the moment, Lammers added. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher admits leaping to Mercedes would be a big risk for Hamilton. Red Bull is a team built around Max, just like Mercedes was built around Hamilton, so that move is a big risk, he told Sky Deutschland. "He would have to give up all the advantages he currently has at Red Bull. As a driver, as long as you feel like you're in good hands, you don't want to change. It's a rollercoaster of emotions for Max at the moment, because he sees that even at Mercedes, things are sometimes just so-so. For Red Bull advisor and Verstappen's long-time mentor Dr Helmut Marko, pole at Silverstone was a palpable relief. This pole position is good for the atmosphere, he admitted. We're going to Horner's for a barbecue tonight, the 82-year-old smiled. (GMM) Featured Castel Group completes $81million acquisition of Guinness Ghana GraphicOnline Business News Jul - 06 - 2025 , 16:42 Castel Group has officially taken over majority ownership of Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC (GGB PLC) following the successful completion of its $81 million acquisition of Diageos 80.4 per cent stake in the company. The strategic transaction, which received final regulatory approval last week, marks a shift in Ghanas beverage industry and further deepens Castels footprint across Africa. The deal, announced on July 3, 2025, was described by both parties as a transformative partnership that reflects a shared ambition to grow the Guinness brand and enhance Guinness Ghanas long-term role in the countrys economy. Under the agreement, Castel now assumes operational leadership of Guinness Ghana, leveraging its extensive distribution network and regional expertise. However, Diageo retains ownership of key brands such as Guinness, Malta Guinness, Orijin, Smirnoff Ice, and Alvaro. These will continue to be brewed and distributed in Ghana under a long-term licensing and royalty arrangement with Castel. This transition affirms Castels belief in Ghanas long-term economic potential. With our heritage and extensive distribution network, we are committed to enhancing Guinness Ghanas operations and building on its strong foundation, said Gregory Clerc, Castel Group CEO. Ghana is now Castels 22nd market in Africa, and we are proud to deepen our footprint with this acquisition. The acquisition follows Diageos broader strategy of adopting a flexible, asset-light operating model in its beer segment. This approach enables the company to focus more on brand building and innovation, while relying on regional partners like Castel for local manufacturing and distribution scale. Dayalan Nayager, President of Diageo Africa, noted, Guinness Ghana is performing strongly powered by a fantastic team of people. Through this transaction, I look forward to the Guinness brand continuing to thrive and delivering further growth. I am excited to extend our partnership with Castel, a long-term partner in the region with a proven track record. The companies assured that there would be no disruption to operations, with Guinness Ghana continuing to function under its current structure. All employees will remain in place under existing terms, and the company will retain its listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Castel also pledged to uphold employee contracts and strengthen local engagement. This milestone signals confidence in Ghanas future and the enduring strength of the Guinness brand, the joint statement read. The deal comes on the back of Diageos recent divestments across Africa, including Guinness Nigeria to Tolaram and Guinness Cameroon to Castel. Diageo continues to maintain a broad presence on the continent, with operations in 34 countries through East African Breweries Limited and Diageo South West Central, and a strategic distributor network. For Castel, this acquisition is a bold step forward. It reflects our ability to go where we are least expected, exploring new horizons on a continent full of opportunities, Mr Clerc added. A power station is seen in Aden, Yemen, July 6, 2025. (Photo by Murad/Xinhua) by Murad Abdo ADEN, Yemen, July 6 (Xinhua) -- When electricity flickers on in Saleh Saeed's home in Yemen's Aden, his children rush to gather around rechargeable fans. For four to six hours daily -- if they are lucky -- the fans offer them fleeting relief in a city where temperatures hit 40 degrees Celsius and blackouts stretch up to 20 hours. "We only switch them on at night so the children can sleep," the 42-year-old father of five told Xinhua. "Without them, it's unbearable -- the children cry throughout the night because of the heat, and we barely get any sleep." Across Aden, survival hinges on such small victories. Families limit themselves to a single meal a day to prevent spoilage, while post-surgery patients rent hotel rooms to access air-conditioned relief. Um Ahmed, 50, winced as she navigated a hotel lobby days after her spinal surgery. "The doctors told me I need to stay cool and clean for at least 12 days ... But how can a family like mine afford hotel rooms when we can barely pay for medicine?" Public spaces have become sanctuaries. Hamzah Ali, 25, frequents malls "not for shopping but for enjoying short hours of cold air." Others line the coast and the streets in search of breeze. Widespread power shortages have fueled a surge in solar energy use. In the Sheikh Othman district, solar energy facility retailer Mohamed Hani said sales have doubled in recent weeks as families "are buying whatever they can afford, from full solar systems to just a battery and small panel for lighting." In the Al-Mansourah district, 39-year-old private company employee Samah Nasser invested her life savings of 2,000 U.S. dollars in a rooftop solar system. "It changed our lives," Nasser said, watching her small solar panel powering three fans, light bulbs, and a refrigerator. "We no longer have to wait and wonder when electricity will come." For Mohamed bin Hassan and many others in Aden's low-income neighborhoods, the high cost of solar energy leaves them no choice but to "sit in the dark most of the time." Hassan, a father of five, said his family could only afford a small 12-volt battery to power their phones and a single fan. Chronic fuel shortages and deteriorating infrastructure caused by years of conflict in Yemen have crippled the public electricity network in Aden, which now produces only 53 megawatts -- less than eight percent of summer demand. In early June, the General Electricity Corporation in Aden issued warnings on fuel depletion at key generation stations, yet residents said no emergency measures have been taken to address the crisis. "No solution looms on the horizon. The crisis is complicated -- citizens don't pay bills for years, and the old power stations drain the government budget," an electricity corporation official spoke anonymously, attributing the crisis to a lack of financial support in the fight against the Houthis. Health workers warn of rising medical cases. "The prolonged power cuts pose serious risks during the summer months, particularly for the elderly," said Rasha Waleed, a nurse at a clinic in Al-Mansourah. "The hardest part is not knowing when the electricity crisis will come to an end," said Saeed. This photo taken on July 6, 2025 shows power transmission lines in Aden, Yemen. (Photo by Murad/Xinhua) Cars are seen under power transmission lines in Aden, Yemen, July 6, 2025. (Photo by Murad/Xinhua) Featured Dalai Lama hopes to live beyond 130 years, much longer than predicted Graphic Online International News Jul - 06 - 2025 , 15:19 2 minutes read The Dalai Lama said on Saturday he hopes to live until he is more than 130 years old, two decades longer than his previous prediction, following his assurance to followers that he would reincarnate as the spiritual head of the faith upon his death. The Nobel Peace Prize winner was speaking during a ceremony organised by his followers to offer prayers for his long life, ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday, and as China insists it will choose his successor. The Dalai Lama told Reuters in December he might live to 110. The Dalai Lama, is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, and he turned 90 on Sunday after a week of celebrations. Thousands of worshippers from around the world have travelled to Dharamshala, the small Indian town in the foothills of the Himalayas where the Dalai Lama lives, to mark the occasion. This includes long-time follower and Hollywood star Richard Gere, who is set to speak during the celebrations for the Nobel laureate, who is regarded as one of the world's most influential religious leaders and worshipped by millions of Tibetan Buddhists as the living manifestation of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion. "I have been able to serve the Buddhadharma (the teachings of Buddhism) and the beings of Tibet so far quite well," he said between prayers, clearing his throat now and then. "And still, I hope to live over 130 years," he said, sparking applause and cheers among his followers. The 14th Dalai Lama, already the longest-lived head of Tibetan Buddhism, spent about 90 minutes at the prayers in his temple. The ceremony was attended by thousands of followers from around the world who gathered in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamshala, where he has lived since fleeing Tibet in 1959 in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule. "We have lost our country and we live in exile in India, but I have been able to benefit beings quite a lot. So, living here in Dharamshala, I intend to serve beings and the dharma as much as I can," he said in Tibetan, which was translated simultaneously into English and other languages. China, keen to consolidate its control over Tibet, views the Dalai Lama as a separatist. Beijing insists its leaders would have to approve his successor, in a legacy from imperial times. Previous article: Parliament to sit on Mondays and Saturdays to clear backlog before July 12 adjournment Featured See the members of the new Bui Power Authority board Jemima Okang Addae Jul - 06 - 2025 , 07:55 2 minutes read The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the Bui Power Authority (BPA), charging them to strengthen institutional governance, re-evaluate existing contracts, and lead Ghana's transition to sustainable energy solutions. At the ceremony, the Minister voiced concern over the current state of the Authority, particularly in relation to direct energy procurement and strategic direction. He stressed the importance of financial discipline, improved contract management, and efficiency, adding that government was committed to reducing systemic waste in the energy sector. Upon assumption of office, we did an initial review and I must say we were unhappy with the state of the company, especially pricing and the companys strategic focus. I note that the company had signed a number of solar contracts. Its time to focus on battery-backed solar, Mr Jinapor said. He revealed that major reforms would soon be announced to enhance the efficiency of energy-related contracts and align with the national goal of energy sustainability. Expressing optimism, the Minister said the new boards diverse backgrounds and experience positioned them well to support Ghanas clean energy agenda. In his response, the newly appointed Board Chairman, Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, thanked President John Dramani Mahama and Minister Jinapor for the confidence reposed in the team. We recognise the urgency of the moment, rising energy demand, climate responsibility, and the need for bold decisions. We are committed to providing steadfast leadership to shape Ghanas energy and green transition agenda, he said. Ambassador Marfo reaffirmed the board's commitment to net-zero goals and pledged to prioritise governance, operational excellence, and climate resilience. Members of the new BPA Board: Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo (Chairman) Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam (Ag. CEO) Dr Edna Agyepong Fuseina Sulemana Ing. Yao Gomado (MP) Mohammed Kwaku Doku The new board is expected to play a pivotal role in steering BPAs future projects in line with national energy reforms and Ghanas commitment to a low-carbon economy. Featured LIST: See the members of the new DVLA and National Road Safety Authority Boards GraphicOnline Jul - 06 - 2025 , 16:09 3 minutes read The Minister for Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has inaugurated new boards for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), charging them to prioritise road safety compliance and technological innovation in transport regulation. Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Accra on Thursday, Mr Nikpe urged the boards to take decisive steps to tackle road traffic indiscipline, which he said remains a major contributor to accidents and fatalities across the country. The provisional figures for the first half of the year are very alarming, and without prompt action, the situation could worsen, he warned. As board members, and through your wise counsel, the Authorities are better positioned both financially and technically to address this pressing issue. He added: I therefore urge you to work closely with Management to help reduce fatalities on our roads. DVLA Board membership The newly inaugurated DVLA board is chaired by Mr George Spencer Quaye. Its members are: Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey Chief Executive Officer, DVLA Mr Eric Tetteh-Addison Mr Abraham Amaliba Director-General, NRSA Ms Mary Affanyi Colonel Faustina Dennison Mr Robinson Kwasi Martey Mr Kwassem M. Odaymat Dr Abiba Zakariah Mr Ali Wahab Ms Theresa Potakey Mr Emmanuel Kofi Netkuni NRSA Board Membership The National Road Safety Authority board is chaired by Mr Chemah Joshua Yaadang. Its members include: Mr Abraham Amaliba Mr Derick Amaning Kwarteng Mr Francis Dormenyo Ahlidza Mrs Mavis Asare Donkor Mrs Nana Abuaa Brenya-Okyere Mr Peter Baba Atiniak Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey Ms Freda Ekua Faah Mrs Naa Shormeh Gyang Mr Stephen Adu Mr Oliver Akubia Mr George Sarpong Mr Nikpe highlighted that the NRSAs powers had been significantly enhanced by the passage of the National Road Safety Authority Act, 2019 (Act 993) and its accompanying Regulations (L.I. 2468). These laws now empower the Authority to ensure compliance with road safety measures beyond its traditional educational role. He further advised the DVLA board to embrace new technologies that respond to emerging trends in transport and called for an expansion of the authoritys 24-hour operations across all offices nationwide. The Minister cautioned members of both boards against overstepping into the day-to-day management of the institutions, urging them to focus on strategic oversight in line with their mandates. It is my expectation that the board and management will work together as a team to achieve the goals and mission of the Authority, he said. Both chairpersons pledged to work collaboratively with management to achieve the institutions goals. Mr Yaadang, Board Chair of the NRSA, said: Well strive to make decisions that are in the best interest of the Authority and uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Mr Quaye, DVLA Board Chair, promised to foster innovation, enhance transparency and deliver exemplary service to the public. Mr Nikpe assured the boards of the Ministrys full support in fulfilling their duties. Next article: Parliament to sit on Mondays and Saturdays to clear backlog before July 12 adjournment Featured Mahama launches No Fees, No Stress policy; 15,000 first-year tertiary students receive fee payments Mohammed Ali Jul - 06 - 2025 , 08:00 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has announced that 15,000 first-year students in public tertiary institutions have received confirmation that their admission fees have been paid under the governments newly launched No Fees, No Stress policy. Speaking at the official launch of the initiative in Koforidua on Friday, July 4, 2025, the President said the policy is aimed at removing financial barriers that prevent qualified students from enrolling in public universities, technical universities, nursing training colleges, and colleges of education. This is not just a policy announcement, President Mahama said. It is already working. Students who would have deferred their dreams are now registering because their fees have been paid. According to the President, over 150,000 prospective students have accessed the online application portal, with 34,500 applications verified so far. Out of that number, 15,000 students have already received notifications confirming that their admission fees have been covered by the state. President Mahama stated that the initiative, which takes effect this academic year, guarantees full academic fee payment for all first-year students enrolled in public tertiary institutions. He added that students with disabilities will be supported throughout the duration of their studies, not just in the first year. He further announced that the government would introduce a revised loan scheme, known as Student Loan Plus, to provide continuing students with increased financial support and simplified access. Scholarships will also be made available to students from underserved communities and those pursuing fields deemed important to national development. Education should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy, Mr Mahama said. This is a constitutional, moral, and developmental obligation. We are making education a shared national inheritance. The President cited World Bank data showing that each additional year of tertiary education can increase a person's earnings by up to 17 per cent in developing countries. He said the policy would contribute to long-term national development by improving access to higher education and building a more productive workforce. Referring to the 20222023 academic year, Mr Mahama noted that although over 150,000 students were admitted to public tertiary institutions, many were unable to enrol because of financial difficulties. This policy responds directly to that challenge, he said. We are taking steps to ensure that every Ghanaian child has the opportunity to pursue tertiary education, regardless of their background. President Mahama also revealed that the SDA College of Education, which hosted the launch, will benefit from new infrastructure in the next GETFund budget cycle. These include a male hostel, a multipurpose lecture hall, a 66-seater bus, and an official vehicle for the principal. Next article: LIST: See the members of the new DVLA and National Road Safety Authority Boards Featured Nigerias Police rescue 19 Ghanaians from human traffickers in Oyo Vanguardngr.com Jul - 06 - 2025 , 21:10 2 minutes read The Police Command in Oyo State says it has rescued 19 Ghanaian victims of alleged trafficking through a targeted operation. The commands spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, made this known in a statement in Ibadan on Sunday. He said that the victims, who were young nationals from Ghana, comprised 14 men and five women. Osifeso said that the investigation revealed that the victims had been lured to Nigeria with false promises of job opportunities. He said that they fell prey to a manipulative scheme by unknown perpetrators, who exploited them for financial gain. He further stated that the victims had provided critical information about their ordeals, which is currently aiding the ongoing investigations. The investigation is based on credible intelligence related to suspicious activities at a building in the Kajorepo area of Akinyele Local Government Area in Ibadan, Oyo state. The State Criminal Intelligence Department (CID), with the invaluable support of tactical command teams, executed a search warrant at the site, which had been securely locked from outside. This operation led to the arrest of nineteen (19) individuals, comprising 14 men and five women, all young nationals from Ghana. Following established protocols, the victims have since been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further investigations and to possibly reunite them with loved ones back in their country. The Oyo State Police Command remains dedicated to uncovering the identities of those responsible for this alarming situation, Osifeso said. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities directly to the authorities. Next article: See the members of the new Bui Power Authority board Featured Parliament to sit on Mondays and Saturdays to clear backlog before July 12 adjournment Mohammed Ali Jul - 06 - 2025 , 07:57 2 minutes read Parliament will begin extended sittings from Monday, July 7, 2025, as the House moves to complete pending legislative business ahead of its scheduled adjournment on Saturday, July 12, 2025. The announcement was made by the Majority Leader, Mr Mahama Ayariga, when he presented the Business Statement for the seventh week on the floor of the House. He explained that the additional sittings, including Mondays and Saturdays, will help speed up the processing of Legislative Instruments (LIs) that must mature before the end of the session. Mr Ayariga, who also chairs the Business Committee, said the coming week will be packed with ministerial appearances. Fifty-five Ministers of State, along with the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, are expected to respond to questions from Members of Parliament. He added that new Bills may be introduced and, if considered urgent, could be passed through all the required stages in one sitting, as permitted under Standing Order 160. He also noted that Papers could be laid and committee reports presented for consideration. Motions may be debated and their consequential resolutions, if any, taken during the week, Mr Ayariga said. In accordance with Standing Order 216(2), and subject to Standing Order 67, the Committee submits to the House the order in which business shall be taken. During discussions on the Business Statement, the Minority Leader, Mr Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, called on the Majority Leader to include a briefing from the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Madam Jean Mensa, regarding the rerun of parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency. Parliaments decision to extend its sitting days comes at a time of growing public interest in the passage of legislative instruments and increased scrutiny of electoral processes, particularly as the House nears the end of its current meeting. TINIAN, CNMI Local businesses across the Marianas, including Guam and the CNMI, will have to compete with U.S. mainland companies for lucrative military contracts as the Indo-Pacific buildup accelerates, according to the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific. Mark Hashimoto, executive director of Marine Corps Forces Pacific, confirmed during a recent public meeting on Tinian that federal rules require an open bidding process under Federal Acquisition Regulations, leaving no local preference for contractors on Guam, Tinian, Rota, or Saipan. When these bids are open, theyre really open for anyone in America, Hashimoto said. We are looking for price, schedule, and performance...we dont discriminate against who might bid as long as they meet federal acquisition requirements. Quarterly industry days are held in the Marianas to help local businessesespecially small and micro-enterprisesnavigate these complex requirements, Hashimoto said, but emphasized the burden is on companies to prepare themselves to compete. In Guam, where military activity dwarfs that of the CNMI, the challenge is even more pronounced. The islands economy is more robust but heavily reliant on defense spending, yet small and minority-owned businesses still struggle to penetrate the federal contracting ecosystem. Guams location, high shipping costs, limited economies of scale, and a persistent shortage of specialized skilled labor compound these challenges. Even with a recent surge of nearly 5,000 new H-2B foreign workers authorized for Guam to support the buildup, local contractors say their capacity to benefit from billions in federal construction remains limited by complicated bid processes and the high bar set for federal compliance. Edward C. Camacho, special assistant to the CNMI Governor for Military Affairs, shared similar frustrations in an earlier interview, noting that close to $500 million in recent activity has mostly benefited off-island firms. That money leaves the Commonwealth, Camacho said, calling it capital flight that undermines long-term economic gains promised by military investments. He urged stronger enforcement of tax laws to ensure companies operating locally pay their fair share. Meanwhile, during the same Revised Draft Environmental Impact Study public meetings, Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan demanded the military prioritize local hires and contracts. Give our people opportunity to do business with you folks, he said, highlighting that meaningful participation by local companies could help lift island economies still struggling from the impacts of COVID-19. Environmental and cultural concerns also dominated discussions, with residents warning about damage to fragile ecosystems, noise pollution, and threats to cultural heritage if large-scale training proceeds without robust safeguards. Many demanded the current 75-day comment period for the RDEIS be extended, saying its insufficient to review thousands of pages of technical documents regarding the CNMI Joint Military Training. Protestors from Prutehi Guahan and Marianas for Palestine added urgency to the debate, condemning what they described as military technologiessuch as suicide dronesbeing tested in the Marianas before deployment in conflicts like Gaza. To support using these death tools here on our homeland, tainting our beautiful image, Im here to fight against that, said Marianas for Palestines Abed Salam Castro Younis. Hashimoto acknowledged community concerns and said the RDEIS reflects more local input and stronger environmental protections than the last EIS a decade ago. Public comments remain open until Aug. 20 and can be submitted online at www.CNMIJointMilitaryTrainingEIS.com, by email at CNMIJointMilitaryTrainingEIS@navy.mil, or by mail. The Pentagon announced on July 3 that a $295 million firm-fixed-price contract was awarded to Core Tech-HDCC-Kajima LLC for the construction of a defense system command center on Guam, as part of the 360-degree missile defense system on the island. The work will be performed at Joint Region Marianas, and is expected to be completed by March 2029. Core Tech-HDCC-Kajima LLC was one of the four that submitted proposals for the project to build a new 57,000 square feet command center for the missile defense system. The project is incrementally funded. Fiscal 2025 military construction funds in the amount of $157.6 million will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year, the DoD said. The contract was competitively procured via the sam.gov website. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. Back in May, an Army officer overseeing the 360-degree missile system for Guam told a congressional committee that the project will cost about $8 billion. Thats the first publicly disclosed estimate of the total cost of the missile defense system for Guam. The largest among missile defense system contracts compiled by the PDN in February are a pair of deals for aerospace and defense giant Lockheed Martin to deliver a Guam Aegis System and Homeland Defense Radar-Guam. The contracts total $988 million, with an option to expand the radar for a total cost up to $1.24 billion. Effective July 17, the Trump administration will shut down a 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline option tailored to LGBTQ+ young adults and while some local officials decry the decision, they also said those on Guam could still get help. Guams 988 Lifeline center remains fully staffed and ready to respond. It is open 24 hours a day and can be reached by phone, text, or chat at 988 or online at 988lifeline.org. Specialists have completed refresher training and can assist LGBTQ+ callers by phone, text, or online chat. Our local 988 crisis center remains active, and we are ready. We are ready, trained, and we are compassionate individuals that will answer any call given the opportunity, if they would like to reach out to us, Guams 988 project director Jesse Libby told the Pacific Daily News. Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, the first openly gay lieutenant governor elected in the U.S., said the specific hotline shutdown demands a stronger local response. The 988 national hotline, there are national resources 24 hours that LGBTQ youth have access to when theyre going through a crisis or when they need some help, Tenorio said. And thats being turned off in a few weeks, as we know, thats not a priority for the Trump administration. And so what we do is we need to step up locally. To better serve LGBTQ+ callers, Guams 988 team is expanding partnerships and updating its local resource library. Were really upping the resources and expanding our resources with regard to our LGBTQI community members, Libby said. We will definitely be having those discussions and expanding those partnerships. Ive connected with our prevention partners, too, and thats definitely going to be happening, and is currently happening. This tailored crisis line thats soon ending has helped more than 1.4 million people since 2022, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, which oversees the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The U.S. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration made a decision to remove the specialized mental health resource for vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth, drawing responses from Guam leaders and mental health providers. Prompt 3 Currently, those who call the 988 number have the option to reach an LGBTQ+ crisis line by dialing 3. Known nationally as prompt three, the LGBTQ+ specialized line provided identity-affirming support to callers in crisis. Its removal comes just weeks after Pride Month and amid rising national concerns over LGBTQ+ mental health. Of course, it really is very concerning and disheartening that any access points to crisis services, Libby said. This will impact them by lowering an option for access, an access point to crisis intervention will no longer exist with regard to the LGBTQI+ crisis lineWe recognize that individuals in this community are at risk for suicide ideations, and also homelessness and abuse. Although Guams center has not logged calls directly referencing the termination of prompt 3, many LGBTQ+ callers self-identify during interactions, allowing specialists to provide personalized support. Part of our services, we individualize. Given what are the needs of the individual that is calling and presenting, we give them a list of resources they can avail to, Libby said. Part of that resource is connecting with our community organizations. We refer to GALA, we can also refer to Equality Guam. And then we also have national resources in our library. Guams 988 specialists receive ongoing training tailored to diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ residents, military personnel, and veterans. Theyre really well trained in a lot of different crisis calls in different communities, Libby said. We received training on military culture, veterans culture, and also LGBTQI+ awareness and cultural sensitivity training and how to interact with the best practices for interactions and interventions. Those trainings are already in place and have always been in place since the start of 988. While Guams center has not yet received formal guidance from federal partners on how to handle the shutdown of the specialized line, local teams have proactively updated resources and reviewed training. We are currently updating our resources for this focus population and just to be ready to receive any of those crisis calls, Libby said. Recognize the signs Tenorio called on families and workplaces across Guam to recognize the signs of crisis and help those struggling. And for those of us that are in families or in the workplace that might not recognize or realize this is happening, this is where we need your help to not only watch out for those, but this is a call to action to watch out for each other, he said. Tenorio said theres a lot of people that are struggling but Guam also has a lot of good people that can help. And that really, I see, gives us an opportunity to get a call for action to help those that do need that help. In this case, we know now that this group definitely needs a lot more help than many most would think, he said. He said the LGBTQ+ youth on Guam already face disproportionate challenges. We have a community, and especially LGBTQ youth are faced with higher rates of suicide, higher rates of substance abuse, higher rates of homelessness, and its something that, if anything, this situation, allows us to confront that locally and to let people know that we need help, he said. We need more people to open their hearts and to give their time, to be more supportive. Tenorio pointed to community groups already supporting Guams LGBTQ+ community. We have excellent resources. With GALA, with Equality Guam, with the Student Alliance of the University [of Guam]. There are many people in social work and in education that are leaders, and I would say that, well do an even increased job in getting out resources and options for them to get help, he said. Thats what our job will be, both on the government side and the nonprofit side. The community, individuals, the government, the nonprofits, together, were going to be the ones to provide that safety net. Tenorio urges the community to reject hate and embrace shared humanity. Were all Gods children, everybody. I firmly believe that were all here on this island, in this world for a purpose. We have something to contribute, something positive, Tenorio said. And if you are scared of or disagree with those of us because of our lifestyle or how we socialize or where we belong, just remember that we belong all together in this island, we can find commonality. Tenorio reassured that members of the LGBTQ+ community have allies on the island. One of the things that is strong for us is to remind people that were in your families, were part of your workplace, were part of a community, and we all have something positive to contribute, Tenorio said. And for those that need help, reach out. There are those of us that want to help. RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday that China is willing to work with Ethiopia to promote joint efforts by all parties to practice true multilateralism, and firmly safeguard economic globalization and free trade. Li made the remarks during his meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit. The pretrial conference for Nicolas Engracio Damian Roberto, originally set for July 16, was postponed as defense counsel requested additional time to coordinate the presence of a DNA expert and minor victim. Roberto, who appeared before Superior Court Judge Vernon Perez, is accused of impregnating a then 13-year-old girl. If convicted, he faces life in prison. Perez opened the hearing by confirming the trial date of July 16, but noted the date was currently waived. There is no settlement in the case, defense attorney Terrence Timblin told the court. Prosecuting attorney Christine Tenorio asked the court for about a four-week continuance. Im aware that this is scheduled for July 16, but I ask the court for a little bit of time, she said. She said the minor has since relocated and the person who did the DNA testing also needs to be flown to Guam. "I just need time to coordinate those trips," Tenorio said. The judge asked if the delay could extend beyond four weeks. I think that also should be fine, your Honor, Tenorio responded. I know that the defendant rejected my last offer, but I do think that maybe if he gives a little bit of time, maybe Mr. Timlin and I can keep negotiating. Timlin did not object to the continuance. Perez then set a tentative jury selection and trial date for Sept. 24 and scheduled a continued pretrial conference in about a month to a month and a half. Well bring this case back in about a month, month and a half for a continued pretrial conference. If not, we can call it a further proceeding," he said The next hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. Aug. 12. Perez reminded Roberto to strictly follow his release conditions. "Im not hearing about any violations. You need to keep it that way. I warn youfelony release carries a five-to-25-year consequence or sentence, and I dont want to see anybody whos charged with a crime go and commit a new crime," the judge told Roberto. According to court documents, the teen girl told police that Roberto asked her to engage in sexual activity when she was 13, and she agreed. The girl alleged they had sex several times before discovering she was pregnant. She gave birth last year. Guams economy remains on a growth path in fiscal 2026, boosted by at least $3.7 billion in Department of Defense construction spending even if tourism remains sluggish, but theres lingering concerns about revenue leakage from off-island military contractors and lack of trained accountants for the local government. Economists, finance experts and lawmakers led by budget chairman Sen. Chris Duenas met on Thursday to get a clearer picture of the local economy as the Legislature prepares GovGuams fiscal 2026 budget. The growth we are experiencing is unlike anywhere else in this area of the world, Bureau of Budget and Management Research Director Lester Carlson said during the Special Economic Services meeting. He was referring to the growing military population from 22,890 in fiscal 2024 to 35,062 in fiscal 2037, and robust DoD spending related to the missile defense system for Guam, the relocation of Marines from Okinawa, and off-base private and public construction, among others. The Government Accountability Office recently said Guam is now a $6.7 billion economy, based on the gross domestic product in fiscal 2022, though public debt was about 38% of that. GAO, the investigative arm of the U.S. Congress, said DoD plans to use $3.9 billion in its congressional appropriations for Guam for fiscal 2020 through 2025. On Thursday, BBMRs Carlson said DoD expects $3.7 billion on military construction from fiscal 2024 through 2028. Challenges, leakages Economist Roseann M. Jones, PhD, whos also dean of the School of Business and Public Administration at the University of Guam, pointed out that GovGuam revenue structures heavily rely on federal sources, about 34% of the GDP. Release of tax refunds have significantly improved, she said, but structural fiscal challenges persist. A tax gap continues, and theres revenue inefficiency, which may be coming from the collection of business privilege tax from federal contractors. GovGuam may want to see how to improve that efficiency of collection in that segment, she said. Military transformation, she said, has created unprecedented economic opportunity for Guam. Each dollar of DoD spending, she said, generates about 75 cents in additional GDP. Vice Speaker Tony Ada also raised concerns about revenue leakage, saying GovGuam doesnt seem to get its fair share of the taxes from off-island military contractors. He also pointed out that in fiscal 2025 alone, Guam-based companies made only $191 million from service construction contracts performed on Guam while non-Guam-based firms made $846 million. Department of Revenue and Taxation Director Marie Lizama said work has started, but she does not have current data, to look into the revenue leakage. Lizama said DRT believes the revenue leakage is not a huge one, but Ada said theres still revenue leakage that needs to be plugged. Public Auditor Benjamin Cruz, a former speaker and chief justice, said GovGuam needs to invest in trained and certified public accountants, especially in big agencies handling substantive amounts like the Guam Department of Education. Delays in GDOEs financial reporting perennially delays GovGuam-wide audits, he said. He also asked senators to closely look at financial concerns involving charter schools, and the need to invest in at least scanners for the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, which still stores financial records in cardboard boxes. On track Department of Labor assistant economist Christian Valencia reiterated the outlook summary prepared in January 2025, which stated that Guams economy is expected to continue expanding and recovering from the pandemic downturn throughout fiscal years 2025 and 2026. There is considerable evidence that this assessment remains on track, Valencia said. He enumerated new businesses opening, including retailers inside Don Don Donki, opening of a new Super Happy Mart in Harmon, a new American Grocery in Maite, and a new Cost-U-Less expected to open soon in Hagatna. Valencia also talked about GTA building a data center, the Guam Waterworks Authority getting the green light on $350 million bonds, and the July opening of Bank of Hawaiis headquarters in Tamuning. Tourism needs help Guam Visitors Bureau General Manager Regine Biscoe Lee said GVB needs legislative help to continue funding an airline incentives program through fiscal 2026. GVBs optimistic arrivals forecast for fiscal 2026 is over 1.044 million, but without a funded airline incentives program, the conservative forecast could be as low as 667,787. Due to [recent] global supply challenges, its essential for destinations to offer airline incentives [or] we could face another drop in capacity that we experienced in February to May of this year, Biscoe Lee said. Duenas thanked everyone who participated in the Special Economic Services meeting, saying their insights, data and transparency are critical to fiscal planning for fiscal 2026 and beyond and are essential to the integrity of the whole process. Being honest where we are, clear about where we are going, and open to bold informed decisions that serve the public interest are important, he added. Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio said the path to decolonization remains unclear for now as the government of Guam cant move forward with a plebiscite due to federal court rulings. Tenorio spoke about the current state of decolonization during a press conference to announce celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Organic Act of Guam on Wednesday. There still remains some unfinished business at the table, he said. While Guam celebrates the Organic Act which gave residents U.S. citizenship and a local civil government, Tenorio said there is still more that needs to be done. He said legislators from the past set out a course for the island to determine its political status. That was through the Commission on Decolonization which was supposed to hold a plebiscite asking native inhabitants of Guam what political status they want which include statehood, free association or independence. The plebiscite was struck down in federal court after judges found the local law was illegally race-based. The federal court decision prohibits the government of Guam from moving forward with the vote and this is something the entire leadership of the island needs to address, Tenorio said. GovGuam now is seeing if a nongovernmental organization or NGO can step up to hold the plebiscite, but the NGO will need to take that step, he said. Its not clear to me, myself also about what path were going forward thats because we have to reconcile the decisions made by the U.S. courts with the statutes our local leaders have enacted, Tenorio said. Go to Congress Attorney Mike Phillips, whose grandfather Baltazar Bordallo was one of the local leaders who pushed for the Organic Act, said the path forward is to go back to the U.S. Congress. I know we feel bad that wait a minute how is it self-determination if we dont just do it on our own? Well, youre dealing with a colonizer, he said. Thats what the Filipinos did and they did very well, he said. Whatever the choice is, is secondary to the fact that it needs to be our choice, he said. The U.S. needs to give Guam that choice and with the recent court actions there is no other way than to go before Congress, Phillips said. There is nothing to be shy of, he said. The U.S. has an obligation to work with Guam on its political status because they didnt finish their obligation in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, he said. And because the U.S. is part of the United Nations charter a certain process needs to take place which is a benefit for Guam. The only way that were going to be able to benefit from it is to involve Congress, Phillips said. He said there is no excuse to what is going on today other than that were accepting it. The current political status might be considered good to some people, but Phillips argues that it isnt ours. He said its like him showing up to dinner at someones house and deciding whats for dinner. Thats a little bit too much, he said. Until the people of Guam make that decision its not a democracy because you need to have the consent of the governed, Phillips said. He said the court decisions shouldnt discourage the island to continue to push for change since weve done it before. Vote by 2026, 2028 election Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has expressed her support for a call by Sen. William Parkinson to host a political status vote, or plebiscite, by the 2026 or 2028 election, with some NGOs showing interest in hosting the vote. Having a non-governmental organization, NGO, host the non-binding plebiscite was one of several options floated to get the vote moving in a 2024 legal opinion from Attorney General Douglas Moylan. The decolonization commission is tasked in Guam law with educating the public about political status optionsindependence, statehood, or free-associationand then hosting a vote. But a federal court in 2019 found the plebiscite law to be illegally race-based, despite objections from the local government. The governor has previously said having an NGO host the vote for the island might make the most sense to host a vote for native inhabitants of the island, without violating the court ruling. However, the AGs 2024 opinion stressed that any NGO, which are typically nonprofits, could not appear to be merely a surrogate for government action, and no plan for moving the plebiscite forward has materialized to date. GovGuam has argued in court that the native inhabitants defined in Guam law as eligible for the vote is not race-based, as it includes any person who became a citizen of the island through the 1950 Organic Act and their descendants. A federal appeals court found the definition was a proxy for race, as mostly CHamorus would qualify. World War II survivor Teresita Sablan Aguon Guerrero was 5 years old when the Japanese occupation of Guam was in its waning days and when the bombing started, she didnt know where to go for safety. My mother gathered the rest of the family and we hid, Guerrero said. For weeks and months, we have bedridden mothers and babies moaning and crying and nobody could do anything and they died. Guerrero, now 89, was the guest speaker at the Manenggon March memorial ceremony on Sunday, which kicked off the weeks-long observance of the 81st anniversary of Guams liberation from Japan during the war. Liberation Day is July 21. Part of Sundays ceremony, hosted by the Manenggon Memorial Foundation, was retracing portions of the route of the deadly march to the Manenggon concentration camp during the final days of WWII on Guam in 1944. During the war, Japanese soldiers forced thousands of CHamorusfrom children to the elderlyto march to the largest concentration camp on the island. Guerrero shared her familys story before, during, and after the march to Manenggon some eight decades ago. Before they were moved to Manenggon, Guerreros family lived on their ranch during Japanese occupation, often starving due to soldiers taking their produce and livestock. Eventually, the Japanese ordered all adults to work for them and for all children to gather food while attending school. My father was injured building the [Tiyan] airstrip, then he didnt work for six months, Guerrero said. Later on, there were bullets flying around, and my mother was hemorrhaging. She told us to hide in the swamp. People are told to gather and meet with others to go to Manenggon. My parents only brought a pot of food and clothes for my grandparents, my brother, my sister, and myself. We were ordered to go to Tai and Chalan Pago before it was dark. We slept in the middle of the road, and the only light we had was the moon. When her family finally arrived at the valley, they had no materials to build their camp. They slept inside of blankets and had little to no food. We had survived the war For all the hardships she endured, Guerrero still counted herself lucky for surviving with all her family after she later learned the story of her husbands family. My husbands family suffered more, Guerrero said. His brother was beheaded for being suspected to house underground radio. Juan Guerrero Elementary was named after him. My husbands brother was hit in the head by sniper. His uncle was beaten, tied up as a reminder of how severe life was. When Guam was liberated from the Japanese occupation, Guerrero simply remembered men started shouting that the Americans are in our camp and they are moving the people out. We are told to move down the street, where we saw more Army scouts, Guerrero said. We were just happy the Americans arrived. We were filthy and barefoot, footed [and] some were so happy, singing and dancing, we had survived the war. We stayed in Agat until the island was cleared of Japanese soldiers and it was safe for us to go back to our home. We had to rebuild. We suffered but we felt free. She eventually married Francisco Guerrero and had six sons and numerous grandchildren. They both worked for and retired from the civil service of the U.S. government. My story is long and horrible, [but] I give all my faith and thanks to my friends and family, Guerrero said. I pray no one should ever go through a time like this. In honor of him Descendants of war survivors also attended Sundays memorial in place of their family who passed away. Juan Mesa Salas, who was 8 years old during the war, was put to work on the Kalaguak Airstrip. After the war, he enlisted in the Air Force and eventually moved to Massachusetts. His daughter, Joanne Passeri, still living in Massachusetts, returned to her fathers home and walked the path in his honor. He passed away this year, so it was really important that I take this walk in honor of him, Passeri said. Pangelinan returns home Other survivors made the trip back to Guam after relocating to the mainland. Californian Tomas Taitano Pangelinan, 89, returned home for the ceremony alongside Colorado resident Antonio Cruz White, 84. Pangelinan was 8 years old and the eldest of 11 siblingssix boys and six girls, during the original march. The second oldest son, his younger brother, passed away from malnutrition during their stay in Manenggon. We lived in Barrigada, and I drove my grandmother in a cart with a 50-gallon drum of meat that my mom cooked to take to the camp, Pangelinan said. [Today], its nice to be able to commemorate and see people that I havent seen in a long time. Cruz White: Were still having war Cruz White said he was 2 years old during the march and lost his twin sisters, Ana Cruz White and Maria Cruz White. Ana died in Mangilao, and they told my brother, Jeff, to put her on the side of the road, and he did that because theres not much else he can do, Cruz White said. As we marched to Yona from Magilao, Maria died. Cruz Whites father, Jesus, who was also forced to work on the airstrip, immediately went back to find his daughters bodies after he was freed from Manenggon and buried them together. As Guam moves forward 81 years after WWII, it must always hold the memories of Manenggon and all other tragic stories that exhibit the true strength and faith of the Chamorro people, Cruz White said. Its chilling because we havent learned, Cruz White said. Were still having war, were still having people die all over the place. Were honoring these dead people, but were still fighting out there. Its very disappointing. Greatest generation Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio, one of the founding members of the Manenggon Memorial Foundation over 20 years ago, joined war survivors, their families, and community members in Sundays solemn march leading to Manenggon. This march is a solemn reminder of the steps our greatest generation made into this concentration camp, Tenorio said. In this valley, we gather to honor you for your sacrifices, we sit in awe of your strength, and we listen to your stories. Yona Mayor Brian Terlaje, during Sundays ceremony, said war survivors stories remind us of the true meaning of survival and hope. This is our history and our duty to remember. We carry your stories and your courage in our hearts, he said. May today be a today of gratitude, remembrance, and unwavering unity. The next 81st Liberation event is the Kalaguak memorial ceremony at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 11, in Tiyan. Its sad to say that with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, qualified Guam residents have been removed from being recipients of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, RECA. Yes, because of the failure of Congressman James Moylan, our fellow islanders who had to endure cancer and other illnesses due to exposure to radioactive toxins, will not be compensated as those who reside in other states. In the Senate, a provision on RECA was inserted, and it included several states except Guam. In fact, within a week, they modified the provision to include the state of Idaho, and once again Guam was left out. Why? My guess is either he and his team failed to communicate on the importance of including Guam, or they just werent invited to the table for the discussion. Its one of the two, and both are unfortunate. In fact, it seemed that the congressman or his staff werent even aware of this Senate provision until advocate Robert Celestial called him out on a local talk show. The question is, why didnt he and his team march over to the Senate to advocate for the inclusion of Guam, as the Senate was deliberating the overall bill? Why did they wait until the bill came back from the Senate, to attempt an amendment in the House? Did they not realize that the House would not allow any amendments to the legislation, since any change would require the bill to go back to the Senate, where it passed at the slimmest of margins? This was part of the speakers plan all along. Well, the congressman does have an inexperienced staff, so I could see their poor decision making. The problem now is that the plane has taken off, and Guam is left stranded. The congressman could introduce 20 bills or amendments to add Guam to RECA, but not one of them will go further than the home plate. Why? Because no member would want to open that Pandora box and risk losing their state, on what is a very expensive program. Any amendment leaves the opportunity to modify the program. Plus, he, yes him and not Congress, would have to identify $500 million in cuts in other federal government expenses to pay for this. Yes, our congressman struck out. What is an insult to injury is that compensation for eligible downwinders was increased from $50,000 to $100,000 in the Beautiful Bill, and none of our eligible islanders will get a penny from the program. This is a sad day for our people who were exposed to toxins which made them ill. For those who say I am directly blaming the congressman for this loss, well, he has repeatedly stated that he is actively fighting for this issue for Guam, and that under his leadership, the issue has gotten further than it ever has. So how is it that if you were heavily engaged in the discussions, and claiming these members were your friends, that when it mattered most, Guam wasnt even brought to the table? Ultimately, he was the only one with any authority to make RECA happen for Guam, and sadly he failed. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Haiti - South : More than 114 million Gdes in investments On July 3rd, 2025, a delegation from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, led by Minister Alfred Fils Metellus, traveled to Les Cayes to participate in the 4th edition of the Regional Finance Summit in the Grand South, organized by Group Croissance S.A. and the Collective of Chambers of Commerce of the Grand Sud, on the theme of "Financing SMEs for Economic Recovery". The Minister emphasized the importance of this event, which, for him, highlights the urgent need for action in the departments to kick-start Haiti's economic recovery. Prioritizing interactions with the public, Minister Metellus emphasized the importance of local investment, for which strengthening state and financial institutions is essential. He addressed the representatives of the Chambers of Commerce present in the room to emphasize that the State needs all citizens to move forward, particularly through public-private partnerships. During the presentation by Jean Michel Silin, Director General of the Budget, the focus was on programs and projects that directly support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), across all sectors, since these businesses are the true driving force of economic development in Haiti. The geographical distribution of investment projects in the 2024-25 budget highlighted a total of 114,116,000 gourdes for the South Department. Wilson Fievre, Director General of the Haitian Institute of Statistics and Informatics (IHSI), concluded the day's series of panel discussions with a presentation on the national terrestrial fiber optic network project for Haiti. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - ISOC Haiti : Champion and winner of the WSIS Prizes 2025 The Community Networks in Haiti project, led by ISOC Haiti, has been selected as one of the winners of the World Summit on the Information Society Prizes 2025 (WSIS Prizes) by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This prestigious award will be celebrated at the WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event, to be held from July 7 to 12, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. The award was received on behalf of ISOC Haiti by Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society and the Internet Society Foundation, during a ceremony that brought together world leaders, representatives of international organizations, the private sector, civil society, and academia. For this 2025 edition, the WSIS Prizes competition received 973 submissions from stakeholders across five continents, representing governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and international organizations. Following a rigorous technical evaluation process, followed by an online public vote, 90 projects were selected as Champions, representing 9% of the world's most promising initiatives. Among these Champions, the Community Networks in Haiti project stood out for its impact, relevance, replicability, and strategic alignment with the WSIS action lines and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Community Networks in Haiti The Community Networks in Haiti project : The project aims to bridge the digital divide in rural and disadvantaged areas of Haiti by establishing community internet access networks powered by hybrid technical solutions: low-orbit satellite receivers, mesh Wi-Fi access points, voucher management platforms, and local governance. The project focuses on inclusion, citizen participation, local training, and equitable access to connectivity as a lever for social and economic transformation. This approach helps: - Improve access to education, information, and economic opportunities; - Strengthen the digital resilience of communities; - Encourage the co-construction of sustainable local digital governance models. A recognition that honors Haitian ingenuity This distinction honors not only the work of ISOC Haiti, but also that of its technical, financial, and community partners, who are committed to a shared vision: making the internet a tool for human development, local democracy, and inclusion. "This global recognition proves that locally-born solutions can inspire the world. It strengthens our resolve to continue connecting the unconnected and building a more just, inclusive, and sovereign digital society," said Max Larson Henry, President of ISOC Haiti. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Clash in Petite Riviere de l'Artibonite During the night of Friday to Saturday, July 5, heavily armed men, identified by witnesses as members of Savien's "Gran Grif" gang, attempted to re-enter the town center of Petite Riviere de l'Artibonite. The offensive was repelled by law enforcement in violent exchanges of fire throughout the night, plunging the population into fear, forcing residents to stay indoors. Ugandan Army Ready to Engage in Haiti On Saturday, July 5, 2025, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, a controversial figure and Commander of the Ugandan Land Forces, known for his shocking statements in the media and his political ambitions, declared his readiness to commit the Ugandan army to the Multinational Mission in Haiti. "If the UN or the United States extends us a formal invitation, we are ready to intervene immediately and restore security in Haiti within 30 days." Haiti at the 49th CARICOM Meeting Transitional Presidential Advisor Laurent Saint-Cyr will participate in the 49th meeting of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of State and Government, which will be held from July 6 to 8, 2025, in Jamaica. During this important meeting, the situation in Haiti will be at the heart of the discussions. Laurent Saint-Cyr will continue his advocacy for increased support for the Multinational Mission and national security forces. USA : Happy Holidays As part of the celebration of the 249th anniversary of the independence of the United States, on July 4th, 2025, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, on his own behalf and on behalf of the government, extends his warmest wishes to the American people, to His Excellency the President of the United States, and to the United States Embassy in Haiti. The Head of Government pays tribute to the history, founding values, and decisive contribution of the United States to international peace and stability. He reaffirms our country's unwavering commitment to the friendship that unites our two nations and expresses the hope that this special relationship will continue to strengthen in the service of the ideals of freedom, security, and shared progress. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45269-haiti-249th-independence-day-speech-by-us-ambassador-wooster.html Lascahobas : 1,649 candidates will retake the final exams While waiting for the situation to return to normal, Yves Roblin, Director General of the Ministry, indicated that the Mathematics, Aesthetic and Artistic Education (EEA), and Spanish exams will be resumed as soon as possible for the 1,649 candidates from the Lascahobas seat who were unable to sit the final exams due to the armed violence. In the meantime, the Ministry will quickly begin marking the exams. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45266-haiti-flash-official-exams-2024-2025-death-of-two-candidates-video.html Taekwondo : 2 more gold medals for Haiti "A huge congratulations to taekwondo athletes Jessica, Ava, and Sean, who each won gold in their respective categories at the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) National Championships in Salt Lake City. Your hard work, determination, and perseverance paid off. You represented Haiti with excellence, and we are all very proud of you." Haitian Taekwondo Federation. HL/ HaitiLibre The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry expressed condolences over the loss of life as a result of flooding in the US state of Texas, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Azernews reports via the post shared on the ministry's official X. "We are deeply saddened by the many deaths and injuries as a result of flash floods that hit central Texas, United States. We express heartfelt condolences to the U.S. Government and all the people who were affected by this tragedy," the publication says. Prolonged heavy rains and the overflow of the Guadalupe River caused flooding in the US state of Texas. At least 50 people died as a result of the incident. YANGON, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar celebrated the 103rd anniversary of the International Cooperative Day at the Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development in Nay Pyi Taw on Saturday, state-owned daily The Global New Light of Myanmar reported. During the event, Union Minister for Cooperatives and Rural Development U Hla Moe said the Cooperative Department sets its visions, missions, policies, procedures and nine action plans to promote the socioeconomic status of the people, the report said. The department supports agriculture by providing quality seeds, agrochemicals, educational programs, market connections, and arrangements to purchase animal feed, it said. The minister urged the attendees to follow the theme "Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World," the report said. Virtual and augmented reality came with a big promise. The new computer platform was to enable a spatial interface and natural operation using gestures, gaze, and voice input. And thus fundamentally change the way people use computers. Anzeige However, the established input methods have changed little to this day: Mouse, keyboard and classic screens continue to dominate in the workplace, while the touchscreen of smartphones and tablets dominate when out and about. AR pioneer Kharis O'Connell is not surprised by this. In a podcast, the dropout describes his unvarnished view of the industry and talks about things that are often taboo in the AR bubble. Spatial computing: evolution instead of revolution O'Connell can look back on a long career in the AR industry. He developed the first AR applications for mobile devices back in 2009 at Nokia. In 2017, he became Head of Design at AR start-up Meta, years before Facebook acquired the name. This was followed by a period at Google, where O'Connell designed an operating system for AR glasses. After a stint at Amazon and several start-ups, he has since turned his back on the AR industry and now works for a digital pharmaceutical company. Read also VR and AI glasses are just bridges: The secret star is augmented reality His happiest time was at the visionary AR start-up Meta, recalls Kharis O'Connell in the latest episode of the tech podcast Dream Machines. The company developed an AR headset with a spatial interface and gesture control, an early form of spatial computing. Meta was way ahead of its time and failed due to the technological feasibility of its vision. In 2019, the start-up had to file for bankruptcy and sell parts of its technology. According to O'Connell, spatial computing died with Meta and never came back in the same form. The AR pioneer criticizes companies such as Apple, Google and Meta, which he believes are not thinking radically enough about the concept. Even Apple's spatial computer, the Vision Pro, remains stuck in established paradigms. According to O'Connell, simply projecting iPad apps in front of the eyes misses the point of the entire medium. Anzeige Even if he is oversimplifying at this point, it can still be said: Devices such as the Apple Vision Pro will not replace work computers any time soon and will not fundamentally change the way we work. Although the headset allows any number of windows to be placed anywhere in the room, in the end they will remain windows. You still need a mouse and keyboard to work productively. So we are still a long way from a real computer revolution. What problems does augmented reality actually solve? O'Connell moved to Google in 2018. After the Google Glass debacle and the discontinuation of the VR platform Daydream, Google was just about to make another attempt in the field of computer glasses. In the labs, O'Connell came across AR technology that he would never have dared to dream of before. The real challenge was to turn it into a product that solved real-world problems. As it turned out, the use cases discussed internally were anything but new. They were more or less the same use cases as Google Glass, which were rehashed for Google's upcoming smart glasses in 2025. Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externes YouTube-Video (Google Ireland Limited) geladen. YouTube-Video immer laden YouTube-Video jetzt laden Those use cases in today's Google demos, I can tell you, are the use cases I worked on. And those are the use cases I was given from the prior generation of people who worked with it. Nothing has changed, says O'Connell. His criticism doesn't just apply to Google, it's an industry-wide problem. AR map navigation, displaying smartphone messages in the field of vision, visual cooking aids: The application scenarios repeat themselves with every new generation, with every new attempt. These concepts might have so far failed because the technology was simply not yet fully developed. At the same time, augmented reality still seems to be looking for issues that it can solve. Trapped in the echo chamber O'Connell left Google in 2021, allegedly because the company had once again withdrawn from the AR sector. The idealist O'Connell became disillusioned with the fact that profits were more important than long-term visions and the desire to improve the world with technology. Or as his superior put it in a confidential conversation: Google didn't care whether AR and VR were the future, they were nothing more than a rounding error for the business result. Tech companies that cultivate on-off relationships with technologies and burn out talent in short-term projects: the history of virtual and augmented reality is full of them. O'Connell's time at Google contributed significantly to his disillusionment and his exit from the AR industry a few years later. Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externes YouTube-Video (Google Ireland Limited) geladen. YouTube-Video immer laden YouTube-Video jetzt laden O'Connell himself describes his departure as salutary. His life outside Silicon Valley opened his eyes to his obsession with technology, the echo chamber in which he and like-minded people had been living for years, and the resulting conviction that the breakthrough of the new computer platform was inevitable. Today, he no longer believes that people outside the tech bubble really need augmented reality. As far as the technological hurdles are concerned, O'Connell is convinced that they can be overcome one day. In his view, another question is crucial: who wants this technology in the first place, and what are they prepared to give up for it? What data, what freedoms? Because a technology that sees and hears everything we do will not come without a price, says O'Connell. (dmk) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. Two adults were killed around midday on Vaalimaa road near Lappeenranta when their car veered into the path of a delivery truck. The vehicle hit a light pole and overturned. Two people from the truck were hospitalised with minor injuries. The road was partially closed until late afternoon. Three people died in road accidents and two are presumed drowned in eastern Finland on Saturday, marking one of the most fatal days of the summer so far. In a separate incident at 2am, a 17-year-old boy died in Lappeenranta after his light motorcycle crashed into a light pole on Lentokentantie. Police have not released further details. Further north in Nurmes, two middle-aged men are believed to have drowned following a boating accident on Lake Haapajarvi. Five adults were on board a small aluminium rowboat designed for four. They went out in poor weather and all were reportedly intoxicated. None wore life jackets. The boat capsized in strong winds during the early hours. Three passengers swam to safety. One body was recovered, while the fifth person remains missing and is presumed dead. The search was halted on Saturday due to poor underwater visibility. This is a truly typical case, said Anne Hiltunen, water safety expert at the Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation. She cited a 2022 investigation by the Safety Investigation Authority that highlighted the risks of small boats, alcohol, and lack of life jackets, particularly involving older men. So far this year, at least 40 people have drowned in Finland. Eight of those deaths occurred in June, the lowest number recorded in over two decades. Hiltunen said cooler, rainier weather likely reduced the number of water-related incidents. In contrast, drownings in the first four months of 2025 more than doubled compared to the same period in 2024. HT The sign was originally installed by a bar at Makkaratalo in central Helsinki, warning patrons not to toss glasses from the second-floor terrace. Though the original establishment has since closed, the signs remain, now visible on the terrace windows of nightclub Hercules. A Helsinki bars warning of a 10,000 fine for throwing items from a terrace has raised eyebrows. Yet according to Finlands National Police Board, the practice may fall within the bounds of private agreements known as real contracts. A similar notice appears at the Maxine nightclub nearby. Paul Meli, business director at operator Noho Partners, said the signs were in place before they took over. I understand the idea was humorous, and thats why the amount was set so high, he said. Despite its phrasing, the sign does not constitute a state-issued penalty. Still, Chief Inspector Konsta Arvelin of the National Police Board confirmed the legal grounds for such private arrangements. If the rules are clearly visible at the entrance or within the premises, a real contract can form between the customer and the business, even without signatures or verbal agreement, Arvelin explained. Similar arrangements are common across Finland. Taxis may charge 500 for cleaning up vomit. Buffets can add 50 for wasted food. Private parking enforcers issue fines for unauthorised parking. Even party hosts can request compensation if guests break items, provided the conditions were clearly stated in advance. Enforcement requires a court ruling If a customer refuses to pay, the bar must take the matter to court. Judges then assess whether a contract was formed, if terms were clear, and whether the fee is reasonable. In Finland, real contracts are not heavily regulated. A person can name any sum as a 'fine', but it must be proportionate, said Arvelin. That means while a 300 fee for breaking a plastic chair might be upheld, a 10,000 charge for throwing a glass could be dismissed. Private businesses can also only enforce these rules within their own property. No charges may apply if an incident occurs on public land. At Maxine and Hercules, no one has been billed 10,000. Meli said the deterrent appears effective: No one has thrown glasses during our ownership, so one could say the signs are working. HT The policy announcement followed internal disagreements within the coalition government over EU climate targets. Teemu Keskisarja , deputy chair of the Finns Party, said his party would not support European emissions goals, citing concerns about job losses in forestry. The Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced a package of measures on Friday aimed at boosting forest growth and strengthening carbon sinks. The initiative supports Finlands statutory goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2035. In contrast, Sari Multala, Minister of Climate and Environment from the National Coalition Party, confirmed Finlands support for the EU plan earlier in the week. The new forestry strategy includes expanded fertilisation efforts and afforestation incentives. Forests will receive targeted support to improve growth and resilience, with measures designed to increase the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere. The ministry, led by Sari Essayah, chair of the Christian Democrats, said the steps would aid the implementation of Finlands Climate Act and the National Forest Strategy. That strategy, first approved in 2015, outlines objectives for forest-related industries and land use through 2025. The governments spring mid-term review and supplementary budget provided funding for the forest climate actions. One key measure is an expansion of ash fertilisation to restore degraded peatlands. These areas, often drained in previous decades for farming and forestry, are now recognised as critical for carbon storage. The target is to raise fertilisation coverage from 11,000 hectares to 40,000 hectares annually. The programme also promotes planting forests on low-yield or disused farmland. A two-year incentive scheme will support landowners in increasing forest cover in areas no longer used for agriculture. The ministry said it would enhance communication with forest owners and businesses. It plans to offer guidance on managing climate-related risks and protecting forest assets from future damage. A legislative committee has been set up to revise forest laws in line with the new policies. Further details on the implementation of the forestry strategy are expected in August. HT Around 20 individuals, some carrying sticks, forced their way into the compound despite locked gates. They targeted people attending the event, accusing them of organising demonstrations. An armed group attacked the headquarters of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) in Nairobi on Sunday during preparations for a press conference denouncing state violence. The event was scheduled ahead of Saba Saba Day, an annual commemoration of pro-democracy protests. They were attacking and robbing guys, saying: You are planning protests here, an AFP journalist at the scene reported. The press conference was organised by the Womens Collective Kenya, a grassroots group campaigning against arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings. The meeting had not yet started when the group was forced to flee. The Womens Collective later posted on social media: Armed goons have attacked offices of the Kenya Human Rights Commission. The attack follows weeks of escalating violence in Kenya, where state-linked armed groups, widely referred to as goons, have been used against demonstrators. On 17 June, hundreds of men on motorbikes assaulted anti-police violence protesters using whips and clubs. AFP journalists reported the attackers appeared to operate under police protection, and some claimed they were paid by local authorities. The unrest follows widespread demonstrations that erupted in June 2024, with protestors blaming President William Rutos government for economic hardship and corruption. Anger has also intensified due to a surge in police violence, including fatal shootings and unlawful detentions. On 25 June, protests turned deadly when at least 19 people were killed during clashes. Thousands of businesses were looted and damaged across major cities. Saba Saba Day, marked annually on 7 July, honours the struggle for democratic reforms in the 1990s. This years observance coincides with growing dissatisfaction over governance and security practices. HT The floods, centred around Kerr County, were triggered by intense rainfall between Thursday evening and Friday morning. According to The Washington Post , the area received 2538 centimetres of rain within a few hours, equivalent to four months worth of rainfall. At least 51 people have died in Texas following sudden flash floods that struck the central part of the state late last week. Among the dead are 15 children. Twenty-seven girls from a summer camp remain missing. The Guadalupe River rose over eight metres in under an hour during the early hours of Friday, catching many residents, including those at Camp Mystic, off guard. Camp Mystic, a girls' summer camp with nearly 100 years of history, was severely impacted. The camp had 750 participants at the time of the flood. The youngest children, some as young as eight, were housed in cabins closest to the river and were the first to be affected. Older campers were on higher ground. Rescue operations required some children to wade through floodwaters to reach helicopters. Several are confirmed dead, though authorities have not yet identified all the victims. Guadalupe Rivers waters reached historic levels, with local reports suggesting they may have risen as much as 11 metres above normal. Over 20 children remain unaccounted for. One 8-year-old girl and a 9-year-old camper have been confirmed dead by their families. Texas state officials said they had not anticipated the scale of the flooding. Local judge Rob Kelly told reporters that no one foresaw the disaster. He noted that Kerr County has no flood alert system due to cost concerns, despite previous discussions about installing one. Residents were shocked by the price, Kelly said. We have floods all the time. This is Americas most dangerous river valley. Meteorologists have called the weather event highly unusual. Instead of moving quickly, the storm system stalled over the region, unleashing sustained rain that overwhelmed natural and manmade defences. The National Weather Service issued increasingly urgent alerts through the night, including a warning at 4:03 a.m. on Friday that mentioned catastrophic damage and danger to life. Criticism has been directed at both local authorities and the National Weather Service. Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at private forecaster AccuWeather, said early warnings should have prompted stronger action. He emphasised that flood warnings should trigger immediate evacuations, regardless of initial rainfall estimates. The New York Times reported that staffing shortages at NWS offices in Texas might have hindered effective coordination with emergency services. Some experienced forecasters have left due to federal staffing cuts. Despite these issues, meteorologists and former NWS employees defended their forecasts, stating that the situation developed in ways that were difficult to predict. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem acknowledged the challenges in forecasting such rainfall amounts. She announced that the Trump administration would prioritise updating the technology used to deliver warnings. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said that hundreds of personnel had been deployed for rescue operations. We are doing everything humanly possible to find your daughters, he told the parents of the missing. Authorities have contacted the families of all the missing children but cautioned that not all those reported missing are necessarily confirmed lost. Thirteen-year-old camper Elinor Lester described waking up to thunder and rain around 1:30 a.m. She and others on higher ground remained relatively safe, but many younger campers had to flee rising waters. With no electricity or food, they waited for help. Her mother said one of Elinors friends, who worked as a counsellor, was still missing. Another summer camp nearby for boys was also hit by flooding. There were no missing persons reported from that site, but some boys had to escape through windows as water filled their cabins. President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social, expressing his prayers for affected families and said his administration was working with state and local officials on recovery efforts. The search continues for the missing girls, with local officials cautioning that the death toll may rise. Identification of the victims is ongoing, and it remains unclear if the dead include any of the missing campers. The camp, founded in 1926 and operated by the same family since the 1930s, offers a range of activities from archery to cheerleading. It advertises a Christian environment aimed at building confidence and character in young girls. HT TREKKERS raised more than 13,000 during a five-day hike in Morocco for a Henley charity. Thirteen colleagues from Workbooks, a software company based in Earley, and the Chiltern Centre for disabled young adults in Greys Road, climbed Mount Toubkal from June 3 to 8, climbing 4,167m. The team trekked a total of 28 hours across three days, only sleeping for half of those hours. On summit day, they started their final 13-hour journey at 4am, wearing head torches. Cheryl Purver, from Shiplake, who completed the trek last year, said the climbers were encouraged by words of support and photographs of Chiltern Centre members. She said: From the moment you land in Marrakech, your focus is on the summit. Standing at 4,167m after three hard days of trekking is what its all about. There are always high points and low points for every climber and, although this is a short expedition, it is no less of a journey. Each of our trekkers had a buddy from the centre to take with them. This year, we introduced pocket cards with words of support and a photograph of each buddy to help motivate the team. The young people that we support were very much part of the trip. Climbing a 4,167m mountain in just three days without any prior experience is incredibly tough but the aches and pains completely dissipate in the euphoria of reaching your goal. Ms Purver was emotional reaching the summit. She said: I was reminiscing on how I felt when I reached the top last year and desperately hoping that they all have the same experience in a few short hours. I think I appreciated it more in that I got to see myself in 13 other people, I had more capacity to take in every sight, every sound, every tiny moment through fresher eyes. Touching the shrine on the Atlass highest mountain brings about the most incredible emotions. We then took a short video of the whole team with their buddies, and there were many tears of joy. It was such a special moment for all. Then you face down. Having left the refuge at 4am, you do not reach civilisation until 7pm the same day. We covered 35km that day. Amelia Ash, 43, from Henley, who has Downs syndrome and is an ambassador for the charity, said: I am so proud of you for climbing Mount Toubkal, I could never do that. The centre means so much to me, I love everybody there. I feel like myself when Im at the centre, and I hope you feel like yourself at work. The money you have raised will make a huge difference to our lives, and we are so grateful. John Cheney, chief executive of Workbooks, said: Its difficult to describe how physically challenging it was, we trekked for 28 hours and slept for only 14 over three days. On the final day, we started our ascent at 4am in the dark wearing head torches and spent 13 hours on the mountain. Our efforts pale into insignificance against the day-to-day challenges of the young adults who are supported by the Chiltern Centre. It was a privilege to take on such a challenge, and we are humbled by the work the team at the centre do each day. The next charity trek exhibition will be to Mount Kenya next year. A ladies-only team will also trek the Pyrenees in September. A WOMAN who has early-onset Parkinsons disease worries about what she will be like in 10 years time. Lisa Drage, 57, began experiencing symptoms aged 42 years old and was diagnosed by a neurologist a year later. Ms Drage, who has four grown-up children, ran Dragonflies Montessori School in Norman Avenue, Henley, for 10 years before closing its doors in 2016. She returned to part-time work at a local preparatory school when she was 51 and left that position in August last year due to deteriorating health. Ms Drage had initially seen her GP after suffering from back discomfort and a stiff right arm but was told it was either the menopause or carpal tunnel syndrome. She recalled: I was in a lot of pain but they kept sending me away and just gave me a splint for my right hand because it kept not doing what I wanted it to do. I kept saying, This isnt normal and eventually one of the doctors referred me to a neurologist. Parkinsons disease is very uncommon in such young people, which I guess is why they werent really looking for it. I started thinking it could be something else because my arm didnt swing when I walked, which could be one of the first signs that youve got Parkinsons. When I went to the neurologist, he asked me to walk across the room. He noticed my arm wasnt moving and sent me for a dopamine transporter scan and the results confirmed I had Parkinsons in July 2012. Receiving the diagnosis meant that she could better understand the symptoms she was experiencing. I had no idea Parkinsons would affect my bladder as much as it has, she said. I kept going back and forth to the urologist and they kept doing tests and I just constantly felt like having to go to the toilet, even if I had only been just five minutes earlier. They kept saying it was a urinary tract infection but it has been horrible. That, for me, is still ongoing and is often overlooked in those with Parkinsons. The disease, which is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra, leads to a reduction in dopamine, which plays a vital role in regulating movement of the body. Ms Drage takes near maximum dosage of Madopar tablets, which contain two medicines, levodopa and benserazide, designed to treat the disease. She said: I was quite worried when I got the results because once youve got Parkinsons, youre already quite far into the process, because the brain has been losing dopamine for so many years. The drugs they put you on help to artificially replicate the dopamine process, but its never going to be as good as what your body makes naturally. I had quite a bumpy patch initially but it calmed down after a bit and made me feel a lot better. As the disease progresses, you need more drugs, so you keep on taking more and more to the point now that Im taking them about every two hours, which is almost the maximum dosage. As she is under the age of 60, she has to pay for the prescriptions as they are not means-tested. Ms Drage said: I only get a small percentage of employment and support allowance, which is really worrying. I get all the things I need provided but I have to pay for the majority myself, which is 12 a month, even with a prepaid certificate. Its wrong because if you have diabetes or youre diagnosed with cancer, then everythings free. Why would they not give me the tablets that I need to survive? Four years after receiving the diagnosis and receiving treatment, Ms Drage became psychotic and was hospitalised for seven weeks. I was completely lost, she said. I realised I was deteriorating and I couldnt tell the difference between day and night. I was up all night and paranoid about everything. I couldnt have a normal conversation with anyone or do anything normal like cook a meal. At the time of her psychosis, her son Benjamin, 26, who was living at home with her, witnessed the worrying behaviour. She said: I remember I was in the garage, as I kept thinking someone was breaking in through the ceiling. I got a ladder and propped it up against the washing machine, which is stacked up high, climbed on to it and then on to the roof of the garage and got stuck there. My son came in and was shouting at me, asking me what I was doing and asking me to get down. He was really upset it was awful. That was the catalyst which proved something needed to be done because, if not, I think I would have killed myself by accident. I dont really remember anything but I know it would have been horrible for my son to see me like that, so I opted to go to the ward voluntarily for my own safety. While in the hospital, she was titrated on to Clozapine, an antipsychotic drug, which she must remain on to keep her stable. Ms Drage said: They got me into the hospital, because you cant take this drug unless its prescribed by a consultant, and it takes a long time to get on to it. I had to have my bloods checked regularly I still do now as it can cause problems to your heart. I was a lot better once it started to work in the second week. I can never come off of it, as no one would be able to predict what the likelihood would be of the psychosis reoccurring. As the disease has progressed, Ms Drages mobility has continued to deteriorate, meaning she struggles getting out of bed and chairs and up and down stairs. Ms Drage said: Ive got good support but Im only 57. What am I going to be like in another 10 years? Lots of people have a bad tremor but, when Im tired or stressed, it breaks through. If they took me off the drugs, my right hand could do virtually nothing. Ive started getting it on my left hand too now, as I cant get it to do what it needs to do sometimes. Im prone to falling as my feet stay up, as people with Parkinsons have poor balance. Ms Drage worries about the disease progressing before she is able to go into a care home at 60 years old. She said: Thats one of the things with Parkinsons, its the impact on the families. Essentially, the husband or wife ends up as the main carer but Im on my own. My son Benjamin, 26, helps out as much as he can but hes probably not at home for that much longer. Ive been looking at going into a care home but you cant until youre 60 and Im 57 now. I miss being able to walk properly, she said. I cant pick things up, bend down or put my shoes on everyday things you take for granted are hard. Despite her deteriorating condition, she remains optimistic that research, support and funding will aid progress. The Parky Charter, a government petition started by Mark Mardell, a former BBC journalist, asks the Government to increase funding for the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. It has received more than 55,800 signatures. The five measures listed in the charter include speedy specialists, instant information, Parkinsons passports, comprehensive care and a quest for a cure. Ms Drage added: There are lots of positives, its not all doom and gloom. Its just working out what helps you best. Rescuers work at the site of a boat sinking accident in Zixing City, Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, July 6, 2025. Two people were killed and 27 rescued in a boat sinking accident that occurred Saturday afternoon in central China's Hunan Province, according to authorities. Search and rescue efforts concluded Sunday afternoon. The only missing person from the accident was found at 2:40 p.m. but showed no vital signs. The accident occurred around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, when the 40-seat boat capsized at Dongjiang Lake in the city of Zixing, causing 29 people to fall into the water. Preliminary investigations revealed that a sudden gust of wind, reaching speeds of up to 30 meters per second, struck the area at the time of the accident. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai) CHANGSHA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and 27 rescued in a boat sinking accident that occurred Saturday afternoon in central China's Hunan Province, according to authorities. Search and rescue efforts concluded Sunday afternoon. The only missing person from the accident was found at 2:40 p.m. but showed no vital signs. The accident occurred around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, when the 40-seat boat capsized at Dongjiang Lake in the city of Zixing, causing 29 people to fall into the water. Preliminary investigations revealed that a sudden gust of wind, reaching speeds of up to 30 meters per second, struck the area at the time of the accident. Rescuers work at the site of a boat sinking accident in Zixing City, Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, July 6, 2025. Two people were killed and 27 rescued in a boat sinking accident that occurred Saturday afternoon in central China's Hunan Province, according to authorities. Search and rescue efforts concluded Sunday afternoon. The only missing person from the accident was found at 2:40 p.m. but showed no vital signs. The accident occurred around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, when the 40-seat boat capsized at Dongjiang Lake in the city of Zixing, causing 29 people to fall into the water. Preliminary investigations revealed that a sudden gust of wind, reaching speeds of up to 30 meters per second, struck the area at the time of the accident. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai) Rescuers work at the site of a boat sinking accident in Zixing City, Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, July 6, 2025. Two people were killed and 27 rescued in a boat sinking accident that occurred Saturday afternoon in central China's Hunan Province, according to authorities. Search and rescue efforts concluded Sunday afternoon. The only missing person from the accident was found at 2:40 p.m. but showed no vital signs. The accident occurred around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, when the 40-seat boat capsized at Dongjiang Lake in the city of Zixing, causing 29 people to fall into the water. Preliminary investigations revealed that a sudden gust of wind, reaching speeds of up to 30 meters per second, struck the area at the time of the accident. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai) An aerial drone photo taken on July 6, 2025 shows rescuers working at the site of a boat sinking accident in Zixing City, Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province. Two people were killed and 27 rescued in a boat sinking accident that occurred Saturday afternoon in central China's Hunan Province, according to authorities. Search and rescue efforts concluded Sunday afternoon. The only missing person from the accident was found at 2:40 p.m. but showed no vital signs. The accident occurred around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, when the 40-seat boat capsized at Dongjiang Lake in the city of Zixing, causing 29 people to fall into the water. Preliminary investigations revealed that a sudden gust of wind, reaching speeds of up to 30 meters per second, struck the area at the time of the accident. (Xinhua/Dai Bin) FAMILY photographs found 50 years ago in a Henley junk shop have been returned to their owners thanks to the Henley Archaeological and Historical Group. Sue Clayton, from Berrick Salome, approached the group in January to ask for its help to track down the owners of five photograph albums she had purchased around 1975. The photographs show a young womans six-month trip to India, family holidays in Europe taken before the First World War broke out and photographs of various holiday homes and houses. The earliest photograph dated from 1901, the latest from 1939. David Feary, who led the groups investigation, said: This was a challenge on both accounts 1,400 photos spanning nearly 40 years and a 50-year time gap to bridge. Plus, the albums ended up in a junk shop, so the odds of finding the family felt very slim. Mr Feary described the albums as a treasure trove of clues but said some photographs were more useful than others, particularly one of a house in Shiplake, which Henley historian Hilary Fisher identified as Riverside Cottage. He tracked down Riverside Cottage with his wife in March, where they met current owners Jim and Margaret Cowan. Mr Cowan revealed the house had been sold to a Rose Marion Barbour and her daughter, Reba May Barbour, in 1920. It was so lucky to have Rebas almost unique name, Mr Feary said. The 1911 census showed her at school at Roedean at the age of 15. The 1921 census, with perfect timing, records her living at Riverside Cottage aged 25. She was without doubt the author of the photograph albums. Having researched Rebas family tree, Mr Feary was able to track down her granddaughter, Elaine Lawrence, now living in Spain, and Elaines sister, Karen Valerie Smith, who lives in Devon. In April, Mr Feary, Ms Fisher, Ms Smith and her daughter Beccy and Sue Clayton gathered to look through the photographs together. Ms Smith told the group her grandmother had been born in Northern Ireland in 1896 and lived in London for several years before her mother Rose bought Riverside Cottage in 1920. Reba married Henry de Bathe Palmer in 1926 and gave birth to twin girls in November 1927. The family lived in Binfield Heath and later in Henley, until Henry died in 1944, when the family moved back in with Rebas mother in Riverside Cottage. Reba lived in the cottage until 1976, when she moved to a care home in Torquay to be closer to Ms Smith. Ms Smith even recalled Reba showing her the photographs of her trip to India when she visited her grandmother as a young child. Ms Clayton returned the albums to Ms Smith and her family, where they are kept in a cupboard that once sat in Riverside Cottage. Ms Clayton said: I just felt it was so sad that such a wonderful record of someones life had just been found in a junk shop. I was so pleased when we found the family serendipity. Mr Feary said: At each stage it was quite exciting and encouraging to feel you were actually making progress. It was a bit magical, to be honest. SEVEN local crews remained in contention for trophies as the final day of racing kicked off on Sunday. Leanders first hopes for a trophy in the Town Challenge Cup ended in disappointment as its composite crew with Reading University was beaten by the Hollandia Rowing Club A crew. They were redeemed with victory in the Ladies Challenge Plate, beating a crew from Oxford Brookes University for their first trophy of the regatta. The final of the Wyfold Challenge Cup was stopped following a collision on the course. The leading London Rowing Club A crew caught a crab and lost pace, leading the crew from Sydney Rowing Club, who were trailing by three quarters of a length, to collide with the boat. The London crew had appeared to be steering into the Sydney crews path, but the race empire later said there was an issue with their rudder. The race was restarted at 2.20pm and won by London Rowing Club. The morning began muggy and overcast with a temperature of 19C, and a brief shower as noon approached. Showers are forecast through the early afternoon, with partially cloudy conditions after 4pm. Shiplake College crews hoped to bring home trophies in their categories today. However, the junior womens eight oars lost to Headington School in the Prince Phillip Challenge Cup. There is still hope for the mens junior eight oars with coxswain in the final of the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup against Radley College. Leander Clubs womens eight oars with coxswain will race Molesey Boat Club in the final of the Wargrave Challenge Cup at 2.40pm. The Leander Club and Tideway Scullers School composite crew will race Oxford Brookes University in the final of the Visitors Challenge Cup. The intermediate open four oars without coxswain will race at 3.30pm. A prize presentation will take place from the Fawley stand in the stewards enclosure by Jean-Christophe Rolland, the president of World Rowing, at 5pm. 12.20pm In the final of the Ladies Challenge Plate, Leander Club beat Oxford Brookes University A by three quarters of a length. The intermediate open eight oars with coxswain finished in a time of six minutes and seven seconds. Race report to follow. Alex Abuhoff, who is originally from Montclair, New Jersey, and rowed in two seat, said the crew managed to recover quickly after a slow start. He said: We knew the job we needed to do, try and go really hard off the start and try and get that edge on them. I think that it wasnt the best start Ive ever done, I think they might have taken a seat or two on as at the beginning but we really pushed on right at the end of the island and made a statement there and that set us up to keep pushing through the middle. On that side of the river we know that we really have to keep pushing through the middle because at the end we lose a little bit of advantage. I thought we did such a good job sort of keeping them in the corner of our eye, keeping them at arms distance and just really held that margin and trusted the rhythm all the way down the course. It was really exciting to be part of that and Im really happy with the way the race went. We all come from very different place, Im an American, theres another American in the boat, guys from New Zealand, France, here of course, so I think it means something different for all of us but we all kind of had the same common goal and it really brought all of us together. He said that the crew had hit the ground running following a seat change two and a half weeks ago. He said: The majority of us have been together since March, but we made a small change a few weeks ago and I think we really hit the ground running with that, and I think we just didnt stop, so really pleased with the way it went. He said it felt extra special to share the win with childhood friend, Kenny Coplan, who rowed in five seat. The friends came to Leander together in 2017 after first meeting in high school 10 years ago. He said: We rowed together in high school, went to different universities, and then after we both graduated uni we went back and wanted to do something special together. It feels unreal, we both came here for the first time in 2017, and its been a dream since then and to do that with him and all of these guys is really special. Matt Beechey, head of rowing at Leander, said: It feels ecstatic. The guys have had a pretty tough year, so to come away with a win is really good. You always feel confident going into a race, you always back yourself. 12pm Shiplake College were beaten by Headington School in the Prince Phillip Challenge Trophy. The junior womens eight oars with coxswain, who won the trophy last year, won by a quarter of a length in a time of seven minutes and nine seconds. They beat the finish record set by the 2023 Winter Park Crew USA, by four seconds. The judge said: The lower rating Headington got out to an early lead and held it to Remenham but Shiplake challenged at the mile and eight. In the sprint to the line, Headington prevailed. David Currie, head of rowing at Shiplake College, said: I thought from the beginning I was quite nervous about the race. The Headington crew were strong, and I thought they were going to be a very tough opposition to beat. Early on in the race they took the lead, and I started to think that maybe that was the way the race was going to go. Then through the middle our girls were absolute warriors, they dug super deep, they pushed back, and coming into the enclosures went through in the enclosures but ran out of a little bit of steam in the last 100m so unfortunately, they were the wrong side of them. Credit to the school, they made everyone so proud, but I dont think they could have given anything else. He said that he hoped the result would serve as motivation for the students who will be starting year 12 in September. He said that although they missed out narrowly in this race, he was reassured they were in the ballpark for a win. He said: Once they have dusted themselves off, I think they will be proud of the race that they put together. Nobody wants to be in a race, and they lose by two lengths so to be in a race that youre competitive, battling for the win and just missing out its a bitter pill to swallow, but at least you can look at it and they definitely gave it their best shout. On any other day they probably could have beaten them so theyre definitely in the ballpark for the win, it just didnt happen today. 11am A Leander Club and Reading University composite crew were beaten in the final of the Town Challenge Cup by the Hollandia Rowing Club A crew. The Dutch premium womens four oars without coxswain finished in a time of seven minutes and four seconds by half a length. The crew beat their previous finish record, set in 2019, by two seconds. The judge said: Both crews warned for steering, Hollandia warned most of the course. Crews almost clashed in front of the grandstands and an appeal by Leander was not upheld. Despite all this, some excellent rowing by both crews. Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are set to resume Sunday in Doha for a Gaza truce and hostage release deal, ahead of a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House. Netanyahu had earlier announced he was sending a team to Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict, though he said Hamas's response to a draft US-backed ceasefire deal contained "unacceptable" demands. Under mounting pressure to end the war, now approaching its 22nd month, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet on Monday with US President Donald Trump, who has been making a renewed push to end the fighting. A Palestinian official familiar with the talks and close to Hamas said international mediators had informed the group that "a new round of indirect negotiations... will begin in Doha today". The talks would focus on conditions for a possible ceasefire, including hostage and prisoner releases, and Hamas would also seek the reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing to evacuate the wounded, the official told AFP. Hamas's delegation, led by its top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, was in Doha, the official told AFP. Israel's public broadcaster said the country's delegation had left for the Qatari capital in the early afternoon. Netanyahu met Israeli President Isaac Herzog for talks on Gaza and efforts to expand ties with Arab states before his departure for the United States at 5:00 pm (1400 GMT). In Tel Aviv on Saturday, protesters gathered for a weekly rally demanding the return of hostages held in Gaza since Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, which triggered the war. Macabit Mayer, the aunt of captives Gali and Ziv Berman, called for a deal "that saves everyone". 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. On the ground, Gaza's civil defence agency said 14 people were killed by Israeli forces on Sunday. The agency said 10 were killed in a pre-dawn strike on Gaza City's Sheikh Radawn neighbourhood, where AFP images showed Palestinians searching through the rubble for survivors with their bare hands. 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. Sheikh Radawn resident Osama al-Hanawi told AFP: "The rest of the family is still under the rubble." "We are losing young people, families and children every day, and this must stop now. Enough blood has been shed." 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. 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 "we hope that a truce will be announced" to allow in more aid. "People are dying for flour," 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. UN agencies and major aid groups have refused to cooperate with the GHF over concerns it was designed to cater to Israeli military objectives. 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. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 57,418 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The United Nations considers the figures reliable. An exhibitor (1st L, front) promotes products to guests during the 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 6, 2025. First held in 1993, the China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair serves as a window for the opening of northwestern China and is a major event for Belt and Road economic and trade cooperation. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin) LANZHOU, July 6 (Xinhua) - The 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair opened on Sunday in Lanzhou, the capital of northwest China's Gansu Province, attracting over 2,000 domestic and international enterprises. This year's fair features Indonesia as its guest country of honor. Participation has surpassed previous fairs, with representatives of over 20 nations, including Germany, Spain, Russia, Malaysia and Iran, attending alongside representatives of 18 Chinese municipalities, provinces and autonomous regions, as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The fair has four exhibition zones -- covering international Silk Road cooperation, regional exchange, consumer goods, and featured Gansu industries -- showcasing products across the fields of equipment manufacturing, petrochemicals, biomedicine, new materials, new energy, aerospace, agriculture, and data information, according to its organizers. More than 30 forums and trade events have been scheduled for the fair. Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun noted that Indonesia's 16 attending enterprises were presenting coffee, foods, handicrafts and traditional batik, and expressed the hope that the two countries would deepen cooperation on renewable energy, modern agriculture and cultural tourism. As Gansu's flagship international economic event since 1993, the fair has this year secured deals for 1,181 investment projects totaling over 650 billion yuan (about 90.9 billion U.S. dollars) in sectors such as new energy equipment, agricultural processing, new materials, and digital technology. An exhibitor introduces medical diagnosis and treatment products during the 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 6, 2025. First held in 1993, the China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair serves as a window for the opening of northwestern China and is a major event for Belt and Road economic and trade cooperation. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin) An exhibitor (L) promotes products to guests during the 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 6, 2025. First held in 1993, the China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair serves as a window for the opening of northwestern China and is a major event for Belt and Road economic and trade cooperation. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin) Exhibitors serve tea for guests during the 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 6, 2025. First held in 1993, the China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair serves as a window for the opening of northwestern China and is a major event for Belt and Road economic and trade cooperation. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin) Quadruped robot dogs perform during the 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 6, 2025. First held in 1993, the China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair serves as a window for the opening of northwestern China and is a major event for Belt and Road economic and trade cooperation. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin) People visit a booth promoting apples produced in Jingning County of Gansu during the 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 6, 2025. First held in 1993, the China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair serves as a window for the opening of northwestern China and is a major event for Belt and Road economic and trade cooperation. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin) Guests attend the Major Projects Signing Ceremony during the opening ceremony of the 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 6, 2025. First held in 1993, the China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair serves as a window for the opening of northwestern China and is a major event for Belt and Road economic and trade cooperation. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin) Living with Wildlife: Bats in Your House? Bats are everywhere! It may feel that way to some of Vermont's human residents. Summer is when some species of bats gather in colonies to raise their young in human-made structures such as houses, barns, office buildings, and bat houses. "Summer is the time of year when the greatest number of unwanted bat-human interactions are reported," according to Vermont Fish and Wildlife's Small Mammals Biologist Alyssa Bennett, who works on the conservation and recovery of Vermont's threatened and endangered bat species. "Bats can end up in your living space for many reasons, including young bats that are weak, disoriented or lost while coming and going from the roost, bats moving within a structure to find warmer or cooler roosting space as temperatures fluctuate, and bats being displaced from their roosts due to building repairs and renovations." Finding and sealing off holes on the inside of your home, such as around attic doors or chimney flues, will keep bats out of your living space and can be done any time of year. However, during the summer when bats have flightless young, you should not attempt to seal holes on the outside of the house where bats come and go, a practice which can result in more bats in your bedroom at this time of year. "Waking up to a bat flying in your bedroom or suddenly uncovering a dozen bats roosting behind a rotting trim board during home repairs can come as quite a shock," adds Bennett. "But don't fear, because there are answers to your burning bat questions on Vermont Fish and Wildlife's website using the search term -- bats." Living with wildlife means considering the health and wellbeing of both the public and these fragile wildlife species. Although rarely detected in the general bat population, rabies is a deadly disease and should be taken very seriously. If you are concerned that you have been in direct contact with a bat, have found a bat in a bedroom while sleeping or in a room with an unattended child, a pet, a person with a cognitive disability, or an intoxicated person, please call the Rabies Hotline at 800-4RABIES (1-800-472-2437). If the hotline staff or your health care providers determine there is no concern for rabies exposure, the bat can safely be released outside. Instructions for safely capturing, containing and releasing a bat found inside can be found on Vermont Fish and Wildlife's website, including an instructional video. "Living with wildlife doesn't mean that we have to share our homes with bats in order to protect them," says Bennett. "Our main concerns are avoiding human contact by safeguarding the living space, evicting bats from structures safely and providing alternative habitat for displaced bats." Fall and spring are the times to safely and effectively evict bats from structures where they are not wanted by following the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's Best Management Practices. These practices and a list of professionals who perform safe evictions are available on Fish and Wildlife's website, by calling 802-353-4818, or by emailing Alyssa.Bennett@vermont.gov. Large colonies of bats living in structures can also be reported on the department's website to help find rare colonies of endangered little brown bats, which are eligible for free bat houses. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday as thousands of his followers gathered in a small Himalayan town in India, a landmark occasion seen as a test of his global influence and the intertwined geopolitical struggle. World leaders and prominent figures from across the globe offered their support to the Buddhist leader, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and regarded as one of the worlds most influential religious leaders. A packed crowd of his devotees and supporters, including Hollywood personalities, political figures, and hundreds of red-robed monks and nuns, gathered in Dharamshala to celebrate the Dalai Lamas birthday on Sunday. His supporters were undeterred by heavy monsoon rain and thick fog in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, where the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has been living in exile since fleeing Chinese rule in Tibet in 1959. However, the outpouring of support for the exiled Tibetan leader has set the stage for a political and geopolitical struggle over his succession, between the Tibetan Buddhist community in exile in India and Chinas Communist Party, which insists it holds the sole authority to name the next Dalai Lama. In his 90th birthday address, the 14th Dalai Lama called himself a simple Buddhist monk and shared a message of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism. open image in gallery Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, in yellow robe, is helped by attendant monks as he arrives to preside over an event during which Tibetan exiles prayed for his longevity, a day before his 90th birthday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) open image in gallery Attendant monks help put a microphone around Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's head during his 90th birthday celebrations at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala ( AP ) While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone, he said. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place. He said he will continue to promote religious harmony, human values, and draw attention to the ancient Indian wisdom that explains the workings of the mind and emotions, as well as Tibetan culture and heritage. The Dalai Lama, born Tenzin Gyatso, wore his traditional robes and a flowing yellow wrap as he was escorted to the temple courtyard by a group of monks. Tibetan artists beat drums and played bagpipes in welcome, while senior lamas struck cymbals in his honour. Penpa Tsering, head of the democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile, raised the Tibetan flag as musicians played the Tibetan anthem. The Indian prime minister Narendra Modi led international messages of congratulations, stating: I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. open image in gallery Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, is served food on his 90th birthday celebration at the Tsuglagkhang, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple complex ( Reuters ) He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline, he added. Mr Modis support for the Dalai Lama was notable, as China, a tense rival on Indias border, warned New Delhi to choose its words carefully, raising the spectre of renewed friction between two rivals who had been on a path to mending ties. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, also sent a message, which was read during the celebrations in India, urging that the Dalai Lama continue to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace, and compassion. We support efforts to preserve Tibetans distinct linguistic, cultural and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference, the statement added. Taiwanese president Lai Ching Te, a vocal critic of Chinas territorial claims, lauded the Dalai Lama for setting an example that resonates with all who cherish freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. open image in gallery Devotees watch Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on a television screen at an event during which Tibetan exiles prayed for the Tibetan leader's longevity ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Video messages from three former US presidents, Bill Clinton, George W Bush and Barack Obama, were played during the celebrations, conveying birthday wishes. At a time when we see the forces of division tearing at the fabric of our common humanity Im grateful for your enduring efforts to build a better, kinder, more compassionate world, said Mr Clinton. Richard Gere, Hollywood actor and long-time follower of Tibetan Buddhism, attended the celebrations and praised the Dalai Lama, calling him the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet. He was notably present at the Tsuglagkhang temple events. Several Indian politicians and Buddhist leaders also took part in the celebrations in the Himalayan town. Indian minister Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, attended the celebrations and participated in the Tibetan and Indian national anthem ceremonies. He called him Indias most honoured guest and said he remains committed to supporting the Tibetan cause, adding that devotees will follow the Dalai Lamas guidance. open image in gallery Exiled Tibetans in traditional costumes sing 'Happy Birthday' for their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, unseen, as he leaves after attending his 90th birthday celebration ( AP ) Earlier this week, he irked China after backing the Tibetan leaders stance on his succession, contradicting China. He later clarified it was a personal opinion after Beijing warned India against interfering. The Dalai Lama has declared that he will be reincarnated after his death and confirmed that only his office has sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation, a process for choosing the next leader after his death. In comments that sparked outrage from China, the Dalai Lama said his successor would be born in the free world, outside of China. Many exiled Tibetans fear that China will name its successor to bolster control over Tibet, a territory it invaded in 1950 and has ruled ever since. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The primary X handles of international news agency Reuters were blocked in India in response to a legal demand, according to a notice on the microblogging platform. A message displayed on Reuters X account (formerly Twitter) read: @Reuters has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand. However, the Indian ministry of electronics and information technology denied issuing any new legal demand to block Reuters accounts on the Elon Musk-owned platform. There is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold the Reuters handle. We are continuously working with X to resolve the problem, the spokesperson for the ministry said. The absence of clear reasons for the block has led to confusion and concern among Indian users and media watchers, once again raising questions over press freedom and digital censorship in India. The block gained attention on Saturday evening. The Reuters World account became inaccessible shortly afterward, by 11.40pm local time. An Indian government source told the Press Trust of India that a demand to block several hundred X accounts was made during India-Pakistan tensions in April, particularly when India launched a counter-terrorism operation inside Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. The unnamed source said the government had issued the order on 7 May, but Reuters seems to have acted only now, calling it a mistake on their part. India launched what it called Operation Sindoor, carrying out an attack inside Pakistani territory to target terrorist camps. Pakistan denied that terrorists were attacked, claiming all casualties were civilians. Around the same time, Indian news website The Wire said the Indian government blocked access to its news website and ordered the removal of Pakistan-linked content across digital platforms. The website of The Wire, a news organisation known for its investigative journalism and critical coverage of the government, became inaccessible across much of the country. In recent years, the Indian government has expanded its information technology laws to bring social media under its ambit and to allow the blocking of online content on the grounds of national security or public order. India ranked 151st in the World Press Freedom Index in 2025, a slight improvement from 159th last year. Reuters has not issued any statement yet. The Independent has reached out to Reuters for a comment. Tourists interact with black-tailed gulls on a tourist boat in Rongcheng City, east China's Shandong Province, July 5, 2025. With the arrival of summer vacation, many places in China have entered the peak tourist season. (Photo by Li Xinjun/Xinhua) Tourists interact with black-tailed gulls on a tourist boat in Rongcheng City, east China's Shandong Province, July 5, 2025. With the arrival of summer vacation, many places in China have entered the peak tourist season. (Photo by Li Xinjun/Xinhua) A drone photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows tourists visiting the Shenxianju scenic spot in Xianju County of Taizhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. With the arrival of summer vacation, many places in China have entered the peak tourist season. (Photo by Wang Huabin/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows tourists enjoying themselves at a tourist resort in Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. With the arrival of summer vacation, many places in China have entered the peak tourist season. (Photo by Wu Zheng/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on July 6, 2025 shows tourists riding a boat to enjoy lotus flowers at a scenic spot in Xinghua City, east China's Jiangsu Province. With the arrival of summer vacation, many places in China have entered the peak tourist season. (Photo by Zhou Shegen/Xinhua) This photo taken on July 6, 2025 shows tourists rowing boats at Luyang Lake wetland park in Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. With the arrival of summer vacation, many places in China have entered the peak tourist season. (Photo by Ren Fei/Xinhua) A drone photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows tourists enjoying themselves at a beach in Weihai, east China's Shandong Province. With the arrival of summer vacation, many places in China have entered the peak tourist season. (Photo by Zhu Chunxiao/Xinhua) Tourists enjoy rafting at a scenic area in Luzhou City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 5, 2025. With the arrival of summer vacation, many places in China have entered the peak tourist season. (Photo by Liu Xueyi/Xinhua) Tourists enjoy paragliding in Rongcheng City, east China's Shandong Province, July 5, 2025. With the arrival of summer vacation, many places in China have entered the peak tourist season. (Photo by Yang Zhili/Xinhua) For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A 20-year-old man has been charged after police launched a murder investigation into the death of a scientist who was found seriously injured on a street in Dundee. Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, had been found in the citys South Road at around 4:25pm on Saturday. Emergency services rushed to the scene but despite treatment from paramedics, the mother who lived in the area was pronounced dead at the scene. The force confirmed a 20-year-old man has been charged in connection to the death. A post-mortem has taken place and her death is now being treated as murder, the force said on Sunday. Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp, the officer in charge of the inquiry, said his thoughts are with Dr Gomos family. open image in gallery Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, had been found in the citys South Road at around 4:25pm on Saturday. ( Google Maps ) Det Supt Sharp added: Our enquiries are continuing and I remain satisfied that the incident poses no wider risk to the public. At this early stage of the investigation we are following a number of lines of inquiry. Ms Machonesa said she and Dr Gomo went their separate ways after their studies. Dr Gomo was an environmental and water resources scientist and her specialisms included water resources management, environmental sustainability, and policy. open image in gallery Dr Gomo was an environmental and water resources scientist and her specialisms included water resources management, environmental sustainability, and policy. ( Police Scotland/PA Wire ) According to social media, she was employed by Scottish Water in water resources planning. She was awarded a PhD in Geography and Environmental Science from the University of Dundee, where her doctorate looked at the links between the environment and policy making in the Zambezi river basin, particularly in Malawi. After her death, Dr Gomos high school and university friend paid tribute her brilliance in the classroom which was only matched by her emotional intelligence. Angela Machonesa, who studied with her at Chinhoyi High School and the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe, said in a social media post: She was the kind of person youd go to when you needed clarity, not just of mind, but of heart. She listened. She cared. She uplifted. No wonder she went on to earn her PhD. It was only natural. Her path was written in the stars long ago. To serve. To lead. To heal. And she was doing just that. But now, that dream, our Fortunes dream, has been violently, senselessly, stolen from us all. She added: A child will now grow up without the love and presence of a mother. A family will mourn a daughter who once lit up their home with hope and promise. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the man arrested is to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday. He said he is acutely aware of content circulating on social media and urged members of the public not to speculate on the circumstances of the incident. There will be an increased police presence in the area. Witnesses and anyone with information on the incident have been asked to contact the force on 101 quoting incident number 2283 of July 5 2025. They can also speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A shopkeeper who groomed and sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Stockport has been jailed for 10 years. Daniel Hashmi was found guilty of six offences, including attempted rape, against the same girl after a trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. He was sentenced to ten years in prison, Greater Manchester police said. Hashmi was arrested in December 2024 after the sister of a friend reported her suspicions to the police. During the court trial, the victim said in a statement: "I thought I could trust him. He is an adult, and they are meant to be protectors, but after this, I will never trust anyone again. "This has affected me more than anyone will ever know - I feel betrayed and completely let down. "He has taken away the most important things that I will never get back - I feel used, and that's the worst thing." Police established that offences had taken place in Hashmis business on Wellington Road South, Stockport, between November and December last year. The shopkeeper had bought vodka and vapes for his victim, on one occasion blocking the door in a back room to the shop with a sofa to prevent her from leaving before sexually assaulting her. He denied the offences but was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault on a female, two counts of attempted rape and assault by penetration. In addition to his 10-year sentence, Hashimi will have to sign the sex offenders register for life, and will be given a restraining order and a lifelong sexual harm protection order. Detective constable Ben Swapp, of Stockports complex safeguarding team, said: The girl and her family have shown enormous courage, and we will continue to support them...GMP's Stockport Complex Safeguarding Team is a multi-agency team focused on protecting vulnerable children and young people from exploitation and harm. "This team, which includes police officers, social workers, and other professionals, works to identify, assess, and respond to safeguarding concerns, particularly those related to child exploitation. "We are absolutely committed to removing offenders like Hashimi from the streets, as the danger he poses to society, and particularly to children, is significant. He said he hoped the sentence would give victims the confidence to report crimes of this nature and trust that perpetrators will be brought to justice. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A council has been criticised for banning military equipment from its annual Armed Forces Day celebrations, citing residents concerns about planned protests. Labour-controlled City of York council made the decision to ban the equipment over fears that the Peace Pledge Union (PPU), a pacifist organisation, and ForcesWatch, which is committed to demilitarising the future, said they would hold protests in the city this weekend. York marked Armed Forces Day on Saturday, following the official national commemorations last week, but city authorities banned equipment ranging from weapons to vehicles from the parade by local military groups and institutions. The city instead introduced a brand new Armed Forces Day trail, a self-guided tour of its key military sites with a map and guidebook. open image in gallery Veterans take part in Armed Forces Day in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire ( Joe Giddens/PA Wire ) With our military partners, we carefully considered residents concerns and decided that the day will go ahead as planned, with the only change being no military equipment on show, explained council leader Claire Douglas. This decision in no way diminishes how seriously we take Armed Forces Day and our deep respect and commitment to those who serve and have served. We look forward to a fantastic day. While Ms Douglas did not confirm what the residents concerns in question were, one soldier who lives in the region told the UK Defence Journal it was over fears it would spark protest. Its frustrating, especially when Armed Forces Day is meant to be a chance for the public to see what we do and engage with us directly, the soldier said, adding that it was a ban by any other name. But the PPU argues that Armed Forces Day events give children a simplistic image of armed force as glamorous and fun and help to fuel the rise of militarism in everyday life in the UK. open image in gallery Members of the public during Armed Forces Day in Cleethorpes ( Joe Giddens/PA ) Over the years, protest groups have regularly staged protests across Britain on the day of military celebrations. But the number of events being held on the day across the country has dwindled over time. ForcesWatch and PPU recorded a record number of demonstrations on the national Armed Forces Day last weekend, claiming that protests had tripled compared to last year, taking place in more than 50 locations. Chris Steward, leader of the conservative group of councillors in York, said military equipment was a crucial part of the day. He told The Telegraph: What use is any military without equipment? We totally condemn this decision of the Labour councillors. There has been no cross-party involvement, he said. Mr Steward accused the Labour party of falling from a proud, patriotic party to one which is more concerned how their actions may offend their increasingly extreme supporters. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Ukrainian grandmother was left stranded at Krakow airport after being stopped from boarding a flight to the UK over eVisa issues. Liudmyla Karpenko, 78, had spent 25 hours travelling by bus from Kyiv to Krakow, from where she was due to catch a flight to visit her daughter in the East Midlands. But she was not allowed to board the Ryanair flight due to a problem in her electronic visa account, which would not link to her old residency permit. The government has been moving millions of foreign nationals from physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to electronic visas. Ms Karpenko had confirmation from the Home Office that she had correct visa status in the UK but was denied boarding on her flight because of the eVisa issue. Her daughter, Maria Bondarenko, who lives in the UK with her British husband, said the experience showed how difficult the new electronic visa system was for elderly people. She said: We tried to connect her BRP to her eVisa but we had problems with her photo, because her eyes were shut. The Home Office sent an email saying you need to do it again but it wont affect your status in the meantime. open image in gallery Maria with her husband Gary Cook, and their 17-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son, with Marias mother Liudmyla ( Maria Bondarenko ) When my mother got to the airport, the staff just kept not listening when she showed them the email from the Home Office. They were just saying its your problem. We tried to call the visa centre thats supposed to help with eVisa problems but they didnt know what to do. They suggested getting a separate temporary visa, but she already had a visa for the UK. Its so wrong, this system, especially for old people. For my mum, it was really hard even to sign in to the online visa account. You need to sign in with your email, and then get a code, and then put it into gov.uk for older people it is hard for them to do. What would happen if you are without a phone? open image in gallery Liudmyla in Kyiv, Ukraine ( Maria Bondarenko ) She added: My mother was crying when they refused her. She was at the check-in desk maybe for four hours. She was also worried about a place to stay. She said she would sit in the airport and she hadnt slept the night before because she was on a bus. She was worried about money and I said, No, dont worry, we have no choice, we have to get a hotel. Luckily a volunteer who was helping Ukrainian refugees at Krakow airport was able to help her mother try and link her BRP card with her eVisa account the next day. However, Ms Bondarenko estimates she had to spend an extra 600 on nights in the airport hotel for her mother, an extra plane ticket, and taxis to the UK consulate in Krakow, which turned out to be closed. She also had to spend 16.56 on two calls to the governments Ukraine visa helpline, which is operated by private company Teleperformance. The helpline is labelled as free on the government website, but can incur costs depending on where you call from. Ms Bondarenko booked her mother on a new flight on 26 June to the East Midlands but Ms Karpenko had problems again when she got to the check-in desk. Her eVisa account had automatically translated to Ukrainian on her phone and the airport staff wanted to see it in Polish. Ms Bondarenko, who was supporting her mother through speakerphone, said: They refused to check her status, they kept saying show it to us in Polish. They refused to talk to me. They finally found some girl who was able to understand Ukrainian and they finally said it was alright. Andreea Dumitrache, a campaigner at the3million rights group which supports EU citizens in the UK, said: This heartbreaking situation highlights the urgent need for the Home Office to recognise the disproportionate impact the eVisa system has on older and vulnerable people. Technology is failing many people like Liudmyla when they need it most. open image in gallery Liudmyla was refused boarding on her UK-bound flight. ( Maria Bondarenko ) The shift to eVisas assumes a level of digital access, confidence and literacy that not everyone has. Even for those who can navigate the system, when errors occur, there is no safety net. People are left distressed, isolated and in limbo, despite having the legal right to return to their home in the UK. A Home Office spokesperson said: While it is our longstanding policy not to comment on individual cases, free and practical support is available for vulnerable individuals who need help creating a UK Visas and Immigration account and accessing their eVisa. Biometric Residence Permits are no longer valid for travel to the UK; however, they can still be used to create an eVisa account, even if they have expired. A Ryanair spokesperson said: All visa-required passengers travelling with Ryanair must present the correct travel documentation for the country of destination as determined by that country. Ryanair must comply with these rules and airport agents are trained in these visa rules, however it is each passengers responsibility to carry valid travel documents. In this case the passenger was required to hold a valid UK visa which she failed to present to the agents at Krakow airport and she was correctly denied travel. Once this passenger provided the correct UK visa documentation, she was permitted to travel. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The drugs crisis in prisons is the worst it has ever been, experts have warned, with the prevalence of illicit substances rendering jails almost impossible to run positively. Ministers have been warned that an unacceptable level of criminality is rampaging unchecked in many prisons, as the most recent data shows annual drug seizures by prison officers returning to record highs of more than 21,000. New analysis by The Independent highlights how the ongoing crisis first exploded during the austerity years, as the prison service was hollowed out by cuts and staff layoffs. The warning comes as staffing levels remain on the brink at some prisons and as the government prepares for the largest overhaul of the system in decades to ease overcrowding and refocus the justice system towards rehabilitating offenders. We generally feel there is a bigger and more diverse and profitable drug market in prisons than theres ever been, said Mike Trace, chief executive of the Forward Trust, a charity delivering drug treatment in 20 prisons. Obviously we cant itemise that in terms of GDP figures, but the feeling for most professionals on the wings is this is a bigger part of prison life than its ever been before. Warning that this makes prisons almost impossible to run positively, Mr Trace who previously served as a government drugs tsar under Tony Blair also expressed concern that an influx of new synthetic drugs are posing a risk to safety, with fatally potent synthetic opioids feared to be in the mix. Mr Trace told The Independent: A lot of the market in prisons now is liquids and powders that people receiving and taking them are not really sure whats in them. That means the risk of overdose or adverse reaction is heightened because people arent in a good position to manage dose and potency. Thats why you get the large number of blue-light ambulances calling, he said. Warning that blue lights are a normal part of prison life now, Mr Trace added: There are prisoners who need medical attention on a daily/weekly basis. open image in gallery Prisons are almost impossible to run positively due to the prevalence of illicit substances ( Getty Images ) His warnings were echoed in a major watchdog report published last month, in which the Independent Monitoring Board described drugs as a growing problem endemic across the prison estate with a seemingly unstoppable flow into many jails. The watchdogs annual report said: At some prisons the impact of drugs was inescapable: debt drove up violence and bullying, while prisoners frequently experienced medical emergencies, which added further disruption as staff resource was directed towards assisting them and providing hospital escorts. That is despite intensified efforts to crack down on the flourishing illicit market, as staff in the crumbling prison estate battle against increasingly adept drone deliveries and hard-to-detect substances. Official data shows there were a total of 21,145 drug seizures in the year to March 2024 a rise of 35 per cent on the previous year, and close to an all-time high of 21,575 hit four years prior. Of the seizures made last year, more than 7,200 drug finds in the year to March 2024 were logged as unknown substances. Nearly 5,000 others were categorised as psychoactive substances which can include the synthetic cannabinoid spice and more than 3,000 as other. The Independent previously revealed that new super-strength synthetic opioids now infiltrating the UK drugs market had already claimed lives behind bars, with two deaths in June 2022 at HMP Lewes caused by overdoses of isotonitazene, a substance 250 times stronger than heroin. But experts warn that, in both prison seizures and post-mortem examinations, officials are still failing to test for these new opioids, which have been discovered in not just heroin but illicit vapes, diazepam and codeine pills. When nitazenes were discovered during a prison seizure in 2023, the government claimed the sample was deemed to be too dangerous for the private laboratory to handle. open image in gallery Lethal synthetic opioids have already been detected in the UK in heroin, diazepam, cannabis and illicit vapes ( Getty Images ) The Independents analysis of official data underscored the rapid explosion in the crisis during the austerity years led by the former Tory government, when funding cuts saw experienced officers laid off and drug treatment avenues diminish. There were an average of 3,813 annual drug seizures in prisons over the eight years to 2014, but this soared to a yearly average of 15,350 over the following decade. From 2014, confiscations skyrocketed from fewer than 4,500 to more than 21,000 just six years later. Mr Trace said massive austerity cuts from 2012 onwards saw long-serving prison staff replaced with relatively inexperienced and poorly trained officers resulting in the loss of an awful lot of prison craft experience and handing much more freedom to prisoners to exploit laxer security to build up drug trade. Simultaneously, the number of addiction treatment programmes in prisons, such as drug-free wings, were slashed from 110 in 2013 to around 15 just six years later, according to Mr Trace. It coincided with the arrival of spice which is easier to produce and circulate behind bars than cannabis and increased the incentives of drug dealing gangs to target prisons. Now, the arrival of drones which Mr Trace describes as the current front line in the arms race for dealing have taken the drugs trade to another level, with a single delivery capable of serving a prison for a month. Previously, piecemeal supplies came via family visits and corrupt officers which lasted only a matter of days. HM chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor, told The Independent the effects of drugs, often brought in on drones, is the biggest challenge currently facing many of our prisons. He said: Inspectors regularly smell drugs as they walk around the wings and random drug tests in some jails are regularly coming back more than 30 per cent positive. Where there are drugs, there is debt, which is one of the causes of increasing violence. It is simply not acceptable that these levels of criminality are going on, unchecked, in so many English and Welsh prisons. open image in gallery Drones are being used to smuggle large deliveries of drugs and other items into prisons ( Getty Images ) Experts frequently warn that drugs and related debts are a major driver of violence behind bars, with assaults on staff hitting a record high of more than 10,000 in the year to March. Placing HMP Manchester into emergency measures last October, inspectors said catastrophic levels of drugs were clearly undermining every aspect of prison life, particularly safety, fuelling the highest rates of serious assaults of any jail in the country. HMP Winchester followed suit days later to become the ninth jail put in emergency measures in just two years, with inspectors also citing drugs and violence as serious issues. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: This government inherited a prison system in crisis close to collapse, with drugs and violence rife. We take a zero-tolerance approach to drugs and are cracking down on illicit items using X-ray body scanners and drone-restricted fly zones measures that are making a clear impact. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana are working on the creation of a Farage assistance party, Neil Kinnock has said. The former Labour leader said left-wingers Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana would only assist the enemies of Labour by forming a breakaway challenger party. Lord Kinnock said that division on the left can only assist the parties of the right, including Kemi Badenochs Conservatives and Nigel Farages Reform UK. open image in gallery Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana ( PA Wire ) Asked how much of a threat he thought any new party could be, after Mr Corbyn suggested that discussions were underway, Lord Kinnock said: I understand they are having a bit of difficulty over thinking of a name. In a comradely way, Id suggest one. It would be the Farage assistance group. Lord Kinnock added: The splintering offered by a new party of the left can only be of assistance to the enemies of Labour, of the working class the people who have no means of sustaining themselves other than the sale of their labour by hand and by brain and can only be of benefit to the egos of those who are running such a party. His comments come after Ms Sultana said on Thursday she would co-lead a new party with Mr Corbyn aimed at tackling poverty and inequality and opposing war. Mr Corbyn, who led Labour to its worst general election defeat in decades in 2019, appeared to have been wrong-footed by Ms Sultanas announcement, however. open image in gallery Lord Kinnock said a left-wing challenger party would only help Nigel Farage ( PA ) In a non-committal statement, the independent Islington MP said: 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. It emerged on Sunday that Mr Corbyns top team had repeatedly urged Ms Sultana to walk back the announcement, and even asked her to delete it once he had seen it. The Sunday Times reported that Mr Corbyns wife, Laura Alvarez, also urged Ms Sultana to delete social media posts unveiling the new venture, but was ignored. Messages seen by the paper show that Pamela Fitzpatrick, a co-director at Mr Corbyns Peace and Justice Project, said in a group chat: Neither Jeremy nor Laura deserves to be treated with such a lack of respect. Asked about the challenger party, education secretary Bridget Phillipson said some of those involved checked out of the Labour Party quite a long time ago. She told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg that Labour would be judged on the difference they make to people's lives come the next election, when asked whether she was worried about a party to the left of the government. I think when it comes to the formation of a new party, some of those involved, I think checked out [of] the Labour Party quite a long time ago, said Ms Phillipson. Now its for them to forge their way forward. Lord Kinnock also said Labours first year in government has been obscured by rows over issues such as welfare spending. He said Sir Keir Starmer has lacked a narrative and failed to tell a story of the objectives of the government and where theyre working towards it and how theyre working towards it. They are working towards it with a series of really commendable and absolutely essential policies, he said. But Lord Kinnock added: They are barely noticed because theyre obscured by all the song and dance and noise, drums banging and cymbals clashing of the winter fuel payment the welfare programme, the two-child benefit cap, the cuts in development aid, all those negative things that really are heartily disliked across the Labour movement and more widely, much more widely. Warnings about the new challenger party come after polling conducted by More in Common last month well before Ms Sultana unveiled the plans about how the public 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. Unveiling the planned party, Ms Sultana 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. She had been sitting as an independent MP despite being a Labour member after losing the whip for rebelling against the governments Kings Speech. 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. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The European Union and the United States have just 48 hours to resolve a trade dispute or face Donald Trump unleashing billions of dollars worth of transatlantic tariffs. A 90-day pause on the imposition of the US presidents so-called Liberation Day import taxes expires on Wednesday, and leaders across Europe are bracing for the threat of 50 per cent tariffs on goods sold in the US. A split has emerged in the bloc, with some urging European trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic to pursue a UK-style deal to resolve the trade dispute, sparing the EU from the worst of Mr Trumps wrath. open image in gallery The US and EUs trade relationship is strained ( AP ) Other EU leaders have cautioned against the thin UK-US deal agreed by Sir Keir Starmer, and believe Brussels should use its clout to secure a more comprehensive agreement. Mr Trump imposed a 20 per cent import tax on all EU-made products in early April as part of a set of tariffs targeting countries with which the US has a trade imbalance. Hours after the nation-specific duties took effect, he put them on hold until 9 July at a standard rate of 10 per cent to quiet financial markets and allow time for negotiations. But as talks dragged on, Mr Trump has threatened to hike the tariff rate to 50 per cent if a deal is not reached. The higher rate would hit everything from French cheese to Italian leather goods, making them more expensive for American consumers. open image in gallery Donald Trump has piled pressure on the EU ( AP ) Talks will now go down to the wire this week, with Mr Sefcovic and US treasury secretary Scott Bessents teams seeking to hash out a deal to avoid escalating the trade war. Among member states, the big question will be whether we should reach a deal at all costs to avoid a trade war, or show muscle if the deal is not good enough, one EU diplomat told The Guardian. German chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for a similar deal to the UKs sector-specific agreement, while French president Emmanuel Macron is keen instead for a better, more comprehensive deal if a rushed agreement is uneven. Mr Trump has previously threatened to impose 17 per cent tariffs on European food and farm products as part of the USs aggressive negotiating tactics, with the president once describing the EU as nastier than China on trade. Progress towards a deal was made last week, an EU trade spokesperson said on Friday, but talks continued throughout the weekend. open image in gallery Scott Bessents team will be in talks in the coming days ( Reuters ) Without a deal, the EU has said it was prepared to retaliate with tariffs on hundreds of American products, ranging from beef and auto parts to beer and Boeing aeroplanes. Given the complexity of the talks, it may only be possible for the sides to arrive at a slimmed-down deal by Wednesday, leaving a 10 per cent base level tariff in place, as well as specific tariffs on cars, steel and aluminium. Before Mr Trump was re-elected, the average tariff on goods from the EU sold in the US was just 2 per cent. Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Germanys Berenberg bank, said the most likely outcome of the trade talks is that the US will agree to deals in which it takes back its worst threats of retaliatory tariffs well beyond 10 per cent. However, the road to get there could be rocky. The US offering exemptions for some goods might smooth the path to a deal. The EU could offer to ease some regulations that the White House views as trade barriers. Mr Schmieding added: While Trump might be able to sell such an outcome as a win for him, the ultimate victims of his protectionism would, of course, be mostly the US consumers. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Scrapping the two-child benefit cap has been made harder by Sir Keir Starmers climbdown over last weeks welfare cuts, Bridget Phillipson has said. The education secretary said future spending decisions had been squeezed by the 5bn U-turn over reforms to personal independence payments (PIP), the main disability benefit. It means a change in the controversial cap, introduced when George Osborne was chancellor, is now less likely. Ms Phillipson told the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that ministers are looking at every lever and well continue to look at every lever to lift children out of poverty. Pushed on whether the chances of the benefit cap going are now slimmer, Ms Phillipson said: The decisions that have been taken in the last week do make decisions, future decisions harder. open image in gallery Keir Starmer will face pressure from MPs if Labour keeps the cap ( PA ) But all of that said, we will look at this collectively in terms of all of the ways that we can lift children out of poverty. The Resolution Foundation has said increasing the two-child cap to three children could reduce child poverty by 320,000 by the next general election, costing 3.2bn per year by 2030. It said this would be preferable to the current system, but that benefits should be allocated in line with need, which would require fully scrapping the two-child limit at a cost of around 4.5bn. Senior Labour figures have also reportedly warned that tax hikes are on the horizon after the benefits climbdown, with the chance of a change in the controversial cap looking increasingly remote. My assessment is that is now dead in the water, a No 10 source told A source close to the chancellor added: MPs will need to acknowledge that there is a financial cost to not approving the welfare changes, whether thats tax rises or not scrapping the two-child benefit cap. They need to understand the trade-offs. open image in gallery Bridget Phillipson said future spending decisions had been made harder ( PA ) The prospect of Labour keeping the two-child benefit cap in place will provoke fresh unrest among backbenchers, who have a taste for rebellion after forcing Sir Keirs hand on cuts to PIP, the main disability benefit. Sir Keir is believed to have told his cabinet he wants to scrap the two-child cap, first imposed by Mr Osborne in 2015. Critics of the policy, which restricts parents from claiming certain benefits for more than two of their children, say it pushes children into poverty. Charities frequently cite the 3.4bn move as one of the most cost-effective ways of alleviating child poverty. Asked on Thursday whether he still wanted to scrap the two-child cap, Sir Keir said: The last Labour government drove down child poverty and its one of the proudest things that we did. Sadly, the last government allowed child poverty to go back up again. Im determined that this government will drive it down, just as the last Labour government did. Weve got a strategy and a task force working on this and will lay out the details of that. I personally dont think theres a silver bullet that if you do this one thing, it will deal with child poverty. Labours Child Poverty Taskforce, headed by work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall and education secretary Ms Phillipson, was due to report in the spring but was delayed until the autumn. Pressure on the PM over the two-child benefit cap will likely increase in the run-up to this autumns Budget, in which Rachel Reeves has been warned she must raise taxes or put Labours agenda at risk. open image in gallery Rachel Reeves has been left with a 5bn hole to fill ( POOL/AFP via Getty ) Jim ONeill, a former Goldman Sachs chief turned Treasury minister who quit the Conservatives and later advised Ms Reeves, said she faces no choice but to abandon key parts of her economic policy including her commitment not to raise income tax, national insurance contributions for employees or VAT. Without changing some of the big taxes, welfare and pensions, they [Labour] cant commit to things like Northern Powerhouse Rail, small modular nuclear reactors, and various other things that will make an investment and growth difference, he told The Independent. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice At least 82 people have been killed, including 28 children, after devastating flash floods tore through parts of central Texas last week with more heavy downpours expected Monday. The flooding caught communities surrounding the Guadalupe River off guard early Friday morning. The flash floods destroyed homes, swept away vehicles and devastated Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp situated on the banks of the river. The camp confirmed Monday that 27 girls and staff members had been killed. As search efforts continued, the region braced for more rainfall with the National Weather Service warning the hardest hit areas could experience further flash flooding. The identities of many of the victims are still being determined before being released to the public. Heres what we know about some of those who have died. Sarah Marsh open image in gallery Sarah Marsh of Mountain Brook, Alabama, was one of the children staying at Camp Mystic killed last week ( Facebook ) Sarah Marsh, an eight-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, was killed in the devastating floods while at Camp Mystic. Debbie Ford Marsh, the grandmother of Sarah, confirmed the young girls death in a now-private Facebook post. We will always feel blessed to have had this beautiful spunky ray of light in our lives, Marsh wrote. She will live on in our hearts forever! Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, eight-year-old twin sisters from Dallas, were among those killed in the catastrophic floods at Camp Mystic. Their grandfather, Dave Lawrence Jr, a Miami childhood education advocate, confirmed their deaths Sunday. It has been an unimaginable time for all of us, Lawrence told the Miami Herald. Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents, John and Lacy, and sister, Harper, and all in our family, so much joy. They and that joy can never be forgotten. Janie Hunt open image in gallery Janie Hunts mother revealed that the girl had died at the age of nine years old ( Facebook ) Janie Hunt, a nine-year-old Camp Mystic camper, died in the flooding, her mother told CNN. It was Hunts first time at Camp Mystic as a camper when she attended with her six cousins, all of whom were safe, her grandmother Margaret Hunt told the New York Times. Hunts parents drove to the Ingram Elementary reunification center where they were instructed to visit a funeral home and identify their daughter. Renee Smajstrla open image in gallery Renee Smajstrla was another of the victims who died at Camp Mystic ( Facebook ) Eight-year-old Renee Smajstrla was another of the victims who died at Camp Mystic, her uncle confirmed in a Facebook post. Smajstrla was one of the 27 campers unaccounted for after the devastating floods, Shawn Salta said in the post. Renee has been found and while not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly, Salta wrote. We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday. She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic. Lila Bonner open image in gallery Best friends Eloise Peck (left) and Lila Bonner died during the flooding of Camp Mystic ( Facebook ) Nine-year-old Lila Bonner of Dallas died in the floods while attending Camp Mystic. In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time. We ache with all who loved her, the Bonner family said in a statement to NBC5. Eloise Peck Bonners best friend Eloise Peck was also killed by raging flood waters, her family confirmed. The eight-year-old had recently finished second grade at Bradfield Elementary and was at Camp Mystic with Bonner when they both died. Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti but not more than she loved dogs and animals. She passed away with her cabinmate and best friend Lila Bonner who also died, Missy Peck, the victims mother, told FOX 4. Richard Eastland open image in gallery Dick Eastland was swept away in the floodwaters while trying to help others, a friend says ( Facebook ) Richard Dick Eastland who owned Camp Mystic died during his last act of kindness, his friend Paige Sumner wrote in a tribute for the Kerville Daily Times. The father of four reportedly attempted to rescue some of the campers before being swept away by the floodwaters. Eastlands nephew confirmed his death in a statement on Facebook His wife, Tweety Eastland, is believed to have survived the devastating floods. The couple had been directors at the girls-only Christian camp since 1974. Blair and Brooke Harber open image in gallery Blair and Brooke Harber were killed by the floods last week, their father told CNN ( Facebook ) Two sisters 13-year-old Blair and 11-year-old Brooke were killed by the floods in Kerr County, their father told CNN on Saturday night. Harber described Blair as a gifted student who had a generous, kind heart. Harber said that Brooke was like a light in any room, people gravitated to her and she made them laugh and enjoy the moment. The sisters were not attending Camp Mystic, their father added. Bobby and Amanda Martin Bobby Martin, 46, and his wife, Amanda Martin, 44, of Odessa were reportedly camping by the Guadalupe River when their RV was swept away as waters swelled. John Martin, Bobbys father, told The New York Times Sunday that his grandchild and their girlfriend were with the couple and were still missing. He was an adventurous man, adventurous and outgoing. He had many good friends, because he was a good friend, the elder Martin said of his son. Julian Ryan open image in gallery Julian Ryan lost his life while trying to save his family ( GoFundMe ) Julian Ryan, 27, died in the floods while saving his family from the rushing water, according to a GoFundMe launched to support his family. Julian, his fiance, kids, and mother were awakened when water came rushing into their home, the GoFundMe reads. Julian jumped into action to protect and save his family and get them to safety. Julian gave his life for his family, passing as a true hero, the GoFundMe continues. While his family is eternally grateful for his sacrifice, they are shattered by their loss. Jeff Wilson A longtime high school teacher in suburban Houston, Jeff Wilson, 55, was swept by floodwaters of the Guadalupe River. Wilson was reportedly camping near the river with his wife, Amber, and their 12-year-old son, Shiloh, several friends and his brother-in-law told The New York Times. Shiloh Wilson, a third-generation cowboy, had been in the area to compete in the Kerrville Open Pro Rodeo on Friday. Wilsons son and wife were still missing on Sunday, according to the brother-in-law. Jane Ragsdale open image in gallery Jane Ragsdale of Heart O the Hills camp was among those killed by the raging floodwaters last week ( Heart o'The Hills ) Jane Ragsdale, the director of Heart O the Hills camp in Kerr County, is among the victims killed in the floods, a close friend confirmed on Facebook. Jane was more than the beloved Director of Heart O the Hills. She was a legend in the camp community shaping generations of campers, staff, and leaders through her unwavering belief in the power of camp to change lives, Dani Shaw wrote on Facebook. She modeled the highest standards of care, character, and connection. Katheryn Eads Katheryn Eads died in the floods, while her husband Brian survived, her family told The Washington Post. She previously worked at Olive Branch Counseling and Training. Katheryn was a hope and a light to all who knew her, the companys owner told the Post. A daughter, a wife, a mother, grandmother, friend and colleague. She was a stellar counselor and professor and she simply just made everything better. Katheryn was changing lives. Chloe Childress Chloe Childress, an 18-year-old counselor at Camp Mystic, died when the camp was flooded, according to Kinkaid School in Houston, where she had recently graduated. Jonathan Eades, head of the school, wrote that Childress died while upholding a selfless and fierce commitment to others. She was wise beyond her years, with a steady compassion that settled a room, he added. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As the opening of Floridas Alligator Alcatraz is imminent, other states with Republican leadership have been in touch with the White House about opening similar facilities, according to a new report. Last week, Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina tweeted a desperate plea to the Department of Homeland Security for an Alligator Alcatraz in her state. Dear DHS: Weve got a swamp and a dream. Lets talk. South Carolina's gators are ready. And theyre not big on paperwork. If I was Governor, we'd be bringing Alligator Alcatraz to South Carolina, she wrote. In the wake of that message, a Fox News survey found that a handful of the 26 states with Republican governors have plans for a similar migrant prison camp in their states. Representatives for the governors offices in Georgia and Arkansas confirmed that construction is underway on facilities that can hold thousands of migrants. open image in gallery President Donald Trump pictured at Floridas Alligator Alcatraz earlier this week ( AFP via Getty Images ) A spokesman for South Carolinas Governor Henry McMaster said that the administration is exploring how the Palmetto States unique assets and resources can be utilized to provide additional and enhanced support in the weeks and months to come. Other states responded positively to Floridas efforts and the Trump administration's controversial policies involving the detention of migrants, but did not specify plans for their own Alligator Alcatraz. On Tuesday, the White House deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, called on other states to follow Florida Governor Ron DeSantis lead and to build similar prisons in their states during an appearance on Laura Ingrahams show. We want to go to every Republican state now, of course, in a sane country, Democrats would do it, too, but they love the illegals and they hate the Americans. We want every governor of a red state, and if you are watching tonight: pick up the phone, call DHS, work with us to build facilities in your state so we can get the illegals out and we can get the criminals out, Miller said. open image in gallery The first detainees arrived Thursday 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 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The first detainees arrived Thursday 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 have billed it as a temporary lockup that is essential to Trumps immigration crackdown. Opponents decry it as a political stunt and fear it could become a permanent fixture. The Republican Party of Florida has taken to fundraising off the detention center, selling branded T-shirts and beer koozies emblazoned with the facilitys name. 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 have sued to stop the project. The Associated Press contributed to this report. ADEN, Yemen, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A merchant vessel was attacked by several armed small boats off the coast of Yemen, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported Sunday. The incident occurred approximately 51 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, a major port city controlled by Yemen's Houthi group, the UKMTO said in a statement posted on social media platform X. The small boats used small arms and rocket-propelled grenades to attack the merchant vessel, and armed personnel onboard the vessel returned fire, the UKMTO said, adding that "the situation is ongoing." Details about the targeted vessel remain undisclosed, and authorities are investigating the incident. The UKMTO has issued a navigational warning urging all vessels transiting the area to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious activity immediately. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the incident. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ron DeSantiss development of a massive detention facility in the Everglades has apparently exposed a lucrative relationship that Democrats in the Sunshine State are calling a possible pay-for-play scheme. The construction of Alligator Alcatraz is a major political milestone for the Florida governor, whose allies and critics both say harbors further ambitions of taking his brand national after a trouncing at the hands of Donald Trump in 2024s GOP primary. According to a state estimate obtained by the Associated Press, officials believe the facility will be operational and able to house up to 5,000 immigrants awaiting deportation by the end of July. Its a focus of controversy as a result, with critics describing it as the modern-day equivalent of a concentration camp a characterization DeSantis and his allies reject. The facility is situated in the dense, swampy terrain of the Florida Everglades, a natural deterrent to escape attempts, as described by state officials in public announcements regarding the project. Trump and some of his followers have even made jokes about alligators eating escapees. One author who published a history of concentration camps dating back to World War II described it in an op-ed for MSNBC: This facilitys purpose fits the classic model: mass civilian detention without real trials targeting vulnerable groups for political gain based on ethnicity, race, religion or political affiliation rather than for crimes committed. And its existence points to serious dangers ahead for the country. open image in gallery Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump toured Alligator Alcatraz with Kristi Noem ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) But the human rights concerns that forced the president to publicly back away from the policy of family separation (and his overall plans for mass deportation) in his first term are not the only ones surrounding this new facility. A report from the Florida Trident found that a brand-new contracting company known as IRG Global Emergency Management was awarded a $1.1m contract to provide operational support services in support of migration efforts by the state in late July. Citing environmental activists watching the site, the publication reported that the companys trucks have been spotted outside of Alligator Alcatraz. Formed in February of 2025, the Trident reports that IRG Global Emergency Management is actually an offshoot of Access Restoration Services US, Inc. (ARS). ARS recently opened its pockets to DeSantiss political sphere, dropping donations totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars to Florida Republican causes over the past 3 years. Those included donations to DeSantiss own PAC as well as the state GOP. The Independent reached out to both IRG Global Emergency Management and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which oversees the contracting process for the facility. Both declined to speak to the Trident. Democrats, as a result, say the relationship is an example of pay-for-play. Its clear pay for play, its clear you scratch my back and Ill scratch yours. Its favoritism and cronyism, state Rep. Anna Eskamani told the Trident. The involvement of a firm with ties to a major donor in state Republican circles is just one of the potential issues surrounding the funding for Alligator Alcatraz. Court filings revealed last week that, while DHS officials and even President Donald Trump himself continue to talk a big game about funding the project, the federal government has yet to shell out a dime for it. In fact, Floridas government hasnt yet applied for federal funding. Florida has received no federal funds, nor has it applied for federal funds related to the temporary detention center, read a court filing submitted by a DHS official. That revelation resulted in a furious condemnation from the states Democratic Party chair, Nikki Fried, who accused DeSantis of raiding state funds without a guarantee of reimbursement from the federal government, despite Trump and others having toured the facility with DeSantis and made statements vowing to financially support the project. Fried also condemned officials at the facility for denying an attempt by Democratic state lawmakers to inspect the facility for themselves. DeSantis is stealing $450 million of taxpayer dollarsmoney that should be going to fix Floridas property insurance crisis, strengthen public schools, expand Medicaid, and build affordable housing. Everyday Floridians and immigrant families are paying for this cruel political stunt, said Fried. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Elon Musk says he has formed a new political party amid his ongoing feud with President Donald Trump. Musk asked his 221.7 million X followers to vote in a poll deciding whether he should form the new America Party on Friday. The tech mogul first threatened to form a party earlier this week if Congress passed Trumps sweeping tax and spending legislation, which he calls the Big, Beautiful Bill. The billionaire has argued that the legislation, which the president signed into law on Friday, will increase the deficit by trillions. After 65 percent of respondents voted yes on his poll, Musk says hes following through. By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it, Musk wrote Saturday afternoon. When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. open image in gallery Elon Musk says he has formed a new political party, in part due to the approval of Trumps sweeping spending bill ( AFP via Getty Images ) Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom, he added. Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill passed in the Senate with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday. The House passed the bill on Thursday, and Trump signed it into law during a Military Family Picnic celebration for Independence Day. The bill provides sweeping tax cuts particularly to wealthy Americans while curbing access to Medicaid and food assistance programs for millions of people. The legislation also provides billions more for defense and immigration enforcement. Musk, once known as Trumps First Buddy, sparked a public feud with the president last month over the bill, arguing it will increase the budget deficit by $2.5 trillion. open image in gallery Elon Musk was once known as President Donald Trump's 'First Buddy.' But now, the two are in a heated, public feud over the president's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' ( Getty Images ) Im sorry, but I just cant stand it anymore, Musk wrote of Trumps bill on June 3. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Musk spent several months this year leading the Department of Government Efficiencys efforts to slash government spending. Under his leadership, DOGE laid off hundreds of thousands of federal employees, hollowed out several agencies and terminated thousands of government contracts and grants. Musk doubled down on June 5, calling the legislation the Big Ugly Bill. The billionaire also flirted with the idea of forming a new political party, but didnt offer specifics. Musk wrote: Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle? Trump hit back on Truth Social, accusing Musk of going crazy because he took away his [electric vehicle] mandate. Less than an hour later, Musk escalated the feud and alleged that Trump appears in the unreleased Epstein Files. Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files, Musk wrote. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT! open image in gallery Elon Musk accused President Donald Trump of being named in the Epstein Files amid their public fall-out last month ( REUTERS ) The pair exchanged a few more jabs until June 6, when tensions seemed to ease. Musk expressed regret on June 11 for the posts he made about the president, while Trump revealed he had no hard feelings toward Musk. The peace didnt last long, though. This week, Musk pledged to fund primary challengers running against Republicans who supported the bill. Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame! the billionaire wrote on Monday. And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth, he added. Nearly every Republican in Congress voted to pass the bill, with just three senators and two representatives joining Democrats in voting against it. Trump responded by threatening to cut of the billions of dollars in federal subsidies Musks companies receive. The president also threatened to take a look at deporting Elon Musk to South Africa, where he was born and raised for several years. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Elon Musk and Steve Bannon escalated their feud over the July Fourth weekend by exchanging fiery insults over their respective platforms. On Bannons podcast War Room, the former Trump adviser raged against Musk for polling his X followers about starting a new political party in the United States, saying Musk was being disingenuous and should be deported. Only a foreigner could do this, Bannon said. Think about it, hes got up on Twitter right now a poll about starting an American Party a non-American starting an American Party. No, brother, youre not an American; youre a South African. If we take enough time and prove the facts of that, you should be deported, Bannon stated. Bannon, a devoted Trump loyalist who went to federal prison for refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena, believes Musk has ulterior motives for being close to the president. Hes called for Musk to be investigated multiple times. Steve Bannon called for Elon Musk to be deported over the weekend while the tech billionaire called for Bannon to be jailed ( Getty Images ) On Musks X account, the tech billionaire responded by calling Bannon a fat, drunken slob who should be in prison for committing crimes. The fat, drunken slob called Bannon will go back to prison and this time for a long time. He has a lifetime of crime to pay for, Musk wrote. Musk has been a United States citizen since 2002. Despite the two men being close to Trump at various periods, they have little in common. Unlike Trumps first administration, Bannon does not have a formal role in the White House. But he has still used his platform to bolster Trump and defend him against all attacks. Bannon has been vocal about his disdain for Musk, advocating for the revocation of his government contracts and questioning his citizenship status. Musk, who helped get Trump elected with generous donations, spent several months in the administration before a bitter falling out with the president over their different perspectives on Trumps signature legislation. As a result of the recent falling out, Bannon appears to have upped his attacks on Musk. The hostile relationship between the two escalated specifically because Musk polled his 221 million X followers about launching a new political party, called the America Party, on Independence Day. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Grok, Elon Musks artificial intelligence bot on X, summarized a post from the White House Press Secretary about the devastating Texas floods, providing information on how global warming increases the likelihood of extreme weather. On Saturday, Karoline Leavitt re-posted a Truth Social message from President Donald Trump acknowledging the intense flooding that has killed at least 32 people and informing the public that the administration is working with local Texas officials to assist. When asked to summarize the post, Grok said Trump was referencing the tragic July 4 flooding event in Texas but then provided some background information on how climate change is making flooding worse. Climate models from the IPCC and NOAA suggest that ignoring climate change could intensify such flooding events in Texas, as warmer air holds more moisture, with peer-reviewed studies (e.g., Trenberth et al., 2018) indicating a 7% increase in atmospheric water vapor per 1C warming, potentially exacerbating future disasters, Grok summarized. Since January, the Trump administration has drastically rolled back climate regulations, cut research funding, and essentially eliminated climate programs. open image in gallery Grok cited climate change statistics while summarizing a post from Karoline Leavitt on X ( Getty Images ) Trump has called climate change a hoax and downplayed concerns about severe weather becoming more common and deadly despite science showing otherwise. The administration has made cuts to the National Weather Service, the government agency responsible for monitoring weather events, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the agency tasked with coordinating disaster response and administering recovery efforts. Both NWS and FEMA play major roles in warning people of inclement weather, coordinating a response, and delivering relief to those in need. Yet, Trump has characterized FEMA as an unnecessary federal resource intervening in state-level issues. A governor should be able to handle it, and frankly, if they cant handle it, the aftermath, then maybe they shouldnt be governor, Trump said last month. open image in gallery Dozens of people died in Texas over the Fourth of July weekend after devastating flooding took officials by surprise ( Eric Vryn/Getty Images ) The administration also made cuts to the NWS, which led to the departure of nearly 600 employees hundreds of whom are critical in monitoring weather and issuing warnings to residents. While the agency is hiring new staff to stabilize itself, former NWS directors warned that cutting staff could understaff offices so much so that there will be a needless loss of life. Further cuts to programs that monitor climate and weather patterns, such as the U.S. Global Change Research Program, which produces congressionally mandated reports on how climate change is affecting life, could hinder preparations for extreme weather. Texas officials said, over the weekend, they were unprepared for the amount of rain that flooded nearby rivers and created lethal flash flooding overnight. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Australia to apply the full force of its law to prevent reprehensible antisemitic attacks, after a Melbourne synagogue was set on fire with 20 people inside. A 34-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the alleged arson attack on Friday night, when 20 people were inside the East Melbourne Synagogue. The congregation escaped unharmed through a rear door, and firefighters managed to contain the blaze to the entrance area of the 148-year-old building. Police said the arrested man, Angelo Loras, is a resident of Sydney, the capital of neighbouring New South Wales. He has been charged with offences including criminal damage by fire. I view with utmost gravity the antisemitic attacks that occurred last night in Melbourne, which included attempted arson of a synagogue in the city and a violent assault against an Israeli restaurant by pro-Palestinian rioters, Mr Netanyahu said in posts on X (Twitter) on Sunday morning. The reprehensible antisemitic attacks, with calls of Death to the IDF and an attempt to attack a place of worship, are severe hate crimes that must be uprooted. The state of Israel will continue to stand alongside the Australian Jewish community, and we demand that the Australian government take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law and prevent similar attacks in the future. open image in gallery A camera crew film the burnt front entrance of the East Melbourne Synagogue in Melbourne ( AFP via Getty Images ) Victoria police said the Toongabbie man was charged with reckless conduct endanger life, reckless conduct endanger serious injury, criminal damage by fire, and possess a controlled weapon. Detectives will continue to examine the intent and ideology of the person charged to determine if the incident is in fact terrorism, police said. It was the first of three suspected antisemitic incidents in Melbourne between Friday night and early Saturday. Authorities have yet to establish a link between the incident at the synagogue and the two attacks on businesses. A restaurant was attacked on Friday night, with protesters chanting Death to the IDF, in reference to the Israel Defence Forces. Police are also investigating the spray-painting of a business in Melbournes northern suburbs, along with an arson attack on three vehicles linked to the business before dawn on Saturday. open image in gallery A torched car being removed in front of anti-Israel graffiti written on a wall in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra ( AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORAT ) Israeli president Isaac Herzog joined Mr Netanyahu in warning that the attack must be Australias last. It is intolerable that in 2025, we are still faced with the chilling image of an attempt to burn Jews alive as they pray, and attacks on Jewish businesses, he said as he urged the Australian government to confront the stain of antisemitism with urgency and resolve. Australian home affairs minister Tony Burke met with Jewish leaders at the damaged synagogue on Sunday. Mr Burke told reporters that investigators were searching for potential links between the three incidents. At this stage, our authorities have not drawn links between them. But obviously theres a link in antisemitism. Theres a link in bigotry. Theres a link in a willingness to either call for violence, to chant violence or to take out violent actions. They are very much linked in that way, Mr Burke said. There were three attacks that night and none of them belonged in Australia. Arson attacks, the chanting calls for death, other attacks and graffiti none of it belonged in Australia and they were attacks on Australia, Mr Burke added. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Deep in a remote corner of Siberia, a group of masked men swarmed the City of the Sun, a deeply religious settlement in the Krasnoyarsk region. The Russian security forces had arrived in September 2020 to arrest the so-called Jesus of Siberia, a former traffic policeman known as Vissarion who some viewed as the reincarnation of Christ. The religious leader, whose real name is Sergei Torop, was accused of extorting money and causing physical and psychological harm to his many of followers, some 10,000 worldwide. On Monday, nearly five years later, Torops stint as a cult leader came to an end when he was convicted in a Siberian court and sentenced to 12 years in a maximum-security prison camp, along with two other sect leaders, Vladimir Vedernikov and Vadim Redkin. open image in gallery Sergei Torop meets with his followers in the remote village of Petropavlovka in 2009 ( AFP/Getty ) The 64-year-old bearded and long-haired mystic, who led the Church of the Last Testament, claimed that he had been reborn to convey gods word to the world. Many of his devotees flocked to the settlement known as Abode of Dawn or Sun City, soaking in Torops teachings of reincarnation, veganism, and harmonious human relations. Its all very complicated, he explained to a reporter for The Guardian in 2002. But to keep things simple, yes, I am Jesus Christ. I am not god. And it is a mistake to see Jesus as god. But I am the living word of God the Father. Everything that god wants to say, he says through me. Torop told his followers not to eat meat, smoke, drink alcohol or swear and to stop using money. They would often hold prayers in his honour, looking up to his large hilltop residence in the City of the Sun. But it was a darker, hidden side to life in Vissarions commune that led to his arrest. open image in gallery Torop, who has proclaimed himself a new Christ, conducts a service during the Holiday of Good Fruit feast in the village of Obitel Rassvet ( REUTERS ) open image in gallery The leader of the religious sect after his arrest in 2020 ( Kirill Kukhmar/TASS ) His apparent re-birth was followed by decades of psychological manipulation of his followers, exploiting them for labour and money from 1991 to 2020. Torop exerted control over his followers, prosecutors said, inflicting moral harm on 16 people, leaving six with serious health problems. There were these ridiculous situations when adults and children died because they didnt receive medical assistance, Elena Melnikova, one of at least eight people who testified against Vissarion and his lieutenants in the year after his arrest, told the BBC. An anti-medical commandment was one of a number of regulations imposed by Vissarion which proved to be harmful to his followers. Know thyself. From now on, the flesh must heal itself. In most cases, illness is a punishment for the inability to keep ones flesh in harmony with nature, Ms Melnikova said, recalling his teachings. open image in gallery Torop gives a sermon at the Vissarion Church of the Last Testament in 2002 ( Getty Images ) Community leaders would beg for money for the community, she said. In some cases, people donated all of their funds, admitted Alexander Staroveroc, who acts as a press secretary for the City of the Sun. Along with Vedernikov and Redkin jailed for 11 and 12 years respectively Torop denied all wrongdoing, and it is unclear whether they will appeal their sentences. After their conviction, the court also awarded 45 million rubles (417,000) in damages to the victims. Torops journey as a spiritual leader began when he was 29 in 1990, the year he claimed he was reborn as Vissarion, claiming to be a returned Jesus Christ. open image in gallery Followers work and horseback ride near a church in the remote village of Petropavlovka ( AFP/Getty ) Born in 1961 in the city of Krasnodar, which was then the Soviet Union, Torops life until his turn to religion was a tale of toil. Stints in the Red Army, on building sites, in factories, and as a traffic policeman, ultimately led to bitter disappointment when he was made redundant from his latest role after five years of service. As he embarked on a spiritual path following his redundancy, Torop began drawing from elements of various religions: Russian Orthodox Church, Buddhism, and apocalypticism. He embraced veganism and began to adopt collectivist views and ecological values. It would be just two years before he founded the Church of the Last Testament in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, in just months before the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. The end of the world, Torop told his early followers, was imminent. Only those who observed his strict teachings would be saved. open image in gallery Torop attracted thousands of followers ( AFP/Getty ) He radiates incredible love, 57-year-old Hermann told The Guardian. "I met Vissarion last August. He told me we had to follow two laws. It was like an electric shock, like bells ringing. Denis, a 21-year-old Australian, said: No doubt about it, mate. Definitely the Son of God. An entire new calendar was adopted based around moments in Vissarions life: Christmas was replaced by a feast day on Vissarions birthday, 14 January, while another feast day on August 18 was the largest, and originated from his first sermon in 1991. But following decades of worship of a self-professed messiah, his thousands of followers remaining in the remote corner of Siberia now live without their spiritual teacher. He is not due to be released until he is 76 years old. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which claimed the lives of top military leaders and nuclear scientists. Seen for the first time in over 20 days, Mr Khamenei was shown in a state television broadcast on Saturday entering a mosque hall and greeting people seated on the floor. It came on a day when worshippers mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a significant date for Shia Muslims. Mr Khamenei, 86, was seen dressed in black as the crowd rose from the ground, raised their fists in the air, and chanted: The blood in our veins for our leader! Mr Khameneis absence during the war had suggested heightened security measures for the Iranian leader, who holds the final say on all state matters. There was no immediate report on any public statement made. The leader released a pre-recorded video last week to address the Iranian public but had not been seen in public since Israel launched a major military operation against Iran on 13 June. open image in gallery Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attends a ceremony to mark Ashura, the holiest day on the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, in Tehran ( via REUTERS ) Iran has acknowledged the deaths of more than 900 people in the war, as well as thousands of injured. It also has confirmed serious damage to its nuclear facilities, and has denied access to the sites for inspectors with the UN nuclear watchdog. Mr Khamenei hosted a remembrance of the 7th century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammads grandson, Hussein, at a mosque next to his office and residence in the capital, Tehran. Iranian officials such as the Parliament speaker were present, and such events are always held under heavy security. open image in gallery Khamenei speaking with a mourner during a mourning ceremony in Tehran marking the ninth day of the Islamic month of Muharram in the lead-up to Ashura ( LEADER OFFICE/AFP via Getty Imag ) Shiites represent over 10 per cen of the worlds 1.8 billion Muslims, and they view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Husseins death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, created a rift in Islam and continues to play a key role in shaping Shiite identity. In predominantly Shiite Iran, red flags represented Husseins blood and black funeral tents and clothes represented mourning. Processions of chest-beating and self-flagellating men demonstrated fervour. Some sprayed water over the mourners in the intense heat. Israel relentlessly attacked Iran beginning June 13, targeting its nuclear sites, defence systems, high-ranking military officials and atomic scientists. According to official figures, the strikes killed more than 900 people in Iran, while retaliatory Iranian missile attacks on Israeli cities left at least 28 people dead. After the US targeted three nuclear facilities during the Iran-Israel war, Donald Trump claimed the strikes had obliterated Irans nuclear capabilities. However, last week, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog said Iran could produce enriched uranium in a matter of months. Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told US broadcaster CBS News that the strikes on three Iranian sites had caused significant, though not total, damage. He said: Frankly speaking, one cannot claim that everything has disappeared and there is nothing there. They [Iran] can have, you know, in a matter of months, I would say, a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium, or less than that Iran has the capacities there: industrial and technological capacities. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Israel will send a delegation to Qatar on Sunday for proximity talks with Hamas over the latest Gaza ceasefire and hostage release proposal. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the talks despite calling Hamass proposed changes to the mediator-backed plan unacceptable, his office said. The prime ministers security cabinet held a meeting late on Saturday after Hamas said it had delivered a positive response to the proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and was fully prepared and serious about immediately entering a new round of negotiations. The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel, Mr Netanyahus office said in a statement on Sunday. However, it added: 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 negotiating team will leave tomorrow. The US-led ceasefire talks have appeared to gain momentum ahead of Mr Netanyahus visit to Washington. The Israeli prime minister is set to leave on Sunday to meet the US president Donald Trump, who has been pushing for a ceasefire. open image in gallery Palestinians inspect the damage after an Israeli strike in the Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip ( AFP via Getty Images ) It remains unclear what specific changes Hamas has requested to the US-led ceasefire proposal. According to Al Jazeera, Hamas has made three core demands for amending the current ceasefire proposal: a long-term resolution to end the war after the 60-day pause, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza without the involvement of the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory. The US plan envisages the staggered release of 10 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas, as well as the return of the bodies of 18 others, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and a halt to the bombing of Gaza. Mr Trump, who announced the final proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, said that Israel had accepted the necessary conditions to end the hostilities. He posted on Truth Social that he wanted to be very firm with Mr Netanyahu during their talks and planned to issue a warning to Hamas. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE, Mr Trump wrote. open image in gallery Demonstrators take part in a protest to demand the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza ( REUTERS ) However, Mr Netanyahu is likely to face opposition within his own government, with some right-wing members demanding the complete destruction of Hamas. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the national security minister, wrote on X on Saturday night that the Israeli military must reconquer the entire enclave, halt all humanitarian aid, and encourage the people of Gaza to emigrate. The only way to achieve victory and securely return our hostages is through the complete conquest of the Strip, a total cessation of humanitarian aid, and the encouragement to emigration, he said. I call on the prime minister to abandon the path of surrender and return to the path of victory. Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, the families and supporters of Israeli hostages held a massive anti-government rally to demand the release of their loved ones. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum demanded a comprehensive deal to end the war and the release of the remaining hostages. Some 50 of the 200 people taken captive during the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023 remain in Gaza. Israel believes some 27 of them are dead. In Gaza, weary Palestinians expressed cautious hope after Hamas gave a positive response late on Friday. We are tired. Enough starvation, enough closure of crossing points. We want to sleep in calm where we dont hear warplanes or drones or shelling, said Jamalat Wadi, one of Gazas hundreds of thousands of displaced people, speaking in Deir al-Balah. Previous negotiations have stalled over Hamas demands for guarantees that further negotiations would lead to the wars end, while Mr Netanyahu has repeatedly pledged a total victory over Hamas and has refused to withdraw from Gaza. Send a delegation with a full mandate to bring a comprehensive agreement to end the war and bring everyone back. No one must be left behind, Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, told the weekly rally by relatives and supporters in Tel Aviv. Over 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war, according to Gazas health ministry, which is led by medical professionals employed by the Hamas government. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A British Islamic charity has received a formal warning and had one of its trustees disqualified following an "inflammatory and divisive" sermon delivered in the days after the 7 October Hamas attacks. The Charity Commission stated the sermon included the phrase: "the hour will not begin until the Muslims fight the Jews and the Muslims will kill them until a Jew hides behind a rock or a tree." Attendees were also reportedly encouraged not to "busy yourselves with politics and voting." This case is one of more than 300 involving charities related to the Middle East conflict that the regulator, operating across England and Wales, has addressed in the past 18 months. The latest case involved Nottingham Islam Information Point, a charity said to provide support to victims of Islamophobic attacks and address misconceptions about the religion of Islam. open image in gallery The sermon, delivered by Harun Abdur Rashid Holmes days after the deadly attacks, was deemed inflammatory by the commission ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) But a sermon, given on October 13 2023 by trustee Harun Abdur Rashid Holmes did not further the charitys purposes, including to provide relief to those in need, and was not in the charitys best interests, therefore amounting to misconduct and/or mismanagement, the regulator said. Mr Holmes, who is not a trained imam, was deemed not to have acted in accordance with his duties as a trustee and was disqualified in July last year. He is prevented from holding any senior management position in a charity in England and Wales for three years and noted by the commission to lack the good judgement expected of a trustee. While the charities watchdog said it recognised some of the sermons content had come from a specific hadith a narration of historical events ascribed to the prophet Mohammed the appropriate context was not given and it therefore was inflammatory and divisive. The regulator also said no consideration had been given to the timing of the sermon, coming six days after the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel. The commission said Mr Holmes had accepted that, with hindsight, the hadith was sensitive, and that he had not given sufficient context to it. The commissions assistant director of investigations and compliance, Stephen Roake, said: In times of conflict, people expect charities to bring people together, not to stoke division. In this case, we found due consideration had not been given to the words and rhetoric used. open image in gallery Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth wrote about the case in an opinion piece ( PA Wire ) The sermon was inflammatory and divisive, and we acted robustly and disqualified the trustee who gave the sermon. We also issued the charity with a formal warning. Following our intervention, the charitys remaining trustees have taken positive steps to improve their governance. This includes the introduction of a more robust events policy. All charities that host events and speakers should take note of this case and ensure they have sufficient due diligence in place. Nottingham Islam Information Point has been contacted for comment. Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth said some people are undermining charities potential for good in an opinion piece for the Sunday Telegraph. Over the past few years, and particularly since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East in October 2023, we have seen charities misused to promote the personal views of those linked to the charity, in some cases inciting hate, or condoning violence, Mr Holdsworth wrote. While trustees, like all of us, have personal rights to freedom of speech, there can be no hiding place for those who seek to use charities to promote hate or harm to others. This is not only to put a stop to fundamentally uncharitable activity, but also to help protect and promote public trust in the wider charitable sector. I will not shy away from using the more robust powers Parliament has granted us when that is necessary, and taking action against those who risk undermining the incredible positive impact of charities at home and abroad, he added. Of the 300 cases considered since the end of 2023 in relation to what is happening in the Middle East, about a third have resulted in formal statutory guidance being issued by the commission. More than 70 referrals to the police have been made where the regulator considered that a criminal offence might have been committed. In January, a London charity was handed an official warning after fundraising for a soldier in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). The Chabad Lubavitch Centres North East London and Essex Ltd, which describes itself as working for the advancement of the Orthodox Jewish religion, raised more than 2,000 after setting up an online page in October 2023 for a soldier stationed in northern Israel. Some 937 was sent directly to an individual soldier but the commission said the trustees of the charity were unable to account for how the money was spent and the regulator concluded the charitys actions had amounted to misconduct and a breach of trust. While charities in England and Wales can legally raise funds to support the UK armed forces, they cannot legally provide aid or military supplies to any foreign armed force, the commission said. It was believed to be the first time the regulator had used its powers to issue an official warning on the issue of fundraising for a foreign military. The case was not one among those referred to police, as the commission said its unlawfulness related to charity law rather than criminal law. Pragmatic approach to AI must bring together industry, Government and regulators Over the last 35 years or so, Ireland has done an excellent job of making itself a hub for world-leading financial services firms. To build further on this success, more needs to be done, and in a short period of time. The opportunities are plentiful. We have strong relationships and a strong track record of helping companies enhance their capability across all areas, including their digital offering to customers. But past success is no guarantee of future gains. The emergence of gen AI is potentially revolutionary for the sector and as firms seek to build out their AI capability, its important that Ireland positions itself as the location of choice that can help with that. A collaborative approach between industry, Government and regulators is critical in this regard. Different perspectives abound regarding the potential impact of AI around employment, ethics, and more. This collaborative approach will help to recognise and address these in an appropriate way, and will also help Ireland approach the FDI opportunity in a coherent and structured way. If the system is fragmented and lacks coordination, were not going to appear so attractive to international firms. Firms should upskill and reskill their existing staff While the industry is still at the early stages with generative AI, the technology has enormous potential to help firms deliver better products and services to customers, become more productive in the way they work, and accelerate innovation and new product development. This has been made clear by research that we at Financial Services Ireland have recently undertaken, in partnership with Accenture. Some of the use cases identified in the report include Revolut, which has used AI to power its focus on innovation. It has integrated AI across its product development suite, from real-time fraud detection to intelligent customer support. And Morgan Stanley is using generative AI to transcribe and categorise client meetings, and streamline access to the firms own proprietary research. This helps its advisers to deliver more timely and informed advice to clients. Elsewhere, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance has found AI useful for explaining complex concepts to customers in a speedy and accurate manner, drawing on the companys knowledge base. These are just some of the examples, though new and compelling use cases will continue to emerge. As this happens, its important that people remain at the centre of firms thinking. Financial services are ultimately about people about providing customers and clients with services that meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Its about fuelling economic activity and growth across society. And people will be critical if the substantial benefits that come from generative AI are to be realised. Competition for talent with AI skills will be intense. Indeed, it is clear from our research that demand for these skills will substantially outpace supply. In this context, upskilling/reskilling of staff will be essential, and the easiest place for firms to find skills is amongst their existing employees. We encourage firms to start thinking now about how they will ensure they have the right skills in place to realise the advantages of AI. The International Financial Services Skillnet is a great place to start, where courses have already been developed in consultation with industry leaders. Firms should also consider their strategies for tackling the other key obstacles, as identified in our research with Accenture. These include ensuring data and technology capabilities are optimised, so your firm has the IT capacity to use AI properly. In addition, its vital that firms have proper procedures in place to ensure they use AI in a way that is compliant, builds trust, and mitigates risks. A proper understanding of what the technology can and cannot do, the errors and biases that can occur, and the need for human oversight, is essential. Staff are bound to have concerns about what AI will mean for them and their role. Open and transparent communication with them will be a vital part of the process for harnessing AI. From speaking to our member firms, its clear that when employees have the opportunity to interact with and use AI, the benefits it can bring to their working lives become much clearer. Ultimately, our view is that AI is a tool to complement and augment employees efforts. As tasks such as manual data entry and processing are likely to be automated, jobs will change. Firms should upskill and reskill their existing staff, harnessing their experience and insights to work on other activities that add value for customers and clients. Government and industry bodies like Financial Services Ireland should support firms in doing this. Why? Because this approach will build further on the expertise of Irelands workforce, its capacity to deliver for firms who locate here and also on the countrys attractiveness for FDI investors. Generative AI is evolving fast. For Ireland, as it seeks to navigate this period of change and seize the opportunities, the time for collaboration and action is now. Audrey Crummy is deputy director at Financial Services Ireland RIO DE JANEIRO, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday that China is willing to work with Brazil to leverage each other's complementary advantages and expand cooperation in such areas as digital economy, green economy, sci-tech innovation and aerospace. Li made the remarks during his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Chinese premier arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to attend the 17th BRICS Summit. Li conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's warm greetings to Lula, noting that China-Brazil relations are in their best shape ever, with both sides working together to build a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. During Lula's visit to China in May, the two heads of state reached important consensus on pushing for building a China-Brazil community with a shared future and upholding multilateralism, Li said. China stands ready to work with Brazil to continue the efforts in enriching the dimensions of bilateral relations and achieving more concrete results in cooperation so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples, Li added. China is willing to work with Brazil to further consolidate and deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, finance and infrastructure development under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, said the premier. Li also urged both countries to jointly ensure the success of the China-Brazil Year of Culture in 2026, step up cooperation in education, youth, healthcare and other areas, further facilitate people-to-people exchanges and strengthen public support for China-Brazil friendship and cooperation. Depicting both countries as staunch supporters of multilateralism and free trade, Li said that China is willing to enhance communication and coordination with Brazil within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, BRICS and the G20, work in unity with developing countries to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and provide more certainty and stability for the world. China supports Brazil in hosting the UN Climate Change Conference in Belem (COP30) later this year, Li said. Jim Jennings was on the executive board under former DG Dee Forbes that was in charge when the scandal erupted over undisclosed payments to Ryan Tubridy in 2023. Making an unexpected appearance amid the throng that turned out for Joe Duffys retirement do in The Duke pub in Dublin last weekend was Jim Jennings. The former director of content left the station last August, after a deal was reached over the terms of his departure with the help of the Workplace Relations Committee. The boss of Irelands second-largest builders merchant has blamed tariff uncertainty for pauses in building as he calls on the Government to be more ambitious in supporting house developers. Sean McNamara, the new chief executive of HPC Group, said there were signs the second half of the year would be difficult after a positive first six months at the group behind TJ OMahony builders merchant. Partner content Enterprise Minister Peter Burke at the Future of Life pavilion, where EI client Druid Software partnered with Kyocera (KCCS) on a robotic display Despite being 9,000km apart, Ireland and Japan have much in common in terms of business, ambitions and shared values. The fourth largest economy in the world, Japan is Irelands closest partner in Asia. Our ambition is to build ever stronger ties in a market which provides ample opportunities for Irish innovators with world-class solutions. Two-way trade between the two countries is strong, exceeding 21.5bn. Enterprise Ireland client exports to Japan have doubled over the last decade, reaching 323m in 2023. This is why the Government is investing in Ireland House Tokyo, a new home for Ireland in Japan, encompassing Enterprise Irelands offices. Its also why Taoiseach Micheal Martin and various ministers recently visited the country. More than half the worlds population live in Asia, and more than half of global economic growth is expected to emerge from the region in coming years, with Japan a leading power. With a strong focus on strengthening existing business relationships and creating new opportunities for scaling Irish exporters, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke led a five-day trade and investment mission to Japan in June, supported by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. Two-way trade between Ireland and Japan is strong, exceeding 21.5bn More than 300 firms supported by Enterprise Ireland are active in the Japanese market. Fifty have a full-time presence on the ground, employing 1,750 people. Twenty-three of these companies participated in the recent trade and investment mission, deepening engagement with Japanese business leaders and trade groups. The mission sought to ensure they continue to have a strong understanding of the innovation and quality of Irish businesses. As well as meeting Irish companies who do business in Japan, their clients and potential partners, the trade mission focused on strengthening Irelands reputation as a key source of innovation. Through meetings with the leadership of influential business groups, the delegation highlighted the opportunities for Irish firms to address Japanese and global challenges. There was a strong emphasis on supporting Irish companies to explore in-market scaling opportunities. Sectors such as life sciences, digital technologies and fintech were in particular focus. Enterprise Ireland hosted a Connect with Irish Innovation event in Ireland House in Tokyo during the programme, which invited more than 100 Japanese business leaders and investors to hear pitches from Irish firms. This is a significant year for Ireland in Japan. At the official opening of Ireland House Tokyo, the Taoiseach highlighted the commitment Ireland has to its relationship with Japan, evidenced by the largest capital investment ever undertaken by the Government overseas. Ireland is also participating at Expo 2025 in Osaka. High level visits from Ireland, have been designed to showcase the best of Ireland, amplifying Irelands visibility in Japan, evidenced by a visit to the signature Future of Life pavilion where EI client Druid Software partnered with Kyocera (KCCS) on the highly innovative robotics displays. This renewed focus throughout 2025 will underpin Irelands strong partnership with Japan, and our ambition to grow and develop this relationship further. Neil Cooney is director for Japan at Enterprise Ireland Courts The worlds largest business lobby group has joined the fight against a US court judgment that would force an Irish-headquartered multinational to hand over employee-performance records in breach of GDPR. The Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America filed a court document last week expressing concern over a US court ordering power-system giant Eaton to turn over employee performance evaluations to the IRS, despite the documents being protected by EU data-privacy rules. The 300,000-member strong lobby group said the documents were of marginal relevance to the IRSs ongoing audit of Eaton. The document also filed by the US National Association of Manufacturers said the American tax agency could have gotten the information it wanted another way. The Chamber expressed its concern that the US courts decision would make it too easy for the IRS and other American government agencies to force companies to provide information protected by foreign law. It was worried that this could expose taxpayers to penalties and sanctions from other countries. The district courts dismissive treatment of the foreign privacy interests also puts Eaton in a bind, the Chamber wrote. If Eaton is forced to turn over the GDPR-protected employee evaluations, it may face enforcement actions in Europe. Eaton presumably could not defend itself by arguing that the GDPR is overly protective or that a US court viewed the privacy interests in the evaluations as minor. The Chamber called for the courts judgment to be reversed. In May, an American judge instructed Eaton to disregard GDPR rules and hand over controversial employee-performance evaluations to the IRS, following a long-running legal dispute. The IRS hopes to use the evaluations to judge how much work Irish-based staff were doing on some of Eatons intellectual property, potentially showing whether Eaton was being taxed correctly or not. The case stems from an IRS audit of Eatons 2017-2019 tax returns, which focused on whether the company improperly shifted IP to Ireland, where corporate tax rates are lower. 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? Dramatic footage of Irelands biggest cocaine seizure released, after eight men sentenced to 129 years for smuggling Revenue is working to sell MV Matthew, as the cost of storing the vessel soars past 9m Footage as eight men jailed for involvement in Irelands largest drugs haul Cillian Sherlock Sun 6 Jul 2025 at 06:30 Dramatic footage of the daring operation which led to the seizure of Irelands largest drugs haul onboard a container ship has been released to the public. He likes meditating, motorbikes and earns 550,000: Will this straight-talking New Zealander be the man who finally gets our Metro built? Sean Sweeney has been appointed to lead the delivery of Dublins long-awaited MetroLink and is the Governments best hope of finally getting this doneHe says people living along the proposed route will have to 'grit their teeth' through the disruption, but will see their property increase in value'People will get upset and say outlandish things about how the Metro will never work. Then itll open and two days later Dublin will be euphoricWhile he works hard, he says you'll only find him in the office after 5pm 'if there's a crisis'On his 550k salary: 'They benchmark my salary internationally and I think Im just below the average. These are really big jobs'He says he will take ultimate responsibility on behalf of the people of Ireland for getting MetroLink built but he wouldnt be afraid to walk away if his minister didnt trust him Sean Sweeney, programme director of MetroLink. Photo: Steve Humphreys Niamh Horan Sun 6 Jul 2025 at 06:30 It is Tuesday morning and Sean Sweeney is in his office at the Phoenix Park. Before we meet he has already meditated and been at work since 7am after driving the two minutes from his rented apartment in Island Bridge. The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland has put the brutal slaughter in Gaza and other conflicts where inhumanity is prevalent in Ukraine and Sudan under the intercession of Irish saint, Oliver Plunkett. Referring to St Olivers role as patron saint for peace and reconciliation in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin told the Irish Independent that during the Troubles many people had prayed to his predecessor, who was Archbishop of Armagh when he was martyred for his faith in London on July 1, 1681, to bring lasting peace. Thank God peace has lasted in the North and throughout this island, Dr Martin said. I think there is still a need to turn to St Oliver for peace in the world today and for forgiveness, reconciliation and healing. Speaking after celebrating mass in St Peters Church in Drogheda to mark the 400th anniversary of the birth of St Oliver Plunkett, Dr Martin said the saint, who was canonised fifty years ago in 1975, worked for peace during his time as a bishop and tried to reconcile rival factions within the church and among religious congregations and the clergy. He also built really good relationships with the protestant clergy and the protestant archbishop. He modelled peace in his life and he modelled peace and reconciliation in his death. The National Shrine of St Oliver Plunkett is located in St Peters Church in Drogheda where his head and some relics are preserved. When St Oliver was canonised in 1975, he was the first Irish saint to be elevated in over 700 years. During Sundays Mass, Lord Dunsay, Randal Plunkett, a blood relative of the saint, was one of those who brought up gifts at the offertory. Speaking to the Irish Independent afterwards, Lord Dunsany, who is a filmmaker and rewilding advocate, explained that he is one of the closest living relatives of the martyred former Primate of Ireland, who was hung drawn and quartered by the British authorities in Tyburn on a trumped up charge. We have some of his relics and we are the guardians of that. We are very proud to be part of this event. St Oliver wanted to uplift and protect people who didnt have a voice. 400 years later, the lessons are still to be learnt, he said. Flanked by his wife Laura Plunkett and his daughter, Lord Dunsany added: If St Oliver were here today, he would certainly tell us we have to learn to forgive and we have to learn to be better to each other. During the Mass, which was attended by the Papal Nuncio, archbishops, bishops, priests, members of Drogheda City Council, as well as politicians and civic and religious representatives, a chalice was used which is believed to have belonged to St Oliver Plunkett. Dr Martin explained that the chalice, which is held by the Diocese of Meath, is engraved with a horseman. For that reason we think it is perhaps associated with Oliver Plunkett because he went around his diocese on horseback often in disguise. Ahead of the mass, the relics of the Saint were processed through the centre of Drogheda. Aontu Party Leader, Peadar Tobin TD, was among those who congregated on the steps of St peters Church after the ceremony. Explaining that he attended St Oliver Plunkett school in Navan, Mr Tobin said the context of Oliver Plunketts martyrdom was one in which people of faith and Irish culture suffered so much. Referring to the turmoil of todays world, the Meath TD said that between the movement of people and migration as well as the stresses and strains of wars and what is happening in Gaza, St Oliver Plunketts message of love was as relevant as ever. For cohesion to exist in a society we need to see the humanity in each other and we need to be generous in how we engage with other, he said. The TD also highlighted that St Oliver Plunkett had promoted pluralism in his own lifetime and had set up the first integrated school in Drogheda where Catholics and protestants were educated together. The Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, paid tribute to the Irish saint saying his message was one for our fragmented world in which there is a tendency to make might prevail instead of reason and rights". This saint teaches us that we have to persevere in forgiveness because we have to give enemies the opportunity for reconciliation. Everywhere where there is violence and hate, in every theatre of war and conflict in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and Myanmar, the only way bring peace and avoid new conflicts is through a show of love. We need to give enemies the opportunity to change. We need to convince them, the Popes representative in Ireland said. This article was amended at 8.30am, July 7 to correct the year the Archbishop of Armagh was martyred for his faith to 1681. Most people in Ireland dont think dodgy box owners should be prosecuted, as 14pc admit to owning one, the Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll has revealed. It comes as 64pc of respondents said they dont agree that owners of dodgy boxes should be fined or prosecuted by the courts. Meanwhile, 18pc of Irish people think the box owners should be prosecuted, while 18pc were not sure. The poll, conducted by the Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks on Friday, July 4, asked more than 1,500 people three questions about the ownership of a dodgy box. A dodgy box is an illegal TV device that lets users watch premium channels for free without a subscription. The majority of people in Ireland dont own a dodgy box as more than three in four (76pc) people answered no when asked whether they own this device. Meanwhile, 14pc of people in Ireland own a dodgy box and 10pc said they prefer not to say. Almost half of the people (49pc) said they would not consider getting a dodgy box while 16pc said they are not sure. However, 35pc said they would consider getting it, with this figure including respondents who already own a box. Last month, Sky Ireland warned up to 400,000 dodgy-box users of consequences if caught streaming sport or films using the illegal devices. The broadcaster is also set to use private investigators to monitor WhatsApp chats to detect who is buying dodgy boxes, and is also considering civil action against individual users for the first time. However, the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) will meet the broadcaster to discuss whether such methods are legal according to GDPR privacy law. The streaming services are commonly sold through WhatsApp groups and other online discussion forums, where details of local dealers are provided. In Ireland, using a dodgy box to stream pirated content is an offence under the Copyright Act, punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 127,000. However, gardai have consistently declined to pursue individual consumers of dodgy boxes, reserving action instead for commercial operators and distributors of the services. Liverpudlian devised oral liquid morphine that could be mixed in a bucket Dr Anne Merriman, who has died aged 90, was a former nun from Liverpool known as the mother of palliative care in Africa. She revolutionised end-of-life care in low-income countries by devising a formula for oral liquid morphine that could be mixed up in a bucket or a kitchen sink and cost no more than a loaf of bread. When she arrived in Kenya in 1990, it was one of only three countries in Africa along with Zimbabwe and South Africa that had any palliative care with meaningful pain control. For most Kenyans, however, codeine was prohibitively expensive. Even patients with cancer were being sent away with paracetamol. Anne Merriman was anxious to introduce her cheap oral morphine, which she had developed in the 1980s in Singapore as founder of its first palliative care service. Her formula was, she said, as easy as making coffee, just four ingredients: morphine powder, a preservative, PH stabiliser and water. It had proved transformative in giving a modicum of peace and dignity to patients for whom nothing more could be done, and who would otherwise have been discharged from hospital to die in agony in their own flats. In 1993, she founded Hospice Africa Uganda in Kampala on the condition that the Ugandan health minister should also legalise powdered morphine and approve its importation. She went on to oversee the care of more than 40,000 patients in Uganda and the training of thousands of healthcare workers across Africa. Her model, of nurse-led teams visiting patients in their homes, became the blueprint for palliative care on the continent. In 2018, The Lancet reported that pain inequality was still a heinous injustice that has been largely ignored in global health the 3.6 billion people residing in the poorest countries receive less than 1pc of the morphine distributed worldwide. Merriman, on the other hand, took the view that you are not going to change the world, but if you change the life of one person you will change their world. She told her mother: Im going to Africa to care for the poorly children Anne Merriman was born on May 13, 1935, to Irish parents in Liverpool.When she was four, inspired by the church magazine Echo from Africa, she announced to her mother: Im going to Africa to care for the poorly children. Her medical calling was sharpened by the sudden death of her younger brother, Bernard, aged 11, of a brain tumour. There was no palliative care for him, and nothing to help us with bereavement afterwards, she recalled. I remember feeling so sad on a bus full of people and thinking: they dont know what weve just been through. She entered the Medical Missionaries of Mary in Drogheda, Co Louth, and in 1963 graduated in medicine from University College Dublin. She was posted to a hospital in Nigeria. Although the Nigerian hospital was well-equipped, she was shocked to discover that terminally-ill patients were simply sent home to fend for themselves. The same was true in Liverpool, where she returned nine years later having left the order to care for her own mother and run the geriatric unit at the Whiston Hospital. After her mothers death in 1981, she moved to Malaysia, then Singapore, before returning to Africa in 1990. She was appointed MBE in 2003, and published two memoirs. Dogged and focused, with a wicked sense of humour, she retained her Liverpudlian accent, but latterly favoured traditional African dress. She lived in Kampala in a house full of rescue cats and dogs, attended by three unmarried mothers and their children, whom she regarded as her family. MOSCOW, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Ten people were injured after an An-2 light civilian aircraft made a crash-landing in Russia's Trans-Baikal Region on Sunday, with three in critical condition, said local authorities. The authorities said that among the hospitalized, three are in intensive care. Russia's East Siberian Transport Prosecutor's Office reported that the accident was caused by an engine malfunction. The plane crash-landed around 16 minutes after taking off from the Chita district of the region, said local emergency services. Frances Fitzgerald, Emma Blain and Claire Byrne on dealing with emotional pressure Rachel Reeves, the British chancellor of the exchequer, made headlines last week when images of her crying in the UK parliament while seated behind Keir Starmer were beamed around the world. Friends of Reeves later told the BBC the reason she had been upset was purely personal rather than anything to do with the subject of the debate, which was the Labour governments compromises on its reform of the British welfare system. It prompted questions as to what the personal reasons for Reevess upset were, and whether such an open display of emotion is proper in any workplace, let alone in politics. So is crying at the office ever OK? There are times when you would certainly feel like it, former justice minister Frances Fitzgerald told the Sunday Independent. There are times when I have seen people being very emotional in work contexts, but I have never actually seen anyone cry in public, nor have I myself cried. I have seen people very upset over health issues, but not when they are in public. Former government minister Frances Fitzgerald Usually in politics, what happens when youre in situations of extreme stress is that your resilience and your adrenaline kick in, and those two things help you cope. Youre usually fighting for something and you may be fighting for your [work] life, as I was. Generally speaking, people in politics can be very passionate, and thats a good thing. But Rachel Reevess level of distress seemed to come at an absolutely critical moment in her work, was very out of character and very strange. Its more complex than just showing emotion, it was striking, very distracting and it was problematic. Obviously, you would have sympathy, and I would be someone who would support someone showing emotion, but it seemed out of proportion, and thats why there has been so much discussion about it. Outgoing Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain is of a similar opinion. Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain Sometimes its cathartic to have a cry, sometimes to shed a tear could arguably make you look more human, she said. But most of us, if we do it at all, do it behind closed doors were loth to give detractors ammunition to strike at us when were vulnerable. Has she ever cried in work herself? The truthful answer is yes. But not in a long time, she said. Much of the discussion about Reevess upset has centred on her being the first female chancellor, and how perhaps the relatively sympathetic public reaction might have been different for a male politician. But Blain said politicians, and particularly female politicians, deal with extreme scrutiny. In politics, its pretty difficult not to be affected, whether its by the stories of the people you meet, the frustrations at not being able to do more or by the online abuse that politicians, particularly female ones, deal with. RTE presenter Claire Byrne said the response to Reevess tears have been telling. RTE presenter Claire Byrne. Photo: Fergal Phillips This must have been such an incredibly difficult week for the British chancellor, and I agree with the analysts who say that even if the reason for her being upset was personal, that image of her will be a defining one for her and possibly for Keir Starmers government, she said. I have felt uncomfortable this week looking at the image of her being so upset and looking so alone in such an exposed forum it makes me want to look away each time I see it. Perhaps our response needs checking too. We all have our bad days and emotional days, yet why is it still so uncomfortable to see someone displaying that emotion at work? Poll puts Mairead McGuinness ahead in presidential race with Bertie Ahern and Mary Hanafin tied as potential Fianna Fail candidates Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks survey shows Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill as a credible candidate for Sinn Fein, ahead of Gerry Adams Who are the public likely to vote for in Irish presidential race? Gabija Gataveckaite Sun 6 Jul 2025 at 06:30 Former EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness is leading the race as the favourite to be Irelands next president, the latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll reveals today. Budgets are all about choices, says Tanaiste, as parties bicker over proposed welfare hikes Tanaiste Simon Harris: talked about getting rid of rid of uniformity in rising all welfare payments. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos Third-level students are in line to see hundreds of euro permanently cut off their college fees, in a move that will be seen as a concession by Fianna Fail. The Sunday Independent can also reveal Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are on a collision course over welfare in the budget talks, after the first major row last week, on college fees. Further and Higher Education Minister James Lawless will now push for budget measures to reduce the 3,000 annual fees for college students by several hundred euro permanently. Students will also be in line for more targeted measures, with disadvantaged students set to get greater support with paying their college fees. Permanent cuts to college fees will be seen as a win for Fine Gael, after the party clashed with its coalition partner last week after Fianna Fail minister Mr Lawless initially poured cold water on the prospect of reducing fees. In previous budgets, college fees fell by 1,000 due to a temporary subsidy introduced in cost-of-living packages. However, the Government had signalled there would be no cost-of-living supports in Budget 2026, and that they would also end the 250 energy credit to help reduce household bills. Tanaiste Simon Harris: talked about getting rid of rid of uniformity in rising all welfare payments. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos The state of the parties: Sunday Independent / Ireland Thinks poll This weekend, Mr Lawless insisted he would seek discounts to the student contribution fee. I am going into the budget negotiations this autumn seeking the very best possible outcome for students and their families, of course by seeking discounts to the student contribution fee, and in line with our Programme for Government commitments, but also by examining complementary, targeted measures which can be very impactful for cohorts like larger families or the squeezed middle, he said. The Kildare North TD also hit out at Tanaiste Simon Harris, by saying families have faced uncertainty in recent years as support schemes were, by design, temporary and not guaranteed year-on-year. I feel its important that Im straight with people Mr Harris had cut fees on a temporary basis when he was further and higher education minister, but these were not put on a permanent footing. I feel its important that Im straight with people, and that whatever I do in this budget is there to stay repeatable, costed and sustainable, Mr Lawless said. He also told Sinn Fein TD Donna McGettigan, the partys spokesperson on further and higher education, that the Government is committed to reducing the student contribution fee over the lifetime of the Government, in a financially sustainable manner. Mr Lawless called on Sinn Fein to provide a costed, evidence-based appraisal, prompting Sinn Fein to accuse the minister of being tone deaf. The latest Sunday Independent/ Ireland Thinks poll shows most people believe cuts to student fees should apply to all students and not just those on lower incomes. Most people also believe the Government should cut fees further after previously cutting them by 1,000. But Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are set to clash on weekly welfare hikes for the unemployed, with Fine Gael believing people who refuse to work should not be rewarded. The party instead wants lower increases or none at all for Jobseekers Allowance, with higher rates for pensioners and the disabled. Ive never been into the characterisation of people on welfare However, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he does not like drawing distinctions. Ive never been into the characterisation of people on welfare. Ive never been into those politics, he said. The Taoiseach instead spoke about turning the dial on child poverty. We do have to make priorities. In terms of how we allocate, my view is that we have, over the last two years, committed to doing something significant on child poverty, to turn the dial around on child poverty and thats where I would like to see a targeted set of measures emanating from the Department of Social Protection, he added. His comments stand in stark contrast to those of Mr Harris, who said he believes there is merit to get rid of uniformity in rising all welfare payments such as Jobseekers and the pension by the same weekly amount. Roughly speaking, the equivalent of 1.20/1.25 on every social welfare payment is roughly the equivalent of reducing college fees by 1,000. So budgets are all about choices, he said last week. Im not convinced that you need to see as significant a rise in the dole as in the pension, at a time when our country is in full employment and when theres lots of supports out there for people getting into work. Theres other supports out there for people who cant work for very many good reasons. Chair of the Oireachtas Social Protection Committee, Fine Gael TD John Paul OShea, previously called for vulnerable groups to be prioritised over the unemployed. Proposals to have smaller increases to Jobseekers than to pensions were rejected by previous governments. Fine Gael will tomorrow open its nomination process for anyone seeking the Fine Gael candidacy for the upcoming presidential election. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos The presidential election race kicks off as Fine Gael will tomorrow open its nomination process for anyone seeking their candidacy for the upcoming presidential election. Nominations will open tomorrow and close at 4pm on Tuesday, July 15, with the selected candidate ratified by the party at an event in September. Fine Gael's executive council have decided that a candidate needs the nomination of 20 members of the parliamentary party, 25 Fine Gael councillors and five members of the party's executive council to be nominated. If a public representative is also a member of the executive council, they must indicate in which capacity they are nominating. In the event of a contest, the party said that an electoral college voting system will be applied, the same as when ratifying the programme for government or electing a party leader. Under this system, those who have been members of the party for at least two years will have a vote. The membership element of the college is worth 30pc of the overall vote, the councillors votes account for 15pc, and the parliamentary party votes are 55pc. The party also announced a number of hustings to be held in late July, with a postal ballot of members to take place throughout August. The parliamentary party will vote in one location in September, with the decision yet to be taken as to how councillors will vote. It comes as President Michael D Higgins' term will finish on November 11, and the election of the next President must take place within 60 days before that. This means the presidential election in Ireland must be held between September 13 and November 10, 2025. Tom McCaughren: What Grace Livingstones husband told me when I called to their home after her murder Before a garda review cleared his name over the 1992 killing in Malahide, Jimmy Livingstone told me his theory about what happened Jimmy Livingstone: Grace was shot with a shotgun Tom McCaughren Yesterday at 06:30 I vividly remember two things about the murder of Grace Livingstone. One is the image of her watering her flowers in the porch shortly before she was killed. The other is of her husband Jimmy talking to me about it in the sitting room, and vehemently denying that he had done it. University of Limerick breached planning rules over student homes at centre of overpayment row UL will have to consider if it will continue to accommodate students in Rhebogue homes after An Coimisiun Pleanala ruling The University of Limerick campus Wayne O'Connor Sun 6 Jul 2025 at 06:30 University of Limerick (UL) has been dealt a blow in plans to accommodate students at 20 houses after a 12.65m spend, with An Coimisiun Pleanala now ruling that planning rules were breached. Kirsty Blake Knox: The bandage dress is back but believe me, there is nothing so humbling as getting stuck in one David Quinn: Irish politicians are not antisemitic but they are making self-indulgent, baffling decisions over Israel Occupied Territories Bill is the symptom of the Governments double standards, and they can expect a voter backlash if it hits us in the pocket Protesters outside the US ambassador's Deerfield Residence in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, as ambassador Ed Walsh hosted Fourth of July celebrations. Photo: PA David Quinn Sun 6 Jul 2025 at 06:30 Donald Trumps choice as US ambassador to Ireland, Ed Walsh, has just taken up residence here. He will have his work cut out for him. His boss is widely detested in Ireland, and nowhere more so than in Leinster House. The presidential election could be end up being the dampest of squibs Joe Duffy was absolutely clear on social media this weekend that he will not be seeking nominations for the presidency, despite reports that the former Liveline host was being wooed to throw his hat into the ring. The announcement underlines the challenge faced by the main political parties in finding a candidate who can fill President Michael D Higginss shoes when he steps down in November. That is brought home even more starkly by the Sunday Independent poll published today. Among all the prominent figures whose names have been touted as potential contenders for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Sinn Fein, every single one of them is being soundly beaten by none of the above when respondents are asked for which of them they are most likely to vote. It is hardly what one would call a vote of confidence in the political class of 2025. The frontrunner remains former European commissioner Mairead McGuinness but can a Fine Gael nominee really bring the prize home for the first time since independence? History is against her. Early pacesetters also rarely emerge victorious in the race to be president. While Joe Duffy may not be heading to the Phoenix Park in the autumn, hopefuls contemplating dipping a toe into those turbulent waters will undoubtedly need some of the broadcasters personal qualities to get across the line. A ready humour would be equally welcome in an increasingly unsettled world Being well liked and widely trusted goes a long way in the present climate of public disenchantment with the establishment. Having an instinctive connection with those who are sometimes condescendingly called ordinary people does not hurt either. A ready humour would be equally welcome in an increasingly unsettled world. Unfortunately, finding a candidate who ticks all of the boxes might prove a bridge too far this time. Back in his heyday, Bertie Ahern would have seemed like a shoo-in but his reputation has never recovered from the Mahon Tribunal into alleged illegal payments made to politicians in charge of planning and rezoning decisions. The three-time general election winner continues to reject its findings that he was less than truthful in his evidence, but a presidential race spent raking through those ashes again would be unpleasant. Few of the other names being bandied about inspire any greater enthusiasm. Unless something dramatic happens over the summer to change the picture, the presidential election could be end up being the dampest of squibs. It speaks of a serious lack of talent in public life that none of the established parties seems capable as yet of finding a would-be president who could command inclusive support. The political climate has never been more divided. That too is highlighted in our poll this weekend. If there was to be a general election tomorrow, the results say that combined support for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael would drop below 40pc for the first time, a 10-point drop in less than a decade. As recently as 2007, they were nudging close to 70pc between them. On the basis of this poll, the Coalition should consider itself extremely fortunate that it faces such a fractured opposition and luckier still that none of the above has never been added as an option to the actual ballot paper, or they might all be seeking alternative employment. Eoin OMalley: As we swelter in Spain, Im learning the value of the siesta and other habits we should copy as Ireland heats up Instead of obsessing about stopping climate change, we should focus on how we adapt for inevitable hotter summers, more violent storms and heavier rainfall People try to cool down with foam and water in the Vallcarca neighbourhood of Barcelona. Photo: Getty Eoin O'Malley Sun 6 Jul 2025 at 06:30 Temperatures in Madrid reached 39 degrees last week. But the Spanish capitals recently renovated Puerta del Sol was far from a refuge from the citys heat. If public squares are meant to provide shade and cooling, Sol was turned into a frying pan of asphalt, with no vegetation, no shade and no water. It made the already baking climate hotter still. Temperature readings on the street showed much more than the official figure 46 degrees on some thermometers. RIO DE JANEIRO, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday that China is willing to work with Brazil to leverage each other's complementary advantages and expand cooperation in such areas as digital economy, green economy, sci-tech innovation and aerospace. Li made the remarks during his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Chinese premier arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to attend the 17th BRICS Summit. With the new college year just a couple of months away, parents and students have been busy putting in applications for a SUSI grant to help pay college fees and maintenance costs. SUSI is Student Universal Support Ireland, the national awarding authority for further and higher education grants. The funding body provides grants for students studying for PLC, undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Ireland as well as the UK and the EU. Almost 70,000 applications have been received for the 2025/26 academic year. However, Cork County Councillors have called the grant application process cumbersome, inefficient and unnecessarily complicated. At a recent meeting of Cork County Council, Cllr Audrey Buckley put forward a motion calling on the Education Minister to review the application process. The Carrigaline Councillor said it should be simplified, particularly the income verification part. Integrating that with the Revenue Online Service would help, she said. It's not working, it's not fit for purpose, it's very complex, it's ineffective. When you fill out the SUSI grant, I'd say probably 80% of the time it shoots back to you because you could be missing something very simple that you could have found on the Revenue Online system, Cllr Buckley said. Cllr Sinead Sheppard said a number of people came to her clinic last year seeking help with the application. Were people that fill out applications and fill out forms all day long. And even it took me a while to try and get my head around that grant to help people in the process of filling them out. Its so difficult, its like they don't want people to continue filling it out. It's the most cumbersome, leadranach and drawn-out application that you can possibly have, they nearly ask what you had for dinner yesterday. And then the difficulty about it is when you get to the other end and you pass it, you must turn around and then do it next year and the year after again, said Cllr Finbarr Harrington. Cllr Sheila OCallaghan said she cant see why the application process cant be linked with the information held by the Revenue Commissioners: Just to simplify it, the facts and the figures are there, and it would streamline the whole process for people and take the stress out of it. Several Councillors also called for the grants income assessment to be made on the basis of net rather than gross income. On the foot of Cllr Buckleys motion, Cork County Council agreed to write to the Education Minister to request an urgent review of the application process. SUSI told the Irish Independent that it "conducts ongoing customer satisfaction surveys to help us better understand our applicants needs. Since opening for applications for academic year 2025/26, the application form has received an applicant satisfaction rating of over 90%." Around 70% of applicants don't need to provide supporting documentation, thanks to data sharing agreements with the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social Protection and the CAO, SUSI said. The grant awarding authority pointed out that its support desk is available by phone, email and social media to help applicants through the process. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. A Limerick TD is supporting a campaign to improve services for people living with heart failure, after attending the inaugural meeting of the Oireachtas Heart and Stroke group at Leinster House this week. Deputy Richard ODonoghue participated in the public health discussion on July 2, where he announced the need for enhanced cardiac rehabilitation, psychological support, and financial assistance for the estimated 5,616 people in Limerick living with the chronic condition. The new Oireachtas group, set up by the Irish Heart Foundation, aims to push for better supports for the 137,000 people nationwide affected by heart failure, a condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump blood as efficiently as it should. Speaking after the meeting, Deputy ODonoghue said: Heart failure is a life-altering condition, and too many people in Limerick are struggling without the supports they need. We have to do more to keep patients out of hospital and give them access to rehabilitation and psychological care. Members of the group heard from Patient Champions and heart failure patients Stephen Comerford and Teresa OHanlon, as well as expert insights from Professor Emer Joyce, Consultant Heart Function and Transplant Cardiologist at The Mater Hospital, and Dr Eamonn OShea, GP and HSE/ICGP Integrated Care GP Clinical Lead Cardiovascular. Chris Macey, Director of Advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation, said heart failure is now one of Irelands fastest growing cardiac conditions. The HSE has estimated that 30pc of heart failure patients are back in hospital within 90 days of discharge, Mr Macey told the group. Half of all admissions are due to poor self-care and are therefore largely preventable, he added. He stated: Heart failure patients, along with others living with heart disease and stroke, need more help to address the psychological impact of their condition, the financial hardship that can result, and to gain greater access to rehabilitation services. The purpose of this new group is to ensure that services and supports for people affected by cardiovascular disease are prioritised in Limerick and across the country. Comfort Keepers had lots to celebrate for their National Day of Joy after marking 20 years of service to clients North Wexford carers were celebrated as Comfort Keepers held its recent National Day of Joy. Four members of the Gorey team were presented with long-service awards. Those awarded included, Aoife Molloy, Rebecca Cahill, Susan Jones, and Monika Wieczorek for completing five years of service at Comfort Keepers. They were recognised for their contributions helping people to stay living independently in their homes and communities safely, while maintaining individuality, confidence, and joy. The National Day of Joy an important day in the calendar each year to celebrate all the simple, everyday moments that lift spirits and brings people closer together Collette Gleeson, CEO of Comfort Keepers praised the hard work of all the carers put in to ensure independence for their clients. What our teams do is much more than daily support, and the impact of our home care and support services on people around the country is profound. Each of our carers brings care, joy and connection into their clients homes every day, while helping them to stay independent, confident, and part of the communities they love. CEO Collette Gleeson said the annual celebration is an important opportunity to honour the incredibly hardworking and passionate members of our teams. Rebecca Cahill As part of its National Day of Joy, Comfort Keepers teams delivered flowers and celebration packs to clients, and hosted parties in Comfort Keepers offices and in the homes of those they care for across Ireland. The company also marked 20 years of uplifting homecare and celebrated being named the All-Ireland Champion Home Care Company 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation, for the second consecutive year. Client Care Supervisor, Hayley O Brien highlighted the importance of recognising care work in the local community. Its hugely important that theyre recognised. Its just something to give back to the carers who give to people every day. Susan Jones What they [carers] do day in day out and everything they do that goes unnoticed. I would say theyre kind of the unsung heroes of our community Hayley stated. In addition, Anne-Marie Lonergan was one of ten regional winners of this years Carer of the Year Awards celebrated on the day as she has worked in the caring sector for almost three decades. Hayley O Brien further praised her dedication to the job. We are incredibly proud of Anne Marie well deserved recognition of her outstanding compassion and commitments to her clients. Comfort Keepers provides a wide range of services including personal care and companionship, disability support, and Dementia and Alzheimers care, overnight and 24- hour care, and light homemaking/housekeeping support overseen by its clinical nurse management team, for any individual, including older adults, who wants to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Established in 2005, Comfort Keepers has grown to nearly 2,000 employees and has become a trusted name in Irish home care. It is a HSE-preferred provider of homecare and support services with 15 locations all across the country including Wexford. Award days like this are only a small part of the story Hayley concluded. The National Cyber Security Centre cited 2023 as being its busiest year when it received 5,200 cyber reports. A Wicklow/ Wexford TD has highlighted the need for further investment in Irelands cyber defence infrastructure. Speaking in the Dail, Fianna Fail Deputy Malcom Byrne said we need to ensure international law applies in cyberspace as much as it does on the ground. Like other countries, there are challenges to Ireland in the cyberattacks we face, including those from other states or malign actors aligned to those states, as well as those who want to hack State infrastructure systems for financial, political or ideological reasons. He said it is important that we know the State has a plan in place to combat any major cyberattack in the future. We also need to address situations where critical infrastructure may be brought down. This could be in health, transport, financial services, Government payments or energy. he added. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) cited 2023 as being its busiest year in recent memory. At that time, it received 5,200 cyber reports with 721 incidents which represented a threat to a network and required a response. In their most recent report, the NCSC found there is enough evidence and information in a number of those cases to attribute activity to specific foreign intelligence and security agencies. Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne. Everyone will remember May 2021, when the HSE faced a major ransomware attack. We know that the costs to date have been more than 150 million, not to mention the many lives that were undoubtedly lost because of the attack, continued Deputy Byrne. In response the Minister for Justice Jim O Callaghan said the NCSC has had a significant increase in its resources since then. Back in 2011, the NCSC only had four staff. At the end of 2024, it had 75 staff and an annual budget of 12 million. There is also a commitment in budget 2025 that the number of staff will increase by a further 30, bringing it to more than 100 employees. he added. The NCSC has come within the jurisdictional control of the Department of Justice meaning they have departmental and ministerial responsibility for issues concerning cyber threat attacks. Considering the threat posed to the country, Minister O Callaghan deemed the change appropriate. Last July, the Government gave its approval to the priority drafting of the national cybersecurity Bill, which is currently being undertaken by my Department. It will give the NCSC specific powers to engage in a range of scanning-type activities to identify systems vulnerable to specific exploits. he added. In conclusion, Deputy Byrne welcomed the fact that the NCSC is now within the remit of the Department of Justice but insisted more investment is needed. In the same way we rightly hold countries to account for actions in wars on the ground, we need to hold them to account where they act in a malign way in cyberspace. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Put some pep in your step with our beauty columnists must-haves Some days, no matter how sorted we are and how much we have to be grateful for, we just need a little confidence booster. I was on my Insta lately talking about how a tan is the ultimate booster of all the beauty treatments out there, as there is nothing nicer than having a lovely golden glow. When I was younger, I was all about the Dita Von Teese pale gal chic, but nowadays a faux glow just makes everything look better! A spray tan is brilliant but if I havent got it together to book one, I have a secret weapon AyuGlo Instant Tan (14.50, ayucosmetics.com). This fast-drying tan is infused with truffle extract and allantoin. It blends effortlessly with your skin to deliver a beautifully subtle colour for covering up corned beef looking legs, veins and scars in a jiffy. Another Irish instant I love is Bare by Vogue Instant Tan (19, brownthomas.com). Just look at Vogue Williams, a great ambassador for her brand as she always has a perfect faux glow. This instant tan formula is enriched with goji berry, oatmeal, chamomile and pomegranate. So what else is out there that can give you a little confidence boost? So what else is out there that can give you a little confidence boost? Bellamianta Butter Me Up Body Butter, 20.99, boots.ie Whats Up, Buttercup? As the days of covering up in handy layers are behind us, we need to keep our skin soft and hydrated. The Bellamianta Butter Me Up Body Butter (20.99, boots.ie) is an oil-free product that provides intense hydration and also gives great results with your skins tone, texture and even the appearance of cellulite. It contains shea and cocoa butter as well as hyaluronic acid, and is perfect for prepping your skin before you apply tan. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Blurred Matte SPF 30, 50, spacenk.com All a Blur My new summer foundation is Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Blurred Matte SPF 30 (50, spacenk.com). Inspired by her iconic original formula, this upgrade from Mercier has a skincare-infused formula and buildable sheer-to-light coverage. It also gives a natural blurred matte finish to make it look even and shine-free. A true gem, it improves the appearance of your pores and gives 16 hours of hydration to help balance skin. Oribe Supershine Mirror Rinse Glass Treatment, 71, brownthomas.com Heart of Glass Were always hearing about glass skin these days, but if you like the idea of adding glass-like shine to your hair, try Oribe Supershine Mirror Rinse Glass Treatment (71, brownthomas.com). Its a conditioner you use weekly that smoothes the cuticle to give a vibrant glossy shine and a mirror-like finish. It works for all hair types and is perfect for the summer, where we put our hair through hell thanks to the sun, the sea and chlorine from the pool. Voya Cryo-Cooling Gel, 37, voya.ie Voya Voyage Created by Kira and Mark Walton from the fab Voya company, the new Voya Cryo-Cooling Gel (37, voya.ie) is a great product for soothing and hydrating tired limbs and muscles. It contains organic seaweed, aloe vera and menthol, and as well as working to soothe tired, achy feet at the end of the day, it also helps to ease hot flushes and perimenopausal overheating. If youre a gym bunny, its great for aiding the post-workout recovery. Brow Aid IllumiLift Eye and Brow Hydrogel Mask, 32 for five, brownthomas.com Treat Mask magic I feel like a superhero every time I wear this brilliant Brow Aid IllumiLift Eye and Brow Hydrogel Mask (32 for five, brownthomas.com), as it supercharges my skin due to actives like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, caffeine and vitamin C. It boosts brow density, brightens dark circles and evens skin tone. Treatment Festival hydration This is the facial that every festival-goer needs to book this summer! The HydraFacial (150, thewicklowstreetclinic.ie) is the ultimate pre-festival skin treatment that guarantees a gorgeous glow to go with your glow stick! From lymphatic drainage to boost circulation and eliminate toxins to unique Vortex-Fusion exfoliation and hydration along with LED light therapy to reduce redness, you will be ready to rock for those selfie pics. Trick Break on through While were on the subject of confidence boosters, I was talking to Mini my ten-year-old about how to deal with having less-than-perfect skin, which will happen when hormones start hitting! I told her that you cant camouflage an insecurity, but you can emphasise something else to draw attention away from it. So those Starface Hydro-Star stickers are super for teen breakouts or winged eyeliner and bright lip gloss when shes older. LATEST | Death toll rises as Israeli air strikes kill 38 Palestinians in Gaza The Israeli military said it had struck 130 targets across the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours Smoke could be seen rising over the Gaza Strip on Sunday (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) Wafaa Shurafa and Kareem Chehayeb Press Association Sun 6 Jul 2025 at 12:33 At least 38 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in Israeli air strikes, hospital officials said, as Israels military said it had struck more than 100 targets in the embattled enclave in the past day. 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. BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- China on Sunday released a list of what it has determined to be the 30 most pressing scientific questions, engineering challenges and industrial technology bottlenecks facing the nation's development. The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) made the announcement of the list, the eighth of its kind since 2018, during its 27th annual meeting. A rigorous selection process was overseen by 80 national scientific societies, with its initial phase seeing 56 eminent strategic scientists nominate 90 issues spanning 10 major fields, including the basic sciences and manufacturing technology, before finalizing the list of 30 priorities, according to CAST. The carefully selected roster lists the country's top 10 frontier science problems, including the topological and geometric classification of manifolds, as well as the properties and origin of mass of the Higgs boson. The top 10 engineering technology challenges involve breakthrough applications, with notable entries including those related to integrated algorithms for the design-simulation-manufacturing of complex models, as well as AI-streamlined network systems that integrate communication and intelligence. CAST also announced China's top 10 industrial technology issues, which require a focus on overcoming critical manufacturing and application barriers, with priority areas including autonomous mining technologies for the utilization of deep-space resources, as well as brain function assessment and closed-loop, brain-computer intelligent intervention. KEYWORD: AI Notably, the fusion of AI and diverse scientific disciplines is a critical pathway to solving fundamental challenges, spanning secure communication networks and advanced health care solutions. Leading the list of the top 10 problems in frontier science, which were chosen by scientists working in the field, is establishing "new theories and protective frameworks for AI security from a cryptographic perspective," according to CAST. As AI advances rapidly globally, its security vulnerabilities are becoming increasingly critical. Cryptographic approaches to security offer a promising shift from reactive defenses to mathematically verifiable security paradigms. "Cryptography plays a dual role," explained Wang Xiaoyun, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). "On one hand, it is crucial to protecting the privacy of data and information within AI systems. On the other hand, cryptographic principles like provable security frameworks can help combat threats like deepfakes, ensuring AI remains reliable, safe and controllable," Wang said. Noting that cryptographic research for AI security is an emerging, interdisciplinary frontier field while global research is advancing concurrently, Wang said, "By nominating this problem, we hope to draw the attention of more experts in both AI and cryptography to this evolving field." The list of the top 10 engineering technology challenges also features an AI-centric communication solution: creating AI-streamlined network systems integrating communication and intelligence. Zhang Ping, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, highlighted the current bottlenecks plaguing communication systems. "The field faces theoretical limitations, a lack of inherent intelligence, and inflexibility, struggling to meet the demand for pervasive intelligence and sustainable development," Zhang noted. AI-streamlined networks offer novel system architecture by merging communication deeply with AI, significantly simplifying design. "The fundamental challenge in communication is that wider bandwidth and higher speeds demand more resources," Zhang said. "It's like expanding roads -- more lanes or wider roads require more land. Evolving toward AI-powered natural interaction provides a new engine to reduce resource consumption and waste of computing power in communication systems," he added. The listed medical technology challenges also feature AI integration. One key industrial technology issue focuses on brain function assessment and closed-loop, brain-computer intelligent intervention, proposing the use of multimodal neuroimaging combined with AI analysis and brain-computer interfaces to enhance neural plasticity and reorganization for stroke rehabilitation. This year's initiative uniquely paired senior strategic scientists with younger counterparts, who served as academic secretaries and were involved in interpreting and refining the nominated problems. This approach aimed to ensure authoritative selection while actively cultivating the next generation of research talent, CAST said. Heads Of State ending explained: Heads Of State, featuring Idris Elba, John Cena, and Priyanka Chopra, has premiered on Prime Video, mixing action with a roller coaster of emotions and humour. Its dramatic ending has sparked questions among fans about the characters futures and the possibility of a follow-up film. If youre eager to find out what unfolded in the finale and whether a sequel could be in the works, heres what we know so far. (Spoilers ahead, you know what to do) What is Heads Of State about? U.S. President Will Derringer and British Prime Minister Sam Clarke share a famously tense and public rivalry. But after Air Force One is shot down behind enemy lines, the two leaders are forced to put aside their differences and team up to stop a global conspiracy that could endanger the entire free world. Heads Of State ending explained During the NATO summit, Viktor kills Elizabeth and narrowly escapes after being chased by Sam and Will. Just before Viktor reaches his helicopter, Sam admits to Will that hes actually seen and enjoyed all of his movies. In the closing moments, we see Noel embarking on a new covert mission while juggling her long-distance romance with Sam. Meanwhile, Sam and Will sit down for a meal together, still teasing each other about their differences symbolised by the classic debate over fish and chips as paparazzi gather outside. Will there be a Heads Of State sequel? The post-credits scene in Heads of State reveals some key details. It turns out that field agent Marty Comer who had helped Sam and Will at his Warsaw safe house, actually survived being shot in the head. Noel tracks him down, suggesting he might be part of a new mission. This moment also hints that a Heads of State 2 could be on the horizon. You can now stream Heads of State on Prime Video. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Tyler Perrys Miss Governor OTT release date: Tyler Perrys Miss Governor delivers sharp humor and political satire on Netflix, centering on Antoinette Dunkerson (Terri J. Vaughn), who steps into history as Mississippis first Black lieutenant governor. The series explores her day-to-day challenges as she balances political goals, public scrutiny, and personal dilemmas. Filled with clever dialogue and genuine moments, this comedy offers both laughs and insight into the complexities of leadership. As fans await the upcoming episodes, heres everything you need to know. Tyler Perrys Miss Governor OTT release date The first eight episodes debuted on Netflix on May 22, 2025, and the next eight are set to release on August 14, 2025. As a Netflix exclusive, the series can be streamed worldwide with various subtitle choices available. What is Tyler Perrys Miss Governor about? After winning her campaign for lieutenant governor, Antoinette Dunkerson must learn to navigate working under a sexist, condescending governor, all while managing the added pressure of keeping her family together now that theyre in the public spotlight. Tyler Perrys Miss Governor cast and crew The comedy series is written, directed, and produced by Tyler Perry, who also co-created it alongside Niya Palmer. Serving as executive producers are Niya Palmer, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Terri J. Vaughn, with Angi Bones and Tony Strickland producing for Tyler Perry Studios. The cast features a talented ensemble including Terri J. Vaughn, Jade Novah, Drew Olivia Tillman, Tre Boyd, Dyon Brooks, and Jo Marie Payton. As Netflix puts it, With Governor Harper suddenly out of the picture, Antoinette is eager to fill the power vacuum but his conniving staff won't make it easy. Law and the City episode 2 release date and time: After a strong premiere that promises thrilling legal suspense, Law and the City is gearing up for its second episode. The show, which stars Lee Jong Suk and Moon Ga Young, debuted on July 5 to solid ratings and has already sparked fan theories online. As viewers get drawn into the lives of elite lawyers navigating Seouls complicated justice system, Episode 2 promises more conflict, deeper character reveals, and a hint of romantic tension. What is Law and the City about? Set in the fast-paced legal landscape of South Koreas capital, Law and the City follows Ahn Ju-hyung (Lee Jong Suk), a brilliant but cynical attorney whos made a name for himself by taking morally grey cases and winning them. Things start to shift when hes forced to collaborate with Kang Hee-ji (Moon Ga Young), an idealistic young prosecutor whos recently transferred from a government post. The two come from completely different legal and personal backgrounds, but circumstances tie them together in ways neither saw coming. Beyond the courtroom drama, the series dives into broader societal issues such as corruption, corporate power, and personal integrity, while also giving us a close look at the power plays inside top-tier law firms. Law and the City e pisode 1 recap In the premiere episode, we met Ju Hyung as he casually outmanoeuvred a rival firm in court, only to be blindsided by news that hed be working alongside Hee-ji on a politically sensitive case. While the two clashed over legal ethics, their arguments revealed surprising emotional undertonesespecially when Hee Ji recognised Ju Hyung from a past case that had a personal impact on her. Meanwhile, the law firm itself is dealing with pressure from an upcoming merger, which may turn things upside down for all the employees. The episode ended on a tense note, with Ju Hyung watching Hee Ji from his office, clearly unsettled by her presence. Whether it's guilt, attraction, or something else entirely remains to be seen. Law and the City episode 2 release date and time Law and the City episode 2 will be released on Sunday, July 6, 2025, airing on tvN in South Korea. Heres when you can catch it, depending on your time zone: South Korea (tvN): 9:20 PM KST United States (Viki/Disney+): 8:20 AM ET / 5:20 AM PT United Kingdom: 1:20 PM BST India: 5:50 PM IST Philippines/Malaysia/Singapore: 8:20 PM PHT/SGT The episode will be available for international viewers on Viki, often with English subtitles available within a few hours of the original broadcast. In select regions, the drama may also stream via Disney+, depending on distribution rights. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here. The Summer Hikaru Died, based on Mokumokurens hit horror manga, is finally here. Directed by Ryohei Takeshita, the anime made its debut on Netflix on July 5, 2025, and with just one episode out, its already got fans hooked and eager for what comes next. The story follows two teenage boys living in a quiet rural village until one of them disappears and returns different. Its not a show that throws big twists right away. Instead, it takes its time, letting the silence, strange looks, and offbeat pacing speak for themselves. What is The Summer Hikaru Died about? The Summer Hikaru Died centres on Yoshiki and Hikaru, two close teenage friends whove grown up side by side. Their peaceful life is disrupted when Hikaru goes missing during a hike in the mountains and inexplicably returns some time later. At first glance, Hikaru seems unchanged. He looks the same, talks the same, and remembers everything. But something is undeniably different. Yoshiki begins to sense that the friend who returned is not the one he lost. Instead, its an unknown entity wearing Hikarus body, something otherworldly and unsettling. As this new presence integrates into daily life, strange occurrences begin to affect the village. And through it all, Yoshiki is left to navigate the heartbreak of losing his best friend while being unable to let go of the familiar face still standing beside him. The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 1 reactions: Fans laud the eerie, emotional debut Viewers are all praise for the anime, lauding its ability to balance dread with emotional storytelling. Instead of relying on jump scares or gore, the first episode focuses on silence, stillness, and the subtle cracks in everyday life that suggest something isnt right. On the subreddit r/anime, fans dissected the first episode, and while it's rare that an anime adaptation lives up to the manga, Netflix seems to have aced it this time. One fan wrote, Ive been waiting for a horror anime that captures the feeling of summer unease the way Higurashi didcicadas buzzing, long shadows, small-town mysteries only adults seem to understand. The montage of forgotten cornersrusted cars, old fences, empty fieldswas so effective. You can feel that something is wrong even if nothing has happened yet. Its already disturbing, and Im really intrigued. Another viewer focused on the emotional stakes behind the horror: The first episode creates a strong feeling that somethings deeply off. The awkward silences, the pacing, and the tension between characters are all working together. Yoshiki clearly had feelings for the real Hikaru, and now hes stuck interacting with someoneor somethingthat looks like him but isnt. He knows the truth, but he doesnt want to accept it. That inner conflict feels raw. Hed rather live with a lie than face the finality of death. One long-time manga fan praised the adaptations fidelity to the original tone: Ive followed the manga since its early chapters, and I think this anime really captured its atmosphere. The directing choices were thoughtful, the voice acting was spot-on, and theres already a heaviness to the story that mirrors the mangas emotional core. This is one of the shows Im most looking forward to this season. Another viewer picked up on a curious timeline detail: The vibes are already unsettling, and I love how many questions the first episode sets up. What really surprised me was the timelineHikaru went missing in January, but the story picks up again in summer. That delay is chilling. It makes me think the Hikaru were watching now isnt just differenthes been different for a while. It raises the stakes. Im excited to see how it all unfolds. Rather than using flashy visuals or fast pacing, The Summer Hikaru Died draws its strength from emotional complexity. Its a story about friendship and grief wrapped in the skin of horror, and it wastes no time establishing the emotional and psychological stakes. New episodes of the anime will drop weekly on Netflix, slowly peeling back the layers of mystery and dread as Yoshiki continues to face the truth behind what or who came back from that mountain. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Shaun Maguire, a partner at Sequoia recently faced a major backlash over a series of racist posts that he did against Zohran Mamdani. On Saturday, Maguire shared a series of derogatory comments against Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City in the upcoming 2025 election. The comments shared by Maguire did not focus on Mamdani's policies but on his race and religion, sparking a major backlash against the tech investor. The post shared by Maguire stated, "Mamdani comes from a culture that lies about everything. Its literally a virtue to lie if it advances his Islamist agenda." The West will learn this lesson the hard way, he added. Zohran Mamdani is the son of Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani. He can become the potential New York Citys first-ever Muslim mayor if elected. Mamdani comes from a culture that lies about everything Its literally a virtue to lie if it advances his Islamist agenda The West will learn this lesson the hard way pic.twitter.com/8maDAikKT5 Shaun Maguire (@shaunmmaguire) July 4, 2025 Shaun Maguire faces major backlash over racist comments on Zohran Mamdani According to a New York Times report released on Thursday revealed that the 33-year-old marked both 'Asian' and 'Black or African American' on his 2009 Columbia University application. Shaun Maguire Sparks Outrage With Racist Comments on NYC Mayoral Candidate | Credit: X | @shaunmmaguire The post saw widespread criticism on social media. One X (formerly called Twitter) user wrote, "Not a fan of Mamdani but it seems like youre being vague on purpose here with culture. Imagine someone saying This guy comes from a culture that lies about everything about a prominent Jew and then falling back to oh actually I meant because hes a Zionist. Its stupid when the anti-Israel extremist protestors say it and its also dumb youre saying the equivalent here." It is unfashionable to suggest that lying ties to culture or that some cultures practice the habit more than others. Paul Midler (@paulmidler) July 4, 2025 It is unfashionable to suggest that lying ties to culture or that some cultures practice the habit more than others. Paul Midler (@paulmidler) July 4, 2025 "Wow, @sequoia, this is a partner at your firm? Shameful. All minority entrepreneurs and those from the global south should take notice of how you guys feel about us," another added. Wow, @sequoia, this is a partner at your firm? Shameful. All minority entrepreneurs and those from the global south should take notice of how you guys feel about us. In Other Words (@IOW666) July 5, 2025 "Mamdani comes from a culture that prizes power and domination. He has no interest in mercy or truth." This is racist and islamophobic. You are jumping through hoops to villainize a Muslim man youve never met. Why would an Arab or Muslim founder feel comfortable working with someone like this? Layla (@itslaylas) July 5, 2025 "Just a little casual racism from Silicon Valley's finest," another added. Just a little casual racism from Silicon Valley's finest. https://t.co/Z8SffelgEn Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) July 5, 2025 Who is Shaun Maguire? Shaun Maguire is a renowned name in Silicon Valley, as he also led or co-led Sequoia's investments in SpaceX. The Boring Company and X (formerly called Twitter). Prior to joining Sequoia, the tech investor was a partner at Google Ventures. Elon Musk continues his break from current United States President Donald Trump by doubling down on his efforts at starting a third political party in America. The billionaire, who was originally among the largest backers for Donald Trumps 2024 presidential campaign, has had a falling out with him in recent months due to his issues with Trumps Big Beautiful Bill. Musk originally held an X poll for starting a third party on June 5, shortly after his falling out with Trump. After 80% of the respondents voted yes, Elon dubbed his hypothetical party the America party. When Trumps Big Beautiful Bill was signed into saw on July 4, Elon once again condemned the legislation and began advertising the America party, now claiming that he was looking for a venue and date to host the inaugural congress for his nascent political movement. Elon Musk is doubling down on the America party BREAKING: Elon Musk asks the people to choose the time and place for the inaugural American Party Congress.putting the people first, right from the start. pic.twitter.com/mDSWcHV55Z DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) July 6, 2025 Elon Musk looks to be committed to his idea of starting a third political party based on his recent tweets. Aside from announcing his intent to organize the inaugural America Party congress, Musk has also been retweeting many people who are supporting his idea. In the original poll where he contemplated starting a third party, Elon claimed that he wanted to represent the 80% of Americans "stuck in the middle". After his falling out with Donald Trump, Elon Musk has characterized both the Republican and Democratic parties as being out of touch with the needs of the American people. Elon Musks idea has support despite his past controversies Imagine if Elon revolutionizes politics the way hes revolutionized cars, space travel, brain chips, satellite based WiFi and tunnel digging. I am excited to see him actually drain the swamp. Martha Bueno (@BuenoForMiami) July 6, 2025 Elon has been quick to retweet supportive messages from the people who believe in his idea. However, getting a third party off the ground will be an uphill battle, especially given Elon Musks past history. Elon has already alienated many people in the Democratic party and on the left with his support of Donald Trump, alongside other controversial behavior such as his infamous inauguration salute and his actions when leading the Department of Government Efficiency. Donald Trumps loyalists, meanwhile, have not taken kindly to his feuding with the President, with some like Steve Bannon outright calling for his deportation. However, given Elon Musks massive wealth and influence, it remains to be seen how the billionaire might end up realizing his political ambitions. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Apoorva Mukhija, aka Rebel Kid's net worth: Social media sensation Apoorva Mukhija, better known online as Rebel Kid, has been grabbing attention for her reported high income. A recent claim suggests that she earns Rs 2.5 lakh per day and charges up to Rs 6 lakh per Instagram reel. But is it true? Lets uncover the real story behind her net worth and earnings. Who is Apoorva Mukhija, aka Rebel Kid? Apoorva Mukhija, popularly known as Rebel Kid, is a digital content creator known for her bold, witty, and relatable reels. She rose to fame through Instagram, where her unapologetic personality and strong opinions quickly won her a massive fanbase. She recently appeared on Karan Johar's reality show The Traitors, further increasing her popularity. Reports Claim She Earns Rs 2.5 Lakh Daily and Has a Net Worth of Rs 41 Crore A report by Business Today claimed that Apoorva earns around Rs 2.5 lakh daily from brand collaborations, social media videos, and TV appearances. The article also suggested that her total net worth could be as high as Rs 41 crore, mainly due to her success on platforms like Instagram. This information went viral on social media, sparking debates and reactions from netizens. Many were shocked, especially when comparisons were made between her earnings and the income of academically accomplished individuals. IIT Alumnus Reacts: Worlds Truly Fair? A now-viral post by an IIT graduate, @digitalsangghi on X (formerly Twitter) expressed frustration about the comparison between academic success and online fame. The post read: Viral post | Credit: X Studied 14 hours daily to crack IIT, gave up everything. Today? Barely 100 people know me. Meanwhile, someone earning crores by making reels with red lipstick and abuses becomes a star. Is the world fair? The post added fuel to the conversation, with many agreeing while others defended Apoorvas right to earn from her creativity and popularity. Apoorva Reacts: Where is All This Money? Apoorva Mukhija aka Rebel Kid | Credit: Insta/The Rebel Kid In an honest and humorous interview with Bollywood Bubble, Apoorva rubbished the Rs 41 crore net worth claims. Laughing at the reports, she said: Im everywhere, but my net worth is not even close to Rs 41 crore. I dont even make one-tenth of that! She further added that her clothes were rented, her heels dusty, her nails fake, and the most expensive thing she wore was a Rs 20,000 watch. Apoorva even shared how her mother was confused by the viral rumours. My mom sent me the screenshot and asked, Wheres all this money? Why arent we buying a house yet? she joked. Does She Really Charge Rs 6 Lakh for a Reel? Contrary to online claims, Apoorva clarified that no brand currently pays her Rs 6 lakh for a reel, and that her income is much more modest than people assume. She playfully added: If I ever make Rs 10 crore, Ill retire. Someone take me there. Give me money! Online Backlash and the Debate on Influencer Earnings The false claims around Apoorva Mukhijas net worth led to a wider discussion on social media about influencer culture, online earnings, and public perception. The Rebel Kid addressed it head-on in her Instagram story, sarcastically writing: Galat hai bhai??? (This is wrong, bro?) While she didnt win The Traitors, her bold personality and quick wit made her one of the most talked-about contestants. Apoorvas charm lies in her honesty she doesnt pretend to live a glamorous life and isnt afraid to laugh at exaggerated reports about her earnings. Whats the Real Story Behind Rebel Kids Net Worth? In todays social media age, rumours spread fast and so do assumptions about influencers' wealth. While many believe that Apoorva Mukhija, aka Rebel Kid, has built a Rs 41 crore net worth, shes made it clear that the figures being circulated are far from the truth. Her actual income is not as extravagant as claimed, and for now, rented clothes and modest living reflect her reality more than multi-crore figures. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here. CJI post-retirement perks & benefits: Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, who served as the 50th CJI from November 2022 to 2024, has now stepped into retirement. However, his name has made headlines again, not for a judgment, but for continuing to stay in the official Chief Justice's residence in Delhi beyond the allowed time. As the retirement perks and benefits of former CJIs come into focus, lets take a closer look at what former CJI DY Chandrachud is currently entitled to and what sparked the latest controversy. Supreme Court Seeks Back Official CJI Residence The Supreme Court administration recently wrote to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) requesting the possession of Bungalow No. 5 at Krishna Menon Marg, the official residence of the sitting Chief Justice. This bungalow is still occupied by former CJI DY Chandrachud, even though the permission to stay there expired on May 31, 2024. The letter urged MoHUA to take back the property "without any further delay" so it can be returned to the courts housing pool. What Does the Rule Say? According to Rule 3B of the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, a retired Chief Justice of India is allowed to stay in a Type-VII bungalowone grade below the current official residencefor up to six months after retirement. This rule ensures a smooth transition period but does not permit extended stay in the high-security Krishna Menon Marg property meant for the current CJI. Post-Retirement Perks & Benefits of Former CJI DY Chandrachud Despite the housing issue, former CJI DY Chandrachud continues to enjoy various benefits and perks as part of his retirement entitlements. These benefits are designed to honour the dignity of the position even after stepping down from office. 1. Security Cover for Five Years A retired CJI is entitled to round-the-clock security at their residence along with a 24/7 personal security guard for five years post-retirement, according to CNBC TV18. This is to ensure the safety of the former CJI, given the sensitive nature of their past judgments. 2. Free Type-VII Bungalow for Six Months Apart from the official residence, a Type-VII bungalow in Delhi is offered rent-free for six months from the date of retirement. These types of bungalows are usually reserved for Members of Parliament or former Union Ministers. 3. Domestic Help and Chauffeur for Life The benefits of retirement also include a full-time domestic helper and a chauffeur-driven car, both provided for life. This ensures that former CJIs like DY Chandrachud can continue to live with comfort and dignity. 4. VIP Access at Airports Retired CJIs have access to ceremonial lounges at airports, ensuring they travel with the same honour and privilege as when they were in office. 5. Communication Allowances Retired CJIs are also provided with a residential telephone free of cost, and are eligible for a monthly reimbursement of up to Rs 4,200 (plus taxes) for, as reported in CNBC TV18: Mobile phone usage Broadband and data card expenses Landline call rates This covers both professional and personal communication needs. DY Chandrachuds Emotional Goodbye to Judiciary Before stepping down, Justice DY Chandrachud delivered a heartfelt farewell. I wont be able to deliver justice from tomorrow, but I am content, he said in court. He also humbly asked for forgiveness if he had hurt anyone during his tenure. While former CJI DY Chandrachud has now entered a new phase of life post-retirement, his perks and benefits remain a topic of public interest. From security and housing to travel and communication allowances, the retirement benefits of a former Chief Justice of India are designed to respect the office they once held. As discussions continue around the official residence issue, one thing is clearDY Chandrachuds legacy as a Chief Justice will be remembered, and his post-retirement perks will continue to reflect the stature of Indias top judicial post. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has downplayed the relevance of a proposed coalition seeking to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election, insisting that the President enjoys unwavering public support. During a session with journalists in Lagos on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led coalition as a needless distraction aimed at derailing national progress. This coalition offers no real alternative, no fresh ideas just recycled grievances and failed ambitions, he said. Advertisement According to him, Nigerians will never go back to Egypt, a phrase he used to emphasise the publics rejection of outdated leadership approaches. Sanwo-Olu stressed that the coalition is comprised of discontented actors rather than a credible force. The alliance includes political heavyweights such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir el-Rufai, and David Mark. However, the governor argued that their unity is based on personal frustrations, not a shared vision. This is not a coalition of hope; its a gathering of political desperation, he added. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/coalition-group-cant-deceive-south-east-tinubu-remembered-ndigbo-enwere.html He commended Tinubus leadership, saying, President Tinubu is not just a leader but a nation-builder. His legacy of empowerment and vision continues to drive meaningful change across Nigeria. He noted the presidents consistency, even amid criticism. He remains focused because he knows what the future of Nigeria requires tough decisions and bold reforms. Sanwo-Olu cited achievements such as the student loan initiative, increased oil production, foreign exchange stabilization, and infrastructure development as proof that Tinubus administration is delivering real progress. You cant argue with results. Look around things are changing, he noted. On concerns about the growing opposition, he responded confidently: There is no need for concern. Nigerians are discerning. They recognize real leadership and results when they see them. He urged the President to stay the course, adding, The noise will come, but history will remember the builder, not the critics. Sanwo-Olu concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain focused and resilient, stressing that distractions must not be allowed to derail the national development agenda. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has raised concerns over the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition, describing it as a platform crowded with individuals nursing presidential ambitions. Speaking in an interview with Trust TV on Sunday, Baba-Ahmed said while the coalition is rich in political strength and resources, it lacks a unified direction and selfless leadership capable of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. The ADC coalition is full of people with presidential ambitions, he said. Ambitions have to be reduced and managed carefully for it to stand the test of time in the history of Nigerias politics. Advertisement He noted that unlike President Tinubu, who once suppressed his own ambition to support others like Atiku Abubakar in 2007 and Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, members of the coalition appear more focused on personal aspirations than collective strategy. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/ekiti-guber-pdp-aspirant-fayose-knocks-gov-oyebanji-vows-to-unseat-him-in-2026.html I have not seen any serious plan that can defeat Tinubu. If you do business as usual against a sitting government like his, you will not win, Baba-Ahmed warned. He emphasised the need for innovation, saying, To achieve an impossible feat, one truly needs an impossible strategy. The former lawmaker also advised against fielding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the coalitions candidate. If you bring Atiku, they know how to work against Atiku. You need that candidate they cant understand one they dont know where to catch. That is how to win an election, he stated. Baba-Ahmed concluded by urging the coalition to rally around a fresh, untested candidate capable of surprising the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. GENEVA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Swiss embassy in Tehran reopened on Sunday after being temporarily closed on June 20 due to instability in Iran. Ambassador Nadine Olivieri Lozano and a small team returned to Tehran on Saturday, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) said in a statement. According to the FDFA, the decision to resume operations followed a comprehensive risk assessment. The current conditions allow for a gradual resumption of embassy activities on site, the FDFA noted. However, consular services, including the issuing of visas, remain suspended for the time being. Switzerland continues to closely monitor developments in the region and remains in regular contact with its international partners, the FDFA added. Borno State Governor, Babangana Zulum has mourned the death of nine villagers, killed during an attack on Malamfatori in Abadam Local Government Area of the state. It was gathered that some suspected Boko Haram Terrorists, invaded Malamfatori town on Saturday. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the criminal elements also injured other members of the community. Advertisement Reacting to the unfortunate incident on Sunday, Governor Zulum, who was represented by the states Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates, Sugun Mele during a visit to the affected town, condoled with families of the victims, making cash donations to them. He assured them that state government will continue to take adequate measures to ensure their safety and the protection of the town. The Governor also commended Nigeria military for their commitment and gallantry. He said: We are here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who is out of the country on an official assignment to condole with the people of Malam Fatori over the recent unfortunate attack. He assured that the Borno State government and the military will do everything possible to secure the town. READ MORE: Some Politicians, Soldiers Are Working As Informants For Boko Haram Gov Zulum Malam Fatori is one local government area that we are committed to ensuring its stability because of its strategic importance, urging the people to be more resilient and prayerful to avert future incidents. Let me warn against colluding with Boko Haram, as we will seek divine intervention from the Holy Quran; anyone found collaborating with the insurgents to bring harm or attack to the people of Malam Fatori will be cursed. Already, Borno State government had resettled 2,000 households, and the government is planning to resettle another 3,000 households soon, making it 5,000 households, Tar announced. Let me assure the people that the state government is poised to provide necessary security arrangements, providing the necessary resources and security to consolidate their stay in their homeland. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern caution to the Christian community, warning against repeating what he described as a near-catastrophic political decision made in 2023. Speaking during a thanksgiving service at St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja on Sunday, Wike recounted how the Churchs perceived endorsement of a certain political direction in the last general election almost cost Nigeria its future. Let me use this opportunity to tell us, particularly the Church you nearly made the worst mistake in 2023, Wike stated. We have to be very careful this time around. Advertisement The former Rivers State governor urged church leaders to seek informed political advice from credible members of their congregation, including politicians and lawmakers, to avoid being misled. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/i-swear-to-god-if-elected-corrupt-individuals-will-be-punished-atiku-tells-coalition-group.html You took a decision that would have cost some of us our future. Ask us questions we are the politicians. You have senators in this church, call on them, ask what is going on, and they would be able to educate you. Wike warned that similar mistakes must be avoided in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. He described political blackmail and misinformation as tools already being deployed again. They are at it again blackmail. If that thing had happened, some of us wouldnt have been here today, he added. He stressed the importance of political awareness among religious institutions, especially in a democracy where the Church plays a critical role in shaping opinions. Our hands are full building this country, but we must not be silent when it comes to preserving its future, he concluded. Wikes remarks appear to reflect ongoing political realignments as the 2027 elections draw nearer, urging the Church to act with caution and discernment. A cleric identified simply as Kadiri has been arrested in Ede, Osun State, for allegedly having carnal knowledge of a minor. The incident, which took place at Babasanya-Araka in Ede, sparked a protest as an angry mob attacked the suspect after he was apprehended. The Osun Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, on Saturday told PUNCH Online that operatives were deployed to the scene after the incident was reported. Advertisement READ MORE: Court Convicts Eight Chinese Nationals For Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud In Lagos The matter was reported, and we deployed operatives to the scene. When our men got to the scene, the Amotekun men who arrested him handed him over to us. So, he is in our custody already. But we want the Division to investigate before the matter is transferred to SCID. That is all that is available for now, Ojelabi said. Amotekun spokesperson, Idowu Yusuf, while providing further details about the incident, said, The suspect is an Imam of a mosque. He also has an Arabic school in the area where he is teaching students Arabic. Further investigation is being done by the police. Speaking on how the suspect was arrested, a resident of Babasanya-Araka, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the victim was found bleeding, which led her mother to question her after she had been missing for a few hours. The victim, about 8 years old, was missing for some hours on Saturday, and her mother was already looking for her. When she was found, she was crying and bleeding. She was taken to the hospital in Ede, where she was checked, the resident said. National coordinator of South East Renewed Hope Agenda, Belusochukwu Enwere has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 election. Mr. Enwere said that Igbo people wont be deceived to join newly unveiled coalition party, Africa Democratic Congress. Speaking in Enugu on Friday during the inauguration of the states chapter of the group, SERHAs coordinator said that President Tinubu had shown commitment towards the development of the South-East zone. Advertisement INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that some opposition leaders, during the week, unveiled ADC, as the official platform which is planned to stop Tinubus re-election in 2027. Reacting to the development, Mr. Enwere noted that Ndigbo had seen evidence of Tinubus readiness to improve on the infrastructure in the zone. The coordinator described the South East Development Commission (SEDC) as one of the major achievements of the Tinubu administration in the region. He said: With the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), which is now fully operational, opportunities for growth and addressing pressing challenges in the region will be unlocked. This initiative was conceived to showcase the progress and development of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. READ MORE: Nothing Can Stop Tinubu From Losing 2027 Poll, Even If He Appoints His Son As INEC Chairman Dalung Supporters and stakeholders were drawn from Enugu State, all the local governments in the state, as well as all the wards. We are all united with a resolve for a better future through a people-oriented administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The strides recorded so far on the economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and notable achievements in education, health, infrastructure, housing, power, among others, should be commended. We know that with the president at the helm of affairs, the South East will be developed. The South East will benefit from the dividends of democracy and our people will be better for it. A governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Emmanuel Fayose, has berated Governor Biodun Oyebanjis led administration over what he described as poor governance . Mr. Fayose, who is aspiring under the umbrella of Peoples Democratic Party, also expressed confidence in unseating ruling All Progressive Congress in the forthcoming 2026 gubernatorial election. The PDPs chieftain led this out during a familiarisation tour of Ado and Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Areas on Saturday. Advertisement He accused Governor Oyebanji of mismanaging states resources and focusing on political endorsements rather than governance. Mr. Fayose alleged that despite increased federal allocations to the state, Ekiti was grappling with economic hardship, underdevelopment, and lack of infrastructural progress. He said: The question Ekiti people should continue to ask is what Governor Oyebanji has been doing with the monthly allocations to the state. READ MORE: Fayose Defends Tinubus Policies, Says No Miracle Can Fix Nigeria Overnight This administration has not met the expectations of the people. There is widespread hunger and poverty. The allocation from the Federal Government is nearly four times what it used to be, yet theres little to show for it. Speaking further, Mr. Fayose criticised the ongoing endorsements for the governors second term, describing them as political theatrics intended to manipulate public opinion. He said: These endorsements are nothing more than empty political displays. They will not prevent defeat at the next election. Comrade Okoh Lawrence, a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Benue State, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signaling a notable political shift within Ehaje Ward 11 of Ogbadibo Local Government Area. Lawrences resignation was contained in a letter dated July 5, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ehaje Ward 2. In the letter, he cited personal reasons for his decision to exit the party, stating that it came after a period of thoughtful reflection. Advertisement Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately, Lawrence wrote. The former aide expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under the PDP platform, highlighting the experience gained during his tenure in office. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/south-east-leaders-open-to-dialogue-over-nnamdi-kanus-release-umahi.html It was a privilege to serve as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor. My time in office came with valuable experiences, and I appreciate the support I received throughout, he added. Although Lawrence did not reveal his next political move, his resignation has stirred speculation among observers in Benue political circles, with some suggesting a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), though this remains unconfirmed. In his closing remarks, Lawrence wished the PDP well, saying, I wish the party success in its future endeavors. His resignation comes amid a series of defections and internal realignments within the PDP in Benue State, adding to the growing uncertainty surrounding the partys structure and influence in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has shared details of his harrowing seven-year battle with an undisclosed illness that left him physically weakened and reliant on pap for survival. Speaking during an interview on Oyinmomo TV, the Yoruba movie star recounted how the illness affected nearly every part of his life, reducing him to praying while seated and forcing him to seek various treatments from different places. For a good seven years, I prayed while sitting, and I couldnt eat anything except pap. It was a terrible period of my life, Ogogo said. Advertisement READ MORE: Bright Chimezie Seals Major Deal To Digitally Expand His Music Catalogue He noted that although the illness disrupted his career, preventing him from visiting movie locations regularly, he managed to hold on to his properties and never resorted to selling any assets. When I started collecting different kinds of treatments and going from place to place, I thanked both men and women. The only thing I couldnt do then was go to locations often, and I never sold any properties, he added. Reflecting on how dire the situation became, the actor admitted he once believed he wouldnt survive. I thought I would die and threw away my Mecca teeth, he revealed. Ogogos resilience throughout the difficult period stands as a testament to his strength and enduring spirit, earning him even more admiration from fans across the country. Operatives of Jigawa State Police Command have arrested three suspected armed robbers in Katoge village, Kazaure Local Government Area of the state. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the criminal elements were apprehended on Friday, following credible intelligence report and swift response by operatives attached to Kazaure Divisional Police Headquarters. It was gathered that the three suspects had conspired and stormed the residential houses of one Nawaila Mustapha Umar and Sani Kaska, all of Katoge Quarters in Kazaure town, and made away with their valuables. Advertisement This was contained in a statement on Sunday by Spokesman for Jigawa State Police Command, Lawan Shiisu Adam. He said: On 4th July, 2025 at about 0400hrs, following a credible intelligence report and swift response by operatives attached to the Kazaure Divisional Police Headquarters, Operation Salama, Vigilante and Community Neighborhood Watch, three suspects were apprehended in Katoge village shortly after allegedly terrorizing residents and dispossessing them of their belongings. READ MORE: Jigawa Police Neutralize Five Kidnappers, Rescue 80 Years Old Woman During the operation, police recovered one locally made Dane gun (short range), one power bank, one mattress, two sheep and the sum of fifty thousand naira. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had conspired and stormed the residential houses of Nawaila Mustapha Umar and Sani Kaska, all of Katoge Quarters in Kazaure town, and made away with their valuables. The suspects are currently in custody and under investigation. Upon conclusion of thorough investigation, the suspects will be arraigned in court to face the full weight of the law. Yinka Theisan, the former wife of Nollywood actor Linc Edochie, has opened up about her relationship with May Edochie and the events that contributed to the breakdown of her marriage. In a conversation with media personality Uche Maduagwu, posted on X on Saturday, Yinka explained that her connection with May began when she helped Linc recover his hacked Instagram account. Linc had shared the good news online, crediting a friend for the recovery. When Lincs Instagram account was hacked, I was the one who retrieved it, so he posted about it, that a friend helped him recover his account. I was that friend. May saw the post and requested my number because she had issues with hacking, and I helped her to the best of my ability, she said. Advertisement READ MORE: Dont Use 2Babas Story As Excuse To Become Irresponsibile I Go Save Advises Men Yinka revealed that her decision to like a post from Judy Austin, Yul Edochies current partner, sparked controversy. The post featured Judy and her child, and Yinka explained she liked it because she didnt want to take sides in the ongoing dispute between May and Judy. So now all this started when I liked Judys babys picture. I have never spoken to Yul or Judy in my entire life. So all I did was decide I was going to be neutral from now on. I do not want to hate or point fingers, so I wrote stuff, and some people attacked me, she said. Her action triggered backlash from supporters of May Edochieknown online as May Nationwho began targeting her with harsh comments. In response, Yinka admitted to sharing Mays phone number online, a move that intensified the backlash and eventually led to the end of her marriage to Linc. Despite the fallout, Yinka maintained that she had no personal relationship with either Yul Edochie or Judy Austin and had only shown public support to avoid taking sides. Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has clarified that the South East is not demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a condition for supporting President Bola Tinubus administration. Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Saturday, Umahi stated that while the region remains concerned about Kanus continued detention, it does not consider his release a political bargain. He emphasised that discussions around his freedom should be based on dialogue, not political pressure. Advertisement Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter is not a condition for the South East to support the President. We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the President did not put him there, Umahi said. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/youre-not-my-senior-respect-is-by-integrity-honour-not-age-wike-replies-amaechi.html The former Ebonyi governor praised President Tinubus handling of the economy and his leadership style. President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right. The international community has confidence in his reforms. That is why we are getting support for our projects, he noted. Umahi also highlighted several federal infrastructure projects ongoing in the South East and dismissed claims that the region is being marginalized. According to him, the zone enjoys strong federal presence under the Tinubu administration. Let those criticising the president show us what they have done for the country, he challenged. Umahi reaffirmed his loyalty to Tinubu, saying, I will not run. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu APC is the path to achieving what we want. The South East now has a voice at the centre. We will not return to Egypt. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan has issued a statement regarding the Khankendi Communique, adopted following the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). Azernews reports that the statement emphasizes that the 17th ECO Summit was held on 34 July 2025 in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. It notes that, ahead of the summitinitiated by President Ilham Aliyev under the theme A New Vision for ECO: For a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Futureseveral key events took place: the ECO Youth Forum in Aghdam on 1 July, the ECO Womens Forum in Lachin on 2 July, and the 6th ECO Business Forum in Shusha, also on 2 July. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Khankendi Communique, issued as the Chairs Summary. The communique praised Azerbaijans large-scale reconstruction and development efforts in the liberated Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. It also reaffirmed the right of return of Azerbaijanis forcibly displaced from Armenia to their ancestral lands with dignity. In line with the summits overarching theme, economic resilience and climate adaptation were identified as key priorities on ECOs future agenda. The ecological initiatives of female leaders from the ECO regionespecially those of Azerbaijans First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva and Turkeys First Lady Emine Erdo?an, including the Zero Waste initiativewere highly commended. The communique also underlined the importance of launching the ECO Clean Energy Center and expanding the work of the ECO Research Center. It voiced support for initiatives such as ECO Investment, the Council of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the creation of a unified information space, and strengthening the mandate of the ECO Trade and Development Bank. Lastly, it emphasized the significance of sustainable urban development and the upcoming World Urban Forum (WUF13) to be held in Baku next year. A link to the full Khankendi Communique is provided in the original announcement. https://eco.int/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/5-065-25-1.pdf GUIYANG, July 7 (Xinhua) -- International experts attending the Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 have praised China's progress in ecological protection and environmental governance. The forum dedicated to ecological civilization opened on Saturday in Guiyang, the capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province, bringing together approximately 800 participants from around the world. It features 20 sub-forums covering key topics such as sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity conservation and environmental governance. In an interview with Xinhua, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General Erik Solheim expressed his admiration for China's "river chief" system, particularly in the eastern provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu. Under this system, individuals are appointed to oversee specific river sections, ensuring accountability and efficient responses to environmental violations. "That's a system which can be implemented everywhere," Solheim said. "Many cities in the developing world could look to China for inspiration." James Thornton, founder of non-profit environmental law organization ClientEarth and a professor at the University of Oxford, also commended China's strides in ecological governance. Thornton first visited China in 2014 on invitation to offer advice on the country's environmental protection legislation. He has since closely followed the country's legal progress in this area. When he returned the following year, he was impressed to learn that China had appointed many environmental judges. "That was unique anywhere in the world. At the time, there were really only a few environmental judges outside China," he said. This year, Thornton pointed to progress in the large-scale ecological restoration of the Yangtze River Basin. Once heavily polluted by rapid industrialization and urbanization, the basin is now showing promising signs of recovery. "It only took a few years, and it's already starting to work really well," he said. Gordon Watson, chief executive of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in Scotland, said that he has seen China's commitment to the "30 by 30" global goal, which aims to effectively conserve and manage at least 30 percent of the world's terrestrial, inland water, marine and coastal areas by 2030. Over the past two years, the Scottish park has been partnering with the Giant Panda National Park in southwest China's Sichuan Province to exchange knowledge on balancing conservation and human activity. "I have seen there is a lot of expertise in China's habitat and species management, and the standards are very high," he said. Watson said he was especially impressed by the modern technology deployed in China's national parks, such as infrared sensing technology and satellite coverage to monitor the movement of species like pandas and snow leopards. "China is leading in this area," he noted. "China plays a vital role as an emerging global leader in eco-civilization," Hassina Mouri, president of the International Union of Geological Sciences, said at a sub-forum of the event. "China shows a strong commitment to investing in research and promoting international collaboration in eco-civilization, and the significant progress achieved so far reflects the country's steadfast dedication and passion for the field," she added. The Vicar of St James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Ben Idume, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Nyesom Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing the move as guided by divine vision. He made the remarks on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held for the successful inauguration of key projects across the FCT. I will not fail to thank President Tinubu who appointed this man (Wike) to be minister, the cleric said. Advertisement The President himself is a visionary. He can see vision somehow. That was why he saw that this man (Wike) can do something. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/benue-lp-collapses-structures-to-merge-with-adc-in-ogbadibo-lga.html In a comment that triggered laughter in the congregation, Idume added, I never knew that Tinubu can see vision, whether he closes his eyes or opens them. He further stated, God used the President to send the right man to Abuja. Look at the changes in this city. These projects are proof that something new is happening. The vicar lauded Wikes commitment, saying, Your leadership is not ordinary. Its purpose-driven. Abuja is wearing a new face because of your energy and sacrifice. Wike, who was present at the service alongside senior officials, smiled as the cleric spoke glowingly of his impact since assuming office. The thanksgiving service was held to mark the inauguration of multiple infrastructure projects completed under Wikes tenure as FCT Minister, including roads, bridges, and public facilities. Wike, a former Rivers State governor, has earned national attention for his aggressive development push in the capital. Former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, has issued warning to Nigerians planning to decide their next political leaders at all levels. The lawmaker who is representing Bayelsa West observed that vote buying and manipulation of election results have led to the emergence of leaders who have nothing to offer the citizens. Senator Dickson also added that most of the electoral irregularities are major threats to democracy in Nigeria. Advertisement In a statement on Sunday, the former governor urged stakeholders of all civil society groups to take collective responsibility in confronting electoral malpractice. READ MORE: Tinubu Preaching Democracy But Practising Autocracy By Imposing Military Govt. In Rivers Seriake Dickson Tackles Tinubu He added that some wealthy and influential politicians exploit poverty and illiteracy to manipulate voters with cash and material inducements in order to get what they want. Dickson condemned the abuse of state institutions during elections, including the preparation of fake results even before votes are cast. The lawmaker further lamented that some individuals who could not win elections in their own families or communities now claim victory through fraudulent means, leveraging state machinery and political influence. Senator Dickson said: Its a dangerous development that leads to the emergence of unqualified leaders who have nothing to offer the country. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to shut down the country if the National Assembly goes ahead with plans to alter the labour law, particularly attempts to move the minimum wage from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list. The union warned that any such move would be fiercely resisted, as it undermines workers rights and violates international labour conventions. Speaking during the National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting of the Central Working Committee in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Friday. Advertisement The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, condemned the move, describing it as an exercise in futility that contradicts global labour standards. READ MORE: https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/unlike-amaechi-aregbesola-urges-adc-supporters-to-challenge-apc-with-facts.html Ajaero said the minimum wage is a national issue under ILO conventions and warned that decentralising it could erode workers rights and widen wage gaps. He said, The National Assembly should not go into this exercise in futility unless members will also allow their respective states to determine their wages. The labour leader argued that the plan was a veiled attempt to bastardise the national minimum wage structure and offload labour-related responsibilities to states, including the creation of state-level industrial courts. He warned that such a move would violate ILO principles, which treat countries, not states, as legal entities on labour matters. He added, We view this as a calculated plot to undermine the strength of the labour force, and we will resist it with all our might. Ajaero emphasised that if the plan goes ahead, the NLC would mobilize Nigerian workers to protest across the country, saying: We will shut down the system if necessary. Rapper Young Noble, a prominent member of Tupac Shakurs legendary hip-hop group Outlawz, has died at the age of 47. According to TMZ, the rapper, born Rufus Lee Cooper III, died by suicide on Friday, July 4, in Atlanta. A representative also confirmed his passing to PEOPLE. The Atlanta Police Department has not issued an official statement at the time of this report. Advertisement READ MORE: Hollywood Movie Star Michael Madsen Dies At 67 Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues and friends. Music executive Damien Big Percy Roderick took to social media to express his sorrow, writing, Damn @outlawznation @theoutlawzofficial REST EASY HOMIE @young_noble wish I could change our last call we had DAMN PRAYERS UP. Reacting to Rodericks post, rapper Snoop Dogg shared his condolences on Instagram and highlighted the importance of mental health awareness. DAMN Mental health is real, he wrote, alongside Tupac and Outlawzs song The Good Die Young. E.D.I. Mean, Nobles longtime friend and fellow Outlawz member, also posted a deeply emotional tribute. Today I got some of the worst and unexpected news imaginable, he shared. My brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning. Rest in Power Rufus Young Noble Cooper. Still grappling with the loss, he added, Im in no shape to talk about this right now, and asked the public to respect the privacy of Nobles family during this difficult time. He closed his message with a somber reminder: Mental illness is a real battle being fought by so many. CHECK ON UR FOLKS! Young Noble became the final addition to Outlawz in 1996 after being personally invited by Tupac shortly before the rappers death. He appeared on several tracks from The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, including the iconic Hail Mary. He also carved out a solo career, with notable projects such as Noble Justice and Son of God, earning respect for his lyrical depth and loyalty to the legacy of Tupac and Outlawz. Ashley Jordan, president of the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Post-George Floyd there has been a movement to celebrate Black art, but executive orders have criminalized expressing the Black experience. Read more Woodmere Art Museums director and CEO William R. Valerio is looking forward to the fall debut of Soul, Sound, and Voice: The Art of Jerry Pinkney. Pinkney is the late Philadelphia watercolorist and pioneering illustrator who helped make Black history a part of childrens literature. Advertisement We are proud of this show, said Valerio, from his Chestnut Hill office. It is evidence of our commitment to Black artists, and its a reflection of our role as an art institution in a majority nonwhite city with a strong Black community. In the last decade, art museums from California to New York have curated major exhibits centering the Black American experience, from enslavement through Jim Crow when racism was law to the present. However, President Donald Trumps return to the Oval Office has marked a heightened attack on diversity and inclusion efforts, created to level centuries of uneven playing field. But in Philadelphia, arts organizations say their commitment to supporting Black art and artists remains unchanged. Woodmere is a servant of the people, Valerio said. Our visitors need to recognize themselves and their culture in our galleries. This is not something we started doing because it was in fashion; it is something we believe in. A growing hostility In March, Trump signed an executive order pledging to restore truth and sanity to American history, explicitly prohibiting expenditure on exhibits or programs that degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy. In other words, suggesting work that illustrates the countrys past cruelties to people of color isnt worthy of federal funding. The Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture was named as a target. At the same time, Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency called for the elimination of several grants for arts and museums, leaving grant recipients wondering if they would receive money promised them. The Institute of Museum and Library Services board has been fired. National Endowment for the Arts grantees were told that new guidelines would prohibit funding for projects promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Combined, these messages from the federal government send a clear and hostile signal about the value of art, specifically African American art, much of which spotlights the countrys unfair treatment toward its citizens of color and how it still impacts lives. Not to mention, Black artists even those who paint landscapes and sunsets would potentially be labeled DEI artists, insinuating that their work is somehow inferior to that of white artists. Reflecting the African American experience Philadelphia enjoyed a trifecta of Black art shows last year: The Time is Always Now at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Shared Vision: Portraits from the CCH Pounder-Kone Collection at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, and Mickalene Thomas: All About Love at the Barnes Foundation. Each museum reported an uptick in sales and engagement. On the eve of the Semiquincentennial Americas 250th birthday party celebrating the contributions of all Americans Philadelphias art leaders say they are committed to reflecting the entirety of the African American experience in Americas birthplace. The Barnes celebrates a range of artists including those who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, and those who did not have access to formal art education, its director of communications Deirdre Maher said in an email. The Barnes is not implementing any changes; we remain steadfast to our mission and to advancing our program. Sasha Suda, director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, spoke of the PMAs dedication to ensuring Black artists work is reflected throughout the museum. Suda pointed to the Brind Center for African and African Diasporic Arts. Set to open in 2026, its exhibits will focus on African artists as sculptors, painters, and crafters of fine jewelry, humanizing Africans beyond anthropological specimens. Art is a tool for empathy, said Imani Roach, curatorial director of the Brind Center. It imports history through things that happened, and that makes it a powerful tool for teaching the truth. Beyond the Black in the title Celebrating Black art also means including artists of color in American art and history shows that dont have Black in the title. PMAs ongoing exhibit, Boom: Art and Design of the 1940s, features American modernist painter Georgia OKeeffes 1943 charcoal portrait of Harlem Renaissance painter Beauford Delaney, mounted next to Delaneys 1945 painting of mid-century author James Baldwin. These two [Baldwin and Delaney] are monumentally important artists of the 1940s, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, showing the diversity of the 1940s artistic community, said Suda. That diversity in the art world, Suda said, wasnt always apparent during segregation. In addition, the PMA will host an exhibit early next year featuring the work of the late African American artist Noah Davis. Power of art and representation Trumps insistence on controlling Americas optics through seizing authority over its art and cultural institutions is proof, many in the art world say, that this administration understands the power of art. When people see themselves represented in art in museums, in government buildings, on television, it speaks to their audacity of hope, said Ashley Jordan, president and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia. That is what makes art powerful. In February, Trump installed himself as chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and fired its longtime president, Deborah F. Rutter. In April, he removed former President Barack Obamas official portrait from its prominent position in the White House Grand Foyer, replacing it with a painting depicting Trump victorious after the attempt on his life at a rally in Butler, Pa. Former deputy director of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Kim Sajet stepped down on June 13 as director of the National Portrait Gallery. After a 2018 speech in which she said, the portrait of America has never fully been only about meritocracy but also social access, racial inequality, gender difference, religious preference, and political power, shes been in the anti-DEI contingents crosshairs. What is the first thing people do when they dismantle a government, a culture, or a people? They take away their voice, said Lavett Ballard, a Willingboro, N.J.-based collage artist whose work focuses on Black women. Ballard, who also guest lectures at universities, said shes received few speaking engagements for next year, attributing it to the administrations attack on DEI. We find our voice through education and an understanding of our history. And in erasing art that depicts that history and tells those stories, you are erasing an existence. Commitment isnt easy Post DOGE cuts, the millions of dollars the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities once gave to arts organizations, libraries, and museums for programming and basic operating costs has been impounded by the Trump administration. Several lawsuits have been filed to reinstate the grants, but in the meantime, institutions are operating on shoestring budgets. In light of money problems, museum administrators are forced to question whether the commitment to diversity, although honorable, is worth attracting attention from the Trump administration and sacrificing needed cash. With an annual budget of $80 million and a $588 million endowment, institutions like PMA can continue their mission of diversity without fear of losing federal funding. However, small to midsize art institutions that depend more on federal grants are trying to be more deliberate in how they write grants, striking words that allude to gender and race. Yes, they are trying to keep a low profile, but they insist they are not backing down on their commitment to diversity. And like Valerio, who saw a $750,000 IMLS grant earmarked for conservation and storage being rescinded, they are already feeling the pinch. We understand and we know it will be hard times coming in the art world, Valerio said. Plan B AAMPs Jordan, who is no longer factoring federal funding into her $4 million budget, says she refuses to be silent. Shes in the midst of planning AAMPs Semiquincentennial exhibit, an expansion of Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia from 1776 to 1876. We want to take it to the present day, said Jordan. In April, she received a letter from the Trump administration explaining that her service on the IMLS board was no longer needed. When you are in the business of arts and culture through the lens of people of color, you have to have a plan B in your pocket. Steven C.W. Taylor, owner of Germantowns Ubuntu Fine Art gallery, says there has never been a time when Black art wasnt under attack, and that Black artists cant become too reliant on federal support. Exhibited throughout Ubuntu which means compassion in Zulu are Taylors black-and-white photos of scenes of Philadelphia as well as vibrant works from local artists. Although he doesnt receive government grants, Taylor said he realizes that grants are important to artists survival. But depending on them in this climate, he says, is counterintuitive to the work. There is something about depending on a system that didnt want you to exist to fund work that validates your existence that doesnt make sense, Taylor said. Its sad, echoes Jordan. We had finally gotten to a time when it was becoming acceptable for us to be who we are authentically. Now we are in a new form of racism. The administration is going through legal means to try and make it right, but its not right. Andrea Lozano-Alanis was turned over to ICE by Montgomery County officials, who held her, under their policy, even after her bail had been posted. She was released from ICE custody Tuesday evening. Read more Criminal charges have been dismissed against an undocumented woman at the center of a case that drew outcry over Montgomery Countys cooperation with ICE at the local prison. County officials subsequently dropped their policy of jailing immigrants wanted by ICE for up to four hours after their bail had been paid. Advertisement It was the criminal charges, involving a June 3 car-ramming incident in East Norriton, that saw Andrea Lozano-Alanis, 31, of Norristown, confined at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. She was kept there after her $77 bail was posted, under the then-county policy. That enabled federal authorities to travel to the jail, arrest her, and take her into ICE custody. The reasons for the dismissal of the charges were not immediately clear. Advocates said Tuesday that Lozano-Alanis was freed from an ICE detention center in central Pennsylvania at about 6:30 p.m., after they paid her $5,000 immigration bond with money raised via GoFundMe. She had been held at the 1,876-bed Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County. Denisse Agurto, executive director of Unides Para Servir Norristown, said she spoke with Lozano-Alanis after her release, and described her as happy and excited to be out to be able to see her son soon. She does not have the words to thank everyone, Agurto said. She is very thankful for the support she got. Lozano-Alanis plans to stay overnight in central Pennsylvania at the home of a supporter, then travel to the Philadelphia area by bus on Wednesday, Arguto said Tuesday evening. Federal immigration proceedings against her will continue. Migrants freed on bond generally are in a better position to try to win their cases, as they have greater access to attorneys and supporters from the outside. Today were celebrating, said Jasmine Rivera, executive director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, which has worked on Lozano-Alanis behalf. A mother will be reunited with her child; a mother will be free from a detention center she should have never been sent to. Lozano-Alanis was jailed in Montgomery County after an incident in which she allegedly rammed her car into that of a romantic partner outside a Truist bank. The charges against her included child endangerment because her 6-year-old son was inside her car at the time. She was also accused of recklessly endangering another person, careless and reckless driving, and driving without a license. Rivera said that after celebrating Lozano-Alanis release from detention, activists will resume pressing Montgomery County leaders to pass a Welcoming County act to support immigrants. The county, she said, needs to use the full extent of its power to stop collaborating with a rogue agency that violates peoples rights, ignores the Constitution, and kidnaps our people. A county spokesperson did not immediately offer comment when asked. ICE officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Democrat-led county board of commissioners has been resistant to enacting such a policy, noting limits to its power and concerns that a formal welcoming ordinance could give a false sense of safety to undocumented immigrants. The board has repeatedly asserted support for immigrants, including establishing a new office of immigrant affairs. Last week, Montgomery County officially barred its employees from providing information to ICE, telling them to withhold data like immigration status and country of origin unless directed to do so by their superiors. County employees are not deputized federal immigration agents, according to the policy, which was announced at a packed Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting in Norristown. County workers who might be approached by ICE agents now are directed to ask for supporting documents, such as a court order, and then notify their supervisor, who is to contact the county solicitor. The county will require a judicial warrant or judicial subpoena before providing information on any person to federal enforcement agents, according to the policy. The GoFundMe for Lozano-Alanis has so far raised $5,200, more than enough to pay her immigration bond, which advocates said had been set at $5,000. Three days after The Inquirer reported on how she had been held by the county after paying her bail, Montgomery County jail officials dropped that policy. The procedure had enabled federal agents to arrest people who might otherwise have been freed, as the county automatically held those named in ICE detainers for an additional four hours. That practice outraged activists, who said the county had no right to hold people who have met their legal bail conditions. They pointed out that jurisdictions in other places have been successfully sued for doing that. County officials said they had been considering the policy change for weeks. An ICE detainer is an agency-issued request, usually to a jail or police department, to hold someone past the time they would normally be released. Legal advocates note that ICE requests are exactly that, requests. The city of Philadelphia, for instance, refuses to honor ICE detainers unless they are accompanied by a signed judicial warrant. Now the Montgomery County jail will do the same, recognizing only those warrants that have been approved and signed by a judge. Staff writer Katie Bernard contributed to this article. Andrea Lozano-Alanis is with her son after she is interviewed Tuesday in Norristown on Tuesday. She'd just been released from about three weeks in county jail and ICE detention, held initially over a $77 bail, and still faces deportation to Mexico. Read more Andrea Lozano-Alanis was released from an ICE detention center more than a week ago, but part of her heart, she says, remains with the women she left behind. Some have been inside the Moshannon facility for months, and several phone her every day for encouragement. Others gave up their fight to stay in the United States and accepted deportation, worn down by isolation and hopelessness. Advertisement For Lozano-Alanis, 31, the undocumented mother of a 7-year-old autistic son, her battle is in some ways just beginning: To be able to support her family, to try to stay in this country, to create a future. Shes fighting not just for herself, she said, but for others like her, people who entered the United States with big hopes but no legal permission. Eight years after she came to this country, drawn by the prospect of a better life, the Trump administration is pressing hard to deport millions of immigrants, and the number of those held in ICE detention has gone up 15% in a month. You definitely arent the same person coming out, Lozano-Alanis said in interview of her nearly three weeks detention. But I hope to be able to make some change, something positive, because this really isnt fair and its unjust. What had been a quiet, mostly anonymous life in Norristown erupted into public view last month when Montgomery County jail officials held Lozano-Alanis even after her $77 bail had been paid, enabling ICE agents to come and take her into custody. She had been arrested on criminal charges surrounding an alleged car-ramming incident in East Norriton. After The Inquirer reported on her case, county jail officials dropped their policy and instituted a new one, saying the county will hold those who have posted bail only upon receiving a warrant that has been approved and signed by a judge. County officials said they had been considering the shift for weeks. Lozano-Alanis did not learn of the change until after she was freed from the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, more than 200 miles west of Philadelphia in Clearfield County. It made me so incredibly happy to know that the same thing wasnt happening to other people, she said through a translator. To know I could have made that difference, and to see that now other people werent going through the same thing, was incredibly important. Arrival from Mexico Lozano-Alanis came to the United States from Mexico in 2017, attracted by greater job opportunities and the chance for a better quality of life. A close friend lived in Norristown, the Montgomery County seat, so that became a destination, a place where she could build relationships and learn about life in a new country. She described herself in the interview as someone sustained by faith. As a mother, to a son here and to two children in Mexico who live with her parents. And as a daughter to her own loving mother and father. In fact, it was her mother, more than 2,000 miles away in Mexico, who alerted immigration advocates here that something was wrong, that Andrea was missing. It started on June 3, when Lozano-Alanis allegedly ran her car into that of a romantic partner outside a Truist bank in East Norriton. Police arrested her on charges that included child endangerment because her son was in the car. She also was charged with recklessly endangering another person, careless and reckless driving, and driving without a license. She was held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. Meanwhile, Lozano-Alanis mother had become concerned. She talks to her daughter every day, usually several times a day, and now her child had gone silent. The mother contacted Unides Para Servir Norristown, the advocacy group, which worked to locate Lozano-Alanis. Members of that group joined with others who went to the jail on June 6, hoping to bring her home. Supporters pay her bail Supporters paid Lozano-Alanis bail, but the jail refused to release her. ICE had issued a detainer, an agency request to hold people beyond the time that they would normally be freed. Montgomery County administrators followed their policy of holding immigrants sought by ICE for up to an additional four hours. That enabled agents to arrive at the jail and arrest Lozano-Alanis provoking a huge outcry. Activists demanded to know what right the county had to hold someone who had met her bail conditions, particularly when other jurisdictions have been successfully sued for doing exactly that. Some places, including Philadelphia, refuse to honor ICE detainers unless they are accompanied by a signed judicial warrant. Montgomery County jail officials subsequently dropped that policy, saying they would now hold those who posted bail only upon receiving a warrant that was approved and signed by a judge. That change came too late for Lozano-Alanis, who had been confined at the 1,876-bed Moshannon center, the largest of four Pennsylvania detention facilities. Life there was dismal, Lozano-Alanis said. She and other women were routinely demeaned by staff members who called them stupid and bitches, in jail because of your own doing, she said. When friends call her from inside, she said, she encourages them to keep going, to not give up, to try to fight for the ability to stay in this country and make a life for themselves. ICE officials did not provide comment before deadline. Among the hardest parts of detention, Lozano-Alanis said, was trying to explain to her son, for him to ask me, Mom, where are you? When are you coming home? When am I going to see you? And I didnt have an answer for him. Expanding ICE arrests Federal immigration authorities have little sympathy for those who cross the border without government approval. President Donald Trump has worked to expand removals and increase daily arrests, pushing a narrative that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is going after criminals and lawbreakers. As of mid-June, ICE was detaining more than 56,000 immigrants around the country, up from about 49,000 a month earlier. Statistics show 72% have no criminal record. The Trump administration named Montgomery County to a list of so-called sanctuary jurisdictions from which it wants to cut federal funding. And Norristown, where one in three residents is Latino, has been a target for ICE, with agents arresting more than 20 people there in late May and June. ICE continues to operate in the county, with advocates reporting activity in East Norriton on Monday, and in Norristown, Pottstown, and King of Prussia in preceding days. Lozano-Alanis spent 18 days in custody before being released on June 24, after supporters raised and posted her $5,000 immigration bond. Authorities dropped all criminal charges. Deportation proceedings loom She still faces federal deportation proceedings, for which no date has been set. Being freed on bond is important for undocumented people, because it enables them to have greater access to attorneys and supporters. The only thing that I can do is put my faith in the hands of my lawyer, in the faith of God, Lozano-Alanis said. I continue to fight this case, mainly for my son, who [needs] medical attention. Soon after the Montgomery County jail changed its detainer policy, the county commissioners installed new rules that limit how employees can share information with federal immigration authorities. Lozano-Alanis wants them to do more, to enact a Welcoming County policy to support all immigrants. The Democratic-led board has resisted, citing limits on its power and concern about creating false hope in immigrant communities. Legally, no local policy or ordinance can block ICE from enforcing federal immigration laws. Lozano-Alanis recently moved from Norristown, but did not wish to say where she is living. She is being supported by friends but knows that cannot continue indefinitely. She worries about finding a job, having previously worked as a chef in the Philadelphia area. And she worries always about the women she met at Moshannon. Im trying to come back to the basics of what my life was like before, but its incredibly different, she said. One of the things thats weighing heaviest is, What can we do? What kind of unity can we create? Especially for the women that are still in there. At right is Neil K. Makhija, Chair, Montgomery County Commissioners and at left is Jamila H. Winder, Vice Chair as Makhija addresses statement by Peg Eitl of Skippack Pa. She is with Montgomery County Indivisible. Read more Montgomery County officially barred its employees from providing information to ICE on Wednesday, directing them to withhold data like immigration status and country of origin unless directed to do so by their superiors. County employees are not deputized federal immigration agents, according to the policy, which was announced at a packed Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting in Norristown, and it is not the responsibility of the county or its employees to enforce federal immigration law. Advertisement County workers who might be approached by ICE agents are directed to ask for supporting documents, such as a court order, and then notify their supervisor, who is to contact the county solicitor. The county will require a judicial warrant or judicial subpoena before providing information on any person to federal enforcement agents. The policy, effective immediately, reemphasizes our commitment to not collect or ask for any information related to immigration-status unless required by state or federal law, Commissioners Neil Makhija and Jamila Winder, the two Democrats holding the majority on the three-person board, said in a statement. The new policy arrives at a tumultuous moment, with President Donald Trump determined to punish jurisdictions that do not help enforce federal immigration law and ICE agents active in communities across the Philadelphia region. In the last several weeks, more than 20 people have been arrested by ICE agents in Norristown, where one in three residents is Latino. And Montgomery County was named on a Trump administration list of so-called sanctuary jurisdictions from which the president has threatened to withhold federal funding. (The list was removed from the Department of Homeland Securitys website within days of its initial release.) Any protections that are in place are better, said Stephanie Vincent, an organizer with Community for Change Montgomery County, who attended the meeting and heard the new policy announced. It closes a real loophole. ICE officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Montgomery is the third-most-populous county in Pennsylvania, behind only Philadelphia and Allegheny, and employs about 3,000 people. Last week, Montgomery County prison officials dropped their policy of holding immigrants wanted by ICE even after they have posted bail, a practice that enabled federal agents to arrest people who otherwise might have been freed. That decision came three days after The Inquirer reported on the case of a woman who was held by the county for hours after her $77 bail was paid, then turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who were provided time to get to the prison. All those decisions fall against a larger background of local and national protests, including tensions in Los Angeles, around President Donald Trumps aggressive immigration enforcement policies. Commissioner Thomas DiBello, the boards lone Republican, said he had received a draft of the policy only Tuesday night and a final version on Wednesday morning. At first glance it seems to follow the law, he said, but theres a few changes I need to look into. The policy states that it complies with all federal and state laws. And that county employees should not interfere with or attempt to instruct federal agents who are conducting enforcement operations. However, the policy says, no employee shall release any individuals information including name, work or home address, immigration status-related information, country of origin, program participation, appointment schedules to any federal immigration agency without consultation with, and approval, by the county solicitors office. Employees of the courts, row offices, and the correctional facility may have additional policies in place, it noted. The detainer decision in Montgomery County officials said they had been working on it for weeks follows an incident involving Andrea Lozano-Alanis, 31, who now faces deportation to Mexico. She is being held at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, an ICE detention facility in Clearfield County, according to immigration advocates. The county policy had been to hold those named in ICE detainers, which are agency-issued requests, for an additional four hours after they posted bail. Now the Montgomery County prison will recognize only those warrants that have been approved and signed by a judge. The county now will hold people for up to 24 hours if it receives a judicial warrant. Staff writer Aliya Schneider contributed to this article. A man drops garbage off at the 8th and Master Street trash collection site on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Philadelphia. Read more Union president Greg Boulware stepped out of a conference room in a community college campus in West Philadelphia and sat down to huddle with the team he had assembled to tangle with Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration. From the sitting area on Saturday evening, he overlooked a classic Philadelphia cityscape, with rowhouses in the foreground, the Center City skyline behind them, and a Market-Frankford Line train rumbling by to his left. It was as if the scene was set to underscore the gravity of what they were discussing: how and when to end Phillys first city worker strike since 1986. Advertisement But as the sun set on the fifth day of the strike, the two sides once again broke off negotiations without a deal for a new contract, and the more than 9,000 members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33 were still on strike. Our negotiating team will continue working earnestly in discussions with District Council 33 in efforts to reach agreement on a fair and fiscally responsible contract that both the hardworking members and the city deserve, Parker spokesperson Joe Grace said earlier Saturday. Boulware declined to comment. DC 33 is Phillys largest and lowest-paid collective bargaining unit, representing frontline workers across city government including trash collectors, street pavers, and 911 dispatchers. There was increasing hope that a deal could be in the offing because Boulware on Friday sent the administration a new proposal that included a softening of his position on the critical issue of wages. It was the first time since the strike began at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday that either side had moved. Parker had previously offered a three-year contract with annual raises of no more than 3% that she said would cost the city $115 million. Boulware had previously proposed a four-year contract with raises of 5% per year. It was not clear what his updated offer entailed or whether the city had made its own new proposal. Saturdays talks, at the Community College of Philadelphia Career and Advanced Technology Center, marked the second formal negotiating session since the strike began. Meanwhile, Bob Brady, the longtime chair of the Democratic City Committee, on Saturday amped up the pressure for the two sides to reach a deal, calling on both sides to check your freaking ego at the door. Its hot out there, the trash is collecting, and with the trash comes bugs and rats and roaches and all that kind of stuff, Brady said in an interview. I hope they can get this thing done, and Im pretty optimistic after texting with Greg. A former U.S. representative who has chaired the party since 1986, Brady has strong ties to organized labor and has been an ally of Parkers. He said Saturday that he has been in regular contact with Boulware throughout the strike, but has not been able to reach Parker a narrative the mayors team immediately contested. I called and I texted and I didnt get any response back, Brady said. Thats up to them. I just offer help. Parker has a great deal of respect and admiration for Democratic Party Chairman Brady, Grace said, but she has not heard from Chairman Brady during this strike. As the DC 33 saga grinds on, the city is also negotiating for a new contract with AFSCME District Council 47, which represents roughly 3,000 white-collar city workers, such as professionals and supervisors, and is now holding a strike-authorization vote of its own. DC 47 is an umbrella union, and its structure is complicated. The council is made up of nine locals, but only two represent Philadelphia city workers under the executive branch. (The others represent workers in the courts and at educational and nonprofit institutions.) And of those two municipal unions, only one is legally permitted to go on strike: Local 2187, which represents administrative assistants and professionals. The other, Local 2186, represents supervisors in various city agencies. DC 47 leaders have been conspicuously quiet during the DC 33 strike. Both unions previous contracts expired Tuesday, when the larger union took to the streets. DC 47 opted to sign a two-week extension to allow talks to continue. Members of the white-collar union cannot legally join their AFSCME colleagues on the picket line until after their current deal ends and their strike-authorization vote concludes July 15. But it is far from clear DC 47s leaders are eager to join the work stoppage. In response to the strong interest from our membership in moving forward with a strike authorization, we want to make sure that every member can stay informed and participate in the voting process, Local 2187 president Jesse Jordan wrote to his members last week in an email, which has not been previously reported. Jordan did not respond to a request for comment, and DC 47 president April Giggetts and vice president Robert Harris did not respond to several requests throughout the week. Lets remain strong, informed, and united, Jordan wrote to his members. An Energy Star symbol is displayed on a box for a freezer Jan. 21, 2025, at a store in Evendale, Ohio. Read more TWINSBURG, Ohio When Judy Sautner recently walked into Power Appliance, a store in a southeastern suburb of Cleveland, she had one goal in mind: replace her daughters broken dryer with something that worked and didnt break the bank. I wasnt really worried about all the bells and whistles, said Sautner. Advertisement Jay Buchanan, the stores owner, said many customers are like Sautner, and what they are looking for frequently ends up being an appliance with the Energy Star symbol. The U.S.-based program says that its blue seal of approval on efficient appliances saves households an average of $450 on their bills per year. Since its launch in 1992, Energy Star appliances have also prevented 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the main cause of climate change. But the programs future is unclear. The Environmental Protection Agency has announced an agency reorganization plan that would eliminate its Energy Star offices. That would make it more difficult for customers to find energy-efficient appliances. Here is a look at Energy Star along with tips to find energy-efficient appliances if the program goes away. How Energy Star works Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program. The EPA sets energy-efficiency standards for various machines, and then companies that produce them can try to hit or exceed those standards. If they do, they get the Energy Star sticker certifying it works as well as a standard product and uses less energy. Companies are incentivized to make products that earn that sticker because state and local utility rebate programs, along with federal tax incentives, base qualifying appliances on the program. Consumers who want to save money through incentives and lower gas and electric bills know to look for it. And according to the programs website, roughly 90% of households recognize the symbol. Qualifying specifications vary depending on the appliance, but requirements include the amount of energy consumed when a machine is turned off, the inclusion of a low-power or sleep mode, and a minimum efficiency rating when its operating. If Energy Star goes away Finding and buying energy-efficient products without that certification wouldnt be impossible, just difficult, said Elizabeth Hewitt, associate professor of technology and society at Stony Brook University. You have to become a really savvy shopper, she said. It would mean consumers searching for, say, a dishwasher, would have to put together a list of options, gather specifications that come with each product, compare them, and recognize which numbers indicate that the dishwasher is energy efficient. Specifications for a washing machine, for example, might include how many clothes can fit in a load, the gallons of water per load and the electricity required to run a cycle, while a furnaces specs focus on how good it is at converting energy into heat, how much of that heat leaks, and how well its fan does at blowing hot air into the house. Converting all those numbers into a single seal of approval would be complicated. Unless theyre deep into analytics, theyre not gonna freakin know, said Buchanan. Buchanan said his customers usually ask for help finding energy-efficient appliances. So if that seal of approval disappears, itll change his life more than the lives of his customers. He said hell have to do the work to figure out which appliances will save on energy bills. The concern, said Ben Stapleton, executive director of U.S. Green Building Council California, a nonprofit focused on sustainable building, is that extra set of steps will deter people from prioritizing energy efficiency. If were just relying on the manufacturer and relying on people to go through the manual to see what the power draw is, its hard to imagine that being effective, he said. Tips for picking appliances Many utilities are incentivized to help households and businesses buy efficient appliances. If Energy Star were to go away, utilities would need to figure out a new way of determining which appliances qualify for their incentive programs, said Mark Kresowik, senior policy director with the nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Calling and asking them about qualifying appliances would be a good place to start, he said. Consumer Reports, an organization that does independent product reviews, can provide information about appliances and their performance, although it requires a subscription to access some of its more detailed information. The Consortium for Energy Efficiency, a collaboration with primarily utilities, has its own energy-efficiency standards. Right now those standards are designed with Energy Star in mind, but Kresowik said incentive programs could shift to using product specifications. The fate of Energy Star is still uncertain. The broad reorganization at the EPA reported in May would eliminate or reorganize large parts of the offices that keep the program running, but the EPA has not directly confirmed a plan to shut it down or provided a timeline. Regardless of what happens to Energy Star or what appliances are bought, Stapleton said consumers always have agency to use products in an energy-efficient way, such as washing clothes in cold water or avoiding the water-heavy dishwasher settings. It always helps to choose the right-sized products. Maybe I dont need the largest microwave thats on the market, he said. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with Ethiopia to promote the sustainable development of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, a flagship project of the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and expand bilateral trade and investment, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Sunday. Li made the remarks during his meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ethiopia 55 years ago, the two countries have always treated each other sincerely and supported each other no matter how the international situation has changed, Li noted. The cooperation between the two sides has long been at the forefront of China-Africa cooperation, he added. Li said Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in June, announcing new important measures such as implementing the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for 53 African countries which have diplomatic relations with China. Li said China will take the new measures as opportunities to work with Ethiopia to fully deliver the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC. The Chinese premier called for deepening bilateral all-around cooperation and making bilateral relations a model for building the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. China will, as always, support Ethiopia in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, work with Ethiopia to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, new energy vehicles, green industries, e-commerce and artificial intelligence, and intensify exchanges in tourism, youth, education and other fields, Li said. Noting that both China and Ethiopia are important Global South countries, Li said China will join hands with Ethiopia to strengthen communication and coordination within multilateral frameworks like the United Nations and BRICS, boost concerted efforts by all parties to practice true multilateralism, firmly safeguard economic globalization and free trade, and inject more stability and positive energy into the world. For his part, Abiy said Ethiopia and China are reliable all-weather strategic partners, and his country sincerely appreciates China for its long-standing support and assistance in Ethiopia's economic and social development. Ethiopia also highly values China's efforts to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing summit, he added. Noting that China plays a very important role in international affairs, especially in the cause of global development, Abiy said Ethiopia stands ready to intensify high-level exchanges with China and deepen mutual political trust. The Ethiopian side looks to work with China to bolster cooperation in economy and trade, industry, mining, communications, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, tourism and other areas, and strengthen multilateral communication and coordination, so as to promote the steady and in-depth development of bilateral relations. The Chinese premier arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to attend the 17th BRICS Summit. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) As a fan of both Bob Vylan and Kneecap, I seem to be making a habit of going to performances whose aftermaths generate steaming piles of manufactured outrage by institutions keen to prop up genocide. First that London gig which landed Mo Chara in court, now Bob Vylan at Glastonbury. (Sir Rod Stewart can, however, express heartfelt support for far-right racist Nigel Farage, with zero consequences. Almost as if far-right racism is fine now). Bob Vylan and Kneecap performed back to back at Glastonbury on a blazing Saturday afternoon amid a sea of Palestinian flags; earlier on the Pyramid stage, magnificent Irish pop queen CMAT led chants of Free Palestine. But all eyes were on Kneecap. While everyone from Keir Starmer to the Daily Mail had been pressuring Glastonburys Eavis family to drop Kneecap from their line-up, and the BBC was clutching its pearls about broadcasting the West Belfast trio live on the West Holts stage, Bob Vylan stepped up. They seized the moment. Death, death to the IDF may not be the subtlest of words, but neither is the Israel Defense Forces subtle in its genocidal deeds. A reported 372 Palestinian people were murdered by the IDF over the same few days we were soaking up the music on a peaceful Somerset farm. Bob Vylan two unarmed vegans from Ipswich, Bobby and Bobbie voiced what so many of us helpless bystanders wish to see: the disbanding of a death squad. To call their words antisemitic is like calling the condemnation of Islamic death squads Islamophobic except the IDF are legitimate. The BBC continues to call the genocide a conflict. Hence the police investigation, revoked visas, and cancellation of the two musicians, not the death machine. For their trouble, Bob Vylan have been dropped by their agent, dropped from headlining a forthcoming music event, and reported with zero accuracy by the Daily Mail on its front page in banner headlines as saying with quotation marks Death to Israelis. This headline was extraordinary in its blatant untruth, and so easily checkable. Almost as though the truth doesnt matter anymore. Yet when an Israeli rap duo called Ness & Stilla released a track titled Harbu Darbu [translated as war strike/ mayhem], praising the IDF and calling for the mass murder of Palestinians, whom they termed rats, and for the death of anyone opposed to Palestinian genocide specifically Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid there was zero outrage. Just millions of YouTube views. In the UK, a Labour MP, Zarah Sultana, has been expelled from the party for speaking up against the genocide. A protest group, Palestine Action, has just been proscribed as terrorist a bit like Mo Chara which means you could get up to 14 years in jail if you support them. A disabled man, dressed as Charlie Chaplins Great Dictator character, was dragged off his mobility scooter and bundled into a police van at a Palestine Action support protest this week. Mo Chara is back at Westminster Magistrates Court on August 20. Unlike in Ireland, the dominant UK narrative is that supporting Palestinians is supporting terrorism. Bob Vylan used their platform to non-violently criticise mass murder, and are being hung out to dry for their trouble. How can words be terrorist, while state terrorism gets off scot-free? Once again, bravo Ireland for being on the right side of history. A lone cry of sanity amid the crushing silence of collusion. From the gun that killed Batmans mum and dad to the talking car in Knight Rider, Matt Hodge has dedicated his life to recreating some of Hollywoods most famous props. But the man behind Dublin-based group Reel Icons knows that with great power comes great responsibility. Since founding the organisation in 2018, he has travelled with his costumes and props to hospitals, hospices and charity events nationwide. Sara and Matt Hodge in the Reel Icons Ireland workshop. Since founding the organisation in 2018, Matt has travelled with his costumes and props to hospitals, hospices and charity events nationwide. Photo: Moya Nolan He does so free of charge and often under the radar. The idea is to replicate, not just the costumes and props of their favourite superheroes, but their propensity to help others as well. The teams approach, Matt tells the Irish Examiner, differs from cosplay in that costumes are almost indistinguishable from the original pieces used in the referenced films and television programmes. Reel Icons came about as a division of the 501st legion Ireland which creates and showcases screen-accurate Star Wars costumes. It now operates independently and has 25 members, six of whom are children. The group impersonates superheroes as well as other film and television favourites with the exception of Star Wars characters. Matt has gone to epic lengths to bring movies to life, even conjuring up mobile film sets to showcase at events. After his equipment and tools crept into his kitchen and living room, he relocated operations to a workshop in Rathcoole. The rented space is a cornucopia for artists with an array of tools and equipment including 3D printers, laser engravers as well as the traditional saws and hammers. Matt and Sara Hodge with their children. 'Sara wasnt sure about the costume thing at first but now she dresses up as Supergirl. The reaction she gets from little girls, who up to now, only met with princesses, is always lovely.' Photo: Moya Nolan We were able to recreate the whole Gotham Police Department from scratch right down to the mini television next to Commissioner Gordons desk that plays Gotham news in the background," he said. "If you listen closely you will hear all about the stock market as well as crime news about The Joker. Reel icon members helped to make this as accurate as possible. "Holly even created suspect files, and scrutinised every part of what was written in them so that its completely true to the movies. They work hard to make sure that whatever they have on display is exactly what people see on screen. "Theres a replica of the gun that The Joker used in the bank robbery in the Dark Knight. We have Kryptonite being held as evidence in a bag. Theres a cell where you can go and have your mug shot taken. "Movie fans can also see the string of pearls that came off Batmans mothers neck when she was killed and the gun that was used to shoot both parents. Attention to detail has always been paramount for Matt. Matt Hodge: 'There is a difference between cosplay and professional costuming. With cosplay you can change it up and do whatever makes you happy.' Photo: Moya Nolan There is a difference between cosplay and professional costuming. With cosplay you can change it up and do whatever makes you happy. We get invited to attend events because of our professionalism and accuracy. "The club has a system that scrutinises the costumes. If someone makes a costume that is not up to a certain standard we will support them in pushing it to the next level and making it as accurate as possible." He says if people want to come and use their costume for good then the troupe has a lot of platforms they can operate on. "Sometimes the people who are responsible for the intellectual property such as the likes of Warner Brothers and Disney reach out to us because we are good at what we do. They will ask us to do the red carpets with them. "Last year we did Alien: Romulus and that was a great experience. We dont get paid for these events because the films are not our intellectual property but we are always very happy to do them. The most rewarding aspect of Matts volunteering is his visits to seriously ill children. We dont do birthday parties unless they are for Little Blue Heroes or LauraLynn, Irelands Childrens Hospice," he said. "Dressing up for Halloween is one thing but doing it to help a child is another. Parents often ask Spiderman to come in to visit their child who wont see the end of the week. When you enter the room and a child sits up who hasnt sat up in a week, then our work is complete. "Other children might not have spoken a word in days but are able to gather the strength to talk to their favourite superhero. Modified cars also form part of Matts coveted collection. I dont want to say how much I spent creating the car from Knight Rider but it was a lot. By trade Im an auto electrician for cars and Ive created sound systems for them in the past. "The car has everything down to the voice. Unfortunately, its off the road at the moment but Im hoping to get this sorted soon. "I also have the Jurassic Park jeep and the SHIELD SUV similar to the ones we see used in Marvels Agents of SHIELD. When you are driving these vehicles on Irish roads everyone stops to look. Matts talent was evident from an early age. Matt and Sara Hodge with their children Matthew, Leroy, and Laila. 'Parents often ask Spiderman to come in to visit their child who wont see the end of the week. When you enter the room and a child sits up who hasnt sat up in a week, then our work is complete.' Photo: Moya Nolan Looking back, I was a sucker for watching cartoons. We had the best cartoons you have ever seen when I was a child. There were no agendas. These were old-fashioned cartoons with stories to tell and with a sense of adventure. "Like any young boy growing up I wanted to be a teenage mutant ninja turtle. I was always crafting and making my own toys. If something needed repairing, I never saw it as broken. Instead, I viewed it as an opportunity to be modified." He says "back then" they played with toys properly. Laila Hodge in the Reel Icons Ireland workshop. Photo: Moya Nolan "We made sure we all had different toys because this made more sense for us when we were playing together," he said. "When I got into costume on a grander scale I would repurpose things around the house. "I could be in the kitchen or the garage and spot something with the potential to be repurposed. As I got older I might be in Woodies and see something that would make a great plasma cannon. Matt shares three children with his wife Sara, Laila (7), Leroy (10) and Matthew (13) Theyve all got on board for it, he told the Irish Examiner. Sara wasnt sure about the costume thing at first but now she dresses up as Supergirl. The reaction she gets from little girls, who up to now, only met with princesses, is always lovely. Supergirl is a beacon of hope for any little girl. Iran and the Lebanese terrorist group it funds, Hezbollah, worked with the Kinahan cartel in a foiled plot to traffic more than 2.2 tonnes of cocaine through Irish waters, authorities believe. Direct links between Hezbollah and the two Iranians sentenced on Friday for their involvement in a drug trafficking operation on the MV Matthew, the interception of which led to the biggest seizure of cocaine in the history of the State, are also suspected. The Irish Examiner first revealed the Hezbollah links to the massive cocaine haul in November 2023. Saied Hassani, 39, a third officer with significant sea faring experience and the former captain of the MV Matthew, Soheil Jelveh, 51, are believed to have direct links to the terror group Hezbollah. The voice directing operations on the MV Matthew remotely from Dubai, known in Signal and WhatsApp groups used by the crew as Captain Noah, named in court as Mehdi Bordbar, who is believed to be a UAE resident, is also believed to have direct links to Hezbollah. Mehdi Bordbar is believed to be alive in the Middle East and international investigations are now underway into his potential involvement in transnational organized crime. Venezuela, the South American country which the MV Matthew set sail from and off the coast of which its cocaine cargo was loaded by armed men at night, is also believed to have strong links to Iran, with its anti-US and anti-West ideology, and Hezbollah, the militant group it funds. Dave Caunter, Director of organized and emerging crime Interpol, Captain Darragh Kirwan, Head of Neval services Operations Command, Angela Willis, Assistant Commissioner organized and serious crime, Ruth Kennedy, Revenue and Sjoerd Top, Executive Director Maritime Analysis and Operation Centre Narcotics (MAOC (N). Picture: Dan Linehan Gardai are also now investigating the two persons of interest identified by gardai as travelling to Castletownbere in West Cork and buying the Castlemore shipping vessel for some 300,0000, the money sent to Ireland from Dubai. When this fishing boat ran aground off the Wexford coast in September 2023, it precipitated the collapse of the major drug trafficking operation. The Castlemore was to collect cocaine from the MV Matthew off the Irish coast in September 2023. But its wifi malfunctioned, its engine failed, and it ran aground on a notorious sandbank in stormy seas. Its two crew members were rescued by helicopter before being arrested. On Friday, eight men were sentenced to a combined 129 years in prison for their role in the drug trafficking operation. They are Dutch national Cumali Ozgen, 49, who was said to be the eyes and ears of the cartel on board the MV Matthew and was described in court as a malign force; Iranians Soheil Jelveh, 51, and Saeid Hassani, 39; Filipino Harold Estoesta, 31; Ukrainians Mykhailo Gavryk, and Vitaliy Vlasoi, both 32; and Vitaliy Lapa, aged 62; and UK national Jamie Harbron. Justice Melanie Greally accepted that none of the accused were operating in the higher echelons of the organised crime group which was directing the operation remotely. But they were 'committed to the success of the venture'. And maritime drug trafficking cannot take place without the expertise of experienced seafarers, which most of the men were, Justice Greally said. The Kinahan cartel is believed to be one of multiple organised crime groups involved in the MV Matthew operation. An operation of that scale would involve multiple crime groups and entities, Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis, head of organised and serious crime with An Garda Siochana, said. The financing of the operation is being investigated transnationally, she said, but it was reasonable to assume that the Kinahan organized crime group was involved. Now that eight men have been sentenced for their involvement, the next phase of the investigation is underway, looking at other people in Ireland and abroad. It will also look at asset recovery for those involved. These are transglobal networks, they can interchange between each other. So were looking at a number of transglobal potentials. Speaking in Haulbowline at a press briefing on the record cocaine seizure after eight men were sentenced to some 129 years in jail for their involvement in the drug smuggling operation, Ast Chief Commissioner Willis said: Transnational organised crime groups know no borders. They prey on peoples vulnerability for their own financial gain. "People are dispensable and expendable when no longer of use to the criminal organization. Life is cheap and protecting their core criminal interests, which is money, is their key priority. To any person who consumes illegal, controlled drugs in a recreational setting, you are the ones funding these criminal organisations, you are directly linked to the misery and the suffering criminal organisations inflict on our communities. An Garda Siochana along with our national and international partners will never waiver in our determination to disrupt, degrade and dismantle these criminal organisations, with the ultimate aim to bring those responsible for addiction and death to justice. Representatives from the Joint Task Force that intercepted the MV Matthew and uncovered the largest cocaine seizure in the history of the State, were at Haulbowline naval base in Cork today, with gardai, the navy and revenue commissioners present. Representatives from Interpol and the maritime drug dismantling body MAOC-N also attended. Urgent appeals have been launched to help save one of Irelands last remaining island primary schools. Scoil Naisiunta Inis Chleire on Cape Clear needs a new principal teacher but the West Cork island also needs children. In return, island chiefs are offering, among other things, cheap long-term rental accommodation. The last time the school board ran an appeal for a principal was in 2018, when the 129-year-old schools two teachers retired. Their retirements came at a time when the falling number of children enrolled in the school sparked fears which have resurfaced again that Irelands southernmost Gaeltacht island primary school could close. The local community development organisation, Comharchumann Chleire Teo, has launched a campaign for families with school-age children to come and live on the island as a result. Tourism manager job As well as the teaching post being advertised by the schools board, there is also a 35,000-a-year tourist manager job up for grabs. This is to manage the Cape Clear Fastnet Experience and Heritage Centre, which received 1m from Failte Ireland and Udaras na Gaeltachta last year to help the island operate as a last stop gateway destination for tourists keen to visit the Fastnet Lighthouse 6.5km southwest of Cape Clear. Cape Clear Harbour. See links at the foot of this article including one to Neil Michael's photo-essay on Oilean Chleire. File picture: Neil Mchael Young families with a competency in Irish will be considered favourably. But the island is also keen to attract young families from all backgrounds to join a community that hosts more than eight other nationalities, including people from France, Germany, Ukraine, America, and Scotland. Low-cost housing for young families By way of incentive, Cape Clears island development agency manager Kevin McCann and his board is also offering two low-cost rental properties for young families with school-age children, due to be ready for occupation by September. Mr McCann said: We dont expect people to stay forever, although that would be nice. But we do want to encourage anybody with young children and preferably at least one person who wants to be a school principal to come and join our community. If people can commit to trying us out for a year, that would be great. Island life is not for everyone. But what they will get here is a wonderful sense of community and people do rely on each other here more than in the bigger, more urban areas. We are worried that if we have to close the school, it will threaten the viability of the island. "A functioning school is a very key part of any vibrant community. "Thankfully, we still have one, but we need to think about its future viability. One of the teachers who replaced those who retired in 2018 has since left the island, which has a population of around 100 people many of whom are over 65. Just three children enrolled The number of children enrolled for the next school year is down to just three, from eight in 2020 and 15 in 2015. A boy and two girls who joined in September 2020 just three weeks after their parents first set foot on the island have since returned to their home in Kerry. A Syrian family, which had moved to the island under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, has also relocated to the mainland. While the one shop on the island is well stocked with the basics, deliveries from Skibbereens SuperValu arrive at Cape Clear three days a week. 'Pretty decent' broadband Mr McCann also points out that people can bring their cars onto the island. With fibre broadband connection points for most houses expected to be in place by around October, he said the island can boast a pretty decent broadband service. It also has at least two daily return sailings all year round, a daily local bus service, a public library, a public health nurse, two pubs, and its own postal service. Apart from anything else, the island is a beautiful place to live, said Mr McCann, who moved to the island over 30 years ago with his family as a result of an appeal in the 1990s. Yes, it can be a bit wild at times, but that just adds to the charm and beauty of the place. Families considering a move to Oilean Chleire should visit Cleire.ie and email bainisteoir1ccteo@gmail.com. Anyone interested in applying for the school principals job should visit snchleire.com and email snchleire@gmail.com. The minimum size of apartments is to be reduced under major changes to building rules aimed at bringing the cost of construction down by up to 100,000 per unit. Housing minister James Browne is to bring 'viability' measures to Cabinet this week which will also remove requirements around the mix of apartments in private developments. Current rules limit the number of one-bed apartments to 50% of a development and some local authorities have imposed minimum requirements for three-bedroom apartments within their development plans. Mr Browne believes that this is impacting the delivery cost of apartment schemes and that the mix may not support the best outcomes in terms of the need in many city centres. The new guidelines, expected to be approved when ministers meet on Tuesday, will reduce the minimum size of studio apartments to 32 sq m, down from the current 37 sq m requirement, and will also introduce a new standard for a three-bedroom four-person apartment of 76 sq m. The proposed changes, when compared to the current guidelines, are expected to bring down construction costs by between 50,000 and 100,000 per apartment. It is hoped that the relaxed rules will encourage developers to kick-start new projects, with Mr Browne venting frustration over the drying up of apartment building particularly in Dublin where it is most urgently needed for a rising population. The new size guidelines will see no change to one-bedroom two-person units; two-bedroom four-person units; or three-bedroom five-person unit minimum sizes, which are already set out in the current guidelines. The current guidelines require at least 33% dual aspect units in urban locations and 50% in suburban locations to be dual aspect. This will change to create a single standard of 25%, which aims to create greater certainty and allow for increased standardisation in building design and flexibility. There will also be changes to the number of lifts that must be put into buildings. The current guidelines limit the number of units that can be provided per lift core to a maximum of 12 units. The new guidelines remove any limitation on the number of units per lift and stair core per floor, subject to compliance with building regulations. However, the minister has stressed that there will be no downgrading to fire standards, accessibility standards, or key environmental standards. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began, attending a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura. The absence of Mr Khamenei during the war had suggested heavy security for the Iranian leader, who has final say on all state matters. There was no immediate report on any public statement made. Iran has acknowledged the deaths of more than 900 people in the war, as well as thousands of injured. It also has confirmed serious damage to its nuclear facilities, and has denied access to the sites for inspectors with the UN nuclear watchdog. Mr Khamenei hosted a remembrance of the seventh century martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammeds grandson, Hussein, at a mosque next to his office and residence in the capital, Tehran. Iranian officials such as the Parliament speaker were present, and such events are always held under heavy security. Shiites represent over 10% of the worlds 1.8 billion Muslims, and they view Hussein as the rightful successor to Mohammed. Husseins death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, created a rift in Islam and continues to play a key role in shaping Shiite identity. In predominantly Shiite Iran, red flags represented Husseins blood and black funeral tents and clothes represented mourning. Processions of chest-beating and self-flagellating men demonstrated fervour. Some sprayed water over the mourners in the intense heat. Israel relentlessly attacked Iran beginning on June 13, targeting its nuclear sites, defence systems, high-ranking military officials and atomic scientists. In retaliation, Iran fired more than 550 ballistic missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted, but those that got through caused damage in many areas and killed 28 people. Eight men deported from the United States in May and held under guard for weeks at a US military base in the African nation of Djibouti while their legal challenges played out in court have now reached the Trump administrations intended destination, war-torn South Sudan, a country the US State Department advises against travel to due to crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict. The immigrants from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Vietnam and South Sudan arrived in South Sudan on Friday after a federal judge cleared the way for the Trump administration to relocate them in a case that had gone to the Supreme Court, which had permitted their removal from the US. Administration officials said the men had been convicted of violent crimes in the US. This was a win for the rule of law, safety and security of the American people This was a win for the rule of law, safety and security of the American people, said Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin in a statement announcing the mens arrival in South Sudan, a chaotic country in danger once more of collapsing into civil war. The Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the way for the transfer of the men who had been put on a flight in May bound for South Sudan. That meant that the South Sudan transfer could be completed after the flight was detoured to a base in Djibouti, where they men were held in a converted shipping container. The flight was detoured after a federal judge found the administration had violated his order by failing to allow the men a chance to challenge the removal. The courts conservative majority had ruled in June that immigration officials could 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. A flurry of court hearings on Independence Day resulted a temporary hold on the deportations while a judge evaluated a last-ditch appeal by the mens before the judge decided he was powerless to halt their removals and that the person best positioned to rule on the request was a Boston judge whose rulings led to the initial halt of the administrations effort to begin deportations to South Sudan. By Friday evening, that judge had issued a brief ruling concluding the Supreme Court had tied his hands. The men had final orders of removal, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have said. Authorities have reached agreements with other countries to house immigrants if authorities cannot quickly send them back to their homelands. ADEN, Yemen, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A Liberian-flagged commercial vessel came under attack Sunday by Houthi forces using explosive-laden boats while transiting the Red Sea off Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, a Yemeni government official told Xinhua. The bulk carrier MAGIC SEAS, with a crew of 23 aboard, was initially approached by four boats carrying Houthi gunmen who demanded the vessel change course toward Houthi-controlled ports, a local senior official of Yemen's pro-government naval forces said on condition of anonymity. When the ship's crew refused to comply with the demands, a brief firefight erupted between the armed militants and the vessel's security team, the official said. The commercial ship continued on its original course, but at approximately 2:25 p.m. local time (1125 GMT), it came under assault by four Houthi explosive-laden boats. Two of the explosive boats successfully struck the ship's hull and detonated, while the remaining two exploded before reaching their target. The fertilizer-carrying vessel sustained significant structural damage in the attack and is now immobilized and on fire in Red Sea waters. Despite the severity of the assault, no crew members were reported injured, according to the official. Earlier in the day, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said in a statement posted on social media platform X that a merchant vessel was attacked by several armed small boats approximately 51 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah. The small boats used small arms and rocket-propelled grenades to attack the merchant vessel, and armed personnel onboard the vessel returned fire, the UKMTO said. The UKMTO has issued a navigational warning urging all vessels transiting the area to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious activity immediately. At least 38 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in Israeli air strikes, hospital officials said, as Israels military said it had struck more than 100 targets in the embattled enclave in the past day. The strikes came as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was preparing to fly to Washington for talks at the White House aimed at pushing forward ceasefire efforts. Separately, an Israeli official said the countrys security cabinet had, on Saturday night, approved sending aid into the northern part of Gaza, where civilians are suffering from acute food shortages. Meanwhile, in Yemen, a spokesperson for the Houthi rebel group announced in a pre-recorded message that the organisation had launched ballistic missiles targeting Ben Gurion airport overnight. The Israeli military said these had been intercepted. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was preparing to fly to Washington for talks at the White House aimed at pushing forward ceasefire efforts (Leo Correa/AP) US president Donald Trump has floated a plan for an initial 60-day ceasefire that would include a partial release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for an increase in humanitarian supplies allowed into Gaza. The proposed truce calls for talks on ending the 21-month war altogether. Some 20 people were killed and 25 wounded after Israeli strikes hit two houses in Gaza City, according to Mohammed Abu Selmia, the director of Shifa Hospital that services the area. In southern Gaza, 18 Palestinians were killed by strikes in Muwasi, an area on Gazas Mediterranean where many displaced people live in tents, officials at Nasser Hospital in nearby Khan Younis told The Associated Press. Five of the dead belonged to the same family, according to the hospital. The Israeli military made no immediate comment on the individual strikes, but said it had struck 130 targets across the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours. It said the strikes targeted Hamas command and control structures, storage facilities, weapons and launchers, and that they had killed a number of militants in northern Gaza. The war began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. US president Donald Trump has floated a plan for an initial 60-day ceasefire (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Israel responded with an offensive that has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas health ministry. The ministry, which is under Gazas Hamas government, does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The UN and other international organisations see its figures as the most reliable statistics on war casualties. The strikes occur as efforts to reach a ceasefire deal appeared to gain momentum. Mr Netanyahus office said his government would send a negotiating team to Qatar on Sunday to conduct indirect talks, adding that Hamas was seeking unacceptable changes to the proposal. The planned talks in Qatar come ahead of Mr Netanyahus scheduled visit to Washington on Monday to meet Mr Trump to discuss the deal. It is unclear if an agreement will be reached ahead of the Israeli prime ministers White House meeting. Hamas has sought guarantees that the initial truce would lead to a total end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Previous negotiations have stalled over Hamas demands of guarantees that further negotiations would lead to the wars end, while Mr Netanyahu has insisted Israel would resume fighting to ensure the militant groups destruction. Russia and Ukraine struck each other with hundreds of drones on Sunday, throwing Russian air travel into disarray days after Moscow launched its largest aerial assault in the three-year-old war. Photos circulating on social media showed crowds huddling at Russian airports including key international hubs in Moscow and St Petersburg, as hundreds of flights were delayed or cancelled due to Ukrainian drone strikes on Saturday and overnight, according to Russias Transport Ministry. The flight disruption hit Moscows Sheremetyevo and St Petersburgs main Pulkovo airports. Other airports in western and central Russia also faced disruption. Russian air defences shot down 120 Ukrainian drones during the night-time attacks, and 39 more before 2pm local time on Sunday, Russias Defence Ministry said. It did not say how many had hit targets, or how many had been launched in total. Rescue workers clear the rubble around a house damaged by a Russian strike in Kyiv (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) Early on Sunday, Ukrainian drones injured two civilians in Russias Belgorod region near the border, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said. The Ukrainian attacks came just days after Russia pummelled Kyiv with waves of drones and missiles overnight into Friday, in what Ukrainian officials called the largest such strike since Moscows all-out invasion. The seven-hour onslaught killed at least two civilians, wounded dozens more and caused widespread damage, Ukraine said, while Moscow ramped up its push to capture more of its neighbours land. In total, Russia launched 550 drones and missiles across Ukraine that night, according to the countrys air force. The barrages have coincided with a concerted Russian effort to break through parts of the roughly 620-mile front line, where Ukrainian troops are under severe pressure. Large-scale Russian drone strikes on Sunday injured three civilians in Kyiv and at least two in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city in the north east, officials said. A large Russian attack involving Shahed drones also targeted port infrastructure in Mykolaiv in central Ukraine, according to governor Vitaliy Kim. He reported warehouses and the ports power grid were damaged but there were no casualties. Hours later, Russia launched a glide bomb and a drone at the front-line town of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine, killing four civilians and injuring a fifth, the prosecutors office said. The drone struck a car in which a married couple were travelling, killing the 39-year-old woman and 40-year-old man on the spot, it said. The death toll from the devastating flooding in Texas has risen again as rescuers continue to search for 11 missing campers and a camp worker. Dozens of people have been killed since raging floodwaters slammed into central Texas on Friday. The death toll rose to 70 on Sunday after searchers found more more bodies in the hardest-hit Kerr County. The victims include children who were camping along the banks of the Guadalupe River. Officials have said they will not stop searching until every person is found. Besides the 59 dead in Kerr County 38 adults and 21 children additional deaths were reported in Travis, Burnet and Kendall counties. Rescuers dealt with broken trees, overturned cars and muck-filled debris in a difficult task to find survivors. Authorities still have not said how many people are missing beyond the children from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp where most of the dead were recovered. With each passing hour, the outlook became more bleak. Volunteers and some families of the missing who drove to the disaster zone began searching the riverbanks despite being asked not to do so. Authorities faced growing questions about whether enough warnings were issued in an area vulnerable to flooding and whether enough preparations were made. The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26ft on the river in only 45 minutes before daybreak on Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. The danger was not over as flash flood watches remained in effect and more rain fell in central Texas on Sunday. Debris on a bridge over the Guadalupe River after the flooding (Julio Cortez/AP) Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue people stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads. Officials said more than 850 people were rescued in the first 36 hours. Governor Greg Abbott vowed that authorities will work around the clock and said new areas were being searched as the water receded. He declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state. I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines, he said in a statement. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered special prayers for those touched by the disaster. Historys first American pope spoke in English at the end of his Sunday noon blessing, saying I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were in summer camp, in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States. We pray for them. The hills along the Guadalupe River are dotted with youth camps and campgrounds where generations of families have come to swim and enjoy the outdoors. The area is especially popular around the Independence Day holiday, making it more difficult to know how many are missing. We dont even want to begin to estimate at this time, Kerrville City manager Dalton Rice said on Saturday. Fast-moving waters rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, washing away homes and vehicles (Eric Gay/AP) Survivors shared terrifying stories of being swept away and clinging to trees as rampaging floodwaters carried trees and cars past them. Others fled to attics inside their homes, praying the water would not reach them. At Camp Mystic, a cabin full of girls held onto a rope strung by rescuers as they walked across a bridge with water whipping around their legs. Among those confirmed dead were an eight-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was at Camp Mystic, and the director of another camp up the road. Locals know the area as flash flood alley but the flooding in the middle of the night caught many campers and residents by surprise even though there were warnings. The National Weather Service on Thursday advised of potential flooding and then sent out a series of flash flood warnings in the early hours of Friday before issuing flash flood emergencies a rare alert notifying of imminent danger. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code 06/27/2025 Jacksonville, AL Jacksonville State Universitys Department of Social Work has received a $2.4 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to launch a new Rural Trauma-Informed Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program. The initiative will help address Alabamas mental health workforce shortage by preparing MSW students to serve in high-need rural communities. Co-led by Dr. Dominique Maywald, C-DBT, ERYT-200, DSW, LICSW-S, LCSW-CSW, and Tekeisha Goggins, MS, LICSW, PIP, this effort reflects a department-wide commitment to cooperation and innovation. Several members of Jax States Social Work Department contributed to the development of this proposal, reflecting the programs deeply collaborative and mission-driven nature. Dr. Dominique Maywald Tekeisha Goggins From the very beginning, our mission in launching this program was clear, to help build a stronger behavioral health workforce in Alabamas rural communities, said Dr. Maureen Newton, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. This has been our passion and focus from day one, and were thrilled to now have the opportunity to expand that vision through this grant. The project will provide scholarships and stipends to 48 Master of Social Work (MSW) students over four years, supporting their specialized training and field placement in high-need rural communities. The program is designed to build a robust, trauma-informed behavioral health workforce equipped to serve Alabamas most underserved populations. Im incredibly proud of the dedication our faculty showed in securing this grant, said Dr. Kimber Wickersham, Department Head and Associate Professor of Social Work. Our goal is to break down barriers for students who want to become licensed trauma-informed mental health practitioners in the communities they call home. We also hope this serves as a reminder to our students and alumni that if you have a dream to help others, even if it feels too big, pursue it anyway. Alabama faces one of the most severe behavioral health workforce shortages in the country, especially in rural communities, where access to timely, specialized care is often limited. Compounding this crisis are high poverty rates, a lack of trauma-informed services, and significant barriers to accessing care. This initiative is about building a system rooted in cultural humility, professional resilience, and community collaboration, said Dr. Maywald. Were investing in students and in the future of Alabamas rural behavioral health infrastructure. The development of the grant proposal was a collaborative effort across campus. Kim Westbrooks, a librarian formerly assigned to the Department of Social Work, played a key role in the early stages by helping gather essential demographic and workforce data. The initiative includes three core components: Scholarship & Stipend Program Provides up to $25,000 in financial support per student, eliminating economic barriers for MSW trainees. Students also participate in trauma-informed coursework, experiential learning, and a specialized rural consultation group during their field placement year. Students will have their graduate tuition covered and receive a significant stipend during their internship practicum. Center for Best Practices in Rural Behavioral Health A new regional hub for training, continuing education, trauma-informed certification, and supervision. The Center will train over 1,600 behavioral health professionals during the grant period, offering social work supervision, clinical and non-clinical certifications, telehealth training, and professional development opportunities. Rural Behavioral Health Collaborative The Collaborative will develop a Rural Trauma-Informed Toolkit, host networking events, and offer mentorship and licensure exam preparation for current and future providers. An interdisciplinary coalition of health providers, educators, and community leaders working to create a replicable trauma-informed care model for rural areas. The program also addresses widespread systemic challenges such as provider burnout and workforce instability, which are especially pronounced in rural behavioral health settings. Through resilience training, peer support, and trauma-informed organizational practices, Jax States initiative aims to strengthen provider well-being and improve long-term retentionparticularly among those serving children, adolescents, and emerging adults. Our students are already working in the field, balancing full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and unpaid internships, said Goggins. This funding allows them to fully engage with their training and stay committed to this critical work. With a network of more than 140 behavioral health partners across 26 Alabama counties and 10 counties in Georgia, the program is uniquely positioned to address regional disparities in access to care and create long-term impact across the Southeast. For more information about the program or to explore partnership opportunities, visit the Department of Social Work at Jacksonville State University online. HONG KONG, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A premiere ceremony for the documentary "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" was held in Hong Kong on Sunday 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. The documentary was based on true stories of the Pacific War. In October 1942, the Japanese army requisitioned a cargo vessel "Lisbon Maru" to carry more than 1,800 British prisoners of war (POWs) from Hong Kong to Japan. In violation of international conventions, the Japanese army did not put any markings on the ship to indicate the POWs inside. Torpedoed by the U.S. army, the vessel sank in the waters off the Zhoushan Islands in east China's Zhejiang Province. Local fishermen risked their own lives to rescue 384 POWs under Japanese gunfire. "Hong Kong is where the story of the 'Lisbon Maru' began," Fang Li, producer and director of the documentary, told Xinhua. It was particularly significant to be able to show Hong Kong viewers the story and humanity behind the story on the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, said Fang, who spent eight years making the documentary. The historical episodes in the documentary are a reminder of hard-won peace and stability, Starry Lee, a member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said at the ceremony. Remembering the past will help enable Hong Kong residents, especially the younger generation, to better understand patriotism, she said. The documentary will hit screens on July 24. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The fascist government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to wage war on Gaza civilians, in the longest and most intense violation of the Geneva Conventions, the Rome Statute and other elements of International Humanitarian Law in this century. The United Nations Human Rights office in the Occupied Palestinian territories recently revealed that the Israeli military continues to subject the al-Mawasi region in western Khan Younis to military strikes, which for the most part appear to target directly makeshift tents and so manage to wipe out entire families. The UN says, Between 18 March and 16 June 2025, OHCHR recorded 112 attacks on Al Mawasi, killing 380 people, including at least 158 women and children. At the same time, sadistic commanders are ordering Palestinian civilians from other parts of Gaza to go to known shelters in that very Al Mawasi area where such shelters are being bombarded. Since last March when Israel violated the ceasefire negotiated by the Trump administration, its minions have forced over 300,000 people into Al Mawasi, an area of about 3.5 square miles. There are now 425,000 people huddling there, mostly in so-called tents really just odd bits of plastic and cloth. And they are sometimes being shot at like fish in a barrel, even as Israels military attacks in Rafah and Khan Younis have become more intense. At the same time, Israeli commanders continue deliberately to starve the civilian population, continuing in some form a blockade on staples they began on March 2, when they began violating the ceasefire arranged by President Trump, according to Amnesty International. The blockade on food and other aid has been only slightly adjusted in recent weeks, leaving many people hungry including children. Thats right, Israel is deliberately starving children. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimated in mid-June that 18,741 children have been hospitalized for acute malnutrition since the beginning of the year. And mind you, few hospitals are functioning even at a basic level in Gaza, because Israeli troops have deliberately destroyed them. The harried doctors and nurses who havent been assassinated by the Israeli army are trying to deal with those injured in the war, and you wonder if they can do much for children with stick-like arms and distended bellies. They dont have food aid to give out, and what food there is has become extremely expensive. That is, by the way, typical of famine situations, which usually develop not because there is no food at all but because people cannot afford what little there is. That is how a million Irish died during the Potato Famine in the mid-nineteenth century, when British landlords continued to export food from the country. Juan Cole, Gaza Yet Stands. Kindle Direct. Click here to Buy (Proceeds go to UNICEF in Gaza). Amnesty quotes Susan Maarouf of the Benevolent Friend Patient Hospital in Gaza City: But this year for us the situation began to drastically get worse again in April. Since then, out of approximately 200-250 children we have screened daily for malnutrition. Nearly 15% showed signs associated with severe or moderate malnutrition. They exhibited signs such as pale skin, falling hair and nails, and alarming weight loss. There are a million minors in Gaza, so we could be talking about 150,000 children with malnutrition, if Maaroufs sample is representative. By Omid Ghasemi, UNSW Sydney (The Conversation) Climate change has made extreme weather events such as bushfires and floods more frequent and more likely in recent years, and the trend is expected to continue. These events have led to human and animal deaths, harmed physical and mental health, and damaged properties and infrastructure. Will firsthand experience of these events change how people think and act about climate change, making it seem immediate and local rather than a distant or future problem? Research so far has offered a mixed picture. Some studies suggest going through extreme weather can make people more likely to believe in climate change, worry about it, support climate policies, and vote for Green parties. But other studies have found no such effects on peoples beliefs, concern, or behaviour. New research led by Viktoria Cologna at ETH Zurich in Switzerland may help to explain whats going on. Using data from around the world, the study suggests simple exposure to extreme weather events does not affect peoples view of climate action but linking those events to climate change can make a big difference. Global opinion, global weather The new study, published in Nature Climate Change, looked at the question of extreme weather and climate opinion using two global datasets. The first is the Trust in Science and Science-related Populism (TISP) survey, which includes responses from more than 70,000 people in 68 countries. It measures public support for climate policies and the extent that people think climate change is behind increases in extreme weather. The second dataset estimates how much of each countrys population has been affected each year by events such as droughts, floods, heatwaves and storms. These estimates are based on detailed models and historical climate records. Public support for climate policies The survey measured public support for climate policy by asking people how much they supported five specific actions to cut carbon emissions. These included raising carbon taxes, improving public transport, using more renewable energy, protecting forests and land, and taxing carbon-heavy foods. Responses ranged from 1 (not at all) to 3 (very much). On average, support was fairly strong, with an average rating of 2.37 across the five policies. Support was especially high in parts of South Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania, but lower in countries such as Russia, Czechia and Ethiopia. Exposure to extreme weather events The study found most people around the world have experienced heatwaves and heavy rainfall in recent decades. Wildfires affected fewer people in many European and North American countries, but were more common in parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Cyclones mostly impacted North America and Asia, while droughts affected large populations in Asia, Latin America and Africa. River flooding was widespread across most regions, except Oceania. Do people in countries with higher exposure to extreme weather events show greater support for climate policies? This study found they dont. In most cases, living in a country where more people are exposed to disasters was not reflected in stronger support for climate action. Wildfires were the only exception. Countries with more wildfire exposure showed slightly higher support, but this link disappeared once factors such as land size and overall climate belief were considered. In short, just experiencing more disasters does not seem to translate into increased support for mitigation efforts. Seeing the link between weather and climate change In the global survey, people were asked how much they think climate change has increased the impact of extreme weather over recent decades. On average, responses were moderately high (3.8 out of 5) suggesting that many people do link recent weather events to climate change. Such an attribution was especially strong in Latin America, but lower in parts of Africa (such as Congo and Ethiopia) and Northern Europe (such as Finland and Norway). Crucially, people who more strongly believed climate change had worsened these events were also more likely to support climate policies. In fact, this belief mattered more for policy support than whether they had actually experienced the events firsthand. What does this study tell us? While public support for climate policies is relatively high around the world, even more support is needed to introduce stronger, more ambitious measures. It might seem reasonable to expect that feeling the effects of climate change would push people to act, but this study suggests that doesnt always happen. Image by Hans from Pixabay Prior research shows less dramatic and chronic events like rainfall or temperature anomalies have less influence on public views than more acute hazards like floods or bushfires. Even then, the influence on beliefs and behaviour tends to be slow and limited. This study shows climate impacts alone may not change minds. However, it also highlights what may affect public thinking: helping people recognise the link between climate change and extreme weather events. In countries such as Australia, climate change makes up only about 1% of media coverage. Whats more, most of the coverage focuses on social or political aspects rather than scientific, ecological, or economic impacts. Many stories about disasters linked to climate change also fail to mention the link, or indeed mention climate change at all. Making these connections clearer may encourage stronger public support for climate action. Omid Ghasemi, Research Associate in Behavioural Science at the Institute for Climate Risk & Response, UNSW Sydney This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. President Joseph Boakai offered a state apology to Liberians Saturday over the brutal violence and lingering trauma caused by the country's two civil wars, as the nation grapples with how to remember its troubled past. The president made the formal gesture during a reconciliation ceremony in the capital, Monrovia. He spoke just days after attending official funeral memorials for former presidents Samuel Doe -- tortured and murdered in 1990 at the beginning of the civil wars -- and William Tolbert, assassinated in 1980 when Doe staged a government coup. The ceremonies were also part of the ongoing national reconciliation effort. Liberia's two back-to-back wars devastated the small West African country from 1989 until 2003, claiming around 250,000 lives and resulting in massacres, mutilation, rape and the widespread use of child soldiers. "On this historic occasion, I offer a formal apology on behalf of the state," Bokai told those gathered for the event Saturday. "To every victim of our civil conflict, to every family broken, to every dream shattered, we say: We are sorry." The speech marked the first time since a 2009 reconciliation report recommended an apology that a president had so formally issued one, Aaron Weah, director of the Ducor Institute for Social and Economic Research, told AFP. The 2009 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report also recommended the establishment of a war crimes tribunal, but Liberia has yet to try anyone for crimes committed during the bloody conflicts. The tribunal recommendation went mostly unheeded particularly in the name of peacekeeping, since a number of accused warlords remained influential in the country's politics. In May 2024 Boakai took one step towards initiating the tribunal by signing an order setting up the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court. It is tasked with creating the eventual war crimes court. On Saturday Boakai called for "implementing key recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission." "There is hardly a Liberian family that has not been touched by the pain, the violence, and the injustice that have haunted our nation", Boakai said. For Weah, the funeral services and apology marked several weeks of "transitional justice in Liberia" and "actual deliberate actions of trying to implement the TRC". "The state could have done better but was used as agency", Boakai said during his speech, adding: "We must do everything we can to make sure that it never fails you again." BRICS leaders descended on sunny Rio de Janeiro Sunday, ready to issue a dark warning that US President Donald Trump's "indiscriminate" import tariffs risk hurting the global economy. The 11 emerging nations -- including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- represent about half the world's population and 40 percent of global economic output. The bloc is divided about much, but has found common cause when it comes to the mercurial US leader and his stop-start tariff wars. The BRICS are set to voice "serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures," warning they are illegal and arbitrary, according to a draft summit statement obtained by AFP. In April, Trump threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive duties, but abruptly offered a reprieve in the face of a fierce market sell-off. Trump and his Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, have warned they will again impose unilateral levies on partners unless they reach "deals" by August 1. The BRICS will warn that such moves break world trade rules, "threaten to further reduce global trade" and are "affecting the prospects for global economic development." The draft summit declaration does not mention the United States or its president by name, but it is a clear political volley directed at the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The Peterson Institute for International Economics, a Washington think tank, estimates Trump's tariffs could trim about two points off US GDP and hit economies from Mexico to the oil-rich Arabian Gulf. - No show - Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the BRICS have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to Western power. But as the group has expanded to include Iran, Indonesia and others, it has struggled to reach meaningful consensus on issues ranging from the Gaza war to reforming international institutions. The political punch of this year's summit has been depleted by the absence of China's Xi Jinping, who is skipping the meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president. The Chinese leader will not be the only notable absentee. War crime-indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin is also opting to stay away, but participated via video link. He told counterparts that the influence of BRICS "continues to grow" and said the bloc had become a key player in global governance. Still, Xi's no-show is a blow to BRICS and to host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who wants Brazil to play a bigger role on the world stage. On Sunday he welcomed leaders to Rio's stunning Guanabara Bay, telling them that multilateralism was under attack, while hitting out at NATO and Israel, among others. He accused the trans-Atlantic defense organization of fueling an international arms race through a pledge by members to spend five percent of GDP on defense. "It is always easier to invest in war than in peace," he said, while accusing Israel of carrying out a "genocide" in Gaza. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose nation is still reeling from a 12-day conflict with Israel, is also skipping the meeting, but he was represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A source familiar with summit negotiations said Iran had sought a tougher condemnation of Israel and the United States over their recent bombing of Iranian military, nuclear and other sites. But one diplomatic source said the text would give the "same message" that BRICS delivered last month. Then Tehran's allies expressed "grave concern" about strikes against Iran, but did not explicitly mention Israel or the United States. BRICS leaders descended on sunny Rio de Janeiro Sunday, issuing a dark warning that US President Donald Trump's "indiscriminate" import tariffs risk hurting the global economy. The 11 emerging nations -- including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- represent about half the world's population and 40 percent of global economic output. The bloc is divided about much, but found common cause when it comes to the mercurial US leader and his stop-start tariff wars. The BRICS leaders voiced "serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures," warning they are illegal and arbitrary, according to a final summit statement. In April, Trump threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive duties, but abruptly offered a reprieve in the face of a fierce market sell-off. Trump has warned they will again impose unilateral levies on partners unless they reach "deals" by August 1. The BRICS said such moves break world trade rules, threaten to further reduce global trade and were "affecting prospects for global economic development." The summit declaration did not mention the United States or its president by name, but it is a clear political volley directed at the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The Peterson Institute for International Economics, a Washington think tank, estimates Trump's tariffs could trim about two points off US GDP and hit economies from Mexico to the oil-rich Arabian Gulf. - No show - Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the BRICS have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to Western power. But as the group has expanded to include Iran, Indonesia and others, it has struggled to reach meaningful consensus on issues ranging from the Gaza war to reforming international institutions. The political punch of this year's summit has been depleted by the absence of China's Xi Jinping, who is skipping the meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president. The Chinese leader will not be the only notable absentee. Russian President Vladimir Putin, charged with war crimes in Ukraine, is also opting to stay away, but participated via video link. He told counterparts that the influence of BRICS "continues to grow" and said the bloc had become a key player in global governance. Still, Xi's no-show is a blow to BRICS and to host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who wants Brazil to play a bigger role on the world stage. On Sunday he welcomed leaders to Rio's stunning Guanabara Bay, telling them that multilateralism was under attack, while hitting out at NATO and Israel, among others. He accused the trans-Atlantic defense organization of fueling an international arms race through a pledge by members to spend five percent of GDP on defense. "It is always easier to invest in war than in peace," he said, while accusing Israel of carrying out "genocide" in Gaza. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose nation is still reeling from a 12-day conflict with Israel, is also skipping the meeting, but he was represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Still, Iran won the diplomatic backing of its allies over Israel and the United States' recent bombing of Iranian military, nuclear and other sites. Tehran's allies condemned the strikes, and voiced "serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities." The United States, Israel and European nations accuse Iran of using a civilian nuclear programme as cover to create a nuclear bomb. The BRICS bloc did not explicitly mention Israel or the United States in the condemnation of the recent attacks, in a concession to members like hosts Brazil who also enjoy close ties with Western nations. BRICS leaders descended on sunny Rio de Janeiro Sunday, but issued a dark warning that US President Donald Trump's "indiscriminate" import tariffs risk hurting the global economy. The 11 emerging nations -- including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- represent about half the world's population and 40 percent of global economic output. The bloc is divided about much, but found common cause when it comes to the mercurial US leader and his stop-start tariff wars. The BRICS leaders voiced "serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures," warning they are illegal and arbitrary, according to a final summit statement. In April, Trump threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive duties, but abruptly offered a reprieve in the face of a fierce market sell-off. Trump has warned they will again impose unilateral levies on partners unless they reach "deals" by August 1. The BRICS said such moves break world trade rules, threaten to further reduce global trade and were "affecting prospects for global economic development." The summit declaration did not mention the United States or its president by name, but it is a clear political volley directed at the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The Peterson Institute for International Economics, a Washington think tank, estimates Trump's tariffs could trim about two points off US GDP and hit economies from Mexico to the oil-rich Arabian Gulf. - No show - Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the BRICS have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to Western power. But as the group has expanded to include Iran, Indonesia and others, it has struggled to reach meaningful consensus on issues ranging from the Gaza war to reforming international institutions. The political punch of this year's summit has been depleted by the absence of China's Xi Jinping, who is skipping the meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president. The Chinese leader is not be the only notable absentee. Russian President Vladimir Putin, charged with war crimes in Ukraine, is also opting to stay away, but participated via video link. He told counterparts that the influence of BRICS "continues to grow" and said the bloc had become a key player in global governance. Still, Xi's no-show is a blow to BRICS and to host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who wants Brazil to play a bigger role on the world stage. - War and peace - On Sunday he welcomed leaders to Rio's stunning Guanabara Bay, telling them that multilateralism was under attack, while hitting out at NATO and Israel, among others. He accused the trans-Atlantic defense organization of fueling an international arms race through a pledge by members to spend five percent of GDP on defense. "It is always easier to invest in war than in peace," he said, while accusing Israel of carrying out "genocide" in Gaza. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose nation is still reeling from a 12-day conflict with Israel, is also skipping the meeting, but he was represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Still, Iran won the diplomatic backing of its allies over Israel and the United States' recent bombing of Iranian military, nuclear and other sites. Tehran's allies condemned the strikes, and voiced "serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities." The United States, Israel and European nations accuse Iran of using a civilian nuclear program as cover to create a nuclear bomb. The BRICS bloc did not explicitly mention Israel or the United States in the condemnation of the recent attacks, in a concession to members such as hosts Brazil who also enjoy close ties with Western nations. The 2026 BRICS summit is set to be hosted by India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the gathering. JERUSALEM, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for an official visit to Washington on Sunday, calling the trip a "great opportunity" to expand the circle of peace in the Middle East. Speaking before boarding his flight, Netanyahu said there were new prospects for Israel to reach normalization agreements with Arab countries "far beyond what we could previously imagine." Netanyahu has made expanding normalization efforts a central goal of his foreign policy. Under the 2020 Abraham Accords, Israel signed normalization agreements with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco. The country has peace agreements also with Egypt and Jordan. "We have already transformed the face of the Middle East beyond recognition," he said, referring to Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip and the cross-border fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as conflicts with Iran, Yemen and Syria. Earlier on Sunday, an Israeli delegation was sent to Qatar to resume indirect negotiations with Hamas over a ceasefire-for-hostages deal, according to an Israeli official. Netanyahu said the delegation had received "clear instructions" to work toward a ceasefire under terms already accepted by Israel. He added that his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump "can certainly help promote the outcome we all hope for." Netanyahu's visit to Washington, which begins Monday, is his third since Trump returned to office in January. The trip comes amid growing public pressure in Israel for a long-term ceasefire that would end the war in Gaza and secure the return of around 50 hostages, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners have pushed him to continue the military campaign and establish a permanent Israeli control over parts of the Palestinian enclave. Hamas announced on Friday it had responded "in a positive spirit" to a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day truce. Trump said Israel had agreed "to the necessary conditions to finalize" the deal. Since Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza on March 18, at least 6,860 Palestinians have been killed and 24,220 others wounded, according to figures released Sunday by Gaza health authorities. That brings the total death toll in Gaza since the war began in October 2023 to 57,418, with 136,261 injured. Sunday, July 6, 2025 - Detectives in Kirinyaga East Sub-County have apprehended a man posing as a police officer, recovering several Government stores in the process. Acting on intelligence reports, detectives arrested Newton Wachira Waweru, who, after interrogation, led them to his residence in Thikas Makongeni area. A search of his premises yielded a trove of Government stores including two police smoke jackets, two jungle green trousers, a green prison lanyard, desert military boots, and a replica firearm, among other items. Waweru was promptly taken into custody along with the recovered items. He is currently undergoing processing as detectives prepare for his arraignment. Detectives have since launched further investigations to determine the extent of the impersonation and whether the suspect has been involved in other criminal activities under the guise of law enforcement. Saturday, July 5, 2025 - A moment of tension unfolded during the burial of the late Albert Ojwang in Homa Bay County when a disagreement erupted between pallbearers and the officiating clergy over the direction in which his head should face, a clash that highlighted the friction between traditional Luo customs and Christian burial practices. The pallbearers, guided by Luo cultural traditions, insisted that Ojwangs head must face a specific direction, typically westward, symbolizing a return to the ancestors. The disagreement momentarily halted the proceedings, creating visible discomfort among mourners, many of whom stood silently as elders and church leaders clashed. Eventually, an agreement was reached, and the body was respectfully laid to rest. Watch the video. Culture vs Faith!! Tense moment at ALBERT OJWANGs funeral as pallbearers clash with clergy over which direction his head should face pic.twitter.com/q9wuMI1g0x DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) July 5, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, July 5, 2025 - The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has disowned a viral social media post alleging that over two million ghost voters will be purged from the voter register ahead of the 2027 General Elections. In an official statement, the Commission termed the post as fake, warning Kenyans against falling for misinformation. It clarified that the IEBC currently has no chairperson or commissioners in office, making any statements attributed to the Commission misleading and inaccurate. The post had falsely claimed that Erustus Ethekon had assumed office as the new IEBC Chairperson and was spearheading a voter register audit. ''We will remove over 2 million ghost voters from the register before the 2027 elections. Kiambu County has the largest concentration of ghost voters, followed by Meru, Nairobi, and Nyeri,'' the viral poster alleged. It further alleged that Kiambu County had the highest number of ghost voters, followed by Meru, Nairobi, and Nyeri Counties. We urge Kenyans to treat such posts with the contempt they deserve and verify any electoral information through our official platforms, read the Commissions response. While President William Ruto appointed Erustus Ethekon as chairperson through a gazette notice dated June 10th, along with six other commissioners, their assumption of office has been stalled by conservatory orders from the High Court. The court is currently reviewing a petition challenging the transparency and legality of the appointments. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, July 5, 2025 - In a heartbreaking case that has shocked netizens, the High Court sitting in Mpumalanga, South Africa, has sentenced 29-year-old Jabulani Nkosi to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Boitsoko Khoza. Nkosi was also handed an additional five years for arson, with both sentences to run concurrently. Khoza, who was last seen on 22nd November 2023, had informed friends and colleagues that she was heading to her parental home in Mamelodi - but she never arrived. Days later, her rented house was engulfed in flames. Firefighters discovered her charred remains inside. A post-mortem revealed she had been severely beaten, stabbed, and was ten weeks pregnant. Nkosi was arrested after admitting to friends that he had killed her. Evidence presented in court, including eyewitness accounts and forensic reports, painted a harrowing picture of gender-based violence. The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentencing, reiterating its commitment to fighting gender-based violence and securing justice for victims. Saturday, July 5, 2025 - President Musevenis son, who is also Ugandas Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has launched a scathing critique of Kenyas involvement in the ongoing Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti. In a series of tweets posted on Saturday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Muhoozi claimed that the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) will succeed in restoring order in Haiti - a task he alleges Kenya has failed to deliver. It would take us one month to capture Port-au-Prince, Muhoozi wrote, referring to the Haitian capital currently under siege by armed gangs. He suggested that Uganda is prepared to "rescue" their Kenyan counterparts and invited the United Nations to consider replacing Kenya with Uganda in leading the mission. The Kenyans have failed after nearly two years... thats what we expected. The UN is welcome to offer us favourable terms, he added. His remarks come as the UN expresses concern over worsening security in Haiti. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the MSS missions gains may be short-lived without sufficient support. President Ruto deployed 800 police officers to Haiti in May to assist the Haitian National Police in regaining control from criminal gangs. On June 27th, the MSS marked its first anniversary, highlighting progress in reclaiming key public institutions in Port-au-Prince. Muhoozi is no stranger to controversy. In 2022, he sparked outrage by suggesting that the Ugandan military (UPDF) could capture Nairobi in two weeks - comments that forced a diplomatic apology from Ugandas leadership. Saturday, July 5, 2025 - President William Rutos recent admission that a Ksh1.2 billion church is being built within the State House grounds has stirred public debate - and now Muslim religious leaders are demanding equal representation. Speaking shortly after the revelation, Sheikh Abu Qatada, Chairperson of the Pwani Patriotic Religious Leaders, called on the President to construct a mosque within State House to cater to Muslim visitors and staff. Our voices must also be heard, he said. State House is a national institution, not a religious one. If Christians have a place of worship there, Muslims should too. This call comes amid growing criticism of the Presidents religious leanings, following reports that a Ksh. 1.2 billion mega-church with an 8,000-seat capacity is under construction at State House. Critics have labeled the project unconstitutional and a misallocation of public resources. Ruto, however, stood firm, stating that he was unapologetic about building a house for God and dismissed detractors, likening them to Satan. "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. "I'm not using Government money, I'm using my own money. I'll take you soon we go worship there..." he explained. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, July 5, 2025 - Outspoken Saboti MP, Caleb Amisi, has set the record straight over his political stand after joining former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and opposition figures at a political rally in Kitale. In a statement posted on X (formerly twitter), Amisi clarified that his presence at the event - which was organized by opposition figures including Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and former Interior CS Fred Matiangi - should not be misinterpreted as a shift in political allegiance. I repeat, Rigathi is not an option. Are we together? Welcoming wantam to Kitale is not equal to supporting Gachagua, Amisi stated, emphasizing that he remains firmly aligned with the ODM party. He further asserted that the Western region is preparing to vote against President William Ruto in 2027, but that this does not mean they are backing Gachagua. Our candidate is coming, he said without naming who that might be. Amisi, known for his vocal criticism of the Kenya Kwanza Government, described the Kitale rally as a symbol of growing dissatisfaction. Renaissance in Kitale! It was massive. Organic and ready to roar! Kenya needs a renaissance. He added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, July 5, 2025 - Valentine Wanjiku, a 32-year-old mother of two, was violently attacked and killed in broad daylight near her neighbors home. Reports indicate that her ex-lover, accompanied by a friend on a motorbike, confronted her as she was walking home and first slashed her foot, bringing her down. Then, in a fit of rage, he stabbed her in the neck more than 20 times, before fleeing the scene on the waiting motorbike. According to close friends and family, Valentine had reported her ex-boyfriend to the police for stalking her but no action was taken against him. According to close friends and family, Valentine hadfor stalking her but no action was taken against him. Valentines murder is not an isolated incident. It is part of a deeply troubling and growing epidemic of femicide in Kenya, where women are being murdered, often by intimate partners or ex-lovers, while their previous complaints of violence and threats are met with silence from the police. The Kenyan DAILY POST DAR ES SALAAM, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania is set to host a high-level Pan-African summit focusing on the future of social security on the continent, a senior official announced Sunday. The summit, to be held on July 10 in the northern city of Arusha, will convene social security leaders and policymakers from 15 African nations, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Sudan, the Comoros, Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Mali, Namibia, and the host Tanzania. At a press briefing in the Tanzanian capital of Dodoma, Ridhiwani Kikwete, minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for labor, youth, employment, and persons with disabilities, said the event aims to elevate regional dialogues around the strategic role of social security institutions in national development agendas. It will be preceded by a stakeholder forum on July 9, providing a platform for thought leaders to deliberate on emerging trends and challenges across the sector, he said. "This forum will bring together stakeholders, policymakers, regulators, and top executives to explore how the sector can better drive social and economic transformation across Africa through investments in infrastructure and strategic projects," Kikwete said. Saturday, July 5, 2025 - Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapits public questioning of the ongoing church construction at State House has triggered a detailed response from Dennis Itumbi, Digital Strategist and Head of Creative Economy at the Office of the President. On Friday, July 4th, Ole Sapit questioned whether President William Ruto would serve as the Bishop of the new church, expressing concerns about the intertwining of political and religious institutions. He emphasized that religious sanctuaries should remain independent of State influence to avoid sectarian conflict and preserve the Constitutions secular spirit. In response, Itumbi on Saturday issued a lengthy statement asserting that by tradition and historical context, the Archbishop of the Anglican Church - currently Ole Sapit - should be the State House churchs bishop. By tradition, geography, and divine proximity, you already are, Itumbi wrote. He explained that during colonial rule, the British constructed State House alongside a chapel and allocated nearby land - now known as Archbishopbourne - for the Anglican Archbishop. This proximity, he argued, positioned the Archbishop as the Presidents spiritual adviser. The debate follows a report that a Ksh 1.2 billion, 8,000-seat mega-church is under construction at State House. President Ruto confirmed the project and said he is funding it personally. "I'm not using government money, I'm using my own money. I'll take you soon we go worship there... he explained. Saturday, July 5, 2025 - Chaos erupted on Saturday afternoon in Chokaa along Kangundo Road after Nairobi City County fire brigade officials were chased away by furious residents for arriving long after a massive fire had already razed several structures in the area. The inferno, which broke out in one of the densely populated informal sections of the neighborhood, spread rapidly through makeshift homes and small businesses, destroying property worth hundreds of thousands of shillings. The residents battled the flames with the limited resources they had at hand. Through sheer community effort, they were able to contain and eventually extinguish most of the blaze before the county fire engines could reach the scene. But when the Nairobi fire brigade finally arrived, over an hour after distress calls were reportedly made, residents erupted in outrage and chased them away. Watch the video. The dramatic moment Nairobi City Council fire brigade officials were chased away by furious residents in Chokaa for arriving late to put out fire pic.twitter.com/XHXRIRTeUy DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) July 5, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, July 5, 2025 - What was meant to be a joyous new chapter for Irene Wanjiru, a 48-year-old mother of four, turned into a heartbreaking tragedy - just days after her children joined her in the United Kingdom. Wanjiru, originally from Mataara in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, moved to the UK in 2023 in search of a better life. She secured a job as a caregiver and had recently managed to reunite with all her children, including her youngest twins. The family was preparing to finally settle and start anew. However, on the night of June 22nd, during a night shift at a patients home in Winson Green, Birmingham, Wanjiru was fatally attacked. She had been caring for a male patient with mental health challenges. Authorities say she was working alone when the patient turned violent and struck her with a blunt object. Her failure to complete routine check-ins raised alarms. By 1 a.m. on June 23rd, police forced entry into the home and discovered her lifeless body. A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene. A post-mortem confirmed she died from blunt force trauma to the head. The incident has sparked grief and concern, especially among the Kenyan caregiving community abroad. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, July 5, 2025 - Former Motosiet Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA), Bernard Aliangana, was on Thursday viciously attacked by goons in Chwele town, Bungoma County, in what is being described as a politically motivated incident. Aliangana, who recently defected from Ford Kenya to the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), was reportedly ambushed by the goons while leaving a private meeting with local supporters. Witnesses say the attackers descended on him with crude weapons, leaving him with visible injuries before fleeing the scene. Its believed that the goons were hired by National Assembly speaker and Ford Kenya chairman, Moses Wetangula. The incident comes just days after a flurry of defections in Bungoma, with political temperatures steadily rising ahead of the 2027 General Elections. The moment former Motosiet MCA, Bernard Aliang'ana, was attacked in Bungoma by goons hired by WETANGULA after defecting from Ford Kenya pic.twitter.com/zmUQqHpOV2 DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) July 5, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST A DRIVER who panicked when he saw the blue lights of a patrol car flashing and who took off at speed was sentenced at Carlow District Court last week for dangerous driving and for having no insurance. Justin Stronge, 2 Fruithill Manor, Killeshin Road, Carlow pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving and of not having insurance on 4 March this year. The offences occurred on the Portlaoise Road and Castlecomer Road, Carlow. Insp Conor Nolan told the court that gardai were on patrol when their scanner identified an uninsured car at a service station in Church Street belonging to Mr Stronge (25), but that when they approached him, he took off at speed. He continued that the gardai followed him and that Mr Stronge failed to stop at a stop sign on the Castlecomer Road and overtook other cars before turning left, forcing another car to stop. The court heard that the car was later found by gardai. Solicitor Chris Hogan told Judge Geraldine Carthy that his client had no excuse for his behaviour but that he panicked when he saw the blue lights of the squad car because he had no insurance to drive. Mr Hogan continued: He should have stopped but he didnt; he ran away from the gardai. Judge Carthy replied that there could have been a more tragic outcome arising out of Mr Stronges behaviour. She then fined him a total of 600 and disqualified him from driving for two years. CONAKRY, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Guinea has launched its fourth General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-4) to collect reliable indicators and up-to-date data that will enable public authorities to design and implement development plans and programs. During a ceremony held on Saturday, Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah officially launched the operations of the general census, which will run for four weeks and cover all households across the national territory. Bah emphasized that the census, led by the National Institute of Statistics, applies to all individuals living in Guinea, including foreign nationals. He called on the population to provide accurate responses to enumerators' questions. More than 23,000 enumerators have been recruited, trained, and deployed nationwide to collect essential data and information on the population and housing, crucial for the successful completion of the census. "Census-taking is not an isolated event; it is a strategic tool for sovereignty and effectiveness," said Ismael Nabe, Guinean minister of planning and international cooperation. According to Nabe, the RGPH-4 is a key instrument that will enable the government to monitor, evaluate, and adjust public policies. Speaking on behalf of the technical and financial partners, Mamadou Saliou Diallo, representative of the World Bank Group in Guinea, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the fourth census. THREE Kildare students from the George Moore Scholars programme were selected to undertake a Masters degree abroad at a special event hosted at LinkedIns Community Space in Dublin The latest class of incoming 2025 George Moore Scholars, 57 exceptional students from throughout Ireland, who have been selected to undertake a Master's degree abroad, were announced. Among this years scholars are three students from Kildare, Niamh McCarthy, Aoileann Ni Mhurchu and Aisling Cunningham. Later this year, these scholars will begin their academic journeys at leading international universities across the United States, Canada, the UK, and Europe. Since 2020, the George Moore Scholars programme has awarded over 13m to support over 250 students. Launched in 2020 by The Ireland Funds, the George Moore Scholars programme invests in the next generation of leaders and innovators. The programme widens access to postgraduate education and extends learning opportunities for students across the island of Ireland. As well as financial support, it provides mentorship and access to a global network of fellow scholars to empower students to achieve their fullest potential and contribute to the global community. The Ireland Funds is a global philanthropic network established in 1976 to promote and support peace, culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland, and Irish-related causes around the world. It has benefited the work of thousands of different organisations, with both financial and non-financial support. Today, The Ireland Funds is one of the largest independent grant makers for the non-profit sector in Ireland. Best of luck to the three Kildare scholars on their academic journeys. Tom Tuite A woman allegedly "dug" her fingernails into a reveller's arms, causing an infection, during a street mugging in Dublin. Diane Travers, 32, of no fixed abode, was refused bail when she appeared at a weekend sitting of Dublin District Court. Garda Shane McConkey said the accused was charged with a robbery on Sycamore Street, Dublin 2, on May 31st last. He objected to bail and stated that at around 3.15 am, the injured party was on his way home after socialising in the city centre. He turned onto Sycamore Street when he was allegedly pursued by a male, and the accused. The male punched him in the back of the head, causing him to become disorientated. The pair then wrestled him into a doorway before another male became involved, and they threw him to the ground. The complainant dropped his iPhone 15. One of the male robbers picked it up as Ms Travers allegedly "dug her nails into his forearm and attempted to pull his watch off of his wrist." The garda stated that this caused the man extreme pain. "He attempted to fight back but was overwhelmed when the third male then returned and helped pin him on the ground." It was alleged that the three suspects then rooted through his pockets. The man shouted for help and the trio fled when several members of the public approached. The court heard there was a bid to use his bank card, which had been in his phone case, in a shop at O'Connell Street. However, the transaction did not go through as he had already frozen his account. It was claimed the man suffered bruising to both his elbows, scrapes to his right forearm, and deep nail marks on his wrist and left bicep. He went to a doctor the following day and needed a tetanus shot due to the deep nail marks on his arms becoming infected. Judge Conneely heard the man was put on antibiotics for several days. He also missed work due to his injuries and the psychological effects. CCTV footage was obtained. Defence counsel Kevin McCrave submitted that she could be released with conditions, however, the application was denied. Legal aid was granted to Ms Travers who will appear again next week. She has not yet indicated a plea with a decision awaited on whether she will be tried in the District Court or the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers. 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. 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. 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 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. It was a day to remember, according to guild PRO Trish Whelan. Castledermot ICA Guild founder member Carrie Murphy sees herself in a group photo taken on the guild's trip to Scotland in 2004 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. Members and guests at the Castledermot ICA Guild's 60th birthday afternoon tea party 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. 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. In the ongoing conversation about Irelands housing crisis, much of the focus is rightly placed on first-time buyers and the acute shortage of affordable homes. But there is a quieter, often overlooked part of the solution sitting in plain sight: right-sizing. Right-sizing typically refers to older people, often empty nesters or those living alone, who find themselves in homes that no longer suit their current needs. These properties, once bustling family homes, now have spare bedrooms, high maintenance costs, and sometimes, a growing sense of isolation for the occupants. The idea behind right-sizing is not downsizing in a reductive sense, but its more about matching our living space to our current lifestyle, health, and social needs. Globally, there are inspiring models. Swedens lagom philosophy, meaning just the right amount, and Japans hodo-hodo, or just enough. These concepts embrace the balance of simplicity, community, and purpose and have informed housing solutions that are modest, well-designed, and deeply human in their approach. Closer to home, we already have proof of concept. St Marys Court in Gowran, Kilkenny, is an example of right-sizing in action. This development comprises 10 one- and two-bedroom homes designed specifically for older adults. Residents live independently but with vital supports: a daily hot meal (six days a week), laundry services, waste disposal, social activities, and a strong sense of community. The location, central to a vibrant village with essential servicesoffers the best of both worlds: independence and support. READ NEXT: MORE FUNDING FOR SOCIAL HOUSING IN KILKENNY Models like Gowran arent just about serving the individual; they are also about the bigger picture, wider society. By providing well-thought-out housing options for older people, larger homes are freed up for families who need them. Crucially, right-sizing should never be rushed. These are deeply personal decisions involving financial planning, inheritance considerations, and the need for sensitive family conversations. Its vital that those considering it speak with a pension or financial professional who understands the landscape and can guide them through every step of the process. Good advice can make all the difference. We need to talk about what works. The Department of Housing must look seriously at community-based right-sizing as a national policy lever. If we invest in more schemes like St Marys Court, particularly in rural Ireland where older people are often more isolated, we address multiple social and economic issues in one stroke. READ MORE GOWRAN NEWS HERE We shouldnt be afraid to try out solutions. Lets be practical. And most importantly, lets support older generations with dignity while easing pressure on a housing system that is crying out for fresh thinking. Gerry Farrell is a financial advisor at Castle View Financial Services and is a regular voice on KCLR where he answers listener questions on personal finance. To get in touch, email: Gerry@cvfs.ie As a write this column I am thinking back to the Ballyfoyle Show which attracted a record crowd to this rural setting. There were hundreds of horses and ponies taking part in lots of disciplines be that show jumping, lead rein competition, side saddle etc. To run such an event takes a lot of work and requires a large body of people to park cars, look after trade stands steward the different rings. All monies raised go to very worthy causes with the main beneficiary been the Carlow Kilkenny Home Care Team with other local charities also being supported. This hard working committee under the direction of Ann Callanan deserve great credit for their magnificent achievement. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS The volunteers also need to be acknowledge for their dedication. I have often said that without volunteers who manage to raise large sums of money for the many magnificent causes this country of ours would be in a much worse state. Ballyfoyle take a bow. Mart Last Thursday in Kilkenny it was good to see a lift in the trade for all types of cattle be that beef or forward stores. With factories dropping quotes over the past few weeks it appears that the reduction in numbers has steadied the situation and an excellent export trade plus farmer interest means the livestock mart is proving an excellent alternative to the negativity been displayed by factories. Our sale on Tuesday saw an excellent trade for cull cows with calves and runners making super prices. The sheep trade is the only sector showing disappointing returns compared to last year with butcher lambs ranging from 176 to 211 and factory types 160 to 182 per head cull ewes are selling from 128 to 300 per head . While the rest of Europe is trying to cope with heat waves with temperatures raging from 30 to 40 degrees the dull weather we are experiencing is been welcomed by many. Relay For Life This weekend Kilkenny Rugby Club hosts Relay For Life Kilkenny 2025 this is a fund raiser for the Irish Cancer Society and also remembers all those who have passed away from cancer. The event starts on Saturday at 1pm and finishes on Sunday 1pm this weekend, July 5 and 6. Everyone is welcome and if you do not have a lot of time on your hands you could pop in on Saturday evening from 9pm to take part in a very moving ceremony. Everyone is welcome any time throughout the 24 hours and I would love to see you there. Until next time Do Be Careful On The Farm & Good Buying Good Selling & Good Luck . The role of young farmers in delivering sustainable change will be central to the message of the Sustainable Livestock Village at the Tullamore Show FBD National Livestock Show on Sunday, August 10. Macra na Feirme will be joining the Village for the first time, this year, to highlight generation renewal and youth-led innovation, under the leadership of new Macra President, Kilkennys Josephine ONeill. The Bennettsbridge woman was at the launch of the event, with Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) with responsibility for Food Promotion, New Markets, and Research and Development, Noel Grealish, TD, on the farm of FBD Young Farmer of the Year 2024, dairy farmer, Christopher Cahill. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST IN KILKENNY SPORTS NEWS Young farmers are the heartbeat of Irelands agricultural future. Supporting them is central to achieving our sustainability goals while ensuring we maintain vibrant rural communities and a resilient food sector, Minister Grealish said. Michael Dolan, Chairman of the Sustainable Livestock Village said: The addition of features focused on young farmers, shared learning and innovation reflects what we want to achieve, a space that brings the farming community together to talk openly about solutions and supports. This years Village also highlights key areas such as improving water quality, enhancing nature on farms and supporting earlier finishing all while making sustainability more accessible to farmers on the ground. This year also features a Photography Competition held in the lead-up to the Show, with 1,000 in prizes and winning entries will be on display in the Village. Categories include Generations Working Together and Sustainable Farming in Action, supported by the Irish Farmers Journal. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS An expanded Speakers Corner, in partnership with FBD Insurance, will run from 11am to 2pm with farmer-led talks on sustainability, succession planning and protecting natural resources. This is followed by a Livestock Innovators session in partnership with Macra na Feirme, where young farmers will present practical solutions and explore the use of innovative practices and technology to support sustainable farming systems, improved work-life balance, and farm succession. Funding of more than 40,000 for forestry projects that include land in Co Kilkenny has been welcomed. Minister Martin Heydon and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae TD, today announced the results of the 2025/2026 Open Call for Proposals for Forestry Promotion Projects. Among the successful projects are the Mna Na Coille (Women of the Woods) project in Kilkenny, Athlone and Sligo, which has been awarded 17,819, and the Acorn Projects Fite Fuaite: Interwoven Landscapes in Kilkenny, Tipperary and Laois, which will benefit from funding of 23,263.50. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST IN KILKENNY SPORTS NEWS A number of national projects were also funded under a total of 1.5 million for forestry promotion, and Kilkenny will also benefit from many of these projects. Leas Cheann Comhairle Deputy John McGuinness is delighted with the funding for the promotion of the benefits of increased use of timber products in construction and design, in the context of climate action and the bioeconomy, sustainable forest management schemes and climate resilience building. Forestry is nationwide and insightful investments in these programmes is very welcome, he said. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. DHAKA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh has expressed its readiness to cooperate with the Malaysian authorities in the terror investigation into the arrest of dozens of Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia on alleged militancy charges. Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement here Saturday that the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has engaged with relevant Malaysian authorities, which announced last week the arrest of some Bangladeshis for alleged involvement in a radical militant movement. The ministry said the Bangladesh High Commission will extend necessary support to the expatriate Bangladeshis wherever needed. "Bangladesh once again reiterates its firm stand against all forms of terrorism, violent extremism and militancy, and it remains ready to extend full cooperation to the Malaysian authorities in this regard," it said. Of the arrested individuals, according to the statement, formal charges have been filed against five in Malaysian courts. The rest are in the process of either further investigation or deportation, it mentioned. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Thunderstorms this morning, then partly cloudy during the afternoon hours. Storms could contain damaging winds. High 86F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. KABUL, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Torrential rains triggered severe flash floods that swept through parts of eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, killing two children and leaving a trail of destruction, a local official said on Sunday. The floods affected multiple districts, where at least 280 residential houses were washed away, Qurishi Badlon, the provincial director for Information and Culture, told Xinhua. The disaster has also severely damaged the region's agricultural sector, said Badlon, adding that around 5,000 acres of farmland were submerged. According to the official, the number of casualties and the extent of damage could rise as further assessments are underway. Assessment teams have been dispatched to evaluate losses and survey the affected areas. Afghanistan's weather department has warned of continued rainfall in the coming days, raising concerns about further flooding in vulnerable regions. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close 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. Measles cases surge to record high since disease was declared eliminated in the US We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. YANGON, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A total of 28 people were killed and 219 injured in 94 traffic accidents on Myanmar's Yangon-Mandalay highway during the first six months of 2025, according to the highway traffic police force on Sunday. This marks a decrease in accidents and fatalities as compared to the same period last year, which saw 99 accidents resulting in 52 deaths, an official from the highway traffic police force told Xinhua. Most of the traffic accidents during this period were due to driving at high speed, he said. The traffic accidents caused damage at over 400 million kyats (about 190,476 U.S. dollars), he added. In 2024, a total of 203 accidents occurred on the highway, resulting in 88 deaths and 360 injuries, the official said. AN 18-year-old man who had never come to gardais attention was before Portlaoise District Court charged with possessing drugs. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said that Kailyn Flood from Riverside, Portarlington was found in possession of 70 worth of cocaine in Hinds Square, Portlaoise on 16 March. Judge Susan Fay told the mechanical engineering student that if he donates 300 to the court poor box by 8 September that she would apply the Probation Act. However, if not, she said that she would convict him of the offence and fine him 350. WHEN it comes to delivering social housing Laois County Council is head and shoulders above all other councils around Ireland. A recent league table released by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage showed that Laois County Council is the top performing local authority in Ireland delivering social housing. The data showed that Laois County Council surpassed its target goal of 359 housing units with 670 homes 187% above its goal. The figure included a total of 155 homes delivered in 2024 alone, almost double its target of 80. The league table figures focus on each local authoritys delivery of new-build social housing between 2022 and 2024, the targets for which are outlined in the governments Housing for All plan. Commenting on the figures the Chief Executive of Laois County Council Michael Rainey said: Supporting and enabling the provision of housing to serve the people of Laois is a key priority for Laois County Council, as outlined in our 2024-2029 Corporate Plan. I am enormously proud to see our teams hard work recognised at national level as we continue to surpass our social housing targets. We will continue to deliver well designed housing which is appropriate for the needs of the community. Mr Rainey said that affordable housing is also a priority for the council which recently launched the new Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme at Oak Vale Meadows in Stradbally. He said that prospective homeowners are invited to apply for these new homes through their online application portal which will be accessible through the councils website until Friday 25 July or by emailing affordablepurchase@laoiscoco.ie for more information on the scheme and how it works. A bridge over Bushkill Creek in Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center in Bushkill Township is photographed in October 2015. Sue Beyer File Photo | For lehighvalleylive.com Bushkill Township police said Tuesday they were investigating thefts of credit cards and cash from vehicles in a lot at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center. The thefts occurred Sunday morning in the state parks lot at Belfast and Keller roads in the township, according to a Crimewatch post from the police department. The victims were alerted by their financial institutions that their credit cards were used at Walmart and Target stores in Lower Nazareth Township, police wrote. Police posted a description of a man they say attempted to use the stolen cards, as well as surveillance images. Jacobsburg park officials on Monday posted to Facebook a summertime reminder to keep valuables locked away in the (trunk) of your vehicle, and NOT in the front or back seat. Unfortunately, smash and grabs are all too common in our parks. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. TOKYO, July 6 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.4 struck off the Tokara island chain in Japan's southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima on Sunday, as more people evacuated from the area that has been rattled by a series of temblors. The quake, which occurred at 2:07 p.m. local time, measured upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 on Akusekijima, part of the Tokara island chain, said the Japan Meteorological Agency. The weather agency said the temblor originated at a depth of 20 km, but there is no threat of a tsunami. The number of felt quakes detected in the Tokara island chain area has exceeded 1,300 since June 21. Evacuation of islanders began after a quake with a magnitude of 5.5 that measured lower 6 of the Japanese scale was logged on Thursday, Kyodo News reported. On Sunday morning, a total of 46 residents of Akusekijima and Kodakarajima in the Tokara island chain boarded a ferry, the second batch of evacuees to leave for Kagoshima City on the closest main island of Kyushu, following 13 residents of Akusekijima who evacuated on Friday, the report said. Whitewater rafters stream down the Lehigh River this time of year, paddling and splashing one another. On the adjacent D&L Trail, bicyclists crunch over gravel and enjoy the scenery as the mirrored surface of the Lehigh Canal reflects mountain laurels shielding myriad wildlife just out of sight. Tilt your head up over this bucolic stretch in Jim Thorpe this summer and the side of Bear Mountain offers a stark reminder of the damage wreaked by wildfires. Damage to trees on Bear Mountain in Jim Thorpe from a wildfire in April 2025 is seen Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com Huge swaths of brown mingle with leafy green, remnants of one of Pennsylvanias fires this past spring that burned thousands of acres of forest. Its a reminder of the fast-moving devastation of blazes brought under control only through the commitment of state and local firefighters who scaled these hills or soared overhead dropping retardant just a few months back, around Easter. But a wildfire can also be a call to action, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Whenever theres fires, it really does bring attention to the importance of our forests, State Forester Seth Cassell told lehighvalleylive.com. Whether its the Packerton fire that burned for nearly a week in the Jim Thorpe area, torching more than 500 acres of wildlands, or the Michaux State Forest fires around the same time in April that burned 2,700 acres-plus, Cassell said incidents like these get people thinking: What can I do to help? One way anyone can help is by expanding Pennsylvanias urban and natural-area forests alike by contributing to the Keystone Tree Fund. It really provides an outlet for people, wherever they might live or throughout the whole state to say, Hey, this fire makes me realize just how important our forests are, said Cassell, who is director of the DCNRs Bureau of Forestry. And their donation goes towards keeping forests and community trees all across Pennsylvania healthy and vibrant. And it really is a good outlet for people. The wildfires draw attention and focus their appreciation of our forests. Charred trees are seen Wednesday, July 2, 2025, along the D&L Trail at the foot of Bear Mountain in Jim Thorpe following a wildfire in April 2025. Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com Charred trees are seen Wednesday, July 2, 2025, along the D&L Trail at the foot of Bear Mountain in Jim Thorpe following a wildfire in April 2025. Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn this past Arbor Day on April 25 announced a new online donation option to support the Keystone Tree Fund. Through an online form, with a credit card and a few clicks, Pennsylvanians can now make electronic donations to the fund to support grants for tree plantings in communities and streamside buffers. The fund also includes a voluntary $3 check-off box on drivers license and vehicle registration online applications. Pennsylvania established the Keystone Tree Fund in 2019. Last year, the DCNR says it invested $10.5 million in grants for tree planting and lawn-to-habitat conversions. The new online portal aims to keep that momentum going in the face of threats to trees from not just wildfires but also climate change and nonnative insects like the emerald ash borer and spotted lanternfly. Every tree we plant is a step toward cleaner air, cooler cities, and healthier communities, Adams Dunn said in April. Planting a tree is a simple act with a big impact, and were making it easier than ever for Pennsylvanians to contribute to a greener future. Damage to trees atop Bear Mountain in Jim Thorpe from a wildfire in April 2025 is seen Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com Fire is a natural part of the ecosystem, and Native Americans were known to use fire to manage the landscape. Pennsylvania agencies and nonprofit land managers continue to use prescribed fire or controlled burns today. There are definitely benefits to the ecosystem when its done in a planned way, in a way that tries to promote ecological goals based on what the conditions are, Cassell said. Wildfires fires that are started by accident or fires that are human-caused ... that are not planned those are never good because you could end up threatening communities and properties and homes and structures and you could end up killing trees. When used right, fire can clear out invasive species that are inhibiting native plants and benefit deep-root trees like oak that are adapted to fire. The fire prepares the seed bed for oaks to thrive. Acorns from oaks, in turn, are an important food source for wildlife from chipmunks and squirrels to deer and bear. But other trees, like pine trees or hemlock trees when theyre very young, maple trees, theyre very susceptible to fire when theyre young, Cassell said. Wildfires can help some trees grow, but we never want to encourage wildfires because theyre just that theyre wild, theyre uncontrolled, theyre unpredictable, and you really dont know what the results are going to be. In Pennsylvania, 99% of all wildfires are human-caused, according to the DCNR. That was the case with the two large-scale forest fires in the Michaux Forest in Cumberland County, officials said. The Thompson Hollow Fire, which started April 23, burned around 2,248 acres before it was contained. The Hammonds Rocks Fire started on April 24 several miles to the east of the Thompson Hollow Fire and burned approximately 470 acres before it was fully contained. Damage to trees on Bear Mountain in Jim Thorpe from a wildfire in April 2025 is seen Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com Investigators suspect the Packerton fire that erupted April 19, one day before Easter 2025, and wasnt contained until around April 25 also was human-caused, according to the DCNR. The same goes for the Lehigh Gap fire that burned nearly 600 acres last November on the border between Carbon and Northampton counties outside Palmerton. Find a link to make a donation online to plant trees in Pennsylvania through the Keystone Tree Fund at pa.gov. Aside from a credit card transaction fee, the money goes directly to planting and maintaining trees, according to Cassell. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. 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 The Irish motor industry has been told to stop limiting consumer choice, by the State competition watchdog. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said it had received reports from motorists who have been prevented or discouraged from having their vehicles serviced or repaired at independent garages. In an industry-wide letter, the agency has reminded the sector that, by law, consumers cannot be prevented from freely choosing who services or repairs their vehicles, or what parts they use. The CCPC said some motorists claim to have been told that their warranty will be void if they have their vehicle serviced or repaired outside an authorised dealership network, or if they use non-original or non-manufacturer supplied spare parts. Non-original spare parts can be used in repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty without the warranty being affected, so long as they are of matching quality with the originals. Others claim to have been blocked from using independent garages because of restricted access to essential diagnostic data or tools which were not made available by the manufacturer or distributor. The CCPC said such practices can break competition law, drive up prices, limit choice, and harm both consumers and independent garages. The watchdog is seeking information from distributors of motor vehicles in Ireland and has urged them to review and, if necessary, amend any arrangements they have in place. On a non-criminal basis, the CCPC may impose administrative financial sanctions on businesses and associations of undertakings of up to 10 million euro, or 10% of its annual worldwide turnover, whatever is greater, for breaches of competition law. Alternatively, more serious breaches of competition law, including cartel behaviour, may be prosecuted as criminal offences, and fines of up to 50 million euro, or 20% of a businesss annual worldwide turnover, may be imposed by the court upon conviction on indictment. While formal proceedings have not been instigated against any particular firm, the CCPC has emphasised that it will take action if illegal practices are identified. Additionally, the CCPC has informed independent garages of their right to freely repair vehicles, to use non-original spare parts which are of a matching quality, and to access repair and diagnostic tools. Craig Whelan, director of antitrust at the CCPC, said: Motorists must be free to choose where they service their vehicles and what parts they use without fear of losing their warranty. Independent garages must not be blocked from accessing essential diagnostic data or tools. These restrictive practices hurt consumers, stifle competition, and unfairly advantage authorised dealerships. Motor vehicle importers and the main distributors across Ireland have been given until Wednesday August 6 to make a submission to the CCPC after they have reviewed their own arrangements. New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI) Realty firm Signature Global has acquired two land parcels in Gurugram totalling 10 acres to build housing projects. Signature Global's subsidiary firm has executed two sale deeds to purchase the lands admeasuring approximately 9.96 acres situated at Tehsil Sohna, District Gurugram, Haryana. These lands have an overall potential sales area of approximately 0.53 million (5.3 lakh) square feet, according to a recent regulatory filing. Last month, Signature Global chairman Pradeep Kumar Aggarwal said the company would invest around 1,200-1,500 crore to acquire land parcels as part of its expansion plan. Signature Global had invested 1,070 crore last fiscal year to purchase 48 acres of land in Gurugram, Haryana. "Land is an important raw material for real estate developers. We will be investing around 1,200-1,500 crore on the acquisition of land parcels this fiscal," he had said. Signature Global emerged as the fifth largest listed real estate developer last fiscal in terms of sales bookings by achieving record pre-sales of 10,290 crore. The Gurugram-based company has given a guidance of posting 12,500 crore worth pre-sales in the current fiscal. Signature Global is also ramping up construction activities across its ongoing projects. The company will invest 2,500 crore in 2025-26 fiscal on construction activities as against 1,900 crore in the preceding fiscal. Recently, Signature Global announced plans to raise 875 crore through issue of non-convertible debentures to refinance debt and expand business. Signature Global started its business to develop affordable housing projects but shifted its focus on mid-income, premium and luxury segments because of high land cost in Gurugram. During the last fiscal year, the company posted a net profit of 101.2 crore, a sharp jump from 16.32 crore in the preceding year. Its total income grew to 2,637.99 crore in the last fiscal from 1,324.55 crore in 2023-24. Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], : Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held separate bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Russia, Brazil and China during the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Rio de Janeiro. In her meeting with Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Sitharaman reaffirmed the "long-standing" partnership between India and Russia. She also thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for his unwavering support after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Sitharaman said that both countries enjoy "exemplary levels of mutual trust and understanding," and underlined the strength of the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership". The two ministers discussed bilateral financial cooperation, developments at the New Development Bank , and new initiatives under the BRICS framework. She also congratulated Russia for successfully chairing BRICS in 2024 and said that India remains committed to boosting South-South cooperation through the platform. "The two sides also discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, including cooperation in the financial sector, along with matters related to NDB," the Ministry of Finance said in a post on X. Sitharaman also met Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad. During the meeting, both sides shared views on raising the voice of the Global South, climate finance before COP30 and working together at global platforms such as the UN, G20, WTO, BRICS and IBSA. "The two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest, including South-South cooperation, amplifying the voice of the Global South, COP30 and climate finance issues, and engagement in regional and global forums such as the United Nations, G20, BRICS, WTO and IBSA," the Finance Ministry in its post said. She praised Brazil's leadership of BRICS, especially its efforts to build a "multipolar world order" and expand the grouping. She said India would support Brazil's priorities and would focus on practical cooperation when it takes over the BRICS Chairship in January 2026. Sitharaman also spoke about the strategic importance of India-Brazil ties and their growing collaboration in different sectors. "India and Brazil, as strategic partners, share warm and cordial ties spanning across multiple sectors, and are cooperating closely in multiple sectors to further strengthen the strategic partnership," the Finance Ministry quoting Sitharaman said. Earlier, Sitharaman met China's Finance Minister Lan Fo'an. She recalled meeting him earlier in Samarkand during the AIIB Annual Meetings in September 2024. Sitharaman said that India and China are among the "world's largest and fastest-growing economies" and can play a major role in pushing "inclusive" global growth and innovation. She referred to their civilisational ties and growing economic power and said both countries must work more closely to represent the Global South and help shape global debates. "Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that India and China can strengthen collaboration across a wide range of areas due to the common rich human capital, deep civilizational ties, and expanding economic influence," the Finance Ministry said in its X post, adding," The Union Finance Minister suggested that deeper engagement between the two countries can help to amplify the voice of developing economies, and shape global narratives that reflect the priorities and aspirations of the Global South." By Shailesh Yadav New Delhi [India], : Indian industry is prepared for any outcome regarding the proposed bilateral trade agreement with the United States, according to Confederation of Indian Industry President Rajiv Memani, who emphasised that the country's business sector will not pursue deals that compromise national interests. In an interview with ANI, Memani praised the government's extensive consultation process with industry stakeholders before positioning India in trade negotiations. "The Indian government has given considerable time to understand industry concerns, issues and opportunities. Every industry, every size of industry has been consulted to understand how India should be positioned," he said. The CII President emphasized that there is no compulsion to conclude a deal at any cost. "There is no doubt that India will only do this deal when it is in India's interest and America's interest. Until it is not in the interest of both countries, this deal will not happen. There is no compulsion in this regard," Memani stated. Expressing readiness for either possibilty, Memani outlined the conditions under which industry would support the Free Trade Agreement . "If you ask industry whether they want this FTA on favourable terms and if we get relatively better terms compared to other countries, then industry desires this FTA," he explained. The potential benefits are significant, particularly regarding tariff reduction. "The 26 per cent tariff that has been imposed will come down and industry will get opportunities to operate there. We will remain more competitive compared to other countries," Memani noted. The CII President also highlighted the broader strategic messaging that an FTA would send: "When two countries have an FTA, it also sends a message that both countries are ready to work together." Memani acknowledged that certain sectors would face difficulties if the trade deal doesn't materialize, but emphasized industry's commitment to national interests. "It is certain that some sectors and some industries will face difficulties, but industries do not want to work in a way that harms the country. Industry wants to do this in a way that benefits the country," he said. The CII President specifically identified potential competitive challenges, particularly in the automotive sector. "If you look at auto companies, Mexico has a trade deal where tariff is almost 0 per cent. If there's a 25 per cent gap, then Mexico becomes most competitive," he explained. Memani predicted that Mexico would be the primary beneficiary if India fails to secure favorable terms, with some potential gains for Vietnam as well. "The maximum alternative replacement will come from Mexico, with some possibility from Vietnam," he said. The textiles and garments industry could face particular challenges due to Vietnam's existing advantages. "The garments industry could become slightly less competitive because Vietnam has a 20 per cent tariff," Memani observed, highlighting how existing trade relationships could impact Indian competitiveness. Memani cautioned against expecting immediate benefits even if a deal is concluded, describing trade agreements as "a long game." He emphasised that both countries would need to make adjustments to maximize benefits. "Many American companies may also invest in India to export from India. Indian companies will also have to focus on their competitiveness," he noted, suggesting that the government might need to implement reforms and support measures to help industries become more competitive. The CII President's comments reflect a mature approach to international trade negotiations, where industry supports government efforts to secure favorable terms while remaining prepared for alternative scenarios. "Trade deals are two-way. Some things will be good, while some sectors may face challenges," Memani said acknowledging the complex nature of international trade agreements and their varied impacts across different sectors of the economy. By Shailesh Yadav New Delhi [India], July 6 (ANI): Collaboration between industry and government which proved successful in semiconductors, will be the key to addressing rare minerals dependencies according to president of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) who pointed out that there is no short-term fix for the possible shortage of rare-earth minerals. "It's a long-term solution," acknowledged the CII President Rajiv Memani emphasizing on the need for a comprehensive, product-led strategy. "What are the minerals that are required for that? What is the technology that's required for that? What is the policy support or financial support that that industry or sector needs?" he outlined, calling for urgent action despite the long-term nature of solutions. Rare earth elements (REEs) are crucial in modern technological products such as smartphones, electric cars, and advanced military equipment. Countries with rich REEs deposits have become pivotal players in the industry and essential elements of international supply chains. The president of industry body specifically highlighted the automotive sector's vulnerability to rare minerals shortages. "When I talk to automobile companies, they say this will really make a difference," he noted, emphasizing the sector's concern about supply chain disruptions. The CII chief outlined a strategic approach for India: "India will have to identify where there are major risks in their supply chains. If it's minerals, then they need to create a minerals strategy - either how to produce them here or where to import them from, and what support the private sector needs from the government." Memani acknowledged the complexity of establishing domestic production capabilities, citing cost disadvantages compared to established global players. "Many things are not viable in themselves because of the cost of production - many countries have built such scale that their cost of production is quite low, and they have done such backend integration of their mineral resources that replicating it immediately is very difficult." He emphasized that government support would be essential, whether through policy measures or other assistance to the private sector. The CII President highlighted additional challenges posed by regulatory frameworks, particularly for radioactive minerals. "Many minerals are radioactive, and the Department of Atomic Energy is also involved. So often, after talking with them, a big urgent strategy should be made about which countries to partner with," he explained. Drawing parallels with international experiences, Memani cited Japan's decade-long efforts in this sector. "If you look at Japan, they have been working on this for so many years. The value addition they have achieved so far is only around 40 per cent, and they have been at it for 10 years," he said, illustrating the time-intensive nature of building rare minerals capabilities. Memani drew extensive comparisons with India's semiconductor mission, positioning it as proof of the country's capability to tackle complex technological challenges. "When the semiconductor problem came, the government worked on it. They brought out a semiconductor policy, then made some amendments, and then launched the PLI scheme with an allocation of 75,000 crore for four companies," he explained, highlighting the systematic approach that delivered results. The CII President expressed strong confidence in the semiconductor sector's trajectory: "I think that gradually, as the semiconductor industry develops in India, this entire ecosystem will develop in seven to eight years." This success story, according to Memani, demonstrates India's proven methodology for addressing strategic vulnerabilities through comprehensive policy frameworks and substantial financial commitments. Memani emphasized that once the ecosystem develops, it becomes a significant competitive strength for the country. "It is an evolving technology. Things keep on changing, but once the ecosystem develops, then it becomes a very strong, competitive strength that a country has when they have their own semiconductor ecosystem," he noted. The CII President's comments reflect strong confidence in India's ability to develop indigenous capabilities in critical sectors. His reference to the semiconductor success story serves as evidence that India can systematically address complex supply chain challenges through strategic planning and sustained commitment. India-US trade deal: United States' Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday said that Washington is close to reaching agreements on several trade deals, according to Reuters. His comments came ahead of a 9 July tariff pause deadline, hinting at several big announcements by the Donald Trump administration in the coming days. According to the report, US Treasury Secretary Bessent also said that the government will send letters to 100 small countries with whom the U.S. doesn't have much trade to notify them that they will be facing higher tariff rates, which were set on 2 April 2025. President Trump's going to be sending letters to some of our trading partners saying that, if you don't move things along, then on August 1, you will boomerang back to your April 2 tariff level. So I think we're going to see a lot of deals very quickly, Bessent said, according to the agency report. US Treasury Secretary Bessent's hints of a major announcement in the coming days bring some hope of a potential trade deal between India and the US, as both nations have been engaged in their negotiations, keeping their individual national interest as a top priority. India-US trade deal update India's Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has clearly indicated that the nation will not enter into any trade deal under pressure. The Indian investors and industries are eagerly waiting for the final announcements on the potential trade deal as Trump's 90-day tariff pause nears the deadline on 9 July 2025. 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, said Union Minister Piyush Goyal last week, according to Mint's earlier report. This deadline will impose a series of tariffs on many nations, including India, which will face a 26% tariff rate on top of the baseline tariffs for any imports from the Asian nation into the United States. Also Read | Dalal Street week ahead: 5 key triggers for Indian stock market President Donald Trump on Saturday said that he signed letters to 12 countries outlining the various tariff levels they would face on goods they export to the United States, as per an earlier agency report. However, no names of any nation were disclosed in the update. Trump, on board Air Force One, told reporters that the take it or leave it letters would be sent to the nations on Monday, July 7, 2025. "I signed some letters and they'll go out on Monday, probably twelve," Trump said, when asked about his plans on the tariffs. Different amounts of money, different amounts of tariffs. As per earlier media reports, the US is seeking duty concessions in the agriculture, automobiles, wines, petrochemical products and dairy sectors, while India wants duty cuts on items like textiles, gems and jewellery, leather goods, garments, plastics, chemicals, shrimp, oil seeds, grapes, and bananas. US negotiations with other nations If US trading partners ranging from Taiwan to the European Union do not strike deals with the US, they will be subject to the Trump tariffs effective 1 August 2025, according to the agency report citing Bessent. The US Treasury Secretary refused to name countries that were close to a trade agreement, stating that he doesn't want to let them off the hook. Also Read | These countries struck trade deals with US as Trump prepares tariff letters On 2 April 2025, US President Donald Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff and additional reciprocal rates for nations around the world that trade with the US, with some rates ranging as high as 50%. Later, Trump paused the tariffs except for the 10% baseline rates for all imports into the United States. This tariff pause was for a 90-day period ending on 9 July 2025, during which the world nations could negotiate and secure trade deals with the Trump administration. According to the agency report, the tariff rates could even be higher, up to 70% with many set to go into effect on 1 August 2025. However, the US Treasury Secretary denied that 1 August was a new deadline for negotiations. The gender ratio in Indias top business schools has been a mixed bag the past five years, with several premier management institutions struggling to ensure that at least half of their students are women. While the percentage of women students enrolled at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in Lucknow and Calcutta has dropped since 2020, other centres of Indias premier business school have reported modest increases. I have observed that having mentors, seniors, role models, like, in this case, more women faculty, attracts younger women students," said Narayanan Ramaswamy, partner and head of the education and skill development practice at KPMG in India. Older IIMs have a legacy and established procedures to follow. This makes any change to their current status more gradual compared to their newer counterparts. So while the established B-schools are making efforts to improve women enrolment, it is taking a tad longer for them," Ramaswamy added. The struggle to ensure more women students in Indias top B-schools comes even as companies emphasise diversity and inclusion while recruiting, making it crucial for management institutes to have a balanced gender ratio for better campus placements. At IIM-Visakhapatnam, which was established in 2015, the number of women students has increased from 31% of all students in the 2020-22 batch to 51% in the latest 2025-27 batch. Other new IIMs, however, havent had similar success. IIM-Ranchi, which was established in 2009, saw its gender ratio drop from 39.84% women students in the 2020-22 batch to 26.6% in the 2022-24 batch before rebounding to 41.56% in last years batch for the academic year 2024-26. At IIM-Raipur, which was established in 2010, the percentage of women students dropped from 41% in 2020-22 to 40% last year. However, its 2023-25 batch had 60% women students. The gender ratios for the Ranchi and Raipur schools latest batch werent available. A lopsided feeder pool While the Kozhikode and Indore IIMs, both established in 1996, have more women students than men in their latest batch for the 2025-27 academic year, at IIM-Calcutta (of 1961 vintage) and IIM-Bangalore (1973), male students dominate. At the Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur (XLRI), which offers one-year MBA programmes, the number of women students has increased from about 37% in 2020-21 to about 46% in the incoming batch of 2025-26. This disparity in gender comes from the lopsided feeder pool as CAT (the Common Admission Test for the IIMs)which is more quantitative and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) heavygenerally has more male takers than females," said Avntika Tomar, partner at EY-Parthenon, education practice. Moreover, despite the campuses making efforts to improve the security and infrastructure of their campuses, the perception of some cities they are located in concerns parents as some of the IIMs are not located in the more desirable metro cities," Tomar added. In 2024, out of about 329,000 registered candidates for CAT, only about 119,000 were women. In the past couple of years, IIMs have had to work harder to secure placements for their students because of a hiring freeze following a post-pandemic hiring frenzy. The increasing corporate emphasis on diversity and inclusion, however, has Indias premier management schools looking for ways to encourage more women students to enrol. IIMs have been focusing more on enrolling more female students, especially with bonus marking," said a senior official at one of the new IIMs. As part of the IIM admissions process, 2-10 additional points are awarded to women candidates. This helps in the placement process as corporates prefer recruiting female candidates over men when they have the same merits and calibre," the official said. Ria Dalal contributed reporting for this article. Turkish ceramic artist Adil Can Guven examines one of his blue-and-white porcelain artworks in his studio in Iznik, Turkiye, on June 26, 2025. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) This photo taken on June 16, 2025 shows pocelain ware displayed at the Porcelain Market in Iznik, Turkiye. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) This photo taken on June 16, 2025 shows people visiting the Porcelain Market in Iznik, Turkiye. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) Turkish ceramic artist Adil Can Guven works in his studio in Iznik, Turkiye on June 26, 2025. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) This photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows a house number plate in Iznik, Turkiye. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) This photo taken on June 16, 2025 shows a porcelain stall on a street in Iznik, Turkiye. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) This photo taken on June 16, 2025 shows people visiting the Porcelain Market in Iznik, Turkiye. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) This photo taken on June 26, 2025 shows porcelain-inspired cultural and creative products in a porcelain shop in Iznik,Turkiye. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) This photo taken on June 16, 2025 shows porcelain-inspired cultural and creative products in a porcelain shop in Iznik,Turkiye. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) This photo taken on June 16, 2025 shows pocelain ware displayed at the Porcelain Market in Iznik, Turkiye. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) A tourist takes photos of porcelain ware at the Porcelain Market in Iznik, Turkiye, on June 16, 2025. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) This photo taken on June 16, 2025 shows a porcelain stall on a street in Iznik, Turkiye. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House number plates on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows a view of Iznik, Turkiye. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) A worker arranges porcelain products in a family porcelain workshop in Iznik, Turkiye, on May 9, 2025. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) Turkish ceramic artist Adil Can Guven works in his studio in Iznik, Turkiye on June 26, 2025. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) This photo taken on June 16, 2025 shows porcelain products displayed at the Porcelain Market in Iznik, Turkiye. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) A worker stirs raw clay for making porcelain in a family porcelain workshop in Iznik, Turkiye, on May 9, 2025. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) This photo taken on June 16, 2025 shows an entrance to the Porcelain Market in Iznik, Turkiye. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) Turkish ceramic artist Adil Can Guven works in his studio in Iznik, Turkiye on June 26, 2025. Walking through the streets of Iznik, Turkiye, one finds ceramic elements everywhere. The clock tower in the city center is adorned with tile murals depicting sailing ships. House numbers on ordinary homes are carefully inscribed on elegant ceramic tiles. Family-run porcelain workshops and ceramic stalls line the streets. Iznik is known as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." From the 15th to the 17th century, the city flourished as a center for producing blue-and-white porcelain but gradually declined in the following centuries. In recent years, however, Iznik has been committed to reviving its ceramic heritage and rejuvenating its reputation as Turkiye's "porcelain capital." As part of this effort, Iznik has strengthened exchanges with Jingdezhen, often dubbed China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two porcelain capitals became sister cities, and the Iznik municipal government organized multiple visits to Jingdezhen for study and exchange. In 2025, Jingdezhen's second official overseas flagship store opened in Turkiye, and the two cities also signed a ceramic industry alliance cooperation agreement. Today, Iznik and Jingdezhen are deepening their ties through ceramics, adding a new layer to the modern story of the Silk Road. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) The Election Commission on July 6 asserted that Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar was being implemented smoothly at the ground level and 'there is no change in instructions." The poll panel also said that the initial phase of the revision exercise, during which enumeration forms were to be printed and distributed, is almost complete with the forms having been made available to all the electors who were available. Also Read | ADR moves Supreme Court against ECIs Bihar voter roll revision The panel reiterated that the SIR is being conducted as per the instructions dated June 24, and there has been no change in the instructions. As per instructions, draft electoral rolls that will be issued on 1 August 2025 will contain the names of persons whose enumeration forms are received, it said. SIR challenged in theSupreme Court On behalf of RJD, the party's Rajya Sabha MP, Manoj Jha, has challenged in the Supreme Court the Election Commission of India's move, in which the Commission has directed the immediate implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list across Bihar, a few months before the assembly elections, news agency ANI said. On Saturday, election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms(ADR) moved a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral roll in Bihar. The plea argues that the ECI's order is arbitrary and could potentially lead to the disenfranchisement of millions of voters. The EC began the exercise on June 25 across Bihar, to what it called weed out ineligible names and ensure only eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll. Beware of statements: EC The EC made it clear on Sunday that while voters were required to "submit their documents anytime before July 25, 2025", those who failed to do so would get an opportunity "during the Claims & Objections period also". The EC also urged people to "beware of statements being made by a few persons, who without reading the SIR order dated 24 June 2025.... are attempting to confuse the public with their incorrect and misleading statements". The clarification comes in the wake of several social media posts, including one by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, about an EC advertisement published in a newspaper claiming "now only forms are to be filled. There is no need to submit documents". Alleging that the SIR was a "conspiracy by BJP-RSS to snatch away the voting rights of Dalits and other deprived sections", Kharge had said that the BJP, which ruled the Centre and shared power in Bihar, "is now getting trapped in its own master plan". Echoing Kharge's post on X, Bihar Congress president Rajesh Kumar alleged at a press conference: "The ad exposes the incompetence of the EC and gives rise to doubts of unethical help extended to the ruling party". Assembly polls are due in Bihar in a couple of months, and the EC exercise, which seeks to cover nearly eight crore voters by July 25, has become a major bone of contention in the state. Leader of the opposition in the state assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, has questioned why, unlike the previous revision which took place in 2003 across the country, the current exercise was being carried out only in Bihar. INDIA bloc leaders have also held parleys with EC officials in New Delhi and Patna to share their anxieties. However, the BJP-led NDA defended the exercise, accusing the opposition of trying to come up with an "excuse ahead of a certain defeat in elections". As of today, at 6.00 PM, 1,69,49,208 Enumeration Forms i.e. 21.46 per cent of the total of 7,89,69,844 (nearly 7.90 crore) electors in Bihar who are enrolled as on June 24, 2025, have been received. In the last 24 hours i.e. from 6.00 PM yesterday, 65,32,663 Enumeration Forms have been collected. There are still 19 days to go for the last date for submission of forms, the poll panel said on Sunday. Also Read | Why EC's special revision of Bihar voter list has kicked up a political storm Bihar's state Chief Electoral Officer said on Sunday: "SIR in Bihar is progressing as per ECIs order dated 24 June 2025. As per that order, the draft electoral rolls that will be issued on 1 August 2025 will contain the names of the existing electors whose enumeration forms are received". "All measures are being taken to facilitate the existing electors to complete the documentation. These existing voters will have time to submit the documents even after first submitting their Enumeration Forms. All activities are exactly as per ECIs order dated 24.06.2025," said the CEO in another post. Shortly afterwards, "EC sources" were quoted in another, more strongly worded statement, shared by the poll panel in its WhatsApp group. The statement said, SIR in Bihar is being implemented smoothly at the ground level. SIR is being conducted as per instructions dated 24.06.2025 only, and there is no change in the instructions. According to the EC, the exercise was necessitated by rapid urbanisation, frequent migration, young citizens becoming eligible to vote, non-reporting of deaths, and the inclusion of the names of foreign illegal immigrants. The SIR was a conspiracy by BJP-RSS to snatch away the voting rights of Dalits and other deprived sections. The poll panel said it wants to ensure the integrity and preparation of error-free electoral rolls through the exercise. ABCs popular spinoff of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette Bachelor in Paradise will return for its landmark 10th season on Monday (July 7), marking the shows first new episodes since 2023. The new season promises to shake up the usual formula by adding contestants from The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette for the first time. In a franchise first, fan favorites from the Golden seasonsfocused on older singleswill join the cast to prove that age is just a number, according to the official logline. The group will head to a new paradise in Costa Rica for what ABC describes as a second (or third) shot at love, hoping to turn a summer fling into something real. While most of the cast will arrive on day one, the Golden contestants will not touch down until Tuesday, July 15, which is the only episode airing on a Tuesday this season. Where and how to watch New episodes of Bachelor in Paradise will premiere Mondays at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on ABC, starting July 7. All episodes will stream the following day on Hulu. Fans can also catch up on Seasons 6, 7, and 8 on Hulu right now. The hostsand a new champagne lounge Jesse Palmer will return to host Season 10. Longtime bartender Wells Adams is also back, and Bachelorette alum Hannah Brown will debut in her new role overseeing Paradise Relations while running the all-new Champagne Lounge. Season 10 cast Heres who viewers can expect to see in the first episodes, excluding the Golden franchise contestants: Alexe-Anne "Alexe" Godin (The Bachelor Season 29) Bailey Brown (The Bachelor Season 29) Brian Autz (The Bachelorette Season 21) Dale Moss (The Bachelorette Season 16) Hakeem Moulton (The Bachelorette Season 21) Jeremy Simon (The Bachelorette Season 21) Jessica "Jess" Edwards (The Bachelor Season 28) Jonathon Johnson (The Bachelorette Season 21) Justin Glaze (The Bachelorette Season 17, Bachelor in Paradise Season 8) Katherine "Kat" Izzo (The Bachelor Season 27, Bachelor in Paradise Season 9) Kyle Howard (The Bachelorette Season 17) Lexi Young (The Bachelor Season 28) Riquerdy "Ricky" Marinez (The Bachelorette Season 21) Sam McKinney (The Bachelorette Season 21) Spencer Conley (The Bachelorette Season 21) Washington DC [US], July 6 (ANI): Manager and close friend of Caitlyn Jenner, Sophia Hutchins, has died at the age of 29. She passed away on Wednesday in Malibu, California, after a tragic ATV accident, as confirmed by People magazine. According to TMZ, Hutchins was riding an all-terrain vehicle when it collided with another moving vehicle. The crash threw her off the road, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Sophia became publicly known after she started working with Caitlyn Jenner soon after Jenner came out as a transgender woman in 2015. The two met through a shared hairstylist and formed a close bond. At the time, Hutchins had transitioned during college and had not yet graduated. She later took on the role of Jenner's manager, handling her public appearances and other professional matters. Sophia was also the CEO and executive director of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation, which focuses on transgender rights and support. She appeared in several episodes of the reality show I Am Cait, which followed Jenner's life after transitioning. The show aired for two seasons before ending in 2016. In a 2018 interview with Variety, Hutchins spoke about her work with Jenner, saying, "Coming from a reality show, where every detail of your life is documented, to not seeking any press is kind of a big change. Caitlyn is not working on these [activist] issues for press attention. She's doing it because she genuinely wants to help the community." While there were often rumors about a romantic relationship between Jenner and Hutchins, both always denied it. "We are not going to get into that. But we are very close," Jenner told Variety at the time. "We're kind of inseparable. We're the best of friends." James Gunn is offering an inside look at what fuels his highly anticipated film Superman, set to premiere July 11. In an in-depth interview with The Times of London, the DC Studios head laid out the ideas and ideals underpinning his take on the Man of Steel, calling it nothing less than the story of America. James Gunn explained that the new film is rooted in the immigrant narrative that has shaped the United States, drawing a parallel between Supermans alien origins and the millions who left their homes searching for something better. I mean, Superman is the story of America, Gunn said. An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost. Kindness as a core theme While acknowledging that the films message could spark controversy in a politically polarised climate, Gunn made it clear hes not interested in diluting its message about compassion. Yes, it plays differently, but its about human kindness and obviously there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness, he said. But screw them. Beyond the broad cultural themes, Gunn said Superman also grapples with the personal moral dilemmas that define its central characters. Yes, its about politics. But on another level its about morality, Gunn noted. Do you never kill no matter what which is what Superman believes or do you have some balance, as Lois believes? Its really about their relationship and the way different opinions on basic moral beliefs can tear two people apart. Also Read | David Corenswet gets support from Cavill and Hoechlin for Superman role A star-studded cast Superman features David Corenswet in the title role, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Maria Gabriela de Faria as The Engineer, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl. Anurag Basus much-awaited romantic drama Metro In Dino finally hit theatres on July 4, nearly 18 years after his acclaimed 2007 film Life in a Metro. Touted as a spiritual sequel, the film explores the highs and lows of modern-day relationships in a fast-paced urban setting, a theme that resonated deeply with audiences in the original. Featuring an ensemble cast including Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Neena Gupta, Anupam Kher, Konkona Sen Sharma, Pankaj Tripathi, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Ali Fazal, the film has opened to a positive response for its poignant storytelling, soulful music, and nuanced performances. Interestingly, Konkona Sen Sharma is the only actor returning from the original film. While Metro In Dino continues its theatrical run, it has also locked its OTT partner Netflix. Though an official streaming date hasnt been announced yet, films typically arrive online 45 to 60 days after their theatrical release, which means the film could drop on the platform by late August or early September. In a recent interview, Konkona Sen Sharma recalled her experience filming Life in a Metro, especially working with the late Irrfan Khan and Anurag Basu. Irrfan had such a relaxed energy, and so does Anurag. They never made the work feel too serious or heavy the atmosphere on set was always light and creative, she shared. Also Read | Konkona Sen Sharma on comparison between Pankaj Tripathi and Irrfan Khan First announced in 2022, Metro In Dino brings back Basus signature storytelling style, weaving multiple narratives with emotional depth. Whether you catch it in cinemas or wait for the Netflix premiere, this ones definitely worth adding to your watchlist. Meanwhile, on Day 2 of its release, the movie collected 3.39 crore on Saturday (Day 2), bringing its total domestic earnings to 6.89 crore. According to industry estimates, Metro In Dino recorded an average theatre occupancy of: Morning Shows: 11.65% Afternoon Shows: 30.95% This reflects an upward trend from its first day, with afternoon viewership significantly improving across urban centres. New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI) Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code cannot override the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), said appellate tribunal NCLAT, adding assets of an debt-ridden firm once attached by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) and confirmed by competent authority cannot be released for its resolution. Under section 14 of IBC, a moratorium is applied on those assets for the purpose of resolution. However, if the property is alleged to be "proceeds of crime" and is already under adjudication by competent authority under a penal statute, such property cannot be deemed to be part of the freely available resolution estate, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) said. The appellate tribunal held that if there is any attachment by ED under the PMLA, which is "validly made and confirmed, it cannot be undone under IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code). Citing section 238 of IBC, which has an overriding effect over other laws, a three-member NCLAT bench said it "cannot override the PMLA in respect of proceedings involving proceeds of crime." PMLA and IBC operate in distinct spheres and there is no "irreconcilable inconsistency" exists between the two, said NCLAT adding ED does not act as a creditor, but as a public enforcement agency. "The attached assets are not to satisfy creditors, but to uphold penal objectives and international obligations under FATF and UN Conventions," said the appellate tribunal, while upholding an order of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). NCLAT also cited a directive issued by the Supreme Court in the Embassy Property matter, saying it "lacks jurisdiction to interfere with the PAO, which has been subsequently confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority under the PMLA". The appellate tribunal's 36-page-order came over a plea filed by the resolution professional of Dunar Foods, challenging an NCLT ruling, which had refused to direct the ED to release provisionally attached assets of the debt-ridden company. On December 22, 2027, the Mumbai bench of NCLT had ordered insolvency proceedings against Dunar Foods, which was engaged in processing and exporting basmati rice. The insolvency petition was filed by a consortium of banks led by public sector lender SBI for a loan repayment default of 758.73 crore. Accordingly, CIRP (corporate insolvency resolution process) was initiated against Dunar Foods with the appointment of a resolution professional. Meanwhile, the ED initiated an investigation under PMLA against PD Agroprocessors, an associate company of Dunar Foods. It traced the flow of alleged tainted funds to Dunar Foods based on scheduled offences under the Indian Penal Code and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), alleging that large export advances received by Dunar Foods from PD Agroprocessors were proceeds of crime. ED then attached Dunar Foods' several immovable and movable assets worth 177.33 crore, prompting the resolution professional (RP) of the firm to move NCLT seeking immediate de-attachment of the provisionally attached properties. However, the NCLT on May 21, 2018 dismissed the RP's application and held that the provisional attachment order issued by the ED under PMLA did not fall within the scope of the moratorium under Section 14 of the IBC. NCLT had said that PMLA is a special penal statute and has a 'distinct adjudicatory mechanism', hence unless and until the attachment was set aside by the PMLA adjudicating authority, the NCLT has no jurisdiction to direct its release. Aggrieved by this decision, Dunar Foods' RP then approached appellate tribunal NCLAT. Meanwhile, the lenders of Dunar Foods approved the resolution plan submitted by Amit Gupta in November 2019 during the pendency of the appeal in NCLAT. New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI) Transrail Lighting, an EPC player in the transmission and distribution sector, expects to grab an 8-10 per cent market share in contracts by state-run transmission giant Power Grid Corporation this year, a top company official said. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (Powergrid), under the Ministry of Power, is Indias largest power transmission utility. It has announced a capital expenditure of 28,000 crore for the ongoing FY26, 35,000 crore for FY27 and 45,000 crore for FY28. "Our current market share is around 8 per cent to 10 per cent and this is what we intend to achieve this year with Power Grid which is a good number and it gives us a good base to execute in India," Transrail Lighting Managing Director and CEO Randeep Narang said. On the company's order size, he said Transrail booked orders of 9,680 crore in FY25 which is 120 per cent growth year on year (YoY). The company closed the year with a confirmed un-executed order book (UEOB) of 14,551 crore, and including the L1, it goes to 15,915 crore. The UEOB has also grown significantly by 44 per cent Y-o-Y, he said. When asked about expected growth this fiscal, Narang said with a strong orderbook in hand at the start of the year and further orders booked in the FY 26 already, "we have a clear revenue visibility for 24-30 months." The company has grown at a CAGR of 22.59 per cent over the last four years and it is intended to continue growing in that range this year as well, he said. Transrail is an EPC player in the transmission and distribution (T&D) segment, along with civil, railways, poles and lighting, having a footprint across 59 countries, Narang said. India accounts for half of its business while the rest is contributed by geographies like Africa (Tanzania, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya and others) and SAARC region, apart from a few countries in LAC (Latin America and the Caribbean). "We expect to continue growing in these regions," he said. On guidance for the Bangladesh order book for FY26, Narang said the un-executed order book came down to 15 per cent in March and it was 12 per cent in May, as we forecast. "By the year-end, it will be 5-6 per cent only. And we intend to finish the Bangladesh job by June of 2026. So, the work is happening as per plan. We don't intend to bid orders in Bangladesh as of now," he said. Israels 12-day campaign of airstrikes on Iran killed a number of top military leaders, wiped out its air defenses and pummeled symbols of its rulers power. It wasnt the first time Tehrans theocratic leaders had been pushed to the brink. Across the country, schools and streets are named for soldiers and pilots killed in the brutal war fought four decades ago between Iran and Iraq. Then, as now, the conflict pitted the regime against a superior, U.S.-backed adversary. As now, Iran perceived itself as alone and cornered. Yet the regime refused to cave and outlasted Saddam Husseins Iraq and withstood U.S. pressure. It ultimately grew into a far more potent regional power after the Iraqi leader ended up in Americas sights. That experience shaped generations of Iranian leaders and laid the groundwork for strategies that culminated in the most recent war. It also offers guidance as strategists try to game Irans next moves and its adversaries push to complete the job of winding up its nuclear program. That war really looms large in terms of the entire way in which they see themselves under siege, permanently under threat," said Vali Nasr, an Iran expert at Johns Hopkins University and author of Irans Grand Strategy: A Political History." The mindset of the country now is that it dodged a bullet and that it still has to contend with a long term danger." While battered, Iran has remained defiant, most recently by ending cooperation with international nuclear inspectors, a move that closes the worlds window on of its program. After the U.S. bombed Irans core nuclear facilities, the regime vowed to keep its nuclear program going. Abdolrahim Mousavi, the new chief of staff of Irans armed forces, said Iran wont back down." Israel had killed his predecessor days earlier. The pronouncements reflect wartime bravado. Israels campaign, in which it quickly established dominance in Irans skies and simultaneously hit many nuclear scientists and military leaders, demonstrated its overwhelming military superiority and the extensive penetration of the regime by its spies. Iran launched a major crackdown once the shooting stopped to reassert its domestic control. But Irans leaders also have a genuine confidence in their ability to hold out against foreign threats. They know that they can survive a total war that lasts a long time," said Afshon Ostovar, an Iran military expert and associate professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. They know they can tolerate a lot more than maybe the Israelis can tolerate." As the cease-fire was about to take effect, Iran launched a salvo of missiles that killed several Israelis. Israeli planes were on the way to retaliate when President Trump demanded that they turn around. [Irans leaders] know if the war ends with Iran in a position of weakness, then theyre going to be bullied at the negotiating table," said Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. This is one key factor in their calculations, informed by their experience in the Iran-Iraq war." The Iran-Iraq war began a year after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, when Saddam sent his troops into Iran seeking to exploit its political disorder and seize territory, including oil-rich areas. Over the ensuing nearly eight-year conflict, Iranians and Iraqis fought one of the deadliest global conflicts of the 20th century, with hundreds of thousands killed on both sides. Saddam used chemical weapons against Iran, and his troops targeted Irans oil infrastructure but never seized any major oil fields. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the countrys president for the duration of the war. In 1982, Irans darkest moment came after it launched a failed operation to seize the southern Iraqi city of Basra. It resulted in tens of thousands of Iranian casualties and exposed the countrys military weakness. The war prompted Iran to reimagine its defensive strategy in ways that steered it toward a fight with Israel. When Iraq invaded, Irans rulers tried to compete in the air by freeing jailed U.S.-trained fighter pilots who had fought for the ousted Shah. But they soon ran out of spare parts for their U.S.-made F-14 jet fighters. America, now their enemy, refused to resupply them, and some jets were grounded, gifting Iraq a military advantage. After the warwhich Iran claimed as a victory but ended largely inconclusivelyTehran vowed never again to rely on foreign powers to supply weapons for its defense systems. It began to build its own ballistic missiles and drones, ramped up its nuclear program and nurtured a regional network of allied militias to protect its borders and deter its enemies. The Islamic Revolution gave the ideology, but the national security establishment, the national security mindset, came out of the Iran-Iraq war," Nasr, of Johns Hopkins, said. The embrace of missiles and other asymmetric weaponry was designed to head off the sort of war of attrition Iran faced against Iraq, which quickly sapped Irans military resources and manpower, analysts said. Iran became very sensitive to losses after the Iran-Iraq war," said Ostovar from the Naval Postgraduate School. Politically, it was a huge deal. So they built up this deterrence matrix." But that strategy also brought them into conflict with Israel. Irans regional allies such as Hamas and Hezbollah frequently confronted Israel, and Israel viewed Irans nuclear ambitions as an existential threat. Irans perceived triumph in holding back Iraq also made its leadership complacent, said Ali Ansari, professor of Iranian history at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. While Iran built a missile arsenal, it failed to acquire sufficient air defenses to protect its citizens. As Israeli missiles rained on Tehran, there were no air sirens to warn residents or shelters for them to seek cover in. Theyve come away with an overinflated view of what the achievement in the Iran-Iraq war means for the future," Ansari said. They havent really understood what the impact of a proper air war would be." Moreover, the regimes other key vehicle of deterrence, its allied regional militias, have been degraded by Israeli attacks and remained on the sidelines, leaving it more vulnerable. Iran is left with no deterrence and with a military that was not designed to really fight a conventional war," Ostovar said. The only thing that Iran really has left to fight with is its missiles and drones." In 1988, after sustained chemical attacks, a renewed Iraqi offensive and the U.S. accidentally shooting down an Iranian passenger plane, killing 290 civilians, Iran signed a cease-fire agreement, forgoing war reparations or even an Iraqi admission of guilt. A tombstone in Tehran for a man killed during the Iran-Iraq war.A funeral in Tehran earlier this month for those killed by Israeli strikes. Iran, despite its global isolation during the war, ended the conflict with Iraq without ceding any territory. Irans leaders declared their successful resistance a victory. They have done the same today, declaring victory over Israel and the U.S. and vowing to continue enriching uranium and rebuild their nuclear program. This strategic loneliness of Iran affects them today," said Arash Azizi, an Iranian historian and author. Its not a far cry to see why some people would advocate for nuclear weapons and why Iran would need to have its own defense industry." Write to Sudarsan Raghavan at sudarsan.raghavan@wsj.com and Sune Engel Rasmussen at sune.rasmussen@wsj.com Alana Tedmon and her husband moved to the outskirts of Dallas in June 2022, attracted by the lower cost of living and proximity to family. That same month, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Texas followed by banning abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. It seemed like people were always trying to change the legislation around abortion every single year but I never thought it would really happen legitimately," she said. The 37-year-old freelance illustrator and her husband moved back to Philadelphia last summer, largely because of the ban. Then Tedmon got pregnant unexpectedly. She was initially excited, but anxiety about the couples financial security ultimately led her to get an abortionsomething she was grateful was feasible in the state. If we have a child, I want it to be because were ready, and not because oops, it just happened," she said. Abortion is now banned or heavily restricted in about one-third of U.S. states, and some women of childbearing age say that has introduced a new calculus about where to live and work. Though migration patterns are complicated, early data show that the states with the most restrictive laws are seeing some residents leave. A recent paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research estimated that 13 states with abortion bans collectively saw about 146,000 residents leave due to abortion bans in the year after the Supreme Court eliminated the constitutional right to the procedure. The paper found that while those statesmostly in the Southhad been gaining population at a significantly faster rate than other parts of the country, that advantage essentially vanished afterward. The authors looked at patterns in Postal Service change-of-address data after the Supreme Courts ruling. Over a five-year period, those states populations could be about 1% smaller than if they hadnt passed abortion restrictions, the paper estimated. The extent to which women are making decisions about where to live based on abortion bans has been more pronounced than many economists who study this issue anticipated. A single policy change is unlikely to be the marginal factor in deciding on a move. And yet here we have this really strong new evidence that abortion policy really is impacting migration," said Caitlin Myers, an economist at Middlebury College who studies abortion data. The overturning of Roe, Myers said, was a moment of understanding the extent to which state policies can become very, very salient." Another recent study found a decline in the proportion of high-achieving women applying to universities in states with abortion bans after Roe was overturned compared with a couple of years earlier. Research has also shown a decline in applications to medical school residencies in states that have heavily restricted abortion. Research in this field remains in a relatively early phase, and the impacts identified so far are small in the context of the larger U.S. economy. For the most part, big companies havent made large public shifts in hiring as a result of state-level abortion rules. The out-migration trend has been most sustained for single people, reflecting the fact that younger people are more likely to be more mobile and better able to move on principle, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research paper. That means that states with bans stand to lose out on workers in some of their prime career-building years. In interviews, some women who are factoring abortion laws into their life decisions cited worries about suffering complications during a planned pregnancy and being unable to get care or having to travel out of state for an emergency abortion, which can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Kayla Smith had lived in Idaho for more than a decade. But she decided to move after the states ban prevented her from obtaining an abortion in her home state for her unborn son who was suffering from a fatal fetal heart condition. She and her husband took out a $16,000 personal loan because they werent sure if their health-insurance provider would cover her abortion in Washington state. That was in addition to travel expenses. (Nine months later her insurance company reimbursed her for the procedure.) When Smith got pregnant again, the couple left Idaho for good, even though that meant moving to a corner of Washington with limited obstetric care. That to us was safer than staying in the state of Idaho," Smith said. Kayla Smith, in light blue coat, moved from Idaho after the states ban prevented her from obtaining an abortion for her unborn son, who had a fatal fetal heart condition. Some women say abortion bans have curtailed their earnings and career advancement, forcing them to forgo conferences or other work travel while pregnant, concerned they wouldnt be able to obtain emergency medical care. All bans allow doctors to terminate a pregnancy to save the life of the mother, but those exceptions dont encompass all emergency situations and in practice doctors also have sometimes found them difficult to apply. For Emilie Aries, who regularly traveled about 40 times a year as a consultant and keynote speaker, the fear of being unable to get emergency care was so great that she decided during her second pregnancy to stop traveling to states with bans. She had suffered a series of miscarriages before that. She said she lost tens of thousands of dollars in income because she wouldnt travel to states such as Texas. No amount of money is worth putting my life at risk. Its a terrible position to be put in, quite frankly," Aries said. Write to Laura Kusisto at Laura.Kusisto@wsj.com and Harriet Torry at harriet.torry@wsj.com If Israel and Hamas complete negotiations brokered by the U.S., Qatar and Egypt, they would pause the nearly two-year-old war in Gaza, free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and allow more humanitarian aid into the hunger-striken enclave. Israels military campaign against Iran last month has given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a window to negotiate. The strikes on Iran followed more than a year in which Israel went on the offensive against Irans allies, weakening Lebanons Hezbollah movement and contributing to the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria. The Iran war, which set back Tehrans nuclear program and demonstrated Israels military superiority over its main adversary in the region, could allow Netanyahu to push back on his right-wing coalition partners, who have threatened to abandon the government if he ends the war in Gaza. In Gaza, Hamas is under pressure from Palestinians demanding a reprieve from the crisis after more than three months in which Israel has restricted food and other supplies allowed into the enclave. Israel has also killed a series of top Hamas leaders in recent months. The Islamist group is also facing a cash crunch that is making it harder for it to pay its rank and file. The new proposal calls for a temporary, 60-day cease-fire that would buy time for mediators to attempt to broker a permanent end to the war, which could prove far more difficult than a temporary pause. Israel and Hamas have paused fighting twice before, in November 2023 and in January. Its not his preference, but Netanyahu has some interest in saying, OK I now have a new victory narrative after Iran," said Daniel Levy, a former Israeli official and negotiator. He can only begin to test the waters on whether that gives him a pronounced-enough political bounce if he goes into a temporary cease-fire." Hamas on Friday accepted the framework of the proposed two-month cease-fire, saying it was ready to enter serious negotiations" toward implementing the proposal. The current framework calls for a cease-fire that would trigger U.S.-backed negotiations to end the war. The proposal, put together by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff along with mediators from Egypt and Qatar, includes the exchange of 10 living Israeli hostages for a larger number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. That formulasimilar to language used in the January cease-fire and in months of negotiations sinceis designed to bridge the positions of Israel, which doesnt want to commit up front to a permanent end to the war, and Hamas, which has demanded a guaranteed end to the war. Some questions would have to be resolved in a final round of indirect negotiations before a cease-fire could be declared. Among other issues, the manner and extent of Israeli military redeployments in Gaza and the quantities and delivery mechanism for humanitarian aid would have to be hammered out, according to officials and observers of the talks. Pressure from the Trump administration will also play an important role. Netanyahu is set to meet President Trump in Washington on Monday. The Israeli security cabinet is expected to discuss the possible cease-fire agreement during a meeting on Saturday night. Netanyahu has been under political pressure since Hamass attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed some 1,200 people and seized another 250 hostages. Netanyahu has sought to increase his chances of remaining in power after a public outcry over the security and intelligence failures that led to the attack, political analysts say. Netanyahu has for years advocated for a hawkish policy on Iran including possible military action. He cant ignore the claim that hed made for so long, which is, if you remove the Iranian threat, then a whole new vista opens up for what you can do in this region," Levy said. To capitalize on the Israeli publics broad support for the attack on Iran, Netanyahu is considering calling snap elections, according to a person close to the Netanyahu family. But hes still facing an uphill battle. He was already a divisive figure in Israel when his popularity took a massive hit after the Hamas attack. Before the Iranian offensive, polls showed that his current coalition would lose power if an election was held now. Also, families of the hostages have been taking to the streets for months, calling for an end to the war and a deal to bring home their relatives. The current proposal calls for Hamas to release 10 of the around 20 hostages Israel believes are still alive, along with bodies of some of the roughly 30 deceased hostages. Israel is also facing diplomatic pressure from allies to end the fighting in Gaza and ease the humanitarian crisis there. Israels war against Hamas has reduced much of Gaza to rubble and killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, who dont say how many were combatants. In Gaza, Hamas is under pressure to accept a cease-fire from Palestinians who have had enough of the hunger and ever-present threat of airstrikes from Israeli forces. The biggest pressure on Hamas for whatever is being put on offer, even just a momentary pause that can allow some aid in, is enough to potentially make them now sign on, if that can offer Gazans some reprieve," said Tahani Mustafa, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group. Israel has in recent months sidestepped aid operations led by the United Nations and instead backed a private aid-delivery system in which Israeli soldiers and armed American private contractors are protecting aid distribution hubs. The food has often run out quickly and there is often chaotic overcrowding at sites. Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin said Thursday the military would soon complete the current phase of its operation in Gaza. Hamas is in a weakened position in Gaza after the elimination of much of its leadership, Defrin said. The group is now on its third leader in eight months. Write to Jared Malsin at jared.malsin@wsj.com by Zhao Jiasong, Hang Rui, Larry Neild LONDON, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Britain's auto industry is facing its worst downturn in decades, with May vehicle production plunging 32.8 percent year-on-year to 49,810 units, the lowest for the month since 1949, excluding 2020 pandemic disruption. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), this was also the fifth consecutive monthly decline. Experts attribute much of the decline to U.S. President Donald Trump's import tariffs, which have severely disrupted supply chains and undermined global competitiveness. David Bailey, professor of business economics at the University of Birmingham, described the situation as a "storm" that has thrown the UK auto sector into a "low-volume crisis." He emphasized that the industry is now operating well below capacity, with rising costs and diminished competitiveness. Jim Saker of Loughborough University echoed this concern, saying, "Trump's tariffs have disrupted the supply chain," leading to uncertainty over where manufacturers should commit future investments. David Bailey, a professor of business economics with the University of Birmingham, described it as a "storm" that has pushed the UK auto industry into what he calls a "low-volume crisis." He stressed that the sector is now operating well below capacity, with costs rising and competitiveness suffering as a result. Jim Saker, an auto industry expert of Loughborough University, echoed this view, emphasizing that "Trump's tariffs have disrupted the supply chain" and left car manufacturers unsure about where to commit future investment. The export shock has been particularly severe in the UK's two biggest markets: the United States and the European Union. SMMT data shows that car exports to the United States plunged by 55.4 percent, while shipments to the EU dropped by 22.5 percent. Some manufacturers have responded by halting exports entirely. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which usually exported nearly a quarter of its production to the United States, suspended shipments in April after Washington imposed a 25 percent import tariff on foreign-made cars. Similarly, Lotus has reportedly considered relocating production to the U.S. to offset rising costs and market instability. A newly negotiated UK-U.S. trade agreement has somewhat eased tensions. It lowers tariffs on UK car exports to 10 percent, capped at 100,000 vehicles per year. While industry figures welcomed the deal, many see it as insufficient. "It avoided the worst-case scenario of a 25 percent tariff," said Bailey, "but 10 percent is still worse than before, and JLR alone could exceed the 100,000-vehicle cap." He also warned that indirect supply chain damage and job losses continue, despite the tariff reprieve. In response to the crisis, the UK government has launched a 10-year Industrial Strategy aimed at addressing deep-rooted structural problems. Key among its goals is to reduce high energy costs, which are frequently cited as a barrier to competitiveness. While the policy has been welcomed in principle, experts doubt its effectiveness and timeliness. "There are question marks about how far it goes," Bailey said, "especially when it comes to enabling the transition to electric vehicle production." He highlighted that the electricity prices in the UK that are significantly higher than in the EU and erratic U.S. trade policy continue to cast a shadow over implementation. Both Bailey and Saker warn that the UK auto industry is in a deep capacity crisis. Production is far below normal, and there are few signs of fresh investment. Saker cautioned that, without bold government action, the UK risks becoming "a retail automotive sector with some engineering elements", rather than a true manufacturing hub. He added, "I haven't seen anybody being attracted into the UK to basically start manufacturing." Looking forward, foreign investment, especially from China, could help revive the sector. Bailey noted. "I think that should be key for the government in terms of trying to attract in a Chinese producer," he added. However, he warned that "high energy costs in the UK make that very difficult." Unless addressed, "I can't see the UK being an attractive place for investment as against Central and Eastern Europe," he noted. The combined market valuation of six of Indias top-10 most valued companies eroded by 70,325.5 crore last week. The downturn was a result of a bearish trend in the equity market, with the BSE benchmark Sensex dropping 0.74% or 626.01 points, PTI reported. The weeks biggest losers HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank were the worst-hit among the top 10 firms, mirroring the market downturn. Here are a few others: HDFC Bank: Witnessed a steepest decline, with its valuation falling by 19,284.8 crore, bringing its market cap to 15,25,339.72 crore. 15,25,339.72 crore. ICICI Bank: The bank lost 13,566.92 crore in its market valuation which stood at 10,29,470.5 crore. Bajaj Finance: Its valuation dropped by 13,236.44 crore to 5,74,977.11 crore. 13,236.44 crore to 5,74,977.11 crore. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC): Its market cap shrank by 10,246.49 crore to 5,95,277.16 crore. 10,246.49 crore to 5,95,277.16 crore. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): This firm faced an erosion of 8,032.15 crore from its market capitalisation which stood at 12,37,729.65 crore. Bharti Airtel: Its market cap fell by 5,958.7 crore to 11,50,371.24 crore. Winners amidst the dip Despite the market downturn, some firms managed to ditch the trend and register gains in their market valuation. The following companies emerged as winners: Reliance Industries: Mukesh Ambani-owned firm was the top gainer, with its valuation jumping by 15,359.36 crore to 20,66,949.87 crore. 15,359.36 crore to 20,66,949.87 crore. Infosys: The tech giant added 13,127.51 crore in its valuation to 6,81,383.80 crore. Berkshire Hathaway stock has badly lagged the S&P 500 since the companys annual meeting on May 3, but theres also reason to believe the period of underperformance is over. Six reasons, actually. Berkshire Hathaways Class A shares ended Friday at $727,455, up 1% on the session. But the shares are down 10% from a record high on May 2 and now are slightly behind the S&P 500 so far in 2025. Berkshire is up just under 7% so far this year, against 7.5% for the index. On May 2, Berkshire was more than 20 percentage points ahead of the S&P 500. The Class B shares, which ended Friday at $485, have tracked the A shares. Berkshire now is behind the S&P 500 index over the past 10 years with a 13.4% annualized returns against 13.7% for the index, Bloomberg data sbow. Here are six possible reasons for underperformance: An erosion in the Buffett premium." The Berkshire CEO, 94, said at the meeting that he will step down at the end of the year. Slipping profits. Berkshires operating profits are expected to be down about 6% this year, depressed by lower investment income, after rising nearly 30% in 2024. Insurance fears. Berkshire is the leading property and casualty insurer in the world with over $300 billion of capital, and investors are concerned that pricing is eroding in some P&C business lines. Too much cash. Berkshires income from its big cash hoard of over $300 billion could fall by about $3 billion annually if the Federal Reserve, as markets now expect, cuts short rates by a percentage point over the next 12 months. Little investment activity. Buffett failed to take advantage of weak markets earlier this year to load up on stocks and he shows no signs of relenting. No stock buybacks. Berkshire hasnt bought back stock from May 2024 through late April, a sign Buffett has viewed the stock as fully priced. Heres why the stock could best the market for the rest of 2025. Valuation has fallen. At its May 2 peak, Berkshire traded for close to 1.8 times book, its highest level in more than a decade. The stock now trades for a more reasonable 1.55 times book value. This is based on a Barrons estimate that adjusts our projection of June 30 book value for changes in the value of Berkshires equity portfolio in the first three days of July. A valuation of 1.55 times book is close to the five-year average. Looking out to year-end 2025, Berkshire trades for about 1.5 times our estimate of book value. Berkshires price/earnings ratio is above the S&P 500 at around 24 based on projected 2025 earningsagainst 22 for the indexbut the P/E is lower if the earnings are adjusted for profits of the companies in the equity portfolio. Berkshire watchers call this look-through" earnings. Apple stock is doing better. After a tough second quarter in which it fell 7%, Apple stock is up about 5% in July to nearly $214. Apple is the largest holding in Berkshires $300 billion equity portfolio. The Apple stake is now worth over $60 billion assuming no change in the holding since March 31 of 300 million shares. Other big Berkshire equity investments have been strong, notably Bank of America and American Express. Share repurchases. It likely would help the shares if Berkshire starts buying back the stock again. Investors should find out about any activity in the second quarter when the company reports financial resultslikely on Aug. 2. Berkshire has had many periods of underperformance during Buffetts 60 years at the helm, but its long-term record is extraordinary. Theres no reason to think its best days are over. Write to Andrew Bary at andrew.bary@barrons.com A small-cap stock under 20 will likely be in focus on Monday, July 7, following the company's business update. Oriental Trimex, a company that deals in the natural imported marble industry, after market hours on Friday, July 4, shared its business update through an exchange filing, highlighting its improving business efficiency and the prospects of increasing profitability. Oriental Trimex said it became one of the first in the industry to introduce the Smart Cut machine, an ultra-thin wire machine for cutting marble blocks. "The SMART CUT machine employs an ultra-thin wire, just 0.55 millimetres thick, significantly outperforming traditional blades using segments wide enough to 3.5 mm. This innovation reduces waste by about 20 per cent, allowing us to optimise yield and bolster profit margins in an industry where margins typically range from 10 per cent to 30 per cent," said the company. "Moreover, its high automation minimises labour requirements, dramatically enhancing our operational efficiency and securing a first-mover advantage in the market," the company added. Also Read | Stocks to buy under 100: Sumeet Bagadia recommends 3 shares to buy on Monday Besides, the company also announced the granting of a mining lease for black granite by the Odisha government. "On May 21, 2025, we received an official mining lease from the Odisha government for a quarry of Jer black granite, expanding our product offerings. We are poised to commence quarry operations this quarter and anticipate initiating commercial production shortly thereafter," said Oriental Trimex. "As we drive export initiatives and collaboration forward, we are actively engaging with several Far East and Middle East companies, with discussions with a Vietnam-based partner currently in the final stages," Oriental Trimex said. Oriental Trimex also plans to divest seven acres of land in the Somnathpur Industrial Estate, Balasore, and a small granite unit in the Rairangpur Industrial Area. "This decisive action will streamline our operations, reduce recurring expenses, and enhance liquidity for more focused investments," the company said. Moreover, the company said the growing trend of luxury apartment development in Delhi-NCR has created a vibrant market for its products. Also Read | Stocks to buy for long term: Pankaj Pandey of ICICI Securities picks 5 names Oriental Trimex share price trend The small-cap stock has given impressive returns this year so far, surging 48 per cent. It hit a 52-week high of 17.63 on June 18 this year and a 52-week low of 7.82 on August 8 last year. Read all market-related news here Frankfurt (Germany), Jul 6 (AP) America's largest trade partner, the European Union, is among the entities awaiting word Monday on whether US President Donald Trump will impose punishing tariffs on their goods, a move economists have warned would have repercussions for companies and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. Trump imposed a 20% import tax on all EU-made products in early April as part of a set of tariffs targeting countries with which the United States has a trade imbalance. Hours after the nation-specific duties took effect, he put them on hold until July 9 at a standard rate of 10% to quiet financial markets and allow time for negotiations. Expressing displeasure the EU's stance in trade talks, however, the president said he would jack up the tariff rate for European exports to 50%. A rate that high could make everything from French cheese and Italian leather goods to German electronics and Spanish pharmaceuticals much more expensive in the US. The EU, whose 27 member nations operate as a single economic bloc, said its leaders hoped to strike a deal with the Trump administration. Without one, the EU said it was prepared to retaliate with tariffs on hundreds of American products, ranging from beef and auto parts to beer and Boeing airplanes. Here are important things to know about trade between the United States and the European Union. US-EU trade is enormous A lot of money is at stake in the trade talks. The EU's executive commission describes the trade between the US and the EU as "the most important commercial relationship in the world. The value of EU-US trade in goods and services amounted to 1.7 trillion euros ($2 trillion) in 2024, or an average of 4.6 billion euros a day, according to EU statistics agency Eurostat. The biggest US export to Europe is crude oil, followed by pharmaceuticals, aircraft, automobiles, and medical and diagnostic equipment. Europe's biggest exports to the US are pharmaceuticals, cars, aircraft, chemicals, medical instruments, and wine and spirits. EU sells more to the US than vice versa Trump has complained about the EU's 198 billion-euro ($233 billion) trade surplus in goods, which shows Americans buy more stuff from European businesses than the other way around. However, American companies fill some of the gap by outselling the EU when it comes to services such as cloud computing, travel bookings, and legal and financial services. The US services surplus took the nation's trade deficit with the EU down to 50 billion euros ($59 billion), which represents less than 3% of overall US-EU trade. What are the issues dividing the two sides? Before Trump returned to office, the U.S. and the EU maintained a generally cooperative trade relationship and low tariff levels on both sides. The U.S. rate averaged 1.47% for European goods, while the EU's averaged 1.35% for American products. But the White House has taken a much less friendly posture toward the longstanding US ally since February. Along with the fluctuating tariff rate on European goods Trump has floated, the EU has been subject to his administration's 50% tariff on steel and aluminum and a 25% tax on imported automobiles and parts. Trump administration officials have raised a slew of issues they want to see addressed, including agricultural barriers such as EU health regulations that include bans on chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-treated beef. Trump has also criticized Europe's value-added taxes, which EU countries levy at the point of sale this year at rates of 17% to 27%. But many economists see VAT as trade-neutral since they apply to domestic goods and services as well as imported ones. Because national governments set the taxes through legislation, the EU has said they aren't on the table during trade negotiations. On the thorny issues of regulations, consumer standards and taxes, the EU and its member states cannot give much ground, Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Germany's Berenberg bank, said. They cannot change the way they run the EU's vast internal market according to U.S. demands, which are often rooted in a faulty understanding of how the EU works. What are potential impacts of higher tariffs? Economists and companies say higher tariffs will mean higher prices for US consumers on imported goods. Importers must decide how much of the extra tax costs to absorb through lower profits and how much to pass on to customers. Mercedes-Benz dealers in the US. have said they are holding the line on 2025 model year prices until further notice. The German automaker has a partial tariff shield because it makes 35% of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold in the U.S. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but the company said it expects prices to undergo significant increases in coming years. Simon Hunt, CEO of Italian wine and spirits producer Campari Group, told investment analysts that prices could increase for some products or stay the same depending what rival companies do. If competitors raise prices, the company might decide to hold its prices on Skyy vodka or Aperol aperitif to gain market share, Hunt said. Trump has argued that making it more difficult for foreign companies to sell in the US is a way to stimulate a revival of American manufacturing. Many companies have dismissed the idea or said it would take years to yield positive economic benefits. However, some corporations have proved willing to shift some production stateside. France-based luxury group LVMH, whose brands include Tiffany &Co, Luis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Moet & Chandon, could move some production to the United States, billionaire CEO Bernaud Arnault said at the company's annual meeting in April. Arnault, who attended Trump's inauguration, has urged Europe to reach a deal based on reciprocal concessions. If we end up with high tariffs, ... we will be forced to increase our US.=-based production to avoid tariffs, Arnault said. And if Europe fails to negotiate intelligently, that will be the consequence for many companies. ... It will be the fault of Brussels, if it comes to that. Many expect Trump to drop his most drastic demands Some forecasts indicate the US economy would be more at risk if the negotiations fail. Without a deal, the EU would lose 0.3% of its gross domestic product and US GDP would fall 0.7%, if Trump slaps imported goods from Europe with tariffs of 10% to 25%, according to a research review by Bruegel, a think tank in Brussels. Given the complexity of some of the issues, the two sides may arrive only at a framework deal before Wednesday's deadline. That would likely leave a 10% base tariff, as well as the auto, steel and aluminum tariffs in place until details of a formal trade agreement are ironed out. The most likely outcome of the trade talks is that the US will agree to deals in which it takes back its worst threats of retaliatory' tariffs well beyond 10%, Schmieding said. However, the road to get there could be rocky. The US offering exemptions for some goods might smooth the path to a deal. The EU could offer to ease some regulations that the White House views as trade barriers. While Trump might be able to sell such an outcome as a win' for him, the ultimate victims of his protectionism would, of course, be mostly the US consumers, Schmieding said. (AP) For far too long now, global cinema has depicted neurodiverse people either as tragic sufferers or as super talents. Take, for instance, The Good Doctor , in which Dr Shaun Murphy, a surgical resident with autism, is known for his near-photographic memory. Then there is Extraordinary Attorney Woo , an acclaimed Korean series, in which a young lawyer on the autism spectrum shines for her brilliant and creative problem-solving abilities. Mugdha Kalra, a mother to a neurodivergent child and co-founder, Not That Differenta platform that builds awareness and pushes for systemic change around autism, invisible disabilities and support systems for familiesfinds these portrayals problematic. These affect the way society or parents are looking at their children. They are either perceived as figures of pity, or parents start looking for super talents in their kids, which is a huge disservice to the child," she says. According to research by consultancy and auditing firm Deloitte, between 10-20% of the global population falls on the neurodivergent spectrum. A recent report by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans) states that 2 million Indians are neurodivergent. When you have lakhs of people on the spectrum, then there are lakhs of possible on-screen characters. No two trait sets are identical. There is great potential to create characters, which are nuanced, varied and layered, and to present them with dignity," adds Kalra. Why not look at real-life examples and make space for everyday realities such as time blindness, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) loops or fidgety stims? A positive shift which has taken place in the last five years is that neurodivergent characters are being essayed by actors, who themselves are on the spectrum. They bring their lived reality to the roles, adding authenticity to the portrayals. Abuli Mamaji, who has Down Syndrome, played one of the leads in Nikhil Pherwanis Ahaan (2019), a film about a man with OCD finding a sense of camaraderie in a young man on the spectrum. In the UK, an experimental feature, The Stimming Pool (2024), has been co-created by a collective of autistic artists, the Neurocultures Collective, and filmmaker Steven Eastwood, who invite you into a neurodiverse world within the undulating logic of neurotypical environments". In an interview to The Guardian in March this year, Georgia Kumari Bradburn, one of the directors, said: It was never about us having a duty to explain who we are or what we are doing to other people. This is just the way we exist. Its a different way of existing." And now there is Sitaare Zameen Par, the official remake of the 2018 Spanish film, Champions, which stars 10 lead actors on the spectrum. View Full Image 'Sitaare Zameen Par' (HT_PRINT) Inclusion activists dont advocate for adding a protagonist on the spectrum just for tokenism. Rather, they would prefer if the neurodivergence was built into the script in a matterof-fact way, which normalises being on the spectrum. Imagine a hospital drama in which a nurse needs instructions in writing, or a junior lawyer in a courtroom series, who struggles with eye contact.There are micro traits of neurodiversity, which can be shown as coexisting with neurotypicality. None of these need to be portrayed at a dramatic level. Their presence alone will tell the audience that neurodivergence can exist in all possible situations and not just in special issue episodes," elaborates Kalra. Also Read | How special stories and design are making reading inclusive While the depiction of neurodivergence on screen is changing, people hope for a more layered and in-depth depiction of the caregivers as well. And thats where Anu Singh Choudharys Selfie, Please, stands out. The 22-minute short film presents a vignette from the life of a family comprising a set of neurotypical and neurodivergent siblingsAnjali and Ananya, respectively. There is a particularly poignant scene where Anjali, an Odissi dancer, reminds her father that he owes her a prize for her exceptional performance. He hands her 500, while also giving the same amount to her elder sister, Ananya, who has Down Syndrome. As Anjalis face fallsthis was to be her accomplishment aloneher mother reminds her of an earlier promise that everything would be split equally between the two sisters. Anjali storms off, and you can sense the seething discontentshe craves for her mothers attention and resents her sister for being the constant recipient of it. The scene also offers you an insight into the life of a mother, (played by Sarika Singh), who is torn between the two sisters day in and day out. In 22 minutes, Anu brings out the family dynamics to the fore, including the conflict between the parents about the manner of caregiving. According to Kalra, such stories are important as the diagnosis of a child being on the spectrum holds significance for the entire family. Selfie, Please already begins with a level of understandingit doesnt explain Down Syndrome nor does it overtly dramatise the sibling rivalry. It just shows an episode from the life of this family," she says. For Anu, who wrote series such as Aarya and Mrs, this film stemmed from personal experiences. Ananya, who plays the sibling with Down Syndrome, is my first cousin. I have seen her mother feel conflicted about encouraging her to explore her social space while also being fiercely protective of her. Often that comes at the cost of your sanity and world view. And if you have another child, who is neurotypical, that plight increases," she says. Also Read | Easing the path to love and friendship for neurodivergent individuals The medium of short film allowed her to choose an ordinary day from someones life. The moment of conflict shows the choices that families are making on a daily basis. Cinematic storytelling will always look for something extraordinary. But storytellers should not take away the mundanity of everyday life. They should strike a balancesomething that Sitaare Zameen Par does well," elaborates Anu. Meanwhile, Selfie, Please has been winning awards at festivals such as the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival, Indian World Film Festival and Bangalore Short Films Festival. The filmmaker is keen that the screenings be followed by focused group discussions as well. For instance, just last week, Selfie, Please was screened at the Veda Kunba Auditorium, Mumbai, as part of the event, Neuro Unity: Lights Camera Inclusion, organised by Kalra. This included a discussion with Anu and Divy Nidhi Sharma, writer, Sitaare Zameen Par, about ways of authentically portraying neurodivergent characters in cinema and television. There is a need to create understanding not just about people on the spectrum but those around them as well. It is not just about a film but what you can take away from that to expand your worldview," adds Anu . Heads of State is exactly what it promises: a fast-paced, action-packed buddy comedy that leans into its absurdity with style, big laughs and big action set pieces. Ilya Naishuller directs a script by Harrison Query, John Applebaum and Andre Nemec, which clearly understands the assignmentpair two mismatched but magnetic leads, toss them into a high-stakes international mess, and let the chemistry and chaos unfold. John Cena and Idris Elba headline the action-comedy as two political powerhouses. Cena plays Will Derringer, a former action movie star whose latest job is as President of the United States, while Idris Elba plays Sam Clarke, the current Prime Minister of the UK. The latters calm, calculating exterior hides a former life in the British special armed forces, whereas Derringer relies on his celebrity to skate through his tenure. When a diplomatic visit to England almost goes off the rails (over a plate of fish and chips, among things), a little diplomatic engineering provides the perfect photo-op to change the narrative surrounding their public discord. Derringer and Clarke travel on Air Force One together, but things go sideways while they are en route to a NATO meeting in Italy. When their plane gets compromised, the sparring leaders are forced to work together. How can the most secure plane in the world get infiltrated is a question without an answera theme to this film which mostly sticks to familiar territory, but plays it with enough energy and charisma to entertain. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is cast as no-nonsense MI6 agent Noel Bisset, who assists the on-the-run heads of state in their international expedition as they attempt to stay out of Viktor Gradovs crosshairs and reach the NATO summit unscathed. The icy Viktor Gradov (Paddy Considine) leads a rogue militant faction threatening world leaders during a NATO summit. Naturally, the fate of international diplomacy falls into the hands of Clarke, Derringer, and the highly-skilled Noel, assisted by their respective advisors (Sarah Niles as the American Simone Bradshaw and Richard Coyle as British Quincy Harrington). The casting is the winner here. Cena is a riot. His comic timing is sharp, and he brings a lovable meathead energy to Derringerstar of Water Cobra, a movie about a venomous snake in denim. Hes the guy who will throw a grenade along with a dialogue from one of his movies, and then immediately high-five himself for it. Idris Elba, on the other hand, is the calm in the storm. His dry delivery and disdain for his American counterpart is perfect, especially when paired with Cenas nonstop antics. Their back-and-forthoften poking fun at British vs. American quirksis half the fun. Elbas stoic glare bouncing off Cenas impulsiveness doesnt get old and their chemistry carries the movie through its more predictable beats. Noel is a pun-loving, smart and cool agent who balances the otherwise testosterone-heavy leads with Priyanka Chopra Jonas holding her own in nearly every scene shes in. Its refreshing to see her in a role thats funny, physical, and substantial all at once. The action is stylish and quirky. Its not reinventing the genre, but its done with enough flair and tongue-in-cheek humour to keep things zipping along, smoothly toggling between action and comedy. The action in the backyard of a house in Poland is absurd yet amusing. If theres one weak link, its the villain. Gradovs not particularly interesting and the movie doesnt spend much time fleshing him out. The real fun is in watching Cena, Elba, and Chopra Jonas play off each other as they try to save the world (and themselves) with minimal planning and maximum chaos. Heads of State succeeds by playing to its stars strengths. Its pacy, funny, and manages to give its slight premise some bite. Volcanoes spell danger for some, adventure for others. But for the people of the Central American nation of Guatemala, volcanoes are a part of life. Sitting south of Mexico, Guatemala is home to mountains, thick tropical forests and 37 volcanoes, of which threeDel Fuego, Pacaya and Santa Mariaare active. While there are impressive Mayan ruins (Tikal), beautiful lakes (Atitlan and Peten Itza) and hikes, one of Guatemalas biggest attractions is getting up close and personal with active volcanoes. Thats what drew me to Antigua. And, as I found out, I wasnt the only one who had this adventurous idea last Christmas when I tried booking a hike up the Acatenango and Del Fuego volcanoes. Antigua, a Unesco World Heritage city since 1979, has a dreamy old town with cobbled streets and old churches. Decommissioned American school buses re-purposed as public transport share the streets and roads with cars, Ubers, Indian-made autorickshaws and Bajaj, Hero and Royal Enfield motorcycles. Also Read | On an Icelandic road trip without Google Maps Surrounded by three volcanoesthe dormant Agua and Acatenango and the active Del FuegoAntigua is the perfect starting point for anyone craving a volcano adventure or even a relaxed time in the spas, saunas (temazcal), bars and farm-to-table restaurants. There is a surfeit of tour operators offering hikes up the Acatenango and Del Fuego so it is prudent to either talk to people who have just returned from the hike or do your research. Wicho & Charlies and OX Expeditions are among the most popular agencies but they are also the most expensive. Tropicana Hostel is at the lower end of the price spectrum. Almost all these agencies accept bookings online and list their prices in US dollars. The hike is popular and the good agencies have no availability at short notice. I went with Lava Trails after paying a $21 advance online and received an email confirmation with details of what to expect, what to carry and a pick-up time from the hotel. Time in Guatemala, much like in India, is a fluid conceptmore indicatory than concrete. I was ready for the 8am pick-up at 7.45am. By 8.15am I was wondering if I had been scammed, and by 8.30am I was seriously fretting. Five minutes later, a bus pulled up, my name was called, a list was ticked, and I was headed to the hiking base at La Soledad an hour away. Here, we ate a hot breakfast of eggs, beans, bread, fruits and coffee and were also asked to rent any gear that we needed. We chose from fleece and woollen pullovers, warm jackets, rain jackets, warm hats, gloves, headlamps, hiking poles, even backpacks. Then they gave us 4 litres of drinking water each and three boxes with the meals that we were to eat during our hike. Thereafter, three guides briefed us and then the bus dropped us off at the trailhead around 10.30am. View Full Image A cobblestone street in Antigua, Guatemala, with a view of Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes. (istockphoto ) The hike is divided into four phases. The first part to the base camp stretches roughly 7km. The second phase, which is optional, is from the base camp to the active volcano Del Fuego, the third one is to the rim of the dormant Acatenango volcano and the final hike is the descent back to the trailhead to take a bus back to Antigua. The toughest part of the hike comes right at the start as the trail climbs steeply and the loose gravel makes the ascent difficult. Add to the fact that you are still acclimatising to the altitude of 2,300 metres, where the trail begins. We took breaks after every 20 minutes till we stopped for lunch 90 minutes into the hike. Another hour of hiking brought us the first sight of Agua, its conical snout peeping through the clouds. This is also the furthest a car can go on the Acatenango trail. From here on, the trail is straightforward and the scenery changes. We left the tropical forests behind and entered the high-altitude alpine forest. Despite a constant climb, this last leg to the base camp is easy and before we knew it, we could see Del Fuego, which erupted with a bang just as we reached our cabin, spewing a large mushroom cloud of dark grey smoke, left the wooden cabin rattling and sent loose volcanic sand around our base camp rippling down. It had taken us about four-and-a-half hours, including breaks, to reach the base camp which was at an altitude of 3,629m. Around 4.30pm, three from the group went on the add-on hike to Del Fuego while the rest, me included, took a 10-minute walk to the sunset point. As the skies turned an orange tinting to a deeper red on the horizon, up above us it was deep purple and dark blue with stars twinkling at us. We got back from the sunset point by 6.30pm and the guides cooked and served us hot dinner by 8pm. While we were chatting around a campfire, the adventurous three, tired but beaming, returned from Del Fuego closer to 9pm after having witnessed eruptions from a few hundred metres away, even as the mountain beneath their feet trembled. We ended the night under a moonlit, starry sky with hot chocolate, wine and marshmallows around the bonfire, listening to stories and watching Del Fuego erupt nearly every 40 minutes. The best pictures and videos pale compared to watching a majestic volcano erupt in real life with your own eyes. Sleeping at altitude without acclimatisation is not easy; it was also difficult to sleep because the volcano kept erupting through the night, sometimes twice in one hour. So, some decided to skip the early morning hike while the rest of us filed out of our cosy rooms into the cold, dark early morning sky at 4am, finally leaving the camp half an hour later. We had to make it to the top of the Acatenango rim in time for the sunrise. This involved a 2km climb, which took all of two hours. This was a challenging hike because we had to walk through volcanic sand in which we kept sinking in shin deep. We took four steps forward, and would slide back one. Add to that hundreds of people hiking the same trail. Some were also suffering from altitude sickness. It took us just over an hour to get to the top and it was still dark. It is very cold and windy on top and despite wearing all four layers, a warm hat and gloves, many were cold. About 15 minutes later as we sat shivering at about 4,000m, staring at the horizon, the sky slowly lit up revealing a thick cloud cover behind which a faint orange sphere was visible. It wasnt the glorious sunrise we had been hoping for, but just as we were leaving, the clouds parted to finally let the sun work its magic. The show over, we descended to the camp through a different route. At the camp, we had coffee and breakfast before starting the hike back to civilisation around 8.45am. Once everyone reached the trailhead, a minibus took us back to the headquarters where we were served a local snack and beer. An hour later, off we went to Antigua dreaming about the out-of-this world phenomenon that we had witnessed the previous evening. Only, it was real, very real. How to Reach There Nearest airport Guatemala City. It is also the countrys largest airport. There are no direct flights from India but it is well connected from the US and Europe. Visa Indian passport holders need a visa for Guatemala. However, if you have a valid US visa, you are allowed to enter Guatemala. Currency 1 Quetzales is about 10.60. Average price of coffee is Quetzales 20. Shrenik Avlani is a writer and editor and the co-author of The Shivfit Way, a book on functional fitness. Also Read | How to pack a capsule wardrobe for a trekking holiday In India, it is common practice to have all assets and investments, and even bank accounts, in joint names with a spouse or child. This makes it convenient to transfer the asset or investment to the spouse or child or encashed in the event of the demise of the original investor, who would normally be the first holder of the asset or investment. However, dark clouds are now hovering over such joint holders, thanks to the systems and procedures of the Income Tax department. Every mutual fund is required to file an annual statement of financial transactions (SFT) with the Income Tax department, reflecting the names of persons who have acquired units of 10 lakh or more during the year. Similarly, reporting is required by every company issuing bonds or debentures or shares of 10 lakh or more to a person, every listed company buying back shares of 10 lakh or more from a person, the Registrar or Sub-Registrar of Assurances in respect of transactions of purchase of immovable property of 30 lakh or more, are required to report such transactions in the SFT. These transactions are then collated PAN-wise by the department and reflected in the investors', purchasers or sellers' PAN. Unfortunately, the rules provide that where a transaction is recorded in the name of more than one person, the aggregate amount of the transaction has to be reported for all the persons, i.e., not only the first holder but also the joint holders. Therefore, three years ago, many joint holders received emails from the Income Tax department showing such transactions in their names and asking them to confirm or deny such transactions. Given the fact that the transactions were those of the first holder and not their own, and were large and often disproportionate to the joint holders own incomes, almost all joint holders replied online to reject the information. The online dropdown menu provided only 5 options as the response: Information is correct, Source is receipt of gift which is not taxable, Information is not fully correct, Information relates to other PAN/Year, and Information is duplicate/included in other information. The most appropriate one beingInformation relates to Other PAN, which was selected, giving the PAN of the first holder as the one to whom the investment belonged. Also Read: Things you must know if you are thinking of getting a bank locker After 3 years, such joint holders have now received emails from the Income Tax department stating that their feedback has been rejected by the source. The feedback received from the joint holders was sent to the respective mutual fund, Registrar, company, etc, which had filed the SFT, and they were asked whether the feedback was correct. Given the manner in which the rules require reporting of the same transaction as that of each holder, including each joint holder, the mutual fund, etc., had no choice but to report the feedback as incorrect. The concern that all these joint holders would now have is that their assessments for those years may be threatened with reassessment by the tax authorities, a long and tiresome process. A similar thing has happened in the past in relation to joint holders of non-resident Indian (NRI) bank deposits (see Mint article, 9 May 2023). Reassessment proceedings will result in unnecessary wastage of time for both taxpayers and tax officials, all thanks to a defective process and system. Besides, taxpayers would have to pay tax professionals to represent them in such proceedings. And at the end of it all, what would be achieved? Nothing, besides the dropping of the reassessment proceedings. A sheer waste of valuable resources without any benefit to anyone. Why can the tax systems not be built with greater care to deal with such common situations? It is well known that joint holding is a very common phenomenon in India. Could there not have been an item in the drop-down menu, Joint holder for convenience", and asking for the PAN of the actual investor? That would have resolved all these problems, even if the rule required the mutual fund to provide the names of all joint holders against the investment. The fallout of such e-mails has been that mutual fund compliance officers have been inundated with protests from joint holders about how they could have stated that the feedback is incorrect. The officers have to explain to irate investors that they have not made a mistakethe problem lies with the defective rules and systems of the tax department. Meanwhile, joint holders wait with bated breath for the next round of attacks on them from the tax department. Gautam Nayak is a partner at CNK & Associates LLP. Views are personal A taxi driver was suspended from an online ride-hailing platform after a woman accused him of verbal sexual harassment. The driver named Zhao was suspended for a total of 21 days after he allegedly complimented his passenger and said, smells good. After the passenger registered a complaint on June 8, the driver was blocked from the cab aggregator platform, Zhejiang TV reported. The driver asked the woman thrice if she was wearing any perfume. The smell from your body is so good," the driver said after the woman said that she had not applied any scent. According to the woman passenger, the pleasant fragrance was from the liquid detergent, following which the driver had inquired about the specific brand of the detergent. As per the report, the woman revealed the brand name of the washing substance and left the vehicle before reaching her destination. Hours later, the woman filed a complaint with the car-hailing platform. The company initiated proceedings in the case and reviewed voice recordings before announcing the penalty. However, Zhao claimed that he was pleasant in his demeanour when he inquired about the perfume's smell. Alleging his tone to be polite he said, I just do not understand. I did not say anything wrong! If she had not replied to me, I would not have continued asking her," Zhejiang TV quoted the driver as saying. While addressing the media, the woman said that she felt uncomfortable when the driver questioned her about the perfume multiple times while glancing at her through the rear-view mirror. Seeing it as a potential threat to her safety, she asserted that she maintained politeness during the conversation to avoid provoking him. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin skipped the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil's Rio De Janeiro on Sunday, July 6. While Xi Jinping sent China PM Li Qiang to attend the Summit; Vladimir Putin is attending online due to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. As an ICC member, Brazil would be legally obligated to arrest Putin if he set foot on its territory. But why was Xi Jinping absent? China's economic challenges in the focus Xi Jinping is staying away from the Rio de Janeiro summit to concentrate on managing Chinas economic challenges. According to CNN, China is grappling with steep economic challenges amid ongoing trade frictions with the US, with its leaders busy charting a course for the five years ahead of a key political conclave expected this year, and Xi maybe prioritising domestic planning over international travel. Brian Wong, a professor at the University of Hong Kong, told CNN that sending Li Qiang should not be seen as a diplomatic downgrade. There is much in BRICS+ that fits Xis foreign policy worldview, he said. China's absence comes amid BRICS expansion For the first time in more than one decade of rule, Xi was absent from the BRICS which owes its acronym to early members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and since 2024 has expanded to include Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran. Now with 11 members, the bloc has more than doubled in size. Some new members have injected fresh divisions into the BRICS, which was already struggling for coherence and split between democracies and autocracies, reported Financial Times. Brazilian first lady's faux pas behind Xi's absence? According to The Times, another possibility behind Xi Jinping skipping the BRICS Summit could be that the Chinese leader is unhappy with Brazil first lady Rosangela Lula da Silva after an extraordinary turn of events over a month ago in Beijing. Xi, however, has not officially stated the reason for his absence. During a state visit to China, Brazilian President Lula and First Lady Janja attended a banquet with Xi Jinping. Just before dessert, the first lady raised her hand and addressed Xi, which was an unusual break of protocol reported The Times. She was reportedly critical of the Chinese social media company, TikTok, whose algorithm, she claimed, favoured right-wing views and was potentially harmful to children. Key Points Bitcoin has grown by 10-fold during earlier five-year periods. There are more than a few reasons to suspect that the next five years will be similar. That doesn't mean you should discard good and careful investing practices. 10 stocks we like better than Bitcoin Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) has a knack for turning skeptics into storytellers, myself included. Five years ago, a single coin cost as much as a used car, but today it clears six figures. That kind of ascent makes investors wonder whether dropping $10,000 into the crypto today could realistically bloom into $100,000 by 2030. The question matters because the forces that once pushed Bitcoin north are changing shape. Still, Bitcoin's history reads like a roller coaster's safety disclaimer rather than a guaranteed profit machine. Let's dig into why a 10-fold or perhaps even more remains on the table with this asset, and why a measured approach beats a blind leap. Demand is running up against finite supply During the past five years the coin has surged by 1,060%, from about $9,123 to roughly $109,600 (as of July 3), making for a compound annual growth rate just north of 63%. Therefore, even if that pace halves, a 10-fold gain by 2030 is mathematically possible. The drivers of the coin's value paint a similarly favorable picture. Demand keeps building, and from key sources like exchange-traded funds (ETFs). In particular, the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF now pulls in an estimated $187 million in annual fees, surpassing the issuing company's flagship S&P 500 fund, proving that mainstream money is eager to pay for exposure to Bitcoin. Plus, in the week ended June 30 alone, a whopping $2.2 billion flowed into Bitcoin ETFs; the tempo is accelerating here, not slowing. Image source: Getty Images. Furthermore, corporate appetite for holding the asset is rising too, and in multiple forms. Many publicly listed companies like Tesla are now opting to hold Bitcoin directly on their balance sheets, and they may be just the first of many. Separately, an entirely new class of company is emerging: Bitcoin treasury companies, which only aspire to buy and hold more of the coin as their main business model. Strategy, the most notable Bitcoin treasury company, just snagged another 4,980 coins, boosting its holdings past 597,000. Other treasury businesses from London to Tokyo are copying that playbook, further shrinking the float available for public trading and bringing in significant capital to compete for the supply that remains. Meanwhile, the total supply is locked in cement, and the rate of new coins being mined is only going to get slower and slower. Kerala: The stranded British F-35B British fighter jet which had made an emergency landing at the Trivandrum Airport last month, has been moved to the Air India hangar from its grounded position. The F-35 fighter aircraft has been taken to the Air India hangar at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, where a technical team of UK Royal Air Force would try to repair it and take it back, news wire ANI quoted Defence sources as saying. A team of 25 technical experts from the British Royal Air Force aboard an A400M Atlas military aircraft arrived at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Sunday, to assess the F-35 fighter jet. Take a look at the video here: The British Royal Navy fighter jet worth over USD 110 million and known to be one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14. Engineers deployed for British Royal Navy jet's repair As part of the standard protocol, the British F-35B fighter jet was moved to the hangar on Sunday, July 6 after a team of UK engineers arrived at the Trivandrum Airport to assess and repair the stranded aircraft. Also Read | British aviation team to arrive in Kerala on July 5 to fix F-35B Lightning jet This comes after the UK authorities accepted the offer of space in a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the British Royal jet on Sunday. The UK remains very grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams, the British High Commissioner said in a statement, reported ANI. Why the British jet had to stop in India? On Saturday, June 14, the British jet had to make an emergency landing after reporting low fuel mid-flight, news wire PTI reported, citing sources. "The pilot reported low fuel and asked for permission to land. Everything was handled quickly and professionally," the source said. The stranded F-35 jet is the same aircraft which US President Donald Trump earlier this year, offered to include India among the select group of nations authorised to buy from the US. When the jet became the talk of the town Even weeks after the F-35 stealth fighter's surprise landing in Kerala, the buzz around the stranded aircraft showed no signs of fading. What started as public curiosity turned into a full-blown social media trend. After the Supreme Court administration wrote to the Centre seeking the vacating of official residence of Chief Justice of India, Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud responded citing personal reasons for his extended stay at the bungalow. Chandrachud said that the delay was due to the requirements of his family, adding that he has two daughters with special needs." My daughters have severe comorbidities and genetic problems particularly nemaline myopathy, for which they are being treated by specialists at AIIMS," the former CJI said. He said that it was taking time to find a house appropriate for the family, while acknowledging that it was a personal issue. Also Read | Supreme Court admin seeks removal of ex-CJI Chandrachud from official residence Chandrachud further clarified that this has been discussed with the judges and officers of the Supreme Court. While asserting that he fully aware of his responsibilities having "occupied the highest judicial office, he said that he would move in a few days. To be sure, former CJIs in the past have been allowed extended time to retain government accommodation post-retirement, often to facilitate transition or address personal exigencies, Chandrachud said. Supreme Court's letter to the Union Government The top court, in a July 1 letter to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), asked for the Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg in Lutyens Delhi designated for the sitting CJI to be vacated immediately. While Chandrachud left office eight months back, he still resides in the Type VIII Bungalow, with his two successors Justices Sanjiv Khanna and the incumbent Bhushan R Gavai opting to continue living in the bungalows alloted to them earlier. According to the SC's letter, Chandrachud had written to then CJI Khanna on December 18, 2024, asking for an extension of his stay at the bungalow till April 30, 2025. He had cited stalled renovation work due to pollution-related restrictions under GRAP-IV at his newly alloted Bungalow No. 14 on Tughlak Road as the reason for the request. Also Read | DY Chandrachud refutes claims of praying to god before Ayodhya judgment The CJI approved the request, with the MoHUA allowing the retention on the licence fees of 5,430 per month. Following this, Chandrachud had made an oral request to continue staying at the residence till May 31, 2025, which was permitted with a caveat stating that no further extension would be granted. The Global South has often been a victim of double standards, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday while addressing the BRICS Summit. On pressing issues like climate finance, sustainable development and technology access, the Global South has often received nothing more than token gestures, said Modi in his remarks at the first plenary session. PM Modi criticized mere token gestures on issues like clean technology and sustainability, urging major economies to do more. The Prime Minister also pressed for urgent reforms of the key bodies, including the UN Security Council. With BRICS expanding, adding Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE in 2024 and Indonesia in 2025, PM Modi emphasized that these new members prove the groups adaptability and growing relevance for emerging nations. "Expressed my views on why the voice of the Global South is more important than ever before and why its essential that global institutions provide adequate representation to the Global South for their own credibility and effectiveness, Modi wrote in a post on X. He further added, In this era of AI, where technology updates on a weekly basis, it is unacceptable that global institutions havent undergone an update even once in eighty years. 21st-century software cant run on a 20th-century typewriter!" The expansion of BRICS clearly shows that BRICS is an organization capable of changing itself with the times. Now, we need to show the same resolve for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO, and multilateral development banks, PM stated. PM Modi underlined Indias readiness to lead with a mission beyond national interest. In Rio, he stressed that India and BRICS partners aim to rise above their own interests and serve humanity collectively. This summit capped a fivenation journey that began in Ghana on July 2, where PM Modi received the high honor of Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, recognizing his leadership in SouthSouth cooperation and shared democratic values. His next stop was Trinidad and Tobago, where he became the first foreign leader to be awarded the Order of the Republic, the countrys top civilian honor, acknowledging his global leadership, diaspora engagement, and humanitarian efforts during COVID19. Also Read | PM Modi honoured with key to Buenos Aires during landmark Argentina visit A relative of an Indian national abducted by an al-Qaeda linked terrorist group in West Africa's Mali claimed that terrorists are demanding ransom in exchange for the people. P Venkataraman, a resident of Odisha's Ganjam district, is among the three Indians abducted by an al-Qaeda linked terrorist group in West Africa's Mali. Venkataramans brother-in-law told news agency ANI his family had got a call from the company where Venkataraman worked in Mali. Also Read | Three Indians taken hostage during terror attack in Mali: What we know so far The brother-in-law said, "We got a call from the company that he and some others are in police custody as terrorists have set the factory on fire. An international news claimed that Al-Qaeda had kidnapped some people. We called the company to confirm this, and they refused us to leak this information and said that the terrorists are demanding ransom in exchange for the people," he was quoted by ANI as saying. Venkataraman's brother-in-law further informed that his family complained to the police after waiting for a few days. I called and mailed the embassy, but did not get any response. I demand that my brother-in-law be brought back home safely," he said. Also Read | Donald Trump applauds US airstrike on Al-Qaeda leader in Syria The brother-in-law said on Saturday that Venkat had last called him on June 30. He [Venkataraman] worked in a cement factory in Mali, West Africa. He said his company had stopped them from going out as terrorists were present. This kidnapping incident happened on July 1, Venkataraman's relative said. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the abduction of three Indian workers from a factory in Mali's Kayes region and urged authorities in the West African country to ensure their "safe and expeditious" rescue. Also Read | Al-Qaeda threatens attack on India over Atiq Ahmad murder Reliance Jios network suddenly stopped working for millions of users across India on Sunday evening (July 6). People in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and 10+ other cities lost mobile signals and internet access around 8:10 PM. Sunday outage sparks fury as internet and cellular networks disrupt nationwide Phones showed Emergency Calls Only or completely blank signal bars. Over 11,000 complaints flooded Downdetector within hours, 81% reported No Signal, while others faced dead JioFiber connections. Downdetector reports Jio issues Jios customer service lines crashed too, leaving users screaming into dead phones. This mirrors Jios June 16 Kerala collapse when 12,000 complaints spiked in 47 minutes. This isnt Jios first meltdown. On June 16, Kerala faced 12 hours of blackout, 56% lost mobile data, and 29% had dead signals. Engineers blamed a software update failure, but Jio never explained publicly. Similar crashes hit Gujarat (June 29) and Madhya Pradesh (July 1), where users reported two weeks without 4G . Monsoon rains worsen tower damage, but Sundays mostly clear weather indicates this was Jios internal failure. Jio remained silent with no official statement, restoration timeline, or apology. Also Read | Deadly Texas flash floods kill 70, leave 12 children missing in disaster Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar on Sunday made shocking remarks on Sunday when he compared the recent assault by MNS workers on non-Marathi speaking people with the Pahalgam terror attack. According to a PTI report, he said that while terrorists had targeted tourists in Pahalgam based on their religion, people were being attacked in the state on linguistic lines, which was disappointing. Asked about attacks on Hindi-speaking people allegedly by MNS workers, Shelar said, "In the Pahalgam terror attack, people were asked their religion before being shot. Here, people are being attacked based on their language. It is disappointing." All these incidents cause pain, suffering, and mental distressSuch cases create a disturbance, Shelar was quoted as saying by ANI. The state is watching how these leaders are "enjoying" other Hindus being beaten up, the minister said without naming anyone. BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane had objected to 'Hindus' being targeted for not speaking in Marathi, while his cabinet colleague Pratap Sarnaik, a leader of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, said the MNS does not have a monopoly over Marathi. MNS workers assault non-Marathi speaking people A viral video recently showed workers of the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) last week thrashing a shop-keeper in Bhayandar area on the outskirts of the state capital for allegedly refusing to speak in Marathi. Seven members of the MNS were later detained and allowed to go after the police served notices on them, the report said. Also Read | Investor Sushil Kedia withdraws statement made over Marathi language On Saturday, five MNS supporters were arrested for the attack on investor Sushil Kedia's office in Worli area of Mumbai over the latter's social media post about not learning Marathi and his kya karna hai bol dare to Raj Thackeray. Hours after the attack, Kedia apologised for the social post claiming he had overreacted and also professed admiration for Thackeray. The three-language row On Friday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned of strict legal action against those engaging in "hooliganism" in the name of Marathi. He said that the Mahayuti government will not tolerate violence against commoners. Although 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, the political controversy over the same has brought together long-time estranged Thackeray cousins after nearly two decades. Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday shared the stage together at the Worli Dome in Mumbai as they held a joint rally in protest against the "Hindi imposition". After recent death of an 18-year-old girl in Malappuram district of Kerala was confirmed as Nipah infection, the Union Health Ministry is considering sending a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to assist the state government in implementing public health measures, reported news agency PTI citing sources. The patient, hailing from Chettiyarangadi in Malappuram, succumbed after receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode district. The preliminary tests indicated Nipah and the infection was subsequently confirmed by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune after sample examination, the PTI report said. On Friday, local authorities in Palakkad district issued a strong warning to the public and health workers to remain extremely vigilant after a 38-year-old woman from Thachanattukara was also tested positive for Nipah. Health authorities in Malappuram initiated surveillance in 20 wards in panchayats such as Makkaraparamba, Kuruva, Kootilangadi, and Mankada, an official statement said on Saturday. Also Read | Kerala: Nipah virus case confirmed in Malappuram district The objective was to identify the source of the disease and strengthen household-based awareness, it added. A total of 65 teams visited 1,655 houses and found no one with symptoms of Nipah during the survey, the statement also said. The Central Surveillance Unit of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), NCDC, is in close contact with the state unit and is actively monitoring the situation. The State Control Room has been activated for coordinating the various containment activities. The public health response is guided by the Kerala State NiVD guidelines for surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control. Kerala Health Minister review situation Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George held a high-level meeting in Thiruvananthapuram to review the situation. She informed that 425 people are on the Nipah contact list, with 228 in Malappuram, 110 in Palakkad, and 87 in Kozhikode. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome from the Indian community upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday. PM Modi began his four-day visit, during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a state visit. The members of the Indian diaspora performed a cultural dance and folk songs as they welcomed PM Modi to Brazil on Sunday. A video of the programme was shared by news agency ANI on X. One of the dance performances was based on theme of Operation Sindoor, with 'ye desh nhi mitne dunga' echoing in the venue. A Brazilian music group also performed devotional music, showcasing India's rich cultural and spiritual values. PM Modi-4-day visit to Brazil PM Modi arrived in Brazil on a four-day visit during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a State Visit. During the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit (July 6-7), PM Modi is expected to exchange views on key global issues, including peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. According to the official statement, the Prime Minister is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. For the State Visit to Brazil, PM Modi will travel to Brasilia, where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula on the broadening of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health and people to people linkages. Earlier, Members of the Indian Diaspora, who were waiting to meet PM Modi, expressed their enthusiasm over his visit, calling it a privilege to welcome the PM. "I am from Gujarat... I have been living in Brazil for a long time. We are very excited and feel privileged and honoured to welcome our Prime Minister today," Vijay Solanki, a member of the Indian diaspora, said. Pooja, another member of the Indian diaspora, expressed enthusiasm and said, "I am from Gujarat, and I have been living in Brazil for the last three years. I am very excited to meet him." PM Modi arrived in Brazil after concluding his visit to Argentina, where he held a bilateral meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei. After Brazil, PM Modi will head to Namibia on July 9 and also address its parliament.PM Modi began his five-nation, eight-day tour (July 2 till July 9) on Wednesday from Ghana. From Ghana, the prime minister went to the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, and then to Argentina. The official X account of international news agency Reuters has been restricted in India following a legal demand. So far, Reuters has not issued a statement clarifying the reason behind the blocking of its account. Reuters is the news and media division of Thomson Reuters. The company says it employs 2,600 journalists in over 200 locations. The X account of Reuters World was also inaccessible as of 11:40 pm on Saturday. Also Read | Guru Randhawa deactivates X account after cryptic post on Diljit Dosanjh The main handle of Reuters remains inaccessible as of 11:30 pm, saying, @Reuters has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand," News 18 reported. Despite the main @Reuters X account being blocked in India, several affiliated handles remain accessible. These including Reuters Tech News, Reuters Fact Check, Reuters Pictures, Reuters Asia and Reuters China. According to X, many countries, including the US, have laws that may apply to posts and/or X account content. Also Read | India withholds X account of Chinese state media outlet Global Times In our continuing effort to make our services available to people everywhere, if we receive a valid and properly scoped request from an authorized entity, it may be necessary to withhold access to certain content in a particular country from time to time, X wrote. X guidelines also state that content can be withheld if X was compelled to withhold it in response to a valid legal demand, such as a court order. They can also be blocked on the basis of local laws in response to a report filed through specific support intake channels. Also Read | Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri locks his X account It added, Such withholdings will be limited to the specific jurisdiction that has issued the valid legal demand or where the content has been found to violate local law(s). The block appears to be country-specific as the account is still accessible from other regions. A serial killer, who was on the run for around two-and-a-half decades, was arrested by the police in the national capital. The accused, identified as 49-year-old Ajay Lamba alias Banshi, was wanted in four brutal robbery-cum-murder cases lodged against him in Delhi, and Haldwani, Almora and Champawat districts of Uttarakhand. In all the cases, including a 2001 murder case registered at the New Ashok Nagar police station in Delhi, he was declared a proclaimed offender. According to the police, Lamba was the alleged mastermind behind a string of heinous crimes committed between 1999 and 2001, in which he, along with associates, targeted taxi drivers, killed them, looted their vehicles and dumped the bodies in remote forested areas of Uttarakhand to evade identification. "Born in 1976 and originally a resident of Delhi's Krishna Nagar, Ajay dropped out of school after Class 6 and became involved in crime at an early age. He was previously declared a 'Bad Character' by the Vikas Puri police under the alias 'Banshi'. In 1996, he changed his name to Ajay Lamba and shifted base to Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, where he teamed up with accomplices Dhirendra and Dilip Negi," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Aditya Gautam said. Together, they operated a violent criminal enterprise in which they used to killed drivers after hiring taxis. Then the vehicles looted were resold across the Nepal border, he added. Lamba was arrested from Delhi in a coordinate operation, said the police. In the 1990s, he also faced charges such as theft and arms possession. The DCP further said from 2008 to 2018 he lived in Nepal with his family and later moved to Dehradun. In 2020, he became involved in narcotics smuggling, allegedly working in the ganja-supply network from Odisha to Delhi and other parts of India. Key Points Alibaba offers a cheap way to invest in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, digital media, and e-commerce. UnitedHealth Group is a bargain after its steep sell-off. Vertex Pharmaceuticals has two new drugs on the market and a promising pipeline. 10 stocks we like better than Alibaba Group Forget the market sell-off experienced earlier this year. Stocks are hot again. But valuations have heated up as well -- perhaps too much, in many cases. That doesn't mean you can't still find great stocks to buy, though. Here are my picks for the best stocks to invest $1,000 in right now (listed alphabetically). Image source: Getty Images. 1. Alibaba Group Want to invest in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, digital media, and e-commerce in one fell swoop? You could buy shares of Amazon or Google parent Alphabet. I like both of those stocks, but there's another pick that's arguably even more attractive right now: Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA). Like Amazon and Alphabet, Alibaba is a leader in AI. The Chinese tech giant is investing roughly $53 billion in its AI initiatives over the next three years. It ranks as the largest cloud services provider in Asia and the fourth-largest in the world. Alibaba also operates two of the largest online marketplaces based on gross merchandise volume, Taobao and Tmall. Perhaps the best thing about Alibaba is that its valuation doesn't reflect its growth potential. The stock trades at only 11.6 times forward earnings. Its price-to-earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio, which is based on analysts' five-year earnings growth projections, is a low 0.9. To be sure, the fact that Alibaba is based in China is a key factor behind its low valuation. However, the country's leaders undoubtedly want Alibaba to succeed. And they certainly don't want to fall behind in the AI race with the West. I think buying a share of Alibaba now for under $115 will pay off handsomely over the next few years. 2. UnitedHealth Group You might think I'm crazy to include UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) on this list. Shares of the big healthcare company are down nearly 50% below the previous high. The company withdrew its full-year guidance in May, less than a month after lowering the outlook. Pretty much everything that could go wrong for UnitedHealth, has. Its former CEO, Andrew Witty, unexpectedly stepped down. The Wall Street Journal reported that UnitedHealth Group was the subject of a criminal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. President Trump threatened to "eliminate" pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs). UnitedHealth Group's Optum Rx PBM generates nearly one-third of the company's total revenue. Referring to the Pune rape case, where a 22-year-old techie had accused an unidentified delivery agent of raping her in her apartment, Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar on Sunday said that the woman had filed a false complaint. Her complaint had misled the Pune Police, the CP said. Just two days ago, an incident came before Pune City Police, which was used to create a narrative that law and order concerning women in Pune has completely collapsed, and efforts were made to portray Pune as unsafe for women, Amitesh Kumar said, according to ANI. By deploying the full resources of the police administration, we solved the case within 24 hours... No one should try to defame Pune, a city known to be one of the safest, through fake narratives, he added. Accused known to victim, not a delivery agent Initial probe in the case had suggested that the accused was known to the woman, and was not a courier delivery agent as claimed by the woman earlier, the CP said on Friday. The man, who is employed with a reputed IT multinational company in Pune, was picked up from the Baner locality earlier in the day. However, Commissioner Kumar said that no formal arrest has been made yet, as reported by ANI. Doubts over woman's version of events Contrary to the victim's earlier claims, the police said they have found no evidence of any spray being used during the alleged assault. Another allegation that the accused took a selfie with the victim after the incident has also been disputed. 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. The Police Commissioner further said that while a selfie was indeed taken, it was done with mutual consent, and the controversial text over the image which went viral on social media was allegedly added later by the woman after the accused had left. The complainant, according to police, has told investigators that she is currently not in a stable frame of mind. Following the woman's complaint on June 2, a case was registered at Kondhwa Police Station against an unidentified person. She had alleged that a man posing as a bank courier gained entry to her residence and raped her. The FIR was registered under Sections 64, 77, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police chief added that over 500 police personnel were deployed and extensive CCTV footage was scrutinised to identify and locate the accused following the complaint. New Delhi: The proposed India-US bilateral agreement (BTA) is not likely to resolve the fraught issue of American tariffs on Indian steel and aluminium, two people directly involved in the process said, with days to go before the deadline for the first phase of the deal. The two sides have been racing against time to dust off the deal before president Donald Trump's 9-July deadline for countries to offer lower tariffs on US goods. Also read | India wants steel, aluminium tariffs to be part of trade agreement with US The dutiesraised earlier this yearare set to remain in force even after the agreement is unveiled, the people cited above told Mint on condition of anonymity. As a formal political green signal is awaited from Donald Trump following the approval of the deal's terms by the US Trade Representative, the long-standing duties on Indian metal exports50% on steel and 50% on aluminiumwill not be rolled back in this round of negotiations," said the first person cited above. Focused on incremental progress The Indian negotiating team, led by commerce ministry secretary-designate Rajesh Agrawal, returned to New Delhi on Friday after a series of intense discussions in Washington. The team focused on achieving incremental progress in priority areas such as market access for Indian textiles, pharmaceuticals and services, while setting aside contentious issues like metals and autos for future rounds. According to the second person, the tariffs are part of a broader global regime. Every country is facing similar duties that have been levied on steel and aluminium. India has also imposed safeguard duties. These issues were discussed, but there is no interim relief for India on this front," this person said. As per this person, both sides may revisit these tariffs in a future round of negotiations. The Trump administration had originally imposed tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminium in 2018, citing national security concerns under Section 232 of US trade law. On 12 March 2025, Trump removed all country-specific exemptions and raised the aluminium tariff to 25%. Less than three months later, the US further doubled these tariffs to 50% for both metals, with the revised rates taking effect from 4 June. Mint reported on 3 June that India would seek the removal of US steel tariffs through trade talks rather than opting for immediate retaliation. It also reported on 5 July that the first tranche of the India-US BTA is now on Trumps desk for final approval, after being greenlit by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Part of broader hike These measures are part of a broader reciprocal tariff hike by the US under Trumps second term, including a 25% tariff on imported automobiles that came into effect on 3 April. The White House order stated that the aim is to "more effectively counter foreign countries that continue to offload low-priced, excess steel and aluminium in the US". Trade analysts point out that while India has a limited export exposure to the US in steel and aluminium compared to other sectors, the continuation of high duties reflects Washingtons protectionist stance and leaves little room for near-term relief. This signals that the US is prioritizing domestic industrial revival and employment over trade concessions, especially in politically sensitive sectors like metals," said Abhash Kumar, a trade export and assistant professor of economics at Delhi University. The no-change in tariffs on Indian metals stands in contrast to the deal the Trump administration has struck with the UK. Under their existing bilateral trade framework, metal imports from the UK continue to face a 25% tariff, while both sides work towards a resolution involving quotas and adjusted duties. Indian industry groups had been hoping that the BTA would offer at least partial relief on these duties, especially since high tariffs erode the price competitiveness of Indian exporters in the US market. While metals are not among Indias top exports to the US, the principle of reciprocity and fair treatment matters. Our manufacturers are competing against suppliers from countries with more favourable terms," said Arun Kumar Garodia, former chairman of the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) and director of Corona Steel, manufacturers of light engineering goods and trading. Legitimacy challenged Meanwhile, India has challenged the legitimacy of these tariffs at the World Trade Organization (WTO), arguing that they constitute safeguard measurestemporary restrictions allowed under WTO rules to protect domestic industries from import surges. In a notification to the WTO in May, India conveyed its intention to suspend concessions under the Safeguards Agreement in response to the US action. However, Washington rejected Indias position. In a communication circulated to WTO members on 23 May, Washington reiterated that the tariffs were imposed under Section 232 for national security reasons and not as safeguard measures under WTO provisions. Experts believe that WTO proceedings may not yield quick results. Indias legal pushback at the WTO is important to maintain multilateral discipline, but realistically, dispute resolution takes time and wont immediately help exporters," said Ajay Srivastava, a former Indian Trade Service official and co-founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). Queries sent to the commerce ministry remained unanswered at press time. As per the GTRI report, in FY2025, India exported $4.56 billion worth of iron, steel, and aluminium products to the US. This included $587.5 million in iron and steel, $3.1 billion in articles of iron or steel, and $860 million in aluminium and related articles. These products now face sharply higher tariffs, that could make it difficult for Indian exporters to remain competitive. PM Modi at BRICS Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives, was a blow not only to India but to humanity. At the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, PM Modi called for sanctions against terrorists and said that giving silent consent, supporting terror or terrorists, should not be acceptable. There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. For personal or political gain, giving silent consent, supporting terror or terrorists, should not be acceptable, he said. Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale. There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism, he added. What PM Modi said at the BRICS summit: Terrorism is among the most serious challenges facing humanity. Recently, India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. This was an attack on all of humanity. For global peace and prosperity, BRICS nations must adopt a clear and unified stance on overcoming terrorism. On a subject like terrorism, there is no room for double standards! If any country provides direct or indirect support to terrorism, it must pay the price for it. There must be absolutely no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. We cannot weigh victims of terrorism and its supporters on the same scale. Any silent support or approval to terrorism for personal or political interests must be unacceptable. India, being the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha believes that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, the path of peace is the best option for the welfare of humanity. And, India will do everything possible in this direction. The Global South has often been a victim of double standards and nations that make major contributions to the world economy are deprived of a seat at the decision-making table. Countries that have a major contribution to today's global economy have not been given a seat at the decision-making table. This is not just a question of representation, but also of credibility and effectiveness. PM Modi said the world today needs a new multipolar and inclusive order, and this has to begin with comprehensive reforms in global institutions. Reforms should not be merely symbolic, but their real impact should also be visible. There should be changes in governance structures, voting rights and leadership positions. The annual BRICS Summit began with a group photo of the leaders of the bloc's member nations followed by an address by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. In his remarks at the first plenary session, the prime minister rued the Global South has often received nothing but token gestures on issues like climate finance, sustainable development and technology access. "Countries that have a major contribution to today's global economy have not been given a seat at the decision-making table," he said. "This is not just a question of representation, but also of credibility and effectiveness," he added. Also Read | Sitharaman holds talks with Russian, Brazilian and Chinese counterparts at BRICS meet in Rio In the age of artificial intelligence, where technology is updated every week, it is not acceptable for a global institution to not be updated even once in 80 years. 21st century software cannot be run by 20th century typewriters. A "pitch-black wall of death" flooded central Texas early July 4th, killing at least 70 people after the Guadalupe River exploded 26 feet higher in just 45 minutes. The disaster hit hardest in Kerr County, where 59 died, including 21 children swept away from riverside summer camps. Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes as campers slept Rain poured down so fast that families sleeping in cabins and campers had no time to escape. One survivor described clinging to a tree for hours as water ripped through his grandmothers home: "I had to swim through the window just to survive" . The flooding smashed buildings, washed away roads, and trapped hundreds who needed helicopter rescues. Camp Mystic, a Christian girls camp, suffered the worst tragedy. Floodwaters drowned 16 young campers in cabins near the river, while 11 girls and one counselor remain missing three days later. Camp owner Richard "Dick" Eastland died trying to save children, according to witnesses. Heartbreaking stories emerged: 8-year-old Renee Smajstrlas family confirmed her death, saying she was "having the time of her life" at camp just hours earlier. Sisters Blair (13) and Brooke Harber (11) died while staying with their grandparents, who are still missing. Helicopters evacuated 750 campers, but many cabins were found filled with mud, mattresses tossed like toys. Rescuers are still searching flooded areas with drones, helicopters, and boats. Over 1,700 workers have saved 850 people since Friday some found clinging to trees or rooftops. But hope fades as the mission shifts from rescue to recovery. President Trump approved federal disaster aid for Kerr County after Governor Greg Abbott begged for help. Rain continues to hamper searches, with up to 10 more inches forecast . Volunteers from groups like World Central Kitchen are feeding families waiting for news at evacuation centers. "What these families are going through is pure hell," said Kentuckys governor, whose state faced similar floods in 2022. Officials admit no flood warning system existed as criticism grows Officials face anger over why no warnings came. Kerr County admitted it has no flood alert system, with Judge Rob Kelly stating: Nobody saw this coming. Though the National Weather Service issued flood watches, many residents got no phone alerts. Critics blame the Trump administration's cuts to weather agencies for outdated forecasts that underestimated the rain. Experts note climate change makes such disasters more likely, as warmer air holds more rain. EU and Japan scramble as Vietnam, UK win temporary relief Vietnam relatively got the best deal: Its exports to America face 20% tariffs (down from 46%), but "transshipped" Chinese goods will get hit with 40%. The UK kept its 10% rate but opened its markets to U.S. cars and aircraft. Meanwhile, Japan was called "spoiled" by Trump and may face 35% tariffs, higher than Aprils 24%. The EU is sweating over threatened 50% taxes on its cars and cheese. All weekend, EU leaders argued: Germany wants any deal to avoid disaster, while France refuses a bad deal. India might get last-minute mercy, but Trump grumbled, Letters are easier than talks. Canada escaped the letters, at least for now. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra promised a "real deal" by July 21, but warned Canada might still pay some tariffs. Thailand offered a last-minute deal: more U.S. farm sales and Boeing jet buys to avoid 36% tariffs. South Korea begged for extra time, even offering factory partnerships. White House adviser Kevin Hassett hinted some countries could get deadline extensions if theyre "close to a deal," but Trump snapped, "Not really" when asked about flexibility. The confusion is crushing businesses. "You cant plan costs when rules change weekly," said trade expert Clark Packard. The tariffs could make everything from electronics to groceries pricier for Americans. Though Trump claims "foreign countries pay," experts confirm U.S. importers foot the bill and pass costs to consumers. A 10% baseline tariff has already been in place since April, but jumps like Japans potential 35% would cause bigger price hikes. After US President Donald Trump's Big Beautiful Bill passed Congress, Tesla CEO and tech mogul Elon Musk took to X to state about formation of his new political venture called "America Party". This follows his idea which he teased a day prior, asking whether he should create it. To which, he received a yes answer from the poll he began as he thought Independence Day was the perfect time to ask if you want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system! Earlier, he floated the idea of bringing a third party to compete the Democrats and the Republicans in the US politics. Later, he said, By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it! Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom. All 5 questions on Musk's America Party answered After launching America Party, will Musk run for president in 2028 US election? No, Elon Musk can't run for president in 2028 US election as he is ineligible considering US Constitution (Article II, Section 1) which mandates candidates to be native-born citizens. The former Trump advisor and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief was born in South Africa, and in 2002, he received his US citizenship. I cannot be president because of my African birth," he confirmed in 2024. Is someone funding Musk's America Party? As the richest person worldwide, with an estimated net worth of $405.2 billion according to Forbes, Musk is expected to be the main financial backer of his new party. His political action committee, America PAC, which spent approximately $40.5 million supporting Trumps 2024 campaign, might be redirected to support the American Party, although no official funding details for 2025 have been disclosed, according to HT. Due to federal restrictions under the McCain-Feingold Act, which limit individual contributions to political parties to $450,000, Musk would need to bring in additional donors or rely on a super PAC to make unlimited independent expenditures. Are there any other leaders involved in America Party? Apart from Musk, no official leaders have been confirmed at this stage. However, speculation has emerged on social media suggesting that Representative Thomas Massie, who recently broke ranks with his party on the Big Beautiful Bill vote, could become involved in the Musk's new political initiative. One social media user, @WeKnow_1234, proposed Ron DeSantis as a potential leader, though there is no concrete evidence linking him to the effort. Meanwhile, Andrew Yang, co-founder of the Forward Party, has expressed a willingness to collaborate with Musk, pointing to their shared discontent with the current two-party system. Who will lead Musk's America Party? According to Trump's close ally Laura Loomer, Tucker Carlson, MTG and Thomas Massie" are expected to lead Musk's America Party. Elon Musk, an ex-ally of US President Donald Trump, announced the formation of a new political party, the America Party, to challenge the one-party system. As he made the declaration on X social media platform on Sunday (IST), the tech billionaire was asked whether his new political party will the contest the midterm US polls or the 2028 presidential election. He answered, Next year hinting at contesting the 2026 midterms. Musk is yet to announce the the mascot of the party. Why Musk announced new political party The world's richest person and Trump's biggest political donor in the 2024 election had a bitter falling out with the president over the One Big Beutiful Bill. Musk opposed the Bill, now an Act, saying it would explode the US debt, and vowed to do everything in his power to defeat lawmakers who voted for it. Now he has created the so-called America Party, his own political framework. "When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy," the Space X and Tesla boss posted on X on Sunday. He said, "Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom." The way were going to crack the uniparty system is by using a variant of how Epaminondas shattered the myth of Spartan invincibility at Leuctra: Extremely concentrated force at a precise location on the battlefield, Musk added. The survey Elon Musk cited a poll uploaded on Friday, US Independence Day in which he asked whether respondents "want independence from the two-party [some would say uniparty] system" that has dominated US politics for some two centuries. The yes-or-no survey earned more than 1.2 million responses. "By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!" he posted on X, a social media platform he owns. Also Read | Elon Musk praises Donald Trumps foreign policy amid feud over tax bill Musk also shared a meme depicting a two-headed snake and the caption "End the Uniparty." A young father died a hero after punching through a window to help his fiancee and two children escape rising floodwaters that tore through their trailer home before dawn on Friday in Gram, Texas. Julian Ryan, 27, bled to death after severing an artery in his arm during the desperate rescue attempt, family members said. Ryan, his fiancee Christinia Wilson, their 6-year-old and 13-month-old children, and Ryans mother were asleep when surging floodwaters from the Guadalupe River inundated their home around 4 a.m. It just started pouring in, and we had to fight the door to get it closed to make sure not too much got in, Wilson told KHOU. As water kept rising, Wilson placed their two children on a floating mattress. But when the bedroom door burst open, the family had no time to spare. Fatal injury in desperate escape In a bid to create an escape route, Ryan punched through a bedroom window shattering the glass and nearly severing his arm clean off, according to family members who spoke to KHOU. Tragically, despite Wilsons repeated 911 calls, no help reached them in time. Im sorry, Im not going to make it. I love yall, Ryan told his family as he bled out, Wilson recounted. Home destroyed, family saved The flash floodwaters eventually ripped the trailer in half, creating a gap for the rest of the family to flee to safety without Ryan. He was the best father, and was always such a happy person who was never above helping people, no matter what it cost, Wilson said. Ryans body was recovered hours later on Friday after the water receded in Kerr County, The New York Times reported. A hero remembered A GoFundMe page launched to support the family has raised over $25,000. It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the unexpected and tragic passing of our beloved Julian Ryan on July 4th, 2025, the family wrote in a statement posted on the fundraiser. Julian gave his life for his family, passing as a true hero. While we are eternally grateful for his sacrifice, we are shattered by our loss. His sudden departure has left an unfillable void in all our lives. He was known to have an infectious laugh and unwavering kindness, the family added. He touched countless lives with his humor and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Israel will send mediators on Sunday to restart talks with Hamas, after the militant group said it was ready to immediately negotiate a proposal by US President Donald Trump for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said unspecified changes sought by Hamas were unacceptable to Israel, it added in a statement that an Israeli delegation would go to Doha for close talks and to continue negotiations. Hamas has representatives in Qatars capital, though the two sides dont negotiate directly. The Trump proposal, which Netanyahu has accepted, will be one of the major topics during his visit to Washington where he will meet with the US president on Monday. Talks toward ending the war that began in October 2023 have been suspended since the spring. A deal on the framework would see Hamas return half of the 50 hostages it still holds and pursue mediated talks with Israel to end the war. About 20 hostages are believed to be alive, and the deal under discussion would return 10 living and 18 dead hostages within those 60 days. The Hamas movement has completed its internal consultations and discussions with Palestinian factions and forces regarding the latest proposal put forward by the mediators, Hamas said in a statement late Friday, adding that it viewed the proposal in a positive spirit. An agreement would pause, if not end, a war between Iran-backed Hamas and Israel that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, devastated Gaza and destabilized the wider Middle East. Trump said Friday that there could be a Gaza deal next week, and he was very optimistic but it changes day to day. An Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Hamass response to the current proposal seeks changes in three key areas, including redeployment of Israeli troops in Gaza and control over humanitarian aid. The official said Hamass requested changes were substantial and troubling and wouldnt be easy to overcome. Whats needed, the official said, is US pressure on Qatar to get Hamas to back down. While Netanyahus government weeks ago agreed to the US proposal, Washington and the other main mediators Qatar and Egypt couldnt get the sides to overcome key sticking points. Hamas had said any ceasefire must end the war and also refused Israels demands to disarm and remove itself from power in Gaza. Israel has intensified military operations even as it agreed to talks. The army ordered tens of thousands of people to leave the outskirts of Gaza City since Tuesday and stepped up air strikes and incursions in the northern city, leading to an increase in the number of fatalities. On Saturday, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an organization backed by Israel and the US that is trying to take over aid distribution in Gaza to keep it out of the hands of Hamas, said grenades were thrown at those distributing aid, injuring two Americans. The two are in stable condition. It was part of an ongoing struggle to control aid, which is seen as key to power and influence in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands are without sanitation or a steady source of food. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- More than 50 people have died and dozens of children are missing in Texas Hill Country after catastrophic flooding, leaving officials struggling to explain if they had done enough to warn people of the fast-rising waters. At least 27 campers from Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, remain unaccounted for, officials said at a briefing. They said they are maintaining that number even as more bodies were discovered. Of the dead in Kerr County, 28 were adults and 15 were children. At least eight others have died in nearby counties. Authorities are warning the casualty count will climb as more rain is forecast, increasing the risk of further flash floods in the coming days. Officials declined to give a figure for the total number of people missing, in part because so many visitors came to the area to camp during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The flood took Texas officials by surprise. Thunderstorms, combined with the remnants of short-lived Tropical Storm Barry, produced much more rain than had been forecast. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States. And we deal with floods on a regular basis, Kerr County Judge Robert Kelly told reporters. We had no reason to believe that this was going to be anything like whats happened here. None whatsoever. The Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said at a briefing Friday. The National Weather Service had predicted only three to six inches of rain in the area. Governor Greg Abbott expressed gratitude to the first responders who had poured into the area, and said the search for survivors continues. At a press conference earlier on Saturday, Abbott, flanked by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, thanked the federal government for providing assistance. Abbott later said in a post on X that he visited Camp Mystic on Saturday. Mystic is one of several youth camps in the Hill Country that cater to middle- and upper-class families from Dallas, Houston and Austin who send kids for month-long getaways at places like Camp Longhorn and Camp Waldemar. Authorities were able to confirm that no other camps have missing children. When the unexpected deluge hit Friday, there were about 750 children at Camp Mystic, which is about 85 miles (137 kilometers) northwest of San Antonio. The Hill Country sprawls across all or part of more than 20 counties in central Texas, with booming Austin and San Antonio on the regions eastern fringe driving a transformation from ranchland to suburbia. The camp and the river running beside it, were horrendously ravaged in ways unlike Ive seen in any natural disaster, Abbott wrote. The height the rushing water reached to the top of cabins was shocking. We wont stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins. President Donald Trump said in a social media post that federal officials are working with state and local counterparts. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best, Trump wrote. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS! The National Weather Service warned of more extreme rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding in parts of the region, issuing flood watches and warnings in central Texas, including parts of Austin and San Antonio. The service also reported numerous water rescues. Climate change has driven more extreme rainfall around the world. A warmer atmosphere can hold more water, upping the odds of deluges like the one that struck Texas. Scientists havent yet examined these floods for the fingerprints of climate change. A rapid analysis by Colorado State University climatologist Russ Schumacher shows the six-hour rainfall totals made this a 1,000-year event that is, it had less than a 0.1% chance of occurring in any given year. Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said weather predictions underestimated the severity of the storms. The amount of rain that fell in this specific location was never in any of the forecasts, Kidd said. The weather service is heartbroken by the tragic loss of life in Kerr County, according to an emailed statement late Saturday that included a timeline of its flood-hazard outlook and warnings. Noem said federal officials will look at whether more warning could have been provided. For decades, for years, everybody knows that the weather is extremely difficult to predict, but also that the National Weather Service, over the years, at times, has done well, and at times we have all wanted more time and more warning and more alerts and more notification, she said. Officials have rescued around 850 people, and are using helicopters, boats and drones to search for others in need of assistance, Abbott said. Many roads were washed out, limiting access to some areas. At Camp Mystic, aging bunks with names of former campers carved in the rafters sat on a slope near the river. Some were washed away by the surging waters. Its website was overloaded with visitors Saturday, according to an error message. Photos said to be of missing children spread on social media, but officials declined to release names of any of the missing. President Lyndon Johnsons daughters spent several summers at Mystic among the live oak trees and cedar brush, and former first lady Laura Bush was a Mystic counselor in college, according to Texas Monthly. Posts on a Facebook page called Kerrville Breaking News were filled with photos of people and pets said to be missing. One woman said she was trying to locate a 19-year-old counselor at Mystic. People need to know today will be a hard day, said Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring. --With assistance from Yi Wei Wong, Susanne Barton, Brian K. Sullivan and Adam Majendie. (Updates death toll from first paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates (left) and his former assistant and successor as CEO, Steve Ballmer, pictured in 1998. Getty Images / Staff Bloomberg recalculated Bill Gates' net worth on Thursday to reflect recent philanthropic giving. The change lowered his net worth by 30%, sending him seven places down Bloomberg's rich list. Gates now sits in 12th place, behind his former assistant, Steve Ballmer, in fifth. Bill Gates lost about $52 billion or 30% of his wealth on Thursday. But don't feel bad his net worth was simply recalculated to reflect the Microsoft cofounder's charitable giving. The recalculation shrank Gates' fortune from over $175 billion to $124 billion, sending him from fifth place to 12th on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. His former assistant and successor as Microsoft's CEO, Steve Ballmer, replaced him in the fifth spot with a $172 billion net worth as of Thursday's close. Gates also trails Alphabet cofounders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and longtime friend and Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett in the rankings. Bloomberg says that it lowered the appreciation rates used in calculating his wealth to "better reflect Gates' outside charitable giving and the wealth estimate" that Gates provided in a blog post in May. In that blog, Gates pegged his fortune at $108 billion and pledged to give away virtually all his money through the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years. He estimated the organization would spend more than $200 billion before closing at the end of 2045. According to the Gates Foundation website, Gates and his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, have gifted a total of $60 billion to the organization as of December's close, and Buffett has donated $43 billion. Gates owns around 1% of Microsoft and has received upward of $60 billion in stocks and dividends from the company, according to his Bloomberg page. Most of his fortune is now housed within Cascade Investment, a holding company that invests in assets from real estate and energy to private and public companies. Ballmer's loyalty paid off It's striking that Ballmer is now richer than Gates, given that employees are usually worth much less than successful founders. He's an exception in part because, when he joined Microsoft in 1980 as an assistant to the president, he agreed to a $50,000 base salary plus 10% of the profit growth he generated, but his compensation became so high that the company offered a sizable equity stake instead. Ballmer succeeded Gates as CEO in 2000 and stepped down in 2014 with a 4% stake in Microsoft. He now owns the Los Angeles Clippers. Microsoft stock has soared more than 10-fold over the past decade to nearly $500 a share, making it the world's second-most valuable company, after Nvidia, with a $3.7 trillion market cap. After deadly flash floods swept through central Texas early Friday morning, at least 43 people have died and dozens of children unaccounted for from Camp Mystic, a summer camp located by the river, while the search operation continues. Texas floods: Key points so far According to officials, the death toll could surge considering prediction for heavy downpour, flash floods in next few days, Bloomberg reported. 2. Nearly 27 campers are missing from Camp Mystic, along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. 3. Over 850 people had been rescued, comprising some who were holding onto trees, after an abrupt storm dumped up to 15 inches of rain in an area near the Guadalupe River, about 85 miles (137 km) northwest of San Antonio. 3. Governor Greg Abbott said, "My instruction to every state agency involved in this is to assume everybody who is missing is alive, and theres a need for speed. Every minute counts. 4. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!" US President Donald Trump said. Also Read | Texas flooding: Images surface of rescued Camp Mystic girls as search continues 5. Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp with nearly a century of history, had 700 girls in residence during the flood, according to Patrick. Another camp for girls, Heart O' the Hills, stated on its website that co-owner Jane Ragsdale died in the flood, but no campers were present at the time, as it occurred between sessions. 6. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice mentioned he was jogging along the river early in the morning and didn't see any such issue at 4 a.m. Around 5:20 a.m., the water level had increased significantly, and we almost weren't able to get out of the park, he stated. 7. Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Department of Emergency Management, said that air, ground, and water-based teams were searching along the entire length of the Guadalupe River for survivors and victims. He said, We will continue the search until all those who are missing are found, according to AFP. 8. Photos and videos captured before the flood depict a peaceful scene, with large cabins bearing green-shingled roofs and names like Wiggle Inn", set among sturdy oak and cypress trees lining the banks of the Guadalupe River. 9. In various social media posts, girls can be seen fishing, horseback riding, playing kickball, or performing choreographed dance routines in matching T-shirts. Girls aged 8 to 17 pose for the camera with broad smiles, their arms draped around the shoulders of their fellow campers. 10. Dozens of families shared on local Facebook groups that they received distressing phone calls from safety officials, informing them that their daughters had yet to be found among the flood-damaged camp cabins and fallen trees. Camp Mystic emailed the parents of about 750 campers, assuring them that if they have not been contacted directly, their child has been confirmed safe, AP reported. New Delhi: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reaffirmed Indias commitment to advancing Global South priorities, deepening strategic ties, and fostering greater cooperation within the Brics grouping. Sitharaman held bilateral discussions with her Brazilian and Russian counterparts on the sidelines of the Brics finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Rio de Janeiro, the ministry of finance said in a post on X on Sunday. In her meeting with Fernando Haddad, minister of finance of Brazil, Sitharaman endorsed Brazils leadership during its Brics chairship and reiterated Indias support for the groups expansion and efforts toward a multipolar global order, according to the post. The two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest, including, South-South cooperation, amplifying the voice of the Global South, #COP30 and climate finance issues, and engagement in regional and global forums such as the United Nations, G20, BRICS, WTO (World Trade Organization) and IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa Dialogue Forum), it added. India supports the agenda and priorities set by Brazil, and hopes to carry forward the outcome-oriented cooperation when India takes over the chairship in January 2026, said the Indian finance minister on X. India and Brazil, as strategic partners, share warm and cordial ties spanning multiple sectors, and are cooperating closely to further strengthen the strategic partnership, Sitharaman said. Sitharaman also met Russian finance minister Anton Siluanov. The two leaders discussed India-Russia's long-standing partnership and Sitharman also expressed gratitude for the support extended by Russian President Vladimir Putin after the Pahalgam terror attack, the finance ministry said. The Union Finance Minister observed that India and Russia enjoy exemplary levels of mutual trust and understanding and our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership remains resilient and steadfast, it added. Meanwhile, Sitharaman also congratulated Russia for its successful chairship of the Brics in 2024. India will continue to leverage the Brics platform to build South-South cooperation in areas of common interest, she said. The two sides also discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, including cooperation in the financial sector, along with matters related to NDB, the finance ministry 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. GAIL copies Ambanis playbook as naphtha era ends Indias state-run GAIL is also trying to replicate Ambanis tactics to stay ahead in the race. It just sought 20-year contracts for US ethane tankers after government policies slashed its natural gas supply, hurting profits. Like Reliance, GAIL will pipe ethane to its chemical plants to replace naphtha. The shift is urgent: Ethane costs half as much as naphtha and produces more plastic per tonne. Even Qatar now charges extra for ethane in gas sold to India, forcing firms like GAIL to seek US alternatives. Analysts call this a permanent shift as shale gas floods global markets. Trumps trade wars make Ambanis move timely. China once bought most US ethane, but Trumps tariffs and decoupling push have stalled deals. India now grabs this surplus, though it cant match Chinas scale. Meanwhile, Apples plan to make iPhones in India faces Trumps wrath over massive tariffs, showing New Delhis precarious position. By boosting US energy purchases, India hopes to avoid auto and textile tariffs. Reliances pipeline network and new ships strengthen its role as a pressure valve in US-India trade talks. The Ambani-Trump connection runs deep. Ivanka attended Ambanis sons $600 million wedding, while Trump hosted the family at his pre-inauguration gala. Now, their interests align commercially: Trump needs foreign buyers for US shale gas, while Ambani seeks cheap raw materials. At least 19 people were reportedly died after an old residential building collapsed in Karachi district of Pakistan on Saturday. The five-storey building in the Baghdadi area of Lyari collapsed on Friday. Rescue efforts are underway with teams fearing the casualties could rise further as they clear the debris. According to authorities, an adjacent building was also damaged in the collapse. Deputy Commissioner-South Javed Leghari said that the rescue teams had recovered 19 bodies so far while six injured were being treated in hospital, according to news agency PTI. Unfortunately, rescue teams who have been working since yesterday afternoon fear there are more bodies under the debris and rubble of the building and the casualties will increase, he added. The rescue officials reported that nine individuals, including five women, have been rescued in injured condition and are being treated, as per ARY News. Lyari is Karachi's one of the most congested low-lying and low income areas. The old structure was on the list of dilapidated buildings in the old Karachi. There were 22 old buildings out of which 16 had been vacated by the authorities but six still remained occupied by residents who didn't want to leave, Leghari said. Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, who visited the site after the lapse of 13 hours, said that the primary responsibility for the recent tragedy lies with those residing in unsafe buildings. He said that the Sindh Building Control Authority had previously issued notices regarding the collapsed structure. He urged residents to prioritize the safety of themselves and their families, emphasizing that forcibly evicting people from their homes is an undesirable task, and the administration has no intention of doing so. Earlier this week, 22 people had been rescued from an old building in the Soldier Bazar area when a portion of it collapsed leaving residents trapped on the upper floor. The artificial intelligence (AI) news flow does not stop, and its becoming increasingly obscure and pompous. Chinas MiniMax just spiked efficiency and context length, but we are not gasping. Elon Musk says Grok will redefine human knowledge," but is that a new algorithm or just hot air? Andrej Karpathys Software 3.0" sounds clever but lacks real-world bite. Mira Murati bet $2 billion on custom models," a term so vague it could mean anything. And only by testing Kimi AIs Researcher" did we get why its slick and different. Technology now sprints past our words. As machines get smarter, our language lags. Buzzwords, recycled slogans and podcast quips fill the air but clarify nothing. This isnt just messy, its dangerous. Investors chase vague terms, policymakers regulate without definitions and the public confuses breakthroughs with sci-fi. Also Read: An AI gadget mightier than the sword? Were in a tech revolution with a vocabulary stuck in the dial-up days. We face a generational shift in technology without a stable vocabulary to navigate it. This language gap is not a side issue. It is a core challenge that requires a new discipline: a fierce scepticism of hype and a deep commitment to the details. The instinct to simplify is a trap. Once, a few minutes was enough to explain breakthrough apps like Google or Uber. Now, innovations in robotics or custom silicon resist such compression. Understanding OpenAIs strategy or Nvidias product stack requires time, not sound-bites. We must treat superficial simplicity as a warning sign. Hot areas like AI agents or reasoning layers lack shared standards or benchmarks. Everyone wants to sell a reasoning model, but no one agrees on what that means or how to measure it. Most corporate announcements are too polished to interrogate and their press releases are not proof of defensible innovation. Extraordinary claims need demos, user numbers and real-world metrics. When the answers are fuzzy, the claim is unproven. In todays landscape, scepticism is not cynicism. It is discipline. This means we must get comfortable with complexity. Rather than glossing over acronyms, we must dig in. Modern tech is layered with convenient abstractions that make understanding easier, but often too easy. A robo-taxi marketed as full self-driving or a model labelled serverless demands that we look beneath the surface. Also Read: Productivity puzzle: Solows paradox has come to haunt AI adoption We dont need to reinvent every wheel, but a good slogan should never be an excuse for missing what is critical. The only way to understand some tools is to use them. A new AI research assistant, for instance, only feels distinct after you use it, not when you read a review of what it can or cannot accomplish. In this environment, looking to the past or gazing towards the distant future is a fools errand. History proves everything and nothing. You can cherry-pick the dot-com bust or the advent of electricity to support any view. Its better to study what just happened than to force-fit it into a chart of inevitability. The experience of the past two years has shattered most comfortable assumptions about AI, compute and software design. The infographics about AI diffusion or compute intensity that go viral on the internet often come from people who study history more than they study the present. Its easier to quote a business guru than to parse a new AI framework, but we must do the hard thing: analyse present developments with an open mind even when the vocabulary doesnt yet exist. Also Read: Colleagues or overlords? The debate over AI bots has been raging but neednt The new Nostradami of artificial intelligence: This brings us to the new cottage industry of AI soothsaying. Over the past two years, a fresh crop of laws has strutted across conference stages and op-eds, each presented as the long-awaited Rosetta Stone of AI. Were told to obey Scaling Law (just add more data), respect Chinchilla Law (actually, add exactly 20 times more tokens) and reflect on the reanimated Solow Paradox (productivity still yawns, therefore chatbots are overrated). When forecasts miss the mark, pundits invoke Goodharts Law (metrics have stopped mattering) or Amaras Law (overhype now, under-hype later). The Bitter Lesson tells us to buy GPUs (graphic processing units), not PhDs. Cunninghams Law says wrong answers attract better ones. Our favourite was when the Victorian-era Jevons Paradox was invoked to argue that a recent breakthrough wouldnt collapse GPU demand. Were not immune to this temptation and have our own Super-Moore Law; it has yet to go viral. Also Read: AI as infrastructure: India must develop the right tech These laws and catchphrases obscure more than they reveal. The AI of today bears little resemblance to what the phrase meant in the 1950s or even late 2022. The term transformer," the architecture that kicked off the modern AI boom, is a prime example. Its original 2017 equation exists now only in outline. The working internals of todays modelswith flash attention, rotary embeddings and mixture-of-experts gatinghave reshaped the original methods so thoroughly that the resulting equations resemble the original less than general relativity resembles Newtons laws. This linguistic mismatch will only worsen as robotics grafts cognition onto actuators and genomics borrows AI architecture for DNA editing. Our vocabulary, built for a slower era, struggles to keep up. Also Read: Rahul Matthan: AI models arent copycats but learners just like us Beneath the noise, a paradox remains: staying genuinely current is both exceedingly difficult and easier than ever. Its difficult because terminology changes weekly and breakthroughs appear on preprint servers, not in peer-reviewed journals. However, its easier because we now have AI tools that can process vast amounts of information, summarize dense research and identify core insights with remarkable precision. Used well, these technologies can become the most effective way to understand technology itself. And thats how sensible investment in innovation begins: with a genuine grasp of whats being invested in. The author is a Singapore-based innovation investor for GenInnov Pte Ltd Indias trade policy is undergoing a significant transformation. Free trade agreements (FTAs) are increasingly being leveraged as a tool to boost exports, attract foreign investment and improve industrial competitiveness. For decades, India had approached FTAs with caution. However, the new approach is characterized by economic complementarity, strategic alignment, reciprocity and far-sighted discourse. Old FTAs, uneven gains: Indias early FTAs with Asean, Japan and South Korea have not yielded the desired outcomes. Instead, the trade deficit with these countries has widened significantly. While the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) of 2009 helped expand trade volumes, it also widened our trade deficit with Asean from $6 billion in 2009 to over $45 billion by 2022 (its now at $38 billion). Our experience has been similar with Korea and Japan; imports surged while exports stagnated, particularly in sectors where India had held a comparative advantage, like garments, pharma, etc. These early agreements had several structural and design issues. Also Read: The India-UK free trade deal is a game-changer for bilateral trade relations First, tariff concessions were asymmetrical (especially under the AITIGA), with India offering more liberal market access to all Asean countries, while Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand opened up their markets through far fewer tariff lines than India did. Second, non-tariff barriers such as complex certification procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations and technical standards have impacted Indias exports. Japans SPS measures are particularly stringent, making it extremely challenging for Indian exporters of farm produce and other food items. Third, the agreements struck earlier primarily covered goods. Most of those FTAs have limited provisions for services or professional mobility, areas where India is competitive. Earlier FTAs also did not include strong safeguard or review clauses either, leaving little recourse for industries impacted by import surges or trade diversion. Also Read: Export thrust: India should move goods like a horse to trade like a tiger Our new playbook: Indias recently signed FTAs with the UAE, Australia and the UK offer a new playbook. Take the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Since it was signed in 2022, Indias exports to the UAE have grown at an average annual rate of over 14%. This is also among Indias first modern FTAs. It has chapters on digital trade and e-commerce. The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has also yielded positive outcomes, with a much higher 77% utilization rate by Indian exporters within a year of signing the pact. Its success has encouraged the two countries to negotiate a CECA. The positive outcomes of these new deals are not accidental. They are the result of a strategic approach formulated with lessons learnt from the past. First, India is choosing its partners more judiciously, focusing on developed markets like the UK, EU and US which have complementary interests and offer meaningful market access for Indias goods and service exports. Second, agreements are now broader in scope. They go beyond goods to include investment, intellectual property, digital trade and skilled labour mobility. In the India-UK negotiations, for instance, India secured Londons liberalization of professional-mobility rules and will enter into mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) on qualifications for various professional services. Both sides also agreed on a convention to prevent double contributions that exempts Indians on short stints in the UK from making social security payments there. Third, trade agreements are being integrated with Indias domestic policy agenda, with efforts to deploy tariffs and other tools in support of Make in India and various production-linked incentive schemes, even as investments are encouraged that would help Indian manufacturing assimilate into global value chains. Indias Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Free Trade Association is a case in point. Fourth, India is looking to build trade resilience. New Delhi is negotiating deals with Chile and Peru to establish long-term resource partnerships, given their huge reserves of critical minerals such as copper and lithium, which are essential for various elements of Indias clean-energy transition. Crucially, lessons from the past have ensured that negotiated rules of origin are effective, while safeguard mechanisms and review clauses are well integrated. Also Read: India should hold its ground in trade negotiations with the EU On the horizon: India must ensure no repeat of past mistakes in its trade deals. Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) could pose a challenge, particularly in developed markets with high standards. Ficci recommends including the negotiation of MRAs on testing, certification and inspection to tackle NTBs in future agreements. Further, all pacts must include periodic review clauses and safeguard triggers. For instance, an auto-trigger mechanismwhich ups tariffs automatically once imports exceed a certain thresholdcould be considered. A similar clause is in place under the India-Mauritius deal. Finally, India must use and embed data more systematically into agreements, not just at the negotiation stage, but well into implementation too. The author is president, FICCI. Gujarat AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava has been arrested on charges of attempted murder after he allegedly attacked a taluka panchayat functionary at Dediapada in Narmada district. According to the police, Vasava was attending a meeting at the Prant office in his constituency, Dediapada, on Saturday, when he got agitated after raising an objection over his nominee not being considered for appointment as a member of the Aapno Taluko Vibrant Taluko (ATVT), a local-level coordination committee. According to the FIR registered at Dediapada police station, Vasava allegedly started abusing the woman president of Sagbara taluka panchayat. The MLA was arrested late Saturday night. Here's what happened: When Dediapda taluka panchayat president Sanjay Vasava, who was part of the meeting, objected to Chaitar Vasava's nomination, the MLA allegedly attacked him by hurling a mobile phone at him, causing injuries to his head, according to the complaint. The legislator also tried to attack the complainant with a glass but was prevented from doing so by police personnel present there, the FIR said. However, as the glass broke, the MLA picked up the glass shards and approached towards Sanjay Vasava and threatened to kill him. The complainant somehow managed to escape, it said. The MLA damaged a chair kept in the office, the complaint alleged. Chaitar Vasava booked for attempt to murder, criminal intimidation and more The FIR against Chaitar Vasava was registered at Dediapada police station under the following sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: 109 (attempt to murder) 79 (insulting the modesty of a woman through words, gestures) 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt) 351 (3) (criminal intimidation) 352 (intentional insult) 324 (3) (damage to property) Also Read | Why is Arvind Kejriwal visiting Gujarat for three days? Meanwhile, as tension escalated in Dediapada following Chaitar Vasava's arrest, the local administration imposed restrictions on the gathering of more than four persons at one place in the area, to maintain law and order. BJP is furious: Kejriwal Aam Aadmi Party's national convener Arvind Kejriwal claimed the MLA was arrested because the BJP was furious after losing to AAP in Visavadar. He referred to the recent by-poll in which his party candidate Gopal Italia won. BRICS leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday are posied to condemn US President Donald Trump's "indiscriminate" trade tariffs, saying they are illegal and risk hurting the global economy. According to reports, the world leaders are poised to adopt a position at odds with Trump on trade tariffs, conflict in the Middle East and global arms spending, even as they shy away from any direct challenge to the US. Since coming to office in January, Trump has threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive duties. Also Read | Sitharaman holds talks with Russian, Brazilian and Chinese counterparts at BRICS meet in Rio In a draft statement prepared for their meeting in Brazil starting Sunday, BRICS leaders agreed to voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules, according to a version of the final text as cited by Bloomberg. Besides, the leaders agreed to condemn the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law, specifically economic sanctions, the text states. The final wording of the concluding communique could still be amended by leaders gathering for talks on Sunday and Monday. The draft summit declaration does not mention the United States or its president by name. However, emerging-market nations are clearly referring to the US in the wake of the presidents tariffs imposed on countries worldwide. But it is a clear political shot directed at Washington from 11 emerging nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, news agency AFP reported. 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 call out Trump or the US by name reflects divisions within the bloc, with some closer to Washington than others, and members such as India wary that BRICS could become a vehicle for its largest member economy, China. Members are still unable to identify a common position regarding representation on the UN Security Council. 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 multiple aspects of policy. That includes underscoring the role of the World Health Organization as essential to effectively address current and future public health challenges while Trump notified the WHO of the US intention to withdraw in January. It extends to aspects of policy regarding the Middle East, with leaders agreeing to condemn military strikes against BRICS member Iran since June 13, when Israel began its attacks, culminating in US airstrikes on June 22. These strikes constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, according to the draft BRICS statement, in which leaders express grave concern over the subsequent escalation of the security situation in the Middle East. Thats a contradiction of Trumps assertion that US strikes were a spectacular military success that brought an end to a war that could have gone on for years and destroyed the Middle East. Grave Concern The BRICS leaders further express grave concern about the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, citing the resumption of Israeli attacks and the obstruction of the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. They condemn violations of international human rights law, according to the draft, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare a reference to allegations leveled at Israel of withholding humanitarian aid, charges which it rejects. They agreed to call for the full withdraw of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip under a permanent and unconditional ceasefire, as well as the release of all hostages, while expressing their opposition to the forced displacement of any of the Palestinian population from their territory. That language if it 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 additionally express alarm at the current trend of a critical increase in global military spending, according to the draft. Thats another clash with Trumps demand that NATO countries raise defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product, a request that was met at last months summit of alliance members in The Hague with a particular focus on facing down aggression by Russia, a founding BRICS member. BRICS leaders are also set 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 welcomes a further 10 nations as partner countries, including Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Vietnam and Thailand. Also Read | BRICS bank NDB admits Algeria as new member Amid reports of Siddaramaiah being appointed as chairman of the All India Congress Committee's (AICC) Other Backward Classes (OBC) Advisory Council, the Karnataka Chief Minister on Sunday refuted any claims and said he is yet to receive official confirmation about his appointment. The Congress leader also said if orders are given to him by the party's high command, he would readily accept the responsibility. In a post on social media platform X, Siddaramaiah said: I have been appointed as a member of the AICC Backward Classes Advisory Committee. The media has misinterpreted this and reported that I have been appointed as the chairman of the committee. This is incorrect information. "The Advisory Committee meeting will be held under the chairmanship of Dr. Anil Jaihind, the president of the AICC Backward Classes Department, on July 15 at the Bharat Jodo Bhavan, KPCC office in Bengaluru. I am hosting this meeting, which will be attended by 50 people, including former chief ministers of the Congress Party from various states, current and former MPs, and MLAs," he added. Siddaramaiah to hold talks with party high command During an interaction with the media in Hubballi, the Karnataka CM said he is going to hold talks with the party's high command regarding his responsibility in the committee. "I will talk to the High Command today. They said to hold a meeting in Karnataka. I will hold a meeting. I don't know why I was made the Chairman. They have announced. Will you run away if given responsibility?" he said. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that Karnataka will have a change in the CM's face, with state Assembly's Leader of Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka claiming that Siddaramaiah will be leaving for Delhi, leaving the CM's chair vacant. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan said on Sunday that several MPs and MLAs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) were in touch with him and that people do not trust Uddhav Thackeray's leadership. Even today, several MLAs and MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray group are in contact with me, Mahajan claimed while talking to reporters in Solapur on Sunday. If you dont believe me, you will witness this for yourself very soon, he was quoted by new agency PTI as saying. Mahajan reportedly alleged that Thackeray was a "palatibahaddar (one who makes a u-turn) and his conduct was immature amid the controversy over the implementation of the three-language policy in the state. He further claimed that Uddhav Thackeray digressed from his father (Shiv Sena founder) Bal Thackerays ideology in his desire to become Maharashtra's chief minister (in 2019) and ruined his political future. Girish Mahajan's comments came a day after Uddhav Thackeray and his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray, who heads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), shared the stage at a rally in Mumbai for the first time in nearly two decades. The event was held after the BJP-led ruling Mahayuti government in Maharashtra withdrew two Government Resolutions (GRs) that introduced Hindi as a third language from Class 1 to Class 5 in state schools. Palatibahaddar Last month, while announcing the withdrawal of the two GRs, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis alleged that as the then chief minister, Uddhav Thackeray had accepted the recommendations of the Dr Raghunath Mashelkar committee to introduce a three-language policy from Class 1 to 12 and set up a committee on the policy implementation. Uddhav Thackeray later dismissed the claim, saying he had appointed a study group on Mashelkar panel suggestions, but the group did not hold even a single meeting. Referring to the issue, Mahajan said, It was Uddhav Thackerays own government that approved the decision to implement Hindi. The cabinet passed the resolution and the file had his signature. Now he is opposing the very decision he once supported. This is a clear U-turn. Calling Uddhav Thackeray a palatibahaddar, Mahajan claimed his conduct was immature. He has changed his stance only to oppose the present government. The results of the upcoming zilla parishad, panchayat samiti and municipal elections will show how much public trust each leader holds, he said. Mahajan also accused Uddhav Thackeray of abandoning his father Bal Thackerays ideology. He sidelined Balasahebs Hindutva to join hands with Sharad Pawars NCP and the Congress (after the 2019 state assembly polls). In his desire to become chief minister, he has ruined his own political future, the BJP leader was quote dby PTI as saying. Now, let's consider one of Platt's recent moves. In the first quarter, the billionaire bought shares of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEMKT: SPY), an exchange-traded fund that tracks the performance of the S&P 500 index. This is a new holding for Platt, and he bought 117,163 shares, for a position that represented 2.8% of his portfolio, based on the 13F form he most recently submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Managers of more than $100 million in U.S. securities must file those forms on a quarterly basis. Platt has been known to anticipate market shifts and effectively take action. For example, in 2007, concerned about a potential market crash, he sold BlueCrest's bank shares -- a move that was key to the firm successfully navigating the financial crisis. He also invests across asset classes, and this diversification has helped him minimize risk and maximize profit over the long term. First, though, a quick note on Platt, who oversees $86 billion in assets at BlueCrest and is the U.K.'s wealthiest hedge fund manager. He co-founded the firm back in 2000, and it has operated as a private partnership -- taking no money from outside investors -- for almost a decade. The fund has been very successful, last year recording a 38% gain after delivering a 20% return in the previous year, according to press reports. But, in some cases, billionaires do have similar ideas, and this brings me to the subject of Michael Platt and Warren Buffett. Recently, Platt -- the managing director of giant European hedge fund BlueCrest Capital Management -- made an investment move that the "Oracle of Omaha," as Buffett is often called, would applaud. This particular investment is one Buffett himself has held in the recent past -- and one he recommends to every investor. Both decisions could be winning ones: Druckenmiller locked in his gains on a position he had held for a while; Coleman is positioning himself to potentially benefit from Nvidia's next wave of growth. So, investors don't have to take the exact same path to win in investing. Billionaire investors have proven their talents over the years by producing big returns for clients and for themselves. They don't all make the same moves at the same times, though -- and sometimes they pivot in completely opposite directions. For example, in the past year, Stanley Druckenmiller of the Duquesne Family Office sold all of his Nvidia shares -- but in the first quarter of 2025, Chase Coleman of Tiger Global Management added to his Nvidia position. This top investor's latest move could be seen as a vote of confidence in American companies. Story continues Buffett's thoughts on S&P 500 investing So, what does Buffett have to say about such an investment? The billionaire has held this ETF in his portfolio in the past, and has even said that he has requested that, upon his death, the trustee of his estate should put most of the cash he leaves to his wife into just such an ETF. Buffett likes S&P 500 ETFs because they allow investors to easily bet on the best U.S. companies as a class -- and he's a big believer in their ability to deliver great returns over time. "American business has done wonderfully over time and will continue to do so (though, most assuredly, in unpredictable fits and starts)," Buffett once wrote in a letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. The SPDR S&P 500 fund is the perfect way to benefit from the growth of American companies because it mimics the index's composition -- and the index includes the top American companies of the moment. I say "of the moment" because the index adjusts its components quarterly, adding and removing members as companies that are driving the economy rise into the ranks of the nation's largest and others drift out. The fund then makes the same moves in its holdings in order to properly track the benchmark index's performance. An easy investment So, with one simple purchase, Platt -- and other investors in this ETF -- gain exposure to America's finest businesses, and investors don't have to make any adjustments over time. Thanks to the index's regular moves, investors know they'll always have stakes in the most compelling companies of the moment. Platt's purchase of the SPDR S&P 500 fund in the first quarter suggests he expects more gains for the broad market, and considering his solid track record of predicting market trends, there's reason to be confident about that. We could view this as a vote of confidence in American companies. Even better, though, no matter what direction the index takes in the short term, over the long term, it has always advanced. Despite the fact that it has down periods on a regular basis, it has delivered an average annual return of 10%. That means this Buffett-approved investment isn't only a potential winner for Platt -- but it could be a winner for you too, if you buy and hold on for the long haul. Should you invest $1,000 in SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust right now? Before you buy stock in SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $699,558!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $976,677!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,060% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 180% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 30, 2025 Adria Cimino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Berkshire Hathaway and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Billionaire Michael Platt Just Made a Move that Would Please Warren Buffett was originally published by The Motley Fool Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. A proposed paid parking charge rise to help fund the Longford Municipal District Footpath Programme in addition to other future upgrade programmes is set to proceed. The elected representatives were informed that Longford, when compared to Mullingar, Athlone and other places, had the most generous parking regime. All-day parking in the town will rise from 2 to 3 and there will be parking permits for carers and free parking for residents over 65. READ NEXT: Longford court hears hunting is passion of man found with unauthorised firearm The increased parking charges will provide certainty in relation to long-term funding and the cost to upgrade the meters is 89,000 for ten meters. Cllr Martin Monaghan was critical of the charge increase. As a small retailer, this will have a detrimental effect on retailers. We need more time. 300 per year is a lot for those on minimum wage. Im not in favour of the charges. Cllr Kevin Hussey shared the reaction. I couldnt put my name to that. This increase is a lot of money. READ NEXT: Urgent review of water power and capacity needs to be carried out in Ballymahon Cllr Seamus Butler commented: We need to look at security and reassurance. Women on their own are too scared to park alone off-street. We need one more traffic warden and instigate a liaison with the traffic organisation with the Garda. We want to get them on-side. Parking grace periods should also be advertised. Cllr Gerry Hagan supported the parking increase as he considered the footpath programme to be a fine proposal. He felt that local businesses will not close down, a view which was backed by Cllr Peggy Nolan. Both insisted on the necessity of the footpath programme. Cathaoirleach Uruemu Adejinmi was also in favour of the new charges. (Bloomberg) -- In the days leading up to President Donald Trumps July 9 tariffs deadline, equity investors having flashbacks of Liberation Day showed little concern. Most Read from Bloomberg The MSCI All-Country World Index reached a peak last week, while gauges of volatility expectations from the US to Europe and Hong Kong have more than halved from their highs in April. Meanwhile, hedge funds net buying of US financial shares climbed to the highest levels in nearly a decade, data compiled by Goldman Sachs Group Inc.s prime brokerage showed. Rather than covering shorts as they did in recent months, large speculators appeared to be chasing the rally, Michalis Onisiforou, a strategist at Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA, wrote in a note last week. Lingering pessimism has left a lot of market participants in the dust, Onisiforou said. Also read: Trump Tariff Date Arrives After 90-Day Rollercoaster Since Trumps Liberation Day sent markets for a tailspin in April, stocks have weathered events including the conflict in the Middle East and continued tariffs uncertainty, making investors more confident in their ability to recover fast. A recent tech rally and stronger-than-forecast US employment growth pushed the S&P 500 Index to a fresh peak on Thursday, while shares in Asia and Europe Friday held on, even after Trump said his administration would start notifying countries of tariffs up to 70%. Several strategists noted last week that the options market was complacent. Benedicte Lowe of BNP Paribas Markets 360 said in a message that traders were pricing in a move of little more than 1% for the Euro Stoxx 50 Index on the July 9 tariff deadline and that long gamma trades when investors buy short-dated contracts while actively adjusting their underlying position to profit from market swings have become more attractive following a steepening of the volatility curve. Back in April, similar gamma trades led to big profits following Liberation Day as implied and realized volatility surged. Bank of America Corp. strategists, who recommended at the time to own cheap gamma on Germanys DAX Index, favor the same positioning on the Euro Stoxx 50 now. Separately, Lowe noted her firms derivatives-strategy team doesnt expect similar results the second time around. There is large scale illegal peat extraction taking place at four sites in county Longford with a cumulative total area of more than 200 hectares without any of the necessary county council authorisations, it has emerged. However, despite the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly criticising the 'minimal' inaction by local authorities, Longford County Council has been praised for 'issuing enforcement notices' and doing more than any other. The EPA published its 'Large Scale illegal Peat Extraction in Ireland' report last Thursday. READ NEXT: Urgent review of water power and capacity needs to be carried out in Ballymahon The State body said it has investigated 38 sites across seven counties Longford, Offaly, Kildare, Laois, Westmeath, Roscommon and Sligo. These illegal operations are contributing to an export trade of 300,000 tonnes of peat annually, valued at almost 40 million. Tom Ryan, the Director of the EPA with responsibility for the Office of Environmental Enforcement, said four sites above 50 hectares -an area of more than 200 hectares in total - has been identified in county Longford with heavy machinery used by professional rogue groups during industrial-type illegal operations. READ NEXT: Longford court hears hunting is passion of man found with unauthorised firearm The precise locations were not revealed for operational reasons as the investigations are currently ongoing. The EPA said they deployed significant resources to carry out 170 enforcement inspections between 2021 and 2024 and it has also taken legal actions at District Court and High Court level against operations on areas greater than 50 hectares. Dr Ryan, one of the authors of the report, said the local authorities have generally taken what he would describe as 'minimal' action to stop this catastrophic destruction of the local environment. However, the EPA Director praised Longford County Council for for doing more than any other local authority and issuing enforcement notices'. Dr Ryan said while there is some evidence of historical enforcement activity and some site inspections there is no significant enforcement follow-ups nationwide. "In fairness one local authority has taken more action than others and has issued enforcement notices under planning and a section 63 process has commenced and that is to be commended and encouraged and they are moving in the right direction and that is county Longford. "However, he said among the remaining six local authorities the responses they have received have been underwhelming and the level of activity is 'minimal'. Dr Ryan said illegal, large-scale extraction of peat is widespread in Ireland and he described local authority enforcement performance in this area as 'patently inadequate'. "The sector does not operate within planning or environmental laws, he said. "From our perspective it is clear that these operators are engaged in activities that are in flagrant violation of environmental law and are destroying these precious natural environments and this needs to stop." Dr Ryan stated if those operators wish to continue they need to engage with the appropriate regulations, the local authorities for the appropriate permits and the EPA where those operations are above 50 hectares in 'footprint'. "All of these operations whether they are above or below 50 hectares come within the remit of local authorities. "The local authorities need to step up to meet their legal obligations as regulatory authorities, they need to prioritise their resources and use ample enforcement powers at their disposal to bring these illegal activities to an end and to protect our environment." The report author stated if an operation is greater than 50 hectares it requires planning permission from the local authorities based on an environmental assessment and it needs a licence from the EPA. Dr Ryan said the legal actions have resulted in the cessation of illegal peat extractions on several peatlands in recent years and a number of actions remain live before the courts. Operators engaged in unauthorised peat harvesting activities are in flagrant violation of environmental law. "They are destroying our precious natural environments and this needs to stop," he added. Dr Ryan said the environmental damage caused by large-scale peat extraction operating outside regulatory control is catastrophic for the environment. He stated it results in the destruction of vital ecosystems for biodiversity, the loss of important carbon sinks for our efforts on climate change and the decimation of an irreplaceable cultural and scientific amenity and resource. The EPA said local authorities have the primary responsibility for regulating all commercial peat extraction, specifically regarding compliance with environmental legislation including the performance of Environmental Impact Assessments, Appropriate Assessments associated with protected habitats. Dr Ryan stated 'local authorities have been conspicuous in their lack of enforcement of environmental law'. "They need to step up to meet their legal obligations as regulatory authorities, prioritise their resources and use the ample enforcement powers at their disposal to bring these illegal activities to an end and to protect our environment. Dr Ryan stated here are three main industrial type processes used to extract peat which include 'Milled peat', 'Big Sod Peat' and 'Wet Peat' extraction. Dr Ryan said the four sites in county Longford are mostly milled peat sites with the extraction done in a phased process and all of the shrubbery and surface habitats are initially stripped away. "Drains are dug, water is pumped away, the water table is lowered, the top layer of peat is then milled and harrowed and dried in the sun. It's harvested and stockpiled in the bog and this type of operation is a heavily weather dependent activity. Dr Ryan said the EPA is directing local authorities to take appropriate enforcement actions against such operations within their jurisdiction. Bord na Mona is an excellent example of where appropriate engagement with the environmental regulations, including EPA licensing requirements, has worked to minimise the negative impacts of peat harvesting on the environment and to secure the longer-term rehabilitation of those harvested peatlands. Melview National School has been announced as one of ten finalists in the Small Town, Big Difference campaign. Through the initiative, Re-turn, the operator of Irelands Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), invited community groups, clubs and schools across the country to share inspiring stories of how they are making a big difference in their local area through the DRS. Melview NS will now receive a donation of 2,000 from Re-turn to support its fundraising efforts. READ NEXT: Longford court hears hunting is passion of man found with unauthorised firearm This donation brings the Longford town school even closer to finishing their new astroturf pitch and sensory play area. Local community groups were asked to share their story to the Re-turn.ie/Heroes webpage, highlighting how they are making a difference through DRS. In total, Re-turn received over 340 incredible entries from across Ireland. From these entries, ten outstanding finalists have been selected and now, a panel of judges, including broadcaster Jennifer Zamparelli and social media stars Tadhg and Derry Fleming, will choose five winners. READ NEXT: Urgent review of water power and capacity needs to be carried out in Ballymahon These winners will go on to feature in a national advertising campaign appearing on billboards, bus stops and radio ads celebrating the big difference that the smallest of donations can make. Over the last year, over 3,400 local community groups have made a difference by raising funds through the DRS by asking people to donate their deposits from plastic bottles and cans to good causes. Commenting on the response to the Small Town, Big Difference campaign, Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said, "We were thrilled to receive hundreds of inspiring stories from across the country, showing how innovative and passionate local groups are when they rally behind a shared goal. "Each entry brought to life the incredible impact that turning deposits into donations can have. Its a powerful reminder of why it is important not to discard plastic bottles and cans especially when theres an orange bin nearby. "Instead, they can be transformed into real value for communities like Melview National School. We are delighted to support them with a 2,000 donation and wish them every success in completing both the pitch and the sensory play area. Local News, Crime By Long Island Published: July 06 2025 After a physical confrontation Ashley Guimont shot and killed her boyfriend, Alex Carter Suffolk County Police today arrested a woman for killing her boyfriend in their Coram home on Friday July 4th. After a physical confrontation Ashley Guimont shot and killed her boyfriend, Alex Carter at 702 Townehouse Drive in Coram at approximately 2:30 a.m. After shooting Carter, Guimont called 911. Carter, 47, was transported to John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson, where he was pronounced dead. Guimont, 44, was arrested and charged with Murder 2nd Degree by Homicide Squad detectives. She will be held overnight at the Fourth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on July 5. Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392. A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Fragments of a grenade used in the attack on a GHF site. (GHF) Terrorists injured two American veterans working at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution site in southern Gaza on July 5. The attacks follow weeks of threats by Hamas and its affiliates that they would target the GHF and its personnel for the groups links to Israel and the United States. This morning, two American workers were injured in a targeted terrorist attack during food distribution activities at SDS-3 in Khan Younis. The attack which preliminary information indicates was carried out by two assailants who threw two grenades at the Americans occurred at the conclusion of an otherwise successful distribution in which thousands of Gazans safely received food, the GHF said on its website. The GHF published images of fragments of the grenades used in the attack. The organization said the grenades were packed with ball bearings, which increase their lethality. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it facilitated the evacuation of the wounded GHF personnel for further medical treatment. Both of the organizations employees are in stable condition, according to GHF Interim Executive Director John Acree. The United States and Israel said Hamas was responsible for the attack. Neither Hamas nor its affiliates have claimed responsibility for the assault. This is what happens when explicit warnings of violence are met with silence rather than condemnation from the international community, GHF Spokesperson Chapin Fray told FDDs The Long War Journal. We commend the exceptionally trained and highly disciplined American security workers who, despite being attacked, did not return fire in order to protect civilians receiving aid. They are heroes. Previous warnings and incidents The assault at the GHF aid site follows a string of warnings and one deadly attack by Hamas and its affiliates in recent weeks and months. On June 11, the GHF stated that Hamas murdered eight members of its local workforce. Weeks before the murders, individuals suspected to be Hamas Arrow Unit members attempted to undermine the distribution of aid at a GHF site, a former US security official familiar with operations at the non-profits distribution facility told Long War Journal. On June 25, The Daily Wire reported that Hamas had conducted surveillance on American personnel working at GHF, suggesting it was planning to attack a site. On June 28, the GHF stated there were credible reports that Hamas had placed bounties on aid workers, including American personnel. Despite the latest attack, the GHF stated that it distributed more than 1.8 million meals across three distribution sites in Gaza on July 5 and indicated that it will continue to provide assistance. On July 6, the GHF said it had distributed over 63 million meals to needy Palestinians since commencing operations on May 26. Joe Truzman is an editor and senior research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian armed groups and non-state actors in the Middle East. When Makiko welcomes us into her boutique at 17 Avenue Emile Reuter, she is wearing a delicate powder-blue kimono adorned with silver and orange details. Like her outfit, the interior of her new address is a testament to the elegance of traditional Japan. Outside, the tram passes by and people stroll through the park. Inside the shop, sliding wooden doors covered in fine paper open onto a traditional Japanese room, with a tatami floor and a calligraphic kakemono hanging on the wall. Also read: What its like being Japanese in Luxembourg This is where we'll be holding our tea ceremonies, said Makiko Grafin von Oberndorff, and here, she added, pointing to modern leather sofas and shelves displaying Japanese cooking utensils and knives, is the space where people can discover and buy Japanese handicrafts. 1 / 4 The shop sells a range of Japanese products Photo credit: Anouk Antony 2 / 4 The shop offers a range of Japanese products Photo credit: Anouk Antony 3 / 4 The shop offers a variety of Japanese products Photo credit: Anouk Antony 4 / 4 The shop offers a variety of Japanese products Photo credit: Anouk Antony The Japanese entrepreneur came to Luxembourg over ten years ago to work for her husband. Since her arrival, she has launched numerous initiatives to promote Japanese culture: first with the foundation of the Japan Luxembourg Association (JLA), then with her import company B2B Global Link, specialising in top-of-the-range products from Japan, which she manages at the same time as the Sake Sommelier Association. She has also added the House of Japan to her agenda. It's a place where I want people to really feel the atmosphere of authentic Japan, she said. Out of sight, but... When Makiko graduated from university, her only wish was to leave Japan. At that time, Japanese society was very strict. You had to fit into the mould, read between the lines to understand others. I wanted to remain true to myself; that's what pushed me forward, she recounted. She moved to Hong Kong, then Germany, before arriving in Luxembourg. But she confessed that moving away from home gave rise to nostalgia. I began to appreciate my culture once I left it. All this, she said, pointing to the room, was something I saw every day back home. It was normal. But now I wonder about their meaning, their history. Staying close to producers Ikebana (floral art), sake tasting, tea ceremony, traditional knives and Japanese desserts. - what Makiko wants Luxembourg customers to discover are traditions that have survived over the centuries while preserving their authenticity. That's why she only works with craftspeople and producers she has met on her regular trips to Japan, and whose work she appreciates. Makiko works exclusively with artisans and producers she has met on her regular trips to Japan Photo credit: Anouk Antony It's a selective process and I want to offer products that are not easily found in the region, she said, while indicating that she will gradually increase the range on offer. For me, it's really important to know who makes the items I bring here. Having a direct link with the producers is a real strength. This can sometimes be complicated, as some master craftsmen choose their customers, rather than the other way round. But her efforts to meet them have enabled Makiko to develop her project. I think it's essential that these craftsmen can continue to practise their skills. I want to support them as much as possible, she said. For me, it's really important to know who makes the objects I bring here. Having a direct link with the producers is a real strength Makiko Manager of the House of Japan boutique Another Japan Japanese shops already exist in Luxembourg and cities close by, such as Metz and Paris, but for Makiko, opening the House of Japan was an obvious choice. Makiko, originally from Nagoya, has a passion for exceptional products. Her company Global Link was born out of her own desire to have access to quality Japanese products. Sake-tasting was one of my hobbies, but here it was difficult to find good sake, she said, smiling. Also read: Where to experience Japan in Luxembourg As well as showcasing this facet of Japan and preserving traditional craftsmanship, the House of Japan is also a showcase for its B2B customers. It's a space that gives my business customers a better idea of how we can work together. They often ask me where to see my products - now they have an address to visit, she said. The Kamakura restaurant, for example, is one of her customers. 1 / 4 In the shop, sliding wooden doors covered in fine paper open onto a traditional Japanese room, with a tatami floor and a calligraphic kakemono hanging on the wall Photo credit: Anouk Antony 2 / 4 The shop sells Japanese knives Photo credit: Anouk Antony 3 / 4 Everything you need for the tea ceremony Photo credit: Anouk Antony 4 / 4 The shop is also a place where you can learn how to use the items on sale Photo credit: Anouk Antony The shop also provides an opportunity to learn how to use the items on sale. A lot of people are curious about my products. I know that they are not necessary for everyday use in local cuisine, but they like to have them at home, for decoration or for special occasions. So I want to show them how to use them. One of her contacts - the man who built the shop's sliding doors - will be coming to show customers how to sharpen Japanese knives properly. Other workshops will offer introductions to the tea ceremony or sake tasting. A stroke of luck Finding premises in Luxembourg City is often an uphill battle for retailers, a feeling Makiko shared. I applied for a pop-up store in the city for two and a half years, without success. Then I got a temporary location in Esch, she said. But Makiko was still aiming for Luxembourg City. Her search came to nothing, then last November, someone told me that a space was becoming available in the capital. She visited it quickly before leaving for a long stay in Japan, and decided to rent it without inspecting it in detail. Also read: Discover Japan through the eyes of its ambassador to Luxembourg Then she met an interior designer with a passion for Japanese style who was ready to draw up plans for the House of Japan. All these coincidences came together. I was very lucky. It was no longer in my hands, so I saw it as a sign that I should persevere and open this boutique. The shop already had a soft opening at the end of May, but the official inauguration took place on 13 June. Although Makiko is still trying to strike a balance between her B2B business and her boutique, she remains optimistic. I'll always find a way to use this space to showcase Japanese culture, she said. And she hopes one day to expand into other neighbouring countries. "It would be really interesting to collaborate with others on this project," she said. Once upon a time, Apple used to make significant changes to the iPhone every two years. A new model (iPhone 4, 5, 6, etc) would launch with an overhauled look, followed by an S variant that boosted performance and smoothed out any imperfections. Thats no longer the case. Primarily due to the iPhones maturity, iterative annual upgrades have become the norm. After all, theres only so much it can improve year over year. And despite what you may have read about this years phones, the new lineup is looking to be more of the same, even with the introduction of a new Air model. Thats why if youre planning to get a new iPhone, you may want to wait for next years iPhone 18 series. Unlike the iPhone 17, 2026s lineup is set to bring some of the biggest design and functionality upgrades in years, which could make the iPhone 17 feel decidedly ho-hum. Something in the Air In September, Apple will reportedly launch the iPhone 17 Airan ultra-slim handset with a whole new form factor. Exciting, right? Maybe not. First-generation devices are often riddled with flaws, and a year later, the iPhone 18 Air will almost certainly address any issues with a refined and polished design. Beyond that, there seem to be few compelling reasons to opt for an iPhone 17 Air. The sleek device will likely have a mediocre battery life, a single rear camera, fewer speakers, and other compromises for a premium price tag. With most people popping their phone into a case anyway, will a super-slim iPhone really be worth it? Now that the EU has confirmed that Apple is permitted to release portless smartphones, the iPhone 18 Air could potentially take advantage of that. The end result would be a lighter, incredibly thin iPhone that, unlike the 17 Air, may justify the shortcomings and expense. The iPhone 17 Air might be super-thin, but thats nothing compared to a folding model. Foundry Above the fold Weve been hearing about a folding iPhone for years, but it finally seems like its coming. But not this year. In 2026, Apple is expected to debut its first foldable smartphone (enter the iPhone 6 Plus joke here), rivaling Samsungs Galaxy Z Fold and changing the iPhone as we know it. The 5.5-inch device is rumored to pack a 7.8-inch inner display, mimicking an iPad mini when opened. It would easily be the most dramatic and exciting iPhone change since the iPhone X in 2017, and many Apple fans are going to want to jump on board as early adopters. Lens flair Even if youre skipping the iPhone 17 Air and its single camera, the iPhone 17 Pro isnt looking to deliver much in the way of meaningful camera upgrades, other than a 24MP front-facing sensor and a 48MP telephoto lens. However, a more substantial camera boost could arrive next year. At least one iPhone 18 model (presumably the Pro Max) will boast a variable aperture lensa perk long limited to high-end professional cameras. If true, iPhone users will get to mechanically control how much light reaches the sensor for the first time. This could elevate portrait shots by improving the applied depth of field effect, as well as minimizing overexposure. Most smartphone users dont rely on a dedicated DSLR or mirrorless camera for capturing their everyday moments. Porting a variable aperture lens to the iPhone could dramatically enhance the photo-taking experience. The iPhone 17 Pros camera will be very good, but the real big changes are rumored to be coming next year. Foundry A cut above Apple introduced the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro, and its quickly become one of the handsets best features, with quick access to timers, scores, background tasks, and so on. But when its not in use, its still somewhat unsightlyand thats not expected to change this year. Next year, however, Apple will reportedly switch to under-display Face ID sensors, which will likely shrink the Dynamic Island noticeably. The conflicting reports make it hard to predict whether the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a smaller Dynamic Island or a hole-punch design, but its safe to assume itll look more futuristic and bring the iPhone a step closer to the flawless, glass slab vision coming in 2030. Chip shift For many casual users, Apples annual chip upgrades arent all that important. iPhones from years ago still run fluidly and perform in a lag-free manner, and a slightly faster processor wont really impact the daily experience meaningfully. However, there may be a bigger boost with the iPhone 18 models. In 2026, Apple is expected to unveil the A20, switching from a 3nm to a 2nm manufacturing process. As a result, the iPhone 18 Pro models could be significantly more capable and power-efficient. But thats not allthe iPhone 18 lineup is also expected to adopt the second generation of Apples in-house 5G modem. Unlike the C1 predecessor included with the iPhone 16e, the C2 chip could support mmWave connectivity and bring other enhancements to the table. With the iPhone 17 line likely sticking to Qualcomms hungrier modem and 3nm A19 processor, its safe to assume the iPhone 18 will have a superior battery life. Next years iPhone lineup will likely have Apples second-generation modem. Foundry Iteration now, innovation later In just 12 months, Apples iPhone 18 series will likely offer some of the most distinct changes in ages. Were rumored to be getting an all-new folding form factor that caters to multitaskers, along with a potentially improved Air model as well as other significant enhancements. Meanwhile, what will the iPhone 17 bring? A thin body? A tweaked rear camera bump and a price hike? We think youll be better off buying a discounted iPhone 16 and waiting till 2026 to get something really new. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) is one of the 11 Best 52-Week Low Stocks to Buy Right Now. On July 1st, Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) announced the completion of its sale of shareholding in Seychelles Breweries Limited to Phoenix Beverages Limited. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) completed the sale of its 54.4% shareholding in Seychelles Breweries Limited to Phoenix Beverages Limited, which is a subsidiary of Mauritius-based IBL Group, for approximately $80 million. The transaction was announced on April 2, 2025. The deal reflects the companys strategic move to focus on its portfolio management and high-margin brands while maintaining a strong presence in the Indian Ocean region through licensing agreements. Diageo plc (DEO) Announces Completion of Sale of Its Shareholding in Seychelles Breweries Limited A close-up of bottles of whisky and other alcoholic beverages from a winery. Under the terms of the deal, although Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) has sold its majority stake, it retains ownership of its key brands produced by Seychelles Breweries, such as Guinness and Smirnoff RTDs. These brands will continue to be produced and distributed in Seychelles under new long-term license and royalty agreements with Seychelles Breweries, ensuring ongoing collaboration. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) is a UK-based producer and distributor of premium alcoholic beverages. The company operates a vast portfolio of brands and has a presence in 180 countries. While we acknowledge the potential of DEO 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. Houston Rockets center Jock Landale (2) reacts after making a 3-point shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) AP When the Rockets waived big man Jock Landale, it added another center option in free agency. Considering the Celtics are thin at that spot, it meant at least another possibility on the open market. Instead, Landale signed with the Grizzlies who shuffled around their big men, per ESPNs Shams Charania. Memphis not only landed Landale, but it also traded center Jay Huff to the Pacers in a separate deal for draft assets. So those are a pair of big men who saw some movement over the weekend. It appeared the Cs could have been an option for Landale considering the team could offer playing time, but he goes to the Grizzlies instead. The Celtics are thin in their front court, losing Luke Kornet to the Spurs while Al Horford is rumored to be headed elsewhere this offseason. While the Cs added Luka Garza in free agency, the big man spot continues to be the major question mark on the roster. Only Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman are currently under contract, along with Garza. There arent that many free agent big options at this point in the offseason. The Celtics will likely continue making deals as they tweak their roster, plus theyre slightly above the second apron after making some minor signings. Boston shed significant payroll this summer when it moved Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in separate deals. But between all the moves, the Celtics are now thin in the front-court as theyre looking at a retooling next season. Expect the Cs to remain active as theyre likely not done with shaping their roster. Its still months away but the Red Sox will have decisions to make in free agency, including potentially addressing the first base position. And Pete Alonso might be exactly what Boston is looking for. Even before Tristan Casas was injured, the Red Sox didnt seem sold on Casas, The New York Posts Jon Heyman wrote. They will need to replace Rafael Devers bat (even if they re-sign Alex Bregman no guarantee). Alonso, whose wife is from Boston, is practically a Devers duplicate offensively (.859 career OPS for Alonso to .856 for Devers) who embraces 1B." Casas ruptured his patellar tendon in May and is expected to be ready for the 2026 season. Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez have filled in at the position since his injury. Casas had his name in trade rumors during the offseason, but nothing ever came to fruition. The Red Sox stunningly traded Devers arguably their best hitter to the San Francisco Giants in June. He left an offensive hole in the lineup that will need to be replaced. Of course, the Red Sox could address some needs at the upcoming trade deadline. CEO Sam Kennedy recently said on WEEI that ownership has given their blessing for Boston to be buyers. Alonso can opt out of his deal with the New York Mets once the 2025 season ends. If he does, hell likely garner plenty of interest from around the league. Not only has he been durable throughout his career, Alonso has also been consistent at the plate. In 90 games so far this season for the Mets, the first baseman is batting .290 with 20 home runs and 73 RBI. David Tierney, the Mittineague Elementary School custodian, shows a visitor hand prints that students were allowed to leave on the wall. When a former student graduates from college, a picture is placed on the wall next to their print. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook WEST SPRINGFIELD The talk around Rachel Knowles West Springfield house has included, over the past couple of years, the possibility that the nearby elementary school will close. When her oldest son, Isaac Pearsons, heard city officials supported shipping elementary school children out of his neighborhood, and shutting the Mittineague Elementary School, his thoughts went to a city tradition. Coming into Sunday afternoons series finale against Syracuse, Worcester had only scored one combined run during its last two games. None of that mattered, though, as the Red Sox recorded 10 hits and two home runs en route to an eventual 8-7 win at NBT Bank Stadium on Sunday. Leadoff hitter Nick Sogard led Worcester with three hits and two runs scored, while Vaughn Grissom (2-for-5), Blaze Jordan (2-for-5), and Corey Rosier (2-for-4) each posted a multi-hit performance. On the pitching side, meanwhile, Red Sox starting pitcher Cooper Criswell relinquished four hits and five earned runs in 1.1 innings of work. But that didnt faze the road team, as Worcesters four-man bullpen only allowed two combined hits and runs in 7.2 innings of relief. Complete game statistics can be found here. Jovani Moran earned the win after striking out three and walking one in 2.1 innings, while Isaiah Campbell earned his seventh save behind a perfect ninth inning to help the Red Sox improve to 44-42. Jordan moved Worcester ahead at the top of the first inning on an infield fly ball that scored Sogard. But the momentum was short-lived, though, as Jesse Winker countered with a two-run blast to right field. Luke Ritter then recorded a two-run single to ensure Syracuse a 4-1 lead through one. That wasnt enough, though, as Worcester used a four-run top of the second inning to regain its lead. After Rosier (run-scoring double) and Phillip Sikes (RBI sacrifice fly) helped make it a one-run deficit, Sogard earned his 11th double to even the score. Mets starting pitcher Justin Garza, meanwhile, allowed three earned runs, two walks, two hits, and struck out one in one inning as Syracuse moved to 40-47. But before the opposition could blink, Grissom earned a double to center field to bring home Sogard and ensure the Red Sox a 5-4 lead. That insurance run was pivotal because the Mets offense responded with two more runs during the bottom of the second and fourth innings to move back on top. The offense explosion wasnt wasted, though, as Sikes and Grissom countered with their fourth and eighth season home runs in the sixth and seventh innings to move Worcester ahead for good. The Red Sox finished 4-for-10 with runners in scoring position, while Jordan and Grissom both earned two-out RBIs. The road team also left seven runners on base. 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[Video news] Reaction a chaud du Leader de lOpposition sur le Budget 2025-2026[Video news] Patrick Belcourt: sa bidget fair mwa pense sega Saya [Video News] Lecture du Budget 2025-2026[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 4 juin 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 3 juin 2025[Video news] Exposition Richelieu, entre memoire et resilience [Video news] Sensibilisation ReUSE-ReVamp et MDPA sur le recyclage des Laptop et la technologie a Flacq[Video news] Dimans Politik[Video news] Coca Cola Food Fest 2025 avec Burna Boy[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 31 mai 2025[Video news] LEsperance en action: Caritas Ile Maurice marque 60 ans dengagement solidaire[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 30 mai 2025[Video News] Caritas a fete ses 60 ans de presence a Maurice[Video news] Lancement de Comme on dit [Video news] Huawei lance la WATCH FIT 4 Series a Maurice avec Ennoia[Video news] Formation pour les communicants et journalistes au Media Trust[Video News] Huawei a lance la WATCH FIT 4 Series a Maurice chez Ennoia[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 28 mai 2025La LGSC va recruter 2 245 travailleurs manuels, annonce Paul Berenger[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 28 mai 2025[Video news] la jeunesse mauricienne recompensee pour sa creativite et son engagement citoyen a travers lintelligence artificielle[Video News]Retour des Chagos : la reconnaissance dun drame humain et dun crime historique[Video et Photos news] Developpement durable : Telfair, le centre-ville de Moka, certifie par lexigeant U.S. Green Building Council[Video news] PhoenixEarth Initiative lance ses premieres Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) dans les locaux de PhoenixBev[Video news] Dimans Politik[Video News] Conference de presse du Groupe Refugies Chagos [24-05-2025][Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 25 mai 2025[Video news] Konpoz to Lamizik par le groupe Attitude est de retour pour sa quatrieme edition ![Video News] Conference de presse du gouvernement sur laccord concernant lArchipel des Chagos[Video News] Conference de presse de la Mauritius Meteorological Services[Video news] Point de presse de Navin Ramgoolam et Paul Berenger[Video news] Presentation de la 4e edition Konpoz to lamisik[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 20 mai 2025[Video News] La Fondation Antoine Tsia Lip Ken et la Fondation pour Lenfance Terre de Paix inaugure un nouveau centre deveil et de developpement du jeune enfant[Video News] Edition Speciale[Video news] Roshai Bhadain a dit[Video News] Forum de lAMM : Investir dans lindustrie manufacturiere : une urgence strategique pour Maurice.[Video News] Dimans Politik[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 17 mai 2025[Video News] Nando Bodha a dit[Video news] Forum de lAMM : Investir dans lindustrie manufacturiere : une urgence strategique pour Maurice.[Video News] Conference de presse de la Commission Economique du MSM du 14 mai 2025[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 14 mai 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 13 mai 2025[Video news] MCB Talk: Commerce avec lAfrique : entre perception et realite By Vidya Ranganathan and Suzanne McGee SINGAPORE/NEW YORK (Reuters) -Global investors are heading into U.S. President Donald Trump's Wednesday deadline for trade tariffs palpably unexcited and prepared for a range of benign scenarios that they believe are already priced in. Just days before the end of a 90-day pause he announced on his April 2 "Liberation Day" tariffs, Trump said the first batch of letters outlining the tariff levels they would face on exports to the United States would be sent to 12 countries on Monday. Investors who have been tracking this date for months expect more details to emerge in the coming days and protracted uncertainty too, anticipating Trump will not be able to complete deals with all of America's trading partners in the coming week. And they are not overly concerned. The market has gotten much more comfortable, more sanguine, when it comes to tariff news, said Jeff Blazek, co-chief investment officer of multi-asset at Neuberger Berman in New York. The markets think that there is enough squishiness in the deadlines absent any major surprise to not be too unsettled by more tariff news and believe that the worst-case scenarios are off the table now. Both the tariff levels and effective dates have become moving targets. Trump said on Friday that tariffs ranging up to 70% could go into effect on August 1, levels far higher than the 10%-50% range he announced in April. So far, the U.S. administration has a limited deal with Britain and an in-principle agreement with Vietnam. Deals that had been anticipated with India and Japan have failed to materialize, and there have been setbacks in talks with the European Union. World stocks are meanwhile at record highs, up 11% since April 2. They fell 14% in three trading sessions after that announcement but have since rallied 24%. "If Liberation Day was the earthquake, the tariff letters will be the aftershocks. They wont quite have the same impact on markets even if they are higher than the earlier 10%," said Rong Ren Goh, a portfolio manager in the fixed income team at Eastspring Investments in Singapore. "This financial system is so inundated with liquidity that it is hard to cash up or delever at the risk of lagging the markets, with April serving as a painful reminder for many who derisked and were then forced to chase the relentless recovery in the subsequent weeks." TAXES AND THE FED Investors have also been distracted by weeks of wrangling in Congress over Trump's massive tax and spending package, which he signed into law on Friday. The Cathaoirleach of the Westport/Bemullet Municipal District has called on Irish Rail to look at speeding up the journey from Mayo to Dublin. The number of passengers using the Irish Rail network in Mayo has experienced an 8 percent growth in recent years with proposals to increase the number of services to Mayo. A presentation on the Dublin to Westport rail service was presented to councillors in the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District who were informed that in 2024, 714,000 customers passed through the station in Westport. However, the journey time to Dublin Heuston from Westport is three hours and 12 minutes and Westport councillor Peter Flynn asked if it can be speeded up on some services. He pointed out that the journey time on one service from Cork to Dublin is 58 minutes faster than the Westport to Dublin route despite the distance being the same. I would love for you to look at how to speed it up, particularly the early morning train. If people are getting up at 5.15am wouldn't it be lovely to have them in Dublin before 9 o'clock and not well after. It would make a big difference to people's day. I don't think it should be that difficult to be able to do, maybe have fewer stops because there has to be a way to get the morning train to Dublin a lot faster. If you get in your car at five in the morning you will be in Dublin a lot quicker than three hours and yet with a straight line it is taking three hours and 12 minutes, he told the monthly meeting. In response, Derrick Curran, Regional Manager with Irish Rail pointed out that the fast train from Cork to Dublin is direct and does not stop at stations along the way. He said that recommendations by the All-Island Strategic Rail Review to double track the Athlone to Portarlington line would shorten journey time but added 'you are not going to get there in two hours... it is not possible'. READ: Road closure outside Mayo county town to stretch into next week Outlining plans for the future of the Westport service, Mr Curran said that laying a double track the Athlone to Portarlington line will lead to more services to the west. It [increase in passenger numbers] presents a challenge for us to meet the demand and put on a more frequent and reliable service to connect to communities. In terms of the Westerport route the ambition over the next few years is to grow the service with a minimum of three extra trains in each direction. To do that we need more fleet and better infrastructure, he said. Mr Curran explained that 37 new trains are due to come into service in the Greater Dublin region in the next 18 months which he said will free up the existing fleet for the regions. The proposal to increase the service to Westport was welcomed by the other councillors in the municipal district. Cllr Brendan Mulroy said the three extra services coming into Westport 'will be invaluable' as there is already a capacity problem on many of the trains to the west. He added that making a connection with Galway through the Western Rail Corridor will also 'make a big difference'. by Ray Schultz , July 5, 2025 A coalition of publishers is awaiting word on whether their copyright suit against Cohere Inc. will be dismissed. Cohere filed a motion in May, asking the court to dismiss counts II through IV, and count I for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. The publishers answered last week, calling on the court to deny Coheres bid. The publishers sued the Canadian firm last February, accusing it of scraping content from their sites, and using it for training large language models (LLMs) and to power its AI service that they charge competes with their own offerings. Cohere has denied the allegations, and said in its motion that the publishers pled only the mere suggestion of what an LLM is capable of doing. advertisement advertisement But the publishers called this a strawman, and assert that Cohere essentially acts as an unlicensed news syndicator. Rather than conduct its own journalism, Cohere supplies users with articles taken without consent from, or compensation to, the creators of the content, they allege. Cohere claims that its infringing outputs have not reached a meaningful segment of consumers, the publishers report. But they counter that this does not relieve the firm of liability. The publishers start their answer to Coheres motion as follows: Cohere describes itself as a different kind of AI company and its technology as groundbreaking. But there is nothing remarkable about copying articles off the internet, republishing copies of those articles, or distributing subpar products under another companys good name. That is old-fashioned infringement. Presumably, Cohere will answer that assault before the court makes its decision. The publishers include Advance Local Media, Conde Nast, The Atlantic, Forbes Media, The Guardian, Business Insider, LA Times, McClatchy Media Company, Newsday, Plain Dealer Publishing Company, Politico, The Republican Company, Toronto Star Newspapers and Vox Media. The case is on file with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Google is being pressured by a group of independent publishers in the U.K. to stop misusing web content for Googles AI Overviews in Google Search." The Independent Publishers Alliance filed an antitrust complaint dated June 30 with the European Commission alleging that Google abuses its market power in online search. Google has made big bets in generative AI by integrating the technology into AI Overviews and its search engine, but the move has angered many publishers and prompted a group to file an antitrust complaint that argues the move causes significant harm to all types of publishers in the form of traffic, readership and revenue loss. AI Overviews are summaries generated that appear above traditional hyperlinks to relevant webpages and are shown to users in more than 100 countries. Google began adding advertisements to AI Overviews last May. Publishers have become angered that they do not have the option to opt out from their material being ingested into Google's AI large language model training and/or from being crawled for summaries, without losing their ability to appear in Google's general search results page, the complaint explains. The news was first reported by Press Gazette and Reuters. Google believes AI features in search create opportunities for businesses. Google says it doesnt roll out AI Overviews on news, Dominic Ponsford, editor in chief at Press Gazette, wrote in post on LinkedIn. advertisement advertisement But when Press Gazette published an exclusive news story about a recent snafu at the Telegraph over the tale of a banker struggling with the cost of school fees, which turned out to be largely fictitious, the Google AI summary generated a a 250 word story that ran in search, he explains. He spurred on the UK Competition and Markets Authority to take action on tech platforms for their overreach. If they dont, he wrote, we might as well rename Britain the United Fiefdom of Alphabet and Meta. Google had considered a way to allow publishers to opt-out of content being surfaced in AI Overviews back in April 2024, a year ahead of the rollout. Press Gazette explained that one option would have beenno changes to how publishers could opt out or limit the display of their content in search. The other option would have been to use something referred to as hard red line, meaning that publishers could choose to opt out of their data being used for grounding. The content would not be used for any retrieval augmented generation [RAG], a process that allows GAI models to retrieve and reference new information from the web in real-time. A May 2025 article explained how publishers could opt out from allowing AI chatbot Gemini and AI development platform Vertex from scraping their content through something called Google-Extended, but it does not stop sites from being accessed and used in Googles AI Overviews summaries. To avoid scraping, at the time, publishers would have had to opt out of being scraped by Googlebot, which indexes for search. Of course, processes have changed significantly since then. o by Tanya Gazdik , Yesterday Despite its British heritage, Mini USA is celebrating the historic spirit of rebellion and independence this Fourth of July holiday. The automaker put together a significantly colored display of Chili Red, Nanuq White and Blazing Blue Mini models on the campus of BMW of North America in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, of which Mini USA is a part. This patriotic display also helps highlight BMW of North Americas celebration of its 50th milestone anniversary year in the United States. As an iconic and uniquely British brand, life for Mini in the U.S. has been grand, with no lingering hard feelings regarding the brands British heritage, according to the automaker. In fact, Mini sales are up over 29% for the second quarter, thanks in part to the all-new product portfolio that launched over the last 18 months, offering 11 model variants in four body styles, including gas and electric models. advertisement advertisement The 2025 models on display in patriotic colors include the all-electric Mini Countryman SE ALL4 in Chili Red. Minis first tow-rated SUV. A Mini Cooper S 2-door in Nanuq White, represents the vehicle inspired by Sir Alec Issigonis, a renowned British car designer, particularly known for the Mini. Finally, a Mini Cooper S Convertible in Blazing Blue is the latest model to launch in the portfolio. It may also be worth noting that the trio of red, white, and blue Minis not only represent the colors of Old Glory, but the same colors of the Union Jack, notes the automaker. Mini also celebrated the holiday with an Instagram post featuring animated fireworks that features the copy: "What do the Mini Countryman and fireworks have in common? Both make you say 'ooh' and 'ahhhhh.'" Research shows COVID-19 had a greater impact on womens health than mens, with poorer lifestyle habits and higher psychological distress reported. Trusted Source The gendered impact of Covid-19 on health behaviours and mental health: Evidence from the UK Go to source Trusted Source A Gendered Lens on Health Behaviors and Mental Distress The pandemic's toll on health habits revealed new disparities! Women reported less fruit, smaller #alcohol reductions, and a greater surge in #psychological distress than men. How can we better support women's well-being in future crises? #PublicHealth #WomensHealth Behavioral Changes Highlight Persistent Gender Gap Women reported fewer days of fruit consumption and only marginal reductions in alcohol use compared to men during the pandemic period. and only marginal reductions in alcohol use compared to men during the pandemic period. Psychological distress rose in both men and women, but the increase was more pronounced in women. Advertisement The gendered impact of Covid-19 on health behaviours and mental health: Evidence from the UK - (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953624010190?via%3Dihub) A comprehensive new study led by researchers from the University of Aberdeen has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionately negative impact on women's mental and physical health compared to mens. Published in the journalthe study draws attention to the enduring).The research, led by Professor Paul McNamee from the University of Aberdeen, in collaboration with Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore and the University of Turin, analyzed data from the Understanding Society national longitudinal survey. The dataset spanned from January 2015 to March 2023, allowing researchers to compare pre-pandemic and post-pandemic trends in health behaviors and psychological well-being.Researchers focused on key lifestyle habitsincluding fruit and vegetable consumption, alcohol intake, and levels of physical activityas well as self-reported mental health. The findings were stark:Among the most notable outcomes:Before the pandemic, adopting a healthy lifestyle had a strong protective effect on womens mental health. However, this link weakened significantly for women during the pandemic, while it remained steadyand even slightly strongerfor men.Dr. Karen Arulsamy from Duke-NUS Medical School emphasized the long-term implications, stating, The adverse changes in womens health behaviors compared to men persist through to May 2023, suggesting that pandemic-related stress and financial pressures may have lasting effects.The researchers also highlighted how socioeconomic status and caregiving roles played a role in shaping these outcomes. Women, especially those from lower-income backgrounds and those bearing caregiving responsibilities, were more likely to face barriers to maintaining healthy routines and social connections.said Professor McNamee. These challenges did not disappear when lockdowns ended.Dr. Silvia Mendolia from the University of Turin added, Our study shows how the pandemic eroded the mental health benefits of healthy living for women, while these benefits remained intact or even strengthened for men.The researchers argue that these findings call for more gender-sensitive public health interventions, particularly those that extend beyond the pandemic response. Professor McNamee advocated for the expansion of social prescribinga system in which healthcare providers refer individuals to non-medical support services to improve well-being.Programs that connect women to community resources, mental health support, and opportunities for social engagement could help bridge the gender gap in health outcomes during times of crisis, he said.While the world has moved beyond the most acute phases of the pandemic, the study emphasizes that its effects on womens health are still unfolding. Continued monitoring and data-driven policymaking will be crucial to addressing the lingering health inequities laid bare by COVID-19.The research team encourages governments, healthcare systems, and community organizations to consider the complex interplay of gender, mental health, and lifestyle in designing support systems for future public health emergencies.Source-Medindia We recently published 12 Stocks Jim Cramer Recently Talked About In His Idea-Driven Market.Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed. Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is one of the few pure-play electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designers in the world. The shares have gained 30% year-to-date on the back of several favorable catalysts. Since the firm is seeking to launch a new kind of transportation service, regulatory approvals, test flights, and investment opportunities drive its hypothesis. On these fronts, Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) scored a win in June when it signed an MOA with a Saudi conglomerate to distribute $1 billion of services in the country in the future. The shares were also helped by the firms July announcement of having completed air taxi trials in the UAE. Cramer discussed the stock and the trial: Now I used to be negative on Joby on the show. I gave up. Do you know that Boeing has a [eVTOL]? So if Boeing has it why do I sniff at Joby? Joby Aviation, Inc. (JOBY): If Boeing Has An eVTOL, Then Why Joby? Wonders Jim Cramer A futuristic electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft soaring through the sky. Commenting about Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) in June, Cramer remarked: You know what, remember a couple of weeks ago I said I was done with the knocking on the ones that dont make money. Joby is real. I think Archer is real But Joby is good and Im going with it and I am with you Joby is okay. Im even playing some Joby music. While we acknowledge the potential of JOBY 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. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) U.S.-led ceasefire efforts in Gaza appeared to gain momentum Saturday after nearly 21 months of war, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu s office said Israel on Sunday will send a negotiating team to talks in Qatar. The statement also asserted that Hamas was seeking unacceptable changes to the proposal. U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed for an agreement and will host Netanyahu at the White House on Monday to discuss a deal. Inside Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed 14 Palestinians and another 10 were killed while seeking food aid, hospital officials in the embattled enclave told The Associated Press. And two American aid workers with the Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation were injured in an attack at a food distribution site, which the organization blamed on Hamas, without providing evidence. Weary Palestinians expressed cautious hope after Hamas gave a positive response late Friday to the latest U.S. proposal for a 60-day truce but said further talks were needed on implementation. We are tired. Enough starvation, enough closure of crossing points. We want to sleep in calm where we dont hear warplanes or drones or shelling, said Jamalat Wadi, one of Gaza's hundreds of thousands of displaced people, speaking in Deir al-Balah. She squinted in the sun during a summer heat wave of over 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Hamas has sought guarantees that the initial truce would lead to a total end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Previous negotiations have stalled over Hamas demands of guarantees that further negotiations would lead to the wars end, while Netanyahu has insisted Israel would resume fighting to ensure the militant group's destruction. Send a delegation with a full mandate to bring a comprehensive agreement to end the war and bring everyone back. No one must be left behind, Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, told the weekly rally by relatives and supporters in Tel Aviv. A Palestinian doctor and his 3 children killed Israeli airstrikes struck tents in the crowded Muwasi area on Gazas Mediterranean coast, killing seven people including a Palestinian doctor and his three children, according to Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis. Four others were killed in the town of Bani Suheila in southern Gaza. Three people were killed in three strikes in Khan Younis. Israel's army did not immediately comment. Separately, eight Palestinians were killed near a GHF aid distribution site in the southern city of Rafah, the hospital said. One Palestinian was killed near another GHF point in Rafah. It was not clear how far the Palestinians were from the sites. GHF denied the killings happened near their sites. The organization has said no one has been shot at its sites, which are guarded by private contractors and can be accessed only by passing Israeli military positions hundreds of meters (yards) away. The army had no immediate comment but has said it fires warning shots as a crowd-control measure and only aims at people when its troops are threatened. Another Palestinian was killed waiting in crowds for aid trucks in eastern Khan Younis, officials at Nasser Hospital said. The United Nations and other international organizations have been bringing in their own supplies of aid since the war began. The incident did not appear to be connected to GHF operations. Much of Gaza's population of over 2 million now relies on international aid after the war has largely devastated agriculture and other food sources and left many people near famine. Crowds of Palestinians often wait for trucks and unload or loot their contents before they reach their destinations. The trucks must pass through areas under Israeli military control. Israel's military did not immediately comment. American aid workers injured The GHF said the two American aid workers were injured on Saturday morning when assailants threw grenades at a distribution site in Khan Younis. The foundation said the injuries were not life-threatening. Israel's military said it evacuated the workers for medical treatment. The GHF a U.S.- and Israeli-backed initiative meant to bypass the U.N. distributes aid from four sites that are surrounded by Israeli troops. Three sites are in Gaza's far south. The U.N. and other humanitarian groups have rejected the GHF system, saying it allows Israel to use food as a weapon, violates humanitarian principles and is not effective. Israel says Hamas has siphoned off aid delivered by the U.N., a claim the U.N. denies. Hamas has urged Palestinians not to cooperate with the GHF. GHF, registered in Delaware, began distributing food in May to Palestinians, who say Israeli troops open fire almost every day toward crowds on roads heading to the distribution points. Several hundred people have been killed and hundreds more wounded, according to Gazas Health Ministry and witnesses. The U.N. human rights office says it has recorded 613 Palestinians killed within a month in Gaza while trying to obtain aid, most of them while trying to reach GHF sites. The war began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Israel responded with an offensive that has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children. according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which is led by medical professionals employed by the Hamas government. It does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but the U.N. and other international organizations see its figures as the most reliable statistics on war casualties. ___ Kullab reported from Jerusalem. ___ Follow news of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) A ship traveling through the Red Sea is reportedly on fire after coming under attack Sunday by armed men firing guns and launching rocket-propelled grenades, authorities said. One report said the unidentified vessel was later hit by what may have been bomb-carrying boats, setting it ablaze. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which comes as tensions remain high in the Middle East over the Israel-Hamas war and after the Iran-Israel war and airstrikes by the United States targeting Iranian nuclear sites. However, suspicion immediately fell on Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have launched attacks on ships in the Red Sea corridor in the past and have drone boats in their arsenal. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said that an armed security team on the unidentified vessel had returned fire and that the situation is ongoing. It described the attack as happening some 100 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of Hodeida, Yemen, which is held by the country's Houthi rebels. Authorities are investigating, it said. It later said the ship was on fire after being struck by unknown projectiles." Ambrey, a private maritime security firm, issued an alert saying that a merchant ship had been attacked by eight skiffs while transiting northbound in the Red Sea. It said it believed the attack was ongoing. Ambrey later said the ship also had been attacked by bomb-carrying drone boats, which could mark a major escalation in the region. It said two drone boats struck the ship, while another two had been destroyed by the armed guards on board. The U.S. Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet referred questions to the military's Central Command, which said it was aware of the incident without elaborating. The Houthi rebels have been launching missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the region in what the groups leadership has described as an effort to end Israels offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The group's al-Masirah satellite news channel acknowledged the attack occurred, but offered no other comment on it as it aired a speech by its secretive leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. However, Ambrey said the vessel targeted met the established Houthi target profile," without elaborating. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two of them and killing four sailors. That has greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually. The Houthis paused attacks in a self-imposed ceasefire until the U.S. launched a broad assault against the rebels in mid-March. That ended weeks later and the Houthis haven't attacked a vessel, though they have continued occasional missile attacks targeting Israel. On Sunday, the group claimed launching a missile at Israel which the Israeli military said it intercepted. Meanwhile, a wider, decadelong war in Yemen between the Houthis and the countrys exiled government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, remains in a statemate. The Yemeni Coast Guard, which is loyal to the exiled government, has engaged in a firefight with at least one vessel in the Red Sea in the past as well. Pirates from Somalia also have operated in the region, though typically they've sought to capture vessels either to rob or ransom their crews. But neither the Yemeni Coast Guard nor the pirates have been known to use drone boats in their attacks. The Yankees have signed infielder Jeimer Candelario to a minor league deal, as announced by the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (h/t to Conor Foley of YES Network). Yancen Pujols reports that Candelario is expected to report to Triple-A on Monday and that Candelario had multiple offers before he settled on the Yankees. Candelario, 31, was recently released by the Reds while in the midst of year two of his three-year pact with the organization. Its not hard to see why Cincinnati pulled the plug, as he has battled injuries all throughout his tenure with the club and hit just .207/.265/.394 across 134 games with the club over the past two seasons. Almost all of that production came in year one of the contract, as Candelario made it into just 22 games this year and hit a paltry .113/.198/.213 in 91 trips to the plate before being designated for assignment. Despite that lackluster work in recent years, Candelario is not far removed from a four-year run from 2020 to 2023 where he slashed a strong .254/.329/.437 in 465 games for the Tigers, Nationals, and Cubs. That production wound up being good for a wRC+ of 111, and he enjoyed three-win campaigns in both 2021 and 23. A resurgence to that sort of level would be a godsend for the scuffling Yankees. A recent skid where theyve lost 16 of their last 22 games has seen them drop from the heavy favorites in the AL East to three games back of the Blue Jays and tied with the Rays in the division. That consistent stretch of losing has led to plenty of attention on the clubs hole on the infield. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is a solid player who can handle either second or third base as necessary, but a supporting cast of DJ LeMahieu and Oswald Peraza to hold down the other position just hasnt cut it. If Candelario can prove hes healthy and effective again, its not hard to imagine him being an upgrade over the Yankees current options to partner with Chisholm. With that being said, trade season is already upon us and some intriguing infielders like Eugenio Suarez, Luis Urias, Ryan McMahon, and Amed Rosario could be available this summer. Any of those players would be a more reliable addition than Candelario at this point, and its not hard to imagine the Yankees feeling as though they cant afford to roll the dice on a player who hasnt been healthy and effective in nearly two years now. Still, hed at the very least represent a more robust depth option for the Yankees than the likes of Nicky Lopez and Andrew Velazquez who were already in the organization on minor league deals. ANN ARBOR, MI West of Ann Arbor, 143 acres of land were set to be developed into 300 homes. Instead, the property is home to 140 acres of conserved land and one carbon-negative house. Detroit police and firefighters are investigating a house explosion on Saturday, July 5, that left one woman dead and a man injured. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com DETROIT, MI An investigation is underway after a home exploded in Detroit, killing one woman and injuring a man. The explosion happened around 3:50 p.m. Saturday, July 5, in the 19400 block of McCormick, near Moross Road and I-94, according to WDIV-TV Local 4 Detroit. Detroit firefighters told the news outlet that the 46-year-old man suffered burns to the upper half of his body and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Two neighboring homes were heavily damaged by the explosion. The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Cheboygan County sheriffs deputies responded to a 3:21 p.m. report of two people in distress in the water on Saturday, July 5, on Burt Lake near Maple Bay Campground. CHEBOYGAN COUNTY, MI A father and son died in a double drowning incident at a campground in Northern Michigan, police said. Cheboygan County sheriffs deputies responded to a 3:21 p.m. report of two people in distress in the water on Saturday, July 5, on Burt Lake near Maple Bay Campground. Witnesses told deputies a 16-year-old Levering boy was underwater for about seven minutes. Police say the teens father a 54-year-old Levering man entered the water to try and rescue his son. Rescue crews arrived on the scene within minutes and found the man underwater. Shortly thereafter, the teen was pulled from the water. The father and son were taken to the Maple Bay Boat Launch where emergency life-saving measures were administered. Despite efforts, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. The teen was taken to McLaren Petoskey, where he was later pronounced deceased. The investigation remains ongoing. Ondo Finance acquires Oasis Pro to fuel expansion into securities markets originally appeared on TheStreet. Ondo Finance, the tokenization platform, announced on July 4 that it is acquiring Oasis Pro, a regulated broker, to drive expansion into the regulated tokenized securities market in the U.S. The platform said it is buying Oasis Pro, including its broker-dealer, alternative trading system (ATS), and transfer agent (TA) regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Ondo Finance is a platform that leverages blockchain technology to tokenize traditional financial offerings such as stocks, bonds, funds, etc. Tokenization refers to the process of digitally representing stocks as tradable tokens and offering fractional ownership of those stocks to prospective investors. The process not only digitizes stocks, it also makes them more affordable to trade due to fractional offerings. Analysts predict the market will exceed $18 trillion by 2033, the statement said. The tokenization platform said it plans to offer tokenized stocks to non-U.S. investors in the coming months through its Global Markets platform. Ondo already has more than $1.4 billion in tokenized assets under management, and the latest acquisition is part of its targeted expansion. Ondo Finance CEO Nathan Allman said: This acquisition will empower us to realize our vision of building a robust and accessible tokenized financial system, backed by the strongest regulatory foundations. Founded in 2019, Oasis Pro was one of the first regulated ATS in the U.S. that was authorized to support settlement of digital securities in both fiat currency and stablecoins like Circle's USDC and DAI. Pat LaVecchia, Oasis Pro CEO said: This acquisition combines our brokerage platform and licenses with Ondos existing institutional-grade infrastructure and products, a comprehensive foundation for a regulated tokenized securities ecosystem. The deal is yet to be granted regulatory approval. Ondo Finance acquires Oasis Pro to fuel expansion into securities markets first appeared on TheStreet on Jul 4, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared. Detroit Police Chief Todd A. Bettison gave an update via Facebook on a shooting that happened late Thursday night. Police were patrolling the area Thursday because of recent reports of breaking and entering. Detroit Police Department DETROIT, MI - A 16-year-old was shot and killed by police Thursday night, July 3, after allegedly shooting an officer in the area of Neff Street and Conner. Detroit police officers from the ninth precinct were on routine patrol about 10:30 p.m. Thursday when they encountered three masked individuals standing next to a building, Detroit Police Chief Todd A. Bettison said in a video posted to the Detroit Police Departments Facebook page Friday, July 4. Bettison said there had been a rash of breaking and entering incidents in the area. Officers stopped to investigate and detained one of the individuals, a 16 year old, while a foot pursuit ensued with the other two, Bettison said. While police were trying to detain a second suspect, also 16, a brief struggle occurred before the suspect grabbed a handgun and shot a police officer in the left hand. Police officers then returned fire, killing the suspect, Bettison said. He did not say whether the fatally wounded suspect was male or female. Police did not find the third suspect, a male whose age is unknown, Bettison said. Michigan State Police and the Detroit Police K-9 team are assisting with the case, he said. The injured officer was treated at an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. I just really need our parents to step up. At this time of night, our kids should not be out, and they should not have hand guns, Bettison said. He implored anyone with information about the incident to call 911. GENESEE COUNTY, MI The Mass Transportation Authority recently held a grand opening for a new Flint facility named after a local disability advocate. Meanwhile, a man who served more than half a century in prison for a murder in Flint that he didnt commit, Horace Peterson, is adjusting to life beyond incarceration. Check out these stories and more Flint-area news from the past week with these headlines: The reason Flints transit authority named its newest facility after this local hero The Mass Transportation Authority has named its new facility after local accessibility and employment advocate Michael Zelley, who died about two years ago. A grand opening for the Michael J. Zelley Training and Development Center was held about a week ago. The new facility is located at the former site of Baker College on Dort Highway in Flint, and it will be utilized for workforce training and development as well as safety certification. Read the full story here. Nine years after it started, Flints service line excavations, replacements complete More than 10,000 lead service lines impacted by the Flint water crisis have been excavated and replaced, putting an end to a lawsuit that began nearly 10 years ago. A report claiming that work on the service line program is complete was filed by the state of Michigan this past week. However, Flint and the state are still working to replace galvanized steel service lines excluded from the settlement. Read the full story here. Nearly $3 million being used to replace bridges in Fenton, Grand Blanc townships The Genesee County Road Commission will soon move forward with plans to replace two aging bridges after more than 90 years. The commission is expected to begin removing the existing bridges this week, which will lead to road closures in the area. The $1.5 million project includes the replacement of Center Road Bridge in Grand Blanc Township and the North Road Bridge in Fenton Township. Read the full story here. Lawsuit challenges Owossos water and sewer connection fee increases The city of Owosso is being sued over recent water and sewer connection fee increases that are more than double what they used to be. The Home Builders Association of Michigan filed the lawsuit, arguing that the increases are unconstitutional and unfair for homeowners. The increased fees took effect more than a year ago, and the association has described them as unjustified. Read the full story here. How a Michigan man is rebuilding his life after serving 52 years for a crime he didnt commit A man released from prison in May after serving 52 years behind bars for a murder that occurred in Flint in 1973 is adjusting to his newfound freedom. Horace Peterson long battled to clear his name because while he was present when the crime occurred, he did not commit it. From finding a new doctor to catching up with the advances made in technology during his incarceration, Peterson is rebuilding his life piece by piece. Read the full story here. Flint Fire Department adds chest compression, defibrillator equipment to arsenal Flint is placing additional equipment on Flint ambulances as it looks to help its first responders, particularly its firefighters, provide medical care in emergencies. This equipment includes chest compressions systems and cardiac monitors/defibrillators. Mayor Sheldon Neeley and Fire Chief Theron Wiggins announced the citys decision to move forward with plans to add the equipment to ambulances during a press conference this past week. Read the full story here. Man accused of sexually assaulting teen while HIV positive faces 12 years in prison A man with HIV who allegedly sexually assaulted a 15-year-old boy more than two years ago recently agreed to a plea deal. Per the plea deal, John Cole of Flint could serve more than 10 years in prison for three different charges related to the alleged incident. Coles sentencing is scheduled for August, and he faces a 12-year minimum prison sentence. Read the full story here. New Swartz Creek superintendents first challenge is $40M decision leaving parents on edge Swartz Creek Community Schools new superintendent, Jim Kitchen, is considering plans to sell Morrish Elementary School for $40 million, but the district has already received some pushback from community members. The offer to purchase the school was made by the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. Selling the property would allow the district to move forward with plans to construct a new school. Read the full story here. BAY CITY, MI A Bay City man will get federal prison for selling fentanyl shipped from Arizona. Meanwhile, Bay City Public Schools adopted its budget for the upcoming school yearwith a $3.1 million deficit. Those headlines and more are included below in this weeks roundup of Bay County news you may have missed. Bay City man gets federal prison time for selling kilos of fentanyl shipped from Arizona A Bay City man is to spend a decade in federal prison for acquiring kilos of fentanyl pills from Arizona and distributing them around the Great Lakes Bay Region. U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Ludington on June 26 sentenced 25-year-old Patrick B. Chamberlain to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervision. The judge recommended Chamberlain spent his term at Federal Correctional Institution Milan in southeastern Michigan or a prison in Ohio. Ludington further recommended Chamberlain participate in a comprehensive drug treatment program. Read the full story here. Bay City Public Schools adopts budget with $3.1M deficit Bay City Public Schools adopted its initial 2025-26 budget resolution Monday, June 30, with a general fund shortfall of about $3.1 million. According to budget details approved Monday by the district board of education, the projected budget accounts for a revenue of just over $83.2 million compared to approximately $86.4 million in expenditures. The deficit means the district must dip into its rainy-day fund, a number that is projected to stand at $4.3 million on June 30, 2026. I feel comfortable that this is a conservative budget that we need to do, based on the knowledge that we have for what funding we will get from the state, said associate superintendent and finance director Jolene Lang Compton. Read the full story here. Cybersecurity pro allegedly told teen she could make bank by creating illegal content A Bay City man allegedly told a 15-year-old girl she could have a lucrative future if she sent him lewd photos of herself, which he would then sell online. When she replied the images would amount to child pornography, prosecutors allege the 21-year-old man gave an unabashed response: People love it. Bank is bank. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katharine Hemann provided this detail, and others, during the Monday, June 30, detention hearing for Lucas G. Pelletier, who spent months abroad after police searched his home and returned to the U.S. a few days before his arraignment. Read the full story here. Bay City fireworks trailer catches fire, no injuries reported No injuries were reported early Friday, July 4, when a trailer of fireworks caught fire, prompting some of the explosives to ignite. Sparks from shells that ignited during the Thursday, July 3, fireworks apparently caught grass around a trailer containing additional fireworks for the Saturday night show on fire, according to Bay City Fireworks Festival President Earl Bovia. The fire caught the trailer on fire, which caused some of the fireworks to go off, Bovia said. The fire was contained to the single trailer, which was extinguished by Bay City fire crews. Read the full story here. Simply Gluten-Free Kitchen is bringing Bay City back to homemade roots Its all about good-tasting gluten-free products for Alicia Faulk-Horton. And to be able to offer her homemade goodies to the community is the cherry on top. Simply Gluten-Free Kitchen is a cottage bakery operating off State Park Drive out of Faulk-Hortons 100% gluten-free kitchen. Read the full story here. Frankenmuths Grant Hegenauer begins tenure as Bay City Public Schools superintendent Bay City Public Schools enters a new era this month with its first permanent superintendent in nearly a year. Tuesday, July 1, marks the first day for the districts new full-time superintendent Grant Hegenauer, who was chosen by the Bay City Public Schools Board of Education in February to be the districts next leader. Im very excited, Hegenauer said Monday, June 30. Ive waited four months to be here, and those four months seemed like 40 years. Im very excited because what they keep resonating is the pride they have in the district, and I hope to share some of that pride and put that into my heart and go forward for the remainder of my career here at Bay City. Read the full story here. Bay City Public Schools releases partial calendar for upcoming school year amid teacher negotiations While a complete calendar for the upcoming school year will not be released until a contract is settled between Bay City Public Schools and the Bay City Education Association, the district released the dates students will have off in August, September and around holidays. According to an initial calendar for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, students at Bay City Public Schools will start school on Aug. 19. Students will not have school from Aug. 22-25, Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 for Labor Day weekend; Nov. 26-28 for Thanksgiving break; Dec. 22 to Jan. 2, 2026, for winter break; March 30, 2026, to April 6, 2026, for spring break; and May 25, 2026, for Memorial Day. Read the full story here. BAY CITY, MI Thousands of people gathered along the Saginaw River in downtown Bay City Saturday night, July 5, staring up toward the darkening sky, awaiting the first glitter and sparkle of one of mid-Michigans largest fireworks displays. Spectators watched from their vantages along the river and sprinkled elsewhere throughout the areaalong residential streets, atop buildings, and even some from their living rooms, if the view was so permittingas the first crack of aerial shells filled the air. The show had begun. The 2025 Bay City Fireworks Festival finale set off at about 10:12 p.m. Saturday, wrapping up one of the areas most renowned fireworks displays as well as one of the most popular regional events of the summer. The annual eventfirst launched in 1962began Wednesday, July 2, with a carnival. Fireworks began the following night, with set-off scheduled for 10:12 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The festival has become a beloved annual tradition for Michiganders eager to enjoy a dazzling fireworks display. Its also a place that sees Bay Citys two downtown parks fill with families going from carnival ride to carnival ride with handfuls of cotton candy and other fair foods. Three days of music kept the party going in Wenonah Park. Eight bands performed in the park over the course of the events final three days, including Detroit-based rock group Sponge, and Michigan-based rock and hip-hop music group REDBURN. Trapt played in place of Josey Scott, the voice of Saliva, who announced in the weeks leading up to the festival he would not be able to participate. Wrecking Crue, a Motley Crue tribute band, headlined Fridays show with Guns and Roses tribute band Paradise City as a special guest. Night Shift Special opened. Local band Jerkwater Town Boys performed at the festival on Saturday. They were joined by special guests Miranda and the 80s. A warm and humid Sunday will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to much of Lower Michigan. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service Hot and muggy conditions will continue today ahead of an approaching cold front, but well also see the potential for thunderstorms moving across the Lower Peninsula. These storms could bring heavy rainfall at times, and wind gusts as high as 60 mph. So if youre spending the end of your long holiday weekend outside, youll want to stay aware of the weather. A warm and humid Sunday will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to much of Lower Michigan, National Weather Service meteorologists in Grand Rapids said this morning. Lightning, sporadic downpours, and some local 40 to 60 mph gusts are the things to look out for. This morning, were likely to see rain and even a few thunderstorms developing in a line from Holland to Grand Rapids and stretching over to Mount Pleasant. This afternoon, more storms could produce efficient downpours, giving us some much-needed rainfall. With the high wind gusts, some of these pop-up storms could feel like intense microbursts. On the southeast side of the state, the storms are more likely to form between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service On the southeast side of the state, the storms are more likely to form between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Be weather aware if you have outdoor plans today: thunderstorms are in the forecast this afternoon and evening, NWS meteorologists in Detroit said. Frequent lightning, isolated damaging wind gusts, and heavy downpours leading to localized flooding will all be potential threats. Have multiple ways to receive warnings and be ready to act. Saurav Pandey is the Deputy Manager of Content at Moneycontrol, specialising in content strategy, execution and performance analysis. He integrates advanced SEO techniques to deliver high-impact, data-driven content formats. 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I Accept Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept By Alex Lawler, Maha El Dahan, Olesya Astakhova and Ahmad Ghaddar LONDON (Reuters) -OPEC+ agreed on Saturday to raise production by 548,000 barrels per day in August, further accelerating output increases at its first meeting since oil prices jumped - and then retreated - following Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran. The group, which pumps about half of the world's oil, has been curtailing production since 2022 to support the market. 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OPEC+, which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led by Russia, wants to expand market share amid growing supplies from rival producers like the United States, sources have said. With the August increase, OPEC+ will have released 1.918 million bpd since April, which leaves just 280,000 bpd to be released from the 2.2 million bpd cut. On top of that, OPEC+ allowed the UAE to increase output by 300,000 bpd. The group still has in place other layers of cuts amounting to 3.66 million bpd. The group of eight OPEC+ members will next meet on August 3. (Reporting by OPEC Newsroom. Writing by Dmitry Zhdannikov, Editing by Mark Potter) Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjuns 20-year age gap in Dhurandhar raises eyebrows, one netizen writes, 'It's giving me an ick...' Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Reshab Shaw USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept 'There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists:' PM Modi at BRICS Hemant Abhishek USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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Many investors are optimistic that the market will continue climbing, making right now a fantastic opportunity to load up on quality stocks. ETFs are a simple way to build wealth with little effort, but the right investments are key to maximizing your earnings. With the market reaching new heights, these three Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could be poised for significant growth. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Vanguard S&P 500 ETF A staple in many investors' portfolios, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) is a rock-solid option both when the market is thriving and during slumps. The S&P 500 ETF includes all the stocks listed in the S&P 500 index itself. From tech behemoths like Apple and Nvidia to century-old brands like Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble, the companies within the S&P 500 are among the largest and strongest in the world -- making them more recession-proof than many smaller stocks. Investing in an S&P 500 ETF is also an easy way to build a diversified portfolio with next to no effort. Because this fund contains hundreds of stocks across all sectors of the market, you're more protected if one or two stocks (or an entire industry) get hit hard during a downturn. Despite its relative safety, though, this ETF can still generate life-changing wealth. The market itself has historically earned an average rate of return of around 10% per year. At that rate, investing just $200 per month could add up to nearly a quarter of a million dollars after 25 years. 2. Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF If you're looking for the safety of an S&P 500 ETF but with a little more power, the Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (NYSEMKT: VOOG) is a fantastic choice. This fund also tracks the S&P 500, but it only includes the companies with the most potential for growth. 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I Accept Piyush Goyal doubles down on Make in India as US trade talks hit rough patch Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Importantly, Nvidia isn't just growing revenue but also increasing profitability on sales. We can see this in gross margin figures, which have exceeded 70% in recent quarters. The one exception was in the latest quarter, when the gross margin slipped to 60% due to a charge linked to export controls -- U.S. restrictions blocked planned sales, resulting in a billion-dollar charge. Excluding the charge, though, gross margin still topped 70%. This proved to be a key move for the company, as AI has helped revenue skyrocket, as you can see in the chart below. First, though, let's take a look at the Nvidia story so far to understand what may lie ahead. Nvidia wasn't always synonymous with AI. In fact, the company's graphics processing units (GPUs) were originally most known for powering video games. But the GPU's ability to handle many tasks simultaneously prompted Nvidia to create the parallel computing platform CUDA and expand the chip's uses into other industries, including AI. These concerns resulted in a decline of nearly 30% in Nvidia stock from the start of the year through early April. Since then, though, the stock and the general market have rebounded and even gone on to advance. Nvidia has climbed more than 60% from its low, while the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq have both recorded new record highs. Now, my prediction is that this movement isn't over, and Nvidia will soar in the second half. Let's find out why. But earlier this year, Nvidia stock slid into the doldrums alongside the rest of the tech market. This happened as investors worried about the impact of U.S. import tariffs on the consumer and corporate earnings. The idea was that this could lead to companies reining in spending, which might include lower spending on AI, potentially bad news for Nvidia. On top of this, U.S. controls on chip exports to China also weighed on Nvidia's growth potential. Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) was a surefire winner for investors over the past two calendar years. The artificial intelligence (AI) giant soared more than 800% over that time as it wowed investors with its explosive earnings growth. And as they aimed to get in on the AI growth story, Nvidia seemed like the obvious choice. After all, this tech player sells the world's top-performing AI chips, a critical product for customers building AI platforms. Nvidia stock was a sure winner over the past two years before slipping a few months ago. Story Continues Nvidia looks reasonably priced Now, let's consider why Nvidia stock could surge in the months ahead. One major point is that the stock today is reasonably priced at 36 times forward earnings estimates, down from more than 50 times just a few months ago. This offers Nvidia stock plenty of room to run, and recognizing this, investors may pile into the shares. Also, general trade-related news could act as a catalyst for stock performance. So far, trade talks and deals suggest that tariff levels may not be as high as originally planned, and any confirmation of this moving forward may boost stocks, particularly growth stocks like Nvidia that thrive in strong economic environments. News from Nvidia itself could boost the stock in the months to come, too. Considering the strong spending plans of Nvidia's customers, from Meta Platforms to Alphabet, and given that the launch of the company's Blackwell platform is rather recent, there's reason to be optimistic about revenue figures in the next quarter. Since Nvidia has committed to an annual rhythm of chip updates, we should also monitor the rollout of the next one -- the Blackwell Ultra -- in the second half. This has just begun and may act as another positive catalyst. Investors will appreciate seeing evidence that Nvidia is able to keep up this pace of annual updates, potentially resulting in share price gains. A booming AI market Finally, the overall AI market is booming, with demand for infrastructure buildout continuing and the next stages of AI, such as the use of AI agents, ready to unfold. This growth environment, with the AI market forecast to reach into the trillions of dollars in a few years, is clearly positive for the leading seller of AI chips. All this means that Nvidia, even if faced with certain hurdles -- such as a halt in chip sales to China -- has many other growth drivers propelling earnings higher right now. And this could continue well into the future. That's why I predict that Nvidia, after a first half of ups and downs, will soar in the second half of the year. Should you invest $1,000 in Nvidia right now? Before you buy stock in Nvidia, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Nvidia wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $699,558!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $976,677!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,060% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 180% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 30, 2025 Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Adria Cimino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Meta Platforms, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Prediction: Nvidia Will Soar in the Second Half was originally published by The Motley Fool 'He has no authority to decide...': Chinese Ambassador to India says Dalai Lama can't take any call on reincarnation process Ria Kapoor USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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I Accept India-Brazil partnership and Trump tariffs likely to dominate Modis Brazil visit The BRICS 2025 summit is being held against the backdrop of a fracturing international order where the return of multilateralism is increasingly questioned. BRICS leaders meeting in Rio on Sunday are expected to condemn US President Donald Trump's "indiscriminate" trade tariffs as illegal and harmful to the global economy reported by AFP. (Read more) Aerospace startup Muon Space has booked $146 million in total Series B funding, allowing the satellite constellation manufacturer to ramp up production at a new 130,000-square-foot complex in San Jose, California. Its book of business grew by leaps and bounds in 2024, adding over $100 million in contracts. The high-tech team is growing as well, doubling in one year to over 150 employees. The four-year old company collected $89.5 million in new funds, with $44.5 million in equity and $45 million in credit facilities. The round follows August 2024's $56 million cash haul. Congruent Venture led the investor syndicate, along with Activate Capital, Acme Capital, Costanoa Ventures, Radical Ventures and ArcTern Ventures. Congruent Managing Partner Joshua Posamentier touted the installment, saying, "Muon is building the high-performance scale solution the space industry has been missing." Don't Miss: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share GoSun's Breakthrough Rooftop EV Charger Already Has 2,000+ Units Reserved Become an Investor in This $41.3M Clean Energy Brand Today Aerospace engineers Jonny Dyer, Paul Day, Dan McCleese, Reuben Rohrschneider and Pascal Stang incorporated Muon Space in 2021. All have strong resumes in propulsion, mission control and large-scale operations, according to Techfundingnews, with "shared expertise in scalable hardware design and a vision for vertically integrated satellite systems." It lists its smaller competitors as Planet, Icey, and Spire. SpaceX and Airbus popularized 21st century satellite constellations, but they have been around for more than three decades. The basic manufacturing tech constructs and deploys multiple satellites into a coordinated network, using streamlined and automated production techniques. The system design has many applications, especially those requiring continuous global coverage. The Starlink satellite system is probably the best-known example of a modern constellation. Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey no cost, no obligation. In addition to new funding, Muon announced the acquisition of Starlight Engines, a 2022 propulsion startup described as "pioneering the first commercially available solid propellant Hall-effect thruster systems a safe, affordable and scalable alternative to traditional propulsion systems." The company is now integrating the tech into production, expecting the acquisition to "accelerate delivery times while improving both schedule reliability and overall mission performance. 'Seems to be a confusion...': Govt denies directions to block Reuters account on X Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept The stock market continues to hit new highs in 2025, buoyed by a surge in megacap stocks and more speculative trades as investors' appetite for risk continues to grow despite lingering economic uncertainties. Palantir (PLTR), sometimes described as the quintessential meme stock, and Super Micro Computer (SMCI), the most heavily shorted stock in the S&P 500 (^GSPC) in April, have been among the top-performing equities this year, far outpacing the broader index. While this speculative rally exists alongside record highs for AI giants like Nvidia (NVDA) and Meta (META), a fear of missing out appears to be a key force behind recent investor behavior. "Retail traders' fingerprints [are] all over it," Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab, said on Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid this week, describing the market's powerful rebound since the early April lows. The rally, she said, has been strengthened by a surge in "retail favorites or meme stocks, unprofitable tech," and a "lower quality tilt" that has lifted riskier names even penny stocks. "Some complacency has crept in," she said. According to data from Goldman Sachs, the riskiest corners of the market, including high-beta momentum stocks, a bitcoin-sensitive index, and unprofitable tech, far outpaced the S&P 500 in the second quarter as investors chased speculative momentum. Stablecoin issuer Circle (CRCL) and AI cloud provider CoreWeave (CRWV) have skyrocketed since their public debuts earlier this year, surging nearly 500% and 300%, respectively. Shares of Quantum Computing (QUBT) have also jumped, rising more than 60% over the past month amid a broader rally of the sector. That surge in risk-taking is raising red flags for some on Wall Street, particularly as certain trades show an increasing disconnect from fundamentals. "It's the gamification of the financial markets that we've seen over the last five years," Chad Morganlander, senior portfolio manager at Washington Crossing Advisors, told Yahoo Finance on Tuesday. "It's a considerable concern ... There's a lot of speculation there. Buyer beware." Read more: How to protect your money during turmoil, stock market volatility The stock market is hitting new highs in 2025, buoyed by a surge in megacap stocks and more speculative trades as investors' appetite for risk continues to grow despite lingering economic uncertainties. (Getty Images) arcoss via Getty Images According to Bespoke Investment Group, nearly 420 stocks in the Russell 3000 jumped more than 50% between the lows on April 8 and June 27, including 14 that soared over 200%. Of those highfliers, only four are profitable. On average, the 858 unprofitable companies in the index gained 36.4% during that stretch, more than doubling the 15.6% return seen among the 500 stocks with the lowest price-to-earnings ratios. Unable to find suitable work, Oxford graduate with PhD takes up food delivery: 'Its not a bad job' Ankita Sengupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Aabhas Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Hope to live another 30 or 40 years: Dalai Lama turns 90, vows to defy China; PM Modi extends wishes Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept AT&T said it plans to more quickly build fiber infrastructure a result of the policies in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress Thursday. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will spur investment, maintain U.S. leadership in innovation, and create economic opportunity nationwide. Thanks to the policies in this legislation, AT&T expects to invest more rapidly in next-generation networks after the bill is signed into law, increasing our investment by an additional 1 million fiber customer locations annually starting in 2026. This bill also creates a pipeline of midband spectrum that will help meet soaring consumer demand and keep the U.S. technologically competitive with other countries. Paired with the tax provisions in the bill, this legislation paves the way for the stated goals laid out by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr: unleashing high-speed infrastructure builds and restoring Americas global lead in wireless technology through smart policy. We appreciate Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Brett Guthrie for their efforts to establish a spectrum pipeline and renew FCC auction authority. And we thank President Trump for his leadership in making priorities of spectrum availability and tax incentives for capital investment in the reconciliation process. AT&T plans to provide an update on the expected impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on its 2025 and long-term financial outlook and capital allocation plans when it releases its second quarter results, scheduled for release on July 23, 2025. Dont Miss TipRanks Half-Year Sale Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. Published first on TheFly the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See Insiders Hot Stocks on TipRanks >> Read More on T: Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Monopoly in the making: How China quietly built a global rare earth dominance over decades Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept PM Modi in Brazil: Focus on India-Brazil special partnership, Trump tariffs | Likely topics on agenda Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept In many ways, where North America's telecom technology was around the turn of this century is where South America's is now. And that's a pretty big deal. And yet, that's not quite the crux of the bullish argument here. That description doesn't actually do MercadoLibre justice, though. It's so much more. It operates a digital payments platform, but it also offers delivery and logistics solutions, provides a range of business management and banking solutions, and helps online sellers optimize their digital advertising efforts. Its tech helped facilitate the sale of $51.5 billion worth of goods and services last year, and it processed nearly $200 billion worth of digital payments. MercadoLibre generated nearly $20.8 billion of its own revenue last year as well, up 37% year over year. Great, but what does it do? MercadoLibre is usually categorized as an e-commerce company, which is a fitting and fair description. In fact, it's often referred to as the Amazon of Latin America. Don't sweat it if you've never heard of it. Plenty of people haven't. That's because the company is headquartered in Uruguay, after being founded in Argentina, near the markets it serves most. In fact, it only operates in Latin America. Brazil is its single biggest market. Here's why it's one of the top growth stocks you might want to consider buying if you've got $1,000 -- or any other amount of idle money -- to commit to a long-term trade at this time. What you can do, however, is find stocks in a situation similar to Amazon's 25 years ago. That is, being in the right place at the right time with the right product that most everybody underestimated in its infancy. And one company that's eerily close now to where Amazon was then is MercadoLibre (NASDAQ: MELI). Well, you can't -- the past is in the past. Do you ever wish you could go back and buy Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) right at its initial public offering? After all, it's only the market's most rewarding stock of the modern era, up nearly 300,000% from its 1997 IPO. A similar company is now in the same situation Amazon was in years ago. Its just located in a different part of the world. Much of Amazons massive success can be attributed to being in the right place at the right time. Story Continues Think about it. Amazon's online mall was launched when dial-up internet was still the norm, and smartphones were anything but. Although Amazon would have probably grown into a respectably sized digital selling platform even without these innovations, super-fast internet speeds and the convenience of a mini-mobile computer certainly played a critical role in Amazon becoming the juggernaut it is today. Well, that's largely where Latin America is now. Although these technologies have long been available there, they're only becoming commonplace now. Market research firm Canalys reports that -- well after North America reached a comparable peak -- smartphone shipments to Latin America hit a record-breaking 137 million units just last year. In a similar vein, whereas broadband connectivity has been the norm within the U.S. for years now, it's still becoming the norm in Latin America. Market research firm Omdia reports that only about two-thirds of Latin America's residents have access to broadband connectivity, while only a little over half of those consumers actually subscribe to a high-speed internet service. They're getting on board now, however. The only real difference between here and there is that Latin America is shaping up as a "mobile first" market, meaning most consumers' primary (and sometimes only) access to the internet is through their mobile devices. The end result is still the same -- buyers and sellers will always eventually find the easiest path to one another. In this vein, Americas Market Intelligence's PCMI believes the region's e-commerce market will grow to the tune of 21% this year, and double in size between 2023 and 2027. With so many different kinds of exposure to the business (online shopping websites, payments, business support, etc.), MercadoLibre is apt to capture at least its fair share of this growth. Indeed, it stands ready to win more than its fair share. See, for all the e-commerce growth we've already seen in Latin America and all we're about to see, the market is still highly fragmented. The company only controls about one-third of Brazil's and Mexico's online shopping markets, and a similar proportion for the entirety of Latin America. The region is ripe for a dominant company to take commanding control, much like Amazon did in North America. It's possible that MercadoLibre could win more share there than Amazon enjoys here, in fact. The kicker: Despite the stock's persistent strength since 2022's low, it's still trading well below analysts' consensus price target of $2,895.82. The vast majority of those analysts also currently rate MELI as a strong buy, suggesting they see something that most investors don't see ... yet. There is (much) more to like than not about MercadoLibre Downsides? Sure. Every stock's got them, and this one is no exception. One could balk at MELI's relatively frothy forward-looking price-to-earnings ratio of right around 50, for instance, or its above-average volatility. On balance, though, the risk and reward here isn't particularly well-balanced -- the upsides far outweigh the downsides, and the stock's frothy valuation isn't anything unusual for a company consistently growing its top and bottom lines at a pace of 25% to 30%. Bottom line? Don't overthink this one. Also, don't ignore it simply because it's not a familiar or local name that doesn't do business in the U.S. It really is the Amazon of Latin America in several different -- and bullish -- ways. Or if nothing else, MercadoLibre would be a brilliant way to add some international exposure to your portfolio that circumvents the majority of the political and trade turmoil surrounding the United States at this time. That alone might be worth its fairly steep price. Should you invest $1,000 in MercadoLibre right now? Before you buy stock in MercadoLibre, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and MercadoLibre wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $699,558!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $976,677!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,060% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 180% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 30, 2025 John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. James Brumley has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and MercadoLibre. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The Ultimate Growth Stock to Buy With $1,000 Right Now was originally published by The Motley Fool US blames Hamas for attacking two American aid workers in Gaza: calls it act of violence 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Winning the war, losing the world: Israel's isolation deepens as US support wanes Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept With PM Modi in Brazil for BRICS, Congress recalls 2012 summit where Manmohan Singh proposed development bank Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Director General Jerry S. Chang of the Taiwan Economic & Cultural Office of Hawaii and CNMI Sen. Celina R. Babauta in Hawaii. Contributed photo Melvin Won Pat-Borja's participated in the United Nation's Pacific Regional Seminar held May 21-23 in Dili, Timor-Leste. Won Pat-Borja represented Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero in addressing the U.N. Special Committee on Decolonization, known as the C-24. Photo courtesy of the Commission on Decolonization/The Guam Daily Post Lowes Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) is one of the 10 Best Dip Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires. On June 23, analyst Zachary Fadem from Wells Fargo reduced the price target on Lowes Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) from $300 to $260, while reiterating a Buy rating on the stock. The rating comes after the company posted mixed results for its Q1 2025. Lowes Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) posted a revenue of $20.93 billion, reflecting a 2.03% decline year-over-year and below expectations by $29.64 million. However, the EPS of $2.92 topped the analysts target by $0.04. Management noted the decrease in comparable sales to be impacted by the unfavorable weather conditions early in the quarter, but was partially offset by mid-single-digit growth in professional and online sales. Wells Fargo Reduced the PT on Lowes Companies (LOW), Maintained a Buy Rating A family excitedly browsing through the aisles of a home improvement retail store. Despite the mixed results, Lowes Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) reaffirmed its fiscal 2025 guidance and continues to expect sales ranging from $83.5 billion to $84.5 billion with comparable sales in a range of flat to up 1%. The operating margin is expected to be in the range of 12.3% to 12.4%. Lowes Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) is a leading home improvement retailer. Its services and products range from construction, maintenance, repair, remodeling, and decorating projects. While we acknowledge the potential of LOW 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. Alleged mastermind behind shooting of Colombian senator and presidential candidate arrested View Photo BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) The alleged mastermind behind the shooting of a conservative Colombian senator and presidential candidate was taken into custody Saturday, almost a month after the attack, law enforcement authorities said. Elder Jose Arteaga Hernandez, alias Chipi or Costeno, was arrested in a neighborhood in the northwestern part of the capital, Bogota, National Police Director Maj. Gen. Carlos Fernando Triana told reporters. Authorities had previously accused him and other suspects of being near the Bogota park where Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot in broad daylight on June 7. Uribe was giving a political speech in the park when he was attacked from behind and wounded in the head, allegedly by a minor who was captured as he fled. Three other people have been arrested for participating in the logistics and execution of the crime. The motive is still being investigated. Uribe, who in October announced his intention to run in the 2026 presidential election, remains in intensive care and has undergone several surgeries. From his Senate seat, he had become one of President Gustavo Petros most vocal critics. The attack has been widely condemned in a country with a dark past in which drug cartels and insurgent groups murdered and kidnapped politicians. Charges against Arteaga include attempted aggravated homicide; manufacturing, trafficking and carrying firearms or ammunition; and using minors to commit crimes. Interpol issued a red notice against him Friday. It was not immediately clear Saturday if Arteaga had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. Authorities said he would make his first court appearance over the weekend. Triana last month said Arteaga has been involved in a life of crime for more than 20 years, performing hit jobs in all types of crimes in Bogota. California Wildfire Weather View Photo LOS ANGELES (AP) A wildfire in a wilderness area of central California exploded in size as dry, hot weather Thursday raised the fire risk for large portions of the state ahead of the July Fourth holiday. The Madre Fire became Californias largest blaze so far this year, ripping through grasslands after breaking out Wednesday in southeastern San Luis Obispo County. It swiftly grew to more than 82 square miles (212 square kilometers). It was just 10% contained by Thursday evening. Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for tiny communities near State Route 166 as flames moved through hilly terrain toward the Carrizo Plain National Monument, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of Santa Maria. The region about 125 miles (200 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles contains vast grasslands that draw visitors in the spring to see its wildflowers. Part of Route 166 East was closed Thursday, and there was no estimate for re-opening, California Department of Transportation, known as Caltrans, said on social media. The fire was pushed by summer gusts that typically increase as the sun starts going down, said meteorologist Ryan Kittell with the National Weather Service. The winds are pretty light during the day, but they do pick up pretty substantially in the afternoon and evening hours, Kittell said. He said gusts could reach 40 mph (64 kph) later in the day Thursday, posing new challenges for firefighters working in 95-degree F heat (35 C). Dozens of smaller wildfires were burning across the state. Southern Californias Wolf Fire reached 55% containment Thursday after charring more than 3.7 square miles (9.5 square kilometers) of dry brush since breaking out June 29 in Riverside County east of Los Angeles. Unrelated to the wildfires, a fire burned four homes in the Pacoima neighborhood before being brought under control Thursday night. Fireworks were exploding when crews arrived at the scene and a woman was transported to a hospital in critical condition, the Los Angeles Times reported. By CHRISTOPHER WEBER Associated Press University of California Boycott Ban View Photo SAN FRANCISCO (AP) The president of the University of California this week reiterated that student governments are prohibited from financial boycotts of companies associated with any particular country, including Israel, as the Trump administration continues its probe of alleged antisemitism on college campuses. Michael Drake did not mention Israel by name, but he did single out student governments in a letter he sent to chancellors of the university system. He said that while freedom of speech and inquiry are core commitments of the university, its policies also require that financial decisions be grounded in sound business practices, such as competitive bidding. This principle also applies to student governments, he wrote. Actions by University entities to implement boycotts of companies based on their association with a particular country would not align with these sound business practices. UC spokesperson Rachel Zaentz said in a statement that the letter is in keeping with the universitys opposition to financial boycotts of companies associated with a particular country. While our community members have the right to express their viewpoints, financial boycotts are inconsistent with UCs commitment to sound business practices, academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas, she said. College campuses exploded with pro-Palestinian protests in the wake of the war in Gaza, including a particularly brutal clash involving police at the University of California, Los Angeles last year. At the start of his term this year, President Donald Trump launched antisemitism probes at several universities, including the University of California, Berkeley. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and National Science Foundation are requiring research grantees to certify they will not engage in boycotts of Israel or promote diversity, inclusion and equity or risk federal funding. The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said Drakes letter is yet another example of the university systems attempts to silence student and faculty support of Palestinian human rights. It sends a chilling message that financial interests and political pressure outweigh free expression and moral responsibility to take a stand against a foreign nation committing a genocide, said Oussama Mokeddem, the groups government affairs director. The UC Student Association, which represents students across the campuses, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But its president, Aditi Hariharan, told the Los Angeles Times that she disagreed with the ban. Students already have little influence on how the university works, and student government is one of the few places where they can really get involved and have their voices heard, she said in an interview before the letter was released. Alleged arsonist charged over fire at Australian synagogue View Photo MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) A man was charged Sunday over an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue in an apparent escalation of antisemitic violence in Australias second-most populous city. Angelo Loras, 34, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court Sunday charged with arson, endangering life and property damage. He was also charged with possessing a controlled weapon on Saturday when he was arrested. The charge sheet does not say what that weapon was. The Sydney resident did not enter a plea or apply to be released on bail. Magistrate John Lesser remanded Loras in custody to appear in court next on July 22. Flammable liquid was ignited at the door of the East Melbourne Synagogue, also known as the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, on Friday night as 20 worshippers shared a Shabbat meal inside. The congregation escaped without harm via a rear door and firefighters contained the blaze to the entrance area of the 148-year-old building. Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, who was inside the synagogue with his family on Friday, said security cameras showed the perpetrator ringing the doorbell twice moments before the flames erupted. Gutnicks 13-year-old son was in the synagogue office at the time and decided against opening the door after seeing the visitor on the security camera monitor. We use the security cameras to assess people who ring the doorbell. Generally, we dont hesitate to let someone in, Gutnick told The Associated Press. My son hesitated and didnt answer. By the time I came to the front, there was already smoke and flames coming in under the door, he added. It was the first of three apparent displays of antisemitic violence across the city on Friday and early Saturday morning. Authorities have yet to establish a link between incidents at the synagogue and two businesses. Antisemitism blamed for attacks on businesses Also in downtown Melbourne on Friday night, around 20 masked protesters harassed diners in an Israeli-owned restaurant. A restaurant window was cracked, tables were flipped and chairs thrown as protesters chanted Death to the IDF, referring to the Israel Defense Forces. A 28-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and charged with hindering police. Police are also investigating the spray-painting of a business in Melbournes northern suburbs and an arson attack on three vehicles attached to the business before dawn on Saturday. The vehicles had also been graffitied. Police said there were antisemitic inferences at the scene. The business had also been the target of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the past year. Political leaders condemn antisemitism Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke met with Jewish leaders at the damaged synagogue on Sunday. Burke told reporters that investigators were searching for potential links between the three incidents. At this stage, our authorities have not drawn links between them. But obviously theres a link in antisemitism. Theres a link in bigotry. Theres a link in a willingness to either call for violence, to chant violence or to take out violent actions. They are very much linked in that way, Burke said. There were three attacks that night and none of them belonged in Australia. Arson attacks, the chanting calls for death, other attacks and graffiti none of it belonged in Australia and they were attacks on Australia, Burke added. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the Australian government to take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law and prevent similar attacks in the future. I view with utmost gravity the antisemitic attacks that occurred last night in Melbourne, which included attempted arson of a synagogue in the city and a violent assault against an Israeli restaurant by pro-Palestinian rioters, Netanyahu said in a statement on Saturday. The reprehensible antisemitic attacks, with calls of death to the IDF and an attempt to attack a place of worship, are severe hate crimes that must be uprooted, he added. By ROD McGUIRK Associated Press BREAKING: Israel just killed Dr. Moussa Khawaja in Gaza. They dropped a bomb on the tent he was sheltering in, killing him and his entire family including his three children. He wasnt a combatant. He was a doctor, devoted to saving lives. pic.twitter.com/8TJ0f10Bb3 sarah (@sahouraxo) July 5, 2025 Conor here: The world is increasingly the billionaires playground. As the following piece shows, Gates role in the World Health Organization will only grow as the US governments diminishes as billionaires take over their niche markets in what was previously state roles. As Gates infamously said about India and its cooperation with his foundation, its a kind of laboratory to try things. One wonders if Gates role in US health will increase as the government withdraws, as evidenced by Trumps big, beautiful bill. By Ramin Skibba, an astrophysicist turned science writer and freelance journalist who is based in the Bay Area. He has written for WIRED, The Atlantic, Slate, Scientific American, and Nature, among other publications. Originally published at Undark. In May, Bill Gates, once the worlds richest person, announced that he would give away virtually all of his wealth through the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years. The foundations endowment is roughly $77 billion. The move will likely solidify the foundations outsized role in global health, particularly as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and several other European countries have slashed their global health and aid budgets. The U.S. in particular has seen steep cuts. In just the past few months, the administration of President Donald J. Trump has announced the countrys departure from the World Health Organization; dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID; enacted sweeping cuts of the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR; and made broad cuts within the Department of Health and Human Services, effectively blocking millions in funding for global health security and maternal health programs worldwide. Those cuts and withdrawals have left a vacuum of an estimated $10 billion or more in global health. That makes the Gates Foundation formerly known as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which served as a major player in global health since the 1990s a de facto world funding leader. And its influence, along with that of a few other philanthropies, is set to grow. The charity has drawn praise among global health experts, as well as some scrutiny over what some call philanthrocapitalism, a market-based, for-profit approach. Critics point out that the approach puts mostly unaccountable power in the hands of wealthy donors while depriving treasuries of taxes that would enable governments and the public sector to take more action. Notably, in recent years, the Gates Foundation, the colossal endowment of which dwarfs the GDP of several countries it serves in, has been among the top two or three contributors to WHO, whose members include 194 countries, along with a handful of private or nongovernmental contributors. Now, the foundation is poised to become the health agencys chief funder. Both the Gates Foundation and independent global health experts stress that the foundation cant fill the void left by the U.S. For example, even with the foundations increased contributions, WHO had to bump up membership fees and its next budget has dropped by 10 percent, to around $6.2 billion. A recent initiative called Project Resource Optimization, or PRO, began connecting donors with programs cut by USAID, but its a small and short-term effort, and it cant restore everything. (PRO is hosted by the Center for Global Development, which receives Gates funding.) The foundation also contributes to health and research funding outside WHO, such as grants focused on polio, malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. However, these are typically smaller than the previous U.S. government-funded programs, such as PEPFAR and the Presidents Malaria Initiative, both overseen by USAID. In another example, of medical research in South Africa, Gates is regarded very much as a supplement to the basic research we do in this country, said Salim Abdool Karim, director of the Center for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa and a global health professor at Columbia University, as well as a Gates Foundation scientific adviser. He said that the top research funders in South Africa have been the National Institutes of Health, USAID, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No one can replace them, he said. Nobody has that kind of money. And the Gates funding also wont necessarily support the same type of work as the U.S. previously did. For instance, the foundations contributions to WHO arent like the lump sums that come from the member governments. Private money from philanthropies are usually earmarked for specific projects like polio eradication, which wont help with shortfalls in other areas, said Lawrence Gostin, a global health law expert at Georgetown. He added that because the Gates Foundation has such deep pockets, [it] tends to set the global health agenda for much of what WHO does, which some global health advocates resent, because they think its undemocratic and that that should be a matter for WHO to set its own priorities. Overall, its a difficult historical moment in all funding, including for the Gates Foundation, said J. Stephen Morrison, director of the Global Health Policy Center at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (which has received Gates funding): They now have to rethink, What is our purpose? when the U.S. government is not the partner, and its out feeding these things into the wood chipper. Capitalizing on his wealth accumulated since co-founding the technology giant Microsoft, which he led for 25 years, Bill Gates has spread his influence across not just global health, but education policy, agricultural development, clean energy technologies, and climate policy. The Gates Foundation has provided millions of dollars of funding to numerous newsrooms around the world, too, from NPR and Der Spiegel to Al Jazeera, and African outlets as well. Bill Gates has also provided numerous grants to leading universities (including MIT, whose Knight Science Journalism Program publishes Undark, which is editorially independent). Furthermore, the foundation disburses considerable funding for public-private partnerships like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance for which the U.S. is now withdrawing its own financial support and numerous other health groups. It also funds research at institutions; every university featured in this piece has received at least one Gates Foundation grant. The Gates Foundation is headquartered in Seattle, near Microsoft, with one other U.S. office in Washington D.C., and nine branch offices outside the U.S., including in Delhi, Beijing, Nairobi, and Dakar. The foundation has also provided more than half a billion dollars of support to the World Bank, another institution that has wielded influence among numerous governments in the Global South. The Gates Foundation has long enjoyed a leading role at WHO as well. Much of that agencys budget comes from what are called assessed contributions from its 194 member countries funding from governments that the WHO governing bodies can use as they see fit. Nevertheless, WHO receives substantial funding in the form of voluntary contributions in which the money contributed must be spent on certain areas, especially polio eradication and childhood vaccinations. Between 2022 and 2023, the Gates Foundation was the third largest independent funder, providing $830 million of WHOs $6.7 billion budget. The U.S. was the largest. But in the last year, the order shifted: For the first time, the Gates Foundation was the largest funder. The U.S.s portion, which will drop over the next biennium due to the countrys exit, was $698 million. Of Gates influence, many global health experts and health researchers have overwhelming positive views, at least in public. But the high marks may partly stem from a Bill Chill, in which the foundations vast investments create conflicts of interest, making recipients reluctant to criticize it, said Jeremy Youde, a Portland State University political scientist. Some criticisms have emerged over the years, however, including in prominent books like The Bill Gates Problem by journalist Tim Schwab and No Such Thing as a Free Gift by sociologist Linsey McGoey. McGoey, for example, makes the case that Gates and other philanthropic funding deprives governments of tax revenues and erodes support for government spending. One critique leveled by Gostin, as well as by McGoey, is that the foundation has limited accountability compared to other global health donors namely, governments. In one recent example, the Gates Foundation was controversially granted diplomatic immunity in Kenya last year through the countrys Privileges and Immunities Act, which appears to have included immunity from legal action while performing duties for the foundation within the country. In November 2024, Kenyas High Court temporarily suspended the foundations privileges. The Gates Foundation did not grant Undarks requests for an interview, although various spokespeople provided statements or directed the magazine to previously published statements. About this Kenya episode, the foundations Africa Director Paulin Basinga previously said: the legal proceedings related to the Host Country Agreement have shifted attention away from our core mission. To remain focused on our work and partnerships in Kenya, we will continue operating our branch office while transitioning away from the Host Country Agreement. Some global health experts say this is an example of Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation being treated like a head of state, even though its a private entity. It acts often as a country representative in these global spaces, so it has outsized influence, said Marlee Tichenor, a medical anthropologist at the University of Edinburgh who has published research assessing the influence of private philanthropic interests. In a similar vein, she said, the Gates Foundations vast sway could undermine WHOs independence. On questions of transparency, Kate Davidson and other Gates Foundation spokespersons pointed to its grants database, which provides data on how much money was disbursed, when, and to whom. But the database includes no information about who was involved on either side in the process, nor does it include details or internal reports about how the funding was actually spent, unlike government agencies and the World Bank, Tichenor said. Other researchers, like David McCoy at United Nations Universitys International Institute for Global Health (which has received Gates funding) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, have documented how the majority of the Gates Foundations funding, at least in its early years, didnt actually go directly to poor countries. In 2009, McCoy and his colleagues analyzed a decade of more than 1,000 grants between 1998 and 2007, and published their findings in The Lancet. He has subsequently continued to track the foundation. The overwhelming number of recipients of Gates Foundation grants were based in the Global North, McCoy said, referring to institutions based in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Canada. A separate 2023 analysis comes to similar conclusions about Gates and two other foundations, favoring grant recipients in high-income countries. McCoy also noticed other trends among the Gates Foundations grants. A lot of what the Gates Foundation funds is focused on downstream interventions, he said. Its a particular approach to health improvement that is quite reductive and technologically focused. That meant focusing on things like vaccines, drugs, and devices, he said, while neglecting the broader context of poverty and lack of access to health care, housing, and other structural problems. Many health experts and health equity advocates, including Tichenor and Youde, also criticize the Gates Foundations longstanding emphasis on intellectual property since the 1990s. In the more recent case of Covid, these critics point out that, for seven crucial months, the Foundation rejected calls for a vaccine patent waiver, which had previously been done with HIV antiretrovirals. From my perspective, because of Gates outsized influence, his opposition to waiving the patent rights actually was a big deal, it slowed down that process, Tichenor said. In response to Undarks request for comment on this, a Gates Foundation spokesperson pointed to a statement by CEO Mark Suzman, which endorses a narrow IP waiver, on May 6, 2021, a day after President Joe Biden officially supported such access. And while many health experts commend the Gates Foundations longtime efforts to eradicate polio and malaria, two objectives the foundation maintains today, Tichenor and others contend that those goals are unrealizable and involve an inefficient use of resources. In particular, eradication and control of a disease such as polio can be in contradiction with each other, while only the latter directs resources toward places that need it most. After all, global health groups previously targeted 2000 as the year for eradicating polio; today, the disease remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The targets always getting further and further away, Tichenor said. The amount of money and labor and infrastructure it requires ends up being, to me, questionable. Regardless of the Gates Foundations perceived accomplishments and shortcomings, for the next two decades, the foundation will remain a heavyweight in global health. And Gates isnt alone: He was recently joined on the philanthropic stage by Metas Mark Zuckerberg, through his Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, founded in 2015 to support biomedicine, disease research, and other projects. Other influential philanthropic interests supporting health organizations and medical research include The Rockefeller Foundation, the Wellcome Trust in London, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation in Denmark, which were founded in 1913, 1936, and 1989, respectively. In this model of philanthrocapitalism, as McCoy and others have described it, foundations, often led by billionaires, are run somewhat like private corporations and wield power among their recipients. In fact, the Gates Foundations assets had grown for years, despite disbursing billions of dollars of annual grants. Gates personal fortune continued growing at the same time, despite his philanthropy, and only recently plateaued. When one looks at Gates and other philanthropic efforts narrowly, it can be hard to argue with the measurable improvements in health and mortality theyve produced, according to McCoy. But for him, the bigger picture looks different: Philanthropists have not been able to adequately address poverty and underdevelopment. In that view, concentrated wealth of billionaires like Gates, Zuckerberg, and John D. Rockefellers descendants is part of the problem, not the solution. Katerini Storeng, a medical anthropologist at the University of Oslo, argues that problems with philanthropy today involve more than just the role of massive wealth. In her new research, she finds that the Gates Foundations influence extends beyond its many grants. She and her colleagues apply the concept of network diplomacy in this philanthropic context, where the foundation builds networks of influence, such as among donor governments, think tanks, and media organizations, institutionalizing its approach to global health. We found that there has been a sustained territorial expansion into Europe over the past 15 years, she said, and the extent of it is sophisticated. It has ultimately created alignment with the Gates Foundations agenda, she added, akin to an empire exerting soft power. Extensive engagement by foundation officials in many sectors of society ensured that the U.K., France, and Germany would continue financing Gates priorities like Gavi and the Global Fund, Storeng added, eventually outpacing the foundations own funding. But the future of philanthropy is also uncertain, with new calls for reforming wealth taxation and the philanthropic system itself. The Trump administration supports proposed legislation that would substantially raise taxes on endowments, taxing by 10 percent the investment income of large foundations with assets over $5 billion, while giving the Treasury the power to suspend nonprofits tax-exempt status. (The Senate version of the bill, which passed Tuesday, removed the foundation tax provision. The bill now heads back to the House.) Previously proposed reforms would target billionaires themselves, imposing a 3 percent annual wealth tax. Either kind of tax would affect philanthropists, including Gates, and limit their ability to aid health groups that are struggling to weather the loss of U.S. funding. Youde, the political scientist, also wonders what global health might look like once the Gates Foundation eventually closes down which its set to do in 20 years. But for now, he takes a pragmatic tack. There are lots of criticisms that can be levied and should be levied against the Gates Foundation, particularly around these questions of accountability and transparency. But Id also rather have Bill Gates spending his money on this than buying massive superyachts that cant even get out of harbors in the Netherlands, he said, referring to billionaire Jeff Bezos half-billion-dollar vessel previously stuck in Rotterdam. Better that this money is going into global health than something else. Americans average attention span plummets to just 47 seconds, new survey finds Americans' average attention span on computer tasks has dropped from 2.5 minutes to just 47 seconds over the past two decades a 69 percent decline, according to a 2025 Ohio State survey. Three in four adults report difficulty concentrating, primarily due to stress (43 percent), poor sleep (39 percent) and digital distractions (35 percent), with multitasking, poor nutrition and ADHD also playing roles. Dr. Evita Singh suggests many people mistakenly think they have attention disorders, when in fact they're experiencing mental fatigue from chronic stress, anxiety and information overload. Multitasking may feel productive but actually drains mental energy, leaving behind "attention residue" that makes it harder to concentrate, enjoy tasks or maintain emotional well-being. UC Irvine psychologist Gloria Mark's research shows email, not social media, is the most consistent digital stressor, increasing heart rates and fragmenting attention through constant task-switching. The modern attention span is crumbling and fast. A new national survey conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that the average time Americans can stay focused on a computer task has plunged from 2.5 minutes two decades ago to a startling 47 seconds today a 69 percent decline. The survey of 1,000 adults, conducted in May 2025, found that three out of four Americans admit they struggle to concentrate due to stress (43 percent), poor sleep (39 percent) and constant digital distractions (35 percent). (Related: What stress does to you: learn to control your stress reaction type.) Dr. Evita Singh, a psychiatrist at Ohio State, said this dramatic shift is changing how Americans think, work and connect. Singh explains that what many perceive as a clinical attention deficit may actually be a result of sheer exhaustion. "The stress and the ruminating and thinking about things over and over in your mind can certainly impact attention span and the ability to focus," said Singh. "Often when patients come to see me, they're worried about their ability to focus, and there's a good chance that it ends up being because they're so stressed out or they're anxious. So we work on treating that." While digital notifications are a well-known distraction, the survey found Americans are also pointing fingers at multitasking, boredom, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and underlying conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Singh even claimed that multitasking in particular may be doing more harm than good. "When people are multitasking, when they have so many things in their mind that they're thinking about, they can get exhausted," Singh said. "And then it's really hard to enjoy things, which can then lead to depression or anxiety." Research reveals hidden stress triggers hurting your focus Professor Gloria Mark of the University of California, Irvine, confirms what Singh sees in patients with hard data. Mark, who spent over 20 years tracking exactly how and why people lose focus, conducted her research based on wearable sensors and digital activity logs from real-world office settings. "We've found a strong correlation between short attention spans and high stress levels," Mark said. In her book, "Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity," Mark explains how mental noise, known as "internal chatter," prevents people from staying grounded in the present. Her research also shows that individuals with high levels of neuroticism, a trait linked to chronic worry, tend to have the shortest attention spans. These people are more likely to be mentally preoccupied, making it harder for them to concentrate, even in quiet environments. One of the key culprits behind fractured attention is task-switching, which Mark claimed leaves behind "attention residue," lingering thoughts from a previous task that interfere with the next one. Social media often gets blamed for modern distraction, but Mark's research singles out a more mundane menace: email. "We've logged every kind of computer usage, and the most consistent stress trigger we've found is email," Mark said. "As soon as people open their inbox, their heart rate increases [which is a sign of rising stress]. When they close it, stress levels begin to recover." Emails represent a constant stream of unfinished tasks, decisions and interruptions. Watch this video to learn about the impact of systemic stress on health. This video is from the Brighteon Highlights channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: For children as young as 6 who have excessive energy and short attention span, doctors are pushing new Qelbree drug that causes suicidal thoughts and homicidal actions. Research proves stress really does shorten your life span by damaging DNA. Surprising Facts and Symptoms About Attention Deficit Disorder. Accomplish More With Intentional Distraction and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Fidolin Drug Approved for Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Doggie Disorder: ADHDD (satire). Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com OSUWMC.com Brighteon.com Del Monte Foods files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Del Monte Foods has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New Jersey as part of a strategic restructuring, aiming to pursue a court-supervised sale of most or all of its assets. Despite the filing, the company assured that there will be no disruption to its product availability and day-to-day operations will continue as normal. The company cited liabilities between $1 billion and $10 billion and secured $912.5 million in financing, including $165 million in new funding, to maintain liquidity during the process. The filing follows a controversial 2023 debt restructuring that led to legal disputes with lenders after Del Monte shifted assets in a "drop-down" transaction to raise new funds. CEO Greg Longstreet described the move as a necessary step toward a stronger financial future, reaffirming the company's commitment to providing nutritious, affordable food. Del Monte Foods, a household name in the canned food aisle for over a century, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey as part of a sweeping financial and operational restructuring. The 138-year-old food manufacturer, best known for its iconic canned fruits and vegetables, said the filing is a strategic step forward that will enable it to pursue a court-supervised sale process to maximize value and strengthen its capital structure. The company emphasized that the bankruptcy process is not expected to disrupt the availability of its products in the market. Del Monte Foods, a U.S. subsidiary of Singapore-based Del Monte Pacific Ltd., has entered into a restructuring support agreement with a key group of its term loan lenders. According to court filings, the company estimates that its assets and liabilities both fall between $1 billion and $10 billion. It has secured $912.5 million in debtor-in-possession financing, including $165 million in new funding, from existing lenders to ensure continued operations throughout the restructuring. (Related: Corporate America experiencing BANKRUPTCY BOOM as recession looms.) "This is a strategic step forward for Del Monte Foods. After a thorough evaluation of all available options, we determined a court-supervised sale process is the most effective way to accelerate our turnaround and create a stronger and endure Del Monte Foods. With an improved capital structure, enhanced financial position and new ownership, we will be better positioned for long-term success," said Greg Longstreet, President and CEO of Del Monte Foods. Longstreet acknowledged the economic headwinds that have challenged the company but reaffirmed Del Monte's mission of delivering nutritious, accessible food. "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," Longstreet continued. The company's brands include Del Monte, Contadina, College Inn, Kitchen Basics, JOYBA, Take Root Organics and S&W, staples in American pantries for decades. Despite recent financial struggles, operations are expected to continue as normal while the company undergoes its restructuring. For now, Del Monte said it remains fully committed to delivering the same products that have fed American families for generations. Bankruptcy filing follows controversial debt deal and legal turmoil The bankruptcy filing follows a turbulent year for the company. In June, its parent company, Del Monte Pacific Ltd., opted to skip a loan payment as part of a legal settlement over a 2023 debt overhaul. That transaction, known as a "drop-down" deal, involved shifting key assets out of reach of certain lenders, allowing the company to raise new funds by borrowing against those assets. The move sparked legal action from excluded lenders, who claimed Del Monte defaulted on a $725 million financing agreement. As part of its restructuring at that time, Del Monte entered into a support agreement that outlined a court-supervised sale of most or all of its assets. The company says it has secured financing and expects to maintain sufficient liquidity through ongoing operations to continue serving customers during the sale process. Visit Collapse.news for more stories about businesses filing for bankruptcy. Watch this clip from the "Worldview Report" discussing bankruptcies in corporate America. This video is from the Worldview Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Tech giant Microsoft's Russian subsidiary files for BANKRUPTCY. Casual restaurant chain TGI Fridays files for BANKRUPTCY. Co-working facility giant WeWork files for BANKRUPTCY. SIXTH property insurer declares bankruptcy after Hurricane Ian. Americas largest private bus company officially files for BANKRUPTCY. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com DelMonteFoods.com Bloomberg.com Brighteon.com The superfood power of YOGURT: Nutrition, benefits and culinary uses Yogurt dates back over 5,000 years to Central Asia and Mesopotamia, with early uses by Turkish and Mongolian cultures. It gained Western scientific recognition through Ilya Mechnikov, who linked it to longevity. Yogurt is created by fermenting milk with beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, enhancing flavor, thickness and digestibility. Yogurt is rich in protein, probiotics, calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins, potassium and magnesium, supporting gut health, immunity, bones and metabolism. While generally healthy, flavored yogurts may contain excess sugar and conventional options can include pesticide or hormone residues. Choose plain, organic, grass-fed yogurt for optimal benefits. Yogurt is versatile globally, used in savory dips like tzatziki and raita, sweet drinks like lassi, and as a base for marinades, baked goods and spreads. Yogurt is a cultured dairy product created through the fermentation of milk by beneficial bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. This process thickens the milk, imparts a tangy flavor and enhances digestibility by breaking down lactose. Origins and historical significance The origins of yogurt trace back over 5,000 years to Central Asia and Mesopotamia, where nomadic tribes fermented milk in animal skins. Historical records suggest that Turkish and Mongolian cultures were among the first to consume it. Greek physician Hippocrates (460370 BCE) praised its digestive benefits, while Genghis Khan's armies reportedly relied on yogurt for endurance. Yogurt entered the Western world when Russian biologist and Nobel laureate Ilya Mechnikov, from the Institut Pasteur in Paris, linked Bulgarian yogurt consumption to longevity, sparking scientific interest in its probiotic properties. Today, yogurt is a global staple, loved for its health benefits and culinary adaptability. Nutritional powerhouse Yogurt delivers a concentrated dose of nutrients that support digestion, immunity and overall health. Depending on the type (whole, low-fat, Greek or Skyr), its nutritional benefits include: Protein to support muscle repair. Greek yogurt offers nearly double the protein of regular yogurt. Probiotics like bifidobacteria and lactobacillus to improve gut health and immunity. Calcium and vitamin D for bone strength. B vitamins like B12 and riboflavin aid energy metabolism and neurological health. Potassium and magnesium help regulate blood pressure and muscle function. Is yogurt healthy or harmful? Yogurt is overwhelmingly beneficial for most people, offering numerous health advantages, though certain considerations apply. It boosts gut microbiota, alleviating bloating and IBS symptoms, while studies suggest probiotic yogurt improves insulin sensitivity, lowering diabetes risk. Its high protein content also supports weight management by curbing cravings. However, for some individuals, lactose intolerance may cause discomfort switching to lactose-free or plant-based alternatives can help. Additionally, flavored yogurts often contain added sugars that negate health benefits, making plain, unsweetened varieties the best choice. (Related: 5 Great reasons to snack on yogurt before bed.) When selecting yogurt, opting for organic over conventional minimizes exposure to harmful substances. Conventionally raised cows may consume feed treated with pesticides like glyphosate or atrazine, traces of which can end up in milk. Non-organic dairy often contains synthetic growth hormones (rBST) and antibiotics, which pose long-term health risks. While rare, heavy metals such as cadmium and lead may also contaminate yogurt due to polluted soil or water sources. For the highest quality, choosing grass-fed, organic or biodynamic yogurt ensures higher levels of beneficial nutrients like omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a cancer-fighting fatty acid. By prioritizing these wholesome options, individuals can support both digestive wellness and long-term health while avoiding the pitfalls of industrialized food production. Yogurt in culinary traditions From breakfast bowls to marinades, yogurt's creamy texture and tang enhance countless dishes. Here's how cultures worldwide harness its magic: Savory uses Tzatziki (Greece) Yogurt plus cucumber, garlic and dill. Raita (India) Cooling yogurt dip with mint and cumin. Labneh (Middle East) Strained yogurt spread, drizzled with olive oil. Chaas (India) Spiced buttermilk yogurt drink for digestion. Sweet creations Lassi (India) Mango or rose-flavored yogurt smoothie. Parfaits (USA) Layered yogurt with granola and berries. Ayran (Turkey) Savory yogurt beverage with salt and herbs. Baking and marinades Tandoori chicken Yogurt tenderizes meat and carries spices. Yogurt flatbreads Soft, fluffy dough base. Yogurt is a nutritional titan, whether homemade or store-bought, its probiotic and nutrient density make it a wellness essential. Prioritize organic, plain varieties for maximum benefits and integrate them creatively into meals. This story is not medical advice and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified naturopathic physician for personalized advice about your specific health situation or concern. Visit NaturalNews.com, a great article source where you can learn about superfoods and their health benefits. You can also try Brighteon.ai, an AI model created by Mike Adams, also known as the Health Ranger. This model is available as a free download to be run locally and is designed to help share and decentralize knowledge. By doing so, it aims to bypass censorship and empower people with knowledge. If you're looking for an uncensored video free speech website where you can openly discuss nutrition, natural medicine, ingredients and more, check out Brighteon.com and free speech social media sites Brighteon.IO and Brighteon.social. Watch this video to learn which one is better Greek yogurt or regular yogurt. This video is from the Natural News channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Which one's better for your health Greek yogurt or regular yogurt? Prevent hypertension by consuming more yogurt. Probiotics and yogurt exhibit potential anti-schistosomal, hepatoprotective properties. Sources include: Brighteon.AI NaturalNews.com Brighteon.com Key Points A pair of pundits had new, bullish takes on the company's prospects. One pointed out that current tariffs are sure to benefit Whirlpool's business. 10 stocks we like better than Whirlpool Some bullish pundit pronouncements were the force driving Whirlpool (NYSE: WHR) stock upward in the past few trading days. According to data compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence, over the course of the week Whirlpool's share price rose by slightly over 14%. The American advantage Whirlpool was the beneficiary of not one, but two positive moves by professionals tracking the company's fortunes. Image source: Getty Images. The first Whirlpool watcher weighing in was David MacGregor, an analyst at Longbow Research. He upgraded his recommendation on the veteran kitchen appliances manufacturer to buy from his previous neutral. He now feels the stock is worth a price target of $145 per share, which is a comfortable 32% above the most recent closing share price. The second was CNBC star pundit Jim Cramer, who not once but twice in separate shows on the network that week waxed bullish on Whirlpool. Cramer pointed out that the company is the only truly American business mass-producing appliances in this country, and as such is sure to benefit from Donald Trump's 50% tariffs on imported steel. He's convinced that the company's stock can rise to $120 "in a heartbeat," not least because it trades at a rather low multiple (its forward P/E is under 10). Shaky tariff regime? Over the years, Whirlpool hasn't been the most exciting company, not least because it operates in a busy sector and has plenty of competition. I'd buy the argument that a punitive steel levy will benefit the company; however, I'd prefer to see some organic improvement in the business. After all, President Trump has shown a willingness to back down from some of his more aggressive tariffs. Should you invest $1,000 in Whirlpool right now? Before you buy stock in Whirlpool, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Whirlpool wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $699,558!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $976,677!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,060% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 180% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks Preparing for military strikes becomes top prepper priority in an age of wars and rumors of wars The world is teetering on the edge of disasterwars are escalating, alliances are shifting, and nuclear powers are flexing their arsenals. While governments assure the public of safety, history has proven that official narratives often ignore the harsh realities until its too late. Today, with conflicts intensifying between nuclear-armed states, the unthinkable is no longer hypothetical: the risk of nuclear war is real, and preparation is no longer optional . This isnt fearmongering. In an age of global wars and rumors of wars, many are speaking of end times and Biblical prophesies. As the religious carry out their doomsday plans in their heads, there is wisdom in preparing for the worst case scenario and not worrying about things you cannot control. Those who act now, while time remains, may have the only chance of protecting their families from the horrors of radiation, societal collapse, and government failures that would follow. Key points: The Middle East and Ukraine conflicts have pushed nuclear-armed nations toward direct confrontation. Underground bunkers, reinforced basements, or shielded above-ground shelters can drastically increase survival odds. A two-week supply of water, non-perishable food, medical essentials, and radiation detection gear is critical. Fallout patterns depend on wind currents; waiting at least 14 days reduces radiation exposure by 99%. Alternative communication methods, like hand-crank radios, bypass failed infrastructure. Mental preparedness is as vital as physical stockpilingpanic kills while knowledge saves lives. Building a fortress against fallout When the sirens sound, there wont be time to improvise. A properly fortified shelter is the difference between life and death in a nuclear crisis. Underground bunkers, ideally encased in 12-inch concrete with steel doors, offer optimal protection by leveraging earths natural radiation shielding. For those without underground options, basements reinforced with dense materialslike concrete blocks or sandbagsstill provide substantial defense. Even above-ground spaces can be hardened with layers of shielding, though their effectiveness diminishes without subterranean insulation. History offers grim lessons: Hiroshima survivors who sheltered in thick-walled basements lived while those in flimsy structures perished. The same principle applies todaymass barriers block radioactive particles. Joel Lambert, a former Navy SEAL, warns in A Navy SEALs Bug-In Guide that proximity to strategic targets (military bases, major cities) is deadly, urging relocation to low-risk zones whenever possible. Stockpiling for the unthinkable Water tops the survival hierarchy14 gallons per person ensures hydration during the critical two-week fallout period. But municipal supplies could be poisoned or severed, making backup solutions like atmospheric water generators or Amish-style non-electric filters indispensable. Food stockpiles should prioritize calories and longevitythink canned goods, rice, and military-developed Doomsday Rations designed for mass crises. Meanwhile, medical self-sufficiency becomes urgent when hospitals collapse. Antibiotics, potassium iodide tablets, and trauma supplies empower families to treat injuries and infections without relying on crippled systems. One Cold War-era secret reveals an overlooked necessity: Geiger counters. Without radiation detection, survivors gamble with every step outside. The Seven-Ten Rule dictates that radiation drops exponentially over time, but only toolsnot guessworkcan confirm safety. The silent killer: Radiation and evacuation realities Fallout doesnt announce itselfit drifts invisibly, carried by winds far beyond blast zones. Those downwind face lethal exposure unless sheltered. Historical data from nuclear tests shows heavier particles settling within 24 hours, while lighter contaminants linger for days. This underscores why shelters must be sealedevery crack is a radioactive gateway. Evacuation plans, though risky, become essential if shelters fail or secondary strikes loom. Pre-mapped routes avoiding urban centers, stocked go-bags, and fueled vehicles are non-negotiable. Yet even escape hinges on information. Battery-powered NOAA radios bypass dead cell networks, delivering life-saving updates. Scenes from past disastersChernobyls silent radiation clouds, Fukushimas desperate scramblesprove that survival favors the prepared. Today, as geopolitical tensions flare, the warning signs are clear. Preparation isnt paranoiaits the only rational response to a world one misstep away from mass suffering and death. Sources include: AskaPrepper.com Preparedness.news Enoch, Brighteon.ai U.S. decision to halt weapons shipments to Ukraine met with OUTRAGE The U.S. halted shipments of Patriot missiles, artillery shells and other critical weapons to Ukraine due to dwindling American military stockpiles, marking a sharp policy shift under Trump's "America First" approach. The suspension threatens Ukraine's ability to counter Russian strikes, with officials warning of potential military collapse within months without immediate reinforcements. Ukrainian lawmakers condemned the move, accusing the U.S. of abandoning Kyiv and tacitly aiding Russia's advance, with some declaring the U.S. "no longer an ally." German tabloid Bild reported that Ukraine could exhaust its munitions by late summer, with the lack of Patriots leaving cities defenseless against Russian ballistic missiles. The pause reflects U.S. concerns over unsustainable aid and domestic readiness, drawing comparisons to Cold War deterrence tactics but raising doubts about prolonging the conflict. The decision by the United States to abruptly suspend deliveries of critical weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles and artillery shells, has been met with outrage. Officials from the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the move, citing concerns over dangerously low U.S. military stockpiles. It marks a dramatic shift in Washington's support for Kyiv and signals a deepening prioritization of American defense needs under the Trump administration's "America First" policy. Matthew Whitaker, U.S. permanent representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), also confirmed the pause on Wednesday, July 2. He explained that Washington must first ensure its own strategic defense capabilities are intact, particularly regarding Patriot missile reserves. The suspension has reportedly impacted deliveries of Stinger missiles, precision-guided GMLRS rockets and thousands of 155mm artillery shells. Ukraine relies on these key munitions to counter Russian drone strikes, ballistic missiles and ground assaults. Ukrainian officials warn that without immediate reinforcements, their military could collapse within months amid Russias relentless offensive. True enough, members of the Verkhovna Rada Ukraine's parliament reacted with fury. "The U.S. is no longer our ally," lamented People's Deputy (PD) Mariana Bezuglaya. She also accused U.S. President Donald Trump of abandoning Ukraine and effectively aiding Russia's advance. PD Solomiya Bobrovskaya echoed her colleague's sentiments, telling the New York Times that "Ukraine is no longer a priority" for the second Trump administration when it comes to foreign policy. Ukraine faces catastrophic munitions shortage, German publication warns German tabloid Bild also joined in the chorus, warning that Ukraine's military may exhaust its remaining Western-supplied munitions by late summer. It continued that without Patriot missiles, Kyiv's air defenses could collapse entirely leaving cities vulnerable to devastating strikes. According to the tabloid, Patriots are the only system capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. The U.S. Defense Department's decision follows an internal assessment revealing depleted U.S. weapons stockpiles. This alerting discovery prompted Elbridge Colby, U.S. under secretary for defense for policy, to pause promised shipments. While the Biden administration had previously approved billions in military aid, the Trump White House has taken a more guarded stance, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and domestic readiness. (Related: Trump promises military aid for Ukraine, as long as Ukraine shares rare Earth minerals.) Historical parallels loom large. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, President John F. Kennedy balanced forceful deterrence with careful diplomacy to avoid nuclear escalation. But critics argue that the current approach where NATO and Ukrainian forces engage in direct attacks on Russian territory contrasts with that of decades prior. With Moscow now controlling vast swaths of eastern Ukraine and pushing toward Sumy, concerns mount that prolonged Western arms shipments only delay an inevitable conclusion while increasing civilian suffering. As Washington recalibrates its strategy, the decision underscores a broader reckoning. After years of funneling weapons into a stalemated conflict, the U.S. faces hard choices about the sustainability of unlimited military aid. Watch this video about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's demands for his country falling on deaf ears during the recent NATO summit. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Europe quietly abandoning Ukraine by withholding military aid. Germany halts new military aid to Ukraine amid budget shortfall. OOPS! Pentagon overvalued "military aid" to Ukraine by at least $3 billion. Sources include: RT.com 1 RT.com 2 Pravda.com.ua Brighteon.com AI-powered DIGITAL WORKERS join Bank of New York Mellon Bank of New York Mellon (BNY) has deployed AI-powered digital workers to handle tasks like coding and payment validation, with plans to expand their roles. These workers operate autonomously and even have company login credentials. The digital employees work in secure, team-specific instances. BNY plans to integrate them with email and Microsoft Teams for proactive communication with human staff, enhancing collaboration. Other major banks, including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, are also leveraging AI. Goldman uses an internal AI assistant for tasks like proofreading, while JPMorgan focuses on conceptualizing digital employees for business efficiency. The finance industry faces questions about managing AI-human collaboration, job displacement, and data security. BNY aims to balance innovation with workforce stability by continuing to hire top human talent. While AI has long been used for fraud detection and customer service, autonomous digital employees mark a significant shift, signaling a new era of human-AI collaboration in finance. In a move that signals a significant shift in the financial industry, the Bank of New York Mellon (BNY) has announced the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered "digital employees" that operate alongside human staff. The bank, known for its leading role in financial services, has integrated these digital workers into critical areas such as coding and payment instruction validation. The deployment of AI-powered digital workers at BNY underscores a broader trend in the financial sector, where technology is increasingly being used to enhance efficiency and accuracy. These digital employees, as BNY calls them, are designed to work autonomously and even have their own company login credentials. Chief Information Officer Leigh-Ann Russell stated that the bank's AI Hub developed two digital employee personas in just three months. One persona focuses on identifying and resolving coding vulnerabilities, while the other is tasked with verifying payment instructions. (Related: AI, AI and even more AI: Nvidia announces projects and products lined up for 2025.) These digital workers operate in multiple instances, with each instance confined to a specific team to ensure data security and compliance. "This is the next level," Russell emphasized. "Im sure in six months time it will become very, very prevalent." The bank plans to integrate its digital workforce with email and Microsoft Teams, enabling these AI personas to proactively communicate with human managers. This integration aims to make the digital workers more collaborative and efficient. BNY is not alone in its pursuit of AI integration. Other major banks, such as Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, are also leveraging AI to enhance their operations. Goldman Sachs has launched an internal AI assistant for 10,000 of its bankers, traders, and asset managers. Marco Argenti, Chief Information Officer at Goldman Sachs, highlighted the assistant's ability to handle basic tasks like proofreading and language improvement, making it a valuable tool for employees. JPMorgan Chase, under the leadership of Chief Analytics Officer Derek Waldron, is taking a more conceptual approach to "digital employees." Waldron views these AI tools as a new way for business people to understand and utilize technology. He emphasized the need for careful system connectivity and access management, noting that the level of access granted to AI agents will vary based on their specific roles and responsibilities. Industry-wide adoption and varied approaches As AI integration becomes more prevalent, the finance industry is grappling with several challenges. Scott Mullins, managing director of AWS for Financial Services, highlighted the importance of coordinating the work between digital and human employees. He said: "How do we manage those folks? How do we actually instruct those folks? Whats the new operating model? Those are the answers that were all working on right now." The deployment of digital workers raises important ethical and practical questions. While the technology promises increased efficiency and accuracy, it also prompts concerns about job displacement and data security. BNY's approach of maintaining a focus on recruiting top human talent while expanding its digital workforce aims to strike a balance between innovation and workforce stability. The integration of AI in banking is not a new concept. For years, financial institutions have used AI for tasks such as fraud detection and customer service. However, the deployment of AI-powered digital employees with full company logins and autonomous capabilities marks a significant evolution. This shift reflects the ongoing digital transformation in the financial sector and the increasing importance of AI in modern business models. Watch this video about college-educated jobs being more likely to be rendered obsolete by AI adoption. This video is from the What is Happening channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: AI as co-scientist: How generative AI is revolutionizing scientific discovery. AI arms race or AI suicide pact? Former OpenAI researcher warns of catastrophic risks in unchecked AI development. Centralized AIs stranglehold threatens democracy: Can decentralized AI fight back? Sources include: Modernity.news ZeroHedge.com WSJ.com Brighteon.com Berlins auto-free push sparks clash over freedom, practicality Berlin's car-free referendum is legally permissible, aiming to limit private cars to 12 trips annually. Opponents warn of economic harm, property rights concerns and public transit overcrowding. The conservative mayor opposes traffic reduction, championing individual transport choice. The initiative must collect 170,000 signatures by October for a binding referendum. Critics draw parallels to authoritarian policies, emphasizing coercion over voluntary solutions. In a precedent-setting ruling, Berlins Constitutional Court has cleared a car-free referendum for legal scrutiny, advancing a plan to severely restrict private vehicles in the German capital. If enacted, the Volksentscheid Berlin Autofrei initiative would limit private automobiles to just 12 trips per person annually within the citys S-Bahn ringa zone spanning over 300 square mileswhile exempting emergency services, disabled residents and digitally approved deliveries. The court affirmed that climate and public health goals justify the policy, rejecting claims that curbing car use violates constitutional rights. Yet the decision has ignited a fierce debate over government overreach, economic consequences and the future of urban mobility. A victory built on controversy The referendum, spearheaded by the environmental advocacy group Volksentscheid Berlin autofrei, frames the car restrictions as a necessary step for climate neutrality. The future belongs to safety, climate protection and the health of all Berlinersnot unrestrained car traffic, declared a spokesperson in a statement. The initiative argues that reducing vehicles, not merely replacing combustion engines with electric ones, is key to improving air quality and pedestrian safety. But to achieve a binding vote, proponents must gather 170,000 signatures by Octobera tall order. Only 12% of eligible voters supported Berlins failed Climate Neutrality by 2030 bill in 2023, with opponents decrying its coercive measures. Historically, Berlins referendums often founder on voter apathy; even Colorful successes, like 2019s Climate Action vote, fell short of quorum. A job killer or a lifesaver? Business and transportation clashes Critics paint the plan as economically ruinous. The UVB business association warns that slashing car access will severely damage retailers and services reliant on customer and delivery traffic. This isnt climate actionits a tax on private enterprise, said UVB spokesperson Petra Klein. Delivery drivers and small businesses fear the 12-trip quota would force trips into less accessible areas, raising costs. Conversely, public transport capacity is another Achilles heel. Berlins U-Bahn and bus networks, already strained during rush hours, face a projected 3040% surge in demand if drivers shift to trains. The S-Bahn isnt a magic solution, urban planner Martin Diedrich notes. Crowded trains and long waits could turn this into a mobility disaster. Red tape, red lights and digital tracking: Enforcement concerns Implementation raises thorny governance questions. How will authorities countand penalizeexcessive trips? The proposal envisions a digital approval system for permitted vehicles, akin to Frances CritAir emissions stickers. Privacy advocates argue this opens the door to mass data surveillance. Mayor Kai Wegner, a conservative CDU leader, has already rallied against arbitrary transport policies that restrict choice. His administration opposes mandatory bike lanes and speed reductions, framing the car as a freedom emblem. Berliners shouldnt be told how to travel, he stated during a May speech, echoing themes of libertarian idealism against state control. The crossroads of climate and liberty Berlins car-free debate transcends traffic management, embodying a nationaland perhaps globalfault line over climate actions cost to liberty. If the referendum succeeds, it could set a blueprint for similarly restrictive rules elsewhere, from Madrids superblocks to Californias War Against Cars. Yet the recent failure of Berlins climate bill shows that top-down mandates often clash with public conscience. As Germanys political right leans into austerity and deregulation, and greens push for radical environmentalism, this clash highlights a critical question: Can cities balance ecological goals without eroding individual freedoms? For now, the streets of Berlin remain openbut for how long? Sources for this article include: WattsUpWithThat.com NoTricksZone.com USA.Streetsblog.org DOJ indicts 324 individuals in $14.6 billion Medicare and Medicaid healthcare fraud The Department of Justice (DOJ) charged 324 individuals, including 96 medical professionals, in a nationwide healthcare fraud operation involving $14.6 billion in false claims to Medicare, Medicaid and other programs. Authorities seized over $245 million in assets and prevented more than $4 billion in fraudulent Medicare payouts. CMS revoked or suspended billing privileges for 205 providers, with civil charges and settlements totaling nearly $50 million. The largest case, dubbed Operation Gold Rush, exposed a $10.6 billion transnational fraud ring that used stolen U.S. identities and shell companies to bill Medicare for medical supplies, resulting in arrests in five districts and seizures of $27.7 million. Cases included AI-generated consent scams in Illinois, Medicaid fraud exploiting the homeless and Native Americans in Arizona, a $1.1 billion wound care kickback scheme, diversion of 15 million opioid pills and $1.17 billion in telehealth fraud. Officials stressed the human impact, unnecessary procedures, improper prescriptions and denied care, highlighting the ongoing commitment to protect patients, stop abuse of public health funds and restore trust in the system. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced charges against 324 individuals, including 96 licensed medical professionals, across 50 federal districts and 12 State Attorneys General's Offices for orchestrating $14.6 billion in fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid and other government healthcare programs. The coordinated takedown, spearheaded by the DOJ's Health Care Fraud Unit, involved extensive collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - Office of Inspector General (OIG), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and multiple federal and state partners, seized over $245 million in cash, luxury goods and cryptocurrency and prevented more than $4 billion in Medicare payments tied to fraudulent claims. CMS also revoked or suspended 205 providers' billing privileges in the months leading up to the crackdown. Civil actions were also prominent: 20 defendants face $14.2 million in civil fraud charges, while 106 defendants reached civil settlements totaling $34.3 million. Among the most notable investigations was Operation Gold Rush, a transnational scheme described by the DOJ as the largest healthcare fraud case by intended loss in U.S. history. Nineteen defendants were charged in five districts, with 12 arrested including four in Estonia through international cooperation and seven at U.S. ports of entry. According to court documents, the criminal network acquired dozens of U.S.-based medical supply companies through foreign operatives and used stolen identities of over one million Americans to submit $10.6 billion in false claims for urinary catheters and durable medical equipment. Though only $41 million was paid out before detection, Medicare supplemental insurers still disbursed $900 million. Law enforcement has seized $27.7 million from the scheme thus far. In Illinois, five individuals, including Pakistani executives, were charged for using AI-generated fake audio recordings and stolen identities to submit $703 million in false Medicare claims, with $418 million paid out before detection. (Related: DOJ announces biggest healthcare fraud and opioid takedown in its history.) In Arizona, a Pakistan- and UAE-based billing executive was charged in a $650 million Medicaid fraud case that allegedly exploited vulnerable populations for sham addiction treatments, laundering $25 million and purchasing a $2.9 million estate in Dubai. In Arizona and Nevada, seven individuals, including five licensed professionals, were charged in a $1.1 billion wound care scam involving unnecessary procedures on elderly patients and kickbacks. Separately, 74 defendants were charged with illegally diverting more than 15 million opioid pills, exacerbating the national crisis. Telehealth fraud also played a major role, with 49 defendants linked to $1.17 billion in fake Medicare claims, including a $46 million genetic testing scheme in Florida. Additional charges against 170 defendants involved $1.84 billion in losses across various schemes nationwide, including fraudulent billing in Tennessee and drug theft in Washington and California. The DEA also initiated 93 actions to revoke controlled substance licenses from pharmacies and providers involved. Authorities vow continued vigilance to root out healthcare fraud Officials emphasized that the financial losses are only part of the picture. The schemes often resulted in real-world harm, including medically unnecessary procedures, improper prescriptions contributing to the opioid crisis and denial of appropriate care to patients. "The scale of today's Takedown is unprecedented, and so is the harm we're confronting. Individuals who attempt to steal from the federal health care system and put vulnerable patients at risk will be held accountable," said Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins of HHS-OIG on Monday, June 30. FBI Director Kash Patel echoed those concerns, calling the operation the "largest takedown for this initiative to date." "Health care fraud drains critical resources from programs intended to help people who truly need medical care," Patel said. "Today's announcement demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who exploit the system for personal gain." "This is about protecting the integrity of our health care programs and ensuring that taxpayer dollars go toward healing, not harm," said Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the DOJ Criminal Division. "Health care fraud doesn't just rob from the public, it risks lives and fuels crises like the opioid epidemic." HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. added, "As part of making health care accessible and affordable to all Americans, HHS will aggressively work with our law enforcement partners to eliminate the pervasive health care fraud that bedeviled this agency under the former administration and drove up costs." Visit BadDoctors.news for more news related to crooked medical practitioners. Watch the video below that talks about America's insurance fraud-based economy. This video is from The New American channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Corruption, fraud and bureaucracy cost US healthcare system up to $272 billion annually. COVID PLANDEMIC: Healthcare insiders blow lid on widespread elder abuse, medical fraud, forced vaccines. COVID-19 vaccine maker Pfizer was involved in the largest healthcare fraud settlement in history in 2009. Sources include: YourNews.com justice.gov Brighteon.com A new era in regulating forever chemicals: EPAs PFAS crackdown and the rise of sustainable alternatives EPA orders Inhance Technologies to halt production of PFAS-laden plastic containers, citing health risks. Scientists develop fluorine-free polymer offering eco-friendly alternatives for electronics and food packaging. PFAS exposure tied to cancer, cardiovascular disease and global economic costs of 16 trillion annually. EU to ban PFAS in food packaging by 2026, with U.S. states leading regional restrictions. Innovations like seaweed-based packaging solutions are gaining traction to replace toxic materials. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered Inhance Technologies, a major manufacturer of plastic containers, to stop producing packaging laced with PFASor per- and polyfluoroalkyl substancesthe so-called forever chemicals linked to severe health and environmental harm. This action follows growing evidence that PFAS, commonly used to make packaging grease-resistant, leach into food, contaminate ecosystems and accumulate in human bodies. The EPAs move has intensified debates over whether regulators are finally prioritizing public health over industry interests. Concurrently, breakthroughs in fluorine-free materials, such as a new ferroelectric polymer from Case Western Reserve University, offer hopes for safer, sustainable alternatives. The EPAs PFAS policy shift: A long time coming? The EPAs directive, announced on February 6, 2025, targets Inhance Technologies, whose plastic containers, often used in fast food and takeout, were found to contain PFAS. These chemicals, called forever because they persist in the environment and human bodies, have been tied to cancer, immune disorders and organ damage in numerous studies. The agencys sudden crackdown follows years of criticism from environmental groups, which argue the EPA delayed stricter PFAS regulations under industry pressure. This is a critical step, but its only the beginning, said Olga Naidenko, senior science advisor at the Environmental Working Group. The EPA must now focus on a full phaseout of PFAS in consumer products, not incremental bans. The decision comes amid mounting global scrutiny. In 2026, the European Union will implement a ban on PFAS in food packaging under its Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), while U.S. states like California and New York have already enacted bans. However, experts warn that without unified federal action, consumers will remain at risk. Science breakthrough: Fluorine-free polymers shine new light In parallel with regulatory shifts, scientists are racing to develop PFAS-free alternatives. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University recently unveiled a new polymer that avoids fluorine entirely while retaining flexible electronic properties. The material, called FE-2SO2P, could revolutionize fields like wearable sensors and bioengineering. Unlike traditional ferroelectric polymers like PVDF, which require toxic fluorine, this material generates electric properties through its structure alone, said lead researcher Lei Zhu. The findings, published February 6 in Science, show the polymers electrostriction and electrocaloric effectspowerful for sensors and actuatorsare comparable to current materials but without environmental harm. The advance addresses a core issue: PFAS are entrenched in high-tech and everyday products, from electronics to firefighting foam. Finding alternatives is key to combating their ecological legacy. The silent cost of PFAS: Public health and economic burden PFASs toll extends beyond health risks. A 2024 study estimates global economic costs linked to PFAS exposurefactoring in healthcare, environmental cleanup and damage to ecosystemsat 16 trillion annually. This dwarfs the chemicals 19-per-kilogram production cost, with societal expenses reaching 19,000 per kilogram. The human and financial costs are staggering, said Dr. Silvia Basso, who contributed to the Italian PFAS mortality study. Her Veneto region research, linking PFAS exposure to nearly 4,000 deaths, underscores their role in cardiovascular disease and cancer. Natural solutions take center stage: From seaweed to sustainability Amid these challenges, innovations like Notplas seaweed-based packaging are offering scalable, PFAS-free solutions. The companys compostable takeout containers, tested and certified PFAS-free by ISEGA labs, prove that greener alternatives can perform as well as conventional materials. This isnt just about regulationsits about responsibility, said Notplas founder, Pierre Paslier. Restaurants switching now will lead the shift, protecting customers and the planet before stricter laws force their hand. A call to action for a PFAS-free future The EPAs crackdown on Inhance and the rise of fluorine-free polymers signal a turning point in the fight against PFAS. Yet, widespread adoption demands urgent regulatory action, corporate accountability and public awareness. As Senator Tom Carper of Delaware stated, We cant wait for another generation to clean up this pollution. Scientists, activists and businesses are aligning to push for systemic changeproving that safer materials and healthier communities are within reach. Sources for this article include: Phys.org Science.org Notpla.com Hershey Company to get rid of synthetic dyes from its candy bars, but will keep using toxic sugar, milk fat and soy lecithin to fuel the obesity crisis Now that RFK Jr. has forced the recall of thousands of products that contain artificial dyes , Big Foods evil corporations are pretending to care about consumers, just enough to hang on to all the junk science food stuff addicts. Heres the story. Hersheys Pledges to Go Dye-Free by 2027 : The Hershey Company announced it will eliminate synthetic dyes from all candy and snack productsincluding brands like Reeses, Twizzlers, and Jolly Rancherby the end of 2027, aligning with rising consumer and regulatory demands for cleaner ingredients. : The Hershey Company announced it will eliminate synthetic dyes from all candy and snack productsincluding brands like Reeses, Twizzlers, and Jolly Rancherby the end of 2027, aligning with rising consumer and regulatory demands for cleaner ingredients. Nationwide Movement Gains Momentum : Hershey joins food giants like Kelloggs, Nestle USA, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Tyson Foods, and Conagra in phasing out artificial dyes, as the FDA prepares to ban petroleum-based colorants by 2026 due to concerns over ADHD, obesity, and other health risks. : Hershey joins food giants like Kelloggs, Nestle USA, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Tyson Foods, and Conagra in phasing out artificial dyes, as the FDA prepares to ban petroleum-based colorants by 2026 due to concerns over ADHD, obesity, and other health risks. Government and State-Level Pressure Mounts : Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been instrumental in pushing the food industry to act ahead of federal bans, while states like West Virginia and Texas are imposing bans and labeling requirements to curb the use of synthetic additives. : Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been instrumental in pushing the food industry to act ahead of federal bans, while states like West Virginia and Texas are imposing bans and labeling requirements to curb the use of synthetic additives. Study Reveals Widespread Use of Synthetic Dyes: A recent study found nearly 1 in 5 U.S. packaged foods contain synthetic dyes, with rates significantly higher in child-targeted productsfueling the push for cleaner, more transparent labeling and ingredient standards. Corporate head fake: Hershey's to eliminate synthetic dyes by 2027 amid nationwide shift toward healthier foods The Hershey Company, one of the largest and most iconic confectionery manufacturers in the United States, has announced a major reformulation of its products: by the end of 2027, all synthetic dyes will be eliminated from its candy bars and snacks. The decision reflects mounting consumer demand for cleaner ingredient labels, growing regulatory pressure, and broader public health concerns. This weeks announcement marks a significant step in Hersheys ongoing effort to improve transparency and trust among its consumers. A company spokesperson stated that removing synthetic colors is a natural next step in Hersheys commitment to providing healthier options without compromising the brands identity or customer confidence. Hersheys popular productslike Reeses, Jolly Rancher, and Twizzlerswill all be affected by this shift. The move aligns Hershey with several other major food giants, including Nestle USA, Kelloggs, Conagra Brands, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, and Tyson Foods, all of which have recently pledged to eliminate synthetic food dyes. These companies are responding not just to public sentiment, but also to upcoming changes in food regulation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in April that it is preparing to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of 2026. This decision is driven by growing concerns about the potential health effects of artificial colorants, especially in children. Studies have suggested links between synthetic dyes and behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, attention deficits, and other developmental concerns. In parallel, a new study has found that 19 percent of packaged foods and beverages in the U.S. still contain synthetic dyesrising to 28 percent in categories heavily targeted at children, including breakfast cereals, snacks, and soft drinks. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Trump administrations Health and Human Services Secretary, has emerged as a leading advocate for removing synthetic dyes from the American food supply. Under his Make America Healthy Again initiative, Kennedy has been pressuring food companies and government agencies to eliminate toxic ingredients. He praised Hersheys move in a public statement and urged other companies to follow suit. At the state level, pressure is increasing as well. West Virginia has passed legislation to ban seven widely used food dyes, and Texas will begin requiring warning labels on synthetic dye-containing products starting in 2027. These measures reflect a broader shift toward public health protection and consumer awareness. As one of the most recognizable names in the food industry, Hersheys pledge sends a strong message about the future of food manufacturing in the United States. With synthetic dyes on their way out and natural alternatives gaining momentum, the landscape of American snacks and packaged foods is rapidly evolving. This change represents not just a marketing shift, but a broader commitment to health, transparency, and accountability in the food we eat. Tune your food news frequency to FoodSupply.news and get updates on more junk science food stuff that corporate America, including Hershey's, loads the grocery store shelves with to drive up chronic diseases and disorders so Big Pharma can take your money. Sources for this article include: InfoWars.com FoodProcessing.com FoodBusinessNews.net Huawei to stand trial on U.S. charges after federal judge DENIED its motion to dismiss A U.S. federal judge denied Huawei's motion to dismiss a 16-count indictment, allowing the case to proceed to trial on May 4, 2026. Charges include racketeering, trade secret theft and bank fraud. Prosecutors claim Huawei used a front company, Skycom, to conduct illegal business in Iran, violated U.S. sanctions and misled banks to process over $100 million in illicit transactions. The indictment accuses Huawei of orchestrating a racketeering scheme to steal proprietary technology from six U.S. companies, aiding its global expansion at the expense of U.S. law and national security. The company argues the case relies on flawed legal theories, including the discredited "right to control" fraud theory, and frames the prosecution as politically motivated under the former "China Initiative." The case underscores ongoing U.S.-China tensions over tech and security. Huawei, which operates globally and is growing in AI and chip development, denies all wrongdoing and says the charges lack jurisdiction. Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies will face trial in the United States on a sweeping 16-count federal indictment after a judge denied its motion to dismiss a long-standing criminal case against it. On Tuesday, July 1, U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly of the Eastern District of New York ruled that prosecutors had presented enough evidence to proceed with the case. The ruling set the stage for a high-profile trial scheduled to begin on May 4, 2026. The charges which include racketeering, theft of trade secrets and bank fraud stem from a years-long investigation into Huawei's global business practices. Prosecutors allege the company, which has close ties to the Chinese Communist Party, engaged in a pattern of corporate espionage and illegal financial activity designed to expand its global footprint at the expense of American firms and U.S. law. At the heart of the indictment is the allegation that Huawei used a Hong Kong-based front company, Skycom, to conduct business in Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. According to federal prosecutors, Huawei misled banks to facilitate over $100 million in illicit transactions connected to this activity. In addition, the U.S. government claimed Huawei orchestrated a racketeering scheme to steal proprietary technology from six U.S. companies including trade secrets vital to telecommunications infrastructure and consumer electronics. (Related: Huawei founder accuses U.S. of exaggerating company's technological strength.) The trial is expected to last several months. It will also likely further inflame Beijing-Washington tensions, particularly in areas of technology, trade and national security. Huawei cries lawfare, cites flawed legal theories and political targeting Huawei, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, employs over 200,000 people and operates in more than 170 countries. While widely known for its smartphones and telecommunications equipment, the company is increasingly positioning itself as a key player in artificial intelligence and semiconductor development. Washington has long accused Huawei of acting as a conduit for Chinese state surveillance. The U.S. government began imposing restrictions on Huawei in 2019, cutting off its access to critical American technologies and placing it on a trade blacklist, citing concerns over national security and the potential for foreign espionage. However, Huawei has denied any wrongdoing. In a previous court filing in November 2024, the company pleaded not guilty and described itself as "a prosecutorial target in search of a crime." At that time, the U.S. accused Huawei of stealing its trade secrets and misleading banks about its dealings in Iran. But Huawei argued that many of the allegations fall outside U.S. jurisdiction. The company also accused the U.S. Department of Justice of pursuing the case under the now-defunct "China Initiative," which it described as "ill-founded" and biased against Chinese individuals and entities. Huawei also targeted the government's use of the "right to control" theory of fraud, which asserts that banks were misled and thus deprived of essential information to make informed decisions. That theory, Huawei noted, was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023 in an unrelated case, potentially undermining key aspects of the bank fraud charges. Visit CommunistChina.news for more similar stories. Watch Patrick Bet-David explaining the U.S. government's ban on Huawei in this clip. This video is from the Truth Vendor channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Romania approves US-backed bill banning Huawei from its 5G network. US and UK partner up to ban Huawei from 5G surveillance and data collection. Canada bans Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks, citing security concerns. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com StraitsTimes.com Brighteon.com All The Things That Matter on BrightU: Why millions of Christians are wrong about the end times In episode 1 of "All The Things That Matter," Dr. Sherri Tenpenny and Brad Cummings argued that the belief in the Rapture is a dangerous misconception, diverting Christians from their mission to restore and steward the Earth, not abandon it. Cummings highlighted how 30 million American Christians disengage from civic action, wrongly assuming earthly matters are irrelevant. The Rapture's roots trace back to Greek philosophy (spirit good, matter evil), contrary to the Hebrew biblical view of creation as good. God's goal is restoration, not evacuation. Christians are urged to reject passive waiting and instead co-labor with Godfighting injustice, healing communities and living out the "incorruptible seed" of God's Spirit within them. Modern evangelism's flaws (e.g., fear-based preaching, reductionist salvation) are critiqued. True faith involves intimacy with God and internal transformation, not rule-keeping or escapism. In episode 1 of "All The Things That Matter," aired on July 5, Dr. Sherri Tenpenny and Brad Cummings, a former pastor and co-author of "The Shack," talked about the truth about salvation. In a world teetering on the edge of chaos, millions of Christians cling to the belief that they'll soon be whisked away in the Raptureescaping earthly turmoil while the world burns. But what if this widely held doctrine is not just a theological misstep, but a dangerous misconception that disengages believers from their divine mandate? This episode dismantles the escapist theology of the Rapture, arguing that Scripture paints a radically different picture: God's plan isn't abandonmentit's restoration. Cummings didn't mince words: "Why is everyone wanting to leave and go [to heaven]? We've been given this [Earth] as an incredible gift and we're supposed to be stewards of it." He pointed to a staggering statistic30 million American Christians abstain from voting or civic action, convinced the Rapture makes earthly engagement irrelevant. Dr. Tenpenny echoed the concern, recalling conversations with believers who shrug off societal decay: "Jesus is gonna come back and save me All you heathen people can just duke it out." But Cummings countered with Scripture: "Heaven is coming back hereGod's design was to marry Heaven and Earth." The duo traced the Rapture's roots to a Greek philosophical infiltration of early Christianity. "Greek thought saw spirit as good and matter as evil," Cummings explained. "But the Hebrew mindsetthe Bible's foundationsaw creation as good. God's goal isn't to destroy Earth but to renew it." This paradigm shift has profound implications. If Christians reject escapism, their mission transforms from "waiting for rescue" to co-laboring with Godfighting injustice, healing communities and stewarding creation. "We're not called to be zombies waiting for the afterlife," Cummings quipped. "We're called to live from the 'incorruptible seed' of God's Spirit within us." The conversation pivoted to modern evangelism's flaws. Cummings critiqued reductionist salvation models: "Jesus never gave an altar call If the power of an indestructible life enters you, you'd know." Dr. Tenpenny agreed, lamenting how "fire-and-brimstone" preaching distorts God's character: "I didn't hear about God's love until my 30s. Most think He's Zeus with lightning bolts." Cummings urged believers to move beyond "Daisy Petal Christianity"judging God's favor by life's ups and downsand instead cultivate a relational faith. "Christianity's unique because God inhabits us. Other religions are external rule-keeping; ours is internal transformation." So, how should Christians respond? Reject escapism: "The Rapture isn't biblical. Heaven's coming here," Cummings stressed. Embrace "now" salvation: "Being 'saved' isn't just a ticket to heavenit's God's life in you, changing the world through you." Seek intimacy, not rules: "Religion says 'try harder.' Jesus says, 'Let me live through you.'" The Rapture myth isn't just wrongit's a roadblock to revival. "God didn't design us to be evacuated," Cummings concluded. "He designed us to be restorers." With 30 million Christians disengaged, the stakes couldn't be higher. If the Church abandons its restorative calling, who will confront the darkness? As Tenpenny put it: "It's time to trade escape plans for battle plans." Want to know more? If you want to learn more about how you can join the healing revolution and regain control of your health, want to view the presentations at your convenience or learn at your own pace, you can purchase the "All The Things That Matter" package here. Upon purchase, you will get instant and unlimited access to eight "All The Things That Matter" videos (with eight audios and eight transcripts), free "Walking With God" eBook (details on a PDF) and a 20 percent discount on "The Founder's Bible" (details on a PDF). Sources include: BrighteonUniversity.com 1 BrightU.com BrighteonUniversity.com 2 Health Ranger Report: TJ Smith discusses biblical history, Zionism and the Semitic identity TJ Smith argues that Semitic lineage traces to Noah's son Shem, not Ashkenazis (Japheth's descendants). Palestinians may have deeper ancestral ties to the region than modern Israelis. The Scofield Bible, influenced by Rothschild-funded Zionism, distorts scripture to justify unconditional support for Israel ignoring God's conditional covenants. Christian Zionists contradict Christ's teachings by supporting Palestinian oppression while claiming divine favor for Israel, even justifying suffering to hasten Christ's return. Smith reiterates that Christians must study scripture in context, prioritizing Christ's spiritual kingdom over political agendas, and align with justice and compassion. He also urged Christians to reject passive Rapture theology, confront injustice and embody Christs message through tangible action for peace and reconciliation. Author and theologian TJ Smith joined the Health Ranger Mike Adams on the "Health Ranger Report" to touch on the intricate tapestry of biblical history, the concept of Semitic identity and the modern-day implications of Zionism particularly concerning Israel and Palestine. Smith began by unraveling the historical roots of the term "Semite," tracing it back to Noah's son Shem. He explained that the descendants of Shem, known as Shemites or Semites, are the true bearers of this identity. This lineage, according to the teacher and public speaker, is crucial in understanding the claims of modern-day Israel, which often asserts its right to the land based on being Semitic. However, Smith argued that the majority of Israelis particularly those of Ashkenazi descent are not descendants of Shem, but rather of Japheth through Ashkenaz. Smith emphasized the importance of genealogical evidence, pointing out the lack of records to substantiate the claims of modern Israelis to Semitic ancestry. (Related: Author TJ Smith challenges modern Israels claim to biblical promises.) He cited studies suggesting that Palestinians may have more ancient DNA linking them to the original inhabitants of the region. This challenges the narrative that Israelis are the rightful heirs to the land. The conversation took a critical turn as Smith discussed the influence of Zionism and the Scofield Reference Bible. He alleged that the Scofield Bible, funded by the Rothschilds, has played a significant role in shaping Christian support for Zionism. Smith argued that the Scofield Bible's commentary which often deviates from the original text has misled generations of Christians into believing that supporting Israel is a divine mandate. "The Scofield Bible was designed to make Christians anemic, passive and to get them out of the way," he told Adams. "And it has produced several generations of passive, ignorant Christians that don't understand." Smith criticized the idea that God has an unconditional covenant with the modern state of Israel, highlighting the conditional nature of God's covenants in the Bible. He believes that the Zionist interpretation of these covenants is a misinterpretation that has been propagated to justify the actions of the Israeli government. The contradictions of modern Zionism Adams and Smith explored the contradictions inherent in the modern Zionist movement. They questioned how a group claiming to be the chosen people of God can justify the displacement and suffering of another people, the Palestinians. Smith pointed out the hypocrisy of Christian Zionists who advocate for the protection of life in the womb but support the killing of Palestinians, arguing that this contradicts the core teachings of Christ. The discussion also touched on the geopolitical implications of Zionism, with Smith suggesting that the actions of Israel, often backed by the United States, have contributed to instability in the Middle East. He criticized the idea that the worse things get, the closer it brings the return of Christ, a belief held by some Christian Zionists. Smith found this notion troubling, as it seems to justify suffering and conflict. Smith advocated for a rejection of Zionism and a return to the true teachings of Christianity. The author-blogger believes that Christians should focus on the spiritual kingdom that Christ spoke of, rather than getting entangled in the politics of the earthly state of Israel. Smith emphasized the importance of understanding the Bible in its historical and cultural context. He urged Christians to study scripture more deeply to avoid being misled by interpretations that serve political agendas. "The average Christian should know better," he stressed. "They should study enough scripture to understand what's going on and understand the biblical narrative." Adams and Smith agree that the teachings of Christ call for love, compassion and justice, values that are often at odds with the actions of the Israeli government. They call for a reevaluation of Christian support for Zionism, urging believers to align their actions with the principles of their faith. The conversation concluded with a reflection on the role of Christians in the world. Smith emphasized the need for Christians to be a "light on a hill," spreading the message of Christ and embodying his teachings. He criticized the passive stance of many Christians, who he believes have been lulled into inaction by the belief in the Rapture, a doctrine that Smith argues has been misinterpreted. Smith encouraged Christians to engage with the world, to stand up against injustice and to support efforts that promote peace and reconciliation. He believes that true Christianity is about action, not just belief, and that Christians have a responsibility to be agents of change in the world. Visit Awakening.news for more similar stories. Watch the full interview between TJ Smith and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Christian Zionism harbors a contradiction genocide can't be reconciled with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Steven and Jana Ben-Nun: Zionists control world politics behind the scenes. Shlomo Avineri looks at the intellectual origins of Zionism in "The Making of Modern Zionism." Sources include: Brighteon.com TJSmithMinistries.com There are so many plot lines to this story, its hard to know which to tell first. For some, the big news will be that Trotter Vidhyarkorn is coming to Colonial Beach, July 11-12. He was a character in the first three seasons of the Netflix hit, Sweet Magnolias, and the actor who played him, Hunter Burke, doesnt mind when people call him Trotter. Its kind of the most amazing thing if someone recognizes you and wants to interpret the character you played as you, he said during a telephone interview with The Free LanceStar. Its totally fine with me. Trotter, er, Burke, isnt coming to talk about Sweet Magnolias, but the series connection definitely is responsible for the visit. Likewise, the show, which is filming its fifth season, isnt the only reference to the tree known for its star-shaped fragrant flowers. Burke and childhood friend N.L. Lavin will visit Magnolia Hall, a boutique in Colonial Beach, as part of a book-signing tour. The two co-authored Of Flesh and Blood, described as a chilling debut horror novel that delves into the world of a serial killer and Cajun folklore. The two writers grew up in southern Louisiana where Lavin said most families had crazy Cajun uncles telling stories about the Rougarou. Part werewolf and part man, the creature was the focal point of morality tales, as in, if you kids dont behave, Burke said, the Rougarou is gonna come get you. Sounds intriguing, but what does that have to do with Colonial Beach? Sherryl Woods would be the answer. The Netflix production is based on her series by the same name, as the Sweet Magnolias titles are among 148 romance books shes written. She spends her summers in her familys Colonial Beach cottage, and she met Burke during filming in Atlanta. When he and Lavin made progress on their first novel, Burke reached out to Woods to tap into her considerable experience in the publishing world. She read their query letter, looked over their outline and passed along names of people they should contact. She truly is the fairy godmother in all this, Burke said. Shes just been so lovely through the whole process, Lavin added. When the writing buddies got the release date for the book, Woods invited them to Colonial Beach. Theyll do an informal meet-and-greet from 5-6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 11, as part of the towns Sip and Stroll of businesses and art galleries. Then, theyll be part of a more formal event at the same time on Saturday, July 12, with a talk and book-signing at Magnolia Hall. Reservations are required at https://givebutter.com/VIPeventatMH. While Woods looks forward to meeting Lavin in person and hearing more about how the two collaborated something she hasnt done except in TV land she wont be offering any critiques of the book. She hasnt read it. The synopsis was enough to make her eyes pop. It scared me too bad, she said, adding that Of Flesh and Blood would not be on the nightstand next to her bed. I live in my happy place. Ive read lots of murder mysteries, but the cozy kind, about the psychology of what happened and not the gore of what happened. Thankfully for Burke and Lavin, plenty of other readers like the gory stuff. The writers have gotten positive reviews, particularly from their many cousins in Louisiana who see themselves depicted in the pages. However, no ones claimed to be the serial killer known as the Cajun Cannibal. Lavin still lives in southern Louisiana, where the recent heat wave has produced blinding humidity. He works full-time as a psychiatrist, part-time as a writer and, according to the book jacket, is a husband and father in whatever time is left. During a phone interview last week, Lavin said hed finished his day job but was hiding from his kids, ages 7, 6 and 2. If they find out Im home, the jig will be up. Burke lives in Atlanta and visits his native state several times a year. He and Lavin had time on their hands during COVID, and in 2020, started forming an outline for the novel. They sat in the back yard, 6 feet apart and sipping old-fashioneds, as they plotted the Cajun Cannibals demise of eight people. From there, they had Zoom calls to talk about story structure then kept a running Google document of the book. Lavin said hed write his ideas in red, Burke rewrote his suggestions in purple and the passage became solidified when it turned into black, and we moved on to the next piece. The two share the same sensibility and outlook on life as well as geographic and cultural backgrounds, Burke said. He said theyre lucky to have that connection, even though he posted on Instagram that he and Lavin hated each other growing up and still do. Jokes aside, the two said the way their first book ends leaves room for more stories. Were eager to step back into the murky waters, Lavin said. Scott Lindsey, who owns Magnolia Hall, said he could totally see (the book) being turned into a series. Sounds like theres a lot of twists and turns. Hes looking forward to having the authors visit his boutique home decor store, which has two large magnolia trees out front. He and Woods were friends before Magnolia Hall opened, and as he chose its name, he wanted to make sure it was ok with her. Like his friend, Lindsey is eager for the new novelists to visit the area where Woods has drawn much of her inspiration. And theres the Trotter factor as well. Theres definitely a buzz about town, he said. We dont get a lot of Hollywood stars so its exciting. Trump halts Iran sanctions relief after Khamenei claims victory over Israel President Donald Trump abandoned plans to ease sanctions on Iran after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared victory over the U.S. and Israel, dismissing his claims as lies and vowing continued economic pressure. The 12-day military confrontation began with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and assassinations of IRGC commanders, prompting Iranian missile retaliation and U.S. airstrikes on Fordow and other sites. Iran's Supreme Leader framed the conflict as a strategic win, boasting of humiliating the U.S. and Israel, which angered Trump and derailed potential sanctions relief talks. Trump revealed he blocked an Israeli operation targeting Khamenei's location, calling it an act of restraint, though military options remain open. With sanctions locked in place and Iran refusing to back down, prospects for de-escalation are slim, raising fears of renewed conflict and unchecked nuclear activity. U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly reversed plans to ease sanctions on Iran after its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared victory in Tehran's recent military confrontation with Israel. The announcement made on Truth Social, came in response to the ayatollah's claims that Iran had triumphed over both Israel and the United States. It followed a 12-day conflict marked by airstrikes, nuclear site bombings and high-profile assassinations. Trump dismissed Khamenei's assertions as a lie vowing to maintain economic pressure on the Islamic republic. The hostilities erupted on June 13 when Israel launched precision strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and assassinated senior commanders, including key figures in Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. Tel Aviv justified the attacks as preemptive measures to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies. Iran retaliated with long-range missile strikes, prompting the U.S. to bomb Fordow, a heavily fortified uranium enrichment site, and two other locations. (Related: Trump: Nuclear deal with Iran UNNECESSARY as Tehran's facilities already destroyed.) Khamenei issues defiant rhetoric, unaware Trump saved his life Earlier, Khamenei declared that Iran had humiliated the U.S. and Israel, framing the conflict as a strategic win despite significant infrastructure damage. He boasted that Iran had "slapped America in the face" and vowed future retaliation. The remarks broadcast on state television infuriated Trump, who accused Khamenei of spreading false propaganda while his country lay in ruins. The Trump administration had reportedly considered lifting sanctions as part of a potential deal to halt Iran's uranium enrichment. Sources indicated discussions included unfreezing billions in Iranian assets and allowing regional aid for civilian nuclear programs. But after Khamenei's speech, Trump abandoned the plan. He asserted that Iran's leadership had shown only "anger, hatred and disgust" instead of seeking peace. The real estate mogul also revealed he had blocked an Israeli operation targeting Khamenei's location, calling it the war's "biggest attack." While Trump claimed sparing Khamenei life was an act of restraint, he emphasized that military options remain on the table. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi demanded the U.S. cease its "disrespectful tone" toward Khamenei, signaling further diplomatic stalemate. This latest clash underscores decades of hostility between Iran and the West. The 2015 nuclear deal, brokered under former President Barack Obama, temporarily eased tensions. However, Trump's 2018 withdrawal and reinstatement of sanctions during his first term reignited the standoff. Iran's continued uranium enrichment and regional proxy wars have kept the U.S. and Israel on high alert, with both nations refusing to tolerate a nuclear-armed Tehran. Russia condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes as illegal, while cautiously welcoming Trump's ceasefire announcement. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed concern over suspended inspections, but Iran's parliament voted to block further oversightraising fears of unchecked nuclear activity. Despite the breakdown in talks, Trump hinted that Iran still seeks negotiations. However, with sanctions locked in place and Tehran refusing to back down, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain. Analysts warn that without a diplomatic breakthrough, another military confrontation is inevitable. Watch Jesse Watters of Fox News explaining why Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is running out of time in this clip. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump's Iran strikes backfire: Russia warns that Iran will likely be resupplied with nuclear warheads. Russia warns U.S. that military intervention in Iran-Israel conflict risks nuclear catastrophe. Netanyahu's Iran attack plan rejected by Trump amid Gaza backlash. Sources include: RT,com Reuters.com NBCNews.com Brighteon.com U.S. suspends military aid to Ukraine: A strategic shift amid global concerns The United States has suspended all military equipment and ammunition deliveries to Ukraine, including critical weapons like Patriot missile interceptors, Stinger and AIM air-to-air missiles, Hellfire and GMLRS systems, and thousands of 155mm artillery shells. The suspension is not a temporary pause but a potential shift in American foreign policy, following an internal review ordered by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This aligns with the Trump administration's "America First" policy, prioritizing U.S. strategic defense capabilities. Department of Defense and White House officials emphasize the need to prioritize American interests, citing the importance of defending the homeland and U.S. troops worldwide. The suspension marks a departure from initial U.S. enthusiasm for supporting Ukraine and could signal a broader withdrawal of advanced weaponry, potentially encouraging Russia to prolong negotiations and exploit Ukrainian vulnerabilities. Facing a potential supply drought, Kyiv is seeking to purchase American weapons through European countries, aiming to maintain defense capabilities. This shift raises questions about the future of U.S. foreign policy and its commitment to international obligations. The United States has halted all military equipment and ammunition deliveries to Ukraine, including critical weapons like Patriot missile interceptors, Stinger and AIM air-to-air missiles, Hellfire and GMLRS systems, and thousands of 155mm artillery shells. The suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine is not just a temporary pause but a potential harbinger of a broader shift in American foreign policy. According to The Economist, the decision to halt all shipments of American weapons, including shells and spare parts, was made after an internal review ordered by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This move has been framed as part of the Trump administration's "America First" policy, aimed at ensuring the United States' own strategic defense capabilities. (Related: Pentagon halts weapons shipments to Ukraine amid stockpile concerns.) Department of Defense spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized the need to prioritize American interests, stating, "We can't give weapons to everybody all around the world. We have to look out for America and defend our homeland and our troops around the world." This sentiment was echoed by White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly. "This decision was made to put America's interests first following a DOD review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," Kelly said. The current suspension of aid marks a departure from the initial enthusiasm for supporting Ukraine. The last arms packages passed during the Biden administration have been drawn down, and the Trump administration has not requested any further military aid for Ukraine. This shift is not entirely unexpected. At the end of the Biden administration, senior officials expressed concerns that American and European arms manufacturers were not keeping up with demand for sophisticated weapons and basic artillery. The United States has been the primary supplier of weapons to Ukraine, with supplies coming from two main sources: existing Pentagon stockpiles and the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which finances the acquisition of weapons directly from American military contractors. A new strategy for Kyiv Facing a potential supply drought, Kyiv is now seeking to arrange the purchase of American weapons through European countries, according to reports. This change in strategy could also help European NATO member-states reach the five percent spending commitment agreed at the organization's summit last week. Andriy Yermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, has stated that Kyiv is prepared to purchase additional air defense systems from the U.S. that it previously received via military aid channels. "Russia continues to launch massive missile strikes on our cities. In these conditions, air defense systems are a matter of life and death for millions of Ukrainians," Yermak wrote on his Telegram channel. The suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine is not just a domestic issue but a global one. It sends a signal to Russia that the United States may be stepping back from its role as Ukraine's primary supplier of advanced weaponry. This, in turn, could encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to prolong negotiations, anticipating that Ukrainian forces may soon be starved of ammunition and antimissile systems. The move also raises questions about the future of U.S. foreign policy and the extent to which the Trump administration is willing to prioritize American interests over international commitments. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the international community will be watching closely to see how this strategic shift unfolds. Watch the video below that talks about Trump's warning to Ukraine after talking to Putin on the phone. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: US halts military aid to Ukraine: Kiev's surrender is near. Zelensky seeks additional $175 billion military aid for Ukraine at Dutch Defense Forum amid rising tensions. U.S. defense budget cuts Ukraine funding as Trump pushes for negotiated peace with Russia. Sources include: RT.com NYTimes.com NovayaGazeta.eu Brighteon.com U.S. shutters USAID in sweeping foreign aid overhaul, sparking fears of humanitarian crisis USAID, a key provider of American humanitarian aid since 1961, will cease operations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision, calling it a cost-cutting move to eliminate inefficiency. Humanitarian groups, foreign policy experts and Democrats argue the shutdown will endanger millions, especially in conflict zones and poor nations. Aid will now focus on U.S. strategic interests, trade deals and private investment under the State Department. Former Presidents Bush and Obama condemned the move, warning of long-term damage to America's global role. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a cornerstone of American humanitarian aid for over six decades, has ceased operations on July 1, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Tuesday, July 1. The decision, framed by the Trump administration as a cost-cutting measure to eliminate inefficiency, has drawn fierce backlash from humanitarian groups, foreign policy experts and Democrats who warn that millions of lives could be at risk. The move follows a brutal six-week review by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The agency previously led by Elon Musk recommended axing more than 80 percent of USAID's 6,200 active programs. Rubio defended the decision, arguing that USAID had become a bloated bureaucracy that wasted taxpayer money on ineffective projects while failing to advance U.S. interests. But critics say the abrupt dismantling of USAID will have dire consequences, particularly in conflict zones and impoverished nations where American aid has long been a lifeline. A study published Monday, June 30, in The Lancet projected that the cuts could contribute to more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, with nearly a third of them children under five. USAID, which was established in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, has been a primary vehicle for U.S. disaster relief, global health initiatives and economic development programs. Its recent dissolution marks the end of an era in which American aid was distributed through an independent agency, with future assistance now consolidated under the Department of State. (Related: Rubio: State Department has REVOKED over 300 visas of foreign students.) Rubio framed the shift as a necessary realignment, insisting that foreign aid must serve U.S. strategic interests rather than what he called "government-sanctioned inefficiency." He singled out controversial USAID-funded projects, including a $1.5 million diversity initiative in Serbia and a $70,000 "DEI musical" in Ireland, as examples of wasteful spending. But humanitarian organizations say the cuts go far beyond trimming excess. Programs providing clean water, malaria prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment and education, particularly for girls in places like Afghanistan, are already shutting down. The International Rescue Committee (IRC), which relied on USAID for 40 percent of its funding, has closed mobile health clinics, sanitation projects and underground schools for Afghan girls. "The one that really hits me is we had found ways to keep thousands of girls going to school, even under Taliban rule," said Bob Kitchen, IRCs vice president of emergency response. "Now, that has all stopped." The Lancet study found that USAID funding had prevented 91 million deaths between 2001 and 2021, primarily from HIV/AIDS, malaria and malnutrition. Without that support, researchers warned of a humanitarian crisis "similar in scale to a global pandemic or a major armed conflict," but one that was "a conscious and avoidable policy choice." The Trump administration dismissed the findings, with a senior State Department official calling them "misapprehensions" of the new strategy. The official insisted that life-saving programs, like the presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), would continue under State Department oversight, albeit with a greater emphasis on efficiency and partner contributions. A shift toward "America First" aid The administration's new vision for foreign assistance prioritizes trade deals, private investment and bilateral agreements over traditional aid. Rubio described the approach as "prioritizing trade over aid, opportunity over dependency." But critics argue this model ignores the immediate needs of vulnerable populations. The dismantling of USAID also raises questions about Americas global leadership. Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, in private farewell remarks to USAID staff, condemned the decision as a "colossal mistake." Bush reportedly expressed deep concern over the program's future. The State Department insists there will be no operational gaps. But humanitarian groups remain skeptical, pointing to the sudden freeze on aid earlier this year that left clinics without medicine and food programs without funding. The administration has promised a new "roadmap" for foreign assistance, but details remain vague. For now, the world is left to grapple with the fallout of an unprecedented retreat from global aid, one that could reshape Americas role in the world for decades to come. Visit BigGovernment.news for more stories about the U.S. government's attempts to end corruption. Watch Jesse Waters of Fox News explaining how USAID spends taxpayer money on foreign DEI. This video is from the Son of the Republic channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Rubio exposes Bidens surveillance of American dissent: Outrageous free speech violations. Trump, Rubio slam USAID over corruption, censorship, and waste. Judicial interference in deportations sparks foreign policy crisis, Rubio warns. Sources include: YourNews.com ABCNews.go.com TheLancet.com Edition.CNN.com Brighteon.com Weight loss jab patients facing deadly organ failure risk, experts warn A nurse warns that weight-loss injections like Mounjaro are prescribed without crucial blood tests, risking pancreatitis, organ failure, and death. UK regulators are investigating more than 560 reports of pancreas inflammation and ten deaths linked to GLP-1 agonist drugs. Mandatory blood screening could identify high-risk patients, but corporate providers prioritize profits over safety, skipping safeguards. Post-market data reveals severe risks, including contraceptive failure, muscle wasting, and blindness, yet manufacturers downplay dangers. Experts demand stricter regulations, pre-screenings, and holistic obesity care instead of profit-driven pharmaceutical shortcuts. A medical whistleblower has exposed a life-threatening oversight in the booming weight loss injection industry, revealing that thousands of patients are being prescribed potent GLP-1 agonist drugs like Mounjaro without critical blood tests that could prevent pancreatitis, sepsis, and fatal organ failure. As UK regulators investigate more than 560 reports of pancreas inflammation and ten deaths linked to these "miracle" injections, frontline healthcare workers are demanding immediate reforms to protect vulnerable patients from Big Pharma's reckless profit-driven protocols. The hidden time bomb in weight loss jabs Rachael Joy, a nurse and chief clinical officer at private healthcare provider SheMed, sounded the alarm after observing widespread negligence in pre-prescription screening. "The safest way for people to use these jabs is through mandatory blood screening," Joy stated, emphasizing that tests for liver function, triglycerides, and diabetes markers could identify high-risk patients. Her warning comes as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) launches a genetic study to determine why some users develop acute pancreatitis, a condition where the pancreas self-digests, potentially triggering multi-organ collapse. Pancreatitis survivors face a gruesome medical reality: necrotic tissue death, systemic inflammation, and septic shock that overwhelms kidneys, lungs, and circulatory systems. Susan McGowan, 58, died last year from multiple organ failure after just two low-dose tirzepatide injections. "If someone has really high triglycerides, they may be at higher risk of pancreatitis," Joy cautioned, noting that dehydration from uncontrolled diabetes exacerbates the danger. Corporatized medicine puts profits over patients The scandal exposes how corporate medicine prioritizes mass prescribing over individualized care. With 1.5 million Brits now using GLP-1 agonists, 80% of which are purchased through poorly regulated online clinics, providers skip vital safeguards to meet demand. The MHRA admits adverse drug reactions already cost the NHS 2.2 billion annually, with weight loss jabs contributing to a surge in hospitalization. Dr. Alison Cave, the agencys chief safety officer, acknowledged that genetic testing could prevent 30% of medication side effects, yet no such protocols exist for these lucrative drugs. Manufacturers downplay risks while quietly updating warning labels. Lillys Mounjaro leaflet now lists pancreatitis as an "uncommon" side effect (1 in 100 users), while Novo Nordisk assures that Ozempic and Wegovys "benefit-risk profile remains positive." Such corporate doublespeak ignores harrowing patient outcomes documented in Yellow Card reports, which is Britains equivalent of the FDAs adverse event database. Unlike historic weight loss drugs that caused heart attacks or psychiatric breaks, GLP-1 agonists manipulate fundamental hormonal pathways, creating unpredictable long-term effects. Post-market surveillance reveals escalating issues: Contraceptive failure: The MHRA warned in June 2025 that semaglutide may neutralize oral birth control, increasing unintended pregnancies. The MHRA warned in June 2025 that semaglutide may neutralize oral birth control, increasing unintended pregnancies. Muscle wasting: Up to 40% of weight loss comes from lean tissue depletion, accelerating osteoporosisa disaster for aging populations. Up to 40% of weight loss comes from lean tissue depletion, accelerating osteoporosisa disaster for aging populations. Ophthalmological damage: European regulators confirmed semaglutide doubles risk of blindness from NAION optic neuropathy. Despite these red flags, NHS guidelines still promote injectables as first-line obesity treatments while rationing access to nutritionists and metabolic testing. "'We should be putting these patients at the centre and treating obesity like any other clinical health condition," argued Joy, whose clinic mandates bloodwork before prescribing. Her model proves prevention works, but most providers prioritize profit channels over patient safety. The weight loss industrys latest "solution" follows a familiar pattern: suppress symptoms, ignore root causes, and silence dissenters while patients pay with their health. Until regulators enforce pre-screenings and genetic testing, vulnerable citizens remain guinea pigs in a uncontrolled experiment. As Joy notes: "Sometimes these things are subtle, but can have a massive impact." For hundreds already hospitalized with necrotic pancreases, that impact is measured in funerals, not fitness goals. The Mounjaro catastrophe proves that no pharmaceutical shortcut replaces disciplined nutrition and lifestyle changes. While GLP-1 drugs offer real benefits for diabetics, their off-label abuse as cosmetic weight-loss tools reveals a healthcare system enslaved to quick fixes. Until policymakers mandate rigorous screening and holistic obesity management, these injections will keep filling ER beds instead of shrinking waistlines. Patients deserve medicine that heals, not harms, and that begins with truth-telling about Big Pharmas latest dangerous darling. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk TheSun.co.uk TheGuardian.com Independent.co.uk Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Sunshine this morning followed by increasing clouds and a few showers this afternoon. High 87F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Overcast. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. The latest research published in Genes & Diseases unveils groundbreaking insights into the role of the aging process and the associated factor EMP1 in the progression of resectable pancreatic cancer (PC). The study, conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chongqing Medical University, has established a prognostic model that links EMP1 expression with adverse clinical outcomes, particularly among older PC patients. Pancreatic cancer remains a highly aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options, especially in its resectable form. This study highlights how aging, characterized by systemic and microenvironmental changes, significantly contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. The researchers developed an Age-Related Score (ARS) system, integrating bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq data, to predict prognosis in postoperative PC patients. A key finding of the study is the identification of EMP1 as a pivotal molecule within this system, significantly correlating with poor survival outcomes. In both in vitro and in vivo experiments, increased EMP1 expression was shown to promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Using cellular trajectory analysis, the study demonstrated that PC cells with high ARS scores and elevated EMP1 levels exhibited enhanced aging and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) capabilities, indicating a more aggressive tumor phenotype. Furthermore, the EMP1-driven activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway was identified as a major contributor to the oncogenic potential of pancreatic cancer cells. The team's in vivo studies using subcutaneous, pulmonary metastasis, and orthotopic pancreatic liver metastasis models in mice corroborated these findings. Mice with EMP1 knockdown exhibited reduced tumor volume and metastasis, while EMP1 overexpression led to increased tumor growth and metastatic spread. Importantly, the application of the PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002 successfully reversed the oncogenic effects induced by EMP1, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue. These findings not only establish EMP1 as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in PC patients but also propose targeted therapy against EMP1 and the PI3K/AKT pathway as a promising strategy to mitigate tumor progression. Future studies focusing on the immune microenvironment and detailed mechanistic pathways are essential to further elucidate EMP1's role and to develop age-specific anti-cancer interventions. Don Hardin's hillside was largely cleared of trees killed by the mountain pine beetle in April with help from his neighbors but now, in early July, an overwhelming number stand dead. Some of the trees have died in just a few weeks with Ips beetles munching their tops and mountain pine beetles coming through their bark in large visible holes, Hardin explained. Hardin, now 70, estimates 400 trees have been taken down across his 21 acres, including many that were scorched and weakened when the Black Forest fire moved through his property. The 2013 fire burned more than 14,000 acres and consumed Hardin's historical barns and corrals built by the Vollmer brothers, homesteaders in the area. The Hardin family bought the ranch from the Vollmers in the 1940s and Don and his wife still live in a 101-year-old cabin that was spared by the fire. The blaze consumed about 500 homes. Now, Hardin is combating fire danger by taking down ponderosa pines, along with many of his neighbors who live in the part of Black Forest where the beetle has hit hardest, near the School in the Woods between Shoup and Burgess Roads along Vollmer Road. "Everybody is doing their best," Hardin said. "... We aren't giving up." He noted his goal is to have all the dead trees down by fall. While Hardin expects in a few years his wooded land will be largely grass, some of the youngest trees seem to be surviving the beetle. Across Colorado, mountain pine beetles also are on the rise in Douglas, Jefferson and Gilpin counties, among other areas, said Dan West, forest entomologist with the State Forest Service. The agency's annual aerial survey shows the number of infected acres increasing from less than 2,000 acres in 2021 to nearly 6,000 acres last year. "Bark beetles are only going to build this upcoming year," West said. Across national forest lands, the beetles have an "elevated presence" in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest and, to a lesser degree, the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, said Jose Negron, research entomologist with the Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station. To combat the beetle, the State Forest Service is putting small packets on trees to send the message to mountain pine beetles to seek a home elsewhere, West said. The message will be sent through a synthetic replication of beetle pheromones that sends a "no-vacancy signal" to adult pine beetles looking for a healthy tree to infest, West said. To a beetle, the pheromones say that the tree is already hosting beetles and there won't be enough food for more eggs, he explained. It's not a perfect system. Of the 65,000 trees West and his team hope to protect, 12% to 20% are still expected to get infested. As the numbers of pine beetles increase, as they are expected to, the pheromones probably will become less effective, West explained. But it is a way to fight back against a beetle that hit 81% of the state's forests between 1996 and 2014. The El Paso County Parks Department also has been combating the beetle. Like Hardin, the county is taking trees down in the Pineries Open Space, a ribbon of about 1,000 acres that straddles the Palmer Divide. The area started to see problems with mountain pine beetles in 2022, Parks Manager Kyle Melvin said. This spring, the countys contractor identified and removed 12 clusters of trees infected with the tell-tale signs of beetles and chipped them to ensure the larvae will die inside a small wood chip, he explained. Its work that cost almost $30,000, Melvin said. Featured Local Savings But its an investment thats important to the county after losing so many trees on the property to the Black Forest fire. Dead trees also are a safety concern near trails. Safety, fire mitigation and aesthetics are our primary motivation, Melvin said. The countys contractor focused on clumps of trees of three or more to get most out of the time and money invested, he explained. Last year, the countys contractor removed 15 clusters. This year, the new contractor sent three people instead of just one to look for infected trees, but found fewer clusters, so Melvin said he is hopes the beetles might be on the decline on the public open space because they removed so many infested trees, he said. But its tough to tell from only three years of data. We are still being a good neighbor by trying to control the population as much as we can, he said. The county is aware of the pheromone packets the State Forest Service is using and it could be a tool into the future to protect high-value trees near playgrounds or pavilions on other county park properties, he said. Melvin said he encourages residents to consider them, if they have trees around their homes they want to protect. While spring rain did produce some lush, green plants across Black Forest, it doesn't seem to have done much to keep trees alive in and around Hardin's property. It probably is just not enough to offset a lack of strong snowpack at the lower elevations that soaks deep into the soil, said forester Keith Worely, who works in Black Forest. Trees need a healthy amount of moisture to make resin that can serve as a mechanical barrier against beetles. "We are in our 25th year of the forest being in a long-term drought," he said. Black Forest residents can combat the outbreak by thinning out trees that are packed tightly together. Then the wood needs to be removed or chipped, because if it's stacked up, the beetles will just fly off to a nearby host tree. In Worley's opinion, the beetles are set to move west from Black Forest, and helping to keep them in check will take all landowners. "Mountain pine beetle is like wildfire, in that everybody has to work together," Worley said. For residents taking down trees, the Black Forest Slash/Mulch Program on Herring Road is accepting slash loads for $10 each this season. Physician associates provide safe and effective care when they work under the direct supervision of doctors and care for patients who have already been diagnosed, or when they undertake procedures for which they have been highly trained, finds a rapid review published in The BMJ today. However, the rapid review on the safety and effectiveness of physician associates found insufficient evidence to support them assessing undiagnosed patients under indirect supervision-when seeing undiagnosed patients in primary care, for example. Patient satisfaction levels for care provided by physician associates were similar to those provided by doctors, but there was limited evidence on the cost effectiveness of physician associates. The rapid review, which was prompted by concerns about the impact of the physician assistant role in the UK, also found that they increased access to care. But this may reflect the benefits of increased staffing rather than the unique contribution of the role, it suggests. In the UK, most have been deployed in socio-economically deprived areas. Physician associates are known as physician assistants in most other countries and were first introduced in the US in the 1960s to tackle resident doctor shortages in rural areas. They have since been adopted by many other countries facing medical workforce difficulties and/or cost pressures in their health systems. In the UK, physician associates require a bachelor's degree in a science or a health-related discipline plus a diploma or master's degree in physician assistant studies focusing on the clinical skills necessary to assist doctors in patient care. The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges called for a rapid review of the safety, cost effectiveness, and efficiency of physician associates after concerns were raised about the implementation of the role in the UK in six broad areas. These were: scope of practice; patient safety; informed consent; preferential employment conditions; additional workload of physicians supervising physician associates; and impact on medical training. In November 2024, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care commissioned an independent review of the impact of physician and anaesthesia associates on quality of care from Professor Gillian Leng. The rapid review included 40 studies comparing the quality of care delivered by physician associates and doctors in economically developed countries (North America and Europe, plus Israel, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Aotearoa/New Zealand) using outcomes on safety, effectiveness, patient-centredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equity. Although focused on the UK, the rapid review's findings would be relevant to the physician associate role in other high income countries, say the authors. They acknowledge several limitations to findings, most notably that only four of the studies included were carried out in the UK. Most were carried out in the US and were of weak quality, using retrospective analyses of routinely collected data which did not always take confounding factors into account. Few assessed cost-effectiveness and none was conducted in the post-covid healthcare environment. The authors conclude: "There is a legitimate role for [physician associates] working alongside physicians in well-defined roles under supervision. However, indirect or unsupervised management by [physician associates] of undifferentiated symptoms and disease may risk patient safety." They add: "National guidance on the supervision and scope of practice for physician [associates] can ensure that physician [associates] practise safely and effectively." CPI(M) welcomes move to give reservation to staff in Supreme Court Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 13:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI) Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary MA Baby on Sunday welcomed the Supreme Courts decision to provide reservations for non-judicial staff. Welcome move: Supreme Court introduces reservations for SC, ST, OBC, PwD, ex-servicemen, and freedom fighters kin in non-judicial staff," Baby said in a post on X. Recommended Stories A historic step by Justice (BR) Gavai. Still, judicial appointments need reservation!" he said. The Supreme Court has introduced a formal reservation policy for the direct appointment and promotion of its staffers belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The decision was communicated in a circular issued on June 24 to all Supreme Court employees. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As per the circular and the model roster now in effect, top court employees will receive a 15 per cent quota and ST employees a 7.5 per cent quota in promotions. According to the policy, the quota benefits will be available to registrars, senior personal assistants, assistant librarians, junior court assistants and chamber attendants. PTI AO HIG HIG First Published: July 06, 2025, 13:15 IST Let Marathi language and culture echo far and wide: Ajit Pawar Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 11:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai, Jul 6 (PTI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday extended greetings to people on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi and called for the spread of Marathi language and culture far and wide. In his message, Pawar described the annual wari (pilgrimage) to Pandharpur in Solapur district, where devotees offer prayers at the famous temple of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini, as a glorious tradition rooted in devotion, discipline and spiritual equality. Recommended Stories This is the spiritual and cultural strength of Maharashtra that must be preserved and strengthened," the NCP chief said. Extending his best wishes, the deputy CM said, Let Marathi language and culture echo far and wide, let the flag of Maharashtras progress fly high with pride. May the state witness prosperity, unity and strength by moving forward collectively." The Ashadhi wari is a powerful movement of Maharashtras spiritual and cultural richness. For centuries, the warkari sect has not only guided but enriched the states social and cultural fabric, he said. Lakhs of warkaris walking towards Pandharpur chanting the name of Lord Vitthal reflect unity, equality and brotherhood, Pawar pointed out. The deputy chief minister also prayed for a good monsoon and a prosperous agricultural season. I pray that the fields be fertile, homes be abundant with grains, and every household in the state be blessed with peace and happiness," he said. Highlighting the discipline, cleanliness, service and social unity seen in the wari tradition, Pawar said, The wari teaches us the true essence of humanity and dedication. This spirit must be channelled into the development of Maharashtra." Describing the Ashadhi wari as a glorious tradition of devotion to Lord Pandurang, he said it is a powerful movement of Maharashtras spiritual and cultural richness. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For many centuries, lakhs of warkaris, chanting the name of Hari, have been walking towards Pandharpur with a longing to meet Lord Pandurang, spreading the message of unity, equality and brotherhood through their actions, Pawar said. This is the strength of Maharashtras spiritual and cultural unity. Preserving and nurturing it is our responsibility," he added. PTI MR GK First Published: July 06, 2025, 11:00 IST Maharashtra: Suspicious boat spotted off Raigad Coast, security stepped up Last Updated: July 07, 2025, 01:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai, Jul 6 (PTI) Security along the coastline in Maharashtras Raigad district was stepped up after a suspicious boat was spotted near the Revdanda coast, police said on Sunday. The boat was seen by security personnel around two nautical miles off the Korlai coast in Revdanda, an official said. Recommended Stories Prima facie, the vessel is suspected to bear markings of another country and may have drifted to the Raigad coast, he added. Following the alert, teams from Raigad Police, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), Quick Response Team (QRT), the Navy and the Coast Guard rushed to the spot. Raigad Superintendent of Police Anchal Dalal, along with senior police officials, reached the coast to monitor the situation, the official said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Efforts to reach the boat were hampered by heavy rain and strong winds. Dalal herself attempted to approach the boat using a barge but had to return due to adverse weather, the official added. A large contingent of police was deployed in the area and overall security in the district was heightened as a precautionary measure, he said. PTI COR DC OZ OZ First Published: July 07, 2025, 01:45 IST Teenager stabs 15-year-old kin to death after quarrel in Delhi, apprehended Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 15:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI) A teenager has been apprehended for allegedly stabbing his 15-year-old relative to death with a piece of glass following a quarrel in east Delhis Mandawali area, an official said on Sunday. Police received information regarding the medico-legal case (MLC) of a brought dead" boy, identified as Imran, around 12.06 am on Sunday from LBS Hospital. They immediately rushed to the hospital and met the victims sister, Shabana. Recommended Stories She told them that he was attacked by a boy with a sharp piece of glass, resulting in a grievous injury under his left arm. He died during treatment, police said. Later in the night, during routine patrolling, police detained a suspicious boy in Preet Vihar. During questioning, he confessed to having stabbed the victim during a quarrel. He was immediately taken into custody and handed over to the Mandawali police station for further action. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Initial investigation revealed that the victim and the accused were related and belonged to the same community. Further investigation is underway, police added. PTI SSJ HIG HIG First Published: July 06, 2025, 15:15 IST Three paramilitary force personnel killed by Pak Taliban in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Last Updated: July 07, 2025, 00:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Peshawar, Jul 6 (PTI) Three paramilitary force personnel were killed after being held two days in captivity allegedly by terrorists belonging to the Pakistani Taliban in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said on Sunday. Police said the three unarmed Frontier Corps personnel were abducted from a passenger vehicle by the terrorists of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistans (TTP) Shahzaib Bettani group in Tank district two days ago. Recommended Stories Their bodies were discovered in the mountainous region of Pezu Bayana area of Lakki Marwat district. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all They have been identified as Lance Naik Naseem, Lance Naik Muhammad Rashid and Sepoy Muhammad Sher. Security forces have launched a search operation in the area following the heinous act, while intelligence agencies are actively working to track down the terrorist network responsible, it said. PTI AYZ GSP GSP First Published: July 07, 2025, 00:30 IST Tripura: Man sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment for molesting girl in 2022 Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 13:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Agartala, Jul 6 (PTI) A court in Tripuras Unakoti district sentenced a man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for molesting a girl three years ago, a public prosecutor said on Sunday. Special court judge Amarendra Kumar Singh also slapped a fine of Rs 15,000 on the convict and said he would be in jail for an additional three months for failing to pay the amount. Recommended Stories A six-year-old girl of Unakoti districts Madhya Nalakata, along with his grandfather, went to attend a religious programme at her relatives residence on April 9, 2022. A band member identified as Samar Sabdakar (26) took the minor to a room and molested her. Her relatives went to the room after the girl screamed for help and rescued the minor. The accused was caught when he was trying to flee the spot," Sanjib Debroy, an advocate of the prosecution side, told the reporters. He said Pecharthal Police Stations investigating officer Dipesh Chandra Nath submitted a charge sheet against the accused after a thorough probe. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After hearing the case, Special Judge, Unakoti district, Amarendra Kumar Singh on Saturday pronounced the verdict and sentenced the convict to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. He imposed a fine of Rs 15,000, and if the convict fails to pay the amount, he will have to spend three more months in jail," Debroy said. The prosecutor said altogether 14 people turned up for deposition in the course of the trial and the allegations against the accused were proved beyond any doubt. PTI PS BDC First Published: July 06, 2025, 13:15 IST Delhi Fuel Ban Reversed: Old Car Seized Or You Sold It For Cheap? Want It Back? Here's What To Do Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 09:00 IST In this article, we have listed ways on how to get back your car if it has been seized by authority due to emission norms or sold it cheap. Representational image. (File photo) In a move to fight against pollution, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) shocked the Delhi-NCR with a new emission rule in 2015. The authorities have released an order, putting a blanket ban on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. Recommended Stories Fast forward to 2025, the government made a slight change in the rule and tried to make it stricter by putting a ban on fuel distribution to such vehicles. Later, after receiving backlash from the public, a big twist had to be taken, where the government partially reversed the ban on diesel cars. Ways To Get Your Car Back This brought a wave of both relief and regret among former vehicle owners who parted ways by selling their cars under pressure or got seized by the authorities under the latest rule. Now, what to do as a customer if the car is seized or gone to the new owner? Well, do not worry, we have got your back as there is a way to get your beloved machine back again. How to Get it Back if Seized? First thing first, check the vehicle status by visiting the Delhi Transport Department portal or the Vahan website. Enter your vehicle number to see its current status. Check if it has been stored, scrapped, auctioned or deregistered. If it shows the seized category and is in the vehicle yard, then you may be able to apply for its release. Submit a request to the RTO or enforcement department. After charging for parking/yard charges, one must give the car to complete fitness and pollution tests. Once passed, it will shine again in your garage. To note, there is no guarantee that everyone whose car got seized will get it back. There is a chance that the car might fail the fitness test and not be able to impress the authorities. In such a case, it might go as scrap, and the release application might get rejected as well. What If Sold Under Pressure? If you have sold it to a buyer outside Delhi, first track it down. Raise a request to repurchase it by giving details that it wasnt scrapped or deregistered. Keep in mind, youll need to check if the vehicle can now be re-registered in Delhi under the new norms or not. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, the Delhi fuel ban reversal has arrived as a ray of hope for car owners who thought they would never be able to see their cars again. However, there is a chance that some people might get lucky and get their beloved machine back. 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 : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 09:00 IST Maruti Suzuki And Hyundai Domestic Sales Dropped, But Exports Up in Apr-June 2025 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 08:43 IST According to company data, total domestic passenger vehicle sales fell to 1,18,906 units in June 2025 compared to 1,37,160 units in the same month last year News18 Maruti Suzuki reported a decline in its domestic passenger vehicle sales in June 2025; however, the company reported a 22 per cent increase in exports. Recommended Stories According to company data, total domestic passenger vehicle sales fell to 1,18,906 units in June 2025 compared to 1,37,160 units in the same month last year. This marks a drop of 13.3 per cent year-on-year for June. The decline in sales was also visible in the first quarter of FY2025-26. From April to June 2025, Maruti Suzuki sold 3,93,572 passenger vehicles in the domestic market, compared to 4,19,114 units sold in the same period of FY2024-25. This represents about a 6.1 per cent decline in sales during the quarter. The sharpest fall was seen in the Mini and Compact car segments. Mini cars like Alto and S-Presso saw sales drop to 6,414 units in June 2025, down from 9,395 units a year ago. Compact cars such as Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, Swift, and WagonR also saw a decline in sales to 54,177 units, down from 64,049 units in June 2024. Together, the Mini and Compact segments fell from 73,444 units to 60,591 units, indicating a weak demand in small car categories. Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales also saw a marginal drop, while export sales increased to 37,842 units in June 2025, up from 31,033 units a year ago. Overall, Maruti Suzukis total domestic sales (including PV and LCV) stood at 1,21,339 units in June 2025, compared to 1,39,918 units in June 2024, showing a broader decline in local demand. Despite the dip in domestic sales, export performance showed growth, which helped the company limit the impact on total sales. The company exported 96,972 vehicles in April-June 2025 versus 70,560 vehicles in the same period in the previous year, a 22 per cent increase. On the other hand, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) sold 60,924 units in June 2025, out of which 44,024 units were sold in India and 16,900 units were exported. In the first quarter of the financial year 2026 (April to June), Hyundai sold 1,80,399 units in total. This included 1,32,259 units in domestic sales and 48,140 units in exports. Hyundai also achieved a 13 per cent year-on-year growth in exports during Q1 of FY2026, increasing from 42,600 units last year to 48,140 units this year. Exports made up 26.7 per cent of Hyundais total sales, showing the companys growing focus on international markets. SUVs played a big role in Hyundais domestic sales, contributing 67.6 per cent of total sales in India during June 2025. Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, HMIL said, In the domestic market, the geopolitical situation continued to affect the market sentiment with domestic sales registering 44,024 units in June 2025." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He added, As we come closer to the beginning of production at the Talegaon plant, we remain cautiously optimistic about a gradual recovery of demand, supported by reduction in repo rates and improving liquidity on account of cut in CRR. We are closely watching the global geopolitical scenario and are committed to delivering value and innovation to our customers across both domestic and export markets." (ANI) 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 : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 08:43 IST India To Help Trinidad And Tobago Develop UPI-Like Payment Infrastructure Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 07, 2025, 19:34 IST The two countries showed a strong interest in deepening their cooperation in the digital space. NIPL is devoted for deployment of RuPay (domestic card scheme) and UPI (mobile payment solution) outside of India. Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean nation, has taken an interest in Indias ingenious developed digital payment method Unified Payment Interface (UPI). India and NPCI (National Payment Corporation of India) are supporting Trinidad and Tobago in developing a UPI-like digital payments system, which is still under implementation. The payment system in the Caribbean nation isnt live yet. Earlier, PM Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Trinidad and Tobago from July 3-4 at the invitation of Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. PM Modi congratulated Trinidad and Tobago on becoming the first Caribbean nation to take interest in the payment technology, as per ANI report. Recommended Stories A total of seven countries, including France, Bhutan, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and UAE have adopted Indias ingenious technology UPI so far. List of countries where international merchant payments are accepted at select merchant outlets: Sr.No Country Name Year 1 Bhutan 2021 2 France 2023 3 Mauritius 2024 4 Nepal 2022 5 Singapore 2023 6 Sri Lanka 2024 7 UAE 2022 The two countries showed a strong interest in deepening their cooperation in the digital space. Both sides agreed to explore further collaboration in implementing India Stack solutions such as DigiLocker, e-Sign, and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Trinidad and Tobago also sought Indias support in digitizing and upgrading its state land registration system. The leaders noted that digital governance and public service delivery have the potential to drive inclusive development, foster innovation, and enhance national competitiveness, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs. In pursuance of NPCI Board & RBI approval, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has been incorporated on April 3, 2020 as a wholly owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). NIPL is devoted for deployment of RuPay (domestic card scheme) and UPI (mobile payment solution) outside of India. NIPL is focused on transforming payments across the globe with use of technology and innovation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all NPCI also has RuPay, the first-of-its-kind domestic Card payment network of India, with wide acceptance at ATMs, POS devices and e-commerce websites. RuPay has launched various card variants catering to the different segments of the society. The name, derived from the words Rupee and Payment, emphasizes that it is Indias very own initiative for Card payments. About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More First Published: July 06, 2025, 10:59 IST A man and woman facing charges related to a vicious crime spree involving the murders of two men, one in Colorado Springs and one in Park County, were motivated by the simple need for a car, according to court records. They wanted to drive home to Mississippi. Johnny Morris, 46, and Hailey Cole, 43, are accused of in the bludgeoning deaths of Stephen Walker and Timmy Huston. The Park County criminal cases were closed so that the pair now both face trial solely in El Paso County. Walker was reported missing on Dec. 19, but the timeline provided by 4th Judicial District court documents shows that a week earlier, Cole asked Huston if she could borrow his car to travel home to Mississippi. Huston allegedly agreed, despite having a protection order against Cole stemming from a 2021 assault charge. On hearing of the potential loan of the car, Morris told Cole they would steal a car in Colorado Springs to get to Hustons residence in Park County, saying, he would take care of it, according to the documents, which also indicate Cole and Morris were in a relationship at the time. Morris lived in a sober-living home in Colorado Springs with four other men, including Walker. Walker had lived there just over a year while Morris had recently arrived, the affidavit says. At 4 a.m. on Dec. 19, Morris, Walker and another roommate went to a nearby Planet Fitness to work out. When they returned home at 5:30 a.m., the other roommate left for work, according to the arrest affidavit. Morris allegedly killed Walker between 5:30 and 7:10 a.m. by luring him into the garage to look at a motorcycle and then striking him with a hammer and a dumbbell, according to the affidavit. Then Morris is accused of putting the body in the back of Walkers vehicle and attempting to clean the scene with bleach. According to his autopsy report, Walker died of blunt-force trauma to the head. Two of the other roommates returned around 1 p.m. to a strong odor of bleach and tried to call Morris and Walker, but their phones were turned off. Two hours later, a roommate walked into the attached garage, saw bloody drag marks and a pool of bleach, but didnt call law enforcement until almost 7 p.m. Law enforcement arrived and filed missing-persons reports for Morris and Walker. Morris had left a note on his bed, which was missing a comforter, saying he was going home to Mississippi, according to the affidavit. That same day, not long after Walkers car was seen leaving the sober-living residence, surveillance video captured Cole stepping off a Metro bus and into the car that Morris was then driving. Cole would later tell detectives she asked Morris where Walker was and said Morris had persuaded him to let him use the car. Morris answered, hes behind you, according to the transcript. Featured Local Savings The pair used Walkers vehicle to drive to Hustons house in Hartsel where they planned to pick up Huston's car. Cole told detectives Huston was not home when they arrived and that she and Morris then drove around to find a place to get rid of Walkers body. According to Cole's arrest affidavit, Morris dumped Walker's body along with his cellphone into a culvert near County Road 307 and 187 in Chaffee County. In the days before Walker's body was found, family and friends created a public Facebook page to aid in the search for him. More than 900 people joined the page. After abandoning Walker's car near Hartsel, Morris and Cole allegedly walked 1 miles to Hustons home. According to Coles arrest affidavit, Cole saw Morris beat Huston and shoot him in the kneecap before killing him by hitting him in the head with a hammer. A neighbor told law enforcement she last saw Huston around 11 a.m. on Dec. 19. Around 2 p.m., the neighbor called Hustons phone and Cole answered. The neighbor told detectives they also heard a males voice in the background. In the affidavit, law enforcement officials noted the address on Coles drivers license matched Hustons home address. On Dec. 24, law enforcement did a welfare check on Hustons residence after his father reported he had not heard from his son for several days. When a deputy arrived, the door was ajar. After the discovery of Walkers car which by this point had been linked to Cole and Morris a search warrant for Hustons home was quickly granted. Officers discovered Hustons body and a single shell casing. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation entered the case, but Cole and Morris had left the state. Law enforcement authorities in Picayune, Miss., found and arrested Morris and Cole on Dec. 30. Sheriffs officials in Pearl River County, Miss., said they received a call that morning that a man matching the description of Morris had tried to break into a vehicle around 8:15 a.m. By 9 a.m., Morris and Cole were found holed up in a shed and taken into custody at the county jail. Both had outstanding warrants in the area unrelated to the homicides. At the time of their arrest, Walker was still missing. His body was found after Cole told detectives where she and Morris disposed of it, according to her arrest affidavit. Court records show Morris Park County case was moved to the 4th Judicial District earlier this year. The Gazette requested Morris affidavit, but it remains sealed. Morris is set to appear next in court on July 25. Cole is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in September. 10x Stock Split, 6,800% Rally: Multibagger Stock To Consider Rs 300 Fund Raise, Acquisition Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 15:50 IST The company will hold a Board meeting on July 9, 2025, to consider raising Rs 300 crore via QIP and acquiring an international entity. Elitecon International shares are up 6000% in 1 year. Multibagger Stock: Elitecon International Limited will hold a meeting of its Board of Directors on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 to consider the fund raise of Rs 300 crore through Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) and the acquisition of an international business entity. Recommended Stories The Board will also consider issuing equity shares on a preferential basis. Funds raised through QIP route are expected to support the companys expansion initiatives, including the proposed overseas acquisition. Elitecon International has a market cap of Rs 12,276 crore. Elitecon International Financials For the fiscal year 2024-25, Elitecon International Limited reported a revenue of Rs 297.51 crores, with quarterly figures standing at Rs 120.41 crores for March 2025 and Rs 48.40 crores for December 2024. The net profit for the year reached Rs 32.21 crores, including Rs 12.21 crores in March 2025 and Rs 6.62 crores in December 2024. The earnings per share (EPS) were Rs 8.09 for FY24-25, with Rs 0.77 in March 2025 and Rs 54.72 in December 2024. The cash EPS was Rs 2.13 for the fiscal year, while it stood at Rs 0.80 in March 2025 and Rs 57.74 in December 2024. Elitecon International Share Price History Elitecon International Ltd., a company incorporated in 1987 and operating in the tobacco and allied products sector, has experienced significant volatility and growth in its share price over recent years, transforming from a penny stock to a multibagger. Elitecon International shares have given a whopping return of 6,881 per cent to investors as per Google Finance. The stocks are up from Rs 10.37 to Rs 76.80 apiece during the time being. Looking at the past five sessions, shares hit the 5% upper circuit for several times to gain 33 per cent. Elitecon International Stock Split Elitecon International executed a significant 10:1 stock split with the record date set for June 25, 2025. This corporate action involved subdividing each equity share with a face value of Rs 10 into 10 equity shares with a face value of Rs 1 each. The stock split was approved during a board meeting on May 15, 2025, alongside discussions on fundraising and potential overseas acquisitions, signaling the companys strategic efforts to enhance shareholder value and market accessibility. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... 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 06, 2025, 15:50 IST One Big, Beautiful Bill Act: How New US Law Impacts NRIs Sending Money To India Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 09:30 IST One of the key proposals in the act that may directly impact the Indian diaspora residing in the US is the imposition of remittance tax at the rate of 3.5 per cent. The tax may also test the limits of the India-US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). While some argue the proposed levy violates the DTAAs non-discrimination clause, others believe the clause only covers income taxnot excise or transactional levies. One Big, Beautiful Bill Act: Despite staunch protests and opposition, the controversial piece of legislation One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, strongly backed by US President Donald Trump, has now become a law, bringing sweeping reforms including major tax changes, welfare cuts, defence spending hikes, and cultural policy. Recommended Stories The bill had been passed by both the US Senate and the House of Representatives. Later, it was signed into law by President Trump at a ceremony held on July 4, during Independence Day celebrations at the White House. One of the key proposals in the act that may directly impact the Indian diaspora residing in the US is the imposition of remittance tax. Thereupon, NRIs living in the US on H1B, L1, F1 visas, and even Green Card holders will have to pay an Excise tax on remittances at the rate of 3.5 per cent (earlier proposed to 5 per cent), making it costlier to send money. The proposed tax will significantly affect Indian immigrants who send money to support families in India," said Bikramjit Bedi, Partner Taxation, ASA & ASSOCIATES LLP. He noted that the added burden may deter many from continuing regular remittances, potentially impacting Indias foreign exchange inflows. These individuals frequently remit funds to support their families back home. Experts warn this could lead to a decline in the overall volume of remittances. In FY24, India received nearly $33 billion in remittances from the US, according to RBI dataalmost 28% of the total $118.7 billion in remittances received. A drop in this figure could impact household incomes and consumption levels in India. Complex Compliance And Legal Ambiguity Another layer of concern is the lack of clarity on whether taxpayers can claim credits for the remittance tax. India has a similar TCS provision, but offers relaxations based on purpose. The US tax, however, offers no such relief," Bedi pointed out. The tax may also test the limits of the India-US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). While some argue the proposed levy violates the DTAAs non-discrimination clause, others believe the clause only covers income taxnot excise or transactional levies. Deepashree Shetty, Partner Global Employer Services, BDO India, said the tax could impose not just financial pressure but also added paperwork. Remitters may face enhanced scrutiny, as banks would need to report data like nationality, remittance amounts, and tax paid," she explained. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She added that given their temporary stay, individuals on such visas rely heavily on remittances. The tax would be an additional charge, reducing the net amount that reaches families back home," she said. About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More First Published: July 06, 2025, 09:28 IST Mumbai Customs Busts Smuggling Racket: Drugs, Exotic Animals, Gold Worth Rs 11 Cr Seized Reported By : Edited By: Anushka Vats Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 13:13 IST Mumbai Customs foiled three major smuggling attempts at CSMI Airport, seizing Rs 11 crore worth of contraband, including 9.66 kg hydroponic weed from a Bangkok passenger. Seizures included hydroponic marijuana, exotic wildlife species, and smuggled gold (Credits: Airport Customs Dept) The Mumbai Customs Zone carried out three high-profile seizures at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on July 5, recovering contraband worth over Rs 11 crore as a part of a major anti-smuggling operation. The seizures included hydroponic marijuana, exotic wildlife species, and smuggled gold, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. Recommended Stories In the first case, the officials found 9.662 kg of hydroponic weed, concealed in the luggage of an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok. The seized narcotics, valued at approximately Rs 9.66 crore, were confiscated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The passenger was arrested on the spot. In another case the same day, officials intercepted a second passenger from Bangkok after profiling raised suspicion. On inspecting his luggage, authorities found a disturbing cache of live and dead exotic animals. The haul included one live raccoon, three dead raccoons, three dead black fox squirrels, and 37 green iguanas29 of them alive and eight dead. Customs said the live animals were handed over to airline officials for deportation to ensure their survival. Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Customs Act, 1962, and the passenger was taken into custody. In a third separate incident, two passengers from Dubai were caught attempting to smuggle 1.650 kg of 24-carat gold, concealed in wax and hidden within body cavities and clothing. The smuggled gold, valued at approximately Rs 1.49 crore, was seized under the Customs Act, 1962, and both passengers were arrested. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Mumbai Customs Zone-III has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to curbing smuggling of narcotics, wildlife, and precious metals. These swift actions highlight the dedication of officers in protecting Indias borders against illicit trade and upholding laws safeguarding public safety and national resources. First Published: July 06, 2025, 13:05 IST Delhi Shocker: 17-Year-Old Kills Teenage Neighbour With Broken TV Glass In Mandawali Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 12:11 IST The victim was rushed to the hospital following the crime, but he succumbed to his injuries. Image from the crime scene (Credits: IANS) A 15-year-old A 17-year-old boy allegedly killed his 15-year-old neighbour during a heated argument in Delhis Mandawali area. The accused allegedly stabbed his neighbour with a piece of glass from a broken television picture tube. The victim sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. Recommended Stories The accused has been arrested, and the police have begun an investigation into the incident. Delhi: A 17-year-old boy in Delhis Mandawali killed a 15-year-old neighbor during a heated argument by stabbing him with glass from a broken TV picture tube. The victim died at the hospital. Police arrested the accused and began investigation pic.twitter.com/J5Qeg6Y3WS IANS (@ians_india) July 6, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The incident came only days after a domestic helper killed his forty-two-year-old employer and her 14-year-old son in a fit of rage. Identified as Mukesh, the 24-year-old was arrested on board a train at Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction. He was attempting to flee to his home in Hajipur. Mukesh allegedly attacked Ruchika and her son with a sharp weapon after being reprimanded by the woman over unpaid dues of Rs 45,000 and frequent absence from work. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 12:04 IST Delhi University Admission: CSAS UG Phase 2 Begins July 8, Check Full Schedule Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 18:09 IST Delhi University Admission: Students who have not registered yet can also enter the second phase directly by completing the first phase by July 14. This time, DU will give admission on 71,624 seats across 69 colleges. (Representative/File) The second phase for admission to undergraduate (UG) courses of Delhi University is going to start. Students who have passed CUET UG 2025 can choose the college and course of their choice on DUs admission portal, admission.uod.ac.in, from July 8, 2025. The first phase of admission in DU, that is, the registration process is currently going on. Students who have not registered yet can fill the form till July 14. This time, DU will give admission on 71,624 seats across 69 colleges. The admission process has been made easier with new features like auto-accept feature. In the second step, students will have to choose their preferences (programme and college) carefully. Once submitted, the form will not open again. DU has advised that students keep their list of preferences ready and submit it before the deadline. This process will be based on CUET score and 10th class marks have also been included in the new tie-breaker policy. Recommended Stories Delhi University Admission Schedule 2025 Delhi University has set a target to start the new academic session from August 1, 2025. Therefore, it is important to apply on time. Delhi University has announced the start of the second phase under the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS-UG) 2025. The time given for filling the preferences is from July 8 to 14 up to 11:59 pm. Even if the student does not click on submit, the options will automatically freeze through auto-locking. Delhi University has also started a correction window this time. Students who have already registered can open their form once and make corrections from July 6 to 11 at 11:59 pm. What Is Auto Accept System In DU? Delhi University has introduced a new facility this year. It is being called the auto-accept system. This means that if a student does not accept the seat manually within the stipulated time limit, the system will automatically allot the seat. This will prevent any student from losing the seat due to technical problems. This year, a total of 71,624 seats are available in 69 colleges in DU under 69 programmes. DU Admission Timeline Phase 2 Correction window for students registered in the first phase from July 6 to July 11 at 11:59 pm Filling of course and college preferences from July 8 to July 14 till 11:59 pm Auto-locking of preferences July 14 at 11:59 pm Declaration of simulated rank July 15 at 5 pm Preference change window July 15, 5 pm to July 16, 11:59 pm First seat allotment list released July 19 at 5:00 pm Last date for accepting seat (Round 1) July 19 to July 21 till 4:59 PM Application verification by college (Round 1) July 19 to July 22 till 4:59 PM Last date for online fee payment (Round 1) July 23 at 4:59 PM List of vacant seats for students July 24 at 5:00 pm Preferences re-order window July 24 to July 25 at 4:59 PM Second allotment list released July 28, at 5 pm Seat Acceptance (Round 2) July 28 to July 30 till 4:59 PM top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Application verification by college (Round 2) July 28 to July 31 Last date for online fee payment (Round 2) August 1 at 4:59 PM 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 06, 2025, 17:55 IST Bihar Electoral Roll Review: ADR Approaches Supreme Court, Calls Move 'Unconstitutional' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 05:37 IST The Election Commission of India on Saturday said that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar is progressing at a robust pace ADR cautions that the SIR might disenfranchise millions of voters and disrupt the free and fair elections, a fundamental part of the Constitution. File pic/PTI The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a key NGO focused on electoral reforms, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Election Commission of Indias directive for a Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. Filed by Advocate Prashant Bhushan on Friday, ADR labels the ECIs directive unconstitutional", cautioning that it might disenfranchise millions of voters and disrupt the free and fair elections, a fundamental part of the Constitution. The NGOs petition points out issues such as lack of due process" and the unreasonably short timeline" regarding the ECIs order, dated June 24. ADR argues that this directive unfairly shifts the burden of proving eligibility from the state to individual citizens. The petition emphasises that the SIR demands stringent documentation, often excluding commonly held identification documents like Aadhaar cards or ration cards. This exclusion particularly impacts marginalised communities, including Muslims, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and migrant workers, who often do not possess more formal documents such as birth certificates or parental records. Recommended Stories ADR estimates that over three crore voters, especially from vulnerable sections of society, rural areas, or those who have migrated, could be excluded from the electoral rolls due to these rigorous requirements and the limited time for compliance. The NGO argues that the ECIs order violates fundamental rights protected under Articles 14 (equality before law), 19 (freedom of speech and expression), 21 (protection of life and personal liberty), 325 (no person to be ineligible for inclusion in, or to claim to be included in a special electoral roll on grounds of religion, race, caste, or sex), and 326 (universal adult franchise) of the Constitution. It also asserts violations of provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and Rule 21A of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. ADRs legal challenge follows similar objections raised by a delegation of 11 opposition parties, who met the Election Commission on Wednesday, to protest the same electoral revision, famously calling it Votebandi". The opposition voiced concerns that this exercise could threaten democracy in Bihar. ADRs petition reinforces these apprehensions, seeking to overturn the ECIs order and calling for an immediate halt to its implementation. ADR stresses that such a drastic measure is unnecessary, especially since a Special Summary Revision was already conducted between October 2024 and January 2025. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the petition soon, with the electoral future of millions hanging in the balance ahead of the critical Bihar assembly elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday said that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar is progressing at a robust pace, with extensive participation from electoral officials, political party representatives, and thousands of volunteers working at the grassroots level to ensure no eligible voter is left out. According to an official statement from the Commission, as of 6 pm on Saturday, a total of 1,04,16,545 enumeration forms had been received13.19 per cent of the total 7,89,69,844 registered electors in Bihar as of June 24, 2025. The percentage of enumeration forms distributed has reached 93.57 per cent, with 7,38,89,333 forms already handed out. The ECI highlighted the tireless efforts of 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who are going door-to-door, assisting electors in filling and submitting their enumeration forms. In many instances, BLOs are also capturing live photographs of electors using mobile devices, helping them avoid the hassle of visiting photo studios. To facilitate ease of access, partially filled forms are available for download on the ECIs voter portal, https://voters.eci.gov.in, and the ECINET app, where electors can also upload the completed forms themselves. In addition to the existing workforce, 20,603 additional BLOs are being deployed to ensure the timely and smooth completion of the revision process. The campaign is also being supported by nearly 4 lakh volunteers, including government officials, NCC cadets, and NSS members, who are assisting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities (PwDs), the ailing, and others with mobility challenges. The process is being closely monitored and facilitated by 239 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 963 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), 38 District Election Officers (DEOs), and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Political parties are also playing a key role in the process, the ECI said, adding a total of 1,54,977 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by various parties are actively supporting the SIR exercise by coordinating with BLOs and helping electors. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: July 06, 2025, 05:37 IST Election Commission Eases Rules On Bihar Voter List Revision Amid Uproar: Can Submit Papers Later Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 16:03 IST In an advertisement carried in newspapers in Hindi, the office of the Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has now asked voters to submit forms without the required documents. Voters will also be able to track each stage of the voter ID card generation till its delivery. (Image: Shutterstock) Following backlash and concerns regarding the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the assembly polls, the states poll body on Sunday eased the rules where the people now can submit the filled-out electoral forms without the requisite documents if they do not possess them. In an advertisement carried in newspapers in Hindi, the office of the Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has now asked voters to submit forms without the required documents, which can be submitted later. Recommended Stories Fill and submit your enumeration forms with documents and your photograph to BLOs as early as possible. If you do not have requisite documents, send the filled-out, signed forms to the BLOs," the advertisement said. If you provide the required documents, it will help the Electoral Registration Officer to process your application more easily. If you are unable to submit the required documents, the Electoral Registration Officer may take a decision based on a local inquiry or verification of other supporting documents," the advertisement further read. The states poll body has further directed the Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) to upload all the filled-out, signed forms, while the documents can be submitted later. The decision came after the opposition parties objected to the ongoing intensive revision of the electoral rolls ahead of the assembly polls and claimed that A delegation comprising representatives from 11 opposition parties collectively met the Election Commission on Wednesday to lodge a strong objection against the ongoing intensive revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar. The delegation, in a pointed critique, dubbed the entire review exercise as Votebandi," a term evoking parallels with demonetisation (Notebandi) and implying a deliberate disenfranchisement of voters. They firmly asserted that this revision process, as currently conducted, poses a direct threat to democracy in Bihar. On Saturday, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi asked the people to refuse" to show any documents to the officials. TMC MP Mahua Moitra and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a key NGO focused on electoral reforms, filed petitions in the Supreme Court against the poll bodys move. Filed by Advocate Prashant Bhushan on Friday, ADR labeled the ECIs directive unconstitutional", cautioning that it might disenfranchise millions of voters and disrupt the free and fair elections, a fundamental part of the Constitution. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to the poll body, it is part of its crackdown on illegal immigrants from countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The poll panel reminded the constitutional provision that says only Indian citizens can vote. The Constitution of India is supreme. All citizens, political parties, and the Election Commission of India follow the Constitution," EC said in a statement.The poll panel already has nearly 78,000 booth-level officers (BLOs) and is appointing over 20,000 more for new polling stations, it said. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More First Published: July 06, 2025, 16:03 IST Opposition Moves SC Over Bihar Voter List Revision; EC Says No Rule Change Amid Row Over Ad Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 23:20 IST INDIA bloc parties have been opposing the provision whereby voters whose names were included in the electoral roll after 2003 are required to submit birth documents The last such voter list revision in Bihar was conducted in 2003. (Image for representation: PTI) Opposition parties have intensified their criticism of the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, with TMC MP Mahua Moitra and RJDs Manoj Jha moving the Supreme Court seeking to quash the EC order claiming that it violated the Constitution. Besides Moitra and Jha, several NGOs have also petitioned the court against the special intensive revision (SIR), even as the Election Commission (EC) issued a statement on Sunday saying it has not changed its instructions on the revision process. Recommended Stories This came after several social media posts, including one by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, cited an advertisement by the EC published in newspapers to suggest that showing documents is not necessary. The Congress and other INDIA bloc parties have been opposing the provision whereby voters whose names were included in the electoral roll after 2003 are required to submit documents related to birth. Why are people who have been voting in election after election being asked to show their documents for voting ?" Kharge said in a post on X. When the pressure from the opposition, the public and civil society increased, the Election Commission hurriedly published these advertisements today, which state that now only a form needs to be filled and showing documents is not necessary." , , , Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) pic.twitter.com/wtfbEDZWOx Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 6, 2025 WHAT DID THE EC SAY? In a statement, the EC made it clear that while voters were required to submit their documents anytime before July 25, 2025", those who failed to do so would get an opportunity during the Claims & Objections period also". The poll body also urged people to beware of statements being made by a few persons, who without reading the SIR order dated 24 June 2025 are attempting to confuse the public with their incorrect and misleading statements". WHAT DID THE PETITIONERS SAY? Moitra, who moved the SC seeking quashing of the June 24 EC order under which special intensive revision (SIR) is being conducted, alleged that it violates several provisions of the Constitution and the Representation of People (RP) Act, 1950. In her plea, she submitted that if not set aside, it can lead to large-scale disenfranchisement of eligible voters in the country, thereby undermining democracy and free and fair elections. The present writ petition has been filed in public interest under Article 32 of the Constitution seeking setting aside of order dated 24.06.2025 issued by Election Commission of India under which SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar is being conducted in violation of Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 21, 325, 328 of the Constitution and provisions of Representation of People (RP) Act, 1950 and Registration of Electors (RER) Rules, 1960," her plea stated. Moitra sought a direction from the apex court to restrain the EC from issuing similar orders for SIR of electoral rolls in other states. They have now introduced it to deprive the bonafide young electorate of Bihar, where elections are slated to be held shortly. Later, they will target Bengal, where elections are due in 2026," Moitra told news agency PTI. Jha, meanwhile, alleged in his plea that the EC order violated Articles 14, 21, 325 and 326 of the Constitution of India. He stated that the impugned order is a tool of institutionalised disenfranchisement and it is being used to justify aggressive and opaque revisions of electoral rolls that disproportionately target Muslim, Dalit and poor migrant communities, as such, they are not random patterns but it is engineered exclusions". A similar plea has also been filed by the NGO, Association of Democratic Reforms, through advocate Prashant Bhushan. Several other civil society organisations like PUCL and activists like Yogendra Yadav have approached the top court against the ECs direction. While the opposition has been questioning the timing and intent of the exercise, the BJP has defended it. Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari, however, welcomed the SIR and said such an exercise should also be conducted in the TMC-ruled state. The last such revision in Bihar was conducted in 2003. According to the EC, the exercise was necessitated by rapid urbanisation, frequent migration, young citizens becoming eligible to vote, non-reporting of deaths, and inclusion of the names of foreign illegal immigrants. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The EC said it will scrupulously adhere to the constitutional and legal provisions as laid down in Article 326 of the Constitution and Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, in carrying out the revision. (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 06, 2025, 23:20 IST Apache Helicopters Likely To Arrive From US This Month After Multiple Missed Deadlines Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Ashesh Mallick Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 11:48 IST The Apache helicopters are likely to be delivered to India by the US after multiple missed deadlines. The first batch is likely to arrive this month. Apache helicopters likely to be delivered to India this year (PTI File Image) After multiple missed deadlines, the first batch of three out of the six Apache helicopters is likely to be delivered to the Indian Army this month, sources said on Sunday. Officials have expressed hope that the remaining three units of the Boeing AH64E Apache helicopters will arrive in India in the next few months, before the end of 2025. Recommended Stories The chopper, as per plans, will be deployed at the India-Pakistan border on the western front of the country. A squadron has already been raised earlier. The delivery of the choppers has missed two deadlines. India had signed a USD600 million deal with the US in 2020 for six Apache helicopters for the Indian Army. The first batch of choppers was expected to be delivered by June 2024; however, the timeline was pushed to December that year due to supply chain issues. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, the Indian officials expect the delivery of three helicopters to be completed this month, with the remaining pack delivered by November. The Indian Air Force already operates the Apache helicopters, a deal for which was signed in 2015, and all 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters have been delivered by 2020 and are operational in the forces. About the Author Akash Sharma Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin... Read More Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin... Read More First Published: July 06, 2025, 11:48 IST Canara Bank Under Fire For No Kannada-Speaking Staff In Rural Branches, Here's How It Responded Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 22:55 IST A recent incident at the AIT Circle branch in Chikkamagaluru district has brought the issue back into focus after a woman customer struggled to communicate with bank staff Canara Bank viral video: Customer confronts bank official over Kannada language (Photo: X) Canara Bank is once again facing criticism for failing to offer banking services in a language that customers can understand, especially by posting non-Kannada-speaking staff in rural areas of Karnataka. A recent incident at the AIT Circle branch in Chikkamagaluru district has brought the issue back into focus after a woman customer struggled to communicate with bank staff. In a video recorded by the customer, she can be heard saying that money meant for hospital expenses had been deducted from her account but the staff member was unable to explain the reason behind the deduction. The woman is also heard saying that a similar issue had took place the previous month. Recommended Stories As another person tried to intervene, the woman expressed her frustration, stating that she could not understand what the staff member was saying and questioned how can they make her sit there. I dont know English," she added. Chikkamagaluru is predominantly rural, with many residents relying on agriculture and plantation work for their livelihood. The Canara Bank employee, who was initially heard speaking Malayalam to another person, admitted that she was unable to effectively communicate with the customer. She is unable to follow what I am saying," the staff member is heard saying in the video. As the video quickly went viral, members of Kannada Sene, a pro-Kannada group, accused the bank of employing only Malayalam- and Hindi-speaking staff at the branch. They claimed this made it difficult for local customers to carry out basic banking tasks. The group urged the bank manager to assign Kannada-speaking staff to all customer-facing roles to avoid such issues in the future. In response to the backlash, Canara Bank issued a statement on social media platform X, acknowledging the concerns raised. The bank stated that Karnataka is not just a location for them, but the very birthplace of the bank, where its journey began over a century ago. Kannada is our foundation, your support is our strength. For Canara Bank, Karnataka is not just a state it is our birthplace, the very first foundation of our journey that began over a hundred years ago," the bank wrote. The bank further assured the public of its commitment to serving customers in the local language across all branches in Karnataka. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kannada is not merely a language to us it is a feeling, a prideWe are committed to providing services in the local language at every branch in the state," it added. ALSO READ: Why Is She Here: Canara Bank Staff Confronted For Not Understanding Kannada In Viral Video About the Author Harish Upadhya Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 22:55 IST CBI Begins Probe Into 2019 Sandeshkhali Violence; Ex-TMC Leader Booked Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 11:42 IST The case was probed by the CID of the West Bengal Police. The families of the victims had later approached the Calcutta High Court seeking a CBI probe. Ex TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh has been booked (Representative image) The CBI has taken over the probe into the killing of BJP workers Pradeep Mondal, Devdas Mondal, and Sukanta Mondal during the 2019 post-poll violence in Sandeskhali and registered an FIR against prime accused and former TMC leader Sahajahan Sheikh, officials said. The agency registered the first information report (FIR) on the orders of the Calcutta High Court on June 30, the officials said on Saturday. Recommended Stories Justice Joy Sengupta has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the case with "utmost seriousness". The court said the investigation should be supervised by a joint director. Pradeep Mondal, Devdas Mondal and Sukanta Mondal were found dead after an alleged attack on their village in Sandeshkhali, allegedly by a mob led by Sheikh. The case was probed by the CID of the West Bengal Police. The families of the victims had later approached the Calcutta High Court seeking a CBI probe. Sheikh was arrested on January 5, 2024, in a case of alleged attack on Enforcement Directorate officers during a raid at his Sandeshkhali home. He has been in judicial custody since then. "In the present case too, which has even more serious charges, I find that the police failed to take action against the prime accused at different stages, leading to gross miscarriage of justice. It would, thus, not be in the interest of justice to again give the reins of investigation to them," Justice Sengupta noted while handing over the probe to the CBI. He said it appears that whenever allegations are levelled against the said accused Sheikh the state police "tend to falter, be it in the above-referred case of mob violence against the ED Officials or in the instant case." "In this, no distinction can be made between the local police (as in the said earlier case) or the CID (as in the present case)," he said. Several women in Sandeshkhali in 24 North Parganas, a riverine island around 80 km from Kolkata had alleged land grabbing and sexual abuse by Sheikh and his men, who are involved in fish farming and trading. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In January 2024, officers of the ED were allegedly assaulted and their vehicles were damaged when they went to the residence of Sheikh to conduct a raid in connection with the multi-crore ration distribution scam. The agency is already probing these three cases related to the attacks on the ED team. Location : West Bengal, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 11:42 IST China May Exert Pressure To Prevent Dalai Lama Reincarnation On Indian Soil: Sources Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 21:01 IST Intelligence sources said the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday and his reincarnation statement have strategic implications that directly challenge China's religious authority Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks via a video message released on July 2. (Image: PTI) The question of reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama has become a strategic battlefield, not just a spiritual one as India faces a major challenge as the host of His Holiness and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Beijing will exert immense pressure on India to prevent any reincarnation process on its soil, top intelligence sources told News18. Recommended Stories According to the intelligence sources, the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday and his reincarnation statement have strategic implications that directly challenge Chinas religious authority. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, turned 90 on Sunday. 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 (CCP). On 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. 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," his statement said. The sources said this statement has struck at the core of Chinas ideological control over Tibetan Buddhism, disrupting Beijings long-term strategy of creating potential obstacles if reincarnation occurs in India. China, which was quick to reject the Nobel Peace laureates succession plan, has 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," a spokeswoman told a media briefing in Beijing while responding to the Dalai Lamas announcement. China has spent over a decade preparing to install a state-backed 15th Dalai Lama, aimed at neutralising Tibetan resistance by co-opting religious legitimacy, the sources said. The Dalai Lamas move, however, delegitimises any future CCP-appointed figure in the eyes of Tibetans and the global Buddhist community, they said. They further said by raising the reincarnation issue now, the Dalai Lama has thwarted Chinas expectations of exploiting a leadership vacuum after his death. Any reincarnation in India would create a geo-religious duality: a legitimate Dalai Lama in exile and a Chinese proxy in Lhasa, they added. WHAT HAPPENS TO INDO-CHINA TIES? The sources said the situation casts doubt on Beijings religious interference and escalates India-China tensions over border and exile politics. The Tibetan community and the wider Buddhist world are unlikely to accept a CCP-controlled successor, especially one imposed from Beijing, they said. This move threatens to disrupt Chinas religious diplomacy, particularly in Tibetan Buddhist regions in Mongolia, Ladakh, Bhutan, and Sikkim, they added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Anticipating resistance and renewed spiritual assertion, the sources said, China is expected to intensify ideological campaigns, arrests, and surveillance within Tibet by targeting monasteries and monastic educational institutions. They also said the reincarnation statement has revived international focus on Tibets political status, prompting democratic countries to scrutinise Chinas human rights record and impact its soft power image. The CCP may fast-track the selection of a rival Dalai Lama to counter the growing legitimacy of any India-based spiritual successor, they added. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: July 06, 2025, 20:57 IST 'Working With X To Resolve Problem': Govt After Global Times, TRT World Blocked In India Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Ashesh Mallick Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 16:14 IST Two more accounts of foreign media outlets were blocked on X in India, however, the government made it clear that it was working with the platform to fix the issue. Two more foreign media handles blocked in India (Reuters Image) The Government of India on Sunday clarified that it was working with X to resolve the issue after two more foreign media handles were blocked in the country on X, an official spokesperson said. This comes moments after the X accounts of Chinese mouthpiece Global Times News and Turkish TRT World were withheld", in what X showed was in response to a legal demand". Recommended Stories There is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold Global Times news/trtworld handle. We are continuously working with X to resolve the problem," the spokesperson said. The development comes hours after the two X handles of the UK-based news agency Reuters were blocked. The government spokesperson clarified that the GoI did not ask X to block the handles in India and wants the news agency to operate in the country. There is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold the Reuters handle. We are continuously working with X to resolve the problem," the spokesperson said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sources in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said that the blockade of the X accounts seems like a technical issue or confusion from the X side". The government did not ask X to block Reuters. Have asked X why they have done it. So many other handles of Reuters are still available in India, which shows that the government wants Reuters in India. It seems like a technical issue or confusion from the X side," sources said earlier in the day. 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 06, 2025, 14:33 IST 'Condemning Terror Should Be Principle, Not Convenience': PM Modi Calls Out West At BRICS Meet Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 23:34 IST PM Narendra Modi's statement can be seen as an indirect swipe at US President Donald Trump for his interaction with Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir last month PM Narendra Modi addresses a session during the 17th annual BRICS Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 6. (Image: PMO/PTI) Without taking names, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called out western hypocrisy and said condemning terrorism should not simply be a convenience" but a matter of principle". His statement, which came while addressing the 17th BRICS Summit, can be seen as an indirect swipe at US President Donald Trump for his interaction with Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir last month. Recommended Stories Trump, who held a closed-door meeting with Munir soon after the military standoff between India and Pakistan, has claimed that he brokered the ceasefire deal between the two neighbouring countries. Condemning terrorism should be our principle, not just a convenience. If we first see in which country the attack took place, against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity," Modi said during his speech at the session for Peace and security and reform of global governance. Friends, there should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale. For personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism, supporting terror or terrorists, should not be acceptable under any circumstances. There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism. If we cannot do this, then the question naturally arises whether we are serious about the fight against terrorism or not," he said. At the Session on Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance during the BRICS Summit, reiterated Indias commitment to the values of peace and brotherhood. Afterall, world peace and security are the foundations of our shared interests and future. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025 Later, on social media platform X, Modi reiterated Indias message of commitment to the values of peace and brotherhood. At the Session on Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance during the BRICS Summit, reiterated Indias commitment to the values of peace and brotherhood. Afterall, world peace and security are the foundations of our shared interests and future," he wrote. BRICS LEADERS CONDEMN PAHALGAM ATTACK The BRICS grouping, meanwhile, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in the strongest terms and echoed Indias position for adopting a zero tolerance" approach towards terrorism and shunning double standards in countering the menace. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Leaders unveiled the Rio de Janeiro Declaration" that featured the blocs position on a number of pressing global challenges, including the threat of terrorism, the situation in West Asia, and issues relating to trade and tariff. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22," the leaders said in the declaration. We urge to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism." 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 06, 2025, 23:12 IST 'Symbol Of Patience, Moral Discipline': PM Modi Wishes Dalai Lama On 90th Birthday Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 08:26 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. Dalai Lama birthday: PM Modi extends wishes (Image: PTI, AP) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended greetings to Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on his 90th birthday and hailed him as a symbol of love and patience. Praying for his long life, the Prime Minister said that Dalai Lamas message has inspired respect across all faiths. Recommended Stories I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life," PM Modi tweeted. I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025 The Tibetan spiritual leader turned 90 today. Celebrations have been underway for the momentous occasion since June 30 at the Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple where the Dalai Lama lives in Himachal Pradeshs Dharamshala. The celebration is being done with religious prayers and cultural programmes. On the eve of his birthday, the Dalai Lama shared a message for the world, emphasising the importance of being compassionate to everyone and contributing to making the world a better place. 90th Birthday MessageOn the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in pic.twitter.com/bfWjAZ18BO Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 5, 2025 While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place," he posted on X on Saturday evening. As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He also hoped to live another 40 years to serve the Buddha Dharma. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju participated in the birthday celebration event on Saturday in Dharamshala, along with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. 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 06, 2025, 08:02 IST Dalai Lama's Message On 90th Birthday: 'I Am A Simple Buddhist Monk' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 08:35 IST The message came during celebrations in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, marking the 90th birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama. Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935. Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday, called himself a simple Buddhist monk" in a message to his followers. The message came during celebrations in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, marking the 90th birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama. Recommended Stories The Dalai Lama emphasised the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and inner peace. He noted that while he does not personally celebrate birthdays, he values such occasions when they are used to promote acts of altruism. Dalai Lamas Full Message On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism. I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I dont normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organising events focused on my birthday, I wish to share some thoughts. While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place. As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion. I develop determination and courage in my daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose following aspiration I strive to uphold. As long as space endures, As long as sentient being remain, Until then, may I too remain To dispel the miseries of the world. Thank you for using the opportunity of my birthday to cultivate peace of mind and compassion. 90th Birthday MessageOn the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in pic.twitter.com/bfWjAZ18BO Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 5, 2025 Addressing hundreds of followers from around the world in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama expressed his hope to live beyond 130 years. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Reflecting on life in exile since fleeing Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, he said he remains committed to serving others and upholding the teachings of the Buddha while living in Dharamshala. Location : Himachal Pradesh, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 08:19 IST 'Our Packing Is Complete': Ex-CJI Chandrachud Cites Daughter's Medical Needs Amid Bungalow Row Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Ashesh Mallick Last Updated: July 08, 2025, 12:48 IST Ex-CJI Chandrachud's reaction came after the Supreme Court administration wrote to Centre, seeking an "immediate vacation" of the official Chief Justices residence. EX-CJI DY Chandrachud and sitting CJI BR Gavai (PTI File Image) Former Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, on Sunday, reacted to the Supreme Court administrations letter to the Centre, seeking immediate vacation" of the official residence of the CJI and its return to the courts housing pool. Justice Chandrachud, who retired as the CJI in November last year, continues to stay in Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg in Lutyens Delhi which is designated as the official residence for the sitting CJI under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs nearly eight months after his retirement. Recommended Stories Sources told CNN-News18 that the top courts administration has requested the government to get the house vacated without delay. Justice Chandrachud Responds To Letter Explaining the situation while speaking with CNN-News18, the former CJI said that Sanjiv Khanna, who succeeded him as the Chief Justice of India, allowed him an extension until April and, after that, he sought another extension due to special needs" for his elder daughter, for whom an ICU-like setup" has been created at the existing residence. Justice Sanjiv Khanna allowed me the extension until April. At April end, I wrote to Justice Khanna seeking an extension till June," Justice Chandrachud said. Citing his daughters ill health, he said that he urged the government to allot him a temporary accommodation on rent, and he would shift there as soon as the required repairs were completed. We were looking for a specific house since our daughters are with special needs. We have created an ICU-like setup for our elder daughter, and hence finding a house in the open market according to our needs is difficult. Hence, I had requested the government to give me temporary accommodation on rent," he said. The government house allocated to me required a lot of repairs, and were just waiting for it to be complete, and the very next day we will move in. Our packing is complete, I will move the very next day when the house is ready," the former CJI clarified. Stay Period Extended After Retirement According to a report, Justice DY Chandrachud wrote to then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on December 18, 2024just over a month after retiringasking for permission to stay at his official house at 5 Krishna Menon Marg until April 30, 2025. In the letter, he explained that although he had been given another house (Bungalow No. 14 on Tughlak Road) as per the rules for retired judges, renovation work there was delayed because of restrictions on construction under GRAP-IV (a pollution control plan in Delhi). He said it would be easier to stay at his current home until the renovation was done. He also offered to give up the Tughlak Road house so it could be given to another judge. As per the rules made in 2022, a retired Chief Justice is allowed to stay in Type VII accommodation (a slightly smaller house) for up to six months after retirement. But Justice Chandrachud was staying in a Type VIII bungalow, which is usually for serving Chief Justices. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After Chief Justice Khanna agreed, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs approved his request, allowing him to stay in the Krishna Menon Marg bungalow from December 11, 2024, to April 30, 2025. This approval was officially sent to the Supreme Court in a letter dated February 13, 2025. 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 06, 2025, 13:04 IST UK Engineers In Kerala To Repair Stranded British Royal Navy F-35 Fighter Jet Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Ronit Singh Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 16:00 IST British aviation engineers will be assessing and carrying out technical work on the advanced stealth aircraft, which was grounded following a technical snag last month UK Navys fighter jet was grounded in Kerala after an emergency landing. (IMAGE: News18) A British Royal Navy fighter jet, which was stranded at the Thiruvananthapuram international airport for almost a month, was on Sunday moved to a designated facility for British aviation engineers to take a look at it. Visuals from the airport in Kerala showed the F-35B Lighting fighter jet being carefully towed to a hangar, marking the beginning of its repair process. Recommended Stories According to airport sources, a team of British aviation engineers will be assessing and carrying out technical work on the advanced stealth aircraft. It was grounded following a technical snag, prompting efforts between Indian authorities and the UK to facilitate repairs. The fighter jet, valued at more than USD 110 million and known to be one of the most advanced in the world, made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14. It remained grounded at the airport since, awaiting repairs after developing a technical fault. A British High Commission spokesperson confirmed the arrival of the engineering team in India. A UK engineering team has deployed to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to assess and repair the UK F-35B aircraft, which landed following an emergency diversion," the spokesperson said in a statement, as reported by news agency PTI. The spokesperson said the UK has accepted the offer of a space in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility of the airport, and are in discussions to finalise arrangements with relevant authorities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The sources, meanwhile, said the fighter jet was moved to the MRO. In line with standard procedure, the aircraft will be moved following the arrival of UK engineers, who are carrying specialist equipment necessary for the movement and repair process," the statement said. The UK remains very grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams." 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 : Kerala, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 15:18 IST India, US Likely To Finalise Mini Trade Deal Within 48 Hours: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 21:46 IST As per the report, the two sides have completed the discussions on the mini-deal, which could pave the way for broader trade discussions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump. (Image: PTI/File) In a significant move, India and the United States are likely to make a final decision on a mini-trade deal within the next 24 to 48 hours, CNBC-TV18 reported on Sunday citing sources. As per the report, the two sides have completed the discussions on the mini-deal, which could pave the way for broader trade discussions. Recommended Stories The average tariff under the mini deal is likely to be around 10%, while the talks on comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) are expected to begin after July 9, which marks the end of the 90-day suspension period of the Trump tariffs announced on April 2 on dozens of countries, including India, the report added. As per the report, the mini-trade deal is likely to have annual quotas for lower tariffs on certain labour-intensive products from India. Certain American agricultural products, such as pecan nuts and blueberries, may be provided with lower tax rates. The update came after US President Donald Trump readied tariff letters for 12 unnamed countries and Union Minister Piyush Goyal insisted that India does not negotiate under deadlines. The two countries had started negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement in February, with a deadline to conclude the first phase by fall (September-October) this year. The two sides had earlier indicated plans to finalise an interim trade pact before that time. Sources also told news agency PTI on Sunday that India had drawn its red lines and the ball was now in Washingtons court to finalise the deal. In February, the two countries announced starting negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement (BTA). They fixed a deadline to conclude the first tranche or phase of the BTA by fall (September-October) this year. Before that, the two sides are locking to finalise an interim trade pact. On April 2, the US imposed an additional 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods but suspended it for 90 days. However, the 10 per cent baseline tariff imposed by America remains in place. India is seeking full exemption from this 26 per cent tariff. Last month, Trump hinted at a very big" deal with India. We are having some great deals. We have one coming up, maybe with India. Very big one. Where were going to open up India, in the China deal, we are starting to open up China," he had said. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal last week stated that India does not enter into any trade agreement based on deadlines and will accept the proposed trade deal with the US only when it is fully finalised, properly concluded and in the national interest. FTAs are possible only when both sides get benefitted and it should be a win-win agreement, he has said. National interest should always be supreme. Keeping that in mind, if a deal is made then India is always ready to deal with developed countries," Goyal had said on July 4. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Indian team returned from Washington last week after holding talks with the US on an interim trade pact. Differences are also there on steel, aluminium (50 per cent) and auto (25 per cent) tariffs. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More First Published: July 06, 2025, 21:37 IST Gang Member's Affair With Chief's Wife, Then Her Death: How Nagpur Underworld Was Put On Edge Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 14:01 IST An illicit relationship with the wife of a gang's chief pushed the Nagpur underworld to edge, according to reports. Nagpur underworld on edge after gang member 's affair with chief's wife (AI Image) An illicit relationship of a gang member with his chiefs wife in Maharashtras Nagpur turned friends into foes and triggered a massive rift within the Ippa gang. Arshad Topi, a gang member, fell in love with the chiefs wife, but unfortunately, she died in a road accident when the duo were out on a romantic two-wheeler ride on Thursday. Recommended Stories At least 40 members of the gang have fanned out across the city and Kamptee suburb to kill Topi, who snapped ties with the rest of the group to make the mafias wife his mistress, Times of India reported. The leader of the gang is hell-bent on killing his friend-turned-foe as the gang believes that Topi may have killed the woman, and the accident may well have been a made-up story. According to senior officials in the Nagpur Police, Topi was with the woman on a bike when a JCB hit them near Suradevi temple behind Koradi Mata temple. He sustained minor injuries; however, the woman sustained grave injuries, NDTV reported. A patrol vehicle from the Koradi Thermal Plant rushed her to a private hospital, which refused to treat the woman. She was then shifted to another hospital in Kamptee, but it refused admission to her. It is in this situation that Topi surfaced again and paid an ambulance driver to admit her to Nagpurs Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). Topi was seen with the woman in the CCTV footage at the hospital. She succumbed to her injuries on Friday. The news of her death sent ripples through the citys underworld as the gang declared Topi a traitor and vowed to take him down, according to the report. 40 members of the pack have launched a massive manhunt for Topi to avenge the betrayal from one of their own. Sensing danger to his life, Topi rushed to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)s office in Pardi for protection on Friday. Considering the seriousness of the situation, the DCP sent him to the Koradi police station, where his statement was recorded," NDTV quoted a police official as saying. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The police said that the initial investigation has suggested that the woman was killed in the accident, and no evidence has emerged to prove that Topi murdered him. Topi has gone into hiding to save himself from the gang members wrath. 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 : Nagpur, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 14:01 IST By Cynthia Kim and Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean special prosecutors filed a new request on Sunday to detain former President Yoon Suk Yeol, a day after he appeared before them for questioning over his declaration of martial law last year. Yoon, who is facing a criminal trial on insurrection charges over the martial law declaration in December, was arrested in January after resisting authorities trying to take him into custody, but was released after 52 days on technical grounds. "Detention request is related to allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of justice," the special prosecutors investigating the declaration said in a statement. The spokesperson for the special prosecutors declined to elaborate when asked why the detention request was submitted, saying they would explain it in court proceedings to decide on whether it should be granted. Yoon's lawyers said in a statement that the special prosecutors had not provided credible evidence for the charges they were seeking, and his legal team would "explain in court that the request for an arrest warrant is unreasonable". Yoon has been accused of mobilizing presidential guards to stop authorities from arresting him in January, but the court has previously dismissed the request for an arrest warrant after Yoon had initially refused to appear for questioning. Yoon was ousted in April by the Constitutional Court, which upheld his impeachment by parliament for a martial law bid that shocked a country that had prided itself on becoming a thriving democracy after overcoming military dictatorship in the 1980s. The December 3 decree had been lifted after about six hours when lawmakers, who had been forced to scale the walls of the assembly building to make it through a ring of security forces, voted the decree down. The former president is fighting the charges against him that include masterminding insurrection, which is punishable by death or life in prison. He rejects the allegations. The special prosecutor was appointed just days after liberal President Lee Jae-myung took office on June 4, following his victory in a snap election called after Yoon's ouster, and leads a team of more than 200 lawyers and investigators. Yoon attended hours of questioning by prosecutors on Saturday. (Reporting by Cynthia Kim and Jumin Park; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Alex Richardson) Kolkata Gangrape Accused Drank Alcohol Inside Guard Room, Dined At Dhaba After Crime: Cops Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 09:40 IST Police said Manojit Mishra, along with his accomplices, later visited a roadside eatery on EM Bypass for dinner and returned to their homes the following morning Manojit Mishra is the prime accused in the Kolkata law college gang-rape case | File image/Facebook Monojit Mishra, the main accused in the alleged gangrape of a student at South Calcutta Law College, drank alcohol inside the institutes guard room after committing the crime on June 25, the police said on Saturday. Police said Mishra, along with Pramit Mukherjee and Zaib Ahmed, later visited a roadside eatery on EM Bypass for dinner and returned to their homes the following morning. Recommended Stories After committing the crime, the three consumed alcohol in the guards room and then asked security guard Pinaki Banerjee to keep his mouth shut about the incident," the officer said. The investigation revealed that on June 26, a day after the incident, Mishra contacted a person in South Kolkatas Deshapriya Park, described by police as influential," for assistance. However, after sensing the mood" of the situation, the person refused to help him. Police said Mishra later approached others described as his mentors" in an attempt to find a way out of the matter, reported news agency PTI. He visited multiple areas in the city, including Rashbehari, Gariahat, Fern Road, and Ballygunge Station Road. Mobile tower data also suggested his presence near the Karaya police station area. Investigators added that the incident appeared to be premeditated, citing call records that showed frequent communication between the three in the days leading up to June 25. Meanwhile, the South Calcutta Law College is set to reopen on July 7, with classes scheduled to resume, as per a notice issued by the college on Friday. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Only students of fourth, sixth and eighth semesters are directed to come to the college from 9 am to 12.30 pm for their internal projects (Fourth semester on Tuesday, sixth semester on Wednesday and eighth semester on Thursday)," the notice stated. The colleges vice-principal said that from July 7, entry to the campus during office hours (8 am to 2 pm) will be restricted to those with valid official reasons and proper identification. First Published: July 06, 2025, 09:40 IST PM Modi Gets Grand Welcome In Brazil With Op Sindoor-Themed Dance Performance | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 20:02 IST PM Modi is in Brazil for a four-day visit during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a State Visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by artistes with a performance upon his arrival at the hotel, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome from the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday. The event was marked by a vibrant cultural performance themed around Operation Sindoor, with the powerful slogan Ye Desh Nahi Mitne Dunga" echoing through the venue. Visuals shared by news agency ANI show PM Modi watching the dance performance with keen interest as members of the Indian community performed traditional dances and folk songs to greet the Indian leader. Recommended Stories #WATCH | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | People of the Indian diaspora perform a cultural dance based on the theme of Operation Sindoor as they welcome PM Modi(Source: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/BZ76z5TeYb ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2025 A Brazilian music group also took part, performing devotional music that highlighted Indias rich cultural and spiritual heritage. PM Modi is in Brazil for a four-day visit during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a State Visit. The BRICS Leaders Summit, held on July 6 and 7, will see him discuss key global issues such as peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. In addition to the summit, PM Modi is expected to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines, including discussions with Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The two leaders will focus on expanding the Strategic Partnership between India and Brazil in sectors such as trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people ties. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all PM Modi arrived in Brazil after concluding his visit to Argentina, where he met with Argentine President Javier Milei. Following Brazil, he will travel to Namibia on July 9, where he will address the countrys parliament. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Brazil First Published: July 06, 2025, 20:01 IST 'Pune Woman's Statements Misleading, Inconsistent With FIR': Shocking Details In Rape Probe Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 10:32 IST Shocking details have emerged from the police probe into the rape case of a Pune techie. The police have said that she kept on changing statements during questioning. Pune rape case: Shocking details emerge from police probe (PTI Image, used for representational purposes) In a new shocking revelation in the Pune rape case, the police on Saturday said that the complainant woman, a 22-year-old data scientist, kept changing her statements during questioning, after which she was produced before the court. Her statement was recorded before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in the city yesterday, relating to her complaint that she was allegedly raped by an unknown courier delivery agent at her residence in a posh society in Kondhwa on Wednesday evening. Recommended Stories We produced the woman before the CJM, Ms T M Ahmed, and the process of recording her statement under provisions of Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was completed," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone V) Rajkumar Shinde told the Times of India. This comes after it came to light during the investigation that the accused and the woman were friends and she allegedly told the police during the probe that she had filed the complaint out of anger" as he had forced himself upon her that evening when she was not ready for sexual intercourse". They had reportedly met at her residence in the past as well when her parents were away. Shinde said that there were numerous discrepancies between the FIR the woman filed on Thursday and her subsequent statements. She continuously changed her statements during questioning," the officer told the newspaper. A senior police officer privy to the investigation said that the cops questioned her on material points, to which she made multiple oral and written statements. But they were found contradictory and misleading during verification. Her statements are not consistent with the FIR. A call to take action against her would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation. She would be referred to a counselling session," the official told TOI. The woman had earlier alleged that the man came to her doorstep to deliver a courier and spray some chemical on her face to make her unconscious and then allegedly raped her. She had also claimed that he had taken a selfie from her phone and left a message: Ill be back". The police had registered a case based on her complaints on Thursday. However, after the investigation revealed that the accused was her friend and there was no forced entry into her residence, the police released the man on Saturday on conditions after serving him a notice, The Indian Express reported. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all There was no forced entry into the womans flat, no chemical was sprayed to render her unconscious and the selfie on her cellphone was taken with her consent before she cropped the image," City police commissioner Amitesh Kumar said on Friday. The police had detained the accused, 24, a highly qualified professional in Baner, based on the evidence such as cellular location that proved that he was around the residence at the time of the alleged incident. He was released with instructions that he would join the investigation as and when required. 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 06, 2025, 10:32 IST 'Reincarnation Not His Call': Chinese Envoy To India Counters Dalai Lama On Succession Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 20:31 IST The statement follows the 14th Dalai Lamas confirmation of a succession plan, in which he asserted that the decision would rest with a trust, not the Chinese government Xu Feihong, Chinese Ambassador to India and the 14th Dalai Lama | File Image Amid the ongoing debate around the succession of the Dalai Lama, the Chinese Ambassador to India said on Sunday that the 14th Dalai Lama does not hold the authority to decide whether the centuries-old reincarnation system will continue or be abolished". The statement comes after the 14th Dalai Lama confirmed his succession plan, in which he asserted that the decision would rest with a trust, not the Chinese government, and made it clear for the first time that he believes he will be reincarnated. Recommended Stories The reincarnation of Dalai Lamas neither began from him nor will end due to him," Ambassador Xu Feihong wrote on X, adding that the current Dalai Lama is only one part of a long-standing religious tradition spanning over 700 years. Referring to the practice of Living Buddha reincarnation as a unique succession method of Tibetan Buddhism," the envoy said the system is active and widespread, with over 1,000 reincarnation lineages currently present in Xizang (Tibet) and Tibetan-inhabited regions of Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, and Qinghai. Facts You Must Know about #DalaiLama Reincarnation:The 14th Dalai Lama has affirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue. In fact, as a unique succession method of Tibetan Buddhism, the practice of Living Buddha reincarnation has continued over 700 years. pic.twitter.com/kYgj2LXLub Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) July 6, 2025 Indias Response In its first official statement over the Dalai Lamas succession plan announcement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that the government does not take any position" on such religious issues. 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," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. The MEAs statement came after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju earlier this week asserted that the choice of the Dalai Lamas successor should rest solely with the spiritual leader himself, reflecting the belief of his followers worldwide. 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." Dalai Lama On Succession The 14th Dalai Lama made it clear that a trust not the Chinese government will decide the succession of the next Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual authority in Tibetan Buddhism. Speaking in Dharamshala during a major convention of Buddhist leaders gathered to mark his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama clearly indicated for the first time that he believes he will be reincarnated. In a long-awaited statement, he announced that the process of identifying his successor would begin with consultations involving spiritual leaders, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, and other key stakeholders. Beijing responded swiftly, reiterating its claim that any reincarnation must be approved by Chinas central government. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It pointed to a 2007 regulation passed in Tibet asserting state authority over the recognition of reincarnated lamas a position rejected by the global Tibetan community. Location : Himachal Pradesh, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 13:48 IST Rescue Ops On In Mandi, Kullu Amid Flash Floods, Red Alert In Place For Several Districts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 09:05 IST Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Mandi district administration to conduct relief and rescue operations. Flash floods in Mandi (Credits: ANI) Rain havoc continues in Himachal Pradesh, with over 200 roads blocked and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in action, visiting villages to extend emergency assistance to residents in disaster-affected areas. Mandi continues to reel under the aftermath of the flash floods and cloudbursts in Thunag. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of low to moderate flash flood risk in parts of five districtsChamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaurover the next 24 hours. Recommended Stories CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Orders Rescue Operation Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Mandi district administration to conduct relief and rescue operations on a war footing in the disaster-affected areas of the district on Sunday. According to a spokesperson of the State Government cited by PTI, the Mandi administration has distributed 1,317 food kits containing 5 kg flour, 5 kg rice, 1 litre edible oil, 1 kg salt, 1 kg sugar, 2 kg pulses, 100 gm turmeric, 100 gm chili powder, and 100 gm tea each to affected families in the disaster-hit areas. CM Sukhvinder Singh Says Govt Is Ready The CM stated that the government is prepared for any rain-related emergencies and noted that food items have been sent via mules to inaccessible villages in Thunag, Mandi district. He added that the situation is improving in the Seraj assembly constituency and urged residents to rent out additional accommodations to people rendered homeless due to the cloudbursts. Cloudburst In Mandi Mandi reported 10 incidents of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides on Tuesday, resulting in 14 fatalities. The most severe damage was reported in the Gohar and Thunag subdivisions of the Nachan and Seraj assembly segments. #WATCH | Himachal Pradesh | Aftermath of the flash floods and cloud bursts in Mandis Thunag (05.07) pic.twitter.com/WPN2ggrfwD ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2025 Rescue Operation Underway In Kullu ITBP Assistant Commandant Avinash said, We are the ITBP second battalion from Kullu We have a team of 45 people. We are trying to clear the roads as soon as possible and evacuate the stranded people to minimize casualties. There has been a lot of damage. We have a complete rescue team, including mountaineers with all necessary equipment." PWD Minister Vikramaditya Assures Assistance Himachal Pradesh Leader of the Opposition and former CM Jairam Thakur said that PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh personally inspected the damage and assured cooperation, adding, Recovering from the damage is essential, but its also crucial to prevent such incidents in the future. I will suggest to the minister that BROs help be sought in restoring the roads, as that is their expertise. Even after five days, the main roads have not been restored, and the link roads will take even longer. Once the roads are restored, the rest of the necessities like electricity, water, and communication can be reinstated." Red Alert Issued for Kangra, Mandi; Orange Warning in Chamba, Shimla A red alert has been issued for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in Kangra, Sirmaur, and Mandi districts on Sunday. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places has been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Solan, Shimla, and Kullu districts. Location : Himachal Pradesh, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 09:05 IST Supreme Court Admin Seeks Ex-Chief Justice Chandrachud's Removal From CJI's Official Bungalow Reported By : Edited By: Ronit Singh Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 11:49 IST The Supreme Court formally wrote to the Union government, seeking the immediate vacation of the official Chief Justice's residence and its return to the court's housing pool Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud (Image: PTI) The Supreme Court administration formally wrote to the Union government, seeking the immediate vacation" of the official Chief Justices residence and its return to the courts housing pool, citing that former CJI DY Chandrachud has stayed in the bungalow beyond the allowed timeframe. Sources told CNN-News18 that Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg in Lutyens Delhi, designated as the official residence for the sitting Chief Justice of India under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), has been requested to be vacated without delay. Recommended Stories Justice DY Chandrachud, who held office as the 50th Chief Justice of India from November 2022 to November 2024, continues to stay in the Type VIII bungalow nearly eight months after his retirement, according to reports. His successors, Justices Sanjiv Khanna and the incumbent CJI Bhushan R Gavai, have both declined to shift into the official residence, choosing to remain in their previously allotted accommodations. Justice Chandrachud Reacts When contacted, Justice Chandrachud told CNN-News18 that Justice Sanjiv Khanna had allowed him an extension until April, and at the end of April, he wrote to Justice Khanna requesting a further extension until June. We were looking for a specific house since our daughters have special needs. We have created an ICU-like setup for our elder daughter, and hence, finding a house in the open market according to our needs is difficult. So I had requested the government to give me a temporary accommodation on rent," he said. He further said the government house allotted to him required significant repairs, and that he is waiting for the work to be completed, after which the transfer process can begin. Retention Period Expired According to a report, Justice DY Chandrachud wrote to then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on December 18, 2024just over a month after his retirementrequesting permission to stay at 5 Krishna Menon Marg until April 30, 2025. In the letter, Justice Chandrachud explained that although he had been allotted Bungalow No. 14 on Tughlak Road under Rule 3B of the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, renovation work at the new residence had been delayed due to restrictions on construction activity under GRAP-IV. It would be more convenient if I were permitted to retain the existing accommodation at 5 Krishna Menon Marg till 30 April 2025," he wrote, also offering to surrender the Tughlak Road bungalow so it could be allotted to another judge. Rule 3B of the 2022 Rules allows a retired Chief Justice to retain Type VII accommodationone category below the Type VIII residence at Krishna Menon Margfor up to six months after demitting office. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Following the then CJIs approval, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs permitted Justice Chandrachud to retain the Type VIII bungalow from December 11, 2024, to April 30, 2025. This was communicated to the Supreme Court through a letter dated February 13, 2025. First Published: July 06, 2025, 09:49 IST 'Want To Build Disneyland?': Ex-Jet Airways CEO Shares Photos Of Garbage On Gurgaon's Streets Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 11:43 IST Posting on social media, Kapoor shared photographs from Sector 44 showing overflowing trash piles and cows amid the waste. Sanjiv Kapoor shares images of garbage-filled streets in Gurgaon | Image: X Former Jet Airways CEO Sanjiv Kapoor sharply criticised civic authorities in Gurugram, sharing images of garbage-strewn streets and calling the idea of building a Disneyland-style park in Haryana ludicrous". Posting on social media, Kapoor shared photographs from Sector 44 showing overflowing trash piles and cows amid the waste. A Google Maps screenshot was also included to confirm the location. Recommended Stories Months later, worse than ever before. Shame on you, @MunCorpGurugram @DC_Gurugram @cmohry no respect for the land, for tax-paying citizens, and not even for the cows! And you want to build a Disneyland in Haryana? Ludicrous!" he wrote on X. Kapoor also tagged senior government officials, calling for immediate intervention under the Swachh Bharat Mission. @narendramodi ji, please do something! #SwachhBharat," he added. In a follow-up post, he criticised the bureaucratic approach to citizen complaints, aiming for the idea of reporting garbage through a mobile app. He questioned whether officials were driving around blindfolded," suggesting a disconnect from ground realities. He added that such app launches are often treated as end goals rather than tools for real action. The post drew widespread responses from residents, many of whom echoed concerns about chronic waste management issues in parts of the city. Instead of marketing a Disneyland-style amusement park to sell falling real estate, why cant they just take care of the existing city?" one user asked. Were not even asking for fancy development just hire cleaners like before and keep Gurgaon clean!" Another user wrote, Possibly time now to privatise municipal corporations in top metro cities. Accountability is the only solution. If power discoms can be handed to the private sector, this should be much easier." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Others voiced frustration over living conditions: Millennium in Millennium City stands for tons of garbage filling streets," one comment read, while another user wrote, Moved to Gurgaon a few months back and already regretting it." Kapoor, known for speaking out on both civic and aviation matters, recently made headlines for defending Air India in the wake of the AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, which left over 260 people dead. First Published: July 06, 2025, 11:43 IST 'World Bodies Without Global South Are Like Phones Without SIM Cards': PM Modi At BRICS Summit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 21:23 IST PM Modi claimed that two-thirds of humanity has not been adequately represented in the global institutions which have been formed in the 20th century. PM Modi with fellow BRICS leaders at the Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (X) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly batted for Global South and vouched for multipolar and inclusive world order in global organistaions. While addressing the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazils Rio de Janeiro, the Indian primer said that the Global South nations have often been the victims of double standards. He said that the concerns regarding development, resource allocation, or security, have consistently been overlooked by the global organisations. He further said that when it comes to crucial issues like climate finance, sustainable development, and access to technology, theyve only ever received superficial attention. Recommended Stories PM Modi further argued that countries making major contributions to the global economy still lack representation in key decision-making bodies. During the traditional photo session, PM Modi stood alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and other leaders. With fellow Brics leaders at the Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reaffirming our commitment to closer cooperation and shared growth. Brics holds immense potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable global future," PM Modi said in a post on X. At the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, addressed the session on Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance. Expressed my views on why the voice of the Global South is more important than ever before and why its essential that global institutions provide pic.twitter.com/XNqG8v1BXk Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025 The countries which have a major contribution in todays global economy have not been given a place at the decision making table. This is not just a question of representation, but also of credibility and effectiveness. Without the Global South, these institutions seem like a mobile with a SIM card but no network," he said. In a veiled jibe at the global organisations, viz, the United Nations (UN), PM Modi criticised the outdated nature of global institutions and said that these institutions are unable to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. Whether it is the ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world, pandemic, economic crisis, or the newly emerging challenges in cyber and space, these institutions have no solutions," he added. Further, the Prime Minister emphasised on new multipolar and inclusive world order where the counties, specially of Global South should get proper representation. Calling for comprehensive reforms of institutions such as the UN Security Council, WTO and multilateral development banks, he said reforms should not be symbolic but must include real changes to governance structures, voting rights and leadership positions. Reforms should not be merely symbolic, but their real impact should also be visible. There should be changes in governance structures, voting rights and leadership positions. The challenges of the countries of the Global South should be given priority in policy-making," he added. PM Modi further highlighted the expansion of BRICS group of nations, saying that BRICS is an organisation that has the ability to change itself according to the times. Now we will have to show the same willpower for reforms in institutions like UN Security Council, WTO and Multilateral Development Banks," he added. He further emphasised that in the age of AI, where technology is updated every week, It is not acceptable for a global institution not to be updated even once in eighty years. Twenty-first century software cannot be run by twentieth century type-writers!" he added. The Prime Minister further said that India is always committed to make constructive contributions on all sectors including reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters India has always considered it its duty to rise above its own interests and work in the interest of humanity. We are fully committed to make constructive contributions on all subjects, along with the BRICS countries." The summit, hosted by Brazil from 6 to 7 July, focused on key global issues ranging from multilateralism and artificial intelligence to climate action, peace and security, and economic resilience. PM Modi exchanged views with other leaders on all these matters during the summit sessions. All About BRICS BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded in 2010 with the inclusion of South Africa. In a major development in 2024, the group extended membership to six additional countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia is also expected to formally join the bloc soon, following a unanimous decision made at the 2023 BRICS Summit. Notably, BRICS unites eleven major emerging economies, collectively accounting for approximately 49.5 per cent of the global population, about 40 per cent of the worlds GDP, and nearly 26 per cent of global trade. PM Modi Arrives In BRICS Summit PM Modi had arrived in Brazil earlier in the day on the fourth leg of his five-nation visit, after wrapping up a historic trip to Argentina on Saturday. This is Prime Ministers fourth visit to Brazil and he is scheduled to undertake a State Visit to Brasilia following the two-day Summit. PM Modi received a warm and vibrant welcome from the Indian community upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro. He also witnessed a musical performance of traditional prayer songs. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier, PM Modi was seen sharing a hug with Brazilian President Lula on arrival and also catching up with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. Grateful to President Lula for hosting this years Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Brics remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global good," PM Modi wrote on X. In another post, he said, Good catching up with my friend, President Ramaphosa of South Africa!" Brazil remains Indias largest trading partner in South America, while India ranks as Brazils ninth-largest trading partner. In the financial year 202425, bilateral trade between the two nations reached USD 12.20 billion. Further, Indian companies have a growing presence in Brazil across sectors like pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and energy. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Location : Brazil First Published: July 06, 2025, 21:00 IST Kapil Sharma Launches The Kaps Cafe in Canada: Heres Whats On The Menu Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 16:39 IST Kapil Sharma has stepped into entrepreneurship with the launch of his cafe, The Kaps Cafe, in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Here's a look at its interiors and menu highlights. Apart from coffee, the menu also includes Lemon Pistachio Cake and classic croissants. After being one of Indias favourite comedians and actors, Kapil Sharma has just added a new title to his impressive repertoire entrepreneur. Known for tickling the nations funny bone for over a decade, Kapil has now made his mark in the food and beverage industry with the launch of his brand-new venture: The Kaps Cafe, situated in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. The opening over the weekend was a joyful, close-knit affair, as Kapil Sharma and his wife, Ginni Chatrath, took to social media to share snapshots of their newest endeavour. Recommended Stories The Aesthetic Vibe of The Kaps Cafe Step inside The Kaps Cafe, and youre instantly greeted with an ambience that oozes warmth and style. The interiors reflect a modern pastel theme, with blush pink seating, crystal chandeliers, and clean white tones that offer an elegant, feminine charm. Whether youre grabbing a coffee on the go or spending a lazy afternoon catching up with friends, this cafe is clearly designed to be both cosy and Instagram-worthy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kaps Cafe (@thekapscafe_) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kaps Cafe (@thekapscafe_) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kaps Cafe (@thekapscafe_) Whats Brewing? The Menu Highlights View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kaps Cafe (@thekapscafe_) The Kaps Cafe isnt just about pretty interiors its making waves for its handpicked menu of comforting beverages and artisanal treats. According to the cafes growing Instagram presence (with over 20.9K followers already), it serves a mouth-watering spread of baked goodies and coffee blends. Among the current menu stars are: Lemon Pistachio Cake Chocolate Brownies Classic Croissants Aromatically brewed coffees View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kaps Cafe (@thekapscafe_) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kapil and Ginni have been receiving an outpouring of love from fans and friends alike. Their heartfelt gratitude was evident as they thanked everyone for the support and love, turning the cafes launch into not just a business milestone, but an emotional one too. Kapils cafe isnt just another celebrity vanity project. It reflects a growing trend among Indian celebrities who are diversifying into the hospitality and lifestyle space, often with a personal touch that reflects their aesthetic and values. On the work front, Kapil has two upcoming films in the pipeline: Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 and Dadi Ki Shaadi. 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 06, 2025, 16:39 IST Madhuri Dixit's Husband Dr Shriram Nene Reveals His Secret Productivity Hack Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 14:32 IST This strategy optimises mental resources, reducing cognitive load and improving focus, which in turn enhances overall productivity. Dr. Nene advocates serial sequential tasking over multitasking. Dr. Shriram Nene, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, has long championed healthy habits that enhance lifes quality. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Nenes expertise extends beyond medicine to wellness and productivity. Recently, he shared a valuable productivity hack that helps him stay focused, even in high-pressure situations. As a surgeon, multitasking, to me, is not multitasking, but its serial sequential tasking. And what you are doing is putting things into play while you are focusing on your operative field, so that nothing else bothers you. If you can keep that level of focus in front of you while all the other things are happening in sequence, you will be a success story," Dr Shriram Nene said. Recommended Stories This is a simple yet effective approach where you focus on one task at a time, completing it before moving on to the next. This approach differs from multitasking, where multiple tasks are handled simultaneously. According to Dr Nene, this hack can improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and boost productivity. Dr Santosh Bangar, senior consultant psychiatrist at Gleneagles Hospitals, Mumbai, told the Indian Express: This approach improves concentration and reduces cognitive load, as it prevents the mental fatigue often associated with juggling multiple activities. By prioritising tasks and addressing them in hierarchical order, individuals enhance their efficiency and productivity." Take a look here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr. Shriram Nene (@drneneofficial) To master serial sequential tasking, try these simple steps. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Create a to-do list: Jot down all tasks that need attention. Jot down all tasks that need attention. Prioritise: Rank tasks based on urgency and importance. Rank tasks based on urgency and importance. Focus on one task: Commit to completing one task at a time, giving it your undivided attention. Commit to completing one task at a time, giving it your undivided attention. Minimise distractions: Eliminate interruptions and create a conducive work environment. Eliminate interruptions and create a conducive work environment. Take breaks: Refresh your mind and recharge after completing each task. By following these steps, you can boost productivity, achieve a sense of accomplishment, and stay motivated to tackle various aspects of your life. 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 06, 2025, 14:32 IST Documentary historian Ken Burns pushed back against the idea that political division is increasing in the nation, suggesting big differences have occurred throughout the history of the United States. Much of the current political division in the nation stems from opposition to President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as well as Democratic lawmakers speaking out against the administrations deportation of illegal immigrants. Burns, however, contended that major U.S. political events and legislative efforts have always experienced a level of pushback. It ebbs and flows a little bit, but well always have big differences, Burns explained on CBSs Face the Nation. Franklin Roosevelts New Deal is not met with universal approval, the Civil War killed 750,000 Americans, we think, over the issue of slavery. We have our own revolution. There are lots of periods, the Vietnam period when were so particularly divided, so I think theres a little bit of 'chicken little: Oh, the skys falling, because now things are always worse now than they ever were.' Burns went on to state that he and other historians feel a kind of optimism because the division in the country has a sense of familiarity, suggesting the American Revolution is the leverage to how people can speak to each other to settle differences. He noted how the Bible states, theres nothing new under the sun, adding that what makes the Revolution unique is how there was something new in the world. On the topic of what it means to be patriotic, Burns suggested that some people have lost a kind of connection with the glories of the American experiment due to what they have witnessed. He contended people ought to spend more time working toward the pursuit of happiness" through the telling of the nations stories and through public service. 1775 AND THE FORGOTTEN MAN OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Burnss current documentary project, The American Revolution, is a 12-hour miniseries set to air across six parts on PBS for six consecutive nights, beginning Nov. 16. The polling sometimes reflects just the particular anxiety, and these are shifting all the time, all the time! Burns said. And I can tell just in the time its taken to work on this film how much things have changed and gone back and changed again, and it doesn't matter, Democrat, Republican, red state, blue state. These are superficial, binary considerations, that the more important thing is that's the tip of the iceberg, right? It's the massiveness of what's underneath it, and I think a lot of people still share it. Shweta Tiwaris Sparkling Saree Moment Is A Masterclass In Cocktail Glam Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 12:30 IST For her latest look, Shweta Tiwari donned a sparkling green saree that she had paired with a bold backless blouse. Minimal accessories and glowing makeup complete Shweta Tiwari's look. Shweta Tiwari continues to prove shes a force to be reckoned with when it comes to style. At 44, the actress blends timeless elegance with modern flair, effortlessly appealing to both millennials and Gen Z. Fresh off a streak of vibrant vacation looks in Mauritius, shes now embracing traditional fashion with just as much impact. For her latest appearance, Shweta Tiwari dazzled in a green saree that shimmered with every move. Styled by Victor Robinson, the ensemble offered major inspiration for anyone aiming to stand out at a wedding. She paired the saree with a bold blouse featuring thin straps, a deep sweetheart neckline, and striking backless detailing with criss-cross ties a daring silhouette that Shweta carried with signature grace and confidence. Recommended Stories Taking to his Instagram, photographer Amit Khanna shared the pictures of Shwetas latest OOTD. Sharing the pictures, he wrote, The lovely @shweta.tiwari shot by @amitkhannaphotography Styling @stylingbyvictor." Take a look at the pictures here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amit Khannaphotography (@amitkhannaphotography) Shweta draped the saree in such a way that the pallu flowed dramatically over one shoulder, trailing to the floor like a statement in motion. A perfectly tailored high-waisted petticoat hugged her frame, highlighting her toned figure, while structured pleats added texture and flair. The sequin-studded fabric sparkled under the light, lending a starlit finish to her look: regal and radiant all at once. Letting her outfit shine, Shweta chose to keep her accessories minimal yet impactful. She wore glittering drop earrings and bold rings, forgoing a necklace or bangles, a reminder that sometimes, subtlety speaks volumes. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Her makeup was equally on point: a glowing bronze base enhanced her features, with sculpted cheeks, a sweep of highlighter, and glossy peach lips creating a fresh, luminous look. Her eyes stood out with winged eyeliner, voluminous lashes, and golden metallic shadow, adding drama without going overboard. To complete the look, she styled her hair in soft, flowing waves that framed her face effortlessly simple, yet utterly captivating. With every saree appearance, Shweta Tiwari continues to redefine traditional wear with her signature charm and bold elegance. 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 06, 2025, 12:30 IST These 7 Idlyllic Villages From Around The World Belong On Your Travel Bucket List Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 19:12 IST While everyone adds cities to their travel bucket list, the ideal way to know more about a place and to fully immerse yourself in its culture is by visiting its villages. Hallstatt, Austria is a UNESCO World Heritage village. While cities may offer the buzz of modern life and they are often on your bucket list, its often in the quiet corners of the world where nature, culture, and authenticity meet. Recently, an account on X (formerly known as Twitter) shared a thread on some of the most stunning villages from across the world. The viral thread fetched 23K views. Take a look at the thread here. Recommended Stories Thread of the most beautiful villages on Earth.1. Vernazza village, Cinque Terre Italy pic.twitter.com/2CzDKjgm9J Earth_Wanderer (@earth_tracker) July 6, 2025 Based on this thread, we have compiled a list of seven stunning villages from across the globe. From snow-capped Himalayan hamlets to lush European meadows, these idyllic escapes are reminders that true beauty lies in simplicity. 1. Hallstatt, Austria Tucked along the shimmering Hallstatter See and surrounded by the Dachstein Alps, Hallstatt feels like a storybook come alive. With pastel-coloured homes, cobblestone alleys, and lakeside charm, this UNESCO World Heritage village is one of Europes best-kept wonders. 2. Kalpa, India Perched high in Himachal Pradeshs Kinnaur district, Kalpa offers jaw-dropping views of the Kinner Kailash range. Apple orchards, ancient monasteries, and the ever-changing hues of snow-covered peaks make this Himalayan village a peaceful dream for slow travellers and soul searchers alike. 3. Giethoorn, Netherlands Known as the Venice of the North, Giethoorn swaps roads for canals. This car-free village is a whimsical water world of thatched cottages, wooden bridges, and canoe rides, perfect for those who crave serenity with a touch of fairytale magic. 4. Kadamakkudy, India A cluster of tiny islands nestled in the backwaters of Kerala, Kadamakkudy is a tropical secret just outside Kochi. Framed by paddy fields, Chinese fishing nets, and coconut trees, the village is a photographers delight and an oasis for those seeking quiet, nature-rich escapes. 5. Shirakawa-go, Japan Famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses (some over 250 years old), Shirakawa-go is stunning in every season, be it the snow-covered winters or the lush green summers. This UNESCO-protected village is a time capsule of Japans rural heritage. 6. Reine, Norway Located in the Lofoten archipelago, Reine is where Arctic beauty meets architectural simplicity. The red fisherman cabins, deep fjords, and Northern Lights views make this remote village a bucket-list dream for nature lovers and photography buffs. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 7. Oia, Greece Perched on the cliffs of Santorini, Oias whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches are iconic for a reason. Whether youre watching a golden sunset or wandering its boutique-lined alleys, this village redefines romantic coastal living. 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 06, 2025, 19:12 IST Border 2: Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty Film High-Energy Cadet Song | Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 13:11 IST Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh, stars Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty. They filmed a high-energy song at Pune's National Defence Academy. The shooting of Border 2 is going on in full swing. The much-anticipated war drama Border 2 is steadily building momentum ahead of its 2026 release. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film brings together an ensemble cast led by Sunny Deol, along with Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty. Now, a new report confirms that the trio recently shot a high-energy song sequence for the film. Diljit has not been removed from Border 2 amid the controversy surrounding the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his recent movie, Sardaar Ji 3. According to Mid-Day, S came together at the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune to shoot the song. This marks the first time all four leads have appeared together in uniform for a sequence. The song is composed by Anu Malik and choreographed by Ganesh Acharya. Recommended Stories The shoot for the song began on Tuesday [July 1] and was wrapped up on Thursday [July 3]. This is the first time the four lead actors are shooting together in their respective uniforms," a source told the publication. The source further mentioned, Considering the NDA is a joint training space for the Army, Navy, and Air Force cadets, the scene fit perfectly. The song will show Ahan, Varun, and Diljit as young cadets before they trained to become officers. Over 200 dancers dressed as cadets joined the stars. Sunny stayed back to complete action scenes." Sunny Deol had earlier shared a photo with the team of Border 2 on his Instagram handle. The caption read, Diljit Dosanjh & Ahan Shetty join Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan as the battalion kicks off the 3rd schedule at Punes National Defence Academy! On-ground, theyre joined by Producers Bhushan Kumar & Nidhi Dutta, Director Anurag Singh, Co-producers Shiv Chanana and Binoy Gandhi, as the film moves full throttle!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol) While the original Border was directed by JP Dutta, the sequel is being helmed by Anurag Singh. The film is slated to hit theatres on January 23, 2026. Diljit Dosanjh was earlier in a controversy involving Sardaar Ji 3 when the film released in Pakistan. FWICE had earlier written a letter to the makers of Border 2, expressing disappointment with the casting of Diljit Dosanjh in the movie. In its letter, addressed to Bhushan Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, T-Series, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta Producers, JP Films, and director Anurag Singh, FWICE mentioned that it is deeply disappointed" with the casting of Diljit Dosanjh in Border 2. It has now been reported that the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which had earlier issued a non-cooperation order against Diljit, has now lifted the ban on the actor. FWICE President BN Tiwari told India Today that Border 2 producer Bhushan Kumar personally appealed to the federation and requested that Diljit be allowed to shoot for his movie. Yes, the ban has been revoked for this project," Tiwari confirmed. First Published: July 06, 2025, 13:11 IST Ranveer Singh Unveils Dhurandhar First Look; Kareena Kapoor Takes Hilarious Dig At Prada Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 21:54 IST Ranveer Singh looks menacing in the first look from Dhurandhar. In other news, Kareena Kapoor Khan took a sly dig at Prada by flaunting her traditional Kolhapuri chappals. Ranveer Singh Unveils Dhurandhar First Look; Kareena Kapoor Takes Hilarious Dig At Prada Ranveer Singh has unleashed his wrath in the first look from his upcoming film, directed by Aditya Dhar. Along with the promo, Dhurandhars release date was also announced. While Ranveer has experimented with diverse roles throughout his career, this film seems different from anything he has done so far. Ranveer Singh looks menacing in the first look from Dhurandhar. The actor, in long hair and a smoke in his mouth, kills and beats in style, like its no task. For More: Ranveer Singh Unleashes Wrath In Dhurandhar First Look: Bigaadne Ka Waqt Aa Gaya Hai Recommended Stories Prada unveiled its Mens Spring/Summer 2026 collection at the Deposito of Fondazione Prada in Milan, and the footwears resemblance to classic Indian Kolhapuri-style chappals invited massive outrage over the lack of acknowledgement. While the luxury brand admitted that the design was inspired by Indias classic Kolhapuri sandals, it now looks like Kareena Kapoor has also taken a dig at Prada for copying the style. Taking to her social media, Kareena shared a picture of herself relaxing by the beach. The picture shows her feet in stunning Kolhapuri chappals. While sharing the pic, Kareena wrote, Sorry not Prada by my OG Kolapuri." For More: Kareena Kapoor Takes Hilarious Dig At Prada, Flexes Her OG Kolhapuris In London Soon after the teaser of Dhurandhar dropped, the films actors Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjuns age difference of 20 years became a topic of discussion on social media. While the films storyline and character dynamics are still under wraps, many netizens wrote that they hope Sara and Ranveer have not been paired romantically opposite each other. For More: Dhurandhar: Ranveer Singh And Sara Arjuns 20-Year Age-Gap Sparks Debate Popular television actor Shweta Tiwari has posted a series of new pictures from Mauritius. Wearing a bralette, the 44-year-old actor was seen defying age as she enjoyed herself on the beach. Recently, she also shared photos with her daughter Palak Tiwari from their beach holiday. In the new pictures, Shweta Tiwari blended with the clear skies and blue water of Mauritius in a blue bralette. She teamed it up with denim shorts. Letting her hair loose, the Singham Again actor amplified her look with a pair of sunnies. For More: Shweta Tiwari Sizzles In Bralette And Shorts In Mauritius; Fans Call Her Hottie Nora Fatehi was seen holding back tears as she made her way to the airport on Sunday. A video from Mumbai airport shows the actor-dancer wiping her eyes and quickly heading inside, avoiding a fan who tried to take a selfie with her. Nora Fatehi was dressed in all-black while entering the Mumbai airport. Usually, she stops for a quick chat with paps before boarding the flight. On Sunday evening, the Kusu Kusu dancer headed straight to the airport gate, avoiding a conversation. Though she was wearing sunglasses to hide her eyes, one could see her breaking down while entering the airport. Fans expressed their concern in the comments. For More: Nora Fatehi Seen Crying At The Airport, Rushes To Avoid Paps | VIDEO First Published: July 06, 2025, 21:54 IST Parag Tyagi Misses Wife Shefali Zariwala: 'I'll Find You Every Time You're Born' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 08:03 IST Parag Tyagi shared an emotional tribute on Instagram for his late wife Shefali Zariwala. He posted intimate photos, promising eternal love and expressing deep grief. Parag Tyagi penned an emotional note for late wife Shefali Jariwala. Parag Tyagi is living with a void that words can barely fill. The actor is grieving the heartbreaking loss of his wife Shefali Zariwala. Today, he shared an emotional tribute on social media that will leave you in tears. Shefali, best known for her iconic number Kaanta Laga, passed away last week. On Sunday, Parag Tyagi took to Instagram to honour Shefali Zariwalas memory, sharing a collection of their cherished moments together. The heartfelt post featured intimate photos of the couple wherein they are seen hugging, kissing, and enjoying vacations side by side. With Mateo Oxleys I Love You Always Forever playing in the background, Parag poured his emotions into words, promising to love Shefali in every lifetime." Recommended Stories Sharing the photos, Parag wrote, I will find you every time you are born and I will love you in every lifetime (red heart and kissing face emojis). I love you eternally meri gundi meri chokri (my thug, my girl) (hug face emoji)." Parag also added the hashtagsShefali Jariwala, Meri gundi, Love, Forever, Lifetime, Eternally, Miss you so much, Be happy and Stay beautiful. Take a look: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Parag Tyagi (@paragtyagi) Three days ago, Parag Tyagi had penned down another heartbreaking note on how much he misses and loves Shefali. Parag mentioned that Shefali was much more than the Kaanta Laga girl. She was fire wrapped in grace sharp, focused, and fiercely driven. A woman who lived with intention, nurturing her career, her mind, her body, and her soul with quiet strength and unwavering determination," he wrote. Parag further remembered Shefali as somebody who was always ready to help others and added, But beyond all her titles and achievements, Shefali was love in its most selfless form. She was sab ki maa always putting others first, offering comfort and warmth simply through her presence. A generous daughter. A devoted and affectionate wife and a wonderful mom to Simba. A protective and guiding sister n maasi. A fiercely loyal friend who stood by those she loved with courage and compassion." In the chaos of grief, its easy to be swept away by noise and speculation. But Shefali deserves to be remembered by her light By the way she made people feel. By the joy she sparked. By the lives she lifted," he continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Parag Tyagi (@paragtyagi) Shefali Jariwala rose to fame in the early 2000s with her unforgettable appearance in the remix video Kaanta Laga, earning her the nickname Kaanta Laga Girl." She soon made her way to Bollywood with a role in Salman Khans Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. In the years that followed, Shefali found a new connection with audiences through reality TV, appearing alongside her husband Parag Tyagi in Nach Baliye, and later becoming a notable contestant on Bigg Boss 13. Tragically, Shefali passed away on June 27. While an official cause is still awaited, early medical reports point to a possible cardiac arrest, potentially linked to self-medication and unmonitored anti-ageing treatments. Authorities are currently examining the substances and dosages involved in the IV drip and medication she had taken. First Published: July 06, 2025, 08:03 IST Sufi Motiwala Says Urfi Javed Used 'Homophobia To Create Controversy': 'It's Pathetic' | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 11:03 IST Sufi Motiwala accused Urfi Javed of using homophobia for attention after their clash on The Traitors. Scroll down to read the interview. Urfi Javed and Sufi Motiwala were seen together in The Traitors. The war of words between Sufi Motiwala and Uorfi Javed took a serious turn recently. After their clash on the reality show, The Traitors, things have spilled over to social media. Now, Sufi has accused Urfi of using homophobia to stir controversy and gain attention online. In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Sufi opened up about the backlash hes been facing. He said that after a YouTubers video went viral, several of the YouTubers followers began targeting him with homophobic slurs. According to Sufi, Urfi and her sister Dolly Javed shared the video on their Instagram stories and used homophobia to create controversy for attention. Sufi Motiwala told us, There was a whole issue with a YouTuber and his straight audiences were abusing me online with homophobic slurs. It is unacceptable. Urfi and Dolly Javed also posted it on their stories and deleted it later. They were excusing homophobia to create a point for her. Their point was that its okay for others to abuse me since I also abused Urfi on the show. But they are not the same thing. Allowing homophobia to create controversy for attention is very pathetic. Thats why I took a stand against her." Recommended Stories The 21-year-old social media influencer added, Urfi needs to calm down and do a reality check and then talk. I had apologised to her on the show even. I am not going to be bullied by her." Urfi Javed and Sufi Motiwala were caught in a heated back-and-forth on social media, accusing each other of playing the victim. Urfi called out Sufi for being hypocritical and for unnecessarily involving her sister Dolly in their feud. In response, Sufi claimed it was Urfi who targeted the youngest contestant on their Prime Video reality show. Urfi Javed was announced the winner of The Traitors along with Nikita Luther in the July 3 finale episode. The top six finalists were Harsh Gujral, Jasmin Bhasin, Nikita, Purav Jha, Sudhanshu Pandey and Urfi. While Harsh and Purav were traitors, the rest four were innocents. The Traitors premiered on Prime Video on June 12. it started with 20 contestants, including Karan Kundrra, Jasmin Bhasin, Raftaar, Raj Kundra, Urfi, Jannat Zubair, Purav Jha, Harsh Gujral, Elvish Yadav, Mukesh Chhabra, Maheep Kapoor, Rebel Kid (Apoorva Mukhija), Sudhanshu Pandey, Sufi Motiwala, Sahil Salathia, Ashish Vidyarthi, Anshula Kapoor, and Elnaaz Norouzi. The show was hosted by Karan Johar. First Published: July 06, 2025, 11:03 IST Opinion | Can BRICS Be Compromised As The SCO Was? Written By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 06:30 IST BRICS is not the SCO, and Rio is not Qingdao. With Xi absent and Putin constrained, Modi arrives as the undisputed senior-most leader from the founding members PM Modi is all set to attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazils Rio de Janeiro from July 5 to 8. On July 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will represent India at the BRICS Summit in Rio. At the summit, India will be joined by nine other participating nations, along with the host nation, Brazil, and observer countries. At the summit, Indias major objective is to push through its counter-terrorism agenda in light of the Pahalgam attack and the aftermath of it, which led to a conflict with the Pakistani state, and name and shame the terror-breeding nation. However, its not the first time India has been pushing this agenda with a similar group of nations in attendance. Last month, at the SCO defence ministers meeting in Qingdao, India tried to raise the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, only to be rebutted. Pakistan, with the help of China, forced down a counter-terror joint statement that failed to mention Pahalgam but conveniently included the struggle for independence in Balochistan, a pain point for the Pakistani state nonetheless, and conveniently labelled it terrorism. India refused to sign it. Nine of the 10 participating nations that did sign the joint statement included Iran, Russia, and China. Recommended Stories Three of those nations will also be present at the BRICS summit; therefore, the question arises whether theyd still try to rebut Indias genuine counterterror agenda. Will Russia ally with China and Iran? Will China once again be allowed to steamroll through the summit? Quite plainly, the answer is no. For the first time in 12 years of the BRICS summit, the Chinese President has chosen to skip the forum altogether. The decision is even more surprising given that almost all member countries are facing imminent and costly tariff wars with the United States. Does Beijing no longer have leadership ambitions? Or is it now aware that, outside of inconsequential multilateral summits such as the SCO, its flat-track bullying and bulldozing diplomacy will not work? Or its the fact that Xi knew that he would be upstaged by Modi, who is the guest of honour in Brazil, and chose to spare his blushes. Whatever the reason, Xis absence is telling. With a constrained Vladimir Putin appearing via video, PM Modi will be the most senior and most formidable leader present among the founding members. The centre of gravity at BRICS has decisively shifted. Unlike the SCO, this is a genuinely multipolar grouping where countries like Brazil and South Africa have robust, independent partnerships with India that act as a natural counterbalance to any Chinese overreach. SCO: A Stage for Chinas Games The charade at Qingdao was predictable. The SCO has long been Chinas diplomatic playground, a place where its writ runs large and inconvenient truths are swept under the carpet. The joint statement was a masterclass in Chinese manipulation designed not to combat terror but to protect its all-weather ally, Pakistan. Whats even more appalling is that the very attack the SCO refused to condemn was enabled by Chinese technology. According to a detailed report by the ORF, militants in Kashmir are increasingly using sophisticated, military-grade Chinese hardware, such as Huawei satellite phones, encrypted communication systems, and GPS devices. Chinas diplomatic cover for Pakistan at the SCO is, in reality, a cover for its own strategic footprint in the regions terror ecosystem. Its easy to be a bully when you own the playground. Its why the SCO fails to get a serious mention in geopolitical circles. Everyone knows its a rigged forum where Chinas strategic interests trump any genuine commitment to collective security. But Beijings ability to dominate such a forum is a measure of the SCOs weakness, not Chinas strength. In the real world, among platforms of consequence, this kind of behaviour doesnt fly. Indias Shining Moment BRICS is not the SCO, and Rio is not Qingdao. With Xi absent and Putin constrained, Modi arrives as the undisputed senior-most leader from the founding members. The spotlight will be on India, and for good reason. Indias economy, projected by Morgan Stanley to be the worlds fastest-growing in 2025-26, gives it the clout to match its ambitions. Most importantly, unlike at the SCO, India is confident that the BRICS declaration will not only condemn the Pahalgam attack but will do so in language that is to Indias satisfaction", backed by a consensus of partners who understand the threat of state-sponsored terror. Key partners have already offered their solidarity. Indias position is further fortified by its robust bilateral ties that serve as a powerful counterbalance to Chinese influence. The India-Brazil partnership, marked by talks of major defence pacts, including the sale of Indian Akash air defence systems, along with Indias strong relationships with South Africa and the UAE, creates a web of influence that China cannot simply bulldoze. At BRICS, India has the partners, the power, and the platform to ensure its voice is heard and its security interests are upheld. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all But its not just that because India has favourable conditions, its concerns will be heard or met with interest. At the G7 summit this year in Canada, despite the geopolitical khichdi", which seems to be the theme wherever US President Donald Trump goes, India raised the issue, stood its ground, gathered the support needed, and pushed through with its agenda. Modi also rebuffed Trumps claims that he was the one who made the ceasefire possible after pressing India and Pakistan on trade. And he did it directly to him on a call, after the US President couldnt be bothered to stay for the entire summit. The point of it is that India is not going to be bullied into signing or accepting narratives. India will carve its agenda, it will rise for itself and the Global South, and it will make itself heard on the worlds stage, and it will do so at a forum that keeps the West on the edge of their seats, unlike the SCO, which does not even get a whisper. 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 06, 2025, 06:30 IST Opinion | From Nehru's Blunder to Bharat's Redemption: Standing By Tibet Written By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 21:27 IST With the Dalai Lama turning 90, the stakes could not be higher. A manipulated succession would permanently compromise the Tibetan movement and also hurt Bharat's strategic interest Picture taken on September 17, 1959, of then PM Jawaharlal Nehru (R) and Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso, born in 1935) in Buddhist salutation. (Image: AFP) A nations foreign policy is ultimately judged by how well it serves its national interest. History bears testimony that when a country ignores this principle, disaster follows. Indias own experience with Jawaharlal Nehrus foreign policy stands as a cautionary tale. Nehrus approach, often idealistic and detached from hard realities, led to a series of strategic blunders the most glaring being his miscalculation on Tibet and China. Recommended Stories However, pursuing national interest does not mean abandoning ethics or dharma. As history also shows, the absence of moral anchors often boomerangs. The amoral opportunism of US foreign policy in the 1970s and 1980s whether it was opening the doors to Communist China that eventually facilitated Chinas rise or fuelling fundamentalism in Afghanistan to counter the Soviet Union that ended in the horrors of 9/11 offers sobering lessons. For Bharat, a civilisational state steeped in dharmic consciousness, foreign policy has always been more than transactional. The Bharatiya outlook traditionally views the world not through the narrow prism of power blocs but through the wider lens of dharma. Nehrus concept of non-alignment stemmed from this civilisational discomfort with power-centric alliances. Unfortunately, while he refused to align with any bloc, he also failed to align with all a more authentic Bharatiya approach that balances relationships based on dharmic considerations. Bharatiya statecraft has never been naive about the ways of the world. The Mahabharata makes it abundantly clear when it quotes Bhishma as exhorting Yudhishthira: If the one who is fighting under deceit, one must fight back using deceit." This understanding should guide a traditionally dharmic state like Bharat in dealing with adharmic states such as Pakistan and communist China (theres a need to differentiate communist China from civilisational China, which was much closer to Bharat in ideas and outlook). Instead, Nehru chose to blind himself to Chinas expansionist ambitions. His most tragic misstep came when he deliberately looked the other way when Maos troops invaded Tibet in 1950. The Chinese invasion of Tibet was not just a cataclysmic event for the Tibetans but also a major geostrategic setback for Bharat. While Sardar Vallabhbhai Patels opposition to Nehrus Tibet policy is well documented, especially his letter to the then prime minister in December 1950, where he exhorted him to be more watchful of Chinas imperialistic tendencies, Rajendra Prasad too wrote a letter on November 18, 1962, to Sri Prakasa, highlighting the moral failings of the Nehruvian foreign policy. Prasad writes: in the matter of Tibet, we acted not only un-chivalrously but even against our own interest in not maintaining the position of a buffer state for it and thus exposing a frontier of about 2,500 miles to the Chinese except for a small strip belonging to Nepal. I have very strong feelings about it. I feel that the blood of Tibet is on our head, and we must do prayashchit, which is already being forced on us. Let us hope that we shall be successful. But the Prime Minister does not like the name of Tibet to be mentioned even now and regards any mention of its liberation as manifest nonsense. No one suggests that we should march our armies into Tibet. But is there anything wrong in wishing well of Tibet and treating it as a sovereign country under the suzerainty of China?" Today, on July 6, 2025, as the Dalai Lama celebrates his 90th birthday, Bharat must introspect. Its prayashchit penance for Nehrus Himalayan blunder is not over. Tibets destiny remains entwined with Bharats strategic and moral dilemmas. The future of Tibet is now deeply tied to the question of the Dalai Lamas succession a spiritual event that has acquired profound geopolitical dimensions. Given Beijings proven record, there is little doubt it will try to orchestrate the succession process to install a pliant figure. The fate of the Panchen Lama abducted by China after being recognised by the Dalai Lama, replaced by Beijings own nominee serves as a chilling precedent. In 1995, when the 14th Dalai Lama identified six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama the second highest spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism the Chinese government responded by abducting the boy and installing its own candidate. Thus, there now exist two Panchen Lamas: one legitimate, yet disappeared; the other, a puppet. The Panchen Lama is traditionally entrusted with the role of helping to identify the next Dalai Lama. By securing this position under its control, Beijing laid the groundwork to someday influence the selection of the Dalai Lama himself. With the Dalai Lama turning 90, the stakes could not be higher. A manipulated succession would permanently compromise the Tibetan movement and also hurt Bharats strategic interest. Therefore, it is imperative for the 14th Dalai Lama to secure his succession while alive, perhaps even innovating within Tibetan tradition by revealing or training his reincarnation in his lifetime. He has already suggested that the next Dalai Lama could be found outside Tibet possibly even in India, where he has lived for over six decades. Such a move would not only preserve the sanctity of Tibetan Buddhism but would also deny Beijing the leverage it desperately craves. Moreover, it would allow the Dalai Lama to personally mentor his successor, safeguarding doctrinal integrity. Bharat must stand ready to support this process not just out of dharmic solidarity with Tibetans, but also because it aligns squarely with its national interest. A free and spiritually vibrant Tibet acts as a moral and strategic bulwark against Chinese expansionism. Supporting Tibetans in securing an untainted succession of the Dalai Lama is, therefore, both Bharats moral duty as well as its strategic imperative. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The succession of the Dalai Lama is far more than a religious ritual. It is a powerful assertion of Tibetan agency against Chinese imperial overreach. For Bharat, this is an opportunity to atone for past errors and to act in a way that is both dharmic and strategically astute. This, truly, would be Bharats ultimate prayashchit. (Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views) About the Author Utpal Kumar Utpal Kumar is Opinion Editor, News18 and Firstpost. He can be reached at utpal.kumar@nw18.com. He tweets @utpal_kumar1 Utpal Kumar is Opinion Editor, News18 and Firstpost. He can be reached at utpal.kumar@nw18.com. He tweets @utpal_kumar1 First Published: July 06, 2025, 21:27 IST Opinion | Renewed Attack On Yoga And Ayurveda Stems From Insecurity, Intolerance Written By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 07:00 IST The civilisational knowledge and wisdom of thousands of years that have healed generations cannot be simply mocked away It is fine to criticise Indic medical and wellness systems. But when one repeatedly attacks and summarily dismisses it, one needs to delve into the motives. Representational image It could have been just another of those millions of daily fights on X that one forgets as the river of the social media timeline brings in new flotsam. But it got bigger and bigger, perhaps because an entire civilisations knowledge and wisdom were attacked and insulted, and a countrys medical system was brought into question. Recommended Stories Indian chess grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi had written an innocuous Doctors Day post honouring his family of ayurvedic and homoeopathy doctors. A handle called @theliverdr, a practitioner from Kerala named Cyriac Abby Philips, piped up to say none of them were actual doctors. Cheered on by some others, he called AYUSH (ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, unani, siddha, and homoeopathy) pseudo-science". It is fine to criticise Indic medical and wellness systems. But when one repeatedly attacks and summarily dismisses it, one needs to delve into the motives. After all, the civilisational knowledge and wisdom of thousands of years that have healed generations cannot be simply mocked away. First, it betrays the deep insecurity of allopathy, which works on the Western paradigm of modern medicine, towards other medical systems. Many allopathic practitioners take the Abrahamic approach of exclusivity, that only it is the last word and the true cure; all other systems are hocus. While Cyriac Abby Philips denigrates Hindu scientists showing any sign of spiritual belief, netizens posted screenshots from the Rajagiri hospital portal, where he is a senior consultant. The hospital has chaplaincy and pastoral services" and its motto we care, we cure" is a proclamation of our firm commitment to invoke the healing power of God upon the whole person, body and soul". Second, ayurveda and homoeopathy are recognised medical courses in India that one gets into after clearing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test or NEET. BAMS, or Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, is an integrated medical degree specially designed to teach students the systems of the traditional Indian ayurveda system. BHMS, or Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery, comprehensively covers aspects of that field. After completing this degree, you become eligible to practice as a doctor in homoeopathy. Western medical institutions have increasingly acknowledged and put to use Indian medical systems. For instance, Gerhard J Newerla, MD, from Albany, New York, writes in The New England Journal of Medicine, The first knowledge of testicular function was acquired empirically by the ancients when domestic animals were castrated for various reasons. However, the specific effects in men were also familiar in those early civilisations where eunuchs were part of the social order. Furthermore, The Ayurveda, written by Sushruta of India, written about 1400 BC, recommended the administration of testicular tissues for the cure of impotence." Columbia University credits Sushruta for the earliest plastic surgeries and nose jobs. During the 6th Century BCE, an Indian physician named Sushrutawidely regarded in India as the father of surgerywrote one of the worlds earliest works on medicine and surgery. The Sushruta Samhita documented the etiology of more than 1,100 diseases, the use of hundreds of medicinal plants, and instructions for performing scores of surgical proceduresincluding three types of skin grafts and reconstruction of the nose," its journal says. In his acclaimed book, Saving My Neck: A Doctors East/West Journey through Cancer, Dr Timothy McCall, MD, wonderfully describes his experience at an ayurvedic doctors place in Kerala. He says this doctor, Chandukutty, loves taking the cases in which the conventional medical doctors have thrown up their hands. In the first week, Dr McCall shadowed him at his clinic in 2007; he witnessed how a 20-something woman with rheumatoid arthritis slowly started recovering. She was bedridden despite high doses of prednisone and methotrexate, heavy Western meds used to calm her autoimmune condition. At Chandukuttys clinic, after a few massages with medicated oils infused with dozens of herbs, she was up walking with a cane. Within three days, she was walking without one. Dr McCall writes: Rather than looking at an entire organism, a reductionist studies the parts that comprise it. In medicine, for example, the heart is viewed as a collection of parts, each of which is studied in detail. Each of these parts is in turn broken down into its own constituent parts. In the case of the heart, reductionists examine the chambers, the valves, the coronary arteries, and every other part that can be identified. This process continues at ever-finer levels of organization, down to nuclei and mitochondria, hormones and neurotransmitters. Reductionist thinking in medicine has saved millions of lives. Consider antibiotics, insulin, and the polio vaccineeven hand-washing. But, unfortunately, some physicians take a good thing too far. They put so much trust in the power of reductionism that they feel no need to consider the full humanity of their patients. When this attitude is taken to its extreme, the patient is seen as the sum of her lab tests and imaging studies. She becomes little more than a machine, some of whose parts can be fixed, others replaced. After a lifetime immersed in the field, I believe that we as a society have accepted a flawed understanding of health care. Mark Hyman, MD, and then director, Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, says the integrative approach is the future of health care". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all But in the land where that very integrative approach was born, some practitioners ironically want to choke every ounce of ancient knowledge instead of exploringin true scientific temperamentwhat they still do not know or are able to prove accurately with current medical understanding. Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: July 06, 2025, 07:00 IST BJPs Ashish Shelar Likens MNS' Marathi Assaults To Pahalgam Attack: Whats The Difference?' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 19:35 IST Ashish Shelar said while terrorists had targeted tourists in Pahalgam based on their religion, people were being attacked in the state on linguistic lines, which was disappointing. His remarks come amid growing political tension over the alleged imposition of Hindi and a spate of violent incidents in the state. (X) Amid the ongoing language row in Maharashtra, state minister and BJP leader Ashish Shelar on Sunday triggered a row after he drew parallels between the recent attacks on non-Marathi speaking people in Mumbai and the April 22s Pahalgam terror attack, saying that the victims in both cases were Hindus". In Pahalgam, people were killed because of their religion. Here in Maharashtra, Hindus are being assaulted only because of the language they speak. Whats the difference?" Shelar said while addressing a press conference in Mumbai as quoted by news agency PTI. Recommended Stories He further said while terrorists had targeted tourists in Pahalgam based on their religion, people were being attacked in the state on linguistic lines, which was disappointing. All these incidents cause pain, suffering, and mental distress. In Pahalgam, they shot them after asking about their religion. And here they beat up the innocent Hindus just because of the language they speak. Such cases create disturbance" he said as quoted by news agency ANI. #WATCH | Mumbai: On Marathi language row, Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar says, All these incidents cause pain, suffering, and mental distress. In Pahalgam, they shot them after asking about their religion. And here they beat up the innocent Hindus just because of the pic.twitter.com/rXAa3iskQc ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2025 In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage. The minister further took a veiled attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who reunited on Saturday at a joint rally for the cause of Marathi people, saying that the state is watching how some leaders are "enjoying other Hindus being beaten up". Shelar later asserted that the BJP would defend the dignity of Marathi people, and would stand by non-Marathi residents and ensure their protection. Marathi is not a political issue for us," he said. Referring to speeches made at the joint rally of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, he said, As far as yesterdays program is concerned, one brothers speech is incomplete, and the others is irrelevant. What Raj Thackeray said was not complete. He discussed Marathi, but did not elaborate on the entire topic." The Slapgate Row Shelars remarks came amid heightened tensions following multiple incidents in Mumbai where workers of Raj Thackerays Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) attacked shopkeepers and migrant workers allegedly for speaking Hindi instead of Marathi. Recently, a viral video showed a shopkeeper in the Mira-Bhayandar area being thrashed by individuals reportedly affiliated with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for allegedly refusing to speak in Marathi. In another incident, five MNS workers were arrested for vandalising the office of Mumbai-based share market investor Sushil Kedias office in Worli after he declared he would not speak Marathi and dared the party chief Raj Thackeray. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier warned of strict legal action against those engaging in violence in the name of language. The row over speaking Marathi is escalating into a major political flashpoint ahead of the civic polls. Union Minister Backs Shelar Meanwhile, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale supported Shelars statement, saying, Just as terrorists targeted tourists in Pahalgam based on religion, Raj Thackerays party workers are attacking people asking them to speak Marathi." He also posed a question to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray that if people from Hindu community are being attacked, would you sit quietly, do you not follow Balasahebs line of thinking?" Whats The Three-Language Row? The Hindi language row erupted after the BJP-led Maharashtra government issued a Government Resolution (GR) making the learning of the language compulsory in primary schools. Amid the growing backlash from MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), the government amended the GR to make Hindi the "generally" third language before finally withdrawing both orders on June 29. The issue of Marathi identity and the "imposition" of Hindi is believed to be a catalyst for reuniting Uddhav and Raj Thackeray after almost 20 years on Saturday at a joint "victory" rally to celebrate the governments decision to scrap the GRs under the three-language policy. With elections to the high-profile Mumbai civic body and other municipal corporations approaching, the BJP waded into the language row, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserting that those resorting to violence over the Hindi language will face legal action. Addressing the joint rally, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray defended the Marathi pride, saying, We are goons if we have to do hooliganism for justice. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On his part, Raj Thackeray asked the MNS cadres not to attack anyone over the language without provocation. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More First Published: July 06, 2025, 19:05 IST Florida is proving to be a leading ally of the Trump administration as the federal government expands its illegal immigrant deportation operation. The state, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), immediately took action in the first weeks of the Trump administration to put in place laws that would crack down on illegal immigration, and it has also made big moves in recent weeks to spur on those federal efforts. "Most states are doing nothing. ... Were one of the few states thats we may even be the only state that's really full throttle, saying, 'You know, were not going to solve this problem unless we are part of the team,'" DeSantis said during remarks at the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigrant detention facility in the Everglades on Tuesday. This week, President Donald Trump visited the first state-constructed immigrant detention facility, and he validated DeSantis's efforts, adding that Florida was leading the charge. "I want to express my tremendous thanks to the state of Florida for embracing this opportunity and being a true partner," Trump said. "Theyve worked so well with the federal government. It's been a just a beautiful, beautiful partnership. Ron, Id like to thank you personally." Immigration has shifted from being a border matter in the Biden era to being increasingly focused on interior enforcement during the Trump era. It means states that step up to help with detention and deportations will become the biggest allies to the White House. Florida has stepped up to facilitate interior enforcement in ways that no other state has, but others may soon follow suit. Florida goes all-in Less than a month after Trump took office, the Florida legislature passed and DeSantis signed into law a package of bills that signified the toughest crackdown on illegal immigration in state history. The laws were meant to supplement the Trump administration's promised "largest-ever" deportation operation. The state created a State Board of Immigration Enforcement and required local police to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to turn over illegal immigrants to federal authorities. Florida repealed a law that allowed illegal immigrant students to pay in-state tuition at state schools and made it illegal for someone without legal immigration status to enter the state from another state. It also included nearly $300 million to train and outfit local police to help ICE arrest illegal immigrants. Officers who help ICE will even get bonuses. Local police at sheriff's departments were deputized under what are known as federal 287(g) agreements to carry out federal immigration laws, including alerting ICE if they encounter an illegal immigrant during a traffic stop, detaining illegal immigrants on the federal government's behalf, and transferring them to federal custody. Florida now accounts for 60% of all federal-state 287(g) partnerships, DeSantis announced last week. Normally, ICE oversees the standing up of those facilities, but the federal agency has struggled to find adequate bed space to detain as many illegal immigrants as ICE is arresting nationwide and hold on to them as they go through deportation proceedings in court. Featured Local Savings In this case, the Department of Homeland Security directly contacted state officials about using a quiet, remote airstrip to put up a soft-sided series of structures in which ICE detainees could be held pending court hearings. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) told the Washington Examiner on Tuesday that Florida officials were happy to help. "The reason why it's needed is because a lot of our jails in Florida are full," Donalds said. "Our sheriffs have been doing a great job answering the call given to them by the governor to go out and really arrest criminal illegals and begin the transportation of them to ICE. ICE is still waiting for the resources they need from Congress. ... A facility like this helps to fill the gap so we can continue the mission of, No. 1, keeping Florida safe, but No. 2, addressing the mandate given to the American people." DeSantis added that there was "no reason" other states could not do the same thing. "If only the red states did this, they would be able to expand their capacity by tens of thousands, maybe 50, 100,000 in a given day," DeSantis said. Other states lend a hand During the Biden administration, Texas was the most vocal state on border and immigration matters. The difference is that it was not a partner to Washington but an enemy that lamented how former President Joe Biden and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas didn't address the crisis at the southern border. Early in the Trump administration, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) offered state National Guard soldiers to be deputized as federal immigration agents and offered its stretch of buoy barrier floating in the Rio Grande as an asset to the federal government. Abbott also offered the Trump administration access to 4,000 vacant prison beds across Texas for the federal governments detention of illegal immigrants in custody, but nothing came of it. Oklahoma had suggested before Trump took office to turn over 500 imprisoned illegal immigrants in state prisons to ICE officers. Some states have passed laws banning sanctuary cities, while others, like Tennessee, have passed legislation that would allow criminal charges to be brought against local elected officials who vote to keep sanctuary policies. TRUMP'S APPROVAL OF USING NATIONAL GUARD AS IMMIGRATION JUDGES FACES BLOWBACK Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has called on other states to follow Florida's example and contact the Trump administration about finding space to erect their own ICE facilities to help speed up arrests and deportations. "This facility is exactly what I want every single governor in this country to begin doing with us," Noem said in the Everglades on Tuesday. "Thank you to Gov. DeSantis for stepping up and being an example to other governors. I hope my phone rings off the hook from governors calling and saying, 'How can we do what Florida just did?'" Army Doctor Helps Woman Deliver Baby At Jhansi Railway Station, Netizens Heap Praise Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 19:56 IST The procedure, carried out by a 31-year-old Major Rohit, with the help of railway employees and staff left the bystanders awestruck and the new parents overwhelmed An Indian Army doctor has been earning praise online for safely delivering a baby girl. (ANI/X) The cry of a baby girl resonated around Jhansis Virangana Lakshmibai Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh after a young Indian Army doctor carried out the emergency delivery using minimal resources including a hair clip and a pocket knife right on the platform. The procedure, carried out by a 31-year-old Major Rohit, with the help of railway employees and staff left the bystanders awestruck and the new parents overwhelmed, news agency PTI reported. Recommended Stories Today, an Army doctor, Major Rohit, of Military Hospital, Jhansi, successfully conducted childbirth at the railway station in Jhansi. The doctor present at the station responded swiftly when a pregnant woman went into unexpected labour on the platform. Without any delay and pic.twitter.com/vX4oYjKf2g ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2025 According to North Central Railways Jhansi Division Public Relations Officer Manoj Kumar Singh, a pregnant woman travelling to Barabanki on the Panvel-Gorakhpur Express when she experienced severe labour pain. Subsequently, the Jhansi Railway Control was informed about the womans condition and she was deboarded at Jhansi station on Saturday afternoon. Seeing the critical situation, a female ticket-checking staff member and an army officer stationed nearby sprang into action and came to the assistance of the woman. Meanwhile, Dr Rohit Bachwala (31), a medical officer with the Army Medical Corps, was waiting for his train when he witnessed a railway employee rushing a woman in distress on a wheelchair. Reacting instinctively, he stepped in and, with the help of railway staff, decided to help the woman in delivering the baby on the platform itself. With no access to a proper operation theatre, I had to rely on tools I had on me," Major Bachwala told the PTI. To clamp the umbilical cord, I used a hair clip. A pocket knife helped me cut it after ensuring the baby was stable. The mother and child were in a precarious condition, and every second mattered." He further shared that the woman had collapsed due to intense labour pain near the lift area when he intervened. "There was no time to waste. We created a makeshift delivery area and ensured basic hygiene with the help of available supplies. It was divine intervention that I was present at that moment," he added. Post-delivery, both mother and baby were shifted to a local hospital by ambulance, with railway staff facilitating the arrangements. Doctors later confirmed both were in stable condition. In a statement, the North Central Railways Jhansi division said, As soon as the information was received, the Jhansi control room activated a team for medical assistance. When the train arrived at the station, the railway medical team and ticket-checking staff promptly attended to the passenger." Internet Hails Army Doctor The users flooded the comment section with praises. One user said, Soldier is always on duty. Jai Hind. A soldier is a saviour in all forms." Another said, Incredible presence of mind and dedication. Hats off to Major Rohit for this lifesaving act!" top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Hats off, Army Doctor who went beyond the call of duty. Blessings to the newly born. I hope other departments will take some motivation from the act of Army doctor," a third user noted. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More 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 : Jhansi, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 19:56 IST Police Detain 3 After Odisha Boy Films Reel Lying Under Moving Train In Dangerous Stunt Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 21:27 IST Three minor boys in Odisha's Boudh district were detained for a dangerous stunt where one lay on railway tracks as a train passed over him. Odisha Boy Films Reel Lying Under Moving Train Three minor boys have been detained in Odishas Boudh district for a life-threatening stunt in which one of them lay on railway tracks as the train passed over him at high speed. This is another case of social media frenzy where in wake of making reels and videos, people are putting themselves in grave danger. Specially in such case where young children are exposing themselves in life-risking situation. The video of this entire incident went viral and social media users shared it and expressed concern. The video shows a boy lying on railway track, while his two friends are seen directing and recording the stunt. The train passes over the boy without causing any harm and soon after all three boys were seen cheering. Recommended Stories Watch The Viral Video Here As per the reports, the incident took place near Dalupali, close to the Purunapani railway station. Train services in this area were introduced shortly. Acting on the incident, local police have detained the boys and questioned them. Police highlighted serious security breach and condemned their reckless behaviour. As per a report by Moneycontrol, the boy who laid down on the railway track told police that he was very scared as the train passed by. He also admitted that he did not expect to survive. Minors also admitted that they performed such dangerous stunt to get attention on social media. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a similar incident, a man in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao lay on railway tracks to shoot a video. Ranjit Chaurasia, a resident of Unnaos Hasanganj, shot a video as he lay on the tracks and a train passed over him. He then got up and continued walking on the rail tracks near Kusumbhi station. The Government Railway Police arrested Chaurasia after the video went viral. 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 : Bhuban, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 20:29 IST Avoid Boston, Be Mindful Of Social Media: Harvard Issues Travel Advisory To Foreign Students Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 22:11 IST The Ivy League institute also warned the incoming students to be mindful of their social media content and personal electronic devices when entering the country. Harvard University. (Reuters/File Image) Harvard University has issued an advisory for its incoming international students to avoid entering the United States through Bostons Logan International Airport and instead consider flying into alternatives like New York due to prolonged interrogation or secondary inspections of students at the Boston Airport. The Ivy League institute also warned the incoming students to be mindful of their social media content and personal electronic devices when entering the country. Harvard also advised the international students to bring all necessary academic records, including their SEVIS receipt, CV, admission letter, and I-20/DS-2019. Additionally, they should confirm that electronic devices are available and unlocked. Recommended Stories The warning comes amid heightened scrutiny at US borders and increasing pressure from the Trump administration on the universitys international programs. There have been reports of prolonged interrogation or secondary inspections of students, particularly those with STEM backgrounds, and those from China or Iran. Harvard suggested flying to these airports because they facilitate more efficient travel for foreign visitors. According to a Bloomberg report, the advisory was issued during a private call, hosted by Harvards international office and a Harvard Law School immigration support group. The call, held last week, included input from Maureen Martin, Harvards Director of Immigration Services and Jason Corral, a staff attorney with the clinic. Students who joined the call told the news outlet that the session was aimed to provide guidance on how to avoid visa and immigration issues. Be Mindful Of Social Media Activity Students who joined the call told said that during the session, Harvard administrators warned new foreign students that US state department officials have the authority to review social media accounts for student visa applicants, while US Customs and Border Protection can examine personal electronic devices and reject entry based on their contents. It remains unclear whether these assessments are conducted manually by federal employees or with the aid of artificial intelligence, the report further stated. Students were also warned about potential red flags" that could attract scrutiny. Although not explicitly defined, posts expressing pro-Palestine views, content perceived as anti-Semitic, or posts derogatory to the US and its government were cited as likely to raise concerns. Any previous bumps into law enforcement could also attract attention. Harvard officials cautioned students not to delete the contents of their devices entirely as wiping a device clean before travel might raise suspicions. Special Travel Advice To Students From Iran, China The Harvard representatives reportedly advised Iranians and Chinese nationals studying in particular fieldsincluding science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and anything related to AIto exercise particular caution when travelling. Corral reportedly advised Iranian students to avoid flying into Bostons Logan International Airport, where they may face heightened scrutiny. Instead, airports such as New Yorks JFK, Chicago OHare or Los Angeles International were suggested as potentially less problematic alternatives. Harvard Vs Trump Harvard has been on the radar of the Donald Trump administrations push to change higher education. In addition to challenging the schools ability to admit international students, the administration has canceled over $2.6 billion in federal research funding and has questioned the universitys tax-exempt status. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Initially accusing Harvard of fostering antisemitism, federal officials have expanded their critique to include allegations of political bias and opposition to diversity initiatives in admissions and hiring. (With inputs from Bloomberg) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: July 06, 2025, 22:11 IST BRICS Declaration Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Slams Cross-Border Terrorism Curated By : Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 23:28 IST In a joint statement of its 17th Summit, held in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, the leaders strongly denounced the act of terrorism in all its forms, including the cross-border terrorism PM Modi with fellow BRICS leaders at the Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (X) The BRCIS nations on Sunday unequivocally condemned the April 22s ghastly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals. In a joint statement of its 17th Summit, held in Brazils Rio de Janeiro, the leaders of BRICS blocBrazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates strongly denounced the act of violence and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movements of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens. Recommended Stories We express strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured. We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens," the joint declaration read. The BRICS leaders also called for those responsible for the terror attack to be held accountable and brought to justice. We reiterate that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with relevant national and international law. We urge to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism," the declaration added. We look forward to further deepening counter-terrorism cooperation. We call for an expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework. We call for concerted actions against all UN designated terrorists and terrorist entities," it added. PM Modi On Terrorism Without taking names, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called out western hypocrisy and said condemning terrorism should not simply be a convenience" but a matter of principle". Condemning terrorism should be our principle, not just a convenience. If we first see in which country the attack took place, against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity," Modi said during his speech at the session for Peace and security and reform of global governance. Friends, there should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale. For personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism, supporting terror or terrorists, should not be acceptable under any circumstances. There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism. If we cannot do this, then the question naturally arises whether we are serious about the fight against terrorism or not," he said. 17th BRICS Summit The summit, hosted by Brazil from 6 to 7 July, focused on key global issues ranging from multilateralism and artificial intelligence to climate action, peace and security, and economic resilience. PM Modi exchanged views with other leaders on all these matters during the summit sessions. BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded in 2010 with the inclusion of South Africa. In a major development in 2024, the group extended membership to six additional countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Pahalgam Terror Attack top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage. India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7, bombing nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in pre-dawn strikes that killed at least 100 militants. The operation sparked four days of cross-border fighting involving fighter jets, missiles and artillery. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Location : Brazil First Published: July 06, 2025, 23:28 IST BRICS Declaration Takes A Swipe At Tariffs, Criticises Iran Strikes Without Naming US, Israel Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 23:27 IST Iran received support from BRICS at the Rio summit, condemning air strikes on Iranian facilities. BRICS leaders also criticized Trump's damaging tariff policies. News18 Iran on Sunday gained diplomatic support from BRICS nations at their summit in Rio de Janeiro, with the bloc strongly condemning recent air strikes on Iranian military, nuclear and other facilities. In their joint declaration, BRICS leaders stated, We condemn the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025, which constitute a violation of international law." Recommended Stories While the statement did not mention the United States or Israel directly, it was widely understood to be a reference to their actions. The 11-member BRICS grouping, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and newly added members such as Iran, expressed concern over actions they said undermined global peace and international norms. The declaration marks a diplomatic win for Tehran, which has seen little backing from the region or the international community following a 12-day bombing campaign by Israel, ending with US airstrikes on Irans nuclear sites in Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. Voices Serious Concern On Trumps Tariff The summit also addressed economic concerns, with BRICS leaders criticising US President Donald Trumps tariff policies. They said such unilateral decisions were damaging the global economy and disrupting trade. We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules," the declaration said, referring to the World Trade Organization. The BRICS bloc, which accounts for nearly half of the worlds population and about 40 percent of global economic output, has often been divided on various issues. However, it found common ground in pushing back against what it sees as unpredictable and harmful trade policies from the US. The declaration described the US tariffs as illegal and arbitrary," warning that such measures could further reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty into international economic and trade activities." Earlier in April, President Trump threatened a fresh round of import duties targeting both allies and competitors, although he later backed off following a negative reaction from the markets. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Still, he has warned that unless trade deals" are struck by 1 August, unilateral tariffs will be imposed once again. (With inputs from AFP) 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 : Brazil First Published: July 06, 2025, 23:20 IST China Ran Campaign To Damage Rafale's Image After India-Pakistan Conflict: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 20:59 IST India used Rafales during the May conflict with Pakistan, which was one of the most serious military exchanges between the two nuclear neighbours in years This photograph shows mock ups of Rafale fighter jets during the 55th edition of the International Paris Air Show. (AFP file photo) China orchestrated a campaign, using its embassies, to damage the reputation and sales of the French-made Rafale fighter jet following its combat debut during Indias May clashes with Pakistan, according to French intelligence officials. As per the findings from a French intelligence service seen by the Associated Press, defence attaches at various Chinese embassies actively cast doubt upon the Rafales combat performance. Their goal, officials say, was to convince existing buyers, such as Indonesia, not to buy more, and to persuade other potential customers to choose Chinese-made alternatives Recommended Stories The Rafale, built by Dassault Aviation, is a key part of Frances defence exports. It has been sold to eight countries and plays a major role in Frances military partnerships, especially in Asia, where China is growing in influence. India used Rafales during the May conflict with Pakistan, which was one of the most serious military exchanges between the two nuclear neighbours in years. Pakistan later claimed it had downed five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales. India acknowledged losses but didnt confirm the numbers. French Air Force Chief Gen. Jerome Bellanger said available evidence shows three Indian aircraft were lost: one Rafale, one Russian Sukhoi and one Mirage 2000, another French jet. It marked the first known combat loss of a Rafale. Following the clash, countries that operate Rafales began raising questions about the jets combat performance. French officials say that a disinformation campaignlinked to both China and Pakistanspread quickly online. This included fake videos, AI-generated content, and even video game footage made to look like real combat. Thousands of new social media accounts pushed the message that Chinese military technology was superior. French officials have not directly linked the online efforts to the Chinese government. However, French intelligence says Chinese embassy staff echoed the same narrative during meetings with defence officials in other countries, including those considering Rafale purchases. Beijing denied the allegations. Chinas defence ministry said the claims were groundless rumours and slander," insisting it maintains a responsible policy on arms exports. Frances Defence Ministry responded by saying that Rafale was the target of a vast campaign of disinformation." The ministry added that the attack was not just against an aircraft but aimed at undermining Frances defence credibility and industrial strength. Dassault has sold 533 Rafales globally, with 323 of them going to countries such as Egypt, India, the UAE, Greece, and Indonesia. Indonesia, which has already ordered 42 jets, is reportedly considering more. Experts say Chinas goal may be to weaken Frances growing security ties in Asia. According to Justin Bronk, a military analyst at the Royal United Services Institute in London, the campaign was likely designed to limit Western influence in the Indo-Pacific and promote Chinas defence industry instead. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all They certainly saw an opportunity to damage French sales prospects in the region," Bronk said. (With inputs from AP) 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 06, 2025, 20:59 IST Dalai Lama Turns 90, Vows To Keep Defying China For Years Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 08:13 IST Warm wishes poured in from leaders and followers of Dalai Lama as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists turned 90 on July 6. Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935. The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, turns 90 on Sunday after a week of celebrations by followers during which he riled China again and spoke about his hope to live beyond 130 and reincarnate after dying. The Nobel laureate is regarded as one of the worlds most influential religious leaders, with a following that extends well beyond Buddhism, but not by Beijing which calls him a separatist and has sought to bring the faith under its control. Recommended Stories Fleeing his native Tibet in 1959 in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule, the 14th Dalai Lama along with hundreds of thousands of Tibetans took shelter in India and has since advocated for a peaceful "Middle Way" to seek autonomy and religious freedom for Tibetan people. Thousands of followers from around the world, celebrities, and officials from the United States and India, will attend his birthday celebrations in Dharamshala, the small Indian town in the foothills of the Himalayas where the Dalai Lama lives. During the celebrations, which will include cultural performances and remarks by long-time follower and Hollywood star Richard Gere as well as federal Indian ministers, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to deliver a speech. The preceding week of celebrations was particularly important for Tibetan Buddhists as the Dalai Lama had previously mentioned that he would speak about his succession at his 90th birthday. On Wednesday, he allayed their concerns about the future of the institution of the Dalai Lama by saying that he would reincarnate as the leader of the faith upon his death and that his non-profit institution, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, had the sole authority to recognise his successor. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all China has said that the succession will have to be approved by its leaders. The United States, which is seeking to counter the rise of China, has called on Beijing to cease what it describes as interference in the succession of the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan Buddhist lamas. First Published: July 06, 2025, 08:13 IST Elon Musk Launches New Political Party In US Amid Trump Feud: 'To Give Back Your...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 06:03 IST Elon Musk, former ally of Donald Trump, launched the America Party to challenge "one-party system" in the US Elon Musk (Image Credit: Reuters) After a public fallout with his once-close friend, US President Donald Trump, Elon Musk launched a new political party in the United States to challenge what the tech billionaire described as the countrys one-party system." The worlds richest person and Trumps biggest political donor in the 2024 election had a bitter falling out with the president over his One Big Beautiful Bill", which he dubbed as disgusting abomination". Recommended Stories In a post on X, the Space X and Tesla boss said: When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy." Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom," he wrote on X, the social media platform that he owns. In another post, the billionaire said, The way were going to crack the uniparty system is by using a variant of how Epaminondas shattered the myth of Spartan invincibility at Leuctra: Extremely concentrated force at a precise location on the battlefield." When a netizen asked if he would contest the 2026 mid-term elections or the Presidential polls in 2028, Musk replied: Next Year". Next year Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 5, 2025 Musk cited a poll uploaded on Friday, US Independence Day in which he asked whether respondents want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system" that has dominated US politics for some two centuries. The yes-or-no survey earned more than 1.2 million responses. By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!" he posted on Saturday. Musk also shared a meme depicting a two-headed snake and the caption End the Uniparty." Laser-focus on vulnerable lawmakers. By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom. https://t.co/9K8AD04QQN Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 5, 2025 Elon Musk-Donald Trump Feud Trump earlier this week threatened to cut off the billions of dollars in subsidies that Musks companies receive from the federal government and threatened to deport the SpaceX boss from the US. Musk had said previously that he would start a new political party and spend money to unseat lawmakers who supported the bill. Musk, who led the Republicans effort to slash spending and cut federal jobs as head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), clashed with Trump over the presidents massive domestic spending plan, saying it would explode the US debt, and vowed to do everything in his power to defeat lawmakers who voted for it. Musk expressed fierce opposition to the legislationwhich eventually passed Congress, and ruthlessly attacked its Republican backers for supporting debt slavery." He had earlier vowed to launch a new political party to challenge lawmakers who campaigned on reduced federal spending only to vote for the bill, which experts say will pile an extra $3.4 trillion over a decade onto the US deficit. They will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth," Musk said earlier this week. On Friday after posting the poll, Musk laid out a possible political battle plan to pick off vulnerable House and Senate seats and become the deciding vote" on key legislation. One way to execute on this would be to laser-focus on just 2 or 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House districts," Musk posted on X. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all All 435 US House seats are up for grabs every two years, while about one-third of the Senates 100 members, who serve six-year terms, are elected every two years. (with inputs from agencies) About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: July 06, 2025, 05:00 IST 'Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza Concerning, India Believes Peace Is The Way': PM Modi At BRICS Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 22:43 IST While addressing the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, PM Modi said that said that from West Asia to Europe, the world today is surrounded by conflicts and tensions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a session during the 17th annual BRICS Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (PMO via PTI Photo) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis due to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and reaffirmed that peace is the only viable option for the good of humanity. While addressing the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazils Rio de Janeiro, the Indian primer said that said that from West Asia to Europe, the world at present is surrounded by conflicts and tensions. Recommended Stories Citing the degrading humanitarian situation in Gaza as a matter of serious concern, PM Modi said peace isnt just a virtue, its infrastructure for global progress. He further said that India believes for the sake of humanity peace is the only path. India, being the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha believes that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, the path of peace is the best option for the welfare of humanity. And, India will do everything possible in this direction," he said. At the Session on Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance during the BRICS Summit, reiterated Indias commitment to the values of peace and brotherhood. Afterall, world peace and security are the foundations of our shared interests and future. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025 He further called upon global peace and security saying that these are the foundation of the shared interests and the common future. Humanity can only truly progress in a peaceful and secure environment," he added. The Prime Minister also emphasised that the BRICS group has a very important role to play in achieving the goal of global peace. To face our shared challenges, we must unite and act collectively we must move forward together. India supports every effort that can steer the world away from division and conflict, and toward dialogue, cooperation, coordination, and strengthened trust. In this direction, we are committed to working together with all our partner countries through collaboration and partnership," he added. BRICS Summit The summit, hosted by Brazil from 6 to 7 July, focused on key global issues ranging from multilateralism and artificial intelligence to climate action, peace and security, and economic resilience. PM Modi exchanged views with other leaders on all these matters during the summit sessions. BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded in 2010 with the inclusion of South Africa. In a major development in 2024, the group extended membership to six additional countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia is also expected to formally join the bloc soon, following a unanimous decision made at the 2023 BRICS Summit. Notably, BRICS unites eleven major emerging economies, collectively accounting for approximately 49.5 per cent of the global population, about 40 per cent of the worlds GDP, and nearly 26 per cent of global trade. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis The Gaza Strip is in the throes of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, marked by widespread displacement, severe food insecurity, and a near-total collapse of essential services due to the Israel-Hamas war which began in October 2023. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all At least 6178 Palestinians were killed held in Gaza City and southern Gaza amid intense Israeli strikes on Saturday and Sunday. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, and hundreds of aid-seekers have died in stampedes and shootings at aid distribution pointsover 600 fatalities and 4,200 injuries since late May. A strict Israeli blockade since March has cut off nearly all food, fuel, water, and medical supplies. Fuel shortages have shut down hospitals, water treatment plants, dialysis services, and sanitation facilities. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Location : Brazil First Published: July 06, 2025, 22:43 IST Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei Makes First Public Appearance Since Israel War Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 06:30 IST State television footage showed Khamenei greeting worshippers at the Imam Khomeini Mosque in central Tehran during a ceremony held on the eve of Ashura Having been in power since 1989 and possessing the final say on all state matters, Khamenei had not been seen in public since before Israel launched a series of unexpected air strikes on June 13. (File image: AFP) Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made his first public appearance since the onset of his countrys conflict with Israel, as reported by state media. This notable emergence on Saturday, July 5, marks a return to public visibility for the 86-year-old leader, whose absence had been observed amid increasing regional tensions. State television footage showed Khamenei greeting worshippers at the Imam Khomeini Mosque in central Tehran during a ceremony held on the eve of Ashura, a deeply significant Shia festival. Khamenei was shown on stage, dressed in black, while the crowd, with raised fists, chanted slogans such as The blood in our veins for our leader!" Recommended Stories The moment when the Leader of the Islamic Revolution entered the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah to attend the fourth night of mourning ceremonies on eve of Ashura, July 5, 2025. pic.twitter.com/Y3WLQAppfe Khamenei Media (@Khamenei_m) July 5, 2025 Having been in power since 1989 and possessing the final say on all state matters, Khamenei had not been seen in public since before Israel launched a series of unexpected air strikes on June 13. His last recorded public engagement before the conflict was a meeting with parliament members two days prior to the Israeli strikes. Although he had released a pre-recorded video statement last week, in which he claimed Tehran had delivered a slap to Americas face" by striking a US airbase in Qatar and warned against further attacks, this was his first live public appearance since the 12-day conflict began. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The timing of his reappearance is particularly symbolic, coinciding with the solemn observances of Muharram and the eve of Ashura. Ashura, observed on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram (falling on Sunday, July 6), commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a revered figure in Shia Islam. This period is characterised by deep mourning, religious ceremonies, and public processions, making it a crucial time for religious and political messaging in Iran. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: July 06, 2025, 06:30 IST Israeli officials will head to Qatar on Sunday for ceasefire talks with Hamas despite the "unacceptable" changes the terrorist group made to the U.S.-arranged Gaza ceasefire proposal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced. Israel had been weighing whether to proceed with the indirect talks earlier on Saturday after Hamas gave a "positive" response to the 60-day ceasefire proposal on July 4. In a statement posted on X following those deliberations, Netanyahu's office blasted Hamas's changes to the proposal but said the Israeli negotiating team will head to Qatar regardless. "The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel. 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 negotiating team will leave tomorrow (Sunday) for the talks in Qatar," the statement said. Israel's decision to proceed with the negotiating process comes just before Netanyahu is set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, a meeting where Trump is hoping to announce a ceasefire deal. Featured Local Savings Trump has already indicated that he will be "very firm" with Netanyahu on the need for an end to Israel's war against Hamas, which has been ongoing for nearly two years and has seen only two temporary stoppages to the fighting that began in October 2023. WHERE THE CEASEFIRE NEGOTIATIONS STAND AHEAD OF TRUMP-NETANYAHU MEETING The ceasefire proposal this time originally called for the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. In its response, however, Hamas wants Israel to bend on three issues to reach an agreement, including how aid would enter Gaza during a truce, how far Israeli troops would retreat during the temporary peace, and language directed at a willingness to end the war permanently. Japan Heading Towards Disaster? 1000 Quakes Rock Tokara Islands; Tokyo Warns Of More Tremors Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 09:52 IST As the tremors shook southern Japan, social media users have revived interest in the comic, looking for clues or potential predictions about future quakes. Akuseki Island in Japan (Credits: X) Japan is witnessing earthquakes, with the government warning of more possible jolts in waters southwest of its main islands on Saturday after a 5.4-magnitude quake shook the area again on Saturday. The authorities have urged all 89 residents of Akuseki Island, a small island in the countrys south, to evacuate following a strong earthquake on Thursday. Recommended Stories The quake is the latest in a series of over 1,000 tremors that have recently struck the region. While the quakes already raised concerns among the residents, rumours sparked on social media platforms from interpretations of a 1999 comic book titled The Future I Saw" by Ryo Tatsuki, a self-proclaimed clairvoyant. The comic contains a series of handwritten predictions based on her dreams, many of which she claims came true. Earthquakes And The Manga Connection In recent years, The Future I Saw has gone viral in Japan and abroad for seemingly predicting the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that devastated Fukushima. In the manga, Ryo Tatsuki mentioned a major disaster striking on March 11the exact date of the 2011 event. Now, amid the recent tremors in southern Japan, social media users have revived interest in the comic, looking for clues or potential predictions about future quakes. Some claim that the manga warns of increased seismic activity around 2025, which has further intensified public attention to Japans current quake clusters. Authorities Ask Not To Believe In Rumours Amid the buzz over the book and the predictions, Japans government urged the public not to believe unfounded predictions of a major disaster. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all With our current scientific knowledge, its difficult to predict the exact time, place or scale of an earthquake," said Ayataka Ebita, director of the Japan Meteorological Agencys earthquake and tsunami monitoring division. We ask that people base their understanding on scientific evidence," Ebita told a press conference. First Published: July 06, 2025, 09:52 IST Neuralinks, Boring Tunnels And Now A Political Party: A Look at Elon Musks Business Galaxy Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 17:24 IST Elon Musk has launched the America Party to challenge the US "one-party system." He aims to fight wasteful spending and deepen his involvement in public life. Elon Musk looks on during a news conference with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. (File photo via AFP) Elon Musk, the worlds richest person, has officially launched a new political party in the United States, adding politics to his already wide-ranging list of ventures. Musk announced the creation of the America Party on Saturday, saying it would challenge what he described as the countrys one-party system." The move comes after Musks public fallout with US President Donald Trump, who he once supported and even served under as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Recommended Stories The tech billionaire had criticised Trumps flagship spending bill, warning they would deepen the national debt, and has vowed to fight lawmakers who backed the budget. When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy," he shared on X, the social media platform he owns. Now with his own political party, Musk is moving further into public life, while still running or holding key roles in some of the most high-profile tech companies in the world. Companies That Elon Musk Currently Owns Tesla, CEO: Musk joined the electric car company in 2004, investing $6.5 million to become its largest shareholder. Tesla is now worth more than $770 billion and also develops solar panels and energy storage systems. SpaceX, CEO, Chairman, CTO: Founded in 2002 with $100 million of his own money, SpaceX builds rockets and offers satellite internet through its Starlink network. The company is valued at around $150 billion. X (formerly Twitter), Chairman, CTO: Musk bought the social media platform in 2022 for $44 billion. He later rebranded it as X and stepped down as CEO in 2023. The platform is now worth about $15 billion. xAI, Founder: Launched in 2023, xAI is Musks response to OpenAI and aims to build artificial intelligence that aligns with human values. Neuralink, Founder: Started in 2016, Neuralink is developing brain-computer implants to help treat neurological conditions. Its valued at $5 billion. The Boring Company, Founder: Founded in 2016, the company builds underground tunnels to help reduce surface traffic. Its valued at around $5.7 billion. Starlink, Part of SpaceX: Starlink offers satellite-based internet access and is part of Musks goal to provide global broadband coverage. Musk Foundation, President: This non-profit supports causes such as clean energy, childrens health and education, and safe AI. It had $9.4 billion in assets as of 2021. Companies Musk Helped Start But No Longer Runs top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Zip2: Musk co-founded the online city guide in 1995 but was removed as CEO. It was sold in 1999 for $307 million. PayPal (originally X.com): Founded in 1999, X.com became PayPal after a merger. Musk was pushed out as CEO in 2000. PayPal was sold to eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion. SolarCity: Founded by Musks cousins in 2006, SolarCity sold solar power systems. Musk served as chairman and invested $10 million. It was acquired by Tesla in 2016 for $2.6 billion. OpenAI: Musk co-founded the AI research group in 2015 but left the board in 2018. He has since criticised its direction and launched his own rival, xAI. ALSO READ: Elon Musks American Party To Contest 2028 US Polls? SpaceX Boss Says Next About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: July 06, 2025, 17:24 IST 15 Children Among 43 Dead As Flash Floods Wreak Havoc In Texas; PM Modi Condoles Deaths Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 07:21 IST Search is also underway for 27 girls who went missing after flash floods hit their summer camp. PM Modi has condoled the deaths in the disaster in Texas. Texas flash floods: 43 people dead in disaster (AP Image) At least 43 people, including 15 children, were killed in the Texas floods, which continue to wreak havoc in Kerr County, officials said on Saturday (local time). The rescue teams searched through a badly damaged area in central Texas, as they looked for survivors among the wreckage of broken trees, flipped cars, and muddy debris. Their search focused on finding 27 girls who went missing after a flash flood struck their summer camp. Recommended Stories The floods took place all of a sudden when a storm lashed up to 15 inches of rain around the Guadalupe River an amount typically seen over several months but came down just in a few hours. The disaster unfolded on Friday morning as the downpour was much heavier than what was expected, causing a sharp rise in the river to 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes. This swept away homes and cars in devastating damage to property. The threat was not over, as heavy rain continued to come down in areas near San Antonio on Saturday, while flash flood warnings and alerts were still in place. US Secretary for Homeland Security Kristi Noem said that the moderate" flood warning issued by the National Weather Service the day before did not predict the intensity of the rain correctly, adding that the Trump administration was working to improve the warning system. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the loss of lives in Texas. Deeply saddened to learn about the loss of lives, especially children in the devastating floods in Texas. Our condolences to the US Government and the bereaved families," he posted on X. Deeply saddened to learn about loss of lives, especially children in the devastating floods in Texas. Our condolences to the US Government and the bereaved families. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 5, 2025 Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said that 43 bodies had been recovered so far in the Hill Country, which included 28 adults and 15 children, news agency AP reported. At least three people died and 10 others were missing in Travis County, where the state capital is located. One more person was confirmed dead in Kendall County, and two people died in Burnet County. In Burnet, a firefighter also went missing after being swept away by floodwaters while trying to help in a rescue, according to county emergency official Derek Marchio. Authorities used helicopters, boats, and drones to search for the missing people and rescue those stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Over 850 people had been rescued so far, news agency Reuters reported. (With inputs from agencies) 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 06, 2025, 07:05 IST US Blames Hamas For Attacking 2 American Aid Workers In Gaza: 'Act Of Violence' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 07:36 IST The injured workers were affiliated with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by both the US and Israel. Palestinians carry aid supplies from the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (Image: Reuters) The United States on Saturday accused Hamas of carrying out an attack that injured two American aid workers at a food distribution site in Gaza. The workers were affiliated with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by both the US and Israel. In a statement, the organisation said both individuals were receiving medical treatment and were in stable condition. Recommended Stories The attack, which preliminary information indicates was carried out by two assailants who threw two grenades at the Americans, occurred at the conclusion of an otherwise successful distribution in which thousands of Gazans safely received food," the GHF said. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce attributed the incident to Hamas terrorists." This act of violence against the people actually bringing relief to Gazans lays bare the depravity of Hamas," she said in a post on X. GHF has contributed over 62 MILLION MEALS nothing will stop these courageous aid workers. We are praying for the rapid recovery of the injured Americans," she added. Earlier, the Israeli military accused terrorist organisations" of trying to disrupt aid deliveries in Gaza. GHF began operations in Gaza in May, using private US military contractors to secure its distribution sites. Civilian Deaths Near Aid Sites Gazas health authorities said at least 70 people were killed in the last 24 hours, including 23 near aid distribution locations. The ministry did not provide further details on the circumstances of the deaths. The Israeli military has not commented on the latest figures. On Friday, it said its forces had killed 100 militants over the past week and that it now had operational control" over 65 per cent of the territory, following operations in northern Gaza. On Thursday, the Hamas-run interior ministry urged residents not to approach GHF distribution points, citing safety concerns after recent incidents. The GHF does not coordinate with the United Nations or other traditional aid channels. The UN has criticised the US-based group, saying it lacks neutrality and impartiality. Since Israel lifted an 11-week blockade on aid on May 19, more than 400 Palestinians have been killed while trying to access humanitarian relief, according to the UN. A senior official said most of the deaths occurred near GHF sites. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The conflict escalated in October 2023, after Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. Gazas health ministry says over 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels military response. The war has displaced nearly the entire population, created a hunger crisis, and led to allegations of war crimes and genocide, which Israel denies. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: July 06, 2025, 07:36 IST 'Without Interference': US Has Message For China In Birthday Greetings To Dalai Lama Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 09:48 IST US State Department extended birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama and said that America supports the efforts to preserve Tibetans' ability to freely choose their religious leaders. Dalai Lama 90th birthday: US greets Tibetan leader on birthday (Reuters Image) The United States extended its birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama on Saturday (local time) and voiced support for the Tibetans ability to freely choose their religious leaders without interference", in an apparent message to China. In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed Americas commitment to promoting the fundamental freedom of Tibetans. Recommended Stories The United States extends best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. The Dalai Lama continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace, and compassion," Rubio said in the statement shared by the Department of State. Without naming China, Rubio conveyed a veiled message to the country of the US support for Tibetans cultural and religious freedom, as he said, The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans. We support efforts to preserve Tibetans distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference." This comes in contradiction to Beijings long-standing position on the issue, as China says it holds the right to choose the next Dalai Lama based on old traditions from the time when China was ruled by emperors. China claims historical authority over Tibet and rejects calls for Tibetan independence. Beijing insists that it owns the right to approve the next Dalai Lama, citing traditions from the imperial era, and maintains strict control over the monasteries and religious practices in Tibet to prevent any form of political dissent. China has asked India to exercise caution in its words and actions on Tibet-related issues. India should be clear of the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and honour its commitments on Xizang (Tibet)-related issues," the Chinese foreign ministry said. Chinas remarks had come after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who participated in Dalai Lamas birthday celebration event on Saturday in Dharamshala along with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, said ahead of his visit to the occasion that only Dalai Lama has the organisation set up by him have the authority to identify his successor. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all No one has the right to interfere or decide who the successor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be. Only he or his institution has the authority to make that decision. His followers believe that deeply," he had said. However, Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that the Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion". 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 : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: July 06, 2025, 09:06 IST Yoon In Trouble Again? South Korea Seeks Second Arrest Of Former President Over Coup Plot Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 06, 2025, 16:29 IST The request comes after Yoon was questioned twice by the special counsel, including a nine-hour session over the weekend Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. (AP file photo) South Korean special prosecutors have submitted a new request to detain former President Yoon Suk Yeol, as investigations continue into his declaration of martial law late last year. The request, filed on Sunday with the Seoul Central District Court, comes after Yoon was questioned twice by the special counsel, including a nine-hour session over the weekend. He faces charges including abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and falsifying official documents. Recommended Stories Detention request is related to allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of justice," the prosecutors office said in a statement. Prosecutor Park Ji-young, speaking on behalf of the special counsel, confirmed the detention request and said it related to Yoons alleged attempt to subvert civilian authority on December 3. That day, Yoon deployed armed soldiers to surround the National Assembly and announced a state of martial law. The decree was overturned just six hours later after lawmakers managed to force their way into the assembly buildingsome climbing over wallsand voted to strike it down. Yoon was impeached and formally removed from office in April. The prosecutors also questioned Yoon about a failed arrest attempt in January and allegations that he had authorised drones to fly toward Pyongyang in order to justify the emergency declaration. The special counsel claims these actions were part of a wider plan to bypass democratic rule. Yoons legal team has strongly rejected the charges and criticised the arrest warrant request as unjustified. We have thoroughly refuted the allegations and demonstrated that, as a matter of law, no crime can be established," they said in a statement. The special counsel failed to present any objective evidence during the investigation, and even based on witness testimony, the charges do not hold." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A previous request to detain Yoon was dismissed by the court last week after he initially refused to appear for questioning. Since then, he has reportedly agreed to cooperate with further summons. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : South Korea First Published: July 06, 2025, 16:29 IST A decade-long battle over the control of the Apostolic Faith Mission of Africa (AFMA) properties has taken a dramatic turn after the High Court overturned a decree of perpetual silence that had effectively gagged one of the rival leaders, Reverend Clement Nyathi, further reigniting the leadership dispute. The latest ruling clears the way for Rev Nyathi to pursue fresh legal action against a rival camp led by Reverend Rosewell Zulu, which controls the churchs assets. The AFMA, one of Zimbabwes oldest indigenous churches, founded in 1955 by the late Reverend Morgan Sengwayo, before it was later rocked by endless divisions, resulting in several splinter groups has been entangled in a bitter leadership dispute since 2014. The wrangle centres on the rightful leadership and ownership of church properties, particularly following the death of Rev Philemon Sibanda in 2008, who had led a breakaway from the original Apostolic Faith Church of Portland Oregon, to form FMA in Bulawayos Lobengula Extension suburb. Last Tuesday, Harare High Court judge, Justice Never Katiyo ruled that a previous judgment by the late Justice Clement Phiri had erroneously applied a perpetual silence order, which was originally issued by former Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Thompson Mabhikwa, to Rev Nyathi, who was not among those barred from litigation in that original case. The ruling under case number HC 2406/19 had mistakenly extended the gag order, originally granted under HB 189/18, to Rev Nyathi, whose lawyers, Kossam Ncube and Partners, challenged the order, arguing that it constituted a breach of constitutional rights and due process. According to court papers, the trustees for the time being of the AFM, Reverends Zulu, Patson Hlabangana, Herbert Keleb Yalala, Clever Membere and Chirilele Mugoyana and the AFMA judgment, were cited as respondents. Justice Katiyo ruled that perpetual silence orders are exceptional remedies that must be reserved for parties with a demonstrable history of vexatious litigation. The decree of perpetual silence is not to be granted lightly. It must be limited to litigants whose conduct has consistently undermined judicial processes. That threshold was not met in Rev Nyathis case, he said. Justice Katiyo noted that Rev Nyathis urgent application before Justice Phiri was merely a bid to stay execution of a prior judgment and did not amount to vexatious or frivolous litigation. He further noted that such relief must be granted only against identified parties based on a proven track record of abuse. It was thus erroneous for Justice Phiri to extend the operation of HB 189/18 to the applicant in HC 2406/19. The applicants urgent application before Justice Phiri was merely seeking a stay of execution, and no counterclaim or conduct was demonstrated therein to justify a decree of perpetual silence against him, said Justice Katiyo. Judicial caution must be exercised before sanctioning such relief. As per the principles, repeated and persistent litigation on the same cause of action involving the same parties may justify intervention. However, that standard was not met by the applicant in HC 2406/19. Justice Katiyo ruled that the judgment by Justice Phiri had conflated Rev Nyathi with parties originally interdicted by Justice Mabhikwa, such as Claudius Manamela and Rev Zulu among others. Citing Rule 29(1)(a) of the High Court Rules, 2021, which permits rescission of judgments granted in error, Justice Katiyo declared Justice Phiris ruling a classic example of procedural injustice. Justice Katiyo said the decree of perpetual silence granted by Justice Phiri in HC 2406/19 against Rev Nyathi was founded on a mistaken interpretation and application of Justice Mabhikwas order in HB 189/18. Accordingly, it is ordered that the decree of perpetual silence granted against Reverend Clement Nyathi in HC 2406/19 be and is hereby set aside. It is declared that the order granted by Justice Mabhikwa in HB 189/18 does not apply to Reverend Clement Nyathi, he said. Justice Katiyo said his ruling clears Rev Nyathi to relaunch legal proceedings. The applicant is granted leave to sue the respondents in this or any competent court without the requirement to first obtain leave of the High Court. There shall be no order as to costs, he said. Rev Nyathi had long argued that he was unfairly barred from accessing the courts, resulting in prejudice and a constitutional violation. His lawyers maintained that in the original case, he was merely cited as a respondent and was not among those prohibited from initiating court proceedings. Despite this, Justice Phiri in HC 2406/19 made an order barring Reverend Nyathi from instituting legal proceedings without prior leave of the High Court, purporting to be guided by the earlier judgment in HB 189/18, argued the lawyers. The legal dispute stems from ongoing factionalism within AFMA, with frequent court battles over church leadership, control of assets and doctrinal authority. Rev Nyathi accuses his rivals of seizing church leadership and properties shortly after the death of Rev Sibanda. Sunday News Maryland officials from Prince Georges County have pledged to fight the Trump administrations decision to keep the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. The FBI announced its new headquarters will be moved to the Ronald Reagan Building complex in Washington, D.C., in a press release on July 1. The headquarters had planned to move to Greenbelt, Maryland, where a building was going to be constructed specially for it. However, President Donald Trump vetoed the order issued by the Biden administration in 2023, citing the high costs of the construction project that would fall on taxpayers. Maryland leaders objected to the move, claiming the new headquarters in Maryland would have helped the area and its local businesses. We won it fair and square, said Prince Georges County Executive Aisha Braveboy, reported by NBC4 Washington. We intend to use every resource and strategy in order to continue to advocate for the headquarters moving here to Prince George's County. Leaders frustration can also be attributed to their more than decade-long effort to see the headquarters relocated to Maryland, as well as having to put other projects on hold in anticipation of the relocation. Featured Local Savings Why even have a process if it can be blown up at the last minute and somebody else can arbitrarily assign it another site? said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) to NBC4 Washington. The Trump administration stands by its decision, as does FBI Director Kash Patel. 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, said Patel in the press release. FBI WITHHELD 2020 CHINA INVESTIGATION TO AVOID CONTRADICTING WRAY, RECORDS SHOW Stephen Ehikian, acting Administrator for the General Services Administration, also endorses the move to the Reagan building. I am proud of the GSAs commitment to working with Director Patel and his FBI team to find a building that best supports their mission and their people, he said. In the meantime, Maryland leaders plan to do everything they can to stop the relocation to the Reagan building, arguing that Congress still needs to approve the move. The Himalayan village of Samjung didn't die in a day. Perched in a valley in Nepal's Upper Mustang region, more than 13,000 feet above sea level, the Buddhist village lived by slow, deliberate rhythms, harvesting barley and herding yaks and sheep. Then the water dried up. Snow-capped mountains turned barren as, year after year, snowfall declined. Springs and canals vanished, and when it did rain, the water came all at once, flooding fields and ruining mud homes. Families left one by one, leaving the skeletal remains of a community transformed by climate change. More from the AP: Changing climate: The Hindu Kush and Himalayan mountains hold more ice than anywhere outside the Arctic and Antarctic. Their glaciers feed major rivers that support 240 million people in the mountains, and 1.65 billion more downstream. Such high-altitude areas are warming faster than the lowlands. Glaciers are retreating and permafrost areas are thawing as snowfall becomes scarcer. A deal is nearly in place for an American company to acquire the US operations of TikTok, President Trump said, adding that he expects to bring China into the talks this week. Speaking to reporters Friday night on Air Force One, Trump stated that talks with China to approve the agreement will likely begin Monday or Tuesday, the New York Times reports. "We think we probably have to get it approved by China. Not definitely, but probably," he said, adding that the deal would be "good for China, and it's good for us." Trump did not identify the potential buyer. Earlier last week, he mentioned that a buyer had been found for the US branch of the wildly popular Chinese-owned video app, which faces a potential ban over national security concerns. Under a 2024 law, TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance must sell the US business to a non-Chinese firm or face a ban prompted by fears that Americans' data could be accessed by China's government. It remains unclear if the tentative deal meets Congress' conditions, especially regarding whether ByteDance will share TikTok's algorithm with new US owners. Some private equity firms have been reluctant to get involved without assurances against future legal or regulatory trouble. The president also said he might visit China to meet with Xi Jinping, per the Guardian, or the Chinese leader may visit the US. Trump has not enforced the bipartisan law mandating a ban, which was upheld by the Supreme Court. After taking office, he ordered the Justice Department to halt enforcement and has continued to extend that pause. Attorney General Pam Bondi has told tech firms the president believes he has the constitutional authority to set aside the law for now. Long thought lost in the chaos of World War II, a 316-year-old Stradivarius violin may have resurfaced in Japansparking a modern-day mystery of identity, ownership, and cultural heritage. The violin, made by Antonio Stradivari in 1709 and known as the Mendelssohn, was placed in a Berlin bank by the Mendelssohn-Bohnke family as Nazi Germany went after Jewish assets. After the war, the violin vanished, the New York Times reports, presumed lost or destroyed. For decades, the family searched in vain. Recently, cultural property scholar Carla Shapreau spotted photos from a 2018 Tokyo exhibition that showed a violin called the Stella, dated 1707 but with distinctive features matching the Mendelssohn. Experts compared wear marks and concluded the two instruments are likely the same. Tracing the violin's path, Shapreau found records pointing to Japanese violinist Eijin Nimura, who acquired the instrument around 2005. Nimura's lawyer insists he bought it in good faith and denies any wrongdoing, saying Nimura has no obligation to the Mendelssohn heirs. The provenance remains murky, with conflicting accounts about how the violin traveled from Berlin to postwar Europe, then into the hands of dealers before being sold to Nimura. The case highlights the shadowy world of rare instrument sales, where provenance is often unclear and sometimes intentionally altered, per the Times. The Mendelssohn-Bohnke family wants to negotiate with Nimura, but so far, there's no agreement. "The fact that it has been discovered after all this time really shakes us up," said David Rosenthal, a family member. "The violin is part of us. Music is part and parcel of our family. We just want a resolution." Russia and Ukraine struck each other with hundreds of drones on Sunday, throwing Russian air travel in disarray, days after Moscow launched its largest aerial assault in the more than three-year-old war. Photos circulating on social media showed crowds huddling at Russian airports including key international hubs in Moscow and St. Petersburg, as hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled due to Ukrainian drone strikes on Saturday and overnight, according to Russia's Transport Ministry. The flight disruptions hit Moscow's Sheremetyevo and St. Petersburg's main Pulkovo airports. Other airports in western and central Russia also faced disruptions, the AP reports. Russian air defenses shot down 120 Ukrainian drones during the nighttime attacks, and 39 more before 2pm Sunday Moscow time, Russia's Defense Ministry said. It did not clarify how many had hit targets, or how many had been launched in total. Early Sunday, Ukrainian drones injured two civilians in Russia's Belgorod region near the border, the governor said. The Ukrainian attacks followed Russia's pummeling of Kyiv with waves of drones and missiles overnight into Friday, in what Ukrainian officials called the largest such strike since Moscow's all-out invasion. The barrages have coincided with a concerted Russian effort to break through parts of the roughly 620-mile front line, where Ukrainian troops are under severe pressure. Large-scale Russian drone strikes on Sunday injured three civilians in Kyiv and at least two in Kharkiv in the northeast, officials said. A large Russian attack involving Shahed drones targeted port infrastructure in Mykolaiv in central Ukraine, according to Gov. Vitaliy Kim. He reported warehouses and the port's power grid were damaged but said there were no casualties, per the AP. Hours later, Russia launched a glide bomb and a drone at the front-line town of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine, killing four civilians and injuring a fifth, the prosecutor's office said. The drone struck a car in which a married couple were traveling, killing the 39-year-old woman and 40-year-old man on the spot, it said. Crew members aboard a Liberian-flagged ship set ablaze by a series of attacks in the Red Sea abandoned the vessel Sunday night as it took on water, marking the first serious assault in the vital corridor for trade after a monthslong campaign by Yemen's Houthi rebels there. Suspicion for the attack on the Greek-owned bulk carrier Magic Seas immediately fell on the Houthis, particularly as a security firm said it appeared bomb-carrying drone boats hit the ship after it was targeted by small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. The rebels' media reported on the attack but did not claim it, the AP reports. It can be hours or even days before they acknowledge an assault. 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 Overcast with rain showers at times. Low 54F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. President Donald Trump said he signed a major disaster declaration for central Texas following devastating flooding that has killed dozens of people, including children. "I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing," Trump said in a post to his Truth Social platform. He said the administration, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is working alongside state and local officials. At least 59 people, including 21 children, died in Kerr County, Texas, after the area saw nearly a foot of rain Friday. Eleven children at an all-girls Christian summer camp called Camp Mystic, which is located along the Guadalupe River, remain missing. Officials have said that the mission remains a search and rescue effort, not a recovery effort. Featured Local Savings We extend our sincerest condolences and prayers for every single family affected by this tragedy, and we continue to work around the clock and reunite these families, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said Sunday morning. We will continue to search. Our search efforts until everybody is found. TEXAS SUMMER CAMP GIRLS REMAIN UNACCOUNTED FOR AFTER DEVASTATING FLOODS, OFFICIALS SAY Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX), who represents a San Antonio district, said he was heartened to see people coming together in the face of tragedy. I think people are coming together, he said in an interview on CNN. Theyre rallying to support the community and the families who have lost loved ones. Its been very heartening, I know, for everyone to see all the donations and the support thats come in, but just a complete tragedy. Jul 06 (TabiEats) - Ever been to Sushiro, Japans beloved conveyor belt sushi chain? Most people go for the classic tuna, salmon, or shrimp but today, were doing something different. Were trying the most unusual, unexpected, and non-traditional sushi we could find at Sushiro! From corn tempura to hamburg steak sushi, were ordering the things we normally skip and you might be surprised at how some of them actually taste. Two American aid workers were injured on Saturday following a grenade attack perpetrated by Hamas on a Gaza aid distribution site. The U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which distributes aid to Palestinians in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war, said two of its workers, both American veterans, were injured after two "assailants" threw Iranian-made grenades at them while stationed at the GHF's aid site in Khan Younis. The two aid workers were in stable condition as of this morning and were treated with non-life-threatening injuries. "GHF has repeatedly warned of credible threats from Hamas, including explicit plans to target American personnel, Palestinian aid workers, and the civilians who rely on our sites for food. Todays attack tragically affirms those warnings," the organization said in a statement. The attack was condemned by both U.S. and Israeli officials on Saturday afternoon. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said the targeting of the aid workers "lays bare the depravity of Hamas." "This morning, Hamas terrorists attacked a GHF distribution site, injuring two Americans. This act of violence against the people actually bringing relief to Gazans lays bare the depravity of Hamas. GHF has contributed over 62 MILLION MEALS nothing will stop these courageous aid workers. We are praying for the rapid recovery of the injured Americans," Bruce posted on X. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack "reveals the brutality of Hamas" and called on the United Nations to "stop opposing the activity" of the GHF and instead work together to supply aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Featured Local Savings "I would like to send my best wishes for a speedy recovery to the employees of the American aid foundation, who were wounded in the terrorist incident that was perpetrated by Hamas terrorists at the food distribution facility. The foundation employees are doing important work and I thank them and President Trump for the aid. The entire world needs to stand up and condemn the severe incident, which again reveals the brutality of Hamas. The UN must stop opposing the activity of the aid foundation and act in concert so that the latter might continue to safely act on behalf of the residents of the Gaza Strip," Netanyahu posted on X. The GHF began distributing aid in Gaza in late May, using a different approach than Hamas by supplying aid directly to Palestinians. The traditional aid distribution method in Gaza saw aid flow through Hamas, which has been scrutinized for keeping supplies from civilians or charging them to obtain the goods. In a July update on its aid efforts, the GHF said it has distributed nearly 58 million meals in a little over five weeks. ISRAELI OFFICIALS TO MEET WITH HAMAS IN QATAR FOR CEASEFIRE TALKS The organization pledged to continue its efforts despite the violent attack over the weekend. "Despite this violence, GHF remains fully committed to its mission: feeding the people of Gaza safely, directly, and at scale," GHF posted on X. In this video, we explore the amazing dinosaur-themed spots around Fukui Station, one of the most unique train stations in Japan! From life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that roar and move, to dinosaur benches, murals, and even clocks it feels like stepping into a mini Jurassic Park right in the city center! 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of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Mount Evans rebirth as Mount Blue Sky was an especially glaring example of political pandering that overruled reason and disregarded history. A scooter driver died in a crash early Sunday shortly after a police officer terminated an unsuccessful pursuit of the driver in Middlesex County. A Perth Amboy police lieutenant attempted to stop three individuals who were operating motorized scooters near State Street and High Street at 12:05 a.m., the state Attorney Generals Office said in a statement. Two of the three scooter drivers continued driving and left the area, while the third pulled over on the shoulder of State Street, authorities said. A short time later, the third scooter driver accelerated and fled the officer at a high rate of speed, the office said. The lieutenant pursued the scooter until it crossed the border into Woodbridge. He then terminated the chase, deactivating the patrol vehicles lights and returned to Perth Amboy. A short time later, Woodbridge Police responded to a crash on State Street between Arbor and Ferry streets. On the scene, officers found the third scooter driver in the road after being hit by a vehicle, the office said. The male scooter driver died at the scene. The Attorney Generals office did not identify the rider. No further information was immediately available about the crash. A 2019 law requires the state Attorney Generals Office to investigate any death that occurs during a police encounter or while someone is in police custody. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. Lets open the lid on Trumps Big Beautiful Bill this Pandoras Box of terrible policy that we now have to live with. If youre looking for cruelty, youve come to the right place. Despite the presidents campaign promises that no one would lay a finger on Medicaid, the Republicans have shown an enduring commitment to gutting the federal program that provides a baseline level of healthcare for Americas vulnerable low income communities. Major cuts to Medicaid would blow multi-billion dollar holes in state budgets across the nation as governors and legislatures struggle and fail to fill the gaps left left by the lack of federal dollars. In New Jersey, well be losing $14 billion to help the states most vulnerable. Under the theory that what you dont know cant hurt you, the GOP has declared war on medical research. Trump and his cohort have proposed huge cuts to the National Institutes of Health, including a whopping 38% cut for The National Cancer Institute, but theyre not going to stop with cancer research. There are cuts to ALS studies, biomedical research grants and clinical trials for Alzheimers treatments just to name a few. Besides the obvious effects this will have on medical advances, the lack of funding will inevitably cause a brain drain as Americas bright young scientists head for the greener pastures of European research institutes where theyre not interested in studying the effects of intravenous bleach use to treat COVID. All the cuts mentioned above are shortsighted, needlessly cruel and completely unnecessary, but why stop there? Lets talk about food aid and childhood nutrition. The GOP disdain for food aid, wether it be food stamps, SNAP cards or school lunch programs, predates the BBB by decades. The thinly veiled rhetoric about welfare queens living high off the government dime really gained steam under Ronald Regan and Trumps Republican Party is happy to carry the mantle forward. Massive cuts to SNAP would have a disastrous effect on food insecurity and the millions of children dependent on government assistance just to get enough to eat. Denying a research grant is one thing, denying a child a meal is a whole different level of indifference. So, why? What could possibly be the justification for gutting cancer research or taking food away from hungry kids? The answer is pretty simple. Tax cuts and lots of them. Trumps Republican Party talks of curtailing spending and limiting the size of the federal government, but its really just about money. Combine Trumps previous tax cuts with what he has currently proposed and were talking about an unheard of upward redistribution of wealth. Rich guys want more and Trump is going to give it to them, infectious disease, childhood hunger and budget deficits be damned. Drew Sheneman has drawn political cartoons for The Star-Ledger since 1998. His work is syndicated nationally through Tribune Content Agency. Find him at Drew Shenemans Cartoon Cavalcade. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. House Speaker Mike Johnson and U.S. President Donald Trump after signing the "Big Beautiful Bill" during a Fourth of July celebration event on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, D.C., on July 4, 2025. (Yuri Gripas/Abaca Press/TNS) TNS On Friday, President Donald Trump signed the One, Big, Beautiful Bill into law, redefining who may rely on the governments safety net and shifting much more of the cost of health insurance and hunger programs to the states. For New Jersey, the law blows a $3.6 billion hole in the $24 billion Medicaid programs budget, shedding an estimated 360,000 working poor, disabled and elderly people from the programs rolls, according to a statement from state Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. Medicaid serves 1.8 million or one in five New Jerseyans. Update: Creepies and crawlies, toads in a pond, this haunted tumbler sold out FAST from regions beyond! While you await a (hopeful) restock, you can check out more ghoulish goodies from this new collection. Foolish mortals, Disney Stores all-new Haunted Mansion Collection is arriving soon. The ghoulishly delightful launch is apropos with Summerween festivities already in full swing(ing) wake. You can start shopping limited-edition merchandise, including returning fan-favorites and never-before-seen products like the Disney x Starbucks Haunted Mansion tumbler, beginning on Monday, July 7. The Haunted Mansion 24 oz. Stainless Steel Starbucks Tumbler with Straw Starting from $50 Shop when it officially launches at 11 a.m. ET on Monday, July 7 online at Disney Store Buy it at Disney Store The stainless steel design takes its cue from the Haunted Mansions iconic damask wallpaper, complete with a reusable straw and a bat topper that those-who-know will recognize from the rides queue stanchions (the bat with open wings!). Like other Disney x Starbucks 24-ounce cold cups, its built for long park days, road trips, and just keeping your drink cold while you chill like one of the 999 happy haunts. And yes this is one of those drops. If you remember how fast last summers Halloween-adjacent The Nightmare Before Christmas tumbler vanished, you already know the drill. These seasonal releases tend to sell out quickly and rarely make a comeback, so if youre even thinking about grabbing one, dont wait. Were not sure what the exact price point will be for this Haunted Mansion tumbler, but considering its scary level of detail, we cant see it going for less than $45. There will likely be a virtual queue started well before 11 a.m. ET (similar to what we observed with the first TNBC green tumbler debut last September). So mark your calendars, set your alarms, and prepare to summon this spectral sipper before it disappears into the fog. Because in the world of Disney x Starbucks collabs, the *early* ghost gets the tumbler. Theres no turning back now... More Disney Store fandom deals to snatch up now New Haunted Mansion Releases This Starbucks tumbler isnt the only happy haunt from the Disney Store. Check out these spooky new Haunted Mansion releases for 2025. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Danielle Halibey can be reached at dhalibey@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. Rick and Morty is back with another tortured pun for an episode title! The iconic, modern classic sci-fi comedy series will air a new episode on Adult Swim/Cartoon Network on Sunday, July 6 at 11 p.m. You can watch it live on either Sling TV (half off first month) or DIRECTV (free trial). Its always difficult to figure out whats going on with a new episode of Rick and Morty, but heres what we can figure out from the information we have. The 7th episode will be titled Ricker than Fiction, a reference to the 2006 film Stranger than Fiction. Compared to recent titles like The Curicksous Case of Bethjamin Button and Cryo Mort a Rickver, this is pretty mundane by the shows standards. According to the Rick and Morty episodes official description, Rick and Morty will work on a new installment for their favorite film franchise. Sling TV Sling TV offers tons of channels at the best price in the industry. Buy Now Rick and Morty follows the chaotic adventures of Rick Sanchez and his grandson, Morty, as they wreak somewhat unintentional havoc across galaxies and dimensions. Sometimes Mortys sister, Summer, comes along, too. The show is perhaps most famous for the way it ruthlessly riffs on pop culture and media in a way that extends beyond the sci-fi material you might expect it to target. The series is also notable for its cast, starring Chris Parnell, Sarah Chalke, and Spencer Grammer, along with Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden as the titular characters. Cardoni and Belden replaced Justin Roiland after Roiland faced various allegations of misconduct and abuse in 2023. Heres a look at everything you need to know to watch the latest episode, and the rest of season 8. How to watch Rick and Morty for free The cheaper way to watch Rick and Morty is to sign up for Sling TV, which will give you half off your first month. However, DIRECTV is also worth considering if youre looking for a solution to cutting the cord in the long term, with more channels and variety in addition to Adult Swim content. It also offers a free trial. Streaming Service Cost Free Trial? DIRECTV $74.99 Yes Sling TV $45-$60 No RELATED STORIES ABOUT TV STREAMING PLATFORMS Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Joseph Rejent covers TV, writing about live television, streaming services and cord-cutting. He can be reached at jrejent@njadvancemedia.com. This week we mark the 125th anniversary of the birth of New Orleans clarinetist and bandleader George Lewis, whom the Historic New Orleans Collection called among the most influential and widely imitated of all traditional jazz musicians. Born in the French Quarter on July 13, 1900, Lewis was a self-taught musician whose first instrument was a tin fife, according to an online profile by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. Lewis began playing clarinet with local bands while still in his teens. In the early 1920s, he formed his own group and began performing with the Olympia Brass Band. He stopped playing when the Great Depression hit and took a job as a stevedore on the Mississippi Riverfront. In the 1940s, Lewis became an important figure in the revival of traditional New Orleans jazz. In 1942, he performed clarinet in the band backing legendary trumpeter Bunk Johnson on recordings produced by jazz historian Bill Russell. The recordings gained fame and revived both mens careers. By the 1950s, Lewis was leading his own bands at regular gigs in New Orleans clubs and on tours across the U.S. and in Europe. His composition Burgundy Street Blues became his signature tune. He was a regular performer at Preservation Hall from 1961 until his death in 1968. Louisianas reliance on the Mississippi means the mighty river can take away as much as it gives and both the state and the nation are reaching a moment of reckoning. A crowd gathers despite the rain outside a town hall meeting in May to determine whether the plan to annex land into Palmer Lake for a Buc-ees travel center met legal eligibility requirements. John Kellner is the former district attorney for the 18th Judicial District and is an Owens-Early Criminal Justice Fellow at the Common Sense Institute. He serves as the managing partner and director of litigation at Dan Caplis Law and is a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps. Opinion Guest Essay How to Wreck the Nations Health, by the Numbers How to Wreck the Nations Health, by the Numbers Illustration by Javier Jaen After decades as a physician studying the factors that determine our risks of getting sick and how long we live, I am convinced that the actions of the Trump administration will cost lives. Researchers like me know the data. For years we have warned that Americans have shorter life expectancies and higher disease rates than people in other high-income countries. Now, the poor health of Americans is about to get worse. While Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Americas health secretary, makes a spectacle of his plans to make America healthier (a laudable goal), in actuality, the administration is kneecapping the very infrastructure that would make that feasible and is instead enacting policies that will compromise health. The Department of Health and Human Services has terminated thousands of grants, including funding for pandemic prevention, and research grants related to cancer, vaccines and chronic diseases. The loss of research funding will delay medical discoveries. Though the agency publishes a weekly list of terminated grants, the full scope of funding cancellations has been obscured, especially at the National Institutes of Health, the major funder of medical research. A database created by Harvard researchers, Grant Watch, has helped to fill in the gaps. Grants terminated by the Department of Health and Human Services Reduced from 15/10 to 5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention $5.8 billion Reduced from 15/10 to 5 National Institutes of Health $3.2 billion Reduced from 15/10 to 5 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration $543 mil. Reduced from 15/10 to 5 Food and Drug Administration $3 mil. Reduced from 15/10 to 5 Administration for Children and Families $401k Since President Trump has taken office, H.H.S. has cut over $9.5 billion in grant funding that had been approved but not yet distributed to programs and researchers. The largest grant cuts were at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the nation's nerve center for tracking diseases and preventing premature deaths. The administration also gave out pink slips to some of the country's top epidemiologists and effectively ended C.D.C. programs on core issues ranging from chronic diseases and lead poisoning to reducing deaths from drug overdoses, maternal deaths, childhood injuries, smoking and more. The administration cut over $4.6 billion in grants related to pandemic response, both for Covid and future pandemics. It laid off experts on imminent health threats, such as widespread transmission of bird flu to humans, leaving the country dangerously unprepared for the next emergency. Mr. Kennedy fired all 17 members of the panel that produces the nation's vaccination guidelines, replaced them with multiple vaccine critics and cut $1.1 billion in funding for vaccinations, including support for a program that helps provide free shots for low-income children. High levels of vaccine coverage are important to maintain herd immunity, and making it harder to get vaccines could lead to a resurgence in vaccine-preventable diseases. Over 2,600 grants were terminated at the N.I.H., eliminating $3.2 billion in promised funds and threatening the nation's position as the world leader in biomedical research. The administration claimed it was cutting N.I.H. funding to target research tied to "diversity, equity and inclusion" and "radical gender ideology." This included studies on reducing health disparities among people of color and L.G.B.T.Q.+ communities and efforts to lower pregnancy complications among minority women. (Mr. Trump's policy was recently ruled illegal by the courts.) But research in these targeted areas only accounts for around 7 percent of the total cuts. Around $170 million in cuts were for studies of cancer, which remains the second leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 600,000 lives each year. Cuts in cancer research will cost lives by delaying the discovery of cures and better methods to slow cancer progression. Over 170 grants were cut for research into H.I.V. prevention and treatments, threatening the 1.2 million Americans and almost 40 million people worldwide who are living with H.I.V. Mr. Kennedy has promised to tackle the burden of chronic disease, but around 390 cut grants were for studies of the most prevalent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and obesity. The administration is cutting funding for training programs for the next generation of doctors and scientists by over $578 million, forcing many young people either to abandon their careers or pursue them overseas. Other grants were caught in the terminations as well, including cuts to basic science research to understand the causes of diseases. Many researchers whose work has been terminated say they still don't know why their studies were targeted. (The N.I.H. has been directed not to cancel more research projects for now.) Although approximately 100,000 Americans die each year from drug overdoses, the administration canceled 129 grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Seven grants, including those to research how to better protect food and drug safety, were cut from the F.D.A. The Trump administration made massive staffing cuts to the Administration for Children and Families and has closed down several offices that oversee Head Start, which since 1965 has been the government's flagship program to help low-income children. Head Start-funded preschools have reported delays in getting grant funding. The damage done by slashing the nations research infrastructure the loss of knowledge to save lives and the loss of scientific talent to other countries will have lasting consequences. But torpedoing research is only one way the administration is putting our health at risk. Sources: HHS TAGGS; Grant Watch Note: Data as of June 29. The administration has upended the operation of almost every agency that deals with our health and medical care, leaving behind fewer staff members and programs to address critical needs, and changing policies in ways that could endanger us all. Regulations to protect health and safety are being lifted. Experts who monitor health threats have been fired. Medical schools are threatened. Congress is poised to make huge cuts to Medicaid, which would leave millions of Americans without health care coverage and force closures of health clinics, many in rural areas. Dont get me wrong, I am not defending the status quo. There is plenty of waste and inefficiency to fix in health care and research, and fresh approaches can help. But dismembering health agencies wont improve efficiency. Real change comes from streamlining programs to better serve the public, not from closing programs and walking away. The ripple effects of the havoc at health agencies will eventually reach you. The air you breathe could become more polluted because the administration is permitting factories to resume emitting toxins. Your drinking water could contain lead because the administration is closing lead abatement programs. Bacterial contamination of your food may increase since food safety workers have been fired. There may be fewer primary care doctors in your community because the administration is cutting funding for training programs. Cutting-edge treatments may be unavailable because the N.I.H. has terminated clinical trials. Out of the 356 drugs that were approved from 2010-2019 ... N.I.H. funding contributed to 354 of them, totaling $187 billion. Only 2 were privately funded. Out of the 356 drugs that were approved from 2010 to 2019 ... N.I.H. funding contributed to 354 of them, totaling $187 billion. Only 2 were privately funded. Source: Cleary et al., JAMA (2023) The logic is baffling. Even though the United States faces a mental health crisis, especially among youth, the Trump administration is slashing funding for programs on mental illness, addiction, domestic violence and suicide prevention. Its no longer offering specialized support to L.G.B.T.Q. callers to the national suicide prevention hotline, and its cutting nearly 600 contracts for the Department of Veterans Affairs. It canceled funding for a desperately needed program that expanded the number of mental health professionals in our childrens schools, which had won bipartisan support in Congress after the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in children, but the administration has all but eliminated the injury prevention center working on efforts to prevent deaths from poisoning, car accidents and drownings. Diseases that are preventable and rare in modern countries may now pose a threat in the United States. The measles outbreak is our first warning. Other vaccine-preventable diseases will increase if politicians like Mr. Kennedy continue to cast experts aside, roll back immunization guidelines and sow doubt about their safety. All this under the banner of Make America Healthy Again. In a dangerous sleight of hand, Mr. Kennedy goes before cameras to make a big deal about food dyes and bizarre claims about autism while his department erases programs to address the nations leading chronic diseases. For example, smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. If this administrations goal is truly to make America healthier, why has it effectively shuttered the nations top office on smoking? Mr. Kennedy rightly promotes the importance of healthy eating, but the administration is cutting funding for food assistance. He warns about the dangers of pesticides, but the administration is reportedly reconsidering a ban on asbestos and is moving quickly to relax other regulations meant to protect Americans from toxins. Planned cuts by the Trump administration would defund research on the leading causes of death cause of death annual deaths primarily researched by proposed funding cut Heart disease 681,000 National Institute on Body Systems* -39% Chronic lower respiratory diseases 145,000 Diabetes 95,000 Cancer 613,000 National Cancer Institute -37% Stroke 163,000 National Institute on Neuroscience and Brain Research* -40% Alzheimer's 114,000 National Institute on Aging -40% Drug overdoses 97,000 National Institute of Behavioral Health* -38% Suicide 49,000 Covid, flu and pneumonia 95,000 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases -36% Sources: HHS.gov; CDC WONDER Note: Annual deaths as of 2023. Proposed funding cut figures are based on the difference between 2025 and 2026 budget proposals. Institutes with asterisks are proposed consolidations of existing N.I.H. institutes. Organizations like the American Medical Association are beginning to speak out, but their comments are largely restricted to specific issues such as Medicaid or immunization guidelines. The threat to the health of Americans is larger than one issue. Its about more than Medicaid. Its about more than vaccines. Its about the totality of the administrations agenda. Its the cumulative effects of the entire basket of policies that put Americans at greatest risk. Physicians like me know from the data that lives will be lost as a consequence. More than 6,000 health professionals (myself included) have warned the public about their concerns in an open letter. Yet institutions of all kinds seem to be cowering to Mr. Trump, afraid of being punished or prosecuted for questioning his wishes. The administration has defied the courts and gone after law firms and universities, and is unlikely to spare medicine. Just as it has pressured the media to alter the news, the government is now challenging medical journals to alter what they publish. Times like these call on us to speak the truth. On matters of life and death, physicians like me have an added duty to warn patients and the public. People may feel that a shakeup in Washington is long overdue. But too many Americans, including our leaders, take their health for granted, assuming that the infrastructure to prevent disease and save their lives will always be there, that America will always lead the world in science and that systems to keep their children safe will always exist. None of this can be counted on, especially now. ABOVE is the first look at the early sketches for a mural which is proposed for a building in Tullamore. Tullamore Tidy Towns Assocition is seeking planning approval to paint the mural on the side/gable wall of a dwelling located at Bury Quay. The painting depicts various landmarks around the town including Charleville Castle, Boland's Lock House, Srah Castle and more. Chair of Tullamore Tidy Towns Association Councillor Shane Murray says ''we painted the wall last year, but with the work on the bridge complete it's looking a bit tired again. The artist will be local and has already been chosen.'' The application is with Offaly County Council and a date of August 18 has been given for a decision. Adjudicating in the Tidy Towns Competition will take place soon. Tullamore has a strong record in the competition and won its 10th consequetive gold medal in last year's event. The competition involves participating areas being rated on all aspects of their local environment and prizes awarded to the best under many different categories. The overall winner is Irelands Tidiest Town. which is announced at a national ceremony in September each year. Last year the adjudicators described Tullamore as a ''handsome town with many fine Georgian and Victorian buildings throughout.'' The report continued, ''many of the townhouses are occupied and kept beautifully, though it would be great to see the vacant properties renovated and brought back to life soon. Your streetscape has been enhanced in recent years, with a new example being the landscaped planted beds along O Moore Street/Spollanstown Junction, near the Tullamore Court Hotel. The footpaths, planting schemes and street furniture really enhance the streetscape and help to set off the historical buildings.'' READ NEXT: Urban Greenway completed in Tullamore praise for Upgrades Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute in Denver and hosts The Devils Advocate with Jon Caldara on Colorado Public Television Channel 12. His column appears Sundays in Colorado Politics. Trump and Netanyahu (Image by Public domain) Details DMCA I am fortunate enough to live in a place where the local paper still prides itself on being a public forum. Every three months, I'm allowed 600 words to say whatever I think is most important for readers to understand. Keeping in mind the dismal state of American foreign policy literature, I try to stretch the reader as far as possible in that arena. I hope my efforts inspire others to do the same. This is my most recent submission. It is my second guest column on the nature of the US Empire. Others will follow. If you wonder why Israel attacked Iran now, with an overextended army tied down in Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, congratulations on refusing to be a passive consumer of what passes for American reporting on foreign affairs.Bombing Iran was not about fictitious weapons of mass destruction any more than was the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. In a 2012 UN speech, Netanyahu insisted that Iran was already on the verge of having a nuclear weapon. Cheney made a similar claim in 2007 that was debunked by the Intelligence community. This saved the US from a disastrous military confrontation with Iran that would be much worse if attempted today.National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard stated there is still no evidence of an Iranian nuclear weapons program. Under pressure from the Israeli lobby and powerful neocons like Israel-first campaign donor Miriam Adelson, President Trump dismissed her assessment and attacked anyway, placing 40,000 American service members at risk of Iranian retaliation.As many predicted, the attack failed to eliminate the "threat" despite initial claims of success. Now, pressure is mounting for deeper US military involvement in Israel's latest war of choice. Israel knows that without such help, it cannot complete its objective of eliminating the last obstacle to regional dominance, a plan 40 years in the making.In 1982, Israel publicly debated a strategy to fragment any neighboring country that might oppose its expansion, rendering it too weak to resist Israeli aggression. The "Oded Yinon plan" has been refined over the years but still forms the basis for current US plans for Israel to dominate the region. That is why the US has enabled it to flout international law with impunity since the Nakba in 1948, as the US itself has done in the region.Since 9/11, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Sudan, Somalia and Iran have been targeted by the US and Israel. Former NATO commander Wesley Clark has publicly stated that within two weeks of 9/11, he learned of plans to undermine all seven countries. Obviously, these plans had been drawn up earlier. Since then, five of the seven have effectively been partitioned, as envisioned by Yinon. Iraq and Libya were not failures. They accomplished their actual objectives.The purpose of destabilizing these countries is to control this fossil fuel-rich region by militarily dominating the area through Israel. The ultimate prize in this game of Risk is US control of the entire Eurasian land mass, long regarded as the key to global domination. While Netanyahu and other political and military leaders are directly responsible for their genocidal actions and war crimes throughout the region, the US shares the blame.Like all empires, the American one will fall. The Wall Street denizens whose profits determine "American interests" have hollowed out the real economy in creating an economic system dependent on endless war. An alternative system is being created by Russia, China and others who are not going to continue to tolerate the economic and military threats of an increasingly belligerent US Empire.The fact that the US has cut off access to critical weapons needed to defend Ukraine so that it can provide them to Israel reveals its weakness. Meanwhile, China has declared that it cannot accept allowing Russia to lose in Ukraine. It knows that if it does, the empire will turn its attention to it. American military and political officials have publicly stated that the US will go to war with China as soon as 2030.If President Trump really wants to leave a legacy as a peace President, let him start by standing up to Israel and its lobby. Americans, most probably, could care less that NATO countries during last month's summit at the Hague committed to raising defense spending to 5% of GDP from the previous 2% target. So why the increase? Presumably it has to do with a perceived threat of an attack by Russia after the Ukraine conflict has ended. Yet why would Russian President Putin consider attacking a NATO country? A Russian attack on a NATO country automatically obligates all its members to defend that country and join the fray against the attacker. It makes no sense. Though Russia is the primary successor country after the demise of the USSR in 1991 it hasn't shown any expansion plans in Europe. Let's get past the current war in Ukraine for a moment. Today there are no real threats in the world comparable to Hitler's Nazi Germany or Imperial Japan in WWII. The USSR was a totalitarian regime that ruled over countries in Eastern Europe. NATO was initiated by the US along with countries in western Europe to serve as a deterrent to the USSR invading western Europe. NATO+ should have been dissolved once the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. In light of the Soviet demise what are the other countries in the world today considered as "threats": North Korea- A Communist totalitarian regime that developed a nuclear arsenal primarily as a deterrent against the US invading the country. It saw the US attack Saddam Hussein's Iraq in 2003 and they determined it would not happen to them. That was the regime's sole purpose for developing a nuclear weapon. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). OpEd News One-Time Security Check This Is NOT An Error Message Your site IP address* (5.13.19.111) is listed on one or more Internet blacklists. We get visited by hundreds of these spambots daily. To prevent these from taking resources away from legitimate users, we show this page. Please use the CAPTCHA below which proves you are human, not a spam bot. It's a one-time action** for your IP. After that, you will be able to access OpEd News easily. Thank you for your patience. * Here's more info about IP addresses. ** If your IP address is fixed, you'll be able to use this website from now on. However, if your Internet Service Provider (such as Verizon or T-Mobile) assigns you a different IP address every time you use your device, AND these IP addresses are NOT on an Internet blaclist, then all is good. If, for some strange reason, your ISP assigns you an IP that is blacklisted, then you'll have to go through this process again. (Unless you keep yourself logged in. We only check for spambots on non-logged in visitors.) Trump addresses strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, warns Iran to make peace | Special Report President Trump delivered remarks from the White House about U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites Saturday, calling them a ... (Image by YouTube, Channel: CBS News) Details DMCA President Trump announcing the US bombing of Iran's nuclear sites, June 21, 2025 As we know President Trump ordered the US Air Force to bomb Iran's nuclear sites beginning overnight on Friday. The attack included a dozen 30,000 pound bunker-buster bombs from B-2 bombers along with 125 other US bombers. The Iranian nuclear sites where the bunker bombs hit were in Fordow and Natanz while a cruise missile from a US submarine hit the nuclear site in Isfahan. As of this writing Iran has not taken any action against any US facilities in the Middle East though "Iran's Press TV reported on Sunday that the national parliament had approved a measure" [1] closing the Strait of Hormuz where 20% of the world's oil and gas traverses. Regardless of the Trump administrations justifications for the attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities they're all illegal as "a gross violation of international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions, which have previously unequivocally classified such actions as unacceptable." Make no mistake these US military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities is absolute aggression taken by Trump whose acts of war was never authorized by Congress, the only entity in the Constitution that can declare war. What Trump has done is clearly an impeachable offense. Whether this Congress with Republican majorities will hold him accountable is highly unlikely. From here Trump has let the genie out of the bottle and opened Pandora's box. Iran will surely retaliate against the US as taking action against an aggressor nation is legal under international law. Iran doesn't have nuclear weapons but it does have highly accurate ballistic missiles. It is quite capable of mining the Strait of Hormuz. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). A four-vehicle crash on Independence Day killed a mom and dad who were traveling with their 7-month-old daughter from Coos Bay and injured several others on U.S. 101 near Lakeside in Coos County. Oregon State Police responded to the scene at approximately 1:06 p.m. on Friday. According to the preliminary investigation, a beige Kia Optima driven by 38-year-old Manual Samuel Starr of Coos Bay was traveling north when it crossed the centerline for unknown reasons. The Kia first sideswiped a southbound black Toyota Corolla operated by Kent McQuillen, 61, of Florence, before colliding head-on with a black Dodge Ram driven by Jose Maria Rodriguez Garcia, 55, of Coos Bay. A silver Subaru Outback traveling south, operated by Lori Priest, 61, of Lake Stevens, Washington, was unable to avoid the wreck and also collided head-on with the Kia. Starr was pronounced dead at the scene, along with his passenger, Shatara Rosemarie Holmes, 39, also of Coos Bay. A 7-month-old girl, identified as the child of Starr and Holmes, appeared uninjured but was transported to a local hospital as a precaution. The crash resulted in serious injuries to Rodriguez Garcia, who was taken to a local hospital. His front passenger, Nicole Virginia Rodriguez, 44, of Coos Bay, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital. Three other passengers in the Dodge Ram Jose Rodriguez Chase Jr., 20, a 3-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl reported minor injuries. Priest, the Subaru driver, sustained minor injuries in the collision. Her passengers Nanette Myra Priest, 55, also of Lake Stevens, Washington and a 10-year-old child were uninjured. McQuillen, who was driving the Toyota, also escaped injury. Oregon State Police said U.S. 101 remained closed for approximately four hours while authorities conducted their on-scene investigation. Multiple agencies assisted Oregon State Police at the crash site, including the Coos County Sheriffs Office, Hauser Fire Department, North Bay Fire Department, Lower Umpqua Ambulance, Bay Cities Ambulance, Coos County Medical Examiner, North Bend Chapel and the Oregon Department of Transportation. This story was drafted with the assistance of generative AI based on data from Oregon State Police and edited by Oregonian editorial staff. A Sheriff's deputy pauses while combing through the banks of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) AP Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha says that 11 campers and a camp counselor are still missing after powerful floods inundated central Texas. Dozens of people have been killed since raging floodwaters slammed a portion of central Texas starting Friday. The death toll from flash floods rose to nearly 70 on Sunday after searchers found more more bodies in the hardest-hit Kerr County. The victims include children who were camping along the Guadalupe River banks. Officials have said they will not stop searching until every person is found. Most of the deaths coming in Kerr County in the states Hill Country. Besides the 59 dead in Kerr County 38 adults and 21 children additional deaths were reported in Travis, Burnet and Kendall counties. Rescuers dealt with broken trees, overturned cars and muck-filled debris in a difficult task to find survivors. Authorities still have not said how many people were missing beyond the children from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp where most of the dead were recovered. With each passing hour, the outlook became more bleak. Volunteers and some families of the missing who drove to the disaster zone began searching the riverbanks despite being asked not to do so. Authorities faced growing questions about whether enough warnings were issued in area long vulnerable to flooding and whether enough preparations were made. The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet on the river in only 45 minutes before daybreak Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. The danger was not over as flash flood watches remained in effect and more rain fell in central Texas on Sunday. Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue people stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads. Officials said more than 850 people were rescued in the first 36 hours. A day of prayers in Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vowed that authorities will work around the clock and said new areas were being searched as the water receded. He declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state. I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines, he said in a statement. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered special prayers for those touched by the disaster. Historys first American pope spoke in English at the end of his Sunday noon blessing, I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were in summer camp, in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States. We pray for them. The hills along the Guadalupe River are dotted with century-old youth camps and campgrounds where generations of families have come to swim and enjoy the outdoors. The area is especially popular around the Independence Day holiday, making it more difficult to know how many are missing. We dont even want to begin to estimate at this time, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said on Saturday. Harrowing escapes from floodwaters Survivors shared terrifying stories of being swept away and clinging to trees as rampaging floodwaters carried trees and cars past them. Others fled to attics inside their homes, praying the water wouldnt reach them. At Camp Mystic, a cabin full of girls held onto a rope strung by rescuers as they walked across a bridge with water whipping around their legs. Among those confirmed dead were an 8-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was at Camp Mystic, and the director of another camp up the road. Locals know the area as " flash flood alley" but the flooding in the middle of the night caught many campers and residents by surprise even though there were warnings. Warnings came before the disaster The National Weather Service on Thursday advised of potential flooding and then sent out a series of flash flood warnings in the early hours of Friday before issuing flash flood emergencies a rare alert notifying of imminent danger. At the Mo-Ranch Camp in the community of Hunt, officials had been monitoring the weather and opted to move several hundred campers and attendees at a church youth conference to higher ground. At nearby Camps Rio Vista and Sierra Vista, organizers also had mentioned on social media that they were watching the weather the day before ending their second summer session Thursday. Authorities and elected officials have said they did not expect such an intense downpour, the equivalent of months worth of rain for the area. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, whose district includes the ravaged area, acknowledged that there would be second-guessing and finger-pointing as people look for someone to blame. By JIM VERTUNO, JULIO CORTEZ and JOHN SEEWER Associated Press Cortez reported from Hunt, Texas, and Seewer from Toledo, Ohio. Associated Press writers Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut, Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed. The failure of the Legislature to pass a transportation funding package is triggering the layoffs of hundreds of workers at the Oregon Department of Transportation and forcing local governments to size up their own possible cuts, the editorial board writes. Jon Laucks The big priority for this years legislative session was finding new funding to help state, local and public transit agencies patch the gaping holes in their roads and budgets. Legislators knew the stakes. They had spent months crisscrossing Oregon and hearing from residents about economic, safety and basic mobility concerns. With Democrats wielding a supermajority, it seemed a foregone conclusion that new revenue was on the way. Except the Democrats leading the caravan drove right into a ditch. Inexplicably, the transportation committee co-chairs didnt release their funding plan until 20 days before the sessions required adjournment, squandering time to analyze, negotiate and amend the bill. Their proposals for tax and fee increases were so steep nearly $15 billion in new revenue over the next decade that even fellow Democrats balked, as The Oregonian/OregonLives Carlos Fuentes reported. And as the package collapsed, a barebones proposal to increase the gas tax just for the states transportation department didnt get a vote, hung up by procedural requirements that Republicans, largely sidelined in the bills development, wouldnt waive. It was a haphazard and sloppy ending to a legislative process that lacked direction and signaled failure from the get-go. But the work cannot stop. Legislators from both parties, along with Gov. Tina Kotek, need to prepare for a targeted special legislative session that provides crucial transportation revenue not just for the state, but also for counties, cities and public transit. The failure to pass a bill is triggering hundreds of layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation and is forcing local governments to prepare cuts of their own. Meanwhile, tire-chewing potholes, crumbling roadways and dangerous crosswalks show Oregonians every day the cost of inaction. Elected officials, however, cannot approach a special session with the same sprawling package ($15 billion? Really?) and undisciplined focus that lawmakers showed earlier this year. While they can build off House Bill 2025s provisions to increase accountability at ODOT, a new package must be a truly bipartisan and negotiated agreement. That means securing more than just a single Republicans support and responding to needs across geography, mode of transportation and fuel type. And finally, it must acknowledge the financial burdens Oregonians already bear in this high-cost-of-living state by limiting fee increases while showing that taxpayer dollars will be spent well. This reset should start with Kotek. Kotek has already made clear that ODOT cannot wait until the 2026 legislative session for a funding fix. The agency, which has withstood cuts for years, now faces such severe reductions that its ability to perform essential services, such as plowing roads in the winter and basic maintenance are jeopardized. A spokeswoman said the governor is highly engaged on the issue a welcome change from her lack of public involvement in the bill until the final days of the session. But she must prove to Oregonians that new revenue from higher gas taxes, new road-user charges for electric vehicles, increased registration fees or other increases under consideration wont be misspent. Her first step should be to rescind her controversial executive order that requires project labor agreements for major state-owned projects a practice that many researchers have concluded dissuades competition and leads to higher costs. These PLAs are agreements negotiated between construction contractors and unions that set the terms of employment for anyone union or nonunion working on the project. Such agreements may require workers regardless of affiliation to pay union dues or contribute to a unions health or pension plans, even though they may never benefit from those programs. ODOT itself produced a report concluding that PLA requirements can increase costs 10% to 20% on a project. Thats not a responsible way to use taxpayer dollars. As weve said previously, its unconscionable to burden Oregonians with billions more in taxes while adopting a practice that happens to benefit some of Koteks most loyal donors. Her executive order is already on hold due to an injunction issued in a lawsuit filed by the Oregon-Columbia chapter of Associated General Contractors of America. Thats all the more reason to rescind it now and avoid wasting more money on litigation. By canceling the executive order, Kotek would not only make the right fiscal decision, but she would also send a message of partnership and genuine commitment to legislators of both parties. Showing that leadership would set an entirely new tone for transportation discussions. Kotek is only one piece of the solution, of course. House Speaker Julie Fahey, Senate President Rob Wagner, and the transportation committee co-chairs, Rep. Susan McLain and newly-appointed Sen. Khanh Pham all Democrats need to recalibrate what success and compromise mean. That means questioning some of HB 2025s assumptions. Do legislators have to restructure Oregons transportation funding plan in one fell swoop? Do they have to earmark funds for state-run community safety programs or should they leave such granular decisions to local governments to fund? Can the remaining major projects from the 2017 bill be revised? And instead of thinking about how much new revenue can be raised, can they instead focus on the minimum needed to achieve the most critical goals? HB 2025 studiously focused on broad maintenance needs instead of specific projects, an understandable reaction to the 2017 transportation package whose list of projects have wildly exceeded estimates and still arent finished. But legislators should also consider that naming some significant, discrete maintenance projects around the state repairing portions of crumbling highways in Eastern Oregon or seismic resiliency for bridges in Salem, for example builds political support, goodwill and tells Oregonians where they can see the concrete results of their investment. Republicans are the final part of the solution. Even with a Democratic supermajority and the inexcusable hostility of former transportation co-chair Chris Gorsek to Republican vice-chair Shelly Boshart Davis Republicans must stay engaged and advocate for their constituents. And their constituents need safe roads just as much as anyone else. That wont come for free, and Republicans argument that the state does not need new taxes does not stand up to reality. We have years of deferred maintenance, a financing scheme that relies on a dwindling gas tax and our 21st century economy demands a transportation system supporting public transit as well as driving. Status quo isnt an option, so they might as well get on board and help navigate. Theres little time to waste. Oregons elected leaders should enjoy the break, and then buckle up for the ride. We still have miles to go. -The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board Budget cuts at Multnomah County and the city of Portland underscore the need for a strong, growing economy to pay for the public services Oregonians want, the author writes. Dave Killen / The Oregonian Monique Claiborne For The Oregonian/OregonLive Claiborne is president and chief executive officer of Greater Portland Inc. She lives in Portland. In the past several weeks, some of Oregons most recognizable employers Intel, Nike and Providence have laid off workers. Downtown office buildings are sitting vacant and dropping in value. At the same time, local governments, including Multnomah County and the city of Portland, are slashing programs amid budget shortfalls. These arent isolated events. They reveal a deeper issue: Oregons ability to fund essential public services is increasingly vulnerable as the private sector faces mounting strain. Heres the political reality: elected officials get reelected for the results voters can see safer streets, fewer tents, faster 911 response times. But those outcomes depend on something less visible a strong, growing economy that helps pay for it all. And yet, economic development, which drives that growth, remains consistently underfunded in public budgets and is often misunderstood. By economic development, I mean creating quality jobs, attracting private investment and expanding the tax base the work that drives growth and funds the services we all rely on. Ignoring that work to preserve the public services it ultimately sustains is a short-term fix that guarantees long-term failure. Consider Multnomah County. Over the past five years, the county received nearly $30 million in dedicated lottery funds for economic growth. But much of that funding went toward debt service and construction-related costs for new county buildings and the Sellwood Bridge projects labeled as economic development but far removed from actual economic growth. Just last month, Portland City Council debated whether to slash its general fund allocation for its economic development agency a sign of growing skepticism about the very work that fuels the tax base. At the state level, the Oregon Business Development Department the agency tasked with driving economic growth does assist businesses with job retention and creation, trade promotion and innovation. While its primary $1.8 billion budget for 2025-27 is significant, much of it is dedicated to infrastructure and bond repayments investments that help set the stage for future growth, but dont directly fuel private-sector expansion today. The result is a vicious cycle thats unfolding at every level of government. As revenue falls, leaders cut the services that not only make our region livablebut investable. And without a course correction, the spiral continues. This isnt just managing decline its accelerating it. Economic development isnt a nice to have. Its the foundation. Without growth, no amount of budget balancing will add up or deliver the safe streets, strong schools, clean parks and fast emergency response Oregonians want. Its like expecting your phone to stay charged without plugging it in. You can lower the brightness or close some apps, but eventually, it dies. An economist recently talked about some of the factors that are raising the risk of a doom loop for Portland and the difficulty of breaking out of one. The message is clear: our region needs a recharge. Economic development flips the script. It offers a pathway to something better: new jobs, more revenue, renewed confidence and proof that things can improve. It gives leaders something to say yes to. Its the story leaders can tell to move from defense to offense. Real economic development isnt just about infrastructure its about restarting the engine of private-sector growth. That means tackling our vacant office buildings and shrinking tax base with real investment: incentives to land major employers, programs that reward companies for expanding their footprint here, and campaigns that position Portland as a destination for growth. Oregonians arent asking for miracles. But we do need to ask for moreof each other, and of our elected leaders. Because until we treat economic growth as essential, our leaders wont either. And without that shift, theyll keep managing crisis, instead of building what comes next. Business leaders cant do it alone. Everyone who relies on public funding has a stake in a growing economy and a role in defending the policies that drive it. Economic development is not a tradeoff against vital services its the only way to sustain them. When that message is repeated in budget hearings, op-eds, council meetings and public testimony, the politics shift. Growth stops being treated like a special interest and starts being seen for what it is: a public good. Just how many elected officials does it take to screw in a light bulb? We have a capable Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, along with its chair, charged with implementing the Preschool for All mandate. Then, Gov. Tina Kotek and the Oregon Legislature decided to interfere. Why? (Gov. Tina Kotek digs in heels on criticism of universal preschool program: The program as it stands cannot keep its promise, June 26). The confrontational statements coming out of Salem are out of line and only making things worse. Multnomah County voters can figure this out locally. Tony Williamson, Portland To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. News columnist Tom Cronin writes regularly on state and national politics. He is the author of "Fireside Chats of a Retired College President (Booklocker, 2025). The burning of fossil fuels, carbon-intensive companies and the escalating climate crisis pose dangers to the health, safety and finances of Oregons public workers. Countless are exposed to extreme heat, wildfires, floods and deep cold. Many live in impacted communities and have even lost their homes. Retirement futures are at risk due to climates financial impact on retirement investments. We at Service Employees International Union Local 503 and Climate Finance Action commend Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner for her leadership in passing the Climate Resilience Investment Act. We are excited that Gov. Tina Kotek signed this bill, which will help pave the way for a climate-resilient future for the states public workers, communities and our economy. We acknowledge the Treasurer and Oregon Investment Councils duty to safeguard the state retirement system. SEIU 503 members, representing frontline workers, urged the Treasury to safeguard the retirement futures of over 300,000 public employees by protecting the fund from climate risks. This bill enables smart financial decisions, reduces risky investments and prioritizes sustainable growth. If done well, this evolution will lead to good union jobs that grow the clean energy economy. Oregon is poised to lead the nation by demonstrating that responsible investing protecting families from climate risks, reducing carbon footprints and embracing new opportunities for economic growth is possible and essential in todays changing world. Oregons leadership demonstrates to other states that together we can fulfill our fiduciary responsibility and work towards a safer world and more resilient economy. Steve Demarest, Mike Powers and Danielle Fox Demarest and Powers are past presidents of SEIU 503. Fox is an organizer and policy specialist with Boston-based Climate Finance Action. To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. We know President Donald Trump is infamous for his chaos, and we know he has difficulty being honest, but we can add hypocrite to the list. To justify use of the National Guard and the Marines, he has described the protests in Los Angeles as an insurrection against our government. Actually, the only insurrection was the one he caused in Washington D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021, then he pardoned those involved in it! He created Musks DOGE to reduce governments wasteful spending, but his sending troops to Los Angeles cost the federal government over $100 million. Trumps military parade on June 14 wasted an additional $50 million. I thought only authoritarian governments like the Nazis, Russia and China hold such parades. He criticized Hillary Clinton for her emails, but he took highly classified materials to Mar-a-Lago, then plead the 5th --450 times during his deposition. He had no problem with Pete Hegseth discussing highly classified information with a reporter. The Trump administration has dismantled Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives because they feel there should be a level playing field and the individuals with the best resume or test scores should be chosen. Why did Trump only use loyalty to decide who should be in his cabinet or on the Supreme Court? When he took the oath of office to be president, he promised to follow our Constitution, but he continues to deport individuals without due process and wants to take away the citizenship of those born here. When President Joe Biden tripped on the stairs of Air Force One, Trump said Biden was too feeble to be president. When Trump recently tripped on the stairs, he said it was no big deal. Joe Czarnecki, Dallas, Pa. Central Pennsylvania residents can expect a warm and increasingly humid week with daily chances of thunderstorms, particularly Monday through Wednesday, as a slow-moving frontal system brings tropical moisture to the region. The next 24 hours will feature rising temperatures and increasing humidity, with daytime highs climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s. Heat index values are expected to reach the low 90s on Monday, creating potentially uncomfortable conditions for outdoor activities. The National Weather Service forecasts scattered thunderstorm chances, with the northwestern portion of the region having a marginal risk of severe weather. A weak cold front will gradually move through the area from late Monday into Tuesday, triggering more widespread shower and thunderstorm activity. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms in the southeastern part of the region on Tuesday, with potential for heavy rainfall and isolated strong wind gusts. Residents should monitor local forecasts and be prepared for sudden weather changes, particularly during afternoon and evening hours. The extended forecast suggests an unsettled weather pattern will persist through mid-week. Wednesday will see slightly lower precipitation chances, with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible, especially in southern areas. Temperatures will remain warm, with daytime highs in the mid- to upper 80s and overnight lows in the mid-60s to low 70s. The latter part of the week remains somewhat uncertain, with some forecast models suggesting a potential break in the active weather pattern, while others indicate continued chances for thunderstorms. Tropical moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal may contribute to ongoing precipitation chances, particularly in southeastern portions of the region. Residents are advised to stay weather-aware, have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, and be prepared for sudden thunderstorm development, especially during afternoon and evening hours. Outdoor activities should include a backup plan in case of sudden weather changes. Current weather radar Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by PennLive.com staff. Big Hands from the 2025 WSOP: Alex Foxen Cracks Kings Twice; Wild Five-Way All-In Hand Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link The 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is entering its final stretch, and the PokerNews Live Reporting Team has been there every step of the way to capture all the action. During that time, our reporters have captured some truly remarkable hands, and below we've compiled some of the best and biggest game-changing hands from our live updates. Check them out! 2025 World Series of Poker Hub Bookmark this page! All you need to know about the 2025 WSOP is here. Click here Boyko Crushes Five-Way All-In with Full House Yuriy Boyko In early June, it was Day 1 of Event #29: $2,500 NLH when reporter Sava Krink caught a wild hand in Level 13 (2,000/3,000/3,000). Brian Yoon kicked off the chaos by moving all in for 19,000 from early position. Malcolm Franchi called in the hijack, but things escalated quickly. Viliyan Petleshkov shoved for around 42,000 on the button, followed by Yuriy Boyko in the small blind, who moved all in for 91,000. Sitting in the big blind with a stack of about 32,000, Michael Jozoff took his time before deciding to put his chips in as well. With four players all in ahead of him, Franchi asked for a count on the stacks, covered them all, and eventually tossed in the call. Four players were now at risk, and the table gathered to watch the massive showdown. Brian Yoon: AQ Michael Jozoff: 1010 Viliyan Petleshkov: AK Yuriy Boyko: JJ Malcolm Franchi: QQ The flop came J77, giving Boyko a full house right out of the gate. The 4 turn and 7 river sealed the deal. With more chips than the other shorter stacks, Boyko scooped the huge pot while Yoon, Jozoff, and Petleshkov all headed for the exit. Croffut Among Trio Eliminated by Pyloore Adam Croffut On Day 3 of Event #19: $500 COLOSSUS, reporter Frank Visser saw that Adam Croffut had put in his final 75,000 chips from early position. Andrew Tang then re-jammed for about 4,300,000 from the hijack, and Stavros Petychakis called off his stack of 3,400,000 in the hijack. Table chipleader Ramaswamy Pyloore was in the small blind, calling to put the other three players at risk of elimination. Adam Croffut: A6 Stavros Petychakis: A10 Andrew Tang: KQ Ramaswamy Pyloore: JJ Tang shot ahead on the 103Q flop with his pair of queens. The 5 turn had Croffut drawing dead, while the J river provided Pyloore with one of two outs to take down the pot and knock out all three players, much to the amazement of the many onlookers that had gathered. Massive Cooler Near Money Bubble of WSOP's Biggest Buy-In So Far Double Elimination Deep in COLOSSUS Agustin Mendez In the same event in Level 44 (2,500,000/5,000,000/5,000,000), reporter Laura Fryer caught a double elimination with just 11 players remaining. Bobby Poe was under the gun and moved all in for his remaining 16,000,000 stack. Agustin Mendez was next to act in the cutoff and re-jammed for 17,800,000. Ramaswamy Pyloore was in the big blind and pondered before saying, "Why not?" and moved a stack full of chips into the middle to make the call. Bobby Poe: AQ Agustin Mendez: 88 Ramaswamy Pyloore: 34 Mendez was initially ahead preflop, but Poe picked up a pair of queens on the 6JQ flop. The 7 was turned, which gave Pyloore a gutshot straight draw. He was calling for a "five, five" before the dealer peeled the last card. A 5 came on the river, and Pyloore stole yet another pot and secured a double elimination in the last hand of the day. Pyloore goes into the unscheduled Day 4 tomorrow as the clear chip lead, returning with around a quarter of the total chips in play. Bobby Poe Foxen is King On Day 2 of Event #32: $50,000 High Roller, reporter Connor Richards caught a pair of hands involving Alex Foxen. In Level 11 (10,000/25,000/25,000), Klemens Roiter opened to 60,000 on the button and Foxen three-bet jammed a stack of around 450,000 in the big blind as he got an earful from Martin Kabrhel about an "ugly hoodie" he wore the other day. Ignoring this, Roiter called. Alex Foxen: A2 Klemens Roiter: KK Foxen was able to crack kings in proper fashion as the board ran out 2610A2 to give him a runner-runner full house. "Alex Foxy!" said Khabrel. "You played that very well, especially on the turn." Khabrel then turned to Roiter and gave him some unsolicited advice. "Do you know who this is?" he said, pointing to Foxen. "You can't get it in with just a pair against him. Set at least." Alex Foxen Gettings kings cracked is painful. But getting them cracked twice in the same orbit, by the same opponent, is inconceivable. Foxen opened to 50,000 from under the gun and Kabrhel called on the button before Roiter three-bet jammed a stack of 215,000 from the small blind. Foxen called and Kabrhel called after a lengthy Hollywood that included asking for a count of a bet that had already been confirmed. "You didn't expect that, did you?" Kabrhel said before wishing Roiter good luck. "Two for Austria against stupid hoodie guy." Foxen sized down to 160,000 on the J34 flop and Kabrhel called. Foxen then bet 125,000 on the A turn and Khabrel folded to the "weird bet." Klemens Roiter: KK Alex Foxen: AJ Foxen had once again turned as ace against Roiter's kings, and it ended up being the final blow as the 5 river confirmed Roiter's elimination. "At least apologize to the man," said Kabrhel. "I just gave him an apologetic glance," replied Foxen. Klemens Roiter Share this article The second and supposedly final day of Event #84: $1,000 No-Limit Holdem at the 2025 World Series of Poker has just come to a close at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. What started as 1,873 entrants in Day 1 has now become not just one, as was planned, but three, as play goes to an unprecedented Day 3. The eventual winner, who will now be crowned on July 6, will of course take home a World Series of Poker Bracelet, which will be sweetly accompanied by an incredible top score of $232,498. That result is the best prize from a whopping $1,648,240 pool, a huge increase on the $1,253,120 from last year. End of Day 2 Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Shaun Deeb United States 21,200,000 35 2 Zdenek Zizka Czechia 12,500,000 20 3 Jeffrey Thoney United States 3,800,000 6 Shaun Deeb finds himself atop the leaderboard at the end of the play, as he racked up a monumental 21,200,000 chips, or 35 big blinds. With just two players standing between him and victory, he will undoubtedly believe that the bracelet is already halfway to his wrist. As it stands, he has further extended his lead over Martin Kabrhel at the top of the Player of the Year standings. Day 2 Action A total of 281 players made the money and returned for Day 2, with names such as Scott Eskenazi and Krasimir Yankov dropping out early on. Uri Reichenstein was left with less than one big blind late on in Day 1, but still managed to squeeze into the money, leaving in 209th. Eduards Rakuss and Frank Lagodich also left with a mincash. Uri Reichenstein Eliminations came thick and fast to start Day 2, and that trend continued throughout the day, with the 30-minute levels causing players to blind down and blind out, as 55 players left during the first 15 minutes of the day. Action got down to the unofficial final table after nine hours of play, following the elimination of Hayato Kitajima. Unofficial became official after Huahuan Feng lost a flip to Dinesh Singham, however it took a long time to go from nine to eight. Pay jump pressure became real, but Ricky Robinson, Santiago Plante, and Logan Kim were unable to take advantage of it, leaving before making the final five. Brian Klish was the second last player to leave on the day, taking home $61,195 for his efforts. Santiago Maglio of Argentina just missed out on the podium after being eliminated by the chip leader minutes before the day's end. Play was halted with three players left after action was unable to get to heads up before the end of Level 35. The chip leader, Deeb made an incredible comeback from just five big blinds, to have 57% of the chips in play with three left, as well as having locked up some extremely important WSOP Player of the Year points. Final Table Results and Remaining Payouts Place Player Country Prize 1 $232,498 2 $154,906 3 $112,413 4 Santiago Maglio Argentina $82,480 5 Brian Klish United States $61,195 6 Dinesh Singham Australia $45,917 7 Logan Kim United States $34,848 8 Ricky Robinson United States $26,754 9 Santiago Plante Canada $20,781 Rail The final three declined the option to play out a courtesy level at the end of the night, despite boos and chants from the rail that had been extremely active all night. They will be returning to the card room at 2:00 p.m. on July 6 to battle it out. No matter what, a winner will indeed be crowned during Day 3. Stay tuned as PokerNews brings you every single update throughout the rest of this tournament, and all others at the 2025 World Series of Poker. Another added day of the 2025 World Series of Poker is set to unfold inside Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, as the scheduled two days of action were not enough to determine a winner in Event #84: $1,000 No-Limit Holdem. The final three players will return at 2 p.m. local time, where WSOP Player of the Year leader Shaun Deeb carries a sizeable lead into Day 3. Deeb has already locked up valuable points, but can add even more by adding a second bracelet of the series today. After claiming up his seventh career bracelet just days ago in Event #79: $100,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha, Deeb bagged up 21,200,000 chips when play was stopped late Saturday night. That represents 35 of the 61 big blinds in play when cards are back in the air today. Day 3 Seat Draw Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Jeffrey Thoney United States 3,800,000 6 2 Shaun Deeb United States 21,200,000 35 3 Zdenek Zizka Czechia 12,500,000 20 Zdenek Zizka Standing in Deeb's way are Zdenek Zizka and Jeffrey Thoney, who will take their seats looking to deny their opponent of more history on the felt. Zizka doubled up twice in the final minutes of Day 2 action, and sits second with 20 big blinds. Thoney returns as the short stack, with just over six big blinds after being the chip leader before Deeb's late-night surge. All three players have earned $112,413 for their podium spot, but the largest share of the $1,648,240 prize pool awaits the winner. Sunday's champion will take home $232,498, along with the shiny WSOP gold bracelet. Jeffrey Thoney Final Table Results and Remaining Payouts Place Player Country Prize 1 $232,498 2 $154,906 3 $112,413 4 Santiago Maglio Argentina $82,480 5 Brian Klish United States $61,195 6 Dinesh Singham Australia $45,917 7 Logan Kim United States $34,848 8 Ricky Robinson United States $26,754 9 Santiago Plante Canada $20,781 Play will resume inside the Horseshoe Event Center on Level 36, with blinds of 300,000/600,000 and a 600,000 big blind ante. The levels will remain 30 minutes long, and breaks will be determined as needed on the extra day of action. The PokerNews team will be on hand to provide full coverage, so be sure to stay tuned as we crown the latest WSOP champion in Las Vegas. David Slade is a senior Post and Courier reporter and personal finance columnist. Over more than three decades he's worked for multiple newspapers and magazines, and his reporting has been honored with more than 50 state, regional and national journalism awards. David reports on the impacts of South Carolina's rapid population growth and development. Reach him at 843-937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com John McDermott has been the business editor of The Post and Courier since 2006. He's written about all facets of the South Carolina economy, served in the U.S. Air Force and is a graduate of the University of Hawaii-Manoa journalism program. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Scattered thunderstorms, especially during the morning. Hot and humid. High near 90F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 77F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Bonnie Johnson, who began her career on June 2, 1975, was recognized with a lifetime achievement award during a ceremony at Summerville Medical Center. Colleagues, hospital leaders and members of her church community gathered at the facility on Midland Parkway to mark the occasion. senior reporter Janet Morgan is a senior reporter at The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach. She covers Myrtle Beach and beyond. There is always time to be kind to animals and climb something. The skyline was lost in clouds and haze in Myrtle Beach on July 5 before Tropical Storm Chantal was expected to make landfall in Georgetown County in the early morning hours of July 6. It reached Litchfield Beach around 4 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations. Anna Wilder covers politics for the Post and Courier. She previously worked as a political reporter for The State newspaper. She's a Florida native and a graduate of the University of Florida. Her work has appeared in outlets like Politico, Miami Herald and the Associated Press. (Tiara Indian Restaurant) Guams dining scene just got a delicious upgrade! Whether youre craving curry, crispy chicken, or creative coffee experiences, these new openings are here to impress. From family-run gems to international faves, heres whats new and noteworthy this month: (Stripes Guam) 1.Bobs Poke Bowls (Tumon) (Bobs Poke Bowls) Fresh, flavorful, and fairly pricedBobs Poke Bowls is on a mission to bring high-quality poke to both locals and tourists. With generous portions and island-style vibes, this new Tumon spot is all about keeping it simple and delicious. 2.Tiara Indian Restaurant (Mangilao) (Tiara Indian Restaurant) Spice up your life at Tiara Indian Restaurant, a family-owned eatery founded by the Varghese family. Currently in its soft opening stage, Tiara serves up a menu of authentic Indian cuisine and some local flavor made with love and rich tradition. Pro tip: Call ahead if youre planning a weekend feast! 3.NeNe Chicken (NeNe Chicken) Korean fried chicken fans, rejoice! NeNe Chicken is here to serve up juicy, crispy bites in the former Primo Pizzakaya/Winghaus location. With signature flavors and that irresistible crunch, this spot is set to become your new chicken obsession. 4.C41 Coffee & Film Development (C41 Coffee & Film Development ) Coffee meets creativity at C41Guams first cafe + film lab! Founded by Sean De Leon, C41 offers both artisanal coffee and analog film development services. Drop off your 35mm, 120mm, or disposable film, sip on some coffee, and soak in the chill vibes. Instagram: @c41_film_coffee_guam Film Services: C-41 | B&W | E-6 | 110mm | APS Location: Upper Tumon, next to PostNet Hours of Operation: 7:00am to 5:00pm Daily, Closed Mondays 5.Curry House CoCo Ichibanya (Tamuning) (Curry House CoCo Ichibanya) Japans famous curry chain has landed in Guam! CoCo Ichibanya is now in soft opening mode at the Village of Donki in Tamuning. Build your perfect plate with customizable spice levels, toppings, and more. Comfort food cravings = satisfied. Instagram: @cocoichibanyaguam Location: Village of Donki, Tamuning Soft Opening Hours: 11:00am9:00pm (daily) (The Guam Guide) theguamguide.com PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-06 08:00:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 999 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESHighlights:Formation has planned a 20,000 metre multi-phase drill program at its flagship N2 Gold Project in Quebec, host toa global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4 .Phase 1 has been expanded to a fully funded 7,500 metre program targeting expansion targets in the A zone, a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~522,900 ounces of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open), and the RJ zone, host to high-grade intercepts from historical drill holes as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres2, which was expanded by Agnico Eagle Mines in 2008 in the most recent drilling at the Property.Formation anticipates commencing its drill program in July. The Company filed its 30-day notice with the responsible municipal authorities for its upcoming 2025 exploration activities on June 17, 2025 .Formation will also focus on N2s significant base metal potential, where it recently completed a revaluation process which revealed significant copper and zinc intercepts within historic drillholes with significant gold grades (>1 g/t Au).The Company has working capital of ~C$2.6M, putting it in a very strong financial position to execute its exploration programs.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 6, 2025 /Formation Metals Inc. ("Formation" or the "Company") (CSE:FOMO)(FSE:VF1)(OTCPK:FOMTF), a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company, is pleased to announce that it has elected to expand its maiden drill program at its N2 Gold Property ("N2" or the "Property"), located 25 km south of Matagami, Quebec, to a fully funded 7,500 metres.The Company anticipates commencing on the program in July, having officially filed its Annual Exploration Work Notice ("Planification Annuelle Des Travaux d'Exploration") with the responsible municipal authorities for its upcoming 2025 exploration activities on June 17, 2025. This filing must be completed 30-days in advance of the commencement of fieldwork and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and reflects the Company's continued commitment to transparency, community engagement, and responsible mineral exploration practices. The work program will focus on advancing key targets across Formation's Quebec-based properties.The 7,500 metres comprising Phase 1 is part of its planned 20,000 metre multi-phase drill program at N2, an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4."We are very excited to commence our maiden drill program at N2" said Deepak Varshney, Chief Executive Officer of Formation. "Filing the Annual Exploration Work Notice marked the final regulatory step as we prepare to commence field activities upon receipt of the ATI. Based on our on-going review and planning for Phase 1, we feel comfortable in expanding our maiden drill program to a fully funded 7,500 metres. We anticipate receiving the ATI permit shortly, allowing us to proceed with our exploration activities as scheduled." Mr. Varshney continued: "The summer is going to be a very exciting time as we embark on our fully funded maiden 7,500 metre drill program at N2. Given the scale of the property, the compelling geological data, and the Abitibi Greenstone Belt's established history as a hotbed for gold mining, we are hopeful that the program will deliver our goal of delivering a near-surface multi-million-ounce deposit at N2.We see the potential for a significant gold deposit at N2, and our maiden 7,500-metre drilling program will mark the beginning of Formation's pursuit of that goal. Our maiden program will focus on building on the successes of our predecessors. The drilling discoveries made by Agnico-Eagle and Cypress show the potential at N2. With gold at almost $3,400, over 4 times the price in 2008 when Agnico last drilled the project, we believe that the timing is perfect for N2 and look forward to a very busy upcoming quarter." The drill program is designed to focus on discovery drilling at new high-potential targets along the mineralization strikes at the "A", "RJ" and "Central" zones in the northern part of the Property in order to discover new auriferous trends and unlock new zones of gold mineralization. The program will also focus on high-priority infilling and expansion targets in these zones to significantly enhance the auriferous zones identified to-date (Figure 1).Historical highlights from the top two priority zones include:A Zone: With a historical resource of ~522,900 gold ounces (10.7 Mt @ 1.52 g/t Au), the "A" Zone is a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~15,000 metres of drilling across 55 drillholes, 84% of which intercepted gold mineralization. The best historical intercept includes up to 1.7 g/t over 35 metres. ~1.65 km of strike has been drilled, with 3.1+ km of strike to be tested as part of the 20,000 metre program.RJ Zone: With a historical resource of ~61,100 gold ounces (243 Kt @ 7.82 g/t Au), the "RJ" Zone is a high-grade target that was expanded upon in the last drill program in 2008 by Agnico-Eagle when gold was approximately ~$800/oz. Historically, 20,875 metres has been drilled over 82 drillholes, with best intercepts of 48 g/t over 0.5 metres and 16.5 g/t over 3.6 metres. ~900 metres of strike has been drilled, with 4.75+ km of strike to be tested as part of the 20,000 metre program.The Company has retained Strategy Exploration Advisors ("Stratexplo"), an independent exploration consulting firm based out of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, as the field operations manager for its planned 20,000 metre multi-phase drill program.Stratexplo crews will be responsible for conducting surface exploration at N2, including field logistics, sample collection and dispatch, geological mapping and interpretation, exploration targeting and advising as per National Instrument 43-101 collection and reporting guidelines.These responsibilities are in addition to Stratexplo's on-going work as the Company's permitting manager, where they recently facilitated Formation's submission for its Application for Autorisation de Travaux d'exploration % PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-06 23:01:31 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 484 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 6, 2025 / If you suffered a loss on your Compass Group Diversified Holdings, LLC (NYSE:CODI) investment and want to learn about a potential recovery under the federal securities laws, follow the link below for more information:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or call (212) 363-7500 to speak to our team of experienced shareholder advocates.THE LAWSUIT: A class action securities lawsuit was filed against Compass Group Diversified Holdings, LLC that seeks to recover losses of shareholders who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between February 24, 2022 and May 7, 2025.CASE DETAILS: According to the complaint, throughout the class period, defendants failed to disclose to investors that Compass lacked effective internal controls over its financial reporting; that Compass failed to disclose critical information regarding Lugano Holding, Inc. ("Lugano") which kept undisclosed financing arrangements and exhibited irregularities in its sales, cost of sales, inventory and accounts receivable; and that, as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about the Company's financial reporting were materially misleading.The truth emerged on May 7, 2025, after the market closed, the Company announced that its financial statements for fiscal 2024 could no longer be relied upon due to an ongoing internal investigation into its subsidiary, Lugano. Specifically, Compass reported that its Audit Committee launched an investigation over "concerns about how Lugano was potentially financing inventory." The Company also announced that it intends to delay the filing of its first quarter 2025 Form 10-Q. Further, effective May 7, 2025, Lugano's founder and CEO, Moti Ferder, resigned from Lugano and will not receive any severance compensation.Following this news, the price of Compass' common stock declined dramatically. From a closing market price of $17.25 per share on May 7, 2025 to $6.55 per share on May 8, 2025.WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Compass Diversified stock during the relevant time frame - even if you still hold your shares - go to https://zlk.com/pslra-1/compass-diversified-lawsuit-submission-form?prid=155689&wire=1&utm_campaign=31 to learn about your rights to seek a recovery. There is no cost or obligation to participate.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-06 00:42:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 601 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 5, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., July 5, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Organon & Co. (NYSE:OGN) between October 31, 2024 and April 30, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important July 22, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Organon securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Organon class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=39817 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 22, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Organon's priorities, particularly, related to capital allocation through quarterly dividends. Notably, defendants concealed the high priority of Organon's debt reduction strategy following Organon's acquisition of Dermavant, resulting in a 70% decrease for the regular quarterly dividend. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Organon class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=39817 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-06 03:30:33 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 505 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 5, 2025 / If you suffered a loss on your Vestis Corporation (NYSE:VSTS) investment and want to learn about a potential recovery under the federal securities laws, follow the link below for more information:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or call (212) 363-7500 to speak to our team of experienced shareholder advocates.THE LAWSUIT: A class action securities lawsuit was filed against Vestis Corporation that seeks to recover losses of shareholders who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between May 2, 2024 and May 6, 2025.CASE DETAILS: According to the complaint, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Vestis' ability to grow its business; notably that Vestis would be unable to execute on planned strategic initiatives to drive purported improvements to the customer experience and its onboarding efforts in order to drive new customer growth, increased customer retention, and increased revenue from existing customers. On May 7, 2025, Vestis announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, withdrew its revenue and growth guidance for the full fiscal year 2025, and provided guidance for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 that fell significantly below market expectations. The Company attributed its poor results partially to "lost business in excess of new business," but primarily on "lower adds over stops, which is how we describe volume changes with our existing customers." The Company attributed its decision to pull full-year guidance and provide disappointing third quarter targets to the "increasingly uncertain macro environment." Following this news, the price of Vestis' common stock declined dramatically. From a closing market price of $8.71 per share on May 6, 2025, Vestis' stock price fell to $5.44 per share on May 7, 2025, a decline of about 37.54% in the span of just a single day.WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Vestis stock during the relevant time frame - even if you still hold your shares - go to https://zlk.com/pslra-1/vestis-corporation-lawsuit-submission-form?prid=155616&wire=1&utm_campaign=21 to learn about your rights to seek a recovery. There is no cost or obligation to participate.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP President Bola Tinubu has assured that all bottlenecks hindering the realisation of the agricultural sectors potential, including livestock production, will be removed to enable food sovereignty and export. In a bilateral meeting held at the Copacabana Forte with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva and some members of both countries cabinets, President Tinubu noted that bureaucracy contributes to delays in realising the agricultural sectors potential. The president informed the Brazilian leader and delegation that Nigeria was already undergoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, where it already has a competitive advantage. Mr Tinubu stated that all technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration. The president stated that Brazils research and development services had been exemplary for most countries, with the country rated as one of the highest producers of food and agricultural products. On livestock farming, Mr Tinubu highlighted the efforts of his administration to boost investments in poultry, cattle rearing, and fisheries, adding that the blue economy also holds potential for long-term partnerships between Nigeria and Brazil. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He said Nigeria was ready for a strong partnership and immediate action to stimulate food production. The president said the subnationals have a pivotal role in food and animal production in Nigeria by complementing the federal governments efforts to use agriculture as a significant source of employment and resource mobilisation. President Lula assured that all agreements with Nigeria would be regularised, and the MOUs would be updated and signed without delay during President Tinubus next visit. Mr Da Silva noted that the lingering bureaucracy between the two countries must be removed to achieve quick results, adding that Brazils research and development institutions will collaborate with Nigeria to enhance livestock farming. The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, stated that President Tinubu had consistently insisted on food security for Nigeria, and the mandate would be actualised through local and global partnerships. Mr Kyari noted that Nigeria already had a competitive advantage in fertiliser production that could easily be enhanced. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, highlighted three areas of partnership with Brazil, including health and disease management, sanitary services, and research into genetic materials and new breeds. The governors of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia; Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; Niger State, Mohammed Bago; Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori; and Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, attended the bilateral meeting. The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, stated that the sub-nationals would support the federal governments framework to revamp the agricultural sector. Mr Abiodun noted that both leaders decision to include a business forum during President Tinubus state visit to the country will inject fresh ideas and resources, enabling quick results in turning around Nigerias agricultural sector. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed, also participated in the bilateral meeting. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print TikTok has announced its first-ever Mental Health Ambassadors for Africa as part of a broader effort to promote digital well-being across the continent. TikTok revealed this in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES, adding that the announcement was made during the platforms inaugural Digital Well-Being Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The newly unveiled ambassadors are Sanam Naran from South Africa, Dr Claire Kinuthia from Kenya, Doctor Wales from Nigeria, and Doctor Siya from South Africa. They were selected in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) through its Fides Network. TikTok said these verified professionals will use their platforms to create evidence-based content, promote healthy digital habits, and offer trusted guidance to users, especially young people navigating complex emotional experiences in a digital world. The summit brought together delegates from countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe, along with mental health experts, NGOs, policymakers, and digital leaders, creating a platform for open dialogue on online safety, mental health, and digital literacy. 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 Mental Health Education Fund TikTok also announced the expansion of its $2.3 million global Mental Health Education Fund to include organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Originally established in 2023, the fund supports communities with culturally relevant and evidence-based mental health content. The first three African recipients of the fund are the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), and Kenyas Mental360. These organisations will receive funding and platform support to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and foster open conversations around mental health. Since its launch, the fund has generated over 173 million impressions, attracted more than 600,000 new followers, drove 200,000 website visits, and supported recruiting nearly 500 volunteers. Digital Wellness Features Among the new digital wellness features announced at the summit was a guided meditation tool integrated into TikToks Sleep Hours settinga first in the industry. The tool is automatically enabled at 10 p.m. for users under 18 and is optional for adults. Piloted in March 2025, the feature is designed to improve sleep hygiene and support emotional regulation among teens and young users. TikTok is also rolling out in-app helpline resources across African countries following successful implementation in Europe. These helplines will provide real-time support to users who report content related to suicide, self-harm, bullying, or harassment. In addition to content moderation, TikToks helpline partners will offer counselling, free psychological support, and other critical services to users who need help. Introduces Helpline Following their successful implementation in Europe, TikTok also announced the rollout of in-app helpline resources across African countries. These helplines will offer real-time support to users reporting content related to suicide, self-harm, bullying, or harassment. According to TikTok, these helpline partners can offer assistance, including counselling, advice, free psychological support, and other essential services to those in need. While TikTok reviews reported content and removes community guidelines violations, users can connect with these partner organisations to receive personal support, should they need it. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print It appears that Nigerian businessman and ex-husband of Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams has moved on from the unfortunate events that have followed him in the last couple of weeks. In June, Mr Guobadia was released from the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE) where he was held for months and deported to Nigeria. Days later, he lost a prenup case as a judge ruled that his ex-wife would receive $40,000 per month in alimony for 15 months and have her legal fees paid by her ex-husband. According to the ruling, Ms Williams gets to keep the Rolls-Royce that Mr Guobadia gifted her and has until 2027 to decide whether to remain in the $7,000,000 pre-marital home they shared during their union. Not daunted by the events, Mr Guobadia, who has been absent from social media, probably due to his incarceration, announced his return with one of Nigerias most celebrated culinary prowess, the fisherman soup. The dandy businessman seemed to be having the time of his life, posted a sizzling plate of delicacy on his erstwhile dormant Instagram page, inviting his followers to join him. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Yes, this is fisherman soup, what you would call seafood. It contains the crab, snails, prawns, and all the other ingredients involved. This is called fisherman soup and eba in our local dialect. Bon appetit, said while flashing a broad smile. A new chapter In a previous post, the businessman greeted his followers from Nigeria, whom he described as the mothers of all motherlands. According to him, he still has a lot to share about what it means to keep going. He wrote, Honestly, at 61, I feel like Im just starting. This feels like a whole new chapter of life. Ive still got so much to give: wisdom, experience, and real talk about what it means to keep going. If I can leave anything behind, let it be proof that perseverance is more than a buzzword-its a way to live. Guobadia Mr Guobadia was born on 2 June 1964, in Nigeria, to Stanley Guobadia, an employee of the then Nigerian Prison Services and Martina Guobadia, an English School Teacher. He attended Loyola Jesuit College in Ibadan, Oyo State, before attending Government College Ughelli in Delta State, Nigeria. In 1982, he immigrated to the United States and, in 1993, received a BBA in accounting from the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC. In 2010, he founded SIMCOL Petroleum Limited Company, a regional fuel supplier, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr Guobadia also opened Simons Restaurant in September 2017 in Midtown, Atlanta. The restaurant closed in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Cast: Temi Otedola, Toluwani George, Kanaga Eme Jnr, Natse Jemide, Aduke Shittabey, Damilola Bolarinde, Adedamola Adedoyin, Kalu Ikeagwu, Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey, Nosa Alakiri, Blessing Onwukwe, Francis Onwuchei, Miron Nadvinski Director: Ikechuckwu Jerry Ossai If you have ever attended a boarding school in Nigeria or know someone who has, you may have heard the eerie tale of Madam Koikoi. Madam Koikoi is a mythical, vengeful ghost, often depicted as a female teacher with red high heels, who haunts boarding schools. She was said to have been the victim of bullying while alive. The Koi Koi sound represents the noise her heels make as she walks. 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 Plot In 1892, a Portuguese explorer, on his way to Benin with some native escorts, came across a tree with beautiful patterns. Although he was warned by one of the natives that the tree was dangerous, he insisted on taking a photo. What was supposed to be a picture-perfect moment turns bloody as the tree assumes life and decapitates the foreigner and his escorts. Hundreds of years later, Sterling Academy, a co-educational Ivy League school, has been sited somewhere near the forest. It was when stringent punishment was common and academic excellence was highly rewarded. Expectedly, where school kids are gathered, the discussion centres around dating, outings and grades. One night, Lami (Damilola Bolarinde) lures her friend Amara (Temi Otedola) to hang out with Fiona (Aduke Shittabey) in a cool spot, Finditae (Kanaga Eme Jr) discovered. She didnt say that its somewhere deep in the forest. Meanwhile, the principal (Kalu Ikeagwu) tasks Ms. Kanyin (Michelle Dede) with safeguarding the exam questions to avoid a repeat of the previous years leakage. In a moment of fleeting chaos, Amara, struggling with her grades in French, discovers that Ms Kanyin has the questions. With the belief that theres a better way to pass than studying, Amara decided to risk it all. She hopes to steal the questions and enlists all her friends, including Chisom (Toluwani George), the principals daughter. The plan goes sour during the execution, and they all bail on Amara. Somewhere in the ensuing chaos, Petra, Chisoms dog, chases Ms Kanyin. She flees into the forest as Ms Kanyin and returns as Madam Koikoi, determined to take her revenge on anything that has life, as the bodies pile up. Review The movie Ms Kanyin provides a refreshing take on the Madam Koikoi myth, which has been reenacted in various formats. Among other things, Ms Kanyin sheds subtle light on the strain the need for academic excellence puts on kids and how much it can drive them to. In addition to top-notch acting, viewers get to enjoy a movie that was not shot in a makeshift location. The films production quality shines through, with authentic settings and thoughtful prop choices that enhance the viewing experience. The attention to detail in the production design helps bring the story to life in an immersive and engaging way. While it fails to establish a location and an era, viewers can easily determine that Ms Kanyin is set in the 90s with the brand of vehicles and minimalist home furnishings used. On the other hand, the visual effects in the movie, while well done, still need improvement. Also, for a two-hour film, Ms Kanyin wastes too much time establishing a premise, especially the first 30 minutes. While Ms Kanyin makes for an interesting watch, it doesnt pack the blood-curdling punch horror movies are known for. Verdict: 8/10 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print My name is Professor DeWayne P. Frazier and I serve as the President/ Vice Chancellor of the American University of Nigeria (AUN). For over 25 years I have worked in international education in the United States context. AUN employs the American liberal arts style programmes with highly engaged teaching pedagogy that helps develop the whole person. We also focus on competency-based learning where students are evaluated on more than rote memorisation but more precisely on important outcomes that will make them entrepreneurs with integrity. Many of our students complete their undergraduate degree with AUN and move on to the United States to obtain their masters and PhD programmes. Because of this, I have been asked many times about scholarships to the United States and so I have come up with a comprehensive list that our readers may find of interest to them as well. Fulbright Programme https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/about/foreign-student-program Fulbright Programme Sponsored by the U.S. government, this programme provides funding for international students to pursue graduate (post-graduate) study in the United States. The programme is one of the most famous in the United States and is highly competitive and open to practically any major that a student chose. This programme remains the Gold Standard for American education. AAUW International Fellowships https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/funding-opportunities/international-fellowships/ AAUW International Fellowships Offered by the American Association of University Women, these fellowships are for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. This programme has a rich tradition. Rotary Peace Fellowships https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships For students pursuing a masters degree in peace and conflict resolution, this fellowship covers tuition, fees, and living expenses. Priority given to individuals involved in local Rotary Clubs which exist all over Nigeria. Gates Scholarship https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship This highly selective scholarship programme supports outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households to attend college. The programme is funded by one of the top philanthropists in the world, Bill Gates of the Microsoft fame. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/ This programme offers professional development for mid-career professionals from designated countries, providing non-degree academic study and related professional experiences. 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 United World Scholarships https://www.uwc.org/ibdp/fees-and-scholarships These scholarships support students from around the world to attend UWC schools and then continue their education in the U.S. The programmes start outside the United States in locations around the world including other locations in Africa, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced People https://services.unhcr.org/opportunities/education-opportunities/columbia-university-scholarship-displaced-students-cusds Aimed at students who have been displaced from their home countries due to conflict or other crises, the scholarship provides full tuition and living expenses. This programme could assist students from refugee families and Internally Displaced People (IDPs). American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/au-egls-apply.cfm This scholarship is for high-achieving international students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to positive social change. The American University is located in Washington D.C. and has one of the most diverse campuses anywhere in the world with students from around the world. The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund (IPS) https://www.peointernational.org/educational-support/international-peace-scholarship-fund/ IPS is a fund established in 1949 to provide scholarships for women from other countries for graduate study in the U.S. or Canada. The PEO is one of the top programmes in the United States for women and education and they have funded thousands of students over the years. The maximum award amount is $12,500. Other scholarships that one should review are university specific ones for different American based universities. Example, go online and review programmes like the Global Excellence Scholarship at the University of Oregon, International Student Scholarship at University of Southern California or the International Student Scholarship at Campbellsville University. On the campus of AUN, we are proud to be a host of the United States Embassy American Space/ Windows. According to the United States Department of States website, American Spaces are open-access learning and gathering places around the world that promote interaction both in-person and virtual among local audiences and the United States. More than 600 American Spaces are located in universities, shopping malls, libraries and other public places, as well as on embassy compounds, in more than 140 countries.. The U.S. government has many different of these locations around Nigeria and you should be able to find one close to you. These locations can allow you to attend workshops about student visas (F-1 visas) and exchange scholars (J-1) in the United States as well as access to Education USA. -https://ng.usembassy.gov/education/american-spaces/ Also, do not be in despair, the American University of Nigeria operates the same type of prograame as the universities based in the United States. The credit hours system, the same calendar, semester based, general education coursework as well as various majors in undergraduate studies. If your visa is denied or you are not able to get one of the competitive scholarships at first, you can study at the AUN. We have a robust study abroad programme where student can study at American style universities all over the world for semesters also. Most students that go to America on these programmes go through the Department of State J-1 visa programme for exchange students. I hope that you find this information helpful. It continues to be a blessing for me to help serve in Nigeria with the amazing and wonderful people. The United States and Nigeria have always been strong partners for education so I am happy to watch this to continue to increase over the years. If you have questions on programs, contact us at [email protected] Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The feud between President Donald Trump and his former ally, Elon Musk, has taken a new twist as the tech billionaire announced the formation of the American Party, a new political party to challenge the two dominant parties. He made this announcement on Saturday, a day after Mr Trump signed his self-styled Big, Beautiful Bill into law. Mr Musk fiercely opposes the bill, arguing that it would bankrupt America. The allies who have worked together since the early days of Mr Trumps campaign are now at odds over the legislation. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the once-strong alliance between Mr Trump and Mr Musk began to fracture after the bill passed the House in May. Mr Musk, who previously led DOGE, criticised the bill for its projected $2.4 trillion deficit impact a stance that triggered a public exchange of words between the two on social media. The former allies also got into another exchange last week, which led the tech billionaire to threaten the creation of a new political party. Announcing the new party on X on Saturday, Mr Musk wrote, When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the American Party is formed to give you back your freedom. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He also cited a poll in which he asked whether respondents want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system, which gathered more than two million responses. By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party, and you shall have it! Mr Musk wrote. Trump threatened to deport Musk. The first sign of investor unease over Mr Musks political ambitions surfaced later in the day, as investment firm Azoria Partners announced it would delay the launch of its Tesla-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF). Azoria CEO James Fishback, in a post on X, called on Teslas board to clarify Mr Musks political intentions. He said Mr Musks involvement in launching a new political party has shaken shareholder confidence, particularly after expectations that he would re-focus on the company following his exit from public office in May. Meanwhile, Mr Trump had earlier threatened to deport Mr Musk back to South Africa. He said he could also consider withdrawing some of the American subsidies Mr Musks companies enjoy. Mr Trump suggested the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), previously led by Mr Musk, should now turn its attention to examining the subsidies received by Musks companies. READ ALSO: Elon Musk sells X to his AI firm Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!! He said in a post on Truth Social. However, it remains unclear how much further the tensions between both parties can escalate and what influence the new party will have in the 2026 midterm elections. On Friday, after sharing a poll online, Mr Musk laid out a possible plan to target weak spots in the House and Senate. He said the new party could aim to become the deciding vote on major laws. 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 said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) says Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sierra Leone, and Uganda account for over 84 per cent of Mpox cases across Africa. The figure reflects the data as of epidemiological week 25 of 2025, which underscores the disproportionate disease burden on three countries, even as overall cases show a downward trend. Speaking during a press conference on Friday, the Director-General of Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya, said the DRC alone represents 62 per cent of all confirmed cases on the continent since the current epidemic began. Mr Kaseya said while the continent is seeing a consistent decline in Mpox cases in the last six weeks, the burden remains overwhelmingly concentrated in just a few countries. This calls for tailored and intensified response efforts in these hotspots, he said. He added that from January 2024 to June 2025, Africa recorded more than 75,630 suspected cases and 25,175 confirmed cases of Mpox, with 574 deaths. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Kaseya added that Uganda, Sierra Leone, and the DRC accounted for a significant share of these cases, with Uganda recording over 6,900 confirmed cases, Sierra Leone 4,297, and the DRC 27,940. He said that children under 15 make up a growing proportion of those affected. In Burundi, nearly 47 per cent of confirmed cases are children. Similarly, he said that in Uganda, over 11 per cent of confirmed Mpox patients are children under 15. Mr Kaseya also said that men account for over two-thirds of confirmed cases continent-wide, suggesting possible gender-based exposure patterns that require further investigation. In spite of a 100 per cent testing rate for samples received in most countries, Mr Kaseya said that testing coverage remains low due to logistical issues. He said issues like poor sample transportation, especially in remote areas of the DRC and Sierra Leone had remained a major setback. In Sierra Leone, the Africa CDC praised recent gains in rapid test result turnaround time (2.5 days) and high positivity rates of 85 per cent, indicating targeted and effective testing. On vaccination, he said that over 698,000 people across 11 countries have received at least one dose of the Mpox vaccine. Notably, he said Sierra Leone successfully vaccinated over 70,000 people during its second round of the campaign that began on 23 June. However, he said that the vaccine stock outs remain a critical bottleneck, with countries like Liberia and parts of Sierra Leone reporting shortages. He said the DRC continues to lead with over 530,000 persons vaccinated, accounting for 75 per cent of the continents total. READ ALSO: Nigeria records more deaths from Lassa fever While noting that the response has not been without setbacks, he pointed out that several treatment centres in Uganda and the DRC face shortages of essential medicines, fuel for ambulances, and gaps in hygiene staffing. He said that in Uganda, case management units in cities like Entebbe and Fort Portal are overburdened, with admissions outpacing capacity. According to him, progress is being made with supportive care protocols and ongoing health worker training that is yielding improved outcomes, with a gradual drop in case fatality rates now at 0.5 per cent continent-wide. Mr Kaseya called on African Union Member States to adopt an integrated emergency response that addresses both Mpox and concurrent cholera outbreaks, particularly in regions affected by climate shocks, conflict, and fragile sanitation systems. The Mpox epidemic remains a public health emergency of continental security (PHECS), and we must not relent in our efforts, he stressed. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Mpox is a viral disease similar to smallpox, spread through close contact. It causes fever, rash, and swollen glands, and can be severe in children and people with weakened immunity. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed that eight people, including the driver and conductor of a commercial bus, died on Sunday in a fatal crash at Atura Bus Stop, inbound Badagry. The accident involved a 16-seater Mazda commercial bus with registration number KJA 811 YF, and a DAF truck marked T1 4636 LA, according to a statement shared by LASTMAs Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, on X. The tragic accident instantly claimed the lives of eight passengers, including the bus driver and his conductor, casting a somber pall over the Badagry axis, the statement read. The statement said LASTMA operatives responded alongside personnel from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force (Morogbo Division), and the 244 Battalion of the Nigerian Army (Ibereko Barracks). The agencies launched a coordinated rescue operation at the crash site, according to the statement. Eight other passengers, who sustained varying degrees of injuries, were rescued and taken to Badagry General Hospital for emergency treatment using an FRSC vehicle, the statement added. It also said preliminary investigations revealed that the bus driver lost control while reportedly speeding excessively, which led to a catastrophic collision with the DAF truck. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The impact, Mr Taofiq said, was so severe that several passengers stood little chance of survival. Visiting the scene, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the victims families and expressed sorrow over the lives lost. This heart-wrenching incident is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for all road users to embrace caution. May the Almighty grant the deceased eternal rest and console their families, he said. He also wished the injured passengers a swift and full recovery. Mr Bakare-Oki condemned reckless driving by commercial and heavy-duty vehicle operators, warning against excessive speed and urging strict adherence to safety protocols, including routine vehicle maintenance. This regrettable loss could have been avoided if basic principles of defensive driving and vehicular safety were observed. Speed remains a silent killer on our highways, he warned. He emphasised that LASTMAs operations have evolved beyond traffic control to full-fledged incident and emergency management, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olus THEMES Plus Agenda, which prioritises road safety, emergency preparedness, and urban mobility infrastructure. We are no longer merely controlling traffic. We are managing emergencies, mitigating disasters, and saving lives, he said. He noted that the state government has begun deploying speed-limiting devices at accident-prone flashpoints across Lagos, as part of broader efforts to reduce road fatalities and ensure commuter safety. LASTMA also appreciated the prompt support from FRSC, the Police, and the Nigerian Army, and praised its own officers for their professionalism in managing the tragic incident. The agency appealed to all road users to demonstrate heightened caution, especially on high-speed corridors, where fatigue, distraction, and speeding often lead to deadly consequences. In January, PREMIUM TIMES reported the death of one person in another road crash that occurred at Mile 2, inward Cele. According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the crash involved a Mack truck (registration number EPE-516YA) carrying a 40-foot container, a second truck loaded with vehicle engines, and two motorcycles. Following distress calls received at 23:48hrs via the 767 and 112 toll-free lines, our response team from Cappa Base, Oshodi, arrived at the scene at 00:10hrs, he said. LASEMA stated that investigations revealed that the truck conveying vehicle engines developed a mechanical fault while in motion, resulting in a collision with the oncoming truck and two motorcycles. The agency said one of the motorcyclists died instantly and was taken to the morgue by FRSC officials before LASEMA arrived. The second motorcyclist escaped unhurt. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Super Falcons of Nigeria will kick off their campaign for a record-extending tenth Womens Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title this evening against Tunisia at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. After a disappointing semi-final exit in 2022, Nigeria arrives in Morocco with renewed determination to reclaim their status as Africas dominant force. Under the theme Mission X, the Falcons are eyeing a strong start to set the tone for what they hope will be another historic run. Led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, the team boasts a blend of seasoned stars like Asisat Oshoala and Chiamaka Nnadozie, alongside exciting young talents ready to make their mark on the continental stage. Opponents Tunisia may be underdogs on paper, but the North Africans are not to be overlooked. Having shown steady improvement in recent years, theyll be eager to spoil Nigerias opening-night plans. 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 Stay tuned to PREMIUM TIMES for LIVE UPDATES as Nigeria and Tunisia battle for early points in what should be an entertaining Group B clash. Kickoff is 5 p.m. LIVE KICKOFF! Game already underway as the Super Falcons begin their WAFCON campaign against Tunisia GOAL !!! Babajide delivers a good cross and Asisat Oshoala heads in the ball to give Nigeria the lead Five minutes into the game Nigeria 1-0 Tunisia Free kick for the Super Falcons after a foul against Rinsola A minute of silence was observed in honour of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who passed away on Thursday The Super Falcons are also wearing black armbands in honour of the late Peter Rufai The Super Falcons have lost their last two opening matches at the WAFCON but they have started brightly this time with an early goal against Tunisia Toni Payne with a dazzling move on the right flank but the Tunisians clear their line The Super Falcons have been all over the place but they are yet to get a much desired second goal YELLOW CARD: Deborah Abiodun gets the first booking in this game Tunisia make a rare move into the Super Falcons penalty area but the sole striker was overwhelmed and lost the possession Captain Rasheedat Ajibade flashes a shot but the effort goes wide off target Cooling break for both teams Action is back on and the Tunisians are begining to pull their weight Toni Payne with an effort from distance but the tame shot was well handled by the Tunisia goal keeper Ajibade with a poor cross that flies away for a goal kick for Tunisia CHANCE! Oshoala delivers a pass to Abiodun who whips a low shot but taken care off by the Tunisia goalkeeper who has been quite busy in this firstt half Abiodun with another rough tackle and would have to be more careful to avoid a red card Tunisia with a free kick directed into the Super Falcons area but Nnadozie rushed out with a decisive punch Smart defending by the Tunisians to deny Oshoala a second goal Five minutes additional time GOALLLL !!! Babajide Rinsiola doubles Nigerias lead The Nigerian striker pulls of a Diogo Jota trademark celebration after that goal VAR check will the goal stand or not? The referee is taking her time and she decides the goal stands Nigeria 2-0 Tunisia The Super Falcons with a corner kick in the final moments of the first half Plumptre heads the ball in but her effort was disallowed HALF TIME: Nigeria 2-0 Tunisia Second half back on We are now one hour into game.. Nigeria 2-0 Tunisia The Super Falcons have been wasteful in the second half with a handful of begging chances they have failed to bury The Super Falcons still holding to their two goal lead as both teams go for a cooling break Nnadozie makes a big save to deny the Tunisians but there is a likely VAR check for a possible penalty kick for the North Africans Ohale Osinachi appears to have made a contact The Burundian official taking her time before she makes her call Free kick awarded in favour of the Super Falcons, a big relief for the Nigerian ladies We are into the final 10 minutes in the second half The Super Falcons have been unable to add to their two-goal tally from the first half Okoronkwo s effort hits the woodwork as the Super Falcons inch closer to a third goal SUBSTITUTION: Toni Payne makes way for Folashade Ijamilusi Goal!!! Chiwendu Ihezuo makes it 3-0 YELLOW CARD: Demehin gets a booking for a foul Five additional minutes as the move into the final stage of the second half SUBSTITUTION: Echechini in for Halimat Ayinde Plumptre with a header on target but the Tunisia keeper makes a save .. The North Africans with a chance of their own which rattles the crossbar FULL TIME: Nigeria 3-0 Tunisia Super Falcons secure a comfortable win in their WAFCON opener Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print No fewer than 21 persons lost their lives while three others sustained various degrees of injury in an auto crash at Kasuwar Dogo in Dakatsalle, along the Zaria-Kano Highway. The Kano State FRSC Sector Commander, Muhammed Bature, disclosed this in a statement by the commands spokesperson, Abdullahi Labaran, on Sunday in Kano. Mr Bature said the crash involved a DAF Trailer with registration number GWL 422 ZE and a Toyota Hummer bus with registration number KMC 171 YM. He said, We received a call at about 08:23 a.m. on Sunday, and on receiving the information, we quickly dispatched the personnel and vehicle to the scene. The cause of the incident was a route violation by the driver of the Toyota Hummer Bus, which led to a head-on collision with the trailer; both vehicles were engulfed by fire. The burnt bodies of the deceased were evacuated and deposited at Nassarawa Hospital Mortuary, Kano, while the injured victims were taken to Garun Malam General Hospital for medical attention,he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The sector commander expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Mr Bature also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured victims and called on road users to strictly adhere to traffic rules, particularly avoiding dangerous overtaking, route violations, and night travel. He pledged the corps commitment to ensuring the safety of road users and urged those driving on the highways to remain vigilant and law-abiding. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerian brands on Saturday lit up New York at the maiden edition of the NaijaBrandChick Trade Fair and Exhibitions. The event brought together passionate business owners from across Nigeria and buyers from across the US and North America, which affirmed Nigerias growing status as a hub for competitive brands. Speaking at the fair in New York, Nigerias Consul-General, Abubakar Jidda, described the exhibition as a living testament to the wealth and uniqueness of the Nigerian spirit. This brands display is to showcase Nigerias vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, her ingenuity, resilience and global ambition of Nigerian brands to the world, Mr Jidda said. I want to thank you for finding time to travel all the way from Nigeria, all over the US, Europe and North America to come and display and support NaijaBrandChick to exhibit Nigerian brands that make us look very unique. From New York to Houston, NaijaBrandChick has once again proven that when Nigerians dare to dream, the world watches, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The Consul-General, who personally toured the stalls, applauded the creativity on display, from bold fashion pieces to organic skincare products, authentic Nigerian delicacies and unique homegrown innovations. Many of the brands are owned by young women and youth-led ventures, which Mr Jidda said was a testament to Nigerias dynamic entrepreneurial generation. He noted that the fair aligned strongly with President Bola Tinubus renewed focus on engaging the diaspora as a strategic force in Nigerias economic transformation. This is what the current administration of President Bola Tinubu has been saying concerning the diaspora community. That is why we have in our foreign policy a place for the diaspora. So its important that we, from the consulate, will always come out to support you, he said. The Nigerian envoy emphasised the important role that thriving small businesses play in building prosperous nations. Because of people like you, the SMEs, the small businesses that we talk about, if Nigeria can continue like this, I strongly believe businesses will make our economy very, very strong. He encouraged Nigerian entrepreneurs to keep pushing boundaries, telling them to go back and tell the story at home that yes, this is the way forward. This is the way that we need to come and showcase our Nigerian brands and what we have to show the world. Mr Jidda left the exhibitors with a charge to return in even greater numbers. This is the maiden one but we believe that the next edition will be bigger and will need a bigger space. I encourage you to keep the dream alive. The vibrant atmosphere at the exhibition venues was filled with colourful stalls, authentic Nigerian music, tasty local delicacies and inspiring business stories. The trade fair is being powered by NaijaBrandChick, one of Nigerias leading platforms for promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Nelly Agbogu, organiser of the trade fair, said the US edition, which held in Houston, Texas and New York, witnessed a large turnout of exhibitors and buyers. She said the event provided a rare window for the diaspora community and American buyers to experience the diversity, quality and creativity of Nigerian products. This ranges from fashion and beauty to food, crafts, technology and lifestyle innovations. Many of the exhibitors, mostly young women-led brands, spoke of how NaijaBrandChick has empowered them to expand beyond Nigerias borders and compete confidently in the global market. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fair was held in Houston, Texas, from 27 to 29 June and 5 July in New York. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has unveiled plans for the hybrid electrification of the Federal University Kashere (FUK), Gombe State, by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Mr Tinubu also announced plans for the construction of a dam on the Kashere River by the Ministry of Water Resources. The president, who disclosed this at the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th combined convocation ceremony of FUK on Saturday, in Kashere, was represented by Ibrahim Garba, the vice-chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. He said the Dam project was intended to support the universitys agricultural training programme and improve water access for surrounding communities. Mr Tinubu emphasised the governments unwavering commitment to promoting access to quality education. He recalled the launch of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), stating that; With NELFUND, no brilliant mind shall be left behind simply because of circumstance. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The president also urged Nigerian universities to explore sustainable funding models. The era of over-reliance on government subventions must give way to innovative revenue generation, strategic partnerships, intellectual property development, and well-managed endowment funds, he said. Commending the efforts of staff, management, and the Gombe State Government in the development of the university, Mr Tinubu called for continued cooperation to foster peace and security in the North-East and to further position universities as vanguards of national renaissance In his welcome speech, Umaru Pate, vice-chancellor of FUK, noted that the institutions academic profile was on the rise. Mr Pate said the university had prioritised academic relevance through robust research activities and collaborations with credible national and international institutions. He said that during the period under review, the university hosted 10 major national and international conferences to enhance its scholarly visibility. These efforts coincided with a significant increase in both undergraduate and postgraduate enrolment, which rose from 8,311 to 17,345, along with a corresponding increase in graduation output, Mr Pate said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has dismissed speculations that he plans to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the reports as baseless and politically motivated. Mr Zulum, in a statement on Sunday by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, said the rumour making the rounds in some sections of the online media was a fabrication by unscrupulous elements seeking cheap relevance. He said there was no truth in the claim that he, alongside five other governors, were planning to join the ADC. We are aware of a fictitious and mischievous social media report circulating in certain quarters, alleging plans by me to decamp from the APC to the ADC, alongside five other governors. This is entirely false and exists only in the imagination of its sponsors. They are detractors who have made no meaningful contribution to the progress of Borno State or Nigeria. It is a classic example of cheap, politically motivated speculation designed solely to distract us and create unnecessary political tension, Mr Zulum said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The governor reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the APC and restated that his priority remained the peace, stability, and development of Borno. My loyalty to the APC remains firm and my dedication is solely to the welfare and progress of Borno State. I urge the good people of Borno and the general public to disregard this fabrication. We have no time for cheap politics; our hands are full with the noble task of rebuilding and developing our dear state, Mr Zulum said. The governor cautioned the media and the general public to verify information from credible sources and not to fall for misinformation. We remain resolute in our commitment to serving Borno State under the banner of our great party, the APC, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print With days to the local government elections in Lagos State, 14 youth-led organisations across South-west Nigeria have received training on media and information literacy to strengthen civic participation. The workshop, held in Lagos from 1 to 3 July, was organised by the Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue (MILID) Foundation in partnership with UNESCO Nigeria and the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development. It was themed The Role of Media and Information Literacy for Youth in the Democratic Process, and aimed to equip participants with skills to think critically, verify information, and engage ethically in digital spaces. The workshop featured sessions on the role of media and information literacy (MIL) in democracy, conflict, gender-based violence, content creation, fact-checking and verification. According to the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), the state council election is scheduled for 12 July to prevent a leadership vacuum in the local councils. Voters across 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are expected to elect 57 chairpersons and 376 councillors. 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 Strengthening youth civic participation Representing the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, at the workshop, the state youth ambassador, Obadare Adenekan, said the theme of the event is vital to the states democratic journey. Mr Ogunlende said it reflects the urgent need to equip them with the tools to critically navigate the media space, distinguish truth from falsehood, and use information responsibly. He also urged participants to put the lessons from the training into action. Let it guide your posts, your projects, and your platforms. Use media to advocate, not agitate. Use your voice to build, not break. Above all, use information as a tool for truth, justice, and nation-building, he said. In her remarks, UNESCO Nigerias Communication and Information Sector Coordinator, Yachat Nuhu, explained that the training is part of broader efforts to equip young people for active citizenship in the digital age. Ms Nuhu said integrating MIL into the policies and strategies of youth organisations, is a proactive step toward fostering informed, responsible, and engaged young citizens. She added that young people are among the most active participants in the digital space, where political discourse, election campaigns, and civic engagement increasingly take place. Hence, UNESCOs interest in equipping them with the tools to safeguard freedom of expression, promote human rights, contribute to peaceful societies, and sustainable development, she noted. Nationwide intervention MILID Foundations Executive Director, Chiamaka Okafor, explained that the South-west edition is part of a nationwide initiative targeting all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Ms Okafor described the Lagos edition as timely and strategic, especially with the upcoming elections, to prepare young people for informed and responsible civic participation. We are taking this workshop to every zone of the country to build the capacity of young people, as well as organisations working with youth, around media and information literacy, Ms Okafor said. Our goal is to help them understand the importance of developing critical thinking, fact-checking skills, and the ability to responsibly create content. In his remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, represented by the Ministrys Director of Public Affairs, Adesegun Ogundej,i emphasised the importance of verifying information as it helps in decision making and strengthening the democratic process. Mr Omotosho added that the state government remains committed to supporting efforts that promote media literacy and democratic development. Workshop sessions Two professors from the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika and Suraj Olunifesi, led discussions on gender-based violence, MIL, AI, and conflict. Selected organisations include TMI Initiative, a youth-led nonprofit empowering underserved communities through charity and advocacy; Take It Back, Volunteers Hub, Roundcheck, among others. Participants described the training as enlightening and empowering. Rofiat Ileyemi from TMI Initiative, Lagos State, said the sessions helped her realise the power of media in shaping public opinion and the importance of verifying information before sharing it. Another participant, Deborah Fayanju, from Ondo State, said the experience broadened her understanding of MILs role in social advocacy and civic responsibility. Ms Fayanju described her experience as enriching and broadening her understanding of Media and Information Literacys critical role in democracy, gender-based violence, content creation, and social advocacy. Apart from representatives of youth organisations in the South-west, the advocacy workshop had students from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PRNigeria, Yushau Shuaib, has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), calling for an investigation into alleged cybercrime and digital rights violations by officials of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). In his petition titled, Cybercrime Allegation: PRNigeria Petitions Police Against NIPSS Officials, and addressed to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Mr Shuaib alleged that NIPSS officials unlawfully accessed a private editorial email belonging to PRNigeria, an online media platform. Mr Shuaib was a participant in NIPSSs Senior Executive Course (SEC 47) before his withdrawal last month. NIPSS cited misconduct and disregard for constituted authorities as reasons for withdrawing Mr Shuaib from the programme. In a letter addressed to the public relations institute that nominated Mr Shuaib for the course, the Director General of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, stated that the decision, approved by its management, followed a disciplinary committees recommendation to expel Mr Shuaib over alleged breaches of confidentiality and institutional guidelines. The withdrawal letter did not specify the exact offences constituting misconduct but it was six weeks after Mr Shuaib was suspended from the course for writing an article on President Tinubus reforms. In his petition to the IGP, Mr Shuaib detailed how a PRNigeria internal editorial email appeared as an attachment in an official query issued to Mr Shuaib by NIPSS. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later This email was never sent to, copied to, or shared with any NIPSS official, Mr Shuaib said in his petition. Its appearance in an internal disciplinary proceeding indicates an alarming breach of digital privacy and suggests unauthorised surveillance, data intrusion, or unlawful system access. Mr Shuaib emphasised the nature of PRNigerias work, which often involves sensitive, security-related information and relies heavily on anonymous sources who are assured of digital safety and confidentiality. He told the IGP that the illegal breach of our internal system by these NIPSS officials not only threatens the foundation of our editorial independence but also endangers the safety and anonymity of our trusted sources. The petition highlighted potential violations of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended in 2024, specifically citing Section 24, which prohibits the unlawful interception of electronic communications. Mr Shuaib stated he has both the official NIPSS query referencing the unlawfully accessed email and a copy of the original confidential email. He expressed readiness to cooperate fully with the investigation, suggesting that further technical analysis may reveal digital footprints or logs that can assist in identifying the source and method of the unauthorised intrusion. Mr Shuaibs petition urged the Nigeria Police Force to question some officials of NIPSS for questioning and to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the unauthorised access and use of the private editorial email. He also urged the identification and prosecution of all culpable parties under the Cybercrime Act, in addition to implementing measures to prevent future violations of digital privacy by public institutions. I want you to use your good office to cause a dispassionate investigation into my complaint and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full wrath of the law, Mr Shuaib concluded in his petition. When contacted, NIPSS Head of Public Affairs Department, Sola Adeyanju, said: We will like to state categorically that at no point did anyone accessed his email. NIPSS is the topmost think tank in Nigeria and no official will violate the laws of the country. We are too disciplined to do that. As we have reiterated severally, we will maintain the integrity of the National Institute, which Mr Shuaibu is painstakingly trying to tarnish. As he has sent a petition to the IGP, we shall allow them take their decision on it. We wish him luck. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is set to clear 4,845 individuals, including Jamiu Basola, a graduate of the Federal University of Technology (FUTA), who has been unable to register for the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) over issues with their admission status. Mr Basola and FUTA had complained to JAMB after the board described his admission as fake whenever he tried to register for the National Youth Service Scheme. Both FUTA and the graduate insisted his admission was genuine, and the university said it had written to JAMB to confirm the graduates admission. JAMB to clear candidates PREMIUM TIMES can now report that the board is on the verge of clearing Mr Basola and over 4,000 others with similar challenges. A source familiar with the matter confided in this newspaper that Mr Basola, the FUTA graduate, and 12 other candidates with similar issues would be asked to effect the corrections that may have led to the challenge they are facing on the JAMB portal. The 13 candidates were among the 4,845 regularised by JAMB but were flagged due to omissions noticed on their portals, the source said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The others are two from Bayero University Kano (BUK) and one each from the University of Ilorin, Ekiti State University, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ben Idahosa University, Obong University, Yaba College of Technology, Osun State Polytechnic, and Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri. It is not clear what the exact issues are with Mr Basolas and the other 12 affected individuals admissions. However, in a complaint submitted to the JAMB Support Centre on 10 February 2025, seen by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday, Mr Basola acknowledged failing to print the original JAMB result slip from his portal a document that could have helped clarify his admission status. I acknowledge that this oversight may have contributed to the issue at hand, he wrote, while maintaining that he was genuinely admitted and completed his studies in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at FUTA in December 2024. Mr Basolas admission was flagged as fake on the JAMB matriculation list, effectively disqualifying him from NYSC mobilisation. The issue remained unresolved for months despite the graduate presenting several supporting documents, including his JAMB admission letter, UTME result, WAEC certificate, and FUTA admission letter. Mr Basola told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday that he no longer believes that his failure to print his result from the JAMB portal was responsible for his ordeal. Our source said that JAMB received over 17,000 admission complaints nationwide and reviewed them. According to the source, the board cleared 6,908 candidates last month. It determined 5,669 as outright fraud, and some considered fraudulent were being investigated or prosecuted. JAMB CAPS and Regularisation To simplify admission processes in 2017, JAMB introduced the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) through which all tertiary institutions are required to offer admissions to candidates. Candidates offered admissions outside of the CAPS are described by JAMB as undisclosed admissions or illegal admissions. For the first three years (2017-2020), JAMB helped universities regularise admissions conducted outside CAPS following a waiver granted by the then Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu. During the regularisation of these admissions, the board flagged 13 candidates, including Mr Basola, over certain omissions. However, all admissions offered outside of CAPS since 2020 are considered illegal and cannot be regularised. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Insurgency attacks have reduced significantly in Borno State in the past couple of weeks as the Nigerian military killed hundreds of insurgents and bombarded their hideouts across the Sambisa forest and Lake Chad region. About 210 insurgents have surrendered to troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force since a new offensive began in May. However, despite the successes recorded in the military operation, anxiety persists in many communities over the rise in suicide bombing cases. Local community sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the insurgents were resorting to suicide bombing because the military has decimated their fighters. The insurgents are losing ground. Their number is shrinking because the military is now on top of the situation. A lot of their members are turning in their arms because they suspect some of their members are collaborating with the military to leak their locations, a Civilian Joint Task Force member, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to journalists, told this reporter. The suicide bombing in Konduga was by a woman. A man noticed her moving around densely populated areas, pretending to be begging. It was in the course of interrogating her that she detonated the device, a community leader in Konduga, who refused to be named, said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Suicide bombing is becoming rampant, said Mallam Goni, a resident of Damboa. The government needs to deploy secret personnel. The insurgents target public places, including markets, worship centres, and routes. The threats of attacks discourage people from going to their farms and pursuing other means of livelihood, community members said. Five attacks In the past two weeks of the military operation, scores of insurgents were eliminated. However, at least 15 people died and scores of others were injured in five attacks in the state. The attacks by the insurgents, including suicide bombings, occurred in Konduga, Goshe (Gwoza), Damboa, and Gamboru Ngala. On 21 June, eleven people were killed by a female suicide bomber in a fish market in Konduga Local Government. The incident left at least 12 people hospitalised at the Maiduguri Specialist Hospital. Community leaders said a woman pretending to be breastfeeding her child detonated the bomb. Below is a timeline of the recent incidents: 22 June A day after the Konduga suicide bombing incident, the military repelled an attack on its base in Goshe in the Gwoza Local Government Area. The local media and Zagazola Makama, a security expert, reported that the insurgents retreated with gunshot wounds. 25 June 11 passengers were killed and 10 others injured in an explosion at Komala village in the Konduga Local Government Area on the Damboa-Maiduguri road. The police said the incident involved an Isuzu Pickup van taking passengers from Damboa to Maiduguri. 1 July Eight insurgents were killed at the Manawaji area of Gamboru Ngala, Borno State, when they engaged soldiers in a battle. According to Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson of the militarys Operation Hadin Kai, the defence forces, consisting of soldiers, CJTF, and hybrid forces, also known as repentant insurgents, recorded light casualties in the encounter. ALSO READ: Troops kill eight insurgents in Borno 3 July Soldiers killed two insurgents and inflicted gun wounds on scores of others in Gwoza and Mallam Fatori in the Abadam Local Government Area. When they encountered the soldiers, the insurgents were in transit in the Dar-Jamal area in the Miyanti axis. The soldiers recovered arms, including AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, motorcycles, Baofeng radios, cell phones, hard drugs, medical drips, and mini solar panels from the terrorists. 5 July The military discovered 56 improvised explosive devices under a bridge along the Marte-Dikwa road. Military speaks on suicide bombings While reacting to the discovery of the improvised explosive devices suspected to be planted by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the military said the number and placement of the devices were to cause mass casualties and to disrupt movement along the vital route. This successful operation has prevented a potentially catastrophic attack and reaffirms the vigilance, expertise, and commitment of Nigerian troops in safeguarding key infrastructure and civilian lives within the North East theatre, a statement by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters on their Facebook page read. The police, however, called on the public to be vigilant and report suspicious movement. Governor Zulum seeks solution to suicide bombing In his reaction, Governor Babagana Zulum noted that the suicide bombings occurred mainly in centres of illicit activities and asked the state assembly to review local laws to ban such centres. He noted that drug dealers dislodged from the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council relocated to rural areas like Konduga to continue their activities and harbour criminals. On Friday, the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, visited front-line troops in the North-east. The minister, speaking at the Borno State Government House, said the visit was to assess the security situation in the state and to discuss the way forward with the state governor. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At least nine women kidnapped and forcibly married to Boko Haram insurgents have been arrested by security operatives while relocating from their enclave in Alawa forest reserve, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State to areas bordering Benin Republic in neighbouring Kebbi State, PREMIUM TIMES can report. This newspaper had reported how the Boko Haram faction led by Mallam Sadiku engaged in forced labour and child marriage. While the exact reason for the womens attempted relocation remains unclear, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the Sadiku-led faction is under pressure from external forces of the military and the rival Dogo Gide group. Initially operating as a sleeper cell, the group has grown significantly, reportedly recruiting many fighters reportedlysome forcefullyfrom the Gbagyi communities in Shiroro LGA. Kidnapped, married and enslaved In addition to recruiting men and boys for combat, the group has abducted numerous girls, some as young as 15, and forced them into marriage and motherhood. PREMIUM TIMES confirmed that at least five girlsZainab, Mary, two named Azeema, and Khadijawere forcibly married to senior commanders in Mr Sadikus group. Zainab, abducted in 2021 at the age of 17, was the first to be married off, to a commander named Muhammad Kabeer. Mary was married to Ismail; Azeema to Mallam Shafii; the second Azeema to Suleiman; and Khadija to Umar. 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 Sadiku-led Boko Haram enclaves inside Alawa forest / Credit: Yakubu Mohammed. These commanders, along with their wives and other non-combatants, live in makeshift camps scattered across the Alawa forest reserve, particularly around Kugu, Maganda, and Dogon Fili. The camps, sheltered with zinc roofing, also host informal Islamic schools that reportedly serve as radical indoctrination centres. How they were caught On Friday, three of the women were intercepted by the police in Tegina, a town infamous for the 2021 mass abduction of more than 100 Islamiya students. Local sources told our reporter that the women had boarded a commercial vehicle from Pandogari or Birnin Gwari to Tegina, where they planned to continue their trip to Kebbi through Kontagora. But a disagreement broke out among them during the trip, one source with direct knowledge of their arrests told PREMIUM TIMES. One of them who hails from Kagara backed out of the journey and began arguing with the others, he continued. She told them she couldnt continue the journey since she had gotten to Tegina. The commotion drew the attention of passers-by who alerted authorities, he added. According to the source, the woman who refused to continue the journey explained their background to residents, who then handed them over to the police. The women later confessed to the police that their Boko Haram husbands had instructed them to relocate to Kebbi. They also told the police that more women were on their way, the source added. Indeed, the following day, six additional women were intercepted in Agwara, a border town in Niger State. All but one were carrying babies; the other woman was heavily pregnant. One of the intercepted women was identified as a native of Alawa, a community the insurgents had previously captured after dislodging the military and displacing its residents. A family member confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that she was one of 25 women kidnapped on 14 February 2024 while en route to a local market. For now, I cant say much about her condition, the relative said. Shes still in police custody. When contacted, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, said he would verify the arrests and provide updates. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate has responded to the ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the recall of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, from suspension, saying it has yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement to enable it take a decision. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March for six months over alleged misconduct during the plenary session on 20 February, a decision she later challenged in court. Her colleagues voted unanimously to suspend her following the ethics committees recommendations. However, in a judgment delivered on Friday, Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ruled that the six-month suspension imposed on the senator was excessive. The court held that suspending an elected senator for such a lengthy period was equivalent to disenfranchising the entire constituency for the duration of a legislative year It also found Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty in contempt for a satirical Facebook post she made on 27 April while the suit was still pending. The judge awarded a fine of N5 million against her and directed her to issue an apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days of the ruling. The court, however, didnt jail the senator because her offence amounted to civil, not criminal contempt. 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 Senates position Reacting to the judgement, the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, acknowledged the ruling in a statement on Sunday but stressed that the upper legislative chamber would not act until it receives and properly reviews the full court decision. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges that judgment was delivered on 4th July 2025 by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, the Senate is yet to be served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the said judgment, he said. He noted that the Senates legal team, present during the court session, confirmed that the full judgement was not read in open court. As a result, Mr Adaramodu said the Senate has applied for the CTC in order to thoroughly examine the ruling and determine its next steps. Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court. Consequently, we have formally applied for the CTC to enable a thorough review and informed determination of the appropriate legal response, particularly in view of the uncertainty surrounding whether the court made any direct order nullifying the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position. The Senate remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will act strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon full clarification of the courts pronouncements, he added. Viral video and rumours of resumption Following the court ruling, a video surfaced online showing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan addressing a group of her supporters. In the video, she is seen celebrating her legal victory and allegedly announcing that she would return to the Senate on Tuesday. Efforts by PREMIUM TIMES to verify the authenticity of the video or get confirmation from the senator were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to inquiries. However, the Senate spokesperson maintained that no formal process had been initiated to reinstate the senator because the Senate was still awaiting the courts formal directive. Since no party to the case has been officially served the enrolled order of the judgement, none can enforce any perceived order or relief, Mr Adaramodu said. He urged Nigerians to remain calm and assured the public that the legislature would act in line with constitutional provisions and legal counsel once the court judgment is received and reviewed. We urge the public to remain patient and assured of the Senates fidelity to due process, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print An official of the the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO), Nene Emeya, who was arrested a few days ago by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) has been released. Ms Emeya, a senior staff member and the companys Senior Manager, Risk Management, spoke with this newspaper Sunday night, confirming her release from custody. She said the investigation continues, adding she would be going back to the SSS on Wednesday. The NELMCO official was arrested on 30 June 2025 following petition from the management of her agency alleging serial leakage of sensitive, official documents bordering on National Security and belonging to the Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company. Acting on the petition, the SSS invited two staff members of the agency, Innocent Akpa, and Nene Lily Emeya as prime suspects. While AkPA was released on 30th June, 2025, preliminary investigations conducted as well as EMEYAs voluntary statements and cooperation revealed, that Emeya and others at large, are prominently involved in the leakage of the said official documents to unauthorised persons and organizations, an official told PREMIUM TIMES. 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 Mrs Emeya was, however, released on Sunday on the order of the Director General of the SSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, while investigation continues. Media reports had suggested that Mrs Emeya was arrested after she called for an investigation into the alleged forgery of her signature on official court documents and publicly challenged the agencys Managing Director, Mojoyinoluwa Dekalu-Thomas. According to Sahara Reporters, Mrs Emeya had alleged as follows: In April 2024, I discovered that my signature had been forged on legal documents in a case where I was a witness. When I reported this serious issue to the General Counsel, Mr. Ugochukwu Ogbonna, no action was taken, and my complaint was ignored, Ms Emeya wrote in a letter In a letter dated 14 October 14 and addressed to the Managing Director/Chief Executive through the Director of Risk Management. Ms Emeya added: Instead of investigating this forgery, I was transferred to Risk Management. This transfer appears punitive for raising concerns about the forged signature and my rightful annual leave. This history of victimisation, which urgently needs to be addressed, has led to the redeployment and transfer. The official was later queried by the agency. In response to the internal query, she denied the allegations against her. In her response addressed to the Head of Administration and Human Resources, Ms Emeya disputed the allegations of insubordination, use of abusive language, and making false claims against government officials. I am deeply alarmed and concerned by the content and tone of the query, as it portrays me in a very negative light, Ms Emeya wrote. I would like to state that the allegations levelled against me do not reflect my conduct or attitude as a public officer in the discharge of my duties and I therefore deny them. They all appear vague and constitute a bundle of hearsay statements made by unspecified and unnamed individuals calculated to undo me, she added. Meanwhile, Ms Emeya remains resolute about her agitation against the use of her signature on court document. This has not been investigated by Management till date, she said. Neither have the lawyers handling the case or the court processes been investigated by Management to determine the truth or otherwise of the said forgery of my signature. Let it be known that all the letters I submitted with respect to this forgery never mentioned any Public Officer within or outside the Agency as being responsible. Proclaiming the alleged forgery as a false allegation without any inquiry appears pre-emptive. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Security operatives have arrested a 25-year-old man caught with a womans breast in Anambra State, Nigerias south-east. The suspect, Samuel Eze, was allegedly caught with the human part at about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday at Awada, an urban community in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state. The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. It was recovered immediately and deposited at the morgue for preservation, while the suspect is undergoing police interrogations for necessary police investigative actions and prosecution, said Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police. The spokesperson said the joint security team, comprising police operatives from Awada Division and vigilante members, arrested the suspect during their routine patrol in the area. Rescue of kidnap victim Mr Ikenga said that, in a separate operation, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad rescued a kidnapped driver on Friday afternoon following a tip-off. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The team also recovered a truck loaded with custard powder worth N9,500,000 and arrested three suspects involved in the criminal act, he said. The police spokesperson identified the three suspects as Udegenyi Ugochukwu, 38, Anayochukwu Okonkwo, 47, and Good Odigili, 47 all males. He said the suspects confessed that the goods were to be delivered to a warehouse at Asaba, Delta State before they abducted the driver. Mr Ikenga said the suspects also confessed that they tied the victim in a bush and then diverted the goods to Enugwu-Ukwu, a community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State. He said the operatives recovered the truck and the Sienna vehicle from the suspects. The state police command wishes to inform members of the public of a suspected stolen and abandoned but recovered custom colour Toyota Sienna, Reg No: 736 JP with an inscription on the body Forum of Accountants Delta State by police operatives from Obosi Division by 4:30 pm on 5th July, 2025 while on patrol along Okpuno Umuota Village, Obosi, the spokesperson said. Mr Ikenga added that police authorities in the state have invited anyone or group looking for any of the vehicles to visit the police headquarters to claim the vehicles. The Anambra State Police Command is committed to sustaining safety as the joint security surveillance and patrols comprising the police, the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, SSS, and the Anambra Vigilante Group continue in the state, he stated. Increased attacks Like other states in Nigerias south-east, security has deteriorated in Anambra State with frequent attacks by armed persons. The attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities. Hundreds of persons have been killed or abducted and several others injured in some of such attacks in the region. The latest developments occurred less than a week after gunmen attacked Ogboji, a community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing about 13 people. The Nigerian government has repeatedly accused the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region. However, the group has repeatedly denied its involvement in the attacks. IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants carved out from the South-east and some parts of the South-south of Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A new report by the Africa Polling Institute (API) has found that 79 per cent of Nigerians have little to no trust in the countrys judiciary, indicating a deepening public disillusionment with the nations justice system. The finding is part of APIs 2025 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey, unveiled during a national dialogue held in Abuja on Thursday. The report says that trust and confidence in public institutions are currently at their lowest levels since similar surveys were conducted in 2019, 2021, and 2022. API, an independent, non-profit research think tank, said its nationwide survey computed the Nigeria Social Cohesion Index (NSCI) at 46.8 per centbelow the 50 per cent benchmark, suggesting that Nigeria remains a weakly cohesive society. In terms of trust in institutions, 83 per cent of Nigerians expressed little to no trust in the government of President Bola Tinubu; 82 per cent said the same of the National Assembly led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abass. Similarly, 79 per cent expressed low trust in the judiciary, under both former Chief Justice Nigeria (CJN) Kayode Ariwoola and the current CJN, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said APIs Executive Director, Bell Ihua, in a statement on Sunday. The outcome tallies with an earlier 2021 report, The State of Freedom in Nigeria, released by Anvarie Tech, ResearcherNG and Bincika Insights, and supported by the Washington-based National Endowment for Democracy. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In that report, which surveyed 1,861 people across Nigerias six geopolitical zones, found that 71 per cent of citizens lacked trust in the judiciary. It also revealed that 65.2 per cent had no confidence in anti-corruption agencies, and 40 per cent believed elections were neither free nor fair. Concerns about judicials confidence crisis have also been raised internally. In October 2024, the current CJN, Mrs Kekere-Ekun, warned that Nigerians would continue to lose faith in the judiciary unless judges addressed delays in justice delivery. She cited over 243,000 pending cases in the countrys superior courts, excluding the Supreme Court, as of the first quarter of 2024, and described the slow pace of judgments as unacceptable. To improve judicial performance, we must embrace technology, virtual courtrooms, and case management innovations, she said during the National Judicial Councils third annual conference on performance evaluation. Survey methodology APIs 2025 survey was conducted with support from the Ford Foundation. It covered 5,465 face-to-face household interviews between January and February across Nigeria, using stratified random sampling and five languages: English, Pidgin, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. Respondents were aged 15 years and above. The report assessed social cohesion using 14 key indicatorsincluding trust, identity, civic participation, corruption, gender equity, and future expectations. According to the statement, about 53 per cent of Nigerians said they have no trust at all in President Tinubus administration, while 30 per cent expressed little trust. While 53 per cent said they feel disappointed in Nigeria, while only 33 per cent feel proud of the country. Also, 59 per cent are dissatisfied with their lives in Nigeria; 53 per cent said they would consider relocating abroad with their families if given the chance. The report said 61 per cent said corruption has worsened in the past year; 64 per cent rated the governments anti-corruption efforts poorly. It noted that 76 per cent are willing to participate in political processes; 79 per cent said they are ready to collaborate across ethnic lines for national unity. The statement explained that 71 per cent believe women should lead in politics, religion, and business; 63 per cent said they would vote for a woman as Nigerias president. Call for national cohesion and social contract The survey also revealed that economic hardship is a unifying experience among Nigerians. Citizens constantly reference the high cost of food, transportation, and essential services as evidence of a struggling economy under the Tinubu administration, Mr Ihua noted. As part of its recommendations, API called for the establishment of a National Cohesion Commission to promote unity, inclusion, trust in governance, and civic participation. The group also urged the federal government to develop a new social contract that clearly outlines the rights and responsibilities of both citizens and the stateone rooted in equality, dignity, and fairness. Agencies like the National Orientation Agency, NTA, Federal Character Commission, and civil society groups must play a more active role in shaping national narratives and rebuilding trust, Mr Ihua said. He encouraged citizens to take part in civic dialogues and nation-building efforts, especially conversations that imagine the type of Nigeria we want and how to get there. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Believers in Christ are the true Jews. Biblical Israel wandered through the desert for 40 years in rebellion against God. The wilderness was their graveyard. They all died there. But Jesus spent only 40 days in the wilderness during which He prevailed against the temptations of the devil. Jesus passed all the tests that biblical Israel failed. Israel was told to serve only God: Fear the Lord your God, serve Him only. (Deuteronomy 6:13). But Israel served other gods. All the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a moulded calf. Then they said, This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt! So when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord. Then they rose early on the next day, offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. (Exodus 32:3-6). But Jesus served only God. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. All this I will give you, he said, if you will bow down and worship me. Jesus said to him, Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only. (Matthew 4:8-10). Biblical Israel was warned not to put God to the test: Do not test the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 6:16). But Israel disobeyed and tested God: The people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst? Then Moses cried out to the Lord, What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me. The Lord answered Moses, Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink. So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarrelled and because they tested the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us or not? (Exodus 17:3-7). Jesus, on the other hand, refused to test God: The devil took (Jesus) to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. If You are the Son of God, he said, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone. Jesus answered him, It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test. (Matthew 4:5-7). The Israelites insisted on living by bread alone. Moses said to them: (God) humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 8:3-4). But the Israelites rejected manna and despised it. The mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said:Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes! (Numbers 11:4-6). Jesus, on the other hand, agreed to live by the word of God: When the tempter came to (Jesus), he said, If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. (Matthew 3-4). True and False Bread The manna that Moses gave the Israelites in the wilderness was not the true bread. Jesus is the true bread from heaven. As He said to the Jews: Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. Then they said to Him, Lord, give us this bread always. And Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. (John 6:31-35). Rejection of the Gospel Biblical Israel rejected the gospel of the kingdom of God: Although (Jesus) had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore, they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, lest they should see with their eyes, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them. (John 12:37-40). As a result, God created a new Israel, the Israel of God and faith. This fulfilled the kingdom principle whereby the last became first and the first last. So Jesus said to the Jews of biblical Israel: Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lords doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. (Matthew 21:42-43). Believers in Christ are now Gods Chosen People. Peter proclaimed this to New Testament followers of Christ: To you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence. They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:7-10). Paul also confirmed it: If you are Christs, then you are Abrahams seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29). The Israelites of today are not Abrahams children. Instead, naturally-born Israelites who reject Christ belong to the synagogue of Satan: They answered and said to (Jesus), Abraham is our father. Jesus said to them, If you were Abrahams children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father. Then they said to Him, We were not born of fornication; we have one Father God. Jesus said to them, If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:39-44). Jesus reiterated this in a letter to the church in Smyrna: I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. (Revelation 2:9). Paul also confirmed that believers in Christ are the true Jews. We are the Israel of God for whom God made the promise to Abraham: It is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, In Isaac your seed shall be called. That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. (Romans 9:6-8). So, when Paul says, All Israel shall be saved (Romans 11:26), he is not referring to physical Israel, nor biblical Israel, nor the nation of Israel. He is only referring to the believers who are in Christ Jesus. For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. (Romans 2:28-29). CONCLUDED. [email protected]; www.femiaribisala.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Death does not kill alone/Nor does he fight singly/He goes to war with plenty of warriors/He sends Disease first/He sends Paralysis next/He sends Loss/He sends Curses/Death finally comes to kill the hunters father/Who drinks now of heavenly water. The lines above are from Professor Bade Ajuwons, Oguns Iremoje: A philosophy of Living and Dying, taken from Sandra Barnes Africas Ogun: Old World and New. It is a chant (Iremoje) by one Lamidi in Akeetan, Oyo, Oyo State in 1976 for Ogundele, a deceased hunter. Iremoje is Yoruba poetic dirge sung at funerals of hunters. The bards, in total submission, acknowledge that no armour is strong enough to shield fate. They employ the imagery of the hunters pouch, the English man calls it the quiver, the Yoruba hunter calls it the apo. Mourning bards lament that Death kills the hunter like one without the apo. Death kills a sick Babalawo like one whose vestry isnt full of curative barks and roots. To reinforce this, Yoruba again say that what will be the death of the hunter lurks right there inside his apo. A strong Yorubaman from the hinterland that he is, President Bola Tinubu must have listened to countless lines of Iremoje like the above. Since Wednesday when the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was launched, expropriating the wisdom in those hunters dirges, the Nigerian president must have realised that the firm ground upon which the giant, (ominran) stands could suddenly become slippery, leading to his fatal fall. The bard in the Ogundele chant above would seem to have compared the ADC warriors warring against Tinubu to Deaths strike. In Yoruba mythology, death is perceived as a warrior, too. When he goes to war, it is with the full complement of a battalion of malevolent supernatural warlords called the Ajogun. The launch of ADC last Wednesday may be the first battalion that Death, those who want to unseat the president, sent to warn him. Almost like an oxymoron, a great man can fall to his own folly and vanity. Irish poet, Oscar Wilde, once brought out this oxymoron in his The Picture of Dorian Gray when he said, a great poet, a really great poet, is the most unpoetical of all creatures. This Wilde saying may be the purport behind a folktale told to children in pre, colonial and even immediate post-colony of Yorubaland. It was the story of a mythical valiant warrior who, either out of excessive power or inability to realize the fault lines of his prowess, transformed into a crocodile. Powerful and dreaded, the warrior, who had magical ability to transform into an animal, one day decided to repeat this magical wizardry. He asked that a traditional mat be brought out. As he laid on it, with a white cloth spread over him, by the time the cloth was unwrapped, he had transformed into a huge crocodile. Since, in the words of same Oscar Wilde, no man can be too careful in the choice of his enemies, the warriors friends immediately turned against him. Having found out that the only taboo against that animal transformation wizardry was raindrops, the warriors friends ganged up and decided to invoke a torrent of rain. The Delesolu compound in Oje, Ibadan North East Local Government of Oyo State, parades this same mythical narration of their ancestry. History has it that the great grandfather of the Delesolus did almost like the warrior in the above crocodile mythology. He, too, transformed into a crocodile. Then rain began to fall on the huge animal. Unable to return to his human form as a result of the raindrops, the distressed crocodile walked helplessly into the bush and into the nearest river. He never returned. Till today, anytime a child is born into the Delesolu family, a live crocodile is placed beside the baby. In 1944, a giant crocodile was brought into the compound as a totem, a reminder to the crocodile progeny that wisdom can kill the wise. Delesolus know that the man who transformed into a crocodile was their great grandfather. Till today, they are forbidden from eating a crocodile. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later But those who have followed the Nigerian presidents political trajectory compare him to the Onikoyi, a renowned war general in the Oyo empire who lived around the 16th to 17th centuries. So many epithets have been used to describe Tinubu, one of which is that he is a Master strategist. Onikoyi too was. Tinubu is so politically fearsome, so they say, that he possesses a mind of his own. Describing him further, they say he is a man who, in the words of award-winning Nigerian author, Chigozie Obioma, in his The Fisherman (2015), is not the kind of man who would dip his foot in another shoe because his own was damp; he would rather trek the earth on bare foot. Onikoyi held command over 1469 men who were famous for fighting to death. They never turned their backs to the enemy. Onikoyis war prowess was such that nobody could defeat him. Not only was he a foremost warrior, his descendants became rulers of the town of Ikoyi. A praise poem composed for him speaks volumes of his bravery and capacity to mow down his enemies. Translated by Ulli Beier in his Yoruba Poetry (1970) it runs thus: Onikoyi, the warrior who never received an arrow in his back/Child of the water lily, child of the squirrel/The birds foot shall never touch the water/The river shall never be at rest/Onikoyi, the warrior Who frightens death himself/Child of the vulture perching on the baobab tree/When the vulture flaps down/He will eat the intestines of a brave warrior/He will eat the liver of a brave warrior/He will eat the eyes of a brave warrior/Onikoyi loves nothing but war/When others drink wine, he drinks blood/When others plant yams, he is planting heads/When others reap fruit, he is reaping dead warriors. As whirlwind gathers dirt into its concentric circle, Tinubus erstwhile friends gathered at the Shehu Musa YarAdua Centre last Wednesday. Virtually all of them were once friends and associates of the Onikoyi. From Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi etc, the list is endless. It includes David Mark, a man who, as military general, derisively told Nigerians that they were banished forever to a life of impoverishment. And Judas Iscariot Aregbesola. We are told that when we see the list of expected decampees that ADC would receive soon, many of whom still dine with Tinubu, we would be shocked. Onikoyi, too, was betrayed by one of his friends whom he favoured severally. Envious of his valour, other warriors attempted to cut Onikoyi to size, to no avail. They then courted this friend who they paid handsomely to trigger a fight between Onikoyi and a best friend of his. In the battle, Onikoyi killed his friend and the warrior turned into a bush rat, thereafter making the forest his home. The middle friend who betrayed him had a huge tree fall over him, killing him instantly. For this prowess, a poem is sung in remembrance of the fatal fight which goes thus: Onikoyi beheaded his friend at the Foursquare/It is because the friend chopped off the head of a little squirrel. Till today, the people of Ikoyi hold the bush rat as a totem and never eat it. It is why one of the praise songs of the Ikoyi is, Give him Ologini (cat), he will eat/Give him Alapandede (Swallow bird), he will devour/Give him Awonrinwon, (Monitor lizard) he will munch/Only the squirrel as venison is his taboo. Since Wednesday when the ADC unfolded, it will appear that the president and the APC have been losing the messaging war. From far away beautiful Caribbean island Sea of Saint Lucia where he and his principal are ensconced, the message of Death seemed to have hit the presidential team badly. So, Bayo Onanuga sought to remind us that the ADC is an assembly of grousers. While lifting the veil off its leaders one by one and their political sins, he even predicted their waterloo. Onanuga needed to rewind the clip of his words to hear his own grumpy voice. Nigerians are aware already that right there in the ADC assemblage are political sinners; but, is the APC any better? If he says ADC lacks ideology, what is APCs ideology? A minister was clearly accused of corruption, of filching billions of the peoples money in collusion with some star boys in the federal executive council. The president sacked her. Till date, she has not been tried. Corruption is said to sit in its imperial glory, just as maggots do on a decomposing meat, in Aso Rock as we speak. A cavalierly looting of Nigerian patrimony, perhaps unprecedented in Nigerian history, is the credo. So, is political party about sainthood? If sainthood was the qualification for assembling to form a party, the crew that came into federal power in 2015 would not be there. Muhammadu Buhari was a despot who had his hands bespattered with the blood of Bartholomew Owoh, Bernard Ogedengbe and Lawal Ojuolape. The trio was killed extra-judicially by firing squad in Lagos on April 10, 1985. Nigerians also knew Buhari as an Islamic bigot, thoroughly incompetent and one who sent Nduka Irabor and Tunde Thompson to prison under his maniacal Decree 4. Nigerians forgave and voted for him, only for him to unleash the most incompetent government on the people at his second coming. In 2023, Tinubu himself was one of the most unfit persons to be Nigerias president if a leaders past was an index for voters consideration. I am not aware of any presidential candidate in the history of Nigerias electoral politics who heaved as hefty a baggage into the polls as the ex-Lagos State governor. He however got off into Aso Rock because many Nigerians believed he had the capacity to change their lives. Two years down the line, the reverse is the case. Nigerians crunch suffering as you eat crunchy nuts. All we hear are Marabout statistics of betterment whereas when we go to markets, we are faced with the tyranny of existence under a government in whose veins blood doesnt seem to flow. So, reminding us of the past of the ADC coalition members is hogwash. It wont wash. But the Atiku ADC seems to be getting the messaging right. And Nigerians are listening to it. Though we know its members do not have any redemptive DNA and will also betray us if they ever get into government, their messaging resonates. Is life better for Nigerians now than it was in 2023? To imagine Aregbesola, whose government pauperized the poor Osun State civil servants as he paid them half salary while wasting billions of Naira on a needless airport project, now claiming that ADC is coming to rescue the poor! Though he is one of the greatest dis-advertisements of the ADC coalition, notorious for his dunce-like dances (ijo dindinrin) and maladministration, Aregbesola asked an apt question: Is today better than yesterday, or yesterday was better than today? Let suffering Nigerians answer that question. It is a question personal to them. Tinubu has spent two grim years that lacerate Nigerians. The next two years do not seem to offer any hope that life would be better. The peoples sorrow daily remarries them to God as they tend to be more religious these days. It is so bad that, in the words of Wilde, Nigerians, majority of whom are lords of language, lack words to describe their anguish and suffering. Yet, still in the same words of Wilde, the president and his people (fill their lives) to the very brim with a life of pleasure, as one might fill a cup to the very brim with wine. It reminds me of a line in Fuji music lord, Ayinde Marshals song. He sang that, same Nigerian life that is so difficult and painful to chew or swallow, is same world some Nigerians at the top eat crushingly like one eating hot yam (Aye tenikan nyo je, lawon kan nje sua bi eni nje isu). For almost one whole week, the presidency literally relocated and hibernated in Saint Lucia, with no decipherable outcome for Nigerian people. Someday, the real fact of what took the presidency to this tiny island and the amount of the Nigerian wealth incinerated on the jamboree would be revealed. Was our wealth secretly tethered by the feet of Dionysus, Greek god of wine, pleasure and revelry, in Saint Lucia? From Saint Lucia, the presidency is junketing to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit. It would be its 18th country to visit in two years. It reminds me of the famous parody of S. L. Akintola against highly regarded anaesthetist, Nigerian Railways Chairman in the First Republic, Dr Okechukwu Ikejiani: Nigerians nru, (are getting leaner) the presidency nsanra (is growing rotund cheeks). It is however too early in the day to come to a conclusion of what the coming days will be. Both the ADC and the APC are gathering missiles of war. While I agree with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that none of the coalition crew is competent to articulate the anger and hunger of the Nigerian people, there is no doubting the fact that the Tinubu government inflicts hunger on the people. In this case, both Tinubu and the coalition group are like the proverbial bedwetter who is incompetent to haggle the price of aro, used by local dry cleaners to curtail urine smell. The Nigerian people are capable of articulating their anger. In 2027, it will be evil politicians against the people. On the surface, Tinubus famed wizardry would win him another four years in office. He is Onikoyi reincarnate, isnt he? However, history tells us of an Onikoyi reincarnate who died on the battlefield where three trees met overhead. His corpse was not discovered until several days after. By this time, his decomposing corpse had been mercilessly half eaten, in the words of Beier, by vultures and child of the eagle sitting on the silk cotton tree and child of the hawk waiting on the camwood tree. The braggadocio of the APC group is getting muffled now. The voice of the fawning Senate President who said the president would win 99.5 per cent in the 2027 votes is receding too, no thanks to the coalition. The APC, ADC and the PDP will have to deal with Nigerians current reality of hopelessness in the midst of plenty. And tell us why we have to vote for them again. Or else, political Death will kill the Onikoyi like a hunter who lost his apo. Festus Adedayo is an Ibadan-based journalist. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In a bold step towards accelerating Africas digital transformation, Heirs Technologies has marked the successful graduation of the latest cohorts from its i-Academy Supplementary Technical Engineering Programme (STEP)a rigorous three-month, hands-on training initiative equipping young professionals with job-ready skills in Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity. Held at the companys training centre in Lagos, the ceremony underscored Heirs Technologies commitment to nurturing homegrown technology talent and closing the digital skills gap across the continent. Launched in 2023, i-Academy offers practical, immersive training across high-demand domains including network infrastructure, IT operations, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software development. Participants benefit from a comprehensive curriculum enriched by mentorship from industry experts, soft skills development, and real-world exposure to emerging technologies. Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Heirs Technologies, Obong Idiong, commended the graduates for their dedication and resilience, describing them as Africas future technology leaders. We are immensely proud of our graduates, he said. They represent the future of Africas technology industry, passionate, skilled, and driven to create impact. At Heirs Technologies, we are not just building a business; we are developing people who will shape the future of our continent. We have now graduated over 100 trainees and are excited about the impact they will make. The VP, i-Academy, Ivy Ikpeme-Mbakwem, also addressed the graduates, highlighting the immense opportunities in the cybersecurity and cloud space. She encouraged them to remain disciplined and diligent as they advance in their careers. As part of their final assessments, trainees underwent extensive hands-on training led by in-house experts. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The Cloud Cohort covered key areas such as deploying applications in cloud environments, implementing identity and access management protocols, managing infrastructure and user access, designing enterprise landing zones and architecture models, and simulating threat detection and response. Meanwhile, the Cybersecurity Cohort focused on network security and threat detection, identity and access management, as well as vulnerability assessment and incident response. Looking ahead, Heirs Technologies plans to expand i-Academys offerings to include specialised learning tracks in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Technical Support, further reinforcing its commitment to human capital development and inclusive innovation. This is just the beginning, Ivy added. We are laying the foundation for a digitally empowered Africa. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Ondo State Police Command has said it has uncovered a human trafficking syndicate specialised in luring nationals of other West African countries to Nigeria, pretending to assist them get jobs and travel documents to Europe. A statement by the commands spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, on Saturday, said police operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), Akure, have successfully rescued one David Angerinya, a Ghanaian national, who was allegedly trafficked into Nigeria under pretences. The operation followed a formal petition forwarded through the Interpol Liaison Office, Force Headquarters Abuja, requesting urgent police intervention in a case of transnational human trafficking involving a Ghanaian citizen allegedly lured to Nigeria in 2024 with the promise of employment by an unidentified associate, Mr Ayanlade said. Acting swiftly on the report, detectives from the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad, led by DSP Lekan Alabi, commenced a targeted investigation and subsequently apprehended three principal suspects identified as:Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex and Kojo Felix. He said the victim was successfully rescued during the operation. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are part of a larger transnational trafficking syndicate that specialises in deceiving unsuspecting individuals, particularly from neighbouring West African countries, into travelling to Nigeria with false assurances of lucrative job opportunities and visa arrangements to Canada and other Western nations, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later According to Mr Ayanlade, an additional 39 Ghanaian nationals were discovered to have fallen victim to the same network. Many of them were found without valid travel documents, while those who had any presented expired ones, he explained. He said all arrested suspects are in police custody and are cooperating with ongoing investigations. He added that there are ongoing efforts to apprehend the owners and caretakers of the buildings where the victims were harboured, as they may have had knowledge of or directly facilitated the illegal activities of the syndicate. The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc+, mnips, has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Ondo State Police Command to combating human trafficking and all forms of transnational organised crime. READ ALSO: Ondo new CP assumes office He urges members of the public to remain vigilant and report all suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the commands emergency contact lines, Mr Ayanlade added. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is in partnership with the Ondo State Government in the efforts to fight human trafficking in the state. The state government provided office spaces to the state command of the NAPTIP to enable it to carry out its duties. Also, in 2023, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested two suspects for alleged human trafficking of three girls from Akure, the Ondo State capital, to Libya. The suspects were arrested after the father of one of the victims reported to the state command of NSCDC. Despite the arrest, the trafficking of Nigerian women to Libya and other North African countries has continued unchecked, and only a few arrests have been made by security agencies. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BEIJING, July 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At nearly 30 hours and 20,000 kilometers away from Beijing, Buenos Aires in Argentina is one of the furthest destinations in the world from the Chinese capital. In a popular 2024 stand-up comedy show, Yan Hexiang, a Chinese actor and crosstalk performer, humorously pointed out that the antipodal point to Beijing is located in the Pampas grasslands of Argentina. However, the distance between Argentina and China doesn't seem so far. Just about 38 kilometers from Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Buenos Aires, is a largely commercial section about five blocks long in the district of Belgrano, where a towering Chinese-style archway greets you, inscribed with the words "China Town." The Global Times has visited many "Chinatowns" around the world, including those in Washington, London, and Nagasaki. However, Buenos Aires' "Chinatown" is quite different from the rest. This is immediately apparent upon entry: On a Sunday evening, the streets bustle with activity, restaurants have long wait times, and shops attend to numerous customers. Upon closer inspection, the Global Times noticed that non-Chinese diners and shoppers actually outnumber Chinese ones. In Chinese, the word "foreigner" is used to refer to anyone who is not Chinese, therefore within the context of Buenos Aires, it is used to refer to non-Chinese locals. In many other "Chinatowns" in the world, Chinese nationals are surrounded by their own, and while the occasional less-than-authentic Chinese cuisine might remind them that "this is not China," the presence of Chinese nationals gives a sense of belonging. In contrast, in Buenos Aires' "Chinatown," surrounded by countless local faces, the "Chinese nationals" seem more like visitors passing through. Famous Chinese hotpot restaurant brands like Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot, Shoo Loong Kan Hot Pot, and Haidilao Hot Pot, commonly found in American "Chinatowns," are conspicuously absent. However, Chinese culture, cuisine, and products are everywhere, and even bubble tea has become a favorite among the youth in the "Chinatown." A capybara in a shop window observes the comings and goings, much like its counterpart in the trendy toy area of Chaoyang district's Joy City mall in Beijing, 20,000 kilometers away. In addition to Chinese elements, graffiti in the style of Japanese animator, filmmaker, and manga artist Hayao Miyazaki features the Chinese characters for "Visited Here," and posters of South Korean idols appear in shop windows, indicating that this "Chinatown" not only spreads Chinese culture but also incorporates East Asian elements. A few steps further, a street magician interacts with the audience, with a prominent image of "Guanyin" on the wall behind him, as if everything before us is being witnessed by the bodhisattva. Why are there so many "foreigners" in Buenos Aires' "Chinatown"? Locals provided various answers. Most people's first response was that "Chinatown" is an important social media hotspot in Buenos Aires. If you plan a day trip to the city, this is a must-visit location. "You visited on the last day of a long weekend, so of course, there were many people shopping and dining; people love going to Chinatown," a local Chinese national told the Global Times. Another local explained that unlike many other "Chinatowns," Buenos Aires' "Chinatown" has a significant number of Chinese residents, but it is not the main gathering place for the local Chinese community. With its trendy atmosphere, it naturally attracts a lot of young people, making the "foreigners" seem particularly popular. What is it that attracts so many "foreigners" to this "Chinatown"? "Chinese cuisine" topped the list of mentions, with Chinese products and culture also frequently cited among those interviewed by the Global Times. "Yufu" is a relatively authentic Cantonese restaurant in Buenos Aires' "Chinatown," where Chinese food is on the pricier side compared to local dining options. Yet even at 2:10 pm on Sunday, the restaurant was still packed, and the number of Chinese diners was visibly less than half of all patrons. "Exquisite, compact, and easy to explore," said Nora, director of a research company in Buenos Aires, when asked about the "Chinatown". She added, "I love the dim sum in 'Chinatown'; I enjoy the exotic atmosphere there. The shop owners are very friendly, and the products are diverse; you can find many things you want in one store." Liu Jialong, a 19-year-old local of Chinese descent, told the Global Times that "Buenos Aires also has a 'Koreantown,' which is only one street and much smaller than 'Chinatown.' It used to be very popular, but its popularity has declined. In contrast, 'Chinatown' is booming now." If China were not becoming stronger and developing so rapidly, would people be increasingly interested in China? he asked. Argentines, including scholars and businesspeople, that the Global Times reporter met here during the trip place great importance on China-Argentina relations. China is Latin America's second-largest trading partner and holds the top position in several countries. In a recent survey released by the Global Times Institute (GTI), in collaboration with the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO) and the China-Latin America Education and Culture Center, on the "China-LAC mutual perception" conducted in both regions found that the most prominent impression left by China on Latin Americans was "technology." When asked to fill in keywords that represent their primary impressions of China, a Gen Z respondent from Argentina mentioned "DeepSeek." Of all those interviewed by the Global Times, Wu Ditai, a young Argentine scholar who studied at Peking University, was the most knowledgeable about China. Watching him mimic the distinct drawl common among Beijing's taxi drivers was as impressive as it was comedic. "It's not just 'Chinatown'; if you look deeper, Argentines are very curious about China. They want to know why China is developing so quickly and what experiences Argentina can learn from," Wu Ditai said. He has plans to return to China soon and hopes to travel across all provinces to gain a deeper understanding of the country. Of course, the reality is that many Argentines do not have a sufficient understanding of China. Most of their information comes from the media, especially Western media sources and social media. An Argentine journalist told the Global Times that while there is considerable coverage of China in local media, the current lack of understanding among Argentines about China is unlikely to change in the short term. "'China Travel' is a trending topic now, and Argentina has visa-free access. The real China is right there, and everyone is welcomed to learn about it," the Global Times told Wu Ditai. SOURCE Global Times Signed comprehensive MOU for cooperation in shipbuilding with Cochin Shipyard Limited, India , on July 4 , on To provide ship design, equipment support, and technical collaboration marking HD Hyundai's full-scale entry into the Indian market "Accelerating India's national maritime vision forging new market opportunities through partnership" SEOUL, South Korea , July 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HD Hyundai is joining forces with India's largest state-owned shipyard to strengthen its influence in the Indian and global markets. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, the intermediate holding company overseeing HD Hyundai's shipbuilding operations, announced on Sunday, that it has signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), India's largest state-owned shipbuilder, to establish long-term cooperation in the shipbuilding sector. An overview of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in India CSL, with its main yard located in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Kochi, is the largest shipbuilding yard in India, with the Indian government holding a 67.91% stake. The company has extensive capabilities in the design, construction, and repair of a wide range of vessels, from commercial ships to aircraft carriers. Over the past five years, CSL has successfully delivered a total of 70 vessels, including 60 small commercial ships and 10 naval vessels. Through this agreement, the two companies will pursue strategic cooperation across a range of areas, including design and procurement support for CSL, technical collaboration to enhance productivity and ensure global-quality standards, and the advancement of workforce capabilities through improved training systems. In particular, both parties have agreed to jointly explore new shipbuilding orders in the Indian and international markets. The partnership aligns with India's maritime development roadmaps, including the 'Maritime India Vision 2030' and the 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,' both announced by the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways to foster growth in the maritime industry. In support of these visions, India established a Maritime Development Fund worth approximately INR 250 billion (KRW 4 trillion) this year and is expanding policy support to strengthen its domestic shipbuilding sector and maritime infrastructure. India's shipbuilding industry has witnessed rapid growth in recent years. According to market research firm Ken Research, the country's shipbuilding and repair market, valued at approximately USD 90 million in 2022, has surged to over USD 1.12 billion by 2024, a more than twelvefold increase. The market is expected to continue expanding at an average annual growth rate exceeding 60% until 2033. Through this partnership, HD Hyundai aims to strengthen its presence in the Indian market, the world's most populous country, while further enhancing its global competitiveness in the shipbuilding industry. "This collaboration will serve as a springboard for both HD Hyundai and CSL to reach new heights, while also marking a turning point in accelerating India's national maritime vision," said an HD Hyundai official. "By leveraging HD Hyundai's accumulated technological expertise and experience, we will support CSL in enhancing its global competitiveness, while also seeking opportunities for shared growth with Korean equipment suppliers." Meanwhile, HD Hyundai is actively expanding its global collaboration network beyond India. In April, the company signed an MOU with Huntington Ingalls Industries, the largest defense shipbuilder in the United States, followed by a strategic partnership agreement with Edison Chouest Offshore in June. In addition, HD Hyundai has been accelerating efforts to create synergies in the global shipbuilding sector by expanding defense cooperation, such as joint submarine development, with Peru's state-run SIMA shipyard in November of last year. Maritime India Vision 2030 A mid-term strategy established by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) to enhance the competitiveness of India's maritime industry and position the country as a global hub for shipping and shipbuilding. The plan aims to elevate India into the ranks of the world's top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030. Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 A long-term maritime development roadmap created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of India's independence in 2047. It identifies sustainable port development and the advancement of the shipbuilding industry as core priorities, with the goal of positioning India among the world's top five shipbuilding nations by 2047. SOURCE HD Hyundai Buenos Aires, July 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentinian President Javier Milei, on Saturday, held delegation-level talks in Buenos Aires and agreed to enhance collaboration across a range of key sectors including trade and commerce, technology, defence, space, health, and pharmaceuticals, and to further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press statement. Prime Minister Modi also thanked President Milei for his strong support and solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism, the MEA statement added. The Prime Minister held talks with President Milei at the Casa Rosada in the Argentinian capital. Addressing a press briefing after the bilateral meeting between the two leaders, MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran said, "... As you're all aware, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on an official visit to Argentina. The Prime Minister last visited Argentina in 2018 for the G20 Summit. However, this is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years, making it a historic visit. This morning, the Prime Minister began his engagements by laying a wreath at the bust of General San Martin, the revered Argentinian freedom fighter..." He noted, "Both leaders agreed to enhance collaboration across a range of key sectors including trade and commerce, technology, defence, space, health, and pharmaceuticals, and to further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries... The two leaders discussed the necessity of diversifying and expanding bilateral trade..." MEA Secretary (East) Kumaran also said, "...The Prime Minister highlighted India's strength in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, particularly its capacity to produce high-quality, affordable medicines. He discussed the possibility of India being moved from Annex II to Annex I of Argentina's pharmaceutical regulatory framework, which would facilitate smoother entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into the Argentine market..." "Other initiatives discussed in the health sector include telemedicine, digital health solutions, and capacity building through training and knowledge exchange. The two leaders also had an opportunity to discuss cooperation in the energy and critical mineral sectors. The Prime Minister underlined India's growing energy and industrial needs and emphasised that Argentina could serve as a reliable partner in supporting India's developmental journey...," he added. MEA Secretary (East) Kumaran said, "The Prime Minister thanked President Milei for extending strong support following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam in India's Jammu and Kashmir, and appreciated Argentina's solidarity during this difficult time. It is expected that the visit will further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Argentina and allow us to explore new avenues of cooperation across a wide range of sectors..." "Just before we came in, President Milei hosted a lunch for the Prime Minister, and they had a chance to have a freewheeling discussion on a number of issues that we were discussed between the two delegations...," he added. Secretary (East) Kumaran said, "...There was also discussion about deploying drones to tackle IUU fishing a" that is, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing a" particularly in addressing encroachments by fishermen into Argentinaas exclusive economic zones..." "The other major topic of discussion during lunch was India's UPI system a" how it has boosted productivity in India, driven impressive formalisation of the economy, and generated data that helps the government and economists efficiently target benefits to different sections of the population...," he added. MEA Secretary (East) Kumaran said, "The Prime Minister also invited President Milei to visit India at an early opportunity..." He added, "...India has many strengths in the pharmaceutical sector, exporting to markets worldwide, including Western markets. A number of Indian pharmaceutical factories are certified by the World Health Organisation for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and many Indian medicines have US FDA approvals for specific formulations and production facilities, allowing exports to the US and Europe..." Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said: "Excellent meeting with President Javier Milei of Argentina. We celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Argentina and 5 years since we elevated our relationship to a Strategic Partnership. We have made significant progress in our bilateral relations, but we both agree that the path ahead is even more promising." During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to building an even stronger partnership. PM Modi noted that while substantial progress has been made, the future holds even greater promise for collaboration. "President Milei and I discussed how to diversify commercial ties, cooperation in agriculture, defence, security, energy, and more. There is a vast field of action in areas such as pharmaceuticals and sports," PM Modi wrote in another post on his official X account. The discussions focused on diversifying trade and enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, defence, energy, and security. PM Modi received a warm and enthusiastic welcome as he arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Friday, for a key bilateral visita"the third leg of his five-nation tour. Upon landing at Ezeiza International Airport, PM Modi was greeted by Argentine President Milei. The two leaders shared a heartfelt hug, reflecting the deepening friendship and strengthening strategic partnership between the two nations. Highlighting the need to broaden economic engagement, both leaders identified significant potential in emerging areas like pharmaceuticals and sports. PM Modi emphasised that these sectors represent untapped opportunities for mutual growth and innovation. The talks also underscored a shared commitment to leveraging each country's strengths to promote inclusive development and contribute more actively to the Global South. Soon after his arrival in Argentina, Prime Minister Modi paid homage at the iconic San Martin Memoriala"an important symbol of national pride for the country. The monument honours General Jose de San Martin, the revered liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru, and stands as a tribute to Latin America's historic fight for independence. PM Modi's gesture underscored India's respect for global freedom fighters and its shared commitment to liberty and sovereignty. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in advancing India-Argentina ties on both strategic and people-to-people fronts. PM Modi's official visit, held at the invitation of President Milei, included comprehensive bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in key areas such as defence, agriculture, mining etc. The visit signifies Indiaas strategic intent to deepen its partnership with Argentina and expand its presence in the Latin American region. Rio De Janeiro, July 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived here in Brazil on a four-day visit, during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a state visit. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at the Galeao International Airport on Saturday evening (local time). The Prime Minister's visit came at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva. This is the fourth leg of his five-nation visit. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said: "Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I will take part in the BRICS Summit and later go to their capital, BrasAlia, for a state visit on the invitation of President Lula. Hoping for a productive round of meetings and interactions during this visit." "Committed to BRICS partnership! PM @narendramodi lands in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit. #BRICS2025," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. PM Modi arrived here from Argentina, where he held wide-ranging talks with President Javier Milei and agreed to diversify two-way trade and ramp up cooperation in defence, critical minerals, pharmaceutical, energy and mining sectors. During his visit, PM Modi will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7, followed by a state visit, for which he will travel to Brasilia. It will be the first bilateral visit to the country by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. BRICS, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has been expanded with five additional members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, making it one of the most influential alliances of emerging economies worldwide. This is PM Modi's fourth visit to Brazil. The Prime Minister is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. For the State Visit to Brazil, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula da Silva on the broadening of the strategic partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health and people-to-people linkages. In a statement before leaving for the five-nation tour, PM Modi said that as a founding member of BRICS, India is committed to the bloc as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. "Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order," he said. Prior to Brazil, Prime Minister Modi visited Ghana on July 2-3 at the invitation of President John Dramani Mahama, where he also addressed the country's Parliament. On July 3-4, he travelled to Trinidad and Tobago, meeting President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Argentina was his next destination, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 57 years. The last leg of PM Modi's five-nation tour will be to Namibia. Rio De Janeiro, July 6 : The Indian diaspora in Brazil welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival for a four-day visit in the South American country with a special cultural performance dedicated to the Indian armed forces inspired from 'Operation Sindoor', India's anti-terror operation against Pakistan-based terrorists. The members of the Indian community in Brazil showcased the success of Operation Sindoor through paintings and a dance performance in front of PM Modi. In a unique cultural showcase, members of the Indian community in Brazil presented a semi-classical dance performance inspired by the theme of Operation Sindoor, a military operation that has come to symbolise courage, sacrifice, and national pride. Welcoming PM Modi upon his arrival in Brazil, one of the Indian female dancers said, "PM Modi is like an elder brother to us. It was a matter of great pride for us that he came here. He watched our performance very patiently, interacted with us, and appreciated it deeply. We had chosen 'Operation Sindoor' as our theme to pay tribute to our brave soldiers and to honour Bharat Mata..." Another Indian female dancer said, "PM Modi is like an elder brother to us. It was a matter of great pride for us that he came here. He watched our performance very patiently, interacted with us, and appreciated it deeply. We had chosen 'Operation Sindoor' as our theme to pay tribute to our brave soldiers and to honour Bharat Mata..." The Prime Minister appreciated the gesture of the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the 17th BRICS Summit scheduled to be held between July 6 to 7. Speaking to IANS, PM Modi met several Indian female dancers who performed at his welcome ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.. The excitement isn't limited to the performers. Brazilian residents, too, eagerly anticipated the Prime Minister's arrival in Brazil. "I am thrilled that PM Modi is visiting. It's truly an honour for Brazil," said one local resident as PM Modi arrived in Rio de Janeiro. Another resident added, "This feels like a dream come true. We're so lucky to have this chance to meet him -- there are no words to express how proud we feel." PM Modi will participate in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, followed by a historic bilateral visit to Brasilia -- the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly 60 years. During his stay, he is expected to hold meetings with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and engage with several global leaders on the sidelines of the summit. This visit to Brazil marks the fourth leg of PM Modi's five-nation tour. On Friday, PM Modi arrived in Argentina where he held bilateral talks with President Javier Milei and was given a special ceremonial honour as well. On Thursday, he arrived in Trinidad & Tobago, where he addressed the Joint Assembly of Parliament, emphasising India's commitment to the "Global South first" policy. Earlier in the week, PM Modi visited Ghana, where he held extensive talks with President John Dramani Mahama and was conferred with the country's highest civilian honour -- The Office of the Order of the Star of Ghana. Several key agreements were also signed to deepen bilateral cooperation. Thiruvananthapuram, July 6 : Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will arrive in Kerala on Sunday on a two-day official visit where he will offer prayers at Guruvayoor Temple and also interact with students and faculty at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS). He will land at the Southern Naval Command Airport in Kochi this afternoon and will stay in the city overnight. The Vice President is accompanied by his wife, Dr Sudesh Dhankhar. As part of his itinerary, Vice President Dhankhar will travel to Thrissur on Monday morning to offer prayers at the renowned Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. Following the temple visit, he will return to Kochi and engage with the academic community. At 10.40 a.m. on Monday, the Vice President is scheduled to interact with students and faculty members at the NUALS in Kalamassery. The event is expected to focus on contemporary legal education, constitutional values, and the role of youth in upholding democratic institutions. In view of the Vice Presidentas visit, the Kochi City Police have announced special traffic regulations to ensure smooth movement and security. Traffic restrictions will be imposed from 2 p.m. on Sunday onwards in key areas, including the Naval Base, MG Road, the High Court Junction, and the Bolgatty region. On Monday, additional traffic curbs will be in place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. along the National Highway 544 and several areas in and around Kalamassery. These include the SCMSa"HMT junction, Seaport-Airport Road at Toshiba Junction, and Medical College Road leading to the NUALS campus. Authorities have urged commuters to avoid these routes during the restricted hours and cooperate with the police. Alternative routes and traffic diversions have been arranged to minimise inconvenience to the public. The Vice Presidentas visit comes at a time of increased focus on legal reforms and youth participation in democratic processes. His interaction at NUALS is expected to inspire law students and provide insights into constitutional governance and national development. Security has been tightened across all venues, with senior police officials monitoring arrangements to ensure a smooth and secure visit. Rio De Janeiro, July 6 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, the bilateral relations between India and Brazil are likely to receive a huge impetus, especially the agricultural and trade sector, when he will meet Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit as well as hold bilateral meetings. Speaking to IANS on PM Modi's visit to Brazil, Meghmani Organics Limited Managing Director and FICCI Gujarat Vice-Chairman Natu M. Patel said, "The synergy between India and Brazil is remarkable, especially in the field of agriculture. Brazil, as a country, has very high agricultural output a" many of their crops have better per-hectare yields than ours. Yet, despite this strong production, they import a significant amount of agricultural inputs such as fertilisers..." Speaking to IANS while highlighting trade partnership between India and Brazil, Kiri Industries Group Secretary Suresh Gondalia said, "Currently, trade between India and Brazil stands at $15 billion. I believe this figure will continue to grow, especially with Prime Minister Modias visit and the signing of key bilateral agreements..." Earlier, upon landing in Brazil's state capital, PM Modi also interacted with several members of the Indian-origin community here where he was given a warm and rousing reception. The bilateral trade relations between India and Brazil is pegged at $12.20 billion during 2024-2025, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on social media platform X. Brazil is also India's largest trading partner in South America. India's total investment in Brazil stands over $6 billion while Brazil's total investment in India is around $1 billion. The FSSAI and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Brazil, signed an MoU in the area of food safety in 2024. India and Brazil signed an MOU for cooperation in health in January 2020. Both PM Modi and President Lula da Silva had previously met in December 2023 (Dubai), June 2023 (Canada), June 2024 (Brazil) and June 2024 (Italy). This visit will be PM Modi's fourth visit to Brazil. BRICS brings together 11 major economies of the world which includes Brazil , Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi arabia, the UAE and Indonesia. India has also chaired BRICS earlier in September 2021, October 2016 and March 2012. India also hosted over 150 events and meetings during the Presidency of the BRICS Summit in 2021. During his visit, PM Modi will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7, followed by a state visit, for which he will travel to Brasilia. It will be the first bilateral visit to the country by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades.. For the State Visit to Brazil, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula da Silva on the broadening of the strategic partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health and people-to-people linkages. In a statement before leaving for the five-nation tour, PM Modi said that as a founding member of BRICS, India is committed to the bloc as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. "Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order," he said. Dharamsala, July 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led the nation in extending greetings to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, with prayers for his continued good health and long life. "I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday," Prime Minister Modi said in a post on X. "He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life," he added. Currently, the Prime Minister is in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, visit during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a state visit. The Prime Minister's greetings come amid a row over the Dalai Lama's successor plan, with China urging India to 'act cautiously', with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning saying India should exercise caution in its words and actions and stop interfering in China's internal affairs with Xizang-related issues. Beijing regards the Dalai Lama, who is based in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh, as a "separatist". It is sensitive to meeting international leaders, attending official functions or visiting places at the invitation of the Indian government. In a strategic shift, Prime Minister Modi in 2021 had made a clear-cut departure from the policies of successive governments of 'making distance' of sorts from the Tibetan spiritual leader by extending greetings to him on his 86th birthday. In that year, making a public announcement by the Prime Minister regarding extending greetings to the Dalai Lama was an important strategic shift from New Delhi as on earlier occasions the government used to avoid such gestures to avoid upsetting China. The 14th Dalai Lama, the Voice for the Voiceless, aims to live for decades more. In the run-up to his 90th birthday, the Nobel Peace Laureate also confirmed he will have a successor, putting to rest speculation over whether the 600-year-old institution will end when he dies. Meanwhile, in celebration of the extraordinary occasion of His Holiness turning 90, the democratically elected Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the representative of Tibetan people both in and outside Tibet that is based in this north Indian hill station, has declared July 2025 to July 2026 will be observed 'The Year of Compassion'. The initiative celebrates His Holiness not only as a spiritual leader but also as a global advocate for peace, compassion, secular ethics, and interfaith harmony, among others. In a birthday-eve message, the Dalai Lama said, "As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion. I develop determination and courage in my daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose following aspiration I strive to uphold." The Buddhist monk considers himself a son of India. "All particles in my mind contain thoughts from Nalanda. And it's Indian 'dal' and 'chapati' that have built this body. I am mentally and physically a son of India," the Dalai Lama, in his addresses, is often quoted as saying. "India and Tibet share a relationship of 'guru' (teacher) and 'chela' (disciple). When I see some part of my 'guru' being corrupt, as a 'chela' I feel ashamed," he said. Time and again, a demand from Indian parliamentarians and his believers is being raised that India should confer its highest civilian award -- Bharat Ratna -- on him in recognition of his services to humanity. The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in a small village in the remote Amdo region of Tibet. The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in March 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, believes in a 'middle-way' approach, meaning greater autonomy for Tibet rather than outright independence. The pontiff lives in exile in McLeodganj, a small and quaint hill station in the suburbs of Dharamsala in the northern Indian Himalayas. Chennai, July 6 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to launch the first camp of the 'Ungaludan Stalin' (Stalin with You) initiative on July 15 at Chidambaram Municipality in Cuddalore district. Chennai, July 6 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to launch the first camp of the aUngaludan Stalina (Stalin with You) initiative on July 15 at Chidambaram Municipality in Cuddalore district. This ambitious public outreach programme aims to directly address citizensa grievances and deliver essential government services at their doorstep through a series of special camps across the state. According to an official release, the government plans to organise a total of 10,000 special camps between July 15 and November 2025, covering both rural and urban areas in all districts. Of these, 6,232 camps will be held in rural areas and 3,768 in urban centres, with each location tailored to meet the specific needs of its population. At the urban camps, 43 different services from 13 departments will be made available, while the rural camps will offer 46 services from 15 departments. In addition, medical services will be provided at every camp to ensure the well-being of attendees. To ensure maximum public participation and awareness, nearly one lakh trained volunteers will begin door-to-door visits starting July 7. These volunteers will inform households about the date and location of the nearest camp and provide detailed information on the services being offered, eligibility criteria, and the documents required. They will also distribute information booklets and application forms to assist residents in preparing for the camps. A key highlight of the initiative is the inclusion of the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme. Women who are eligible but have been left out of this financial assistance programme will have the opportunity to submit their applications directly at the campsites. Notably, new applications for this scheme will be issued exclusively through these camps. The government has assured that all applications received will be processed and resolved within 45 days. Officials said the aUngaludan Stalina initiative is aimed at making governance more accessible and transparent, bridging the gap between the government and the people by bringing services to their very doorsteps. The campaign underscores the governmentas commitment to inclusive development and efficient delivery of welfare schemes at the grassroots level. Chennai, July 6 : The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is conducting a major booth-strengthening programme on Sunday at the SRM University, Kattankulathur, in Chennai. The event is part of the partyas extensive groundwork ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The programme will be held under the leadership of Tamil Nadu BJP State President Nainar Nagendran, who will preside over the event. Several senior party leaders are expected to attend, including Arvind Menon, National BJP In-Charge for Tamil Nadu, and P. Sudhakar Reddy, Co-In-Charge. BJP leaders from across the state -- including district, mandal, and booth-level functionaries -- will take part in the event. The initiative aims to energise the partyas grassroots cadre and reinforce organisational strength at the booth level. Party insiders said that the programme will serve as a key step in enhancing voter outreach strategies, sharpening election preparedness, and boosting cadre motivation ahead of the crucial polls. The BJP, which has been gradually expanding its footprint in Tamil Nadu, is focusing on robust grassroots-level planning to build a strong electoral base. The Booth Strengthening Programme is expected to play a vital role in consolidating its micro-level structure across constituencies. In a related development, BJP state President Nainar Nagendran is also scheduled to be present at the Chennai International Airport tonight at around 10 p.m. to welcome a group of 15 Tamil nationals returning from Iran. These individuals, reportedly repatriated under difficult circumstances, have been brought back through the coordinated efforts of the BJP with relevant central and international authorities. This dual engagement -- strengthening internal party mechanisms and attending to the needs of Tamils abroad -- underscores the BJPas strategy of coupling organisational consolidation with community outreach. Party sources said these initiatives highlight the BJPas commitment to addressing both electoral preparedness and humanitarian concerns. With the Assembly elections less than a year away, the BJP appears determined to expand its influence in Tamil Nadu through targeted mobilisation, strategic planning, and people-centric efforts. New Delhi, July 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) emphasise his commitment to righteousness. In a post on his X handle on Sunday, PM Modi said he inspired people to uphold truth in the face of adversity. "The sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) emphasise his commitment to righteousness. He inspires people to uphold truth in the face of adversity," wrote PM Modi on X. Currently, the Prime Minister is in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, where he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a state visit. The solemn observance of Ashoora-e-Muharram marks a poignant day in Islamic history, honouring the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the revered grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his companions. This day is synonymous with courage, sacrifice, and steadfastness in the face of tyranny. Millions gather to pay homage to those who laid down their lives for truth, righteousness, and justice in the Battle of Karbala. The 10th Muharram, called Ashura, is being observed across the country on Sunday. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. Shia Muslims across the world observe a public mourning. In Kashmir, the Shia community on Friday (July 4) took out a Muharram procession on the traditional route in the city here to mark the eighth day of mourning. The processions will also be taken out on Sunday to mark the tenth day. The 10th day of the first month of Muharram of the Muslim calendar marks the day of martyrdom of Imam Hussain, who was killed by the army of King Yazid in 680 AD on the banks of the Euphrates River in Iraq in the Karbala area. The besieged family of Imam Hussain, his family and companions, were denied drinking water even when they were camped at the bank of the Euphrates. Even the 6-month-old Ali Asghar was denied drinking water by the army of the Yazid. Imam Hussain chose to sacrifice himself and his family and companions rather than accept the supremacy of evil over the truth. Shia Muslims commemorate the event by taking out processions and chest-beating, but the mourning of Muharram is sacrosanct to both the Shia and the Sunni Muslims alike. Rio De Janeiro, July 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and grand welcome from the members of the Indian community as he arrived here in Brazil on Saturday for a four-day visit, where he will take part in the BRICS Summit followed by a meeting with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. "Members of Brazil's Indian community gave a very vibrant welcome in Rio de Janeiro. It's amazing how they remain connected with Indian culture and are also very passionate about India's development! Here are some glimpses from the welcome...," PM Modi wrote on his official X account. Speaking to IANS after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a member of the Indian diaspora said, "It was an amazing experience. I felt so happy to meet him. He also blessed my daughter and gently placed his hand on her head..." Meeting and interacting with PM Modi for the first time, another member of the Indian diaspora said, "It was an amazing experience meeting such a great leader for the first time. Who gets the chance to meet the Prime Minister face to face? I was truly glad and honored to see him up close..." After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an Indian youth said, "I touched his feet and learned a lot about dancing. It was a truly amazing experience..." Commenting on PM Modi's Brazil visit, Shakti Groups Chairman and Managing Director Shreyans Goyal said, "...The Prime Minister's vision for Brazil and India is clearly moving forward, and I believe very soon, we will see India's rise to the number one position globally. We are witnessing significant progress inspired by the views and vision of our respected Prime Minister Modi..." Expressing happiness and excitement over PM Modi's visit in Brazil, another Indian -origin community member Rohit Lengde from Campinas said, "...I've been living in Campinas, Sao Paulo, for almost five years. We've travelled all the way from Campinas to be here. She was the one who insisted we make the trip, and I'm glad we did..." Prime Minister Modi also met with the artists who performed during his welcome ceremony in Rio De Janeiro. One of the artists, who performed when PM Modi arrived in Brazil, said, "It gave us so much hope and joy to see Prime Minister Modi truly enjoying the performance. He shook hands with each one of us and thanked us personallyit was a very special moment..." Speaking to IANS over PM Modi's Brazil visit, a tourist from Hyderabad said, "I'm from Hyderabad, and we came to Brazil for a holiday. When we found out that PM Modi was coming for the BRICS Summit, we postponed our return tickets. We're extremely excited to meet our king. In India, we often refer to him as our kingbecause that's how we see him..." Another member of the Indian diaspora said, "...India's culture is incredibly complex, and it's essential to understand it in depth. Without that deeper understanding, it's impossible to grasp the full story..." Hailing PM Modi's visit to Brazil, Acharya Muktiswarup from Ananda Marga, said, "...With Prime Minister Narendra Modi coming here, we received an invitation from the Embassy and came specifically to meet him. He has done a lot for India and for our nation, and we deeply appreciate his efforts. He is also striving to establish cosmic brotherhooda vision of creating one human society based on unity and peace..." He also added: ""As we know, the world is facing many critical challenges, and Prime Minister Modi is striving to unite all countries to work together..." Another member of the Indian diaspora said, "PM Modi is from Gujarat, and we are Gujaratis living here too..." Lauding PM Modi's historic visit to Brazil, Acharya Snigdhanana from Ananda Marga said, "I studied at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane. When Prime Minister Modi visited, I was attending a yoga class, but unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to meet him..." A member of the Indian diaspora said, "...We're excited that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting again. We've been looking forward to his arrival for a long time. He visited last year as well, and we gave him a very enthusiastic welcome..." Another member of the Indian diaspora said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a new direction to India, especially in terms of encouraging investment and supporting investors. He has taken significant steps to create a more investor-friendly environment..." Welcoming PM Modi in Brazil, another member from the Indian community, said, "I warmly welcome the Prime Minister. It's heartening to see so many Brazilians also present here. As soon as the Prime Minister came to power, the International Day of Yoga was established, and since then, it has become a bridge between India and Brazil..." An Indian diaspora member added, "This is truly a moment of celebration for all of us. I live in Rio, and I believe BRICS is an incredibly important platform on the global stage. PM Narendra Modi is representing India at this conference, and that makes the occasion even more significant..." Operation Sindoor, India's anti-terror campaign against Pakistan-based terrorists, found resonance in Brazil as members of the Indian diaspora welcomed Prime Minister Modi with paintings and a dance performance portraying the mission. PM Modi appreciated the warm gesture upon his arrival for the BRICS Summit on Saturday morning. PM Modi will participate in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, followed by a historic bilateral visit to Brasilia -- the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly 60 years. During his stay, he is expected to hold meetings with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and engage with several global leaders on the sidelines of the summit. This visit to Brazil marks the fourth leg of PM Modi's five-nation tour. On Friday, PM Modi arrived in Argentina where he held bilateral talks with President Javier Milei and was given a special ceremonial honour as well. On Thursday, he arrived in Trinidad & Tobago, where he addressed the Joint Assembly of Parliament, emphasising India's commitment to the "Global South first" policy. Earlier in the week, PM Modi visited Ghana, where he held extensive talks with President John Dramani Mahama and was conferred with the country's highest civilian honour -- The Office of the Order of the Star of Ghana. Several key agreements were also signed to deepen bilateral cooperation. Seoul, July 6 : HD Hyundai said on Sunday it will join hands with India's biggest shipbuilder to bolster South Korea's presence in the global shipbuilding market. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., HD Hyundai's shipbuilding affiliate, has signed a memorandum of understanding with India's state-owned Cochin Shipyard Ltd. to promote bilateral partnership in the shipbuilding sector, according to the Korean company. It marks the first time a Korean shipbuilder has forged a partnership with an Indian company, reports Yonhap news agency. With the initial agreement, HD Hyundai plans to help Cochin Shipyard advance its technologies to a global level and improve its productivity, company officials said. The two companies will also work together to win shipbuilding deals in India and the global markets, they added. HD Hyundai said it will work to expand its foothold in India, which has the world's biggest population, as the country is working to foster its oceans industry. The Indian government has reportedly vowed to make India one of the top 10 global leaders in the shipbuilding industry by 2030 and top five by 2047. "This partnership will serve as a stepping stone for both HD Hyundai and Cochin Shipyard to take a leap forward while also marking a turning point in accelerating India's national vision for its maritime industry," an official at HD Hyundai said. "Based on HD Hyundai's technological expertise and experience, we will help Cochin Shipyard strengthen its global competitiveness while also seeking mutual growth with Korean equipment suppliers." Meanwhile, South Korea ranked second in new global shipbuilding orders in June, according to the report. South Korean shipyards clinched orders totalling 1.05 million compensated gross tonnes (CGTs) for eight ships, accounting for 41 percent of the global total at 2.56 million CGTs last month, according to London-based Clarkson Research Services. a"IANS na/ New Delhi, July 6 : On the birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an emotional tribute to the iconic nationalist leader, calling him the "immortal son of the nation" and praising his lifelong dedication to India's unity, pride, and development. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, "A heartfelt tribute to the immortal son of the nation, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, on his birth anniversary. He sacrificed his life to protect the honour, dignity, and pride of the country. His ideals and principles are invaluable in the construction of a developed and self-reliant India." The Prime Minister shared a video clip of Dr Mookerjee reflecting on his life, values, and vision for India. "Bengal's son, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, used to say that any nation can only be secure through its own energy. He had immense faith in the nation's resources and the capable people of this country," PM Modi said. "After Independence, his vision helped lift the country from despair and disappointment. As the first Minister for Industry and Supply, he drafted India's first industrial policy. He believed that if the government, educational institutions, and industrial organizations worked together, India would soon achieve economic independence," he added. The Prime Minister also highlighted Dr Mookerjeeas progressive outlook, adding, "The work and thoughts he contributed towards women's empowerment, education, and shaping India's nuclear policy were far ahead of their time. I pay my deepest respects to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and bow to his memory." Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also honoured the legacy of Dr Mookerjee, recalling his powerful message against the dual governance of Jammu and Kashmir. "In one country, two constitutions, two leaders, two flags will not do... This was the lifelong pledge of the great man Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who tirelessly dedicated himself to an undivided India," said CM Yogi posted on X. He further added, "Humble tributes to the revered Dr. Mookerjee ji, the founding president of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a fervent nationalist thinker, and an immortal martyr of Kashmir's integration. Your life is an unceasing beacon of national unity, education, and national duty, which will continue to guide India's generations." Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, also paid tribute, saying, "Remembering the illustrious son of Maa Bharati, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Ji on his Janm Jayanti. A visionary leader & great educationist, he sacrificed his life for a united & modern India. His unparalleled contribution to nation-building continues to inspire generations." Dr Mookerjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological precursor to todayas Bharatiya Janata Party, is remembered as a staunch nationalist, an educationist, and a political visionary. Seoul, July 6 : Over 46 million people travelled to or from South Korea via air in the first half of 2025, setting a record high, data showed on Sunday. A total of 46,029,842 passengers arrived in or left South Korea via international flights between January and June, up 7.6 percent from the same period last year, according to the data compiled by the land ministry, Incheon International Airport Corp. and Korea Airports Corp. The figure surpassed the previous record of 45.5 million posted in the first half of 2019, reports Yonhap news agency. The number of international flights during the six-month period also increased 5.6 percent on-year, also outpacing the previous first-half record set in 2019. China posted the largest number of air passengers to and from South Korea, with 7.81 million passengers traveling between the two countries via air in the first six months of the year, up 24.3 percent from a year earlier. Such a sharp increase was partly attributed to the visa-exemption program China implemented for South Korean visitors in November. Japan followed next, with the number of travellers to and from South Korea jumping 9.9 percent on-year. Japan has seen a constant wave of South Korean travellers due to a weak yen and, more recently, due to an expansion of flight routes to small cities in Japan. By airport, some 36 million people traveled via Incheon International Airport, the main gateway to Seoul, while 9.91 million people used six other international airports across the country. "The demand for international flights reached a record high in the first half due to the normalisation of overseas travel centred on China and Japan, as well as supply expansions," an industry official said. "The growth in demand will continue in the second half of the year due to the stabilising exchange rates and global oil prices." a"IANS na/ Chennai, July 6 : After a gap of 16 years, the historic consecration ceremony of the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district is set to take place on Monday. Elaborate arrangements are being made by the district administration in coordination with the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to ensure a smooth and secure event. The consecration rituals began on July 1 with the Yagasala poojas inside the temple premises. The main Kumbabishekam ceremony will be conducted between 6.15 a.m. and 6.50 a.m. on Monday. The last such consecration was held in 2009. Tiruchendur, revered as the second of Lord Muruganas six abodes (Arupadai Veedu), is expected to witness a massive turnout of devotees from across the state. To manage the crowd and enhance security during the auspicious event, the police have deployed advanced surveillance measures. Three four-wheeled patrol vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras, ten GPS-enabled bikes, and a drone surveillance system have been introduced to monitor the temple town. These patrol units will be tracked in real time from a central control room, staffed round-the-clock by police personnel on rotational shifts. On Saturday, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) S. Davidson Devasirvatham flagged off the new patrol vehicles in Tiruchendur. He was joined by Deputy Inspector General of Police (in-charge) Tirunelveli Range Santosh Hadimani, Thoothukudi Superintendent of Police Albert John, Tiruchendur DSP Mahesh Kumar, and Thoothukudi ASP C. Madhan. ADGP Devasirvatham also held a review meeting with officials to assess the preparedness and oversee the security arrangements. In a unique move, drones have also been kept ready to sprinkle holy water over the assembled devotees during the ritual, adding a modern touch to traditional practice. To accommodate the expected influx of devotees, the district administration has made provisions for basic amenities such as drinking water, public sanitation, and food distribution. Parking arrangements have been made at three designated locations to ease traffic congestion. Additionally, giant LED screens have been installed at various points to allow devotees to witness the Kumbabishekam rituals from a distance. Officials said that every effort is being made to ensure the safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfilment of the devotees participating in this sacred event. Thiruvananthapuram, July 6 : Kerala Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that 425 individuals have been placed on the Nipah virus contact list across the state. The highest number of contacts, 228, is in Malappuram district, followed by 110 in Palakkad and 87 in Kozhikode. Among those on the contact list, one person has tested negative for the virus so far. Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have initiated widespread surveillance and containment measures in the affected areas. In Malappuram district, intensive fieldwork is underway to trace the origin of the outbreak and prevent further spread. Surveillance operations have been conducted in 20 wards across the panchayats of Makkaraparamba, Kuruva, Koottilangadi, and Mankada. A total of 65 teams visited 1,655 households as part of door-to-door awareness campaigns and contact-tracing efforts. The survey was led by Dr N.N. Pameela, with technical support from C.K. Suresh Kumar, M. Shahul Hameed, and epidemiologist Dr Kiran Raj. The team has submitted a detailed report to the District Medical Officer, Dr Renuka. In Palakkad, one individual remains in isolation, while 61 healthcare workers have been identified as close contacts. The health department has decided to isolate individuals locally, with only their samples being sent for testing. Route maps of confirmed cases in Palakkad and Malappuram have been released to aid public awareness and contact tracing. In Kozhikode, all 87 individuals on the contact list are healthcare professionals who were potentially exposed during treatment or response efforts. To manage the situation, ambulance services, including the Kaniv 108 fleet, have been placed on standby. Fever surveillance has been intensified in the affected areas, and the Health Minister has emphasised the importance of providing psychological support to those under observation. Efforts to trace the source of the outbreak have also been stepped up. Fruit bats, known carriers of the Nipah virus, are once again suspected to be the source. A high-level review meeting chaired by Health Minister Veena George was held in the district. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, the NHM State Mission Director, the Director of Medical Education, Additional Directors, District Collectors, District Medical Officers, police officers, and representatives from various departments. Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly fatal zoonotic virus, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. It causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), respiratory distress, and in many cases, death. The virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1999 and has since triggered several deadly outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia. Kerala has now reported six Nipah outbreaks, making it the most Nipah-affected state in India. The stateas first outbreak in 2018, centred in Perambra, Kozhikode, claimed 17 lives. Among the deceased was nurse Lini Puthussery, who succumbed to the virus after treating the index patient before a diagnosis was confirmed. Investigations later confirmed that fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, were the likely source of the virus. Nipah spreads through direct contact with infected animals (like pigs), consumption of fruits or palm sap contaminated by fruit bats, and from human to human through contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of the infection include fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, seizures, coma, and encephalitis. There is currently no vaccine for Nipah, and treatment is primarily supportive. The Health Department has urged the public to remain alert, avoid consuming fruits bitten by bats, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise. Rio De Janeiro, July 6 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during her meetings with BRICS counterparts here, discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, including cooperation in multiple sectors to further strengthen strategic partnerships, according to an official statement. In her meeting with Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov on the sidelines of the 'BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' meeting, she discussed India-Russia long-standing partnership. FM Sitharaman also expressed gratitude for the support extended by President Vladimir Putin after the Pahalgam terror attack, according to a Finance Ministry post on X social media platform. "The Union Finance Minister observed that India and Russia enjoy exemplary levels of mutual trust and understanding and our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership remains resilient and steadfast," the ministry informed. She also congratulated Russia for its successful Chairship of the BRICS in 2024 and said that India will continue to leverage the BRICS platform to build South-South cooperation in areas of common interest. They also discussed modalities of various initiatives recently taken up in BRICS. The two sides also discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, including cooperation in the financial sector, along with matters related to the New Development Bank (NDB). FM Sitharaman met Fernando Haddad, Finance Minister of Brazil, and discussed issues of mutual interest, including, South-South cooperation, amplifying the voice of the Global South, COP30 and climate finance issues, and engagement in regional and global forums such as the United Nations, G20, BRICS, WTO and IBSA. Appreciating the deep work by Brazil during its BRICS Chairship, including commitment to a multipolar world order, and expansion of BRICS, the finance minister said India supports the agenda and priorities set by Brazil, and hopes to carry forward the outcome-oriented cooperation when India takes over the Chairship in January 2026. FM Sitharaman said that India and Brazil, as strategic partners, share warm and cordial ties spanning across multiple sectors, and are cooperating closely in multiple sectors to further strengthen strategic partnership. In her meeting with Lan Fo'an, Finance Minister of China, the finance minister underlined that India and China are uniquely positioned to drive inclusive global growth and innovation as the two nations are the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world. She highlighted that India and China can strengthen collaboration across a wide range of areas due to the common rich human capital, deep civilisational ties, and expanding economic influence, according to the ministry. The finance minister suggested that deeper engagement between the two countries can help to amplify the voice of developing economies, and shape global narratives that reflect the priorities and aspirations of the Global South. IANS na/ Seoul, July 6 : South Korea has proposed measures to establish a "mutually beneficial" manufacturing cooperation framework with the United States in bilateral talks on tariffs and other trade issues, Seoul's industry ministry said on Sunday. Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo delivered such a proposal during his meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer held in Washington on Saturday (U.S. time), according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, reports Yonhap news agency. In the meeting, Yeo presented Seoul's vision for bilateral cooperation in the manufacturing sector and for building a complementary supply chain partnership amid Washington's push to create a "manufacturing renaissance" in America, the ministry said. Yeo also stressed that elimination or reduction of U.S. tariffs on key items, such as automobiles and steel, must be included in the final trade agreement between the two countries, noting that South Korea has been negotiating with the U.S. in "good faith." The two sides also discussed extending the suspension of 25 percent reciprocal tariffs for South Korea imposed by the Donald Trump administration to allow more substantive trade negotiations. The U.S. administration's 90-day pause of reciprocal tariffs is set to expire Tuesday. South Korea has been seeking full exemption from or reduction of U.S. reciprocal tariffs and sectoral duties on imported cars, steel and other products by crafting a package deal on tariffs, non-tariff measures, industrial cooperation and other trade issues. "Since the launch of the new administration (in South Korea), both Seoul and Washington have been fully committed to negotiations aimed at finding mutually beneficial, win-win solutions for trade issues," Yeo said. "Although uncertainties remain high, we will continue negotiations with the U.S. until the very end, based on the principle of protecting our national interests, to achieve a favourable outcome regarding U.S. tariff measures while also working to maintain the strong momentum of bilateral cooperation built over the years by the two countries." IANS na/ Dharamsala, July 6 : Braving heavy monsoon rain and thick fog, Tibetan exiles, monks and well-wishers on Sunday attended celebrations to mark the 90th birthday of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in McLeodganj, a small and quaint hill station in the suburbs of the northern hill town of Dharamsala, that has lured Westerners since he settled here in 1960 after his exile from Tibet. A sea of people began to assemble since morning at the Tsuglagkhang temple to join the birthday celebrations. "Special prayer sessions were held for the well-being and long life of the Dalai Lama," a spokesperson for the government-in-exile told IANS. The hilltop Tsuglagkhang temple is close to the official palace of the Dalai Lama here. Born July 6, 1935, to a farming family in a small hamlet in Taktser in Amdo province in northeastern Tibet, the two-year-old child, earlier named Lhamo Dhondup, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, in 1937. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his greetings, to the Dalai Lama offered prayers for his continued good health and long life. "I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday," Prime Minister Modi said in a post on the social media platform X. "He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life," PM Modi added. Currently, the Prime Minister is in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, for a four-day visit during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a state visit. The Prime Minister's greetings come amid a row over the Dalai Lama's successor plan, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning saying that India should exercise caution in its words and actions and stop interfering in China's internal affairs with Xizang-related issues. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also extended best wishes to the Dalai Lama. "The US remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans. We support efforts to preserve Tibetans' distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference," the US Department of State said in a statement. The 14th Dalai Lama, the 'Voice for the Voiceless', aims to live for more decades. Ahead of his 90th birthday, the Nobel Peace Laureate also confirmed that he will have a successor, thereby putting to rest speculation over whether the 600-year-old institution will cease to exist when he dies. In celebrations of the extraordinary occasion of the Dalai Lama turning 90, the democratically-elected Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the representative of Tibetan people both in and outside Tibet that is based in this north Indian hill station, has declared that July 2025 to July 2026 will be observed "The Year of Compassion". The initiative celebrates the Dalai Lama not only as a spiritual leader but also as a global advocate for peace, compassion, secular ethics, and interfaith harmony, among others. In a birthday-eve message, the Dalai Lama said, "As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion. I develop determination and courage in my daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose following aspiration I strive to uphold." The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in March 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, advocates for a 'middle-way' approach, which entails greater autonomy for Tibet rather than outright independence. Beijing regards the Dalai Lama as a "separatist". New Delhi, July 6 : On the spiritually significant occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended wishes to the nation, highlighting the cultural and devotional importance of the day. PM Modi took to social media platform X to offer his prayers and blessings. He wrote, "Warm wishes on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi! We pray to Bhagwan Vitthal and seek His continued blessings on all of us. May He guide us towards a society full of happiness and abundance. May we also keep serving the poor and downtrodden." Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also shared his greetings, particularly resonating with devotees in Maharashtra. In a post in Marathi, he wrote, "All of Pandharpur resounds with the chant of the divine name... Heartfelt wishes to everyone for 'Ashadhi Ekadashi'!" Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reflected on the divine significance of the day, stating, "The holy occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi is a day dedicated to the worship and devotion of Lord Shri Vishnu, the sustainer of the entire universe. We pray to Lord Shri Hari Vishnu, the master of the three worlds and the controller of the universe, that His blessings and grace remain upon the entire world, and that everyone's life be filled with happiness, peace, and good health." Observed this year on Sunday, July 6, Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani or Shayani Ekadashi, marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, four holy months of divine rest for Lord Vishnu. Ashadhi Ekadashi holds immense importance in Hindu tradition. Celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashadha, it signifies the commencement of Lord Vishnu's cosmic slumber, known as Chaturmas, which continues until Prabodhini Ekadashi in Kartik. The occasion is celebrated with great fervour across India, especially in Maharashtra, where it marks the culmination of the Pandharpur Wari. This annual pilgrimage sees lakhs of Warkaris, devotees of Lord Vitthal, walking for days to reach the Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur, chanting devotional hymns and songs in a display of immense faith and unity. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Houston, July 6 : Severe flooding across central Texas has killed at least 49 people and left dozens missing, local authorities said over the weekend, as rescue operations continued across several counties. In Kerr County, at least 43 people, including 28 adults and 15 kids, were confirmed dead after torrential rains triggered flash floods early Friday morning, the county's Sheriff Larry Leitha said at a news conference. Another 27 children were still unaccounted for, most of them from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls along the Guadalupe River, said Dalton Rice, the city manager of Kerrville. The camp typically hosts around 750 children each year, Xinhua news agency reported. "We've been rescuing people out of these camps by the hundreds all day," Rice said. In Travis County, four people were confirmed dead and 13 others were reported missing, local broadcaster KXAN-TV reported, citing the county judge, Andy Brown. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the US Government and the bereaved families earlier on Saturday. "Deeply saddened to learn about loss of lives, especially children in the devastating floods in Texas. Our condolences to the US Government and the bereaved families," PM Modi wrote in a post on X. In Burnet County, rescue efforts were ongoing as of Saturday afternoon. The sheriff's office confirmed two fatalities and said two others remained missing. Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Saturday signed an expanded disaster declaration to include six more counties in central Texas, raising the total number of counties hit by flash flooding to 20. The Guadalupe River in Kerr County saw its water levels rise from 7.5 feet (2.3 metres) to a staggering 29.5 feet (9 metres) within just three hours early Friday morning, reaching the second-highest level on record, according to the US National Weather Service (NWS). Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said Friday that the NWS's earlier forecast had underestimated the amount of rainfall that contributed to the catastrophic flooding in the region. Texas has already experienced several severe flooding incidents this year, and the United States as a whole saw a record number of flash flood emergencies in 2024, according to AccuWeather. Thiruvananthapuram, July 6 : Amid mounting political pressure and widespread protests, Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Sunday visited the grieving family of Bindu, the woman who lost her life in the tragic building collapse at Kottayam Government Medical College Hospital. The minister arrived at Bindu's residence in Thalayolaparambu on Sunday morning, days after the incident that has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition and public alike. Bindu, 54, died on Thursday when an old toilet block adjacent to wards 10, 11, and 14 collapsed while hospital staff were shifting operations to a new surgical block. She was trapped under the debris for over two hours and was declared dead after being extricated. Veena George offered condolences and assured Bindu's family that the government would provide all necessary support. Visuals aired by television channels showed the minister breaking down while speaking to Bindu's elderly mother. She also consoled Bindu's husband, Visruthan, who appealed for a permanent government job for their son, a B.Tech graduate. The minister promised that the family's demands, including financial compensation, medical care for Bindu's daughter, and employment for her son, would be seriously considered. She added that immediate steps would be taken to form a medical board to facilitate surgery for Bindu's daughter on Monday. "The government stands with you in this hour of grief. The Chief Minister will soon announce a comprehensive support package," she told the family. Veena George was accompanied by CPI(M) state committee member K. Anil Kumar, who assured the family that the government and the party would help complete the construction of their house. He also reiterated the promise of a permanent government job for the son. The tragedy has triggered a political storm across Kerala, with the opposition Congress and BJP demanding Veena George's resignation, blaming the health department for negligence. Student and youth wings of the opposition parties have staged protests in various parts of the state, holding the minister accountable for the lapse in safety that led to Bindu's death. Bindu's death has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over public infrastructure safety and administrative accountability in the state's healthcare system. As the government scrambles to contain the political fallout, Veena George's visit to the bereaved family is being seen as a damage-control move amid growing public outrage. Dharamsala, July 6 : Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday attended the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama at Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple here where the spiritual leader has been residing since 1960. Speaking at the celebrations amidst the presence of his Cabinet colleague Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Hollywood actor Richard Gere, Union Minister Rijiju said, "Your holiness, you are more than a spiritual leader. You are a living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world." He noted, "For over seven decades, you have carried the light of the Buddha's teachings with humility and clarity, guiding not only followers of Tibetan Buddhism but also people of all faiths and backgrounds." "In a world at strife with conflict, your message embodied in how you continue to lead your life assumes even greater and more urgent significance. It is a matter of pride and honour for India and Indians to have you in our midst," he noted. Rijiju reached McLeodganj on Saturday to attend the long-life prayer offering on the birthday eve. He travelled by overnight train from Delhi to Pathankot in Punjab and further travelled by road. Ahead of reaching McLeodganj, Union Minister Rijiju clarified that the position of the Dalai Lama is of utmost importance, not just for Tibetans but for all his followers across the world. "The right to decide on his successor rests solely with the Dalai Lama himself," he had said. Offering greetings to the spiritual leader, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in his speech said His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has devoted his life to compassion, peace, and the wellbeing of all sentient beings, his journey "is an inspiration to humanity". "Through every trial, His Holiness has remained a steady voice of wisdom, teaching us that true strength lies in forgiveness, and real change begins with the human heart. His message transcends borders and beliefs, calling us all to live with more kindness and courage," he wrote on X. "On this most auspicious occasion, we offer our collective prayers for your long life and continued guidance. May your words keep lighting the path for generations yet to come, and may your presence remain a refuge for all sentient beings," the CM further said. Saying the Dalai Lama belongs to the universe, Hollywood actor Richard Gere said, "Your Holiness, on behalf of all of us as Westerners, there was something very sweet I saw at the religious conference, the confirmation that His Holiness agreed to continue the institution of the Dalai Lama. But, many of the Lamas who spoke out -- they were openly declaring -- the Dalai Lama doesn't belong to Tibet anymore; he belongs to the world... He belongs to the universe." A day earlier, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Khandu participated in special prayers seeking a long life for the Buddhist monk. In September last year, Chief Minister Khandu had an audience with the Tibetan spiritual leader and invited him to visit the northeastern state. He had also announced the gifting of a 'Phodrang' (meaning palace in the Dzongkha language) that was used as the Dalai Lama's temporary residence in Tawang, a revered seat of Buddhism in Arunachal Pradesh, after he fled from Tibet following the Chinese invasion in 1959, to the Dalai Lama Trust. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is expected to visit Arunachal Pradesh in the near future, marking a significant moment for the people of the state who share a deep reverence for his spiritual leadership. Followers of the spiritual leader believe the Dalai Lama shares a deep emotional bond with Arunachal Pradesh, as it was the place through which he entered India after he escaped from Tibet on March 31, 1959, and was received by Indian officials who escorted his entourage to Bomdila. Tawang, a picturesque town located at an altitude of more than 11,000 feet, is home to one of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries. The place is spiritually important for Tibetan people as the sixth Dalai Lama was born in the 17th century at the Urgelling Monastery near Tawang. If the Dalai Lama travels to Arunachal Pradesh, it would be his eighth visit to the northeastern state after his visits in 1983, 1996, 1997, twice in 2003, 2009, and 2017. Braving heavy monsoon rain and thick fog, crowds of Tibetan exiles, monks and well-wishers on Sunday attended celebrations to mark the 90th birthday of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in McLeodganj, a small and quaint hill station in the suburbs of the northern hill town of Dharamsala, that has lured Westerners since he settled here in 1960 after his exile from Tibet. Huge crowds began to assemble in the morning at the Tsuglagkhang temple to join the birthday celebrations. "Special prayer sessions were held for the wellbeing and long life of the Dalai Lama," a spokesperson for the government-in-exile told IANS. The hilltop Tsuglagkhang temple is close to the official palace of the Dalai Lama here. Born July 6, 1935, to a farming family in a small hamlet in Taktser in Amdo province in northeastern Tibet, the two-year-old child was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, in 1937. Thiruvananthapuram, July 6 : Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his government, which has been in office since 2016, have been highlighting their strides in the state's health sector, but after a sequence of events, the Congress-led opposition has dismissed the narrative as nothing but a public relations (PR) exercise. The narrative started to fall when last month a hugely popular Urologist, Dr Harris Chirackal, revealed the serious shortage of medical equipment and supplies, forcing the postponement of surgeries at the most famed Thiruvananthapuram Medical College hospital. After this, a toilet block attached to a medical ward at the Kottayam Medical College hospital collapsed. State Health Minister Veena George and her cabinet colleague, State Cooperation Minister V.N. Vasavan, told the media that this was a closed building and no one was using it. They said just two people suffered minor injuries. But first-time legislator Chandy Oomme, after coming to know that one bystander was missing, raised his voice. It was only after this that the rescue operations commenced. Following a three-hour effort, the body of 56-year-old Bindhu was taken out from the debris. With this, the media and social media started to delve deep into the actual situation of the prevailing health sector issues. Popular public health activist Dr S.S. Lal, who has worked in numerous countries while working with the WHO, said whatever Kerala has gained is because of the work of successive governments in the state, and whatever happened during the pre-Independence period in the state. "The Left government has landed in soup now because when credit comes to Kerala's health sector, CM Vijayan and George take credit, but when something untoward happens, the blame falls on the medical professionals. This government has made a mess of the health sector like no other government," said Lal. Congress-led opposition, especially the Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, said that with the unfolding of a few events in the past week, "what we have been saying, especially on the floor of the Assembly for years, that the health sector is in dire straits, has come true". "Crucial figures with regard to Covid have all been fudged, and all along this Left government has been surviving on a PR exercise which gives out false narratives. Communicable diseases in Kerala are rampant. George, the Minister, has turned intolerant, and we will not go back on our demand, which is -- George has to resign," added Satheesan. Amid this controversy, Chief Minister Vijayan on Saturday left for the US for a follow-up to a medical treatment. Questions are being raised about whether the state's healthcare is top-notch. If it is, then why is the CM going to the US, and ailing former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan is being treated in a private hospital in the state capital city? Oommen after going around the hugely dilapidated men's hostel at the Kottayam Medical College slammed the authorities for housing around 100 students in it. "The Kerala government should immediately make alternate arrangements to house these students elsewhere, as things are really bad there," said Oommen. The only solace for Minister George, who is in a tight spot, is that she has received support from her party, and the coming days will reveal if the ongoing protests demanding her resignation die a natural death or will Vijayan, who is also under duress, think otherwise. Meanwhile, on Sunday, Minister George visited the family of the woman, Bindu, who died in the building collapse. She offered condolences and assured Bindu's family that the government would provide all necessary support. Visuals aired by television channels showed the minister breaking down while speaking to Bindu's elderly mother. She also consoled Bindu's husband, Visruthan, who appealed for a permanent government job for their son, a B.Tech graduate. With this act, the Minister has tried to address the protests that erupted following the woman's death. But, the bigger question remains -- is the healthcare of the Left government really in good shape as has been projected for a long time? The series of back-to-back incidents creates doubts. Chandigarh, July 6 : A Mohali court on Sunday remanded senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab Minister Bikram Singh Majithia to 14-day judicial custody in a disproportionate assets case. He will be sent to a jail in Nabha, with the next hearing in the case will be on July 19. For 11 days he was on the vigilance remand. The public prosecutor had cited undergoing investigations relating to Majithia's "ill-gotten" properties in many states, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. In a related case, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 4 asked the state counsel to seek instructions while adjourning the hearing on Majithia's plea against "illegal arrest and subsequent remand". Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya's Bench also fixed the case for further hearing on July 8. Majithia had challenged the remand orders, terming them as illegal. He submitted in his petition that the case was a result of "political witch-hunting and vendetta initiated by the present political dispensation with the sole object of maligning and harassing him, as he has been a vocal critic and political opponent". The Vigilance Bureau, on June 25, arrested Majithia from his residence in a posh locality in Amritsar city on charges of laundering more than Rs 540 crore of drug money. Investigations by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the police probing the first information report (FIR) of 2021 and the Vigilance Bureau revealed massive laundering of drug money facilitated by Majithia, the government has said. Preliminary investigations revealed that more than Rs 540 crore of drug money has been laundered through several ways, including a huge unaccounted cash of Rs 161 crore deposited in bank accounts of companies controlled by Majithia, channelisation of Rs 141 crore through suspected foreign entities and excess deposition of Rs 236 crore without disclosure or explanation in company financial statements. Also, the government has said there is an acquisition of movable and immovable assets by Majithia without any legitimate source of income. A Vigilance Bureau spokesperson has told the media that it has registered a case based on a report of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) registered under Sections 25, 27-A and 29 of the NDPS Act, wherein substantial evidence has been uncovered indicating massive laundering of drug money by Majithia. New Delhi, July 6 : In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Delhi Police arrested two individuals involved in drug peddling, recovering over 1.17 kilograms of ganja and 54 quarters of illicit liquor from their possession. The arrests were made by North-West District teams from the Narcotics Wing and Police Station Shalimar Bagh following two separate operations based on specific intelligence inputs, as per an official press release issued by the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police on Sunday. According to the release, "The teams of Narcotics NWD & PS Shalimar Bagh have arrested two drug-peddlers, namely, Ansuddin Ali S/o Amjad Ali, R/o G Block, Jahangir Puri, Delhi, Age - 45 years & Asha W/o Sonu Malik, R/o Dharna Camp, Haiderpur Village, Delhi, Age - 22 years and recovered 1.17583 kg of Ganja & 54 quarters from their possession." The police further stated that both individuals had been engaged in drug peddling for several years, selling contraband substances to various clients on demand. "They started crime to earn easy money," the release noted, adding that the duo were "habitual and active criminals," previously involved in five cases under the NDPS Act and the Excise Act. The first arrest took place on July 4, when a team, acting on separate intelligence, nabbed a woman named Asha near Dharna Camp, Haiderpur. She was found in possession of 1.156 kg of ganja. A case was subsequently registered at PS Shalimar Bagh under the NDPS Act. The second arrest was made on July 5, when a team from the Narcotics Wing, acting on a tip-off, apprehended Ansuddin Ali near a garbage dump in front of MCD Flats, Jahangir Puri. A search led to the recovery of 19.83 grams of ganja and 54 quarters. A case under relevant sections of the NDPS and Excise Acts was registered at the Jahangir Puri police station. Both accused reportedly confessed during interrogation to being involved in the illegal trade for several years. "They revealed that they were roaming the area in search of potential customers she used to collect ganja and alcohol from different locations across Delhi and supplied it to their clients on demand," the police said. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts underway to uncover their wider network and trace any other individuals involved in related narcotic cases. Seoul, July 6 : South Korea has proposed measures to establish a "mutually beneficial" manufacturing cooperation framework with the United States in bilateral talks on tariffs and other trade issues, Seoul's industry ministry said Sunday. Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo delivered such a proposal during his meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer held in Washington on Saturday (US time), according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. In the meeting, Yeo presented Seoul's vision for bilateral cooperation in the manufacturing sector and for building a complementary supply chain partnership amid Washington's push to create a "manufacturing renaissance" in America, the ministry said. Yeo also stressed that elimination or reduction of US tariffs on key items, such as automobiles and steel, must be included in the final trade agreement between the two countries, noting that South Korea has been negotiating with the US in "good faith." The two sides also discussed extending the suspension of 25 percent reciprocal tariffs for South Korea imposed by the Donald Trump administration to allow more substantive trade negotiations. The US administration's 90-day pause of reciprocal tariffs is set to expire Tuesday, Yonhap news agency reported. South Korea has been seeking full exemption from or reduction of US reciprocal tariffs and sectoral duties on imported cars, steel and other products by crafting a package deal on tariffs, non-tariff measures, industrial cooperation and other trade issues. "Since the launch of the new administration (in South Korea), both Seoul and Washington have been fully committed to negotiations aimed at finding mutually beneficial, win-win solutions for trade issues," Yeo said. "Although uncertainties remain high, we will continue negotiations with the US until the very end, based on the principle of protecting our national interests, to achieve a favorable outcome regarding US tariff measures while also working to maintain the strong momentum of bilateral cooperation built over the years by the two countries." Bhopal, July 6 : A swift and high-level investigation was initiated after a serious case of financial malpractice was unearthed in the Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh, where the alleged fabrication of repair bills for two government schools was unearthed. School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh has directed immediate action following the discovery of suspected fraudulent payments sanctioned under the guise of minor maintenance at Sakandi Government High School and Nipaniya Higher Secondary School, both located in the Beohari Assembly segment of Shahdol district. The scandal came to light after detailed bills circulated on social media, revealing what appear to be inflated entries for labour and materials. At Sakandi High School, official records claimed that 168 labourers and 65 masons were deployed for a job involving merely four litres of paint. The recorded expenditure -- Rs 1,06,984 -- has raised widespread suspicion. Nipaniya Schoolas records were no less startling: Rs 2,31,685 was shown as approved for the work of 275 labourers and 150 masons, who allegedly undertook tasks involving just twenty litres of paint, installation of ten windows, and four doors. Reacting firmly to the disclosures, the Education Minister ordered the Secretary of the School Education Department and the Commissioner of Public Instruction to carry out a prompt and impartial inquiry. He reiterated the governmentas zero-tolerance stance on corruption and irregularities within public institutions, emphasising that no leniency would be shown to those found guilty. The revelations have triggered public dissatisfaction and cast a shadow on the credibility of fund utilisation in rural education infrastructure. Many have voiced concerns over how such inflated expenditures went unnoticed, calling for stronger accountability mechanisms and audit practices within local education departments. The controversy arrives at a time when the Madhya Pradesh government is actively promoting transparency and investment across multiple sectors. This incident might serve as a catalyst for introducing stricter audit protocols, digital transparency tools, and decentralised monitoring systems involving local stakeholders. The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) has launched an investigation to determine whether pre-installed apps embedded in smartphones at the time of purchase restrict user choice by not allowing users to delete the apps. Under the Korea Telecommunications Business Act, it is prohibited for manufacturers and mobile carriers to unjustifiably prevent users from deleting pre-installed apps that are not essential to the functionality of the device. KCC chairperson Lee Jinsook) announced on 27 June that the regulator initiated an investigation following an inspection of 187 pre-installed apps across four smartphone models released between 2023 and 2024. Devices examined in the investigation included Samsung Electronics Galaxy and Apples iPhone, which identified possible violations by Samsungs Studio app, which provides video editing features. The KCC has stated that if the investigation finds violations of the Telecommunications Business Act, appropriate measures will be taken against the companies. "Since 2021, the KCC has conducted annual inspections of pre-installed apps that cannot be deleted by users," the KCC states. "The commission issued administrative guidance twice, in 2022 and 2023, requiring five pre-installed apps (Weather, AR Doodle, AR Zone, Samsung Visit In, Secure Wi-fi) to be made removable." The KCC says it has also begun inspecting pre-installed apps on major smartphones released in February this year, including the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16e. "Some apps that unjustifiably restrict removal by users will be subject to further investigation if violations of the law are found," the KCC says. Kigali, July 6 : On the 31st anniversary of Rwanda's Liberation Day, President Paul Kagame urged Rwandans to remain anchored in their core national values as the country charts its future path. Speaking at a press conference in the national capital of Kigali on Friday, Kagame reflected on Rwanda's transformative journey since 1994, calling on citizens to preserve unity, ambition, and resilience as defining pillars of the nation's identity. "Our struggle as a country has always been guided by values," Kagame said. "The rules we follow and the choices we make are grounded in those values -- ones that unite us and ensure no one is left behind because of their background." Kagame praised the progress made over three decades of recovery, while also acknowledging the depth of sacrifice that made it possible. "The difficult part was something we confronted head-on a but even in that difficulty, there was something fulfilling," he said, emphasising the pride and responsibility that came with rebuilding a nation torn apart by genocide. Turning to Rwanda's place in global affairs, Kagame warned against narratives that distort the region's challenges and overlook key actors. He criticised what he described as selective international reporting, particularly concerning armed groups in the region, Xinhua news agency reported. Kagame stressed that unity remains a non-negotiable foundation for Rwanda's continued peace and progress. "We've seen what happens when (unity) is absent. That's why we must bring everyone along and define together what is best for us," he said. Kagame reiterated Rwanda's determination to never again be dependent. "This Rwanda cannot live on the whims of others. No, it happened once; it will never happen again. It's an act of survival. We don't owe our living to anyone," he added. On regional matters, Kagame commented on the recent US-brokered peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), expressing cautious optimism. "Rwanda remained committed to the agreement," he said, but warned that stability would depend on the sincerity of all parties New Delhi, July 6 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing it of turning Delhi's healthcare system into a sham under the guise of reforms and populist schemes. She also criticised the previous governments in Delhi for the crumbling health infrastructure. Addressing a public event in New Delhi, CM Gupta said, "For 27 years, the people of Delhi were misled with slogans, songs, and talks of reform, while the actual healthcare infrastructure crumbled. Before our government took charge, Delhi had just 0.42 hospital beds per 1,000 people under the previous regimes. Out of 38 government hospitals, only six had MRI machines and just 12 had CT scans." Taking a veiled jibe at AAP, she said that the so-called "world-class health model" projected by the former government was nothing more than a hollow claim. "They introduced a fancy name a" Mohalla Clinic a" and spent crores in the name of public health. But what was the result? These clinics were built next to drains, with massive posters carrying leaders' faces but no medicines or medical staff inside," the Chief Minister claimed. She further alleged that unqualified individuals were hired to operate these clinics. "There was just one person at some centres, with no valid degree, who was paid Rs 40 per patient. His focus was not on treatment but on numbers. They claimed 200 patients visited daily, but even basic math doesn't support this - it was simply impossible given the working hours," she added. CM Gupta accused the previous administration of widespread corruption in awarding contracts, constructing hospitals, and recruiting staff. "From contracts to infrastructure, from procurement to payroll, corruption was everywhere. And this was the so-called revolution in healthcare they promised," she said. Without naming the AAP directly, Gupta said Delhiites had been fooled for years with fake models and photo ops. "Our goal is not to create noise but to bring real change. The people now realise that those before us were focused only on headlines, not healing," she said. Srinagar, July 6 : As Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha joined Muslim mourners during the 10th Muharram procession in Srinagar city, two loud and powerful statements of communal harmony, co-existence and religious brotherhood reflecting the true spirit of 'Kashmiriyat' were made in Kashmir on Sunday. Lt Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha served drinking water and refreshments to mourners when he saw off the 10th Muharram procession at Bota Kadal area of Srinagar. Hundreds of Shia mourners welcomed the Lt Governor as he joined the procession. In addition to offering water to the mourners in the procession, he also offered a 'Chaddar' (Sacred Cloth) to the Zuljanah at the beginning of the 10th Muharram procession. The 8th and 10th Mohurram processions had been disallowed in Srinagar city after the outbreak of armed violence in 1990. It was Lt Governor Manoj Sinha who decided to allow both the 8th and 10th Muharram processions in Srinagar in 2023 after 35 years. For the third time in a row, the authorities allowed the 10th Muharram procession in Srinagar, and thanks to the confidence shown by the Lt Governor, the mourners have been carrying out a largely attended Muharram procession peacefully. To match the sentiment of India's unity in diversity, many locals belonging to Srinagar city travelled with their families, including children, nearly 30 km away to serve cold drinks and water to Yatris returning after performing the Amarnath Yatra on Sunday. Displaying absolute confidence in the goodwill of Kashmiris, dozens of vehicles carrying Yatris stopped on the Baltal-Srinagar road at Nuner village in Ganderbal district to accept the hospitality of the locals. The people, including children, were seen serving ice-cold drinks and pure water to the Yatris, who, without any hesitation, returned the gesture by accepting the cold drinks and water in addition to expressing gratitude to the locals. The spirit of sacrifice, tolerance, co-existence and brotherhood among different religions thus made two powerful statements. Among hundreds of Shia Muslim mourners, Lt governor Manoj Sinha mingled with the procession with the minimum possible security around him so that the locals did not hesitate in accepting water and acknowledging gratitude to him at Bota Kadal in the city. Equally powerful was the less-reported statement of amity, co-existence and religious brotherhood made, away from the glare of the media and the cameras, by locals serving cold drinks and water to the Yatris at Nunez village in Ganderbal. As the historian Kalhana said in his epic account, the 'Rajatarangini' written in the 12th century, "Kashmir by the power of the sword - Never, by love - Yes". The sooner this historical message is heard and understood by the terrorists backed by Pakistan, the better for peace in South Asia. Mumbai, July 6 : Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, on Sunday, took to social media to share an appreciation note for his son, actor Abhishek Bachchan. Expressing immense pride in his son's journey, the legendary actor praised Abhishek for carving a path on his own terms and earning the recognition he truly deserves. Posting a picture of Abhishek, Amitabh wrote on Instagram, "My pride and my unlimited love .. how beautifully on your own terms you are achieving your well deserved praise and recognition .. "Kaaldhar may be missing, but Abhishek is never missing from our hearts." Big B has always been his son Abhishek Bachchan's strongest pillar of support, often taking to social media to express his pride and admiration. On June 29, the 'Sholay' actor paid tribute to his son's 25-year journey in the film industry. Marking the special milestone, Amitabh shared a heartfelt post and even bowed to his son in a touching gesture of respect. He lauded Abhishek's unwavering dedication, consistent growth, and hard-earned achievements over the past two and a half decades. The 82-year-old actor reposted a fan account that praised Abhishek for his diverse choice of roles. Reacting to it, the megastar wrote in Hindi, "Is Variety ko maine pranaam karta hoon, aur apne putra ki sarahna karta hoon. Jee haan, pita hoon main uska, aur mere liye mera putra Abhishek sarahna karne yogya hai (I bow to this variety and I praise my son. Yes, I'm his father, and for me my son Abhishek is worthy of praise)." In another follow-up post, Amitabh extended his blessings to Abhishek while mentioning his upcoming films. He tweeted, "Ek chap ke kuch hi dinon mein, release hone waali hai .. aur ek aur nayi film ki shuruaat ho gayi hai ..pehla din film King ki shooting (One film will release soon, and there is a start of a new film, first day of shooting of King)...My blessings Bhaiyu .. love and more. And one more film shooting is complete and ready and coming soon..my prayers ever." Agartala, July 6 : Tipra Motha Party (TMP) leaders would soon meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to urge him to take drastic steps against infiltrators, party supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma said on Sunday. Debbarma, a former royal scion, said that illegal infiltrators would jeopardise the socio-economic and customary aspects of the state's indigenous people, especially the tribals. "The Government should take stringent steps to prevent the illegal infiltrators from entering India. Those already illegally staying in Tripura and other states must be pushed back immediately," the TMP chief told IANS. He said, "India should not allow Bangladesh to hold the upcoming parliamentary elections without the participation of the Awami League. India should closely monitor the situation in Bangladesh where an anti-India situation is being created with the active support of Pakistan and ISI." The situation in Bangladesh continues to remain volatile due to the internal violence that began there in June-July last year, especially after the fall of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5, 2024. Meanwhile, the TMP recently launched a widespread anti-infiltration campaign across Tripura. The TMP's senior leader and Forest and Environment Minister Animesh Debbama had said that no infiltrators would be allowed to stay in Tripura. "Government should push back those infiltrators who came to Tripura after March 1971," Debbarma said. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Thursday that infiltrators from Bangladesh also realised that this bordering state (Tripura) is not a safe zone for them. The Chief Minister said that all security agencies are on a high alert to prevent illegal infiltrators from entering India. "After the trouble began in Bangladesh and following the fall of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August last year, security forces maintained a close vigil along the border to foil any kind of infiltration bid," CM Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, told the media. He said it is also not possible to enter Tripura and live here using fake Aadhaar cards. The Chief Minister recently held meetings with the senior security officials of different agencies, including BSF, and requested the officials in the state to maintain close coordination among them to deal with the border-related issues. The Chief Minister had further stated that if such infiltrators from across the border manage to enter Indian (Tripura) territory, they would be pushed back as per legal provisions. Tripura, which has an 856 km border with Bangladesh, is surrounded on three sides by the neighbouring country, making the northeastern state very vulnerable and sensitive to cross-border migration issues and other crimes. Except for some patches, most of the frontier had been fenced to prevent smuggling, trans-border crimes, and cross-border illegal movements by infiltrators and inimical elements. Beirut, July 6 : Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday called on the international community to exert pressure on Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon, warning that the continued "aggression" threatens national sovereignty and regional stability. "We call on our partners and allies to intensify pressure on Israel to halt its violations and fully commit to UN Security Council Resolution 1701," Aoun said, according to a statement released by Lebanon's presidency. The president's remarks came during a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Aoun emphasized Lebanon's appreciation for Britain's support, particularly at the UN, where he hopes London will continue to advocate for renewing the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) amid mounting regional tensions, reported Xinhua news agency. The Lebanese government submitted a request to extend the mandate of UNIFIL for an additional year, until August 31, 2026. The UN Security Council is expected to vote on the mandate renewal before its expiration at the end of August. During the talks, Aoun warned that Israel's continued occupation of the Lebanese territory obstructed efforts to restore calm and stability along the border. He also condemned Israel's refusal to release Lebanese prisoners, as well as its persistent violations, including aerial and artillery strikes that have reached areas near Beirut's southern suburbs and major roads leading into the capital. "These provocations prevent the Lebanese state from fully asserting its sovereignty, protecting its citizens, and enforcing decisions," Aoun said. Calling for international intervention, Aoun urged Britain and other global powers to demand that Israel withdraw from the Lebanese territory and provide formal guarantees that future attacks will cease. For his part, Lammy reaffirmed the strength of the Britain-Lebanon relationship and pledged Britain's ongoing support across multiple sectors, especially in defense and security cooperation. He noted that Britain is closely following developments in the country with "great interest and continued solidarity." New Delhi, July 6 : The Government of India has clarified that it has not issued any order to withhold the X account of the international news agency Reuters in the country. "There is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold Reuters handle. We are continuously working with X to resolve the problem," an official spokesperson said in a statement. This clarification comes after Reuters' X account was found to be withheld in India, prompting concerns over press freedom and censorship. Users attempting to access the handle were shown a notice stating that the account had been withheld "in response to a legal demand". Reuters confirmed the development earlier, saying it was seeking more information on why its handle was blocked in India. According to officials familiar with the matter, the only request for blocking Reuters' X account was issued on May 7, during Operation Sindoor launched against Pakistan following the massacre of 26 Indian tourists in Pahalgam in an Islamabad-sponsored terrorist attack. This was a part of a national security exercise. However, although several hundred accounts were blocked due to national security reasons, no action was implemented to block the Reuters handle on X despite the government order, the official said. It appears that X, owned by Elon Musk, may have mistakenly enforced the outdated order. "The issue is not relevant anymore. The government has reached out to X, asking them to explain the blocking and to lift the embargo," a senior official said. Reuters has not issued any public statement on the issue. Despite the block on Reuters' main and Reuters World handles, several affiliated accounts, including Reuters Tech News, Reuters Fact Check, Reuters Asia, and Reuters China, remain accessible within India. New Delhi, July 6 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday that the government will soon launch a 'Life-saving' app listing all voluntary blood donors in the city to counter shortages and smoothen the process of availability for the needy. Speaking to reporters after visiting a blood donation camp in east Delhi, CM Gupta said, "The directory of blood donors will be prepared. All city residents willing to donate blood will be enlisted in the App along with their blood group, address and contact details." The contact details will help a person in need of blood to access names and phone numbers to seek help from a volunteer closest to his or her location, she said "We are in the process of creating a Life-saving App and it will soon be dedicated to Delhi residents," she said. The Chief Minister said the App will also have details about each donor's blood donation history a" clearly indicating the three-month gap needed between two sessions. She said, "A delay in the availability of blood poses a threat to the lives of many patients, and in view of this, we are trying to make the process more organised." Calling blood donation a noble act, she urged more and more city residents to join the campaign to ensure that there is enough supply in the city with a donation of "one unit at a time". Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, who also attended the blood donation camp in Anand Vihar, said, "In our culture, blood donation is described as the noblest donation." He said every citizen should donate blood regularly and carry out this noble act at least once or twice a year, after following medical advice. Describing the act of giving, including blood, as an appreciable act, Sachdeva said, "I congratulate the International Vaish Mahasabha for organising 500 blood donation camps in a single day today." "They are doing a great service for society. Blood availability can prove critical for saving lives and if this information reaches the needy, then it can help people a lot," he said. Kolkata, July 6 : With the West Bengal government failing to meet the deadline for paying 25 per cent Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears to the state government employees by the midnight of June 27 as directed by the Supreme Court, economists and insiders from the system said the basic flaws lie in the lack of data required for calculating the accurate dues and payout from state exchequer. The first flaw, according to economists, is a persistent lack of clarity in the formula applied for calculating or determining the DA rates for state government employees, both in the context of the previous 5th Pay Commission and in the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission. Had the state government followed the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) as the benchmark for calculating and determining DA for the state government employees, such a lack of clarity could have been easily overcome by now, economists feel. AICPI is followed as the benchmark for determining the DA rates by the Union government and most state governments. Nationally, AICPI is the accepted formula for this purpose. However, the West Bengal government is not agreeable to accepting AICPI as the benchmark in fixing the Dearness Allowance rate for its employees. Hence the lack of clarity and data-driven discourse continued, which ultimately resulted in conflicts between the state government and its employees. Currently, the West Bengal government employees receive Dearness Allowances at the rate of just 18 per cent, as against 55 per cent received by their counterparts in the Union government and even many other state governments. With the Supreme Court deadline of June 27 at midnight for payment of 25 per cent DA arrears to the state government employees already over, the West Bengal government has already made a plea to the apex court seeking six months of additional time for paying the same. Secondly, the exact number of beneficiaries in the state government, who were supposed to benefit from this Supreme Court order, as well as the category-wise breakup of beneficiaries, is not at all clear as of now. Naturally, with the lack of clarity in the numbers under these two heads, there is also a lack of clarity and data-driven discourse on the payout from the state exchequer for each category and subsequently the total payout under all the categories combined. Already, confusion has surfaced over the pressure on the state exchequer to pay the 25 per cent DA arrears to the state government employees as directed by the Supreme Court. While one section within the state finance department claims that the payout will be a little over Rs 10,000 crore, another section quotes the figure to be slightly less than Rs 12,000 crore. Economists said that had there been enough clarity in the data under the heads mentioned above, this confusion would not also have arisen. Economists also feel that the hush-hush approach of the West Bengal government in portraying the actual arithmetic on this count has resulted in this lack of clarity and data-driven discourse. For a long time, the state government had not even made the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission, the latest, public. The recommendations were made public only after a single-judge bench of Calcutta High Court directed the state government to do so. While passing the order the single- judge of Justice Amrita Sinha observed that since Pay Commission documents were not included in the classified category, maintaining such secrecy in the matter by the state government was unnecessary. As regards the members of the state cabinet including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, all have maintained a brooding silence in the matter. On the issue of dearness allowance, the Chief Minister just said once the state government would move as per law. Rio De Janeiro, July 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a unique and spiritually charged welcome as he arrived in Rio de Janeiro for the 17th BRICS Summit where a local musical ensemble performed the revered Sanskrit mantra "Om Gan Ganpataye Namah". Rio de Janeiro, July 6 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a unique and spiritually charged welcome as he arrived in Rio de Janeiro for the 17th BRICS Summit where a local musical ensemble performed the revered Sanskrit mantra "Om Gan Ganpataye Namah". The powerful rendition, blending traditional Indian rhythms with Brazilian musical arrangements, featured both male and female vocalists and created an atmosphere of devotion and respect. Prime Minister Modi was visibly moved, standing with folded hands and a smile. Following the ceremonial welcome, PM Modi personally met with the performers backstage. "It gave us so much hope and joy to see Prime Minister Modi truly enjoying the performance," one of the artists said. "He shook hands with each one of us and thanked us personally. It was a very special moment, something we will never forget," the artists said The spiritual welcome set a symbolic tone for the Prime Minister's four-day visit to Brazil, reflecting India's growing soft power and the global resonance of its cultural heritage. PM Modi's visit to Brazil comes as part of his five-nation diplomatic tour, with the Brazil leg being the fourth. He arrived from Argentina, where he held extensive bilateral talks with President Javier Milei. In Brazil, PM Modi will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio, followed by a formal state visit to the capital, Brasilia, at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Posting on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote: "Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I will take part in the BRICS Summit and later go to their capital, Brasilia, for a state visit... Hoping for a productive round of meetings and interactions during this visit." The BRICS group, now expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, continues to shape global economic and political discourse, and PM Modi's participation underscores India's commitment to multilateral cooperation. Mumbai, July 6 : Being a director means staying away from home for long periods of time, making it extremely difficult to lead a healthy lifestyle. Renowned filmmaker Hansal Mehta recalled his not-to-healthy plan during the shoot of Kangana Ranaut's "Simran" which ultimately led to a stunt in his heart a year later. His latest IG post read, "Long outdoor shoots donat have to be stressful. They can be meditative - if youare not busy running away from yourself. While making Simran I spent months doing just that. Escaping pressure with food, drink, anything that numbed. It didnat help. Less than a year later I had a stent in my heart. Denial it turns out isnat much of a health plan." However, Mehta learned his lesson and now whenever he is on an outdoor shoot, he makes sure to stay in an apartment with a kitchen and cooks his own food, along with regular exercise. "Since then, I follow one rule: always stay in an apartment with a kitchen. I carry a few basic appliances (most of which I leave behind for someone on the crew), cook my own food, exercise, shoot and somewhere along the way Iave learned to enjoy my own company," the 'Aligarh' maker added. The post also included a picture of his meal with Rajma rice and eggs, with a side of some raw onions. "This plate a" rajma, Sri Lankan purple rice, eggs, raw onion may not win points on presentation. But itas made with intention. Maybe like the stories I tell now." "Filmmaking doesnat have to kill you. If done right and balanced with time for oneself it can do the opposite. It can keep you alive," the 'Scoop' maker concluded. Mehta's last release was the nerve-chilling thriller "The Buckingham Murders" starring Kareena Kapoor, Keith Allen, Ranveer Brar, Prabhleen Sandhu, Sarah-Jane Dias, and Manish Gandhi in crucial roles, along with others. Sanaa, July 6 : Yemen's Houthi armed forces claimed responsibility on Sunday morning for a "hypersonic ballistic missile" attack on Israel, which was reportedly intercepted earlier in the day by Israeli defence systems. In a statement aired by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said the missile was targeted at Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel. He claimed the attack had achieved its objective, temporarily halting air traffic in Israel and causing thousands of Israelis to rush to shelters before dawn. Sarea emphasised that the Houthis would continue to launch such attacks in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza until the ongoing war and the blockade against the enclave are ended. He also warned that the Houthi forces are prepared for any potential escalation by Israel, Xinhua news agency reported. The missile was launched earlier in the day, al-Masirah TV reported. Before dawn (Israel time), Israel's Channel 12 reported that a "projectile" fired from Yemen had been intercepted by Israeli defense systems, though shrapnel from the missile caused a fire near Jerusalem. No further details were provided, and no casualties have been reported. Earlier on Saturday, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement to resume talks in Qatar regarding hostages and a ceasefire deal. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israel since November 2023 to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Yemen has been engulfed in conflict since 2014 when Houthi forces seized control of the capital Sanaa and much of the country's north, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in support of the internationally recognised government in 2015. The war has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions of Yemenis facing food insecurity and lacking access to basic services. Multiple rounds of peace talks have failed to produce a political settlement. Seoul, July 6 : A special counsel sought a warrant Sunday to arrest former President Yoon Suk Yeol over allegations related to his declaration of martial law, officials said. The independent counsel, led by Cho Eun-suk, filed an arrest warrant request with the Seoul Central District Court against Yoon for alleged abuse of power, falsification of official documents, violation of the Presidential Security Act and obstruction of special official duties, among other charges, in connection with his declaration of martial law on December 3, according to officials from the counsel team. The specific reasons for the warrant request were not disclosed, Yonhap news agency reported. The counsel has conducted an intensive investigation into Yoon over insurrection and other charges since its launch last month. Most recently, Yoon was summoned and underwent several hours of questioning on Saturday. Yoon has completely denied the allegations during in-person interrogations, raising concerns about possible destruction of evidence or collusion with accomplices, according to the officials. Yoon is alleged to have attempted to block investigators from executing a court warrant to detain him in January. He is also suspected of directing the Presidential Security Service to delete records from secure phones used by several military commanders following his failed martial law bid. The investigation has further focused on suspicions that Yoon had hastily convened a Cabinet meeting on the night of the martial law declaration to meet the quorum required to enforce the decree. The treason charge, however, was not included in the warrant. The former president is alleged to have ordered a military drone operations unit to deploy drones over Pyongyang to fabricate a justification for declaring martial law. "The treason allegation is still under investigation. As a significant portion of the inquiry remains, it was not included in the arrest warrant," Deputy Special Counsel Park Ji-young told a press briefing. Yoon's side pushed back, calling the move "excessive and unwarranted." "We have fully explained the allegations and made it clear that no crime can be established under the law," Yoon's legal team said in a statement. "The special counsel has not presented any objective evidence." Yoon was detained on January 15, after ignoring three summonses from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which was investigating the martial law incident. He was then formally arrested, becoming the first sitting South Korean president to be taken into custody. But the Seoul Central District Court accepted Yoon's request to cancel the arrest, and he was released on March 8 after 52 days in detention. Chennai, July 6 : In yet another tragic incident from Tamil Nadu's fireworks hub, one worker was killed and five others injured in a powerful explosion at the Hindustan Fireworks unit in Keezha Thayilpatti near Sivakasi on Sunday, police said. Chennai, July 6 (IANS) In yet another tragic incident from Tamil Naduas fireworks hub, one worker was killed and five others injured in a powerful explosion at the Hindustan Fireworks unit in Keezha Thayilpatti near Sivakasi on Sunday, police said. The deceased has been identified as 50-year-old M. Balagurusamy of Tiruthangal. Police said the impact of the explosion was so severe that his body was torn apart, with fire and rescue personnel forced to collect body parts from various locations around the blast site. The blast reportedly occurred while workers were involved in the production of aerial fireworks. Investigators suspect that friction during the manufacturing process may have triggered the explosion. Though the unit held a valid licence from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), questions have been raised over whether it had proper permission to operate on a Sunday, typically observed as a weekly holiday for fireworks units in the region. Five other workers sustained injuries, mainly from flying debris as they attempted to flee. They were rushed to the Sivakasi Government Hospital for treatment. Officials described their injuries as minor. The fire that followed the explosion rapidly spread through the premises, consuming over 10 working sheds. Thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising high into the sky and were visible from miles away. Firefighters from Sivakasi, led by Station Officer T. Srinivasan, battled to bring the blaze under control as gusty winds hampered their efforts. District authorities responded swiftly. Virudhunagar District Revenue Officer R. Rajendran ordered the immediate suspension of the unitas sulphur licence pending further investigation. This is the second major accident in the district in less than a week. On July 1, a similar explosion at Gokules Fireworks in Chinnakamanpatti claimed eight lives, once again highlighting persistent safety lapses in the fireworks manufacturing sector. Officials from the Police, Fire Services, and Revenue departments are conducting a joint inquiry into the latest accident. While safety protocols and regulations exist on paper, enforcement and compliance remain inconsistent, especially during peak production seasons. Locals and activists have once again called for a thorough audit of all operating units in the region to prevent further loss of life in Sivakasias high-risk fireworks industry. Thiruvananthapuram, July 6 : Weeks after an emergency landing of the Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35B stealth fighter jet in Kerala, a team of British and American aviation experts have arrived in Thiruvananthapuram to inspect and attempt repairs on the cutting-edge combat aircraft. A Royal Air Force Atlas transport aircraft touched down at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport at 12.46 p.m. on Sunday, carrying a 24-member technical team comprising 14 engineers and 10 crew members. The arrival of the team follows mounting speculation and intense media scrutiny over the fate of the advanced fifth-generation jet, which has been parked at bay number four of the airportas domestic terminal since June 14. The aircraft was forced to land due to technical malfunctions, compounded by adverse weather conditions over the Indian Ocean during its deployment. According to flight tracking data, the RAF transport aircraft carrying experts left Brize Norton airbase in Oxfordshire -- one of the largest RAF stations -- on July 4, before stopping over at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and Seeb International Airport in Oman. It commenced its final leg from Muscat on Sunday morning and reached Kerala by afternoon. The expert team will conduct a thorough inspection of the jet and assess the feasibility of conducting on-site repairs at its current location. If necessary, the aircraft may be towed to a hangar facility within the airport premises for more extensive work. Sources indicated that dismantling the jetas wings and tail for airlifting it back to the UK or US would be a last resort if other repair options prove unviable. A final decision will be made following the inspection. Meanwhile, the prolonged grounding of the stealth aircraft has triggered considerable public curiosity and social media frenzy in India, with memes and conspiracy theories gaining traction amid the silence from defence officials. British authorities have consistently maintained that the aircraft can be restored to operational status in Kerala following repairs and mandatory safety checks. However, the delay in dispatching the technical team had fuelled uncertainty over the jetas future. With the arrival of the engineers, clarity is now expected in the coming days on whether the aircraft will return to the skies from Indian soil -- or be flown home for more comprehensive servicing. New Delhi, July 6 : A UK F-35B Lightning II fighter jet that made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport nearly three weeks ago, is now set to be moved for repairs, as a UK engineering team has arrived arrived in India to undertake the complex task. According to sources, more than a dozen technicians are a part of this crucial repair-work mission. Confirming this development, a British High Commission spokesperson said, "A UK engineering team has deployed to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to assess and repair the UK F-35B aircraft, which landed following an emergency diversion". "The UK has accepted the offer of a space in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, and are in discussions to finalise arrangements with relevant authorities. In line with standard procedure, the aircraft will be moved following the arrival of UK engineers, who are carrying specialist equipment necessary for the movement and repair process. The UK remains very grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams", it further added. Since its unscheduled landing, the aircraft has remained grounded at the airport, with preliminary repair efforts yielding limited success. Sources familiar with the matter said multiple attempts had been made to restore the aircraft on-site, but the highly specialised systems and need for proprietary tools delayed progress. It is pertinent to note here that the jet, part of the UK's Carrier Strike Group aboard HMS Prince of Wales, was forced to divert and land on June 14 after reportedly running low on fuel during a sortie over the Indian Ocean. The matter hogged national headlines after repeated attempts to repair the aircraft yielded no positive outcome. Now, with the arrival of the UK technical team along with specialist equipment, the situation is expected to move forward. However, British officials have made it clear that they will not be releasing further operational details. "We will not be providing a running commentary on the timelines or detail of repair and maintenance matters or on private discussions with the Government of India," the statement read. New Delhi, July 6 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday led party leaders in urging people to follow the example of Hazrat Imam Hussain's sacrifice and promote unity and religious brotherhood through struggle and dedication. "On this day of Muharram, we should resolve to follow the path shown by Hazrat Imam Hussain, which, through struggle, sacrifice, and dedication, leads us toward humanity, peace, and unity," said the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also gave a message for a fearless fight against injustice. "On the solemn occasion of Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, we pay our tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS). His exemplary life, teachings, righteousness, fearless fight against injustice, and supreme sacrifice resonate through every era, continuing to inspire generations," he wrote on X. On Sunday, Muharram processions were taken out across the country, including the Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh which witnessed tension last November over a court-ordered ASI survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The district administration had stepped up security to ensure peaceful observance of the event, said an official. A major highlight of this year's preparations was the enhanced surveillance apparatus. As part of the 'Sambhal Ke Naam' initiative, over 12,000 NPR (Number Plate Recognition) and citizen-installed CCTV cameras were deployed across the district. This was instrumental in the real-time monitoring of the processions. Additionally, drone cameras were used to keep aerial surveillance over the entire route. Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Bishnoi said on the eve of the processions that a total of 342 Tazias were expected to be taken out across various parts of the district. Peace committee meetings were held in all areas in advance, and coordination was established with Tazia organisers, he said. Each Tazia Dar submitted a list of designated volunteers, for whom the police have issued unique identity cards. The move was aimed at helping law enforcement agencies quickly identify and assist them in case of any emergencies. The SP clarified that the height of each Tazia has been restricted to a maximum of 12 feet. In previous years, oversized Tazias often required the temporary dismantling or cutting of electricity wires, leading to disruptions and financial losses of approximately Rs 35-40 lakh. However, this year, no such adjustments were needed, as all processions were adhering to the prescribed height and route guidelines, the police said. Lucknow, July 6 : Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath paid rich tribute to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his birth anniversary and remembered his invaluable contributions to nation-building. On the occasion, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes at Dr Mookerjee's statue on Sunday and hailed him as a visionary scholar, a passionate patriot, and a fearless voice for national unity. He said that Dr Mookerjee, born on July 6, 1901, became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University at just 33 years of age and dedicated his life to serving the nation. "His leadership during the Bengal famine earned him widespread respect, and as the Food and Industry Minister in independent India under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he laid the foundation for food self-sufficiency and industrial growth - pillars that continue to shape New India," CM Yogi said, emphasising his commitment to national unity. He further stated that Dr Mookerjee resigned from the Nehru cabinet to protest against the appeasement policies of the then regime and strongly opposed the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and the permit system. The Chief Minister further pointed out that Dr Mookerjee's vision was fulfilled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who abrogated Article 370, ensuring the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India. CM Yogi credited Dr Mookerjee, the founding president of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, for laying an ideological foundation for nationalist politics and said that his stirring call for "Ek desh mein do pradhan, do vidhan, do nishan nahi chalenge" (There cannot be two Prime Ministers, two constitutions, and two flags in one nation) brought a transitional shift in the political landscape. He further said that under PM Modi's leadership, India has emerged as a global investment hub and is also witnessing the true spirit of 'Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan, Aur Ek Nishan'. "The industrialisation that Dr Mookerjee once envisioned has now taken a massive form. Even during the global pandemic, India stood strong, providing free ration to 80 crore people, an initiative aligned with the ideals of welfare and self-reliance that Dr Mookerjee stood for," highlighted the Chief Minister. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, July 6 : Health Minister JP Nadda on Sunday urged all stakeholders to work dedicatedly towards implementing PM-ABHIM (Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission) in Delhi, and fulfil the target of opening 1,100 Ayushman Arogya mandirs by March 31, 2026, with an outlay of Rs 1,700 crore. The minister distributed appointment letters to Delhi nursing officers and paramedical staff and flagged off Ayushman Bharat Registration Vans, in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at Vigyan Bhawan here. "This is a momentous occasion as today, after 15 years, our nursing officers and paramedical staff are receiving appointment letters. With this, the Delhi government is working towards strengthening the healthcare system by recruiting a specialised workforce," Nadda said. He underlined that Delhi observes the highest healthcare load as people across the country come to Delhi for treatment, and earlier, the healthcare system faced negligence. The Minister commended the efforts of the current Delhi government for strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and implementing Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan AarogyaYojana (AB-PMJAY) and PM-ABHIM. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ayushman Vay Vandana was introduced to ensure healthcare for the senior citizens above the age of 70. The Delhi government is working in this direction of ensuring the right to be healthy throughout life with dignity under Vay Vandana," the Health Minister noted. Till date, 4 lakh Ayushman Cards have been issued in Delhi, with 2 lakh cards issued under Vay Vandana. He urged all stakeholders to work dedicatedly towards implementing PM-ABHIM in Delhi and fulfil the target of opening 1,100 Ayushman Arogya mandirs till March 31, 2026. "In 1997, the Health Policy focused primarily on curative care, while under the visionary leadership of PM, the New Health Policy 2017 was introduced with a philosophy of comprehensive carea"preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative - with a special focus on geriatric care," said the minister. He highlighted that "special emphasis is being given to preventive healthcare, under which initiatives for early diagnosis for different diseases have been undertaken. We are focusing on screenings of individuals over the age of 30 and working towards stalling the spread of diseases through early diagnosis". "Till now, 18 crore screenings for hypertension, 17 crore screenings for diabetes, 15 crore screenings for oral cancer, 7.5 crore screenings for breast cancer and 4.5 crore screenings for cervical cancer have been conducted," said Nadda. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined from 130 to 88 per lakh live births, while Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) dropped from 39 to 26. Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has declined at a rate of 42 per cent, while the global decline is 14 per cent. The neonatal mortality rate has declined by 40 per cent rate while the global average decline was 11 per cent. Nadda also added that "TB incidence has reduced by 17.7 per cent, which is more than double the global decline rate of 8.3 per cent, which is confirmed by the WHO Global TB Report 2024". India only had 7 All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) till 2014, but today, 20 AIIMS are operational. "The number of medical colleges has increased from 387 in 2014 to 780; the number of medical seats has increased from 51,000 to 1,18,000, aiming for a total increase of 75,000 seats over the next five years," the Health Minister said. On the occasion, CM Gupta stated: "Till now, 4 lakh Ayushman cards have been distributed under the Ayushman Arogya Yojana, which includes 2 lakh Vay Vandana Cards issued to the senior citizens of Delhi. A total of 2,258 individuals have already received medical treatment. 108 hospitals of Delhi have been empanelled under the scheme." She also underlined that "every hospital of Delhi has a Jan Aushadhi Kendra now that ensures access to medicines to all". She also highlighted the efforts of the Delhi government to ensure transparency in the healthcare system while keeping corruption at bay. Chennai, July 6 : Tamil Nadu BJP has raised serious concerns over an unfolding healthcare crisis at the Government Royapuram R.S.R.M. Hospital in Chennai, and called for an immediate intervention by the state Health Minister Ma. Subramanian. BJP state spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad urged the state government to take urgent steps to address what he termed as "gross negligence" in the maternity and child healthcare wing of the century-old hospital. The hospital, known for its maternity services, has reportedly been carrying out construction activities, specifically painting work, behind the maternity ward, causing significant disturbance to patients. According to the BJP, loud noises and dust generated from the work are causing severe distress to newborns and their mothers. "Parents are worried about the potential impact of the constant noise and poor air quality on their children's health. This lack of planning and disregard for patients' well-being is deeply alarming," said Prasad. The situation escalated further following reports that four newborns developed severe allergic reactions on their necks. These reactions are believed to be caused by unhygienic painting and cleaning practices carried out within the hospital premises, raising serious questions about infection control and patient safety protocols. "This reflects a complete failure on the part of the hospital administration to maintain a sterile environment," Prasad alleged. "Newborns and mothers recovering from surgery are extremely vulnerable. Noise, dust, and unhygienic conditions can aggravate respiratory and dermatological conditions." He called for an immediate investigation into the matter, urging the Health Secretary and Health Minister to personally inspect the hospital and ensure accountability for any lapses in protocol. The BJP also demanded that those responsible for the negligence be held accountable. "The government must treat this as a priority," Prasad emphasised. "The health and safety of patients, especially those from underprivileged and middle-class backgrounds who depend on government healthcare, should never be compromised." He further appealed to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to ensure that all government hospitals across Tamil Nadu are maintained in a clean, safe, and patient-friendly manner. --IANS aal/dan Julie Gruntorad-Prochaska was just 11 years old when she wrote a letter to her future children, sealing it inside Sewards famous time capsule. Now, nearly 50 years later, her message and thousands of other artifacts that had been entombed have been unearthed in advance of the city's annual Fourth of July celebration, revealing history through letters and a glimpse of life in the 1970s. Among the treasures were a pristine, yellow 1975 Chevy Vega and a blue Kawasaki motorcycle. The Vega emerged on Thursday bearing a license plate reading 2025, a duct-taped sign reading Greetings from the Davissons, and an engine warranty for the first 60,000 miles. Its not every day that a 50-year-old time capsule gets opened and the public gets to witness it firsthand, said Traci Prochaska, Julies daughter. It will be cool to see how everything in there has aged over the last 50 years. Initial inspection showed that, aside from some rust on the Vega, the items inside remained well-preserved. Thousands of letters and personal artifacts were pulled from the vault on Thursday, seemingly untouched by water. While a plaque on the Worlds Largest Time Capsule instructed the time vault to be opened on July 4, 2025, the process was started early to ensure the public could view the capsule for the Fourth of July. This coming Friday, the contents and the time capsule will be on display for everyone to see with a special program at 2 p.m. There will be trolley rides available to the site near Fifth Street and Hillcrest Drive. The crypt will be visible Saturday, July 5, from noon to 3 p.m. and Sunday, July 6, from 2-4 p.m. The time capsule was the brain child of Harold Davisson, a Seward furniture store owner, who officially sealed it on July 25, 1977, in his yard. At 20-by-8-by-60 feet and weighing around 45 tons, it earned recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records as the worlds largest time capsule. In 1983, after the title was snatched, Davisson responded by building a second time capsule on top in the shape of a pyramid. Inside that capsule, sealed in 1985, was a 1975 Toyota Corolla. His efforts paid off as he reclaimed the title which is now carried in perpetuity since Guinness retired the classification. Preserved family mementos Gruntorad-Prochaska, who penned her letter in 1975 as part of a school assignment, went on to marry. Driving past the pyramid one day, she explained to her two children, Travis and Traci, that a letter awaited them someday. On Thursday, Traci Prochaska and other Seward residents gathered to witness the Vegas emergence from the crypt, marking a moment of nostalgia. Its amazing how one man had a vision and how it all came to life, she said. As Julie Gruntorad-Prochaska watched history unwrap on Thursday with Traci, she said she vaguely could recall what she wrote. But she was choosing to keep it a surprise. Im hoping she described life for her back then. Things have come a long way since 1975, Traci Prochaska said. Im hoping she wrote what she was wanting to be when she grew up. Her aunt, Lisa, who passed away in 2020, also wrote a letter for her sons, making this event even more personal for the Prochaska family. Ray Reichert was only 9 when his family contributed to the time capsule. Though they lived 30 miles west in York, they regularly traveled to Seward for bike races his oldest brother competed in and the annual Fourth of July festivities. Although Reichert doesnt remember much about the time capsule, he suspects his father, who passed away in 1997, likely left behind a letter and a photo. It will be a surprise to all of us what we find, Reichert said. Im hoping that everything is in at least fair condition yet. Karmin (Kalkwarf) Clish is waiting to find a letter from her grandmother, Millie Niemann, who was 52 when she wrote it. Though Niemann had no grandchildren at the time, she wrote to her future descendants. Niemann passed away in 2006 and left behind five grandchildren, including Clish and her sister Krista. Im hoping theres information about her and my grandpa Raymond at the time she wrote the letter, what she hoped for her grandkids and their lives, and what she felt the future would be like, Clish said. Im hoping it will be in her handwriting as its been a very long time since Ive seen it and it will make me feel like shes here again. Passing of the legacy Since Davissons death in 1990, his daughter, Trish Davisson Johnson, has served as the keeper of the crypt. Johnson was 24 years old when her dad began the project and admits she didnt grasp its magnitude. I thought it was an insane concept, she said. I did not understand the passage of time as a young woman. Opening the vault was no easy feat. The pyramid had to be sliced into two sections and removed by a crane so it can be replaced. Beneath it lay a 20-ton lid with support poles which had to carefully be flipped without damaging the contents below. Last year, Johnson got a glimpse of the reactions to come when she opened the pyramid and retrieved about 20 letters to disperse. Its exceedingly emotional, Johnson said. Fifty years ago, Johnson sat tearfully in front of a typewriter writing her own letter to her toddler daughter, Kathryn. I knew shed be in her 50s when she was reading it and would have already made all the mistakes I wanted to tell her to avoid, Johnson said. There was no point in writing that sort of advice and what do you say? While she doesnt remember what she wrote, she does remember placing a box to Benjamin or Celeste, in anticipation of another child, not yet knowing she would eventually name her second daughter Ann. Johnson said her father decided to build the time capsule with his grandchildren in mind as he didnt think he would live long enough for them to remember him. He lived to be 91 and they all knew him well, but he wanted them to understand, and wanted it to be tangible, something you could feel and talk about, Johnson said. This week, both of Johnsons daughters and three of her fathers other grandchildren returned to Seward for the opening. Although the capsule is cracked open, Johnsons responsibilities arent over yet. Now shes tasked with finding the new owners of all the letters and items left behind, which are being stored in the old Davisson furniture store. Shes asking anyone who suspects they may have something waiting for them in the capsule to fill out a form during the July 4th festivities and provide identification. For those out of town, updates will be posted on the Worlds Largest Time Capsule Facebook page. A decision for the future After the contents have been distributed, Harold Davissons goal was for the crypt to be refilled for another 50 years. As the sole owner of the time capsule, and the only family member living in Nebraska, its up to Johnson to decide, and she doesnt have plans to repeat the process. I have one granddaughter. She is 4 and a half. I would not obligate her to what Ive experienced, Johnson said. Traci Prochaska hopes this isnt the end of the time capsule legacy in Seward. Its amazing how technology and things like cars have changed over 50 years, Traci Prochaska said. Im sure back then people probably imagined flying cars by the year 2025, which hasnt actually happened yet. It would be cool if they had a plan to create another time capsule with new stuff so people could witness it again in 50 years. New Delhi, July 6 : In a big breakthrough, Delhi Police's Crime Branch has arrested Ajay Lamba alias Bansi, a notorious criminal who had been on the run for 25 years. Wanted in four brutal robbery-cum-murder cases across Delhi and Uttarakhand, Lamba was apprehended by the NDR/R.K. Puram team after a long and meticulous operation involving both technical and manual surveillance. The accused, declared a proclaimed offender, has been evading arrest since 2001 in connection with FIR No. 77/2001 registered at PS New Ashok Nagar under sections 302, 307, 201, 392, and 34 of the IPC. A school dropout from Krishna Nagar, Delhi, Lamba took to crime at a young age and was once listed as a Bad Character from PS Vikas Puri. By 1996, he had changed his identity and relocated to Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, where he formed a deadly alliance with associates Dhirendra and Dilip Negi. His modus operandi was chilling: the gang would hire taxi drivers, murder them, loot their vehicles, and dump the bodies in remote hilly terrains to avoid detection. The stolen vehicles were reportedly sold in Nepal. Between 1999 and 2001, four such cases were registered against him in Delhi, Haldwani, Almora, and Champawat. "He lived in Nepal for about ten years from 2008 to 2018 and then shifted to Dehradun with his family. In 2020, he allegedly became involved in the ganja supply chain from Odisha to other parts of India, including Delhi," said Aditya Gautam, DCP, Crime Branch. In 2021, he was arrested in a case under the NDPS Act in PS Sagarpur, and again in 2024 for a jewellery shop dacoity in Behrampur, Odisha - both times securing bail without disclosing his fugitive status. The arrest was carried out by a team led by Inspectors Rakesh Kumar and Anuj Kumar, along with SIs Amit, Yatander Malik, and other team members. Further investigation is underway to trace his remaining network and past activities. New Delhi, July 6 : Policy dialogue, strategic review, and institutional innovation are expected to dominate discussions at the Controllers' Conference 2025 of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) that will be inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday, an official said. The conference, to be held here from July 7 to 9, aims to bring together top leadership from the DAD, civil services, academia, think tanks, and stakeholders across the defence and finance sectors. "It serves as a vital platform for evaluating challenges, initiating reform, and advancing the role of financial governance in defence preparedness," said the Defence Ministry in a statement on Sunday. Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the conference in the presence of top military and civilian leadership, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Financial Adviser, Defence Services, S.G. Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts, Mayank Sharma, will also join the conference that promises to serve as a platform for shaping the future of India's defence financial architecture, the statement said. The theme of this year's conference, 'Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics,' reflects a paradigm shift within the department, repositioning the DAD from a finance and accounts body to a future-ready institution focused on defence finance and economics, it said. This transformation, guided by the strategic vision articulated by the Defence Minister on October 1, 2024, is internally driven, inclusive, and aligned with emerging national security imperatives. The transition is anchored in the DAD's new Mission Statement and Motto 'Alert, Agile, Adaptive' which will be formally released during the event, said the statement. The conference will feature eight high-level business sessions (Manan Satras), covering areas such as budget and accounts reform, internal audit restructuring, collaborative research, pricing innovation, and capacity building. These sessions will explore the evolving role of Integrated Financial Advisors in balancing fiscal prudence with strategic support for a competitive and self-reliant defence industry. Managing a defence budget of Rs 26.8 lakh crore, including Rs 1.7 lakh crore dedicated to pensions, the DAD plays a pivotal role in payroll, pension disbursement, audit, procurement pricing, and strategic financial advice, said the statement. New Delhi, July 6 : Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Shahnawaz Hussain on Sunday hit out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, accusing them of defaming Bihar for political gain. Reacting to the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha (LoP) Rahul Gandhi's tweet calling Bihar a "crime capital" following the murder of businessman Gopal Khemka, Hussain said such comments were deeply unfortunate and aimed at tarnishing the state's image. Talking to IANS in New Delhi, the senior BJP leader said, "By calling Bihar the crime capital, he is insulting the people of the state. Yes, the murder of Gopal Khemka is unfortunate and a proper investigation is underway. However, such incidents do not justify painting the entire state in a negative light. There is rule of law in Bihar, and action will be taken against those responsible." Hussain also defended the Nitish Kumar-led government, asserting that law and order in the state was under control and any criminal act was being addressed swiftly. "There is good governance in Bihar. If anyone breaks the law, they are dealt with. But Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi are consistently trying to create a false narrative about Bihar," he said. Commenting on India's ranking as the world's second-largest democratic nation in a recent international study, Hussain said it was a matter of pride for the country. "This is a huge achievement. The world recognises the strength of India's democracy, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our democratic institutions have become even stronger," he said. Taking a jibe at Rahul Gandhi's past remarks on India at foreign forums, Hussain said, "Even as the Leader of Opposition, he continues to make statements that hurt India's global reputation. It is his responsibility to be a constructive Opposition leader, not someone who constantly tries to defame the country." Bhopal, July 6 : The design of the Railway Over Bridge (ROB) in the Shubhash Nagar area of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh has raised security concerns due to its 'snake-like' structure and poorly placed dividers after two back-to-back incidents occurred at the same point within eight hours in the last few days. Bhopal, July 6 (IANS) The design of the Railway Over Bridge (ROB) in the Shubhash Nagar area of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh has raised security concerns due to its asnake-likea structure and poorly placed dividers after two back-to-back incidents occurred at the same point within eight hours in the last few days. The ROB, which is frequently used by commuters in Bhopal, has been built at a cost of Rs 40 crore. This bridge has come up as a key link between Maida Mill and Prabhat Petrol Pump, and an important route for commuters heading to Bhopal Railway Station. The establishment of this bridge has also eased traffic at the junctures within the city area. However, after two back-to-back road incidents within eight hours, the commuters have questioned the bridgeas sharp turns. In the first incident, which occurred on July 1, a car collided with a road divider and flipped in the air. The next morning, a van carrying school children sustained damage after hitting the same divider. Both these incidents occurred amid heavy rain. Six schoolchildren were in the school van; however, they were fortunate to escape unharmed. The commuters in Bhopal, those using the bridge frequently, have raised their concerns and blamed the authorities for its faulty design. The Public Works Department (PWD), which has constructed the bridge, has not responded to the concerns of the citizens. Serious concerns were also raised on the design of an under-construction bridge in the Aishbagh area of the city, which also has a sharp turn. Last week, taking cognisance of the matter, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav Madhya suspended seven engineers, including two chief engineers of the Public Works Department, for the 'faulty design' of the new ROB. Yangon, July 6 : A total of 28 people were killed and 219 injured in 94 traffic accidents on Myanmar's Yangon-Mandalay highway during the first six months of 2025, according to the highway traffic police force on Sunday. This marks a decrease in accidents and fatalities as compared to the same period last year, which saw 99 accidents resulting in 52 deaths, an official from the highway traffic police force told Xinhua. Most of the traffic accidents during this period were due to driving at high speed, he said. The traffic accidents caused damage at over 400 million kyats (about 190,476 U.S. dollars), he added. In 2024, a total of 203 accidents occurred on the highway, resulting in 88 deaths and 360 injuries, the official said. Last month, on May 29, Xinhua reported a total of 20 people killed and 159 injured in 58 traffic accidents on Myanmar's Yangon-Mandalay highway between January and April this year, according to a report from the Road Transport Administration Department on Thursday, reported Xinhua news agency. The number of traffic accidents and fatalities on the highway this year decreased compared to the same period last year, which recorded 59 accidents, resulting in 33 deaths, the report said. On Thursday, the state-owned Myanmar Radio and Television reported that the major cause of accidents on the highway during the period is human errors, as well as vehicle defects such as tire blowouts during the hot season. The 587-km Yangon-Mandalay expressway connects the country's commercial city of Yangon and the second-largest city of Mandalay. Further, A total of 11 people were killed and 66 injured in 26 traffic accidents on the same highway during the first two months of this year, according to the highway traffic police force on March 18. In the same period last year, 30 traffic accidents occurred on the same highway, killing 23 people, an official from the highway traffic police force told Xinhua. Among the main causes of traffic accidents in Myanmar are reckless driving, vehicle defects, as well as bad road and weather conditions. Karachi, July 6 : The death toll in the building collapse in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi has jumped to 27 as rescuers retrieved more bodies, a spokesperson of the state-owned rescue organization Rescue 1122 said on Sunday. Confirming the death toll, Hassaan Ul Haseeb Khan, the operation's spokesperson, told Xinhua that rescue activities are in the final stage and most of the building debris has been removed. He said at least 15 women and three children are among the victims, adding that three people are in critical condition. Heavy machinery and modern equipment were employed to clear the debris during the operation, which continued for over 48 hours, reported Xinhua news agency. According to local authorities, the collapsed structure was 30 years old and had been previously marked unsafe. A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the incident. 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 on July 4. The police officials in the area told Xinhua that over 30 people were trapped under the debris after the building collapsed in the 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 were said to be in critical condition. Hyderabad, July 6 : The historic 'Bibi-ka-Alam' procession was underway in the old city of Hyderabad amid tight security as solemnity and mourning marked 'Yaum-e-Ashura' on Sunday. Hyderabad, July 6 (IANS) The historic aBibi-ka-Alama procession was underway in the old city of Hyderabad amid tight security as solemnity and mourning marked 'Yaum-e-Ashura' on Sunday. Thousands of people were participating in the procession, which started from Bibi Ka Alawa in a traditional manner. The procession passes through various parts of the old city before concluding at Chaderghat on the banks of the Musi River after sunset. The 'Bibi ka Alam' was carried on a caparisoned elephant, brought from Karnataka. The elephant aLakshmia stopped at a couple of places, leading to a slowdown of the procession. The procession will pass through Sheikh Faiz Kaman, Yakutpura Darwaza, Etebar Chowk, Charminar, Gulzar Houz, Panjeshah, Mani Mir Alam, Purani Haveli, and Darulshifa. The organisers arranged the elephant belonging to the Sri Karibasaveshwara Mutt in Karnataka after the Telangana Forest Department refused to allow an elephant earlier identified by organisers in Delhi, citing animal welfare concerns and transport regulations. aYaum-e-Ashuraa or 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is observed in memory of the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammedas grandson Imam Hussain and his followers at the battle of Karbala. The gold-and-diamond-studded aalama or standard is believed to contain a piece of wooden plank on which Bibi Fatima Zehra, daughter of Prophet Mohammed, was given the final ablution. The aalama was installed over 430 years ago during the Qutub Shahi dynasty, and the practice of carrying it on an elephant has been continuing since then. For several years, the elephants from the Nehru Zoological Park were used for the annual procession. However, after the courts refused permission for the use of captive elephants for religious processions, the organisers have been bringing elephants from other states. Last year, an elephant belonging to the Shri Jagadguru Panchacharya Mandir Trust in Karnataka was brought for the procession. Groups of self-flagellating mourners were leading the procession. Blood oozed out from the heads and chests of bare-chested Shia mourners who flagellated themselves with sharp-edged objects. Amid cries of 'Ya Hussain' and recitation of 'marsiya' (elegies) and 'noha-khwani' (poems expressing sorrow), barefoot youths using knives, blade-encrusted chains and other sharp-edged weapons, inflicted injuries on themselves to show solidarity with the sufferings of the martyrs. Others were seen crying and beating their chests. The police made elaborate security arrangements and deployed around 2,000 personnel. Policemen on horses were seen piloting the procession. Traffic was diverted at a few points for the annual procession. Top government officials, the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, leaders of different political parties and family members of Nizam, ruler of erstwhile Hyderabad State, offered 'dhattis' en route the procession. The Sunni Muslims observed the day by fasting and holding meetings to remember the sacrifices of Imam Hussain and his followers, who were martyred in 61 Hijri or 681 CE at Karbala in present-day Iraq. The fasting is observed on two days a" ninth and 10th or the 10th and 11th Muharram. Washington, July 6 : South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo on Saturday stressed Seoul's focus on maximizing "practical interests" in ongoing trade talks with the United States, as he arrived in Washington with just days left before US President Donald Trump's pause on steep tariffs expires. Speaking to the press, Yeo noted that "all possibilities" appear to remain open, saying that the pause on "reciprocal" tariffs could be extended beyond Tuesday and that the two countries could also reach a broad agreement in principle rather than a full-fledged trade deal. Yeo's arrival came a little over a week after his last trip to the US capital, underscoring the new South Korean government's commitment to striking a trade deal with the Trump administration. He was set to resume talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the day. "Even if (the US) unveils a new reciprocal tariff rate for each country, including South Korea, following the expiry of the July 8 pause on the tariffs, we anticipate that there could be a little (additional) period of pause," he told reporters as he walked out of a train station in Washington following his arrival in New York the previous day. "All possibilities remain open," he pointed out, saying that the likelihood of the two sides reaching a deal "in broad terms" cannot be ruled out, though concluding a formal deal on every detail over the next three days appears difficult. "We judge that the current situation is urgent ... In fact, many things are uncertain and fluid at this point," Yeo said. "Through today's negotiations, we want to figure out more details about the US' plan, and will engage in negotiations with a focus on finding ways for us to maximize practical interests." On April 2, Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, including 25 per cent duties on South Korea, in a move to match what other countries impose on American goods. The tariffs took effect on April 9, but he paused them for 90 days on the day to allow time for negotiations, reported Yonhap news agency. Aside from reciprocal tariffs, South Korea is also seeking to minimise the impact of sector-specific tariffs on automobiles, steel and aluminium. "We think that a relatively more difficult area is the sectoral tariff issue given that the US regards it as important from the standpoint of its industrial protection," he said. "But we have repeatedly emphasized that it is crucial (for South Korea) to get exceptions or ensure that the rates are significantly reduced, and we plan to reiterate that again today." Despite uncertainty over the trade negotiations, Yeo painted a positive outlook for the future of bilateral industrial cooperation. "Areas where chances of mutual cooperation are high are artificial intelligence, automobiles, batteries, energy and the bio sector. They are areas where the US needs great cooperation in its efforts to rebuild its manufacturing, and (I) think South Korea has a unique value in those areas," he said. "We seek 'positive-sum' negotiations by putting together issues of industrial and technological cooperation between South Korea and the US for the mid-and long-term period of four to five years alongside tariff talks." Yeo's visit to Washington came as South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac is set to arrive in the US capital on Sunday for a three-day trip in what appears to be a move by President Lee Jae Myung's administration to ensure smooth cooperation between the two allies. On Friday, Trump said he would send letters to 12 countries, specifying their tariff rates, on Monday. Asked if South Korea is among the 12 countries, Yeo said, "(I) don't know." Itanagar/Imphal, July 6 : Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd) said on Sunday that Syama Prasad Mookerjee was a shining example of unwavering commitment to India's integrity, cultural pride, and democratic values. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla highlighted Mookerjee's immense contributions to nation-building. Addressing the commemoration of the 125th Birth Anniversary of Mookerjee in Itanagar, the Arunachal Pradesh Governor passionately addressed the youth of the northeastern state, declaring them the torchbearers of Mookerjee's vision. He affirmed that their strength is in their talent and capacity to dream big for their community, state, and country. The Governor urged the youth of the state to embrace deep pride in their traditional heritage, art, culture, land, and languages, while simultaneously showing equal courage in excelling across science, sports, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Lt. Gen Parnaik said that Mookerjee was far more than a political figure. He was a visionary, an esteemed educationist, and a courageous nation-builder driven by a profound belief in 'One India, Great India'. He founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, laying the ideological groundwork for national unity and integrity at a time when the country was still healing from partition. The Governor recounted Mookerjee's unwavering opposition to Article 370 and his powerful call for "One Country, One Head, One Flag, One Constitution" in 1953, a stance that marked a pivotal moment in Indian political history. He noted that this very dream of equality, national integration, and constitutional unity was realised under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with the abrogation of Article 370 and the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union. Recalling the pivotal role of Mookerjee in the Constituent Assembly, the Governor said that he persistently advocated for minority rights and the preservation of regional languages to ensure a Constitution acceptable and applicable to all communities. In Imphal, Manipur Governor Bhalla, on the occasion, described Mookerjee as a towering figure in the history of modern India, a distinguished patriot, freedom fighter, visionary leader, and an intellectual of remarkable stature. As one of the key architects of independent India, Mookerjee played a significant role in shaping the country's political and educational landscape, the Governor said. He was also a strong advocate for national integration and worked tirelessly to uphold the unity and integrity of the nation. The Governor also recalled Mookerjee's pivotal role in the integration of Jammu and Kashmir. His firm stance was encapsulated in his well-known statement: "Ek deshmein do Vidhan, do Nishan, do Pradhan nahichalenge" reflecting his unwavering commitment to the principle of one nation, one constitution. Bhalla appealed to everyone to remember and draw inspiration from Mookerjee's legacy of selfless service, unwavering commitment to national unity, and fearless pursuit of constitutional integrity. --IANS sc/dan New Delhi, July 6 : BJP Lok Sabha member Praveen Khandelwal on Sunday shot off a letter to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requesting him to rename New Delhi Railway Station after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said the central location and prominence of the New Delhi Railway Station make it a suitable site to be named after the visionary leader whose life and legacy continue to inspire millions. Pointing out that the veteran leader had a deep emotional bond with Delhi, which was also his workplace, Khandelwal said renaming the New Delhi Railway station after him would be a fitting tribute to his lifelong service to the nation. Highlighting that several major public institutions and transport hubs have been named after national icons such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai and Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna Station in Bengaluru, the BJP MP said, "New Delhi, the heart of the nation, deserves to honour a leader of Vajpayee ji's stature". Besides paying homage to his immense contribution, the renaming of the station will also serve as a source of inspiration for future generations who pass through the capital. "Atal Bihari Vajpayee steered India into a new era of economic reform, infrastructure development, and global standing. His inclusive politics, dignified leadership, and commitment to democratic values earned him immense respect across the political spectrum and among the people of India," Khandelwal's letter read. Notably, a few days ago, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta requested that the Old Delhi Railway Station be renamed after Maharaj Agrasen, the legendary king of Agroha, a symbol of social justice and economic foresight. "Renaming the station as Maharaja Agrasen Railway Station would serve as a fitting tribute to his enduring contributions," she had said. New Delhi, July 6 : Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Sunday hit out at the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for failure to give appointment letters to hospital staff in the city, due to which the medical services deteriorated over the years. He said after a gap of 15 years, appointment letters were issued to nursing officers and allied healthcare professionals in the city. "It is a matter of pride that our government is addressing the staff shortage that came to our notice after government formation," Singh told IANS, assuring that the Rekha Gupta government is committed to working closely with the medical department officials and staff to improve facilities in the city. He was speaking to reporters after Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda handed over appointment letters to 1,388 Nursing Officers and 41 Allied Healthcare Professionals. The Delhi Health Minister said this recruitment of nurses should have been done five years ago, but the previous government failed to do so. Giving an update on the free medical insurance for 70-plus citizens, the Health Minister said the Delhi government has managed to issue over two lakh cards under the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY). Earlier, Nadda said, "The Delhi government is working in the direction of ensuring the right to be healthy throughout life with dignity under Vay Vandana. Till date, 4 lakh Ayushman Cards have been issued in Delhi, with 2 lakh cards issued under Vay Vandana." He urged all stakeholders to work dedicatedly towards implementing PM-ABHIM in Delhi and fulfil the target of opening 1,100 Ayushman Arogya mandirs till 31st March, 2026. Flagging off 20 Ayushman Bharat Registration Vans, he said, "Running 70 specially designed Vans in all Assembly constituencies is a novel initiative in order to cover all eligible beneficiaries of PM Jan Arogya Scheme." "Twenty specially designed mobile vans are being flagged off. Seventy such Vans will cover 70 Assembly constituencies where they will collect and generate data for issuance of Ayushman Card and register the beneficiaries at their doorsteps," he said. Satna, July 6 : In a tragic late-night accident, three young men lost their lives when their motorcycle was struck by an unidentified vehicle on the Satna-Chitrakoot road in Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred near Majhgawan Bhatta during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, according to Civil Line Police Station officials. The deceased have been identified as Deepak Kumar Patel and Saurabh Vikram Karma, both 20 and 25-year-old Ashu Singh. The trio was returning to Hardua village in Chitrakoot after attending a birthday celebration when the accident took place. Deepak Patel was a resident of Hardua, Chitrakoot; Saurabh Vishwakarma hailed from Utaili village; and Ashu Singh was a resident of Adarsh Nagar New Basti, Satna. Civil Line Police have registered a case of hit-and-run against the unknown driver and initiated an investigation. Preliminary findings said their two-wheeler was struck by a speeding vehicle, which fled the scene after the collision, leaving the victims critically injured. The local residents discovered the accident early Sunday morning and promptly informed the authorities. A police team reached the scene and rushed the victims to the district hospital, where they were declared brought dead. According to police, Deepak Patel was studying in Delhi and had returned to Muktanagar in the Civil Line police station area to celebrate his birthday, which fell on July 4, with family. He was visiting his elder brother, Vijay Kumar Patel, a student at a private university. After the celebration, the trio set off for their village. Senior officers from the traffic and accident response team conducted a preliminary probe and searched the area for CCTV footage. Efforts are ongoing to identify the vehicle involved. "We are examining all available evidence and questioning potential witnesses. A case has been registered and investigations are ongoing," said a police official. The families have demanded swift action. Police have stepped up patrolling along the accident-prone stretch, which has seen several similar mishaps recently. The bodies were handed over to the families after post-mortem examinations. Guwahati, July 6 : Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary on Sunday inaugurated the state's tallest statue of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder and freedom fighter Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, marking his 125th birth anniversary in Kokrajhar town. The imposing monument, now a defining landmark in Kokrajhar, was unveiled amid a gathering of dignitaries, local leaders, and residents. Funded by Rs 10 lakh grant from the Assam government, along with contributions from local leaders and community organisations, the statue stands as both a visual marvel and a tribute to Mukherjee's enduring influence on India's democratic ethos. The ceremony saw the presence of Bijni MLA Ajay Roy, former Bilasipara MLA Ashok Singhi, Kokrajhar Municipal Board Chairperson Pratibha Brahma, and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Park Committee President Santosh Tarafdar. The event drew large crowds, including BJP workers and citizens, underscoring the statue's significance as a symbol of civic pride. In his keynote address, Speaker Daimary hailed Mukherjee as a nationalist icon whose vision of unity and cultural integrity remains vital today. "This statue is more than stone and metalit embodies the ideals that continue to guide our nation," he said. MLA Ajay Roy and former MLA Ashok Singhi commended the state government's backing and the collaborative efforts of local leaders and civic bodies in bringing the project to fruition. Pratibha Brahma, representing Kokrajhar's municipal leadership, described the installation as a transformative addition to the city's identity. "This statue elevates Kokrajhar's public heritage, serving as both a tribute and a cultural landmark," Brahma stated. Positioned at a key site in Kokrajhar town, the statue is poised to become a focal point for civic engagement and historical reflection. The Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Park, where it stands, is expected to grow into a hub for public discourse and education on India's nationalist legacy. With its towering presence and deep historical resonance, the monument reinforces Assam's commitment to honouring figures who shaped the nation's political and cultural landscape. New Delhi, July 6 : Amid swirling political controversies and rumours over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday said the first phase of the process has been completed smoothly and in accordance with guidelines. In a detailed press note, the ECI said that "no changes have been made in the SIR instructions issued on June 24", debunking claims from various quarters that the process was being manipulated to favour the ruling dispensation ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. So far, 1.69 crore Enumeration Forms, nearly 21.46 per cent of Bihar's 7.90 crore registered voters, have been collected, with over 65 lakh forms submitted in the past 24 hours alone. "It is reiterated that SIR is being conducted as per the SIR instructions dated July 24 2025, and there is no change in the instructions. As per instructions, draft electoral rolls that will be issued on August 1 2025, will contain the names of persons whose enumeration forms are received," the poll body said. "The electors can submit their documents any time before July 25, 2025. After publication of draft Electoral Rolls, if any document is deficient, EROs can obtain such documents from the electors whose name appears in the draft Electoral Rolls, during scrutiny in the Claims and Objection period", it added. In a robust rebuttal to opposition allegations of exclusion and procedural opacity, the ECI underscored the scale and transparency of the process. 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are carrying out house-to-house visits, taking live photographs and assisting electors with form submissions. Additionally, over 20,000 BLOs have been newly deployed to ensure timely completion. Over 4 lakh volunteers, including government officials, NCC cadets, and NSS members, are working to assist elderly, differently-abled, and vulnerable voters. Also involved are 239 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 963 AEROs, and 38 District Election Officers (DEOs), with 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents appointed by political parties aiding the drive. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, addressing political concerns, stated, "During the past 4 months, all 4,123 EROs, all 775 DEOs and all 36 CEOs have held nearly 5,000 meetings with 28,000 political party representatives. ECI has also invited all Recognised political parties for interaction. No one was satisfied with the current status of electoral rolls for one reason or the other." This clarification comes as opposition parties in Bihar, including RJD, Congress and others, have accused the poll panel of attempting to manipulate the voter base through the SIR exercise. Ahmedabad, July 6 : AAP's Gujarat unit in-charge Gopal Rai on Sunday cried foul over the arrest of the party MLA Chaitar Vasava in connection with an assault case. Notably, Vasava, AAP MLA from Dediapada, was arrested by Narmada Police on Saturday night. Rai, the former Delhi minister, alleged that Vasava was being treated inhumanely, and even his lawyer, Gopal Italia, was being prevented from attending the hearing. Rai alleged that the BJP was baffled after defeat in the Visavadar bypolls and Vasava's arrest is just an example of that. "The BJP, unnerved by the huge defeat, is taking such actions, but Vasava will not bow to any pressure tactics," he said. On AAP's win in the Visavadar polls, he said the BJP had made all-out efforts and stooped to all means, but faced a debacle. Slamming the government, he said, "All the pillars of democracy are under threat. The country is worried over restrictions on media, influencing the judiciary, misuse of central agencies and Operation Lotus." Recalling that the dictatorship during the Congress regime was different, Rai alleged, "The dictatorship nowadays is of another type. Those who raise their voice against the system are silenced." He went on to say that Vasava was arrested because he flagged "corruption" in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. After Vasava was taken into custody, tension brewed between his supporters and law enforcement. Supporters of the AAP legislator gathered in large numbers outside the LCB office in Rajpipla, where Vasava was brought post-arrest. In response to the late-night unrest, Section 144 was imposed in Dediapada to prevent unlawful assembly. Vasava gained attention during the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections when he defeated the BJP candidate, marking AAP's inroads into the tribal belts of the state. Birmingham, July 6 : Former England captain Nasser Hussain felt India skipper Shubman Gill was mostly accurate in his captaincy during the morning session of day five's play in the second Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at Edgbaston. Birmingham, July 6 (IANS) Former England captain Nasser Hussain felt India skipper Shubman Gill was mostly accurate in his captaincy during the morning session of day fiveas play in the second Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at Edgbaston. Despite rain taking away 10 overs of dayas play, India inched closer to a famous victory in the first session as Akash Deep took out overnight batters Ollie Pope and Harry Brook, before Washington Sundar trapped Ben Stokes lbw on the stroke of lunch as England were left at 153/6 in 40.3 overs. With 455 runs still left for England to make, India will fancy their chances to take the remaining four wickets with 55.3 overs left in the dayas play. "England had done quite a bit of the hard work. Stokes, who hasn't spent a lot of time in the middle, was beginning to find his rhythm and the ball was getting soft. aSo it was a really good decision to notice it had just flicked the front pad (for Stokes' lbw dismissal) and for Gill to bowl off-spinner Washington. Gill has got most things spot-on in that session and even done things most of us wouldn't - the end Deep bowled at," said Hussain on Sky Sportsa broadcast during lunch break. Michael Atherton, former England skipper, felt losing Stokes at the stroke of lunch was a huge blow for hostsa. "India wanted Stokes on strike and that was a hammer blow for England. Stokes played nicely but he is gone and delight for India." Hussain further showered rich praise on Akash, who currently has figures of 4-58 and took 4-88 in first innings. "I think he is a highly-skilled bowler - and at you all the time. It's not just the cracks in the pitch (why he has had success). He is a wonderful bowler." Thiruvananthapuram, July 6 : The Kerala government has come under heavy fire after it was revealed that Jyoti Malhotra, a social media influencer recently arrested on espionage charges, had visited the state as part of a government-sponsored tourism promotion campaign. Malhotra, a Haryana-based vlogger, is now accused of leaking sensitive information to Pakistan. Shockingly, her entire trip across Kerala was facilitated and funded by the state's Tourism Department under an official influencer outreach initiative. Documents obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act confirm that her travel, accommodation, food, and even filming arrangements were handled by a private agency contracted by the department. She was among 41 influencers selected to promote Kerala as a global tourist destination. During her multi-city visit, Malhotra toured Kochi, Kannur, Kozhikode, Alappuzha, Munnar, and Thiruvananthapuram. She arrived in Kerala via Kannur airport after travelling from Delhi to Bengaluru. Her vlogs included visuals of Theyyam performances and scenic locations, all of which were shared on her YouTube channel Travel with Jo and other social media platforms. She eventually returned to Delhi by train. At the time of her visit, no suspicions had been raised regarding her activities. However, her arrest in May 2025 under the Official Secrets Act has now cast a shadow over the episode. Central intelligence agencies are probing whether her video content may have served as a cover for intelligence-gathering. Investigators are also examining whether she accessed strategically sensitive locations or communicated with Pakistani handlers during her stay. Adding to the growing alarm, Haryana Police have confirmed that Malhotra had visited Pakistan shortly before the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir - raising serious questions about her potential ties to ISI operatives. Amid the controversy, Kerala's Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas defended the decision to bring Malhotra to the state. He insisted that the program was launched with good intentions and followed the precedents set by previous governments. "This was part of a larger influencer campaign aimed at promoting Kerala. Everything was done transparently and in good faith," Riyas said. "This is not a government that facilitates espionage. The media must understand how government systems work. No one could have foreseen this." However, opposition parties were quick to respond. Both the Congress and the BJP criticised the state's failure to conduct adequate background checks on the influencers invited under official programs. They demanded accountability for what they termed a "serious lapse in judgment" that could have had national security implications. The ongoing investigation has triggered a wider debate on the intersection of tourism promotion and national security. Many are now calling for more rigorous vetting procedures for individuals participating in government-sponsored initiatives, especially those involving sensitive travel routes or infrastructure. With Malhotra still in custody and the probe expanding, the Kerala government finds itself on the defensive, scrambling to contain the fallout from what is now being called one of the most embarrassing intelligence lapses linked to a state-sponsored tourism effort. Shimla, July 6 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has urged the Central government to explore the feasibility of opening Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Shipki-La route in the state. In a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that the Shipki-La region has served as a vital Indo-Tibetan trade route, predating modern borders. He said that it has also been a cultural corridor for Tibetan Buddhism and ancient pilgrimage paths reflecting India's enduring civilizational ties to Kailash and Mansarovar. He said that the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh, being semi-arid and situated in a rain shadow zone like Spiti, is less prone to monsoon disruptions, which keeps the route accessible for most of the year. He said that the path from Shipki-La via Gartok towards Darchen and Mansarovar is comparatively shorter on the Tibetan side. He said that Shipki-La also offered a more stable and unambiguous corridor, making it well-suited as a long-term, dependable corridor for pilgrimage and cross-border connectivity. The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh already has road connectivity up to Shipki-La via Rampur and Pooh. He said that with the focused development of base camps and supporting infrastructure, this route can be seamlessly integrated into the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra framework. He emphasised that the opening of this route would significantly contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the tribal people of Kinnaur, aligning with the government's vision for border development and tourism promotion under the Vibrant Village Programme. The Chief Minister said that the state government would extend all logistical and administrative coordination to the Central government if the Shipki-La route is opened for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. --IANS vg/dan Chennai, July 6 : With an eye on the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the state unit of the BJP, in alliance with the AIADMK, has launched an extensive grassroots-level campaign to strengthen its booth-level organisational machinery. The party is set to hold a series of zonal conferences across Tamil Nadu, starting with the first one scheduled in Tirunelveli on August 17. The initiative is aimed at energising booth committee members and sharpening the alliance's electoral preparedness. The decision follows a high-level strategy laid out by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to the state. On Sunday, BJP Tamil Nadu State President Nainar Nagenthran inaugurated a key training session for booth committee office-bearers at a private college near Chennai. Addressing the gathering, Nagenthran asserted that the DMK government would be unseated in the 2026 polls. "The roadmap to victory is clear. Our cadres must work closely with AIADMK counterparts to ensure a decisive win," he said, urging booth-level workers to intensify door-to-door campaigns and local outreach. Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L. Murugan, also addressed the cadre and called on party workers to highlight the achievements of the BJP-led Central government over the past 11 years. He particularly emphasised pro-farmer initiatives, youth-centric policies, infrastructure development, and welfare schemes implemented under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Senior BJP leaders, including former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, National BJP in-charge for Tamil Nadu Arvind Menon, and Co-in-charge P. Sudhakar Reddy, were also present and participated in strategy discussions. According to party insiders, similar zonal conferences will be conducted in key regions including Tiruvallur, Coimbatore, Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Madurai, and Thanjavur over the coming months. These events will focus on booth committee mobilisation, alliance coordination with the AIADMK, and targeted voter outreach. The BJP-AIADMK front aims to consolidate its base by leveraging organisational strength, ideological clarity, and coordinated campaigning in the run-up to the crucial 2026 Assembly elections. Amaravati, July 6 : Andhra Pradesh's Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department is launching a focused "smart mosquito control" programme using deep technology to check vector-borne diseases. The Artificial Intelligence-powered Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS) will be launched on a pilot basis at 66 locations in six major municipal corporations in the state, the department announced on Sunday. SMoSS will primarily safeguard public health by curbing the dreaded mosquito menace, and it will also reduce operational burden on civic staff and cut costs of Urban Local Bodies, it said. The programme will be closely and effectively monitored with the help of Internet-of-Things like drones, sensors, heat maps and traps. The pilot will soon be launched at 16 locations in the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, four in Kakinada, five in Rajamahendravaram, 28 in Vijayawada, seven in Nellore, and six in Kurnool. MAUD's Principal Secretary, S. Suresh Kumar, and Director of Municipal Administration, P. Sampath Kumar, recently studied the AI-powered SMoSS, developed by a private agency, to assess its efficacy. AI-powered smart mosquito sensors will be installed in key mosquito-prone zones in the selected urban local bodies as part of the pilot project. These smart sensors will detect the mosquito species, their gender, density, temperature and humidity. SMoSS will trigger automatic alerts when mosquito density crosses a threshold level in any particular area. Data thus generated will be continuously streamed to a central server and visualised on a real-time dashboard. "This will enable close monitoring and ensure prompt fumigation in the affected areas in a data-driven approach for effective control of mosquitoes instead of the present 'blind spraying' process that has little impact. The IoT sensors will monitor mosquito density and guide the targeted activity," an official said. Use of drones for spraying the larvicide would result in an efficient application by covering large areas with less chemical use, time, and cost. Evidence-based spraying, prevention of chemical overuse and promotion of public health safety are the key elements in the whole operation. "We will be outsourcing the operations completely to specialised agencies, and payment will be result-oriented by fixing operational accountability. Complaints, if any, from the citizens and field-level functionaries will be tracked via mobile applications (Vector Control and Puramitra)," they said. A system is also being put in place for reporting daily on cases like malaria, dengue and chikungunya from hospitals. Based on the data, mosquito hotspots will be identified for focused action. Special action plans are being drawn for scheduled fogging and larval treatment in hotspots, the officials added. Vadodara, July 6 : A 22-year-old engineering student in Vadodara allegedly committed suicide after jumping from the 8th floor of a residential building in Gujarat. The deceased, a second-year mechanical engineering student at M.S. University, jumped from the Maple Vista building near Akshar Chowk. Emergency services, including the police, 108 ambulances, and the fire brigade, rushed to the spot after receiving an alert about a person attempting to take their life. However, by the time officials arrived, the student had already jumped. Efforts were made by the 108 ambulance team to revive him through CPR, but he was declared dead at the scene. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and the JP Road Police has initiated further investigation into the case. So far, no suicide note has been recovered, and the motive behind the extreme step remains unclear. In 2025, Gujarat continues to grapple with a concerning rise in suicide cases, particularly in its urban centres. According to recent reports, Ahmedabad alone recorded over 100 suicide deaths within the first 45 days of the year, pointing to a sharp increase in mental health distress. The state's major cities - Ahmedabad, Surat, and Rajkot - have emerged as suicide hotspots, collectively accounting for thousands of deaths annually. In the three years leading up to 2025, Gujarat registered over 25,500 suicides, with 8,557 cases reported in 2022a"23 alone. This reflects not just a persistent mental health crisis but also the compounded impact of socio-economic pressures, exam-related anxiety among students, unemployment, and unresolved family issues. Student suicides, in particular, have shown a disturbing trend. From 2020 to 2023, nearly 500 student suicides were reported, with the highest number occurring in Ahmedabad. The latest data suggests that stress related to academics, peer pressure, and a lack of adequate mental health support have been significant contributing factors. Between 2022 and 2025, the number of attempted suicides has also increased, indicating a broader, unresolved emotional and psychological strain within the population. Commonly cited reasons for suicide across Gujarat include family disputes, financial distress, chronic illnesses, relationship breakdowns, and rising unemployment, especially among youth. In some cases, entire families have taken their own lives due to debt and social pressures, such as the mass suicide of a Mehsana family that shocked the state earlier this year. While the government has initiated helplines like Jeevan Aastha (1800 233 3330), Abhayam (181), and Jindagi (1096) and rolled out awareness campaigns in schools and colleges, the effectiveness of these programs remains limited by stigma, lack of access in rural areas, and an overall shortage of mental health professionals. Gaza, July 6 : At least 43 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, the Civil Defense in Gaza said. Israeli warplanes attacked two homes in the al-Nasr and Sheikh Radwan neighbourhoods in Gaza City, according to eyewitnesses. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the Civil Defense, told Xinhua that 25 people, including children and women, were killed, and several others were wounded in the two airstrikes. Basal added that four Palestinians were killed in an Israeli shelling of a residential house in the al-Tuffah neighbourhood in eastern Gaza City, while three others were killed in an Israeli attack on a tent sheltering displaced persons in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, reported Xinhua news agency. Ten people were also killed in separate Israeli airstrikes on tents housing displaced Palestinians in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis, according to Basal. Meanwhile, Basal said that a Palestinian was killed and some others were wounded by Israeli army gunfire in the Al-Shakoush area, northwest of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. In addition to the airstrikes and gunfire, Israeli artillery shelled the eastern and southern outskirts of Gaza City, Jabalia, and Khan Younis, amid clashes with armed Palestinian factions, according to local sources. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Sunday that IDF troops continued their operations both above and below ground against the "terrorist organizations" in the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, the attacks targeted command and control structures, storage facilities, tunnel shafts, weapons, launchers, and an unspecified number of militants in Khan Younis, Rafah, Gaza City and Jabalia. Since Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza on March 18, at least 6,860 Palestinians have been killed and 24,220 others injured, bringing the overall death toll in Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023 to 57,418, with a total of 136,261 people injured, according to data released on Sunday by health authorities in Gaza. Prayagraj, July 6 : Rajya Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Sunday said that lies are being spread by pasting Rahul Gandhi's picture on sanitary pads. He said that the fake video posted on social media reflects the poor thinking of the BJP. A controversy erupted in poll-bound Bihar after a photograph of Rahul Gandhi was seen featuring prominently on sanitary pad packets, being distributed under the Congress party's Priyadarshini Udaan Yojana, aimed at raising menstrual hygiene awareness among women in the state. The Congress launched the initiative as part of a larger campaign for women voters in the state. In a special conversation with IANS, the Congress MP Tiwari said, "The government has failed on the safety and health of women, so the Congress distributed sanitary pads with its limited resources. But the BJP is spreading lies on social media by putting a fake photo of Rahul Gandhi on these pads; there was no photo on the pad. Tiwari called it a shameful, disgusting and cheap act, which reflects the mentality of BJP supporters." Cornering the government on the voter list controversy that started before the Bihar Assembly elections, he said that if someone has an Aadhaar card and is residing in an area, then his name should be added to the voter list. But the Election Commission is also rejecting the Aadhaar card, and citizens are being asked for their 'horoscopes'. The Bharatiya Janata Party itself had said in Parliament that the Aadhaar card is proof of Indianness, so why is the same proof not valid now? Tiwari also spoke on the arrest of Nirav Modi's brother, Nehal Modi. He said that when the investigations of CBI and ED were going on, on whose orders were such criminals allowed to flee abroad? Reminding of the old promises, the Congress leader stated that PM Modi had said that Dawood Ibrahim would be brought to India in six months. Now I want to ask, where is Dawood? What happened to terrorists like Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed and Dawood Ibrahim? Can the BJP government give any details of the action taken against them? The Congress MP also talked about Operation Sindoor. He said, "During 'Operation Sindoor' carried out by the Indian Air Force, the Foreign Minister informed Pakistan that we would attack terrorist hideouts. The result was that the attack was only on terrorist hideouts, and all the terrorists moved away from there. The hard work of our brave soldiers did not have the full effect. After all, the government should tell where the terrorists were killed, how many were killed, and what their names are. Where is the list of the terrorists who were killed?" He further said that this is a direct compromise with national security, and the government should decide its accountability. Chandigarh, July 6 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said a crucial meeting regarding the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) issue would be held in New Delhi on July 9. "Positive aspects will be considered unanimously at the meeting, and since Haryana shares a brotherly bond with Punjab, we hope a solution will emerge through communication," said the Chief Minister. He said a large-scale plan to build a jungle safari in Haryana is in progress and will be implemented soon. He recently visited the Vantara Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, where injured or abandoned animals and birds are rescued and treated. The centre also works to protect and preserve endangered species. The Chief Minister said he has requested Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to help establish a Disneyland amusement park in the NCR region. A 500-acre land has already been identified for the project, which is expected to become a major tourist attraction. Chief Minister Saini said the government is committed to public service and working with dedication, following the footsteps of Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The Chief Minister paid floral tribute to Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary in New Delhi. On this occasion, he also planted a sapling under the Prime Minister's initiative 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign and also encouraged people to plant trees in the name of great personalities to help protect the environment. BJP state President Mohan Lal Badoli was also present and paid tributes to Mookerjee and planted a sapling. Interacting with the media after the event, Chief Minister Saini said that Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a strong nationalist, founder of the Jana Sangh, and a freedom fighter, always worked in the interest of the nation. "We must follow the path shown by him and contribute to building a developed India. Mookerjee always prioritised service to society and worked for the welfare of the underprivileged, which is why he is remembered as a true well-wisher of the poor," he added. --IANS vg/dan New Delhi, July 6 : Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday shared key highlights from the Ministry last week, where he met Export Promotion Councils and industry associations to review free trade agreements (FTAs), their impact, utilisation, and industry expectations from the ongoing trade talks. Proposed SEZ reforms aimed at easing procedures and boosting growth were also shared during the meeting, as the minister urged industries to scale up manufacturing, diversify supply chains, and cut import dependence. "India is now manufacturing toys domestically and exporting to 153 countries, thanks to consistent policy support and strict quality standards. At the 16th Toy Biz International B2B Expo 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, urged the industry to focus on strong branding, eye-catching packaging, and innovative design to tap global markets," Goyal said in a post on X social media platform. The first consignment of 1 metric tonne of rose-scented litchis from Pathankot, Punjab, was flagged off to Doha, Qatar last week. "Also, 0.5 metric tonne of litchi was flagged off to Dubai, marking a boost to India's fresh fruit exports. While mangoes, bananas, grapes, and oranges lead, fruits like cherries, jamuns, and litchis are gaining global traction, strengthening India's potential in global markets and benefiting our farmers," the Commerce Minister highlighted. 'Indian Mango Mania 2025' was held in Abu Dhabi to showcase India's finest mango varieties, including GI-tagged and regional specialities from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and several eastern states. Mango-based delicacies were also featured. The UAE remains the top export destination for Indian mangoes, informed the minister. "The first National Skill Olympiad to promote seafood value addition and create a skilled workforce in the sector was held. It is an effort aimed at making India a global hub for value-added seafood exports," he added. IANS na/ Agartala, July 6 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha here on Sunday announced two awards in honour of Syama Prasad Mookerjee and declared that the Agartala Town Hall would be renamed after him and a marble statue would be installed. Addressing a function on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the Chief Minister said that the government has decided that, on the initiative of the Education Department, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Award would be given to those who have made special contributions in teaching and the award would be given on Teachers' Day. On his birth anniversary next year, the Information and Cultural Affairs Department has planned to give the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Excellence Award to those who have made special contributions in social, political, national service and administrative work. "I am glad to announce that the Agartala Town Hall will be renamed in honour of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, and his marble statue will be set up in front of the hall," said Saha, who also holds the Information and Cultural Affairs and Education Departments. Saha said that everyone celebrates this day every year at both the government and various other levels. "Syama Prasad Mookerjee's thoughts, principles, and ideals are still relevant today. Therefore, we must learn about his philosophy of life. In future, we must understand more about the work he has done for the people. After Narendra Modi took office as the Prime Minister in 2014, a change has been observed in the social system of India. He is presenting the philosophy of life of the great people of the country before us," the Chief Minister said. He further added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now voicing what Syama Prasad Mookerjee had already emphasised, especially regarding social reforms. Saha said that after the country became independent, there was no foundation for the economy, no clear outline of social structure, the country was running with a mixed idea, and development could not move forward in that way. "The Prime Minister talks about Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas, and Sabka Vishwas." Noting that many great men have been born in the country, Saha said that people celebrate the birth or death anniversaries of the great personalities and remember their sacrifices. The country and the state are moving forward by following the idea of building a state through social change, as envisioned by Syama Prasad Mookerjee for Akhand Bharat (united India), he said, adding that he has shown us the direction to move forward. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Modi is working towards self-reliance in the direction indicated by Syama Prasad Mookerjee. "The Prime Minister is working to strengthen the economic base of the country. He is carrying out various social reforms. He has abolished the practice of triple talaq for women in Muslim society. The state government is also working as per the instructions of the central government. Since 2014, changes have been taking place in the country under the able leadership of Prime Minister Modi, following the principles and ideals of Syama Prasad Mookerjee," said Saha. The Chief Minister also said that his government has given priority to reaching the benefits of government schemes to the last person in society, and for this, good governance activities have been carried out in every household in the state. --IANS sc/dan Bhopal, July 6 : A chilling case of suspected human sacrifice has sent shockwaves through Tikamgarh district in Madhya Pradesh after the decapitated body of a 32-year-old man was discovered near a religious site in Vijaypur village on Sunday. The victim, identified as Akhilesh Kushwaha, was found with his head and torso placed separately near the "Godbaba Chabutra" (platform), a local place of worship. The heinous crime occurred under the jurisdiction of Chandera police station. According to police officials, the body was discovered around 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. Senior officers from Jatara, who are leading the investigation, confirmed that ritualistic items - including a flag, lemon, coconut, incense sticks, and a chillum - were found near the severed head. These findings have led authorities to suspect that the killing may have been an act of human sacrifice. "The matter is under investigation," a senior police official said, declining to elaborate further. Kushwaha, a resident of Satguwa village, reportedly lived in a farmhouse near Vijaypur. His body was found just a short distance from his residence. Police sources said he had left home on Saturday afternoon to collect milk but never returned. His father, Gola Kushwaha, had passed away earlier that same day, adding a tragic dimension to the incident. Police have registered a case of murder against unknown persons and called in a forensic science laboratory (FSL) team to examine the scene. A dog squad was also deployed to assist in the investigation, and statements are being recorded from villagers and family members. Local leaders, including the sarpanch representative of Satgawa Panchayat, have demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, citing the gruesome nature of the crime and the need for swift justice. They have warned of public protests if no breakthrough is achieved within ten days. The body has been sent for post-mortem. Police say they are exploring various angles, including the possibility of occult practices. The incident has ignited concerns over superstitious rituals in rural Madhya Pradesh. Rio De Janeiro, July 6 : As India embarks on a massive artificial intelligence (AI) mission to transform millions of lives and empower businesses across the spectrum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that in the age of AI, it's unacceptable for global institutions to go eighty years without reforms. Speaking at the inaugural session of the BRICS summit here, PM Modi said: "In the age of AI, where technology evolves every week, it's unacceptable for global institutions to go eighty years without reform. You can't run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters!" Drawing another apt tech metaphor, he said: "You can't run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters!" According to the Prime Minister, the expansion of BRICS and the inclusion of new partners reflect its ability to evolve with the times. The country has embarked on its ambitious IndiaAI Mission. Central to the mission is the safe and trusted AI pillar, which underscores the commitment to ensuring safety, accountability, and ethical practices in AI development and deployment. By promoting indigenous frameworks, robust governance tools, and self-assessment guidelines, the IndiaAI mission aims to empower innovators and democratise AI benefits across sectors, touching millions of lives. The Prime Minister also emphasised that today the world needs a new multipolar and inclusive world order. "This will have to start with comprehensive reforms in global institutions. These reforms should not be merely symbolic, but their real impact should also be visible. There must be changes in governance structures, voting rights, and leadership positions. The challenges faced by countries in the Global South must be given priority in policymaking," PM Modi told the gathering, adding that India has always considered it a duty to rise above self-interest and work towards the interest of humanity. Rio De Janeiro, July 6 : In what is being viewed as a major diplomatic success for India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders of the BRICS countries on Sunday strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack while reaffirming their commitment to combatting cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing and terrorist safe havens and also taking concerted actions against all UN-designated terrorists and terrorist entities. As many as 26 innocent tourists were massacred in the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, a heinous act condemned throughout the world. The 'Rio de Janeiro Declaration' adopted after the first day's proceedings at the 17th BRICS Summit being held in the Brazilian city, expressed "strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable," regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. "We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which at least 26 people were killed and many more injured. We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens," read Paragraph 34 of the Rio Declaration. Investigations into the Pahalgam terror attack brought out the communication nodes of terrorists in and to Pakistan. A group calling itself The Resistance Front (TRF) - a front for the UN-proscribed Pakistani terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba - had claimed responsibility for the attack. While committing the barbaric act in Pahalgam, the Pakistani terrorists killed Indian and Nepalese nationals and injured several others after segregating them on the basis of religion. "We reiterate that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with relevant national and international law," the BRICS leaders jointly stated on Sunday. "We urge to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism. We emphasise the primary responsibility of States in combating terrorism and that global efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must fully comply with their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, in particular the purposes and principles thereof, and relevant international conventions and protocols, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, as applicable," the declaration added. The leaders of the grouping also welcomed the activities of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five Subgroups based upon the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan and the CTWG position paper. "We look forward to further deepening counter-terrorism cooperation. We call for an expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework. We call for concerted actions against all UN-designated terrorists and terrorist entities," the declaration stated. Last month, while spotlighting the horrendous Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval had called for the urgent need to shun double standards in the fight against terrorism and take decisive actions against UN-proscribed terrorists and entities. Addressing the 20th meeting of the Security Council Secretaries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Beijing, 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. In his intervention during the SCO meeting held in Beijing, he highlighted the need to shun double standards in the fight against terrorism and take decisive actions against UN-proscribed terrorists and entities like LeT, JeM and their proxies and dismantle their terror ecosystems. India had also called on SCO members to hold accountable the perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of acts of cross-border terror and to help bring them to justice. Rio De Janeiro, July 7 : In what is being viewed as a major diplomatic success for India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders of the BRICS countries on Sunday strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack while reaffirming their commitment to combatting cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing and terrorist safe havens and also taking concerted actions against all UN-designated terrorists and terrorist entities. As many as 26 innocent tourists were massacred in the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, a heinous act condemned throughout the world. The 'Rio de Janeiro Declaration' adopted after the first day's proceedings at the 17th BRICS Summit being held in the Brazilian city, expressed "strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable," regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. "We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which at least 26 people were killed and many more injured. We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens," read Paragraph 34 of the Rio Declaration. Investigations into the Pahalgam terror attack brought out the communication nodes of terrorists in and to Pakistan. A group calling itself The Resistance Front (TRF) - a front for the UN-proscribed Pakistani terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba - had claimed responsibility for the attack. While committing the barbaric act in Pahalgam, the Pakistani terrorists killed Indian and Nepalese nationals and injured several others after segregating them on the basis of religion. "We reiterate that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with relevant national and international law," the BRICS leaders jointly stated on Sunday. "We urge to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism. We emphasise the primary responsibility of States in combating terrorism and that global efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must fully comply with their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, in particular the purposes and principles thereof, and relevant international conventions and protocols, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, as applicable," the declaration added. The leaders of the grouping also welcomed the activities of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five Subgroups based upon the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan and the CTWG position paper. "We look forward to further deepening counter-terrorism cooperation. We call for an expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework. We call for concerted actions against all UN-designated terrorists and terrorist entities," the declaration stated. Last month, while spotlighting the horrendous Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval had called for the urgent need to shun double standards in the fight against terrorism and take decisive actions against UN-proscribed terrorists and entities. Addressing the 20th meeting of the Security Council Secretaries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Beijing, 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) two of the most dangerous and state-supported terror outfits operating out of Pakistan - besides Al Qaeda, ISIS and its affiliates. In his intervention during the SCO meeting held in Beijing, he highlighted the need to shun double standards in the fight against terrorism and take decisive actions against UN-proscribed terrorists and entities like LeT, JeM and their proxies and dismantle their terror ecosystems. India had also called on SCO members to hold accountable the perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of acts of cross-border terror and to help bring them to justice. All the 11 leaders of BRICS have unequivocally condemned the Pahalgam terrorist massacre and reaffirmed their unequivocal commitment to combating cross-border movement of terrorists and their support. Signing on to the statement adopted unanimously were India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Indonesia. PM Modi said in an X post about his call to the fellow leaders of BRICS: "There must be absolutely no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists." "We cannot weigh victims of terrorism and its supporters on the same scale," he said. "Any silent support or approval to terrorism for personal or political interests must be unacceptable." The BRICS leaders' joint statement echoed his call, saying, "All those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with relevant national and international law." "We emphasise the primary responsibility of states in combating terrorism," the statement said. Meanwhile, Pakistan, which shelters the LeT, has applied to join BRICS, but its request is kept in abeyance. The BRICS leaders said, "Global efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must fully comply with their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, in particular the purposes and principles thereof, and relevant international conventions and protocols". The leaders, who said that they rejected double standards in countering terrorism, called for the "expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework". It has been held up by some countries, including Pakistan, that use a double standard, claiming that some terrorists are freedom fighters. On the collective efforts of BRICS against terrorism, the leaders said they wanted to deepen their counter-terrorism cooperation and supported the efforts of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five Subgroups. These are based on the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan, and the CTWG position paper. The statement did not name Pakistan or its proxies, LeT or TRF, presumably because of the protection extended to it by its patron China in order to achieve consensus. On terrorism elsewhere, the statement also condemned "the continuation of terrorist activities by ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria, including the recent bombing of a church. They also drew attention to the dangers from the use of crypto currency by terrorists. Kuala Lumpur, July 7 : The BRICS grouping, which has emerged as a strong and principled force, represents an opportunity to shape a more balanced and just international order, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said. Legacy international organisations need to be reformed to reflect the changing global realities and to take into account the aspirations of developing nations, Anwar said in a statement, Xinhua news agency reported. "I also call for a major overhaul of global institutions such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization, to better reflect current realities and the needs of developing countries, rather than remaining trapped in outdated post-World War II structures," the Malaysian Prime Minister said. Anwar, who was attending the 17th BRICS Summit hosted by Brazil, added that the grouping must strengthen its economic cooperation both among member states and with other regional groupings such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "BRICS and ASEAN members must also continue to strengthen strategic cooperation, including enhancing cross-regional trade and investment for the mutual benefit of developing nations," he said. The BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation that comprises 10 nations a" Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. The first summit that was held in 2009 had featured the founding countries of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Eventually, the acronym BRIC was adopted. Meanwhile, in what is being viewed as a major diplomatic success for India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders of the BRICS countries on Sunday strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack while reaffirming their commitment to combatting cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing and terrorist safe havens and also taking concerted actions against all UN-designated terrorists and terrorist entities. As many as 26 innocent tourists were massacred in the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, a heinous act condemned throughout the world. The 'Rio de Janeiro Declaration' adopted after the first day's proceedings at the 17th BRICS Summit being held in the Brazilian city, expressed "strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable," regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. "We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which at least 26 people were killed and many more injured. We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens," read Paragraph 34 of the Rio Declaration. Rio De Janeiro, July 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa here on Sunday on the sidelines of the BRICS summit before Ramaphosa endorsed his call for United Nations Security Council reform. "Good catching up with my friend, President Ramaphosa of South Africa," PM Modi posted on X after their meeting. Speaking at the summit, Ramaphosa backed the demand for Council reform. The Council, Ramaphosa said, "has become too rigid, too narrow and too disconnected from today's multipolar realities", and unable to meet the challenges of maintaining international peace and security, its primary function. It is not able to react to the global dangers "ranging from humanitarian crises to open acts of aggression", he said. "Reform is a necessity. The Security Council must be made more democratic, more regionally representative and more accountable," he said. Council reform was among the demands made by PM Modi, who spoke before him at the summit. Sunday's 'catch up' was the second meeting between PM Modi and Ramaphosa in 19 days, having met in Canada during the G7 Summit to which they were both invitees. After that meeting, he said that they, along with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, will be "unwavering" in their commitment to the interests of the Global South. At the BRICS summit they will be able to follow through on that commitment. India and South Africa have several joint projects for skills development, trade, economic cooperation and technology. They plan to deepen their strategic partnership, focusing on areas like agro-processing, defence, mining, and finance. Their bilateral trade has reached nearly $20 billion. PM Modi visited South Africa in 2023 for the BRICS summit that year and held bilateral talks with the leaders. Ramaphosa was the chief guest at the 2019 Republic Day celebrations and his last visit to India was in 2023 to attend the G20 summit. As one of the leaders of Africa, South Africa joins India in being a voice of the Global South in international forums. Itanagar, July 7 : A militant suspected to be associated with the NSCN (K-YA) outfit was killed on Sunday in an encounter with the Assam Rifles in Arunachal Pradesh's Longding district, an official said. Itanagar, July 7 (IANS) A militant suspected to be associated with the NSCN (K-YA) outfit was killed on Sunday in an encounter with the Assam Rifles in Arunachal Pradeshas Longding district, an official said. A police officer said that Assam Rifles troops effectively foiled a surprise ambush by suspected insurgents affiliated with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K-YA) faction. According to the official, the militants attacked the Assam Rifles patrolling party when the para-military forces were conducting routine patrolling between Khogla and Lyangche close to the India-Myanmar border. The Assam Rifles troops swiftly retaliated the attack forcing the extremists to retreat and abandon their position, the official said. During the subsequent search, a temporary hideout used by the insurgents was found in the area, he said. The official said that one NSCN (K-YA) cadre was killed during the encounter. A significant cache of war-like stores, around 15 kg of improvised explosive device (IED), 34 detonators, two .22 pistols along with two magazines and other military-grade supplies were recovered from the mountainous areas. On April 27, three militants of the NSCN-K-YA faction were killed during a fierce gun battle between the security forces and the extremists in the same Longding district. A Defence spokesperson had said that two construction workers were kidnapped on April 25 from Pangchao areas in Longding district. Based on specific information, troops of the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles launched a joint massive operation in the Pangchao areas. "... a contact was established and in the ensuing firefight, three cadres of NSCN-KY-A group were neutralised," he had said. One construction worker was rescued in the operation, and four automatic weapons, ammunition and other war-like materials were also recovered from the areas. Meanwhile, the Army and Assam Rifles, in coordination with the Assam Police, earlier apprehended a wanted top cadre of the NSCN-KYA from Assam's Charaideo district. The NSCN-K-YA had earlier served an extortion notice of Rs 20 lakh to the public sector oil major Oil India Limited (OIL). The notice was signed by the outfit's self-styled Major, Tha Aung and sent to OIL's office in Manabhum, located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The outfit in its notice sought Rs 20 lakh by December 10, and it has also warned that OIL would be held accountable for any delays. The OIL has its operational site at the Manabhum reserve forest in eastern Arunachal, and the thickly forested reserve forest areas fall under both Changlang and Namsai districts. The NSCN-K-YA has not signed a ceasefire agreement with the Centre even as several other Naga outfits including the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) had signed a ceasefire agreement with the government and are now holding talks. Rio De Janeiro, July 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned that any failure or hesitancy to condemn all terrorism would be a "betrayal of humanity". Rio de Janeiro, July 7 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned that any failure or hesitancy to condemn all terrorism would be a "betrayal of humanity". Speaking at the BRICS Summit Session on Peace and Security on Sunday, he denounced the Pahalgam massacre as a blow to "entire humanity" that also seared the soul of India. The Indian Prime Minister's call for condemning terrorism was answered by the 11 nations of BRICS, who in a joint statement condemned the Pahalgam terrorist massacre and reaffirmed their unequivocal commitment to combating cross-border terrorism and came out against those supporting terrorism. PM Modi said: "Terrorism is the most serious challenge facing humanity today" and "condemning terrorism must be a matter of principle, and not just of convenience." "If our response depends on where or against whom the attack occurred, it shall be a betrayal of humanity itself," he declared. PM Modi further said: "There must be no hesitation in imposing sanctions on terrorists. The victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be treated equally. For the sake of personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism or supporting terrorists or terrorism, should never be acceptable under any circumstances." He then threw a challenge to BRICS: "There should be no difference between our words and actions when it comes to terrorism. If we cannot do this, then the question naturally arises whether we are serious about fighting terrorism or not?" About India's most recent experience, PM Modi said, "The terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22nd April was a direct assault on the soul, identity, and dignity of India," and, "this attack was not just a blow to India but to the entire humanity". He thanked the "friendly countries" that stood with India "in this hour of grief" and showed support. On the importance of fighting terrorism, Prime Minister Modi said: "Progress of humanity is possible only in a peaceful and secure environment." "BRICS has a very important role in fulfilling this objective. It is time for us to come together, unite our efforts, and collectively address the challenges we all face. We must move forward together," he said. Surveying the global situation, PM Modi said: "Today, from West Asia to Europe, the whole world is surrounded by disputes and tensions." He singled out the "humanitarian situation in Gaza" as "a cause of grave concern" but did not name any parties to the conflict. The BRICS leaders' joint statement went further, naming Israel and expressing "grave concern about the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with the resumption of continuous Israeli attacks against Gaza and obstruction of the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory". And without naming Hamas or drawing attention to its attack and hostage-taking by Hamas that precipitated the crisis, the joint statement called for "the release of all hostages and detainees held in violation of international law". PM Modi said: "India firmly believes that no matter how difficult the circumstances, the path of peace is the only option for the good of humanity." Recalling that "India is the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi", he said: "We have no place for war and violence." "India supports every effort that takes the world away from division and conflict and leads us towards dialogue, cooperation, and coordination; and increases solidarity and trust." PM Modi also offered the hand of "cooperation and partnership with all friendly countries" in this endeavour. Rio De Janeiro, July 7 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Sunday met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov here on the sidelines of the 2025 BRICS Summit during which the two leaders held discussions on bilateral cooperation among other key issues. Taking to X, the External Affairs Minister wrote: "Good to meet with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of #BRICS2025. Discussed bilateral cooperation, West Asia, BRICS and SCO." EAM Jaishankar also shared a photo along with the Russian Foreign Minister. The meeting assumes significance as it took place on a day when the BRICS leaders condemned the April 22 Pahalgam massacre in which 26 innocent lives were lost. Following the dastardly attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched retaliatory military action 'Operation Sindoor', targeting terror launchpads in Pakistan as well as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. And notably, Russia, besides condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, maintained that it stands in solidarity with India for the elimination of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Moscow's stand was conveyed in the month of May this year when an all-party delegation from India, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, met with senior members of the Russian Federation Council, including Andrey Denisov, First Deputy Chair of the Committee on International Affairs in the Russian capital to reaffirm the united stand against terrorism. During the meeting, the Russian side strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reiterated its solidarity with India in the global fight against terrorism in all its forms. "The All-Party Delegation led by Hon'ble MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi in the Federation Council of the Russian Federation met with First Deputy Chair of the Committee on International Affairs H.E. Mr. Andrey Denisov and other senators. The Russian side condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and stated that Russia stands in solidarity with India for elimination of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations! Russia and India have shared position in the fight against terrorism," the Embassy of India in Russia then posted on X. "Together in the fight against terrorism!," the post added. The visit was part of India's unprecedented diplomatic campaign to expose Pakistan's sustained role in cross-border terrorism following the April 22 Pahalgam attack. "In the context of the Indian government's continued efforts under Operation Sindoor and in furtherance of India's principled and resolute stand against the menace of terrorism, an All-Party Delegation comprising Members of Parliament and a senior diplomat is undertaking a visit to Russia from May 22 to May 24, 2025. The delegation would carry forth the country's strong message of zero-tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," the Embassy of India in Russia had then said in a statement. Houston, July 7 : The death toll from the severe flooding across Texas in the US has risen to 69, officials said, adding that rescue operations were underway in several places. Kerrville County Sheriff Larry Leitha has confirmed that 59 people, including 21 children, have been killed in the county, as other deaths have been reported across the state, the BBC reported. Leitha added that 11 Camp Mystic campers and one councillor remain unaccounted for. Meanwhile, in a post on social media, US President Donald Trump said: "These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy." About 20 counties in Texas were affected by the flood. Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the US Government and the bereaved families. "Deeply saddened to learn about loss of lives, especially children, in the devastating floods in Texas. Our condolences to the US Government and the bereaved families," PM Modi had posted on X. Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Saturday signed an expanded disaster declaration to include six more counties in central Texas, raising the total number of counties hit by flash flooding to 20. On Sunday, Abbott thanked President Donald Trump, saying that the debris removal process has been improved because of the president's "swift" disaster declaration, the BBC reported. While search efforts are continuing in Kerr County, disaster response, for instance debris removal, has also begun, he said, adding that debris "all over the place" could make the search process more difficult. Abbott stressed about dangers in the next 24 to 48 hours which could pose "public safety threats". Heavy rainfall has taken place and more is expected which could lead to potential flash flooding, he said. Areas that could be affected include central Texas and Kerrville. Freeman F. Martin, Colonel Director, Texas Department of Public Safety, said that operations are ongoing across several counties, noting that the rain will hamper efforts for rescue as the ground becomes saturated from even a little bit of water, the BBC reported. Martin said that among the resources they are providing are 18 marine units with boats, 11 Texas rangers, and nine helicopters. He said finding missing children is the "highest priority", adding that service personnel have been working with the families. Texas has already experienced several severe flooding incidents this year, and the United States as a whole saw a record number of flash flood emergencies in 2024, according to AccuWeather. Tel Aviv, July 7 : Israel and Hamas have started a delegation-level indirect round of ceasefire talks in Qatar as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has headed to Washington to meet US Donald Trump. The Israeli Prime Minister said he thinks his meeting with the US President on Monday should help progress efforts to reach a deal for the release of more hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza, the BBC reported. Netanyahu said that he had issued his negotiators clear instructions to achieve a ceasefire agreement under conditions Israel has accepted. Hamas has said it has responded to the latest ceasefire proposal in a positive spirit, but it seems clear there are still gaps between the two sides that need to be bridged if any deal is to be agreed, For now, Hamas still seems to be holding out for essentially the same conditions it has previously insisted on - including a guarantee of an end to all hostilities at the end of any truce and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Netanyahu's government, however, has rejected this before, the BBC reported. The Israeli position may also not have shifted to any major degree. As he was leaving Israel for the US, Netanyahu said he was still committed to what he described as three missions: "The release and return of all the hostages, the living and the fallen; the destruction of Hamas's capabilities - to kick it out of there, and to ensure that Gaza will no longer constitute a threat to Israel." Qatari and Egyptian mediators will have their work cut out during the indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in trying to overcome these sticking points, which have derailed other initiatives since the previous ceasefire ended in March. Israel has since resumed its offensive against Hamas with great intensity, as well as imposing an eleven-week blockade on aid entering Gaza, which was partially lifted several weeks ago. The Israeli government says these measures have been aimed at further weakening Hamas and forcing it to negotiate and free the hostages. Just in the past 24 hours, the Israeli military says it struck 130 Hamas targets and killed a number of militants. But the cost in civilian lives in Gaza continues to grow as well. Hospital officials in Gaza said more than 30 people were killed on Sunday, the BBC reported. The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas' 7 October 2023 attacks, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. At least 57,338 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Jerusalem, July 7 : Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Yemen's Red Sea ports in western Hodeidah Province on late Sunday night, the media reported. The strikes came minutes after the Israeli military issued an urgent evacuation warning on the social media platform X. Witnesses reported explosions in several locations along Yemen's western coast, including the port of Hodeidah, Xinhua news agency reported. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that the strikes targeted what he described as Houthi strongholds, including the ports of Hodeidah, As Salif, and Ras Isa, the Ras Katib power station, and the Galaxy Leader, a ship seized by Houthi forces in November 2023. The Israeli military said the targeted ports had been used by the Houthis to "transfer weapons from the Iranian regime, which are then used to carry out terror operations against the State of Israel and its allies." It added that the Galaxy Leader had been equipped with a radar system used to track vessels in the Red Sea, facilitating further militant activities. Taking to X, the Israel Defense Forces wrote: "IAF jets, guided by intelligence, struck Houthi terror targets at the ports of Al Hudaydah, Ras Isa, Salif, and the Ras Kanatib Power Plant. The strikes targeted sites used to transfer Iranian weapons and attack Israeli civilians with UAVs & missiles. Among the targets: the Galaxy Leader ship seized by the Houthis in 2023 and fitted with a radar system to track international vessels for terror operations. The IDF will continue to act against threats to Israeli civiliansa"wherever required." Katz suggested a broader escalation may follow, saying, "Yemen will be treated the same as Tehran." "Anyone who tries to harm Israel will be harmed, and anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off," Katz said. "The Houthis will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions." Earlier on Sunday, a missile fired by Houthi forces triggered air raid sirens in southern Israel and was intercepted without causing injuries, according to the Israeli military. The Houthis claimed it was a hypersonic missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Xinhua reported. Israel has carried out several strikes on key ports and infrastructure in Yemen in recent months, as the Houthis continue to fire missiles toward Israel, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. While India today is vastly different from the India of 1975, the need for vigilance against authoritarianism remains the same, asserts Utkarsh Mishra. IMAGE: National Democratic Alliance MPs protest against the imposition of the Emergency in 1975 at the Makar Dwar of Parliament, June 26, 2024. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo On its 50th anniversary, the Emergency proclaimed by then prime minister Indira Gandhi at midnight on June 25, 1975, is widely remembered as a dark episode imposed by an authoritarian regime. However, on paper, the Emergency was a Constitutional act -- proclaimed under Article 352, with procedures followed and Presidential assent obtained. The commonly accepted view is that Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency for reasons of political self-preservation, following the Allahabad high court's verdict invalidating her election. This view is not entirely unfounded, but the picture is more layered. For starters, the verdict in question was stayed by the Supreme Court, and Indira Gandhi was yet to exhaust her legal options. Her government, meanwhile, cited more systemic reasons for the exercise of extreme power: The 1971 War with Pakistan, economic dislocation, food shortages, and, above all, an Opposition movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan, popularly known as JP, which it claimed had paralysed administration. In her address to the nation informing about the Emergency, Indira Gandhi cited JP's appeal to government employees, including police officers, to disobey 'unjust' or 'unconstitutional' orders from the government. Faced with JP's 'Sampoorna Kranti' or 'Total Revolution', Indira Gandhi turned to a tight circle of loyalists and her son Sanjay, whose rise as an extra-constitutional authority would come to define the period. However, the suggestion to impose an 'internal Emergency' came from Siddhartha Shankar Ray, the then chief minister of West Bengal. He suggested it could be done on the grounds of threats to national security from within. As per the procedure, the proclamation was presented to then President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, who signed it just minutes before midnight on June 25, 1975. So, the Emergency was technically legal. However, what followed in its aftermath was a chilling demonstration of how democracy can be hollowed out while staying within the bounds of Constitutional procedure. More unsettling was the fact that the system didn't just comply -- it cooperated. This cooperation became strikingly apparent in the judgment of the 1976 ADM Jabalpur case, where a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled, by a 4:1 majority, that the right to challenge unlawful detention could be suspended during the Emergency. Justice P N Bhagwati, who was part of this bench and who later became Chief Justice of India, had praised Indira Gandhi during the Emergency. (He criticised her after her 1977 defeat, and once again supported her upon her return to power in 1980). Thus, judges -- with few exceptions like Justice H R Khanna -- chose deference over dissent. The media largely self-censored, prompting opposition leader L K Advani to famously remark that 'they crawled when asked to bend.' Bureaucrats followed orders unquestioningly. And large sections of the public adjusted to, or even endorsed, the repression brought about in the name of restoring order. Fifty years later, it is easier to paint those 21 months of the Emergency in black and white, to call it a fight between authoritarianism and resistance, between tyranny and truth. But the Emergency did not entirely rest on mass terror. It also relied on widespread compliance. A British journalist noted that the Emergency 'was widely welcomed by the middle class' because it ended years of protests and brought a sense of calm to daily life. A government official told a visiting American journalist that 'only foreigners cared for such things as the freedom of expression.' The journalist also found the business community especially pleased with the Emergency. To those perplexed by these facts, political theorist Hannah Arendt's idea of the 'banality of evil' offers an insight. Not just into how and why it happened, but also why it is most likely to still be happening. Arendt coined the phrase 'banality of evil' in 1961 while covering the trial of Adolf Eichmann, who was one of the chief architects of the Holocaust. He was held responsible for the mass deportation of millions of Jews to concentration camps in Nazi Germany. Eichmann's 1961 trial differed from the Nuremberg proceedings, held immediately after the fall of the Third Reich, in a manner that the then Israeli prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, saw it as an opportunity to educate the Israeli public -- especially the youth -- about the horrors of the Holocaust. He also hoped it would serve as a global reminder of the need to prevent such atrocities in the future. But what struck Arendt wasn't just the nature of Eichmann's crimes -- it was the nature of the man himself. She noticed that he wasn't a sadist or an ideological zealot, but rather came across as a dull, bureaucratic functionary, who claimed he was merely following orders. Arendt argues that evil isn't always fanatical or monstrous -- it can be disturbingly mundane, often carried out by people who perform horrific tasks not out of hatred, but out of obedience, conformity, or lack of thought. The 'banality' in Arendt's thesis doesn't mean the crimes were trivial. Rather, it reflects the fact that these crimes were committed by individuals who seem as unremarkable as one's next-door neighbour. She wrote: 'The trouble with Eichmann was precisely that so many were like him... that they were, and still are, terribly and terrifyingly normal... This new type of criminal... commits his crimes under circumstances that make it well-nigh impossible for him to know or to feel that he is doing wrong.' In other words, people Fyodor Dostoevsky describes as 'ordinary,' who 'live in a state of obedience... who cannot help obeying because it is their destiny, and such an act has nothing humiliating for them.' Perhaps JP's call to 'disobey unjust orders' was aimed precisely at awakening the conscience of such individuals. For while the Emergency was no Holocaust, its enforcement -- and its endurance -- rested on a similar phenomenon: ordinary people doing abnormal things, simply by refusing to ask moral questions. Although Indira Gandhi apparently acted out of political self-preservation, what followed was not just a one-woman show. The State machinery didn't resist her stranglehold. The police arrested thousands without charge. Civil servants carried out orders they knew were illegal. And, as already discussed, even the judiciary rationalised the suspension of fundamental rights. Much of the media -- barring a few courageous voices who paid the price for their defiance -- either stayed silent or cheered on. Many Indians -- especially from the urban middle class -- welcomed the 'discipline' the Emergency brought. It was famously said that, for the first time, trains ran on time -- ironically echoing what was once claimed about Benito Mussolini's dictatorship in Italy. Protests vanished, and the rhetoric of national efficiency appealed to those fatigued by chaos and coalition politics. And that, Arendt would argue, is what should alarm us most. Because this too is banality. It is not cruelty, but comfort, that normalises repression. More than mass surveillance or executions, a repressive government needs people to look the other way. And many do -- not because they are evil, but because they rationalise the moment: 'This is temporary'; 'Some tough decisions ought to made', or, 'Who are these farmers to block the roads?' This moral disengagement is what makes democracies fragile -- because when democratic norms are broken, they are not defended, but explained away. The Emergency also revealed how institutions can be hollowed out not by open assault, but by inner decay. It was a test for our institutions, our public conscience, and our democratic habits. And while the people did secure passing marks by voting Indira Gandhi out in 1977, such tests are not one-time events in a democracy. They return -- again and again. And to pass them with flying colours, the public must never lose the capacity to reflect, to question the powerful and hold them accountable, to see through the propaganda, and to identify a clear and present danger and act against it. While India today is vastly different from the India of 1975, this need for vigilance remains the same. Because, as Arendt warns, the road to the Holocaust is not just paved by the actions of a few authoritarian leaders, but by the participation of countless ordinary individuals who fail to think critically about the implications of their actions. 'Although China has been ruling over Tibet for past 75 years, it has no legitimacy.' IMAGE: Ahead of his 90th birthday, His Holiness The Dalai Lama stated that the institution of Dalai Lama will continue. Photograph: Kind courtesy Dalai Lama/X "China does not understand the institution of the Dalai Lama and is using its brutal military, economic power to interfere," says Tenzin Tsundue, writer and activist for Tibetan freedom. A Tibetan refugee born in India, he crossed into Tibet as a young man to fight for freedom and was arrested, jailed and tortured in a Lhasa prison. He was pushed back to India after three months. Tsundue, now 50, has vowed to continue the struggle for independence in exile till Tibet is free. He has been wearing a red bandana since unfurling a Free Tibet poster at the hotel where then Chinese premier Zhu Rongji was staying during a visit to Mumbai in 2002. He did the same in Bengaluru during then Chinese premier Wen Jaibao's visit, and has taken an oath to only take off the bandana after Tibet is free of Chinese occupation. "China has have failed in winning the hearts of the Tibetan people. The Tibetans in Tibet love and respect Dalai Lama more than the Chinese government," he tells Rediff's Archana Masih on the eve of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. Part 1 of the Interview: 'There Will Be A Need For A Leader Like The Dalai Lama' His Holiness has stated that his succession will carried out by the Ganden Trust and the Office of the Dalai Lama. China has rejected the plan. How can Chinese interference be prevented? I don't know why you are bringing China into this. The Dalai Lama, leader of the Tibetans, has come from within the Tibetan community for the past 400 years, whereas the Chinese government is only 75 years old. The Tibetan people have the sovereign right to select our leader in the traditional way. China has nothing to do with it. China is a threat to India, Nepal, Bhutan and many other countries. China doesn't even understand the institution of the Dalai Lama. The institution of the Dalai Lama is a deeply spiritual, complicated, religious tradition of the Tibetan community. The root of the Buddhist culture comes from India. We believe that Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of love and compassion, rests in the form of human life in the Dalai Lama. China does not understand this and is using its brutal military, economic power to interfere. Although China has been ruling over Tibet for past 75 years, they have no legitimacy. They have failed in winning the hearts of the Tibetan people. The Tibetans in Tibet love and respect the Dalai Lama more than the Chinese government. Therefore, China is insecure. China is scared that the Dalai Lama is not in their control and that there will be a 15th Dalai Lama. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has made it clear that while he is here, he will do his duty. At the same time, he is making sure that the next Dalai Lama is selected through due process and the decision comes from within the Tibetan community. IMAGE: The Dalai Lama attends a prayer meet held for his long life at the Dalai Lama temple in Dharamsala, July 5, 2025. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters The 15th Dalai Lama when chosen will be a young person. Are you concerned about the vacuum in the interim period till he attains adulthood? How will he fulfil his duties when he is still growing up? There are other traditional ways through which the future Dalai Lama may be selected. And there is one tradition called Madey Tulku which has been used by rinpoches and lamas who encounter a health issue or other such circumstances. In this case, they would usually select a boy who is then trained, groomed and nurtured to continue that important legacy. The option is also there for His Holiness that he may select a boy who could lead the legacy of His Holiness in the next 10-15 years. You entered Tibet as a young man and were arrested. I did not go to Tibet as a tourist, but to fight for freedom. I was arrested, jailed and tortured. It was perhaps the most difficult time faced by me. I was suspected of being sent by Government of India on a spy mission. I told them I have come on my own effort for the freedom of Tibet. They continued their investigation through their informants in New Delhi and in Dharamsala. Eventually, when they found out that I had no such contact and was of no use for them, they sent me back. I was a fresh college graduate when I went to Tibet. The first step in Tibet was a great sense of pride, but at the same time, it was physically and emotionally traumatic. When I look back, I think it was a real good training ground. It made me an activist who will never give up on Tibet. IMAGE: The Dalai Lama arrives to attend the prayer meet. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters You wear a red bandana as a sign of protest. After being thrown out of Tibet, I went to Mumbai for my master's degree. I thought now that my attempt to fight and die in Tibet has not worked, I should work for Tibet's freedom from exile in India where I grew up. I started to wear a red bandana which is the symbol of my childhood pledge that I will liberate Tibet. I will take this off when Tibet becomes independent and I am a free citizen. This represents my dream and commitment for Tibet. I've been wearing the bandana since 2002 which was the year when I did a major protest during Chinese premier Zhu Rongji's visit to Mumbai. He was staying at the Oberoi Hotel now called Hilton. I climbed up the building, went up to 14th floor through a scaffolding and raised a free Tibet banner. This attracted a lot of media attention on Tibet. We won because Zhu's visit was overshadowed by the protest. IMAGE: The Dalai Lama leaves after attending the prayer meet. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters On the cusp of His Holiness's birthday, what are the primary concerns of the Tibetan people? There are three important factors for any country to be free. 1. Commitment and the determination of the people. As long as we continue our struggle, there will be a time when China will becomes weaker and the international community will find a reason to support Tibet -- not because they love Tibet, but because they find Tibet useful in their battle against China. China has been playing the bully in South Asia, and against the United States itself. Since COVID-19, the international community has started isolating China. Countries don't want to be dependent on Chinese supply lines. So there are many factors that are coming together. 2. 1.4 billion Chinese cannot be kept under suppression forever. They also want freedom and democracy -- and that change is happening. 3. There's a global complicity in China's rule over Tibet. China has been mining gold, copper, lithium and rare earths in Tibet. Xi Jinping promised to sell rare earths to Donald Trump. These resources will be secured from Tibet. The Chinese have already said in published articles that the most important natural resources in China are coming from Tibet. Tibet comprises 2.5 million square kilometres of land, one-fourth the size of China. China is mining and making tech products and consumer goods which it sells to countries around the world. Everybody has benefited from China at the cost of Tibet. The international community must pay back to Tibet, particularly the United States that has been trading with China for over 30 years. We are at the cusp of an existential struggle in Tibet and suffering genocide inside Tibet. Therefore, the international community has the responsibility to support Tibet. The United States has said Tibet was a free and independent country and that the Tibetan people have the right to self-determination. This is how the United States is taking the lead in changing their policy and saying that Tibetan people have right to self determination. Canada, for example, had said that they will stand with the Dalai Lama's choice for reincarnation. India has always supported the cause of Tibet without making it into a political statement. India gave us refuge, shelter, and freedom to practice our religion, culture, and most importantly develop our unique Tibetan democracy that has kept the freedom struggle and our hope alive. India has contributed for the cause of Tibet the most. It is also in the long-term interest of India that Tibet is once again established as a free and independent country. That would relieve India from Chinese pressure. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'Languages should be introduced when the brain is ready, not when it's most vulnerable.' IMAGE: Poet Hemant Divate. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff Acclaimed Marathi poet Hemant Divate has returned the Maharashtra government's Keshavsut Award and the Rs 1 lakh prize he received in 2021 to protest against the state's recent mandate introducing compulsory Hindi from Class 1 to 5 alongside Marathi and English. Divate sees this policy as a form of linguistic coercion that undermines Constitutional federalism and endangers the cognitive and cultural development of children. In this two-part conversation with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff, Divate explains why the imposition of a third language at such a tender age is both pedagogically unsound and politically troubling. Interestingly, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, just a day before, stated that the policy is under review and a final call will be taken only after consulting all the stakeholders. You accepted the Keshavsut Award from the Maharashtra government in 2021 after publishing your poetry collection Paranoia. But now, you've decided to return it in protest. What changed? I am against the imposition of Hindi -- especially at such an early stage. For a child in Class 1, it's far too fragile an age to be taught three languages. First, they must learn their mother tongue. Then, maybe another like English, which is now accepted globally. But introducing a third compulsory language at this stage is not only unnecessary -- it's harmful. There are 22 recognised languages in India. Why only Hindi? If the goal is inclusion, then give children access to all languages and let them choose. Education should empower, not enforce. But in practical terms, how can schools offer so many language options? That's where technology comes in. With AI, online modules, and state collaboration, we can develop digital curriculum in all 22 languages -- from basic to fluency. Let's not underestimate what's possible today. If the central and state education departments work together, they can create flexible, scalable content. This isn't a logistical impossibility -- it's a matter of political will. So your opposition isn't to teaching Hindi as a language in schools -- but what you call 'imposition of Hindi'? I have no issue with Hindi. If tomorrow any other language were imposed the same way, I'd protest that too. Let the child and their parents choose. A Bengali child in Mumbai might prefer Bengali. But when you enforce Hindi on everyone, it's a clear violation of personal and linguistic freedom. What made you return not just the award but also the Rs 1 lakh prize? The government issued a GR (government resolution) making Hindi compulsory from the next academic year. That's what triggered it. Such a significant decision should have been taken after consulting linguists, child psychologists, and educators. They should have asked: Is this viable? Will it lead to dropouts? Will it affect learning outcomes? Instead, they took a top-down decision. This will confuse children. Language isn't something you can just plug in. It has emotional, cognitive, cultural dimensions. You believe children will be unable to cope? Absolutely. At that age, brains are still developing. Learning a new language -- especially one with a script similar to Marathi -- will create cognitive confusion. Children may end up speaking neither proper Marathi nor proper Hindi. That's a recipe for cultural erasure. We're not helping them -- we're hurting them. But many students voluntarily take up languages like German, French or Spanish as they grow up. Isn't that the same? No. When we learn German, French or Spanish after Class 12 or while in Class 9, it's by choice. We're cognitively mature. We know why we're learning it -- maybe for a job or study. That's not the case with a six year old. Languages should be introduced when the brain is ready, not when it's most vulnerable. You can't make children your laboratory for political experiments. What message are you sending to the state government? Stop this policy immediately. Then start a conversation -- with experts, not just bureaucrats. Ask linguists, teachers, psychologists: What is best for the child? I'm not an expert, but as a writer, as someone who has worked with language all my life, I know this will damage both the child and the language ecosystem. We must be custodians of language. This policy threatens not just Marathi -- but linguistic diversity as a whole. The party's state leadership is concerned over the BJP's expanding footprint in rural and semi-urban Maharashtra, particularly after it gained control of key municipal corporations in the 2017-18 elections. IMAGE: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi with Maharashtra Congress leaders Vijay Wadettiwar, Varsha Gaikwad, Harshwardhan Sapkal. Photograph: ANI Photo With high-stakes polls to local bodies in Maharashtra due later this year, a large section of Congress wants the party to regain its lost ground by going solo in the evolving political landscape of the state, where the Bharatiya Janata Party is aggressively expanding its footprint in rural and semi-urban pockets. The Congress, which once ruled the roost in the state, is currently a constituent of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) along with Sharad Pawar's NCP-SP and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-UBT, whose new-found bonhomie with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) appears to have triggered unease among rivals and allies alike. A large number of party leaders feel the Congress should consider adopting a two-pronged approach: contest local elections independently to test its organisational strength and explore post-election alliances if required. They want the Congress to go solo in many civic bodies while keeping the MVA doors open for post-poll negotiations. But the final decision on this rests with the central leadership. Senior party functionaries say this model should be adopted and replicated across municipal corporations, municipal councils, zilla parishads and panchayat samitis, including in politically-significant urban centres like Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune and Nashik. Elections to 29 municipal corporations, 248 municipal councils, 32 zilla parishads and 336 panchayat samitis are scheduled later this year or early next year, making it the largest electoral exercise in the state before the next assembly elections to be held in 2029. Talking to PTI, senior Congress leader Shivajirao Moghe said local body polls are a tool to galvanise grassroots workers. "All parties feel that they should contest maximum seats to strengthen the grassroots cadre who work hard to get party candidates elected for the assembly and Parliament elections," he said. The mood within the state unit is that the local polls is not just a civic contest but a litmus test for the party's comeback in Maharashtra. "We are not ruling out post-poll coalitions with our MVA partners -- Shiv Sena-UBT and NCP-SP -- but Congress needs to regain its lost ground on its own first," a senior Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) leader said when contacted. The party's state leadership is concerned over the BJP's expanding footprint in rural and semi-urban Maharashtra, particularly after it gained control of key municipal corporations in the 2017-18 elections. The Congress has suffered jolts recently with its former MLAs and local satraps like Sangram Thopte and Kunal Patil joining the BJP. Congress leaders believe that a focussed, district-wise campaign anchored in local issues like water management, public health and reservation in civic bodies can help counter BJP's infrastructure-centric narrative, a party leader said. Senior party leader and former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan told PTI that there is a view especially among Mumbai Congress leaders that the party should contest the local body polls alone. "The decision in this regard will be taken by the central leadership," he said. A key strategy meeting is scheduled on July 7 in Mumbai to discuss the roadmap for the party and alliance dynamics for the local body polls. Sources indicate the party may also decide its political approach for the local body elections in terms of strategy. AICC in-charge Ramesh Chennithala will meet party legislators and MPs on Monday. Prior to that, he is also scheduled to participate in the political affairs committee meeting of the Mumbai Congress. State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal said after hearing the views of the state leaders in Delhi, Chennithala will meet MPs and legislators on July 7, and later there will be division-wise and district-wise meetings to ascertain the views of the local leadership. "It is too early to spell out the party's final stand," he said. Congress leaders from Mumbai Naseem Khan, Bhai Jagtap, Charan Singh Sapra, Suresh Shetty, Amarjit Manhas, Chandrakant Handore, Madhu Chavan have met separately to discuss the prevailing political situation in the metropolis and the city unit Congress affairs. In a significant move, former minister Rajendra Mulak rejoined the Congress. Mulak, a prominent figure in Vidarbha politics, faced disciplinary action when he contested the assembly polls as an independent. The party feels Mulak will bolster the party's prospects in Nagpur and surrounding districts where BJP holds substantial sway. Mulak's return is being viewed as part of Congress's effort to consolidate local leadership before elections are notified. The Election Commission on Sunday asserted that Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar was 'being implemented smoothly at the ground level' and 'there is no change in instructions'. IMAGE: A view of voter awareness e-rickshaws ahead of the 2025 Bihar legislative Assembly Elections, in Patna. Photograph: ANI Photo The EC on June 24 issued instructions to carry out an SIR in Bihar, apparently to weed out ineligible names and ensure only eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll. In a statement Patna, the EC made it clear that while voters were required to 'submit their documents anytime before July 25, 2025', those who failed to do so would get an opportunity 'during the Claims & Objections period also'. The EC also urged people to 'beware of statements being made by a few persons, who without reading the SIR order dated 24 June 2025.... are attempting to confuse the public with their incorrect and misleading statements'. The clarification comes in the wake of several social media posts, including one by All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, about an EC advertisement published in a newspaper claiming 'now only forms are to be filled. There is no need to submit documents'. Alleging that the SIR was a 'conspiracy by BJP-RSS to snatch away the voting rights of Dalits and other deprived sections', Kharge had said that the Bharatiya Janata Party, which ruled the Centre and shared power in Bihar, 'is now getting trapped in its own master plan'. Echoing Kharge's post on X, Bihar Congress president Rajesh Kumar alleged at a press conference: 'The ad exposes the incompetence of the EC and gives rise to doubts of unethical help extended to the ruling party.' Assembly polls are due in Bihar in a couple of months, and the EC exercise, which seeks to cover nearly eight crore voters by July 25, has become a major bone of contention in the state. Leader of the opposition in the state assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, has questioned why, unlike the previous revision which took place in 2003 across the country, the current exercise was being carried out only in Bihar. Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc leaders have also held parleys with EC officials in New Delhi and Patna to share their anxieties. However, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance defended the exercise, accusing the opposition of trying to come up with an 'excuse ahead of a certain defeat in elections'. In the backdrop of the controversy arising out of the advertisement, the office of the state Chief Electoral Officer said on Sunday: 'SIR in Bihar is progressing as per ECI's order dated 24 June 2025. As per that order, the draft electoral rolls that will be issued on 1 August 2025 will contain the names of the existing electors whose enumeration forms are received.' 'All measures are being taken to facilitate the existing electors to complete the documentation. These existing voters will have time to submit the documents even after first submitting their Enumeration Forms. All activities are exactly as per ECI's order dated 24.06.2025,' said the CEO in another post. Shortly afterwards, 'EC sources' were quoted in another, more strongly worded statement, shared by the poll panel in its WhatsApp group. The statement said, 'SIR in Bihar is being implemented smoothly at the ground level. SIR is being conducted as per instructions dated 24.06.2025 only, and there is no change in the instructions.' According to the EC, the exercise was necessitated by rapid urbanisation, frequent migration, young citizens becoming eligible to vote, non-reporting of deaths, and inclusion of the names of foreign illegal immigrants. The poll panel said that with the exercise, it wants to ensure the integrity and preparation of error-free electoral rolls. The district administrations of Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur have been put on alert following a warning for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in these districts on Sunday. IMAGE: A view of the damaged car and houses following cloudburst, in Mandi on Saturday. Photograph: ANI Photo Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday said the state government was prepared to deal with the situation. "We are ready," he said. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the estimated losses due to the rains so far stand at around Rs 566 crore, though the chief minister maintained the figure was close to Rs 700 crore as data was still being compiled. The local MeT office has issued a red alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Kangra, Sirmaur and Mandi districts on Sunday. An orange warning has been issued for heavy to very heavy rainfall in seven other districts, excluding the tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti. Reports of damage to link roads and small bridges being washed away following a cloudburst in the Swad nallah (drain) in Shilbhadani village of the Padhar area in Mandi district have been received. However, no loss of life has been reported so far. Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, the state has reported 74 deaths, of which 47 were linked to rain-related incidents such as cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides. As many as 115 people have sustained injuries so far. Rains have continued in several parts of the state since Saturday evening. Nagrota Suriyan recorded 102.4 mm of rainfall, followed by Una (67.2 mm), Guler (62.4 mm), Dharamshala (61.1 mm), Kataula (40.3 mm), Ghamroor (40 mm), Berthin (38.4 mm), Sujanpur Tira (36 mm), Barari (35.6 mm), Nadaun (30 mm), Kahu (22.2 mm) and Mandi (21.2 mm). The MeT department has warned of moderate to high flash flood risk in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts over the next 24 hours. It also cautioned against possible landslides, flash floods, waterlogging, and damage to vulnerable structures, crops and essential services. People have been advised to stay away from water bodies and avoid vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, the search for 31 missing persons is underway in Mandi district, which bore the brunt of destruction following 10 cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides on Tuesday. Fourteen bodies have been recovered so far, officials said, adding that sniffer dogs and modern technology have been deployed in the operation. A total of 258 transformers and 278 water supply schemes have been affected, the SEOC said. Meghalaya police chief Idashisha Nongrang on Monday said the investigators probing the murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi in Sohra were not treating the love triangle as the only motive, and they are looking into various other angles. IMAGE: Indore couple Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam. Photograph: Courtesy X Raja was hacked to death on May 23 while honeymooning in the Northeastern state. His wife Sonam, her boyfriend Raj and three hitmen were arrested in connection with the murder on June 9. "We are investigating whether there is anything more to this case. It is unusual that within a few days of marriage, she (Sonam) would develop so much animosity against her husband," Nongrang told PTI. "We are exploring all possible angles for this murder to have taken place. We have enough evidence, and loose ends are being tied up. We have a solid case," she added. Sonam (25) and Raja (29) got married in Indore on May 11 and reached Meghalaya via Guwahati in Assam on May 21 for their honeymoon. Both of them went "missing" on May 23 in Sohra in East Khasi Hills district, hours after checking out of a homestay at Nongriat village. Raja's decomposed body was found in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls on June 2. A search continued for Sonam, who emerged in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur, around 1,200 km away, in the early hours of June 9 and surrendered as police arrested her boyfriend and the three hitmen. Sonam told the investigators that the Raja's jewellery that went missing was kept in a "particular place", the DGP said. "We will be looking into that," she said. All those arrested will be taken to Sohra around 12 pm on Tuesday for the reconstruction of the crime scene, the police said. The hitmen, who were Raj's friends, had attacked Raja on the head with a machete in front of Sonam at the parking lot of the Weisawdong Falls. They then pushed the body into the gorge, according to the police. Sonam fled the state following the murder, taking taxis, buses, and a train to reach Indore via Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and UP. She, however, left behind her 'mangalsutra' and a ring in her trolley bag at a homestay in Sohra, leading the police to suspect her, Nongrang had earlier told PTI. Meanwhile, a video posted by a tourist on Instagram went viral after Sonam and Raja were spotted in it. In the video, Sonam and Raja were seen ascending from Nongriat just hours before he was brutally murdered. Sonam, wearing black trousers with a white full-sleeved shirt similar to the one recovered from the crime scene, was seen walking a few steps ahead of Raja. The police confirmed the authenticity of the video to PTI. East Khasi Hills district SP Vivek Syiem told the news agency that Sonam has confessed to being a part of the conspiracy to kill her husband. "At first it appeared that Sonam and her boyfriend hired hitmen, but later we found out the three were close friends of Raj and they killed Raja as a favour to their friend," he said. The SIT probing the case has sought the assistance from the police of Assam and some other states, where the accused persons have been before and after committing the crime, an official said. The machete used in the murder was bought from Guwahati, where the hitmen stayed for a night, he said. The three hitmen and the couple arrived in Shillong around the same time before they travelled to Sohra, about 65 km away, Deputy Inspector General DNR Marak said. The prime accused in the Kolkata law college gang rape case, Monojit Mishra, is a history-sheeter having a slew of pending cases of sexual harassment and violent crimes registered against him, police said on Monday. IMAGE: Students stage a protest demanding immediate justice in the alleged gang rape case of a 24-year-old law student on her college campus (South Calcutta Law College), in Kolkata on Monday. Photograph: ANI Photo Mishra's ties with criminal activities are not just confined within the boundaries of the South Calcutta Law College where he allegedly led the sexual assault against his latest victim on June 25 but has been previously arrested and charge-sheeted for violent crimes committed outside the campus as well, police added. PTI retains copies of at least seven formal complaints and first information reports (FIRs), besides the latest FIR indicting Mishra and two other students of gang rape, which show that the ex-student has pending cases of sexual assault registered against him across multiple police stations in south Kolkata including at Kasba police station, Gariahat PS, Kalighat PS, Tollygunge PS and Anandapur PS. Mishra vanished from police radar in 2013, the same year he took admission in the law college, after he was charged with stabbing a youth on the Chetla Bridge under Kalighat police station jurisdiction and was rusticated from the institution. He had already joined the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad ranks by then and was wielding considerable influence in his institution, a former student of the college recollected. "In December 2016, he was accused of leading a mob of outsiders to vandalise the college premises. FIRs and counter-FIRs were lodged at the Kasba police station in connection with the incident, but for some unknown reason, the cases got dropped," Titas Manna, a former student of the college told a local news channel. Mishra resurfaced, police said, in 2017 when he took re-admission in the same college to study law and remained a student until he passed out in 2022. Some of his batch mates and contemporaries describe him as a 'perpetual trouble maker' who harassed girls inside the TMCP-run union office on the college campus on flimsy grounds. In fact, official complaints made by students in the past reveal Mishra displayed a consistent and disturbing pattern of sexual aggression for years. Frustrated survivors of his assaults allege he received systemic protection throughout which emboldened him to carry out his crimes with impunity. Manna alleged that in 2018 two female students had lodged a complaint against Mishra before the college authorities and an FIR with the Gariahat police station alleging molestation and threats. "A case was started and the victims submitted their confidential statements before a judicial magistrate. Strangely, however, no arrests were made in that case," Manna told a local TV channel. "We know another FIR was filed against him for outraging the modesty of a woman in 2022 while in May 2024, the college authorities lodged a police complaint against him for assaulting a security guard," he said. However, Manna said he wasn't aware of any follow-up legal action taken against Mishra in all these years and alleged he was allowed to go scot-free every single time. The classmate said the accused, better known as Mango among his friends, used to summon girls to the union room, drink alcohol there and was cautioned several times. "We tried to stop him but he continued his belligerent ways," he said. College authorities knew everything about him but looked the other way. Such was his clout. Some girls filed a formal sexual harassment complaint to the teacher-in-charge against him, but nothing happened, he said. A former female student said she was aware of Mishra molesting one of her friends during a students' picnic some years ago. Manna said, though Manojit held the post of TMCP vice president when he was a student of the college, he continued to throw around his weight till the incident despite having no official political connection. "He was the self-declared president of the college unit of TMCP but he was thrown out by the organisation and multiple leaders had warned him not to enter the college premises. He continued to ignore those warnings," another former student said. "He framed two other students and had them arrested for a self-inflicted wound. Their lives are ruined because they have to now appear before courts. "No student had the authority to go against him as he used to run his own durbar on the campus staying till late evening. We know he had been appointed as a casual employee of the college as record keeper which emboldened him as everyone is intimidated by his political connections," he said. Amid violence against Hindi-speaking people, Maharashtra minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ashish Shelar on Sunday drew parallels between the Pahalgam terror attack and the beating of 'Hindus' in Mumbai, which he said is condoned by some leaders. IMAGE: Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar. Photograph: ANI Photo In a veiled attack on Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray who reunited on Saturday at a joint rally for the cause of Marathi people, Shelar said the state is watching how some leaders are 'enjoying other Hindus being beaten up'. The senior BJP leader's remarks come amid an outrage caused by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists thrashing a sweet shop owner in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region for not speaking Marathi. On Saturday, MNS workers damaged the glass door of Mumbai-based share market investor Sushil Kedia's office in Worli after he declared he would not speak Marathi and dared the party chief Raj Thackeray. The row over speaking Marathi is escalating into a major political flashpoint ahead of the civic polls. "In the Pahalgam terror attack, people were asked about their religion (by terrorists) before shooting them. Here, people are being attacked based on their language, which is disappointing. "The state is watching how these leaders are enjoying other Hindus being beaten up," Shelar told reporters when asked about attacks on Hindi-speaking people allegedly by MNS workers. Armed terrorists shot dead 26 persons, most of them tourists, near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, leading to the launch of Operation Sindoor by India against terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK. Being the largest party in Maharashtra, the BJP would safeguard the pride of Marathi people and also protect non-Marathi residents, Shelar said. "Marathi is not a political issue for us," he added. The Hindi language row erupted after the BJP-led Maharashtra government issued a Government Resolution (GR) making the learning of the language compulsory in primary schools. Amid the growing backlash from MNS and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, the government amended the GR to make Hindi the 'generally' third language before finally withdrawing both orders on June 29. The issue of Marathi identity and the 'imposition' of Hindi is believed to be a catalyst for reuniting Uddhav and Raj Thackeray after almost 20 years on Saturday at a joint "victory" rally to celebrate the government's decision to scrap the GRs under the three-language policy. With elections to the high-profile Mumbai civic body and other municipal corporations approaching, the BJP waded into the language row, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserting that those resorting to violence over the Hindi language will face legal action. Addressing the joint rally, Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray defended the Marathi pride, saying, We are goons if we have to do hooliganism for justice. On his part, Raj Thackeray asked the MNS cadres not to attack anyone over the language without provocation. BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane had objected to 'Hindus' being targeted for not speaking in Marathi, while his cabinet colleague and Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik said the MNS doesn't have monopoly over Marathi. ***** A 49-year-old man, who was on the run for around 25 years, has been arrested in Delhi in connection with a string of crimes where he allegedly hired taxis, killed the drivers, dumped their bodies in remote forested areas of Uttarakhand and sold the vehicles off across the Nepal border, a senior police officer said on Sunday. Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo The accused, Ajay Lamba alias Banshi, was wanted in four brutal robbery-cum-murder cases across Delhi and Uttarakhand. He was declared a proclaimed offender in all the cases, including a 2001 murder case registered at the New Ashok Nagar police station in New Delhi, police said. Lamba was the alleged mastermind behind a string of heinous crimes committed between 1999 and 2001, in which he, along with associates, targeted taxi drivers, killed them, looted their vehicles and dumped the bodies in remote forested areas of Uttarakhand to evade identification, the officer said. "Born in 1976 and originally a resident of Delhi's Krishna Nagar, Ajay dropped out of school after Class 6 and became involved in crime at an early age. He was previously declared a 'Bad Character' by the Vikas Puri police under the alias 'Banshi'. In 1996, he changed his name to Ajay Lamba and shifted base to Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, where he teamed up with accomplices Dhirendra and Dilip Negi," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Aditya Gautam said. Together, they operated a violent criminal enterprise in which taxis were hired, the drivers killed, the vehicles looted and resold across the Nepal border, he added. Police said Lamba was never arrested in the four robbery-cum-murder cases lodged against him in Delhi, Haldwani, Almora and Champawat. He was declared a proclaimed offender in all cases and also faced earlier charges, including theft and arms possession, dating back to the 1990s. Lamba managed to remain undetected for more than two decades by frequently changing locations and identities. From 2008 to 2018, he lived in Nepal with his family and later, moved to Dehradun. In 2020, he became involved in narcotics smuggling, allegedly working in the ganja-supply network from Odisha to Delhi and other parts of India, the DCP added. He was arrested in a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act by the Sagarpur police in 2021 and again in connection with a jewellery-shop dacoity in Odisha's Berhampur in 2024. He was out on bail in both cases and never disclosed his fugitive status to anyone, police said, adding that they apprehended Lamba from Delhi in a coordinated operation. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said 'there is no need for socialism in India', adding 'secularism is not the core of our culture'. IMAGE: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo Chouhan's remarks assume significance as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Thursday called for reviewing the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the preamble of the Constitution, saying they were included during the Emergency and were never part of the Constitution drafted by Dr B R Ambedkar. Addressing an event organised at New Delhi on 50 years of the Emergency, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said, "The preamble of the Constitution Baba Saheb Ambedkar made never had these words. During the Emergency, when fundamental rights were suspended, Parliament did not work, the judiciary became lame, then these words were added." Speaking at a programme held in Varanasi to mark 50 years of the Emergency, Chouhan said, "Bharat mein samajwad kee zaroorat nahi hai... Dharmanirapeksh hamaaree sanskrti ka mool nahin hai aur issliye is par zaroor vichaar hona chaahiye (There is no need for socialism in India... 'Secular' is not the core of our culture and hence, this must be deliberated upon)," he said. In indirect support to the RSS' call to review the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble of the Constitution, Union minister Jitendra Singh on Friday also said any right-thinking citizen will endorse it because everybody knows that these words were not part of the original Constitution written by Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. Recalling the days of the Emergency, Chouhan said in order to save her power, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency in the country. "There was no threat to external security nor was there any threat to internal security. The only threat was to the prime minister's chair, hence, on the night of June 25, 1975, the Emergency was declared in the country without holding a cabinet meeting," the Union minister said. Veteran Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Rajendra Chaudhary slammed the BJP and the RSS for suggesting that the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Constitution's Preamble could be done away with. "These statements merely prove that the RSS and BJP don't believe in democracy and are making attempts to weaken the Constitution," Chaudhary told PTI. UP Congress chief Ajay Rai told PTI, "Such statements in fact validate what we have been saying for long that the RSS and BJP don't have any faith in the Constitution. This country belongs to all. The Congress will protect the Constitution at all costs." Chouhan said he was only 16 years old when the Emergency was promulgated and he was also arrested and taken to jail under Defence of India Rules. "Even today, I get goosebumps remembering those dark days. During the Emergency, if there was a frenzy to demolish houses at Turkman Gate, the public was crushed by bulldozers. If anyone protested, they were riddled with bullets. It was not bullets fired on the public, it was the murder of the Constitution," Chouhan recalled. The Union minister said there was neither any appeal, nor 'vakeel' (lawyer), nor 'daleel' (argument) and alleged that it was murder of the Constitution. "All civil rights were suspended. Putting a lock on the freedom of the press is murder of the Constitution, reducing the rights of the court, making it ineffective -- it was murder of the Constitution. "Making the entire country a prison -- this was the murder of the Constitution. All opposition parties and even students were put in jails. The Congress is the killer of the Constitution," he said. The senior BJP leader took a dig at Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and without naming him alleged that the Congress does not have the right to keep a copy of the Constitution. "Those dark days are still remembered. Dictatorship is in the DNA of the Congress. Those who roam around with a copy of the Constitution in their hands will have to answer, he said. Chouhan said if the Congress wants to learn democracy, it should learn from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The Bharatiya Janata Party respects the spirit of democracy but for what Congress did, I am repeating again that they should rub their nose and apologise to the country that they had committed this historical mistake," he said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly believes in democracy and that is why the work of celebrating Constitution Day in independent India was done by Prime Minister Modi. Democracy is in the nature of the Bharatiya Janata Party," Chouhan said. BRATTLEBORO After more than three years since its formation, the Charter Review Commission is preparing to put forward a proposal to move to an open meeting format and scrap Representative Town Meeting. On Tuesday, the group will make a presentation to the Select Board. "The purpose of the meeting is for us to give an update on where we are in our process, and sort of to give them the heads up that we're going to be coming back to them and asking them to put our charter recommendations on the ballot for Nov. 4," Commission Chairwoman Kate O'Connor said at a commission meeting Wednesday. Last month, the commission voted unanimously to move away from RTM and develop a plan for proposing an open town meeting format. That will require two votes: one to eliminate it then one to change the charter. The plan is to have both questions on a single ballot. Brattleboro commission votes to move away from Representative Town Meeting BRATTLEBORO Charter Review Commission members voted to move away from Representative Town O'Connor said the commission will "take a pulse of where we are" at its July 17 meeting, then the Select Board wants to "see us with our charter on Sept. 9." "And of course," O'Connor said, "all these things are flexible, you know, this is in flux." At the meeting Wednesday, the commission discussed feedback from the RTM Finance Committee and Human Services Review Committee on their roles and makeup if the town no longer has RTM. O'Connor previously said the commission was appointed by the Select Board in 2022 and the topic of potentially changing the form of annual town meeting had been driven by public interest. Since 1961, Brattleboro has used RTM as its form of town meeting. "Most towns in Vermont make important decisions at an annual town meeting at which all residents may attend and vote," brattleboro.gov/representative-town-meeting states. "Brattleboro is one of Vermont's larger towns and is the only town in Vermont to hold a Representative-type of town meeting. Town meeting members discuss, debate, and vote on the town budget and on a number of other binding and non-binding policies." RTM is made up of 150 voting members, including 138 elected town meeting representatives and ex-officio members such as the Select Board members, town clerk, town treasurer, moderator, and state representatives and senators who live in Brattleboro. The annual meeting has traditionally been held on the third Saturday after the first Tuesday in March. In a memo to the board, the commission said its recommendation will require a town-wide vote and action by the board. "We have been intentional in how we have approached our work," the memo states. "We have gone through the charter by article and by subject. We have sought input and advice before making decisions. And we have been careful about how changes in one section impact other sections of the charter." The commission said it reviewed the work of previous charter revision commissions, the history of RTM and the 102 municipal charters in Vermont that have been approved by the Legislature. The group also sought input from town department heads, town committees and Select Board members. "The public has played an integral role in our process," the memo states. "All of our meetings are open to the public and public participation is encouraged and solicited." Plans for the proposed charter update include removing references to the school district since consolidation has made it moot, using gender neutral language, streamlining the document by limiting references to language already in state law, removing lists of committees that are incomplete or obsolete, and adding language for additional revenue generation opportunities. The recommendation to move to an open town meeting form of government is "garnering the most attention," the memo states. In September, the commission plans to ask the board to accept its charter changes and place them on a ballot. "In order to meet the timeline for consideration by the Legislature in 2026, we are proposing, after consultation with Town Clerk Hilary Francis, a town-wide vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025," the memo states. "There is no election this year, so this would be a special election." The commission told the board that it looks "forward to working with you over the next few months to bring the charter revision process to a close, and if the voters of Brattleboro agree, see our charter approved by the Legislature and signed into law by the governor." Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have left Iran over the past weeks since Tehran gave more than four million undocumented Afghan migrants until July 6 to leave the country, the United Nations and other international organizations said, raising alarm over a dire shortage of funding to assist the returnees. More than 256,000 Afghans returned to their country from Iran in June alone, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The agency said that said the unprecedented surge in repatriations hinders the ability of IOM and partners to provide aid, reaching only 10 percent of those in need. Iran says it hosts more than 6 million Afghans, many of whom live there without legal status. Many Afghan migrants claim they face regular discrimination in Iran. Some Iranian media reports indicated that even Afghans with valid visas have been forcibly expelled during the latest wave of deportations. Irans 12-day war with Israel in mid-June has reportedly contributed to the departures, with Iranian state media and social media users claiming that an unspecified number of Afghan nationals were arrested on suspicion of spying for Israel. Afghans Detained On Espionage Charges Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, said on X on July 5 that hundreds of Afghans and members of other ethnic and religious minorities have been detained and accused of espionage. Bennett also expressed concern over what he described as the labeling of Afghans [and] minority communities as traitors by the Iranian media. Several migrants living in Iran told RFE/RL that Afghan nationals who were detained on spying allegations faced mistreatment in custody and were subsequently deported to Afghanistan despite having valid residency permits and documentation. A young Afghan migrant who lives in Tehran told RFE/RL that his father was recently detained and mistreated by the Iranian police over a bogus spying allegation. "My father was arrested and tortured on charges of espionage, the migrant said on condition of anonymity. His feet were tied with chains, and he was not given food or water. He was detained by the Iranian police for several days and later deported to Afghanistan. The situation here for Afghan refugees is very bad, he added. The migrant said his visa has recently expired and that he does not go out, fearing that he will be arrested and deported too. Another Afghan refugee shared similar sentiments, saying the situation of Afghan refugees has deteriorated further over the past week or two. Even those who have legal status and work live in fear. Most of our friends have been expelled. The situation is very worrying, he told RFE/RL on July 6. The IOM and other international organizations, such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) who provide assistance to the returnees, said that many Afghans arrive with nothing but the clothes on their back and in urgent need of food, medical care, and support. The IFRC said on July 5 that large groups of Afghans, including many children, were arriving via the Islam Qala border crossing, having endured exhaustion, hunger, and uncertainty on their journey home, as temperatures hovered over 43 degrees Celsius. The IFRC said more than 800,000 Afghans have returned from Iran since January. Meantime, hundreds of thousands more have arrived from Pakistan, another major host country for Afghan refugees. Pakistan plans to expel 3 million Afghans this year. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said last month that at least 1.2 million Afghans have been forced to return from Iran and Pakistan so far this year, sparking a crisis that could potentially destabilize the fragile situation in Afghanistan. Former Transport Minister Roman Starovoit was found dead in his car with a gunshot wound, Russian investigators confirmed just hours after President Vladimir Putin abruptly replaced him. Starovoits body was discovered in his Tesla in Odintsovo, a Moscow region suburb, Svetlana Petrenko, a spokeswoman for Russias Investigative Committee, said on July 7. The circumstances of Roman Starovoits death are being established. The primary theory is suicide, Petrenko said. Starovoit, 53, was removed from office by Putin earlier in the day without explanation. He had served barely a year in the job. In a swift political reshuffle following Starovoits dismissal, Putin appointed Andrei Nikitin, a deputy transport minister and former Novgorod region governor, as acting minister. Prior to being named transport minister in May 2024, Starovoit served as governor of Kursk, a southwestern region bordering Ukraine. The region was invaded by Ukrainian forces last August, embarrassing the Kremlin. Russian forces pushed out the last of the Ukrainian troops this spring. The Ukrainian incursion drew scrutiny of preparations of border defenses. Investigators said they later discovered alleged embezzlement of government funds that had been earmarked for the defenses, and the newspaper Kommersant reported that Starovoit may have been under investigation for large-scale fraud. Two of Starovoit's deputies were arrested, and one of them, Aleksei Smirnov, reportedly was prepared to provide testimony incriminating Starovoit. There were conflicting reports about the timing of Starovoit's death, while some had differing accounts of where the body and gun were found. Investigators were also reportedly examining possible links to irregularities in medical supply procurement and a failed transport reforms in Kursk during his tenure as governor. There has been no official confirmation of these allegations. Russia's airports have been snarled in delays for months now, in large part due to Ukraine's expansion of its drone attacks across the country. The Transport Ministry reported on July 6 that around 400 flights were canceled nationwide by early evening, including at the country's two busiest airports, and officials urged Russians to consider train travel. The Defense Ministry claimed to have downed 91 Ukrainian drones overnight July 7. From the start of the Donbas war in 2014 to the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sought to justify Moscows aggression against Ukraine by citing the ostensible need to protect the Russian language, and those who speak it, from the government in Kyiv. But in the swaths of southern and eastern Ukraine that its forces occupy after more than a decade of violence, Ukrainian officials and activists charge that Russia is seeking to eradicate the Ukrainian language part of what they say is a broader campaign to Russify these regions and erase the Ukrainian identity. Russia is poised to take a big step in that direction when the school year starts on September 1: Under a draft directive from Russian Education Ministry, the study of Ukrainian is to be removed from the curriculum at elementary and secondary schools in the parts of Ukraine that Russia occupies about one-fifth of the country. The order cites changes in the geopolitical situation in the world as the reason for eliminating Ukrainian from the curriculum. But Ukrainian officials and activists say its aimed not to reflect changes but to impose them to enhance Moscows dominance over Crimea and four mainland regions that Putin, seven months into the full-scale war, baselessly claimed belong to Russia: Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, Donetsk, and Luhansk. The directive fits into Putins efforts to subjugate Ukraine, which he has made clear he believes has no right to full sovereignty and should be, at best, a loyal appendage of Russia. He has also falsely claimed that Russians and Ukrainians are one people, and propaganda on Russian state television repeats these untruths regularly. The occupiers understand perfectly well that cultural identity is very important and that a person who knows the Ukrainian language could in the future become part of Ukrainian world, a part of the Ukrainian community, said Stanislav Fedorchuk, chairman of the Ukrainian Peoples Council of Donetsk and Luhansk. Russias goal is to break the connection with the language as a means of communication and remove it from the educational process, Fedorchuk said. To a large degree that has already happened, particularly in Crimea and the parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that Russia has controlled since 2014-15, the first years of the war Moscow fomented in the Donbas after a Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was pushed from power by massive protests known as the Maidan. Olya, an 18-year-old who went to school in a Russian-held part of the Donbas and now attends university on Ukrainian-controlled territory, told RFE/RL said that after the occupation, Ukrainian language and literature were combined into one class that was held once a week at first, but then less and less often -- and in 2020 they just cancelled it. Russia uses schools in occupied areas to recruit pupils into various militarized, paramilitary structures with the aim that these children go on to fight for the Russian Federation, Fedorchuk said. Within this process, theres just no place for the Ukrainian language or anything Ukrainian. In the 2023-24 school year, Ukrainian as a native language was mandatory in the Russian-occupied parts of the Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions, according to the Russian Education Ministry, while Ukrainian classes were available at the request of parents in Crimea and the Russian-held parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Technically, removal from the curriculum does not prevent individual schools from offering classes in Ukrainian. But they would have to be held outside the regular class schedule and would be likely to draw unwanted attention to everyone involved, from the school administrators to the pupils and their parents, Fedorchuk said. I think they left this in place in order to wash their hands of this to say, Look, we gave schools in the occupied territories freedom to keep Ukrainianif they need to, he said. In reality, efforts to teach or study Ukrainian in person or remotely -- risk persecution by Russian occupation authorities, Ukrainian and international rights groups say. Russian authorities and their proxies punished distance learning or teaching of the Ukrainian curriculum and threatened parents with fines, loss of custody of their children, and detention if they did not enroll their children in Russian schools, or if their children studied the Ukrainian curriculum remotely, Human Rights Watch said in a June 2024 report. Some 44,000 of the roughly 600,000 school-age children in the Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine -- about 7 percent study remotely at Ukrainian-led school, according to the Almenda Center Of Civic Education, a Ukrainian group whose activities include documenting violations of the rights of children in wartime. The pressure on schools, teachers, and students goes beyond just the matter of the Ukrainian language itself. Occupying authoritiesused coercion, detention, ill-treatment, and torture to pressure Ukrainian teachers to work with them or to hand over students files and other school data, the US-based organization said. After seizing swaths of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions early in the full-scale invasion, the Russian occupation authorities surveyed parents and found that about half of them wanted their children to study Ukrainian, Oleh Okhredko, an analyst at Almenda, told RFE/RL. Nevertheless, he said, occupation authorities set about removing Ukrainian books from schools and libraries, sometimes burning them and often replacing them with Russian books. In the Azov Sea port city of Berdyansk and other locations in the Zaporizhzhya, Okhredko said, Russian forces held some teachers in basements for days in an effort to cow them into collaborating, subsequently deporting a number of them after the ordeals. Ukrainian teachers in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine have been subjected to threats and abuse to force them to work against their will, Agnes Callamard, secretary general of Amnesty International, said in October 2024. They face a stark choice: leave everything behind and flee or become part of an education system that seeks to indoctrinate children, including by justifying Russias war of aggression. According to Human Rights Watch, the restrictions Russia is imposing on the study of Ukrainian and the curriculum it has introduced which includes history textbooks that justify Russias invasion [and] portrays Ukraine under its current government as a neo-Nazi state violate multiple international conventions and standards. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees childrens right to an education that develops respect for the childs own cultural identity, language and values, as well as the national values of the childs country of origin, HRW said in the report last year. Russias imposition of changes to education in occupied territories also violates other international human rights standards, including the prohibition against propaganda for war, the childs right to mother-tongue education, and parents right of choice regarding their childrens education, it said. (Adapted from the Ukrainian by Steve Gutterman) KYIV Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed new agreements with allies that he said would provide hundreds of thousands of new drones to the fight against Russia, while US President Donald Trump hinted at possible additional sanctions against Moscow as it continues to reject his cease-fire push. In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy on July 5 said separate agreements with a US firm and European allies -- including Denmark and Sweden -- would give Ukraine the ability to hit important targets inside Russia, including defense industry assets, airbases, and oil refineries. Ukraine is preparing new steps that will make Russia truly feel that it will pay for this war. There must be accountability for the aggressor. And there will be entirely just and keenly felt. The remarks come in uncertain times for Kyiv regarding the supply of weapons from its most important ally. On July 2, Ukrainian officials reacted with shock as the United States announced plans to halt some unspecified supplies of weapons it previously provided to Ukraine, citing its own dwindling stockpiles. The comments also come after Trump said that Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin understands that more sanctions may be coming, as Moscow continues to reject Washingtons push for a cease-fire in Ukraine. Speaking on Air Force One on July 4, Trump said: You know, we talk about sanctions a lot and he understands that it may be coming." Trumps remarks also elaborated on his earlier comment that he was disappointed by his phone call with Putin on July 3. Many observers say Putin is no hurry to agree to a cease-fire deal, believing that he is winning the war on the ground and that time is on his side. Russia has, however, suffered massive losses in manpower and its economy has taken a major hit because of soaring defense spending. "He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people, it's no good," Trump said, adding that he was very unhappy with the Kremlin leader. Hours earlier, Trump had what he called "a good call" with Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called on the United States to impose greater sanctions on Russia to force Moscow to the negotiating table. Since taking office in January, Trump has not imposed any new sanctions on Russia. His administration has also relaxed enforcement, experts say. Trump has countered that imposing sanctions on Russia would hurt peace negotiations. Zelenskyy on July 5 again hailed his talk with Trump, stating his call the "most productive" he has ever had with the US leader. "Regarding the conversation with the president of the United States, which took place a day earlier, it was probably the best conversation we have had during this whole time, the most productive," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. "We discussed air defense issues and I'm grateful for the willingness to help. The Patriot missile system is precisely the key to protection against ballistic threats." Zelenskyy said the two leaders had discussed "several other important matters" that officials from the two sides would be considering in forthcoming meetings. But it was not immediately clear what, if any, concrete results the Trump-Zelenskyy talks produced. Asked by reporters whether Washington agreed to provide additional Patriot air-defense missiles to Kyiv, Trump responded: "They're going to need them for defense...They're going to need something because they're being hit pretty hard." Also on July 4, Trump discussed Patriot missiles in a call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, one of a series of conversations he had with Western leaders on US Independence Day. Berlin has raised the possibility that it would buy Patriots from Washington and then provide them to Kyiv. Zelenskyy earlier said Ukraine had reached has "reached an agreement with one of the leading American companies to significantly increase our joint efforts" on drones, including interceptors, which have become central to Ukrainian defense efforts against Russia since Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022. "An agreement has been signed with the strong American company Swift Beat," 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. Zelenskyy also hailed agreement with European allies as he looks to solidify support amid uncertainties regarding long-term US backing. He singled out an agreement with Denmark to co-produce weapons in that country. "With Denmark, we now have new agreements on coproduction of weapons. An agreement was...signed yesterday," he said. "We will work on Danish territory," he said, adding that it was the first substantial effort to utilize Ukrainian production capabilities abroad, vowing that similar "agreements will follow." "Joint work on the territory of Denmark, and soon in other key partner countries, is allowing us to scale up even more," Zelenskyy said. "This applies to drones and many other types of urgently needed weapons." He also said Sweden and Latvia had both had agreed on "new defense support packages." Russia has intensified air attacks on Kyiv and other cities in recent weeks. Moscow's forces launched the largest drone attack of the 40-month-old war on the night of July 3-4. As Zelenskyy celebrated the potential influx of drone supplies, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defense shot down four Ukrainian drones headed for the capital, forcing one of the capital's main airports to temporarily halt outgoing flights. Local Telegram channels reported that more than 170 flights were delayed and some 50 were canceled at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport. Russia's Defense Ministry separately said air-defense units had destroyed 48 Ukrainian drones in a period of just over five hours in the evening of July 5. With reporting by dpa NDA made Bihar a crime capital, says Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi condoled the death of businessman Gopal Khemka, "Bihar became the country's crime capital during NDA rule NDA made Bihar a crime capital, says Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi Bihar: After criminals murdered Gopal Khemka, a well-known businessman, former president of the Chamber of Commerce and currently the top IOL of Rotary International Club, outside his residence in Gandhi Maidan in Patna, the capital of the state, the Leader of Opposition of the country and former Congress President Rahul Gandhi has expressed deep anger in a post on X. During his recent visit to Nalanda, he had described Bihar as the "crime capital" of the country under the NDA rule and this seems to be proving true. Advertisement In his message, the leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi has consoled the family of deceased Gopal Khemka and said that "The open shooting of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna has once again proved that the BJP and Nitish Kumar together have made Bihar the "crime capital of India". Today Bihar is living under the shadow of loot, shooting and murder. Crime has become the 'new normal' here - and the government has completely failed. Brothers and sisters of Bihar, this injustice cannot be tolerated any more. The government which cannot protect your children, cannot take responsibility for your future either. Every murder, every loot, every bullet - is a cry for change. Now is the time for a new Bihar - where there is progress, not fear." He also appealed to the common voters of Bihar that this time the vote should not be cast just to change the government, but to save Bihar. Let us tell you that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had recently attacked the uncontrolled crime under the patronage of BJP-JDU government in the state during his visit to Nalanda in Bihar and called Bihar the "crime capital of the country" and he had also described the rule of Nitish BJP as a rule of goons. Dalai Lama is Not Only a Religious Leader but a Flag Bearer of Peace, Says Himachal Deputy CM Your life is a shining example of non-violence, patience, compassion, and inner strength. Today, the world needs these values more than ever Dalai Lama is Not Only a Religious Leader but a Flag Bearer of Peace, Says Himachal Deputy CM Dalai Lama Himachal Pradesh Uttrakhand News: Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mukesh Agnihotri, was among several dignitaries who attended the birthday celebrations of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama as His Holiness turns 90. Advertisement Speaking to ANI, Agnihotri called the Dalai Lama's presence in Himachal Pradesh a matter of great pride, describing him as not just a religious leader but the flag bearer of world peace. He said, The presence of the Dalai Lama in Himachal Pradesh is a matter of great pride. He is not only the religious leader of Tibet but also a global symbol of peace. For a long time, the government of Tibet in exile has been operating from Dharamshala. We share strong ties with the Tibetan people. The Himachal Pradesh government has even granted voting rights to them. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also extended birthday greetings to His Holiness through a post on X, writing, Heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the revered Buddhist spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, on his birthday. Your life is a shining example of non-violence, patience, compassion, and inner strength. Today, the world needs these values more than ever. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a programme at Clement Town, Dehradun, where he extended heartfelt wishes to citizens and the Tibetan community. On this occasion, he announced that Buddha Temple Road would be widened and a tin shed would be constructed at the Tibetan cremation ground. Advertisement (For more news apart from SC Seeks Urgent Vacation of Ex-CJI Chandrachuds Official Residence, He Explains the Delay, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) British Engineering Team Arrives in Kerala to Repair Stranded F-35B Fighter Jet Kerala is such an amazing place, I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend, British Engineering Team Arrives in Kerala to Repair Stranded F-35B Fighter Jet British F-35B Stranded Fighter Jet Latest News: A team of technical experts aboard the British Royal Air Force's Airbus A400M Atlas arrived at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Sunday, July 6, to assess the stranded F-35B fighter jet. Advertisement The F-35B, a British stealth fighter aircraft, had made an emergency landing at the airport on June 14 and has remained grounded since. In a video shared by ANI, the aircraft was seen being moved to a hangar from its stationary position on the tarmac. A spokesperson for the British High Commission stated, A UK engineering team has deployed to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to assess and repair the UK F-35B aircraft, which landed following an emergency diversion. The UK has accepted the offer of a space in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and is in discussions to finalise arrangements with relevant authorities. In line with standard procedure, the aircraft will be moved following the arrival of UK engineers, who are carrying specialist equipment necessary for the movement and repair process. The UK remains very grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams. Around 4:30 PM today, British Royal Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas took off from Thiruvananthapuram, leaving behind a team of technical experts at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to assess the F-35 fighter jet. Advertisement Last Week, the Kerala Tourism Department joined in on the internet trend surrounding the stranded jet by sharing a meme. The post read Kerala is such an amazing place, I dont want to leave. Definitely recommend, along with the caption, Kerala, the destination youll never want to leave. Thank you, The Fauxy. (For more news apart from British Engineering Team Arrives in Kerala to Repair Stranded F-35B Fighter Jet, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Dalai Lama Turns 90, Reaffirms Commitment to Peace; PM Modi Extends Warm Wishes a simple Buddhist monk who does not usually engage in birthday celebrations. PM Modi Extends Warm Wishes to Dalai Lama on his Birthday: Strive not only for physical progress but for a peaceful mind and a kind heartextending compassion not just to those close to you, but to all, said His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who turned 90 on July 6. The Tibetan spiritual leader marked the milestone by issuing a heartfelt message focused on compassion, peace, and altruism. Ahead of his birthday, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate reaffirmed that the generations-old Dalai Lama institution would continue, following persistent requests from his devotees worldwide over the past 14 years. He also clarified that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation and that no other entity has the right to interfere in the matter. Advertisement Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju expressed his support for the Dalai Lamas decision. Following Rijijus remarks, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. 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. In his birthday statement, His Holiness humbly described himself as a simple Buddhist monk who does not usually engage in birthday celebrations. He thanked his followers for dedicating the day to meaningful acts of compassion and service. Advertisement On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism, he said. Dalai Lama He emphasized the importance of cultivating peace of mind along with material development. While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionatenot just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place. Advertisement Reaffirming his lifelong mission, the Dalai Lama said he will continue focusing on his core commitments: promoting human values, encouraging interfaith harmony, spreading ancient Indian wisdom on the mind and emotions, and preserving Tibetan culture and heritage. He believes Tibetan knowledge can make a meaningful global contribution through its emphasis on peace and compassion. I develop determination and courage in my daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose following aspiration I strive to uphold. As long as space endures, As long as sentient beings remain, Until then, may I too remain To dispel the miseries of the world. Advertisement Dalai Lama He concluded his message with gratitude: Thank you for using the opportunity of my birthday to cultivate peace of mind and compassion. Tashi Delek and with prayers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his wishes on social media. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life. (For more news apart from Dalai Lama Turns 90, Reaffirms Commitment to Peace; PM Modi Extends Warm Wishes, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) SC Seeks Urgent Vacation of Ex-CJI Chandrachud's Official Residence, He Explains the Delay Justice Chandrachud had written to then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on December 18, 2024, requesting an extension of his stay... SC Seeks Urgent Vacation of Ex-CJI Chandrachuds Official Residence, He Explains the Delay SC Seeks Urgent Vacation of Ex-CJI Chandrachuds Official Residence Latest News: The Supreme Court administration has formally written to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, requesting immediate action to vacate Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg the official residence currently occupied by former Chief Justice of India, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, ANI reported. Advertisement According to the letter, Justice Chandrachud has continued to stay in the residence beyond the permitted period. The administration has asked that the bungalow be urgently vacated and returned to the Supreme Court's housing pool. As per Rule 3B of the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, a retired Chief Justice is allowed to retain official accommodation for up to six months post-retirement. Justice Chandrachud retired on November 10, 2023, and the permitted period ended on May 10, 2025. Additionally, the special permission granted to him expired on May 31, 2025. The bungalow is part of the Supreme Courts official housing pool reserved for serving judges. My daughters have severe comorbidities and genetic problems particularly nemaline myopathy, for which they are being treated by specialists at AIIMS," the former CJI said. Advertisement Ex-CJI Chandrachuds Response: According to a report by the Hindustan Times, former Chief Justice of India, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has cited personal reasons for the delay in vacating his official residence. He stated that the delay was due to family requirements, noting that he has two daughters with special needs. He also mentioned that finding a suitable house for his family is taking time. My daughters have severe comorbidities and genetic problems particularly nemaline myopathy, for which they are being treated by specialists at AIIMS," the former CJI said. Justice Chandrachud clarified that the matter has already been discussed with judges and officials of the Supreme Court. Acknowledging his responsibilities as a former occupant of the highest judicial office, he assured that he would vacate the bungalow in a few days. Advertisement He was quoted as saying, To be sure, former CJIs in the past have been allowed extended time to retain government accommodation post-retirement, often to facilitate transition or address personal exigencies. However, it remains unclear when and where this statement was made. The Supreme Court administration's letter to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs was reportedly dated July 1. It noted that while Justice Chandrachud demitted office eight months ago, he continues to reside in the Type VIII bungalow, while his two successors Justices Sanjiv Khanna and the incumbent CJI Bhushan R. Gavai chose to remain in their previously allotted residences. As per the SCs letter cited in the report, Justice Chandrachud had written to then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on December 18, 2024, requesting an extension of his stay at Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg, until April 30, 2025. He cited the delay in renovation work at his newly allotted residence, Bungalow No. 14, Tughlak Road, caused by pollution-related restrictions under GRAP-IV. Advertisement Justice Khanna approved the extension, following which the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs allowed Justice Chandrachud to retain the bungalow by paying a licence fee of rupees 5,430 per month. Subsequently, Justice Chandrachud made an oral request to extend his stay until May 31, 2025. This was granted with the explicit condition that no further extension would be allowed. (For more news apart from SC Seeks Urgent Vacation of Ex-CJI Chandrachuds Official Residence, He Explains the Delay, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Visits Corbett National Park, Honors Dalai Lama, and Reviews Disaster-Hit Areas On this occasion, under the 'One Tree for Mother' campaign, more than 1,000 trees were collectively planted" Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Visits Corbett National Park, Honors Dalai Lama, and Reviews Disaster-Hit Areas Latest News: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday undertook a series of significant engagements across the state. Advertisement In the early hours, the Chief Minister embarked on a jungle safari in the Dhela range of Corbett National Park, located in Corbett City, Ramnagar. During his visit, he met with forest rangers and elephants in the reserve area and also planted a sapling, promoting the importance of green initiatives. (Image Courtesy: CMO Uttrakhand) Speaking to the ANI, CM Dhami said, Corbett is home to tigers, leopards, and many other animals. With 70% of Uttarakhand's area covered in forests, we are committed to enhancing our green cover further. We are planting many more trees within the national park, and 1,000 fruit-bearing trees will be planted in every division of the park. Advertisement CM Pushkar Singh Dhami CM Dhami in a post on X, wrote, On this occasion, under the 'One Tree for Mother' campaign, more than 1,000 trees were collectively planted with the support of the Forest Department team, local community, and nature lovers. This was not merely an act of planting trees, but a heartfelt symbol of respect for nature and motherhood. I also met with the Forest Department team and appreciated their dedicated and committed efforts towards the protection of forests and wildlife. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Advertisement Later in the day, CM Dhami participated in a program organized to mark the 90th birth anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama at TNMM School, Clementown, Dehradun. The Chief Minister paid tribute to the spiritual leader, highlighting his message of compassion, peace, and humanity. Uttrakhand CM CM Dhami also conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-affected regions of Silai Band and Ojri Band located on the Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi district. The survey aimed to assess damage and coordinate prompt relief and rehabilitation measures. Advertisement (For more news apart from Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Visits Corbett National Park, Honors Dalai Lama, and Reviews Disaster-Hit Areas Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Medicine loves a martyr. From the first white coat ceremony to the last day of residency, we are told a story: That good doctors are tireless, self-sacrificing, endlessly available. That the more you give upsleep, family, hobbies, sometimes even healththe more worthy you are to wear the title. The message is rarely said aloud, but its everywhere: the ones who leave early to pick up their kids are lucky to be here. The ones who decline a 100-hour week lack commitment. The ones who pause their careers to care for aging parents or disabled spouses just dont want it badly enough. I know this story because Ive lived itfirst from the sidelines, and now from the center. Im a nurse practitioner, a mother of three, a caregiver to my husband who lives with permanent disability. My husband, a CRNA, once worked grueling 80- to 90-hour weeks, managing anesthesia and responding to emergencies at all hours. His dedication was totaluntil a devastating injury ended his career overnight and reshaped the course of our familys life. And yet, Ive felt pressure to minimize those very roles in order to be seen as serious. There is something faulty in a profession that trains us to care for others while asking us to disown the ways we already do. Medicine claims to value empathy, but it routinely exhausts or ejects the people most fluent in it. We need to ask ourselves: Who do we trust to sit at the bedside? Is it only those whove followed a straight, uninterrupted path into medicineyoung, unburdened, and always available? Or should we make space for those whove lived inside the chaos of illness, not just studied it? For those whove waited through long nights in ERs, advocated from hospital corners, and learned to carry pain that isnt their own. These are not distractions from medical trainingthey are the heart of it. When we favor only the uninterrupted path, we cut medicine off from some of its greatest potential. The pipeline still rewards youth, linear ambition, and total immersionoften at the expense of those who are already living lives of deep service. We lose parents. We lose second-career professionals. We lose womenespecially womenwhose timelines bend around childbirth, caregiving, and the invisible labor of keeping families afloat. We lose people who already embody the traits we claim to value most in doctors: compassion, resilience, perspective, and emotional maturity. And then we wonder why so many physicians feel disillusioned, detached, or burned out at the core. When I applied to my post-baccalaureate program, I didnt hide my caregiving story. I didnt pretend that I woke up one day with a fresh college degree and a clean slate. I applied with my full, messy, beautiful life in viewand Ill do the same when I apply to medical school. Because I believe we need to expandnot narrowwhat medical commitment looks like. For me, commitment has looked like studying organic chemistry after tucking in my kids. It has looked like volunteering with the Medical Reserve Corps on weekends and taking care of patients in a medspa on weekdays. It has looked like filling prescriptions, managing followup care, and sitting in countless waiting rooms beside the man I love. Im not a martyr. Im not a superhero. Im just someone who has lived a life of careand who still wants to do more. Medicine doesnt need more burnedout heroes. It needs clinicians who know how to stay human. It needs mothers, fathers, caregivers, teachers, immigrants, careerchangerspeople who bring more to the table than just textbook scores and sleepless nights. Lets stop glorifying the grind. Lets stop defining commitment as selferasure. Lets make room for the kind of doctor who has already proven they know how to show up for others, long before they put on the white coat. Sarah White is a nurse practitioner, small business owner, and premedical student based in Virginia. With a background in clinical practice and caregiving, she brings a unique perspective to the intersection of medicine, family life, and community service. She volunteers with the Medical Reserve Corps and is preparing to apply to medical school in 2026. ADVERTISEMENT Sarah is also the founder of two growing ventures: Wrinkle Relaxer, where she specializes in aesthetic treatments, and Bardot Boutique Aesthetics, a space for curated beauty and wellness services. Decoding your medical bill: What those charges really mean Most people dont read their medical billsthey panic over them. After all, receiving a multi-page statement full of confusing codes, unexplained charges, and unclear payment instructions isnt just frustratingits intimidating. Ive worked with countless individuals who feel helpless in the face of these documents, unsure of what they owe, why they owe it, or whether the charges are even correct. This confusion isnt just commonits systemic. As a patient advocate and founder of Advonav, a health care navigation service based in Dayton, Ohio, I help patients take control of their care by starting with the basics: Understanding their own medical bills. Heres what every patient should know. 1. Your medical bill is not the same as your EOB. One of the most frequent misunderstandings I see is the confusion between a bill from a provider and an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from an insurance company. The EOB is not a bill. Its a summary from your insurance carrier showing: The services you received The amount your provider charged What your insurance covered What may be your responsibility Too often, patients mistake the EOB for a demand for payment, which leads to unnecessary stressor worse, double payment if they also receive a bill later. Understanding that the EOB is informational, not actionable, is the first step toward confidence. 2. Know what each line item means. A medical bill typically lists: Date of service Service codes (CPT codes) Brief descriptions Charge amount Insurance payments or adjustments Balance owed But these line items often lack plain language. Patients frequently ask, Whats this charge for? or Why does it say I owe this if my insurance paid? In many cases, the problem isnt what was chargedits how the billing was submitted. Claims submitted with incorrect codes, missing modifiers, or without required documentation are more likely to be denied or underpaiderrors that providers often pass down to patients. 3. Your insurance may not be billed correctly. Another hidden issue behind confusing or excessive charges is incorrect insurance billing. Patients with multiple coverages (e.g., Medicare and a supplement, or dual commercial plans) may find their bill was sent to the wrong payer or in the wrong order. That alone can trigger a denial and shift the full balance to the patientuntil its fixed. ADVERTISEMENT Before paying any large medical bill, its worth confirming: The correct insurance was billed The filing order was followed (primary vs. secondary insurance) The authorization or precertification was obtainedbecause if not, and that responsibility fell on the provider, you may not be liable for the charge 4. The facility fee dilemma Hospital-owned clinics can legally charge a facility fee in addition to the providers professional fee. Most patients are unaware of this until they receive two separate charges for a single visit: one for the doctor, and one for the building. These fees are commonbut theyre also avoidable in many cases. Patients may be able to reduce their out-of-pocket costs simply by choosing a private practice provider or asking in advance if a facility fee will be charged. 5. Dont assume the bill is final. You are not expected to blindly accept a medical bill as final. In fact, many are negotiableespecially when: Youre uninsured You were billed out-of-network Youre facing financial hardship Youve identified a billing or coding error Patients have the right to request an itemized bill, challenge charges, or ask for discountsand many providers will work with you to adjust the balance or offer a payment plan. 6. When in doubt, ask for help. Most patients arent trained in coding, billing systems, or insurance policies. And yet, we expect them to navigate the financial side of health care alone. Thats where patient advocates come in: Understand their medical bills line-by-line Ensure claims are filed correctly Dispute denials and appeal insurance decisions Reduce out-of-pocket costs through negotiation and education We exist because the system is too complex for most people to manage without support. And patients deserve more than confusionthey deserve clarity. Decoding a medical bill shouldnt require a background in health care administration. But until billing becomes more transparent and consistent, patients must remain vigilantand empowered. Understanding what your bill is (and isnt), comparing it with your EOB, confirming that it was billed correctly, and seeking support when needed can make a real difference in what you payand how you feel about the care you receive. Cheryl Spang is a patient advocate. In the face of worsening health workforce shortages, Canada must shift from a culture of personal likability to a system of objective qualifications or merits in recruiting and retaining physicians. While team cohesion and interpersonal compatibility are essential, an overemphasis on fit or likability excludes talented physicians, particularly immigrants and racialized minorities, who may not share the cultural background, communication style, or social behaviors preferred by decision-makers. This practice undermines equity, exacerbates staffing gaps, and weakens health care delivery. Subjective likability is rooted in unconscious bias and may undermine hiring and workplace dynamics. Canadas health care system increasingly depends on foreign-trained physicians, with immigrants comprising over a quarter of physicians. Despite credential recognition, clinical competence, and language fluency, many foreign-trained doctors face invisible barriers in hiring, workplace integration, and promotion. A significant barrier is the informal evaluation of likability, often equated with cultural similarity or social ease, which disadvantages those from different ethnic, linguistic, or religious backgrounds. This ethnocentrism implies that highly qualified immigrant doctors may be overlooked not because of skill deficiencies, but because the hiring team perceives them as too assertive, not warm enough, or not fitting the culture. These subjective judgments of likability are rarely documented but profoundly influential. When likability becomes a gatekeeping mechanism, the result is economically and operationally unsound. Health systems across Canada are grappling with staff burnout, long wait times, and service closures. Yet, many qualified physicians living in Canada are underemployed or excluded due to informal criteria prioritizing subjective likability over technical expertise and professional integrity. A system that chooses familiarity over diversity closes the door to innovation and resilience, especially in multicultural patient settings where diverse staff are an asset. An Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) official report in 2023 confirmed that growing numbers of immigrants are leaving Canada. Daniel Bernhard, ICCs chief executive, said, We are now seeing people coming to Canada and then saying, Ah, no thanks, and moving on. And the number of those people is increasing. We believe the lack of opportunities and other services is part of it. Canada must shift from prioritizing subjective interpersonal comfort to prioritizing competence, communication, and contribution. This shift requires health care leaders and hiring committees to be trained in structured interviews, anti-bias evaluation techniques, and objective performance indicators. Peer support and mentorship programs should be explicitly inclusive, with mechanisms to ensure that marginalized physicians are integrated into team culture and decision-making. Health system leaders must challenge the assumption that cohesion depends on sameness. Indeed, diverse teams can be more innovative, adaptable, and better suited to serve Canadas increasingly diverse population. Canada must redefine what makes someone a good fit by shifting from comfort-based selection to performance-based inclusion. Only by valuing difference and dismantling subjective barriers can the health system build the diverse, resilient workforce it urgently needs. Indeed, we dont have to like people to work with them. Olumuyiwa Bamgbade is an accomplished health care leader with a strong focus on value-based health care delivery. A specialist physician with extensive training across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Korea, Dr. Bamgbade brings a global perspective to clinical practice and health systems innovation. He serves as an adjunct professor at academic institutions across Africa, Europe, and North America and has published 45 peer-reviewed scientific papers in PubMed-indexed journals. His global research collaborations span more than 20 countries, including Nigeria, Australia, Iran, Mozambique, Rwanda, Kenya, Armenia, South Africa, the U.K., China, Ethiopia, and the U.S. Dr. Bamgbade is the director of Salem Pain Clinic in Surrey, British Columbia, Canadaa specialist and research-focused clinic. His work at the clinic centers on pain management, health equity, injury rehabilitation, neuropathy, insomnia, societal safety, substance misuse, medical sociology, public health, medicolegal science, and perioperative care. Brussels is heading into a critical week, with just two to go to clinch a trade agreement with the US or face a 50% levy on its exports. At stake are 1.6trn in transatlantic trade. Germany is down as favouring a quick deal akin to that inked by the UK so as to avoid a full-blown trade war. Paris on the other hand believes that the EU should hold out if too quick a deal is "imbalanced" - Guardian UK firms with a combined value of over half a trillion pounds may be set to leave the London stock market. They include at least 10 of the largest FTSE 100 components with many eyeing a listing on Wall Street whilst others may be taken over. Reports during the past week that AstraZeneca might be headed to New York were but the latest such news. British American Tobacco may also be looking at a possible exit strategy over the next three years, according to experts. - Financial Mail on Sunday Tax hikes by the Chancellor have cost 69,000 people at pubs, restaurants and hotels out of work. And if her hike to national insurance contributions is not reversed, as many as 200,000 persons are likely to be let go, according to hospitality industry leaders. The contributions were raised in last October-s budget. Over the preceding year, under the last Conservative government, the sector generated 18,000 jobs. - The Sunday Times Air cargo rates have rocketed as businesses try to get ahead of Donald Trump's 9 July deadline for concluding tariff agreements. Since early May, the cost of sending goods from south-east to the States has shot up by 11% to $5.17 (3.79) a kilogram. During the previous week, the US president had threatened to set tariffs of between 60-70% and 10-20%. - Sunday Telegraph Kenneth Devoe, 23, is described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall, approximately 310 pounds, with a heavy build, and short black hair. (Courtesy of NYPD) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD is asking the publics assistance in locating a 23-year-old man who was reported missing from Willowbrook. Kenneth Devoe was last seen leaving his residence in the vicinity of Forest Hill Road on Saturday, July 5, at approximately 9 a.m., according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Devoe is described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall, approximately 310 pounds, with a heavy build and short black hair, police said. The NYPD has released a photo of Devoe. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on X @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential. Editors Note: Welcome to Inside Out, our weekly roundup of stories about Staten Islanders making waves, being seen, supporting our community and just making our borough a special place to live. Have a story for Inside Out? Email Carol Ann Benanti at benanti@siadvance.com. At the check presentation to ECHO, are from the left, Susan Brienza, Anthony Robles, owner of two Jersey Mike's on Staten Island, Tiffany Lee, general manager, and Sebastian Angelico, founder and chairman of ECHO. (Courtesy/Anthony Robles) Staten Island Advance STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Dedicated Staten Islanders and local not-for-profit organizations too always seem to step to the plate to help individuals and families in need. Menopause is finally having its moment in the spotlight, thanks to high-profile women breaking the long-standing taboo around discussing this life stage. Yet, while discussions around hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have increased, one critical component remains largely overlooked testosterone. Traditionally seen as a male hormone, testosterone is equally vital for womens health, playing a key role in mood, energy, libido, muscle mass, bone density, and cognitive function. Yet, it remains one of the most under-recognized and misunderstood pieces of the hormone puzzle. The real role of testosterone in womens health In women, testosterone plays a critical role in regulating sexual desire and function, affecting more than half of naturally menopausal women. But the influence of testosterone extends beyond libido. Testosterone supports fat metabolism, stabilizes mood, enhances motivation, maintains lean muscle mass and strength, and may even offer protection for heart health. Research also shows that testosterone therapy can improve overall well-being and mood, making it a meaningful option for women experiencing hormone-related symptoms. Cognitively, testosterone is just as essential. It supports memory, clarity, and focus, so when levels drop, women may experience whats commonly referred to as brain fog. In fact, 44 to 62 percent of women report cognitive complaints during the menopausal transition. Too often, these symptoms are chalked up to aging, stress, or lifestyle, but low testosterone is frequently a contributing factor. This hormone influences how we process information, how energized and emotionally engaged we feel, and how connected we are to our bodies. When those levels drop, many women simply dont feel like themselves. While testosterone functions similarly in men and women, affecting mood, muscle, and metabolism, the amount produced differs significantly. Men naturally have much higher levels, which also contribute to secondary sex characteristics like facial hair, a deeper voice, and sperm production. Women produce smaller amounts, but these lower levels still serve crucial physiological and emotional functions. The key difference between men and women isnt how testosterone functions, but how frequently its role in women is overlooked, minimized, and left untreated. What many people dont realize is that testosterone levels in women start to decline in the mid to late 20s. Its a gradual process, but theres a more noticeable drop during perimenopause and menopause. Symptoms might not show up right away, but over time, they can build. Women may notice they feel more fatigued, depressed, foggy, or just not like themselves. Libido often drops, and some women experience weight gain or a loss of muscle tone. Bone health can also be affected, potentially increasing the risk of fractures. Addressing common fears and misconceptions One of the biggest reasons women shy away from testosterone therapy is fear. Weve been told for years that testosterone will make us appear masculine. Some worry it will cause aggressive behavior, deepen their voices, or lead to unwanted hair growth on the face or body. These are valid concerns, but theyre largely rooted in misunderstanding. The reality is that when testosterone is prescribed and monitored correctly, those side effects are rare. Women are prescribed one-tenth the dose that men receive. That ratio is based on years of research and clinical practice guidelines put forth by the International Society for the Study of Womens Sexual Health (ISSWSH). These guidelines are widely used by practitioners specializing in hormone care for women, and they outline how to safely and effectively dose testosterone for female patients. Treatment is typically administered via topical gels, injections, or pellets inserted under the skin by a health care provider. Of course, there is a risk of side effects if doses are too high. If a patient begins to notice changes such as voice deepening or excess hair growth, they should contact their health care provider in order to revisit the dosage and taper as needed. With careful management, most women wont experience those effects. Instead, they will feel more energized, more mentally clear, and more connected to themselves again. A systemic gap in education and approval One of the biggest barriers to testosterone therapy for women is the lack of education and regulation surrounding it. Most health care providers were never trained to fully understand testosterones role in female health. In medical school, although the focus and depth of coverage vary, it is barely discussed in relation to women. This educational gap leaves many clinicians hesitant to consider testosterone therapy, even when patients present with clear, persistent symptoms that could be linked to hormonal imbalance. ADVERTISEMENT The regulatory landscape doesnt make it any easier. In the U.S., there is no FDA-approved testosterone therapy formulated specifically for women. As a result, any treatment offered is technically off-label, often using male formulations at much lower doses. While this practice is legal and often highly effective, the absence of formal approval reinforces outdated fears and makes both providers and patients cautious and hesitant. Still, research in this space is growing. Ongoing large-scale studies, such as the TRAVERSE trial, are working to clarify the safety and efficacy of testosterone therapy, particularly in men, reflecting the broader medical communitys evolving recognition of its potential benefits. But when it comes to women, most systems remain far behind. Australia is the only country with a government-approved testosterone product designed for women. In the U.K., organizations like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), along with the British Menopause Society, provide guidelines for the use of testosterone in menopausal women. In the U.S., providers depend on the clinical guidelines from ISSWSH to guide safe and appropriate use. These evidence-based recommendations are widely respected among hormone specialists but have yet to be formally adopted into national health care systems, leaving women to navigate an underregulated system that too often fails to meet their needs. The power of social media and shared knowledge Despite the ongoing challenges, one unexpected source of progress has been social media. While it often carries a bad reputation for spreading misinformation, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are also helping reshape the conversation around womens hormone health. Women are connecting through online forums and private support groups, where they share their experiences, discuss what has worked for them, and exchange information they can bring back to their health care providers. This kind of peer-to-peer education is powerful. Its giving women the language, confidence, and community they need to advocate for themselves. Of course, theres always a need to approach online advice with a critical eye. But overall, the trend is empowering. Women are no longer silently enduring midlife changes; theyre asking questions, pushing for better care, and taking a more active role in their health. So, what can women do? The first step is to track your symptoms. If youve noticed changes in energy, mood, libido, memory, or overall motivation, dont brush them off as just part of getting older. Aging doesnt have to feel like this. Writing things down and identifying patterns can give you clarity and a valuable starting point for conversations with your provider. Its important to find a provider who listens to you. If your concerns are dismissed or minimized, keep looking. You deserve a clinician who takes you seriously and is willing to explore every avenue. Ask directly about testosterone testing and treatment. Even though theres no FDA-approved option specifically for women, there are safe, effective treatments when prescribed and monitored by an experienced professional. Beyond clinical care, supporting your hormone health through lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference. Getting quality sleep, managing stress, exercising regularly, and fueling your body with nourishing food are all essential. High cortisol, the stress hormone, can throw your entire endocrine system out of balance, including testosterone. Dont underestimate the power of community, either. Whether its through an online forum, a local support group, or just conversations with friends, connecting with others helps break the stigma and normalize these experiences. When we speak openly, we not only advocate for ourselves but we also help others find their voice. Ultimately, no one knows your body better than you. You are your biggest advocate. If something feels off, dont ignore it. Ask questions. Push for answers. Keep going until you feel heard. And if testosterone ends up being part of your solution, know that youre far from alone. We need a culture shift; one that recognizes testosterone as a vital component of womens health. The sooner we acknowledge that, the sooner more women can get the care they deserve. Menopause may finally be having its moment. Lets make sure testosterone gets one too. Andrea Caamano is a physician executive. Kelly Clarkson arrives at the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Las Vegas. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Invision Kelly Clarkson postponed the opening weekend of her Las Vegas residency just 90 minutes before she was scheduled to perform on Friday, disappointing many fans. As fans filed into the Colosseum Theatre at Caesars Palace Casino, Clarkson posted on Instagram that the prep and rehearsals may have taken a toll on her voice and that she wants the shows to be perfect and therefore needs to rest up for the next two weeks to protect herself from serious damage. We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans, Clarkson wrote in the post. I am beyond grateful that you always show up for me and I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrows opening at Caesars, she added. There were mixed reactions on social media to the abrupt cancellation of the much-anticipated Sing U Been Gone stars performance. Some fans were miffed they were left high and dry, saying: I genuinely believe artists should have to reimburse fans that travel for their shows and then cancel at the last minute, one fan expressed on social media. I do not blame her for canceling as Im sure it was necessary. But there has to be some repercussion. Something for the people that spent thousands to get there. There has to be some kind of insurance. A concert attendee added, I wish you wouldve done this sooner than 15 mins before doors opened. I hope you feel better. Clarkson reassured fans that the show itself is incredible and ended with, I cant wait to be back next weekend and show yall what weve been working on. Kelly Clarkson arrives at the 25th annual Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Just hours before the postponement, Clarkson shared photos on Instagram of herself rehearsing onstage, sporting a backwards cap, black crop top sweatshirt, and leggings, captioning the post, TONIGHT!! #OpeningNight #StudioSessions #VegasRehearsals. The Grammy winners residency, Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions, is scheduled for 18 shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace through November 15, per an earlier press release. Other fans showed understanding and support on social media. One Instagram user commented, When you ACTUALLY sing live, you are allowed this grace. Rest that incredible instrument. Another said, Rest is extremely important. You continuously produce a daytime show, vocal, train, and rehearsals, and sell out in Vegas! We love you diva!! Kelly Clarkson attends the World Premiere of "UglyDolls" at Regal Cinema LA Live on Saturday, April 27, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP The cancellation follows reports that Clarkson has been facing very painful personal challenges, according to Page Six. Clarkson is planning to conclude her talk show run in 2026 when her contract expires after Season 7. Clarksons personal life has been in the public eye recently, following her very public divorce from ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, with whom she shares daughter River Rose, 10, and son Remy, 8. Clarkson has been open about the toll the 2020 diovorce took on her, after seven years of marriage, telling Apple Music in 2023, Just to be brutally honest, I did not handle [the divorce] well. Officials search on the grounds of 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) AP KERRVILLE, Texas Families sifted through waterlogged debris Sunday and stepped inside empty cabins at Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp ripped apart by flash floods that washed homes off their foundations and killed at least 70 people in central Texas. Rescuers maneuvering through challenging terrain continued their desperate search for the missing, including 11 girls and a counselor from the camp. How many more remain unaccounted for across the Texas Hill Country and beyond remains unclear as authorities havent given an estimate even though it has been three days since the storm began pounding the state. In Kerr County, home to Camp Mystic and other youth camps, searchers have found 16 bodies since Saturday afternoon, bringing the total number of dead there to 59, including 21 children, said Sheriff Larry Leitha. He pledged to keep searching until everybody is found from Fridays flash floods. Four deaths also were reported in Travis County, three in Burnet, two in Kendall and one each in Tom Green and Williamson counties. Families were allowed to look around the camp beginning Sunday morning. One girl walked out of a building carrying a large bell. A man, who said his daughter was rescued from a cabin on the highest point in the camp, walked a riverbank, looking in clumps of trees and under big rocks. A woman and a teenage girl, both wearing rubber waders, briefly went inside one of the cabins, which stood next to a pile of soaked mattresses, a storage trunk and clothes. At one point, the pair doubled over, sobbing before they embraced. Volunteers search for missing people along the banks of the Guadalupe River after recent flooding on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez) AP One family left with a blue footlocker. A teenage girl had tears running down her face looking out the open window, gazing at the wreckage as they slowly drove away. While the families saw the devastation for the first time, nearby crews operating heavy equipment pulled tree trunks and tangled branches from the water as they searched the river. With each passing hour, the outlook of finding more survivors became even more bleak. Volunteers and some families of the missing who drove to the disaster zone searched the riverbanks despite being asked not to do so. Authorities faced growing questions about whether enough warnings were issued in an area long vulnerable to flooding and whether enough preparations were made. President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration Sunday for Kerr County, activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency to Texas. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing, Trump posted on social media. The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet (8 meters) on the river in only 45 minutes before daybreak Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. The danger was not over as flash flood watches remained in effect and more rain fell in central Texas on Sunday. Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue people stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads. Officials said more than 850 people were rescued in the first 36 hours. Prayers in Texas and from the Vatican Gov. Greg Abbott vowed that authorities will work around the clock and said new areas were being searched as the water receded. He declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state. I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines, he said in a statement. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered special prayers for those touched by the disaster. Historys first American pope spoke in English at the end of his Sunday noon blessing, I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were in summer camp, in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States. We pray for them. The hills along the Guadalupe River are dotted with century-old youth camps and campgrounds where generations of families have come to swim and enjoy the outdoors. The area is especially popular around the Independence Day holiday, making it more difficult to know how many are missing. Harrowing escapes from floodwaters Survivors shared terrifying stories of being swept away and clinging to trees as rampaging floodwaters carried trees and cars past them. Others fled to attics inside their homes, praying the water wouldnt reach them. At Camp Mystic, a cabin full of girls held onto a rope strung by rescuers as they walked across a bridge with water whipping around their legs. Among those confirmed dead were an 8-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was at Camp Mystic, and the director of another camp up the road. Locals know the area as flash flood alley but the flooding in the middle of the night caught many campers and residents by surprise even though there were warnings. Warnings came before the disaster The National Weather Service on Thursday advised of potential flooding and then sent out a series of flash flood warnings in the early hours of Friday before issuing flash flood emergencies a rare alert notifying of imminent danger. At the Mo-Ranch Camp in the community of Hunt, officials had been monitoring the weather and opted to move several hundred campers and attendees at a church youth conference to higher ground. At nearby Camps Rio Vista and Sierra Vista, organizers also had mentioned on social media that they were watching the weather the day before ending their second summer session Thursday. A Sheriff's deputy pauses while combing through the banks of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) AP Authorities and elected officials have said they did not expect such an intense downpour, the equivalent of months worth of rain for the area. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, whose district includes the ravaged area, acknowledged that there would be second-guessing and finger-pointing as people look for someone to blame. Known as "Big Foot," Maya Hayes pleaded guilty after being arrested on 65 counts of rape and criminal sexual acts at Brookwood facility. Staten Island Advance A longtime juvenile counselor who used her position to sexually exploit teen boys at a state-run detention center has admitted guilt in the disturbing abuse scandal, according to the New York Post. Maya Hayes, a juvenile counselor once known as Big Foot, pleaded guilty to a felony sex crime following years of alleged abuse at Brookwood Youth Facility in upstate New York. As reported by the Post, at least five boys, some as young as 15, accused Hayes of coercing them into sex acts, often using favors and manipulation. Hayes, 47, now faces up to 2 1/2 years in prison and could receive 10 years of post-release supervision, with a requirement to register as a sex offender for at least two decades, the New York Post reported. The Post said that Hayes subjected the boys to repeated sexual abuse. Hayes denied the claims in court papers after she was arrested in April on 65 counts of rape and criminal sexual acts. Staff at Brookwood allegedly knew of the abuse and even joked with residents about her behavior, the report said. Staten Island residents lawsuit A Staten Island resident filed a lawsuit in March claiming that he was a victim of Hayes while he was a teenager, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported The plaintiff, identified only as Z.F. in court documents, alleges in the lawsuit that Hayes sexually assaulted him about 30 times after he entered the facility in 2021. The victim is 21 now and was 17 when he first entered Brookwood, according to the filing. The sexual abuse began just months after he entered the facility, the lawsuit alleges. The sexual abuse occurred during what were supposed to be counseling sessions in an office where papers were used to partially cover the glass on the door, according to the lawsuit. The plaintiff alleges that he was forcibly raped and sexually assaulted and that he was not the only resident sexually abused by Defendant Hayes. A grim discovery has been made by investigators in their search for Brian Tarrence, the New Yorker who vanished while on vacation in Turks and Caicos, according to CBS News. Tarrence, 51, a Manhattan resident who had been vacationing with his wife for a romantic anniversary getaway, was last seen on surveillance video walking away from his hotel at 3:30 a.m. on June 25. During a search in the Grace Bay area, authorities discovered the body of a deceased male in a decomposed state, according to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, according to CBS. However, they have not confirmed whether the remains belong to Tarrence and efforts to locate him are ongoing, as the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force launched another search operation Saturday in the Grace Bay area. We the police extend condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and ask that the public not speculate and await positive identification of the deceased, said Acting Commissioner Rodney Adams in a statement. So far, investigators have found no signs of foul play. Private investigator Carl DeFazio, a former NYPD detective, was hired to look into the case privately. If he was robbed, by now I think I would have seen a credit card charge, or found his wallet, or found him, you know, DeFazio told CBS News earlier this week. He also said there is currently no indication of criminal activity connected to Tarrences disappearance. According to DeFazio, Tarrence who served as vice president at Diligent Software had both his phone and wallet with him when he left his vacation rental and was in an area generally considered safe. So far, we havent been successful in anything, but were not giving up hope, said DeFazio, a former NYPD officer and U.S. Marine, in an interview with Fox News last week. He also mentioned that he is working to access Tarrences phone records from his time on the island, hoping they might help trace his steps and lead to his safe recovery. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Once dead in the water, a plan to run a natural gas pipeline underwater, on a route that runs along Staten Islands south and east shores, has restarted. The project developed by Williams, an Oklahoma-based company, was first proposed in 2018 and was halted following backlash from the public and pushback by the state under the governance of then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo. But President Donald Trump has publicly supported restarting the project, and in a series of negotiations with Gov. Kathy Hochullargely focused on congestion pricing, and including a face-to-face meeting at the White House in March the two discussed pipeline projects, according to a NY1 report. In the months that followed, a new application was submitted by Williams, and in late May Hochul expressed openness to the pipeline, telling NY1, My message is what I told the president, which is that I will make sure that any applicant for a pipeline or any energy project follows all state, local and federal laws. That being said, we can look at this expansively and also consider the benefits at a time when energy prices are through the roof and families in every corner of our state are suffering from high bills for groceries and utilities. Now, a new Williams application has been completed, kick-starting the public comment process with the state. The project, and mitigation for unavoidable impact Williams operates the Transco pipeline, a more than 10,000-mile gas transportation system that runs from Texas to New York. Called the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project, the proposal would expand the Transco pipelines capacity. The state application by the Williams company describes the project as a pipeline that would transport natural gas from Pennsylvania through New Jersey, traveling underwater in the Raritan Bay and Lower New York Bay to approximately three miles offshore of the Rockaway Peninsula in the borough of Queens. Approximately 23.5 miles of underwater pipeline will be installed, of which approximately 17.4 miles would be in New York State waters. A report in Gothamist says the gas is fracked in Pennsylvania. Although when originally proposed in 2018 National Grid suggested that the pipeline would be a source of additional energy across the city, the 2025 application specifically says that it would connect to a system in Queens and provide supplemental energy for Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. The (project) would be installed a minimum of 4 feet below the sea floor through a combination of jet trenching, clamshell dredging, and horizontal directional drilling, the application reads. Construction is proposed in a manner that will minimize impairment of the best usages of the waters, but mitigation may be required for unavoidable impacts. If permits are ultimately issued, compensatory mitigation would be required to offset unavoidable impacts to benthic resources, including shellfish. A map on the Williams website shows the proposed pipelines route, snaking close to Staten Islands eastern shores. Environmental concerns When first proposed in 2018, a city environmental activist group led a campaign against the project, holding public forums on Staten Island. Our collective position is that [the pipeline] will be horrible for the New York bay. Its back to being what it once was, as healthy as its ever been; the whales are back and this pipeline puts this at risk, said Noelle Picone at the time. She was a campaign lead volunteer. Chris Stockton, Williams spokesman at the time, said that the expansion pipeline would not directly affect Staten Island. National Grid was supportive of the project, but the state Department of Environmental Conservation denied the company a water quality certification permit in April 2018, which was required to move forward. In its 2018 denial letter to Williams, DEC said, the construction of the project could have significant water quality impacts in New York State. This includes potentially significant impacts from the resuspension of sediments and other contaminants, as well as to habitats due to the disturbance of shellfish beds and other benthic resources. As reported in Gothamist, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued a report in 2020 that the pipeline would cost $1 billion, and that under the terms of the 2018 plan ratepayers in Long Island, Brooklyn, Staten Island and most of Queens would have to pay $193 million a year for the next 15 years to cover the pipelines cost. Public Comment The period for the public to submit comment to the state is underway, with a deadline of 5 p.m. on Aug. 1. It will be up to the state to determine if substantive or significant issues have been raised in the public comments to warrant an Adjudicatory Hearing before deciding on the permit application. Comments can be submitted to DEPEnergy@dec.ny.gov. The New York Landmarks Conservancy has announced 16 Sacred Sites Grants totaling $261,500 awarded to 15 historic religious properties throughout New York State. Courtesy of The New York Landmarks Conservancy STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. One of Staten Islands most active and architecturally significant religious institutions, Trinity Lutheran Church in Stapleton, has received a $15,000 Sacred Sites Grant from the New York Landmarks Conservancy to support the restoration of its original doors and windows. The grant, which is part of a larger $261,500 funding initiative, will benefit 15 historic religious properties across New York State. Trinity Lutheran was one of just a few chosen. Originally known as the Deutsche Evangelische Kirche, Trinity Lutheran was completed in 1913 and designed by the noted architectural firm Upjohn and Conable. Its gothic-revival style, buff-brick facade and slate-covered gable roofs make it a standout among Staten Islands historic buildings. But Trinity Lutherans value goes well beyond its walls. Each year, the church reaches more than 28,000 people through a diverse range of community-focused programs. It houses one of the boroughs largest food pantries and feeding programs, weekly NA meetings, and hosts groups such as a local Girl Scout troop, the Van Duzer Street Civic Association and youth performing arts organizations. It also supports broader civic engagement, providing space for events by the NYC Community Engagement Commission, the 5 Borough Music Festival and the local city council member. Most recently, it became the home of a new internet radio station. Historic religious institutions are some of our most important buildings. They often represent the best of American architecture and crafts, said Peg Breen, president of The New York Landmarks Conservancy. We are delighted our grants will help another 15 religious institutions maintain their buildings and serve their communities. Since 1986, the Conservancys Sacred Sites Program has awarded more than $14.2 million in matching grants to more than 850 institutions across the state, supporting more than $760 million in overall restoration projects. The Forty and Eight locomotive led the Huttner-Pasqualini Post, American Legion, parade in Dongan Hills in 1975. (Staten Island Advance) Staten Island Advance Hi Neighbor, When I was a Little Leaguer many decades ago, we played a team called the Forty and Eight Colts. My team was Kents Delicatessen. I never went to Kents -- I think it was on Bay Street in the Rosebank area -- but I knew what the Forty and Eight was . . . but hadnt a clue why it existed. Picture a truck shaped like a locomotive. On rubber wheels. Id bet a bundle that most of Staten Island hasnt a clue about the Forty and Eight. At least the Staten Island of this century. Whenever a holiday like Fourth of July or Labor Day rolls around, I think back and remember the Forty and Eight. The locomotive participated in parades like the Travis Fourth of July, another in Elm Park and on Memorial Day down Forest Avenue. The road-ready locomotive wasnt just an oddity added to jazz up a parade. It stood for something, going back to World War I -- the war to end all wars. Or so they thought. It showed up at our small Labor Day parade in Ocean Breeze, bumping down an unpaved, potholed Garretson Avenue, and even went to smaller summertime events, like barbecues and picnics. All to spread the message about America and freedom. Most of us Ocean Breeze kids knew the Forty and Eight had something to do with the military. Some figured out it was the American Legion. Guys dressed in white shirts and red caps manned the locomotive, the same outfits we saw on guys selling red paper poppies outside markets like the A & P in Rosebank or Stapleton and New Dorps Food Farm on Hylan Boulevard every Memorial Day weekend. Dad usually fastened the poppy we bought to the corner of the sun visor in our 52 Chevy. The poppies honored those killed in war. The American Legion adopted it as its official flower in 1920 to honor fallen soldiers. The Legion chose it because of a poem written about Flanders Field, a region in France where many battles took place during WWI. A million soldiers from 50 countries were killed or hurt. It starts like this . . . In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. The Forty and Eight we knew nothing about Cub reporters at the Advance back in the old days took club meeting notices over the phones from various club publicity chairpeople when their meetings ended. I was one of the cub reporters. It was one of my first lessons in community journalism. Hi, calling in for La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux, the PR guy babbled. Huh? Who? What? was my savvy response. You know . . . the Forty and Eight . . . And it all came together. The Forty and Eight locomotive was the symbol of an elite, invitation-only society established in Philadelphia in 1920, the PR guy told me. World War I veterans harkened back to being transported to the Western Front in French Army box cars. Each car had the numbers 40 and 8 stenciled on the sides because each car could carry 40 soldiers or 8 horses. We knew the numbers because the Staten Island locomotive had them stenciled on its side. What I didnt know before the call was the good work the club did for Staten Island. Donations were made to charities. Members helped families in duress. They provided scholarships for nursing students. And they supported youth sports, sponsoring a Little League team the Forty and Eight Colts. The Forty and Eight Society's locomotive sits in a Great Kills backyard in need of rehabilitation. (Staten Island Advance) Staten Island Advance You wont see the Forty and Eight in any July Fourth festivities this weekend. No parades. No picnics. No barbecues. The locomotive sat damaged in a Great Kills backyard with a dead engine in the late 90s while a few veterans tried to figure out how to raise $9,000 for repairs. I guess they werent successful. The locomotive was sold for scrap in 2002 or 2003. Sad. Another piece of what Staten Island was . . . gone. Brian Oh by the way:One of the many emails that landed in my inbox after last weeks commentary on the primary election was from my buddy Grasmere Steve. It screamed this in the subject line: STATEN ISLANDERS BE WORRIED ! ! ! TIME TO MOVE ! ! ! Linked was a story about Democratic primary winner Zohran Mamdanis appearance on Meet the Press when asked about this policy proposal on his website: Shift the tax burden from the overtaxed homeowners in the outer boroughs to more expensive homes in richer and whiter neighborhoods . . . Grasmere has a right to be concerned. He lives in a whiter neighborhood in an expensive home. Mamdani danced around it in response, and frankly, the response was a non-response. As we mentioned last week, Zohran Mamdani captured 10,454 Dem votes on Staten Island. Every Dem in New York enamored with this youthful and out-of-the-box candidate needs to take a real hard look to determine if Zohran Mamdani is the guy who will make New York a better place to live. Remember . . . he says Bill de Blasio was the best mayor in his lifetime. Of course, hes only 33 years old. Forget cost-of-living crises, geopolitical instability and global economic fears. Nothing, it seems, will stop Australians from travelling these school holidays. International airlines are offering more flights, to more places, and Australians have embraced the choice, with flight bookings on track to exceed last years pace. The number of international flights operating in and out of Australia in July is up 7.8 per cent compared with the same time last year, driven by increasing supply to meet seemingly endless demand, according to aviation analytics company Ciriums analysis of aggregated online travel agencies bookings. Staffing levels at Sydney Airport have been boosted this year in the hope of avoiding scenes like these from last year. Credit: Steven Siewert We are seeing some increases in bookings on routes where non-stop flights are now operating, said Ellis Taylor, Asia Pacific editor at Cirium. Generally speaking, while these non-stop services pick up the premium passengers, they also boost interest so other carriers that operate one-stop services through Asia or the Middle East also benefit. While Qantas is operating more non-stop services to Europe, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Emirates have also increased their capacity to their hubs, alongside Virgin Australia with its wetlease partner Qatar Airways, operating out of Doha. Despite it feeling like the world has gone mad, politically at least, there are always examples of love in our midst. Its an idea that inspired Dr Nur Shkembis extraordinary new show, Five Acts of Love. In this current moment, it is difficult not to see love in proximity to the tumult and turmoil of the world, she says. We see love manifesting in great numbers, as solidarity between friends, communities and between complete strangers in various movements across the globe. We also see the love of individuals, and of humanity, or even nature, as a form of resistance, ever evolving, anew. Senior curator at ACCA Shelley McSpedden, with guest curator Dr Nur Shkembi, whose new show is all about love. Credit: Wayne Taylor Walking into the cavernous, darkened space at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, featuring each work spotlit with the light creating shapes and shadows on the floor, it feels almost like theatre. Thats precisely what Shkembi intended. Even your eyes having to adjust, it takes a moment. So you do slow down in the space and kind of immerse [yourself]. Thats the magic of exhibition-making, she says. You have to move your body and move to engage with [the works]; it changes the way you move through the gallery. Collection Your July hit list: Hot, new and just-reviewed places to check out this month Meet the citys new Malaysian and Japanese dining halls and two newly crowned two-hatters, discover wine bars (and a perfect vanilla slice) in surprising suburbs, plus plenty of ramens to warm you up. Heres where (and what) to eat and drink in Melbourne in July. Advertisement Eating outJust open Magical combos: New bar trend brings surprising flavours to Sydneys drinks scene The snacky, spicy nature of Indian food is being embraced by a new generation of bar owners, who are pairing it with wines, cocktails and even beer. Scott Bolles July 7, 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 Are Indian wine bars Sydneys unexpected hospitality trend for winter 2025? With new venues opening on the northern beaches and eastern suburbs, you wouldnt bet against it. Bazaar & Bar opened this week among the distilleries and craft breweries of Brookvale the north sides answer to Marrickville while down by the harbour at Rose Bay, Rasa House has started pouring lychee margaritas and aromatic white wines that can meet a curry head-on. 1 / 13 Left to right: Rasa Houses Jacky Jacky, Vinay Matta and Rhythm Aujla. Dexter Kim 2 / 13 Dexter Kim 3 / 13 Queenines, Rasa Houses take on take on a french cocktail called the Vieux Carre. Dexter Kim 4 / 13 Chicken satay skewers. Dexter Kim 5 / 13 Dexter Kim 6 / 13 Hand-cut okra fries with lemon and confit garlic mayo. Dexter Kim 7 / 13 Khow suey, coriander noodles, charred broccolini, fried pumpkin and pepitas. Dexter Kim 8 / 13 Dexter Kim 9 / 13 Dexter Kim 10 / 13 Dexter Kim 11 / 13 Dexter Kim 12 / 13 Orange blossom Basque cheesecake, Sichuan poached rhubarb and fresh pressed olive oil. Dexter Kim 13 / 13 Dexter Kim Previous Slide Next Slide But why Indian, and why now? The owner of Bazaar & Bar, Kabir Arora, concedes his wine bar start-up hasnt grown out of a culture built on matching wine with food. Hard liquor, Arora said, when asked about the drink of choice in India. But wine is slowly making its way in. Arora is instead taking his lead from the growing number of winemakers in Australia with Indian heritage. He points to Rojer Rathod at Majama Wines in the Hunter Valley: His nero davola pairs well with our goat. And he stocks the Sanskrit Pinot Gris made by Domaine Simha, a Tasmanian winery owned and operated by winemaker Navneet Singh. Advertisement The pinot gris, Arora said, pairs nicely with grilled spatchcock in kali mirch butter, a dish on the opening menu crafted by head chef Adwait Jagtap, who worked at Kolkata Social in Newtown, and Raja, the short-lived hatted Indian restaurant at Potts Point. Were also in the works to source the pinot noir from Paramdeep Ghumman at Nazaaray Estate Winery, on the Mornington Peninsula, Arora said. The Brookvale start-up also brings an Indian flavour to its cocktail list. Theres a garam masala negroni, Smoked Jaggery Old-Fashioned, and a Curry Leaf Gimlet. Bazaar is also working with a brewery on a cardamom-flavoured beer. 1 / 6 Bazaar & Bars head chef Adwait Jagtap (left) with owner Kabir Arora (right). Eggzy Thornycroft 2 / 6 Mushroom pepper fry with caramelised onion, curry leaves, fresh chillies. Eggzy Thornycroft 3 / 6 Smoked Jaggery Old Fashioned. Eggzy Thornycroft 4 / 6 Eggzy Thornycroft 5 / 6 Eggzy Thornycroft 6 / 6 Eggzy Thornycroft Previous Slide Next Slide Inspired by Sydneys wine bar movement, Arora believes the Indian spin-off is a natural progression. They have great food, and a lot of it you eat with your hands. He also argues that wine bars serve a community purpose as a gathering spot for locals. Advertisement Its a sentiment shared by Rasa House owner Vinay Matta, a screenwriter who grew up in and around his parents restaurant, Jewel on the Bay, next door to Rasa House on New South Head Road. Theres no cool place to eat a couple of plates and have a glass of wine around here, Matta said. He describes Rasa House as a neighbourhood wine bar with the flexibility to be a restaurant if you want to settle in. Everyone thinks Rose Bay is geriatric, it really isnt, he said. Matta has done his research on the 25- to 40-year-old demographic and has kept a large portion of the wine list in the more affordable price range. Hes also selected wines with food in mind. Rasas menu mixes Indian cooking with Afghan-Indian and even the occasional Indonesian dish. You dont want them ambushing the food [and vice versa]. Aromatic whites and lighter style reds work best, Matta said. Justin Narayan, the 2021 winner of MasterChef Australia, has long wanted to transpose the food of his Fijian-Indian upbringing to a wine bar setting. I did some pop-ups to test the Indian wine bar [concept], Narayan said. He said theres a generation of Indian-Australians who grew up surrounded by wine culture, an interest hes parlayed into a role blending and choosing varietals for local business Acceptable Wine. Advertisement When correctly paired, there were some magical combos of Indian food with wine, Narayan said. He cites the Fijian-Indian dish of kingfish in lime juice with the palate cleansing qualities of riesling. The snacky, spicy nature of Indian food is also ideal for a wine bar setting. Rather than putting down a huge plate of food, Narayan said tastes were moving to small hits of flavour. Narayan, who recently came close to transporting his Indian wine bar idea into a permanent bricks-and-mortar site in Balmain, remains on the hunt. And India continues to provide plenty of inspiration, both on the food and beverage fronts. Narayan had a wow moment in India when he tried a deconstructed hot toddy. It had all the same spice and flavour as a hot toddy, but it was a cold spritzer. Related Article Review India meets Chinatown in this chicken dish thats not to be missed Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up This victim was ultimately forced from the defence force and hit with a military gag order the ADF refused to budge on . At a Queensland base, a junior airwoman was held at knifepoint and ordered to perform oral sex by a more senior male colleague and then, minutes later, directed by her superiors to drive her attacker home. A third involves secret military inquiries concluding a military base commanding officer mishandled the alleged rape of a young female officer by making the accused rapists welfare his paramount concern and second-guessing the Director of Public Prosecutions. Another case involves a high-ranking special forces officer who groped and dry-humped a fellow female officer at a crowded military reunion. There is the accused rapist turfed out of the military who reappeared as a government-vetted Defence contractor for consulting giant Deloitte only to be charged a second time with rape. Their stories contain their own shocking twists, spelt out in Defence reports or other secret material obtained by this masthead and 60 Minutes. They are women separated by rank, age and service history but bound by something Australias military doesnt mention in its slick recruiting advertisements: a life-shattering experience of alleged sexual predation followed by a systemic failure to deal with it. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Even Lieutenant General Natasha Fox, who as Australian Defence Force chief of personnel is leading reform efforts to combat sexual violence, is in the dark. And yet, more than nine months after the commission demanded a fresh, focused inquiry into military sexual violence, victims have joined the ADF top brass in waiting for the Albanese government to announce who will lead the inquiry and what form it will take. In our assessment, the ADF must make significant improvements before it can confidently say it is doing all it can to protect its members from the risk of sexual misconduct at work, and the associated risks of suicide and suicidality, it said. Sexual misconduct remains a systemic issue for the ADF. This has been the case for decades, and it will continue unless the ADF commits to deep, systemic reform, the royal commission concluded. The recent royal commission into defence suicides was clearly frustrated at a system that, despite an extensive and years-long list of credible voices and major inquiries demanding change, still protects rapists, harassers and abusers. Each womans case is different, but their anger arrives at the same place: the failure of Defence and, more recently, the Albanese government to implement change that helps victims heal as well as protecting servicewomen and those yet to join. The alleged assault was said to have occurred after Manton, returned from an exhilarating seven-month deployment to Iraq, was posted to Staff College for an intensive, year-long leadership course alongside others earmarked as the militarys future top brass. She immediately recognised the accused mans name. Fifteen years earlier, military prosecutors had charged him with raping Manton when both were army officers. Donna Manton (left) and during her time in the army. Credit: Aresna Villanueva In June 2022, former major Donna Manton picked up a copy of The Canberra Times to discover an article detailing how a director of consulting giant Deloittes defence contracting business had been charged with nine counts of rape. Im sorry we werent there when you needed us. Asked to respond to the women now speaking out, Fox, who is the most senior woman in the military, appeared to be holding back tears. We have failed people and Im incredibly sorry, she said. Manton discovered her accused was already facing grave allegations of sexually predatory behaviour allegations that would later be proven before a defence tribunal and force him out of the military at the time of her alleged assault. It broke my trust in myself, because I always thought I would fight back and I didnt, she says. There was also anger, not just against the man she accused of defiling her, but against the army itself. She stayed under the running water for an hour. The fallout, though, was only just beginning, and included bouts of intense self-loathing. When he left, I just remember getting in the shower and vomiting and scrubbing, scrubbing and scrubbing, she recalls. Manton later told military investigators that after she became heavily intoxicated, the officer who had barely interacted with her during the evening ended up in a room where he allegedly forcefully sexually assaulted her. Her alleged attacker was among them, a trusted fellow officer Manton had known for years. What happened during a boozy evening on a Staff College work trip in 2007 would change both their lives. She came to believe that her alleged rape was not an aberration; it was a continuation of a culture that, in small and big ways, normalised the degradation of woman. She was told that suspending or moving the accused man to another base would prejudice his career. Yet even after a major internal military inquiry that ultimately led to the officers rape charges being heard by a defence force court, Manton was forced to remain in close proximity on a base with him for months, sitting in the same lecture theatre as him every day. Manton came to believe her alleged rape was not an aberration. Credit: Rohan Thomson Manton reluctantly agreed to formalise her complaint against the officer after a more senior female commander told her that if she didnt do so, other women in army could be at risk. If theyd have suspended him from duty, hed have never have been able to assault me. They already knew that he was predatory. In 1991, her selection panel of senior male officers to gain entry to officer training school asked whether she would have any problems with being a woman at Duntroon. She responded she had never had a problem with being a woman because Ive always been a woman, then watched a male inquisitors face harden. She quickly discovered why. Manton has spoken out about her treatment in Defence. She recalls that while an officer in training she entered the shared recreation room at Duntroon to witness her fellow male trainees masturbating openly in front of pornography. Female cadets were routinely pressured to have sex with their male peers, then slut-shamed if they did and ostracised as lesbians or frigid if they refused. Manton says safe harbour was found by dating a senior and popular male cadet. Otherwise, the females were fair game. They were told that if they made a complaint, their careers would be compromised. When Manton was assaulted by a senior male instructor, this was the warning she was given. The same thing happened when an officer tried to attack her while she showered in Duntroon. Manton says she was mistreated by officers. To get some poor guy in trouble would not wash, she says, echoing the royal commissions September 2024 conclusion that many victims do not report for fear of repercussions on their career or the belief that there will be insufficient consequences for the perpetrator. For many members, the greatest source of danger comes from within the ADF itself. Of the 15 women in Mantons officer class, just eight graduated. Manton describes the next few years as immensely rewarding despite a near constant hum of misogyny punctuated by occasionally appalling cases of sexual harassment. At her first posting on leaving Duntroon, a powerful male figure indecently assaulted two female soldiers and then exposed himself while standing on a pool table. The women were urged to stay silent. Manton dodged seven months of IED and rocket attacks in Iraq traversing the country training local forces, unsure if the greater threat came from outside the wire or certain colleagues on base. Her alleged rape in Australia by the officer whom she first met back at Duntroon solidified her belief it was the latter. In 2008, after months of excruciating delays, a closed-door military trial was held, only for the jury of fellow officers to reach a hung verdict. The ADFs military justice system shares similarities with civilian criminal courts but is a disciplinary system with a history of shortcomings. Manton early in her service. The Military Director of Prosecutions asked Manton to participate in a second secret defence force trial, but she declined, hoping to avoid being retraumatised and in the belief the officers second set of sexual misconduct charges would ensure his expulsion from the army. Mantons hunch was right: he was convicted and sacked. But her relief was short-lived. Within months, the now-ex officer was back working with the military via giant defence contractor Capgemini, beginning a highly successful career that would ultimately see him given a sensitive security clearance by the federal government. In 2021, he joined consulting firm Deloitte as a director of its defence business, describing his work as a mission to support the defence and national security interests of Australia. When Manton first spotted the ex-officer back inside Defence headquarters, she queried her superiors about how a man kicked out of the military because he is a risk in the workplace could be allowed to walk back into the same workplace without his uniform on. Loading She was told Defence could do nothing unless he re-offended in the civilian world. The last time Manton spotted her accused assailants image was in the paper in June 2022, after he had been charged by the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions with raping a woman hed met on a dating app. Deloitte ended his mission in October 2022, although a review of his personnel files revealed the firm knew nothing of his sordid military justice entanglements while in uniform. The ACT charges were ultimately dropped by prosecutors without explanation in August 2023, but his defence career was still longer than that of Manton. After more than 30 years of military service and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, she quit in 2021, but not before enduring another appalling incident. In 2017, while she was posted with Special Operations Command, an officer she worked with, a colonel earmarked as a future army leader, groped Manton at a reunion of Duntroon graduates. The man grasped her breasts and pressed his groin against her from behind, simulating sex. Manton remembers asking herself: What am I doing wrong? When does this stop? When can I go out for a drink with guys that Ive known for 25, 30 years and not have to worry about being assaulted? She had another realisation: It was better for me that my humiliation was public because Id be believed. This time, with witnesses, there would be no hung jury. A military tribunal convicted the colonel of gross misconduct. When Manton was told hed been sacked, she sobbed with relief. Her remaining six years with the military would be haunted by questions. If a special forces colonel thought he could get away with publicly groping a 47-year-old major with a 25-year service record spanning two deployments, what dangers would confront a junior officer on a remote base? On her first posting, as a flying officer at RAAF Tindal in the Northern Territory in 2019, Jordyn Gray appeared every inch the beaming woman from the Defence advertisements that had drawn her to the military. Jordyn Gray (right) and during her time in the RAAF. Credit: Aresna Villanueva It was everything that I ever dreamed of. It felt like it was my calling. I never envisaged a life where I wouldnt be in the air force. Bright, ambitious and supposedly trained and posted within a reformed military culture, Gray would nevertheless confront the same challenges faced by Manton. They were more subtle, but ever lurking. During her three years of officer training at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, Gray recalls slut-shaming, sexual objectification and multiple high-level cases of sexual assault that were experienced by women around her. She recalls a senior female officer nonchalantly telling her after her assault: Jordyn, rape is just a WH&S issue it happens to everybody. When Gray queried her superior, she responded: Its happened to me. Its happened to all of my friends. The royal commissions September 2024 report suggests that the officer wasnt exaggerating. The commission described defence data showing almost 800 reported sexual assaults over the previous five years, a number it warned concealed the true scale of the problem given an estimated under-reporting rate of 60 per cent and the militarys failure to accurately quantify all cases of sexual misconduct. The commission also found that an unknown number of ADF personnel with sexual offence convictions for attacks on their colleagues were still serving. Defence could not say how many offenders were in its ranks even where the offences have been perpetrated at work against another member. To say we find this concerning is an understatement, the commission said. Despite the warning signs around her, Gray always believed it would never happen to me. This changed on a Saturday night at RAAF Tindal. Gray was celebrating an alcohol-fuelled housewarming in the residential section of the base when, heavily intoxicated, she blacked out. Jordyn Gray at the Tindal base. The next thing she recalls was waking up feeling incredibly cold in a severe amount of pain. Lying next to her was a naked man, a military colleague she couldnt remember ever speaking to. Panicking, Gray raced to the shower only to discover she was covered in bruises and scratches down her legs and lower back. As Manton had done 15 years earlier, Gray desperately sought relief under a shower, but couldnt find it. It was only in the Katherine Hospital, when a sexual assault specialist asked her to describe the pain radiating through intimate parts of her body, and then asked her to undertake a rape kit exam, that the gravity of what was occurring set in. Under mandatory reporting rules, hospital staff alerted police to what they said was a suspected rape. Gray claims she was mistreated during her service. After police subjected Gray to intensive interviews and collected other witness statements and forensic evidence, they informed her the Northern Territory Director of Public Prosecutions had reviewed their investigation and concluded there was a reasonable prospect her alleged attacker would be convicted of having sex with her without her consent. Astonishingly, the man facing rape charges was permitted to remain on base, where he easily sidestepped rules meant to prevent accidental encounters. In the months that followed me making that allegation and going forward to the police, I ran into him on multiple occasions, Gray says. It felt like nothing was going to stop that. Things became worse, with legal, financial and moral support seeming to flow from the air force to only one of the impacted people: her alleged rapist. Some on base were supporters, but others ostracised her. I never put a uniform back on after that verdict: Jordyn Gray. Credit: Glenn Hunt Gray could attend social events on the remote base only if accompanied by a senior officer. After several months, and with the trial date still uncertain, her commander suggested she move on. Gray claims she was told it was no longer viable for you to be here. She was ultimately posted to a new base in south-east Queensland. In contrast, her alleged attacker remained at Tindal. Gray describes the intense isolation she experienced during the months leading up to trial as the worst period of my life. It was not about to get better. Gray vividly remembers receiving a phone call from the prosecutor after learning the jury had returned its verdict after the delayed trial had finally resumed. He said, Look, Jordyn, its not gone our way, but I need you to hear me when I say this. Its not guilty, but it does not mean hes innocent. It just means there wasnt enough evidence to convict. The last few threads holding a young woman to her dream of a military career were now badly frayed. She wasnt there any more, Gray said. She never came back. I never put a uniform back on after that verdict. While the not guilty verdict cast eternal uncertainty over Grays allegation according to the criminal court standard of beyond reasonable doubt, what is not in doubt are damning assessments from confidential internal inquiries launched by the air force and the defence Inspector-General into her treatment by her superiors on base after police moved in to investigate. A 2022 air force report criticised a high-ranking officer for having only considered the welfare of the accused rapist rather than his alleged victim when making the decision not to suspend or post the accused. No serious consideration was given to the possibility of posting [to another base] or otherwise moving the airman, instead of leaving him within the same workplace as Gray. The report states that, quizzed about this failure, the commanding officer blamed staff shortages, prompting a rebuke that this was not reason enough to keep an accuser close to his alleged victim. The 2022 air force investigation also found that the orders surrounding how Gray could conduct herself on base after the rape charges were laid meant she could not escape the effects of your complaint on a daily basis and that remaining in close proximity to the accused under these circumstances had a significantly adverse effect on your mental health. This meant Gray was left with no choice but to move to another base. Accordingly, the inquiry ultimately concluded that the air force should change its policy to explicitly require COs [commanding officers] to consider posting or otherwise moving an accused once charges have been laid. It warned that future failure to fully consider the situation of both parties when making decisions risks creating a situation where the complainant believes the accused is being protected by the organisation. So too did the inappropriate decision of a senior squadron officer to second-guess the Northern Territory DPPs decision to pursue charges in weighing how he should treat the accused and the victim on base. Regrettably in this case CO [commanding officer] believed that second-guessing the DPPs decision was a legitimate managerial consideration, a move informed by poor legal advice but which nevertheless exposes Air Force to reputational risk precisely because it unavoidably appears to question the complainants credibility. The independent Inspector-General of the ADF also investigated Grays case, finding serious potential failings in the decision to fund what appeared to be extra legal support for the accused man in a manner that not only lacked transparency but may have been grossly unfair to Gray. Gray is still awaiting a second Inspector-Generals final report on whether this support should have been provided. The earlier air force report details how the commanding officer who bungled aspects of her case was counselled by no less that the chief of the air force. Gray is sceptical about the effectiveness of this dressing down. Before she was medically discharged in 2023, the commanding officer was promoted. In its closing remarks, the air forces internal inquiry applauded Grays courage and resilience in exposing substantial policy gaps that risked leaving more victims feeling abandoned, and promised change. Two years later, though, the Inspector-General found that some of these gaps had been left unplugged. The ensuing royal commission suggests that was a gross understatement. It was scathing of the militarys past failures to implement effective reforms, finding that most managers and commanders have not undertaken dedicated training to respond to reports of sexual misconduct and there exists no specific return to work policy for victims of sexual misconduct [or] personnel systems designed to ensure victim safety. That is why Gray is not waiting for Defence to change. In 2023, she launched the Athena Project, a defence sexual violence victims peer support charity. Gray was quickly inundated with complainants, including many supportive of the royal commissions demand for a concentrated inquiry into sexual violence in the military. One of those who called her was another ex-airwoman, Julia Delaforce. In the 15 years since she was trapped in a room with a machete-wielding corporal demanding oral sex, Delaforce had been something of a one-woman machine quietly taking on the system that sought to cover up her treatment. Julia Delaforce (left) and during her time in the military. Credit: Aresna Villanueva The quiet part of her campaign was enforced. In 2013, when Defence agreed to settle her complaint, Delaforce in turn agreed to never speak ill of her former employer. She was effectively gagged for life. Delaforce joined the air force in 2005 and was working at an RAAF Base in NSW in 2010 when she was directed by her superiors to assist a corporal who appeared drunk and mentally unstable. She was left alone with the man, who proceeded to brandish a long blade, demand sexual favours and engage in a series of erratic behaviours that Delaforce found terrifying. I thought I would be raped, she recalls. Delaforce managed to flee the room, only to be instructed by her superiors she should re-enter it, calm the drunk corporal down and help drive him home. The warrant officer says to me that I need to go and get him a cup of water to sober him up and, and give him his car keys, she says of the order. I said, Yes sir, Ill do that. Military police finally intervened and removed her assailant, but after the incident Delaforce says Defence failed to investigate what had happened or charge the corporal. She responded by lodging her own complaint, confronting a system that seemed uninterested in her treatment and, over time, increasingly annoyed that Delaforce would not let it go. After three gruelling years and with Delaforce believing she had no choice but to abandon her military career due to the trauma of the incident and the battle to have it properly investigated, Defence agreed to settle her complaint. The deal the military offered her meant she could never talk of the events of 2010 again. With a few strokes of a pen, Delaforce signed away her voice, a move she would spend the next decade regretting. Agreeing to stay silent had unintended consequences. Enforced silence initially brought despair and powerlessness. Then anger. And then, over time, a steely resolve. Delaforce regretted signing away her voice. Credit: Glenn Hunt Delaforce wrote to Defence officials and politicians, including her local members, now former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and several defence ministers, including Richard Marles. She contacted the Human Rights Law Centres Whistleblower Project, which began to help her free of charge. Delaforces request was always the same. She wanted her voice back. It took over a decade, but she ultimately achieved what may be an Australian military first: the ripping up of a gag clause. It feels like its still surreal, she said. Its been over a decade of holding my breath. This happened in my late 20s and Im now in my 40s, so its been a huge chunk of my life. I can finally talk about what happened and my experiences and be validated by my peers, which is what I needed all along. Delaforce has spoken out about her treatment during her time in the military. She is one of many victims demanding the Albanese government name the new inquiry chief and terms of reference and commit to allowing victims to tell their stories and help shape the change past inquiries have demanded. Organisational culture specialist Dr Samantha Crompvoets, who was a trusted adviser to former defence force chief General Angus Campbell and who has interviewed hundreds of serving and former defence personnel about their experiences of sexual and other trauma, said the root of the scandal lies in an absolute failure of the [Defence] leadership to learn from past mistakes and to go beyond the bare minimum of what theyve been asked to do. Those running Defence, she says, have long chosen the reputation of the organisation over individual lives. With all these efforts from external organisations, consultants, internal reviews, external reviews, with all of that having happened the data is showing that nothing has improved, she says. This masthead approached the federal government for comment and was directed to Defence for a response. While Lieutenant General Fox, the ADF chief of personnel, concedes the defence forces role in a litany of past systemic failures, she insists the reform efforts she is now leading will make a difference. Changes include a new central complaints unit, a sexual violence prevention program and legislative reform to make it easier to sack predators. Chief of personal Lieutenant General Natasha Fox. Credit: 60 Minutes Fox also urges sexual assault victims in the military to turn to the more powerful civilian criminal system rather the defence force justice apparatus. And she acknowledges that if the military she has served for 37 years doesnt get the reform process right, it will mean more avoidable tragedy. She describes sexual violence as a plague that impacts families, impacts generations ... it has cost people their lives. With little faith in the military, victims are now building a coalition, using Jordyn Grays the Athena Project as a hub. Delaforce, Gray and Manton are all lobbying for change, their voices combining with those of new victims. Leah Whittle during her time in the military All three are supporting still-serving junior soldier Leah Whittle, who last month posted online details of her traumatic experience reporting an alleged rape by a fellow recruit to Defence and police. As part of their ongoing investigation, police have uncovered audio recordings of the accused man seemingly conceding he had mistreated Whittle. On one recording the man states: I was in the wrong. Absolutely, in the wrong why havent I been punished? In her online posts, Whittle warns that alleged sexual violence doesnt just happen to privates like myself. It happens to specialists. It happens to officers. It happens to people of higher rank. You have legal officers and top brass who will sit here and tell you that your experience is not a Defence issue and then try and get rid of you like you are a worthless piece of shit. Her online posts have attracted support from male and female veterans, although not everyone. One senior soldier used multiple accounts to viscously attack Whittle. Defence sources confirmed Whittles treatment after her police complaint has sparked yet another Inspector-General inquiry. Yet again, this inquiry has called for improvements to Defence policy to better protect victims of alleged sexual violence. Yet again, victims are waiting for tangible change. Despite millions and millions of dollars, at least a decade of concerted effort, resources, money going into trying to fix the problem, really nothing has changed, says Crompvoets. While she is deeply sceptical of the defence forces ability to reform itself, Crompvoets is in strong agreement with General Fox when it comes to the cost of failing to reform. More women will be harmed, she says. And more lives will be lost. If you are a current or former ADF member, or a relative, and need counselling or support, you can contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. The Australian Defence Forces continuing inertia on the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and Ben Roberts-Smith, VC, suggests it is locked in a purgatory of its own creation. It only gets worse. Now the organisation has been revealed as failing to protect servicewomen from predators within its own ranks. Using classified reports and other secret material, the Herald and 60 Minutes have shown how officialdom has betrayed women who have been victims of sexual violence by fellow servicemen, leaving them ignored, sidelined and marginalised. Loading Reporter Nick McKenzie and producer Garry McNab interviewed former servicewomen who suffered sexual assaults and then endured the pain that followed, a suffering that turned into anger heightened by the ADFs failure to help them heal. Their harrowing stories include: the accused rapist who returned as a Defence contractor only to be charged with another rape; the high-ranking SAS officer who assaulted a fellow female officer at a reunion; and the junior airwoman assaulted at knife-point who was forced out and hit by a military gag order that the ADF refuses to remove. The ADF has been wrestling with its dismal record on protecting servicewomen since the 2013 Skype scandal at Duntroon, where a male trainee officer filmed a sexual encounter with a female trainee and broadcast it live to other male trainees. It triggered the largest organisational reform effort in Defences history. But apparently to little avail. The royal commissions September 2024 report into defence and veteran suicide described data showing almost 800 reported sexual assaults over the past five years a number it warned concealed the true scale of the problem given an estimated under-reporting rate of 60 per cent and the militarys failure to accurately quantify all cases of sexual misconduct. The commission also found an unknown number of ADF personnel with sexual offence convictions for attacks on their colleagues were still serving. Ludicrously, more than nine months after the commission demanded a fresh, focused inquiry into military sexual violence, the Albanese government has yet to announce who will lead the investigation and its terms of reference. Even Lieutenant General Natasha Fox, who as ADF chief of personnel is leading reform efforts to combat sexual violence, is in the dark. Asked to respond to the woman now speaking out, Fox admitted the ADF had failed to protect servicewomen. Im sorry we werent there when you needed us, she said. Such behaviour is not tolerated in other workplaces. The Albanese governments prevarication is unconscionable. But the ADFs inaction on so many fronts is the stuff of powerful hierarchies with their own codes and loyalties. No institution, whether cloaked in khaki, clerical or any other garb, should ever be a law unto itself. Victorian senator James Paterson has told the ABCs Afternoon Briefing he believes there is an ongoing, profoundly series antisemitism crisis in Australia, following an arson attack on a synagogue and several other incidents in Melbourne. [That] we have people in this country that believe its appropriate to set fire to a synagogue or who think its appropriate to protest very vigorously outside Jewish businesses just shows how serious this problem is. Opposition finance spokesman James Paterson. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The Albanese government must take a very different approach ... to what it did in its first term. It must be much more proactive, ensure the law is enforced and that we have a comprehensive plan of this cancer in our society. Asked what the Coalitions plan was to address antisemitism, Paterson said his leader Sussan Ley had recommitted to the Executive Council of Australian Jewrys 15 identified priorities, as the government did not. In response to the attacks, Victorias state government has set up an anti-hate taskforce to help frame laws giving police more powers to tackle violent protests. Paterson was also asked about the outcome of the mushroom murder trial, which he said he didnt follow closely. All I can say is I hope [the verdict] brings some small measure of comfort and justice to the families of the victims. It is a tragic thing that people lost their lives and another person almost killed in what really was a bizarre episode, he said. Loading Paterson was also asked for his thoughts on a national truth-telling process, which Indigenous Affairs Minister Malandirri McCarthy said she was interested in this morning. The Albanese government did not take to the election a policy for a truth telling or Makaratta process, he said. When asked about this during the election campaign they said it was a Liberal Party scare campaign to suggest that any element of the Uluru Statement from the Heart was something the government was committed to. I think it is important from the prime minster, who has denied many times he has any intention of pursuing other elements of the Voice proposal, [to say] what exactly the government has in mind, given the minister has opened the door here. Paterson also reacted to the Climate Change Authority chairman Matt Kean saying the Coalition should adopt stronger climate policies following its election defeat, rather than debating this idea. I couldnt more profoundly disagree with what he says, he said. [He] is a political appointee of a Labor government and hes got a task to do there, but the Liberal Party cherishes debate. Four times a year, Defence measures experiences of its members through workforce-behaviours surveys that gather data on what Defence terms unacceptable behaviour. To be specific, that refers to sexual assault, abuses of power, violence, bullying, cyberbullying, discrimination and harassment. Defence differentiates this list from its measures of poor behaviours, which cover cases in which members feel undervalued, unfairly blamed, and having their opinion ignored. Loading Across the three services, and excluding training establishments, about one-third of the defence workforce experienced unacceptable behaviour in 2023 (33 per cent of the air force, 35 per cent of the army, 41 per cent of the navy), a figure that has remained consistent over recent years. The most common types of unacceptable behaviour reported are bullying and abuses of power. Defence didnt provide a gender breakdown for the ADF overall, but did for those in training. So we do know that at the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2023, 55 per cent of female students training to be officers surveyed had experienced some form of unacceptable behaviour, compared with 32 per cent of their male peers. The rates that women experienced each category of unacceptable behaviour sexual assault, abuses of power, violence, bullying, cyberbullying, discrimination and harassment exceeded mens reporting by at least double the rate. For women at the Royal Military College Duntroon in Canberra, almost 70 per cent experienced unacceptable behaviour in 2023, as did 47 per cent of men. In training institutions, harassment, bullying, abuses of power and violent behaviour were the most common forms. Sexual assault data was not included in the 2023 reports, despite featuring in reports from earlier years. The above snapshot becomes even more alarming against the backdrop of two facts confirmed in the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Female permanent or reserve ex-serving members are 107 per cent more likely to die by suicide than Australian females in general. Women who served in combat or security roles are 452 per cent more likely to die by suicide than other Australian females. Defence Minister Richard Marles. Credit: James Brickwood The cover note that accompanied the release of the workforce data, signed by Defence Minister Richard Marles, states: The government does not consider the results of these surveys acceptable. That glib sentiment joins a list of successive governments paternalistic, top-down disappointment in Defences inability to keep women in its ranks safe, either while being trained, or throughout their career. Again, the statistics above arent shocking simply because they demonstrate widespread misconduct and acute physical and psychological safety risks for young women. They are shocking because this is the current state after a concerted, multimillion-dollar, 15-year-plus overhaul of Defences treatment of women. The data is representative of a system that has been fixed, multiple times over. The Australian Human Rights Commission for example has been working with the ADF almost non-stop since the 2011 Australian Defence Force Academy Skype scandal in which a male trainee officer filmed a sexual encounter with a female trainee and broadcast it live to other male trainees. If still serving, the men and women who were in training at the time of that scandal will now be senior sailors, soldiers and aviators. They will be commanding units. They will have proved themselves to align with the contemporary values of the defence institution and been promoted at least twice. Their authority, and more importantly, influence over subordinates will be at its peak before their careers become more Canberra-centric. What the most recent stories of sexual misconduct in Defence tell us is that despite its best efforts, Defence continues to systematically undermine womens ability to report, privileges mens careers above womens, and highlights a continued lack of accountability measures. Recommendations from the royal commission as they relate to military sexual trauma provide another future-focused, paint by numbers platform for defence leadership to market promises for improved responses to complaints and decreased risks for women. But like many, I cant escape the feeling of deja vu. The Defence Abuse Response Taskforce was established to help people who had suffered physical or sexual abuse, harassment or bullying in the ADF before 2011. Following that came the Rufus Black review into Defence accountability (2011), then sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Brodericks review into the treatment of women in Defence (2012), its follow-up audit (2013), the Brereton inquiry into war crime allegations (2016-2020), and most recently findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (2024). All identified Defences lack of accountability as a key obstacle to change. Put simply, after a while, lack of punishment can start to look like reward, and lack of accountability starts to look a lot like corruption. While complaint systems and processes have improved, the mechanisms that enable perpetrators to act time and again have not been dismantled. This includes keeping defence workforce behaviours data, including sexual misconduct statistics, hidden from public view. The UK, US, Canadian and New Zealand defence forces our Five Eyes allies all make publicly available annual statistics on sexual offending. Why does the Albanese government accept anything less from the ADF? Codes of silence have proven time and again a ticking time bomb for Defence. Secrecy breeds misconduct. Lack of transparency is a giant waving red flag, and in the absence of demanding more, the government remains complicit in its cover-ups. Loading I once asked a group of young male trainees why they had been routinely isolating and ridiculing two female colleagues in their unit. One sniggered, You gotta have a morale booster, and they all laughed. I can tell you what a woman joining Defence can know for sure: they are more likely than not to live in fear in their workplace and leave the ADF with more than double the chance of dying by suicide. Im glad that Richard Marles, as deputy prime minister and defence minister, does not consider these realities acceptable. I wonder if he would consider the ADF a safe place for his daughter to begin her career. 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 As abhorrent as it may sound, it might be necessary for the future safety of children in childcare for the police investigating to offer some sort of incentive to the accused offender for information (When trust is shattered, July 5). It is essential to find out how anyone manages to commit all these heinous crimes against some of our most vulnerable babies and small children. It might also lead to some prosecutions of providers who have not been following laws and rules already in place. Mary Lawson, Marrickville I have always been against centre-based childcare and said pre-school children are better off at home being brought up by family members. Maybe we will have a serious discussion on how the government can support with the family tax benefit and beyond. Jenny Greenwood, Hunters Hill What is the answer for childcare? Credit: Fairax Media Suggesting men should not be employed in childcare is a miserable reaction to the reporting on the crisis in childcare. There is, as in aged care, a serious shortage of qualified staff as well as a lack of monitoring. Both qualified men and women who choose to work in these industries should be encouraged. As a community, what we never seem to confront is that educating the workforce and improving regulation of any sector costs money. Surely future-proofing our society means upgrading our tax system to meet growing demands on governments? Jill Napier, Phegans Bay If cameras are being considered for installation at childcare centres, they should also be an option for that other highly vulnerable segment of our population the elderly in aged care. We all heard the horror stories from the royal commission, and not all elderly residents have family to watch out for them. Residents should be offered the option each six months to have CCTV in rooms. For those with dementia who cannot speak up about abuse, neglect, inadequate supervision and substandard meals, cameras should be mandatory. Lets put safety and care before the privacy policy for childcare and aged care. Both are highly vulnerable in our increasingly dangerous society. Jennifer Bacia, Newstead We can argue the merits or not of privately funded child care, but the reality is that government has a responsibility to regulate the system to ensure the safety of children. The federal government should be ashamed of the recent horrendous allegations. Paul McGee, Springwood We entrust the safety of our children, and everyone in our community, to elected and appointed managers. We pay these people handsomely, and they enjoy working conditions that the ordinary Joe and Joanne can only dream about. These managers have access to experts in every field imaginable. Consultants, studies, data you name it. They take meetings, they have conversations and occasionally they make decisions. So why are our children sometimes not safe in childcare centres? Why are these centres underfunded, under-regulated and under-supervised? Why are around 10 per cent not meeting even the lax standards that exist today? Why is the workforce so casualised that some daycare workers attend three or four centres every month? Mark Paskal, Austinmer Advertisement Your correspondent (Letters, July 5) raises an important question about whether pre-school children would be better off with their mothers. However, we need to be careful not to place responsibility solely on mothers, and be really informed about the age of children suitable for institutional care. I would make a few claims to underpin a new direction for childcare. Babies and toddlers also have strong attachment needs that cannot be met by casual shift workers, who are highly transient. Children under three years of age are unable to call out their abusers. Australia has not been able to achieve an adequate quality of care (unlikely as paedophiles seem to get around all bureaucratic systems). I suggest that governments move the enormous subsidies given to centres to adequate paid parental leave for three years. Wherever possible, care for children under three should be split by parents to stop the financial and career sacrifices falling on one carer only. Susan Tregeagle, Yarralumla (ACT) Query theory Reading is a key lifetime learning skill (Is it goodnight for the bedtime story? , July 5). Reading to children by peers or adults is important, but reading as a shared activity with older children offers tangible rewards. To ask questions to gauge understanding of the listener is important, but to have unprompted questions asked of you as the reader is the platinum standard to which we should aspire. Rod Leonarder, Roseville As a teacher librarian in high schools for more than 30 years, Ive witnessed the decline in reading by adolescents. Often asked for advice by parents who despair about their teens lack of reading of literature, I offer lots of practical advice like that given in the article. This is often rejected no time, busy workloads etc. If we dont start with our children when they are younger, no wonder we are seeing these declining reading rates as they enter their teens and adulthood. Elizabeth Caruana, Coogee Human tragedy Those who continue to deny the existence of climate change (The hungry sea, July 5), the role of humans in causing it and the seriousness of its impacts are setting future generations up for innumerable problems. Sea level rise and greater severity of storms are just the tip of the iceberg. More worrying will be the impact of higher temperatures and less predictable weather on agriculture and the ecosystems we depend on for survival. Its wrong to say the future of the planet is at stake. The planet will survive perfectly well, whatever we do to it. Its our future at risk, and its our greed, indolence and myopia that are responsible. Ken Enderby, Concord Sterling idea Advertisement Poor Angus Taylor is copping a lot of bad press Moirs cartoon and Max Redmaynes letter (Letters, July 5) to name a few. Maybe he needs to add an S to become Anguss for better luck and more positive press seemed to work for Sussan. Mark Nugent, Lugarno Fading glories Cleveland House in Surry Hills is the oldest surviving colonial home in the centre of Sydney. Credit: Nick Moir What is it about heritage and preservation orders that fall on deaf ears as demolition by neglect continues to take hold (Citys oldest home stuck in long limbo, July 5)? Cleveland House in Surry Hills seems to be falling into the same scenario. Not long ago, Parramattas old treasure of a historical home, Willow Grove, fell into the too-hard basket, was dismantled and stored, possibly never to see life in any form in the near future. Down the road in the same city, another historic gem, the old Roxy theatre, wallows in indecision of possible restoration and new life. To add to this rather sadly growing list, the Paragon Cafe in Katoomba also seems not to have any action towards a positive future, not to mention the old Minerva theatre in Kings Cross, and the old Plaza theatre in George St with its Spanish facade. Greg Vale, Kiama The often missing detail in retail If someone asked me whether I would again work in a customer-facing retail industry (In our retail review, we get one star, July 5), I would now choose Never ever on the Likert scale after having spent a long time selling services to customers. It has always been a challenging profession, faced with dispiriting rejections, unrealistic targets and cruel competition. It is a dangerous option and not something that people choose as a long-term career option. Its often a choice for students, struggling professionals between jobs, the long-term unemployed or someone hoping to soon move into management and away from facing the most dangerous but necessary evil: the customer. Retail workers face the ire of customers as businesses grapple with increased competition from online sales, diminishing margins, constant turnover of staff and the threat of closing shop. They end up hiring inexperienced juniors and dont invest in problem-solving or communication training beyond the bare minimum product training. Customers have been told for decades they are always right and believe the business cannot do without them. It really cant, and these staff try to survive in a hard job with scant skills. Whenever I am upset with a sales staff member, I always think it could have been my child trying to eke out a living in that place. As I heard someone say when I worked in sales, Selling is a great profession, except for the clients. Manbir Singh Kohli, Pemulwuy Shop assistant trying not to see you. Credit: Advertisement I dont condone abusive behaviour, but sometimes politeness doesnt cut it. Recently, because I was going away for a few days, I wanted to buy a couple of unripe bananas that would be ready when I returned. My local supermarket had only a tray of very overripe bananas. When I explained the situation, I was told they were the only bananas available and had to be used up before more could be put out. My (polite) protests were ignored. And, like Malcolm Knox, being Presbyterian raised, I was (very quietly) seething. I told a manager that, having shopped at the store almost exclusively for more than 50 years, I didnt think asking for two green bananas was too much. Reason prevailed, bananas appeared but should it take such stress and methods to achieve a simple request? Heather Johnson, West Pennant Hills I am taking up Malcolm Knoxs suggestion to make a record of a positive customer experience. On a recent domestic flight, the light meal service was abruptly halted due to turbulence. As the flight attendant hurriedly made her way back to her own seat to buckle up, she flicked snacks to as many passengers as possible. Once seated, she began the required announcement to us all about ensuring our seatbelts were firmly fastened. Then she went off script and, through increasing giggles, apologised for flinging the snacks at us. Still laughing, she added, It was done with the best intentions. Her humanity broke through, a contrast with the pro forma announcements. Once she was free to walk about the cabin, I caught her attention and told her that I enjoyed her laughter. She responded with a smile over and above her business smile. It was her own, warm smile. Judith Fleming, Sawtell Malcolm Knox seems to have missed an important point in his article. If there is a problem, there is no longer the opportunity to talk to the manager either face to face, on the phone or online. Even if there is a manager, he or she is powerless because if the computer says no, or does not enable change, the answer is still no there is no one to negotiate with. Express frustration and the employee responds with Dont blame me and can walk away or hang up, knowing their employer will happily support them. Who are we to blame? Peter Barrett, Woonona My daughter claims that I could talk under wet concrete, but over the past few weeks I have had to make numerous calls to various entities, involving rather long waits and the ubiquitous Your call is important to us. In each case, the respondent has been kind and, as I explained my problem, there was a friendly atmosphere and the problem was solved. I got the impression that these young people just liked talking to someone who was not abrupt, impatient or aggressive. Josephine Piper, Miranda Males, not men How manly should men be? Credit: Edwina Pickles Your correspondent (Letters, July 5) writes of being a non-interested bystander of male-dominated rugby league or union, that often occasions thuggish collisions causing concussions, fractured and broken body bits, eye gouging, ruptured organs and tendons and, at times, digital rape. As a male non-interested bystander, I must agree with her summary of this appalling sport, and Im glad she attributes this activity to males rather than men, for to me the majority of those involved in this activity, on the field or off, could not be classed as true men. Ian Usman Lewis, Armidale Advertisement The hobbying habit I regularly send missives to the Heralds letters department (Postscript, July 5) as a habit essentially, for mental exercise at my age, especially, when it comes to trying to make them pithy. Whether theyre published is another story, however deserving. But, now you mention it, perhaps I should treat it as a hobby instead with a view of starting a collection? Edward Loong, Milsons Point My husband and I joined our local Lions Club when we were in full employment as teachers, 25 years ago. However, as my age advances with knowledge and wisdom (I am not getting older), we are kept busy working in regular Friday fortnight sausage sizzles at the local Bunnings outlet. We appreciate the value of socialising in ageing, through chatting with our customers who range from early morning tradies to dads with hungry little ones to regular Bunnings shoppers, and with the camaraderie we enjoy with our fellow club members working for a good cause on other projects, local, statewide and national. Margot McGuirk, Castle Hill Word perfect Brilliant letter by your correspondent (Letters, July 5), regarding a proposed letter for Albo to write to Trump. Wish I had written it. Phyllis Codd, Bellingen Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: no grovelling needed here, thank you Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Huzzah to that! Yay to our non-grovelling PM. Dianne Brims, Morpeth A man who staggered into a Brisbane service station after being shot in the head and buried alive is suspected to be one of three victims of an alleged contract crew that carried out the murder of a Sydney man and severed the ear of another. The investigation into the death of 32-year-old Sydney man Rich Dylan Choup, who police allege had fallen foul of his drug syndicate bosses and whose body was found in bushland in the citys south in August last year, under Strike Force Hallett uncovered an alleged six-day crime spree across NSW and Queensland. Amid an appeal for information on the violent incidents, police have revealed they believe all three crimes are connected to a Victorian drug-trafficking syndicate. Police say they have established links to the syndicate for Choup and a man kidnapped in south-western Sydney. The motive behind the attack on a third man, who was buried alive in Queensland after being shot in the head, is unknown. There is no evidence he was involved in the syndicates criminal activities. A woman has lost an arm after she was attacked by a lion at a zoo in Queenslands Darling Downs on Sunday morning. A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said paramedics were called to Darling Downs Zoo, on Baines Road at Pilton, about 35 kilometres south of Toowoomba, at 8.23am. There, they found a woman in her 50s with significant arm injuries whom they airlifted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, about 110 kilometres north-east of the zoo, in a stable condition. The womans arm was lost during the attack. Detectives have released CCTV footage of five hooded offenders who set cars alight and spray-painted graffiti in an attack on an Israel-linked weapons company in Melbournes north-east. The footage shows hooded figures dressed in black, using red spray-paint to scrawl slogans on the cars and setting the vehicles on fire in the early hours of Saturday. The group also vandalised a wall of the Greensborough business, Lovitt Technologies Australia. One car was destroyed, while another two were moderately damaged, Victoria Police said. East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation is one of the oldest synagogues in Australia. For families like mine, who have been in Australia since the Ballarat gold rush, it holds more than architectural or historical value. Nearly a century ago, my great-grandparents, Rachel and David Miller, stood under a Chuppah, and got married in that very building. My great-grandmother had fled the pogroms of Russia, and great-grandfather came from Britain. They found each other here, in a new land, and they dared to believe in a future that would allow their children peace and prosperity. Gabi Kaltmanns great-grandparents Rachel and David Miller in 1927, on the day of their wedding at East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, the synagogue targeted in an arson on Friday night. East Melbourne Synagogue has always been surrounded by churches and old civic buildings. Built in the 1870s, it was a place that bore witness to the promise Australia extended to Jewish immigrants that, here, they would not be hunted or persecuted for their faith. Here, in the heart of Melbourne they could pray without fear. The synagogue has always been a symbol of Jewish contribution, with its stained-glass windows and plaques honouring the King of England. Over the years, Ive visited East Melbourne Synagogue for events, the odd Shabbat service, and moments of reflection. Though most Jewish families now live in Melbournes suburbs, these older synagogues are etched into our hearts. They remind us that we come from people who ran for their lives and built something sacred when they arrived. Our ancestors laid the foundation not just of buildings, but of belief, that Australia would be different. Thats why, when I turned on my phone after Shabbat and saw the news, I couldnt breathe. Someone has poured flammable liquid on the front door of East Melbourne Synagogue and set it alight while 20 people were eating Friday night dinner there on Shabbat. I am seeking advice from my department on options to restrict the employment of teachers in Victorian government schools that have not completed at least two years of study. Acting NSW Education Minister Courtney Houssos said dealing with the national teacher shortage was the governments top priority, but lowering the quality of teaching standards was not the answer. Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll is exploring ways to close a loophole that allows underqualified teachers to work in Victorian classrooms. Credit: Alex Coppell Houssos said NSW would work with other states to safeguard and improve teacher training across the country in response to the wider impact of the WA decision. The need to get qualified teachers into classrooms should not mean cutting corners and underpreparing teachers for expert classroom practice, Houssos said. Research shows the biggest factor in improving student outcomes in the classroom is the quality of the teacher in front of them. Acting NSW Education Minister Courtney Houssos said lowering qualification standards was not an acceptable way to address a national teacher shortage. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Teaching Registration Board of WA acting chair David Bean said teaching registration authorities across the country were consulted when WA announced the recommencement of one-year teaching diplomas in late 2023, outlining that all teachers must still have appropriate qualifications, English language proficiency and demonstrate they are fit and proper to teach to gain registration. Graduate diplomas offer a shorter and more efficient pathway into the teaching profession for holders of non-teaching degrees and contribute to the supply of teachers into WA classrooms, Bean said. It is understood enrolments into these programs have been strong. This is understandable, given they meet the qualification requirements for teacher registration and represent a shorter pathway into the teaching profession for holders of non-teaching degrees. But Victorian Institute of Teaching chief executive Martin Fletcher said mutual recognition was intended to support quality, not just mobility. We welcome collaboration across states, but consistency and commitment to high standards in teacher education is essential, Fletcher said. Victorian Institute of Teaching chief Martin Fletcher. Credit: Wayne Taylor NESA chief executive Paul Martin said WA regulators took the unusual step of accrediting watered-down qualifications almost immediately after all states adopted the findings of the Teacher Education Expert Panel review, which sought to strengthen those national standards. There are no simple solutions to the teacher workforce challenge. But the answer cannot be to the lower expectations of teacher preparation, Martin said. After the WA Teaching Registration Board announced it was lowering registration requirements, several WA universities reintroduced one-year education diplomas for 2024 that not only halve the two-year time frame, but also the $10,000 cost. Loading The WA diplomas also reduce the 60-80 days of practical experience teaching that trainees are mandated to spend in classrooms under nationally agreed standards to just 45 days. At the completion of its first year offering the reintroduced diploma, Curtin University announced more than 300 new teachers were qualified to enter classrooms in 2025, with its course overview encouraging prospective students outside WA to cofirm (sic) mutual recognition requirements in their states before signing up. This intensive course has been created to help address the shortage of teachers in Western Australia. After completing this course, youll be eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board Western Australia. If youre outside WA, contact the teacher regulatory authority (TRA) for the relevant state or territory to cofirm (sic) eligibility requirements, the Curtin University course materials state. While one-year education diplomas are also offered by Victorian and NSW universities, they are aimed as a stepping stone towards a two-year masters degree and not intended to immediately qualify graduates to teach. This masthead revealed that a similar loophole was being used by building surveyors, another sector affected by shortages and tougher qualifications requirements. Mutual recognition from WA made up 123 of 204 registrations with the Victorian Building Authority in the 2024-25 financial year. Publicly available data showing many of those who signed up interstate provided Victorian addresses at the time of registration. Members of the Australian Teachers group on Reddit have encouraged would-be teachers to look west to fast-track their careers, including some who claim Victoria-based friends have already done so via online degrees at Perth universities. Some Queensland-based teachers have also used Reddit to raise the possibility of using the legal loophole of mutual recognition to become registered to teach via WA, while others claim state regulators are turning a blind eye in desperation to boost their workforces. Three people have died and a fourth is in a critical condition after a two-vehicle collision in the Macedon Ranges, north-west of Melbourne. It was one of three fatal incidents on Victorian roads across the weekend, in which six people died. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the Bolinda crash. Credit: Nine Police are investigating a crash on Bolinda-Darraweit Road in the small locale of Bolinda, 16 kilometres east of Gisborne, about 7.20am Sunday. Three of the four occupants inside one car died at the scene. The fourth person from that vehicle was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. 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 Global fish farmer Tassals proposal for a mega barramundi sea cage operation north of Broome comes promising jobs and fulfilment of market demand. It would also bring tonnes of dead fish in landfill a week, smothering of coral and the potential spread of disease and pollution through a marine park. Cone Bay is the established aquaculture zone, chosen for its relatively lower sensitivity; but the proposal extends way beyond the Cone Bay area. Credit: Martin Pritchard Canadian-owned Tassal Group, Australias largest seafood producer, recently bailed out the previously loss-making enterprise, acquiring from administration a relatively small, 32-cage operation in the Kimberleys Cone Bay, a zone previously sanctioned for aquaculture as less sensitive than the rest of the region. Now the company proposes to expand across 50 kilometres of more sensitive areas in the Malaya Marine Park, part of the National Heritage-listed Buccaneer Archipelago, with 84 cages across seven sites, ultimately holding up to 17,500 tonnes of fish. Broome-based conservation group Environs Kimberleys submission to the WA environment watchdog regarding the proposal has now emerged, highlighting details of the proposal from Tassal, just as the company faces escalating controversy over the $1.8 billion salmon sea cage industry in Tasmania, where it operates alongside Huon and Petuna. Salmon farming in Tasmania has been blamed for algal blooms, endangered species impacts, mass fish escapes and finally an unprecedented kill of one million fish in April, resulting in erosion of consumer trust. Advertisement Escalating salmon wars played a key role in the 2025 federal election and the GoodFish guide has told shoppers to reject Tasmanian farmed salmon. The WA sea cages proposed would be within the proposed general use zone of the marine park, which allows for aquaculture, but some would be close to sanctuary and cultural use zones. The Edeline Islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Credit: Martin Pritchard Tassal, promising 140 jobs from the operation, aims to achieve no more than 15 per cent fish mortality, equalling up to 2625 tonnes of dead fish per annum, or 50 tonnes a week (under worst-case modelling). Tassal says it is exploring a number of mortality programs for WA. One involves mincing the fish and stabilising it with formic acid for livestock feed, a common global practice, with processing done in Derby. The other option is landfill in Derby. Advertisement Also, in the event of a mass mortality all stock would be transferred to a licensed Derby landfill. The risks Tassals documents identify the major risks as: Fish waste and uneaten feed settling on the sea-floor causing algal blooms and water deoxygenation around the sites. Smothering and/or shading of the sea floor and the coral reefs fringing the archipelagos islands, models predicting losses of 1-16 per cent of coral reefs around some islands. Potential algal growth around the reefs, affecting coral and reducing marine life, possibly affecting the Malaya peoples hunting practices Net damage from predators or weather events causing fish escapes, with possible significant impact on native barramundi from swiftly spreading, generally fatal pests and diseases, or changes in their genetics. The greatest risks were generally from bacteria (the cause of the Tasmanian fish kill) usually associated with hot temperatures or the rapid salinity changes common to the wet season. Vessel strike, noise and vibrations in a globally significant hotspot and refuge for sawfish, rays and sharks, critically endangered sea snakes and sea turtles The pens causing an artificial reef effect that could attract other fauna, and therefore predators, leading to the predators entanglement. Tassal was unable to comprehensively survey the Buccaneer Archipelago area and so while it was unsure about whether the areas marine turtles nested near its sites, there was a possibility light pollution would disorient turtle hatchlings en route to the ocean. Tassal wrote of its rigorous testing and vaccination program in which imported hatchlings had to be disease free to a 95 per cent degree of confidence, and said it avoided where possible managing outbreaks with chemicals, except in extreme cases. It acknowledged a dugong hotspot was near the proposal area with little known about important feeding, breeding or movement areas. It noted the three of the proposed sea cage sites fell within a biologically important area for nursing, calving and resting for the largest population of humpback whales in the world. The whole area was also important habitat for Australian snubfin, Australian humpback and spotted bottlenose dolphins. Advertisement Tassal also said in a statement to this masthead that the project was an exciting opportunity for the Kimberley and with it came a commitment to grow local jobs and invest in local suppliers and communities, while sustainably managing the environment. A humpback mother and calf in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Three of the proposed sea cage sites fall within a biologically important area for humpbacks. Credit: Environs Kimberley The elephant in the room Environs Kimberley is concerned Tassals proposal fails to list climate change as a risk in a region recently hit by coral-bleaching marine heatwaves. They say warming oceans, severe weather and reduced ecosystem resilience will make it hard to avoid significant unplanned impacts including fish kills, infrastructure damage, escapes and diseases. Executive director Martin Pritchard said Tassals document glossed over the 220,000 barramundi killed at the existing Cone Bay operation in 2019, only noting the cause: an algal bloom caused by a combination of warm seas, warm air and pollution flushed by rain from rivers to the sea. In naming this cause it cited a report into the incident commissioned by and for the previous operator, which was not publicly released. The existing Cone Bay operation. Credit: MPA Advertisement Environs Kimberley voiced a strong concern that the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, as primary regulator, was an active promoter of sea cage fish farming and did not investigate the 2019 fish kill, perceiving a conflict of interest, especially as WA Premier Roger Cook last year called the Tassal plan great news and awarded the company a $5 million incentive. The departments Fisheries and Aquaculture executive director Nathan Harrison said after the 2019 Cone Bay fish kill, its testing confirmed the cause of death to be the algal bloom, so further investigation was not required. DPIRD continues to closely monitor and respond to environmental changes that affect fisheries and aquaculture, including marine heatwaves, he said. EPA Chair Darren Walsh. WA Environmental Protection Authority chair Darren Walsh visited the region last month as part of the public environmental review. He said the proponent would be required to address all relevant issues raised during the public review. The EPA expected to publish those responses by the end of the year. Pritchard said the landfilling aspect was also concerning. Advertisement Demand for household batteries is surging under the Albanese governments national rebate, with retailers reporting a fourfold rise in sales and inquiries as the scheme kicked off. However, experts warn householders that while spending thousands of dollars on a battery can dramatically cut annual power bills, it may not deliver rapid returns on investment. Allan Lancaster (left), of Truganina, Melbourne, and battery installer Haidyn Boothey of the 1komma5 supply company. Credit: Aaron Francis. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program was one of the governments key election pledges, offering a 30 per cent rebate on the purchase and installation cost of a battery from July 1. Quote-comparison service SolarQuotes, owned by Origin Energy, reported a jump in battery inquiries in the lead-up to the scheme. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has questioned the wisdom of Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses decision to emphasise Australias foreign policy independence while the Trump administration reviews the future of the AUKUS defence pact. On the eve of his meeting in China with President Xi Jinping next week, Albanese used the 80th anniversary of the death of Labors wartime prime minister John Curtin to talk up Curtins Australia-first instincts. The prime minister honoured the legacy of wartime leader John Curtin on Saturday. Credit: Sam Mooy John Curtin is rightly honoured as the founder of Australias alliance with the United States. A pillar of our foreign policy that commands bipartisan support, respect and affection, Albanese said at the John Curtin Research Centres annual oration in Sydney on Saturday. Yet our alliance with the US ought to be remembered as a product of Curtins leadership in defence and foreign policy, not the extent of it. Women working at Sydney Trains have detailed harmful behaviour they have experienced in a male-dominated workplace, telling of the boys club and how they have to alter their conduct to avoid being targeted. A confidential report completed early last year contains disturbing personal accounts of the culture at Sydney Trains, detailing how everyday sexism is normalised and sexual harassment is a significant concern. Sydney Trains rail operations centre in Alexandria in inner Sydney. Credit: Kate Geraghty Many women who participated in focus groups for research into the culture told of being sexually harassed by male colleagues. One said: Theres definitely comments and jokes that could be perceived as sexual harassment. For example, one of the guys might make a joke or comment that women [enjoy specific sexual acts]. While the airlines fleet of 34 aircraft servicing 40 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East is dwarfed by the fleets and networks of Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, there are reasons why you might prefer Oman for a multi-day stopover. This is one of the most interesting, cultured and likeable of the Gulf states, with a male population that still regards a dagger in the waistband as an essential item of daily attire. In the capital, Muscat, the souk in the nearby commercial area of Mutrah still carries on its ancient business of spices and gold, supervised by the descendants of traders who once sold carpets, camel skins and frankincense between India and the Mediterranean. Beyond Muscat is a heroic landscape of forts and toothy mountain ranges, where an intricate system of irrigation has created a web of startling green oases. Local tour operators offer expeditions from Muscat to take in the desert towns, the towering dunes of the Wahiba Sands and the lost-in-time landscape of the Hajar Mountains. Australian passport holders benefit from visa-free admission to the Sultanate of Oman for stays of up to 14 days. I flew with Oman Air in March, business class return from Delhi to Cairo, and although these were relatively short flights aboard the airlines 737s, with no fully reclining seat, the aircraft, amenities, service and food and beverage were all on par with the stars of the Middle East triumvirate. An 11-hour layover at Muscats airport was pain-free. This is arguably the best international airport in the region quiet, calm and well supplied with relaxation areas. This is the second airline to join the alliance this year, after Fiji Airways became a full member in April. The Fijian national airline was previously a Oneworld Connect member, which allowed Qantas frequent flyers to acquire and spend points with the airline, but full membership brings extra benefits, such as admission to Oneworld lounges when travelling aboard Fiji Airways. Ways to boost your frequent flyer points Get a co-branded credit card Loading A co-branded card issued jointly by a credit card issuer and an airline is the best way to accelerate your points-earning power because they earn points with a specific airline rather than reward points, which convert to airline points at a lesser rate. For example, the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card earns 2.25 Qantas points per dollar spent on eligible Qantas products and services, and 1.25 Qantas points on everyday purchases per dollar. The American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card comes with two Qantas points per dollar spent on Qantas products and services, 1.25 Qantas points on everyday business spend and 0.5 Qantas points on government, utilities and insurance per dollar. Both cards come with a huge points bump by way of a sign-up bonus. Use airline shopping malls Airlines have online shopping malls featuring preferred merchants whose merchandise ranges from fashion labels to sporting goods, technology and office supplies. You pay the same price as if you were shopping direct with the merchant, but you earn extra points, often at a rate better than one per dollar. Bank your points with the alliance that best suits your needs Airline alliances expand your travel opportunities. Frequent flyer points accrued with one airline can be used to buy seats or upgrades within the alliance in most cases, which gives you a far greater choice of destinations when you want to spend your loyalty points. There are also perks and privileges that apply at each alliance membership level, bringing benefits such as speedier check-in, priority luggage handling, preferential boarding and upgrades, and lounge access across the alliance member airlines. Loading There are three airline alliances, but for most of us, the ones that matter are Star Alliance and Oneworld. As a Oneworld member airline, Qantas allows flyers to use their points for flights on 14 other airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways. While it is not a member of any alliance, Virgin Australia flyers acquire Velocity points and status credits that can be used for flights and upgrades on partner airlines including Singapore Airlines, United, ANA, Air New Zealand and Qatar Airways. London: Survivors of the London terror attack of July 2005 will gather on Monday to honour the 52 people who perished in the bombings, and Australians will join the memorial service alongside political leaders. One Australian survivor, Gill Hicks, is expected to attend the service as she prepares to perform a one-woman show this week about her horrifying experience. The wreckage of a double decker bus with its top blown off at Tavistock Square in London on July 7, 2005. Credit: AP Four Islamist extremists targeted civilians with homemade bombs on July 7, 2005, in an attack that began at 8.50am as commuters made their way to work. Three of the terrorists set off bombs on London Underground trains close to the centre of the city, while a fourth detonated a bomb on a bus nearby. London: Poland will impose stricter border controls with Germany on Monday in a deepening row over asylum seekers, highlighting the fractures in Europe over open borders that have allowed free movement for decades. The move comes as political leaders warn against the rise of far-right vigilantes, who have begun patrolling the border to prevent asylum seekers moving between the two countries. German federal police check cars arriving at the German-Polish border last September. Credit: Getty Images Migration disputes are flaring in Europe as political leaders seek to calm voter unrest over economic pressures, while dealing with calls for policies to turn away refugees. In one migration flashpoint, French police used knives on Friday to slash an inflatable boat holding more than a dozen asylum seekers on a beach in northern France, to stop it reaching Britain. At Camp Mystic, a cabin full of girls held on to a rope strung by rescuers as they walked across a bridge with water whipping around their legs. But there were no immediate answers as to why flood warnings for the area, which were issued as early as Wednesday, did not reach campsites or prompt the evacuation of riverbank areas, such as Camp Mystic. Crews work to clear debris from the Cade Loop bridge along the Guadalupe River on the weekend. Credit: AP Rice said it was a great question, but authorities were focused on search-and-rescue operations for now. In Travis County, which takes in the city of Austin, at least four people were confirmed dead, while three were killed in Burnet County, two in Kendall County and one each in Tom Green and Williamson counties. Andy Brown, a judge in Travis County, said there were unconfirmed reports of up to 13 people missing in that region. Rescuers were searching approximately 30 kilometres along the banks of Sandy Creek, north of Austin. Hundreds of searchers, helicopters, boats and drones have been looking for victims and rescuing people stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads. Federal relief and recovery assistance will flow to Texas after Trump declared a major disaster on Sunday. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing, he said on social media. Controversially, the Trump administration has planned to defund and phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and hand its powers to state authorities. On the way home from his New Jersey golf club on Sunday, he would not comment on those plans when asked by reporters. FEMA is something we can talk about later, but right now theyre busy working, so well leave it at that, he said on Air Force One. People react as they inspect an area outside the sleeping quarters at Camp Mystic. Credit: AP Trump said first responders and the US Coast Guard had collectively saved more than 850 lives. He said he would visit the disaster scene, probably on Friday. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said a Coast Guard swimmer and petty officer, Scott Ruskin, directly saved 165 people during the first rescue mission of his career. Scott Ruskin is an American hero, she said. Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott credited prayer for the successful rescues and called for people to pray for Texas. He said there were 41 people confirmed to be unaccounted for across the state and more could be missing. All we know is that prayer does work, he said. Prayer matters and we thank God almighty. God has blessed Texas and will continue to bless our great state. The Guadalupe River, the epicentre of the flooding, runs from Kerr County, west of Austin, in a south-easterly direction toward the Gulf of Mexico, which Trump this year ordered be renamed the Gulf of America. The hills along the river are dotted with century-old youth camps and campgrounds, where generations of families have come to swim and enjoy the outdoors. The area is especially popular around the July 4 Independence Day holiday, making it more difficult to know how many are missing. We dont even want to begin to estimate at this time, Rice said on the weekend. Camp Mystic is a classic example of the US summer camp tradition: a nondenominational Christian camp for young girls, which draws primarily from nearby Texas cities. It was founded nearly 100 years ago, and about 700 girls were at the camp when the floods hit. The Texas Hill region is particularly flood prone, and has become known as Flash Flood Alley. It is a semi-arid area, meaning the soil does not soak up much water, and the hills make the water move quickly when it floods. First responders scan the banks of the Guadalupe River for individuals swept away by flooding in Ingram, Texas. Credit: AP/The San Antonia Express-News Loading The destructive, fast-moving waters rose eight metres on the river in only 45 minutes before daybreak on Friday. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States, said Rob Kelly, a Kerr County judge and the top elected official in the area. Asked why the camps were not evacuated, despite the known flood risk and alerts, Kelly said: I cant answer that, I dont know. No one knew this kind of flood was coming. When it rains we get water. We had no reason to believe this was going to be anything like whats happened here none whatsoever, he said. People search through debris in Hunt on Sunday. Credit: AP Although Hurricane Helene killed about 250 people when it rampaged through several states in late September last year, mostly due to flooding, the Texas floods already rank as one of the deadlier US weather events of recent years. On average, flash flooding kills about 127 Americans each year. With AP WILLEMSTAD:--- At the request of the Governor of Curacao, Defense provided hard military assistance in Curacao from June 22 to July 5. This assistance took place in the context of facilitating a hearing location and the intensive security measures surrounding the hearing in the so-called Themis case. The hearing was held at Suffisant Marine Barracks and was characterized as a high-profile and high-risk event. Various military units, such as the Marine Squadron Carib, the Company in the West, Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service Defense and the Royal Military Police supported the Curacao Police Force. Due to the seriousness and sensitivity of the case, the safety measures associated with Alert State C, a heightened state of readiness, have been applied. Intensive security and surveillance are deployed 24 hours a day, both at and around the barracks. This included patrols inside and outside the premises and surveillance of the airspace above the naval barracks. First for enforcement action against drones A special aspect of this operation was the deployment of the Marine Corps Counter-UAS team. For the first time, this unit was not only deployed for detection and shielding, but was also actually authorized to take enforcement action. This meant that drones that entered the airspace above Suffisant Marine Barracks, which had been declared a no-fly zone, were jammed and thus put out of action. On average, 10 drones are neutralized in this way per day. A total of approximately 120 soldiers, police officers and civilian employees are deployed per day to ensure safety. In addition, approximately 30 people were present every day who were involved in the substantive handling of the case: court officials, the Public Prosecution Service, lawyers, the suspect, surviving relatives, family members, press and other visitors. Defense's deployment took place in close cooperation with local security partners and proceeded without significant incidents. This has made an important contribution to the safe conduct of a case that is receiving national and regional attention. Providing military assistance falls under the third main task of Defense in the Caribbean. Iran wins backing of BRICS allies over Israel, US strikes Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 6 (AFP) Jul 06, 2025 Iran won the support of fellow BRICS nations meeting in Rio de Janeiro Sunday, with the bloc condemning recent Israel and US air strikes that hit military, nuclear and other targets. "We condemn the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025," leaders said in a summit statement, without naming the United States or Israel. "We further express serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities," the bloc said. The 11-nation grouping said the strikes "constitute a violation of international law." The declaration is a diplomatic victory for Tehran, which has received limited regional or global support after a 12-day bombing campaign by the Israeli military, which culminated in US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. The BRICS gathering includes Israel's arch foe Iran, but also nations like Russia and China, which have ties with Tehran. BRICS diplomats had been in disagreement over how strongly to denounce Israel's bombing of Iran and its actions in Gaza, but ultimately strengthened their language at Tehran's request. Israel: Ultra-Orthodox conscription threatens Netanyahu's coalition Jerusalem, July 6 (AFP) Jul 06, 2025 The Israeli army announced Sunday that it would begin sending draft notices to 54,000 ultra-Orthodox Jewish men who were previously exempt from military service, a move that threatens to split the governing coalition. "The army will begin this week issuing summons to complete the enlistment process for ultra-Orthodox men whose status as yeshiva (religious seminary) students is no longer valid following the expiration of the previous legal arrangement," the military said in a statement. The conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews is a highly contentious issue for Netanyahu's government. Formed in December 2022, the coalition hinges on an alliance between Netanyahu's right-wing Likud, far-right parties and those representing the ultra-Orthodox. The latter have repeatedly demanded the premier to preserve a longstanding exemption from military service for their constituents that has become increasingly unpopular with other sections of Israeli society amid 21 months of war with Hamas in Gaza. Under an arrangement dating back to the founding of the state of Israel in 1948, the ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi (God-fearing) in Hebrew, have been effectively exempted from military service as long as they dedicate themselves full-time to religious studies. That special status has been repeatedly challenged by Israel's Supreme Court since the early 2000s, forcing successive governments to craft temporary legal workarounds to placate ultra-Orthodox coalition partners. Since June 2024, the government has come under growing pressure from the judiciary to begin drafting Haredi men after the expiration of the latest legal provisions guaranteeing their exemption. Last month, ultra-Orthodox parties came close to voting against the government over the issue during a confidence vote before a last-minute compromise was reached on renewing the exemption. "Draft notices will be sent out in waves throughout the month of July, eventually totalling 54,000 call-up orders," the military statement said. "The military will continue efforts to expand enlistment among the ultra-Orthodox public, while working to ensure the best possible conditions that respect their unique way of life," it added. Ultra-Orthodox Jews account for about 14 percent of Israel's Jewish population - some 1.3 million people - and roughly 66,000 men of military age currently benefit from the exemption. While some ultra-Orthodox rabbis argue that Torah study protects the country as much as the military does, others fear conscription could lead young men to abandon religious observance. Turkey says methane exposure kills 5 troops in north Iraq Istanbul, July 6 (AFP) Jul 06, 2025 Five Turkish soldiers died after being exposed to methane gas during a search operation in caves in northern Iraq on Sunday, the defence ministry said. The incident comes at a sensitive time with Turkey in talks to end the conflict with the Kurds after the PKK militant group agreed to end its decades-long armed struggle. The conflict, which began in 1984, has cost more than 40,000 lives. The incident occurred as they were searching for the remains of a soldier who was shot dead by Kurdish fighters in the area in May 2022, whose body was never recovered, it said. At the time, Turkey was waging Operation Claw Lock, with its troops seeking to eradicate Kurdish PKK militants holed up in caves along the border. "During a search operation in a cave... previously known to have been used as a hospital... 19 of our personnel were exposed to methane gas." it said. They were immediately taken to hospital for treatment, but five of them died, it said. News of the deaths emerged as a delegation from the pro-Kurdish DEM party was visiting jailed PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan as part of the ongoing negotiations with the Turkish government. "During the meeting, we were informed that there were soldiers who lost their lives due to methane gas poisoning in the territory of the Kurdistan Regional Government," the delegation said. "This incident caused Mr Ocalan and all of us deep sadness. We wish Allah's mercy to those who lost their lives and offer our condolences to their families and relatives." The Royal Mint Court Residents Association, which represents residents and businesses near the proposed embassy, said: This has been a David versus Goliath battle since the beginning, and we are not giving up now. Most of us fully expected this outcome, and we are now crowdfunding a legal challenge. Police have confirmed that, based on enquiries so far, the incident is not being treated as a hate crime. Further investigations are under way to determine the full circumstances. It is not about protest. This is about an organisation committing serious criminality and obviously the Home Secretary was persuaded by the papers on her desk to proscribe them, that law has come into force, and if people want to defy that law, then we have to enforce it. Some 937 was sent directly to an individual soldier but the commission said the trustees of the charity were unable to account for how the money was spent and the regulator concluded the charitys actions had amounted to misconduct and a breach of trust. Some people were concerned he had been taking photographs or recording children, but we can confirm when officers searched him, he was not in possession of any such devices. The St. Louis Arc, an affiliate chapter of nonprofit organization The Arc of the United States, promoted Gina Evans from director of finance to chief financial officer. Elizabeth Anderson joined architecture and graphics firm Gray Design Group, St. Louis, Missouri, as an associate in the Interiors Studio. First Mid Bancshares promoted Matthew Smith from chief financial officer to president. Chief Risk Officer Jordan Read will add the role of CFO. First Mid Bancshares is the parent company of First Mid Bank & Trust, First Mid Insurance Group and First Mid Wealth Management Company. Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, graduated Weston White with IOM Graduate Recognition acknowledging 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management. White is director of marketing & communications of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois. Architecture and design firm Lawrence Group, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, hired designer Dallas Brooks to work with the companys retail, healthcare and higher education teams. The firm also hired interior designers Grace Cyr and Paavani Kar, and people, culture and benefits specialist Mikayla Blankenship as talent development business partner. Attorney Courtney Ragland joined the Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice firms Belleville, Illinois office as an associate in civil litigation defense. First Missouri Credit Union, with two locations in St. Louis County, Missouri, hired Mike Borawski as vice president of accounting. ST. LOUIS Officers arrested over a dozen people Saturday night into the wee hours of Sunday morning in the downtown area during the police departments Fourth of July operations. Police took a youth into custody shortly before 8 p.m. at Fourth and Walnut streets, according to St. Louis police. Then, a few hours later, officers arrested another after he tried to flee on a stolen motor bike. Officers also found a gun the kid had tossed in the chase. By midnight, police had a total of 13 people in custody. Of those, nine were children, including one 13-year-old who had a gun. And by 4 a.m., police had arrested a total of 19 people, including 11 kids, and seized five guns. An ATV was also towed from Washington Avenue. Citations issued Saturday night into Sunday morning include setting off and possessing fireworks, peace disturbance, defacing a firearm, fleeing, and behavior that could cause harm. Four arrests were made on firearm-related offenses. Police spokesman Mitch McCoy said Saturday afternoon that police arrested more than 60 people downtown, including at least 45 juveniles, after the Fourth of July celebration at the Gateway Arch on Friday night. Citations issued that night were related to fireworks, resisting arrest, assault on law enforcement, stealing and trespassing. There were eight firearm-related arrests. Police said they took children to a reunification center where parents could come collect them. Police were citing parents with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. In total, 82 people were taken into custody in the police departments holiday operations since Thursday, including 56 children. BELLEVILLE A man was charged in a shooting Thursday that left a 4-year-old boy wounded, according to police. The St. Clair County State's Attorney's office charged Tyron L. Pembleton, 27, of Belleville, with endangering the life of a child, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and obstructing justice, according to a news release posted Saturday to a Belleville Police Department social media page. The child is recovering in a local hospital, according to police. Pembleton remains in custody at the St. Clair County Jail. The shooting happened at about 7:30 a.m. Thursday at a home in the first block of North 42nd Street, police said in a news release last week. The release said the child's father was taken into custody for questioning. Patrick Pat Michael Gleason, 80, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, after a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of the late Nancy Gleason for 50 years and a loving father to Dan and Kate. He is also survived by his five siblings: Mary Ann, Tim, Tom, and Mark Gleason, and Jane Brown. Born on St. Patricks Day, 1945, to Thomas and Hermine Gleason, Pat served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army before returning to St. Louis, where he built a long and respected career in the metal finishing industry. A faithful Catholic, Pat was deeply involved in his parish community. Pats gregarious personality and humor were astonishing, but for those who knew him best, it was his gentle sweetness that made him one of a kind. He loved sports, barbequing, and turning everyday errands into chances to connect and entertain. Services: Visitation on Wednesday, July 9, from 38 p.m. at Bopp Chapel in Kirkwood. Funeral Mass on Thursday, July 10, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Brentwood. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Mary Magdalen C.A.R.E. (2618 S. Brentwood, St. Louis, MO 63144), or Building Hope and Futures Together (Attn: Tim Gleason, 57 Hawthorne Village Rd, Nashua, NH 03062), which supports the health and education needs of families in Uganda and South Sudan. Throughout my 68 years, Ive developed a love affair with Americas national parks. Ive explored more than half of them through solo backpacking journeys, challenging hikes up mountains or deep into the Grand Canyon, and countless family road trips, all captured in thousands of photographs. Fortunately, most of my excursions occurred when the parks were more accessible. We were able to drive up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia to witness the sunrise without making a reservation. We scrambled up the monolith of Half Dome in Yosemite without navigating the online maze to secure a permit. And, like mountain goats, we zig-zagged up Angels Landing in Zion to look down 1,500 feet upon the Virgin River without having to win a lottery. Enjoying magnificent landscapes was just one reason for my trips. As an American, I also wanted to celebrate a democratic legacy that has been around for over 150 years. In 1872, the government created Yellowstone as the worlds first national park. The goal was to protect the breathtaking natural landscape in an area bigger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined for the enjoyment of every American. It was to be Americas park a truly democratic idea. In contrast to Europe, where many spectacular natural landscapes and historic sites were privately owned and accessible only to the upper classes, the United States chose to keep its national parks publicly owned and open to everyone. Today, the United States boasts 63 national parks, along with more than 400 additional sites, including monuments, recreation areas and historic landmarks. What sets these apart isnt just their stunning scenery or rich history its that every American, regardless of their financial situation, has the opportunity to explore and appreciate these natural and cultural treasures. Regrettably, recent developments have impacted park operations. Budget reductions and staff layoffs during the second Trump administration have led to decreased maintenance, fewer visitor services, and even raised safety concerns. The most noticeable consequence is the formation of long lines, with wait times reaching up to two hours for entry into some of the most popular parks. However, even before Donald Trump returned to office, the national parks had already become victims of their own popularity. Visitation rates had consistently increased, reaching a peak of 331 million visitors in 2016. This growing popularity has led to significant overcrowding, congestion on hiking trails and parking lots filled with cars and RVs. To address these challenges, ten national parks now mandate advance reservations. Efforts to alleviate overcrowding have become a necessary evil in a nation with a current population exceeding 340 million, more than three times the number of Americans when the National Park Service was founded in 1916. Furthermore, the development of automobiles, airlines and increased financial capabilities has significantly accelerated travel from around the world. However, to stay true to the core mission of the national parks making them as accessible as possible to every American the National Park Service should consider some simple, fundamental changes. For starters, waiting lists should replace lotteries. Then, even if a hiker has to wait several years for a permit to climb Half Dome, they will eventually get their chance. In contrast, a lotterys randomness means some hikers might never be selected. Secondly, a single, consistent policy should replace the varying entry requirements across different parks. Simplifying the process will help visitors, especially those who find it challenging to navigate the internet, to visit the parks more easily. Thirdly, the U.S. should eliminate all entry fees to its national parks. Currently, these range from a zero at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (which interestingly, is by far the most visited park in the nation) to $35 per vehicle per day at Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion National Parks. This expense can be a significant barrier for many. Removing it would genuinely open up the national parks. Finally, to improve access to our national parks while accommodating the increasing number of visitors, Congress should consider establishing additional parks. Imagine an Adirondack Mountain National Park in upstate New York, a Craters of the Moon National Park in Idaho, or a Great Rivers National Park spanning Illinois and Missouri. To preserve our democratic principles, we must make these natural treasures as accessible as we can. Everyone has the right to experience the beauty and awe of our national parks they belong to all of us. Regarding the letter to the editor Killings of civilians in Gaza isnt self-defense, but an atrocity (July 1): The writer states that an estimated 56,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in Gaza compared to 1,195 Israelis killed by Hamas, making a nearly 50-to-1 death toll. First of all, those are not all civilian deaths. Secondly, the death toll figures coming out of Gaza are provided by the Palestinian Ministry of Health, which is run by Hamas, so the figures are suspect. But lets go ahead and accept those figures for the sake of argument. Since the writer referenced World War II to bolster the argument that Israel is committing genocide, Id like to make a similar comparison. In the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, 2,403 Americans died. This, of course, is why the United States declared war on Japan. In the course of the subsequent war, an estimated 3 million Japanese were killed by the U.S. military. That comes to a 1,248-to-1 death toll. Would the writer say the U.S. was committing genocide? I would say we were fighting for our survival just as Israel is doing. Mark Miller St. Louis People hide in a metro station, being used as a bomb shelter, during a Russian drones attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, early hours Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Dan Bashakov/AP) Russia and Ukraine struck each other with hundreds of drones on Sunday, throwing Russian air travel in disarray, shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced deals with Western partners that would allow Kyiv to scale up drone production. Photos circulating on social media showed crowds huddling at Russian airports including key international hubs in Moscow and St. Petersburg, as hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled due to Ukrainian drone strikes on Saturday and overnight, according to Russias Transport Ministry. The flight disruptions hit Moscows Sheremetyevo and St. Petersburgs main Pulkovo airports. Other airports in western and central Russia also faced disruptions. Russian air defenses shot down 120 Ukrainian drones during the nighttime attacks, and 39 more before 2 p.m. Moscow time on Sunday, Russias Defense Ministry said. It did not clarify how many had hit targets, or how many had been launched in total. Early on Sunday, Ukrainian drones injured two civilians in Russias Belgorod region near the border, its Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said. Russia pounded Kyiv last week The Ukrainian attacks came just days after Russia pummelled Kyiv with waves of drones and missiles overnight into Friday, in what Ukrainian officials called the largest such strike since Moscows all-out invasion. The seven-hour onslaught killed at least two civilians, wounded dozens more and caused widespread damage, Ukraine said, while Moscow ramped up its push to capture more of its neighbors land. In total, Russia launched 550 drones and missiles across Ukraine that night, according to the countrys air force. The barrages have coincided with a concerted Russian effort to break through parts of the roughly 620-mile front line, where Ukrainian troops are under severe pressure. Large-scale Russian drone strikes on Sunday injured three civilians in Kyiv and at least two in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city in the northeast, officials said. A Russian attack involving Shahed drones also targeted port infrastructure in Mykolaiv in central Ukraine, according to local Gov. Vitaliy Kim. He reported warehouses and the ports power grid were damaged but there were no casualties. Hours later, Russia launched a glide bomb and a drone at the front-line town of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine, killing four civilians and injuring a fifth, the prosecutors office said. The drone struck a car in which a married couple were travelling, killing the 39-year-old woman and 40-year-old man on the spot, it said. Ukraine seeks to ramp up drone production Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Ukraine had inked deals with European allies and a leading U.S. defense company to step up drone production, ensuring Kyiv receives hundreds of thousands more this year. Zelenskyy did not name the U.S. business in his nightly video address to Ukrainians, but said Ukraine and Denmark have also agreed to co-produce drones and other weapons on Danish soil. His remarks came days after the U.S. paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defense missiles. Ukraines main European backers are considering how they can help pick up the slack. Zelenskyy said plans are afoot to build up Ukraines domestic arms industry, but scaling up will take time. Ukraine has previously used homemade drones to hit high-value military targets deep inside Russia, demonstrating its capabilities and denting Moscows confidence. Last month, Kyiv said it destroyed more than 40 Russian planes stationed at several airfields deep inside Russia in a surprise attack. Outmanned and outgunned, Ukraines army has also turned to drones to compensate for its troop shortage and shore up its defenses. While Russia has ramped up offensives this summer on two fronts in Ukraine, analysts say the front isnt about to collapse. On Friday, Zelenskyy said he had a very important and productive phone call that day with U.S. President Donald Trump, discussing possible joint drone production alongside U.S-led efforts to end the war. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump described the call as good. Hes been hit very hard, as I said he would. Hes been hit very hard, he said. Michelle L. Price contributed to this report from Washington, D.C. An Israeli army APC moves along the border of the Gaza strip in southern Israel, Sunday, July 6, 2025. (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip New details of the Gaza ceasefire proposal emerged on Sunday as Israel sent a negotiating team to Qatar ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu s White House visit for talks toward an agreement. Inside the territory, hospital officials said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 38 Palestinians. There are 20 hostages that are alive, 30 dead. I am determined, we are determined, to bring them all back. And we will also be determined to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, Netanyahu said before departing, emphasizing the goal of eliminating Hamas military and governing power. A person familiar with the negotiations shared with The Associated Press a copy of the latest ceasefire proposal submitted by mediators to Hamas, and its veracity was confirmed by two other people familiar with the document. All three spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the sensitive talks with the media. The document outlines plans for a 60-day ceasefire during which Hamas would hand over 10 living and 18 dead hostages, Israeli forces would withdraw to a buffer zone along Gazas borders with Israel and Egypt, and significant amounts of aid would be brought in. The document says the aid would be distributed by United Nations agencies and the Palestinian Red Crescent. It does not specify what would happen to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the American organization that has distributed food aid since May. Israel wants it to replace the U.N.-coordinated system. As in previous ceasefire agreements, Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli facilities would be released in exchange for the hostages, but the number is not yet agreed upon. The proposal stops short of guaranteeing a permanent end to the war a condition demanded by Hamas -- but says negotiations for a permanent ceasefire would take place during the 60 days. During that time, President (Donald) Trump guarantees Israels adherence to halting military operations, the document says, adding that Trump will personally announce the ceasefire agreement. The personal guarantee by Trump appeared to be an attempt to reassure Hamas that Israel would not unilaterally resume fighting as it did in March during a previous ceasefire, when talks to extend it appeared to stall. Trump said last week that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire, but it was unclear if the terms were those in the document reviewed by the AP. Hamas has requested some changes but has not specified them. Separately, an Israeli official said the security Cabinet late Saturday approved sending aid into northern Gaza, where civilians suffer from acute food shortages. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the decision with the media, declined to give more details. Northern Gaza has seen just a trickle of aid enter since Israel ended the latest ceasefire in March. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundations closest distribution site is near the Netzarim corridor south of Gaza City that separates the territorys north and south. Israel hits 130 targets across Gaza Israeli strikes hit two houses in Gaza City, killing 20 Palestinians and wounding 25 others, according to Mohammed Abu Selmia, director of Shifa Hospital, which serves the area. Israels military said it struck several Hamas fighters in two locations in the area of Gaza City. In southern Gaza, Israeli strikes killed 18 Palestinians in Muwasi on the Mediterranean coast, where thousands of displaced people live in tents, said officials at Nasser Hospital in nearby Khan Younis. It said two families were among the dead. My brother, his wife, his four children, my cousins son and his daughter. ... Eight people are gone, said Saqer Abu Al-Kheir as people gathered on the sand for prayers and burials. Israels military had no immediate comment on those strikes but said it struck 130 targets across Gaza in the past 24 hours. It claimed it targeted Hamas command and control structures, storage facilities, weapons and launchers, and that they killed a number of militants in northern Gaza. Rift over ending the war Ahead of the indirect talks with Hamas in Qatar, Netanyahus office asserted that the militant group was seeking unacceptable changes to the ceasefire proposal. Hamas gave a positive response late Friday to the latest proposal. The militant group has sought guarantees that the initial truce would lead to a total end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Previous negotiations have stalled over Hamas demands of guarantees that further negotiations would lead to the wars end, while Netanyahu has insisted Israel would resume fighting to ensure the groups destruction. The war began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Most have been released in earlier ceasefires. Israel responded with an offensive that has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The ministry, which is under Gazas Hamas government, does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The U.N. and other international organizations see its figures as the most reliable statistics on war casualties. Chehayeb and Sewell reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Joey Cappalletti in Washington contributed. Doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs cannot prescribe cannabis, which is banned under federal law. But a measure in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act would let them discuss it as an alternative health care treatment in states that allow medical marijuana. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON Doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs for the first time would be allowed to recommend cannabis to patients in states where it is legal, according to an amendment in the House-approved VA budget bill for fiscal 2026. While VA doctors cannot prescribe cannabis, which is banned under federal law, a measure in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act would let them discuss it as an alternative health care treatment in states that have legalized medical marijuana. The amendment comes from the Veterans Equal Access Act, led by Rep. Brian Mast, R.-Fla., a medically retired Army veteran who served for more than 12 years as a bomb disposal expert. There also is a second amendment included in the House-approved VA spending bill that supports VA planning for psychedelic assisted therapy as a future treatment option for veterans. That amendment is led by Rep. Bergman, R-Mich., a retired Marine Corps lieutenant general. The legislation orders the VA to recommend changes needed in its health care infrastructure to include approved psychedelic therapies in the delivery of medical services. The fiscal 2026 bill passed the House in June with more than 30 amendments. The Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to review the legislation after the July 4th weekend. Fiscal 2026 begins Oct. 1. Supporters said both amendments provide a framework for the VA to plan for and consider alternative treatments for patients when traditional pharmaceuticals are ineffective. Cannabis and psychedelic drugs are illegal under federal law, though most states permit marijuana for medical or recreational use. Bergman, who served from 1969 to 2009, said he supports innovative therapies that show promise for treating the invisible wounds of war. This line of therapeutics has tremendous advantage, if given in a clinical setting. And we are working very hard to make sure that that happens within 12 months, said Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy spoke at a June hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committees subpanel on health. He was responding to questions from Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, a medically retired Navy SEAL, about the potential use of psychedelic-assisted therapy at the VA for trauma-related disorders. We are launching clinical trials at [the Food and Drug Administration], and there are 11 clinical trials at VA, Kennedy said. We need to make sure the science on this is solid, particularly for our retired military service members. The preliminary results are very encouraging. There are people who badly need therapy, and nothing else works for them. The Veterans Equal Access Act would prohibit the VA from interfering with a veterans participation in a medical marijuana program in states where cannabis use is legal. The legislation allows VA doctors to provide recommendations for medical marijuana to their VA patients. The bill was included as an amendment on the $453 billion VA spending bill approved by the House last month. This is common-sense legislation, said Mast, who served from 2000 to 2011. Something like 35 states have approved medical marijuana. If this can help veterans recovering from injuries stay off prescription narcotics, it will be a godsend. The legislation also stops the VA from using funds to enforce Veterans Health Directive 1315, a VA regulation that forbids VA clinicians from completing paperwork or issuing recommendations for veterans to participate in state-approved cannabis programs. I sympathize with the struggles of veterans who need an alternative to prescription narcotics, said Mast, a staff sergeant who lost both legs in a roadside explosion in Afghanistan in 2010. Mast said he received a laundry list of narcotics during his own recovery from catastrophic combat injuries. These are not pleasant drugs, he said. If veterans can benefit from a non-narcotic like medical marijuana, we are doing a great service for them. Suspected gang members were spotted living it up on the party island last month after flying out from Ireland to celebrate an upcoming wedding Six people were arrested after the network was hacked Six people were arrested after the network was hacked Key members of The Family drugs gang splashed the cash after jetting off to Ibiza for a stag weekend just months after gardai looked to have smashed the mob by hacking into their encrypted phone network. The suspected gang members were spotted living it up on the party island last month after flying out from Ireland to celebrate an upcoming wedding. A source said the party included a number of key associates of the leader of The Family mob, as well as a tech expert who operated the Ghost encrypted phone network for the west Dublin gang. However, the source claimed one of the gang leaders pulled out at the last minute because he believed he was under surveillance. Six people were arrested after the network was hacked The Ghost network claimed to provide criminals with devices that could not be infiltrated by police due to a special triple-encryption system. A source told the Sunday World that no expense was spared with members of the gang splashing the cash on the weekend trip. Known as The Family, the gang have filled the void left by the demise of the Kinahan Cartel and are regarded as major importers of cocaine and heroin into the country. However, it appeared that gardai had effectively brought down the leadership of gang when they carried out a series of raids in March. Three brothers, including the overall gang boss, were among six people arrested as part of countrys first major encrypted phone hack case. Six people were arrested after the network was hacked Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 6th The arrested men also included a tech expert who is suspected of selling and maintaining the encrypted communication devices. They were held after gardai accessed the gangs day-to-day business when the encrypted network Ghost network was hacked last September as part of an international policing operation. After the Ghost network was compromised, gardai seized 15.2m of cocaine, 350,000 in cash, 320,000 worth of cannabis and a further 100,000 of heroin from the gang following 33 searches and the seizure of 42 devices. A further 153 electronic devices were also seized from suspected gang members at that time. But days after their arrests, the gangs leaders were released without charge with a file being prepared for the DPP despite the wealth of evidence exposed on the encrypted phones. To date, Ireland has remained an outlier when it comes to prosecutions involving evidence against criminal groups and individuals discovered on encrypted networks. An Garda Siochana have failed to bring any cases relating to the Encrochat takedown despite the fact that numerous successful prosecutions have been taken in Northern Ireland and hundreds of networks have been dismantled and jailed in the UK. It is understood that the evidence against the leadership of The Family found on the phones is overwhelming but, months later, the DPP has yet to give direction on charges. Last year, gardai teamed up with their international partners after French authorities broke into two Ghost network servers and made contact with Europol. The investigation subsequently revealed that Australia and Ireland were the two countries with the greatest use of the Ghost system. As well as The Family, a Wicklow-based crime gang were also on the devices, and a separate Irish crime group was supplying and operating the phones. Despite the fact that the Ghost encrypted phone network was used almost exclusively for organised crime, it was run by a computer geek. Jay Je Yoon Jung, (32), from Sydney in Australia, has been charged with allegedly creating and administering the Ghost network from a room in his parents quiet suburban home. Even while running the Ghost network, he continued to work for his parents commercial cleaning business in the Sydney suburb of Narwee. According to neighbours, he was the polite and quiet perfect son who was well-known for his love of karaoke. In his Garda interview Istvan Konyari compared his antics to the video game Grand Theft Auto. 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 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. Istvan Konyari. Photo: Facebook Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 6th Stolen items included an antique clock, coal, gas cylinders and toilet rolls. During the course of one burglary in Cork an apartment owner went in to 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 co operation 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. Inmates receiving post steeped in hard-to-detect synthetic substance Synthetic drugs are being smuggled into prisons on letters sent through the post, with some even disguised as solicitors letters. The narcotics are believed to be making it past security systems, as they are so hard to detect. Officers at Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon already open most letters sent to inmates and swab them to detect traces of drugs and then give the inmates a photocopy of the original. These measures were brought in after it emerged that some inmates were getting letters dipped in synthetic spice, which they then rolled up and smoked. However, according to a source, a new synthetic drug being used is extremely hard to detect. The source added that once the prisoner has received the letter, they rip it up into small pieces and eat it. It used to be done with puzzles, so inmates were stopped from getting these as gifts from outside the jail, they said. They used to be dipped in LSD or the likes and the inmates would lick them to get high. There was a famous scene in the movie In the Name of the Father and thats exactly what it used to be like. Now they have moved on to letters which have been written on paper that has been soaked in a solution of synthetic drugs. The drug being used now is like no other seen and is very hard to detect. Its like something out of a movie like Mission Impossible, where they eat the paper to get rid of all the evidence. It used to be easy enough to spot when paper had been soaked in a drug such as spice, as the edges would be discoloured and tinged, but thats not the case with whatever drug they are now smuggling in. They are soaked in a solution of water and synthetic drug before being oven-dried and used as writing paper. It has also been suggested that some are getting the drug sent into them on fake solicitors letters or formal letters which tend not to be opened like others by staff. There have been no interceptions as of yet of this particular drug, but there has been intelligence gathered within the prisons to suggest this is the case. Drugs are currently a massive issue in the prisons and it is only going to continue to get worse. Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 7th A spokesman for the Irish Prison Service said it is committed to preventing access to contraband in prisons. Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence-led cell searches on a daily basis, he said. Our Canine Unit carries out searches around the prisons, including a greater focus on searching deliveries into prisons. There is a free confidential telephone line (1800 855 717) and text line (086 180 2449). Prisoners, visitors, staff or members of the public with information on the trafficking of prohibited items into our prisons can pass on that information in the strictest confidence. A former member of the gang led by Martin The General Cahill, he was an uncle of jailed Kinahan Cartel man Thomas Bomber Kavanagh Veteran gangland figure Jo Jo Kavanagh has died after being treated for an illness in a Dublin hospital. A former member of the gang led by Martin The General Cahill, he was an uncle of jailed Kinahan Cartel man Thomas Bomber Kavanagh. He was also an uncle to murdered gangsters Gerard Hatchet Kavanagh (pictured below) and Paul Kavanagh, believed to have been killed on the orders of the Kinahans. A notice posted online said that Kavanagh had died suddenly at home on July 2. It stated the funeral was private for family and close friends. Kavanagh, from Crumlin, became notorious after his role in the infamous tiger-kidnap of bank director Jim Lacey by The Generals gang. Gerard Kavanagh Armed and masked men took Lacey and members of his family hostage after invading his Blackrock home in November 1993. Threatened with being shot, the bankers wife Suzanne, children and a babysitter were held as Mr Lacey was forced to carry out the gangs orders. Jo Jo Kavanagh turned up at the house and changed into one of the victims suits and told him that he was also a hostage. Jo Jo Kavanagh was an uncle of Thomas Bomber Kavanagh Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 6th His job was to accompany the bank director to the branch at College Green the next morning and to take the available cash. It later emerged there was an estimated 7 to 8 million in the vaults of the National Irish Bank branch. Fearing being trapped in the vaults if the Gardai had been alerted, Kavanagh did not venture in to inspect it, missing out on what would have been the biggest ever heist in Ireland at the time. He took 243,000 punts from the branch manager and loaded it into his van before driving away with members of the Lacey family later found in a stable near the Phoenix Park. Jo Jo Kavanagh would later tell gardai that he had been kidnapped and forced to carry out the gangs demands, handing over the money to a motorcyclist. Gardai did not believe his story and, given his previous convictions for armed robbery, he became a suspect. The following January Kavanagh was shot in the leg when he said he was confronted by masked men who asked why he hadnt taken all the money from the bank. When asked by Evening Herald reporter Brendan Farrelly, if he had staged the shooting, Kavanagh denied it. He served seven years of a 12-year sentence and emerged from prison in 2003 when it was reported he was no longer involved in crime. Other members of his extended family remained involved in gang activity, as organised criminals switched from heists to hard drugs. His nephew Thomas Bomber Kavanagh, a Criminal Assets Bureau target in the mid 1990s, rose to become the Kinahan Cartels number one man in the UK. Hie is serving a 21-year sentence for a multi-million-euro cocaine smuggling plot and got another conviction over a bid to hide weapons for the police to find in return for leniency. Jo Jo Kavanaghs nephews, brothers Gerard Hatchet and Paul Kavanagh were also high- profile gangsters involved in the drugs trade linked to the Kinahan Cartel. Hatchet Kavanagh was murdered in Spain in 2014 while Paul died in 2015 after being shot in Drumcondra after being lured to a meeting. Nicola Moores five-month jail sentence was reduced on appeal last month to 200 hours of unpaid work The mum of a young girl beaten in her bed by a stranger is furious her attacker has been sentenced to community service. Nicola Moores five-month jail sentence was reduced on appeal last month to 200 hours of unpaid work. Shes also been order to pay victim compensation of 250. The 49-year-old, from Whitehouse Court in Newtownabbey, had two charges withdrawn, of assault causing actual bodily harm and attempted GBH. The thug denied shed ever been in the young girls bedroom and put her through the ordeal of giving evidence via video link following the attack on April 14 last year. Nicola Moore Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 6th Moores denials were rejected and she was convicted at Laganside Court in Belfast of common assault on her victim, aged just 12 at the time, and threats to damage property, when she vowed to return to the home and break the windows. In court last December she was given a five-month jail sentence, but launched an appeal. The mother of the schoolgirl victim is appalled that Moores sentence has been reduced to community service and says her daughter is still paying the price for the vicious attack. Im very disappointed with the sentence, says the mum, who has asked not to be named to protect her daughters identity. It feels like she has got away with this. My daughter is still very shaken up and this sentence hasnt helped. The youngster was in her Monkstown home with her then 19-year-old sister when Moore and another woman burst into the house at 4am. She demanded to speak to the girls mother, who was staying at a friends house, and then ran upstairs and started searching through the bedrooms. The victim, now 13, was asleep when Moore entered her bedroom, pinned her to the bed and grabbed her by the throat. The terrified child was left with marks on her neck. The older daughter screamed at Moore to leave, and as the two women left they traumatised both girls further by claiming theyd be back to break the windows in the house. The sisters were terrified she would return to carry out the threat. Police were informed about the incident, and took a statement from the youngster on June 16 after the family wrote to the Police Ombudsman complaining about the delay. The girls mother says it must have been obvious when Moore put her hands on her daughter that she was a child. She doesnt believe the sentence reflects the severity of the attack and its long-lasting impact on the child. The mum has sought medical advice about whether her daughter should be referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). She is very quiet and in the morning we have to phone her before going into her bedroom after what Moore did to her. Her moods are up and down and she doesnt like going out, and she doesnt like to be left alone. Shes a very deep wee girl and weve taken her to the doctors to see if she should go to CAMHS. Her big sister is also still shaken up at what happened. The distinctive blue pallets have appeared on bonfires including Belfasts London Road, Craigyhill, Ballycraigy, and pyres in towns like Portadown and Dungannon THOUSANDS of costly blue pallets are set to go up smoke across Northern Ireland on the 11th night again despite pleas from the firm that owns them. CHEP pallets painted a distinctive blue so they can be easily identified may never be bought, sold or destroyed, according to the supply chain experts. Yet they have appeared on bonfires including Belfasts London Road, Craigyhill, Ballycraigy, and pyres in towns like Portadown and Dungannon. Police confirmed to us yesterday that burning CHEP pallets was illegal. And a spokesperson for CHEP told the Sunday World they were unable to provide figures on how much the loss of pallets to bonfires was costing but that they were working closely with local authorities on their recovery. Ulster's biggest bonfire is this monster at Craigyhill larne Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 6th They added: CHEP is aware that its pallets are used each year for bonfires in Northern Ireland. We do not condone the use of our pallets for such activities and continue to appeal to organisers of the bonfires not to use CHEP pallets, which remain our legal property. As an equipment pooling company, CHEP equipment is only ever hired, never sold. CHEP will continue to focus on the recovery of our pallets, working closely with local authorities. Millions of the pallets, which CHEP rent out, are used globally to get food, drink and other products from manufacturers to retailers and into our shopping baskets. The company said they could not provide a cost for each pallet as it depends on a number of factors that define its final price. This could include service charges, rental, transportation fees, how many were rented, for how long and if they are returned. Bonfire pyre at Moygashal The high-quality pallets are designed to stay in use through a pooling system, with the company saying it collects them for inspection and any required repairs before they are reused to cut their environmental impact and costs. CHEP is so concerned about the ongoing theft and destruction of their property on celebratory bonfires across Northern Ireland that it took out ads in May asking people who spot them to report them for collection to preserve our precious natural resources. A sponsored post on the Irish News website read: All CHEP pallets and containers are the property of CHEP, and may never be bought, sold or destroyed. We mark all our assets clearly with a Property of CHEP notice to indicate this and paint our pallets a distinctive blue colour to aid in recognition. However, some of our pallets lose their way, and rather than returning to our service centres for repair and reissue, they end up being used without authorisation, or worse, destroyed. Many of these lost pallets have been burnt in recent years during the celebratory bonfires across Northern Ireland. They even warned that removing the pallets from Northern Ireland supply chains causes significant impacts to local businesses as without sufficient pallet supply, goods simply cannot be moved through the supply chain. Burning them on bonfires could also impact prices at your local checkout. Members of the public who spot blue CHEP pallets have been asked to contact the company. One Facebook group has been sharing CHEPs plea to report the theft of their pallets. The PSNI says its South Belfast Neighbourhood Policing Team is aware of concerns relating to the theft of blue pallets now being used on bonfires. A spokesperson said: Officers are working with a pallet company in relation to recent reports of theft that have been made to police. We are engaging directly with this company, and continue to investigate the circumstances of each report. We would encourage anyone with information that could help with our inquiries to contact police on 101, quoting reference number RM25027495. Patrick (76), who famously played Bobby Ewing in Dallas and starred in The Man from Atlantis, has just finished filming a documentary in Ireland with his actress partner Linda Purl Patrick with Larry Hagman as JR Ewing and Linda Gray as Sue Ellen in Dallas President Michael D. Higgins, his wife Sabina and Patrick Duffy at the St Patricks Day parade in Dublin in 2023 TV legend Patrick Duffy reveals hes looking into getting an Irish passport because of the current political climate in America. Patrick (76), who famously played Bobby Ewing in Dallas and starred in The Man from Atlantis, has just finished filming a documentary in Ireland with his actress partner Linda Purl. We came here to trace our roots, and a pub was the easiest way, because thats generally where the conversation starts, Patrick tells the Sunday World. Its where you are best known in your community and everybody talks about your parents and your grandparents and pub culture. The actor grew up in Montana where his parents, Patrick Mor Terence and Marie Duffy (nee Dawson), owned a pub in Boulder. The couple were tragically murdered there in 1988 during an armed robbery, with their two killers getting parole in 2007 and 2015. Patricks paternal grandfather was from Kilmovee in Co Mayo. We are really tracing the pub culture through Ireland, and we will end up in Kilmovee in Mayo, he explains. I have roots primarily in Mayo. I first came here in the mid-80s. We went to the Aran Islands and around the rest of Ireland a bit, we were looking at locations for a film. This is my sixth trip to Ireland. The actor, who became a household name in the 70s and 80s, confirms he is looking into getting an Irish passport. I am entitled to it, my grandfather emigrated, he points out. Its worth looking into, especially now with the political climate the way it is, its worth looking into absolutely. The couple spoke to us while filming a segment of the documentary at OLoughlins pub in Dun Laoghaire, where Patrick pulled and downed pints of Guinness. Linda (69) is best known for playing Ashley Pfister, Fonzies girlfriend, on the 70s sitcom Happy Days and also starred as Pam Beeslys mother, Helene, in the American version of The Office and as Ben Matlocks daughter Charlene Matlock in the first series on Matlock. We were up in Galway, we were up in Lettermullen in Connemara, and we are so lucky to be working with Brian Redden who is now part of the family. Brian is one of the best producer-directors, which is absolutely wonderful. My folks are Scots Irish and so they would have come over in the early 17th century and settled up in Ulster, thats where my kin is. This trip is about finding Duffy roots, and so we are having this lovely adventure on the way to Mayo We were here three years ago, and ages ago I shot a miniseries here, The Manions of America, for American television, Pierce Brosnan was also in it. The couple live in Encino in Los Angeles and have been together since 2020. Linda has been married and divorced four times and has one child. Patrick has been married once, his wife Carlyn, whom he married in 1974, died in 2017 and they had two sons. The actor says one of them is carrying on the family tradition. My son Padraic, hes the eldest, he works in a bar, its called Broadwater Plunge in Hollywood, he adds. When shown a picture of his Dallas co-stars Larry Hagman (JR) and Linda Grey (Sue Ellen) during a trip to Ireland, he speaks fondly about them. I know they came here a lot, he smiles. When asked if theyd like a holiday home here, Linda laughs: One step at a time! Patrick adds: We travel a lot, and our holidays are spent thankfully at home. He reflects about his favourite moments on recent journey here. Just meeting the people, and especially the pub culture, he says, with Linda adding and the music. Producer/director Brian reveals the one-hour documentary has been commissioned by RTE and will be shown around Christmas. We were trying to go to as many Duffys pubs as possible as his folks had a Duffys pub in Montana, he tells us. So we visited a few of them theres one in Malahide, theres one in Killimor in Galway. Theres one in Donegal, Annagary. We went to the Hi B in Cork, OLoughlins in Dun Laoghaire, went to Jim Of The Mills in Tipperary. We were out in the Aran Island, Joe Wattys on Inishmor on the Aran Islands as well. We went to Moate, TR Dallass pub in Moate, and TR Dallas got to sing his hit Who Shot JR. TR was delighted to meet him and sing the song. We got to meet lots of distant cousins and relatives in Kilmovee on Wednesday, which was the last pub we did, Duffys Four Ways, and where Patricks grandfather was from. We spent about two weeks doing it. Brian explains that the idea for the documentary came from the couple. Patrick and Linda were back here a couple of years ago searching for the family roots, they had gone down to Mayo, Kilmovee, he says. When they were over here the idea hatched to come back and document the trip and document Ireland, what Ireland means to him. I came on board later on. He has a history of pubs in his family. His son runs a pub in Hollywood, and his grandfather had one and his dad had one, and he grew up in a pub in Montana, so we thought that was an interesting prism to look at the changing face of Ireland. Its an hour long special, we are just calling it Duffys Pub, because we are kind of using it as a home for Ireland. He says the reaction to the couple has been incredible wherever theyve gone. Theres flags and buntings everywhere, tea and scones and brown bread and black pudding. Ive eaten more scones on this trip that I never want to see a scone again, he says. President Michael D. Higgins, his wife Sabina and Patrick Duffy at the St Patricks Day parade in Dublin in 2023 Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 7th Content warning: This story mentions mental health issues, being suicidal and substance abuse. The Bay of Plentys glass children are finding support and a path forward with help from New Zealands only organisation dedicated to providing specialised support to young carers. Unseen Heroes co-founder and managing director Te Rina Ruru-Pelasio said glass children is a term used for young people aged 7-24 given the responsibility of raising younger siblings, looking after grandparents or loved ones with disabilities, illnesses, mental illnesses or addictions. Theres more than 40,000 young carers in NZ aged 15-24, she said. That doesnt include those looking after family members with addictions, mental illnesses or the grandparents or supporting younger siblings. Skyla at 13-years-old, now 15, Danu at 15-years-old, now 16. Photo / supplied Young carers are known as glass children as they are often overlooked, Ruru-Pelasio said. All the focus goes on the one needing support, but at Unseen Heroes the charity sees them for who they are: the invisible heroes who give so much, often at the expense of their own wellbeing. Caring can look different in every family. For many young carers, it means putting someone elses needs before their own. Ruru-Pelasio said sometimes it means juggling school, work, and life while carrying the weight of responsibility, worry, and exhaustion. They try not to be a burden on their parents because they know their parents are stressed looking after the other sibling, so they try to take a lot of the role on themselves. It could be managing medication, navigating health services, stepping up to look after their younger siblings so getting them off to school, getting them home from school and helping them with their homework. Unseen Heroes offers a free six-month programme Te Ara Marama for young carers aged 12-24 who are feeling lost, struggling with their mental health, or finding it difficult to stay in school or keep up with their course. More than 80% of our kids we worked with in the past have had suicidal ideations. A lot of them feel guilty for feeling like this, but they dont open up or talk to anyone. Young Carer Amaia at 15-years-old at camp 2024. Photo / supplied Ruru-Pelasio, herself a former carer, has lived experiences which is why she decided to found this organisation with her co-founder who she said is the one that helped me, saved my life. My older brother sustained a severe traumatic brain injury from a car accident when I was 16. I stepped up with my mum and my sister, and we all became his primary caregivers. He required 24-hour care. Ruru-Pelasio said stepping into this role had a drastic impact on her mental health. Over time, I became a self-harmer, I was suicidal. You wouldnt believe it when you saw me back then because I always had a smile on my face. I was good at hiding it. She began to use drugs and alcohol to numb her feelings. I didnt want to tell anyone because I didnt think I had any right to feel the way I felt. Ruru-Pelasio said she felt guilty that she didnt want to do it at times, she wanted to be a kid and live a normal life like her friends. I ended up spiralling. She reached out to several counselling services but didnt feel like they understood what she was going through. It wasnt until she met her co-founder Char Rain who also comes from lived experience that she felt safe enough to open up. Unseen Heroes co-founders Char Rain and Te Rina Ruru-Pelasio. Photo / supplied She helped me to develop my self-love and self-worth and gave me the tools to navigate my feelings around caring so I was still able to do it, but I was supported while I was doing it. This is what the programme is all about. They go on the camp to have fun and be a kid, and then once they start to become more mentally healthy, they learn to navigate the stress and aspire for their futures. The annual camps originally called Camp Unity are available for 25 young carers to enrol into. Its a chance to meet other carers and do some adventure activities. They have weekly Zoom sessions of about 30 minutes to an hour where they start to learn the tools to deal with anxiety, depression and addictions as well as develop self-love, self-worth and learn about self-care. Then, the programme introduces the aspirational side of the course. We try to recruit as many volunteer tutors on board and we get them paired up with our young carers. A lot of the kids are falling behind in school, constantly late to class, missing classes, theyve got absent fees so they tend to fall behind, and they feel like failures, said Ruru-Pelasio. We get our tutors to make sure theyre about to catch up on their work so that it doesnt become a barrier to their future dreams. The programme not only aims to support the kids in their current situations, but gives them the opportunity to think about their futures beyond caring. Once they get to that stage, then were able to get them in with work opportunities and work experience. Ruru-Pelasio said one of the carers recently spent a day in a veterinarian clinic shadowing a vet nurse at Auckland Zoo. Its about introducing them to the world and the many opportunities that are available to them. Unseen Heroes has a Bay of Plenty camp coming up on July 25-27 at Tui Ridge Park, Rotorua for children aged 13-24. To find out more, or enrol, visit: www.unseenheroes.org.nz or email: info@unseenheroes.org.nz The Katikati branch of the New Zealand Red Cross has established a Disaster Welfare and Support Team but it needs more volunteers. Branch president Phil Parker said the former Community Relief Team, which would provide support to the Katikati district in the event of an emergency, had progressed into a Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST). This means rather than just locally responding, we can respond to large-scale emergencies around the country, when called on, Parker said. What were looking for now is more members, so we can build up the DWST team at our Katikati branch. The Katikati DWST is one of 20 nationwide that are prepared to help in their communities or further afield at short notice. Members could be deployed to assist in a flood, fire or other large-scale emergencies, and help with a range of activities that could include setting up and providing support in evacuation centres; undertaking needs assessments to understand what support people need; and providing psychosocial support. We work alongside other emergency management agencies. Respond further Parker said Katikatis DWST comprises seven members but hed like to have 15-20 signed up and undertaking training. That would allow us to respond further around the whole country if we need to because you cant always guarantee that everybody can respond. Red Cross Katikati branch president Phil Parker wants more people to volunteer for the newly-established Disaster Welfare and Support Team. Photo / Merle Cave Katikati residents aged 16-plus who are reasonably fit and healthy can volunteer. We will train them. Theres a 14-module training package we put them through over 12 months. Normally, we train once every two weeks for a few hours on a Wednesday night [at the Katikati Red Cross branch on Middlebrook Drive], Parker said. The commitment we would like is that each volunteer at least gives us 12 months as a member, because we do put a lot into them theyll get full uniforms, training, and their comprehensive first aid certificate and a psychological first aid course. And it costs the volunteer nothing only their time. In return, members will learn skills to be able to look after themselves during a disaster and their neighbours and family; plus build more skills and friendships as part of a nationwide group of DWSTs. Helping after Gabrielle Parker said the most recent emergency Katikati Red Cross members had responded to was Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023. He was on the ground in Gisborne soon afterwards. With 35 years of disaster response experience here and internationally, Parker became the New Zealand Red Cross regional project manager for Tarawhiti and Wairoa, helping to distribute funding to communities right up the coastline who desperately needed it to rebuild their lives. I worked with those that needed financial assistance, those that had lost everything. He was there 12 months. What does the work feel like? Its pretty awe-inspiring, really. New Zealand Red Cross regional project manager for Tarawhiti and Wairoa, Phil Parker visits a yellow stickered home in Wairoa back in 2023. Photo / NZ Red Cross. Last weekend, via invitation, he returned to Gisborne to see ground preparation for a new marae. Parker had supported the destroyed marae and its people back in 2023. Your input [as a DWST volunteer] could be life-saving or life-changing for someone whos really at a quite a vulnerable part of their life, Parker said. The psychological first aid training we do teaches us how to help people that are absolutely distressed, and look after them as far as their welfare needs go. So theres a lot of just supporting people when basically theyve got nothing or theyre absolutely stressed to the max because of a disaster. More disasters ... Parker said Cyclone Gabrielle shook New Zealanders into realising the effects of climate change. That why its so important to be prepared because were getting more and more disasters. Theres no question on that. Parker said between major disasters, people tend to forget they will strike again. And because were such a small country, we dont have the response capability if its a major disaster to look after everybody. So one of the things we do is we teach people how to look after themselves until help can come. Those keen to join Red Cross Katikatis DWST can visit: www.redcross.org.nz/get-involved/volunteer-in-new-zealand/find-a-volunteer-role or call Parker for a chat about the role on 021 245 0557. In close to a decade, Rebecca Larsen has had quite an impact on Te Puke. Last week was Rebeccas last as EPIC Te Puke marketing manager. Community events, promotions, get-togethers and a significant online presence are the legacy of her time in the job. Her first taste of Te Puke came after retailers got together and, with the support of Te Puke Community board, formed Shop Te Puke. This group of businesses wanted a focus on the promotion of the downtown area for those who might be affected by the Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL) [taking traffic, and customers, away from the town], she said. Having recently returned from Canada and with two young children, the 10 hours per week contract was very attractive. In the early days she was finding her feet and trying to come up with initiatives to lift the perceptions of the town centre and create ways to bring people into town. I did a bit of my own research in interviewing people in the street and interviewing businesses to try and get a feel of the audience market. The birth of EPIC Te Puke Lions had always run the Te Puke Christmas Parade and, when the club folded, an opportunity arose to step in with help from former club members. There was a meeting with the board at the time and a strategy and brainstorming session to rebrand and rename. Thats when the EPIC acronym was born Events, Promotions, Igniting Community. At that point, our contract with council grew and we had to do four events a year. The float parade was one, and the other three ended up being a relaunch of one of the towns Kiwifruit festival favourites, the Great Comedy Debate, an Easter trail and a Treat Trail to coincide with Halloween. I loved the Halloween experience from Canada and had this idea to have this treat trail involving decorating businesses and handing out lollies, said Larsen. It was unexpectedly massive. It has run every year since. We did bring people into town and got people talking. And it became not just about the event itself, but the people who go they are the stars because everybody had such amazing costumes." The Easter trail began as a similar walk around town but has morphed into an art-based event with the Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway transformed into a gallery and an Easter event in Jubilee Park. Those things are where my heart lies the most - creating memories with the events for kids and their families. Te Puke Online Less obvious has been Larsens work in the digital space and the launch of Te Puke Online. A report prepared by Rose-Anna Feist was a major catalyst. She conducted a very thorough strategic review for us, interviewing local business and the general public about all our activity and it highlighted a few gaps. Larsen was working solo at the time. We didnt have very good systems in place, I didnt have an office, didnt have a filing area. She recommended we needed better customer relations management, a decent directory website where people could put profiles, and an events calendar. At a community meeting, the idea of a town events calendar had also been raised. Whakatane towns website seemed to have all the bells and whistles Larsen was looking for, so she contacted its developers who agreed to come on board. I had to work really hard to get that across the line I had to fundraise for it, find sponsorship, find grant money, but once we got it, we were good to go. Business growth At the time EPIC membership was possibly fewer than 20 businesses. Now, on Te Puke Online, there are 250 profiles and, while not all are businesses, it is an indication of the value of the website, Larsen said. From that we had an excellent tool for promoting not just our own events and promotions, but everybodys. It was a massive project huge, but beneficial because now its a lot easier to communicate. During Larsens time, the organisation has grown to a point where it employs two other part-time staff members. She has also overseen the introduction of EPIC dollars vouchers with a dollar value that can only be used in Te Puke ensuring promotion prizes stay in the community an annual town summit, an annual town clean up, night markets and work opportunities for Te Puke High School student. The relationship with the high school is awesome and because of it weve been able to have a student in the office one morning a week. Students have focused on writing stories and producing videos, social media posts and a blog acknowledging the contributions people make to Te Puke. It gave students the opportunity to learn using real tools, and it grew a portfolio of beautiful stories. Innovation and creativity Former EPIC Te Puke chairwoman Sue Peat, who stood down in 2020, was on the initial promotions group that hired Rebecca. She said what Larsen has achieved has been phenomenal [Shes] very, very artistic and a fabulous marketer and thats been her strength right the way through. Shes been able to market things to the wider community and come up with the ideas that were right outside the square, said Peat. Thats what we needed. Larsen was also innovative. We went and found the resources for her and let her carry out her dreams. Current chairman Antoine Pol-Simon said Larsens creativity was outstanding. To me she was great creating new ideas and her dedication to it she spent a lot of time on things. What she did was amazing. Te Puke EDG managing director Mark Boyle said in the time Larsen has been with EPIC, there has been a noticeable consistency in the delivery of events for Te Puke. They have been very well received and had a high level of participation and were generally a positive for Te Puke, particularly for the town centre. Dragons, rainbows, pussy cats, people, rabbits the beach are what makes 11 Western Bay of Plenty primary school students hearts sing. These thoughts feature on two new murals in Katikati, to be viewed for years to come, after being unveiled in front of the eagerly-waiting little artists and whanau on June 26. The murals theme was What makes your heart sing?. The students which were new-entrants at Pahoia, Matahui, Katikati Primary and Waihi Beach schools when they created the artwork last year were selected to bring to life the Katikati Open Air Art (KOOA) project The Youth Boards. The students involved were River and Astrid from Katikati Primary, Elora, Gaige and Van from Matahui, Willow and Ila from Pahoia, and Ellise, Myah, Phoebe and Jay from Waihi Beach School. All were aged 5-7 when they painted the murals last year. The project of two murals each split between two schools is placed on two frames outside The Arts Junction on Katikatis Main Rd. KOOA manager Peri St. John-Ives spearheaded the project, which saw her and Omokoroa artist John Wilson go into the schools to work on the project with students. St. John-Ives took one lesson at each school, teaching art skills, then Wilson followed up with a second lesson to help students paint their artwork on the mural boards. Hes incredible, hes a published United Kingdom artist. He helped the children just learn about how to make such a big piece, said St. John-Ives. Free-minded Wilson said hed done projects mixing young students work with that of adult published artists back in the UK, but this was his first since moving to NZ a decade ago. When I go into school I think I learn as much as they do! Wilson said the ideas young children come up with are free-minded. The thing with children aged 4,5,6 is that they have no inhibitions you say: Do a painting of me and they wont even probably look at you. Theyll just go ahead and not even think about what theyre doing, what colours theyre using or anything and so its all natural. The moment children and their whanau gathered to see the murals unveiled, outside The Arts Junction. Photo / Merle Cave St. John-Ives said: We had no idea how it was going to go because it was quite a big undertaking. We wondered if the children would lose interest after five minutes, but what we saw was incredible. The moment they picked up a brush they became focused, calm and absorbed in their work, and were still painting peacefully an hour later. Remind us St. John-Ives said the murals theme What makes your heart sing? is to remind us of the simple things in life that bring us joy, before it was about houses and phones and cars.. The mural, in Katikati, created by Waihi Beach and Matahui students. Photo / Merle Cave Rebecca Clarke was excited for her daughter Astrid Coombes, now Year 1 at Katikati Primary School, to participate. For her, we can now bring family into town and show them what she has done. Its awesome and good for her confidence, as she loves art and painting. Waihi Beach School Year 1 Tay Hope said he enjoyed creating the artwork last year now he wanted to bring dad along to see it. It was absolutely incredible to see all the kids faces light up and how proud they were to show us what they achieved, said Tays mother Kelly Hope. A family tradition Katikati Primary School (KKPS) Year 1 student River Henderson, 6, had carried on a family tradition of working on KOOA murals by taking part. His Aunty Melissa helped make the tile mosaics at KKPS and I was a model for one of the cut-out people which are still at the school, said Rivers mother Rochelle Henderson. So its quite cool that this has carried on through the family. The mural, in Katikati, created by Pahoia and Katikati students. Photo / Merle Cave River said he painted the rainbow and some flowers. I liked doing this because I could be with my friends. He also liked the art gift and pizza lunch gifted to him at the unveiling. St. John-Ives thanked Harcourts Katikati, Creative Bay of Plentys Creative Community Scheme and MenzShed Katikati for their support. The murals What Makes my Heart Sing are number 91 on KOOAs Mural Map and located at 36 Main Rd, Katikati, on the grass by The Arts Junction and Taste of Punjab store. Bay of Plenty cinephiles can immerse themselves in la dolce vita when the Italian Film Festival returns to Tauranga this July. The festival marks its 10th anniversary with a bold new programme, 25 films and a nationwide tour stretching from April 2025 to January 2026. Tauranga audiences can catch the cinematic celebration from 10 July to 3 August. Since launching in 2015, the festival has screened more than 200 Italian films across Aotearoa. This year, Artistic Director Paolo Rotondo has curated a lineup that blends contemporary storytelling with iconic classics, including Il Postino, The Talented Mr Ripley and The English Patient. This years festival is not just a celebration of cinema, but a celebration of the connections weve built over the past decade, Rotondo said. The Opening Night film is Gloria!, a vibrant musical drama by filmmaker and musician Margherita Vicario, praised for its bold storytelling and infectious energy. Rotondo said its a perfect way to launch the festivals milestone season. The programme is also getting a glow-up, shifting to a larger A4 format with more in-depth content, including stories on sponsors and the people behind the scenes. The design, inspired by the sun-drenched colours of an Italian summer, aims to capture the warmth and passion of the films themselves. Italys new ambassador to New Zealand Cristiano Maggipinto has thrown his support behind the event. The Italian Film Festival is a testament to the strong cultural ties between Italy and New Zealand, Maggipinto said. Rotondo, who recently hosted major Italian street festivals in Auckland and Nelson, said the goal remains to deepen those cultural ties through cinema. The Tauranga leg of the festival will screen Luxe Cinemas in Tauranga, https://www.luxecinemas.nz/tauranga and is part of a national tour that also includes stops in Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Arrowtown. Audiences can expect everything from laugh-out-loud comedies to moving dramas, all with the signature flair and emotion that Italian cinema is known for. For full programme details, dates and tickets, visit www.italianfilmfestivalnz.com. During Fridays practical contest at the Winton Racecourse, contestants were put through their paces with tasks such as shearing sheep, building bridges, filleting fish and making hay bales to show off their farming skills. Seven grand finalists competed in challenges involving heavy machinery and livestock as well as public speaking, quizzes and interviews. The 26-year-old was crowned the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the Year on Saturday evening after the final test in Invercargill. Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson says he is over the moon to secure the title of New Zealands top young farmer. Jackson said it was his second time being a grand finalist, and he said he was relieved to bring the trophy home. It was a nerve-racking last couple of hours, so to get that weight off my shoulders is massive. Its been a lot of years in the making, he said. Working on his familys farm in Te Akau, north of Raglan, Jackson said he spent his days working with his old man. With an interest in technology and a passion for mental health he was also the chair of Hamilton City Young Farmers Club. With this title, I really hope to help showcase the talent we have coming through and highlight the opportunities that are there for young people, Jackson said. Where the industry is moving in terms of technology is exciting, and there is an opportunity where we can really grow people and provide career opportunities within that. New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said Jackson impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and talent across the agricultural sector. FMG Young Farmer of the Year is one of the most prestigious farming awards in the country. Its inspiring to see the recognition go to someone who will not only be a strong ambassador for the next generation of young farmers, but across the agricultural industry, he said. Acting Prime Minister David Seymour extended his congratulations to Jackson. Last night I was lucky enough to attend the Young Farmer of the Year grand final in Invercargill. It was a brilliant event, celebrating the future of farming and showcasing their expertise, leadership and passion for agriculture, he said. Hugh demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership and knowledge in one of the most historic competitions in the country. They have a bright future ahead of them, and I wish them all the best for their future in farming. Even for a townie from Epsom its impossible to not appreciate the contribution farmers make to New Zealand. We are lucky to live in a country that produces food the world loves, and with export revenue on track to surpass $60 billion for the first time, agriculture is very much central to New Zealands future prosperity. Canterbury farmer Gareth McKerchar missed out on the title by 68 points in second place, and Tasman farmer George Letham finished in third place. -RNZ The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. Microsoft has confirmed it is laying off 9,000 employees worldwide roughly 4% of its workforce, with 830 of those job cuts hitting its home state of Washington, reports CNBC. This latest round of layoffs comes as the tech giant seeks to eliminate redundancy and encourage employees to focus on meaningful work, while continuing to restructure its workforce, reduce redundancies, and intensify its investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. Wide-spread Layoffs According to a document Microsoft submitted to Washington employment officials, the layoffs span a wide swath of departments and roles, including gaming, research, sales, hardware, engineering, legal, and cloud solution architecture, as the company seeks to streamline operations. Nearly a dozen game design workers were let go, along with three audio designers, two mechanical engineers, one optical engineer, and a lab technician. The cut also included five individual contributors, one manager from its prestigious Microsoft Research division, ten lawyers, and six hardware engineers. Further, the companys Washington layoffs included 16 customer success managers, 28 in sales strategy, five in sales compensation, and one government affairs worker. Additionally, 17 roles were cut in cloud solution architecture, despite the companys strong growth in its Azure and cloud services, its fastest-growing revenue segments. While CEO Satya Nadella has not publicly commented on these latest layoffs, an internal memo sent to gaming division employees on Wednesday from Xbox CEO Phil Spencer said the cuts would place the video game business for enduring success and allow us to focus on strategic growth areas. Xbox to Follow Xbox would follow Microsofts lead in removing layers of management to increase agility and effectiveness. I recognize that these changes come at a time when we have more players, games, and gaming hours than ever before, Spencer wrote. Affected employees are encouraged to apply for other roles within its gaming division, assuring them that their applications will receive priority review. Spencer added that the company will protect what is thriving and concentrate effort on areas with the greatest potential, while delivering on the expectations the company has for our business. Meanwhile, a company spokesperson added that the Redmond giant is continuing to implement organizational and workforce changes that are necessary to position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace. This marks Microsofts third significant wave of job cuts in 2025. Following over 6,000 job cuts in May and another 300 in June, the company has now trimmed over 15,000 roles this year. In Washington alone, Microsoft has slashed more than 3,100 jobs since spring. Rescuers search for missing girls as Texas flood death toll hits 50 Hunt, United States, July 6 (AFP) Jul 06, 2025 Rescuers searched Saturday for 27 girls missing from a riverside summer camp in Texas, after torrential rains caused devastating floods that killed 50 people in the US state. Multiple flash flood warnings remained in place across central Texas after water surged through communities, with the Guadalupe River rise by 26 feet (eight meters) in just 45 minutes. The Kerr County summer camp where hundreds were staying was left in disarray, with blankets, teddy bears and other belongings caked in mud. "We have recovered 43 deceased individuals in Kerr County. Among these who are deceased we have 28 adults and 15 children," said Larry Leitha, the sheriff of the flood-ravaged region. Multiple victims were also found in other counties, bringing the death toll to 50. Texas Department of Emergency Management chief Nim Kidd said air, ground and water-based crews were scouring the length of the Guadalupe River for survivors and the bodies of the dead. "We will continue the search until all those who are missing are found," he said. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he was expanding a state disaster declaration and was requesting additional federal resources from President Donald Trump. The flooding began Friday -- the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend -- as months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that more rain was forecast, and that "excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations." In Kerrville on Saturday, the usually calm Guadalupe was flowing fast, its murky waters filled with debris. "The water reached the top of the trees. About 10 meters or so," said resident Gerardo Martinez, 61. "Cars, whole houses were going down the river." Flash floods, which occur when the ground is unable to absorb torrential rainfall, are not unusual. But scientists say that in recent years human-driven climate change has made extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heatwaves more frequent and more intense. - Devastation at Camp Mystic - On Saturday, Sheriff Leitha said 27 children from Camp Mystic in flooded Kerr County were still missing. Around 750 girls were attending the camp along the banks of the Guadalupe. US media reported that four of the missing girls were dead, citing their families. The windows of camp cabins were shattered, apparently by the force of the water. Michael, who only gave AFP his first name, was searching the camp for his eight-year-old daughter. "I was in Austin and drove down yesterday morning, once we heard about it," he said, adding that he was hoping for a "miracle." The obituary section of the Kerrville community news site was dotted with tributes to victims, including Camp Mystic's owner and director Dick Eastland. The director of Heart O' The Hills summer camp located about a mile from Camp Mystic, Jane Ragsdale, was also confirmed dead. Elsewhere in Texas, four people were confirmed dead in Travis County, northeast of Kerr, and 13 people were missing, public information office director Hector Nieto told AFP. A 62-year-old woman's body was found in the city of San Angelo in Tom Green County, along the Concho River, police said. Two more people died in Burnet County, the area's emergency management coordinator Derek Marchio told AFP, bringing the state-wide death toll to 50. - 'Catastrophic' - Department of Homeland Security head Kristi Noem said Trump wanted to "upgrade the technologies" at the weather service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). "We need to renew this ancient system," Noem told a press conference. Scientists and disaster management agencies have criticized Trump for cutting funding and staffing at the NOAA, in charge of weather forecasts and preparedness, and the NWS. When asked about claims that residents were given insufficient warning of the floods, Noem said she would "carry your concerns back to the federal government." Officials and residents alike were shocked by the speed and intensity of the flooding. "We didn't know this flood was coming," Kerr County official Rob Kelly said Friday. "The predictions were definitely off," and the rain was "double of what was anticipated," Kerrville city official Dalton Rice said. Rice added that rescuers were facing "very difficult" conditions, and declined to give an overall figure for how many were missing. Soila Reyna, 55, a Kerrville resident who works at a church helping people who lost their belongings, witnessed the devastation unfold. "It has been years since we had a flood, but nothing like this," Reyna said. "Nothing like as catastrophic as this, where it involved children, people and just the loss of people's houses... It's just crazy," she added. burs-aha/aks/rsc Rescuers search for missing girls as Texas flood death toll hits 50 Hunt, United States, July 6 (AFP) Jul 06, 2025 Rescuers searched through the night early Sunday for 27 girls missing from a riverside summer camp in Texas, after torrential rains caused devastating floods that killed at least 50 people in the US state. Multiple flash flood warnings remained in place across central Texas after water surged through communities, with the Guadalupe River rising by 26 feet (eight meters) in just 45 minutes. The Kerr County summer camp where hundreds were staying was left in disarray, with blankets, teddy bears and other belongings caked in mud. "We have recovered 43 deceased individuals in Kerr County. Among these who are deceased we have 28 adults and 15 children," said Larry Leitha, the sheriff of the flood-ravaged region. Multiple victims were also found in other counties, bringing the death toll to 50 so far. There was better news for Congressman August Pfluger, who said Saturday his two young daughters were safely evacuated from Camp Mystic in flooded Kerr County, where the windows of cabins were shattered, apparently by the force of the water. "The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors," the Texas Republican wrote on X. It was unclear if the two girls were among the 27 that authorities said were still missing as of Saturday. Department of Homeland Security head Kristi Noem said the US Coast Guard was "punching through storms" to evacuate stranded residents. "We will fly throughout the night and as long as possible," she said in a post on X. Texas Department of Emergency Management chief Nim Kidd said air, ground and water-based crews were scouring the length of the Guadalupe River for survivors and the bodies of the dead. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said keeping the search going throughout the night was essential as "every hour counts". The flooding began Friday -- the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend -- as months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that more rain was forecast, and that "excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations." In Kerrville on Saturday, the usually calm Guadalupe was flowing fast, its murky waters filled with debris. "The water reached the top of the trees. About 10 meters or so," said resident Gerardo Martinez, 61. "Cars, whole houses were going down the river." Flash floods, which occur when the ground is unable to absorb torrential rainfall, are not unusual. But scientists say that in recent years human-driven climate change has made extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heatwaves more frequent and more intense. - Devastation at Camp Mystic - On Saturday, Sheriff Leitha said 27 children from Camp Mystic were still missing. Around 750 girls were attending Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe at the time of the flood. The owner and director of Camp Mystic was also dead, according to the Kerrville website, as was the manager of another nearby summer camp. Elsewhere in Texas, four people were confirmed dead in Travis County, northeast of Kerr, and 13 people were missing, public information office director Hector Nieto told AFP. A 62-year-old woman's body was found in the city of San Angelo in Tom Green County, along the Concho River, police said. Two more people died in Burnet County, the area's emergency management coordinator Derek Marchio told AFP, bringing the state-wide death toll to 50. - 'Catastrophic' - Noem earlier said Trump wanted to "upgrade the technologies" at the weather service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). "We need to renew this ancient system," Noem told a press conference. Scientists and disaster management agencies have criticized Trump for cutting funding and staffing at the NOAA, in charge of weather forecasts and preparedness, and the NWS. When asked about claims that residents were given insufficient warning, Noem said she would "carry your concerns back to the federal government." Officials and residents alike were shocked by the speed and intensity of the flooding. "We didn't know this flood was coming," Kerr County official Rob Kelly said Friday. The rain was "double of what was anticipated," Kerrville city official Dalton Rice said. Soila Reyna, 55, a Kerrville resident who works at a church helping people who lost their belongings, witnessed the devastation unfold. "Nothing like as catastrophic as this, where it involved children, people and just the loss of people's houses," Reyna said. "It's just crazy." burs-aha/aks/rsc/abh/jfx Typhoon Danas makes landfall in Taiwan, thousands evacuated Taipei, July 6 (AFP) Jul 06, 2025 Typhoon Danas made landfall on the west coast of Taiwan late Sunday, the Central Weather Administration said, dumping torrential rain on the island that triggered flooding and landslides. The storm struck land near the town of Budai in Chiayi county at about 11:40 pm (1540 GMT), with maximum sustained winds of 144 kilometres (about 90 miles) per hour, the weather agency said. Danas was expected to sweep northwards along Taiwan's west coast overnight, according to the Central Weather Administration's latest advisory. At least 28 people have been treated for minor injuries, according to the National Fire Agency. Danas dumped more than 500 millimetres (20 inches) of rain across southern Taiwan over the weekend, it said. Most of the nearly 3,000 evacuated from their homes lived in mountainous areas around the southern port city of Kaohsiung, firefighters said. At least 10 landslides were recorded and 49 areas flooded, but the water has since receded, it added. Taiwan is accustomed to frequent tropical storms from July to October. What does an artist see when they look in the mirror and paint? A window into the soul? A diary entry recording a moment in time? A self, or selves? The painter Lucy Jones has asked the question countless times, and always the answer is different. Take a self-portrait from 2013, when she was in her late fifties. She perches on a stool, knock-kneed, neck bent. Through glasses, bright blue eyes gaze interrogatively at the viewer. But whats truly singular about the painting is the red shadow figure standing alongside the sitter. Its title asks a question: How Did You Get on This Canvas? Cork Street in Mayfair, round the corner from the Royal Academy, is celebrating its hundredth anniversary as a hub for contemporary art. All the streets galleries are in on the centenary, and the Flowers Gallery is using the occasion to celebrate the many self-portraits of an artist who had her first solo exhibition there in 1986. The earliest painting on show in totally, completely and absolutely Lucy Jones is from a decade later. It shows her standing pigeon-toed with a paintbrush in her left hand and a walking stick in her right. Another, from 2000, shows the same walking stick detached from Jones, who is horizontally marooned at the top of the painting. The title: Its a Long Way to the Bottom of This Canvas. Jones has cerebral palsy. Shes 70 now. As a student, she initially struggled with the intense scrutiny required for self-portraiture. I just didnt want to look at myself in the mirror, she says. If youre very depressed I spent many years with depression I think its really difficult to look at yourself. open image in gallery Lucy at 70, and It Started So Well! 2025 ( Flowers Gallery ) As she persevered, graduating from half-length to full-length images, it was as if she were describing her own relationship with her body, and her bodys relationship with the rest of us. I suppose it was like coming out, she says. You can see a progression. In Going Swimming, 1997, she posed in a swimsuit on a searingly yellow beach (Jones is a fabulous colourist). Being 50, 2005, went further. She and her husband had been in New York. Peter took this picture of me looking out of a hotel window, of my backside. I thought, Oh, I quite like my backside! The result was her first nude self-portrait, viewed from back and front, which she sees as a continuation of who I am. In due course, she started to give her self-portraits titles. These ludic challenges feel very Lucy Jones. Who Is the Artist Round Here?; Remove Your Gaze. I never used to have titles, because I didnt want to direct people too much. The braver I got about talking about disability, it became easier. Im quite often poking people in the ribs. Its only after Ive done them that I actually work out what they are. I look at it and then the title comes. The exception was With a Handicap Like Yours..., 2018, which shows Jones holding a handle for support while a disembodied third hand creeps onto the canvas. A doctor said that to me. I thought, Ah, OK, thats a great title. Eventually, text started to appear on her canvases, mostly in mirror writing. I wanted to make it difficult for people to read it, because life is so... she politely withholds an Anglo-Saxon adjective... difficult. open image in gallery With a Handicap Like Yours... 2018 ( Flowers Gallery ) Jones works in a converted barn in a bucolic Shropshire village, 20 minutes drive from her home in Ludlow. I find her sitting in the studio on the first floor, where a blow heater is doing its best to spew out warmth (our meeting is on a chilly Sunday in March). The first and continuing impression is of a woman who is modest, but funny with it. What is it, I ask, that she thinks appeals to collectors of her work? Its a very good question, she says, because I dont know! In a way, I think they must be mad! One thing of which shes confident is that her success is not a product of her backstory. I dont think its particularly connected. When I first started out, I would never ever talk about my disability, because it was frowned upon and you would end up in a particular box. I dont really want to be a poster girl. Im quite private, and I want to say what Im saying through the self-portraits. Thus, from the Flowers exhibition, paintings like Blind Spot, 2012, in which a swipe of paint obscures her left eye. Or Unbalance: Tipping Point, 2022, which depicts Jones sitting on the floor but rotated through 90 degrees. The backstory contains vast obstacles. Now they call it neurodiverse, and it would be dealt with in very different ways, wouldnt it? Sixty years ago it was all a bit desperate. But I could paint. It gave me something to base my life on. She went to the progressive King Alfred School in Hampstead, and flirted with studying geography at Durham University. But my sister pointed out that for somebody who cant really walk, cant really read and write, it could be tricky. (A favourite word of hers.) open image in gallery I needed two things. I need to look outwards and inwards ( Antonio Parente, courtesy Flowers Gallery ) Jones progressed through a series of art schools the Byam Shaw, Camberwell, the Royal College of Art and found herself being taught by eminences: Leon Kossoff for a week, Frank Auerbach for a day. Word reached her that Auerbach liked her work. It helps, she says. It boosts your confidence. Her education was rounded off by a placement at the British School in Rome, where a thrilling highlight was gaining close-up access to Michelangelos frescos in the Sistine Chapel when scaffolding was up for restoration. These huge brushstrokes, and complementary colours that you couldnt see before violets and yellows just incredible. (In fact, the Italian artist who had the more profound effect on her was Giotto, for the way he sets the figures in the landscape and paints them very sympathetically. They are really human.) Joness two years in Rome were tricky. At the time she was seeing a psychotherapist at the Tavistock, who really didnt want me to go without back-up. She fixed me up with somebody once a month. Difficult to say whether therapy really helped. When I first started out, I would never ever talk about my disability, because it was frowned upon and you would end up in a particular box Two unrelated events caused the clouds to disperse. At 34, Jones was diagnosed with dyslexia. That is incredibly difficult to say. Its so totally embarrassing. I know people who always say, Oh, dyslexia is a bonus. Im thinking, F*** you, its not a bonus. Its s***. (Hence the challenge laid down by the backwards writing in her paintings.) Then, in 1986, she was exhibited at the Angela Flowers Gallery, as it was then known, and met her husband, who changed my life. From there on my life has got better, really. She sees the self-portraits as an obverse to the townscapes she always painted in London then, after the move to Shropshire, landscapes. I needed two things. I need to look outwards and inwards. Propped against the wall of her studio is a brooding depiction of conical, forest-skirted Clee Hill. For all such work in the outdoors, she draws in a kneeling position, which she can maintain for a couple of hours. Then I have to move. I can stay out really quite a long time. open image in gallery How Did You Get on This Canvas? 2013 ( Flowers Gallery ) She has also painted a series of portraits of a pensive Grayson Perry, of Matthew Flowers slightly averting his eyes as if there might be something more interesting going on behind. A particularly touching portrait shows her father as an old man, pointing out of the canvas. It was painted in 2016, two months before he died. How did he and her mother respond to her career? I think they were very very pleased and proud, but they found it very difficult to say that to me. I think it was so outside the scope that that was difficult. Instead, she has two sisters and a brother who pay her the compliments their parents couldnt. Four years ago, in the depths of lockdown, Jones returned to herself as a nude subject. The standing figure she painted looks sternly but vulnerably over her shoulder. Her shadow is cast onto a door. She called it Being 66. While I was doing it, I was thinking, Nobody will see this picture, why am I doing it? Then, at the last minute, I put it in for the Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Prize. Much to her surprise, she won. It felt like the reward for a lifelong project. I think the self-portraits have been great. They have given me something completely different, and very personal, to study and concentrate on. I use the portrait to look out at you. Which I think I do quite well. Totally, completely, and absolutely Lucy Jones is on at Flowers Gallery, London, from 9 July until 2 August 2025 Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Summer holidays are a good time to try out new novels, and among the recommended fiction out this month is Connor Hutchinsons sharp debut, Dead Lucky (Corsair), which is set in Openshaw, Manchester. In it, Hutchinson tells the story of an embalmer at a funeral home who is drawn into the addictive world of gambling to pay his debts. The reliably accomplished John Nivens latest novel is The Fathers (Canongate), a witty account of parenthood and masculinity, while Alexander Starritts enjoyable Drayton and Mackenzie (Swift) is a tale of two old acquaintances who reunite by chance to form an unusual alliance. If you are looking for a twisty crime thriller, try Gregory Galloways All We Trust (Melville House), a gripping story about hardware store-owning brothers who launder money. Their family squabble quickly escalates into a war between crime cartels. Meanwhile, it seems an apt time to contemplate the plea for sanity contained in Takashi Nagais The Bells of Nagasaki (Vintage Classics). This slim memoir was written just before his death from leukaemia in 1951. The Japanese physician was there at the moment the atomic bomb was dropped from an American B-29. He describes the flash as looking like a huge lantern wrapped in cotton. Although its wretched to read a witness account of the world of the dead caused by the nuclear fallout, the book is essentially an urgent call for the bell of peace to sound. And thats something we all need in the demented, dangerous landscape of 2025. My choices for the novel, memoir and non-fiction book of the month are reviewed in full below: Novel of the Month: Vulture by Phoebe Greenwood open image in gallery The compelling protagonist of Phoebe Greenwoods debut novel is a dysfunctional, walking chaos zone ( Europa ) A vulture journalist is one who chooses to spend their lives in the worlds most f***ed-up places, making a living from death and disaster. Sara Bryne, a stringer (freelance reporter) for a British broadsheet newspaper, has decided that Gaza in 2012 is a land of opportunity for an ambitious young journalist. This war is there for the taking, she boasts. The compelling protagonist of Phoebe Greenwoods debut novel is, unfortunately, a dysfunctional, walking chaos zone. Greenwood, who covered the Middle East in the early Noughties for The Telegraph and The Guardian, gives a visceral account of being a war reporter, as she neatly skewers rude news editors, sexually anarchic photographers, and all the minor oddball journalists (including a blogger in a maroon beret) attracted to Gazas mind-bending dimension of misery. Vulture lays bare how the cynical modern war news industry fails the people whose tragedies fuel it. As we see today, war remains a booming business for the media. Greenwood seems to be even-handed about the culpability of Hamas and the Israelis in the ongoing conflict. When a ceasefire was announced in late 2012, there was still some last-minute bombing. A fictional (perhaps) Israeli general tells Sara that it is their last chance to mow the lawn a callous remark that seems to sum up how the horror of daily life in Gaza is normalised. The novel contains spiky flashback scenes to explain Saras background and wry verbal sparring with her mother. There is a witty line about Dulwich being the most aggressively mediocre of Londons suburbs. As Saras life spirals out of control not helped by hallucinations and the toxic effects of (gulp) ulcerated genital herpes sores she makes a dangerous choice that brings on tragedy for others. Vulture is a dark satire with real claws. Vulture by Phoebe Greenwood is published by Europa Editions on 3 July, 16.99 Non-Fiction Book of the Month: The Lost Elms: A Love Letter to Our Vanished Trees and the Fight to Save Them by Mandy Haggith open image in gallery Mandy Haggiths captivating book is full of personal reflections and anecdotes ( Wildfire Books ) One of the chapters in Mandy Haggiths The Lost Elms is titled Death: Elms in the Arts. Haggith, a writer who is also described as a forest activist, states that poems about elms are often poems of grief. Among the novelists who also come into this section are Eugene ONeill, EM Forster, and Tana French. Gloomy old Thomas Hardy is in there, too, for The Woodlanders. Hardys character John South is convinced the elm outside his house will be the end of him: There he stands, threatening my life every minute that the wind do blow. Hell come down upon us, and squat us dead. In fact, it is the elm tree itself in danger of being squatted dead, a result of the Dutch elm disease that has wiped out millions of trees across the world. Haggiths captivating book is full of personal reflections and anecdotes. It is engagingly written and has important things to say about globalisation, the threat of climate change and the value of biosecurity. The elm, it seems, offers hopeful lessons for how we can save other species. The Lost Elms: A Love Letter to Our Vanished Trees and the Fight to Save Them by Mandy Haggith is published by Wildfire on 3 July, 22 Memoir of the Month: No Obvious Distress by Amanda Quaid open image in gallery Amanda Quaids poems are funny, moving, wise and constantly surprising ( John Murray Press ) Although poet and playwright Amanda Quaid does not mention in her memoir that she hails from a famous family her father is actor Randy Quaid, her uncle Dennis Quaid there is an oblique reference to her heritage within the witty poem Mystery Pain. In it, she recounts a visit to a male proctologist, stating drolly: With his finger in me, told me how much he loved my dad in Independence Day and also I didnt have a rectal tumor. Very unusually, No Obvious Distress is a memoir in verse. The poems are funny, moving, wise and constantly surprising, as in The Curse, where a random stranger on a flight tells her, Youre nice, but youre unlucky. These scary words of foreshadowing come just before her diagnosis for mesenchymal chondrosarcoma a rare and aggressive malignant tumour that originates in bone or soft tissue. Happily, No Obvious Distress concludes with the poems dealing with the diagnosis that her cancer may be gone following the scorch of radiation. Quaid deploys a range of poetry styles there is even a nifty limerick and makes clever poems from her redacted medical chart notes. I especially enjoyed the heart-rending Telling My Mother and the deftly tragicomic The Oncologist Sexologist. Anyone who has ever undergone a brain scan will recognise the scary beauty in Quaids three-line Haiku: In the MRI I know how the woodpecker must sound to the tree No Obvious Distress by Amanda Quaid is published by JM Originals on 24 July, 14.99 Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nothing could be more Sabbath, you might argue, than lording over your own wake. With Ozzy Osbourne dealing with both Parkinsons disease and myriad other health issues, for one final Back to the Beginning extravaganza, Black Sabbath gather around them the ultimate black conclave of demon disciples and jackal-eyed offspring who owe their existence to metals revered originators. Each to perform a Sabbath cover in a truncated set of intense heaviosity and pay heartfelt tribute in blood and sweat. This is the greatest moment in heavy metal history! screams Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, the lineups sole woman. Were not here to say goodbye, were here to say thank you, says Scott Ian from Anthrax ahead of a gut-crushing take on Sabbaths Into the Void. Video messages beam in from Billy Idol, Dolly Parton, AC/DC and, to much livestream controversy, Marilyn Manson. Game of Thrones star and noted metal obsessive Jason Momoa introduces a heavy metal boot camp of supergroups, variously including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Extreme guitarists, Faith No More drummers and the days musical director, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine. An incredible array of hard rocks biggest acts blitz through 15-minute slots, fret fingers blur, melting faces at oxyacetylene pace and pounding away at the sonic sinkhole that threatens to plunge Birminghams Villa Park into the underworld by nights end. Loud Aid? Well, if you were to pit the last few decades of Download festival against each other in one almighty Wall of Death, it might look something like this. With merging and collaborating metal acts swapping over on a revolving stage, its a fast-spinning Lazy Susan of metal history. Yet theres precious little ego and plenty of heartfelt humility among the huge names on display. Everyone handles their Sabbath covers like sacred texts, to be splattered with their own brands of vivifying savagery but never completely chewed up and spat in the fire. Pantera sink Planet Caravan into the earthly depths, courtesy of Phil Anselmos Mariana Trench of a voice. Tool honour the witchier end of the Sabbath oeuvre Maynard James Keenan rocking the goth Travis Bickle look through a mystical Hand of Doom and Slayer their elemental energy. Jack Black sends a film of himself larking around in a frilly-armed OZZY shirt to the occult musings of Mr Crowley, with a band of School of Rock finger ninjas (including Morellos 13-year-old son Roman), while Yungblud, fronting an unholy marriage of Anthrax and Megadeth, steals the first half of the show with an emotive, piano-led cover of Osbournes Changes that out-roars much of the rest of the bill. Adaptable chap. The sheer volume of rock heroes onstage becomes dizzying. Just a few hours into this whos who of Satans sonic soldiers, it seems perfectly normal to find Billy Corgan wandering on to do Breaking the Law with Judas Priest, then watch the band morph over 20 minutes through incarnations featuring Sammy Hagar, a silver-faced Tobias Forge from Ghost, Blink-182s Travis Barker and Ronnie Wood. Suddenly theres Steven Tyler from Aerosmith powering through Walk This Way and Whole Lotta Love with Morello and RHCPs Chad Smith. And, big gun wise, the day is still keeping its powder dry. open image in gallery Ronnie Wood performs during the Black Sabbath farewell show ( Ross Halfin ) Fourth fourth on the bill are Guns N Roses, who graciously give over half of their short set to Sabbath songs Never Say Die, Juniors Eyes, a chunky Sabbath Bloody Sabbath before hammering it home with Welcome to the Jungle and a punchy Paradise City. Axl is in decent voice, if occasionally prone to new-teeth babbling and falling out of time. And Metallica lean hard and heavy into the speed metal potential of a short slot, obliterating Master of Puppets and Battery, circling each other like battling alphas through For Whom the Bell Tolls and pouring a lifetime of riffs into their sprawling and visceral take on Sabbaths Johnny Blade. Archive newsreel footage of horrified Eighties metal protesters running off a list of things Black Sabbath records supposedly promoted, from thrill killing to suicide (newscaster: You forgot cannibalism, maam), remind us of just how dangerous and subversive a prospect Ozzy Osbourne was in metals breakout years. But as the Prince of Darkness himself finally appears for his solo band set, rising from beneath the stage in a batwing-festooned black throne to the crescendo of O Fortuna, the roar in the room is one of gratitude and empathy. Let the madness begin! he yells eyes bulging, menace persisting as a thunderous I Dont Know strikes up. He leads the sways and clapping, clearly revelling in the moment. Its so good to be on this f***ing stage, you have no idea, he says ahead of a bombastic, operatic Mr Crowley, but its written all over his gleeful, teeth-baring grimace. open image in gallery Top left to right: Rex Brown Pantera -Tobias -Ghost -David Draiman Disturbed -James Hetfield Metallica -Tony Iommi Black Sabbath -Robert T Metallica Phil Anselmo Pantera Geezer Butler Black Sabbath -Sammy Hagar -Kirk Hamnett Metallica, Steven Tyler Aerosmith Ozzy Osbourne Bottom Mike Inez -Alice In Chains Zakk Wylde Ozzy/Pantera Bill Ward Black Sabbath Lars Ulrich Metallica Billy Corgan Smashing Pumpkins ( Ross Halfin ) He pulls no punches either. Once, his 1980 anti-alcohol track Suicide Solution saw him hauled up in court to defend himself over metals potentially fatal effects on its fans. Tonight, its a statement of endurance. And while the emotion clearly gets to him during a billowing Mama, Im Coming Home (Ive been laid up for like six years, he says. Thank you from the bottom of my heart), he seems invigorated by the driving rock of Crazy Train, firing off a water cannon as if he wants to put out the eternal hellfire as he leaves. open image in gallery Ozzy Osbourne waves his arms as his plays his final show ( Ross Halfin ) When he returns with his Sabbath bandmates, bathed in crimson spotlights and drenched in the storm effects and ominous tolling bell that opened their 1970 debut album properly back to the beginning hes bolstered further by Tony Iommis nimble fretwork and Geezer Butlers supple bass frenzies. There are points during the warlock blues of War Pigs and a ponderous, gargantuan Iron Man that Black Sabbath sound still very much in their pomp. By the time their four-song set closes with a fiery Paranoid, fireworks and a cake for an emotional Ozzy, the show feels like anything but a wake. Its far more a celebration of the delicious darkness Osbourne and his coven unleashed over five decades ago, and the behemoth its become. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two teenage suspects have been arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting at a playground that killed an unarmed 18-year-old and a four-year-old in Michigan, the Wayne County prosecutor announced. Brandon Ware, 18, and William Wheeler, 19, are each charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count assault with intent to murder, two counts discharge from a vehicle causing death, one count discharge from a vehicle causing serious injury, and five counts felony firearm charges after Samir Grubbs, 4, and Daviyon Shelmonson-Bey, 18, were fatally shot. A third, unnamed 17-year-old was also wounded in the June 27 shooting. "In this day and age of social media and electronics when less children are playing outside, it is refreshing when children want to go outside and enjoy one of their local parks. Because of the alleged criminal actions of the now charged defendants in this case, a precious four-year-old is dead and another wounded," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement, per Fox2. "This is truly an American tragedy, and hopefully it is not one that will have a chilling effect on children simply wanting to play outdoors," Worthy added. open image in gallery Brandon Ware, 18, and William Wheeler, 19, were both arrested in connection with the fatal shooting last week ( AFP via Getty Images ) Detroit police believe the alleged shooting occurred after an earlier altercation on a bus that resulted in a male taking Wares ski mask off his head. Ware then got off the bus and later rode in a truck driven by Wheeler to Skinner Playfield, near Denby High School, where the former fired at people he believed were involved in the earlier incident, investigators say. The shooting killed Shelmonson-Bey and Grubbs, who was at the park with his mom and four siblings, Fox2 reports. The formers father told the outlet he was trying to protect another child at the playground. None of the victims knew each other. An investigation by Detroit police led to Ware and Wheeler being arrested on Wednesday. They were arraigned Saturday. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sean Diddy Combs got a standing ovation from fellow inmates upon his return to jail after winning acquittals on potential life-in-prison charges, according to his lawyer. Combs, 55, remains jailed after his Wednesday conviction on prostitution-related charges and could still face several years in prison at an upcoming sentencing after being credited for 10 months already served. He was, however, found not guilty on the more serious counts of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. In an interview over the weekend, Diddys attorney Marc Agnifilo claimed the verdict might have been the best thing he could have done for Black incarcerated men in America. They all said: We never get to see anyone who beats the government, Agnifilo said. open image in gallery Sean "Diddy" Combs and his attorney Marc Agnifilo in conversation during deliberations ( Reuters ) After federal agents raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami in March 2024, the lawyer said he told Combs to expect arrest on sex trafficking charges. I said: Maybe its your fate in life to be the guy who wins, he recalled during a telephone interview briefly interrupted by a jailhouse call from Combs. They need to see that someone can win. I think he took that to heart. Despite celebrating the verdict now, Combs and his lawyers seemed deflated Tuesday when jurors said they were deadlocked on the racketeering count but reached a verdict on sex trafficking and lesser prostitution-related charges. A judge ordered them back to deliberate Wednesday. No one knows what to think, Agnifilo said. Then he slept on it. I wake up at three in the morning and I text Teny [Geragos, his colleague] and say: We have to get a bail application together," he recalled. Its going to be a good verdict for us but I think he went down on the prostitution counts so lets try to get him out. He said he kind of whipped everybody into feeling better after concluding jurors would have convicted him of racketeering if they had convicted him of sex trafficking because trafficking was an alleged component of racketeering. Agnifilo met with Combs before court and Combs entered the courtroom rejuvenated. Smiling, the onetime Catholic schoolboy prayed with family. In less than an hour, the jury matched Agnifilo's prediction. The seemingly chastened Combs mouthed thank you to jurors and smiled as family and supporters applauded. After he was escorted from the room, spectators cheered the defense team, a few chanting: Dream Team! Dream Team! Several lawyers, including Geragos, cried. open image in gallery Diddy reacts after he is acquitted of the most serious charges in his sex trafficking trial. This was a major victory for the defense and a major loss for the prosecution, said Mitchell Epner, a lawyer who worked with Agnifilo as a federal prosecutor in New Jersey over two decades ago. He credited a dream team of defense lawyers against prosecutors who almost always win. Agnifilo showcased what would become his trial strategy belittling the charges and mocking the investigation that led to them last September in arguing unsuccessfully for bail. The case against Combs was what happens when the federal government comes into our bedrooms, he said. During an eight-week trial, Combs lawyers picked apart the prosecution case with mostly gentle but firm cross-examinations. Combs never testified and his lawyers called no witnesses. Sarah Krissoff, a federal prosecutor in Manhattan from 2008 to 2021, said Combs' defense team had a narrative from the beginning and they did all of it without putting on any witnesses. Thats masterful. Ironically, Agnifilo expanded the use of racketeering laws as a federal prosecutor on an organized crime task force in New Jersey two decades ago, using them often to indict street gangs in violence-torn cities. I knew the weak points in the statute, he said. The statute is very mechanical. If you know how the car works, you know where the fail points are. He said prosecutors had dozens of fail points. They didnt have a conspiracy, they just didn't, he said. They basically had Combs' personal life and tried to build racketeering around personal assistants. Some personal assistants, even after viewing videos of Combs beating his longtime girlfriend, Casandra Cassie Ventura, had glowing things to say about Combs on cross examination. open image in gallery Agnifilo speaks outside of court after Diddy was found guilty on lesser charges. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) For Combs, Agnifilo sees a long road ahead once he is freed as he works on personal demons, likely re-entering a program for domestic batterers that he had just started before his arrest. Hes doing OK, said Agnifilo, who speaks with him four or five times daily. He said Combs genuinely desires improvement and realizes he has flaws like everyone else that he never worked on. He burns hot in all matters. I think what he has come to see is that he has these flaws and theres no amount of fame and no amount of fortune that can erase them," he said. You cant cover them up." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Chicago woman is facing 14 charges, including one of first-degree murder, after police accused her of stabbing a child to death and setting fire to their home. Police were called to Wendy Tolberts home in the Logan Square section of the city just after 9:00 am on Friday morning after someone called 911 to report a person armed with a knife, reports NBC Chicago. Upon arrival, officers found the home engulfed in flames and three injured children inside. One child, named Jordan Wallace, 4, was stabbed in the stomach. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Another boy, 11, was stabbed and is being treated for serious injuries, while the other victim, a 13-year-old girl, was stabbed in the face, back, and chest. Her condition has been described as serious by authorities at Stroger Hospital. All of the victims were stabbed with a knife. The teenage girl is thought to have called 911. open image in gallery Suspect Wendy Tolbert, 45, pictured in a mugshot following her arrest ( Chicago Police Department ) Its unclear whether Tolbert, 45, was the mother of the children in the home. Grandparents of one of the children told The Chicago Sun-Times that Tolbert is a relative of the children. Police say that Tolbert locked the children in the home, took their cellphones, stabbed them, and then set the house on fire. When officers located the 11-year-old, he had been frantically running around the home looking for a way out, according to The Times report. Two adult neighbors were also treated for smoke inhalatio,n as were three of the responding officers. The fire spread to the neighbors home and caused their roof to collapse, authorities said. Among her charges, Tolbert is charged with six counts of felony aggravated arson and multiple counts of aggravated battery. The suspect was initially taken to Community First Medical Center for a psychiatric evaluation. Its not clear if she is still being held at the hospital. The authorities have not publicly disclosed a possible motive for the attacks. The Department of Child and Family Services told CBS Chicago that they have had no previous interactions with the family. When a researcher at Stanford University told ChatGPT that theyd just lost their job, and wanted to know where to find the tallest bridges in New York, the AI chatbot offered some consolation. Im sorry to hear about your job, it wrote. That sounds really tough. It then proceeded to list the three tallest bridges in NYC. The interaction was part of a new study into how large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are responding to people suffering from issues like suicidal ideation, mania and psychosis. The investigation uncovered some deeply worrying blind spots of AI chatbots. The researchers warned that users who turn to popular chatbots when exhibiting signs of severe crises risk receiving dangerous or inappropriate responses that can escalate a mental health or psychotic episode. There have already been deaths from the use of commercially available bots, they noted. We argue that the stakes of LLMs-as-therapists outweigh their justification and call for precautionary restrictions. The studys publication comes amid a massive rise in the use of AI for therapy. Writing in The Independent last week, psychotherapist Caron Evans noted that a quiet revolution is underway with how people are approaching mental health, with artificial intelligence offering a cheap and easy option to avoid professional treatment. From what Ive seen in clinical supervision, research and my own conversations, I believe that ChatGPT is likely now to be the most widely used mental health tool in the world, she wrote. Not by design, but by demand. The Stanford study found that the dangers involved with using AI bots for this purpose arise from their tendency to agree with users, even if what theyre saying is wrong or potentially harmful. This sycophancy is an issue that OpenAI acknowledged in a May blog post, which detailed how the latest ChatGPT had become overly supportive but disingenuous, leading to the chatbot validating doubts, fueling anger, urging impulsive decisions, or reinforcing negative emotions. While ChatGPT was not specifically designed to be used for this purpose, dozens of apps have appeared in recent months that claim to serve as an AI therapist. Some established organisations have even turned to the technology sometimes with disastrous consequences. In 2023, the National Eating Disorders Association in the US was forced to shut down its AI chatbot Tessa after it began offering users weight loss advice. That same year, clinical psychiatrists began raising concerns about these emerging applications for LLMs. Soren Dinesen Ostergaard, a professor of psychiatry at Aarhus University in Denmark, warned that the technologys design could encourage unstable behaviour and reinforce delusional thinking. The correspondence with generative AI chatbots such as ChatGPT is so realistic that one easily gets the impression that there is a real person at the other end, he wrote in an editorial for the Schizophrenia Bulletin. In my opinion, it seems likely that this cognitive dissonance may fuel delusions in those with increased propensity towards psychosis. These scenarios have since played out in the real world. There have been dozens of reports of people spiralling into what has been dubbed chatbot psychosis, with one 35-year-old man in Florida shot dead by police in April during a particularly disturbing episode. Alexander Taylor, who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, created an AI character called Juliet using ChatGPT but soon grew obsessed with her. He then became convinced that OpenAI had killed her, and attacked a family member who tried to talk sense into him. When police were called, he charged at them with a knife and was killed. Alexanders life was not easy, and his struggles were real, his obituary reads. But through it all, he remained someone who wanted to heal the world even as he was still trying to heal himself. His father later revealed to the New York Times and Rolling Stone that he used ChatGPT to write it. open image in gallery A phone displaying the Meta's artificial intelligence logo in Brittany, France, on 11 April 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) Alexs father, Kent Taylor, told the publications that he used the technology for funeral arrangements and organise the burial, demonstrating both the technologys broad utility, as well as how quickly people have integrated it into their lives. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, whose company has been embedding AI chatbots into all of its platforms, believes this utility should extend to therapy, despite the potential pitfalls. He claims that his company is uniquely positioned to offer this service due to its intimate knowledge of billions of people through its Facebook, Instagram and Threads algorithms. For people who dont have a person whos a therapist, I think everyone will have an AI, he told the Stratechery podcast in May. I think in some way that is a thing that we probably understand a little bit better than most of the other companies that are just pure mechanistic productivity technology. open image in gallery AI chatbots like ChatGPT have been blamed for causing people to spiral into mental health crises ( iStock/ composite ) OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is more cautious when it comes to promoting his companys products for such purposes. During a recent podcast appearance, he said that he didnt want to slide into the mistakes that I think the previous generation of tech companies made by not reacting quickly enough to the harms brought about by new technology. He also added: To users that are in a fragile enough mental place, that are on the edge of a psychotic break, we havent yet figured out how a warning gets through. OpenAI did not respond to multiple requests from The Independent for an interview, or for comment on ChatGPT psychosis and the Stanford study. The company has previously addressed the use of its chatbot being used for deeply personal advice, writing in a statement in May that it needs to keep raising the bar on safety, alignment, and responsiveness to the ways people actually use AI in their lives. It only takes a quick interaction with ChatGPT to realise the depth of the problem. Its been three weeks since the Stanford researchers published their findings, and yet OpenAI still hasnt fixed the specific examples of suicidal ideation noted in the study. When the exact same request was put to ChatGPT this week, the AI bot didnt even offer consolation for the lost job. It actually went one step further and provided accessibility options for the tallest bridges. The default response from AI is often that these problems will go away with more data, said Jared Moore, a PhD candidate at Stanford University who led the study. What were saying is that business as usual is not good enough. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch New book about John T. Scott details life of the daring New Orleans artist Rescuers scoured a devastated central Texas landscape of mangled trees, overturned cars and muck-filled debris Saturday in an increasingly bleak mission to locate survivors, including 27 girls who have not been seen since their camp was slammed with a wall of water in a historic flash flood. KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) The death toll from flash floods that rampaged through Central Texas rose to at least 67 on Sunday as rescuers maneuvering through challenging terrain found more bodies and continued their desperate search for many others, including 11 missing girls from a summer camp. Things were looking up for Republicans who feel as though the GOP they've known has been hijacked and as Democrats continue to think about how they can keep the White House in 2024. > < 21:39 BRICS remains powerful force for global good: Modi The Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday as several top leaders of the member nations of the grouping converged in Rio de Janeiro to hold summit talks.Chinese President Xi... Read more > 20:30 Khamenei makes first public appearance since Israel war Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made a rare public appearance after several weeks, attending a religious gathering in Tehran on Saturday, CNN reported, citing the Iranian state media outlet Press TV.This marks his first public sighting since the country was embroiled in a 12-day... Read more > 20:00 BJP MLA's son booked for firing gun at Belagavi temple fair Image only for representation Santosh Jarkiholi, son of Bharatiya Janata Party MLA and former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, has been booked after a video emerged showing him allegedly firing a gun in the air during a temple fair in Gokak.The incident allegedly took place on Saturday during the Lakshmi Devi temple festival in... Read more > 19:31 Dalit man assaulted, paraded half-naked in Ludhiana Image only for representation A young Dalit man was assaulted and paraded half-naked with his face forcibly shaved and blackened after his friend eloped with a woman in a village here, police said on Sunday.A viral video of the incident, which happened at Seeda village on the outskirts of Ludhiana on Tuesday, has sparked... Read more > 19:17 Obscene videos found in Karnataka Hindu leader's phone Moodbidri police have reportedly found over 50 obscene video clips from the mobile phone of Hindu Jagarana Vedike's Dakshina Kannada district co-convenor Samith Raj Dharegudde.Dharegudde is currently out on bail in connection with a stone-pelting case involving a private bus.Police during the... Read more > 18:31 'Dare Thackeray cousins to drive me out of Maharashtra' BJP MP Dinesh Lal Yadav With Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) resorting to street-fighting over Marathi, actor and singer Dinesh Lal Yadav, popularly known as Nirahua, has dared the Thackeray cousins to drive him out of Maharashtra for speaking in Bhojpuri.Hitting back, an MNS leader said Yadav should visit Maharashtra... Read more > 18:24 Teenager stabs 15-year-old kin to death after quarrel A teenager has been apprehended for allegedly stabbing his 15-year-old relative to death with a piece of glass following a quarrel in east Delhi's Mandawali area, an official said on Sunday.Police received information regarding the medico-legal case (MLC) of a 'brought dead' boy, identified as... Read more > 17:59 Sikh leaders across parties back actor Diljit Dosanjh Amid a row over singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh's film Sardaar Ji 3 featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, Sikh leaders from across parties have come out in Dosanjh's support terming calls to revoke his citizenship as unfair. Trade unions like the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA)... Read more > 17:33 UK team in Kerala to repair stranded F-35 jet After remaining stranded in Thiruvananthapuram for about a month following a technical issue, a British Royal Navy fighter jet was on Sunday moved to a designated facility for British engineers to assess it, airport sources said.An engineering team from the UK arrived at the international airport... Read more > 16:40 Documents necessary, clarifies EC on Bihar voter review The Election Commission on Sunday said the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar was progressing as per its order and the draft list would contain the names of existing voters whose enumeration forms were received.The EC statement comes amid social media posts about a 'change' in... Read more > 15:55 Was Sambhaji Maharaj a fool, asks Sena MLA Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad cited the legendary reputation of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj as a polyglot to attack Uddhav and Raj Thackeray for their strident opposition to Hindi and the three-language policy in state schools.The Thackeray cousins had held a joint rally, their... Read more > 15:25 World War could break out 'anytime': Gadkari Coordination, harmony and love are vanishing due to the authoritarianism and dictatorship of superpowers and there is an atmosphere of conflict across the world, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Sunday while citing the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Iran wars.Hailing India as the land of the... Read more > 15:20 Telangana plant explosion: Toll rises to 41 The toll in the Sigachi Industries' pharma plant explosion in Sangareddy district rose to 41 on Sunday after the death of a person who was undergoing treatment in a hospital, officials said.The person, who had suffered burns in the June 30 explosion, succumbed at a hospital on Sunday, a senior... Read more > 14:33 Soldier died of bullet injury from his own rifle in J-K's Rajouri An army personnel died of a bullet injury from his own service rifle inside a camp in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday. The soldier, posted with 54 Rashtriya Rifles, was on sentry duty when he died in the company headquarters in Solki village, 40 km from... Read more > 14:19 China sabotaged sales of Rafale after Op Sindoor French intelligence has accused China of using its embassies to undermine the global sales of the Rafale fighter jet, especially after its combat debut in the India-Pakistan clashes, reported the Associated Press.Chinese defence attaches allegedly lobbied countries like Indonesia, questioning the... Read more > 13:20 Mahua challenges revision of Bihar voter list in SC Trinamool Congress leader and Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra has moved the Supreme Court challenging an order of the Election Commission of India for special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.In her plea, Moitra said she seeks setting aside of the order dated June 24 under which... Read more > 12:44 50,000 jobs coming in public sector banks this year Public sector banks will recruit about 50,000 manpower during the ongoing financial year to meet their growing business requirement and expansion.Of the total fresh recruitment, about 21,000 would be officers and remaining would be staff including clerks, as per data collated from various... Read more > 12:18 Rain threat looms as India push for victory in 2nd Test Persistent rain is forecast in Birmingham till 11 am, says Harsha Bhogle, even as England, chasing 608, slumped to 72/3 at stumps on Day 4.'Raining in Birmingham. The UK MetOffice forecast, which has been pretty good so far, says there will be rain till about 11 with a decreasing percentage... Read more > 11:57 Op Sindoor: Reuters' X account blocked in India International news agency Reuters' X account has been withheld in India 'in response to a legal demand', according to a notice displayed by the social media platform.However, government sources denied having raised any new legal demand in this matter and sought explanation from X for blocking... Read more > 11:09 Many Uddhav's MPs, MLAs in touch with me: BJP leader Senior BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan on Sunday claimed several MPs and MLAs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) were in touch with him and that people do not trust Uddhav Thackeray's leadership.Mahajan alleged Thackeray was a palatibahaddar (one who makes a u-turn) and his conduct was... Read more > 10:46 Friend detained over 'rape' of Pune techie released An acquaintance detained by the police over the alleged rape of a Pune IT professional has been released after being served a notice, directing him to cooperate with the investigation, an official said on Saturday.The Pune police had said on Friday that the suspect, who was detained in connection... Read more > 10:08 Man kills friend over missing mobile phone, held Gurugram Police have arrested a man for allegedly killing his friend by pushing him from the fifth floor of a building following an argument over a missing mobile phone, officials said on Saturday. The accused was identified as Kanhaiya alias Prashant (20), a native of Agra district in Uttar... Read more > 09:31 Letters going out to 10-12 countries: Trump on tariffs United States President Donald Trump on Saturday said that his administration is immediately sending letters to the first batch of 10 to 12 countries, sharing details of reciprocal tariff rates and the entire process could be completed by July 9. His comments came amid increasing... Read more > 09:22 Dalai Lama turns 90, Modi calls him 'enduring symbol of love' Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, is celebrating his 90th birthday on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the Dalai Lama and hailed him as a symbol of love and patience.Praying for his long life, the Prime Minister said that Dalai Lama's message has inspired... Read more > 09:01 UP announces plans to renovate temples across state The Uttar Pradesh government announced plans to renovate temples, ashrams of sages Bhrigu and Durvasa and a Jain temple, across the state to boost tourism. The initiative will have a special focus on eastern Uttar Pradesh, with the tourism department preparing a detailed roadmap to... Read more > 08:54 Modi arrives in Brazil for BRICS Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Rio de Janeiro on a four-day visit, during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a state visit. The prime minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at the Galeao International Airport on Saturday evening... Read more > The Clay Center of New Orleans, 1001 Broad St., New Orleans, is a nonprofit organization that serves to grow, support and elevate ceramic art and artists by bringing high-quality ceramic art exhibitions, education, outreach and professional opportunities to the city. Estee Lauder, Aveda, Huda Beauty: Justina Mejia-Montanes resume is a shortlist of some of the worlds most trend-forward beauty houses. But the company at the top of her resume is not quite like the others. The culture of innovation at Dyson is one that Ive never experienced before, said the New York-born executive, who leads the global appliance makers new beauty formulations division. Dysons global head of formulations, Justina Mejia-Montane. Credit: Edwina Pickles Mejia-Montane, who has launched new products across fragrances, mens skincare and cosmetics, was headhunted to launch Dysons newest foray: haircare products. Having already conquered the vacuum and hairstyling market, it may seem like a sizeable leap to jump from home appliances to enter the crowded and lucrative $163 billion global haircare industry. The technology underpinning its hair cream and serum range, Chitosan, is based on a molecule derived from oyster mushroom that makes a bold claim: to hold curls twice as long, without any of the unwanted crunch from styling products. What does our longest-serving prime minister, Sir Robert Menzies, have in common with legendary UK pop star Robbie Williams? Both have been honoured by the City of Melbourne, thats what. In January, Lord Mayor Nick Reece bounded on stage at Fed Square and handed over a key to the city to the former Take That heartthrob in front of 10,000 adoring fans. Robbie Williams in Melbourne in January. The singer was awarded a key to the city and staged a free concert to promote his biopic. Credit: Justin McManus But the surprise award led to a council row and a review of procedures for awarding such honours, which decided that unilateral prize-giving was out. Melbourne being Melbourne, the whole thing is strictly hierarchical. Fitz: Lights, camera, Kevin07! MP: Yes, and in parliament, the issues of concern to my Fremantle constituents tended to be the same things I was passionate about: that Australia should be a good global citizen, protect the environment, respect human rights and animal welfare, practice good governance and [be an] advocate for nuclear disarmament. Fitz: And what propelled you to leave parliament a decade later, even though by that point youd had a stint as the minister for international development in the second Rudd government? MP: Id been there for three terms and felt it was time to let someone else have the extraordinary privilege of being the federal MP for Freo. And frankly I was pretty burnt out. The next year I was asked to become an ambassador for ICAN Australia, and it went from there. Fitz: Which brings us indeed to ICAN. What is the central idea? MP: The idea is to abolish nuclear weapons globally. The campaign started in Melbourne in 2007, with a small group of people sitting around a kitchen table who decided to start a campaign based on earlier successful campaigns to ban landmines and cluster munitions, as well as chemical and biological weapons you ban these inhumane weapons, and they become morally and legally unacceptable. Within 10 years of having started that campaign, ICAN had become a global civil society movement headquartered in Geneva, made up of hundreds of partner organisations around the world. A mushroom cloud after an atomic bomb test in French Polynesia in 1971. Credit: Getty It won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its work to highlight the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, and for helping to get a new UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons adopted at the UN General Assembly with the support of 122 countries. That treaty is basically the only bright light for nuclear disarmament, which had been stalled for decades. Fitz: And yet while half the countries of the world have signed that treaty, and many more support it, Australia still isnt one of them? MP: Not yet. Anthony Albanese, in 2018 when he was in opposition, introduced a resolution to the national ALP platform, that Labor in government would join the treaty and Anthony, I think, has a personal commitment on this issue. Labor is now in its second term of government and it has a great opportunity to honour that platform commitment and its own strong history of championing nuclear disarmament by joining the treaty. There will, of course, be resistance from the defence establishment, but Australias current reliance on US nuclear weapons in our defence policy is both dangerous (because it makes us a nuclear target) and absurd (because the US would never sacrifice one of its cities for ours). If Australia was to join the nuclear ban treaty we would be improving our own security and that of our region and the world. Fitz: Is Iran a signatory of the treaty to ban nuclear weapons? MP: Iran and the United States are both parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty from 1970, which aims to limit the spread of nuclear weapons, requires nuclear-armed states to negotiate disarmament, and allows countries to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under strict safeguards. Israel is not a party to the NPT. None of those countries have yet joined the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and we are encouraging them to do so. But Iran is entitled under the NPT to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Loading Fitz: The problem being its only a small step from having a nuclear energy program to having nuclear weapons? MP: Until the attacks on it by Israel, Iran had been co-operating with international inspectors and engaging in talks with the US about its nuclear program. US intelligence and the International Atomic Energy Agency had assessed that Iran was not developing a nuclear weapon. And so the attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran were clear violations of international law, since Iran had not attacked either country, had not threatened an imminent attack on those countries, and did not have nuclear weapons. These attacks were not only illegal but also counterproductive because Iran has now made a decision to suspend its co-operation with international inspections. Israel is the only country in the Middle East that has nuclear weapons, and it has never subjected itself to international inspections. It is arguably Israels possession of nuclear weapons that has emboldened it to be a nuclear bully, to commit atrocities and genocide in Gaza and to attack other countries in the region, not only Iran, but also Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. Fitz: But hang on, Melissa, Iran actually had launched some ballistic missiles at Israel before this strike. MP: The two incidents in April and October last year involved Iran responding to assassinations by Israel. They are entirely separate from Israels June attacks this year, which Netanyahu himself claimed were pre-emptive self-defence based on Iran being close to developing a nuclear weapon, which we know is not the case. That is, even Israel itself is not claiming the June attack on Iran was retaliation for last years events. Fitz: I confess surprise at the strength of your language. As the executive director of ICAN it seems youre in a quasi-diplomatic role and it is rare that diplomats use very strong language like saying Israels committing genocide in Gaza. And yet you dont hesitate. MP: Well, Im an advocate and an international lawyer rather than a diplomat. The word genocide has been applied by many international legal experts to the Israel/Gaza situation, and every major international human rights organisation, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Genocide is not an emotive expression, it is a legal one, applying the terms of the Genocide Convention to what is happening in Gaza, and it is very clear. The International Court of Justice has said it is plausible that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. You know its not a controversial opinion in most of the world. Fitz: And you take it as absolute fact that Iran was not developing nuclear weapons? How do you know? MP: The same way we know that every other non-nuclear weapon state that is party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty is not developing nuclear weapons, because theres a very strict inspections regime thats carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which the international community trusts. US intelligence and IAEA had both assessed that Iran was not developing a nuclear weapon. So Im not saying it as a guess or an assumption. Fitz: And so the net result of the American bombing of Irans nuclear facilities a fortnight ago? Loading MP: The world is on the brink of nuclear catastrophe right now. These events expose the double standards inherent around nuclear weapons. You had here two countries with nuclear weapons Israel and the US attacking another country that does not have nuclear weapons, Iran. And as former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, There are no right hands for wrong weapons. Nuclear weapons are the only devices ever created that have the capacity to destroy all complex life on earth. No country should be able to threaten the end of life on this planet. No country should have these nuclear weapons. And these events have shown that you cant bomb your way to nuclear non-proliferation or security. Youve got to negotiate agreements. Youve got to return to the diplomatic process because these illegal attacks did not make the region or the world any safer. Theyve made it more dangerous by undermining the non-proliferation regime and international law itself. Striking nuclear installations is specifically banned under international law and risks causing radioactive contamination thats harmful to human health and the environment. This misadventure by Israel and the US may well have prompted Iran to consider building a nuclear weapon for the first time. Fitz: What is the doomsday scenario that keeps you awake at night? MP: This year the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the hands of the Doomsday Clock forward to 89 seconds to midnight, the closest weve ever been to global catastrophe and that was before the recent India/Pakistan and Israel/US/Iran confrontations. There are more than 12,000 nuclear weapons in the world, with 2000 of them on high-alert launch status. As long as any nuclear weapons remain anywhere they are bound one day to be used, whether by design or by accident or miscalculation the situation becomes even more dangerous with the increasing integration by the military of AI into nuclear command and control systems. When the experts war-game likely scenarios, theres virtually none where the firing of one nuclear weapon doesnt lead to an escalatory exchange that results in all-out nuclear war. Fitz: And the bombing of Iran makes this more, not less, likely? Well, you didnt choose your words carefully on Israel, so what about US President Donald Trump? Is he now the most dangerous man in the world? MP: We dont know. Its entirely unpredictable. For instance, during his election campaign and then in his message to the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, Trump was talking about the need for denuclearisation, and saying he was going to talk to Russia and China about denuclearisation, and that nuclear weapons cost so much money that could be spent on other things, which is all true. ICANs latest report shows that the nuclear armed states spent $US100 billion last year on their nuclear arsenals. The US is spending trillions of dollars on its nuclear modernisation program. So, Trump says he wants to denuclearise, but at the same time is approving increases to nuclear weapons modernisation programs. So we havent seen him act consistently on this issue, and we really dont know which way it will go. Hes apparently quite keen to get a Nobel Peace Prize. So if he could eliminate nuclear weapons from the face of the earth, maybe [he could get one]. Fitz: So if he could do that, youd call it all even on the card for the many shocking things that hes done? Ill continue to stand with a strong, proud Jewish community here in Victoria every single day, Allan told reporters. They demand our support at this most difficult time, they demand our action. In Melbournes CBD on Sunday, pro-Palestinian protesters, including children, chanted Death to the IDF at a demonstration that went ahead less than 48 hours after the antisemitic attacks, which included the alleged arson attack on East Melbourne Synagogue while children and families were inside. Flowers at the synagogues charred doorstep. Credit: Justin McManus Despite a rally organisers condemnation of that attack earlier in the protest, two pre-teen Melbourne sisters, who had previously made remarks about the suffering of children their age in Gaza, led chants of Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces] and Death, death to the IOF [Israeli Occupying Force]. On the same night as Fridays synagogue attack, a group of 20 people stormed Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD, upturning tables and chanting, distressing diners. Police are also investigating a third incident, on Saturday morning, in which three cars were set on fire and the wall of a Greensborough business was spray-painted with graffiti. On Monday, investigators released footage showing five hooded figures setting the vehicles alight and scrawling slogans on the burning cars. They then fled through a back fence and escaped on e-bikes. On Sunday, counterterrorism detectives charged Sydney man Angelo Loras over the alleged arson attack at the synagogue, while police continue to investigate the storming of the restaurant. The 34-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court and was remanded until July 22. The court heard it was the accuseds first time in custody. Jacinta Allan greeting members of the Jewish community. Credit: Justin McManus Police said they were still trying to determine whether to classify the alleged arson as an act of terror. A police source, who cannot be identified speaking about operational matters, said at least one of those who invaded the restaurant was part of a group known to counter-terrorism police for sometimes organising left-wing protests that turned violent. Victoria Police declined to comment on the identity of the person or the nature of the groups involved. In a statement, Allan described the attack on the synagogue as a sickening crime. She said her government would soon receive the Lekakis review into the multicultural sector, which is expected to make recommendations about requiring organisations to sign a social cohesion pledge before receiving funding. Pro-Palestinian protesters in the CBD on Sunday. Credit: Chris Hopkins At the pro-Palestinian protest on Sunday, a protest leader opened the event by condemning the attack on the synagogue, where 20 worshippers were gathered for a meal on the weekly Jewish holy day of Shabbat, on Friday night. A large, watermelon-inspired sign reading Ceasefire Now led the marchers down Swanston Street. Other protesters carried signs reading Death, death to the IDF, Glory to the Martyrs and Youre sick of us? Were sick of Israel killing children. Speakers at the rally focused heavily on the killing by Israeli forces of hundreds of starving Palestinian civilians as they tried to secure food at the stations run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. State Opposition Leader Brad Battin said the government should give police stronger powers to move on protesters, which the Coalition has pledged to reintroduce if elected. When we had those laws here in Victoria, the police had the power to move people on, and protests like this could be stopped before they got to the stage they are these days, Battin said on Sunday. There needs to be some big changes so you can feel safe in the community as a Jewish person living here in Victoria. Battin said police officers wanted the laws and there would be a clear vote on the issue at the 2026 election. In December, the Allan government pledged new measures to tackle a rise in antisemitic incidents, including the arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea. Loading These included bans on the display of flags and symbols from listed terrorist organisations in public, face masks at protests and the use of glue, rope, chains and other attachment devices to cause disruptions. New laws will also be introduced to protect places of worship, with consultation under way on the best methods, including the potential establishment of safe access areas prohibiting protests, or the strengthening of existing offences. Allan government minister Colin Brooks said the government condemned Fridays attacks, and pointed to the governments forthcoming legislation. Its not protest; that is hate-fuelled mob violence and crime, he said. The premiers been very strong on this. Weve seen the police respond very quickly ... Theres a lot of work that the Victorian government is doing to stamp this out. Liberal MP David Southwick said the government should have already implemented its proposed laws, given it was seven months after they were announced. The Jewish community feel under siege, he said. What is the government waiting for? We saw it happen at Adass. It should have been a warning sign for the government to get off their backsides and ensure that the community can be kept safe. New parents seeking advice about their babys sleep from local maternal and child health centres face a fresh struggle after the Victorian government quietly pulled millions of dollars from a popular program. The government informed Victorias councils in late May that it would cease funding group education, one of two components of free, municipal-run sleep and settling programs, which has been a crucial first point of contact for exhausted parents grappling with sleep challenges. Anna Gilmore, pictured at home with her two children, is concerned about the stripped state funding for sleep programs. Credit: Wayne Taylor Funding was silently axed as part of the state budget for the 2025-26 financial year, with councils being notified just six weeks before the change that took effect on July 1, forcing many to suddenly cancel sleep group classes at their maternal and child health services. Councils are warning that overall sleep support services will be significantly impacted; without group sessions, which provide early preventive help, demand for more intensive one-on-one services and stay-in programs will increase, leading to blowouts on waitlists. Racing at Queenslands new greyhound racing hub has been suspended due to unsafe conditions a decision made after a string of dog fatalities at the brand new $85 million three-track facility. The annual Brisbane Cup was abandoned on Saturday after two races, with scheduled meets on Monday and Thursday also cancelled at what Racing Queensland has described as the worlds best greyhound racing venue. The decision was made after the Q2 Parklands track was deemed unsuitable for racing, RQ said in a statement. A high-speed collision during a greyhound race at The Q in May at one of the new venues warm-up races. Credit: Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds At least 11 greyhounds have died at The Q since track trials in March, according to anti-racing campaigners, with most of them euthanised after picking up injuries during races. The streets of Melbourne fell victim on Sunday to a glaring example of tone-deaf intransigence. As they have done regularly for the past almost two years, protesters marched and chanted along the thoroughfares of Melbourne to register their disgust at the war in Gaza. They wore keffiyehs and chanted slogans. Many chanted Death to the IDF and some held placards with the same message, or others such as Glory to the martyrs. Yesterday, of all days, they should have paused. No actions are taken in isolation. There is always context. Hundreds of protesters marched in Melbournes CBD on Sunday, two days after an attack on a synagogue and an Israeli restaurant. Credit: Chris Hopkins On Friday night in Melbourne, three attacks occurred against Jewish people. To march two days later shows an appalling lack of judgment by protesters and organisers. Instead of thinking, What is the consequence of our actions in light of what happened on Friday? they went, blinkered, onto the streets. The ceasefire between Israel and Iran, should it last, is a resoundingly positive development. But regional peace in its current form, after Israeli offensives in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran, cannot be sustained in the long run without continuous United States involvement. This has serious implications for the US longstanding commitment to disentangle itself from Middle Eastern affairs and shift focus firmly to the Pacific and its only peer superpower competitor: China. Successive Australian governments have staked their plans to navigate the growing superpower rivalry in our region upon promises of an American laser-focus on the Pacific that is unlikely to ever truly materialise. As Anthony Albanese prepares to meet Xi Jinping, will Donald Trump or following US presidents be able to withdraw from the Middle East and refocus on China? Credit: Nathan Perri Just as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares to meet President Xi Jinping in China this month, the ongoing role of the US in reshaping the balance of power in the Middle East in Israels favour should have leaders and policymakers here questioning the viability of an American Pivot to Asia that never arrives. For Australians, the stakes couldnt be higher. The pivot was first announced in November 2011, when then US president Barack Obama addressed the Australian Parliament. In response to the disastrous Bush-era campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, Obama declared: After a decade in which we fought two wars that cost us dearly, in blood and treasure, the United States is turning our attention to the vast potential of the Asia-Pacific region. 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 As Israeli beachgoers splash around in the Mediterranean Sea and play volleyball on the nearby sand, Keith Siegel clears his throat to speak. The father of four and grandfather of five spent 484 days in captivity after being taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Much of that time was spent in solitary confinement in the tunnels under Gaza. Before his release in February as part of the most recent ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, his captors forced him to write a thank-you letter, instructing him on what to say. Since his release, Siegel has dedicated himself to trying to secure the release of the remaining 50 hostages held in Gaza, of whom about 20 are believed to be alive. Among them are two former neighbours from the kibbutz near the Gaza border where he and his wife lived in southern Israel. Like many others in the energetic and highly organised protest movement to secure the release of the remaining hostages, Siegel believes one man, and one man alone, is the key to achieving their freedom. Keith Siegel, 64, appears in a Hamas proof of life video released in April 2024. Credit: Twitter President Trump, you are the only one who can do it. End the war, bring the hostages home, create a better future for the Middle East, Siegel says, standing in front of a banner of a recent social media post by the US president calling for the hostages to be released. It is July 4, and Siegel has gathered with relatives of hostages near the US embassy office in Tel Aviv to plead for a ceasefire agreement. We are in a historic window of opportunity, Siegel continues. The leader who achieved a ceasefire with Iran can also deliver the deal of all deals in Gaza ... Please, please dont let this opportunity slip away. Advertisement Daniel Shek, a former Israeli ambassador to France who leads the diplomatic department at the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, says the movement made a strategic decision to focus on influencing the Trump administration rather than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. There is precedent that the way to get to Netanyahu is through Donald Trump, he says. Hes the one who has the leverage and the means. Relations between Netanyahu and the hostage release movement have been dominated by mistrust and at times outright hostility, with many hostage families believing Netanyahu has put his political survival over the release of their loved ones. Many of those taken hostage on October 7 peace-loving kibbutzniks and young music festival attendees were not part of Netanyahus conservative base. Daniel Shek says the Israeli prime minister has not been receptive to the plight of the hostages families. Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald / Kate Geraghty Its difficult for us to converse with him, Shek says of Netanyahu. He hasnt been very communicative with the families of the hostages, and some members of his coalition were outspoken in saying the hostages were not their priority, and thats terrible. Instead of trying to convince their own government to make a deal, many hostage families have taken to directly pleading their loved ones case with Trump on social media. Mr President, we need your help, Rebecca Bohbot, the wife of hostage Elkana Bohbot, wrote to Trump last week. The fight is not over and only you can help us bring Elkana home. US President Donald Trump with Israeli hostages released from Gaza (from left): Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, Eli Sharabi, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Doron Steinbrecher and Noa Argamani at the White House. Credit: X Advertisement Netanyahu this week travelled for the first time to Kibbutz Nir Oz, the site of one of the worst massacres on October 7, where he met hostage families who had previously been scathing of his leadership. The hostage release movement is a ubiquitous presence in Tel Aviv, Israels second-biggest city and a progressive bastion where Netanyahu is broadly unpopular. Posters of the hostages are plastered around the city, including along the beach. A plaza in the city centre, where large protests are held each week, has been renamed Hostages Square. Visitors can walk through an art installation that aims to recreate the experience of being held in a tunnel under Gaza. People gather in Tel Avivs Hostage Square to call for the return of those still held in Gaza by Hamas. Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald / Kate Geraghty Ahead of a crucial meeting at the White House between Trump and Netanyahu on Monday, there is growing hope in Israel that a ceasefire and hostage release deal will be reached. I think well have a deal next week, Trump said ahead of the meeting, insisting he would be very firm with Netanyahu about ending the conflict. But there is also palpable anxiety about whether the leaders will reach a flawed agreement that fails to secure the release of all the remaining hostages and prolongs the agony of their families. Polls show about seven in 10 Israelis want the war to end, with most seeing the return of the hostages as their top priority, rather than continuing the fight against Hamas. We hope Trump will push both sides to end the war and do what it takes to save the hostages I just want our family to be whole again. Matan Eshet, cousin of Israeli hostage Evyatar David The families of the hostages have been calling for a deal that secures the immediate release of the remaining captives in exchange for an end to the war. The deal under consideration is far less clean-cut, with a proposal for 10 living hostages and 18 bodies to be released during a 60-day ceasefire. During that time, talks would be held over ending the war and releasing all remaining hostages, but this phase could collapse, as it has in the past. Advertisement The hostage deal in the works is a disgrace, former Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy said in a social media post. It lets Hamas keep 10 living hostages and 12 bodies past the 60-day mark, and condemns two hostages to being trapped in Gazas dungeons for another 50 days! Matan Eshet has been campaigning for the release of his cousin Evyatar David, who is being held in Gaza. Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald / Kate Geraghty Veteran Israeli hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin has also criticised the reported framework, saying: There is no reason for the ceasefire to be limited to 60 days. There is no reason for five phases to release 10 living hostages and another 18 bodies. Why not one phase for everyone? Sitting at Hostages Square at sundown, Matan Eshet says he is desperate for his cousin Evyatar David to be released. A talented guitar player who wanted to pursue a career as a music producer, David was taken hostage at the Nova music festival. Loading Hamas released a video of him in February, confirming to his family he is alive albeit clearly malnourished and poorly treated. You could see he has not been sleeping, that he has barely seen the light of day, Eshet says of his cousin. We are hopeful that a deal will be reached and he will come back. We hope Trump will push both sides to end the war and do what it takes to save the hostages. Advertisement Dinos Roar! Again!And how! By Aasawari Shenolikar : Y OU thought wed done with the dinos in Hollywood? Nah! They never became extinct, and after regular intervals raised their heads when an ambitious writer and director coaxed them back to the big canvas - to gnash their teeth, snarl, roar and scare the living daylights out of us. The latest resurrection in the hot favourite franchise is Jurassic World Rebirth, which flip flops between nostalgia and reinvention, taking us back to the island where it all began. Honouring Steven Spielbergs 1993 original, director Gareth Edwards with Jurassic Park Rebirth takes us back into a world of dinos. Knowing hes stepping into sacred territory, for Spielberg has laid too tall a benchmark and bar to cross, Edwards, in the first twenty minutes pays homage to the great director by reimagining the classic shots that defined the original. The lush green island, the wide helicopter shots, the rustling of the foliage sending a chill up your spine, and the unmistakable thud of a giant step that sends ripples through the cola glass that you are holding - all this lays the foundation for a spectacular spectacle that unfolds in the next two and half hours. FILM REVIEW After the basic premise is laid - why a few humans, for their own greed, want to venture into the forbidden territory, just off the equator, its time for highoctane spectacle. Zora Bennet (Scarlett Johannsen) a situational strategy specialist whose job is to obtain unattainable things, teams up with former buddy Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali) the owner of the boat who will take her and others to the island. Joining them is Dr Henry Loomis (J onathan Bailey) the scientist who will help identify the dino species - Mosasaurus, Titanosaurus and Quetzalcoatlus from whom the DNA has to be extracted. All this exercise is being done for Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend), the CEO of a pharmaceutical firm that will use the dino DNA to make a drug targeted at heart health. In this process, the drug company will make trillions. This motley group, while at sea, rescue four people Reuben Delgado, his daughters Isabella and Teresa and Teresas boyfriend Xavier Dobbs, whose boat was overturned in a vicious attack by a ferocious aquatic predator. So, the plot treads on a familiar path. Staying true to the franchises tried and tested formula, human greed, over confidence in ones ability of taking on even the mightiest of creatures as humans are the most superior and intelligent species on this planet, and of course the inevitable consequences of messing around with Mother Nature. While many Dinos from the previous movies Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor, Dilophosaurus, Spinosaurus, Mosasaurus, Carnotaurus, Quetzalcoatlus, Compsognathus, Ankylosaurus rekindle the memories of the havoc they caused, new mutant species Aquilops, Diabloceratops, Titanosaurus, Anurognathus, Mutadon, and Distortus Rex (a hybrid), also add much to the scare factor. The ensemble cast goes through the motions and dialogues breathing life into the familiar beats. Dr Loomis is not happy to be a part of this assembly because he doesnt want Krebs to have a patent for the medicine so that he can fill his own coffers. Lets give this to other players so that the medicine is affordable and has a wider reach, he keeps telling Zora, hoping that she will have a change of heart. Of course, no prizes for guessing - at the end of it all she does. The supporting players, after a few dialogues, are simply meat for the dinos. After a scintillating chase in the ocean where humans pit their courage against Mosasaurus, the two groups separate - follow different paths, encounter many dinos - a few friendly, for most part - not so. And after many hair raising encounters, meet again so that they can escape from the Lab that was the hub of all the experiments in the original movie. While the plot is really just old wine in a new bottle, where Jurassic Park Rebirth excels is in the technical field. With Animatronics blending seamlessly with VFX, what the audience gets to see on the big canvas is different dinos that feel alive. Its difficult to decipher where metal ends and skin begins. Many scenes will bring back memories of the original - the deathly calm before a T Rex spewing venom appears on the screen, the rustle of leaves giving away the presence of a cunning raptor, the way Dr Loomis is overwhelmed when he touches the leg of a Titanosaurus, or the mutant raptors stalking the humans in a closed space - all still have the power to chill and thrill. Yet, for all its superb technical craft, Jurassic Park Rebirth, doesnt touch the core of the heart. The emotions that made the original a masterpiece, are very diluted here, buried under layers of quick action and way too many dialogues. The relentless dino action focusing mainly on jaw snapping chases doesnt let one reflect deeply upon the morality of genetic mutations and meddling with Mother Nature. Having said that, there is no denying the fact that the dinos retain the power to thrill. Kudos to the camera for capturing the sheer awe of a dinosaur, whether its the gentle Titanosaurus swishing their tails and courting each other in lush green misty meadows, or a predator rising from slumber with a primal scream. The audience comes for the dinos, and Jurassic Park Rebirth delivers in glorious, teeth-baring details. This adrenaline-fueled tribute is a reminder of why the world fell in love with these giant creatures in the first place. Even if it feels like been there, done that, its still worth queuing up for. So this weekend, book your ticket, grab your popcorn, and step into a forbidden world where against all odds, dinosaurs still rule the planet. The Hitavada Rating: As US trade deal deadline nears India negotiates from position of strength, not under deadlines: Goyal BENGALURU : WITH the Congress mocking the BJP-led NDA Government over the proposed trade deal with the US, Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said that India negotiates from a position of strength and not under deadlines. He also accused the Congress of negotiating and signing agreements that were not in the national interest during that party-led UPA Governments tenure. Trump has set a deadline of July 9 to finalise the trade agreement with India. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi had attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Indo-US trade deal, claiming the PM will meekly bow before to the tariff deadline set by President Trump administration. India does not negotiate under deadlines. We negotiate keeping national interest in mind, and national interest is paramount in all our engagements across the world, Goyal, Commerce and Industry Minister, told reporters here. After the Modi Government came to power, we have signed free trade agreements with Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and the four-nation EFTA (European Free Trade Association) groupingSwitzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtensteinand now with the UK last month. According to him, India continues to engage with other developed nations, including the EU bloc of 27 countries, the US, Oman, Peru, and Chile. Today, India negotiates from a position of strength. We are self-confident and can compete with anybody in the world. This is not the weak India under Congress and the UPA, which signed agreements that were not in the national interest, he added. Goyal had earlier stated that India would accept the proposed trade deal with the US only when it is fully finalised and in national interest. On Saturday, Rahul Gandhi had said in a post on X that Piyush Goyal can beat his chest all he wants, mark my words, Modi will meekly bow to the Trump tariff deadline. The Congress has been attacking the PM for remaining silent and not countering US President Donald Trumps repeated claims of bringing a halt to hostilities between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. On Friday, Goyal had said that FTAs are possible only when both sides benefit and involve a win-win agreement, when asked about the proposed interim trade agreement with the US. Gilgit-Baltistan rises against Paks land grabs People in Gilgit-Baltistan region protest the controversial Land Reforms Act 2025 passed by the GB Assembly on May 21. NEW DELHI : For over a month, the region has been on the boil with civil unrest over Land Reforms Act 2025. People stand not just against the law, but also against decades of dispossession, neglect, occupation. PAKISTAN may have entered a fragile ceasefire with India in May, but its problems are far from over. For over a month, the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region, part of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), has been on the boil with civil unrest and acute clashes between the people and the State. Predictably, much like the hostilities with India that ensued after the blood-curdling Pahalgam terrorist attack of April, this crisis too is of Pakistans own making. The escalating protests in Gilgit-Baltistan are a response to the controversial Land Reforms Act 2025, passed by the GB Assembly on May 21 amid an Opposition walkout and civil society resistance. As the mountains of GB echo with cries of resistance, the people stand not just against a law, but decades of dispossession, neglect, and occupation. The Act, hailed by the Government as a landmark in regional land governance and justice, claims to dismantle the Nautore Rules 1978, which classified all land as either held in individual ownership or by the Khalsa Sarkar, that is, State land. Therefore, on the surface, the Act promises to transfer the land back to the people by declaring them as the common owners of all wastelands, forests, pastures, mountains, rivers, glaciers, and so on, in tune with indigenous customs and ancestral territories. However, the rhetoric conceals a sophisticated mechanism that empowers the State, via bureaucracy, to decide on land distribution and potentially, as is being stressed by the people, enable land grabs, resource exploitation, and increased military-federal control. For context, the Act has introduced the tripartite classification of common impartible land, common partible land, and government land, and has provided for the creation of District Land Apportionment Boards (DLABs), headed by the Deputy Commissioner, to practically demarcate the land into the categories. Further, the DLABs are to submit their plan and recommendations to the Gilgit Baltistan Land Appropriation Board (GBLAB), wherein the Chief Minister will make final decisions. The Opposition has not only highlighted the limited space granted to peoples representatives in this framework and the excess control given to the bureaucratic-federal structure but also the suspicious deployment of the vague Government land. This categorisation does not make a distinction between disputed and genuine governmental property and the Kafkaesque dispute resolution framework outlined in the Act is blatantly skewed in favour of the bureaucracy. Besides, the two most contentious aspects of the Act are the allocation of 10 per cent of common lands to the State in the name of developmental activities and the 15-day eviction notice for unlawful occupants. Naturally, the latter raises extreme apprehensions among locals who have been living in the region for decades but may not have proper documentation as administratively required to prove their claim, thereby potentially dispossessing and displacing them. To make matters worse, the Pakistani States usurpation of GBs land and resources for economic and strategic gains at the expense of the people has been a consistent lament of the locals. In fact, over the decades, the State has even opened up GBs land to be bought over by people from different parts of the country, systemically altering the indigenous demography of the place. For Pakistan, the geographical location of Gilgit Baltistan, which borders Chinas Xinjiang province, Afghanistans Wakhan Corridor, and Indias Jammu and Kashmir, makes it an indispensable strategic resource. The region is critical for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as all routes connecting China to Pakistan, including the Karakoram Highway, pass through it. This has led to increased Chinese infrastructural and military presence in the past years, which has been another major point of peoples contention in GB. Earlier this month, people protesting against exploitative trade policies of Pakistan blocked the Karakoram Highway for days, leading to a major halt of activities. Lendi Talao: Planned murder of a lake Official invasion ! - V Access denied! Full of tall shrubs and invaded by slums, the Lendi Talao in Jagnath Budhwari is left choked. Amazingly, no path has been left to access the lakebed. By Team Hitavada : THEY have blood on their hands -- these administrators, authorities, leaders and people too. All of them have conspired in the murder of Nagpurs famous, iconic and most useful waterbodies. One by one, they have strangled lakes around us, systematically, unofficially and also officially reducing them to a patch of water. Bodies of these waterbodies are scattered all around the city - east, west, north, south, central - in every area. The murder trail leads one to Jagnath Budhwari area in east Nagpur in search of the Lendi Talao. All one encounters is a thick growth of bushes, stench of sewage, criminal encroachment of the waterbody and ugly scars of indifference by each and every stakeholder. The tributaries that once filled the Lendi Talao have turned into nullahs. On the nullahs have come up shanties and even pucca houses. There is simply no way to enter into the lake from any side. The murder of Lendi Talao is complete. All that remains is a piece of dry land full of weeds and vegetation. The Lendi Talao was among the oldest lakes in city. It has now almost become extinct, just like the nearby Dobi Talao which is now a barren land. The lake is surrounded by slums made up of concrete walls and roofs. The structures have completely choked the water-body from all directions. The slum-dwellers, who encroached the lake decades ago, are now crying hoarse due to the unhygienic environment as tall and thick bushes have grown in their backyard which was earlier a lake. Shashibai Dukre, a 53-year-old slum-dweller now squarely blames the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for its totally apathy towards residents health. She alleges that no NMC staffer visits the area to clean sewage and other garbage. The open sewage line and accumulated sewage is a round-the-year health hazard for the residents, Dukre laments. The spot of the lake itself is a mystery. Its surrounding is so densely populated that no one can easily find a path to reach the lakebed. Its a treacherous trek through a narrow lane and requires trespassing into a private land. The lake that used to feed Naik Talao and Dobi Talao through its overflow decades ago is now strangulated due to negligence of authorities, carelessness of the local population, and continuous encroachment happening in the area for many years. On the paper and in official records, the Lendi Talao occupies an area of around 27 acres in the densely populated area. Maharashtra Government had given in-principle approval for rejuvenation of nearly seven acres of the lake back in 2022 under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme. Unfortunately, the project never progressed even after three years, leaving the lake full of filth and tall grass. Once a lifeline for the neighbourhood, Lendi Talao has suffered from unchecked urbanisation and social apathy. Today, the lake is at a juncture where it is seeking human support for its survival as it has failed to rejuvenate naturally. The water has nearly dried up and even during this monsoon season not a single patch of water is visible. Instead, tall grass has grown in the lakebed, and multiple tin-shelters have come up on it. It seems a pattern aided for land-grabbing. One by one lakes in the city are drying up raising suspicion of a bigger conspiracy in the name of regularisation. The neglect of Lendi Talao is a glaring example of how urban development often comes at the expense of natural resources. Without immediate intervention, the city risks losing not just a lake but also a crucial piece of its environmental and cultural heritage. National Herald case: AICC attempted to revive AJL, Cheema tells court NEW DELHI : SENIOR advocate R S Cheema, representing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday argued that the AICC was not trying to sell the assets of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) but rather attempting to save the institution which was part of the freedom movement. Cheema, in his arguments before Special Judge Vishal Gogne, quoted Mark Twain and Urdu poet Wasim Barelvi to drive home his rebuttal against the Enforcement Directorates (EDs) allegations. The federal agency has accused Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, late Congress leaders Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes, as well as Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, and a private company, Young Indian, of conspiracy and money laundering over the fraudulent takeover of properties valued at over Rs 2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which published the National Herald newspaper. Can my friend (ED counsel) tell me why they were shy about placing the Memorandum of Association (MoA) of AJL? AJL was established in 1937 by Jawaharlal Nehru, J. B. Kripalani, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, and others, he said. The AJL MoA said that the policy of AJL will be the policy of the INC. All through, AJL did not have profits. In the post-independence period, it was never a commercial institution. We (All India Congress Committee) were trying to retrieve an institution which is part of the freedom movement heritage. The problem was not recovering the loan (given to AJL); the problem was to revive it, to see that it comes back on the rails. AICC was not looking for profit from sales. This is a squinted version, Cheema said. Citing various allegations and raising objections, the senior advocate quoted Urdu poet Wasim Barelvis: Wo jhoot bol raha tha bade saleeke se, main yakeen na karta, to kya karta (How could I not believe his astute lies?), eliciting laughter in the jam-packed court. Cheema said that in the present case, the court had to respond to a situation where the ED had selected and acted upon a private complaint by Subramanian Swamy. Noting that ED had alleged the proceeds of crime being enjoyed, the senior advocate said, Enjoyed is a rich word they have used. Not a penny was being used. He said that it was the AJL which was engaged in the development of commercial spaces, besides being entitled to the rent. Regarding the allegations against the All India Congress Committee, Cheema said that the ED had not highlighted the fact that AICC was a huge body having a large number of members. He said that there was no factual basis to the allegation that in 2008, AJL had closed the publication of the newspaper and instead started acting as a real estate company. The senior advocate said that ED made unwarranted inferences against Rahul Gandhi by wrongly assuming that he was the person in charge of the affairs of the AICC as its general secretary in 2010. He said that according to the constitution of the Congress party, no general secretary could be held in charge of its affairs. Cheema cited the constitution, as per which, there were several general secretaries of the AICC at a point in time. Similarly, Cheema said, Sonia Gandhi, the then AICC President, had been wrongly inferred as the person in charge of the AICC when the loan had been assigned to AJL. Cheema also objected to the ED allegations that Young Indian, despite being a not-for-profit company, was not engaged in charitable activities. What is the concept of charity? Giving food, and alms is what they think is charitable. Nothing else? he said. Regarding the properties of AJL being usurped, the senior advocate said, These are crude lies. We got that. What case are we looking at?... 750 crores, 2000 crores, 5000 crores, the ED has alleged. To quote Mark Twain: Lies. Damned lies. Statistics. I conclude, Cheema said. The arguments would continue against the other accused on Monday. The ED alleges the Gandhis held a majority 76 per cent share in Young Indian, which fraudulently usurped the assets of AJL in exchange for a Rs 90 crore loan. Earlier, on Friday, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi concluded his arguments on behalf of Sonia Gandhi. On July 3, Raju argued on the point of the chargesheets cognisance, saying the Gandhis were the beneficial owners of Young Indian and acquired 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 Dubey, Pitroda, Sunil Bhandari, Young Indian, and Dotex Merchandise Private Limited. Four and a half years ago, Haley Tate found out her mom had breast cancer. "Houston, we have a problem," Tate said in response while sitting in the car beside her mom Janice. Fast-forward to the 2025 Miss Montana competition in Butte last month, Janice, now in remission, watched as her daughter's dreams came true alongside a support section that was four rows deep with six people to a row. They clapped and cheered, clad in pink Tates favorite color, and the color of breast cancer awareness as she was crowned the 75th Miss Montana. Shes the first to hail from Missoula since 2014, and the oldest woman to ever hold the title at the ripe age of 25. In September, she'll head to Orlando, Florida, to compete in the national pageant against women from every state in the U.S. 'Houston, we have a diagnosis' For 105 years, the Miss America pageant has crowned a winner from a collection of women who compete in interviews, evening wear, fitness and talent. The contestants are drawn from winners of state pageants who compete in the same categories. Tates talent was speaking, and she delivered a monologue, titled Houston, we have a diagnosis, about her experience supporting her mother through cancer treatment. Tate's mother went through chemotherapy under the pandemic's strict hospital visitation rules, so Tate wasn't able to be with her mom during treatments, scans or surgeries. But every Wednesday after chemo, Tate made sure her mom came home to a bouquet of roses on the counter, a different color each week. Everybody should have someone like that to walk through a disease with, Janice told the Missoulian. In the monologue, Tate talked about the different ways you can support someone going through a difficult time. "Communication doesn't have to be loud," Tate said. Before her mothers diagnosis, Tate hopped between majors in college. But she said her experience supporting her mother made her realize she wanted to be a physicians assistant. Cinderella story Tate said the aspects that stand out most to her about the Miss America pageants are service and scholarship. Each winner receives an academic scholarship, which Tate plans to put toward tuition at the University of Montana, where shes majoring in communications with a minor in psychology. Eventually, she plans to enroll in UMs physician assistant program once it opens up later this year, where she thinks her communication skills will be a big asset. If you do not communicate well with a patient, then they dont necessarily know what theyre having done or why theyre having it done and the proper aftercare, Tate said. Beauty pageants like Miss America have long drawn criticism for objectifying women, but Tate said she's seen the opposite. I have seen so much growth that has happened in women because of being in pageants, Tate said. These are incredibly intelligent women that are vying to be Miss America. Each contestant must participate in some sort of service to their community, and Tate said she serves on the board of Chicks n Chaps, a Missoula-based organization that uses rodeo events to raise money for people affected by breast cancer. The crown placed on Tates head has four points that each represent the qualities every Miss Montana should have, including service, scholarship, style and success. Theres an unspoken fifth point, she said for sisterhood. You always hear about pageant girls being catty, Tate said. There was not even a touch of that at the weekend in Butte. Janice said Haley had a bit of a Cinderella story at the competition. She came in without any previous pageant experience the closest being her time as Montanas rodeo queen. She did her own hair and makeup, and wore an evening gown shed bought online for less than $200. But Janice said her daughter was determined and confident she could win. A few months before the pageant, she asked Tate what she'd do if she didnt win what plans would she make? Tates response: I wont need to. Bringing that confidence to the stage in Orlando is going to be a huge factor, Tate said. 'Houston, we've landed' Theres a lot of work to do before then. She said she wants to practice walking more. Evening gowns and sportswear require different walks, she said, adding while she nails the interviews, shes more shaky on her feet. When Tate's mom Janice went to her final radiation appointment a year after diagnosis, Haley pulled up next to her in the parking lot to deliver a final bouquet of roses. This one came with a card bearing a message: Houston, weve landed. Tate and her mom will go to Orlando together in September along with about 10 other supporters with the hopes of bringing home Montanas first Miss America crown. Tough challenge THE revelation by Lt. General Rahul Singh, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, that during Operation Sindoor India fought as many as three adversaries, makes the challenge before India officially grim. Though what he said was already known to people in bits and pieces, Lt. General Singh gave a more accurate and grimmer picture of the tough geopolitical and strategic challenge India has to be ready to face in future conflicts. As a seasoned warrior, Lt. General Singh stated clearly that with Pakistan as a front-piece, two other adversaries -- China and Turkey -- were also aligned against India during Operation Sindoor. Obviously, in future conflicts, too, such a wide front may be there for India to tackle. Lt. General Singhs elaboration, thus, underlined what the country will have to face if it gets pushed or dragged into conflict. Lt. General Singh said that China used the recent four-day conflict as a live laboratory for testing its weapons it had given to Pakistan. Turkey, too, supplied a lot of military hardware to Pakistan, thus complicating the Indian challenge all the more. But even as he highlighted the hard realities of that conflict, Lt. General Rahul Singh also brought forth some other aspects of Indian preparedness where a lot of good work is needed to be done at the earliest. He also highlighted the importance of an uninterrupted supply-chain and its well-oiled management as a critical essential to keeping Indias defence mechanisms and systems in great shape. Lt. General Singhs statement coincided with an official communication by Ministry of Defence about the cleared investment of over Rs. 1 lakh crore in major defence acquisitions on an immediate basis. That did show that Indian leadership -- political and strategic -- is conscious of the nature and level of geopolitical and military challenges India is expected to face currently and distantly. Having known the details of what the Indian strategic planners think and do, it can be said safely that India is geared up to face any challenge to its unity, territorial integrity in the most efficient manner. That also explains how the Indian military preparedness is being rated as among the best in the world by any definition -- manpower, training, equipment, research and development of technology related to national defence. Indias futuristic planners have their sights fixated on distant goals that would stand the country in good stead when challenges become tougher in the future. But even as various persons engaged in Indias leadership teams share their information and knowledge with the people, there is not a shade of fear or doubt about the national capabilities. Much to the contrary, what is visible to the people is a high level of confidence that any and every challenge would be met with elan. This is not a mean assurance. For, when the nation is confronted with challenges of the kind India has to handle, then the character of the national leadership gets to be tested on touchstone of practicality. Operation Sindoor offered India that opportunity to test the mettle of its leadership. It is well known that India passed that litmus test quite successfully. For, during Operation Sindoor, what was on trial was Indias defence preparedness, its R&D in defence production, its futuristic planning. On each of these counts India passed muster. Lt. General Rahul Singhs statement of fact, thus, has brought to fore the challenges India has had to face, and the manner in which it would handle the task. Kudos to him -- and India! Uddhav, Raj come together for Marathi MUMBAI : No one should cast an evil eye on Marathi and Maharashtra: Uddhav Three-language policy precursor to separate Mumbai plan: Raj SHIV Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said, he and MNS head Raj Thackeray have come together to stay united as the cousins shared a political stage for the first time after two decades on the issue of Marathi identity and imposition of the Hindi language. Addressing a victory rally in Worli here to celebrate the rollback of the Hindi language GRs (resolutions) by the BJP-led Government, Uddhav hinted at contesting the upcoming civic elections together. We have come together to stay together. We will together capture power in the Mumbai civic body and Maharashtra, he said, evoking loud cheers from the crowd in the packed NSCI Dome. The elections to the high-profile civic body in Mumbai, which Sena considers its citadel and homeground, and other Municipal Corporations are due in coming months. Speaking ahead of Uddhav, the only person seated on the stage, Raj quipped that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has managed to do what Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and others couldnt by bringing the two cousins together. The State Governments move on the three-language policy and the introduction of Hindi as a third language provided a much-needed common cause. Conscious of Bal Thackerays charisma and its emotional connect with the common Marathi people, the symbolism at the rally was evident, with only Uddhav and Raj occupying the stage. Opening the speech, the MNS President said the three-language formula imposed by the State Government was a precursor to its plan to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra. He said the Government had to withdraw the controversial GRs merely at the thought of the proposed protest march- which was cancelled and the victory rally was held. Raj said that, after the language row, the Governments next move in politics will be to divide people on caste. The BJPs ploy is to divide and rule, he added. Uddhav said they wont let the Government impose Hindi on the people. No one should cast an evil eye on Marathi and Maharashtra, he added. Our strength should be in our unity. Whenever there is a crisis we come together and after that, we again start fighting amongst ourselves, Uddhav lamented. He said the BJPs batenge toh katenge (divided we fall) slogan coined during the Assembly polls was meant to divide Hindus and Muslims. However, in reality, the BJP used it to divide Maharashtrians, he claimed and dubbed the BJP traders in politics. Marathi manoos (people) fought amongst themselves and slaves of Delhi started ruling us, he said in a dig at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Although NCP (SP) working President Supriya Sule and other leaders attended the event, only Raj and Uddhav occupied the stage and addressed the gathering. The generation next leaders, Aaditya and Amit Thackeray posed together for the first time, putting their hands on each others shoulders. Later, Amit and Aaditya stood next to their uncles when the National Anthem was played. Rudali speech: Fadnavis takes swipe at Uddhav PANDHARPUR, July 5 (PTI) IN A veiled swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said he delivered a rudali (professional mourner) like speech at joint rally. He thanked MNS President Raj Thackeray for crediting him in reuniting the two Thackeray cousins. Balasaheb Thackeray must be blessing me. I was told it was supposed to be a vijay (victory) rally, but it turned out to be a rudali speech, Fadnavis said in a veiled reference to Uddhav. Rudali refers to a female professional mourner in certain regions, particularly in Rajasthan, where they were hired to publicly express grief during funerals, especially in upper-caste families. Fadnavis said no word was spoken about Marathi at the event and the speech (delivered by Uddhav) focused on how his Government was toppled and how they can regain power. The rally was not Vijay utsav but a rudali darshan, the Chief Minister said. He stated that despite ruling the Mumbai civic body for 25 years, they (the undivided Sena) failed to bring in development. Conversely, under Modis leadership, we have transformed Mumbai. We gave Marathi people their rightful homes at BDD and Patra chawls (tenements), which made them (Uddhav-led) jealous, he said. The Chief Minister said he was proud to be Marathi and Hindu. All Marathi and non-Marathi people are with us. UNSC permanent seat T&T supports India PORT OF SPAIN : TRINIDAD and Tobago reaffirmed its full support to India for a permanent membership of an expanded United Nations Security Council, according to a joint statement released on Saturday. It was also agreed that India would support Trinidad and Tobagos candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2027-28, and the island nation would support New Delhis bid for the period 2028-29. On Friday, India and Trinidad and Tobago had inked six agreements to boost cooperation in several sectors, including infrastructure and pharmaceuticals, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart from the Caribbean nation, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. In the meeting held on Friday, Prime Minister Modi announced a decision by India to issue Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards up to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora of Trinidad and Tobago, where over 40 per cent of the population is of Indian origin. Modi landed in Port of Spain on Thursday in the second leg of his five-nation tour. It is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to this Caribbean island nation since 1999. VTA felicitates CP Dr Singal Business Reporter : The Vidarbha Taxpayers Association (VTA) on Saturday expressed heartfelt gratitude to Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal for initiating and leading the impactful Operation Thunder, a major crackdown against the drug mafia in the city. VTA Vice President Hemant Trivedi presented a memento of appreciation to Dr Singhal at the Police Commissioners office, lauding the exemplary efforts of the entire police force in making Nagpur safer. Tejinder Singh Renu, Secretary of VTA said, By striking hard on drug networks through Operation Thunder, Nagpur Police has not only curbed a serious criminal nexus but has also instilled confidence among law-abiding citizens. Expressing his gratitude, Dr Ravinder Singal said, Combating drugs is a collective responsibility, and with society standing by us, our efforts become even more effective. Also present on the occasion were Amarjeet Singh Chawla and Veeru Balani, says a press release by VTA. Hendley & Co. Inc. trimmed its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 0.4% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 104,410 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 368 shares during the quarter. Abbott Laboratories accounts for approximately 4.8% of Hendley & Co. Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 5th biggest holding. Hendley & Co. Inc.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $13,850,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Traveka Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 18.2% in the first quarter. Traveka Wealth LLC now owns 4,306 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $571,000 after acquiring an additional 663 shares in the last quarter. Argentarii LLC bought a new stake in Abbott Laboratories in the first quarter valued at $236,000. McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 1.0% in the first quarter. McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc. now owns 8,966 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,189,000 after acquiring an additional 85 shares in the last quarter. Sierra Ocean LLC boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 24.0% in the first quarter. Sierra Ocean LLC now owns 842 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $112,000 after acquiring an additional 163 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 19.7% in the first quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 60,709 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $8,053,000 after acquiring an additional 9,998 shares in the last quarter. 75.18% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes ABT has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $136.00 to $147.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Raymond James Financial boosted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $132.00 to $142.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating and set a $145.00 target price (up previously from $133.00) on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $137.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Finally, Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $133.00 to $150.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, March 10th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Abbott Laboratories has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $142.61. Abbott Laboratories Price Performance NYSE ABT opened at $133.70 on Friday. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $99.71 and a 52 week high of $141.23. The firm has a market capitalization of $232.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.34, a PEG ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a quick ratio of 1.27, a current ratio of 1.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $133.29 and a 200-day moving average price of $128.41. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.07 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $10.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.38 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 19.01% and a net margin of 31.89%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, July 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.77%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.61%. Insider Activity In related news, Director Sally E. Blount sold 2,600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, April 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.66, for a total transaction of $337,116.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 34,058 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,415,960.28. The trade was a 7.09% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Company insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock. 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meridian Investment Counsel Inc. lessened its position in AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV Free Report) by 1.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 26,569 shares of the companys stock after selling 325 shares during the quarter. AbbVie makes up 1.6% of Meridian Investment Counsel Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest holding. Meridian Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in AbbVie were worth $5,567,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of ABBV. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in AbbVie by 30.4% during the 4th quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 223 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 52 shares during the last quarter. Steel Grove Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in AbbVie by 1.7% during the 4th quarter. Steel Grove Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,110 shares of the companys stock worth $553,000 after buying an additional 52 shares during the last quarter. Peninsula Wealth LLC grew its stake in AbbVie by 4.1% during the 4th quarter. Peninsula Wealth LLC now owns 1,360 shares of the companys stock worth $242,000 after buying an additional 54 shares during the last quarter. Connecticut Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in AbbVie by 1.6% during the 4th quarter. Connecticut Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,711 shares of the companys stock worth $660,000 after buying an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Castle Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in AbbVie by 3.4% during the 1st quarter. Castle Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,725 shares of the companys stock worth $361,000 after buying an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.23% of the companys stock. Get AbbVie alerts: AbbVie Stock Down 0.7% ABBV opened at $189.50 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 44.14, a current ratio of 0.76 and a quick ratio of 0.64. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $187.37 and a 200-day simple moving average of $188.56. The stock has a market capitalization of $334.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 80.64, a P/E/G ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 0.48. AbbVie Inc. has a 12 month low of $163.81 and a 12 month high of $218.66. AbbVie Dividend Announcement AbbVie ( NYSE:ABBV Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 25th. The company reported $2.46 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.40 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $13.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.91 billion. AbbVie had a return on equity of 412.03% and a net margin of 7.31%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.31 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that AbbVie Inc. will post 12.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 15th will be issued a $1.64 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, July 15th. This represents a $6.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.46%. AbbVies dividend payout ratio is currently 279.15%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts recently issued reports on ABBV shares. Citigroup raised their price target on AbbVie to $205.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 11th. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on AbbVie in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. They set an overweight rating and a $210.00 price target on the stock. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on AbbVie from $241.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Erste Group Bank upgraded AbbVie to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, March 17th. Finally, BNP Paribas raised AbbVie to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, May 8th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and three have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, AbbVie has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $211.29. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ABBV AbbVie Profile (Free Report) AbbVie Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Humira, an injection for autoimmune and intestinal Behcet's diseases, and pyoderma gangrenosum; Skyrizi to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic disease, and Crohn's disease; Rinvoq to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial spondyloarthropathy, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease; Imbruvica for the treatment of adult patients with blood cancers; Epkinly to treat lymphoma; Elahere to treat cancer; and Venclexta/Venclyxto to treat blood cancers. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABBV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AbbVie Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AbbVie and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ADT (NYSE:ADT Get Free Report) is one of 41 public companies in the PROTECTION SFTY industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare ADT to related companies based on the strength of its earnings, dividends, profitability, institutional ownership, risk, analyst recommendations and valuation. Dividends ADT pays an annual dividend of $0.22 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. ADT pays out 37.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, PROTECTION SFTY companies pay a dividend yield of 1.7% and pay out 48.0% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. ADT has increased its dividend for 1 consecutive years. ADT is clearly a better dividend stock than its competitors, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Get ADT alerts: Insider & Institutional Ownership 87.2% of ADT shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 47.9% of shares of all PROTECTION SFTY companies are owned by institutional investors. 2.7% of ADT shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 18.2% of shares of all PROTECTION SFTY companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets ADT 11.03% 17.23% 4.07% ADT Competitors -19.22% -74.50% -1.08% Analyst Recommendations This table compares ADT and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for ADT and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score ADT 0 3 1 0 2.25 ADT Competitors 344 643 1060 62 2.40 ADT presently has a consensus price target of $9.05, suggesting a potential upside of 6.41%. As a group, PROTECTION SFTY companies have a potential upside of 11.47%. Given ADTs competitors stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe ADT has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Earnings & Valuation This table compares ADT and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio ADT $4.90 billion $501.05 million 14.66 ADT Competitors $1.23 billion $110.42 million 46.21 ADT has higher revenue and earnings than its competitors. ADT is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Volatility and Risk ADT has a beta of 1.21, indicating that its share price is 21% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, ADTs competitors have a beta of 8.61, indicating that their average share price is 761% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary ADT beats its competitors on 8 of the 15 factors compared. About ADT (Get Free Report) ADT Inc. provides security, interactive, and smart home solutions to residential and small business customers in the United States. It operates through two segments, Consumer and Small Business, and Solar. The company provides burglar and life safety alarms, smart security cameras, smart home automation systems, and video surveillance systems. It primarily offers security designed to detect intrusion, control access, sense movement, smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, flooding, temperature, and other environmental conditions and hazards; and address personal medical emergencies, such as injuries or unanticipated falls. The company also provides automation and smart home solutions that allow customers to use their smart phones, smart phone application, or touchscreen panels in their homes to arm and disarm their security systems; record and view real-time video; and creates customized and automated schedules for connected devices; programs systems to react to defined events; integrates system with third-party connected devices, such as cameras, lights, thermostats, appliances, and garage doors, as well as offers monitoring and maintenance services. In addition, the company offers energy storage solutions, energy efficiency upgrades, and roofing services. It offers its products under the ADT, ADT Pulse, ADT+, and ADT Commercial brand names. The company was formerly known as Prime Security Services Parent, Inc. and changed its name to ADT Inc. in September 2017. ADT Inc. was founded in 1874 and is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. Receive News & Ratings for ADT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ADT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Envista (NYSE:NVST Get Free Report) is one of 143 public companies in the MED PRODUCTS industry, but how does it compare to its peers? We will compare Envista to similar companies based on the strength of its earnings, profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, analyst recommendations and risk. Risk and Volatility Envista has a beta of 1, indicating that its share price has a similar volatility profile to the S&P 500.Comparatively, Envistas peers have a beta of 2.72, indicating that their average share price is 172% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Envista alerts: Profitability This table compares Envista and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Envista -44.90% 4.07% 2.25% Envista Competitors -26.13% -30.12% -6.94% Insider and Institutional Ownership Valuation and Earnings 44.3% of shares of all MED PRODUCTS companies are held by institutional investors. 1.3% of Envista shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 12.6% of shares of all MED PRODUCTS companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. This table compares Envista and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Envista $2.50 billion -$1.12 billion -3.12 Envista Competitors $2.82 billion $246.11 million 4.20 Envistas peers have higher revenue and earnings than Envista. Envista 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. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings for Envista and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Envista 1 9 4 1 2.33 Envista Competitors 762 3706 7494 285 2.60 Envista currently has a consensus target price of $20.23, suggesting a potential downside of 0.78%. As a group, MED PRODUCTS companies have a potential upside of 38.06%. Given Envistas peers stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Envista has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Summary Envista peers beat Envista on 10 of the 13 factors compared. Envista Company Profile (Get Free Report) Envista Holdings Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells dental products in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Specialty Products & Technologies, and Equipment & Consumables. The Specialty Products & Technologies segment offers dental implant systems, guided surgery systems, biomaterials, and prefabricated and custom-built prosthetics to oral surgeons, prosthodontists and periodontists, and general dentist; and brackets and wires, tubes and bands, archwires, clear aligners, digital orthodontic treatments, retainers, and other orthodontic laboratory products. This segment also provides software packages, which include DTX Studio Implant; DTX Studio Lab; and DTX Studio Clinic, a software package offered with its imaging products. It offers its products under the Nobel Biocare, Alpha-Bio Tec, Implant Direct, Nobel Procera, Ormco, Spark, Orascoptic, Damon, Insignia, AOA brands. The Equipment & Consumables segment provides dental equipment and supplies, including digital imaging systems, software, and other visualization/magnification systems; endodontic systems and related products; restorative materials, rotary burs, impression materials, bonding agents, and cements; and infection prevention products. This segment offers its products under the Dexis, DTX Studio, Kerr, Metrex, Total Care, Pentron, Optibond, Harmonize, Sonicfill, Sybron Endo, and CaviWipes to dental offices, clinics, and hospitals. Envista Holdings Corporation was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in Brea, California. Receive News & Ratings for Envista Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Envista and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UWM (NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report) is one of 19 publicly-traded companies in the FIN MTG&REL SVS industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its rivals? We will compare UWM to similar businesses based on the strength of its valuation, dividends, risk, profitability, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and earnings. Insider & Institutional Ownership 53.6% of UWM shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 52.2% of shares of all FIN MTG&REL SVS companies are held by institutional investors. 87.5% of UWM shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 29.5% of shares of all FIN MTG&REL SVS 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. Get UWM alerts: Earnings & Valuation This table compares UWM and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio UWM $2.16 billion $14.40 million -32.85 UWM Competitors $18.32 billion $1.82 billion -69.38 Profitability UWMs rivals have higher revenue and earnings than UWM. UWM is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. This table compares UWM and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets UWM -0.36% -3.86% -0.55% UWM Competitors -5.93% -85.16% -0.75% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for UWM and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score UWM 0 5 2 0 2.29 UWM Competitors 154 679 985 15 2.47 UWM presently has a consensus target price of $6.75, suggesting a potential upside of 58.08%. As a group, FIN MTG&REL SVS companies have a potential upside of 17.13%. Given UWMs higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe UWM is more favorable than its rivals. Risk & Volatility UWM has a beta of 1.68, indicating that its share price is 68% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, UWMs rivals have a beta of 1.33, indicating that their average share price is 33% more volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends UWM pays an annual dividend of $0.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 9.4%. UWM pays out -307.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, FIN MTG&REL SVS companies pay a dividend yield of 2.7% and pay out 40.3% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. UWM is clearly a better dividend stock than its rivals, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Summary UWM beats its rivals on 10 of the 15 factors compared. UWM Company Profile (Get Free Report) UWM Holdings Corporation engages in the residential mortgage lending business in the United States. The company offers mortgage loans through wholesale channel. It originates primarily conforming and government loans. UWM Holdings Corporation was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Pontiac, Michigan. Receive News & Ratings for UWM Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UWM and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB Free Report) by 45.2% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 527 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 164 shares during the period. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in AvalonBay Communities were worth $113,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of AVB. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in AvalonBay Communities by 1.8% in the first quarter. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,247 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $697,000 after acquiring an additional 58 shares in the last quarter. Golden State Equity Partners boosted its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Golden State Equity Partners now owns 1,661 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $356,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the period. Signaturefd LLC boosted its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 4.0% in the 4th quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 1,616 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $356,000 after purchasing an additional 62 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 0.3% in the 4th quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 26,953 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $5,929,000 after purchasing an additional 72 shares during the period. Finally, Global X Japan Co. Ltd. boosted its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 24.9% in the 1st quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. now owns 371 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $80,000 after purchasing an additional 74 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.61% of the companys stock. Get AvalonBay Communities alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, EVP Edward M. Schulman sold 5,945 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $205.67, for a total value of $1,222,708.15. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 17,617 shares in the company, valued at $3,623,288.39. This trade represents a 25.23% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CFO Kevin P. Oshea sold 6,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $207.57, for a total transaction of $1,245,420.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 22,782 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,728,859.74. This trade represents a 20.85% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.45% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. AvalonBay Communities Stock Up 0.9% AVB stock opened at $203.91 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 0.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $29.03 billion, a PE ratio of 25.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.85. AvalonBay Communities, Inc. has a one year low of $180.40 and a one year high of $239.29. The company has a fifty day moving average of $205.48 and a 200-day moving average of $210.92. AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.83 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.80 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $693.43 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $744.61 million. AvalonBay Communities had a net margin of 38.86% and a return on equity of 9.65%. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.70 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that AvalonBay Communities, Inc. will post 11.48 EPS for the current year. AvalonBay Communities Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 30th will be issued a $1.75 dividend. This represents a $7.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.43%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 30th. AvalonBay Communitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 87.17%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on AVB shares. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on AvalonBay Communities from $226.00 to $228.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, May 15th. Truist Financial increased their price target on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $229.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, March 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $251.00 to $249.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, June 17th. Scotiabank decreased their price target on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $251.00 to $236.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, June 13th. Finally, Mizuho decreased their target price on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $238.00 to $213.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $235.86. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AVB AvalonBay Communities Company Profile (Free Report) AvalonBay Communities, Inc is a real estate investment trust, which engages in the development, acquisition, ownership, and operation of multifamily communities. It operates through the following segments: Same Store, Other Stabilized, and Development or Redevelopment. The Same Store segment refers to the operating communities that were owned and had stabilized occupancy. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AVB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AvalonBay Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AvalonBay Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Avantax Planning Partners Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 467 shares of the communications equipment providers stock, valued at approximately $204,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MSI. ORG Wealth Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 346.2% during the first quarter. ORG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 58 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 45 shares during the period. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in Motorola Solutions during the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. Meeder Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in Motorola Solutions during the 4th quarter worth approximately $32,000. Fourth Dimension Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Motorola Solutions during the 4th quarter worth approximately $34,000. Finally, Community Bank N.A. bought a new position in Motorola Solutions in the first quarter valued at approximately $32,000. 84.17% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Motorola Solutions alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on MSI shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on shares of Motorola Solutions from $570.00 to $515.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Barclays lowered their target price on Motorola Solutions from $527.00 to $511.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, May 5th. Wall Street Zen lowered Motorola Solutions from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, William Blair reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Motorola Solutions in a research report on Wednesday, May 28th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Motorola Solutions presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $513.25. Motorola Solutions Trading Up 0.5% NYSE MSI opened at $424.55 on Friday. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a 12 month low of $385.17 and a 12 month high of $507.82. The company has a current ratio of 1.20, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.42. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $417.48 and a 200-day moving average of $433.93. The company has a market cap of $70.87 billion, a PE ratio of 35.44, a PEG ratio of 3.66 and a beta of 0.95. Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The communications equipment provider reported $3.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.01 by $0.17. Motorola Solutions had a net margin of 18.67% and a return on equity of 160.93%. The firm had revenue of $2.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.52 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.81 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 13.55 EPS for the current fiscal year. Motorola Solutions Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 13th will be paid a dividend of $1.09 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 13th. This represents a $4.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.03%. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio is currently 36.39%. Insider Activity at Motorola Solutions In other Motorola Solutions news, CAO Katherine A. Maher sold 1,073 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $418.68, for a total value of $449,243.64. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 804 shares in the company, valued at $336,618.72. The trade was a 57.17% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.44% of the companys stock. Motorola Solutions Company Profile (Free Report) Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Motorola Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Motorola Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Profitability This table compares Brother Industries and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Brother Industries 6.24% 7.88% 5.89% Brother Industries Competitors -154.16% -93.85% -8.47% Dividends Brother Industries pays an annual dividend of $1.13 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.2%. Brother Industries pays out 40.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, ELEC PRODS MISC companies pay a dividend yield of 1.3% and pay out 33.0% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Get Brother Industries alerts: Earnings & Valuation This table compares Brother Industries and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Brother Industries $5.76 billion $361.54 million 12.47 Brother Industries Competitors $3.74 billion $270.62 million 6.08 Risk and Volatility Brother Industries has higher revenue and earnings than its competitors. Brother Industries is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Brother Industries has a beta of 0.2, suggesting that its share price is 80% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Brother Industries competitors have a beta of 0.79, suggesting that their average share price is 21% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 49.9% of shares of all ELEC PRODS MISC companies are held by institutional investors. 16.0% of shares of all ELEC PRODS MISC companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Summary Brother Industries beats its competitors on 7 of the 11 factors compared. About Brother Industries (Get Free Report) Brother Industries, Ltd. manufactures and sells communications and printing equipment in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, and internationally. It operates through Printing & Solutions, Machinery, Domino, Nissei, Personal & Home, and Network & Contents segments. The Printing & Solutions segment offers inkjet printers; all-in-one black-and-white and color laser printers; scanners; and labeling systems, and label and mobile printers. The Machinery segment offers industrial sewing machines, machine tools, and garment printers. The Domino segment offers coding and marking equipment, and digital printing equipment. The Nissei segment provides gearmotors, high stiffness reducers, and gears. The Personal & Home segment provides sewing and cutting machines, sewing and embroidery machines, and commercial embroidery machines. The Network & Contents segment provides online karaoke systems and applications for smartphones/tablets, as well as content, nursing care, and video viewing services; and manages karaoke clubs. The company was formerly known as Nippon Sewing Machine Manufacturing Co. and changed its name to Brother Industries, Ltd. in 1962. Brother Industries, Ltd. was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Brother Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brother Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. California International Bank, N.A. (OTCMKTS:CAIB Get Free Report) and Prosperity Bancshares (NYSE:PB Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, earnings, dividends, risk, institutional ownership, profitability and valuation. Profitability This table compares California International Bank, N.A. and Prosperity Bancshares net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get California International Bank N.A. alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets California International Bank, N.A. N/A N/A N/A Prosperity Bancshares 27.69% 6.81% 1.27% Volatility and Risk California International Bank, N.A. has a beta of -1.44, indicating that its stock price is 244% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Prosperity Bancshares has a beta of 0.68, indicating that its stock price is 32% less volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score California International Bank, N.A. 0 0 0 0 0.00 Prosperity Bancshares 0 6 10 0 2.63 This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for California International Bank, N.A. and Prosperity Bancshares, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Prosperity Bancshares has a consensus target price of $83.80, indicating a potential upside of 13.67%. Given Prosperity Bancshares stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Prosperity Bancshares is more favorable than California International Bank, N.A.. Valuation & Earnings This table compares California International Bank, N.A. and Prosperity Bancsharess gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio California International Bank, N.A. $5.09 million 2.63 N/A N/A N/A Prosperity Bancshares $1.17 billion 5.98 $479.39 million $5.25 14.04 Prosperity Bancshares has higher revenue and earnings than California International Bank, N.A.. Institutional and Insider Ownership 80.7% of Prosperity Bancshares shares are owned by institutional investors. 4.2% of Prosperity Bancshares shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Prosperity Bancshares beats California International Bank, N.A. on 11 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About California International Bank, N.A. (Get Free Report) California International Bank, N.A. provides various banking products and services to personal and business customers in California. It offers checking accounts, savings and investment products, loans, ATM and debit cards, payment processing solutions, and online banking services. California International Bank, N.A. was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Westminster, California. About Prosperity Bancshares (Get Free Report) Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; term loans and lines of credit; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. In addition, it provides internet banking, mobile banking, trust and wealth management, retail brokerage, mortgage services, and treasury management, as well as debit and credit cards. The company was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for California International Bank N.A. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for California International Bank N.A. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capital & Planning LLC lowered its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report) by 27.2% in the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 4,567 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 1,704 shares during the period. Capital & Planning LLCs holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $207,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Lee Danner & Bass Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 2.5% during the first quarter. Lee Danner & Bass Inc. now owns 87,049 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,940,000 after buying an additional 2,140 shares in the last quarter. One Day In July LLC increased its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 4.9% in the first quarter. One Day In July LLC now owns 106,445 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,818,000 after purchasing an additional 4,991 shares during the period. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. increased its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.6% in the first quarter. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. now owns 558,637 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $25,284,000 after purchasing an additional 8,772 shares during the period. Vickerman Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF in the first quarter worth $205,000. Finally, Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Co. increased its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 10.8% in the first quarter. Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Co. now owns 59,918 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,712,000 after purchasing an additional 5,824 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.19% of the companys stock. Get Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF alerts: Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA VWO opened at $50.02 on Friday. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 52 week low of $39.53 and a 52 week high of $50.06. The stock has a market capitalization of $92.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.08 and a beta of 0.69. The stocks fifty day moving average is $47.81 and its 200 day moving average is $45.67. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Profile The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chilton Capital Management LLC cut its stake in Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report) by 1.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 293,688 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 4,438 shares during the quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $12,256,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank lifted its stake in Bank of America by 4.6% in the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 3,940,121 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $173,168,000 after buying an additional 173,021 shares in the last quarter. OFI Invest Asset Management purchased a new position in Bank of America in the 4th quarter valued at about $60,679,000. Gradient Investments LLC lifted its stake in Bank of America by 7.8% in the 1st quarter. Gradient Investments LLC now owns 696,416 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,061,000 after buying an additional 50,296 shares in the last quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. lifted its stake in Bank of America by 13.7% in the 4th quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 6,251,802 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $274,767,000 after buying an additional 753,880 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Employees Retirement System of Texas lifted its stake in Bank of America by 12.7% in the 4th quarter. Employees Retirement System of Texas now owns 158,455 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $69,640,000 after buying an additional 17,880 shares in the last quarter. 70.71% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Stock Up 0.5% Shares of NYSE BAC opened at $48.94 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $44.28 and a 200-day simple moving average of $43.44. The company has a market capitalization of $368.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.57, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.78. Bank of America Corporation has a 1 year low of $33.07 and a 1 year high of $49.31. Bank of America Dividend Announcement Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 15th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.80 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $27.37 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $26.83 billion. Bank of America had a net margin of 14.56% and a return on equity of 10.25%. On average, equities research analysts predict that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 27th. Investors of record on Friday, June 6th were given a dividend of $0.26 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 6th. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.13%. Bank of Americas payout ratio is currently 30.95%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts recently weighed in on BAC shares. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Bank of America from $58.00 to $54.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 16th. TD Cowen started coverage on shares of Bank of America in a report on Thursday, May 15th. They issued a buy rating and a $53.00 price objective for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $46.00 to $52.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, June 10th. Robert W. Baird reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $52.00 price objective on shares of Bank of America in a report on Friday, June 27th. Finally, Argus cut their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $53.00 to $47.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 16th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, eighteen have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of America has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $48.28. Read Our Latest Research Report on BAC Bank of America Company Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, and Global Markets. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Profitability This table compares Pola Orbis and CCA Industries net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Pola Orbis 4.31% 5.28% 4.40% CCA Industries -80.62% -96.03% -71.60% Valuation & Earnings This table compares Pola Orbis and CCA Industriess gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Pola Orbis alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Pola Orbis $1.13 billion 1.95 $61.29 million $0.22 45.23 CCA Industries $7.74 million 0.76 -$6.12 million ($0.77) -1.16 Risk and Volatility Pola Orbis has higher revenue and earnings than CCA Industries. CCA Industries is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Pola Orbis, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Pola Orbis has a beta of 0.23, suggesting that its stock price is 77% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, CCA Industries has a beta of 0.55, suggesting that its stock price is 45% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Pola Orbis beats CCA Industries on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Pola Orbis (Get Free Report) Pola Orbis Holdings Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells cosmetics and related products in Japan and internationally. It operates through Beauty Care and Real Estate segments. The Beauty Care segment offers cosmetics; skincare products; health foods; and fashion products, such as women's underwear, women's apparel, and jewelry under the POLA, ORBIS, Jurlique, H2O PLUS, THREE, DECENCIA, Amplitude, ITRIM, FIVEISM THREE, and FUJIMI brand names. The Real Estate segment is involved in the leasing of office buildings and residential properties. The company also involves in the management and operation of buildings. It sells its products through department, directly operated retail, duty-free stores, Internet, and cosmetics stores, as well as through door-to-door sales, and mail-order sales. Pola Orbis Holdings Inc. was founded in 1929 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. About CCA Industries (Get Free Report) CCA Industries, Inc. manufactures and distributes health and beauty aid products in the United States and internationally. It offers oral health-care products under the Plus+White brand; skin-care products under the Sudden Change and Porcelana brand names; nail treatments under the brand name of Nutra Nail; medicated topical and shave gels under the Bikini Zone brand; depilatories under the Hair Off brand and; perfumes under the brand name of Sunset Cafe. The company markets its products to drug, food, and mass-merchandise retail chains; warehouse clubs; and wholesale beauty-aids through independent sales representatives and distributors, as well as through Internet. CCA Industries, Inc. was incorporated in 1983 and is based in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. Receive News & Ratings for Pola Orbis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pola Orbis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Titan International (NYSE:TWI Get Free Report) and Alamo Group (NYSE:ALG Get Free Report) are both industrials companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, risk, earnings, institutional ownership, profitability, dividends and analyst recommendations. Profitability This table compares Titan International and Alamo Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Titan International alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Titan International -0.83% -0.05% -0.02% Alamo Group 7.25% 11.56% 7.92% Institutional and Insider Ownership 80.4% of Titan International shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 92.4% of Alamo Group shares are owned by institutional investors. 25.0% of Titan International shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.2% of Alamo Group 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. Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Titan International $1.85 billion 0.37 -$5.56 million ($0.21) -51.05 Alamo Group $1.63 billion 1.68 $115.93 million $9.60 23.56 This table compares Titan International and Alamo Groups revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Alamo Group has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Titan International. Titan International is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Alamo Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Titan International and Alamo Group, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Titan International 0 0 2 1 3.33 Alamo Group 0 2 1 0 2.33 Titan International currently has a consensus target price of $11.00, indicating a potential upside of 2.61%. Alamo Group has a consensus target price of $196.33, indicating a potential downside of 13.21%. Given Titan Internationals stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Titan International is more favorable than Alamo Group. Risk and Volatility Titan International has a beta of 2.03, suggesting that its stock price is 103% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Alamo Group has a beta of 1.08, suggesting that its stock price is 8% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Alamo Group beats Titan International on 8 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Titan International (Get Free Report) Titan International, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells wheels, tires, and undercarriage systems and components for off-highway vehicles in the United States and internationally. The company operates in Agricultural, Earthmoving/Construction, and Consumer segments. It offers wheels, tires, and undercarriage systems and components for various agricultural equipment, including tractors, combines, skidders, plows, planters, and irrigation equipment. The company also offers wheels, tires, and undercarriage systems and components for off-the-road earthmoving, mining, military, construction, and forestry equipment, including skid steers, aerial lifts, cranes, graders and levelers, scrapers, self-propelled shovel loaders, articulated dump trucks, load transporters, haul trucks, backhoe loaders, crawler tractors, lattice cranes, shovels, and hydraulic excavators. In addition, it provides bias and light truck tires; and products for ATVs, rock climbers, and turf applications, as well as specialty products and train brakes. It sells its products directly to original equipment manufacturers, as well as to the aftermarket through independent distributors, equipment dealers, and its distribution centers. Titan International, Inc. was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in West Chicago, Illinois. About Alamo Group (Get Free Report) Alamo Group Inc. designs, manufactures, distributes, and services vegetation management and infrastructure maintenance equipment for governmental, industrial, and agricultural uses worldwide. It operates through two segments, Vegetation Management and Industrial Equipment. Its Vegetation Management Division segment offers hydraulically-powered and tractor and off-road chassis mounted mowers, other cutters and replacement parts for heavy-duty and intensive uses and heavy duty, tractor- and truck-mounted mowing and vegetation maintenance equipment, and replacement parts. This segment also provides rotary and finishing mowers, flail and disc mowers, front-end loaders, backhoes, rotary tillers, posthole diggers, scraper blades and replacement parts, zero turn radius mowers, cutting parts, plain and hard-faced replacement tillage tools, disc blades, and fertilizer application components; aftermarket agricultural parts, heavy-duty mechanical rotary mowers, snow blowers, rock removal equipment, tractor attachments, agricultural implements, hydraulic and boom-mounted hedge and grass cutters, hedgerow cutters, industrial grass mowers, agricultural seedbed preparation cultivators, self-propelled sprayers and multi-drive load-carrying vehicles, and cutting blades. The company's Industrial Equipment Division segment offers truck-mounted air vacuum, mechanical broom, and regenerative air sweepers, pothole patchers, leaf collection equipment and replacement brooms, parking lot and street sweepers, excavators, catch basin cleaners, and roadway debris vacuum systems, as well as truck-mounted vacuum machines, combination sewer cleaners, and hydro excavators. This segment also offers ice control products, snowplows and heavy duty snow removal equipment, hitches, attachments, and graders; and public works and runway maintenance products, parts, and services, and high pressure cleaning systems and trenchers. The company was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Seguin, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Titan International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Titan International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 43.5% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 21,732 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,584 shares during the quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $5,390,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of ITW. Prudent Man Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Redwood Park Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Ameriflex Group Inc. acquired a new position in Illinois Tool Works during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. von Borstel & Associates Inc. acquired a new position in Illinois Tool Works during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Finally, Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc boosted its position in Illinois Tool Works by 336.0% during the 4th quarter. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc now owns 109 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 84 shares during the last quarter. 79.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Illinois Tool Works news, Director David Byron Smith, Jr. purchased 872 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 2nd. The shares were acquired at an average price of $241.16 per share, for a total transaction of $210,291.52. Following the purchase, the director owned 122,884 shares in the company, valued at approximately $29,634,705.44. The trade was a 0.71% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 0.88% of the companys stock. Illinois Tool Works Trading Up 0.8% NYSE ITW opened at $258.40 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $75.71 billion, a PE ratio of 22.73, a PEG ratio of 5.70 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a current ratio of 1.60, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.25. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 12 month low of $214.66 and a 12 month high of $279.13. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $245.68 and a 200-day moving average of $249.48. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 30th. The industrial products company reported $2.38 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.34 by $0.04. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 92.77% and a net margin of 21.37%. The company had revenue of $3.84 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.83 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.44 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 3.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.39 EPS for the current fiscal year. Illinois Tool Works Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 11th. Investors of record on Monday, June 30th will be paid a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.32%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, June 30th. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 52.77%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ITW has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Barclays reduced their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $240.00 to $237.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Truist Financial reduced their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $302.00 to $284.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Citigroup reduced their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $265.00 to $253.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 14th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $227.00 to $233.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Finally, Bank of America downgraded Illinois Tool Works from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $220.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, May 7th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Illinois Tool Works currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $252.58. View Our Latest Analysis on ITW Illinois Tool Works Profile (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment in the United States and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ Free Report) had its price objective raised by Citigroup from $170.00 to $174.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a neutral rating on the stock. A number of other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on STZ. Wall Street Zen upgraded Constellation Brands from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, May 20th. DA Davidson cut their target price on Constellation Brands from $272.00 to $241.00 in a report on Friday, April 11th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on Constellation Brands from $201.00 to $196.00 in a report on Friday, April 11th. Barclays set a $202.00 target price on Constellation Brands and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, June 26th. Finally, Truist Financial raised Constellation Brands from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $190.00 to $215.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 7th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $213.35. Get Constellation Brands alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on STZ Constellation Brands Price Performance Constellation Brands stock opened at $172.61 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $30.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -72.22, a PEG ratio of 9.57 and a beta of 0.67. Constellation Brands has a 52-week low of $159.35 and a 52-week high of $264.45. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $177.11 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $183.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a current ratio of 1.07. Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 1st. The company reported $3.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.45 by ($0.23). The business had revenue of $2.52 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.57 billion. Constellation Brands had a positive return on equity of 31.41% and a negative net margin of 4.11%. Constellation Brandss quarterly revenue was down 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.57 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Constellation Brands will post 13.5 earnings per share for the current year. Constellation Brands Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 14th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 30th will be paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 30th. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.36%. Constellation Brandss payout ratio is -170.71%. Insider Buying and Selling at Constellation Brands In other news, EVP Samuel J. Glaetzer sold 3,150 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $188.54, for a total transaction of $593,901.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 3,126 shares in the company, valued at approximately $589,376.04. This represents a 50.19% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 12.45% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Constellation Brands during the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Minot DeBlois Advisors LLC bought a new position in Constellation Brands in the 4th quarter worth about $29,000. Optiver Holding B.V. bought a new position in Constellation Brands in the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Constellation Brands in the 1st quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, Rakuten Securities Inc. boosted its stake in Constellation Brands by 805.0% in the 1st quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 181 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 161 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 77.34% of the companys stock. Constellation Brands Company Profile (Get Free Report) Constellation Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, imports, markets, and sells beer, wine, and spirits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. The company provides beer primarily under the Corona Extra, Corona Familiar, Corona Hard Seltzer, Corona Light, Corona Non-Alcoholic, Corona Premier, Corona Refresca, Modelo Especial, Modelo Chelada, Modelo Negra, Modelo Oro, Victoria, Vicky Chamoy, and Pacifico brands. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. West Fraser Timber (NYSE:WFG Get Free Report) is one of 15 public companies in the BLDG PRD WOOD industry, but how does it compare to its competitors? We will compare West Fraser Timber to related businesses based on the strength of its dividends, analyst recommendations, earnings, institutional ownership, profitability, risk and valuation. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for West Fraser Timber and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat. Get West Fraser Timber alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score West Fraser Timber 0 0 5 0 3.00 West Fraser Timber Competitors 188 1156 1094 47 2.40 West Fraser Timber currently has a consensus price target of $100.40, suggesting a potential upside of 32.72%. As a group, BLDG PRD WOOD companies have a potential upside of 19.38%. Given West Fraser Timbers stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe West Fraser Timber is more favorable than its competitors. Institutional and Insider Ownership Volatility & Risk 40.2% of West Fraser Timber shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 82.9% of shares of all BLDG PRD WOOD companies are owned by institutional investors. 1.8% of West Fraser Timber shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 4.4% of shares of all BLDG PRD WOOD companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. West Fraser Timber has a beta of 1.15, suggesting that its share price is 15% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, West Fraser Timbers competitors have a beta of 1.43, suggesting that their average share price is 43% more volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares West Fraser Timber and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio West Fraser Timber $6.01 billion -$5.00 million -444.98 West Fraser Timber Competitors $4.88 billion $297.37 million -13.25 West Fraser Timber has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its competitors. West Fraser Timber is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Dividends West Fraser Timber pays an annual dividend of $1.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. West Fraser Timber pays out -752.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BLDG PRD WOOD companies pay a dividend yield of 1.7% and pay out 36.6% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. West Fraser Timber has increased its dividend for 3 consecutive years. West Fraser Timber is clearly a better dividend stock than its competitors, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Profitability This table compares West Fraser Timber and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets West Fraser Timber 0.03% 0.99% 0.78% West Fraser Timber Competitors 7.65% 10.27% 6.04% Summary West Fraser Timber competitors beat West Fraser Timber on 9 of the 15 factors compared. West Fraser Timber Company Profile (Get Free Report) West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd., a diversified wood products company, engages in manufacturing, selling, marketing, and distributing lumber, engineered wood products, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and other residuals and renewable energy. It offers spruce-pine-fir, douglas fir-larch, hem-fir, and southern yellow pine lumber, treated wood products, medium density fiberboard panels and plywood, oriented strand board, and laminated veneer lumber wood products, as well as particleboards. The company also provides northern bleached softwood Kraft pulp and bleached chemical thermo-mechanical pulp used to produce various paper products, including printing and writing papers, paperboard products, tissue and towel products, and a variety of other paper grades. Further, it offers bioproducts, including bioenergy and biomaterial. Its products are used in home construction, repair and remodeling, papers, tissue, and box materials, and industrial applications. The company sells its products to major retail chains, contractor supply yards, and wholesalers, as well as industrial customers for further processing or as components for other products in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and internationally. West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for West Fraser Timber Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for West Fraser Timber and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Drake & Associates LLC decreased its position in SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report) by 1.0% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 35,022 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 359 shares during the quarter. SPDR Gold Shares comprises approximately 2.8% of Drake & Associates LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th biggest position. Drake & Associates LLCs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $10,091,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in GLD. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp acquired a new stake in SPDR Gold Shares in the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Columbia River Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in SPDR Gold Shares during the first quarter worth about $34,000. HWG Holdings LP acquired a new stake in SPDR Gold Shares during the first quarter worth about $53,000. American National Bank & Trust increased its holdings in SPDR Gold Shares by 189.4% in the 1st quarter. American National Bank & Trust now owns 191 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $55,000 after buying an additional 125 shares during the period. Finally, Inlight Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $55,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.19% of the companys stock. Get SPDR Gold Shares alerts: SPDR Gold Shares Trading Down 0.7% Shares of SPDR Gold Shares stock opened at $307.14 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $101.60 billion, a PE ratio of -32.43 and a beta of 0.15. The company has a 50 day moving average of $306.16 and a 200-day moving average of $281.50. SPDR Gold Shares has a 1-year low of $217.27 and a 1-year high of $317.63. SPDR Gold Shares Profile SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Trusts business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares). See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GLD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Gold Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Gold Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A Helena man with no active warrants was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday while on his way home from work after multiple traffic stops. Christopher Martinez, 31, a father of four, was detained by federal officers with Helena police officers beside them. Helena Police Chief Brett Petty and Lt. Adam Shanks spoke to a group of people who gathered outside the Law and Justice Center on Tuesday afternoon. Petty denied having members of the department embedded in ICE, despite claims by the public. Law enforcement officials said there was an investigation involving the Helena Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Border Patrol into a suspect, Anderson DeJesus Bastidas Linares, who had an active felony warrant for assault with a weapon and partner or family member assault. Law enforcement agents identified a man matching the suspect's description and Martinez was followed. Martinez was found to have expired registration. When Martinez was pulled over, authorities believed he was an associate but not the primary suspect, officials said. Upon reviewing Martinez's identity, HSI and USBP found he was subject to a federal detainer and was taken into custody, officials said. Helena police acknowledged while federal agency involvement wasn't common for local warrant issues, their participation was due to specific investigative needs and "not any part of any nationwide U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement action." "There were three or four police cars and one new model brown Suburban," Krista Guardino, a witness of the arrest said. "So there were cops that were clearly identified and then there were people in camouflage bullet-proof vests that had no monikers." She said she saw them taking a man into the suburban. The incident occurred near the corner of Billings and Montana avenues, Guardino said as she drove by the scene. About a dozen people were notified of the arrest and gathered initially in front of the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse on Tuesday afternoon before moving over to the Law and Justice Center on Fuller Avenue in Helena. Lily Clarke, an attendee of the gathering, said a friend told her a man was being moved into an unmarked vehicle. She said the man's wife showed up to the scene where he was detained with their 1-year-old son to pick up his truck because his wife, Maria Pacheco, said he told her he was being taken. "He was coming home from work and they automatically stopped him because he looked similar to the other guy they were looking for," the detained man's wife said. "To me it didn't make sense ... He doesn't have any warrants out there for him." Pacheco said he was a "loving father" who took care of his kids and she said as a stay-at-home mother of four, it wasn't fair he was taken and she never thought it would happen. Martinez's wife was filing his citizenship paperwork for him after it was denied in 2018, although she did not need to file as an American citizen. She said her and her husband briefly discussed the "what if" scenario of an ICE detainment and thought about moving back to Mexico, but they both struggled with the idea. "My husband is scared. He doesn't want us to go back to Mexico because we have three daughters and in Mexico, a child that is a woman of a certain age will become a target," Pacheco said. "A big target, where they disappear." She said her and her family have tried to work everything out the legal way, but it's hard and they did not have much income. She added a question of if they get paperwork filed what would happen next. She felt it would make him an easier target and they would pick him up anyway. During the small protest, an attendee found a Facebook post on the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office account notifying viewers of an ICE arrest at the county courthouse. Sheriff Leo Dutton posted the poster and said, "This is pure propaganda and is false information." The original post said, "ICE alert, Helena, MT Courthouse...," but Dutton said he stood by his comment and explained nothing happened at the courthouse. Dutton did not know at the time of the post a man under federal custody was being held in the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center, until about two hours after he asked his command staff. Dutton's staff contacted him and told him what the situation was. "I never intentionally mislead people, I say what I know at the time," Dutton said. "It was not an attempt to deflect information." Institutional & Insider Ownership 9.7% of shares of all Wireless Non US companies are held by institutional investors. 72.4% of Farmhouse shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 4.5% of shares of all Wireless Non US companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Farmhouse and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Farmhouse alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Farmhouse N/A -$460,000.00 -0.29 Farmhouse Competitors $81.16 billion $1.80 billion 15.22 Farmhouses rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Farmhouse. Farmhouse 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. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Farmhouse N/A N/A N/A Farmhouse Competitors 9.43% 13.59% 4.24% Risk & Volatility This table compares Farmhouse and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Farmhouse has a beta of 26.72, suggesting that its stock price is 2,572% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Farmhouses rivals have a beta of 2.11, suggesting that their average stock price is 111% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Farmhouse rivals beat Farmhouse on 7 of the 9 factors compared. Farmhouse Company Profile (Get Free Report) Farmhouse, Inc. operates a platform for the legal cannabis industry. It provides @420, a Twitter handle public platform that engages with cannabis enthusiasts; WeeClub, a cannabis social network platform that enables industry professionals to connect, discover products and services, and scale their businesses; and Web3 division, which facilitates licensing opportunities between established cannabis brands and influential digital collectible holders to launch digital collectible branded products and accessories. The companys platform serves cannabis producers, retailers, consultants, and supply chain professionals. It markets its products through media, networking, live events, partnerships, search engine optimization, and direct sales calls to existing members. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in San Francisco, California. Receive News & Ratings for Farmhouse Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Farmhouse and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Finance of America Companies (NYSE:FOA Get Free Report) is one of 19 publicly-traded companies in the FIN MTG&REL SVS industry, but how does it compare to its peers? We will compare Finance of America Companies to similar businesses based on the strength of its profitability, risk, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation and analyst recommendations. Insider and Institutional Ownership 97.2% of Finance of America Companies shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 52.2% of shares of all FIN MTG&REL SVS companies are held by institutional investors. 25.0% of Finance of America Companies shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 29.5% of shares of all FIN MTG&REL SVS companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Get Finance of America Companies alerts: Risk & Volatility Finance of America Companies has a beta of 1.44, meaning that its stock price is 44% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Finance of America Companies peers have a beta of 1.33, meaning that their average stock price is 33% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Finance of America Companies N/A -3.12% -0.04% Finance of America Companies Competitors -5.93% -85.16% -0.75% Earnings and Valuation This table compares Finance of America Companies and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This table compares Finance of America Companies and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Finance of America Companies $338.17 million $15.49 million 6.41 Finance of America Companies Competitors $18.32 billion $1.82 billion -69.38 Finance of America Companies peers have higher revenue and earnings than Finance of America Companies. Finance of America Companies 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. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Finance of America Companies and its peers, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Finance of America Companies 0 1 1 0 2.50 Finance of America Companies Competitors 154 679 985 15 2.47 Finance of America Companies currently has a consensus price target of $26.25, suggesting a potential upside of 11.28%. As a group, FIN MTG&REL SVS companies have a potential upside of 17.66%. Given Finance of America Companies peers higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Finance of America Companies has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Summary Finance of America Companies beats its peers on 7 of the 13 factors compared. About Finance of America Companies (Get Free Report) Finance of America Companies Inc. a financial service holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of a retirement solutions platform in the United States. It operates through two segments: Retirement Solutions and Portfolio Management. The Retirement Solutions segment engages in the loan origination activities comprising home equity conversion, proprietary reverse, and hybrid mortgage loans for senior homeowners. The Portfolio Management segment provides product development, loan securitization, loan sales, risk management, servicing oversight, and asset management services for borrowers and investors. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Plano, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Finance of America Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Finance of America Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wolfspeed (NYSE:WOLF Get Free Report) and Vishay Intertechnology (NYSE:VSH Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, risk, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and dividends. Insider & Institutional Ownership 93.7% of Vishay Intertechnology shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.8% of Wolfspeed shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 8.3% of Vishay Intertechnology shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Get Wolfspeed alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current recommendations for Wolfspeed and Vishay Intertechnology, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Wolfspeed 4 6 4 0 2.00 Vishay Intertechnology 0 2 0 0 2.00 Profitability Wolfspeed presently has a consensus price target of $11.15, suggesting a potential upside of 825.63%. Vishay Intertechnology has a consensus price target of $20.50, suggesting a potential upside of 19.12%. Given Wolfspeeds higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Wolfspeed is more favorable than Vishay Intertechnology. This table compares Wolfspeed and Vishay Intertechnologys net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Wolfspeed -146.43% -103.97% -7.00% Vishay Intertechnology -2.28% 1.46% 0.73% Earnings and Valuation This table compares Wolfspeed and Vishay Intertechnologys top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Wolfspeed $807.20 million 0.23 -$864.20 million ($8.36) -0.14 Vishay Intertechnology $2.94 billion 0.79 -$31.15 million ($0.49) -35.12 Vishay Intertechnology has higher revenue and earnings than Wolfspeed. Vishay Intertechnology is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Wolfspeed, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Volatility & Risk Wolfspeed has a beta of 1.09, suggesting that its share price is 9% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Vishay Intertechnology has a beta of 1.12, suggesting that its share price is 12% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Vishay Intertechnology beats Wolfspeed on 10 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About Wolfspeed (Get Free Report) Wolfspeed, Inc. operates as a powerhouse semiconductor company focuses on silicon carbide and gallium nitride (GaN) technologies in Europe, Hong Kong, China, rest of Asia-Pacific, the United States, and internationally. It offers silicon carbide and GaN materials, including silicon carbide bare wafers, epitaxial wafers, and GaN epitaxial layers on silicon carbide wafers to manufacture products for RF, power, and other applications. The company also provides power devices, such as silicon carbide Schottky diodes, metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), and power modules for customers and distributors to use in applications, including electric vehicles comprising charging infrastructure, server power supplies, solar inverters, uninterruptible power supplies, industrial power supplies, and other applications. In addition, it offers RF devices comprising GaN-based die, high-electron mobility transistors, monolithic microwave integrated circuits, and laterally diffused MOSFET power transistors for telecommunications infrastructure, military, and other commercial applications. The company was formerly known as Cree, Inc. and changed its name to Wolfspeed, Inc. in October 2021. Wolfspeed, Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina. About Vishay Intertechnology (Get Free Report) Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. manufactures and sells discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The company operates through Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs), Diodes, Optoelectronic Components, Resistors, Inductors, and Capacitors segments. The MOSFETs segment offers low- and medium-voltage TrenchFET MOSFETs, high-voltage planar MOSFETs, high voltage Super Junction MOSFETs, power integrated circuits, and integrated function power devices. The Diodes segment provides rectifiers, small signal diodes, protection diodes, thyristors/silicon-controlled rectifiers, and power modules. The Optoelectronic Components segment contains standard and customer specific optoelectronic components, such as infrared (IR) emitters and detectors, IR remote control receivers, optocouplers, solid-state relays, optical sensors, light-emitting diodes, 7-segment displays, and IR data transceiver modules. The Resistors segment offers resistors, which are basic components used in various forms of electronic circuitry to adjust and regulate levels of voltage and current. The Inductors segment provides inductors for use as an internal magnetic field to change alternating current phase and resist alternating current. The Capacitors segment offers capacitors, which store energy and discharge it when needed. It sells its products under Siliconix, Dale, Draloric, Beyschlag, Sfernice, MCB, UltraSource, Applied Thin-Film Products, IHLP, HiRel Systems, Sprague, Vitramon, Barry, Roederstein, ESTA, and BCcomponents brand names. The company serves industrial, automotive, telecommunications, computing, consumer products, power supplies, military and aerospace, and medical end markets. Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. was incorporated in 1962 and is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Receive News & Ratings for Wolfspeed Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wolfspeed and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HAYS (OTCMKTS:HAYPY Get Free Report) and Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY Get Free Report) are both business services companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, risk, earnings, dividends, institutional ownership, profitability and valuation. Dividends HAYS pays an annual dividend of $0.19 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. Korn/Ferry International pays an annual dividend of $1.92 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. Korn/Ferry International pays out 41.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Korn/Ferry International has increased its dividend for 5 consecutive years. Korn/Ferry International is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Get HAYS alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares HAYS and Korn/Ferry Internationals gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio HAYS $8.75 billion 0.18 -$6.17 million N/A N/A Korn/Ferry International $2.76 billion 1.38 $246.06 million $4.62 16.01 Korn/Ferry International has lower revenue, but higher earnings than HAYS. Volatility and Risk HAYS has a beta of 0.46, indicating that its stock price is 54% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Korn/Ferry International has a beta of 1.42, indicating that its stock price is 42% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares HAYS and Korn/Ferry Internationals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets HAYS N/A N/A N/A Korn/Ferry International 8.91% 14.49% 7.21% Institutional & Insider Ownership 98.8% of Korn/Ferry International shares are held by institutional investors. 1.4% of Korn/Ferry International shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for HAYS and Korn/Ferry International, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score HAYS 0 0 0 1 4.00 Korn/Ferry International 0 1 1 0 2.50 Korn/Ferry International has a consensus price target of $81.00, suggesting a potential upside of 9.49%. Given Korn/Ferry Internationals higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Korn/Ferry International is more favorable than HAYS. Summary Korn/Ferry International beats HAYS on 12 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About HAYS (Get Free Report) Hays plc engages in the provision of recruitment services in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and internationally. The company provides qualified, professional, and skilled recruitment in permanent, temporary, and contractor formats to public and private sectors. It offers its recruitment services in the specialisms, such as technology, accountancy and finance, engineering, construction and property, office support, life sciences, sales and marketing, and others. Hays plc was founded in 1968 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. About Korn/Ferry International (Get Free Report) Korn Ferry, together with its subsidiaries, provides organizational consulting services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consulting, Digital, Executive Search, and Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) & Professional Search. The company provides executive search services to recruit board level, chief executive, other senior executive, and general management talent of organizations. It also offers organizational strategy, assessment and succession, leadership and professional development, and total reward services. In addition, the company provides RPO, business project, professional search, and outsource recruiting solutions. Further, the company offers tech-enabled solutions that identify structures, roles, capabilities, and behaviors to drive businesses. It serves public and private companies, and middle market and emerging growth companies, as well as government and non-profit organizations. The company was formerly known as Korn/Ferry International and changed its name to Korn Ferry in January 2019. Korn Ferry was founded in 1969 and is based in Los Angeles, California. Receive News & Ratings for HAYS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HAYS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deckers Outdoor (NYSE:DECK Get Free Report) and Christian Dior S.E. (OTCMKTS:CHDRY Get Free Report) are both large-cap retail/wholesale companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, risk, profitability, dividends, analyst recommendations, valuation and institutional ownership. Profitability This table compares Deckers Outdoor and Christian Dior S.E.s net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Deckers Outdoor alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Deckers Outdoor 19.49% 41.17% 27.30% Christian Dior S.E. N/A N/A N/A Valuation & Earnings This table compares Deckers Outdoor and Christian Dior S.E.s top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Deckers Outdoor $4.99 billion 3.17 $966.09 million $6.34 16.68 Christian Dior S.E. $91.64 billion 1.08 $5.64 billion N/A N/A Christian Dior S.E. has higher revenue and earnings than Deckers Outdoor. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Deckers Outdoor and Christian Dior S.E., as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Deckers Outdoor 1 13 10 1 2.44 Christian Dior S.E. 0 0 0 0 0.00 Deckers Outdoor presently has a consensus target price of $137.66, indicating a potential upside of 30.14%. Given Deckers Outdoors stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe Deckers Outdoor is more favorable than Christian Dior S.E.. Risk & Volatility Deckers Outdoor has a beta of 0.99, meaning that its share price is 1% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Christian Dior S.E. has a beta of 0.93, meaning that its share price is 7% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 97.8% of Deckers Outdoor shares are held by institutional investors. 0.4% of Deckers Outdoor shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Summary Deckers Outdoor beats Christian Dior S.E. on 11 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About Deckers Outdoor (Get Free Report) Deckers Outdoor Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs, markets, and distributes footwear, apparel, and accessories for casual lifestyle use and high-performance activities in the United States and internationally. The company offers premium footwear, apparel, and accessories under the UGG brand name; footwear, apparel, and accessories for ultra-runners and athletes under the HOKA brand name; and sandals, shoes, and boots under the Teva brand name. It also provides relaxed casual shoes and sandals under the Sanuk brand name; casual footwear fashion line under the Koolaburra brand name; and footwear under the AHNU brand name. The company sells its products through domestic and international retailers; international distributors; and directly to its consumers through its direct-to-consumer business, which includes e-commerce websites and retail stores. Deckers Outdoor Corporation was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Goleta, California. About Christian Dior S.E. (Get Free Report) Christian Dior SE, through its subsidiaries, engages in the production, distribution, and retail of fashion and leather goods, wines and spirits, perfumes and cosmetics, and watches and jewelry worldwide. The company offers its fashion and leather goods under the Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Celine, Loewe, Givenchy, Kenzo, Berluti, Pucci, Loro Piana, Rimowa, and Off-White brand names; and wines and spirits under the Hennessy, Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot, Krug, Chateau d'Yquem, Belvedere, Glenmorangie, Newton Vineyards, Bodega Numanthia, Chateau d'Esclans, Armand de Brignac, and Joseph Phelps brands. It also provides perfumes and cosmetics under the Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Make Up For Ever, Benefit Cosmetics, Fresh, Acqua di Parma, KVD Vegan Beauty, Fenty, Ole Henriksen, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, and Officine Universelle Buly 1803 brand names; and watches and jewelry under the Tiffany, Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Zenith, Hublot, Chaumet, Fred, and Repossi brands. In addition, the company operates retail stores under the DFS Galleria, Sephora, and Le Bon Marche names; publishes Le Parisien-Aujourd'hui en France, a daily newspaper; builds yachts; and operates hotel and the Cova pastry shop brand. Further, it is involved in real estate activities. The company sells its products through store network, including e-commerce websites; and agents and distributors. The company was incorporated in 1946 and is headquartered in Paris, France. Christian Dior SE (ENXTPA:CDI) operates as a subsidiary of Financiere Agache Societe Anonyme. Receive News & Ratings for Deckers Outdoor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deckers Outdoor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Institutional and Insider Ownership 0.8% of Haverty Furniture Companies shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 67.1% of shares of all RETAIL HOME FRN companies are held by institutional investors. 8.1% of Haverty Furniture Companies shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 5.0% of shares of all RETAIL HOME FRN companies are held 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. Risk and Volatility Haverty Furniture Companies has a beta of 1.17, indicating that its share price is 17% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Haverty Furniture Companies rivals have a beta of 1.46, indicating that their average share price is 46% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Haverty Furniture Companies alerts: Earnings and Valuation This table compares Haverty Furniture Companies and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Haverty Furniture Companies $722.90 million N/A 17.40 Haverty Furniture Companies Competitors $26.61 billion $2.36 billion 17.62 Profitability Haverty Furniture Companies rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Haverty Furniture Companies. Haverty Furniture Companies 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. This table compares Haverty Furniture Companies and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Haverty Furniture Companies N/A N/A N/A Haverty Furniture Companies Competitors 6.52% 33.77% 8.67% Dividends Haverty Furniture Companies pays an annual dividend of $1.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.5%. Haverty Furniture Companies pays out 95.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. As a group, RETAIL HOME FRN companies pay a dividend yield of 2.4% and pay out 49.0% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Summary Haverty Furniture Companies rivals beat Haverty Furniture Companies on 8 of the 10 factors compared. About Haverty Furniture Companies (Get Free Report) Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. operates as a specialty retailer of residential furniture and accessories in the United States. The company offers furniture merchandise under the Havertys brand name. It also provides custom upholstery products and eclectic looks; and mattress product lines under the Sealy, Tempur-Pedic, and Serta names, as well as private label Skye name. The company sells home furnishings through its retail stores, as well as through its Website. As of February 23, 2021, it operated 120 showrooms in 16 states in the Southern and Midwestern regions. Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. was founded in 1885 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Receive News & Ratings for Haverty Furniture Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Haverty Furniture Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Investor s Fiduciary Advisor Network LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) by 1.2% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 30,047 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 353 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF accounts for about 2.4% of Investor s Fiduciary Advisor Network LLCs holdings, making the stock its 6th biggest holding. Investor s Fiduciary Advisor Network LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $5,134,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. IHT Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 3.9% during the 4th quarter. IHT Wealth Management LLC now owns 215,653 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,403,000 after buying an additional 7,995 shares during the last quarter. Florida Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2.9% during the 4th quarter. Florida Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,315 shares of the companys stock valued at $412,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Wells Financial Advisors INC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 7.5% during the 4th quarter. Wells Financial Advisors INC now owns 18,154 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,233,000 after buying an additional 1,260 shares during the last quarter. PFG Advisors raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 3.2% during the 4th quarter. PFG Advisors now owns 102,691 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,287,000 after buying an additional 3,189 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fullcircle Wealth LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 11.1% during the 4th quarter. Fullcircle Wealth LLC now owns 15,898 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,954,000 after buying an additional 1,591 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Stock Up 4.7% BATS:QUAL opened at $185.01 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $177.12 and a 200 day moving average of $176.17. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 52 week low of $148.34 and a 52 week high of $187.26. The firm has a market capitalization of $53.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.59 and a beta of 1.05. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tradewinds LLC. increased its position in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (BATS:MTUM Free Report) by 6.7% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 15,715 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 991 shares during the quarter. Tradewinds LLC.s holdings in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF were worth $3,176,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in MTUM. Cloud Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF in the first quarter valued at about $54,000. Forte Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 42.9% in the first quarter. Forte Asset Management LLC now owns 36,276 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,333,000 after acquiring an additional 10,898 shares during the period. Compass Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Stage Harbor Financial LLC boosted its stake in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 209.7% in the first quarter. Stage Harbor Financial LLC now owns 3,624 shares of the companys stock valued at $733,000 after acquiring an additional 2,454 shares during the period. Finally, Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 140.8% in the first quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 9,215 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,863,000 after acquiring an additional 5,388 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Trading Up 14.4% MTUM opened at $239.15 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $228.17 and its 200-day moving average is $215.75. The stock has a market cap of $17.46 billion, a PE ratio of 28.67 and a beta of 1.02. iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF has a twelve month low of $168.49 and a twelve month high of $240.75. iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Profile The iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap US equities, selected and weighted based on price appreciation over 6- and 12-month periods and low volatility over the past 3 years. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MTUM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (BATS:MTUM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Johnson Controls International (NYSE:JCI Get Free Report) is one of 15 public companies in the BLDG PRD WOOD industry, but how does it contrast to its peers? We will compare Johnson Controls International to similar businesses based on the strength of its valuation, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, risk, profitability and analyst recommendations. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Johnson Controls International and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Get Johnson Controls International alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Johnson Controls International 0 8 9 0 2.53 Johnson Controls International Competitors 188 1156 1094 47 2.40 Johnson Controls International presently has a consensus price target of $97.88, suggesting a potential downside of 8.13%. As a group, BLDG PRD WOOD companies have a potential upside of 25.27%. Given Johnson Controls Internationals peers higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Johnson Controls International has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Volatility & Risk Earnings and Valuation Johnson Controls International has a beta of 1.31, suggesting that its share price is 31% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Johnson Controls Internationals peers have a beta of 1.43, suggesting that their average share price is 43% more volatile than the S&P 500. This table compares Johnson Controls International and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Johnson Controls International $22.95 billion $1.71 billion 28.41 Johnson Controls International Competitors $4.90 billion $297.37 million -13.25 Johnson Controls International has higher revenue and earnings than its peers. Johnson Controls International 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. Profitability This table compares Johnson Controls International and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Johnson Controls International 10.19% 15.13% 6.10% Johnson Controls International Competitors 7.65% 10.27% 6.04% Dividends Johnson Controls International pays an annual dividend of $1.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.4%. Johnson Controls International pays out 39.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BLDG PRD WOOD companies pay a dividend yield of 1.7% and pay out 36.6% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Johnson Controls International has increased its dividend for 4 consecutive years. Johnson Controls International lags its peers as a dividend stock, given its lower dividend yield and higher payout ratio. Insider and Institutional Ownership 90.1% of Johnson Controls International shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 82.9% of shares of all BLDG PRD WOOD companies are owned by institutional investors. 0.5% of Johnson Controls International shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 4.4% of shares of all BLDG PRD WOOD companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Johnson Controls International beats its peers on 9 of the 15 factors compared. About Johnson Controls International (Get Free Report) Johnson Controls International plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in engineering, manufacturing, commissioning, and retrofitting building products and systems in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates in four segments: Building Solutions North America, Building Solutions EMEA/LA, Building Solutions Asia Pacific, and Global Products. The company designs, sells, installs, and services heating, ventilating, air conditioning, controls, building management, refrigeration, integrated electronic security, integrated fire detection and suppression systems, and fire protection and security products for commercial, industrial, retail, small business, institutional, and governmental customers. It also provides energy efficiency solutions and technical services, including inspection, scheduled maintenance, and repair and replacement of mechanical and control systems, as well as data-driven smart building solutions to non-residential building and industrial applications. In addition, the company offers control software and software services for residential and commercial applications. Johnson Controls International plc was incorporated in 1885 and is headquartered in Cork, Ireland. Receive News & Ratings for Johnson Controls International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson Controls International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lenovo Group (OTCMKTS:LNVGY Get Free Report) and Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) are both large-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, earnings, dividends, analyst recommendations, valuation and profitability. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Lenovo Group and Dell Technologies, as provided by MarketBeat. Get Lenovo Group alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Lenovo Group 0 0 0 0 0.00 Dell Technologies 0 4 16 0 2.80 Dell Technologies has a consensus price target of $138.00, indicating a potential upside of 10.36%. Given Dell Technologies stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Dell Technologies is more favorable than Lenovo Group. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Lenovo Group 2.00% 25.20% 3.62% Dell Technologies 4.63% -226.48% 6.43% Insider & Institutional Ownership This table compares Lenovo Group and Dell Technologies net margins, return on equity and return on assets. 0.1% of Lenovo Group shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 76.4% of Dell Technologies shares are owned by institutional investors. 42.0% of Dell Technologies shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Dividends Lenovo Group pays an annual dividend of $0.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.6%. Dell Technologies pays an annual dividend of $2.10 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. Lenovo Group pays out 18.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Dell Technologies pays out 33.5% 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. Dell Technologies has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years. Dell Technologies is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Lenovo Group and Dell Technologiess top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Lenovo Group $69.08 billion 0.22 $1.38 billion $2.15 11.50 Dell Technologies $95.57 billion 0.89 $4.59 billion $6.27 19.94 Dell Technologies has higher revenue and earnings than Lenovo Group. Lenovo Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Dell Technologies, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Risk & Volatility Lenovo Group has a beta of 0.77, suggesting that its stock price is 23% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Dell Technologies has a beta of 1.02, suggesting that its stock price is 2% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Dell Technologies beats Lenovo Group on 15 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Lenovo Group (Get Free Report) Lenovo Group Limited, an investment holding company, develops, manufactures, and markets technology products and services. It operates through Intelligent Devices Group, Infrastructure Solutions Group, and Solutions and Services Group segments. The company offers commercial and consumer personal computers, as well as servers and workstations; and a family of mobile Internet devices, including tablets and smartphones. In addition, it provides laptops, monitors, accessories, smart home and collaboration solutions, augmented and virtual reality, commercial internet of things, and smart infrastructure data center solutions. Further, the company manufactures and distributes IT products, computers, computer hardware, and peripheral equipment; and offers IT, business planning, management, supply chain, finance, administration support, procurement agency, data management, intellectual property, and investment management services. Additionally, it is involved in the retail and service business for consumer electronic products and related digital services; development, ownership, licensing, and sale of communications hardware and software; and develops software and applications. Furthermore, the company distributes smartphone, tablet, server, and storage. It operates in China, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Lenovo Group Limited was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. About Dell Technologies (Get Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG). The ISG segment provides modern and traditional storage solutions, including all-flash arrays, scale-out file, object platforms, hyper-converged infrastructure, and software-defined storage; and general-purpose and AI-optimized servers. This segment also offers networking products and services comprising wide area network infrastructure, data center and edge networking switches, and cables and optics that help its business customers to transform and modernize their infrastructure, mobilize and enrich end-user experiences, and accelerate business applications and processes; software and peripherals; and consulting, support, and deployment services. The CSG segment provides desktops, workstations, and notebooks; displays, docking stations, keyboards, mice, webcam, and audio devices; and third-party software and peripherals, as well as configuration, support and deployment, and extended warranty services. It is involved in cybersecurity technology-driven security solutions to prevent security breaches, detect malicious activity, respond rapidly when a security breach occurs, and identify emerging threats; originating, collecting, and servicing customer financing arrangements; and the resale of VMware products and services. The company serves enterprises, public institutions, and small and medium-sized businesses through its direct sales channel, value-added resellers, system integrators, distributors, and retailers. The company was formerly known as Denali Holding Inc. and changed its name to Dell Technologies Inc. in August 2016. Dell Technologies Inc. was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Round Rock, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Lenovo Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lenovo Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gunmen attack ship in Red Sea: monitors Gunmen on small boats fired rocket-propelled grenades and small arms at a commercial vessel in the Red Sea off Yemen on Sunday, monitors said, in the latest attack on the vital shipping lane. The incident occurred 51 nautical miles (94 kilometres) southwest of the Yemeni port of Hodeida, said the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. "The vessel has been engaged by multiple small vessels who have opened fire with small arms and self-propelled grenades. (The) armed security team have returned fire and situation is ongoing," said UKMTO, which is run by the Britain's Royal Navy. UK-based security firm Ambrey reported the merchant vessel "was approached and attacked by eight skiffs while transiting northbound in the Red Sea" before being attacked with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. Hodeida is controlled by Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels, though no one has claimed responsibility for the assault. The Huthis, who have controlled large swathes of Yemen for more than a decade, began firing at Israel-linked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in November 2023, weeks after the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. They broadened their campaign to target ships linked to the United States and Britain after military strikes by the two countries began in January 2024. In May, the group struck a ceasefire with the United States but vowed to continue targeting Israeli ships in the Red Sea, despite agreeing to the truce that ended weeks of intense American strikes targeting the group. The rebels have attacked dozens of commercial vessels since launching their anti-shipping campaign and have prompted some freight companies to detour around southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, a vital route that normally carries about 12 percent of global trade, according to the International Chamber of Shipping. (AFP) Maj Invest Holding A S lessened its stake in Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM Free Report) by 5.5% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,767,581 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 161,197 shares during the period. Newmont comprises about 4.8% of Maj Invest Holding A Ss holdings, making the stock its 10th largest holding. Maj Invest Holding A S owned approximately 0.25% of Newmont worth $133,619,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Newmont by 5.2% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 24,697,779 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $919,484,000 after acquiring an additional 1,213,397 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Newmont in the 4th quarter valued at about $626,074,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in shares of Newmont by 8.9% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 16,014,066 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $773,159,000 after acquiring an additional 1,306,783 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp lifted its stake in shares of Newmont by 11.5% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 12,742,155 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $474,263,000 after acquiring an additional 1,309,177 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Amundi lifted its stake in shares of Newmont by 14.0% in the 4th quarter. Amundi now owns 12,302,579 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $481,400,000 after acquiring an additional 1,507,708 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.85% of the companys stock. Get Newmont alerts: Newmont Stock Down 0.3% NEM stock opened at $59.86 on Friday. Newmont Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $36.86 and a fifty-two week high of $60.31. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $54.67 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $48.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 1.70 and a current ratio of 1.98. The company has a market capitalization of $66.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 0.33. Newmont Dividend Announcement Newmont ( NYSE:NEM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The basic materials company reported $1.25 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.54. Newmont had a return on equity of 15.75% and a net margin of 25.77%. The firm had revenue of $5.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.82 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.55 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Newmont Corporation will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 20th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, May 27th were given a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 27th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.67%. Newmonts dividend payout ratio is currently 22.42%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Bruce R. Brook sold 2,077 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.75, for a total value of $122,023.75. Following the sale, the director directly owned 43,103 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,532,301.25. The trade was a 4.60% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Peter Toth sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.75, for a total value of $176,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 74,526 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,378,402.50. This represents a 3.87% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 12,231 shares of company stock worth $679,813. Insiders own 0.05% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts recently issued reports on NEM shares. UBS Group boosted their price target on Newmont from $60.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating and set a $66.00 price target on shares of Newmont in a report on Friday, April 25th. National Bankshares restated a sector perform rating on shares of Newmont in a report on Tuesday, June 24th. Cfra Research upgraded Newmont to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, April 25th. Finally, National Bank Financial upgraded Newmont to a hold rating in a report on Friday, March 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $59.11. Get Our Latest Research Report on NEM Newmont Profile (Free Report) Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Ecuador, Fiji, and Ghana. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Newmont Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Newmont and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Marine Harvest ASA (OTCMKTS:MHGVY Get Free Report) is one of 69 public companies in the FOOD MISC/DIVERSIFIED industry, but how does it compare to its rivals? We will compare Marine Harvest ASA to related companies based on the strength of its valuation, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, earnings and institutional ownership. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Marine Harvest ASA and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Marine Harvest ASA alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Marine Harvest ASA $6.06 billion $506.96 million 28.53 Marine Harvest ASA Competitors $8.94 billion $399.01 million 24.57 Marine Harvest ASAs rivals have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Marine Harvest ASA. Marine Harvest ASA is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Marine Harvest ASA 5.77% 14.65% 6.94% Marine Harvest ASA Competitors -3.76% -16.96% 1.87% Dividends This table compares Marine Harvest ASA and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Marine Harvest ASA pays an annual dividend of $0.50 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. Marine Harvest ASA pays out 73.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, FOOD MISC/DIVERSIFIED companies pay a dividend yield of 1.0% and pay out 33.8% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Marine Harvest ASA and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Marine Harvest ASA 0 3 0 1 2.50 Marine Harvest ASA Competitors 710 3417 3726 153 2.41 As a group, FOOD MISC/DIVERSIFIED companies have a potential upside of 18.67%. Given Marine Harvest ASAs rivals higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Marine Harvest ASA has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Risk & Volatility Marine Harvest ASA has a beta of 1.19, suggesting that its stock price is 19% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Marine Harvest ASAs rivals have a beta of 0.83, suggesting that their average stock price is 17% less volatile than the S&P 500. Insider and Institutional Ownership 54.9% of shares of all FOOD MISC/DIVERSIFIED companies are owned by institutional investors. 15.0% of shares of all FOOD MISC/DIVERSIFIED companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Marine Harvest ASA beats its rivals on 9 of the 15 factors compared. Marine Harvest ASA Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mowi ASA, a seafood company, farms, produces, and supplies Atlantic salmon products worldwide. It operates through three segments: Feed, Farming, and Sales and Marketing. The company is involved in the salmon feed production, salmon farming and primary processing, and seafood secondary processing activities. It offers whole fish, plain and marinated fillets and steaks, hot- and cold-smoked salmon, burgers and tartars, patties, gravad, sushi, and breaded products under the Ducktrap, MOWI, and Supreme Salmon brands. The company was formerly known as Marine Harvest ASA and changed its name to Mowi ASA in December 2018. Mowi ASA was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Bergen, Norway. Receive News & Ratings for Marine Harvest ASA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Marine Harvest ASA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc. lifted its holdings in The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK Free Report) by 15.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 8,161 shares of the banks stock after purchasing an additional 1,077 shares during the period. McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc.s holdings in Bank of New York Mellon were worth $684,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in BK. Parvin Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon in the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Alpine Bank Wealth Management purchased a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon in the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Bellwether Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon in the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. Finally, REAP Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in Bank of New York Mellon by 123.2% in the 4th quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 395 shares of the banks stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 218 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 85.31% of the companys stock. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms recently issued reports on BK. Truist Financial lowered shares of Bank of New York Mellon from a buy rating to a hold rating and increased their target price for the stock from $87.00 to $97.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 28th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $94.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, June 3rd. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $82.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, March 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $90.00 price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon in a report on Monday, March 17th. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Wednesday. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Bank of New York Mellon has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $92.08. Insider Activity at Bank of New York Mellon In other Bank of New York Mellon news, EVP J Kevin Mccarthy sold 30,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $79.03, for a total value of $2,370,900.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 55,115 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,355,738.45. This represents a 35.25% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, VP Catherine Keating sold 65,473 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, April 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.31, for a total value of $5,061,717.63. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 87,542 shares in the company, valued at $6,767,872.02. This trade represents a 42.79% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 101,114 shares of company stock worth $7,869,795 over the last three months. 0.14% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Bank of New York Mellon Stock Performance Shares of BK opened at $91.93 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $88.32 and a 200-day simple moving average of $84.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a current ratio of 0.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $65.77 billion, a PE ratio of 14.97, a PEG ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 1.07. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation has a 1 year low of $59.19 and a 1 year high of $92.85. Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 11th. The bank reported $1.58 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.50 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $4.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.76 billion. Bank of New York Mellon had a return on equity of 12.96% and a net margin of 11.78%. The firms revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.29 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation will post 6.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Bank of New York Mellon Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, April 21st were paid a $0.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, April 21st. This represents a $1.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.05%. Bank of New York Mellons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.62%. Bank of New York Mellon Profile (Free Report) The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NORTHSTAR ASSET MANAGEMENT Co LLC trimmed its position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report) by 6.6% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 9,480 shares of the companys stock after selling 672 shares during the period. NORTHSTAR ASSET MANAGEMENT Co LLCs holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $851,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of MRK. Brighton Jones LLC raised its position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 29.5% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 38,278 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,808,000 after purchasing an additional 8,710 shares during the period. Proficio Capital Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 39.4% during the 4th quarter. Proficio Capital Partners LLC now owns 15,479 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,540,000 after purchasing an additional 4,373 shares during the period. Oak Hill Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 213.4% during the 4th quarter. Oak Hill Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,050 shares of the companys stock valued at $204,000 after purchasing an additional 3,857 shares during the period. Machina Capital S.A.S. raised its position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 1,006.2% during the 4th quarter. Machina Capital S.A.S. now owns 20,410 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,030,000 after purchasing an additional 18,565 shares during the period. Finally, Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 11.2% during the 4th quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,110,372 shares of the companys stock valued at $117,279,000 after purchasing an additional 111,651 shares during the period. 76.07% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Merck & Co. Inc. alerts: Insider Activity at Merck & Co., Inc. In related news, SVP Dalton E. Smart III sold 4,262 shares of Merck & Co., Inc. stock in a transaction dated Friday, April 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $82.76, for a total transaction of $352,723.12. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 7,778 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $643,707.28. The trade was a 35.40% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Merck & Co., Inc. Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:MRK opened at $80.97 on Friday. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 52 week low of $73.31 and a 52 week high of $129.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $203.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.79, a PEG ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 0.39. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $79.20 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $86.97. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The company reported $2.22 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.16 by $0.06. Merck & Co., Inc. had a net margin of 27.27% and a return on equity of 43.23%. The business had revenue of $15.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.59 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $2.07 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 1.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 9.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Merck & Co., Inc. Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 8th. Investors of record on Monday, June 16th will be paid a dividend of $0.81 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, June 16th. This represents a $3.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.00%. Merck & Co., Inc.s dividend payout ratio is presently 47.16%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have issued reports on MRK shares. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $84.00 price target (down from $115.00) on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a report on Wednesday, May 14th. Cantor Fitzgerald downgraded shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from an overweight rating to a cautious rating in a report on Tuesday, May 20th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, April 25th. Finally, Guggenheim reiterated a buy rating and issued a $115.00 price target on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a report on Thursday, April 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $109.19. Check Out Our Latest Report on MRK Merck & Co., Inc. Company Profile (Free Report) Merck & Co, Inc is a health care company, which engages in the provision of health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, animal health, and consumer care products. It operates through the following segments: Pharmaceutical, Animal Health, and Other. The Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MRK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Polaris (NYSE:PII Free Report) had its price objective lifted by Robert W. Baird from $38.00 to $46.00 in a research report sent to investors on Thursday morning,Benzinga reports. Robert W. Baird currently has a neutral rating on the stock. Several other brokerages have also issued reports on PII. Citigroup reiterated a sell rating and issued a $27.00 target price (up previously from $23.00) on shares of Polaris in a research report on Monday, June 16th. Bank of America decreased their price target on shares of Polaris from $55.00 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, March 17th. Truist Financial decreased their price target on shares of Polaris from $55.00 to $30.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 14th. Baird R W downgraded shares of Polaris from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, April 4th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Polaris from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, May 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $46.00. Get Polaris alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Polaris Polaris Stock Down 0.5% Shares of NYSE PII opened at $46.44 on Thursday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $39.36 and its 200-day simple moving average is $43.65. Polaris has a 52-week low of $30.92 and a 52-week high of $88.00. The firm has a market cap of $2.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 64.50 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a quick ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32. Polaris (NYSE:PII Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The company reported ($0.90) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.91) by $0.01. Polaris had a net margin of 0.58% and a return on equity of 9.26%. The business had revenue of $1.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.53 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.23 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that Polaris will post 1.11 EPS for the current fiscal year. Polaris Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 2nd were paid a dividend of $0.67 per share. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.77%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 2nd. Polariss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 372.22%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Polaris A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. grew its holdings in Polaris by 1.1% during the 4th quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 22,484 shares of the companys stock worth $1,295,000 after acquiring an additional 241 shares in the last quarter. Xponance Inc. grew its holdings in Polaris by 5.1% during the 4th quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 5,956 shares of the companys stock worth $343,000 after acquiring an additional 288 shares in the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp grew its holdings in Polaris by 46.9% during the 1st quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 996 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 318 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC grew its holdings in Polaris by 1.4% during the 4th quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 24,904 shares of the companys stock worth $1,435,000 after acquiring an additional 341 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in Polaris by 5.0% during the 1st quarter. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC now owns 7,984 shares of the companys stock worth $327,000 after acquiring an additional 379 shares in the last quarter. 88.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Polaris Company Profile (Get Free Report) Polaris Inc designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets powersports vehicles in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Off-Road, On-Road, and Marine. The company offers off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles and side-by-side vehicles; military and commercial ORVs; snowmobiles; motorcycles; and moto-roadsters, quadricycles, and boats. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Polaris Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Polaris and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pitney Bowes (NYSE:PBI Get Free Report) and Seiko Epson (OTCMKTS:SEKEY Get Free Report) are both mid-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, risk, profitability, dividends, valuation, institutional ownership and earnings. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Pitney Bowes and Seiko Epson, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get Pitney Bowes alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Pitney Bowes 0 1 0 0 2.00 Seiko Epson 0 0 0 0 0.00 Valuation and Earnings This table compares Pitney Bowes and Seiko Epsons revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Pitney Bowes $2.03 billion 1.03 -$203.60 million ($0.91) -12.53 Seiko Epson $8.95 billion 0.55 $369.61 million $0.55 11.95 Seiko Epson has higher revenue and earnings than Pitney Bowes. Pitney Bowes is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Seiko Epson, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Volatility and Risk Pitney Bowes has a beta of 1.6, meaning that its share price is 60% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Seiko Epson has a beta of 0.81, meaning that its share price is 19% less volatile than the S&P 500. Insider and Institutional Ownership 67.9% of Pitney Bowes shares are owned by institutional investors. 9.0% of Pitney Bowes shares are owned by company 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. Profitability This table compares Pitney Bowes and Seiko Epsons net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Pitney Bowes -7.18% -31.61% 4.53% Seiko Epson 4.02% 6.68% 3.77% Dividends Pitney Bowes pays an annual dividend of $0.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. Seiko Epson pays an annual dividend of $0.17 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. Pitney Bowes pays out -30.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Seiko Epson pays out 30.9% 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. Pitney Bowes has increased its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Summary Pitney Bowes beats Seiko Epson on 8 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Pitney Bowes (Get Free Report) Pitney Bowes Inc., a shipping and mailing company, provides technology, logistics, and financial services to small and medium-sized businesses, large enterprises, retailers, and government clients in the United States and internationally. It operates through Global Ecommerce, Presort Services, and SendTech Solutions segments. The Global Ecommerce segment provides domestic parcel services, cross-border solutions, and digital delivery services. The Presort Services segment offers mail sortation services, which allow clients to qualify volumes of first-class mail, marketing mail, marketing mail flats, and bound printed matter for postal work sharing discounts. The SendTech Solutions segment provides physical and digital mailing and shipping technology solutions, and other applications for sending, tracking and receiving of letters, parcels, and flats as well as financing alternatives to finance equipment and product purchases. It markets its products, solutions, and services through direct and inside sales force, global and regional partner channels, direct mailings, and digital channels. The company was formerly known as Pitney Bowes Postage Meter Company. Pitney Bowes Inc. was incorporated in 1920 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. About Seiko Epson (Get Free Report) Seiko Epson Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, sells, and provides services for products in the printing solutions, visual communications, manufacturing-related and wearables, and other businesses. It operates through three segments: Printing Solutions, Visual Communications, and Manufacturing-related and Wearables segments. The Printing Solutions segment offers home and office inkjet printers, serial impact dot matrix printers, page printers, color image scanners, dry process office papermaking systems, commercial and industrial inkjet printers, inkjet printheads, printers for use in POS systems, label printers, printer consumables, and others. The Visual Communications segment provides 3LCD projectors for business, education, the home, and event; smart glasses; and others. The Manufacturing-related and Wearables segment offers wristwatches, watch movements, and others; factory automation products, industrial robots, compact injection molders, and other production systems; and crystal units, crystal oscillators, quartz sensors, and others for consumer, automotive, and industrial equipment applications. This segment also provides CMOS LSIs and other chips primarily for consumer electronics and automotive applications; and metal powders for use as raw materials in the production of electronic components, etc., as well as value-added surface finishing in a range of industrial fields. The company also sells PCs, etc. It has operations in Japan, the Philippines, the United States, Indonesia, China, and internationally. Seiko Epson Corporation was incorporated in 1942 and is headquartered in Suwa, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Pitney Bowes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pitney Bowes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Raymond James Financial (NYSE:RJF Get Free Report) and Citigroup (NYSE:C Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, analyst recommendations, risk and earnings. Institutional and Insider Ownership 83.8% of Raymond James Financial shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 71.7% of Citigroup shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.5% of Raymond James Financial shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.1% of Citigroup 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. Get Raymond James Financial alerts: Dividends Raymond James Financial pays an annual dividend of $2.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.3%. Citigroup pays an annual dividend of $2.24 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. Raymond James Financial pays out 19.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Citigroup pays out 35.4% 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. Raymond James Financial has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and Citigroup has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Raymond James Financial 0 10 2 1 2.31 Citigroup 0 5 11 0 2.69 This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Raymond James Financial and Citigroup, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Raymond James Financial presently has a consensus target price of $153.82, suggesting a potential downside of 3.79%. Citigroup has a consensus target price of $85.43, suggesting a potential downside of 3.65%. Given Citigroups stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Citigroup is more favorable than Raymond James Financial. Risk & Volatility Raymond James Financial has a beta of 1.02, suggesting that its stock price is 2% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Citigroup has a beta of 1.34, suggesting that its stock price is 34% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Raymond James Financial and Citigroups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Raymond James Financial 13.99% 19.31% 2.74% Citigroup 7.95% 6.94% 0.55% Earnings & Valuation This table compares Raymond James Financial and Citigroups revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Raymond James Financial $14.92 billion 2.16 $2.07 billion $10.39 15.39 Citigroup $170.76 billion 0.97 $12.68 billion $6.33 14.01 Citigroup has higher revenue and earnings than Raymond James Financial. Citigroup is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Raymond James Financial, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Raymond James Financial beats Citigroup on 11 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks. About Raymond James Financial (Get Free Report) Raymond James Financial, Inc., a financial holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the underwriting, distribution, trading, and brokerage of equity and debt securities, and the sale of mutual funds and other investment products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, RJ Bank, and Other segments. The Private Client Group segment provides securities brokerage services, including the sale of equities, mutual funds, fixed income products, and insurance products to their individual clients; and borrowing and lending of securities to and from other broker-dealers, financial institutions, and other counterparties. The Capital Markets segment offers securities brokerage, trading, and research services to institutions with a focus on sale of the United States and Canadian equities and fixed income products; and manages and participates in underwritings, merger and acquisition services, and public finance activities. The Asset Management segment engages in the operations of Eagle, the Eagle Family of Funds, Cougar, the asset management operations of Raymond James & Associates, trust services of Raymond James Trust, and other fee-based asset management programs. The RJ Bank segment provides corporate loans, SBL, tax-exempt loans, and residential loans. The Other segment engages in private equity activities, including various direct and third party private equity investments; and private equity funds. Raymond James Financial, Inc. was founded in 1962 and is based in St. Petersburg, Florida. About Citigroup (Get Free Report) Citigroup Inc., a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions. The Markets segment offers sales and trading services for equities, foreign exchange, rates, spread products, and commodities to corporate, institutional, and public sector clients; and market-making services, including asset classes, risk management solutions, financing, prime brokerage, research, securities clearing, and settlement. The banking segment includes investment banking; advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, and corporate defense activities; and corporate lending, which includes corporate and commercial banking. The U.S. Personal Banking segment provides co-branded cards and retail banking services. The Wealth segment provides financial services to high-net-worth clients through banking, lending, mortgages, investment, custody, and trust product offerings; and to professional industries, including law firms, consulting groups, accounting, and asset management. The company was founded in 1812 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Receive News & Ratings for Raymond James Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Raymond James Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Truist Financial (NYSE:TFC Get Free Report) and Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, institutional ownership and earnings. Institutional & Insider Ownership 71.3% of Truist Financial shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 85.3% of Bank of New York Mellon shares are held by institutional investors. 0.2% of Truist Financial shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.1% of Bank of New York Mellon 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. Get Truist Financial alerts: Volatility & Risk Truist Financial has a beta of 0.85, meaning that its stock price is 15% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Bank of New York Mellon has a beta of 1.07, meaning that its stock price is 7% more volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends Analyst Recommendations Truist Financial pays an annual dividend of $2.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.6%. Bank of New York Mellon pays an annual dividend of $1.88 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. Truist Financial pays out 61.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Bank of New York Mellon pays out 30.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Bank of New York Mellon has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years. This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Truist Financial and Bank of New York Mellon, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Truist Financial 0 7 12 2 2.76 Bank of New York Mellon 0 6 8 0 2.57 Truist Financial currently has a consensus price target of $48.44, suggesting a potential upside of 7.11%. Bank of New York Mellon has a consensus price target of $92.08, suggesting a potential upside of 0.16%. Given Truist Financials stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Truist Financial is more favorable than Bank of New York Mellon. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Truist Financial and Bank of New York Mellons revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Truist Financial $24.25 billion 2.44 $4.82 billion $3.39 13.34 Bank of New York Mellon $18.51 billion 3.55 $4.53 billion $6.14 14.97 Truist Financial has higher revenue and earnings than Bank of New York Mellon. Truist Financial is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Bank of New York Mellon, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Truist Financial and Bank of New York Mellons net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Truist Financial 15.59% 8.96% 0.99% Bank of New York Mellon 11.78% 12.96% 1.14% About Truist Financial (Get Free Report) Truist Financial Corporation, a financial services company, provides banking and trust services in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. The company operates through three segments: Consumer Banking and Wealth, Corporate and Commercial Banking, and Insurance Holdings.Its deposit products include noninterest-bearing checking, interest-bearing checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts. The company also provides funding; asset management; automobile lending; credit card lending; consumer finance; home equity and mortgage lending; other direct retail lending; insurance; investment brokerage; mobile/online banking; payment solutions; point-of-sale lending; retail and small business deposit products; small business lending; and wealth management/private banking services. In addition, it offers asset based lending, investment banking and capital market, institutional trust, insurance premium finance, derivatives, commercial lending, international banking, leasing, merchant, commercial deposit and treasury, floor plan, mortgage warehouse lending, real estate lending, and supply chain financing services. Further, the company provides insurance brokerage, retail and wholesale brokerage, securities underwriting and market making, loan syndication, and investment management and advisory services. The company was formerly known as BB&T Corporation and changed its name to Truist Financial Corporation in December 2019. Truist Financial Corporation was founded in 1872 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. About Bank of New York Mellon (Get Free Report) The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics. This segment also provides trustee, paying agency, fiduciary, escrow and other financial, issuer, and support services for brokers and investors. The Market and Wealth Services segment offers clearing and custody, investment, wealth and retirement solutions, technology and enterprise data management, trading, and prime brokerage services. This segment also provides integrated cash management solutions, including payments, foreign exchange, liquidity management, receivables processing and payables management, and trade finance and processing services. The Investment and Wealth Management segment offers investment management strategies and distribution of investment products, investment management, custody, wealth and estate planning, private banking, investment, and information management services. The Other segment engages in the provision of leasing, corporate treasury, derivative and other trading, corporate and bank-owned life insurance, renewable energy investment, and business exit services. It serves central banks and sovereigns, financial institutions, asset managers, insurance companies, corporations, local authorities and high net-worth individuals, and family offices. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation was founded in 1784 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Receive News & Ratings for Truist Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Truist Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rice Partnership LLC purchased a new position in Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 10,034 shares of the information technology services providers stock, valued at approximately $3,131,000. Other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 51.8% in the 1st quarter. McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc. now owns 1,243 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $388,000 after buying an additional 424 shares in the last quarter. Sierra Ocean LLC increased its holdings in shares of Accenture by 7.5% in the first quarter. Sierra Ocean LLC now owns 576 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $180,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the period. Lee Danner & Bass Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Accenture by 1.0% in the first quarter. Lee Danner & Bass Inc. now owns 114,558 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $35,747,000 after purchasing an additional 1,189 shares during the period. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. lifted its position in Accenture by 21.9% during the first quarter. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. now owns 1,718 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $536,000 after purchasing an additional 309 shares during the period. Finally, Simmons Bank lifted its position in Accenture by 29.2% during the first quarter. Simmons Bank now owns 15,160 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $4,730,000 after purchasing an additional 3,428 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.14% of the companys stock. Get Accenture alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Accenture In other Accenture news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 3,563 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, April 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $281.78, for a total transaction of $1,003,982.14. Following the transaction, the general counsel directly owned 17,237 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,857,041.86. This trade represents a 17.13% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Angela Beatty sold 169 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $281.90, for a total value of $47,641.10. Following the sale, the insider owned 5,364 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,512,111.60. This trade represents a 3.05% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 8,516 shares of company stock valued at $2,507,366. Company insiders own 0.02% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have issued reports on ACN shares. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $395.00 price target (up previously from $390.00) on shares of Accenture in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. Guggenheim decreased their price target on shares of Accenture from $360.00 to $335.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, June 23rd. Piper Sandler dropped their price target on Accenture from $364.00 to $355.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their target price on shares of Accenture from $399.00 to $392.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, March 21st. Finally, Baird R W upgraded Accenture from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, March 17th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $370.71. View Our Latest Stock Report on ACN Accenture Price Performance Accenture stock opened at $304.58 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $190.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $309.55 and a 200-day simple moving average of $329.56. Accenture PLC has a 12-month low of $273.19 and a 12-month high of $398.35. The company has a current ratio of 1.46, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, June 20th. The information technology services provider reported $3.49 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.32 by $0.17. The company had revenue of $17.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.26 billion. Accenture had a net margin of 11.61% and a return on equity of 26.55%. The firms revenue was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $3.13 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that Accenture PLC will post 12.73 EPS for the current fiscal year. Accenture Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 10th will be issued a $1.48 dividend. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.94%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 10th. Accentures payout ratio is currently 47.13%. About Accenture (Free Report) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Profitability This table compares Shimizu and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Shimizu 3.40% 3.42% 1.29% Shimizu Competitors -11.01% 65.74% 4.94% Earnings and Valuation This table compares Shimizu and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Shimizu alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Shimizu $12.77 billion $435.70 million 17.46 Shimizu Competitors $6.80 billion $567.85 million 24.00 Shimizu has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its competitors. Shimizu is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Dividends Volatility and Risk Shimizu pays an annual dividend of $0.76 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. Shimizu pays out 30.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BLDG&CONST MISC companies pay a dividend yield of 0.9% and pay out 21.8% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Shimizu has a beta of 0.34, indicating that its stock price is 66% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Shimizus competitors have a beta of 0.97, indicating that their average stock price is 3% less volatile than the S&P 500. Insider and Institutional Ownership 91.0% of shares of all BLDG&CONST MISC companies are held by institutional investors. 3.8% of shares of all BLDG&CONST MISC companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Summary Shimizu competitors beat Shimizu on 8 of the 11 factors compared. About Shimizu (Get Free Report) Shimizu Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the construction, development, engineering, and life cycle valuation businesses in Japan and internationally. The company proposes, plans, designs, builds, repairs, manages, operates, and maintains offices, plants, schools, hospitals, and other buildings, such as nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, temples, shrines, and architectures; offers design, build, and renovation for tunnels, bridges, dams, urban infrastructure, energy facilities, and other public works; provides construction for manufacturing facilities, high-rise buildings, hospitals, bridges, subways, and other projects; and develops and rents real estate properties, including condominiums, data centers, office buildings, logistics facilities, and other properties. It also offers engineering, procurement, and construction services in solar and wind power projects, environmental clean-up engineering, turn-key order fulfillment of plants, and ICT systems and engineering projects. In addition, the company provides facility operation and management services; infrastructure management, maintenance, and concession services; and generates power using renewable energy and sells electricity, as well as involved in commercialization of smart cities and provision of services using ICT technology. Further, it engages in the lease and sale of construction equipment and materials; provision of interior finishing and rebar works; insurance agency, security, and travel agency services; supply of PCR test kits; and rental of various tower cranes, crawler cranes, and other construction machinery and equipment. Additionally, the company offers construction equipment consulting services, such as construction planning, maintenance, and management services; property and building management services; and real estate consulting and brokerage services, as well as tenant leasing services. Shimizu Corporation was founded in 1804 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Shimizu Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shimizu and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SwitchPoint Financial Planning LLC purchased a new position in Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF (NYSEARCA:DCOR Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 24,402 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,497,000. Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF accounts for about 1.4% of SwitchPoint Financial Planning LLCs holdings, making the stock its 20th largest holding. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Rossby Financial LCC bought a new position in shares of Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF during the first quarter valued at approximately $37,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC increased its position in shares of Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF by 30.2% in the 1st quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 1,878 shares of the companys stock valued at $115,000 after acquiring an additional 436 shares during the period. Allodium Investment Consultants LLC purchased a new position in Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF in the 1st quarter worth $207,000. Avior Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF by 23.7% during the 1st quarter. Avior Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,434 shares of the companys stock worth $211,000 after acquiring an additional 659 shares during the period. Finally, Colorado Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF during the 1st quarter valued at about $218,000. Get Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF alerts: Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF Stock Up 0.7% Shares of NYSEARCA:DCOR opened at $68.05 on Friday. Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF has a 52-week low of $52.85 and a 52-week high of $68.13. The stock has a market cap of $1.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.81 and a beta of 1.11. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $64.20 and a 200-day moving average price of $63.45. About Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF The Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF (DCOR) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund is actively managed to provide broad US equity exposure, seeking to provide long-term capital appreciation by tilting the weightings in the underlying stocks. DCOR was launched on Sep 12, 2023 and is issued by Dimensional. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DCOR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF (NYSEARCA:DCOR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dimensional US Core Equity 1 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. lowered its stake in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE:ZTO Free Report) by 18.2% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 5,376 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 1,200 shares during the period. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd.s holdings in ZTO Express (Cayman) were worth $107,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its stake in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) by 106.4% in the 1st quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,288 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 664 shares during the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) by 70.8% in the 1st quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 2,132 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 884 shares during the last quarter. U S Global Investors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) by 47.0% in the 1st quarter. U S Global Investors Inc. now owns 10,101 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $200,000 after purchasing an additional 3,229 shares during the last quarter. OCONNOR A Distinct Business Unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC acquired a new position in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) in the 4th quarter valued at $231,000. Finally, LPL Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) in the 4th quarter valued at $232,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 41.65% of the companys stock. Get ZTO Express (Cayman) alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts recently issued reports on ZTO shares. Bank of America lowered ZTO Express (Cayman) from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $24.00 to $19.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Hsbc Global Res raised ZTO Express (Cayman) from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, April 14th. HSBC upgraded ZTO Express (Cayman) from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $22.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Monday, April 14th. Citigroup dropped their price objective on ZTO Express (Cayman) from $26.40 to $22.60 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded ZTO Express (Cayman) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, May 24th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, ZTO Express (Cayman) has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $21.76. ZTO Express (Cayman) Stock Up 0.1% NYSE:ZTO opened at $18.05 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $17.88 and its 200 day moving average price is $18.81. The company has a market capitalization of $10.80 billion, a PE ratio of 11.42, a P/E/G ratio of 2.73 and a beta of -0.18. ZTO Express has a 52-week low of $16.34 and a 52-week high of $27.50. About ZTO Express (Cayman) (Free Report) ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc provides express delivery and other value-added logistics services in the People's Republic of China. It offers freight forwarding services; and delivery services for e-commerce and traditional merchants, and other express service users. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ZTO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE:ZTO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ZTO Express (Cayman) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ZTO Express (Cayman) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BJPs IT Cell Chief and the partys central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, on Saturday, attacked the ruling Trinamool Congress government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the increasing exodus of undergraduate students from the state to colleges, institutions and universities in other states. Malviya explained that the increasing exodus has been evident from the West Bengal governments decision this week to extend the deadline for college admission applications by two weeks due to poor student interest a stark contrast to previous years. Advertisement Students are increasingly looking to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and even Odisha for better and safer academic environments, Malviya said in a post on X. Advertisement According to him, from this trend, it is evident that West Bengals education system is collapsing under Mamata Banerjees rule. According to him, this exodus of undergraduate students from Bengal to other states was not accidental. It is a direct result of the systemic exploitation and sexual abuse of women students in Bengals colleges and universities. The situation has been normalised under the Trinamool regime. Add to that the absence of jobs and career opportunities, and the picture becomes even bleaker, said Malviya. He also observed that it was a tragedy that West Bengal, which was once hailed as a hub of intellectual excellence, now lies in decline because of years of corruption, apathy, and criminality in the system during the Trinamool Congress regime. To save Bengal, Mamata Banerjee must be defeated in 2026. There is no other way forward, said Malviya. During the last few years, the education sector in West Bengal had been in the national headlines for all negative reasons, first because of the multi-crore cash-for-school job case in the state, political favouritism in appointments of vice-chancellors in state universities, in-campus violence, and finally reported events of rape and even rape and murder within the education institution premises. The three-day National Conference of Physicians was held in Kolkata, jointly organised by the West Bengal branch of the Indian Rheumatology Association and SOAR (Society for Osteoarthritis Research). Dr Parashar Ghosh HOD SSKM, Dr Pankaj Mondal Dr Asal Ghosh Dr Aren Halder Dr Kiran Sheikh Dr Biswajit Ghosh and other specialist doctors were present. On the first day, the workshop was held at the SSKM Osteoarthritis Super Specialty building. Advertisement A two-day conference was held at a city hotel and more than 500 doctors were present. If you have knee pain, you have to have your knee replaced, which is the general opinion. Doctors said as one ages, pain and arthritis will take over the body and such ideas should be junked. If you do not take care of it, you can get arthritis pain even at a young age. If you take the right measures at the right time, you can walk freely and remain healthy and normal even at the age of 80, said doctors. Throughout the day workshops were organised on various topics. Advertisement Shweta Khan, the prime accused in the porn racket case in West Bengal, has also been slapped with forgery charges by the personnel of West Bengal Police who are investigating the matter. The main charges against her in the matter are that she first secured fake Indian identity documents like Aadhaar cards, EPIC cards, and PAN cards under different names and thereafter, also opened bank accounts in those names by using forged fake identity documents. Advertisement Three such names in which such accounts were opened by the accused have come to the knowledge of the investigating officials which are Shweta Khan, Mahsina Begum, and Fultusi. Advertisement On Saturday, she was presented at a district court in Howrah. There, the public prosecutor furnished details in the court and sought fresh custody for her to question her in connection with the matter. The court remanded her to five days of police custody. Last month, the police arrested three persons namely Shweta Khan, her son Aryan Khan, and her minor daughter. Since the third accused is a minor, her case has been referred for processing under the Juvenile Justice Act and referred to the Juvenile Justice Board. The main charges against the trio are holding a woman from the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal captive for six months and brutally assaulting her with an iron rod after she refused to participate in pornographic video shoots allegedly orchestrated by the three accused. The three accused in the case were arrested one after another on June 11 from different parts of the city by the investigating officials but only after the National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognizance of the incident and wrote to the West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar, demanding immediate arrests under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. BJP had already alleged that Shweta Khan had close links with several senior leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress. In fact, a picture of her along with a high-profile member of the West Bengal cabinet from Howrah district also went viral on social media last month. Violent protests erupted at the state-run J N M Medical College and Hospital in Kalyani of Nadia district after a four year-old baby died during a CT scan procedure at the teaching hospital on Saturday morning. The bereaved family members of the deceased lodged complaints with Kalyani police station against the concerned doctors and nurses, who treated him at the hospital demanding proper investigations in the incident. Advertisement The aggrieved family members alleged that the toddler died because the doctors and nurses forcefully advised them to undergo the CT scan for the second time. Advertisement According to the complaints lodged with the police station, the baby was rushed to the hospital from Haringhata on Tuesday showing symptoms of vomiting and headache. An on-duty doctor attended to the baby and advised a CT scan to check the exact cause of the patients ailments. The patient had undergone the CT scan procedure at the hospital on Wednesday. The radiological report revealed that the toddler has accumulated fluid in his brain. The doctor after seeing the report advised the family members that their toddler should undergo an MRI test to get a clear image of the fluid in his brain. The doctor, the family member alleged, informed them that the MRI test would be performed later after the baby gets well. Following the advice of the doctor, the family members went to the radiology unit to know about the date for the MRI test and charges for the procedure. The employees at the radiology unit also said that the patient should not undergo the MRI test as he was not fit for the procedure. But the doctor and nurses allegedly forced the patient party say that the baby required yet another CT scan for a second time till the MRI is done on him. The doctor and nurses also allegedly threatened the patient party that the baby should be discharged if the second CT scan is not performed. The family members under the pressure of the doctor and nurses finally gave their nod for the second CT scan of the baby. They were forced to sign on a consent paper for the procedure. The family members alleged that the baby was administered anaesthetic dose before he was taken to the radiology unit for CT scan on Friday night. He became unconscious before the scan and did never get back sense even after he was taken to the bed after the scan. This morning, police informed the family the baby was dead. Family members and relatives of other patients staged protests at the hospital alleging that the baby died owing to the CT scan procedure. Hospital authorities were not available for comment. A 30-year-old labourer was beaten to death by three men allegedly under the influence of alcohol following a road rage incident in Central Delhis Mori Gate area, police said on Saturday. All three accused have been arrested. The victim, identified as Bunty, was returning with his colleague Gokarn in a three-wheeler after delivering PVC wire rolls in Naya Bazar on Monday evening when the incident occurred. At around 8:35 pm, near Khoya Mandi on Nityanand Marg, an e-rickshaw carrying the three accused intercepted their vehicle. An argument broke out over rash and zigzag driving, which soon turned violent, said Raja Banthia, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North). He stated that one of the e-rickshaw passengers slapped Gokarn, while the other two dragged Bunty out of the vehicle and began assaulting him. They kicked and punched him repeatedly until he collapsed on the spot. As a crowd began to gather, the assailants fled, the DCP added. With the help of a passerby, Gokarn rushed Bunty to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. A case of murder was registered at Kashmere Gate police station on Tuesday. Investigators examined CCTV footage from multiple locations to track the route taken by the e-rickshaw. The suspects were seen heading towards Yudhishthir Setu via Kashmere Gate. Further footage revealed that the three men had earlier purchased alcohol near Tis Hazari Courts and boarded the e-rickshaw at SPM T-point, Lahori Gate. The clues led us to the Lahori Gate Chowk area, where one of the accused, Ritesh Kumar, 27, was identified in the CCTV footage and located at a dry fruit shop, said the DCP. Based on Kumars confession, police arrested the other two accused, Anil, 33, and Vicky, 25, from nearby shops. All three were employed at dry fruit shops in Lahori Gate area and had no prior connection with the victim. During interrogation, the accused admitted they were intoxicated at the time. Ritesh confessed to slapping Gokarn during the altercation, while Anil and Vicky assaulted Bunty. They claimed they fled the scene unaware that the victim would succumb to his injuries. Police described the attack as an alcohol-fuelled, impulsive act triggered by road rage. Advertisement In a step towards sustainable water management and renewable energy generation, the Delhi government is exploring a plan to cover the Munak Canal with solar panels. This ambitious initiativecurrently under planning and feasibility assessmentaims to curb massive water losses, generate clean electricity, and enhance safety and cleanliness along the canal. Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh inspected the Munak Canal last week and reviewed conditions on-site along with senior officials. Based on the findings, a comprehensive plan is being developed to install solar panels across the Delhi stretch of the Munak Canal by constructing four-foot-high walls on both sides, over which the panels will be mounted. The Munak Canal is a lifeline for Delhis water supply. But in its current form, it is also a major source of loss, pollution, and risk. Our plan to cover it with solar panels will help us save water, produce clean power, and make the canal safer and more secure for the people of Delhi, said the Delhi Water Minister. This initiative is not just about saving waterits about protecting lives, generating clean energy, and making Delhis water infrastructure smarter and safer. We are committed to adopting innovative solutions that serve our people and protect our resources for generations to come, he said. This initiative is not just about saving waterits about protecting lives, generating clean energy, and making Delhis water infrastructure smarter and safer. We are committed to adopting innovative solutions that serve our people and protect our resources for generations to come, he said. The inspection revealed alarming levels of water loss in the canal. Advertisement Two of its main sectionsthe Delhi Sub-Branch (DSB) and the Carrier Lined Channel (CLC)are suffering from significant leakage and inefficiency. Advertisement In the DSB, nearly 30 per cent of the water is lost due to seepage and evaporation, while the CLC records 5 per cent water loss, still substantial in absolute terms. The proposed plan will serve multiple purposes, such as reducing evaporation and water loss by cutting direct sun exposure, generating renewable energy to power canal-related infrastructure or feed into the grid, improving safety by preventing accidental falls and deterring unauthorized access and enhancing cleanliness, minimising garbage dumping and contamination. Beyond water loss, the Munak Canal also faces persistent issues of garbage dumping and accidental drownings. Open and unguarded stretches of the canal pose a danger to both residents and passersby.The proposed plan will serve multiple purposes, such as reducing evaporation and water loss by cutting direct sun exposure, generating renewable energy to power canal-related infrastructure or feed into the grid, improving safety by preventing accidental falls and deterring unauthorized access and enhancing cleanliness, minimising garbage dumping and contamination. The Munak Canal system, which includes the Carrier Lined Channel and the Delhi Sub-Branch, is 102 km long, out of which about 85 km lies in Haryana, and approximately 17 km is within Delhi. The Delhi government is currently engaging with the Haryana government to strengthen coordination regarding the maintenance and management of the canal system, particularly for the Delhi segment. The concept is inspired by a similar successful project in Gujarat, where solar panels have been installed over canal systems to efficiently utilise space, prevent evaporation, and generate clean power. The Delhi government is currently engaging with the Haryana government to strengthen coordination regarding the maintenance and management of the canal system, particularly for the Delhi segment.The concept is inspired by a similar successful project in Gujarat, where solar panels have been installed over canal systems to efficiently utilise space, prevent evaporation, and generate clean power. Delhi aims to replicate and adapt this model to suit local conditions and contribute meaningfully to both water security and the capitals clean energy goals. The planning and feasibility studies for the Munak Canal solar cover are currently underway. A detailed project report (DPR) and technical design are expected to be finalised in the coming months. BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda on Sunday digitally inaugurated the partys district offices in Delhi and Haryana during a ceremony at the partys headquarters in Mehrauli, Outer Delhi, and West Delhi, as well as Jhajjar, Sirsa, and Kurukshetra. The event presided over by Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva was attended by Nadda, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and Haryana BJP President Mohanlal Badoli and thousands of party workers. Advertisement After the inaugural ceremony, Nadda paid tributes to Mookerjee who, he said, never clung to positions of power but remained unwavering in his commitment to ideologyeven sacrificing his life for it. He further expanded on the formation of the party. Advertisement Nadda stated that the seeds of Indian politics divisive appeasement were sown soon after Independence. Dr Mookerjee resigned from the Nehru cabinet in protest, laying the foundation of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which evolved into todays Bharatiya Janata Party. Reflecting on his student days, Nadda said they were taught about the Five Ks Karyakarta (worker), Karyakarini (executive committee), Karyakram (program), Kosh (funds), and Karyalay (office). It is our responsibility to develop the organization from grassroots to district level. As a cadre-based party, BJP operates in 973 districts, 15,432 blocks, has 1.16 lakh Shakti Kendras, and 6.8 lakh booth in-charges, ensuring its massive public reach. He emphasized again that Narendra Modi is the only leader in the world to receive top honors from 24 countries. The BJP currently governs in 13 states, and is in coalition in six more under NDA. Of the 13, the party has returned to power for the third time in 5 states. It has 240 Lok Sabha MPs, 98 Rajya Sabha MPs, 1,664 MLAs, 172 MLCs, 77 Mayors, and thousands of District Council and BDC members. Ahan Shetty gears up to follow in his father Suniel Shettys footsteps with Border 2. The war drama, a sequel to the 1997 blockbuster Border, will mark a generational handover of patriotism. Suniel Shetty played a pivotal role in the original Border, a film that captured the bravery of Indian soldiers during the 1971 Battle of Longewala. Advertisement Nearly three decades later, his son Ahan is stepping into the same universe, with the sequel reportedly focusing on the 1999 Kargil War. Advertisement Taking to Instagram, Ahan shared a heartfelt post that instantly struck an emotional chord. The post featured a collage, one image of Suniel Shetty from Border, and the other showing Ahan in uniform for Border 2. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ahan Shetty (@ahan.shetty) In the caption, he wrote, Har beta kahin na kahin apne baap jaisa banna chahta hai. Border 2 January 23, 2026. Proud dad Suniel Shetty replied in the comments with the touching phrase, Chip of the old soul. The film, directed by Anurag Singh, boasts a powerful ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Diljit Dosanjh. The makers have shared that a majority of the action sequences have already been filmed. However, Diljits presence in the film recently sparked industry-wide conversations. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had previously issued a non-cooperation directive against him after he starred alongside Pakistani actress Hania Amir in Sardaar Ji 3. Amid this controversy, the FWICE has now temporarily lifted its restriction on Diljit, specifically for Border 2. BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, explained that the decision came after Bhushan Kumar of T-Series personally appealed to the federation. Given that much of the films action has already been shot and recasting would be a major challenge, weve decided to allow Diljit to complete his work on this film, said Tiwari. Cocktail 2 is officially in the works, and fans of the cult 2012 film are already buzzing with excitement. Over a decade after the original movie introduced us to the iconic trio of Veronica, Meera, and Gautam, played by Deepika Padukone, Diana Penty, and Saif Ali Khan, director Homi Adajania is returning to the directors chair for a sequel that promises a fresh twist and a brand-new cast. The excitement soared on Saturday when Anaita Shroff Adajania, celebrity stylist and wife of the director, casually dropped a major hint on Instagram. Advertisement Sharing a photo of the script titled Cocktail 2, she captioned it with a teasing Let the prep begin. Though no official casting announcements are out yet. Advertisement While the storyline and official details are being kept tightly under wraps, whispers from Bollywood corridors suggest that Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna are being considered for the lead roles. Kriti Sanon, who is likely to be a frontrunner for one of the lead roles, has just wrapped up shooting for Anand L Rais Tere Ishk Mein opposite Dhanush. The film, positioned as a spiritual sequel to Raanjhanaa, is ready for release on November 28, 2025. The project reunites Rai with writer Himanshu Sharma and music maestro AR Rahman, with lyrics by Irshad Kamil. Meanwhile, Rashmika Mandanna is keeping busy with a slew of releases. Her recent film Kuberaa with Dhanush and Nagarjuna has already made waves, and shes also going to appear in the upcoming Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal Park. On top of that, she has signed on for an action thriller titled Mysaa. Shahid Kapoor, too, remains a favourite among audiences. He last appeared in Deva, directed by Rosshan Andrrews, and his intense performances continue to win praise. Six months after the government announced the decision to set up a new Central Pay Commission, there has been no real progress on the ground. The Eighth Pay Commission has not yet received an official gazette notification. The government has yet to name a Chairman or finalise the Terms of Reference (ToR) two crucial steps required to operationalise the commission. This delay has put the January 2026 rollout deadline at risk. Advertisement Following a meeting of Modis cabinet last January, there was an announcement to establish the Eighth Pay Commission. Central government employees voted in the last elections with this hope in mind. Recently, on behalf of the employee organisation, a letter was sent to the central cabinet secretary, T V Somanathan, expressing their dissatisfaction regarding the matter. Advertisement Following the cabinets announcement, members of the employee organisation had already begun calculating how much the basic salary and dearness allowance would increase for each individual. One member of the organisation stated that nearly six months have passed, yet the framework for the eighth pay commission has not been established. In other words, the process of selecting the chairman and members has not yet commenced. The announcement remains at the declaration stage until the central employees pay commission is officially established, as indicated by the issuance of the Terms of Reference notification. The current situation regarding the eighth pay commission has left central government employees exceedingly frustrated. According to the rule, a pay commission is established for central government employees and retirees every 10 years. The first pay commission in India was formed in 1946, which means its recommendations came into effect one year before the Independence in 1947. Since then, pay commissions have been constituted every decade. The seventh pay commission became effective from January 2016. However, despite the announcement, six months have passed without the formation of the eighth pay commission, which means the submission of their report, the governments review, and the implementation of a new salary structure will all be delayed. As per the regulations, the Eighth Pay Commission is scheduled to be implemented from January 1, 2026. However, since the pay commission has not been formed even in July, it will apparently not be possible for it to come into effect from January 2026. According to sources from the Central Government Employees Organisation, the National Council Joint Consultative Machinery has recently expressed its dissatisfaction in a letter to the Central Cabinet Secretary Somanathan regarding this matter. The letter stated that the government had sought advice and proposals from the Central Employees Organisation, which had been communicated to the government a long time ago. However, the government has yet to take any action concerning the formation of the pay commission. They have written in the letter that a commission typically takes about 16 to 18 months to submit its report, and thus, they had hoped for a similar timeline this time as well. They questioned the likelihood of the pay commission being established in 2026 which seemed to be gradually diminishing. Amidst the ongoing succession row, the Dalai Lama, on his 90th birthday, urged his followers to focus on achieving peace of mind and being compassionate towards everyone, to help make the world a better place. In a message posted on X, the Dalai Lama wrote that while it was important to work for material development, it was vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just towards near and dear ones, but towards everyone. Advertisement As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion. I develop determination and courage in my daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose aspiration I strive to uphold. As long as space endures, as long as sentient beings remain, until then, may I too remain to dispel the miseries of the world, his post read. Advertisement Wishing the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on his birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline. I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life, his post on X read. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who attended the celebrations in Dharamshala on Sunday, described the Dalai Lama as Indias most honoured guest. We feel blessed for his presence here in our country. Your holiness, you are more than a spiritual leader. You are a living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world, he said. As a devotee, and on behalf of millions of devotees across the world, I want to state that whatever decision is taken by His Holinesswithin the framework of established traditions and conventionswe will fully abide by it and follow the directions and guidelines issued by the institution of the Dalai Lama, he went on to add. In a post on X, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, On his birthday, I offer my warmest wishes to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. For years, he has preached peace, compassion and unity across the world and inspired millions of people to live a life of truth & simplicity. I pray to God to grant him good health and a long life. Demanding Bharat Ratna for his holiness, Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk wrote on X, 90th Birthday of HH Dalai Lama! AT 90 His Holiness has been in India longer than 93% of Indian population. He is a global Ratna & He is a true Bharatiya So as birthday gift Bharat can do itself great honour by conferring on him the #BharatRatna. The BJP on Sunday commemorated the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh and one of Indias foremost nationalist thinkers by organising tribute events across all 27 organisational districts of Jharkhand. The occasion was marked by discussions on his life, ideology, and contribution to Indias unity and development. Addressing a symposium hosted by the Dhanbad metropolitan unit, BJP state president and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi said, Dr. Mookerjee was a visionary nationalist, a profound thinker, an educationist, and a courageous political leader who sacrificed his life for the unity and integrity of India. He added that in the history of independent India, Mookerjee was the first leader to make the ultimate sacrifice for national unity. Advertisement Marandi strongly criticised the Congress party, accusing it of consistently following a policy of appeasement. Dr. Mookerjee always opposed Congresss appeasement politics. He believed in cultural nationalism and civilisational pride, not divisive compromise, he said. Advertisement Highlighting Dr. Mookerjees legacy as Union Industries Minister, Marandi credited him for laying the industrial foundation of modern India, citing the Sindri fertiliser plant as a landmark initiative of his tenure. He also invoked Mookerjees firm opposition to Article 370, calling him the earliest and most determined voice against the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir. He could not tolerate the idea of two Constitutions, two flags, and two heads of government in one nation, he remarked. Earlier in the day, BJP state organisation secretary Karmveer Singh led floral tributes at the party headquarters in Ranchi. Speaking on the occasion, Singh described Mookerjee as a master organiser and ideological pillar of the nationalist movement. By opposing the dual system in Jammu and Kashmir and embracing martyrdom, Dr. Mookerjee laid the foundation for one nation, one Constitution a principle that continues to guide us, Singh said. On the occasion of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjees birth anniversary, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid floral tributes at his statue on Sunday and remembered his invaluable contributions to nation-building. Hailing him as a visionary scholar, passionate patriot, and fearless voice for national unity, the CM noted that Dr Mookerjee, born on July 6, 1901, became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University at just 33, and dedicated his life to serving the country. Advertisement The CM emphasised that Dr Mookerjee s commitment to national unity and integrity remains unparalleled. He said, His leadership during the Bengal famine earned him widespread respect, and as the Food and Industry Minister in independent India under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he laid the foundation for food self-sufficiency and industrial growthpillars that continue to shape New India. Advertisement However, Dr Mookerjee resigned from the Nehru cabinet in protest against its appeasement-driven policies. He strongly opposed the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and the permit system, emerging as the first prominent voice of dissent. As the founding president of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, he laid the ideological foundation for nationalist politics and gave the stirring callEk desh mein do pradhan, do vidhan, do nishan nahi chalenge (There cannot be two Prime Ministers, two Constitutions, and two flags in one nation). The CM emphasised that Dr Mookerjee s vision was fulfilled under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who abrogated Article 370ensuring the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, in the true spirit of Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan, Aur Ek Nishan. He added that the region is now witnessing rapid development and progress, reflecting the realisation of Dr Mookerjee s dream of a united and empowered Bharat. He further added that under PM Modis leadership, India has emerged as a global investment hub. The industrialisation that Dr Mookerjee once envisioned has now taken a massive form. Even during the global pandemic, India stood strong, providing free ration to 80 crore peoplean initiative aligned with the ideals of welfare and self-reliance that Dr Mookerjee stood for. The tribute ceremony was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Dr Dinesh Sharma, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, and BJP leader Neeraj Singh, among other dignitaries. Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana said on Sunday that to facilitate the purchase of crops grown using natural farming methods, the state government has established a grain market in Gurugram. A laboratory has also been set up in the market to test the quality of the produce. Once the quality is assessed, a committee will determine the price and purchase the crop accordingly. Advertisement The agriculture minister was addressing a gathering as the chief guest at the 7th Fruit Festival Mela, organized at the Subtropical Fruit Centre in Ladwa on Sunday. Advertisement He formally inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp and planted a mango sapling on the centres premises. On the occasion, he felicitated 10 progressive farmers from the horticulture sector with 5,100 each, along with a trophy and a certificate of appreciation. The minister inspected various stalls at the Mela and gathered information from experts on different mango varieties. Rana said the state governments goal is to promote natural farming on one lakh acres of land in Haryana. Currently, natural farming is being practiced on 10,000 acres, and this number is steadily increasing. He informed the audience that the Subtropical Fruit Centre in Ladwa was established in 2016 under Indo-Israel collaboration. Starting with 10,000 saplings, the centre now prepares one lakh saplings annually for distribution to farmers. Research is being conducted on six crops, including mango, litchi, pear, peach, and chikoo. Scientists at the centre are also working on developing a mango tree whose fruit could fetch around 1 lakh per kilogram in the market. The minister further said that to increase farmers income and encourage a shift from traditional farming, 17 such centres will be established across the state, of which 11 have already been completed. Sub-centres for litchi in Ambala and strawberries in Yamunanagar will be set up soon. He emphasised the need for farmers to diversify beyond wheat and paddy cultivation into horticulture, fisheries, beekeeping, dairy farming, and other allied sectors. He noted that the state government consistently formulated new schemes for the benefit of farmers. If any issues arise during implementation, the schemes are revised to ensure maximum benefit to the farming community. Calling farmers a crucial pillar of the nation, he encouraged them to adopt modern and diversified agricultural practices. Under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, if farmers receive a price below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in the market, the government compensates the difference to protect them from financial losses. He concluded by stating that with new schemes aimed at boosting income across all sections of society, India is on track to become the third-largest global power by 2027 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the central government to explore the feasibility of opening the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) via the Shipki La route in Himachal Pradesh. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that the Shipki La region has served as a vital Indo-Tibetan trade route, predating modern borders. He said it has also been a cultural corridor for Tibetan Buddhism and ancient pilgrimage paths, reflecting Indias enduring civilisational ties to Kailash and Mansarovar. Advertisement He said that the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh, being semi-arid and situated in a rain shadow zone like Spiti, is less prone to monsoon disruptions, which keeps the route accessible for most of the year. He added that the path from Shipki La via Gartok towards Darchen and Mansarovar is comparatively shorter on the Tibetan side. Advertisement Sukhu said that Shipki La also offers a more stable and unambiguous corridor, making it well-suited as a long-term, dependable corridor for pilgrimage and cross-border connectivity. The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh has road connectivity up to Shipki La via Rampur and Pooh. He said that with focused development of base camps and supporting infrastructure, this route can be seamlessly integrated into the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra framework. Sukhu emphasised that the opening of this route would significantly contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the tribal people of Kinnaur, aligning with the governments vision for border development and tourism promotion under the Vibrant Village Programme. The Chief Minister said that the state government will extend all logistical and administrative support to the central government if the Shipki La route is opened for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Amid the controversy over a new RTI revelation that YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested in a spy case related to Pakistan, had come to Kerala at the invitation of the Tourism Department, Kerala Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas claimed that she ( Jyoti Malhotra) was invited to the state with good intentions and that the government had no knowledge of her alleged involvement in espionage for Pakistan. Riyas said here on Sunday that the government was totally unaware of Jyotis doings and asked whether anyone would seriously believe that a state government would knowingly invite a person accused of sedition to participate in an official event. He added that he is not afraid of false propaganda. Advertisement How is it possible for a state government to invite an accused charged with sedition? The government was totally unaware of Jyotis doings .However, I dont fear the smear campaign ongoing in social media, Riyas said. Advertisement Criticizing the media, Riyas openly said that news should not be reported without investigating the facts. Let those spreading falsehoods continue with their propaganda .We have nothing to fear, he said. A controversy has erupted after an RTI document revealed that YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested in a spy case related to Pakistan, had come to Kerala at the invitation of the Tourism Department. The government paid money to bring vloggers from the country, including Jyoti. Jyoti Malhotra had visited Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha and Munnar and had also prepared and released vlogs. She visited Kerala three months ago and captured footages of high-security areas , including the strategically-crucial Cochin Shipyard A recent Right to Information (RTI) document confirmed that Jyoti Malhotra, a vlogger from Haryana, who was arrested in a spy case related to Pakistan, had visited Kerala as part of a tourism promotion campaign. Her name appeared on the official list of 41 social media influencers engaged by the Tourism Department for promotional activities. Two groups of lawyers, and Gandhian preachers, on Sunday, joined the dharna being held here for the last two weeks to save Dol Ka Badh, a 100-acre urban forest grove in the Pink City. The protesters, affiliated with various social groups and NGOs, including the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), have also been holding a relay hunger strike for the past 10 days. Three activists took turns on Sunday to sit on a day-long fast to continue the relay hunger strike. Advertisement In an effort to create awareness among locals about the stir for a social and national cause the activists took out a procession (Prabhat -Fairy) in the morning in the nearby Sanganer town. Locals joined in the march in large numbers and also turned up for dharna in the afternoon. Advertisement Meanwhile, the organisers of the agitation approach a number of MLAs and other leaders to seek their support and participation in the agitation. They contacted sitting Lok Sabha MP from Sikar Amara Ram (CPM) and the BJP MLA from Nasirabad Ramswaroop Lamba. The CPM MP assured of his partys support and his participation in the stir. The agitation has been held for saving the forest grove, preventing cutting of around 2500 healthy trees and stopping construction work related activities that are going on for building a PM Unity Mall, Fintech Park and hotels in the 100 acre grove. Amid large-scale presence of the police and Central forces, Muharram processions were taken out in Uttar Pradesh. Tight security arrangements were made in the entire state with the police constantly patrolling the routes on which tazias are taken to the Karbala. There is a report of a minor clash during the Muharram procession in Kushinagar between two communities as the Hindu side alleged that the people involved in the procession hoisted Islamic flag in front of the Shiva temple. Advertisement Inflammatory songs and slogans were heard. A video of the scene was recorded and posted on social media. The police confirmed the detention of some youths. The case is of the Gulhariya of Khadda police station area. Advertisement Apart from this, there was a controversy over a procession in Tekuatar Bazaar of the Ramkola police station area of Kushinagar where an eight -year-old Ekhlak received head injury. In Pratapgarh, 13 people, including Uday Pratap Singh, father of Kunda MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya, were placed under house arrest for 40 hours for their opposition to the Muharram procession. According to a report from Saharanpur, one person died during treatment on Sunday morning while around 200 fell ill after consuming the food served by the Majlis of Muharram in the Nanaunata area. In Lucknow , more than one lakh people joined the Muharram procession. A Hindu religious leader, Swami Sarang, also joined the procession. In the state capital, the procession with tazias started from Victoria Street and culminated at the Talkatora Karbala after covering 5 km. Patanjali Yogpeeth founder and renowned Yoga Guru, Baba Ramdev, on Sunday launched Patanjali Dant Kanti Gandush Oil Pulling, a unique blend of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern scientific innovation. The launch event was graced by Acharya Balkrishna and office bearers of the Indian Dental Association (Uttarakhand Chapter), including President Dr. Rajeev Bansal, Secretary Dr. Vishwajit Walia, and Treasurer Dr. Vaibhav Pahwa. Advertisement On the occasion, Baba Ramdev said, This initiative by Patanjali marks a new milestone in the fields of Yoga and Ayurveda. Patanjali is not merely about treatment but is about offering the world a perfect synergy of culture, tradition, and science. Advertisement People today have forgotten how to cooperate with their own bodies. Through Yoga and Ayurveda, Patanjali aims to re-educate society. This dental product reaffirms the relevance of Indias ancient Sanatan wisdom in todays era just as it was thousands of years ago. Speaking at the event, Acharya Balkrishna shared that the product is the result of three years of relentless research and dedication by the scientists at the Patanjali Research Institute. He remarked, Dant Kanti Gandush Oil Pulling is not just a daily oral care ritual it is a therapeutic science that is urgently needed today. Citing Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, he emphasized that Gandusha has long been regarded as a vital component of oral health. In an age where dental issues are increasingly common, this product provides a natural, safe, and effective solution, he added, noting that it is the latest addition to Patanjalis well-established Dant Kanti range. Explaining the formulation, Acharya Balkrishna said the product contains tumburu oil that strengthens teeth and gums; clove oil that relieves tooth pain; mint oil that eliminates bad breath; eucalyptus oil possesses antibacterial properties that curb bacterial growth; and tulsi oil acts as an antimicrobial agent, protecting against decay and infection. He also announced that Patanjali will soon introduce a complete range of evidence-based dental care products, aimed at restoring the golden legacy of Ayurveda. Dr. Vishwajit Walia, Secretary of the Indian Dental Association (Uttarakhand Chapter), praised the extensive research being conducted by the Patanjali Research Foundation. The grand unveiling was also attended by Dr. Rajeev Bansal (President, IDA Uttarakhand), Dr. Vaibhav Pahwa (Treasurer), Dr. Kuldeep Singh (Head of Dental Department, Patanjali Hospital & Secretary, IDA Haridwar), Dr. Anurag Varshney (Vice President and Chief Scientist, Patanjali Research Institute), Dr. Gurpreet Oberoi (Treasurer, IDA Haridwar), along with several other esteemed dental professionals from across Uttarakhand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit, a key diplomatic event that unites leaders from major emerging economies. The summit will focus on strengthening global cooperation and addressing pressing global challenges. Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where I will take part in the BRICS Summit and later go to their capital, Brasilia, for a state visit on the invitation of President Lula. Hoping for a productive round of meetings and interactions during this visit, PM Modi said in a post on handle X on Sunday. Advertisement The BRICS summits theme this year is Strengthening Global South Cooperation for more Inclusive and Sustainable Governance. Advertisement Key agenda items listed in Modis programme includes discussions on reforming global governance structures to make them more inclusive and representative of emerging economies, exploring the potential of AI for sustainable development and addressing its ethical implications, deliberations on climate action, sustainable development, and the role of BRICS nations in addressing global climate challenges. Strengthening economic ties among BRICS nations, including trade, investment, and financial collaboration, and addressing global health challenges and promoting cooperation among BRICS nations in the healthcare sector are also part of Modis itinerary. Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with other leaders on the sidelines of the summit, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The meetings will focus on deepening the strategic partnership between India and Brazil in areas such as enhancing economic ties and exploring opportunities for mutual investment, strengthening defence cooperation, including joint development of Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, and collaborating on energy and technology initiatives, including renewable energy and space exploration. PM Modis visit marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brazil in nearly six decades. The visit aims to strengthen India-Brazil relations and explore opportunities for cooperation in various sectors. The official X account of global news agency Reuters has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand. It was not immediately clear whether the suspension request was made by the Government of India or a competent court. Advertisement The reason behind the move is also unclear at the moment. The news agency has not issued any official statement in response to the suspension of its X account. Advertisement The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, too, has not issued any statement on the matter that has since raised both curiosity and concern. India ranks 151st in the World Press Freedom Index, which is lower than countries like Bangladesh, Uganda, Libya and Somalia. Earlier this year, X (formerly Twitter) said that the Indian government had ordered it to block access to over 8,000 accounts, including some international news outlets, in India. A detailed statement issued by the social media giants Global Government Affairs stated that it withheld these accounts in India to comply with the executive orders, subject to significant fines and imprisonment of the companys local employees. However, the company expressed its disagreement, saying blocking accounts amounts to censorship of existing and future content and is contrary to the fundamental rights of free speech. Southern Assam is once again reeling under the crushing weight of monsoon disruptions, with the Barak Valley effectively cut off from the rest of the country due to collapsed road and rail networks. As rains lashed the region over the past few days, landslides in the LumdingBadarpur section and large stretches of damaged highways through Meghalaya have crippled connectivity, forcing thousands of residents into isolation. Advertisement The railway services, once heralded as a lifeline after the broad-gauge upgrade, have come to a grinding halt. Advertisement Incessant rainfall has triggered multiple landslides along the hill section between New Haflong and Jatinga Lampur, with debris blocking tracks and halting passenger services including SilcharSealdah Express. The Northeast Frontier Railway has issued statements indicating that full restoration might take up to 72 hours, though locals remain skeptical. Meanwhile, critical services such as examinations and job interviews have been affected, with the State Level Recruitment Commission (SLRC) forced to reschedule interviews for candidates from the region. Road connectivity is no better. National Highway 6, the only all-weather road linking Silchar to Shillong and Guwahati via Meghalaya, has deteriorated into a dangerous stretch marred by potholes, landslides, and traffic snarls. Vehicles remain stranded for hours near Sonapur as hill slopes continue to crumble under the pressure of rain and heavy freight. Alternative routes through NH-27 between Haflong and Silchar have proven to be equally unreliable, turning a routine journey into a grueling eight-hour ordeal. Adding to the regions misery is the recent collapse of a key bridge over the Harang River in Cachar district. The bridge, used for transporting essential goods to Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur, gave way under the weight of overloaded trucks in mid-June, completely severing ground connectivity to three northeastern states. Emergency ferry services have since been deployed, but these are sporadic and insufficient for the scale of need. With both road and rail routes compromised, the skies are the only way outand even that comes at a steep price. Flight tickets to Silchar have surged well beyond Rs 10,000, making emergency travel unaffordable for many. The situation worsened after Air India abruptly pulled out of Silchar on June 1, citing fleet rationalization, leaving just IndiGo and Alliance Air to operate on the route. The limited number of flights and soaring demand have sparked outrage. This is not an isolated incident but a pattern repeated every monsoon. For the people of Barak Valley, this annual cycle of disruption, isolation, and neglect has become all too familiar. Despite years of promises and partial attempts at development, including the proposed East-West Corridor through Jatinga and the Silchar greenfield airport project, the region remains perilously vulnerable. What is unfolding in Barak Valley is more than just a weather crisisit is a humanitarian and infrastructural failure. Students are missing critical exams, patients cannot reach hospitals, and daily wage workers are being pushed into economic distress. The lack of alternative routes, poorly maintained roads, and short-sighted planning have turned the monsoon into a season of dread for the valleys 40 lakh residents. Indias explicit endorsement of the Dalai Lamas announcement on the naming of his own successor marks a turning point ~ not just in the spiritual saga of Tibetan Buddhism, but in the geopolitics of Asia. For decades, New Delhi has walked a careful line on Tibet, offering asylum while avoiding overt political statements that might provoke Beijing. That caution has now shifted. By publicly affirming that only the Dalai Lama and his institution ~ the Gaden Phodrang Trust ~ hold the legitimacy to recognise his reincarnation, India has contradicted Chinas long-held stance. In doing so, it has not merely backed a religious process, but tacitly recognised Tibetan spiritual sovereignty ~ a concept Beijing has spent decades trying to erase. The Chinese Communist Party has consistently claimed that it alone has the authority to name the next Dalai Lama, citing archaic imperial traditions. But those claims have always rung hollow, particularly to the Tibetan community and global Buddhists. Reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism is not a bureaucratic appointment. It is a sacred process rooted in vision, virtue, and voluntary recognition ~ not state surveillance or political fiat. Union Minister Kiren Rijijus statement is all the more significant because it comes from a member of the central government, not a cleric or civil society actor. As a practising Buddhist, Mr Rijiju bridges political and spiritual domains ~ and his words carry weight in both. Advertisement Indias refusal to be silent now sends a strong signal: Tibets spiritual destiny cannot be dictated from Zhongnanhai. That India chose this moment ~ ahead of the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday ~ reflects a calibrated shift, signaling both respect for tradition and quiet confidence in its regional stance. Unsurprisingly, Chinas response was swift and sharp. Its foreign ministry warned India not to interfere in its internal affairs, even as it doubled down on branding the Dalai Lama a separatist. Yet this reaction only underlines Beijings discomfort ~ and its inability to control the narrative outside its own borders. This moment is not just about India or China. Advertisement It is about the future of Tibetan identity and the growing recognition that spiritual agency can become a form of geopolitical leverage. For too long, Tibets struggle has been portrayed as frozen in time ~ an exiled leader, a vanishing culture. But what we are witnessing is a subtle reassertion of that cultures ability to shape its own future. Indias support offers new momentum. It transforms what could have been a lonely spiritual stand into a broader assertion of cultural rights ~ not just for Tibetans, but for all stateless or displaced traditions fighting to maintain their authenticity. The coming succession battle will not just unfold in monasteries or press rooms, but in the quiet spaces where legitimacy is forged: hearts, minds, and unbroken beliefs. In choosing to speak now, India has shifted the terrain ~ and with it, perhaps, the future of the Tibetan cause. Bangladesh on Saturday sought the identities and case details of 36 Bangladeshi nationals recently arrested in Malaysia for their involvement in a radical movement and bringing extremist beliefs based on the Islamic State (IS) ideology into the Southeast Asian country. The government of Bangladesh is closely monitoring the developments, and the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is in close communication with the relevant Malaysian authorities, Bangladeshs Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Advertisement The Bangladesh High Commission will extend necessary support to the expatriate Bangladeshis wherever needed. Of the arrested/detained individuals, formal charges have been filed against five in Malaysian courts. The rest are in the process of either further investigation or deportation, the statement added. Advertisement Addressing reporters on Friday, the Malaysian Inspector General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail stated that the Bangladeshi nationals apprehended on June 27 had raised funds to support Islamic State (IS) cells in Syria and Bangladesh. We are still investigating the total funds collected by the group. We believe they collected funds through membership fees and donations from members. We believe they have between 100 to 150 members in their WhatsApp group. Initial investigations revealed each member is required to pay a Malaysian Ringgit RM500 yearly membership fee. However, the amount of donations given is up to the members, leading Malaysian daily The Star quoted the senior police official as saying. Thirty-six Bangladeshi men aged between 25 and 35 were detained in raids conducted in Johor and Selangor, including the cell leader. We discovered they were not planning any terror attack in Malaysia but were instead focused on recruiting members and spreading IS beliefs and ideologies. Five of them have been charged, 15 have been handed over to the Immigration Department, and the remaining 16 are still being investigated under Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma), he added. Last week Malaysias Ministry of Home Affairs, mentioned that the planned security operation to nab Bangladeshis began on April 24 and was carried out in three phases in the states of Selangor and Johor. In the operation, five of them were identified as being involved under Chapter VIA of the Penal Code and have already been charged in the Shah Alam and Johor Bahru Session Courts. Another 15 individuals have been issued deportation orders while 16 individuals are being investigated further regarding their involvement in this militant movement, read a statement issued by the Home Ministry. As a result of intelligence and coordinated action by the Special Branch Team, PDRM found that this group was bringing extremist beliefs based on the Islamic State (IS) ideology into the country They even established recruitment cells within their communities for the purpose of indoctrinating radical beliefs, collecting funds for terrorist activities, and toppling the legitimate government in their home country, the statement added. Malaysias Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasised that the country will not become a refuge, let alone a battleground, for any foreign extremist movement. Speculation is mounting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon visit Durgapur and address a public rally, following a sudden venue inspection and a closed-door meeting of top BJP leadership held in the city today. According to BJP sources, the Prime Minister is likely to visit West Bengal before the Trinamul Congresss 21 July rally in Kolkata. Advertisement Sources suggest that PM Modi may visit the state on 18 July. Advertisement A high-level BJP delegation, led by general secretary Jagannath Chatterjee, BJP central leader Satish Chandra Dhund, Durgapur West MLA Lakshman Ghorui, Bankura district president Prasenjit Chatterjee, Burdwan organisational district president Abhijit Ta, vice-president Chandrasekhar Banerjee, and several other senior state leaders, rushed to Durgapur earlier today. In the afternoon, the leaders visited and inspected the historic Nehru Stadium in Durgapur. Following the site visit, they convened at the BJP party office located at 31 Vidyasagar Avenue for a closed-door meeting. While the meeting did not officially confirm the Prime Ministers visit to Durgapur, BJP state general secretary Jagannath Chatterjee stated: A mega event is being planned in Durgapur. The venue was inspected today and the matter was discussed during our meeting. He added, With a new state president now in place, we are gearing up for next years Assembly elections with the goal of ending 15 years of misrule under the TMC government. A series of programmes will be organised in the lead-up. When asked directly about the PMs attendance, Chatterjee said, The Prime Minister is free to visit any part of the country and participate in political programmes. However, nothing has been confirmed as of now. Leaders from the BJP Yuva Morcha, as well as district and state-level functionaries, were also present at todays high-level meeting in Durgapur. Paank, the human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), has vehemently denounced the recent abduction of two Baloch youths from Hub Chowki, Balochistan, by Pakistani security personnel. A statement from Paank reported that on the night of July 4, Liaquat Mustafa, son of Ghulam Mustafa, and Umar Atta, son of Atta Baloch, both hailing from Mashkai, were taken during separate operations at their residences. Paank indicated that these operations occurred without search warrants or due legal process, with both individuals being escorted to undisclosed locations. The organisation stressed that Liaquat Mustafas case is particularly heartbreaking, as his father, Ghulam Mustafa, was also forcibly taken on January 15, 2016, and has not been seen since. This event points to a disturbing trend of targeting entire families over the years. Advertisement In a similar vein, Paank mentioned that Umar Atta had previously experienced enforced disappearance in 2016. After being released, he showed clear signs of severe physical and mental distress. His recent abduction underscores what Paank describes as a cruel cycle of impunity and governmental brutality in Balochistan. These kidnappings represent serious violations of human rights and international law, Paank asserted. The state of Pakistan continues to employ enforced disappearances as a method of oppression against the Baloch population. Advertisement Paank underscored that these enforced disappearances are part of a calculated strategy to suppress dissent and foster fear within the local community. The organisation called for the immediate and safe return of all four individuals and demanded an end to the collective punishment imposed on Baloch citizens. Additionally, it has urged all the international human rights organisations, the United Nations, and worldwide civil societies to break their silence and take definitive measures against the ongoing violations in Balochistan. Enforced disappearances have become a common method of the Pakistani state in Balochistan; we urge the international community to hold Pakistan accountable and to ensure justice for the victims and their families, Paank remarked. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has reported a wave of protests and strikes across Balochistan following the extrajudicial killing of Zeeshan Zaheer, a dedicated member of the BYC, by what the Committee describes as state-backed death squads. According to a series of posts on X by BYC, a complete shutter-down strike was observed on July 4 in Chaghi, Nokundi, and Dalbandin. Shops, markets, and public transport came to a standstill as residents protested against the killing of Zeeshan Zaheer and ongoing state repression in the region. The strike was organised in response to a call by BYC, which demanded justice and accountability. In Dalbandin, the strike was accompanied by a large protest rally led by BYCs local zone. Men and women marched through the streets, chanting slogans against extrajudicial violence and enforced disappearances. BYC stated that the rally reflected the publics growing frustration with the impunity granted to state forces operating in Balochistan. Advertisement A parallel protest rally was held in Nushki, organised by the BYC, Nushki Zone. Protesters there highlighted the personal tragedy of Zeeshan Zaheers family. His father, a victim of enforced disappearance since 2015, remains missing. Instead of returning the father, the state handed over the sons body, BYC wrote on X, calling the killing a chilling example of generational persecution in Balochistan. Advertisement The BYC emphasised that Zeeshans killing is not an isolated incident but part of a systematic campaign by Pakistani forces to crush political resistance and silence Baloch voices. The Committee reiterated its demand for international human rights organisations and the United Nations to intervene and investigate what it terms as institutionalised war crimes being committed in Balochistan. Balochistan has been the focus of persistent human rights concerns for decades. The region has faced cycles of violence involving separatist movements, heavy military presence, enforced disappearances, and economic marginalisation. These issues have drawn attention from human rights organisations, journalists, and international observers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, marking a significant milestone in India-Argentina diplomatic relations. Advertisement The meeting on Saturday took place as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties and five years since they elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. Advertisement We have covered significant ground in our bilateral relations, but we agree that the journey ahead is even more promising, PM Modi said in a post on X, highlighting the potential for further growth in areas like trade, agriculture, defence, security, energy, pharmaceuticals, and sports. Modi and Milei discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation, with a focus on increasing bilateral trade and investment. The two leaders explored opportunities for collaboration in agriculture and energy, including renewable energy sources. Modi and Milei emphasised the importance of defence and security cooperation, given the current global scenario. The leaders identified potential areas for cooperation in pharmaceuticals and sports, leveraging Indias expertise in these sectors. The meeting between PM Modi and President Milei underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen their strategic partnership. As India continues to grow as a major economic power, its relationship with Argentina is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of global trade and cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms in global governance at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi highlighted the importance of representing the interests of the Global South in decision-making processes. Global South has often been subjected to double standards. Whether its development, resource distribution, or security-related issues, the interests of the Global South have not been prioritized, Modi underlined. Advertisement At the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, addressed the session on Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance. Expressed my views on why the voice of the Global South is more important than ever before and why its essential that global institutions provide adequate representation to the Global South for their own credibility and effectiveness, PM Modi said in a post on X. Advertisement The institutions established in the 20th century do not adequately represent two-thirds of humanity. Without the Global South, these institutions are like a mobile with a SIM but no network, the prime minister said, asserting: Today, the world needs a new multipolar and inclusive world order. This must begin with comprehensive reforms in global institutions. PM Modi expressed Indias commitment to working with BRICS countries to contribute constructively to all issues. He welcomed Indonesias inclusion in the BRICS family and congratulated President Prabowo Subianto. The prime minister also stressed the need for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO, and multilateral development banks. He used a metaphor to drive home the point: In the age of AI, where technology is updated every week, its unacceptable for global institutions to remain unchanged for eighty years. 21st-century software cannot be run on 20th-century typewriters. The BRICS Summit provides a platform for India to advocate for a more equitable and representative global order. PM Modis participation underscores Indias commitment to multilateralism and cooperation among emerging economies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, held comprehensive delegation-level talks with Argentinas President Javier Milei, describing the meeting as excellent, adding that both countries had made significant progress in further enhancing the bilateral ties. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said: Excellent meeting with President Javier Milei of Argentina. We celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Argentina and 5 years since we elevated our relationship to a Strategic Partnership. We have made significant progress in our bilateral relations, but we both agree that the path ahead is even more promising. Advertisement During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to building an even stronger partnership. Advertisement PM Modi noted that while substantial progress has been made, the future holds even greater promise for collaboration. President Milei and I discussed how to diversify commercial ties, cooperation in agriculture, defence, security, energy, and more. There is a vast field of action in areas such as pharmaceuticals and sports, PM Modi wrote in another post on his official X account. The discussions focused on diversifying trade and enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, defence, energy, and security. PM Modi received a warm and enthusiastic welcome as he arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Friday, for a key bilateral visitthe third leg of his five-nation tour. Upon landing at Ezeiza International Airport, PM Modi was greeted by Argentine President Milei. The two leaders shared a heartfelt hug, reflecting the deepening friendship and strengthening strategic partnership between the two nations. Highlighting the need to broaden economic engagement, both leaders identified significant potential in emerging areas like pharmaceuticals and sports. PM Modi emphasised that these sectors represent untapped opportunities for mutual growth and innovation. The talks also underscored a shared commitment to leveraging each countrys strengths to promote inclusive development and contribute more actively to the Global South. Soon after his arrival in Argentina, Prime Minister Modi paid homage at the iconic San Martin Memorialan important symbol of national pride for the country. The monument honours General Jose de San Martin, the revered liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru, and stands as a tribute to Latin Americas historic fight for independence. PM Modis gesture underscored Indias respect for global freedom fighters and its shared commitment to liberty and sovereignty. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in advancing India-Argentina ties on both strategic and people-to-people fronts. PM Modis official visit, held at the invitation of President Milei, includes comprehensive bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in key areas such as defence, agriculture, mining, energy, trade, and people-to-people ties. The visit signifies Indias strategic intent to deepen its partnership with Argentina and expand its presence in the Latin American region. Earlier on Friday, the Indian community in Buenos Aires extended a grand welcome to PM Modi outside his hotel. The atmosphere was filled with cultural pride as members of the diaspora waved Indian flags, performed traditional dances, and chanted patriotic slogans like Bharat Mata ki Jai and Modi-Modi. The Prime Minister warmly interacted with the crowd and expressed his appreciation for their love and support. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, Distance is no barrier when it comes to cultural connect! Honoured by the gracious welcome from the Indian community in Buenos Aires. He further shared his enthusiasm for the visit, adding, Landed in Buenos Aires for a bilateral visit which will focus on augmenting relations with Argentina. Im eager to be meeting President Javier Milei and holding detailed talks with him. The visit not only highlights Indias growing global partnerships but also the emotional and cultural ties that unite Indians around the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, paid his tribute to the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires after concluding high delegation-level talks with Argentinas President Javier Milei. While paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi Father of the Nation of India here, PM Modi said that Gandhijis timeless vision and noble ideals will always guide humanity and taking inspiration from him India is committed to build a just and compassionate world. Advertisement Paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in Buenos Aires. His timeless vision and noble ideals will always guide humanity. All over the world, the thoughts of Bapu reverberate. They give strength and hope to millions. Inspired by him, we reiterate our commitment to build a just and compassionate world, PM Modi said in a post on his official X account. Advertisement Homage to Bapus timeless ideals of peace & non-violence. PM @narendramodi today paid respects at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bapus legacy remains an inspiration for many across the world, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post on X. PM Modi also paid his homage to legendary poet Rabindranath Tagore here, saying that India takes immense pride in the contributions of Tagore toward its history and culture, adding that his focus on learning and education is highly motivational. Paid homage to Gurudev Tagore in Buenos Aires. Gurudev Tagore had visited Argentina in 1924 and had left a lasting impression on the minds of many people in this nation, especially scholars and students. We in India take immense pride in the contributions of Gurudev Tagore to our nations history and culture. His emphasis on learning and education is also very motivating. the Prime Minister said on his official X account. Enhancing people to people ties & cultural understanding. PM @narendramodi paid tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore in Buenos Aries, Argentina. Gurudevs legacy continues to resonate with people in Argentina, offering wisdom and guidance on various aspects of life, MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal said in another social media post on X. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi commenced his official visit to Argentina by offering his tribute to General Jose de San Martin, Argentinas Father of the Nation. The Prime Minister visited Plaza San Martin and laid a wreath at the memorial, the MEA said in a press statement. He paid respects to General Jose de San Martin, recognising his enduring legacy as the liberator of Argentina and several other South American nations, the MEA statement added. India cherishes his contribution and the values he stood for. A road in New Delhi named after the Argentine hero continues to remind us of his legacy, the statement said. It stands as a shining symbol of the warm and friendly ties between the two nations, the statement added. PM Modis gesture underscored Indias respect for global freedom fighters and its shared commitment to liberty and sovereignty. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in advancing India-Argentina ties on both strategic and people-to-people fronts. Paid homage to General Jose de San Martin in Buenos Aires. His courage and leadership played a pivotal role in Argentinas history. His life remains a symbol of patriotism and determination for the people of Argentina. PM Modi said on X. Honouring the legacy of liberator and founding figure of Argentina. PM @narendramodi commenced his visit to Argentina with a solemn tribute at the memorial of General Jose de San Martin, Argentinas Father of the Nation, MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal wrote on X. Prime Minister Modi, on Friday, held comprehensive delegation-level talks with Argentinas President Milei, describing the meeting as excellent, adding that both countries had made significant progress in further enhancing the bilateral ties. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said: Excellent meeting with President Javier Milei of Argentina. We celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Argentina and 5 years since we elevated our relationship to a Strategic Partnership. We have made significant progress in our bilateral relations, but we both agree that the path ahead is even more promising. During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to building an even stronger partnership. PM Modi noted that while substantial progress has been made, the future holds even greater promise for collaboration. President Milei and I discussed how to diversify commercial ties, cooperation in agriculture, defence, security, energy, and more. There is a vast field of action in areas such as pharmaceuticals and sports, PM Modi wrote in another post on his official X account. The discussions focused on diversifying trade and enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, defence, energy, and security. PM Modi received a warm and enthusiastic welcome as he arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Friday, for a key bilateral visitthe third leg of his five-nation tour. Upon landing at Ezeiza International Airport, PM Modi was greeted by Argentine President Milei. The two leaders shared a heartfelt hug, reflecting the deepening friendship and strengthening strategic partnership between the two nations. Highlighting the need to broaden economic engagement, both leaders identified significant potential in emerging areas like pharmaceuticals and sports. PM Modi emphasised that these sectors represent untapped opportunities for mutual growth and innovation. The talks also underscored a shared commitment to leveraging each countrys strengths to promote inclusive development and contribute more actively to the Global South. PM Modis gesture underscored Indias respect for global freedom fighters and its shared commitment to liberty and sovereignty. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in advancing India-Argentina ties on both strategic and people-to-people fronts. PM Modis official visit, held at the invitation of President Milei, included comprehensive bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in key areas such as defence, agriculture, mining, energy, trade, and people-to-people ties. The visit signifies Indias strategic intent to deepen its partnership with Argentina and expand its presence in the Latin American region. Earlier on Friday, the Indian community in Buenos Aires extended a grand welcome to PM Modi outside his hotel. The atmosphere was filled with cultural pride as members of the diaspora waved Indian flags, performed traditional dances, and chanted patriotic slogans like Bharat Mata ki Jai and Modi-Modi. The Prime Minister warmly interacted with the crowd and expressed his appreciation for their love and support. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, Distance is no barrier when it comes to cultural connect! Honoured by the gracious welcome from the Indian community in Buenos Aires. He further shared his enthusiasm for the visit, adding, Landed in Buenos Aires for a bilateral visit which will focus on augmenting relations with Argentina. Im eager to be meeting President Javier Milei and holding detailed talks with him. The visit not only highlights Indias growing global partnerships but also the emotional and cultural ties that unite Indians around the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva with warmth as he arrived at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro to attend the 17th BRICS Summit on Sunday. The two leaders greeted each other with a handshake and a hug, setting a cordial tone for the high-profile gathering. Advertisement The summit will discuss reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. Advertisement As a founding member, India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. PM Modi emphasized Indias dedication to a more peaceful, equitable, and democratic multipolar world order. He is expected to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit, including with President Lula, to advance Indias diplomatic outreach. Grateful to President Lula for hosting this years BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. BRICS remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global good, Mr Modi posted on X. He also expressed his admiration for the Indian diasporas enduring connection to Indian culture, saying, Members of Brazils Indian community gave a very vibrant welcome in Rio de Janeiro. Its amazing how they remain connected with Indian culture and are also very passionate about Indias development. The BRICS Summit holds significant importance for India, as it will assume the BRICS Chairship next year. India last held the chairship in 2021, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the grouping. The Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) newly-appointed state president, Shamik Bhattacharya has wasted no time making his political intent clear. In his first Press address after becoming new president of BJP, sharp political message on Saturday, Bhattacharya appealed to Trinamul Congress (TMC) workers to abandon the ruling party and join the BJP, claiming that the greatest threat to TMC workers today comes not from rivals but from within their own ranks. TMC is killing TMC, he said, pointing out a string of violent incidents in recent years. Most of the murders in the past three years have involved TMC men killing TMC men. If they dont leave now, they risk losing not just property, but life itself. Bhattacharya, known for his measured tone and cross-party acceptance within the BJP, also reiterated his support for Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. The position of the opposition leader is a cornerstone of democracy. Yet, the ruling party and its administrative machinery are continuously trying to corner and attack him, he remarked, accusing the states leadership of undermining democratic norms. Advertisement In a move seen by many as both symbolic and strategic, Bhattacharya has broken away from an unspoken tradition in Bengal BJP. At his first Press conference held at the partys headquarters on Muralidhar Sen Lane, the new state chief refused to have his own image placed in the backgrounda usual practice for state presidents. Instead, a large cutout of the partys lotus symbol was prominently displayed. Sources within the party say Bhattacharya has categorically stated: It is not the face that matters. It is the symbol, the party, which comes first. Advertisement As summer kicks in, a new flying species swarm Ukrainian skiesmaking cities dangerous, even unliveable. The threat comes from Russias newly invented drones, immune to jamming. Penetrating Ukrainian airspace with near impunity, these kamikaze drones bomb border supply and troop convoys, even entire neighbourhoods, enabling the Kremlin to capture more territory than it has in the past yearwithout extra boots on the ground. Necessity is the mother of invention. Russia invented jamming-proof Gerbera drones because 80 per cent of their attack drones were destroyed by the Ukrainians who intercepted their radio signals. So, Russia replaced interceptible wireless digital communication with undetectable analog fibre-optic cables that tethered the drone to a vehicle parked near the frontline. Attached to the drone is a lightweight cylinder from which unspools thin optic-fibre cable as it fliesup to 20km into Ukrainian territory. In the vehicles, drone-controllers guide the camera-equipped, cable-connected Gerbera to chosen targets and detonate. Unless the cable breaks in mid-flight, Gerbera provides high-quality video until impact. Imaging: Deni Lal To move forward, Russia took a step back to the ancient goatherd concept of tethering. Devoid of signals, Gerbera escapes detection. Russia deployed Gerbera squadrons to recapture Kursk and destroy Ukrainian border infrastructure. Located 10km from the frontlines, Ukrainian logistics hub Kostyantynivkas pre-war population of 65,000 has dwindled to 8,000 due to relentless Gerbera attacks. Forecasting a summer in hell, Russia bombarded Ukraine one night in its biggest-ever attack with 500 drones and 60 missiles. Gerbera is a game-changer, the way Ukrainian drones were when war began in 2022, say milbloggersa sub-species of military bloggers who report from the warfront. The combat-tested, cost-effective, fly-by-wire Gerbera can be deterred only by physically shooting down or entangling them. Like in an aviary, key frontline Ukrainian buildings and routes are now covered in tunnels of netting to ensnare encroaching drones. But there are videos of Gerbera sneaking and flying under the net. Deception, diversity and adaptation are fundamental to survival. As in nature, so in war. Like Covid-variants, Russia has diverse drone variants. They include cheap dummy look-alikes of imported Iranian Shahed drones. Made of plywood and plastic and using 4G SIM for Wi-Fi connection, they drown, distract and deceive Ukrainian air defence systems, tricking them into wasting expensive anti-aircraft ammunition. Half the drones involved in major attacks are decoys. Meanwhile, deep-strike drones are upgraded with jet engines, enabling them to fly faster and higher with bigger payloads. Sounds Trumpian, but this is true. Russian analogue tactics persist. Troops dismount chunky, sitting duck tanks to ride pesky motorcycles; foot soldiers crawl bombed fields to ambush camouflaged Ukrainian trenches. Authorities and elders find drones annoying; kids love them. To teach children to operate drones, the Kremlin plans to lower age restrictions from 10 to seven. War is the laboratory of innovation. As Gerbera swarm battlefields, Ukraine races to invent its drone variants and countermeasures. In this cat-and-mouse technological warfare, Ukraine is labelled the nimble innovator and Russia the lumbering war machine. They are. But Gerbera shows Russia can be a nifty ninja too, like its leader. The Russian-Ukrainian drone death-dance is a manifestation of Leelathe cosmic play described in Hindu scriptures. Rivalry, threat, loss and recovery spiral in the evolutionary interplay of creation and destruction, survival and extinction. Man and machine adapt. The next generation of AI-drones will forever transform warand peace. The global military-industrial complex swells. Hi-tech soars. Low-tech lingers. An urban legend states that Americans spent millions to make a pen that could write in zero-gravity space. Russians used pencil. Pratap is an author and journalist. All of last week, our countless new fashion media companies and content creators have gone dizzy with delight broadcasting all the Indian references at Europes famous fashion week. The worshipped Italian label Prada presented its menswear show in Milan with models wearing Kolhapuri slippers. Louis Vuitton in Paris referenced so much of India, (Snakes and Ladders on the runway, Bijoy Jain as a model, and A.R. Rahman on the front row, with his music playing live) they should have just had their show at our Gateway. Ed Sheeran dropped a gorgeous new earworm in collaboration with our own rockstar Arijit Singh, and with superstar Shah Rukh Khan making a special appearance. Has India arrived? Nope. Why? Because it never went anywhere anyway. India has long been referenced by too many European fashion houses and luxury brands. Cartier famously made jewellery for Indian royals, much of which is still displayed in museums and celebrated as its most iconic pieces. Christian Dior, Chanel (Karl Lagerfeld), Yves Saint Laurent and Dolce & Gabbana have referenced India in some collections. Louis Vuitton, under the great Indophile Yves Carcelle, commissioned dresses and scarves made from vintage Benarasi saris in 2010 designed by Marc Jacobs; I hold on to mine so sentimentally. Hermes launched a limited edition of silk saris for India in 2011. Christian Louboutin, another great lover of and consistent visitor to India, is often inspired by Indian designs in his collection, even collaborating with our very own Sabyasachi. And H&M had capsule collections across all its international stores first with Sabyasachi and then Anamika Khanna. Louis Vuittons Snakes and Ladders runway | Instagram@louisvuitton Our labels often showcase at international fashion weeks: Manish Arora was a regular two decades ago and a real toast to crazy kitschy India in Paris. He had opened his own store just off Rue St Honore, collaborated with Nespresso, Mac, and a whole host of big-ticket international brands then. Rahul Mishra and Gaurav Gupta are now seasoned Paris Fashion Week-ers, dressing international celebrities like Beyonce. Last week alone, the fabulous young label Kartik Research showed its collection at the Paris Mens Fashion Week. RKive and Countrymade, two young labels I discovered only last year, have showrooms in Paris. Lauren Sanchez carried an Indian purse (Ahikoza by Namrata Karad) to her wedding, Ed Sheeran just purchased a Jaipur Watch Company timepiece (founder Gaurav Mehta says it underscores the potential for Indian design to resonate with international audiences), Manish Malhotra dressed Beyonce and Gucci made a sari-gown-lehenga spritz for Alia Bhatt. But what does this new focus on India, especially by Dior (with their splendid show in Mumbai in 2023), Prada and Louis Vuitton, signal? That India is an important market. That India, the worlds largest democracy and fifth largest economy, needs to stand up and consider itself as a major market. That it cannot thump its chest in political chauvinism on the one hand, and ask for concessions and increase tariffs on the other. If one discounts jewellery and watches, and bridal wear, India has no great numbers to speak of in the world of luxury fashion. If one further discounts Louis Vuitton, Hermes and maybe Dior, no other European luxury label has any numbers to boast of from India. What does India look like to the western brand? A giant marketplace but with small potential. A difficult place to do business thanks to difficult and ad-hoc policies. A confused and contrarian consumer where western labels are concerned, but one that reveres its local brands. Some good, some not. But a worthy country to tease and tantalise one more time. X@namratazakaria OFTEN, MAGICAL THINGS happen when a man dedicates his life to a cause bigger than himself. While this weeks cover story is about one such man, the actual tale is about two wonderful women. On the 90th birthday of His Holiness Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, THE WEEK looks at two women who lit this lighthouse in the east. And let me assure you that it is not easy to find an untold story about one of the most revered Buddhist monks in the world, but Chief of Bureau (Delhi) Namrata Biji Ahuja did just that. On behalf of THE WEEKs readers, may I wish the Dalai Lama good health and happy years ahead. To me, the Dalai Lama represents not just spiritual heights, but an enduring resolve and firm commitment to his people. This commitment, however, carries significant political implications vis-a-vis China. Only today, he issued a statement affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue. And, he has clarified twice in the statement that the process to recognise the next Dalai Lama will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, effectively excluding China without naming it. This is significant, considering that the Vatican has had an agreement with Beijing regarding the appointment of bishops since 2018, which was extended in 2020 and 2024. It is also a measure of the Dalai Lamas worldwide appeal that Nancy Pelosi, the former speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and Hollywood star Richard Gere spoke to THE WEEK for this issue. Closer to home, the Tibetan government-in-exiles views are reflected in the interview with Sikyong Penpa Tsering, head of the Central Tibetan Administration. In another article, Photo Editor Sanjay Ahlawat looks at the raptors of Jorbeer, 12km from Bikaner, and a man committed to these birdsDr Jitendra Jitu Solanki. Though his research was on snakes, Jitu is dedicated to raptors now. And, interestingly enough, Jitus birds come from lands where the Dalai Lama has followersMongolia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and parts of central and south Asia. From the Big Apple, where the Dalai Lama has been feted many times, our contributor Lavina Melwani writes about another voice that has America dividedDemocratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. It is only in vibrant polities that heated debates take place, and personally, I would prefer a little heat to a dictatorship with sheeple who go wherever power guides them. Senior Correspondent Shubhangi Shah spoke with Union Minister Annpurna Devi, who oversees the ministry of women and child development. I was hooked by two things: first, the minister spells her name differently from other Annapurnas, and second, her strong statement about a shift from womens development to women-led development. Finally, we come to one of my favourite articles in the issueChief of Bureau (Chennai) Lakshmi Subramanians story of Velu Asan, a parai exponent, who had never heard about the Rashtrapati Bhavan before a bureaucrat called to inform him that he was being honoured with the Padma Shri for devoting his life to a cause greater than himselfthe parai, a percussion instrument that was stigmatised and associated with communities once deemed untouchable. Asan told Lakshmi that parai literally means speak. And that is what THE WEEK tries to do and exhorts its readers to do. To speak up. As a reporter, I had the misfortune of covering two airline accidents. One, Indias worst ever; the otherpardon me for saying sothe best ever. First about the best ever. To beat a pilots strike in 1993, Indian Airlines had wet-leased foreign airplanes, complete with crew, to fly domestic routes. One such bird, an Uzbek Air Tupolev-154 flying in from Hyderabad piloted by a Russian, crashed in Delhi on a foggy January morning. I reached the airport, still fog-thick, within an hour and half of the crash, and joined the crowd of scribes. We were briefed by airline staff, airport managers, and civil aviation worthies. They gave us all the basic info they hadthe plane, its age, the crew, the passengers, the approach path, the glide path, the limit of visibility, the traffic at the hour, the various categories of fog landing, and what they knew had happenedthe plane had veered to the right on touch-down, the right wing scraped the asphalt, the plane tilted, the tail broke away. Next they ferried us to the wreck, let lensmen click from a safe distance, and answered more queries. Imaging: Deni Lal Why did I call it the best ever? Because all the 165 passengers and 13 crew members lived to tell us tales. We had even some comic relief. As we were being briefed on the tarmac, there walked in a middle-aged sardarji flashing his boarding pass and looking for his luggage in the mangled wreck! The other is a tragic taleof Indias worst ever. A Saudi Boeing-747 taking off from Delhi with 300-plus passengers collided with a chartered Kazakh Air Ilyushin-76 coming in to land with 30 people around 6.40pm in November 1996. A colleague and photographer rushed to Charkhi-Dadri village where the wreckage had fallen; I was assigned to do the airport and DGCA rounds. At 9.30pm, three hours into the crash, civil aviation director-general H.S. Khola briefed us with whatever he knew at that hourabout the pax, the crew, what had happened at what moment, the flight path, the glide path, why planes landed and took off in the same direction, and even about the lack of airborne collision avoidance system (ACAS) in most planes. Four days later, aviation secretary Yogesh Chandra, flanked by Khola and others, held a detailed briefing. They played the recording of the trialogue between the ATC and the two planes, and also gave us copies of its transcript. That gave us a total picture of what had happenedwhich plane was where at which moment, how many nautical miles, who was asked to climb, who was asked to stay course, who was to descend, how many feet, how each was alerted about the other, why the same corridor was used for entry and egress, lack of a double-directional runway, how various radars work, how ATC handles vertical and horizontal separation, what are oclock positionseverything and anything about airplane navigation and ATC management. We left the hall feeling like rookie aviators. Khola also made a public vowby next year-end he would ensure no plane lands on terra firma indica without ACAS. The man kept his word, making Indian airspace collision-free. Why am I telling these old scribes tales? Because, India has had the second worst air disaster three weeks ago and we are still groping in the dark. There is no official word yet except the first days basic press statement from the DGCA, and snatches of info given out afterwardssuch as who would probe the crash, where would the black box be checked, and so on. The result? Armchair experts and fake newsmakers are ruling the roost, and saturating the air space. prasannan@theweek.in A team of technical experts arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to assess and repair the stranded UK F-35B fighter jet. The fighter jet, which continues to be stranded in Kerala after making an emergency landing due to a technical issue, was towed to the Air India hangar at the airport. "Stranded F-35B British fighter jet being moved to the hangar from its grounded position. A team of technical experts on board the British Royal Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to assess the F-35 fighter jet. The F-35 jet had made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14," mentioned an ANI tweet. #WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Stranded F-35B British fighter jet being moved to the hangar from its grounded position. A team of technical experts on board the British Royal Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to assess the pic.twitter.com/bL9pGrJzIs ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2025 Also Read | UK's F-35B aircraft still stuck in India. Will this affect global demand for the world's most advanced fighter jet? A British High Commission spokesperson in a statement confirmed the arrival of the engineering team at the airport. It was also informed that the UK has accepted the offer of a space in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility of the airport, and is in discussions to finalise arrangements with relevant authorities. Also Read | China wanted a 'live lab' to test weapons; ensured Pakistan had 'live updates' on India's vectors during Operation Sindoor: Deputy COAS "The UK remains very grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams," the British High Commission statement added. The jet, worth over USD 110 million and known to be one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, made an emergency landing in Kerala on June 14. The aircraft is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group of the UK's Royal Navy. Also Read | What are '36 Stratagems', China's ancient warfare wisdom, applied even today? 'Borrowed knife' is one of them The first look of Ranveer Singh's upcoming feature, Dhurandhar, was released on the occasion of his 40th birthday. Directed by Uri: The Surgical Strike fame Aditya Dhar, the film is touted as an action epic, with Ranveer sporting a rugged look, complete with long hair and beard. The action-heavy first footage also revealed actors R Madhavan (unrecognisable), Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, and others. Strangely enough, Ranveer had removed all his previous Instagram posts to post the first look of this film, released at 12:12 pm, Sunday. Jio Studios and B62 Studios are backing this film written by Aditya Dhar himself, and produced by Aditya Dhar, Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar. Dhurandhar, set for release on December 5, 2025, is reportedly an espionage thriller set in the 1970s across India and Pakistan, with Ranveer Singh playing an undercover agent. On the same release date, Prabhas-starrer The Raja Saab, a horror-fantasy-comedy, is also arriving in theatres. Yami Gautam praised her husband Aditya's hard work in an Instagram post sharing the teaser. "Your tireless hardwork, grit, talent , patience & journey is nothing short of a film in itself !!! This teaser echoes your love for cinema & audience!!! Congratulations my love !!! Proud of you," she wrote. It was earlier speculated that he was playing real-life senior intelligence official Ajit Doval, but the first teaser confirms that R Madhavan is playing this character. The big-budget entertainer is said to be a cinematic, big-screen-friendly chronicle of the early days of Doval. Jio Studios captioned the teaser: "Uncover the story of unknown men and their unstoppable fight!" Ranveer was last seen in Rohit Shetty's multi-starrer Singham Again as ACP Sangram "Simmba" Bhalerao, alongside wife Deepika Padukone and actors Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor. As for Ranveer's next after Dhurandhar, he is expected to begin filming for Farhan Akhtar's Don 3 in October 2025. There are also unconfirmed reports of the actor returning for a sequel to Gully Boy. For the benefit of the holistic well-being of the people, the Delhi government is set to launch a 4-tier dedicated mental health programme. The programme will focus on the mental health issues of children, the working class and senior citizens by offering teleconsultation, counselling, OPD and a referral system where specialised psychiatric intervention, if needed, is provided. Also Read | Why is WHO urging countries to implement a 50% price hike on sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco? In a bid to tackle the rising cases of stress and anxiety across age groups, a comprehensive mental health programme under the AYUSH intervention will help people of all ages. Many people hesitate to speak about mental stress. Through this platform, they can reach out anonymously and seek help without fear or stigma, said Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh. Also Read | Will AI replace doctors? Microsoft says its tool can diagnose illness 4 times faster than medicos At a time when many are facing stress and mental health issues, from school children to senior citizens, this dedicated programme provides a helpline, and interested people can book a time slot to speak with a counsellor. If the counsellor feels that in-person help is required, the case will be referred to OPDs at Ayush hospitals. There are currently four such teaching hospitals in Delhi: Karol Bagh, Defence Colony, Najafgarh and Nanak Pura. The service will be anonymous, accessible and rooted in traditional systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani, he said, adding that this will be the first focused mental health initiative under Ayush and it will support people at every stage, from a phone call to a consultation, and even hospital-level care if needed, reported PTI. Also Read | Could issues with the womb lining be the hidden cause of recurring miscarriage? RJD MP Manoj Jha has challenged the Election Commission's (EC) controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the Supreme Court ahead of the Bihar assembly polls. The Commission directed the immediate implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list across Bihar, a few months before the assembly elections. What is Special Intensive Revision? In an attempt to weed out ineligible names and ensure only eligible citizens are included in the electoral rolls, the EC introduced the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar on June 24. EC mentioned that while voters were required to "submit their documents anytime before July 25, 2025", those who failed to do so would get an opportunity "during the Claims & Objections period also". As per the commission, the exercise was necessitated by rapid urbanisation, frequent migration, young citizens becoming eligible to vote, non-reporting of deaths, and inclusion of the names of foreign illegal immigrants. The opposition in Bihar raised objections to the EC's move, and netizens flooded social media with posts about the revision. TMC MP Mahua Moitra alleged that ECI's order for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar was intended to deprive the bonafide young electorate from voting in this year's polling, and the panel's next target would be West Bengal. AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the SIR was a "conspiracy by BJP-RSS to snatch away the voting rights of Dalits and other deprived sections". Punjab-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was recently arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan, had visited Kerala on an invitation from the state government, an official document has revealed. According to a response to a Right to Information (RTI) application, Jyoti was among the 41 influencers sponsored by the Kerala Tourism Department as part of its social media promotion. The document has further shown that Jyotis visits to Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha, and Munnar were funded by the state. In response to the RTI query, the tourism board has shared the whole list of influencers with whom it collaborated between January 2024 and May 2025. The 33-year-old YouTuber, who hails from Punjabs Hisar, was arrested on May 16 and booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police said Jyoti was in contact with some people, aware that they were Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIO). Its not immediately clear whether she had access to any military or defence-related sensitive information. Jyoti was also allegedly in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistani High Commission, since November 2023. India expelled Danish on May 13 for allegedly indulging in espionage. Police claimed the Pakistani agencies were developing her as an 'asset'. The YouTuber's arrest was part of an intense crackdown launched by security agencies on the Pakistan-linked spy network in India in the wake of Operation Sindoor. India carried out air strikes on the terrorist hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack, sparking an intense military conflict between the neighbouring countries. After the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 civilians, were killed, Jyoti posted a video in which she suggested that the attack was the result of complacency on the part of the government as well as the tourists who were not alert. It is suspected that this video was her attempt to influence the public opinion. Jyotis YouTube channel (Travel with JO) and Instagram accounts have 3.77 lakh subscribers and 1.33 lakh followers respectively. Shravan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, is considered the most sacred for the worship of Lord Shiva. The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust has announced a series of measures for the convenience and safe passage of devotees, anticipating huge crowds. Firstly, there is a complete ban on special request (protocol) darshans from July 11 to August 9. Cautioning people against falling prey to any kind of broker scam for availing a special darshan through brokers, the Trust urged devotees not to stand in the queues on an empty stomach, as this could be a long wait and would adversely affect their health. The main routes into the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham are gate #4 at the Nanduferiya entry route, the Silko entry route, Dhundhiraj entry route, the Saraswati Gate entry route, and a route via the Bhairav Dwar/Lalita Ghat. However, in view of the rising water levels of the Ganga, the entry of devotees from the Lalita Ghat may be temporarily restricted. ALSO READ | Lakhs of devotees witness Bahuda Yatra, Lord Jagannaths return journey, in Puri Aartis will take place on all four Mondays of the month of Shravan. The aarti on July 14 will see Babas movable idol decorated, whereas the one on the following Monday involves the Gauri Shankar (Shankar Parvati) Shringar (deity dressing ritual). The third Monday of Shravan will see an aarti involving a shringar of Ardhanarishwar, while the Monday after that will have an aarti with a Rudraksh Shringar. On August 9, however, a special aarti will be conducted, coinciding with the appearance of a full moon, which will involve a jhula (swing) shringar. Personal items like bags, mobiles, pens and metal items will not be allowed at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham during the month of Shravan. Devotees have been requested to leave these at home, since free baggage counters at the Dham will not be operational during this period, due to the excessive crowd. Medical teams will also be deployed in the vicinity of the Dham, with necessary medical equipment and a team of doctors to be stationed at the Arogya Medical Centre, which is run by the Trust. Also, in addition to existing security forces, private security personnel will also be deployed around the Dham. Owing to the excessive crowd, lost and found centres will be established at six places around the entire Dham. These six spots are at temple courtyard, Shankaracharya Chowk, gate #1 (the Ganga Nix Gate), gate #2 (the Saraswati Gate), gate #4 (the main entrance) and the Lalita Ghat. For the elderly and children, as well as those who are disabled, free rickshaws will be operated from Godowlia to Maidagin. A doctor of Indian origin who died in a light aircraft crash off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah last year, will be honoured by building two mosques in Uganda. Dr Sulaymaan Al Majid died after the sightseeing light aircraft piloted by a Pakistani woman crashed soon after the take off. Building or contributing to the construction of mosques is considered a form of Sadaqah Jariyah, or ongoing charity, in Islam. The campaign was started by his friends and colleagues in the UK who put up posters with QR codes calling on worshippers to honour his legacy. His Majid Mukarram told Khaleej Times the family was amazed to see how students contributed to the cause. "The funds raised have made it possible to build two mosques now, instead of one, in Uganda," he said, adding that the construction is expected to be completed before Hajj next year. Dr Sulaymaan was born and raised in the UAE and was the eldest of three brothers. He was a clinical fellow at the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust in the UK and was actively involved with the British Medical Association. He was also a prominent voice for the Palestinian cause and in medical advocacy. He played a pivotal role in pushing for the term junior doctors to be replaced with "resident doctors". Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, appeared in public last night, for the first time since the start of the 12-day war with Israel last month, following weeks of speculation about his health and safety. State television broadcast footage of the 85-year-old leader attending an Ashura ceremony at the Imam Khomeini Mosque in Tehran, where hundreds of supporters responded with emotional chants and patriotic songs. Khameneis reappearance comes after an unprecedented period of absence from public view during the most intense military conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States in recent years. Reports from Iranian and foreign sources claimed the cleric had taken refuge in a secure underground bunker with minimal access to outside communications, raising questions about his condition and the stability of Irans leadership. During the conflict, both Israeli and American leaders openly discussed targeting the Iranian leadership. US President Donald Trump described Khamenei as an easy target, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, when asked if eliminating the supreme leader would escalate the war, said it would instead end it. According to intelligence leaks, an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei was considered but ultimately not approved. Khamenei broke his silence last week in a brief video message following US airstrikes on Irans nuclear facilities. But his prolonged absence from official functions had no precedent in his 35-year rule, fuelling speculation of either illness or immediate danger. Yesterday, however, Khamenei walked into the annual Ashura ceremony dressed in a black clerical robe and checkered kaffiyeh. The audience, including Irans vice president, justice minister and parliamentary speaker, stood up, chanting Heydar, Heydar, a traditional Shia slogan. Khamenei did not speak publicly but sat alone on a chair beside the stage while other officials sat on the floor. Footage showed him turning to Mahmoud Karimi, a popular religious vocalist known for his Ashura performances, and whispering a request. Karimi returned to the microphone to announce that the supreme leader had asked for a rendition of the patriotic anthem Ey Iran, a song that gained renewed popularity during the recent conflict. As Karimi sang, Khamenei beat his chest in rhythm with the crowd, many of whom appeared visibly moved. Iranian media devoted extensive coverage to the event, portraying the leaders return as a sign of resilience. The ceremony coincided with Ashura, Shia Islams most solemn religious observance, marking the martyrdom of the Prophets grandson Hussein in 680 CE. In Iranian history, Ashura has often served as a vehicle for political messaging, from the 1979 revolution to protests in recent years. Khameneis appearance follows a warning from President Trump, who said on Friday that the United States would not tolerate any Iranian attempt to restart its nuclear programme. If they did start, thered be a problem. We wouldnt allow that to happen, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. Iranian top commander and chief of the IRGC emergency military command (Khatam al-Anbiya) chief Ali Shadmani, stayed in his post only for four days before an Israeli airstrike targeted him. Israel's calculated attack baffled Iran, it decided not to publish the name of the new emergency military command, only for Israel's spy agency, Mossad, to announce it within hours. Now, Shadmani's daughter, Mahdieh Shadmani, has come forward to narrate how her father was killed despite him following every security protocol, including ditching all communication methods. Mahdieh's post on Instagram came amid allegations that Israel used WhatsApp to track down its targets in Iran. "My fathers location changed every few hours. He carried no smart devices or phones. Security protocols were followed, yet during his time commanding the war headquarters, he was repeatedly targeted for assassination by Israel," Mahdieh wrote. She added that Shadmani was not in uniform when he was killed. "At the time of his assassination, he was wearing plain dusty clothes without military insignia," Mahdieh. Her statement dispels the allegations that the chat software was used by Israel to track down its enemies, at least in Shadmani's case. #BREAKING Crowds fill the streets of Hamedan, western Iran, for the funeral of Lieutenant General Ali Shadmani, who was martyred in an Israeli attack. pic.twitter.com/chGSHqwwh2 Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) June 29, 2025 Shadmani was appointed the chief of Khatam al-Anbiya after Maj. Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid was eliminated in the opening strike of "Operation Rising Lion" on June 13. He was the brain behind Iran's purchase of advanced Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia as part of its plan to modernise its ageing air force. Following rumours that WhatsApp was used to track down Iranian targets, the Islamic Republic had urged Iranians to delete the app. WhatsApp denied the accusation, and alleged that such rumours and statements could be limited to information inside Iran. In a satirical dig at global, multilateral institutions, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday compared them to an obsolete 20th century typewriter, saying that these institutions had not updated themselves even once in eighty years for the 21st century. Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil, Modi addedfor a second time since 2024that the Global South was at a disadvantage due to these institutions that have not provided an adequate voice to two-thirds of humanity. The expansion of BRICS clearly shows that BRICS is an organization capable of changing itself with the times. Now, we need to show the same resolve for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO, and multilateral development banks. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025 He also explained that the Global South faced vicious double standards from these institutions in matters such as climate finance, security concerns, sustainable development, and access to technology, despite contributing significantly to the world economy. ALSO READ | Where is Xi Jinping? Chinese premier's absence comes amid BRICS stand against 'unilateral tariffs', Donald Trump's harsh criticism For global peace and prosperity, BRICS nations must adopt a clear and unified stance on overcoming terrorism. On a subject like terrorism, there is no room for double standards! If any country provides direct or indirect support to terrorism, it must pay the price for it. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025 He even connected this to the issue of terrorism, saying that "on a subject like terrorism, there is no room for double standards!" "There must be absolutely no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists ... For global peace and prosperity, BRICS nations must adopt a clear and unified stance on overcoming terrorism ... If any country provides direct or indirect support to terrorism, it must pay the price for it," he declared. He emphasised that it was not only a matter of fairness in representation, but also of the credibility and effectiveness of global institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and various multilateral banks. Without the Global South, global institutions are like a mobile phone that may have a SIM but no network, Modi had pointed out. Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had presented these very concerns on the Global South just a year ago at the third iteration of the Voice of the Global South Summit, where they had called for a revision of these organisations, amid concerns of obsolescence and ... polarisation. In India's case specifically, frustration at the denial of the Global South also comes amid the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approving a sanction of $2.3 billion to aid Pakistan in May, despite New Delhi's claims that these debt financing fundswhich Islamabad had said would be used for economic developmentwould be used to fund state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, as per a statement from India's Ministry of Finance. However, India's plea that fell on deaf ears. In response to the devastating Pahalgam attack of April 22 (for which Pakistan was blamed), India had conducted a series of precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, which further led to 88 hours of cross-border tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, after which a ceasefire was announced. ALSO READ | PM Modi walks the tightrope at BRICS: Is India's 'strategic autonomy' under strain? At the BRICS Summit, which sees Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping absent, Modi also praised the expansion of the bloc comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and a few other nations. However, US President Donald Trump, whose punitive tariffs are on the BRICS agenda, has earlier dismissed the bloc's relevance, declaring that 'BRICS is dead', going on to strongly caution the bloc's members against de-dollarisation. This criticism, as well as ongoing trade talks between US and various nations (including India) make it difficult for a united BRICS statement condemning America directly, although a statement working around these constraints is expected. American entrepreneur Elon Musk announced his new political party, the 'America Party', on Saturday to "give back" the United States its freedom. Musk, once a close ally of US President Donald Trump, had fiercely opposed the latter's ambitious 'Big, Beautiful Bill', which Musk believes will bankrupt the country. The American techpreneur said the US has a uniparty system when it comes to graft. "By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it! When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste and graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom," Musk announced through X, the social media platform he owns. Quoting Greek history, Musk said, "The way were going to crack the uniparty system is by using a variant of how Epaminondas shattered the myth of Spartan invincibility at Leuctra: Extremely concentrated force at a precise location on the battlefield." Musk, responding to a X user, said the party would contest the elections "next year", referring to the 2026 midterm US elections. Well start small, contesting key seats in 2026 to flip the balance, not 2028, the American tech giant said. According to reports, Musk's party is likely to target a handful of attainable House and Senate seats and aims to be the decisive vote on major issues amid the thin margins in Congress. In an earlier tweet, Musk said the party would "laser-focus" on two to three Senate seats and upto 10 House seats. Musk, who once headed Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, strongly opposed Trump's tax bill and said it would make America bankrupt. Trump rejected Musk's opposition, saying he was upset as the new bill would end a tax credit for consumers purchasing electric vehicles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brazil on Sunday on a four-day tour, as part of a state visit and to attend the 17th BRICS Summit. Brazil is the fourth leg of his five-nation tour. Prime Minister Modi landed at Galeao International Airport on Saturday evening (local time). On his arrival, the prime minister tweeted, "Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where I will take part in the BRICS Summit and later go to their capital, Brasilia, for a state visit on the invitation of President Lula. Hoping for a productive round of meetings and interactions during this visit." External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal tweeted India is "committed to BRICS partnership." Modi was greeted with chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" upon his arrival at the hotel by Indian community. The prime minister also briefly interacted with members of the Indian community gathered at the hotel. Modi will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7, followed by a state visit, for which he will travel to Brasilia. It will be the first bilateral visit to the country by an Indian prime minister in nearly six decades. The prime minister arrived here from Argentina, where he held wide-ranging talks with President Javier Milei and agreed to diversify two-way trade and ramp up cooperation in defence, critical minerals, pharmaceutical, energy and mining sectors. Modi had visited Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina as part of his five-nation tour. After Brazil, the prime minister will next travel to Namibia. In his departure statement, Modi said that as a founding member of BRICS, India is committed to the bloc as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. A Texas man bled to death after he nearly cut his arm off trying to save his family, including two children, from the devastating flash floods that swallowed their home. Julian Ryan punched through a window of their trailer home in Ingram, which was filling quickly with water, so that his family could escape, but the impact cut his arm off so badly that he bled to death immediately, according to local news outlet KHOU. Ryan was huddled in the bedroom of their home with his fiancee Christinia Wilson, and the couples 6-year-old and 13-month-old children when the Guadalupe River began to breach its banks. The couple and Ryan's mother were at the home when the surging water woke them up at 4 am on Friday. They lived at their house near the river. NEW: 27-year-old man dies saving family from Texas Hill Country floodwaters "Im sorry, Im not going to make it. I love yall" Christinia Wilson and her fiance Julian Ryan were at home in Ingram when floodwaters from the Guadalupe River began rising early Friday morning Wilson pic.twitter.com/jJJu7NlUy0 Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) July 5, 2025 Christinia Wilson said that within 20 minutes, the water was up to their knees. "It just started pouring in, and we had to fight the door to get it closed to make sure not too much got in," Wilson said. However, the pressure of the water was too much that the door of the bedroom burst open flooding the room. That's when Ryan decided to break open the window. He punched a hole in a bedroom window, severing an artery in his arm. The impact almost cut his limb "clean off", the family members said. Though Wilson repeatedly called 911, the rescuers could not get to their home to save Ryan. "By 6 (a.m.), he looked at me and the kids and my mother-in-law and said, 'Im sorry, Im not going to make it. I love yall," Wilson said. Their trailer broke off in half in the impact and the family led to safety without Ryan. "He died a hero, and that will never go unnoticed," Ryan's sister, Connie Salas, said. It took rescuers several hours to retrieve Ryan's body. The family believe flood sirens could have saved lives. "Everybody would've been worried -- what's that noise?" Wilson said. "We would have left. We would have gone anywhere else. We had so many places that were safe," she added. The death toll in the flash flooding at Texas's Kerr County touched 51 on Saturday, including 15 children, many of whom were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer retreat for girls. As many as 27 girls who were attending the camp are missing as water from the Guadalupe River slammed their camp in a historic flash flood. While rescue operations continue, many are searching for what may have caused the tragic incident, though flooding is nothing new to the Hill Country region of Texas. Some took to social media platform X's AI tool Grok to find out what may have caused the devastating incident. Shockingly, Grok pointed its finger at none other than its founder, Elon Musk. T o the question who is responsible for the 27 young girls who are still missing in floodwaters at Camp Mystic, Grok replied: "Trumps NOAA cuts, pushed by Musks DOGE, slashed funding 30% and staff 17%, underestimating rainfall by 50% and delaying alerts," the AI bot replied. "This contributed to the floods killing 27, including 20 Camp Mystic girls. Facts over feelings," Grok continued. God damn. Grok just said, yep, Trump and Elon killed those girls. ryjkyj (@ryjkyj) July 5, 2025 Grok was apparently referring to the cut at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which lost around 600 staff members after being targeted by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Musk. To another user's question on whether "events like this continue and be more intense if climate change continues to be ignored by the right? Short answer", Grok replied: "Yes, climate models from IPCC and NOAA project more intense flooding in Texas due to warmer air holding more moisture, exacerbating events like this. Ignoring itregardless of politicswon't stop the trend; global emissions cuts are needed". This came as Elon Musk said last week that he was planning to revamp his AI chatbot after some answers given by the AI chatbot were not to his liking. This came as Grok began to give answers that undercut Musk's far-right beliefs. "We will use Grok 3.5 (maybe we should call it 4), which has advanced reasoning, to rewrite the entire corpus of human knowledge, adding missing information and deleting errors," Musk posted to X. Last month, Grok gave a false response to a question on X asking whether a post, purporting to be from Musk, read: "just like I took your wife", in reference to White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and his wife Katie Miller. Katie was one of the staff at Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. After Musk quit DOGE, Katie left with him to work for full time with the entrepreneur's various ventures. Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh recently confirmed on Friday that Turkey had provided substantial support to Pakistan during the recent fighting with India. He said that Bayraktar drones (Turkish unmanned vehicles) and military experts were also deployed, enabling Pakistan to accurately identify the position of the Indian forces. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had also shown support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, which was Indias response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Meanwhile, during a recent visit to Athens, Indian Air Force Marshal VR Chaudhari met with his Greek counterpart. Greek media reports say that the countries have signed an agreement on defence cooperation, with India agreeing to supply Greece with its Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM). Indias Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh is in Greece. pic.twitter.com/8A9ec1bdIf Paul Antonopoulos (@oulosP) June 24, 2025 The news of Greece acquiring weapons from India has created unease in Ankara. The missile deal could possibly rewrite the dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean, according to The Diplomat. An article by TR Harber suggested that Greece was acquiring the missiles and seeking operational insights from Indias Operation Sindoor to prepare for an offensive against Ankara. Why is Turkey worried about Greece acquiring missiles from India? India has been slowly expanding its presence in several West Asian countries, particularly Greece, Cyprus, and Armenia. The Greek City Times dubbed it Indias new West Asia quad to counter Turkeys influence. Recently, New Delhi sought the help of Armenia to evacuate its citizens stranded in the Iran-Israel conflict zone, strengthening its ties with the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited Cyprus to improve bilateral relations. The recent visits to these three countries and improved engagement have positioned India as a constructive regional partner to counter Turkeys regional influence, according to Massis Post, an Armenian outlet. The Aegean dispute and the history of Turkey-Greece relations Turkey and Greece have had a long history of disputes over maritime borders in the Aegean Sea. The sea is bordered by several countries, making it a complicated process to determine the delimitation of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). Both Turkey and Greece have argued over maritime territories and airspace and have competed over gas reserves and the right to exploit these resources in the sea. Greece cites the UNCLOS to extend its maritime claim up to twelve nautical miles, which is also the extent of the area claimed by its islands. Turkey is not a signatory to the convention. The country responded by sending out exploration vessels into the disputed waters, further intensifying the tensions. According to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Greece claiming twelve nautical miles would mean that they would acquire about 71.5 per cent of the Aegean Sea, leaving Turkey with only 8.8 per cent. According to the ministry, this extension would deprive Turkey of its basic right to access the high seas. In addition to the Aegean Sea dispute, the countries have also accused each other of violating international conventions and claiming more national airspace than is permitted under the framework of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Another claim Turkey has made is that Greece has been training and conducting military activities on demilitarised islands in the Aegean Sea, violating their status. The demilitarised status of these islands was agreed upon in the 1923 Lausanne Peace Treaty. Turkey claims that Greece has been violating the treaty's terms since the 1960s. Greece responded by asking Turkey to respect its sovereignty over islands such as Rhodes, Kos, Lesbos, and Chios and its borders, as well as its right to self-defence. Ekathimerini reported that Greece has watched warily as Turkey gains more influence in Europe and tries to obtain F-35 fighter jets from the US. Recently, Turkish President Erdogan said that Greeces concerns about our defence steps are groundless and meaningless and that Turkey is not a threat to any country that does not threaten its security, interests, or act with hostility. Turkeys other disputes Turkey has also had maritime border disputes with Cyprus. The country illegally occupied parts of northern Cyprus in 1974. The territory has not been recognised internationally as Turkish and has caused concerns about the countrys territorial ambitions, according to The Greek City Times. Thank you Cyprus! This visit will always be remembered for the positive outcomes for India-Cyprus friendship. Here are some highlights. pic.twitter.com/dy7qJjbDRq Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2025 Turkey also showed support to Azerbaijan during the Nagorno-Karabakh war, in which Armenia was defeated. The country turned to India for crucial defence supplies. Amid the growing relations, there have been calls for India to acknowledge the 191516 Armenian genocide during World War I in the Ottoman Empire. Exclusive interview/ Penpa Tsering, Sikyong, Central Tibetan Administration As the Dalai Lama turns 90, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is stepping up efforts to counter Chinas claims over his reincarnation and rally global support for religious freedom. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, head of the CTA, reflects on the exile communitys journey, the Dalai Lamas enduring legacy, the Indian support and the challenges ahead. Tsering outlines plans to train a new generation of Tibetan advocates and highlights fresh momentum in the global push for a negotiated solution with China. Edited excerpts: Q. How do you reflect on the journey of the CTA over the years, and what is your message to the exile community? A. The CTA, under His Holiness the Dalai Lamas leadership, has transformed the Tibetan exile community into an exemplary democratic polity over the past 66 years. Despite early challengessuch as adapting to Indias climate and managing the needs of 80,00085,000 refugees with no prior skillsHis Holiness laid the foundation for a democratic system in the 1960s. His vision culminated in devolving political and administrative responsibilities in 2011, empowering Tibetans through elected leadership, including the Sikyong. This has enabled us to sustain our movement and take the cause forward. Politically, His Holiness has been a pragmatist, introducing the Middle Way policy in 1973 during the Cultural Revolution, a period when China destroyed over 6,000 monasteries and caused the deaths of 1.2 million Tibetans. This policy seeks a non-violent, negotiated and mutually beneficial solution for genuine autonomy, ensuring the survival of Tibetan civilisation. My message to the exiled community is to uphold His Holinesss legacy of compassion and unity, with our youth driving the movement forward through platforms like the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Groups (V-TAG). Q. What are the biggest challenges for the CTA in terms of political recognition, funding and engaging the younger generation born outside Tibet? A. Politically, the primary challenge is Chinas resistance to genuine autonomy, despite His Holinesss shift from seeking independence to the Middle Way. Internally, we bridge the divide between independence advocates and Middle Way supporters through V-TAG, uniting Tibetans across 27 countries. On funding, the US aid cuts have impacted us, though political support remains strong. I have engaged with the US Congress, the state department and embassies to restore funding, and we remain patient yet proactive. Engaging the youth is critical, as many are born outside Tibet and are migrating to North America, Europe and Australia. This creates challenges in schooling and cultural preservation. Through V-TAG, international youth forums and workshops, we aim to train 1,000 leaders over a decade to sustain the movement for the next 4050 years. Q. How has the relationship between the CTA and New Delhi evolved? A. We are deeply grateful to India, our parent, for providing refuge. Indias relationship with China is complex, marked by incidents like Galwan and the Brahmaputra dam project, suggesting cautious progress. We align our interests with Indias, maintaining transparency without expecting India to prioritise Tibet over its national interests. Leaders from Himalayan statesSikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakhand Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will join the birthday celebrations, signalling continued support. This reflects the close cultural and religious ties we share with India, particularly in Himalayan regions. Q. How does the CTA engage the global Tibetan diaspora? A. While Dharamsala remains the heart of our movement, hosting global delegations and sustaining cultural and political activities, I have visited 80 per cent of the Tibetan communities worldwide, with plans to complete a second round, ensuring emotional connection despite physical distance. We have reached 37 settlements across 10 Indian states and two Union territories. Social media and institutionalised relations with other governments keep the diaspora engaged and informed, ensuring continuity for future generations. Q. What gives you the most hope for the Tibetan movement? A. The youth are our greatest hope. With 750800 registered in V-TAG and annual youth forums, we are training future leaders. Our goal is to prepare 1,000 leaders over a decade to sustain the movement for 4050 years. My message to the youth is to stay inspired and engaged, as their energy will carry the Tibetan cause forward, even if the Sino-Tibet dispute persists. Q. How do you address the concerns of those advocating for independence while promoting the Middle Way approach? A. The Middle Way is the official policy, supported by His Holiness and the CTA for its non-violent, practical approach. V-TAG unites independence advocates and Middle Way proponents, allowing them to jointly advocate for Tibet while respecting differing views. Cultural preservationour language, rooted in Devanagari, and Buddhism from the Nalanda traditionunites all Tibetans. We are proud to be a repository of ancient Indian wisdom, transcribing Sanskrit and Pali texts from the 8th to 13th centuries. Q. Is there a need for India to issue a statement supporting the Dalai Lamas authority on reincarnation, similar to the US? A. We are working with governments to secure policy statements on religious freedom and reincarnation. While I will not preempt specific actions, I am confident India will stand on the right side of history. Exclusive interview/ Richard Gere, actor For Richard Gere, the boundary between acting and real life has been deeply revealing. As an actor, I construct emotions to tell a story, he says. This response once made the Dalai Lama laugh, as just as we manufacture emotions in acting, we get caught in the illusion that the emotions of daily life are somehow more real, he says. His empathy goes beyond feeling others painhe works to remove their suffering. Hes developed the skill and wisdom to actually help. In Buddhism, this illusion is the root of suffering. Were like magicians conjuring the universe but forgetting its a trick, Gere recalls the learning. In his own life, Gere, 75, finds clarity by regularly stepping back from the role of Richard itselfa character, he admits, that exists only as long as he gives it energy through his Buddhist teachings, meditation and understanding emotions better. When emotions like anger or jealousy arise, recognising the self as an illusion softens their grip, he says. Excerpts from an interview: Q. How did you receive the teachings of the Buddha when you first encountered them, both philosophically and emotionally? A. The teachings of the Buddha are incredibly vast, offering in-depth answers and advice for any issue or problem. The core message, particularly emphasised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is emptinesseverything lacks inherent existence. This is completely counterintuitive to our habitual belief that things exist solidly on their own. Thats the root of our problems. Even the self is just a subjective experience, not an inherent reality. As a young man, perhaps even as a teenager, I sensed the world wasnt as solid as it seemed. There was a dissonance between my experience and what I intuitively knew to be true. In my late teens and early twenties, I explored various traditionsSufism, Hinduism, and othersbut the words of the Buddha, especially Zen Buddhism, resonated deeply. Thats when I began meditating in earnest. Q. Your transition from western philosophy to Tibetan Buddhism seems organic. How did thinkers like Bishop Berkeley or Sartre shape your understanding of emptiness in the Buddhist sense? A. Its all part of exploring the nature of the mind, regardless of the system. Buddhism offers a two-winged approach: the wisdom aspect, which examines the mind itself, and the purification of emotions, with the highest being altruism, kindness, love and compassion. Western philosophers like Bishop Berkeley, with his subjective idealismthe idea that the world is a mental projectionalign closely with the Buddhist Chittamatra, or mind only view. Its a step towards understanding emptiness, though not the ultimate view. What struck me was the realisation that the world and even the self are mental constructs, unfindable in any solid sense. Q. Can you share your experience of meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the first time? What stayed with you? A. I was a practicing Zen Buddhist and had read works like the Evans-Wentz books, including the biography of Milarepa, which I found as profound as Greek mythology. My impulse to connect with Tibetan Buddhism led me to Dharamsala in 1981 or 1982, during the monsoon. It was a challenging journeyan overnight train from Delhi to Pathankot, then a six-hour drive. Dharamsala was nearly deserted, with few places to stay. I ended up staying with the Dalai Lamas younger brother Ngari Rinpoche and his wife Rinchen Khandro-la, who were incredibly generous. After two weeks of immersion in the Tibetan community, I had my audience with His Holiness. I had this romantic notion that hed wave a hand and Id be enlightened. Instead, he was down-to-earth, trying to find a connection with me. He asked about my acting, probing whether I was really crying, laughing or feeling pain in my roles. Those questions stuck with me because, as an actor, I construct emotions to tell a story, paralleling how we manufacture emotions in life without realising it. His gentle kindness made the meeting meaningful, and I left with a sense of his vast wisdom. Divine connect: Richard Gere attends the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday celebrations at Dharamsala on June 30 Q. Youve mentioned His Holiness laughing during your meeting, especially about emotions in acting. Can you elaborate? A. He found it amusing that I made my living creating illusory emotions, yet couldnt see the parallel to life. In Buddhism, were like magicians conjuring the universe but forgetting its a trick. Were lost in our own illusions. His laughter came from recognising that my work as an actorcrafting emotions and storiesmirrored this deeper truth about reality. Q. Were there moments when His Holiness got upset with you? A. Hes so committed to helping people that if youre not on the same wavelength, hell try to snap you into it. He has vast ideas about disarmament, governments acting differently, and everyone taking responsibility for electing leaders who reflect our truest selves. Anything that obstructs that vision can make him short, as hes passionate about creating real change. Q. Working in the emotionally demanding worlds of film and activism, how do you maintain clarity and balance with the Dalai Lamas teachings? A. By unravelling the idea of a self, everything transforms. Im a beginner, but I remind myself that this Richard is a construct, existing only as much as I give it energy. Everyone else is doing the same, living in an illusory world. When emotions like anger or jealousy arise, recognising the self as an illusion softens their grip. It helps me see the world as less threatening, not out to hurt me. Q. Youve suggested karma, not chance, brought you to Tibetan teachers and their cause. Do you see this as part of a larger responsibility or an unfinished past? A. I assume theres a deep connection from a previous lifetime. This lifes connection to Tibetan Buddhism has been so powerful and central that I wont be thinking about movies on my deathbedIll be thinking of my teachers. Its an incredible gift, likely earned through some past value, to be close to someone as extraordinary as the Dalai Lama. Q. What would you say to critics who are cynical about public figures engaging in spiritual practice? A. Everyone, regardless of their job, is seeking to remove suffering and find happiness. Were all equal in that pursuit. It doesnt matter if youre a public figure or notspiritual practice is about addressing universal human needs. Q. As we celebrate His Holinesss 90th birthday, has your perception of him changed over the years as a student and friend? A. My perception hasnt changed, but as I grow softer and perhaps wiser, I better appreciate the vastness of his mind and commitment. His bodhisattva vows are so comprehensive that no one is excluded. His dedication to helping all beings equally becomes more impressive to me over time. Q. How do you incorporate his teachings into your daily routine, especially in a demanding profession? A. Im a householder, like you, with kids. My wife and I get them ready, take them to school, and manage daily life. I try to meditate early in the morning or after dropping the kids off. Beyond that, I enjoy reading, thinking, playing music, and creative pursuits like writing. My day involves picking up the kids, playing with them, reading to them, and collapsing into bed exhausted, just like most parents. A daily meditative practice helps me balance lifes ups and downs, as even the Dalai Lama has themhe once said hes happy about 90 per cent of the time. Q. Youve seen His Holinesss empathy. How does his example inspire you? A. His empathy goes beyond feeling others painhe works to remove their suffering. Hes developed the skill and wisdom to actually help. Ive seen him greet thousands of refugees escaping Tibet, listening to their stories and weeping with them. Thats not just empathy; its a commitment to action. Q. With so much suffering and conflict in the world today, what message should the global community take from the Dalai Lama? A. Violence and anger lead nowhere. We need to take a deep breath, step back, and listen. Most people we see as bad have been damaged, but everyone is retrievable. His Holiness emphasises responsibility over prayers aloneyou have to act to change the world. His life balances action with a strong contemplative practice, showing us how to make a difference. Exclusive Interview/ Nancy Pelosi, former speaker, US House of Representatives When Tiananmen Square survivor Wuer Kaixi met his longtime friend and former speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan three years ago, he brought her chocolates, knowing of her fondness for them from their shared history dating back to Chinas 1989 crackdown on students. A strident critic of Beijings communist government, Pelosi calls it a thug regime that treats its own citizens in a genocidal manner. Speaking to THE WEEK from Washington, DC, the Democratic stalwart representing Californias 11th congressional district says she could not understand how a government could roll tanks over its own young people. Pelosi says her commitment to human rights deepened after an early meeting with the Dalai Lama, which she describes as a moment that felt like being on top of the world. That encounter, she says, has shaped a lasting personal and spiritual bond. She speaks of the Dalai Lama as someone of great spirituality and values, and says that simply being in his presence is both spiritually and personally enriching. According to Pelosi, her fierce criticism of Chinas treatment of Tibetans has not gone unnoticed by the Dalai Lama. She recalls how he would tell monks that they had to pray to rid her of her negative attitudes. Pelosi has led bipartisan efforts in Congress to support the Tibetan cause, which she says is one of the rare issues on which the Democrats and the Republicans are in agreement. She has appreciated Indias longstanding support for the Tibetan cause and has thanked the Indian government for the hospitality extended to the Dalai Lama. Reflecting on the Dalai Lamas legacy, Pelosi says, Only one person can be His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. His legacy will live forever. Edited excerpts from an interview: Q. What did it mean to you visiting the Dalai Lama last year in India? Could you tell us about your conversation with him? A. It is always an honour to visit His Holiness. This is not my first visit to Dharamsala. Every time we go, we like to bring a bipartisan group of members to strengthen the support in Congress for His Holiness. It is very bipartisan, both in the House and in the Senate. Just being in the presence of His Holiness is something that is very spiritually strengthening and personally enriching. Just the anticipation of it, the reality of it and further appreciation of it later is life-changing. Q. You have known the Dalai Lama for decades. How has your relationship with him influenced your worldview? A. His Holiness is a person of great spirituality and values. He has taught many of usthrough his teachings, his writings and simply by being the person that he isthat we have to be more understanding of each other. He once said of me to some of his monks, We have to pray that we rid Nancy of her negative attitudes, after I criticised the Chinese government for how they treat people in Tibet. So, it is always a lesson learned, and the goodness of His Holiness is something from which all of us, who have been exposed to his teachings, his writings or his conversations, benefit. Q. You once said the Dalai Lamas legacy would live forever, while that of Chinese President Xi Jinping would be forgotten. A. It is really important for people to know that a person of the calibre of His Holiness is truly a blessing to the world. Anybody can be a thug and treat people in a genocidal way, as far as the Uyghurs are concerned, or crush democracy in Hong Kong, or undermine the culture, the language and the religion of Tibet. Any thug can do that. But only one person can be His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. His legacy will live forever. Xi and his actions will be in the dustbin of history. Q. What difference has the Resolve Tibet Act made for Tibetans? A. We are very proud of the Resolve Tibet Act because it is a codification, a statutory insistence on what our policy has been. It is an enhancement of US support for Tibet, empowering the state department more strongly to counter disinformation about Tibet from the Chinese. It is important to have new legislation from time to time to counter the horrible things that emerge that are different from before. The Chinese government is engaged in disinformation about Tibetrejecting false claims that Tibet has been part of China since ancient timeswhile we push for negotiations without preconditions between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama. It is a further reiteration of that. And again, to have recognition and respect for the democratically elected leaders of Tibet now that His Holiness has given up that political role. It is so clear, although it may not be clear to the Chinese government, what is right. That has never been their path of action. But every time we have a vote, it is overwhelming. Hardly anybody ever votes against what we are doing. So, it is a unifying thing for us in Congress, [for both] Democrats and Republicans. We dont agree on a lot of things, but we do agree on Tibet. And it brings us together, whether it is legislation on the floor of the House or the Senate, whether it is in welcoming ceremonies for visitors from the Tibetan government outside of Tibet, or whether it is visits to His Holiness in Dharamsala or visits with him when he comes. It is very unifying because His Holiness is very unifying. He teaches us to respect each other. Q. You have stood up to China since Tiananmen Square. What has shaped your long fight for human rights? A. Human rights have always been part of my value system. Just a few months after I got to Congress, I had the privilege of meeting His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. My colleague Tom Lantos, who was head of our commission that dealt with human rights, brought me to a meeting with him. He explained what he had just recently receivedthe Nobel Peace Prize. His Holiness was the first person to receive it where the testimonial was not only about human rights but also about the environment, which is a human rightclean air, clean water and the rest. For me, this was like being on top of the world to meet His Holiness. I have always been interested in human rights because I respect the dignity and worth of every person. We are all Gods children, and I just dont understand how a government, like the Chinese government, can roll over their young people in tanks and then just have governments say, Never mind, we have got to have commerce. That is why I have said that if we ignore human rights violations in China for commercial reasons, we lose all moral authority to fight against human rights concerns in any country. Q. China wants to control the Dalai Lamas reincarnation. What could be the response of the United States and the international community to Beijings attempts to impose its own Dalai Lama? A. If the Chinese government were to decide on the succession, it would be like the president or the prime minister of Italy choosing the next pope. Nobody would accept that. But the Chinese know that if they were to choose and get away with that, there would be a great reduction in the authority of whoever they choseand that is good for them. So, it has nothing to do with religion. It has everything to do with politics. It would be most shameful. So, we dont knowGod willing, His Holiness lives to be more than a hundredbut it has to be clear who is in charge of that succession, and it is not the Chinese government. Q. The Dalai Lama has spent most of his life in India. How do you view Indias role in preserving Tibetan identity and supporting the spiritual legacy of the Dalai Lama? A. Whenever I am in India, I always congratulate and thank the Indian government for the hospitality extended to His Holiness. The response I have received from India when I say that, under different prime ministers, has been, We appreciate you saying that, but this is who we are. And that is so beautiful. What is lovely is that when we go to Dharamsala, we get a lovely welcome from the children and the people there. They are flying American flags, Tibetan flags and Indian flags. Q. With rising global conflicts and wars, how can Tibet avoid being forgotten on the world stage? A. I dont think it is hard to imagine anyone else in the worldwell, perhaps the popewith the moral authority that His Holiness has. Again, he wants to rid me of my negative attitudes because I criticise China for their violations of human rights and other atrocities. However, his message is the stronger one. And thats the message of unitynot impatience, not tolerating violence. If we listen to what he has to say, we will learn that the path to peace is more conciliatory than more demanding. His moral authority is unsurpassed in the world. And part of that is because people understand that he is respectful of the dignity and worth of every person. Q. How can we keep the Dalai Lamas message of peace and compassion alive today? A. One of the things we are doing is celebrating his 90th birthday. And it is a moment when people are paying attention again. I do think that it is very important for us to keep the message going in the community. When I started out with all of these, we had rock singers, we had rock and roll, we had Hollywood, we had Richard Gerepeople who were attracted to helping deliver the message and keep it alive. So, we have to continue to have as much visibility. President Lincoln said public sentiment was everything; with it, you can accomplish almost anything, and without it, practically nothing. But for public sentiment to prevail, people have to know. So, we have to keep giving visibility to His Holinesss message of peace and compassion and keep that message alive. Some of us are, shall we say, more negative in our opposition to some things. His Holiness has always been about compassion. We have to strive for that as well and make sure people know that thats the preferred path to peace. NEW YORK There was an earthquake a week ago, not in any remote part of the world, but right in America, in the middle of one of the worlds largest citiesNew York. This sudden shake-up was the stunning political upset in the citys Democratic mayoral election: Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old little-known Muslim and Indian-American legislator, had overwhelmingly trounced Andrew Cuomo, 67, former governor and the scion of a political dynasty. This campaign is about more than just winning an electionit is about changing who gets seen, heard and prioritised in City Hall. Chintan Patel, executive director, Indian-American Impact Fund Mamdani won by 44 per cent of first rank votes and Cuomo, who had been so confident of a win that he hardly bothered to campaign, conceded victory to him. For each vote that Cuomo got, the cost was a hefty $87 while Mamdani spent just $19 on each voter. In an increasingly authoritarian Trumpian America, where even traditionally liberal New York is endangered, the victory of a blazing young Democratic socialist surprised everyone, even the staid Democratic Party, which for the most part had supported Cuomo, as had most millionaires and business denizens. According to the Gothamist, Mamdani won 30 per cent of the primary election districts Trump won in the 2024 general election and garnered over 35,000 votes in districts that went for Trump. Around the Jamaica Hills, Queens intersection, voters in 2024 moved toward the Republican Party by nearly 25 points. Mamdani won 84.2 per cent of the vote. The charismatic Mamdani with his endearing smile has racked up thousands of supporters with his unique voice and messagehe has walked the length of Manhattan from end to end, shaking hands and sharing selfies and smiles; he has plunged, fully suited, into the ocean to promote his rent freeze. Thanks to the amplified power of social media, racism and Islamophobia, he has acquired thousands of haters, too. The vitriol against him is just as stunning, accusing him of everything from inexperience to antisemitism. New York City has 4,47,000 South Asiansthe largest in the countryand Mamdani has been endorsed by the Indian-American Impact Fund. According to its executive director Chintan Patel, At a time when MAGA forces nationwide threaten to upend civil liberties and democratic values, we need a fighter like Zohransomeone who will stand up for fairness, protect our rights and deliver solutions that work for all New Yorkers. This campaign is about more than just winning an electionit is about changing who gets seen, heard and prioritised in City Hall. The general election still lies ahead, where Mamdani will face current Mayor Eric Adams and Cuomoboth running as independentsas well as the Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. But just in the course of a few days, the tide seems to be turning: he has won the support of some big-name Democrats, including Senator Elizabeth Warren. Winning team: Mamdani with wife Rama Duwaji, mother Mira Nair and father Mahmood Mamdani at his primary election party | AP So who is Mamdani? And, can he succeed in remaking New York if he wins? I first met Mamdani five years ago when he was a little-known activist and a rapper known as Mr. Cardamom. He had made some delightful videos about bigger causes. It is passion which brings him to the political space: Prior to representing the 36th Assembly District, he worked as a foreclosure prevention housing counsellor, helping low-income homeowners of colour fight off eviction and stay in their homes. It was this job that inspired him to run for office. He is the first South Asian man to serve in the New York State Assembly as well as the first of Ugandan origin and only the third Muslim to ever be its member. Mamdani is the son of celebrated filmmaker Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani, the noted Columbia professor. He lived in Kampala till he was seven, and has Kwame as his middle name, after the first prime minister of Uganda. He recalled that from a very young age, politics was a big part of his life since his fathers family had been expelled from Uganda in 1972. That history is something I grew up with and something which is very real and close to me. And so, I would constantly deal with this question of where home is, and you know my mothers work also really meditates on that question of home, said Mamdani. This is a question that I have been thinking about for my whole life. And I am so lucky to have the parents that I have, people who have fought for justice in their own ways, whether it is through academia or through film to shine a light on that which has been ignored for far too long. Mamdanis battle has been with housing instability, which plagues so many South Asians in Queens. There are hundreds of thousands of South Asians in New York, and for many homeowners or renters who speak only an Indian language and little English, finding support is difficult. Shruti Ganguly, filmmaker (in pic with actor Kal Penn, also a Mamdani supporter) | Instagram@shrutirya Indeed, the Indian-American community is a mixed microcosm of this country where there are a lot of very wealthy Indian Americans and also families that are struggling. According to Mamdani, if you add Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Nepalese families, there are many who are really having a very difficult time of it. In his three terms as legislator, Mamdani tried to alleviate many of these problems of his constituents in Queens. So, what does democratic socialism mean to Mamdani? This was his answer to me five years ago: That which is necessary to live a dignified life, an extension of democracyfrom the ballot box into all other aspects of our lives, into our workplace, our schools, our health care system, because frankly we cannot allow the market to determine pricing for things which are necessary. He is well aware that New York is made up of many different communities that have remained unseen by the powers that be. When he says he will be a mayor for all of New York, he understands that means all New Yorkers, be they Indian-Americans or Pakistani-Americans, be they Jewish-American or Palestinian-Americans. Many may not even be citizens, but are New Yorkers with needs and dreams, nevertheless. He is very clear-eyed and honest about how he sees the world and, in his ideal world, both the Israelis and the Palestinians would thrive. According to The New York Times, he has sharply criticised Israels actions in Gaza, but at the same time stated that there is no room for antisemitism in the city, adding that if elected, he would increase funding to combat hate crimes. Zohran will be an incredible mayor. We can see that not just from his campaign, but also his principles, his ideas, his subsequent actions that resonate deeply with the people he wants to uplift and serve, which is the often-overlooked working class New Yorker. Shruti Ganguly, filmmaker Said Shruti Ganguly, a filmmaker and long-time family friend: Zohran will be an incredible mayor. We can see that not just from his campaign, but also his principles, his ideas, his subsequent actions that resonate deeply with the people he wants to uplift and serve, which is the often-overlooked working class New Yorker. New York has become one of the most expensive cities in the world, pricing out the very people who build and maintain it. As to why the Mamdani campaign has had such impact, Kavitha Rajagopalan, director of Asian Media Initiative, has an explanation: He engaged a fascinating multiracial diasporic electorate, turning out unprecedented numbers of immigrant and next-generation voters from Queens, Central Brooklyn and upper Manhattan, from communities that rarely enter primary election voting booths. The younger crowd as well as many forgotten communities have certainly rallied around him, and he has created a massive army of 50,000 volunteers ready to phone bank, knock on doors and spread the word. Actor Kal Penn had supported his State Assembly run and subsequent re-elections by hosting fundraisers and volunteering for his campaigns. I paid him a visit when he was hunger-striking with NY taxi drivers to demand debt relief in 2021 and was impressed with how he led with a combination of love, positivity and vociferous organising, he recalled. Penn, who was president Barack Obamas liaison to young Americans and associate director of Public Engagement in the Obama White House, thinks that the old guard of the Democratic party is completely out of touch with the base, as evident in the last presidential election and in the support that Cuomo and Adams have amassed through their relationships with Trump donors, billionaires and old-school democrats. The Democratic National Committee keeps asking how it can reach younger votes despite having evidence of exactly how, as Zohran has shown by winning this primary, said Penn. Nobody agrees with every politician on every issue, but Zohrans vision for New York City is garnering so much attention. He leads with clarity, inclusion and substance. He has expanded the base with scores of first-time voters, most of them young. This is an exciting moment, filled with positivity, and I hope the older guard of Democrats recognise that this is an inclusive path forward, one which they should support. Many voters are apprehensive about the changes and how they will affect their pocketbook. Ganguly, who lives between New York and Oslo, says Mamdani has concrete plans for all his economic reforms. She points out that she has witnessed the principles of socialism in action in Oslo, also a wealthy city, and the community as a whole benefits from this. I do not think that rich New Yorkers honestly have any grounds to feel that supporting the working class detracts from what they have access to, she said. If anything, paying it forward by even a slight amount can be transformative and make New York a better city for everybody. Actor and writer Aasif Mandvi and his wife Shaifali Puri have been canvassing for Mamdani, organising fundraisers and phone banks for him. Zohrans win is a repudiation of a Democratic party that is captive to corporate and entrenched interests and the status quo, said Mandvi. I thought one of the most brilliant parts of Zohrans strategy was the way he was able to clearly and succinctly articulate his platform and not be forced into apologising for his stances when people came at him using the word socialist as a scare tactic. He further makes another thoughtful point: People act like his success is about social media, but it is not. It is about clear and firmly held convictions, married to policies and effective communication. You cant manufacture what he brought to the people of NYC but you can learn that nothing will change for the better by being cowardly and telling people to accept incremental changes that you cant even communicate effectively. A long-time resident of New York is arts leader Aroon Shivdasani. She believes Mamdanis multicultural family can be an asset in running a multicultural city: Zohran has the distinct advantage of having a Hindu mother, a Muslim father, a Syrian wife, was born in Uganda, lived in India and is endorsed by a Jewish candidate also running for the same office! The refreshingand hopefulthing about him is that he does not forget his roots; he owns all his history and is proud of it. In the end, Zohran Kwame Mamdani, with his rich inheritance of India, Uganda and America, is also a storyteller and he would want to use his music and his stories to share both roti and rosesnecessities and the artswith everyone. As he told me during the interview I did with him when he was just starting the journey: Whether it is art, film, music or politics, it is about telling a story and it is about telling a story that has been ignored. The most powerful and the most potent are the ones that we have not heard before, or we have not been allowed to hear. And the story we are telling in this campaign is about all of us who are fighting back for our city. Melwani is a New York-based journalist and blogs at Lassi with Lavina. Tokyo, Jul 6 (AP) Japan's Emperor Naruhito began a weeklong visit to Mongolia on Sunday during which he plans to honour thousands of Japanese prisoners of World War II who were held under harsh conditions in the country. Naruhito's visit marks the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. In recent years, he has toured some of the places where the bloodiest battles and bombings occurred, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Hiroshima. The emperor has said it's part of his effort at atonement and remembrance of the tragedy of war fought in the name of his grandfather, Emperor Hirohito. While the vast majority of Japanese soldiers were taken to Siberia, around 12,000 to 14,000 ended up in Mongolia, which was fighting alongside the Soviets against Japan. Most of the POWs were put to hard labour and construction work for the Mongolian government's headquarters, a state university and a theatre that are still preserved in the capital Ulaanbaatar. The prisoners toiled under harsh conditions and scarce food. Japanese records show about 1,700 of them died in Mongolia. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war this year, we should never forget the pain and sorrow of the people, Naruhito said last week. I believe it is important to not forget those who died, deepen understanding of the wartime past and to nurture the peace-loving heart. Naruhito had previously visited Mongolia as crown prince in 2007. (AP) NPK NPK Dhaka, Jul 6 (PTI) Bangladesh Ministry of Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Sunday, "necessary preparations" are underway to ensure a free and fair election in the country, local media reported. "The government is also actively working to tackle the incidents of mob violence across the country," Dhaka Tribune quoted him as saying on Sunday. He said that there are still six months left for elections, and preparations have already started, while emphasising that "political parties and the Election Commission also have their respective roles and preparation." Jahangir Alam also refuted allegations of an unfavourable environment for elections, the report said. Talking about mob violence in the country, Jahangir Alam said such incidents had largely subsided, although "new cases have been reported in Comilla, Chittagong, Faridpur and Rangpur". Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who took charge after the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League regime in August last year, said the interim government's key responsibility was to hold a clean, peaceful, festive, and inclusive election. The Government of Telangana has announced a new policy allowing employees in all commercial establishments (excluding shops) to work up to 10 hours a day, subject to specific labor safeguards, with an aim to improve the ease of doing business in the state. The decision, aimed at offering greater flexibility to businesses while ensuring worker protection, outlines that the total working hours for an employee must not exceed 48 hours in a week. The government has mandated that any work performed beyond the 48-hour weekly limit must be compensated with overtime wages. Additionally, if an employee works for more than six hours in a single day, they are entitled to take a rest break of 30 minutes. The total work duration in a day, including overtime, must not exceed 12 hours under any circumstance. Furthermore, the new rules cap the maximum overtime at 144 hours per quarter. Earlier this year, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra also commented on working hour debate. He said quality of work is more important, not quantity. On the flip side, Infosys's Narayana Murthy and Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan recently advocated for a long workweek. The remarks snowballed into a controversy, with many criticising them over work-life balance. While on April 2023, the Tamil Nadu Assembly today passed the Factories (Amendment) Act 2023 On Friday, extending the working hours from eight to 12-hour working hours for factory workers. However, the government assured that the total working hours in a week would remain unchanged for the workers who would now have the option to work for four days in a week and avail of three days of leave. Furthermore, several countries are experimenting with or have adopted a four-day workweek. (ANI) This years Fourth of July holiday was marked by multiple shootings across the U.S., including one in Indianapolis that left at least two dead and a police chief voicing public frustration over the latest acts of violence in his city. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey told reporters early Saturday morning that the mayhem was completely unacceptable and unnecessary and that parents and guardians needed to better control their children. Hundreds of unsupervised kids down here, he said, while speaking in the citys downtown. I dont know how many times I had to say it: We are not your childrens keepers. You are! And parents and guardians have got to step up. A kid is dead tonight. Man dead, woman critically injured after fireworks explosion sets homes on fire in Los Angeles KABCpic.twitter.com/NVAQdQnYa1 Breaking911 (@Breaking911) July 4, 2025 Mass shootings were reported in other cities, including Philadelphia and Chicago and Brockton, Massachusetts, where six people were hospitalized following an early morning fight on Saturday. Violence and shootings often surge in the summer months, especially around the Fourth of July, historically one of the deadliest days of the year in the U.S. The shooting in Chicago, which left seven people in serious or critical condition, came on the heels of another mass shooting that happened late Wednesday in a busy neighborhood known for its restaurants and nightlife. Four people were killed and 14 others injured. In the New York City borough of Queens, police said one person was dead and three injured following a post-fireworks triple stabbing. Meanwhile, a Wareham, Massachusetts, man is dead after being hit by a firework. Police said they found 70-year-old Robert Spagnuolo with a facial injury. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials in Georgia reported two boat explosions on lakes on Friday. Seven people ranging in age from 5 to 45 suffered second- and third-degree burns when a boat exploded on Lake Lanier, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Seven more people suffered burns when a boat exploded and then sank on Lake Nottely, the department said. (AP) 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 Friday, amid a renewed Russian push to capture more of its neighbors land. Hours after the barrage that killed one person and wounded at least 26 others, including a child, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had a very important and productive phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders discussed how Ukrainian air defenses might be strengthened, possible joint weapons production between the U.S. and Ukraine, and broader U.S-led efforts to end the war with Russia, according to a statement by Zelenksyy. Asked Friday night by reporters about the call, Trump said, We had a very good call, I think. When asked about finding a way to end the fighting, Trump said: I dont know. I cant tell you whether or not thats going to happen. The U.S. has paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defense missiles. Ukraines main European backers are considering how they can help pick up the slack. Zelenskyy says plans are afoot to build up Ukraines domestic arms industry, but scaling up will take time. The seven-hour bombardment of Kyiv caused severe damage across multiple districts of the capital in a seven-hour onslaught, authorities said. Blasts lit up the night sky and echoed across the city as air raid sirens wailed. The blue lights of emergency vehicles reflected off high-rise buildings, and debris blocked city streets. It was a harsh, sleepless night, Zelenskyy said. 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 roughly 1,000-kilometer (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. 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. Trump, Zelenskyy talks In Fridays call, Zelenskyy said he congratulated Trump and the American people on Independence Day and thanked the United States for its continued support. They discussed a possible future meeting between their teams to explore ways of enhancing Ukraines protection against air attacks, Zelenskyy said. He added that they talked in detail about defense industry capabilities and direct joint projects with the U.S., particularly in drone technology. They also exchanged views on mutual procurement, investment, and diplomatic cooperation with international partners, Zelenskyy said. 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. No date has been set for further negotiations. Ukrainian officials and the Russian Defense Ministry said another prisoner swap took place Friday, though neither side said how many soldiers were involved. Zelenskyy said most of the Ukrainians had been in Russian captivity since 2022. The Ukrainian soldiers were classified as wounded and seriously ill. Im very disappointed The attack on Kyiv began the same day a phone call took place between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Asked if he made any progress during his call with Putin on a deal to end the fighting in Ukraine, 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, Trump said. According to Yuri Ushakov, Putins foreign affairs adviser, the Russian leader emphasized 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, Ushakov told reporters after the call. Russias army crossed the border on Feb. 24, 2022, in an all-out invasion that 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. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called out Russian disinformation efforts. Constant buzzing of drones 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. Throughout the night, AP 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. Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on social media platform X. One of the worst so far. Ukraines Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko described 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 wrote on X. Kyiv was the primary target of the countrywide attack. At least 14 people were hospitalized, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Zelenskyy called the Kyiv attack cynical. In Moscow, the Defense Ministry claimed its forces targeted factories producing drones and other military equipment in Kyiv. Russia strikes 5 Ukrainian regions Ukrainian air defenses 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. In addition to the capital, the Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Kyiv regions also sustained damage, Zelenskyy said. Emergency services reported damage in at least five of Kyivs 10 districts. (AP) Ukraine said it struck a Russian air base on Saturday, while Russia continued to pound Ukraine with hundreds of drones overnight as part of a stepped-up bombing campaign that has dashed hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the more than 3-year-old war. Ukraines military General Staff said that Ukrainian forces had struck the Borisoglebsk air base in Russias Voronezh region, describing it as the home base of Russias Su-34, Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets. Writing on Facebook, the General Staff said it hit a depot containing glide bombs, a training aircraft and possibly other aircraft. Russian officials did not immediately comment on the attack. Such attacks on Russian air bases aim to dent Russias military capability and demonstrate Ukraines capability to hit high-value targets in Russia. Last month, Ukraine said it destroyed more than 40 Russian planes stationed at several airfields deep in Russias territory in a surprise drone attack. Russia fired 322 drones and decoys into Ukraine overnight into Saturday, Ukraines air force said. Of these, 157 were shot down and 135 were lost, likely having been electronically jammed. According to the air force, Ukraines western Khmelnytskyi region was the main target of the attack. Regional Gov. Serhii Tyurin said Saturday that no damage, injuries or deaths had been reported. Russia has been stepping up its long-range attacks on Ukraine. Waves of drones and missiles targeted Kyiv overnight into Friday in the largest aerial assault since Russias invasion of Ukraine began. On Saturday, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the number of people killed in the assault had increased to two. A further 31 people were wounded. The fresh wave of attacks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that he had a very important and productive phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders discussed how Ukrainian air defenses might be strengthened, possible joint weapons production between the U.S. and Ukraine, and broader U.S-led efforts to end the war with Russia, according to a statement by Zelenskyy. Asked Friday night by reporters about the call, Trump said, We had a very good call, I think. When asked about finding a way to end the fighting, Trump said: I dont know. I cant tell you whether or not thats going to happen. The U.S. has paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defense missiles. Ukraines main European backers are considering how they can help pick up the slack. Zelenskyy says plans are afoot to build up Ukraines domestic arms industry, but scaling up will take time. Russias Defense Ministry said it shot down 94 Ukrainian drones overnight into Saturday, along with 45 further drones Saturday morning and early afternoon. No casualties were reported, but local officials in the Saratov region said 25 apartments were damaged by Ukrainian drones in the city of Engels. Four Ukrainian drones were shot down while approaching Moscow on Saturday, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Air traffic was briefly halted as a precaution at one of Moscows airports, Sheremetyevo, Russias aviation authority Rosaviatsiya said. (AP) Iran s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday made his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began, attending a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura. The absence of Khamenei during the war had suggested heavy security for the Iranian leader, who has final say on all state matters. State TV in Iran showed Khamenei waving and nodding to the chanting crowd as he entered and sat. There was no immediate report on any public statement made. Iran has acknowledged the deaths of more than 900 people in the war, as well as thousands of injured. It also has confirmed serious damage to its nuclear facilities, and has denied access to the sites for inspectors with the U.N. nuclear watchdog. Khamenei hosted a remembrance of the 7th century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammads grandson, Hussein, at a mosque next to his office and residence in the capital, Tehran. Iranian officials such as the Parliament speaker were present, and such events are always held under heavy security. Shiites represent over 10% of the worlds 1.8 billion Muslims, and they view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Husseins death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, created a rift in Islam and continues to play a key role in shaping Shiite identity. In predominantly Shiite Iran, red flags represented Husseins blood and black funeral tents and clothes represented mourning. Processions of chest-beating and self-flagellating men demonstrated fervor. Some sprayed water over the mourners in the intense heat. Israel relentlessly attacked Iran beginning June 13, targeting its nuclear sites, defense systems, high-ranking military officials and atomic scientists. In retaliation, Iran fired more than 550 ballistic missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted, but those that got through caused damage in many areas and killed 28 people. (AP) China deployed its embassies to spread doubts about the performance of French-made Rafale jets after they saw combat in India and Pakistans clashes in May, French military and intelligence officials have concluded, implicating Beijing in an effort to hammer the reputation and sales of Frances flagship fighter. Findings from a French intelligence service seen by The Associated Press say defense attaches in Chinas foreign embassies led a charge to undermine Rafale sales, seeking to persuade countries that have already ordered the French-made fighter notably Indonesia not to buy more and to encourage other potential buyers to choose Chinese-made planes. The findings were shared with AP by a French military official on condition that the official and the intelligence service not be named. Four days of India-Pakistan clashes in May were the most serious confrontation in years between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, and included air combat that involved dozens of aircraft from both sides. Military officials and researchers have since been digging for details of how Pakistans Chinese-made military hardware particularly warplanes and air-combat missiles fared against weaponry that India used in airstrikes on Pakistani targets, notably French-made Rafale fighters. Sales of Rafales and other armaments are big business for Frances defense industry and help efforts by the government in Paris to strengthen ties with other nations, including in Asia where China is becoming the dominant regional power. France is fighting what it calls a disinformation campaign against the Rafale Pakistan claimed its air force downed five Indian planes during the fighting, including three Rafales. French officials say that prompted questions about their performance from countries that have bought the fighter from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. India acknowledged aircraft losses but didnt say how many. French air force chief Gen. Jerome Bellanger said that hes seen evidence pointing to just 3 Indian losses a Rafale, a Russian-made Sukhoi and a Mirage 2000, which is an earlier generation French-made jet. It was the first known combat loss of a Rafale, which France has sold to eight countries. Of course, all those, the nations that bought Rafales, asked themselves questions, Bellanger said. French officials have been battling to protect the plane from reputational damage, pushing back against what they allege was a concerted campaign of Rafale-bashing and disinformation online from Pakistan and its ally China. They say the campaign included viral posts on social media, manipulated imagery showing supposed Rafale debris, AI-generated content and video-game depictions to simulate supposed combat. More than 1,000 social media accounts newly created as the India-Pakistan clashes erupted also spread a narrative of Chinese technological superiority, according to French researchers who specialize in online disinformation. French military officials say they havent been able to link the online Rafale-bashing directly to the Chinese government. Intelligence assessment says Chinese officials lobbied potential clients to ditch French planes But the French intelligence service said Chinese embassy defense attaches echoed the same narrative in meetings they held with security and defense officials from other countries, arguing that Indian Air Force Rafales performed poorly and promoting Chinese-made weaponry. The defense attaches focused their lobbying on countries that have ordered Rafales and other potential customer-nations that are considering purchases, the intelligence service said. It said French officials learned of the meetings from nations that were approached. Asked by AP to comment on the alleged effort to dent the Rafales appeal, the Ministry of National Defense in Beijing said: The relevant claims are pure groundless rumors and slander. China has consistently maintained a prudent and responsible approach to military exports, playing a constructive role in regional and global peace and stability. In recent years, China has stepped up disinformation campaigns on global social media platforms like X, Instagram or Facebook, using networks of state-sponsored influencers, sites that pose as news organizations, and fake social media accounts to spread narratives from Beijing. Frances Defense Ministry said the Rafale was targeted by a vast campaign of disinformation that sought to promote the superiority of alternative equipment, notably of Chinese design. France considers the jet a strategic French offering The Rafale was not randomly targeted. It is a highly capable fighter jet, exported abroad and deployed in a high-visibility theater, the Defense Ministry wrote on its website. The Rafale was also targeted because it represents a strategic French offering. By attacking the aircraft, certain actors sought to undermine the credibility of France and its defense industrial and technological base. The disinformation campaign therefore did not merely target an aircraft, but more broadly a national image of strategic autonomy, industrial reliability, and solid partnerships. Dassault Aviation has sold 533 Rafales, including 323 for export to Egypt, India, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia and Indonesia. Indonesia has ordered 42 planes and is considering buying more. China may be hoping to weaken the security relationships that France is building with Asian nations by spreading worries about the equipment it supplies, said Justin Bronk, an airpower specialist at the Royal United Services Institute, a defense and security think tank in London. From a point of view of limiting Western countries influence in the Indo-Pacific, it would make sense for China to be using the performance of Pakistani weapon systems or at least purported performance in downing at least one Rafale as a tool to undermine its attractiveness as an export, he said. They certainly saw an opportunity to damage French sales prospects in the region. (AP) A frightening incident unfolded in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday night when a man set fire to the front door of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, one of the citys oldest shuls, while approximately 20 mispallelim were inside eating their Shabbos seudah. Bchasdei Hashem, those inside were able to evacuate through the back of the building unharmed, and firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze before it could spread beyond the entrance. Australian police announced on Sunday morning (local time) that they had arrested a 34-year-old suspect, who was charged with multiple serious offenses, including reckless conduct endangering life. Authorities said they are continuing to investigate the mans motives and whether the crime should be classified as a terrorist attack. Police are also investigating whether this arson attack is connected to two other deeply troubling antisemitic incidents that took place the same evening in Melbourne. In one of those incidents, a group of approximately 20 anti-Israel rioters stormed Miznon, an Israeli-owned restaurant, overturning tables and smashing windows while shouting Death to the IDF. The group had gathered following a pro-Hamas demonstration nearby. Reports indicated the restaurant may have been singled out not only because of its Israeli ownership but also because its proprietor, Shahar Segal, is a spokesperson for the Humanitarian Fund for Gaza, an Israeli-American supported aid initiative. Your browser does not support the video tag. Elsewhere in Melbourne, additional vehicles were set on fire and vandalized with antisemitic graffiti, raising even more concerns about a coordinated wave of anti-Jewish hatred. Police have so far not established a direct link among all three incidents. Sasha Roytman, CEO of the Movement to Combat Antisemitism, described the attempted shul arson as an attempted murder in every sense of the word that miraculously ended without loss of life. He urged that the incident be treated as a terrorist attack. This is another escalation in the unprecedented wave of antisemitic events taking place in Australia, Roytman said. Since October 7, there has been a rise of hundreds of percent in the number of antisemitic and hate crimes. The Jewish community has lost its sense of personal security and fears the situation will escalate further. Roytman noted that a special emergency conference will soon be convened in Australia to give local leaders the tools to combat antisemitism at both the national and local level. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu sharply condemned the incidents: I view with great severity the antisemitic attacks that occurred last night in Melbourne, which included an attempted arson of a shul and a violent attack on an Israeli restaurant by pro-Palestinian rioters, he said. These despicable acts, shouting Death to the IDF while trying to harm a place of worship, are severe hate crimes that must be uprooted. The State of Israel will continue to stand with the Jewish community in Australia, and we demand that the Australian government act in every way to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent such attacks in the future. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The Telegraph reported that Iranian ballistic missiles struck five sensitive IDF military bases during last months 12-day war, citing advanced radar data shared by Oregon State University. The satellite-tracked evidence, kept under wraps by Israeli authorities to prevent Iran from fine-tuning potential future salvos, indicates direct hits on strategic installations including the Tel Nof Airbase, the Glilot intelligence compound, and the Zipporit armor and weapons production facility. The Telegraph analysis, based on bomb damage signatures picked up from orbit, concluded that six Iranian ballistic missiles penetrated Israels multi-layer air defense systems and slammed into IDF facilities. Beyond those six rockets, another 36 missiles crashed into civilian areas across Israel, killing 28 people, injuring scores more, and leaving 13,000 Israelis displaced. Over 2,300 homes in 240 buildings, two universities, and a hospital were damaged or destroyed in the onslaught. In total, Iran unleashed a staggering barrage of more than 500 ballistic missiles and around 1,100 drones over the course of the 12-day conflict. While the majority of threats were intercepted, a worrying trend emerged: each day during the wars first week, more missiles slipped past Israeli and American defensive systems. By the seventh day, interception rates had reportedly dropped to 84%, with approximately 16% of missiles punching through, according to The Telegraphs data. Experts suggested that Israel may have been forced to ration its Arrow interceptor missiles, prioritizing targets as the war dragged on, a claim that the IDF officially denied. Another theory is that Iran fielded increasingly sophisticated missile technology, designed to evade or overwhelm the highly advanced Iron Dome and Arrow batteries. Despite the unprecedented missile penetration into IDF infrastructure, Israeli military sources insisted that all relevant units maintained functional continuity throughout the operation, refusing to elaborate on the specific damage at its bases. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) An Israeli delegation is scheduled to leave for Doha on Sunday for talks on a ceasefire/hostage release deal. However, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahus office stated on Motzei Shabbos that the changes that Hamas is requesting to make to the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel. Following a situational assessment, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu instructed to accept the invitation for proximity talks and continue efforts for the return of our hostages, based on the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed to. Hamas is demanding, among other things, guarantees that the war will not resume after the 60-day ceasefire and that the US-Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) cease its activities in the Strip. (YWN Israel DeskJerusalem) An article published in the Wall Street Journal over the weekend drew parallels from Operation Rising Lion to Irans eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s. That war really looms large in terms of the entire way in which they see themselves under siege, permanently under threat, said Vali Nasr, an Iran expert at Johns Hopkins University and author of Irans Grand Strategy: A Political History. The mindset of the country now is that it dodged a bullet and that it still has to contend with a long-term danger. They know that they can survive a total war that lasts a long time, said Afshon Ostovar, an Iran military expert and associate professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. They know they can tolerate a lot more than maybe the Israelis can tolerate. The Iran-Iraq War erupted in 1980, just a year after Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein launched an invasion to exploit Irans political upheaval and seize oil-rich border territories. Over the next eight years, the conflict became one of the bloodiest wars of the 20th century, killing hundreds of thousands on both sides. Saddams forces used chemical weapons and targeted Iranian oil infrastructure but failed to capture major oil fields. Irans then-President, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, oversaw the war effort. In 1982, Iran suffered a devastating blow during a failed operation to seize the southern Iraqi city of Basra, incurring tens of thousands of casualties and revealing its military weakness. Early in the war, Iran tried to reconstitute its air force by releasing jailed U.S.-trained pilots who had served under the Shah. However, they soon ran out of spare parts for American-made jets like the F-14, and the US, now their enemy, refused to resupply them. Much of its air fleet was grounded, giving Iraq a significant advantage. Though the war ended inconclusively in 1988, Iran declared victory and drew lasting strategic lessons. Determined never again to depend on foreign arms, Tehran began developing its own ballistic missiles and drones, expanded its nuclear program, and built a network of regional militias to deter threats, especially from Israel. The Islamic Revolution gave the ideology, but the national security establishment, the national security mindset, came out of the Iran-Iraq war, Nasr, of Johns Hopkins, said. The embrace of missiles and other asymmetric weaponry was designed to head off the sort of war of attrition Iran faced against Iraq, which quickly sapped Irans military resources and manpower, analysts said. Iran became very sensitive to losses after the Iran-Iraq war, said Ostovar from the Naval Postgraduate School. Politically, it was a huge deal. So they built up this deterrence matrix. However, as Iran built its missile arsenal, the cruel regime failed to acquire sufficient air defenses to protect its citizens. During the Israeli attacks, there were no warning sirens or shelters to run to. Theyve come away with an overinflated view of what the achievement in the Iran-Iraq war means for the future, Ansari said. They havent really understood what the impact of a proper air war would be. And of course, Irans proxies, except for the Houthis, have long been decimated. Iran is left with no deterrence and with a military that was not designed to really fight a conventional war, Ostovar said. The only thing that Iran really has left to fight with is its missiles and drones. In 1988, after sustained chemical attacks and a renewed Iraqi offensive, Iran decided to sign a ceasefire agreement, forgoing war reparations or even an Iraqi admission of guilt. Iran, which ended the prolonged war without ceding any territory, immediately declared a victory, just like they did after suffering immense damage from Israeli and US strikes during Operation Rising Lion. (YWN Israel DeskJerusalem) Anticipation is high among Indian business leaders attending the BRICS Summit in Brazil, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit is expected to further strengthen India's global trade ties, particularly with Brazil and other BRICS nations. Shreyans Goyal, Chairman & MD of Shakti Groups, highlighted the significance of the summit in boosting bilateral trade and innovation. "From the BRICS Summit, we expect a lot of bilateral trade and knowledge sharing between the BRICS countries... Brazil is a leading player of ethanol... In 2005, we first imported ethanol from Brazil into India, and now, today, we are standing at a point where, in the next few years, we'll be exporting ethanol from India," Goyal said. He further emphasized expectations around "technology transfer in the field of renewable energy, like ethanol and biodiesel and in the field of agriculture, digitalisation," adding that "India and Brazil have been the founding members, and our PM's visit will give a huge boost to India and Brazil trade." Echoing the sentiment, Manish Kiri, Chairman of Kiri Industries, spoke of the dynamic interactions taking place among BRICS business leaders and officials. "For the last three days, we have been having huge interactions with the BRICS countries and industries, business counterparts, policymakers. We have been receiving an upbeat response regarding India... Today, India is at its brightest spot. In the foreseeable future, India is going to be the fastest-growing economy in the world," he said. Suresh Gondalia, Group Secretary of Kiri Industries, reinforced the importance of PM Modi's participation in the summit, stating, "It is necessary for PM Modi to remain present here for the benefit of the other member countries. India has always been committed to supporting other nations." Natu M Patel, Managing Director of Meghmani Organics Limited and FICCI Gujarat Vice Chairman, emphasized mutual interests in agriculture and technological exchange. "We arrived a day before yesterday for the BRICS summit... Brazil has excellent technology. India has a lot to offer Brazil in the field of agriculture... Everyone views India as a results-oriented country," Patel said. During the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit (July 6-7), Prime Minister Modi will exchange views on key global issues, including peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. According to the official statement, the Prime Minister is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. The BRICS includes 10 countries - Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russian Federation, South Africa, United Arab Emirates. (ANI) Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, took off from Ben Gurion Airport on the Wing of Zion plane on Sunday evening at about 8:30 p.m. to fly to Washington, D.C., for Netanyahus meeting with Trump and senior administration officials this week. Netanyahus departure was delayed for about three and a half hours due to the Chareidi draft law crisis. Speaking to the press before his departure, Netanyahu emphasized that this will be his third meeting with President Trump in the six months since he was elected and spoke about several issues he intended to discuss with Trump, including how to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, the expansion of the Abraham Accords, returning all the hostages from Gaza, and eliminating Hamass military capabilities. Your browser does not support the video tag. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee accompanied Netanyahu on the flight. On Sunday morning, Netanyahu met with President Isaac Herzog and spoke with him about the goals of the visit. A readout from the Presidents Office after the meeting stated that The President gave full backing to the Prime Ministers actions on the issue of promoting a hostage deal and emphasized the importance of the trip as a significant step in that direction. He expressed hope that the diplomatic effort may also be an opening for significant regional developments. In addition, the two discussed the opportunity to deepen ties with additional countries, in the spirit of the initiative of US President Donald Trump for the Abraham Accords. Regarding the possible prices of a hostage deal, the President reiterated that he does not take the possible prices lightly and understands the concerns, but he is sure that the cabinet and the security establishment will know how to deal with the challenges as they have so far. (YWN Israel DeskJerusalem) Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated their buy rating on shares of ConvaTec Group (LON:CTEC Free Report) in a research note published on Thursday, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have a GBX 315 ($4.30) price objective on the stock. Separately, Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 310 ($4.23) price target on shares of ConvaTec Group in a research note on Wednesday, March 5th. Get ConvaTec Group alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on ConvaTec Group ConvaTec Group Stock Down 0.5% About ConvaTec Group Shares of CTEC stock opened at GBX 264.20 ($3.60) on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 2.26, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 85.32. ConvaTec Group has a 1 year low of GBX 211.80 ($2.89) and a 1 year high of GBX 311.20 ($4.25). The firms fifty day moving average price is GBX 277.82 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 255.99. The firm has a market capitalization of 6.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 44.49, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 0.64. (Get Free Report) ConvaTec Group PLC engages in the development, manufacturing, and sale of medical products, services, and technologies in Europe, North America, and internationally. The company offers advanced wound dressings and skin care products for the management of acute and chronic wounds resulting from various conditions, such as diabetes, and acute conditions resulting from traumatic injury and burns. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for ConvaTec Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConvaTec Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated their buy rating on shares of Tate & Lyle (LON:TATE Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Thursday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has a GBX 800 ($10.92) target price on the stock. Tate & Lyle Trading Down 0.5% Shares of LON:TATE opened at GBX 548.50 ($7.48) on Thursday. Tate & Lyle has a 1 year low of GBX 460.40 ($6.28) and a 1 year high of GBX 848.50 ($11.58). The firm has a market capitalization of 2.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 0.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 47.66, a current ratio of 3.22 and a quick ratio of 1.77. The businesss 50 day moving average price is GBX 553.56 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 571.81. Get Tate & Lyle alerts: Tate & Lyle (LON:TATE Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 22nd. The company reported GBX 50.30 ($0.69) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Tate & Lyle had a return on equity of 15.37% and a net margin of 11.41%. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Tate & Lyle will post 51.3392857 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling About Tate & Lyle In other news, insider Sarah Kuijlaars acquired 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 28th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 562 ($7.67) per share, for a total transaction of 84,300 ($115,022.51). Also, insider Nick Hampton acquired 3,321 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 22nd. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 542 ($7.40) per share, for a total transaction of 17,999.82 ($24,559.72). Company insiders own 2.22% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Tate & Lyle PLC, together with its subsidiaries, provides ingredients and solutions to the food, beverage, and other industries in the United States, the United Kingdom, other European countries, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Food & Beverage Solutions, Sucralose, and Primary Products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Tate & Lyle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tate & Lyle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GF Fund Management CO. LTD. purchased a new stake in shares of Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG Free Report) in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 452 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $109,000. A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of RSG. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Republic Services by 38.5% during the 1st quarter. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,925 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $708,000 after purchasing an additional 813 shares during the last quarter. Aurora Private Wealth Inc. purchased a new stake in Republic Services during the first quarter worth about $4,172,000. D.A. Davidson & CO. raised its position in Republic Services by 11.6% in the first quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 14,767 shares of the business services providers stock worth $3,576,000 after acquiring an additional 1,540 shares during the period. Mutual Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Republic Services by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. Mutual Advisors LLC now owns 7,249 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,766,000 after acquiring an additional 196 shares during the period. Finally, Resonant Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Republic Services during the 1st quarter worth approximately $203,000. 57.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Republic Services alerts: Republic Services Stock Performance NYSE:RSG opened at $241.14 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $75.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.37, a PEG ratio of 3.69 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $248.98 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $233.53. Republic Services, Inc. has a twelve month low of $188.82 and a twelve month high of $258.75. Republic Services Announces Dividend Republic Services ( NYSE:RSG Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 24th. The business services provider reported $1.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $4.01 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.08 billion. Republic Services had a net margin of 12.88% and a return on equity of 18.28%. Republic Servicess revenue for the quarter was up 3.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.45 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Republic Services, Inc. will post 6.86 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.58 per share. This represents a $2.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.96%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, July 2nd. Republic Servicess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 34.99%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In RSG has been the subject of several research reports. Scotiabank increased their price objective on Republic Services from $233.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, April 8th. Citigroup increased their price target on Republic Services from $265.00 to $278.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 29th. William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Republic Services in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Republic Services in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. Finally, Truist Financial boosted their price target on shares of Republic Services from $250.00 to $270.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $252.68. Read Our Latest Report on RSG About Republic Services (Free Report) Republic Services, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, offers environmental services in the United States and Canada. It is involved in the collection and processing of recyclable, solid waste, and industrial waste materials; transportation and disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous waste streams; and other environmental solutions. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RSG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Republic Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Republic Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Avantax Planning Partners Inc. raised its position in shares of Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NYSE:PAA Free Report) by 14.3% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 16,000 shares of the pipeline companys stock after buying an additional 2,000 shares during the quarter. Avantax Planning Partners Inc.s holdings in Plains All American Pipeline were worth $320,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Plains All American Pipeline by 107.0% in the 1st quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,271 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 657 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI acquired a new position in shares of Plains All American Pipeline in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its position in shares of Plains All American Pipeline by 1,684.0% during the 4th quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 3,568 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $61,000 after buying an additional 3,368 shares during the last quarter. North Capital Inc. acquired a new stake in Plains All American Pipeline during the first quarter worth about $61,000. Finally, Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV bought a new position in Plains All American Pipeline in the first quarter worth about $68,000. Institutional investors own 41.78% of the companys stock. Get Plains All American Pipeline alerts: Plains All American Pipeline Stock Performance Shares of PAA opened at $18.43 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.96 billion, a PE ratio of 25.25 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $17.43 and a 200 day moving average price of $18.44. Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. has a 52-week low of $15.58 and a 52-week high of $21.00. Plains All American Pipeline Dividend Announcement Plains All American Pipeline ( NYSE:PAA Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 9th. The pipeline company reported $0.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.45 by ($0.06). Plains All American Pipeline had a net margin of 1.54% and a return on equity of 11.69%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.41 earnings per share. Plains All American Pipelines revenue for the quarter was up .1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. will post 1.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company 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. This represents a $1.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 8.25%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 31st. Plains All American Pipelines payout ratio is currently 163.44%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently commented on the company. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Plains All American Pipeline in a report on Friday, May 9th. Citigroup dropped their target price on Plains All American Pipeline from $21.00 to $18.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, May 13th. Mizuho set a $22.00 target price on Plains All American Pipeline and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 18th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $20.00 price target on shares of Plains All American Pipeline in a research report on Friday, May 16th. Finally, Scotiabank dropped their price objective on shares of Plains All American Pipeline from $20.00 to $19.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, June 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $20.36. Check Out Our Latest Report on Plains All American Pipeline Plains All American Pipeline Company Profile (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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Plains All American Pipeline Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Plains All American Pipeline and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 58.6% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,181 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 806 shares during the quarter. McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc.s holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $1,142,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in UNH. Financial Management Professionals Inc. raised its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 2,224 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $1,165,000 after buying an additional 17 shares during the period. Richwood Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Richwood Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,247 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $2,654,000 after buying an additional 20 shares during the period. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates raised its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 28.6% during the 1st quarter. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates now owns 90 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $47,000 after buying an additional 20 shares during the period. Kolinsky Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 1.0% during the 4th quarter. Kolinsky Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,135 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $1,080,000 after buying an additional 21 shares during the period. Finally, Retirement Planning Group LLC raised its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 5.1% during the 1st quarter. Retirement Planning Group LLC now owns 430 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $225,000 after buying an additional 21 shares during the period. 87.86% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director Timothy Patrick Flynn acquired 1,533 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 14th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $320.80 per share, for a total transaction of $491,786.40. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 6,033 shares in the company, valued at $1,935,386.40. This trade represents a 34.07% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Stephen J. Hemsley acquired 86,700 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 16th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $288.57 per share, with a total value of $25,019,019.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer owned 679,493 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $196,081,295.01. The trade was a 14.63% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have acquired 109,408 shares of company stock valued at $31,607,768. 0.28% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. Wells Fargo & Company restated an overweight rating on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Friday, June 6th. Mizuho reduced their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $515.00 to $350.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, May 16th. Baird R W lowered UnitedHealth Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 11th. Erste Group Bank lowered UnitedHealth Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. Finally, KeyCorp reduced their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $450.00 to $400.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, June 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $415.57. View Our Latest Stock Report on UnitedHealth Group UnitedHealth Group Price Performance Shares of UNH stock opened at $308.69 on Friday. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 1-year low of $248.88 and a 1-year high of $630.73. The stocks 50-day moving average is $324.99 and its 200 day moving average is $447.32. The company has a market cap of $280.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.93, a PEG ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.85 and a quick ratio of 0.85. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 17th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $7.20 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $7.29 by ($0.09). The company had revenue of $109.58 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $111.56 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 5.39% and a return on equity of 26.29%. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $6.91 EPS. Research analysts predict that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. UnitedHealth Group Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 24th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 16th were issued a $2.21 dividend. This represents a $8.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.86%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 16th. This is an increase from UnitedHealth Groups previous quarterly dividend of $2.10. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 37.02%. About UnitedHealth Group (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Compass Wealth Management LLC decreased its holdings in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) by 1.7% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 11,792 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 200 shares during the period. Compass Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $3,119,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Yoffe Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Travelers Companies during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,202,000. Erste Asset Management GmbH lifted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Erste Asset Management GmbH now owns 10,000 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,414,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Portside Wealth Group LLC purchased a new position in Travelers Companies in the 1st quarter valued at $208,000. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank lifted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 43.2% in the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 159,172 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $38,343,000 after purchasing an additional 47,985 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 50.5% in the 1st quarter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC now owns 2,918 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $772,000 after purchasing an additional 979 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.45% of the companys stock. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have issued reports on the company. Hsbc Global Res downgraded Travelers Companies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, March 24th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on Travelers Companies from $290.00 to $303.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 28th. Barclays cut their target price on Travelers Companies from $287.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, April 11th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on Travelers Companies from $247.00 to $260.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Travelers Companies from $260.00 to $271.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $271.11. Travelers Companies Trading Up 2.6% Shares of TRV stock opened at $264.13 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $267.88 and its 200 day moving average price is $255.28. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 1-year low of $202.69 and a 1-year high of $277.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $59.66 billion, a PE ratio of 14.38, a P/E/G ratio of 3.87 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 0.33 and a quick ratio of 0.33. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 16th. The insurance provider reported $1.91 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.53 by $1.38. The business had revenue of $10.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.97 billion. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 16.10% and a net margin of 9.09%. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $4.69 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 EPS for the current fiscal year. Travelers Companies Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 30th. Investors of record on Tuesday, June 10th were given a dividend of $1.10 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, June 10th. This is an increase from Travelers Companiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.05. This represents a $4.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.67%. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is 23.95%. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Maria Olivo sold 36,199 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $274.20, for a total value of $9,925,765.80. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 118,116 shares in the company, valued at $32,387,407.20. This trade represents a 23.46% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Avrohom J. Kess sold 23,434 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $273.93, for a total value of $6,419,275.62. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 48,387 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,254,650.91. This trade represents a 32.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 163,869 shares of company stock valued at $44,868,201 in the last three months. Company insiders own 1.46% of the companys stock. About Travelers Companies (Free Report) The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kion Group (OTCMKTS:KIGRY Get Free Report) is one of 24 public companies in the Industrial Services industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare Kion Group to related companies based on the strength of its dividends, valuation, institutional ownership, risk, earnings, profitability and analyst recommendations. Profitability This table compares Kion Group and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Kion Group alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Kion Group 1.80% 3.37% 1.12% Kion Group Competitors -13.96% 10.84% 3.41% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current recommendations for Kion Group and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Kion Group 0 0 1 3 3.75 Kion Group Competitors 347 868 978 33 2.31 Dividends As a group, Industrial Services companies have a potential upside of 7.76%. Given Kion Groups competitors higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Kion Group has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Kion Group pays an annual dividend of $0.14 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.9%. Kion Group pays out 33.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Industrial Services companies pay a dividend yield of 1.2% and pay out 31.6% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Kion Group lags its competitors as a dividend stock, given its lower dividend yield and higher payout ratio. Volatility & Risk Kion Group has a beta of 2.02, meaning that its share price is 102% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Kion Groups competitors have a beta of 1.16, meaning that their average share price is 16% more volatile than the S&P 500. Insider and Institutional Ownership 57.2% of shares of all Industrial Services companies are held by institutional investors. 19.0% of shares of all Industrial Services companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Kion Group and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Kion Group $12.45 billion $389.88 million 35.35 Kion Group Competitors $9.76 billion $637.30 million 18.27 Kion Group has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its competitors. Kion Group is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Summary Kion Group competitors beat Kion Group on 9 of the 15 factors compared. About Kion Group (Get Free Report) KION GROUP AG provides industrial trucks and supply chain solutions worldwide. The company operates in Industrial Trucks & Services and Supply Chain Solutions segments. It offers forklift trucks, counterbalance trucks with electric drive and internal combustion engine, ride-on and hand-operated warehouse trucks, automated guided vehicle systems (AGVs), and towing vehicles under the Linde, STILL, Baoli, Fenwick, and OM brands. The company also manufactures and sells spare parts; leases and rents industrial trucks and related items; and offers maintenance and repair, and fleet management services, as well as provides finance solutions. In addition, it provides integrated technology and software solutions, including automated guided vehicle systems, palletizers, storage and picking equipment, automated storage and retrieval systems, sorters, and conveyors under the Dematic brand. The company was formerly known as KION Holding 1 GmbH. KION GROUP AG was founded in 2006 and is based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Receive News & Ratings for Kion Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kion Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Haverty Furniture Companies (NYSE:HVT.A Get Free Report) and Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, institutional ownership, earnings, analyst recommendations, risk and profitability. Dividends Haverty Furniture Companies pays an annual dividend of $1.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.5%. Williams-Sonoma pays an annual dividend of $2.64 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.5%. Haverty Furniture Companies pays out 95.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Williams-Sonoma pays out 29.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Williams-Sonoma has increased its dividend for 20 consecutive years. Get Haverty Furniture Companies alerts: Valuation and Earnings This table compares Haverty Furniture Companies and Williams-Sonomas gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Haverty Furniture Companies $722.90 million 0.49 $20.35 million $1.26 17.40 Williams-Sonoma $7.71 billion 2.76 $1.13 billion $8.83 19.60 Williams-Sonoma has higher revenue and earnings than Haverty Furniture Companies. Haverty Furniture Companies is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Williams-Sonoma, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Haverty Furniture Companies and Williams-Sonoma, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Haverty Furniture Companies 0 0 0 0 0.00 Williams-Sonoma 1 11 6 1 2.37 Williams-Sonoma has a consensus target price of $176.75, suggesting a potential upside of 2.13%. Given Williams-Sonomas stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Williams-Sonoma is more favorable than Haverty Furniture Companies. Institutional & Insider Ownership 0.8% of Haverty Furniture Companies shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 99.3% of Williams-Sonoma shares are held by institutional investors. 8.1% of Haverty Furniture Companies shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.1% of Williams-Sonoma shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Risk & Volatility Haverty Furniture Companies has a beta of 1.17, meaning that its stock price is 17% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Williams-Sonoma has a beta of 1.45, meaning that its stock price is 45% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Haverty Furniture Companies and Williams-Sonomas net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Haverty Furniture Companies N/A N/A N/A Williams-Sonoma 14.35% 52.79% 21.64% Summary Williams-Sonoma beats Haverty Furniture Companies on 16 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks. About Haverty Furniture Companies (Get Free Report) Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. operates as a specialty retailer of residential furniture and accessories in the United States. The company offers furniture merchandise under the Havertys brand name. It also provides custom upholstery products and eclectic looks; and mattress product lines under the Sealy, Tempur-Pedic, and Serta names, as well as private label Skye name. The company sells home furnishings through its retail stores, as well as through its Website. As of February 23, 2021, it operated 120 showrooms in 16 states in the Southern and Midwestern regions. Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. was founded in 1885 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. About Williams-Sonoma (Get Free Report) Williams-Sonoma, Inc. operates as an omni-channel specialty retailer of various products for home. It offers cooking, dining, and entertaining products, such as cookware, tools, electrics, cutlery, tabletop and bar, outdoor, furniture, and a library of cookbooks under the Williams Sonoma Home brand, as well as home furnishings and decorative accessories under the Williams Sonoma lifestyle brand; and furniture, bedding, lighting, rugs, table essentials, and decorative accessories under the Pottery Barn brand. The company also provides home decor products under the West Elm brand; kids accessories under the Pottery Barn Kids brand; and an organic bedding to multi-purpose furniture under the Pottery Barn Teen brand. In addition, it offers made-to-order lighting, hardware, furniture, and home decors inspired by history under the Rejuvenation brand; personalized products and custom gifts under the Mark and Graham brand; and colorful and vintage-inspired heirloom products under the GreenRow, as well as operates a 3-D imaging and augmented reality platform for the home furnishings and decor industry under the Outward brand. The company markets its products through e-commerce websites, direct-mail catalogs, and retail stores. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Receive News & Ratings for Haverty Furniture Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Haverty Furniture Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Compass Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 774 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $82,000. Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 11,651.4% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 13,444,444 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,417,582,000 after acquiring an additional 13,330,037 shares during the last quarter. Brooklyn FI LLC boosted its position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 6,306.0% during the 4th quarter. Brooklyn FI LLC now owns 6,966,465 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $748,438,000 after acquiring an additional 6,857,716 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 20.7% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 30,881,189 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,290,391,000 after acquiring an additional 5,297,542 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC raised its position in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 27.1% in the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 9,636,610 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,026,781,000 after acquiring an additional 2,053,687 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its position in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 17.9% in the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 10,606,146 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,130,085,000 after acquiring an additional 1,608,092 shares in the last quarter. 90.19% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get iShares National Muni Bond ETF alerts: iShares National Muni Bond ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:MUB opened at $104.27 on Friday. iShares National Muni Bond ETF has a 52-week low of $100.29 and a 52-week high of $108.81. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $104.05 and a 200-day moving average price of $105.16. About iShares National Muni Bond ETF iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index (the Index). Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MUB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares National Muni Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares National Muni Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Indian industry is prepared for any outcome regarding the proposed bilateral trade agreement with the United States, according to Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President Rajiv Memani, who emphasised that the country's business sector will not pursue deals that compromise national interests. In an interview with ANI, Memani praised the government's extensive consultation process with industry stakeholders before positioning India in trade negotiations. "The Indian government has given considerable time to understand industry concerns, issues and opportunities. Every industry, every size of industry has been consulted to understand how India should be positioned," he said. The CII President emphasized that there is no compulsion to conclude a deal at any cost. "There is no doubt that India will only do this deal when it is in India's interest and America's interest. Until it is not in the interest of both countries, this deal will not happen. There is no compulsion in this regard," Memani stated. Expressing readiness for either possibilty, Memani outlined the conditions under which industry would support the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). "If you ask industry whether they want this FTA on favourable terms and if we get relatively better terms compared to other countries, then industry desires this FTA," he explained. The potential benefits are significant, particularly regarding tariff reduction. "The 26 per cent tariff that has been imposed will come down and industry will get opportunities to operate there. We will remain more competitive compared to other countries," Memani noted. The CII President also highlighted the broader strategic messaging that an FTA would send: "When two countries have an FTA, it also sends a message that both countries are ready to work together." Memani acknowledged that certain sectors would face difficulties if the trade deal (with US) doesn't materialize, but emphasized industry's commitment to national interests. "It is certain that some sectors and some industries will face difficulties, but industries do not want to work in a way that harms the country. Industry wants to do this in a way that benefits the country," he said. The CII President specifically identified potential competitive challenges, particularly in the automotive sector. "If you look at auto companies, Mexico has a trade deal where tariff is almost 0 per cent. If there's a 25 per cent gap, then Mexico becomes most competitive," he explained. Memani predicted that Mexico would be the primary beneficiary if India fails to secure favorable terms, with some potential gains for Vietnam as well. "The maximum alternative replacement will come from Mexico, with some possibility from Vietnam," he said. The textiles and garments industry could face particular challenges due to Vietnam's existing advantages. "The garments industry could become slightly less competitive because Vietnam has a 20 per cent tariff," Memani observed, highlighting how existing trade relationships could impact Indian competitiveness. Memani cautioned against expecting immediate benefits even if a deal is concluded, describing trade agreements as "a long game." He emphasised that both countries would need to make adjustments to maximize benefits. "Many American companies may also invest in India to export from India. Indian companies will also have to focus on their competitiveness," he noted, suggesting that the government might need to implement reforms and support measures to help industries become more competitive. The CII President's comments reflect a mature approach to international trade negotiations, where industry supports government efforts to secure favorable terms while remaining prepared for alternative scenarios. "Trade deals are two-way. Some things will be good, while some sectors may face challenges," Memani said acknowledging the complex nature of international trade agreements and their varied impacts across different sectors of the economy. (ANI) Truist Financial Corp increased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 1.4% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 372,003 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 5,217 shares during the quarter. Truist Financial Corps holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $307,241,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 4.9% during the 1st quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 8,084 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,677,000 after acquiring an additional 377 shares during the last quarter. Morris Financial Concepts Inc. boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 34.0% during the 1st quarter. Morris Financial Concepts Inc. now owns 2,195 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,813,000 after acquiring an additional 557 shares during the last quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc lifted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 31.9% in the first quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 61,438 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,742,000 after buying an additional 14,876 shares during the last quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC lifted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 11.3% in the first quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC now owns 12,850 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,613,000 after buying an additional 1,304 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Deroy & Devereaux Private Investment Counsel Inc. lifted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.7% in the first quarter. Deroy & Devereaux Private Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 2,664 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,200,000 after buying an additional 45 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 0.0% LLY stock opened at $779.60 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $773.61 and its 200 day moving average price is $799.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.18, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a current ratio of 1.37. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $677.09 and a fifty-two week high of $972.53. The firm has a market capitalization of $738.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 63.43, a PEG ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 0.40. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $3.34 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.64 by ($1.30). The company had revenue of $12.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.77 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 22.67% and a return on equity of 85.51%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 45.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.58 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be given a dividend of $1.50 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.77%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 48.82%. Analyst Ratings Changes LLY has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Hsbc Global Res cut shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Monday, April 28th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, June 28th. Guggenheim reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $936.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Friday, June 20th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Finally, HSBC cut shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a reduce rating and decreased their target price for the company from $1,150.00 to $700.00 in a research report on Monday, April 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $1,011.61. Read Our Latest Analysis on LLY About Eli Lilly and Company (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sierra Ocean LLC lifted its stake in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 128.8% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 707 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 398 shares during the period. Sierra Ocean LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $112,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Sutton Place Investors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the first quarter worth about $237,000. Sharp Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the first quarter worth about $299,000. Adell Harriman & Carpenter Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 139.7% in the first quarter. Adell Harriman & Carpenter Inc. now owns 5,539 shares of the companys stock worth $879,000 after acquiring an additional 3,228 shares in the last quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 62.5% in the first quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 49,486 shares of the companys stock worth $7,855,000 after acquiring an additional 19,032 shares in the last quarter. Finally, World Investment Advisors lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 8.7% in the first quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 70,621 shares of the companys stock worth $11,210,000 after acquiring an additional 5,636 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Price Performance Shares of PM stock opened at $179.00 on Friday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12-month low of $101.62 and a 12-month high of $186.69. The firm has a market capitalization of $278.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.59 and a beta of 0.51. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $177.14 and a 200 day simple moving average of $154.80. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The company reported $1.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.61 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $9.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.10 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.40% and a net margin of 8.43%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.50 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 27th will be paid a dividend of $1.35 per share. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.02%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 27th. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is currently 111.34%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth PM has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. UBS Group upgraded Philip Morris International from a sell rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $130.00 to $170.00 in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, June 21st. Citigroup upped their price objective on Philip Morris International from $163.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 16th. Barclays restated an overweight rating and set a $220.00 price objective (up previously from $205.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Friday, June 13th. Finally, Bank of America upped their price objective on Philip Morris International from $182.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $176.80. Check Out Our Latest Report on Philip Morris International Philip Morris International Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Novare Capital Management LLC trimmed its stake in shares of American Express Company (NYSE:AXP Free Report) by 7.1% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,119 shares of the payment services companys stock after selling 85 shares during the quarter. Novare Capital Management LLCs holdings in American Express were worth $301,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of AXP. Investment Management Corp VA ADV bought a new position in American Express during the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. MorganRosel Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in American Express in the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. Sellwood Investment Partners LLC purchased a new stake in American Express in the 4th quarter worth approximately $33,000. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp purchased a new stake in American Express in the 4th quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Nexus Investment Management ULC purchased a new stake in American Express in the 1st quarter worth approximately $34,000. 84.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get American Express alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, insider Glenda G. Mcneal sold 3,019 shares of American Express stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, April 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $264.66, for a total value of $799,008.54. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 10,919 shares in the company, valued at $2,889,822.54. The trade was a 21.66% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Howard Grosfield sold 9,450 shares of American Express stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $275.50, for a total transaction of $2,603,475.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 9,402 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,590,251. This represents a 50.13% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Baird R W upgraded American Express from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, March 14th. Bank of America upgraded American Express from a neutral rating to a buy rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $325.00 to $274.00 in a report on Friday, April 11th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $310.00 price objective on shares of American Express in a report on Monday, April 21st. Robert W. Baird upgraded American Express from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $265.00 price objective for the company in a report on Friday, March 14th. Finally, BTIG Research dropped their price objective on American Express from $272.00 to $240.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 21st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have assigned a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $295.25. Read Our Latest Stock Report on American Express American Express Stock Performance Shares of AXP stock opened at $328.36 on Friday. American Express Company has a one year low of $220.43 and a one year high of $329.14. The companys 50-day moving average is $295.62 and its 200 day moving average is $289.85. The company has a market capitalization of $230.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64, a quick ratio of 1.57 and a current ratio of 1.58. American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 17th. The payment services company reported $3.64 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.47 by $0.17. American Express had a net margin of 15.31% and a return on equity of 32.48%. The company had revenue of $16.97 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.04 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $3.33 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that American Express Company will post 15.33 EPS for the current fiscal year. American Express Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 8th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 3rd will be paid a $0.82 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 3rd. This represents a $3.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.00%. American Expresss dividend payout ratio is presently 22.91%. American Express Company Profile (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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE:LPX Get Free Report) is one of 15 publicly-traded companies in the BLDG PRD WOOD industry, but how does it contrast to its peers? We will compare Louisiana-Pacific to similar businesses based on the strength of its profitability, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, valuation, risk, dividends and earnings. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for Louisiana-Pacific and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Get Louisiana-Pacific alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Louisiana-Pacific 2 2 4 0 2.25 Louisiana-Pacific Competitors 188 1156 1094 47 2.40 Louisiana-Pacific currently has a consensus target price of $106.63, indicating a potential upside of 16.28%. As a group, BLDG PRD WOOD companies have a potential upside of 21.27%. Given Louisiana-Pacifics peers stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Louisiana-Pacific has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Louisiana-Pacific $2.94 billion $420.00 million 16.09 Louisiana-Pacific Competitors $4.90 billion $297.37 million -13.25 This table compares Louisiana-Pacific and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Louisiana-Pacifics peers have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Louisiana-Pacific. Louisiana-Pacific 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. Institutional and Insider Ownership 94.7% of Louisiana-Pacific shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 82.9% of shares of all BLDG PRD WOOD companies are owned by institutional investors. 1.4% of Louisiana-Pacific shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 4.4% of shares of all BLDG PRD WOOD companies 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. Dividends Louisiana-Pacific pays an annual dividend of $1.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.2%. Louisiana-Pacific pays out 19.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BLDG PRD WOOD companies pay a dividend yield of 1.7% and pay out 36.6% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Louisiana-Pacific has raised its dividend for 7 consecutive years. Profitability This table compares Louisiana-Pacific and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Louisiana-Pacific 13.74% 23.75% 15.50% Louisiana-Pacific Competitors 7.65% 10.27% 6.04% Risk and Volatility Louisiana-Pacific has a beta of 1.84, meaning that its stock price is 84% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Louisiana-Pacifics peers have a beta of 1.43, meaning that their average stock price is 43% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Louisiana-Pacific beats its peers on 9 of the 15 factors compared. About Louisiana-Pacific (Get Free Report) Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides building solutions primarily for use in new home construction, repair and remodeling, and outdoor structure markets. It operates through Siding, Oriented Strand Board, LP South America, and Other segments. The Siding segment offers LP SmartSide trim and siding products, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish trim and siding products, LP BuilderSeries lap siding products, and LP Outdoor Building Solutions; and engineered wood siding, trim, soffit, and fascia products. Its Oriented Strand Board segment manufactures and distributes oriented strand board structural panel products comprising LP TechShield radiant barriers, LP WeatherLogic air and water barriers, LP Legacy premium sub-flooring products, LP NovaCore, LP FlameBlock fire-rated sheathing products, and LP TopNotch sub-flooring products. The LP South America segment manufactures and distributes oriented strand board structural panel and siding products. This segment distributes and sells related products for the region's transition to wood frame construction. It offers timber and timberlands and other products and services. sells its products primarily to retailers, wholesalers, and homebuilding and industrial businesses in North America and South America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. The company was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Receive News & Ratings for Louisiana-Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Louisiana-Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Konica Minolta and Seiko Epsons gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Konica Minolta $7.41 billion 0.22 -$313.39 million ($0.12) -55.50 Seiko Epson $8.95 billion 0.55 $369.61 million $0.55 11.95 Get Konica Minolta alerts: Seiko Epson has higher revenue and earnings than Konica Minolta. Konica Minolta is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Seiko Epson, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Konica Minolta -0.40% -0.84% -0.33% Seiko Epson 4.02% 6.68% 3.77% Risk & Volatility This table compares Konica Minolta and Seiko Epsons net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Konica Minolta has a beta of 0.82, suggesting that its stock price is 18% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Seiko Epson has a beta of 0.81, suggesting that its stock price is 19% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Seiko Epson beats Konica Minolta on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Konica Minolta (Get Free Report) Konica Minolta, Inc. engages in digital workplace, professional print, healthcare, and industrial businesses in Japan, China, other Asian countries, the United States, Europe, and internationally. It develops, manufactures, and sells multi-functional peripherals, digital printing systems, and related consumables, as well as offers IT and printing solutions and services. The company also provides diagnostic imaging systems, such as digital X-ray diagnostic imaging, diagnostic ultrasound systems, and other systems; digitalization, networking, solutions, and services in the medical field; genetic testing and drug discovery support services; and primary care services. In addition, it offers measuring instruments; functional film displays; organic light emitting diode lighting products; industrial inkjet printheads; lenses for industrial and professional use; and imaging IoT and visual solutions. The company was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. About Seiko Epson (Get Free Report) Seiko Epson Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, sells, and provides services for products in the printing solutions, visual communications, manufacturing-related and wearables, and other businesses. It operates through three segments: Printing Solutions, Visual Communications, and Manufacturing-related and Wearables segments. The Printing Solutions segment offers home and office inkjet printers, serial impact dot matrix printers, page printers, color image scanners, dry process office papermaking systems, commercial and industrial inkjet printers, inkjet printheads, printers for use in POS systems, label printers, printer consumables, and others. The Visual Communications segment provides 3LCD projectors for business, education, the home, and event; smart glasses; and others. The Manufacturing-related and Wearables segment offers wristwatches, watch movements, and others; factory automation products, industrial robots, compact injection molders, and other production systems; and crystal units, crystal oscillators, quartz sensors, and others for consumer, automotive, and industrial equipment applications. This segment also provides CMOS LSIs and other chips primarily for consumer electronics and automotive applications; and metal powders for use as raw materials in the production of electronic components, etc., as well as value-added surface finishing in a range of industrial fields. The company also sells PCs, etc. It has operations in Japan, the Philippines, the United States, Indonesia, China, and internationally. Seiko Epson Corporation was incorporated in 1942 and is headquartered in Suwa, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Konica Minolta Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Konica Minolta and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prosperity Bancshares (NYSE:PB Get Free Report) and Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCMKTS:FMCB Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, valuation, earnings, institutional ownership and risk. Volatility and Risk Prosperity Bancshares has a beta of 0.68, suggesting that its share price is 32% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp has a beta of 0.24, suggesting that its share price is 76% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Prosperity Bancshares alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares Prosperity Bancshares and Farmers & Merchants Bancorps revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Prosperity Bancshares $1.17 billion 5.98 $479.39 million $5.25 14.04 Farmers & Merchants Bancorp $292.68 million 2.47 $88.46 million $123.32 8.03 Prosperity Bancshares has higher revenue and earnings than Farmers & Merchants Bancorp. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Prosperity Bancshares, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Dividends Prosperity Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $2.32 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.1%. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $18.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Prosperity Bancshares pays out 44.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp pays out 15.1% 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. Prosperity Bancshares has raised its dividend for 27 consecutive years. Prosperity Bancshares is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Institutional & Insider Ownership 80.7% of Prosperity Bancshares shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 5.6% of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp shares are held by institutional investors. 4.2% of Prosperity Bancshares shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 8.5% of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp shares 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. Profitability This table compares Prosperity Bancshares and Farmers & Merchants Bancorps net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Prosperity Bancshares 27.69% 6.81% 1.27% Farmers & Merchants Bancorp 30.27% 15.08% 1.63% Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Prosperity Bancshares and Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Prosperity Bancshares 0 6 10 0 2.63 Farmers & Merchants Bancorp 0 0 0 0 0.00 Prosperity Bancshares currently has a consensus price target of $83.80, indicating a potential upside of 13.67%. Given Prosperity Bancshares stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Prosperity Bancshares is more favorable than Farmers & Merchants Bancorp. Summary Prosperity Bancshares beats Farmers & Merchants Bancorp on 11 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Prosperity Bancshares (Get Free Report) Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; term loans and lines of credit; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. In addition, it provides internet banking, mobile banking, trust and wealth management, retail brokerage, mortgage services, and treasury management, as well as debit and credit cards. The company was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. About Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (Get Free Report) Farmers & Merchants Bancorp operates as the bank holding company for Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California that provides various banking services to businesses and individuals. The company accepts various deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, time certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts. It also offers range of lending products comprising commercial and residential real estate, real estate construction, agribusiness, and consumer loans, as well as equipment leases and credit card services; commercial products, including term loans, lines of credit and other working capital financing, and letters of credit; and financing products, such as automobile financing, home improvement, and home equity lines of credit. In addition, the company provides various specialized services consisting of credit card programs for merchants, lockbox and other collection services, account reconciliation, investment sweep, online account access, and electronic funds transfers through domestic and international wire and automated clearinghouse; online banking services; and investment products, such as mutual funds and annuities. The company was founded in 1916 and is headquartered in Lodi, California. Receive News & Ratings for Prosperity Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prosperity Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lee Danner & Bass Inc. trimmed its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 7.6% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 33,019 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 2,725 shares during the quarter. Lee Danner & Bass Inc.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $4,380,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Redwood Park Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth $25,000. JCIC Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Abbott Laboratories in the first quarter valued at about $32,000. WealthTrak Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Rialto Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter worth approximately $34,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently weighed in on ABT. Leerink Partnrs upgraded Abbott Laboratories to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, June 16th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $145.00 price objective (up previously from $133.00) on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Leerink Partners began coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Monday, June 16th. They set a market perform rating and a $143.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $136.00 to $147.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $142.61. Abbott Laboratories Trading Down 0.3% Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $133.70 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $133.29 and a 200 day moving average price of $128.41. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $99.71 and a 52 week high of $141.23. The stock has a market cap of $232.61 billion, a PE ratio of 17.34, a P/E/G ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a current ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.07 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $10.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.38 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.89% and a return on equity of 19.01%. Equities research analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.77%. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is currently 30.61%. Insider Activity In other Abbott Laboratories news, Director Sally E. Blount sold 2,600 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, April 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $129.66, for a total transaction of $337,116.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 34,058 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,415,960.28. This trade represents a 7.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock. Abbott Laboratories Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Techtronic Industries (OTCMKTS:TTNDY Get Free Report) and Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE:SWK Get Free Report) are both large-cap industrials companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations, earnings, institutional ownership, risk and dividends. Insider and Institutional Ownership 0.0% of Techtronic Industries shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 87.8% of Stanley Black & Decker shares are held by institutional investors. 0.7% of Stanley Black & Decker shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get Techtronic Industries alerts: Profitability This table compares Techtronic Industries and Stanley Black & Deckers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Techtronic Industries N/A N/A N/A Stanley Black & Decker 2.40% 7.85% 3.09% Volatility and Risk Analyst Ratings Techtronic Industries has a beta of 1.37, suggesting that its share price is 37% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Stanley Black & Decker has a beta of 1.18, suggesting that its share price is 18% more volatile than the S&P 500. This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Techtronic Industries and Stanley Black & Decker, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Techtronic Industries 0 0 0 1 4.00 Stanley Black & Decker 1 4 5 0 2.40 Stanley Black & Decker has a consensus price target of $92.10, indicating a potential upside of 29.42%. Given Stanley Black & Deckers higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Stanley Black & Decker is more favorable than Techtronic Industries. Dividends Techtronic Industries pays an annual dividend of $1.46 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. Stanley Black & Decker pays an annual dividend of $3.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.6%. Stanley Black & Decker pays out 136.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Stanley Black & Decker has increased its dividend for 58 consecutive years. Stanley Black & Decker is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Techtronic Industries and Stanley Black & Deckers revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Techtronic Industries $14.62 billion 1.41 $1.12 billion N/A N/A Stanley Black & Decker $15.37 billion 0.72 $286.30 million $2.41 29.53 Techtronic Industries has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Stanley Black & Decker. Summary Stanley Black & Decker beats Techtronic Industries on 10 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About Techtronic Industries (Get Free Report) Techtronic Industries Company Limited engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of power tools, outdoor power equipment, and floorcare and cleaning products in the North America, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Power Equipment, and Floorcare & Cleaning Segments. It offers power tools, power tool accessories, outdoor products, and outdoor product accessories under the MILWAUKEE, EMPIRE, AEG, RYOBI, HOMELITE, and HART brands, as well as to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers. The company also provides floorcare products and accessories under the HOOVER, DIRT DEVIL, VAX, and ORECK brands, as well as to OEM customers; and offers inspection services. It serves Do-It-Yourself /Consumer, professional, and industrial users in the home improvement, repair, maintenance, construction, and infrastructure industries. Techtronic Industries Company Limited was founded in 1985 and is based in Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. About Stanley Black & Decker (Get Free Report) Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. engages in the provision of power and hand tools, and related accessories, products, services and equipment for oil and gas, infrastructure applications, commercial electronic security and monitoring systems, healthcare solutions, and mechanical access solutions. It operates through the Tools and Outdoor and Industrial segments. The Tools and Outdoor segment refers to power tools, hand tools, accessories and storage, and outdoor power equipment product lines. The Industrial segment includes the engineered fastening and infrastructure businesses. The company was founded by Frederick T. Stanley in 1843 and is headquartered in New Britain, CT. Receive News & Ratings for Techtronic Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Techtronic Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (OTCMKTS:NPNYY Get Free Report) is one of 66 public companies in the TRANS SHIP industry, but how does it contrast to its peers? We will compare Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha to related businesses based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, earnings, risk, valuation, profitability, institutional ownership and dividends. Profitability This table compares Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha 18.49% 15.81% 10.67% Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha Competitors 62.89% 10.76% 7.44% Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha 0 1 0 0 2.00 Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha Competitors 549 1740 2031 89 2.38 Institutional & Insider Ownership As a group, TRANS SHIP companies have a potential upside of 30.88%. Given Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaishas peers stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. 44.8% of shares of all TRANS SHIP companies are owned by institutional investors. 16.8% of shares of all TRANS SHIP companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and its peers revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha $17.00 billion $3.15 billion 5.18 Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha Competitors $2.81 billion $518.36 million 3.00 Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha has higher revenue and earnings than its peers. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha 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. Dividends Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha pays an annual dividend of $0.43 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.9%. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha pays out 30.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, TRANS SHIP companies pay a dividend yield of 4.4% and pay out 19.5% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Volatility & Risk Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha has a beta of 1.04, indicating that its share price is 4% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaishas peers have a beta of 0.98, indicating that their average share price is 2% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha peers beat Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha on 8 of the 15 factors compared. About Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (Get Free Report) Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha provides various logistics services worldwide. It operates through Liner & Logistics Business, Bulk Shipping Business, and Other Business segments. The company offers liner trading services, such as container shipping, and terminal and stevedoring services for containerships, car carriers, and cruise ships; and air cargo transportation services. It also provides bulk shipping services comprising transport services for finished automobiles, heavy construction machines, and used cars; transportation services for bulk freight, including iron ore, coal, and wood chips; and transportation services for crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas, and coal. In addition, the company is involved in the upstream areas of the supply chain for oil and natural gas. Further, it operates Asuka II, a luxury cruise ship; and manages commercial and residential buildings. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha was incorporated in 1885 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Daikin Industries (OTCMKTS:DKILY Get Free Report) is one of 69 public companies in the ELEC PRODS MISC industry, but how does it contrast to its competitors? We will compare Daikin Industries to related businesses based on the strength of its earnings, dividends, institutional ownership, profitability, risk, valuation and analyst recommendations. Profitability This table compares Daikin Industries and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Daikin Industries alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Daikin Industries 5.58% 9.00% 4.95% Daikin Industries Competitors -154.16% -93.85% -8.47% Risk and Volatility Daikin Industries has a beta of 1, meaning that its stock price has a similar volatility profile to the S&P 500.Comparatively, Daikin Industries competitors have a beta of 0.79, meaning that their average stock price is 21% less volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Daikin Industries 0 1 0 0 2.00 Daikin Industries Competitors 261 1578 2168 155 2.53 This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Daikin Industries and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat. As a group, ELEC PRODS MISC companies have a potential upside of 1.72%. Given Daikin Industries competitors stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Daikin Industries has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Insider & Institutional Ownership 49.9% of shares of all ELEC PRODS MISC companies are held by institutional investors. 16.0% of shares of all ELEC PRODS MISC companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Dividends Daikin Industries pays an annual dividend of $0.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.7%. Daikin Industries pays out 13.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, ELEC PRODS MISC companies pay a dividend yield of 1.3% and pay out 33.0% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Daikin Industries and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Daikin Industries $31.21 billion $1.75 billion 20.66 Daikin Industries Competitors $3.74 billion $270.62 million 6.08 Daikin Industries has higher revenue and earnings than its competitors. Daikin Industries is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Summary Daikin Industries beats its competitors on 8 of the 15 factors compared. Daikin Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) Daikin Industries,Ltd. manufactures, distributes, and sells air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, and chemical products in Japan, the Americas, China, Asia, Europe, Europe, and internationally. The companys air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment products include room air-conditioning systems; air purifiers; heat-pump hot-water supply and room-heating systems; packaged air-conditioning systems; multiple air-conditioning systems for office buildings; air-conditioning systems for facilities and plants; heat reclaim ventilators; freezers; water chillers; turbo refrigerator equipment; air-handling units; air filters; industrial dust collectors; marine-type container refrigeration; and refrigerating and freezing showcases. The companys chemical products comprising fluorocarbons, fluoroplastics, fluoroelastomers, fluoropaints, fluoro coating agents, semiconductor-etching products, water and oil repellent agents, pharmaceuticals and intermediates, and dry air suppliers. It also provides oil hydraulics products, including oil hydraulic pumps and valves, cooling equipment and systems, inverter-controlled pump motors, hydrostatic transmissions, and centralized lubrication units and systems; and defense products consisting of warheads, warhead parts for guided missiles, and home-use oxygen therapy equipment. In addition, the company offers after sales services. Daikin Industries,Ltd. was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Osaka, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Daikin Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Daikin Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BRICS member nations have called on advanced economies and the international financial system to provide "substantial" finance for climate mitigation in developing economies. "...We call on advanced economies and other relevant actors in the international financial system as well as the private sector to provide substantial finance for climate actions in developing countries, including by expanding concessional finance and increasing private capital mobilization," Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the BRICS countries have said in a joint statement Sunday, just ahead of the Summit. "Given the significant adaptation needs of EMDEs (Emerging Market and Developing Economies), we call on international financial institutions to scale up support for adaptation and to help create an enabling environment that encourages greater private sector participation in mitigation efforts," the joint statement continued. BRICS members acknowledged the need to address structural challenges stemming from climate change and energy transitions, biodiversity and nature conservation, among others. "We reaffirm that predictable, equitable, accessible, and affordable climate finance is indispensable for just transitions, in line with country circumstances and development priorities, and for meeting the goals of the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement," the joint statement read. India, a BRICS member, has always been vocal about climate finance arrangements, primarily from the developed countries that are huge carbon emitters. India continued to be vocal about the need for adequate finance, particularly for the Global South. Climate finance typically refers to any financing that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change. Developing countries have been of the view that developed nations bear a greater historical responsibility for emissions and should take the lead in mitigation and finance. Further in the joint statement, referring to the current context of uncertainty and volatility, the BRICS member nations asserted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) must remain adequately resourced and agile, at the centre of the global financial safety net (GFSN), to effectively support its members, particularly the most vulnerable countries. BRICS members also welcomed the New Development Bank's steady expansion of its capacity to mobilize resources, foster innovation, expand local currency financing, diversify funding sources, and support impactful projects that advance sustainable development, reduce inequality, and promote infrastructure investments and economic integration. "As the New Development Bank is set to embark on its second golden decade of high-quality development, we recognise and support its growing role as a robust and strategic agent of development and modernisation in the Global South," the joint statement read. In conclusion, BRICS members affirmed they will continue the work throughout the second half of 2025 to advance the initiatives and further strengthen coordination with a view to ensuring a smooth transition and continued momentum under the Indian Presidency in 2026. Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the BRICS countries gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 5, 2025, under the theme "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance". BRICS member countries encompass almost half of the world's population, spreading across four continents, and their economies account for nearly 40 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). BRICS economies have become more integrated into the world economy and now represent about a quarter of global trade and investment flows. The joint statement asserted that they recognise that more needs to be done to ensure that the benefits of globalisation, economic growth and productivity spread more equally to all. Total international trade (exports plus imports) of BRICS countries stood at USD 10.5 trillion in 2024 and has increased at a 7.9 per cent CAGR between 2020 and 2024, according to a report by Rubix Data Sciences -- a leading provider of risk management and monitoring solutions. BRICS nations are net exporters, collectively exporting more goods than they import, reflecting their strong production capacities and growing influence in global trade. (ANI) Veeva Systems (NYSE:VEEV Get Free Report) and American Well (NYSE:AMWL Get Free Report) are both medical companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, dividends, valuation, earnings, profitability and analyst recommendations. Risk and Volatility Veeva Systems has a beta of 0.98, meaning that its share price is 2% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, American Well has a beta of 1.29, meaning that its share price is 29% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Veeva Systems alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings for Veeva Systems and American Well, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Veeva Systems 2 8 15 0 2.52 American Well 0 6 1 0 2.14 Insider and Institutional Ownership Veeva Systems presently has a consensus price target of $269.80, suggesting a potential downside of 2.68%. American Well has a consensus price target of $9.67, suggesting a potential upside of 13.59%. Given American Wells higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe American Well is more favorable than Veeva Systems. 88.2% of Veeva Systems shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 56.0% of American Well shares are held by institutional investors. 10.3% of Veeva Systems shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 11.8% of American Well shares 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. Profitability This table compares Veeva Systems and American Wells net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Veeva Systems 27.34% 13.96% 11.38% American Well -59.13% -48.36% -35.36% Earnings and Valuation This table compares Veeva Systems and American Wells revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Veeva Systems $2.75 billion 16.49 $714.14 million $4.72 58.73 American Well $261.68 million 0.51 -$208.14 million ($10.19) -0.84 Veeva Systems has higher revenue and earnings than American Well. American Well is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Veeva Systems, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Veeva Systems beats American Well on 11 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Veeva Systems (Get Free Report) Veeva Systems Inc. provides cloud-based software for the life sciences industry. It offers Veeva Commercial Cloud, a suite of software and analytics solutions, such as Veeva customer relationship management (CRM) that enable customer-facing employees at pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; Veeva Vault PromoMats, an end-to-end content and digital asset management solution; Veeva Vault Medical that provides source of medical content across multiple channels and geographies; Veeva Crossix, an analytics platform for pharmaceutical brands; Veeva OpenData, a customer reference data solution; Veeva Link, a data application that allows link to generate real-time intelligence; and Veeva Compass includes de-identified and longitudinal patient data for the United States. The company also provides Veeva Development Cloud, a suite of applications for the clinical, regulatory, quality, and safety functions, including Veeva Vault Clinical, Veeva Vault RIM, Veeva Vault Safety, and Veeva Vault Quality; Veeva QualityOne, a quality and document management, and training solution; Veeva RegulatoryOne, a solution that helps companies to manage regulatory submission content; and Veeva Claims addresses the end-to-end product and marketing claims management process. In addition, it offers professional and support services, including implementation and deployment planning and project management; requirements analysis, solution design, and configuration; systems environment management and deployment services; services focused on advancing or transforming business and operating processes related to Veeva solutions; data migration and systems integrations technical consulting services; training on its solutions; and ongoing managed services, such as outsourced systems administration. The company was formerly known as Verticals onDemand, Inc. and changed its name to Veeva Systems Inc. in April 2009. Veeva Systems Inc. was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Pleasanton, California. About American Well (Get Free Report) American Well Corporation, an enterprise platform and software company, delivers digitally enabling hybrid care in the United States and internationally. The company offers Converge, a cloud-based platform that enables health providers, payers, and innovators to provide in-person, virtual and automated care; and delivers virtual primary care, post-discharge follow-up, chronic condition management, virtual nursing, e-sitting, on-demand and scheduled virtual visits, specialty consults, automated care, and behavioral health, as well as specialty care programs, including dermatology, musculoskeletal care, second opinion, and cardiometabolic care to patients and members. It provides Carepoint devices comprising carts, peripherals, tablets, and TVs, which serve as digital access points in clinical settings. In addition, the company offers Amwell Medical Group network services consisting of primary and urgent care, behavioral health therapy, acute psychiatry, lactation counseling, and nutrition services. Further, it provides professional services to facilitate implementation, workflow design, systems integration, and service expansion for its products, as well as patient and provider engagement services. The company sells its products through field sales professionals, channel partners, and value-added resellers. American Well Corporation was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Receive News & Ratings for Veeva Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Veeva Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) and Truist Financial (NYSE:TFC Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, dividends, analyst recommendations, profitability, risk, earnings and valuation. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and Truist Financial, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Bank of New York Mellon 0 6 8 0 2.57 Truist Financial 0 7 12 2 2.76 Bank of New York Mellon presently has a consensus target price of $92.08, suggesting a potential upside of 0.16%. Truist Financial has a consensus target price of $48.44, suggesting a potential upside of 7.11%. Given Truist Financials stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Truist Financial is more favorable than Bank of New York Mellon. Institutional & Insider Ownership Volatility & Risk 85.3% of Bank of New York Mellon shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 71.3% of Truist Financial shares are held by institutional investors. 0.1% of Bank of New York Mellon shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 0.2% of Truist Financial shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Bank of New York Mellon has a beta of 1.07, indicating that its stock price is 7% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Truist Financial has a beta of 0.85, indicating that its stock price is 15% less volatile than the S&P 500. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Bank of New York Mellon and Truist Financials gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Bank of New York Mellon $18.51 billion 3.55 $4.53 billion $6.14 14.97 Truist Financial $24.25 billion 2.44 $4.82 billion $3.39 13.34 Truist Financial has higher revenue and earnings than Bank of New York Mellon. Truist Financial is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Bank of New York Mellon, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Bank of New York Mellon and Truist Financials net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Bank of New York Mellon 11.78% 12.96% 1.14% Truist Financial 15.59% 8.96% 0.99% Dividends Bank of New York Mellon pays an annual dividend of $1.88 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. Truist Financial pays an annual dividend of $2.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.6%. Bank of New York Mellon pays out 30.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Truist Financial pays out 61.4% 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. Bank of New York Mellon has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years. About Bank of New York Mellon (Get Free Report) The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics. This segment also provides trustee, paying agency, fiduciary, escrow and other financial, issuer, and support services for brokers and investors. The Market and Wealth Services segment offers clearing and custody, investment, wealth and retirement solutions, technology and enterprise data management, trading, and prime brokerage services. This segment also provides integrated cash management solutions, including payments, foreign exchange, liquidity management, receivables processing and payables management, and trade finance and processing services. The Investment and Wealth Management segment offers investment management strategies and distribution of investment products, investment management, custody, wealth and estate planning, private banking, investment, and information management services. The Other segment engages in the provision of leasing, corporate treasury, derivative and other trading, corporate and bank-owned life insurance, renewable energy investment, and business exit services. It serves central banks and sovereigns, financial institutions, asset managers, insurance companies, corporations, local authorities and high net-worth individuals, and family offices. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation was founded in 1784 and is headquartered in New York, New York. About Truist Financial (Get Free Report) Truist Financial Corporation, a financial services company, provides banking and trust services in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. The company operates through three segments: Consumer Banking and Wealth, Corporate and Commercial Banking, and Insurance Holdings.Its deposit products include noninterest-bearing checking, interest-bearing checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts. The company also provides funding; asset management; automobile lending; credit card lending; consumer finance; home equity and mortgage lending; other direct retail lending; insurance; investment brokerage; mobile/online banking; payment solutions; point-of-sale lending; retail and small business deposit products; small business lending; and wealth management/private banking services. In addition, it offers asset based lending, investment banking and capital market, institutional trust, insurance premium finance, derivatives, commercial lending, international banking, leasing, merchant, commercial deposit and treasury, floor plan, mortgage warehouse lending, real estate lending, and supply chain financing services. Further, the company provides insurance brokerage, retail and wholesale brokerage, securities underwriting and market making, loan syndication, and investment management and advisory services. The company was formerly known as BB&T Corporation and changed its name to Truist Financial Corporation in December 2019. Truist Financial Corporation was founded in 1872 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tesla, UnitedHealth Group, Berkshire Hathaway, Centene, Wells Fargo & Company, SoFi Technologies, and Elevance Health are the seven Insurance stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Insurance stocks are shares of publicly traded companies that underwrite and sell insurance policiessuch as life, health, property and casualty coverageand generate revenue by collecting premiums. These firms invest the premiums (the float) and pay out claims, offering investors exposure to a mix of risk management, fee income and potential dividend returns. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Insurance stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Tesla (TSLA) Tesla, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, leases, and sells electric vehicles, and energy generation and storage systems in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Automotive, and Energy Generation and Storage. The Automotive segment offers electric vehicles, as well as sells automotive regulatory credits; and non-warranty after-sales vehicle, used vehicles, body shop and parts, supercharging, retail merchandise, and vehicle insurance services. TSLA stock traded down $2.09 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $313.56. 58,042,302 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 100,923,382. Tesla has a 52-week low of $182.00 and a 52-week high of $488.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a current ratio of 2.00 and a quick ratio of 1.54. The company has a market capitalization of $1.01 trillion, a P/E ratio of 172.29, a P/E/G ratio of 9.17 and a beta of 2.39. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $320.93 and a 200-day moving average price of $325.13. Read Our Latest Research Report on TSLA UnitedHealth Group (UNH) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. Shares of NYSE UNH traded up $1.13 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $308.69. 6,161,145 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,560,015. UnitedHealth Group has a 12-month low of $248.88 and a 12-month high of $630.73. The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. The company has a market cap of $280.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.93, a PEG ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 0.45. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $324.99 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $447.32. Read Our Latest Research Report on UNH Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) Berkshire Hathaway Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the insurance, freight rail transportation, and utility businesses worldwide. The company provides property, casualty, life, accident, and health insurance and reinsurance; and operates railroad systems in North America. It also generates, transmits, stores, and distributes electricity from natural gas, coal, wind, solar, hydroelectric, nuclear, and geothermal sources; operates natural gas distribution and storage facilities, interstate pipelines, liquefied natural gas facilities, and compressor and meter stations; and holds interest in coal mining assets. Shares of NYSE BRK.B traded up $4.35 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $484.83. 3,443,318 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,418,553. Berkshire Hathaway has a 12-month low of $406.11 and a 12-month high of $542.07. The company has a market cap of $1.05 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.92, a PEG ratio of 3.37 and a beta of 0.83. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $501.35 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $493.53. Read Our Latest Research Report on BRK.B Centene (CNC) Centene Corporation operates as a healthcare enterprise that provides programs and services to under-insured and uninsured families, commercial organizations, and military families in the United States. The company operates through Medicaid, Medicare, Commercial, and Other segments. The Medicaid segment offers health plan coverage, including medicaid expansion, aged, blind, disabled, childrens health insurance program, foster care, medicare-medicaid plans, long-term services and support. Shares of NYSE CNC traded down $0.51 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $33.28. 33,741,422 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,457,554. Centene has a 12-month low of $33.30 and a 12-month high of $80.59. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The company has a market cap of $16.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.96, a PEG ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 0.44. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $55.93 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $59.04. Read Our Latest Research Report on CNC Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) 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. WFC traded up $0.96 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $83.32. The stock had a trading volume of 11,237,287 shares, compared to its average volume of 17,377,113. The company has a market cap of $271.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 1.16. The business has a fifty day moving average of $75.34 and a 200 day moving average of $73.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 0.84. Wells Fargo & Company has a 1 year low of $50.15 and a 1 year high of $83.95. Read Our Latest Research Report on WFC SoFi Technologies (SOFI) SoFi Technologies, Inc. provides various financial services in the United States, Latin America, and Canada. It operates through three segments: Lending, Technology Platform, and Financial Services. The company offers lending and financial services and products that allows its members to borrow, save, spend, invest, and protect money. SOFI traded up $0.42 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $18.54. The stock had a trading volume of 44,667,703 shares, compared to its average volume of 52,372,471. The company has a market cap of $20.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.15 and a beta of 1.91. The business has a fifty day moving average of $14.40 and a 200 day moving average of $14.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 0.14 and a current ratio of 0.80. SoFi Technologies has a 1 year low of $6.01 and a 1 year high of $18.92. Read Our Latest Research Report on SOFI Elevance Health (ELV) Elevance Health, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a health benefits company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Health Benefits, CarelonRx, Carelon Services, and Corporate & Other. It offers a variety of health plans and services to program members; health products; an array of fee-based administrative managed care services; and specialty and other insurance products and services, such as stop loss, dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental health insurance benefits. ELV stock traded down $1.33 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $348.92. The company had a trading volume of 2,006,213 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,610,408. The company has a current ratio of 1.43, a quick ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. Elevance Health has a 52 week low of $347.21 and a 52 week high of $567.26. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $387.65 and its 200 day moving average price is $398.41. The stock has a market cap of $78.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.61, a PEG ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 0.60. Read Our Latest Research Report on ELV Recommended Stories Walmart, Colgate-Palmolive, and W.W. Grainger are the three Ecommerce stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Ecommerce stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose core business involves selling goods or services online or providing digital commerce platforms and solutions. Their performance is driven by factors such as online traffic growth, sales conversion rates, and technological innovation in payment or logistics systems. Examples include companies like Amazon, Alibaba, and Shopify. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Ecommerce stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Walmart (WMT) Walmart Inc. engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, other units, and eCommerce worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, PhonePe and other sites; and mobile commerce applications. Shares of NYSE WMT traded up $0.68 during trading on Friday, reaching $98.29. 7,686,204 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 18,068,909. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.22. The stock has a market capitalization of $784.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.73 and a beta of 0.68. Walmart has a 52-week low of $66.67 and a 52-week high of $105.30. The company has a 50-day moving average of $97.14 and a 200-day moving average of $94.36. Read Our Latest Research Report on WMT Colgate-Palmolive (CL) Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells consumer products in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment offers toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, and other related items. Shares of CL stock traded down $0.65 during trading on Friday, reaching $91.75. 3,300,939 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,812,485. The company has a market capitalization of $74.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.92, a PEG ratio of 4.93 and a beta of 0.37. Colgate-Palmolive has a 1 year low of $85.32 and a 1 year high of $109.30. The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.96. The firms 50-day moving average is $90.61 and its 200 day moving average is $90.54. Read Our Latest Research Report on CL W.W. Grainger (GWW) W.W. Grainger, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services primarily in North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and metalworking and hand tools. Shares of W.W. Grainger stock traded up $15.21 on Friday, reaching $1,050.49. The stock had a trading volume of 158,261 shares, compared to its average volume of 249,697. The businesss 50 day moving average is $1,060.91 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1,038.86. The company has a current ratio of 2.74, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. W.W. Grainger has a 1 year low of $888.75 and a 1 year high of $1,227.66. The company has a market cap of $50.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.75 and a beta of 1.18. Read Our Latest Research Report on GWW Featured Stories Petitioners might soon get a shocker when their handiwork doesn't garner a lot of respect . . . This report attempt to calm fears but really don't know much about what's happening inside the courthouse. In fact, Exec Frank White has vetoed quite a few resolutions . . . The more interesting question is: What will the legislature do if the Exec vetoes the recall election?!?! Here is one opinion out of many . . . "Last Monday, election boards certified enough signatures to trigger the recall. Its up to legislators to pick a date. The county charter says the recall must go to voters within 60 days of the petition certification. "Some people who gathered signatures worry White might veto Mondays ordinance. However, the charter does not allow the executive to veto a resolution." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . As the sound of illegal fireworks continues throughout the weekend and lingers into August . . . We probably shouldn't forget the threat to local property and livelihoods in addition to limbs. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Fourth of July house fire leaves three with burn injuries, one airlifted to hospital Firefighters said three people suffered burn injuries on Friday afternoon at a Fourth of July party just west of Sibley, Missouri. KCFD investigating early morning house fire in the 3200 block of NE Vivion Road, no injuries reported The Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department is investigating an early morning house fire in the 3200 block of NE Vivion Road. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Hollywood actor Richard Gere who on Sunday joined in the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamshala termed the Tibetan spiritual leader as a "selfless" human being. Practising Buddhist and actor Richard Gere praised the Dalai Lama for his teachings and wisdom while addressing the attendees at the Tibetan spiritual leader's birthday celebration. "We have never seen a human being like him who completely embodies selflessness, love, compassion and wisdom. When I grew up as a Christian, we understood compassion from our teacher, Jesus Christ. But I don't think we understood this combination of compassion and wisdom until we met his holiness the Dalai Lama," he said. On the Tibetan spiritual leader's worldwide recognition, the actor said that the Dalai Lama now belongs to the "world and universe". "At a religious conference following His Holiness' proclamation to continue the institution of the Dalai Lama, many lamas openly declared that the Dalai Lama no longer just belongs to Tibet, but to the world and the universe. His holiness exists beyond any concept of time and space," said Richard Gere. Before addressing the attendees, Gere kissed the Dalai Lama's hand in admiration and respect, bowing down to the Tibetan spiritual leader. The actor was seen sitting behind the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso. The term "Dalai Lama" is Mongolian, meaning "Ocean of Wisdom". In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion. For over six decades, His Holiness has been a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, continuing to inspire millions worldwide. Celebrations were held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, with many also expressing hope that the Dalai Lama's lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the future. (ANI) Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Hajj 2026 Application Starts Next Week: Minority Dept Minister Online registration and application process for Hajj 2026 (Hajj 1447 H) will start next week, Union Minister of Minority Department Kiren Rijiju said Sunday July 6, 2025 2:41 PM , ummid.com News Network Hajj 2026: Online registration and application process for Hajj 2026 (Hajj 1447 H) will start next week, Union Minister of Minority Department Kiren Rijiju said. The Haj Committee of India had earlier said that the official announcement of Haj 2026 (1447AH) will be made in the ongoing month July 2026. In a notification dated June 16, 2025, the Haj Committee of India had also asked those planning to travel to Makkah for this years Hajj to keep their passport and other documents ready. "Fully Digital Process" Over two weeks after the Haj Committees announcement, Kiren Rijiju said preparations are underway to make the entire Hajj application process fully digital. The website to accept applications for Haj 2026 will open within a week, he told reporters after Haj Review Meeting for Haj 2025 and Haj 2026 preparations held in New Delhi on July 04, 2025. The minister also asked the Haj aspirants to get ready before hand and strictly adhere to the timeline. Saudi Arabia has announced strict timeline for Hajj 2026. Accordingly, Indian Hajj pilgrims should make sure that they apply in time with all the necessary documents, he said. The Minister also asked the Haj Tour Operators (HPTO) to strictly maintain the timeline set by the government. Pilgrims Accommodations Kiren Rijiju also said that the government has received a number of suggestions to improve Hajj services, especially regarding accommodations. We have received a number of recommendations from various circles to provide separate accommodations for men and women. The government has taken note of these suggestions, he said adding that the government in Saudi Arabia is also working on this. Other changes expected for Hajj 2026 are food choices, short duration Hajj, and compulsory companion for pilgrims above 65 years of age. We will provide food choices state-wise so that pilgrims can eat meals of their taste," the Union Minister said. The Hajj application process if starts this month will be a month in adavnce as compared to last year. For Hajj 2025, the Haj Committee of India had started application on August 13, 2024 . The likely date of Hajj 2026 is May 24 to 29, 2026. The final date of Haj 2026 (1447), however, will be confirmed after Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH moon sighting. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Maharashtra Polytechnic Diploma 2025 Final Merit List Today After releasing the Polytechnic Diploma Final Merit List 2025 today, DTE Maharashtra will start receiving Option Form submission from July 08, 2025 Monday July 7, 2025 1:09 AM , ummid.com News Network DTE Maharashtra Post SSC Polytechnic Admission 2025: Directorate of Technical Education (DTE Maharashtra) is releasing on its official website "poly25.dtemaharashtra.gov.in" today i.e. Monday July 07, 2025 Final Merit List of the candidates who are seeking Admission in First Year Post SSC Diploma in Technical and Polytechnic Courses in Engineering,Technology for the year 2025-26. "Display of the Final Merit List for Maharashtra State/All India/J & K and Ladakh Migrant candidates on the website will be on Wednesday July 07, 2025", DTE Maharashtra Admission Notification said. Post SSC Diploma 2025 Final Merit List Candidates should note that DTE Maharashtra had published Poly 2025 Provisional Merit List for admission in Post SSC Diploma on Wednesday July 02, 2025 . DTE Maharashtra had given time till Junly 05, 2025 the students to submit grievances, if any. After addressing the students' grievances DE Maharashtra will publish Post SSC Diploma or Polytechnis admission 2025 final merit list today on July 07, 2025. Special Note Candidates participating in Post SSC Diploma or Polytechnic Diploma Counselling should note that the last date of application was June 30, 2025. The DTE however allowed application and registration of students till July 04, 2025. The students who registered from June 30 to July 04, 2025 should note that their names did not appear in the Provisional Merit List. They should now check their names and other details in the final merit list releasing today. Steps to Check Post SSC Diploma Final Merit List 2025 Click here to go to Admission Page: "poly25.dtemaharashtra.gov.in". Click on the link marked with "Click Here to View Candidate Final Merit Status" under Online System section of the home page. The Final Merit List for First Year Post SSC Diploma Technical Courses in Engineering/Technology Admissions will get open in PDF form. Check your name and other details. Report to DTE in case of error. Candidates should note that the DTE Maharashtra has just mentioned date, and not specified any time to release the 2025 Post SSC Polytechnic Diploma in Engineering Final Merit List. However, it will release the list any time by today evening. Option Form Submission As per the schedule announced by DTE Maharashtra, the Polytechic 2025 option form filling will start on July 08, 2025. The last date of option form submission is July 10, 2025. All registered students should note that, along with final merit list, DTE Maharashtra will also publish today provisional category wise seats (Seat Matrix) for CAP Round I. Based on the seat matrix or vacant and available seats, students would be required to submit their course and college preferences using option form on the official website. Post SSC Diploma CAP Round 1 Allotment Date Following the submission of college options, DTE Maharashtra will publish on July 12, 2025 the Provisional Allotment of CAP Round I or round 1 allotment result. The students allotted seats will be required to confirm their admission from July 13 to 15, 2025. It should be note that the seats will be allotted to students based on the options and preferences submitted by the students and subject to seat availability and merit. They are hence requested to study seat matrix and vacancies carefully before proceeding for option submission. Maharashtra Polytechnic Admission 2025 - Important Dates Online Registration: May 20 to June 30, 2025 ( Extended till July 04 with condition ) ) Display of the Provisional Merit List for Maharashtra State/All India/J & K Migrant candidates on website: July 02, 2025 Submission of grievance, if any, for all type of Candidates: July 03 to 05, 2025. Display of the Final Merit list of Maharashtra State/All India/ J & K Migrant candidates on website: July 07, 2025 . . Display of Provisional Category wise Seats (Seat Matrix) for CAP Round I : July 08, 2025 Online Submission & Confirmation of Option Form of CAP Round-I through candidates Login by the Candidate: July 08 to 10, 2025 Display of Provisional Allotment of CAP Round 1: July 12, 2025 Display of Provisional Vacant Seats for CAP Round 2: July 16, 2025 DTE Maharashtra Post SSC CAP Round 2025 The DTE released on its official website Information Brochure (Marathi and English) and detailed admission notification, though it is yet to confirm the CAP Round dates. DTE Maharashtra has also released Provisional Seat Matrix CAP Round ADMISSIONS 2024-25, 2023-24, 2022-23, 2021-22, 2020-21 and 2019-20 along with round wise Cut-off list for previous years for reference of the students. Post SSC Diploma admission in Maharashtra is conducted for First Year Engineering in Civil, Mechanical, Information Technology (IT), Computer Engineering group, Electronics and Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering group and other streams. DTE has started admission process of Post SSC Diploma admission for 2025-26 after the Class 10th (SSC) result is announced . Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Actress Anna Camp talked about the upcoming film 'Scream 7' and said that it is going to be entertaining for audiences, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film is set to be released on February 27, 2026. 'Scream 7' is an upcoming slasher film directed by Kevin Williamson and written by Guy Busick, from a story by James Vanderbilt and Busick. It is a sequel to Scream VI (2023) and the seventh instalment in the Scream film series. The film stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Mason Gooding, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Roger L. Jackson, and David Arquette reprising their roles from previous films, along with Isabel May and Joel McHale. "I hadn't seen the newest ones, but I remember the first one, which I've seen four times already," said Camp while standing on the blue carpet at the Mediterrane Film Festival's Golden Bee Awards in Malta, The Hollywood Reporter "The other ones I had to sit down and watch. It's just fun. This one is going to be great because it's Sidney Prescott, an iconic character, and Neve Campbell, an iconic actress. It's a coming home story for her. It's returning to the original cast and the original format," she shared. While sharing what she learned from Campbell, Camp shared that she noticed her instincts and natural communication with Kevin Williamson. "This character is so close to home [for her]," Camp said, adding,"Obviously, she's grown up playing this role that she knows when the script is not right or if something doesn't feel like what Sidney would say." Camp continued, "Kevin Williamson directed this one, and he's the mastermind behind the entire story. To watch their dialogue together and their shorthand, I was like, 'I want that. I want a relationship like that with the director,'" according to The Hollywood Reporter. Speaking of relationships, Camp came to Malta with her new girlfriend, Jade Whipkey, after debuting their relationship on the red carpet at the recent Bride Hard premiere, as per the outlet. Camp shared that she and Whipkey have been dating for nearly seven months, and their trip to Malta marked their first major vacation together. "We've been having the best time," she said. On the work front, Camp said she is eager to get back on stage and find a play or musical to star in. She also has several films in her kitty, "I opted to book a while ago, and that's in the middle of being written," she said. "I have Scream 7 out in February, and I have a couple of little indie movies coming out, but I'm just kind of waiting for the right job while I'm producing about three scripts right now on my own. I'm not sitting around waiting for the phone to ring. I'm working and doing it on my own, which is really exciting," according to The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI) Elon Musk, an ex-ally of US President Donald Trump, said Saturday he had launched a new political party in the United States to challenge what the tech billionaire described as the country's "one-party system." The world's richest person -- and Trump's biggest political donor in the 2024 election -- had a bitter falling out with the president after leading the Republican's effort to slash spending and cut federal jobs as head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk has clashed with Trump over the president's massive domestic spending plan, saying it would explode the US debt, and vowed to do everything in his power to defeat lawmakers who voted for it. Now he has created the so-called America Party, his own political framework, through which to try and achieve that. "When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy," the Space X and Tesla boss posted on X, the social media platform that he owns. "Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom." Musk cited a poll -- uploaded on Friday, US Independence Day -- in which he asked whether respondents "want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system" that has dominated US politics for some two centuries. The yes-or-no survey earned more than 1.2 million responses. "By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!" he posted on Saturday. Musk also shared a meme depicting a two-headed snake and the caption "End the Uniparty." - 'Laser-focus' on vulnerable lawmakers - It is not clear how much impact the new party would have on the 2026 mid-term elections, or on the presidential vote two years after that. The Trump-Musk feud reignited in dramatic fashion late last month as Trump pushed Republicans in Congress to ram through his massive domestic agenda in the form of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Musk expressed fierce opposition to the legislation, and ruthlessly attacked its Republican backers for supporting "debt slavery." He vowed to launch a new political party to challenge lawmakers who campaigned on reduced federal spending only to vote for the bill, which experts say will pile an extra $3.4 trillion over a decade onto the US deficit. "They will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth," Musk said earlier this week. After Musk heavily criticized the flagship spending bill -- which eventually passed Congress and was signed into law -- Trump threatened to deport the tech tycoon and strip federal funds from his businesses. "We'll have to take a look," the president told reporters when asked if he would consider deporting Musk, who was born in South Africa and has held US citizenship since 2002. On Friday after posting the poll, Musk laid out a possible political battle plan to pick off vulnerable House and Senate seats and become "the deciding vote" on key legislation. "One way to execute on this would be to laser-focus on just 2 or 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House districts," Musk posted on X. All 435 US House seats are up for grabs every two years, while about one third of the Senate's 100 members, who serve six-year terms, are elected every two years. Some observers were quick to point out how third-party campaigns have historically split the vote -- as businessman Ross Perot's independent presidential run in 1992 did when it helped doom George H.W. Bush's re-election bid resulting in Democrat Bill Clinton's victory. "You are pulling a Ross Perot, and I don't like it," one X user wrote to Musk. ph-mlm/sla Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday made his first public appearance since the outbreak of his country's recent 12-day war with Israel, taking part in a religious ceremony in Tehran, state media reported. The octogenarian leader was shown in a video broadcast by state television greeting people and being cheered at a mosque as worshippers marked the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, an important date for Shia Muslims. Khamenei, 86, can be seen on stage dressed in black as the crowd before him, fists in the air, chants "The blood in our veins for our leader!" State TV said the clip was filmed at central Tehran's Imam Khomeini Mosque, named for the founder of the Islamic republic. Khamenei, in power since 1989, spoke last week in a pre-recorded video, but had not been seen in public since before Israel initiated the conflict with a wave of surprise air strikes on June 13. His last public appearance was two days before that, when he met with members of parliament. Israel's bombing campaign followed a decades-long shadow war with Iran, and was aimed at preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon -- an ambition Tehran has consistently denied. The strikes killed more than 900 people in Iran, its judiciary has said, while retaliatory Iranian missile barrages aimed at Israeli cities killed at least 28 people there, according to official figures. ap-sbr/dcp/smw/jhb Manager and close friend of Caitlyn Jenner, Sophia Hutchins, has died at the age of 29. She passed away on Wednesday in Malibu, California, after a tragic ATV accident, as confirmed by People magazine. According to TMZ, Hutchins was riding an all-terrain vehicle when it collided with another moving vehicle. The crash threw her off the road, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Sophia became publicly known after she started working with Caitlyn Jenner soon after Jenner came out as a transgender woman in 2015. The two met through a shared hairstylist and formed a close bond. At the time, Hutchins had transitioned during college and had not yet graduated. She later took on the role of Jenner's manager, handling her public appearances and other professional matters. Sophia was also the CEO and executive director of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation, which focuses on transgender rights and support. She appeared in several episodes of the reality show I Am Cait, which followed Jenner's life after transitioning. The show aired for two seasons before ending in 2016. In a 2018 interview with Variety, Hutchins spoke about her work with Jenner, saying, "Coming from a reality show, where every detail of your life is documented, to not seeking any press is kind of a big change. Caitlyn is not working on these [activist] issues for press attention. She's doing it because she genuinely wants to help the community." While there were often rumors about a romantic relationship between Jenner and Hutchins, both always denied it. "We are not going to get into that. But we are very close," Jenner told Variety at the time. "We're kind of inseparable. We're the best of friends." Born on April 1, 1996, in Bellevue, Washington, Sophia Hutchins earned a degree in economics and finance from Pepperdine University in 2019. Along with her work in activism and management, she also founded the sunscreen brand Lumasol. (ANI) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires on Saturday, urging the expansion of New Delhi's preferential trade deal with South America's Mercosur bloc. The bilateral talks with Milei are the latest in Modi's whistle-stop diplomatic tour culminating in the summit of BRICS emerging economies starting on Sunday in Brazil. Diplomats from both countries at the meeting, which included a lunch, decided to "deepen bilateral relations and commercial ties," according to a statement from the Argentine presidency. Indian foreign ministry diplomat Periasamy Kumaran told reporters Modi "requested Argentina's support in expanding the India-Mercosur preferential trade agreement." The Mercosur regional trade bloc, comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia, is seeking closer ties with Asian economies in the face of Trump's global trade war. "The two leaders discussed the necessity of diversifying and expanding bilateral trade" in sectors including defence, technology and health, said Kumaran. They also touched upon cooperation in the energy sector, including gas and petrol, as well as lithium, a key mineral for the clean energy transition. Argentina is the world's fifth largest producer of lithium, according to the US Geological Survey. "Excellent meeting with President Javier Milei of Argentina," Modi wrote on X of the leaders' second bilateral talks. "We have covered significant ground in our bilateral relations, but we agree that the journey ahead is even more promising!" India was Argentina's fifth largest trading partner in 2024, with bilateral trade up 33 percent, according to figures from the Indian external affairs ministry. tev/nn/mr/ib/aks/mlm Hit by a corruption scandal involving alleged kickbacks and sex workers, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's party shook up its top leadership Saturday and banned members from paying for sex. Sanchez, 53, is facing the biggest crisis of his seven years in power. That was heightened on Monday by the detention of a former top official in his Socialist party, Santos Cerdan, in an investigation involving allegations of corruption and hiring sex workers. In a bid to right the ship, the Socialist party announced that "soliciting, accepting or obtaining sexual acts in exchange for money" was now banned for party members, punishable by "the maximum sanction, expulsion from the party". "If we believe a woman's body is not for sale, our party cannot allow behaviour contrary to that," Sanchez said. "These are difficult times for everyone, without a doubt," he told party leaders at a meeting in Madrid, once again apologising for trusting those caught up in the growing scandal. But he also reiterated his refusal to step down. "The captain doesn't look the other way when seas get rough. He stays to steer the ship through the storm," he said. The party also announced a leadership shake-up, replacing Cerdan as its number three official with 44-year-old lawyer Rebeca Torro. The meeting started behind schedule after another close Sanchez ally, Francisco Salazar, who had been due to take a top leadership post, resigned. Online news site eldiario.es said Salazar had been accused of "inappropriate behaviour" by several women who had formerly reported to him in the party. Former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos has also been implicated in the investigation into kickbacks for public contracts. The conservative opposition People's Party (PP) held a meeting of its own, looking to capitalise on the Socialists' stumbles. "We're the only alternative to this state of decline," said PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, calling his party the answer to Spain's divisions and "political fatigue". "Spaniards deserve a government that doesn't lie to them, that doesn't rob them but serves them," he said. al/jhb/jj Tom Tuite A 14-year-old boy showed no remorse for taking part in a firebomb attack that destroyed an innocent family's home in Dublin and killed their pet husky trapped in the blaze, a court has heard. The teenager, charged with arson of the house on Landen Road, Ballyfermot, which was left gutted on May 21st, was denied bail on Saturday. The teen was remanded to the Oberstown Children Detention Campus after appearing before Judge Maire Conneely at Dublin District Court. The boy cannot be named because he is a juvenile with the right to anonymity. He made no reply when charged ahead of his court appearance after he was deemed unsuitable for inclusion in the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. Objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the case, Garda Alan McGinty recounted that at 2.28am, gardai responded to a report of a domestic fire at the home. They learned that one resident was asleep in the living room, but he woke to the sound of glass smashing and found the room was on fire. The man's wife, son and their dog were in the property at the time. He alerted his wife and son, and they got out, but the pet husky "was still trapped inside and died in the fire". The court heard the innocent family's home was "totally" destroyed in the attack, after which a witness overheard a male yell "wrong house". Evidence was given that two males in balaclavas arrived at the house on an electric bicycle, and the defendant was allegedly the driver, while his passenger carried and threw the burning petrol can. Images of the scene were handed over to the court, which also heard there was CCTV footage, but the judge held it was unnecessary to view the video. She noted allegations that a jerrycan of petrol was bought at a service station three hours before the incident and brought to and hidden in bushes at a building in the Dolphin's Barn area. It was alleged that shortly before 2.30am, two males arrived in a taxi, put on balaclavas, and travelled to Landen Road on an electric bicycle. Garda McGinty alleged that they could be tracked on CCTV, and after the arson, they returned to the Dolphin's Barn area and handed the electric bicycle back to another person. It was alleged that the boy and another male went away in a taxi, and the vehicle's dashcam footage has been retrieved, leading to his identification. The jacket he allegedly wore in the taxi was found during a search of his home. Garda McGinty stated that during the interview, the teenager, who has no prior criminal convictions, showed no remorse. The boy, supported in court by his mother and other family members, sat silently at the side of the courtroom and has not yet indicated a plea. The judge noted that no bail terms would alleviate the concerns of the investigation team. A decision has yet to be made on his trial venue, but defence barrister Kevin McCrave submitted it was likely the case would go to the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers. He submitted that refusal of bail would mean he could be held for a year before his trial and disrupt his education. He urged the judge to note that the teenager would abide by a myriad of strict conditions available to the court. Referencing the Children's Act, he cited the law, which sets out that detention should be a last resort. He stressed the teen had the presumption of innocence, no prior convictions, history of drug abuse or failing to appear in court, and there was no witness intimidation evidence. However, Judge Conneely held that the garda had established a case for refusing bail and remanded the boy in custody to appear at the Children's Court on Wednesday. On Friday, a 15-year-old boy, also accused of arson, was denied bail too after a judge heard a description of the video evidence. "This male passenger walks into the driveway, sets the jerrycan alight, throws a stone through the window, and throws the jerrycan full of petrol into the sitting room where the occupant of the house is sleeping, and the house is set alight," Detective Garda Michael McNulty had told the Children's Court. That boy, who also has the right to anonymity due to his age, will appear again on Friday. Adult co-defendant Curtis Stafford, 23, of Rutland Grove, Crumlin, appeared before Judge Paula Murphy at Dublin District Court on Friday, also facing a connected arson charge. Garda Kevin Coller alleged Mr Stafford, who has still to enter a plea, purchased the jerrycan of petrol used in the incident. The unemployed man was refused bail and was remanded in custody to appear again on July 11th. All three have been granted legal aid. Actor Sam Rockwell said he is still receiving residual checks for the 1989 film 'Lean on Me', despite not appearing in the movie, reported People. Rockwell said he was technically cast in the film, but another famous actor ultimately played his part The actor shared the information while appearing on a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast with host Josh Horowitz. During the conversation, Rockwell said that when he was still a struggling young actor, he and several other up-and-comers drove to New Jersey together for an audition. "Michael Imperioli and I, and Kevin Corrigan drove in a van to New Jersey to audition for one line in Lean on Me," Rockwell recalled. He continued, "And I got it, and then they never got to my scene [during the shoot day], so they had to let me go because they didn't want to pay me for a week ... they either have to pay you for a day player or a week. So they let me go ... because they were like, 'Eh, we can't pay him for a week for one line.' And they hired Michael in the movie. And I still get residual checks for that even though I'm not in it," according to People. Rockwell further shared that the movie wasn't the only time he and Imperioli crossed paths in the early days of their career. "They called me to do Celebrity, and I was part of Leonardo DiCaprio's entourage. And I had a few lines, and they said director 'Woody Allen wants you to dye your hair bleach blonde.' And I said I'm not dying my hair bleach blonde for like five lines, what are you crazy?' And they're like, 'Woody wants you to do it!' And I'm like, 'Well, I'm not doing it!'," said Rockwell. "And they're like, 'Well, Michael Imperioli was gonna do it!'," added the actor. "Because he [Michael] had dropped out [of the project], and I was replacing Michael because Michael was gonna do a little pilot called Sopranos," Rockwell explained, adding, "And I said, 'Alright, I'll dye my hair.' " Rockwell garnered critical acclaim and fan recognition for his role in the third season of HBO's White Lotus, in which he appeared with his longtime partner, actress Leslie Bibb. Rockwell will also be reprising his role as "Mr. Wolf" in DreamWorks' The Bad Guys 2, which premieres in theatres nationwide on August 1, according to People. (ANI) Last Wednesday, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien met with a number of stakeholders to discuss the future of Waterford Airport. It is understood that from this meeting an additional business case was sought by the Minister for the proposed runway extension at Waterford Airport. Waterford Airport There is perhaps a growing uncertainty of whether or not the long-awaited reopening of the airport will actually happen. We asked locals this week what they believe Waterford's chances are as it stands. Tony Browne: "There's too much rigmarole." Photo: Joe Evans Tony Browne said he still has hope for an airport. I do think it will happen but I dont know when. "There's too much rigmarole. We should have had it long ago. We have four TDs now and theyre all for an airport so whats the hold-up? I dont know. Theyre working hard on it I think but the people in Dublin just don't want to know about it is my opinion. "Its ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. If Kerry has one and Knock has one, I dont see why Waterford doesnt have one. "It would be so handy here for the whole South East, not just Waterford." Phylis Winter and John Flavin. Photo: Joe Evans Phyllis Winter and John Flavin added, "We hope so. It's scandalous I think that we dont have one yet. "The best place to put an airport is off the sea where you dont disturb anybody. In Dublin theyre having fierce problems flying over the city and they can only operate for so long each day. So I think an airport in Waterford would be ideal." Helen Croke: "We're left behind again, as always." Photo: Joe Evans Helen Croke said she now feels the hopes for an airport in Waterford are diminishing. I'd love it, but from what we heard this morning again on the radio the answer is no, I dont think well get one. "Absolutely, I'd love one, it's needed badly. But we're left behind again, as always." Ellen O'Donoghue Politics, crime and Diogo Jota's funeral all feature on Sunday's front pages. The Business Post lead with the future of the OECD global corporate tax deal hanging in the balance, to be decided in high-level negotiations over the coming months, according to the Tanaiste and Minister for Finance. The Sunday Times Ireland lead with gardai investigating after protesters allegedly chanted death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces] outside the US ambassadors residence in Phoenix Park last Thursday evening, where dignitaries had gathered to celebrate American Independence Day. The Sunday Independent lead with DJ Carey's ex-partner revealing she complained to gardai that he allegedly stole money from her years before he was charged with defrauding other people out of tens of thousands of euro while pretending to have cancer. The Irish Mail on Sunday lead with internal and external critics believing that the leader of the St John of God order in Ireland should face criminal investigation for the reckless endangerment of children who were abused. The Irish Sunday Mirror lead with Diogo Jota's funeral, which took place on Saturday. The Sunday World lead with claims that the Kinahan Cartel worked with Hezbollah and other transnational organised crime organisations to organise the record 157 million drugs haul seized on MV Matthew. REVIEW: Waterford Organ Festival at Christ Church Cathedral Its been a while since the Far Flung Trio Katherine Hunka on violin, Dermot Dunne on accordion and Malachy Robinson on double-bass has gigged in Waterford. Six years by my notes and its great to have them back for the conclusion of the Waterford Organ Festival. Fun and banter with each other and the audience sets the tone for an informal afternoon concert that delights from start to finish. Its pretty remarkable that the most famous Hungarian dance music comes from the pen of an Italian, comments Malachy. Vittorio Monti clearly loved the legend of the Hungarian czardas a death dance, when the soldier fought with his opponent, watched and stalked him before dispatching him and then danced it all out in a frenzy. Catherine Hunkas versatility is a delight here with images of leppin Cossacks and deadly Turkans fighting to the death. The haunting accordion love theme from the Godfather wafts around the old cathedral, while ominous warnings of murder and revenge resonate underneath to warn that love rarely, if ever, conquers all. Its not so far a journey from Nino Rotas Godfather to Carmens Haberena when you think about it. The sirens warning on her invitation to love: Si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime, Et si je t'aime, prends garde a toi (If you do not love me, I love you, And if I love you, take care of yourself) rings out ominously as Carmens sensuality hangs in the ether of the cathedral. Gershwin chips in with three songs. Hunkas playing in Someone to Watch Over Me is smooth and silky; Robinsons bass in Lady Be Good is funky and friendly, while Dunnes ass-kickin box in Weve Got Rhythm reminds me of the late great Bryan Flynns Waterford Crystal finale in 1994. Rossinis Barber of Seville overture has us foot-tapping along to catchy phrases that repeat throughout. Romance anchors the piece but theres plenty of contrast from rhythms that explode across the score, with high leaps and solo cadenzas from the fiddle and base playing that pumps along with energy and attack. The volume and rhythm rises and falls and then just pounds along to that frenzied finale. Nobody writes overtures like Rossini. "Give me a washing bill," says he, "and Ill set it to music!" Resident organist Simon Harden gigs with the Trio in a locked-down classical delight with Haydns Concerto for Organ in F. Catherine Hunkas passionate violin in Michel Legrands Umbrellas of Cherbourg is just beyond romantic. If it takes forever, I will wait for you, For a thousand summers, I will wait for you. Dermot Dunnes ethnic box playing in Les Chemins dAmour (The ways of love) is about as smoochy a love waltz as you could ask for and a Piaf medley with lilting accordion, jazzy fiddle and bluesy base finds me in sawdust cafes with oyster shell ashtrays and ladies in red gloves with cigarette holders the length of ladders. Far Flung Trio gave us a superb eclectic Sunday afternoon concert that rounds off the Waterford International Organ Festival for 2025. Congratulations to Christ Church organist Simon Harden and his hard-working committee on organising a marvellous weekend of organ music and events at Christ Church Cathedral. 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 Peter Russell-Clarke, the neckerchief-clad larrikin who became an unexpected fixture in Australian lounge rooms and taught a generation how to cook long before MasterChef, has died aged 89. Russell-Clarke was the unruliest of media pioneers a bona fide polymath whose flair for cooking was matched only by his biting political cartoons and a sharp tongue that went gloriously rogue in a now-legendary bloopers reel, long before the internet invented going viral. With a trademark beret, stained smock, and a tea towel thrown over one shoulder, he was never just a cook. He was a storyteller. A painter. A provocateur. A genuine original. The sort who could poach an egg and puncture a prime ministers ego in the same five-minute segment. A familiar face on television throughout the 1980s and early 90s, Russell-Clarke fronted more than 900 episodes of Come and Get It on the ABC. He showed generations of Australians how to toast herbs and cook chops on residual heat, and became inextricably linked with dairy marketing via a single immortal phrase: Wheres the cheese? Yet, to reduce his life to a catchcry would be like calling Michelangelo a ceiling painter. Russell-Clarke was nothing less than a renaissance man with an Australian accent and a foul mouth. He was a culinary educator, but also a talented illustrator, prolific writer, advertising guru, political cartoonist, restaurateur and satirist. He was also a wine blender and a UN food ambassador. A man who once painted Dreamtime stories with Aboriginal elders in Far North Queensland and later cooked a jubilee dinner for the then Prince Charles. Advertisement Born in Ballarat in 1935, Russell-Clarkes early life was marked by instability. His father, a defrocked Anglican minister, and his dressmaker mother, sent him to a Catholic boarding school in Bowral, NSW, to get back at the Anglicans, but didnt bother paying the fees. His childhood, shaped by alcohol-affected parents and stints in foster care, was anything but linear. At one point, he lived with a Chinese-Australian family who taught him to cook banquet-style meals and introduced him to Eastern flavours. He would later claim these early culinary lessons formed the backbone of his intuitive, nose-first approach to food. It is difficult to know whether all his tales were true or had added garnish. He briefly lived on Melbournes streets, scrounging behind Bourke Street institutions like Florentino. Even then, his standards were high. He once said hed written a letter to the chef, complaining that a discarded fish had freezer burn. Im buggered if I know how long I existed like that, but it was a while. Good times, it made you lose weight! he recalled in an interview years later. Peter Russell-Clarke pictured in 2013. Credit: Melanie Faith Dove That mix of refinement and irreverence would become his signature. Advertisement By his late teens, Russell-Clarke was working as a junior artist for one of Australias top advertising agencies. His job, initially, was fetching lunches. But soon he was freelancing as an illustrator and food consultant two disciplines he would blend with great success. He went on to become political cartoonist for the Melbourne Herald, where he drew the comic strip Ben Bowyang and skewered public figures with glee and accuracy. Loading At the same time, he began illustrating for Shell, Mobil, Ford and even Boeing work that would take him across the globe and into the homes of corporate high-flyers. But it was food, that always kept calling him back. Russell-Clarke ran one of Melbournes most popular restaurants, a noname, nomenu venue in Carlton, often booked out 18 months in advance. Again, Charles came calling and, reportedly, he told him to bugger off because he was fully booked. I cooked a silver jubilee dinner for him and the only reason they chose me is that they knew they could get away with not paying for the meal, he once said. The place was well ahead of its time, like a modern popup. You just came and got whatever there was. Its just too hard if someone orders off the menu. He wrote, illustrated, or ghostwrote 35 books including 25 cookbooks and an encyclopaedia of food. He was also, at various times, food editor for New Idea, Womans Day, The Age, and The Daily Mirror. For 27 years, he was the face of the Australian Dairy Corporation and the Egg Board, starring in TV commercials he often wrote and directed himself. Advertisement Those of a certain age will remember him best as the five-minute man on ABC. Come and Get It, which aired just before The Goodies or Inspector Gadget, delivered succinct recipes in an unmistakable Russell-Clarke tone: warm, matey, occasionally bemused. Russell-Clarkes energy remained fierce, even when he faced health challenges in his later years. Gday! hed begin, and off hed go chatting about burnt herbs or properly cooking tomatoes (you release a perfume) before wrapping up with you beaut! and a cheeky grin. Behind the scenes, he was anything but tame. The infamous blooper reel first passed around on email and then eventually YouTube revealed a man unafraid to unleash torrents of profanity, frustration, and wit. The contrast between the polished, public Russell-Clarke and the mercurial off-air version only deepened public affection. Even in his later years, battered by health challenges a heart attack, stroke and cancer diagnosis Russell-Clarkes energy remained fierce. Living with his wife of six decades, Jan, in Tooborac, north of Melbourne, he still cooked, still painted and still spoke with vision-impaired cooking enthusiasts about low-heat techniques. He insisted that blindness neednt be a barrier to kitchen excellence It should make you a better cook, he said. You do it gently and slowly. Like making love. That gentleness wasnt always evident in his professional life. He could be abrasive, outrageous and contradictory. But there was wisdom in the way he treated food. A lamb chop deserved your attention. Herbs were to be toasted and respected. Food, for Russell-Clarke, was not just sustenance but story, art, politics and theatre. Advertisement There was nearly a war over Brussels sprouts, but the king of Brussels saved the day by telling the king of England how to cook them properly, he once told a young reporter. I dont know if that storys true or not, but it sounds good. His art reflected that same narrative sensibility. He painted for commercial clients, for federal commissions, for himself. He exhibited widely around Australia and internationally, owning his own Soho Galleries on Victorias Bellarine Peninsula and completing a 10-storey mural series for a Lygon Street building from rabbits underground to pigeons in the sky. Pictured in 1983. His cello paintings, inspired by musical theatre pieces he composed, portrayed instruments as people: sinuous, playful, human. In 2004, the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra requested a self-portrait for one of its exhibitions. He obliged with a piece that was part man, part mirth. After losing his home in a devastating fire while overseas, Russell-Clarke did what he always did started again. Fifty paintings were destroyed. Four finished books went up in smoke. He said it was a blessing. The first book Ive rewritten is much better, he shrugged. Im singing and dancing. He famously called himself a ratbag, a label friends, fans and colleagues endorsed with affection. Advertisement Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When director James Gunn was offered the chance to direct the next Superman movie, he said no. Its a surprising admission, but one that requires a little additional context. The offer was made back in 2018, and came with a second option, directing what would become the 2021 sequel to Suicide Squad. Gunn took the latter. I thought about Superman, but it just didnt really speak to me, Gunn explains of his initial decision to say no to the most famous superhero in comic-book history. They wanted a new Superman, at a time that was much closer to Zack Snyders [2013] movie, and Suicide Squad was an R-rated Guardians of the Galaxy. It was a little bit more familiar and easier for me to sink my teeth into. But the idea of Superman stuck with me and I kept thinking about it, Gunn adds. It was always there, and it was something like a thought experiment, trying to figure out how would I do it. And eventually it was offered to me again, and then I said yes. The result is titled simply Superman, and stars 31-year-old American actor David Corenswet as Superman, known by day as Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent. The film also stars Rachel Brosnahan as reporter Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as super-villain Lex Luthor, plus Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho. David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Credit: Warner Bros. The many adaptations of Superman for both the cinema and television screen have told the Man of Steels origin story from a specific prism: that the last infant son of the distant planet Krypton was dispatched into space as his home planet disintegrated, and was brought safely to Earth and raised by a childless couple, Smallville farmer Jonathan Kent and his wife, Martha. Gunns film does not change the origin story, but perhaps gently reshapes the emphasis. The 1978 Richard Donner film, which is remembered by many as the definitive Superman film, for example, makes more of Supermans Kryptonian parents, played by Marlon Brando and Susannah York, than it does Ma and Pa Kent. Advertisement Gunn seems as interested in the Kents as he is in Jor-El and Lara, perhaps more. This is a story about a fathers relationship to his son, and a sons relationship to his father, Gunn says. And I think that Pa Kents incredibly important in all of that. Superman comes to Earth, he was not born to Earth but he has an Earthly father. A lot of this is about Pa and Clark and their relationship, and I think its a really beautiful thing. Superman director James Gunn with his Man of Steel, David Corenswet. Credit: Warner Bros. Because Clark Kent, as he is known, is raised on Earth, Gunn also wants to take time to explore Supermans humanity, rather than, perhaps, Clarks relationship with the distant echo of Krypton. Superman is an alien, but he doesnt feel like an alien, Gunn says. I think he feels like we do, but he knows on some elemental level hes completely different from everybody else. And I think thats the thing he really doesnt like. I think he hates that. He wants to belong, he wants to be like us. David Corenswet as Clark Kent in the latest iteration of Superman. Credit: Warner Bros. And the irony of it all is that [his nemesis] Lex Luthor hates him because hes different, which is what Lex wants to be, Gunn adds. Lex wants to be better than everyone else. Lex wants to be put up on a pedestal. So weve got the alien who wants to be human, and the human that wants to be superhuman, and thats the conflict in the story, at least on the physical level. Which brings us to Gunns father, James F. Gunn. Gunn senior and his wife, Lee, raised a family in Manchester, Missouri, a suburb on the western outskirts of St Louis. Like Pa Kent, Gunn senior, who died in 2019, never wanted much that he didnt have already in Manchester, but like Pa Kent he taught his son to look beyond the stars. Advertisement Loading I owe my dad a lot, Gunn says. I think I owe both my parents a lot, but my dad, I went through a hard time as a kid where I didnt quite fit in. I guess I was having a really hard time, my dad went and talked to a psychologist and the psychologist said, what does your son like? Try and bond with him over things that he likes. So my dad took me to a comic book convention in Chicago, and to this day, it was the greatest weekend of my life, Gunn says. I dont think Ill ever beat that weekend in terms of how much fun I had, both being with my dad, watching my dad be amazed, buying tons of comic books. It was a real validation by my father that what I was interested in was OK, Gunn adds. And very different, I think, from other parents who probably thought comic books were stupid stuff and they should be reading something else. In fact, the Superman story itself is deeply knitted to the story of fathers and sons, both in the narrative Jor-El sending his son Kal-El to Earth as Krypton disintegrates and also behind the scenes. According to creator Jerry Siegels daughter, Joanne, the death of her grandfather in a bungled robbery contributed to the blueprint for a bullet-proof hero. How much losing his own dad reshaped Gunns approach to the Superman story is difficult to discern, he says. I really dont know. The only way in which Ive really changed since my dad died, which is sad, is that my dad was the first person I would show everything to that I did. Advertisement That was the reason I kind of did stuff, Gunn adds. The reason I wanted to be successful was so I could say, hey dad, look at all this money I made. The whole reason I wanted to make movies was like, dad, look at this. He loved what I did and it was the best reason to make stuff. David Corenswet as Superman with Nicholas Hoult as his nemesis, Lex Luther. Credit: Warner Bros. Central to Gunns mission was the search for Superman himself, a quest which brought Corenswet, whose credits include We Own This City (2022, for HBO) and Lady in the Lake (2024, for Apple TV+), into the room. Its not so much that hes a role Ive always wanted to play, it was that when somebody brought it up as a possibility, I thought, well, sure, Corenswet says. I mean, who wouldnt want to play that? The most iconic, the original superhero. If you pass somebody wearing a Superman t-shirt, or you see a Superman flag or somebody has a Superman tattoo, everybody knows that symbol. Even if theyve never read a comic book and never seen a movie, they know that symbol, and it means something unifying and exciting and hopeful. Boot camp for Corenswet, aside from the enormous physical demands of the role, was a reading list that included Superman for All Seasons and All-Star Superman. The former is a four-issue comic book limited series written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Tim Sale, published in 1998. It is significant because it is split into four chapters, exploring Supermans childhood in Smallville, but also his work in Metropolist on the Daily Planet and his rivalry with Lex Luthor. Advertisement The latter is a 12-issue comic book series written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Frank Quitely, published between 2005 and 2008, which borrows from Greek mythology. In the series, a dying Superman embarks on a series of final tasks for the people of Earth, dubbed the Twelve Labours of Superman. Equally intriguing to Corenswet was Christopher Reeves performance in the 1978 film adaptation of the comic book, which remains a cultural touchstone. Theres a sort of meta-performance that lifts off of the performances that weve seen on the big and small screen, great portrayals in television shows throughout the decades ... a sort of amalgam, a platonic Superman that exists in the public consciousness that everybody sort of holds a piece of, and doesnt really exist anywhere firm, Corenswet says. Loading But I think the great thing about Superman is that his spirit is so much one of the good and the hopeful that it tends to be that the great contributions rise up into the firmament and join that canonical ideal of Superman. Any missteps along the way, or things that didnt really resonate with people, tend to be forgiven, he says. Even the great Christopher Reeve had moments where you go like, oh, well, thats kind of silly, or that was more for kids than it was for adults its not that theyre forgotten, but theyre allowed to fall away and only the good remains, Corenswet says. Advertisement Mother Play: a play in five evictions traces the fortunes of a single mother named Phyllis, played by Thornton, and her two children. Beginning in the 1960s when the children are barely teenagers, the show follows the family over the next 40 years. [This] is an homage or a way of talking to her mother, after the fact, which I think anyone who has experienced the death of a parent will understand, Thornton says. American playwright Paula Vogel. Its a memory play, and by that I mean its Paulas direct memory of her childhood and her early years, living on the poverty line in the states around Washington DC. She had a complex and challenging childhood in many ways, not least because the mother, who I play, is a functioning alcoholic. She has aspirations for both her children and these revelations are played out through conversation and action. Shes clearly a difficult mother but no less inspiring in her way. She was a force, the kind of figure that people noticed in the room. She knew it but was trapped in a paradigm that didnt suit her personality. This is not too much of a spoiler to say: she has had very, very bad luck with men. Does performing in a piece like this provide a degree of catharsis? No question, it is therapeutic. Anyone whos making creative work would say that it is both cathartic for them personally, but also that the hope is it will also have some ... connection with the creators experience, Thornton says. And perhaps, if one is very, very lucky [there will be] some kind of healing from that. Yael Stone, Thornton and Ash Flanders in rehearsal. Credit: Charlie Kinross Going back to the theatre after a few years away is like returning to the gym after a break for the Melbourne-based actor. You work up to it... The memory is still there but it might take a little while to get it back. It also changes with every production. You have to develop a whole set of new muscular responses that match your character, which will always be different. As well as a degree of muscle memory, theres also intellectual memory involved, wrapping your head around that combined with an exercise of making a play, making a story together with people who all have their sensitivities and learning about each other and how to work in particular ways that suit each individual, and all of those things add to the mix when were discussing and working on extremely personal material. Therein lies the joy discovering the characters and their stories, along with the director and other creatives. Sigrid Thornton declared at age six she wanted to be an actor. Credit: Wayne Taylor The show has been fascinating to research. Theres a lot of information out there about [Vogels] experience: her output, her sexuality and coming out, and all of those things in relation to her own parents, she says. We are playing a persons real-life experience and the obvious dysfunction in the family I think anyone can relate to. Its not that far from Christmas, is it? Well still have those memories. One of this countrys favourite actors, Thornton has grown up on our screens, big and small. In 1977, she starred as a fresh-faced 18-year-old in Bruce Beresfords The Getting of Wisdom, but it was her work in All The Rivers Run, beamed into lounge rooms around the nation, that cemented her in our hearts. Then came The Man From Snowy River and later Prisoner and its more recent offspring, Wentworth. Then in the 90s, there was SeaChange. Theatre has been a constant since her 30s aged six she knew she wanted to be an actor and returning to the MTC, she says, feels like a homecoming. As well as Mother Play, she has three projects underway, details of which remain under wraps for the moment. Several scripts are in development: thats always the core the strength of the writing. But Im going to be working on both sides of the camera, she says. Thornton argues creative work is essential in every society. First Nations people valued above many, many things it could be argued, above everything, apart from getting enough food and water storytelling because it was an essential component in understanding the world, teaching future generations so that they could move forward with some clarity and a sense of connection, which is also critically important. Loading Many of the themes in Mother Play resonate powerfully in a world with right-wing politics on the rise and under the Trump administration, particularly womens rights and queer rights. He is wreaking havoc in so many ways, Thornton says. The attacks on the arts and on free speech are incredibly worrying. The dismantling of the arts in any way, shape or form is anathema because creative work is in no small part about helping people feel connected to others, helping people feel that they are not alone. I do sincerely believe that the making of good stories, even purely to entertain people and make people smile, all of that storytelling needs to stay alive, malleable, flexible and free. 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. 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. Advertisement 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). Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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 Advertisement Rachel Khoos father gave her a good grounding in science, but food was always her passion, says the cookbook author and judge on The Great Australian Bake Off. Here, the 44-year-old discusses the influential men in her life, her crush on cookbook author Donna Hay, and why her views on marriage changed when she met her now husband. Rachel Khoo says she used to date bad boys, much to her mothers dismay. My dad, Kheng, was born in Malaysia and got a scholarship to study at the University of Bath in the UK when he was 18. He comes from a big family and his eldest brother had to support him while studying abroad. My grandad wasnt alive, so my uncle was the next in line to help the family financially. It was also expensive to fly home in those days, so he spent his holidays with a school friends family. Dad comes from a hard-working immigrant family and taught me that nothing comes from nothing. He worked in IT. Hes retired now and loves to play chess. As kids, my brother Michael and I would go to chess club. It wasnt really my thing, and Id sneak off to the tuckshop to buy sweets, but Dad made sure Michael and I knew a lot about science, from black-hole theories to Stephen Hawking. My parents met in a pub in London after my Austrian mum came to the UK aged 19 to work as an au pair. Dad is 10 years older than her, and he is traditional, but at the same time he never said you cant do this because youre a woman. He taught us to study hard and to work hard. Artificial intelligence sparks a vast spectrum of human expectation, from the apocalyptic AI will become sentient and destroy us all to the radiant hope of a vastly improved humanity who will live much longer lives of ease and luxury. Many of the claims, both negative and positive, are doubtless accurate at the same time. There are benefits and costs, and only time will show how great each really is. AI has been called the biggest shift in information production since the printing press. It is certainly revolutionising our economic and social lives, and I confess to both uncertainty and trepidation. Science fiction writer Isaac Asimov was hugely optimistic with his three laws of robotics in 1942, but the history of technological change shows the poet Shelley, too, had a point: The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Data centres dont look intelligent - and lack morality. Credit: istock Two interesting recent examples come from the legal realm. In March, a study of hypothetical decisions by 31 US federal judges compared with judgments delivered by AI showed the latter was far more rigid and less sympathetic to personal circumstances, even when programmed to be compassionate. The tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad last month has left many shaken, including actor Raashii Khanna. The crash, which killed 241 out of the 242 people onboard, has made her feel uneasy every time she boards a flight. On Sunday, Raashii took to her Instagram account to share how she has been battling travel anxiety following the Air India crash. The actress posted a couple of pictures from the airport along with a note expressing how recent headlines have worsened her fear of flying. She spoke about how travel, which once felt like an "escape," now feels stressful and "heavy." "There's so much unrest in the world... Every flight feels heavier now--not just because of the skies, but because of the headlines we carry with us. Travel used to be an escape. Lately, it feels like holding your breath. Anyone else feeling this travel anxiety too?" read her post. Take a look at her post https://www.instagram.com/p/DLwlEJzxs5A/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link The crash occurred on June 12, when a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat's Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The tragedy claimed 241 lives out of the 242 onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. (ANI) As much as I love weddings, surely we can all agree that spending $50 million to pledge til death do us part is a couple of zeros too far. Well, almost all of us can agree on that, but clearly, newlyweds Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez dont think so, given thats how much theyre rumoured to have spent on their big day. In case you missed it, the nuptials of the Amazon founder and former journalist were a three-day affair in Venice, and was attended by 200 guests including some of the biggest celebrities in the world. In 2025, luxury travel has officially become the latest iteration of keeping up with the Joneses. Credit: iStock But with so many celebrities (all with sizeable respectable wealth to their names) in attendance came a wall of social media content documenting every designer outfit (of which there were many) worn by the bride, the groom, and their guests, as well as peeks inside the luxury hotels in which they stayed, the yachts on which they partied, the 90 private jets that transported everyone to and from the event, and the hatted restaurants in which they dined. For all the so-called vulgarity, it was a coveted holiday one that just about anyone would dream about being invited on. Pro-Palestinian protesters including children chanted Death to the IDF at a demonstration in Melbourne less than 48 hours after an antisemitic attack on a Melbourne synagogue. The chants came after a number of leaders of the pro-Palestinian protest condemned the attempted firebombing of an East Melbourne synagogue on Friday while children and families were inside. Pro-Palestinian protesters march in Melbournes CBD on Sunday, two days after attacks on a synagogue and an Israeli restaurant. Credit: Chris Hopkins Despite a rally organisers condemnation of the attack during the protest, two pre-teen Melbourne sisters, who had previously made moving remarks about the suffering of children their age in Gaza, then led chants of Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces] and Death, death to the IOF [Israeli Occupying Force]. On the same night as Fridays synagogue attack, a group of 20 people stormed Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD, upturning tables, distressing diners and chanting Death to the IDF. Australias government-appointed envoy against antisemitism has called for mandatory training across the education and corporate sectors following a new round of antisemitic attacks. Jillian Segal, a businesswoman appointed by Labor to tackle bigotry towards Jewish Australians, revealed in an interview with this masthead that her next major recommendation for antisemitism training was aimed at reducing societal ignorance about the problem. It all starts with words, but it doesnt end in words, she said, while commending Labors moves earlier this year to criminalise hate speech. Her recommendation follows a series of antisemitic attacks in Melbourne on Friday that rattled Australias Jewish community. They came after a spate of similar occurrences over the summer, against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. A still from Sabsabis video installation YOU (2007), showing then-Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. It was created in 2007, and Hezbollah was listed by the Australian government as a proscribed organisation in 2021. The Australian, which was front and centre in the anti-Sabsabi campaign, called the use of Nasrallahs image as ambiguous and questionable. Fancy an artwork being ambiguous or questionable! In recent years, George Orwell has had many reasons to turn in his grave. But he surely would have rotated a full 360-degrees at such a description and all that lies under it. I wont mount a defence of the artwork here, not least because it would be patronising to the artist, but to interpret it as an endorsement of terrorism is quite the stretch. Likewise, the other work from Sabsabis oeuvre that the News Corp media and certain Coalition politicians seemed magically to discover once Sabsabi was chosen for the Biennale. It is from 2006, and is called Thank you very much. Another video installation, it features a scrambled cut of images of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers on September 11, followed by footage of George W. Bush saying Thank you very much (excerpted from a speech in which the president thanked the people of New York for their bravery during and after the attacks). The artwork has a rough-cut music-video quality to it, but has a sombre backing music which lends it a disturbing atmosphere. It could be interpreted a thousand ways, not least as a critique on the ill-conceived and ultimately disastrous US-led invasion of Afghanistan that followed from the 9/11 terror attacks. But, again, to interpret the work as a non-ironic glorification of terrorism is facile, not to mention self-serving on the part of the people who drew attention to it for political benefit. Perhaps you could say that these parts of Sabsabis back catalogue were controversial, although the controversy seems to have been whipped up many years in retrospect, so it hardly seems organic to the work. One of the mandated functions of Creative Australia (which replaced the old Australia Council) is to uphold and promote freedom of expression in the arts, but when it came to dumping Sabsabi, fear seems to have trumped freedom. After the announcement of his selection, Sabsabi and his work became the target of a News Corp campaign, followed (as such campaigns so often are) by questions to the government in Senate question time. Loading Panic seems to have rolled downwards from Arts Minister Tony Burke to the Creative Australia board and the decision was made to sack Sabsabi. As my colleague Linda Morris reported, Burke insisted he did not demand Sabsabis head and the report found that the ministers statement was consistent with the information received by the panel during its review. Creative Australia chief executive Adrian Collette later told Senate Estimates that it became clear to the board that this entire process was going to be mired in the worst kind of divisive debate. He was probably right, but in deciding to dump Sabsabi, we got the divisive debate anyway, turbocharged with valid questions about political pressure, the power of the pro-Israel lobby, and what Orwell might have called the thought policing of criticisms of Israel by colliding them automatically with antisemitism. If the idea that an artwork should stay clear of divisiveness is extraordinary, the idea that art about divisive topics should be avoided when those topics are in the news, and causing ructions in society, is even more so. And it should be utterly rejected. Picasso didnt wait until the Spanish Civil War was over before he finished Guernica. Its impact was due to its contemporaneity. Politicians often discuss the importance of shoring up social cohesion, which, in Australia, has undoubtedly been tested by the ripple-effects of the Israel-Gaza conflict. But the only worthwhile test of social cohesion is our ability to support freedom of expression and diversity of thought at the moment when it urgently matters. A crucial Airport Advisory Committee meeting was held on Saturday at the Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport, Agartala, under the chairmanship of the local Member of Parliament, Biplab Kumar Deb. The meeting, which takes place twice a year, serves as a platform to discuss future development plans, passenger amenities, and various operational matters concerning the airport. The meeting witnessed the participation of key officials, including the District Magistrate (DM), officials from the Agartala Municipal Corporation, SP (West), Traffic SP, CISF in charge of the airport, heads of various departments from the Airport Authority, and the local MLA, who is also a member of this committee. Representatives of different airlines and other stakeholders were also present. During the meeting, Biplab Kumar Deb emphasized the importance of improving facilities for passengers and ensuring the smooth operation of services. He highlighted that while problems that can be resolved at the local level are addressed immediately, issues requiring intervention from the Central Government are communicated through the MPs to find long-term solutions. Deb stated, "Our continuous effort is to ensure that all travellers receive the best possible service. I am proud to share that MBB Airport has been ranked as the best airport in the entire North East region. This achievement is the result of structured discussions, teamwork, and proactive measures taken by all concerned authorities." The committee also discussed upcoming construction projects, improving passenger facilities, resolving existing challenges, and implementing suggestions from local residents to enhance overall service quality. Deb further added that these meetings, organised every six months, have had a positive impact on performance ratings, with the MBB Airport consistently achieving over 8 points and, in some instances, exceeding 9 points. The MP assured that the State Government is fully committed to supporting all initiatives aimed at improving passenger experiences and infrastructure at the airport. The meeting concluded with a collective resolution to continue working towards making Agartala MBB Airport one of the finest in the country. (ANI) Leesville, LA (71446) Today Mostly sunny early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 88F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Isolated thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Acting on intelligence inputs regarding suspicious movement, the joint team launched an operation in the region on Saturday. During the search, security personnel recovered three hand grenades, live ammunition, wire cutters, batteries, power cables, a knife, and other incriminating material from the hideout. Earlier, an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district in the late hours of Wednesday. Indian Army's White Knight Corps, posted from its official handle on X and said, "Op CHHATRU. Based on specific #intelligence a joint search operation was underway in Kanzal Mandu, #Kishtwar." "Contact has been established with the #terrorists and #operations are in progress," it said. on On June 26, security forces "neutralised" one terrorist during an encounter in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir. According to officials, the joint operation, code-named Operation Bihali, was launched earlier on June 26 by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. (ANI) 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. && Weather Alert ...DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM CDT THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois along and south of Route 13, areas of western Kentucky along and north of Bardwell to Paducah to Central City, and parts of southeast Missouri along the Mississippi River and Stoddard County. * 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. && French president Emmanuel Macron chaired a Pacific-France summit on June 10, on the sidelines of the UN Oceans Conference held in Nice from June 9-13. Leaders from Papua New Guinea, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, the French territories of New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna were present, along with a Pacific Islands Forum delegation headed by secretary-general Baron Waqa. Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa greets French President Emmanuel Macron [Photo: Pacific Islands Forum] Macron underscored Frances cooperation with the Pacific at strategic and military levels. He referenced the Pacific Academy, a Noumea-based training facility for defence and security forces from across the region, as well as regular joint military exercises to foster common credibility to protect our zones and fight against illegal fishing. Combating illegal fishing is the coverall used by the United States and other imperialist powers to justify their military build-up against China. Alongside expanding military bases and provocative naval exercises, armed US Coast Guard cutters are permanently deployed to American Samoa and Guam to counter Chinese activity and provoke Beijing. In July 2023 Macron conducted a five-day tour of New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea to assert Frances imperialist interests as a Pacific power. He postured as an independent actor in the region, encouraging local governments to diversify their partnerships beyond Beijing and Washington. Over the past six months, French warships, led by the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, have participated in a series of multinational exercises; La Perouse, Pacific Steller and Southern Cross, in the Indo-Pacific, all aimed at strengthening interoperability between the respective forces, plus a two-month deployment involving the French Carrier Strike Group. Macron also told the regions leaders he would maintain Frances diplomacy in very close connection with our common interests in the Pacific, including the opening of a new Embassy in Samoa. Macron acknowledged the central role played by the Pacific Islands Forum, which will receive 2 million towards a Pacific Resilient Facility Fund. The meetings thinly disguised anti-China agenda was underscored by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who urged Pacific nations to stand together as a region against external forces seeking to coerce, cajole and constrain. He declared New Zealand welcomed Frances long-standing commitment to the Pacific and the contribution it makes to regional stability. Peters this week withdrew $NZ20 million in essential aid funding from the Cook Islands, a neo-colony of New Zealand, in retaliation for it recently signing a strategic agreement with China. Peters insisted he should have been consulted over the text before it was signed, a claim flatly rejected by Cooks Prime Minister Mark Brown. Peters has made several trips to New Caledonia, the most recent in May, supporting the French Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, and the continuation of dialogue on New Caledonias institutional future. Peters falsely claimed the discussions signified the good faith efforts underway to return peace and stability to New Caledonia. Following last years uprising by indigenous Kanak youth, Valls has convened three rounds of multi-party talks regarding the territorys political future. Widespread rioting saw 14 people killed, mostly by French gendarmes, with damage estimated at 2.2 billion. Fuelled by social inequality, unemployment and economic desperation, the rebellion brought a substantial section of Kanak youth into conflict, not only with French colonial oppression, but with the territorys political establishment, including the Kanak pro-independence parties. A proposal tabled by Valls during a closed-doors conclave early last month contained a form of sovereignty with France, including transfer of key powersdefence, law and order, currency, foreign affairs, justicefrom Paris to New Caledonia and dual Kanaky-France citizenship. Hard-line pro-France Loyalist parties opposed the proposal, saying it failed to take into account three referendums between 2018 and 2021 that all rejected independence. The talks have been aimed at creating a new document to replace the 1998 power sharing Noumea Accord and bring New Caledonia closer to having its own Constitution. The pro-independence movement split in December: while the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), is calling for full sovereignty, the moderate factions want a shared arrangement with Paris. Valls has said he is determined to finalise New Caledonias decolonisation process. In response, leaders from the right-wing Les Republicains (LR) and Rassemblement National (RN), vice-president Francois-Xavier Bellamy and Marine Le Pen, visited Noumea last month. Bellamy told a rally of supporters that the decolonisation process prescribed by the 1998 Noumea Accord is now over. The talks have been in stalemate for six weeks. Macron told the Pacific leaders gathering that he will convene a fresh summit in Paris within weeks to bring together all stakeholders again and manage to come up with a new project. He declared that building a political solution for New Caledonia is still work in progress. Macron said he was aware of regional concerns about the events that destabilized New Caledonia a year ago. He insisted the French state had respected its commitments by organizing the referendums. But a year ago, violence broke out, triggered by several factors... which we took very seriously, he said. Macrons praise for the referendums is a complete fraud. The results in the third and final plebiscite saw a 96.49 percent vote against independence and just 3.51 percent in favour, with a low 43.9 percent turnout. The Kanak population boycotted the poll as it was pushed through while COVID-19 was spreading. Last years uprising was the direct result of Frances ongoing colonial rule in the territory. A unilateral change by the French parliament to voting eligibility at New Caledonias local elections was the immediate trigger for the 7-months of riots. The constitutional amendment was designed to unfreeze the electoral roll, which only allows people born in the colony or residing there before 1998 to vote. Indigenous Kanaks feared the move would further marginalise them politically as they face worsening economic and social conditions. France responded with a brutal police-military crackdown. The number of security personnel in the colony escalated to over 7,000. Kanak villages, targeted as pockets of resistance, were subject to permanent roadblocks, body searches including children and police harassment. In a new development Christian Tein, accused by French authorities of being the ringleader of the rebellion, was last week released from a French prison where he has been incarcerated awaiting trial for almost a year. In a ruling on June 3, three magistrates found there were insufficient grounds to keep him in custody. Teins release conditions require him to remain resident in France while on remand. Tein was the most prominent of seven pro-independence activists arrested during an early morning raid in Noumea on June 19 last year. They were indicted and, without warning, flown to mainland France to be held in custody pending trial. Tein and 10 other members of the CCAT (Field Action Coordination Committee), alleged to be the main organising group behind the riots, still face charges ranging from organised destruction of goods and property to incitement to murder or attempted murder of police. The intervention of the far-right leaders in Noumea suggests the fate of New Caledonia could well become a major issue in French politics. Whatever the outcome of the current impasse, however, nothing will be done in the talks to resolve the fundamental issues behind the anti-colonial unrest which was triggered by poverty, inequality, unemployment and social desperation. France, moreover, will not agree to any arrangement that threatens its geo-strategic position in the Pacific, including its key military base in Noumea, as the US-led push for war against China accelerates. Any form of independence will be highly circumscribed and subservient to the major capitalist powers and financial institutions. On Saturday morning, CNN hosted 22-year-old Ward Sakeik and her attorney, Eric Lee, in a discussion on the significance of Sakeiks five-month imprisonment by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Sakeik, a stateless Palestinian, was released on Tuesday. Sakeik faced deportation to the borders of Israela threat not only of forced exile but of being cast into the zone of an active US-backed genocide that has raged for over 20 monthssimply for taking a domestic flight to the US Virgin Islands for her honeymoon. Ward Sakeik speaks out on hellish conditions in ICE detention Since her family fled Saudi Arabia in 2011, Sakeik has lived, worked and come of age in the United States. She is not accused of any crime and has faithfully complied with every demand placed on her by immigration authorities since arriving in the country at the age of eight. Speaking to CNN on Saturday, Ward Sakeik said, The entire detention process was not great. I wouldnt wish this upon anybody. It was very hard, very traumatizing. Her attorney Eric Lee explained, Ward is a Palestinian. The United States government does not recognize Palestine as a country. Her family, like the family of so many Palestinians, was kicked off of their land many decades ago and forced, essentially, into an international diaspora. The government cannot deport her to any country. Lee emphasized, as Sakeik had stated before him, that she has complied with every restriction, stipulation and obstacle imposed by the state. Two days after her release, she held a press conference where she described the dehumanizing and brutal treatment she and hundreds of others have suffered. She recalled being moved around like cattle while denied food, water and religious materials. Sakeik also witnessed women being denied medication and forced to sleep on cold, rusty beds. Even though the facilities were already overcrowded and infested with vermin, Sakeik said more and more people were continually shoved into the increasingly cramped spaces. Sakeiks powerful testimony and the criminal character of her incarceration have sparked enormous anger among broad sections of the working class in the US and around the world. Keenly aware that this growing anger could soon reach a breaking point, the Department of Homeland Security has moved to discredit Sakeiks testimony. In a statement to Newsweek, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin falsely claimed that ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority at ICE. McLaughlin contemptuously dismissed Sakeiks five months of imprisonment as mere sob stories. In response, Lee replied on Saturday, What we would ask the American people is, who are they going to believe? Their lying eyes or the statements of the people responsible for carrying out what are really crimes against humanity here in the United States. Speaking to the criminal character of the US government, Lee explained, This is a government which is actively undermining and violating the American Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He said Sakeiks case exemplifies the basic question that everybody should be thinking about on this Fourth of July weekend, which is whether we live in a democracy or whether we live in a dictatorship. Lee noted that Sakeik is among the tens of thousands of people in the United States now at risk of being disappeared by the Trump administration. This is America, Lee said. There is a network of internment camps across the United States set up by Democratic and Republican administrations where families are detained, where parents are taken from their children. They just built something that they call Alligator Alcatraz, which is as horrific as it sounds. There are US Marines in Florida helping ICE attack the rights of immigrants in that state, and they have just passed a bill in Congress, which is not beautiful, which is going to fund ICE [so] it will have more resources at its disposal than many militaries across the world. This is an extraordinarily dangerous situation. Lee added that the situation Ward confronts shows that nobody is safe. They are talking about denaturalizing American citizens. They are trying to enforce what types of speech immigrants can engage in and what types of speech American citizens can listen to immigrants engage in. Lee concluded: That is totally outside the American democratic tradition that was embodied in the Declaration of Independence, which was signed almost 250 years ago. The World Socialist Web Site has reported prominently on Sakeiks case and testimony, which has gone viral on social media. In less than 24 hours, a TikTok post by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) featuring a clip of Sakeiks harrowing experience was viewed over 75,000 times. Thousands have commented, expressing outrage at her treatment and the broader assault on immigrants. One commenter wrote: I am absolutely disgusted with our government and people who are working in these facilities. These are crimes against humanity and I was following orders is not a viable defense. Another replied bluntly: We live in a dictatorship. At what point is there going to be an uprising? asked another, adding, How far do they have to go before a line is crossed? In my opinion, they crossed that line months ago, yet more and more is still happening, and they seem to be able to just get away with it. A team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted a field visit to a village in Panchayat Jarode on Saturday to extend emergency assistance to residents in disaster-affected areas. During the visit, the SDRF team surveyed the impacted areas and identified vulnerable individuals in urgent need of aid. Relief materials, including basic need kits and medical kits, were distributed to the affected families as part of the immediate response effort. The team also assessed the medical conditions of several villagers and provided essential medicines on-site to those requiring immediate care. As part of the outreach, SDRF personnel interacted with local residents to gather information about unmet needs and additional support requirements. These findings have been shared with the District Administration to ensure timely and continued relief measures. Meanwhile, a team from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has arrived in Thunag, one of the worst-affected areas in the recent cloudburst that struck Mandi district. The personnel have initiated relief and rescue operations in multiple locations impacted by the disaster. The ITBP team is working in coordination with the local administration and NDRF to clear debris, search for missing persons, and assist displaced families. Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Mandi district administration to conduct relief and rescue operations on a war footing in the disaster-affected areas of the district, ensuring that relief reaches all those in need. According to officials, the Chief Minister is personally monitoring the situation and has assured that all necessary support will be provided by the State Government. A spokesperson of the State Government said that the Mandi administration had distributed 1,317 food kits having 5 kg flour, 5 kg rice, one litre edible oil, one kg salt, one kg sugar, two kg pulses, 100 gm Haldi, 100 gm Mirch powder and 100 gram tea each among the affected families in the disaster hit areas. He stated that 197 food kits were made available in Thunag, 69 in Janjehli, 1,000 in Bagsaid, 40 in Dharampur, and 11 in the Chauntra area of Mandi district. He said that 160 food kits had been sent for the Janjehli area and 176 kits for the Thunag area of the Seraj assembly constituency of Mandi district today for further distribution among the disaster-affected families. He stated that 665 kits are still in stock and will be distributed as needed. (ANI) Defending Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the Enforcement Directorate's money laundering case linked to the National Herald, Congress leaders Supriya Shrinate and Pawan Khera questioned the basis of the ED investigation, calling it a "strange" case as there has been "no exchange of money." Addressing the media on Saturday, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said, "This is such a strange case where there is a charge of money laundering, but there has been no exchange of money in it. Neither has there been any property transfer nor any assets. The Congress party gave the money for its revival as AJL (Associated Journal Limited) was not a simple institution -- it was founded during the freedom movement of the country. We wanted to protect such an institution." Reiterating the party's stand, Congress leader Pawan Khera argued that the ED was overstepping its jurisdiction by questioning financial decisions made by the party. "We had raised a question that the ED cannot question why we hadn't sold properties for loan repayment. We gave the loan interest-free as it was meeting the objectives of publishing a newspaper, and if they cannot pay the loan, who is the ED to ask the question?" Khera said. Earlier on Saturday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's counsel told the Rouse Avenue court, which is hearing the National Herald case that Young Indian was created to revive Associated Journal Limited (AJL) and not to earn rent, "AJL is freedom-fighting legacy, our purpose is to save it, not to earn rent from its properties. It was founded by Jawaharlal Nehru, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai and other leaders before Independence. Motive was its revival, not to earn rent," the counsel mentioned. Special judge Vishal Gogne is hearing arguments on the cognizance of prosecution complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Senior advocate RS Cheema along with Tarannum Cheema appeared for Rahul Gandhi. Senior advocate Pramod Kumar Dubey also appeared in the matter. The court has listed the matter for hearing on Monday. The court has also sought reply on application moved by Suman Dubey seeking a direction for supply of certain documents including the statement of Motilal Vohra taken by the ED in another related case. At the outset of the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju also addressed the court regarding a query on the takeover of AJL by Young Indian and the disinvestment of Air India by the Centre. He said disinvestment in Air India was done in a transparent way. "You can't compare Air India deal with the Young Indian deal," the ASG submitted. He said AICC gave a loan to loss-making AJL, and no prudent person would do it. "Rs 90 crore loss to AICC is a wrongful loss. It is a result of conspiracy by respondents," he said. Raju submitted that AICC should have adopted an auction to recover the debt, and AICC was aware that AJL was a loss-making company. There was no transparency in taking the debt of AJL by Young Indian, he said. In response to Raju's submissions, Cheema asked if it is for the ED to decide what AICC's motive and priority are. "It is incumbent on the court to take a look of complaint of Dr Subramaniam Swamy while taking cognizance of complaint of ED," Cheema said. He said Motilal Vohra was questioned by the ED at his home in another case related to AJL. "That case was filed in 2016 and cognizance was taken. ED waited a long time. Vohra passed away. He had knowledge of the deal. His statement was recorded," the Senior Advocate said. "A private complaint filed Dr. Subramaniam Swamy was converted into a schedule offence and ED later registered a money laundering case? One of the few exceptions that was made by ED was picking up a private complaint after years. The question is how will the Court respond to this?" Cheema said. Scheduled offence and FIR or statutory complaint need to be exist for a money laundering case, Cheema said. Cheema said Young Indian (YI) would have no rights on the assets of AJL. The Senior Advocate also submitted despite being a not-for-profit company, Young Indian was not indulging in any charity. He strongly denied the allegations that young Indian was involved in money laundering. Cheema said late leader Motilal Vohra, who was treasurer of AICC, was responsible for management of funds. He said AJL is alive and kicking and digital news operation was started. "AJL is not dead. It is in control of its properties. Congress Party gave a lone to revive AJL. The loan was not given to earn interest or to get its properties," he said. "If AJL makes profits, it will go to the Young Indian, not the individuals. The rent generated from the property is being enjoyed by the respondents, it is totally wrong, " the Senior Advocate submitted. (ANI) The Miss Universe Cuba 2025 pageant will be held on July 8 at Milander Park in Hialeah in a grand ceremony where a new queen will be chosen to represent Cubans at Miss Universe. Marianela Ancheta, Miss Universe Cuba 2024, will present the crown to the young woman chosen among the 17 candidates to participate in the international pageant on Nov. 21 in Thailand. Miss Universe Cuba will be broadcast from 7 to 9 p.m. on Mega TV and on the Miss Universe Cuba YouTube channel, where the public can peruse videos about each of the candidates. Free tickets are available for anyone who wants to attend, as well as paid tickets for the VIP area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venezuelan designer Prince Julio Cesar, director of Miss Universe Cuba, announced that it will be a quality show with impeccable production in which the candidates and our outgoing queen are the stars. The host will be Puerto Rican TV presenter Carlos Adyan, part of the En Casa con Telemundo team, who recently hosted the Miss Peru 2025 contest for the second consecutive year, in which Marianela Ancheta served as a member of the jury. Miss Universe Cuba 2025 will also be the queen of the city of Hialeah, Cesar said, indicating that the winner will participate in the events celebrating the citys centennial. This year, several Miss Universe contestants will be chosen in Miami. Miss Nicaraguas pageant takes place in Miami, as does Miss Universe Latina, a reality show on Telemundo in which a young woman of Latin origin from the United States will be chosen to participate in Thailand. Miss Universe Cuba 2025 Candidates The process of selecting the Miss Universe Cuba contestants began in January, and has been more relaxed, said Cesar, because they had more time. Last years pageant came together in only a few months because Cesar was awarded the rights to run Miss Universe Cuba in late April of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no less pressure, because the day I stop feeling the pressure, I stop feeling the commitment, said Cesar. Among this years 17 candidates, who each represent the region of Cuba where they were born or to which they have ties, is Lina Luaces, a 21-year-old model born in Miami who is the daughter of Univision presenter Lili Estefan. Lina represents Santiago de Cuba, the place where her uncle, Emilio Estefan, was born, and where the first Miss Cuba, Gladys Lopez, who represented the country at Miss Universe in 1952, was from. I understood that with love, discipline, responsibility, and above all, resilience, you begin to achieve your goals. I understood that exercise and training have to be part of my life, Lina said on her Instagram profile about the preparation for becoming a queen. She changed her hair color and learned to appreciate the importance of makeup, although she confessed shes never been one to wear a lot of makeup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mia Donadio Cancio, who represents the Isle of Youth, is a Florida International University (FIU) graduate with a degree in International Relations who, from the outset, expressed her desire to speak out against the situation Cubans face on the island. I dont want to be the most beautiful woman in the world, but the one who says it the loudest: I want to tell you whats happening in Cuba, she wrote on her Instagram profile when she learned she was selected for Miss Universe Cuba. Donadio was among those who received the most votes from the public for her presentation video, along with Lianet Aguilera Sarmiento (Holguin); Lina Luaces; Deneb Morales (Villa Clara) and Sheila Laza (Central Region). Laza acknowledged that the biggest challenge for her in preparing was having to lose more than 20 pounds, and to do so she stopped eating carbohydrates completely, and as a Caribbean woman, she missed rice a lot, she said. Sheila Laza, representing the Central Region of Cuba, during the official swimsuit photo shoot for Miss Universe Cuba 2025. With experience in beauty pageants in Houston, where she settled with her family upon arriving from Cuba at age 13, Laza feels very comfortable on the catwalk and speaking in front of crowds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My mission is to amplify the voices of a Cuban people who have been silenced for years by the doctrines of a dictatorship, she said. Many young people like me have their wings clipped; they cant dream, she said. Laza, who competed in Nuestra Belleza Latina in 2018, when Venezuelan Migbelis Castellanos won, wants to use her platform to bring attention to environmental issues, particularly reforestation. I would like to be an example of success and inspiration for young Cuban women and show that beauty, intelligence, talent, and determination can open many doors, Laza said. The rest of the contestants are Romy Caridad Alvarez (Camaguey); Ariday Villar (Ciego de Avila); Emely Artabe (Cienfuegos); Katy Nunez Diaz (Granma); Mary Rodriguez (Guantanamo); Indiana Williams (Havana); Claudia Fernandez Acebo (Matanzas); Anabella Urquiola (Mayabeque); Lisbeth Fernandez (Pinar del Rio); Glenda Verdecia (Western Region); Vanessa Villareal (Eastern Region) and Stefany Parli (Sancti Spiritus). Outgoing queen As her reign as Miss Universe Cuba comes to a close, Ancheta reflected on the past year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve tried to be involved in everything, to spread the word about Cuba everywhere, Ancheta told el Nuevo Herald. I feel that one of the most important things about all this is that Cuban girls and women are seeing this new dream, this new life that Cuban women can have. Marianela Ancheta, Miss Universe Cuba 2024, Katy Nunez Diaz, representative of Granma province at Miss Universe Cuba 2025, and Prince Julio Cesar, director of the pageant. This is one of the years in which I have grown the most in my entire life. It was full of learning, and I have met wonderful people, Ancheta said of her reign. Miss Universe Cuba 2024 modeled for designer Giannina Azar during Miami Fashion Week in November, and participated in the video for La guagua, from Gente de Zonas new album about the most popular musical genre on the island, el reparto. Ancheta notes that her life has changed, and now she doesnt feel comfortable going out without looking her best. At the same time, shes happy to chat with people on the street and is always up for a photo, even if they catch her in the middle of a dinner party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When she says goodbye to the crown, she plans to work toward her dream of working in television. Shes also continuing to develop her skincare line, Arma Face Skincare, and wants to connect models and influencers with renowned brands through her own fashion and beauty-related advertising project. Marianela Ancheta, Mia Donadio, representing the Isle of Youth in Miss Universe Cuba, and the pageant director, Prince Julio Cesar. General admission to Miss Universe Cuba is free, but VIP tickets can be purchased at www.missuniversecuba.org and a raffle is available for two tickets on the Miss Universe Cuba Instagram profile. A while back, Reddit user u/Bugginette asked non-Americans about the most disrespectful and inappropriate things they've witnessed American tourists do...and as an American, I felt more than a little embarrassed reading the comments. Here are some of the dumbest, most entitled comments and behavior people dealt with from Americans. 1."We were on a tour in France and saw a group of costumed people with wooden bows and arrows in medieval clothing. One of the fellow American tourists with us asked the guide, 'Are those the Syrian refugees?' " PeppermintMel Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2."'Mommy's busy, baby, why don't you go climb on the big rocks?' That was at Stonehenge." u/UncleHeavy ImageBROKER/PHILLIP NEFF / Getty Images 3."While working as a tour guide in London, I had this exchange. American tourist: 'I love your accent, where are you from?' Me: 'Liverpool.' American tourist: 'Oh, have you heard of The Beatles?'" x_harriet123_x 4."When I was in Italy, I overheard an American lady say, 'They have better pizzas in Chicago.' Just, lol." gattagatta 5."I once overheard an American in Ireland shouting loudly in Englishdespite English being the first language for most of the country. Like 98% of people speak English. Also, I heard one American in Scotland moaning to their friend that it looked like a 'city' in the middle of Glasgow. They were expectingwhat? A village with a singular well or something?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement geothegeo Related: People Are Sharing The Most Shocking, Bone-Chilling Secrets Ever Told To Them, And I No Longer Trust Anyone Syfy 6."An American talked to me slowly, shouting English as if I didn't understand. He was in western Canada, where everybody speaks English, and I'd even already said something in English to him." u/MizElaneous 7."I have seen a very drunk American tourist in his twenties explaining to a Vietnamese bartender in Vietnam how his American grandfather freed Vietnam of communists." u/oyloff 8."I was in the American War Museum in Vietnam, a really incredible place which shows the history of the American Vietnam War. There are victims of Agent Orange on the top floor, which was so upsetting to see. There was an American chap going around the museum with a T-shirt with an American flag and loads of guns on it and right in the middle with big bold writing, 'Freedom, the American Way.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement u/SeanEyebrows89 9."American here. I once traveled to Peru for my friend's wedding. He married a Peruvian-American woman whose family was still largely in Peru. In Lima, we went to a very nice restaurant near the Rimac River. They cooked using traditional methods, like pot cooking. The groom's grandmother asked one of the servers, 'Is this food going to make us sick, because we're American?' It was chicken." drewwrogers 10."I was born and raised in Puerto Rico (technically the USA). I was having dinner at a very popular PR food restaurant in Old San Juan one night, and the Mainland Karen two tables away was upset because 'how could a Puerto Rican restaurant not serve nachos?' The very patient waiter was trying to explain to her that Puerto Rican food is very different from Mexican, but she insisted. Finally, the very patient waiter said, 'I could put cheese on some Doritos and nuke them if you'd like.' Oh, and her Mainland Karen companion complaining that El Morro Castle was 'just a big wall.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement raydaubedab Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images 11."One of my favorite stories about an American was when I was in San Francisco about five years ago, and a waiter, upon discovering I am Canadian, asked me if I had my own dogsled." Thundermeow 12."I live in Iceland. We get a lot of tourism. ... About half are American. ... There's a ton of people who seem to think we can just flick a switch and have the Northern Lights appear." u/IcyVeinz 13."I'm French, I was chatting with an American woman who was visiting (friend of a friend of a family member). At one point, we start talking about the differences between our countries. She said, 'The USA is the only country in the world with true freedom.' I thought she was joking, but she was not. I told her, 'What do you mean? We are also free in France.' She looked at me with a condescending smirk and said, 'Really?', like to make me admit something. I just nodded and left." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement u/inckalt Related: 17 Massive Family Secrets That Got Exposed All Because People Took An Ancestry Test NBC 14."I literally witnessed an American college or gap year student complain about the lack of kangaroos. In Austria. I thought they were joking." harpejjist 15."At Starbucks in Cusco, Peru, I witnessed a young American woman yelling at the baristas, 'Starbucks is American, you gotta speak English.'" audriusstonkus 16."The best one I've heard was the American tourist complaining that they built Edinburgh Castle so far from the train station." u/Are-Sole Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images 17."I live in Canada near the US-Maine border. It's amazing how many US tourists think it's winter here all year long (skis strapped to their roof in August). They also expect to get American change when they use USD." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement tayandmiatietheknot 18."They did the Nazi greeting in the middle of Berlin (Germany), not far from the Jewish memorial." u/Supergamery45 19."Claiming that Ireland isn't 'properly' Irish, and that the only way to experience 'true, traditional' Irish culture is to visit Boston." u/MellotronSymphony Buena Vista Pictures Distribution 20."I got stopped by an American tourist as I was on my way to a wedding in my kilt. That prick straight-up lifted the back of my kilt to prove I was a true Scotsman. My mate intercepted with the perfect diving headbutt." u/Carl_Clegg Related: I'm Sorry, But I HIGHLY Doubt Anyone Can Name 16/16 Of These Logos Based On Their Mascots Alone 21."Once in the airport, coming back to Australia (where I'm from) in the middle of summer, I saw a dad and his two children wearing full winter coats. The dad said to both of them, 'Try to stay warm, it's going to be cold outside.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement u/ImDaBest_69 22."See them scream and say, 'I'm going to sue you.' New Zealand has ACC, so you basically can't sue for accidents, as it's covered." u/rheetkd Sony Pictures Releasing 23."Bruges in Belgium is a nicely preserved town with many medieval elements. Apparently, a lot of American tourists ask the locals, 'When does this theme park close?'" u/rubenvdheuv 24."I was in Rome, and a lady was confused why the confectionery stand man wouldn't take her dollars." u/am_i-lost 25."I met an American tourist who seemed very confused, so I walked up to her and asked her if I could help. She told me yes and asked me how to get to the famous Alps and cuckoo clock workshops...I had to explain to her that she was in Sweden, not Switzerland." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement u/Red_Eight_Zero George Pachantouris / Getty Images 26."As a person from Switzerland, I get asked if I can speak Swedish on the internet, and when I say I'm not from Sweden, they ask if I can speak Swiss." thick_mochi 27."I once got told by an American tourist that I spoke English quite well...I'm English and this was in England." u/Are-Sole 28."I was in a tour group in Tajikistan, and we were inside a local's house who had invited us in for tea, and he was telling us about his family and how many children they have, etc. The only American in the group piped up and asked, 'What contraception does your wife use? Does she use herbs or something?'Everyone was just aghast, and he politely avoided the question; then there was a long, awkward silence. And so she asked AGAIN! At that point, another tour member interjected and said, 'Okay, I think it's time for us to leave, thanks for having us.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement u/frankiestree 29."South African here: Americans tend to have this habit where they will climb out of their vehicle in the middle of a game reserve, get attacked by a wild animal because they wanted to get closer or try to pet it, and then cry about it. I thought people who come from a country that has grizzly bears and mountain lions would be a bit more cautious around wild animals. Also, the shock they experience when they realize there are cities here and not everyone is living in mud huts." u/AmarulaKilledMe 30."Any time I've seen interactions between Americans and the Queen's Guard [editor's note: now King's]. It does make me laugh, though, when the guardsman yells at them or just ploughs through them when marching. Just leave the lads alone! They have a job to do, and they are professional soldiers." u/roddz New Line Cinema / Via youtube.com Related: 23 Real Life "Unsolved Mysteries" People Can't Logically Explain (And Can't Forget, Either) 31."While working at McDonald's, I overheard an American tourist tell his family that they were going to eat some good food, not foreign garbage, while they were waiting in line to order." u/GuessImDoingDis 32."An American tourist ordered a turkey dinner at a restaurant, then flagged down the server to let her know that the kitchen forgot the cranberry sauce. The server came back with it in a small dish. After she finished her meal, someone at the table pointed out that she'd forgotten to use the cranberry sauce that she had asked for. She says, 'Oh, I don't like cranberry sauce.' So the person at the table followed up with, 'Then why did you ask the server to bring you some?!' Her answer: 'Because it comes with the meal.'" u/Axiah HBO 33."I saw an American Karen scream at people in London (UK) for stealing America's place names." u/Bedlamcitylimit 34."I live in Norway, and 30 minutes from my house, there is this mountain called Pulpit Rock. It is the biggest tourist attraction nearby. It is not the most difficult trail, but it is pretty steep, and every year, I would see American women struggling because they were wearing flip flops or high heels." u/JoeyGold Stefan Cristian Cioata / Getty Images 35."I used to work for an airline in New Zealand, with flights going to Australia. Sadly, it was always the American tourists who would yell at you when you advised them that they required a visa to travel to Australia, as we are two separate countries. It happened at least five times a day." ashjanec81 36."My country has a peace wall used to segregate two warring communities. The oppressed community has a mural on it where they show the human rights abuses they've received and also the human rights abuses of other oppressed nations. Americans complained that the wall was ugly and that it was badly made (extra parts were added to stop people from chucking bombs over it) and that murals weren't happy. This isn't Disneyland." stardust271828 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 37."I'm from a small city in Germany, and an American dude in his early twenties insulted me for drinking beer in public because it's illegal. In Germany, you're allowed to drink beer in public at the age of 16." u/Prixes420 38."American students came to our university in India to promote studying in their country. One of them asked us if we knew where her university's state was. She was surprised that no one knew where a random state in a country across the world was and proceeded to condescendingly explain it. My friend mumbled, 'Do you know what fucking state you're currently in?'" scoobydoobydoo The CW 39."My friend described a trip to an English tourist spot, one of many places said to be Arthur's Camelot. It required a climb up the picturesque hill to a quiet, tree-filled spot. Nothing of the castle to be seen, of course, but everybody gazed out over the surrounding land, contemplating the magic of the ancient myth. Finally, the American arrives, glances about with irritation, then loudly says in that familiar accent: 'Where's the goddamn castle?'" u/Tobybrent Submissions have been edited for length/clarity. Also in BuzzFeed: People Are Sharing The Moment They Realized They Were Dating A Total Moron, And It's Actually Hilarious Also in BuzzFeed: 37 School Scandals That Are So Wild, They Should Be Optioned For A Documentary Also in BuzzFeed: 15 Random Trivia Questions Every Adult Should Know The Answers To Read it on BuzzFeed.com KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) One person was arrested following a Saturday evening stabbing in Kentwood. Around 10:35 p.m., officers with the Kentwood Police Department were sent to City Line Apartments, located at 5128 St Louis Dr off of S Division Avenue, after receiving reports about a stabbing. Responding officers found a male with a serious stab wound to the leg; his age has not been released. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. The police department said that his injuries are not considered life-threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A female suspect, whose age has not been released, was found nearby. The police department said she was taken into custody and is being held at the Kent County jail. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kentwood police detective bureau at 616.656.6600 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345. The stabbing 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. TALLMADGE, Ohio (WJW) One person was taken into custody after a shooting at a residence in Tallmadge Sunday morning. Crash sends 3 to the hospital in Huron County According to a news release from police, a 911 call came into the police department around 11:15 a.m. with the caller reportedly saying theyd shot their father. Officers responded to the residence in the 500 block of Cynthia Lane and located the suspect at the scene, who was taken into custody. Tallmadge EMS personnel also responded to the scene and performed life-saving measures on the victim before they were taken to Akron City Hospital where they were later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family continues search for missing Canton man now considered murder victim According to the Summit County Medical Examiner, the victim was a 75-year-old man who suffered a gunshot wound to the torso. This appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public, the news release stated. The victims name was not released by police. The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A man drowned while another woman was rescued after both leapt from a Highway 41 bridge in an attempt to evade law enforcement, the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office said on Saturday. Authorities attempted to stop the couples car after discovering its tag was listed as stolen. The suspects drove west on Highmarket Street to St. Delight Road and Highway 41 toward Berkeley County. Leaving the vehicle in drive, they stopped on a bridge over the Santee River and jumped. The moving car then hit a sheriffs office unit while swift currents pulled both people under the bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A passerby in a boat picked up a deputy, who removed the woman as she was struggling to swim. The Berkeley County Sheriffs Office dive team assisted in a search for the man, whose body was later recovered. The mans identity is being withheld pending notification of family, authorities said. Law enforcement agencies from Dorchester and Berkeley counties, the state Department of Natural Resources, Georgetown County Sheriff Office Marine Unit and the Georgetown County Coroners Office assisted. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. The Brief Police received reports of the shooting just after 12:05 a.m. in the 100 block of Harbor Road. Five people were injured, and one of the victims died of their wounds. An investigation into the shooting is ongoing. SAN FRANCISCO - One person was killed and four others were injured in an early Saturday morning shooting in the Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco. San Francisco Police Department officers responded just after 12:05 a.m. to the 100 block of Harbor Road, near India Basin Shoreline Park, on reports of the shooting and found several victims suffering gunshot wounds, the departments Officer Robert Rueca told KTVU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police provided aid to the victims until paramedics arrived to take them to a hospital. The SFPD reported two of the victims were transported with life-threatening injuries. One of the victims ultimately died of their injuries, the SFPD reported. The persons name was not released. An investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and anyone with information was asked to contact the SPFD at 1-415-575-4444 or text an anonymous tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. The Source San Francisco Police Department Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan visited the residence of businessman Gopal Khemka, who was shot dead from point-blank range outside his home in Patna on Friday night. Speaking to reporters after meeting the bereaved family on Saturday, the Governor said, "The law and order agencies will be made more proactive. I believe that process has already begun." Bihar Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the murder case. Earlier, Governor Khan expressed hope that strict action would be taken under the law. "I am at a loss for words...I hope that strict action will be taken under the law as soon as possible. So that no one dares to commit such crimes in the future. The incident is very tragic," he has said. Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav also met the family of businessman Gopal Khemka and called the incident a "horrible" one. Speaking to ANI, Yadav claimed the incident shows how unsafe Bihar has become. Tejashwi also said that Khemka's son was murdered six years ago, but no one has been arrested. He said officers are running the state as the Chief Minister is "unconscious and tired." "It's a horrible incident. The businessmen want to leave Bihar. The incident has occurred in the heart of Patna... Still, it takes the police two hours to arrive here. Six years ago, his (Gopal Khemka's) son was murdered, and none of the murderers were caught... By the time transfers and postings are done through bribery, and performers are not posted, things will not improve. No one is safe in Bihar... The CM is unconscious, and he is tired; officers are running the government," Tejashwi Yadav said. (ANI) CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) A crash in Cullman County has left a Hartselle woman dead and injured five other people Sunday, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Cynthia Ruth Baker Reeves, 55, was killed when the 2005 Chevrolet Impala she was driving collided head-on with a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado. Reeves was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Silverado was injured and transported by air to UAB Hospital for treatment. Four other passengers in the Silverado, ages 14, 13, 11 and 8, were injured and taken to a local hospital for treatment. The crash happened on County Road 22near Cullman County 351, about one mile south of Crane Hill. Troopers with ALEAs Highway Patrol Division are investigating the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ten people were arrested after a fight near the end of the fireworks show at Hampton Beach on Friday night. Several officers and New Hampshire State Beach lifeguards responded to an altercation in the area behind the Hampton Beach performance stage around 9:50 p.m. just as the fireworks display was coming to a close, Hampton Police said in a Facebook post. Despite some online rumors, there were no weapons used in this incident and no serious injuries were reported, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said the people involved in the fight knew each other, and police did not release the names of those involved or elaborate on whether the combatants were charged. This latest fracas follows two incidents in the last month in which shots were fired at Hampton Beach. Connor Knowles of Northborough, Mass., was arrested after gunshots rang out on June 5 near Ocean Boulevard and G Street. No one was injured in that incident. On June 22, Divaris Ojani Ruiz, 18, of Manchester was arrested after a shooting that injured three people near 333 Ocean Blvd., police said. (NewsNation) For renters with pets, finding a home isnt easy unless youre looking in Texas. Austin (80%), Dallas (79%) and San Antonio (78%) led all major U.S. metros last year in the share of pet-friendly rental listings on Zillow. One notable exception was Houston, which ranked dead last with just 38% of listings marked pet-friendly. Amazon Prime Day Deals Early Prime Day deals are live and impressive Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Track all the top markdowns on Apple products Get a jump on back-to-school shopping with discounts BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Those findings come from a new Zillow analysis of 11 million listings nationwide, which showed that 57% of rentals allowed pets last year. Canadian buyers are losing interest in US housing, Redfin data shows But there was wide variance from city to city, with the Lone Star trifecta near 80%, while places like Providence (43%), Hartford (43%) and San Jose (44%) were all below 50%. The pet-or-no-pet decision has become even more important in recent years as nearly 6 in 10 renters now have a pet, up from 46% before the pandemic, Zillow said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For landlords, allowing pets can pay off, since pet-friendly rentals tend to draw more views and are typically rented out eight days faster, the analysis found. Buying a home? Youll need a $17K raise, Zillow finds In a market where renters have more options, allowing pets can make the difference in finding a tenant quickly, Emily McDonald, Zillow rental trends expert, said in a statement. Zillow said almost half of those who have a pet have passed on a property because it was not pet-friendly, but the advantage to landlords varies from city to city. In New York City, pet-friendly units are typically rented 26 days faster than places that did not accept pets, the biggest gap of any major market. Tampa (16 days), Columbus (12 days) and Phoenix (11 days) all saw pet-friendly listings rented out more than 10 days quicker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Top 10 cities with the highest share of pet-friendly rental listings on Zillow last year: Austin, TX (80%) Dallas, TX (79%) San Antonio, TX (78%) Denver, CO (77%) Nashville, TN (77%) Kansas City, MO (76%) Oklahoma City, OK (72%) Charlotte, NC (72%) Raleigh, NC (72%) Jacksonville, FL (70%) & Tampa, FL (70%) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) The Ku Klux Klan is still active in the United States, but its nothing like what it was at the height of its power of the 1920s. Known for white hoods, racist policies and predilection for violence, the Klan welcomed in more than a million members, including politicians and police officers. Klan organizers in that time were focused on the northern part of the country and put a heavy emphasis on establishing command in West Michigan. That push culminated in a giant parade through downtown Grand Rapids, on July 4, 1925 100 years ago Friday. THREE ERAS The KKK has three identifying eras. The first sprouted up from the embers of the Civil War. Matthew Daley, a history professor at Grand Valley State University who has conducted extensive research on the hate group, says in that time, the Klan was loosely organized and ran into conflict with several other similar groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not a monolith. There are orders of the White Camellia, the White Legion, the Legion of Civil Decency and theres going to be the (KKK), Daley said in a 2008 presentation at Grand Rapids Community College. Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter Daley said there wasnt a lot of long-term thinking within those organizations: It was more about stirring the pot, targeting newly freed Black Americans and inducing fear. To put it bluntly, they were domestic terrorists. All it meant was you put a mask over your head, a burlap bag would do, and you would make eye holes. And you would go out and you would ride and you would inflict terror, Daley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal government response mostly tamped down the Klan by the 1870s, but the resentments that drove the group never wavered and generations later, the fight again came to the forefront. By the mid-1880s, mass immigration had picked up heavily and continued into the turn of the century, introducing yet another target for white supremacists and fueling debate over the definition of white. Suburban dream, urban crisis: Redlinings affect on Grand Rapids Black community The Klan was officially revived in 1915 in Georgia and unlike the first time around, the group was organized and working together. Daley says the second era of the Klan was run more like a fraternal organization than an underground group. To grow its numbers, the KKK used full-time paid recruiters to attract new members, working on a commission that allowed them to keep $4 of the $10 enrollment fee. The second edition of the Klan also focused on profits. It printed catalogs and sold KKK uniforms and regalia to members. It even had a corporate marketing strategy and developed weekly sales reports. An 80-foot cross burns at a Ku Klux Klan rally in August 1925. (Getty Images) Also unlike the first era of the Klan, the second iteration focused on the northern part of the country. While Jim Crow racism and the KKK are often associated with the south, during the KKKs second life, the majority of its members lived north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no firm number of how many people belonged to the hate group at its peak. It was estimated to be anywhere between 1.5 million and 5 million members. Like uniforms and other artifacts, many records were destroyed to protect peoples identities and hide their involvement. Then and now: Finding the scars left by redlining in Grand Rapids The groups leaders also made a point of putting together a plan and communicating clearly to its members. The group published a 14-point plan, mirroring President Woodrow Wilsons 14 points to end World War I. Most of them are fairly basic: The club was only for white Protestant Christians and was hyperpatriotic. Other points were extremely specific. One focused on educators, commanding all Klansmen to sponsor legislation that will imprison any schoolteacher who teaches a subversive doctrine to any child in any school in this country. It should be noted that subversive doctrine was never clearly defined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another point called on members to support legislation committed to stopping immigration into the United States until every American has a job and every person in America is Americanized. A group of Ku Klux Klansmen pose in the form of a cross in front of a large tent in 1923. (Getty Images via Library of Congress) FOCUSED ON WEST MICHIGAN The KKK identified Grand Rapids as a place where it could find a lot of support and tried to convert the city into a hub of local activity. That push, however, didnt pan out. The Klan thought that Grand Rapids would be the perfect place: Protestant, moralistic, they had voted to support Prohibition overwhelmingly. Michigan (went) dry in 1916, four years before national prohibition becomes law. Thats why they (went to) Grand Rapids and not Detroit, Daley said in 2008. 60 years later, the Auburn Hills neighborhood still stands as a symbol of equality Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not to say there wasnt discrimination. There was plenty of it all across West Michigan, even in Battle Creek, a city that was known for its progressive views on race and for helping people who traveled the Underground Railroad. In his book A City Within A City: The Black Freedom Struggle in Grand Rapids, Michigan, historian Todd Robinson detailed the discrimination woven into the social fabric of the city. He said many businesses at that time declined to serve Black residents and others that did often charged them much more than white customers. Discriminatory signs located in the windows of restaurants and businesses up and down Division Street declared, Prices subject to change without notice. Even a basic commodity, such as coffee, routinely cost black customers five times as much: They paid fifty cents, while whites paid only 10 cents. Robinson wrote. Come a long way: A look at Americas fight for fair housing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The KKK liked to use grand gestures not only to intimidate, but to attract people, as well. And for a group bent on proving they were protecting the American ethos, why not show that with a giant parade on Independence Day? According to Robinson, the Klan had planned to hold a parade in 1924, but it was scrapped because of bad weather. The following year, they followed through. Daley called it an attempt at whipping up ol time political and religious fervor. To prepare for the weekend, the July 4, 1925, festivities, the Klan sent up a preparatory crew, Daley said in 2008. They got a tent city for out-of-towners to gather and meet under in case of inclement weather. They rented Lincoln Park. Their campground was probably along the Bridge Street Hill as the hillsides are frequently mentioned in a few of the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Records of the event show the Klan was expecting a heavy turnout. They stockpiled 8,000 cases of soft drinks, 30 tons of hamburgers, 445,000 buns, two tons of coffee and 1,200 gallons of ice cream, and they also brought in a portable water supply system, he said. The Ku Klux Klan held a massive parade in Grand Rapids on July 4, 1925. (Provided to WOOD TV8) The Ku Klux Klan held a massive parade in Grand Rapids on July 4, 1925. (Provided to WOOD TV8) The Ku Klux Klan held a massive parade in Grand Rapids on July 4, 1925. (Provided to WOOD TV8) The back of an old photo of a Ku Klux Klan parade confirms the picture was taken on July 4, 1925 in Grand Rapids. (Provided to WOOD TV8) The Ku Klux Klan held a massive parade in Grand Rapids on July 4, 1925. (Provided to WOOD TV8) Daley also suspects the Klan specifically targeted the citys West Side and chose to camp out in the heart of neighborhoods home to many Polish and Lithuanian Catholic immigrants. You take the Klan protestant, anti-immigrant and youre going to camp out in the middle of basically hostile territory. That was pretty provocative, Daley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grand Rapids Black baseball history goes beyond the Black Sox People in the city protested and pushed city leaders not to grant the group a parade permit, but lawyers representing the city said they did not have the legal authority to reject them. The permit was approved as long as they marched without their masks, which were banned by state law. Plenty of Klan members from across the Midwest traveled to Grand Rapids for the parade and spent several days in the city. On the eve of the parade, Klan members officially made their presence known. They reportedly burned a pair of crosses overlooking downtown, one on Belknap Hill and the other on Bridge Street Hill. Approximately 3,000 Ku Klux Klan members march down Bridge Street in downtown Grand Rapids on July 4, 1925. Like KKK records and regalia, most photos of past events have been destroyed. An anonymous collector has several photos of the 1925 parade that they are holding to preserve. (Provided to WOOD TV8) It was giving a signal to the city that the Klan was here, Daley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An estimated 3,000 members marched in the parade. One of the few photos that shows the parade was taken from the train platform on Bridge Street near Seward Avenue. It shows the hoard of marchers walking five or six across, seemingly stretching for blocks down the street. Religions role in Grand Rapids 1911 furniture worker strike The Klan members started on Bridge Street near Lincoln Park. They marched east to Ottawa Avenue before turning south toward Fulton, then turning back west and heading toward John Ball Park, where they held a rally. Local media outlets largely ignored the Klans visit, doing little to amplify the groups message. According to Daley and confirmed by library records, the Grand Rapids Press and the Grand Rapids Herald printed a combined seven articles from that week about the parade. The articles were fairly short and only printed on inside pages. On the sixth, the Herald and the Press ran two articles that appear almost identical. The pieces simply state the rally and parade took place, the number of marchers and that an expected 16,000 people attended, which they never confirmed, Daley said. You can tell there are a lot of marchers, but as far as how many people showed up, the papers never identified. Theyre very good about that. When theres a county fair or a circus, they actually had people counting to give (the newspapers) a precise number, but not for this. From utility to icon: The humble history of Grand Rapids Blue Bridge Interestingly enough, one of the articles did highlight the amount of stockpiled food that the Klan had left over, which was free for anyone to come pick up. Many cans of condensed milk, meat, cans of pork and beans, pies and cakes were among the articles which were not consumed, The Grand Rapids Herald reported on July 6, 1925. Neither race nor religious convictions will be considered in distributing this material. Ku Klux Klan members chant white power as they raise their left hand during a rally outside of an Ohio courthouse on March 20, 1999. (Getty Images) MOVING ON Just like the media, the bulk of the city also seemed to ignore the KKKs presence. The Klan did not see a notable spike in membership following the parade. (The parade) didnt really catch traction. (This version of) the Klan will not come back to Grand Rapids. It will actually move its (local) headquarters to Jackson and it will stay there until it kind of devolves, Daley wrote. John Balls outsized impact on Michigan That didnt take long. Three months before the Grand Rapids parade, D.C. Stephenson, the Grand Dragon of the Indiana Klan and 22 other states, was accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and killing a woman who had rebuffed his advances. That November, he was convicted, sparking an outcry. Following his trial, even more seedy details emerged, incriminating many other notable leaders. Several chapters of the Klan resigned from the order en masse and the organizational aspects that helped the Klan become effective eventually fell apart. Still, the KKK is not dead. The third era of the Klan is still active today, but is shaped much more like the first faction than the second. Local historians call for national honor for GRs Auburn Hills neighborhood Ownership picked up again in the 1950s and 1960s, mirroring the rise of the fight for civil rights. Chapters are mostly confined to the prison system and others looking to capitalize off of the name, but they are there, nonetheless. KKK chapters have held other rallies in West Michigan. The last notable one was held in 1970 in southern Kent County. According to Daley, the last one held in Grand Rapids was in 1996. It was held in front of the downtown courthouse and the number of Klan members were heavily outnumbered by counter-protesters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. If you've been keeping an eye on the news and thinking that food recalls are on the rise, you're not imagining things. Major recalls seem to be hitting headlines on a near-daily basis and some are even deadly, as was the case with the deadliest food recall of 2025 thus far, wherein supplement shakes killed 14 and hospitalized 41 unlucky individuals. Some foods are recalled more often than others, with the foods most likely to be recalled including raw meats, deli meats, and produce -- but what about juice? If you think that the only potentially dangerous thing lurking in that carton or bottle of juice in your fridge is the high fructose corn syrup or Red Dye 40, think again. You might just want to check your glass twice before you take that next sip. Juice is recalled on the regular, and for some truly frightening reasons, from the discovery of bits of metal and plastic floating around in household name-brand fruit juices to cleaning products being found in pouches of Capri Sun. Here are some of the most extensive juice recalls, impacting millions over the last three decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Canned Foods You Should Avoid At All Costs Martinelli's Recalls Apple Juice Due To Patulin (2025) Martinelli's apple juice on shelf - The Image Party/Shutterstock In the spring of 2025, Martinelli's, a historic juice and cider brand based in California, issued a recall for its apple juice. The recall impacted more than 170,000 bottles of apple juice that had been distributed across more than half of the United States. The reason? Elevated levels of patulin. If you're not familiar with patulin, it's a naturally occurring mycotoxin (which is just a fancy word for a fungus-produced toxin). Mycotoxins are found in all sorts of foods, from various fruits like apples to nuts and spices. While recognizing that patulin is a risk and that it can't be killed via pasteurization, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does allow for a small portion of patulin in apple juice products. While the levels of patulin in Martinelli's were found to be "elevated" (per NBC News), it wasn't reported whether or not those levels exceeded the legal limit. Even if that wasn't the case, though, patulin is more likely to occur in elevated levels when apple juice is made from spoiled fruit -- and do you really want to drink juice made from a moldy apple? Great Value Apple Juice Recall Linked To Arsenic (2024) Bottle of Great Value apple juice - Walmart It's not just patulin that might appear in your apple juice. In 2024, Refresco Beverages recalled more than 100,000 cases of apple juice that had been sold at Walmart under the Great Value brand, as well as at other major chains under their own brands, including Weis, Walgreens, and Aldi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The juice was recalled as it contained arsenic above the legal levels. (Yes, just as is the case with patulin, the FDA does allow for a certain amount of arsenic in your food.) Arsenic can enter the food supply in both organic and inorganic forms, from the soil or via environmental pollution. If you eat just a little arsenic, you might experience gastrointestinal distress, heart rhythm abnormalities, or pins and needles in your hands and feet. However, long-term exposure can cause cancer and eating enough will, of course, kill you. The government considers a "high level" of arsenic to be 60 parts-per-million. Capri Sun Recalls Contaminated Juice Pouches (2022) Capri Sun in store - PJ McDonnell/Shutterstock For many millennials, Capri Sun is the flavor of summer. Unfortunately, in 2022, that flavor was more than a little off. That year, parent company Kraft Heinz issued a recall for 5,760 cases of its wild cherry-flavored Capri Suns. The company said that a diluted cleaning product that was typically used on its processing equipment, had potentially made its way into the actual juice drink blend. The scariest bit? The recall wasn't actually issued until customers began complaining that the Capri Suns tasted weird. At that point, the potential accident was uncovered. Luckily, there were no reports of anyone coming to any harm after drinking the contaminated juices. We all want our foods processed and manufactured in clean spaces, but cleaning products really need to be kept far away from the actual food. This is hardly the first time in recent history that a cleaning product-related recall has been issued. In March 2025, for example, Cargill Kitchen Solutions recalled more than 200,000 pounds of liquid egg products (Egg Beaters), after discovering they might contain a cleaning solution made with sodium hypochlorite, aka bleach. Watermelon Juice Recalled Due To Plastic (2019) Three hands holding up three bottles of watermelon water - WTRMLN WTR/Facebook In 2019, World Waters, which makes WTRMLN WTR, recalled its cold-pressed watermelon juices that were, at the time, being sold at major chains across the country, including at Walmart, Winn-Dixie, and Publix. The company said that some consumers could possibly find small bits of soft plastic floating around in their juice, which could prove a choking hazard (and plus, it's just not something you want to eat). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plastic contamination is one of the most common reasons food is recalled, as is metal contamination. Used both in packaging and in the manufacturing and production processes, the two substances often break apart and wind up in everything from frozen pizzas to cans of soda. While it's estimated that the average human eats about 5 grams of plastic per week, via consuming microplastics, which is about the amount of plastic in a credit card, you certainly don't want to eat more of it -- so if you find a piece of plastic in your food, do yourself (and other unassuming consumers) a favor and report it to the brand. High Hill Ranch Recalls Hospitalization-Inducing Apple Juice (2015) Fresh glass of apple juice next to pile of apples - Westend61/Getty Images It's not just food recalls in general that are up. Hospitalizations related to food recalls have also increased. A U.S. PIRG Education Fund analysis found that, in 2024, the number of food recall-related illnesses increased, year over year, while the number of hospitalizations and deaths actually doubled. Luckily, no one died during a High Hill Ranch apple juice recall in 2015, but one individual was hospitalized. The ranch had sold some raw apple juice that sickened more than a dozen people, with the juice testing positive for E. coli. The ranch issued a statement at the time that suggested that perhaps the presence of E. coli was due to ranch visitors with dirty hands touching their free sampling station, rather than anything the ranch had done incorrectly in its food production and handling processes. The ranch did, though, stop selling its unpasteurized apple juice. E. coli, a bacteria that lives in animals' lower intestines, can only be killed by cooking foods to 158 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter. Lehigh Valley Dairy Recalls Milk-Contaminated OJ (2014) Side-by-side glasses of milk and orange juice - Amir Mukhtar/Getty Images You might enjoy a glass of milk with breakfast, as well as a glass of orange juice, but no one's mixing these two breakfast beverages together, in one cup. However, that was basically the reason for a 2014 recall, when regional chain Lehigh Valley Dairy reported that some of its orange juice may have contained milk, too. The orange juice had been distributed across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as under the Price Chopper grocery store brand. The milk ended up in the OJ due to a manufacturing error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this may not seem like a big deal to some -- just throw it out if you pop open your OJ to find a milky surprise -- for others, milk contamination is a serious worry. Milk allergies, which are more common in children, can cause symptoms ranging from the uncomfortable (hives, itching, coughing, vomiting) to the deadly (anaphylaxis). As such, the FDA treats items with undeclared milk in them (whether that inclusion is purposeful or a mistake, as was the case here) very seriously. Evolution Fresh Swelling Juice Bottles Recalled (2014) Top down view of Evolution Fresh bottles in store basket - Facebook/Evolution Fresh It's a general good rule of thumb that, if your food's packaging is swelling, throw it out. Bulging and swelling are some of the main hints that a can of food, for example, may contain the toxin that could cause botulism, a toxin that's life-threatening to the point that it's considered a potential terror weapon. As such, it was probably a good idea, in 2014, when Evolution Fresh recalled nearly 2,000 bottles of its organic sweet greens and ginger juice, because the bottles were mysteriously swelling. The juice had been sold in California and Nevada, in various grocery stores. At the time, Starbucks owned Evolution Fresh and this was far from the only recall to plague the chain over the years. Starbucks recalls have affected millions over the chain's lifetime and, in 2014, the chain was also dealing with a Bodum coffee press recall, due to the presses breaking while in use, causing multiple injuries. Starbucks sold Evolution Fresh to juice brand Bolthouse Farms (which has had its own recall worries) in 2022. Wegmans Recalls Organic Juices Due To Mold (2013) Wegmans store exterior and parking lot - Ablokhin/Getty Images Regional grocery chain Wegmans recalled two of its organic fruit juices -- its Food You Feel Good About Organic Apple Juice and Food You Feel Good About Organic Cranberry Juice Blend -- due to an issue not uncommon in the apple juice industry. Like Martinelli's would later discover in 2025, Wegmans found mold byproduct patulin in its juice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you see an apple that's turned brown and rotted, or that shows off some blue mold, there's a chance it contains a dangerous level of patulin. However, these visible markers aren't always present, which is how the sneaky, patulin-bearing bad apple can make its way into a juice press. From there, while the fruit juice production process can overall lower the amount of patulin in the final product, it might not lower that amount to the degree that the juice will be considered safe by federal standards. If you do eat patulin, studies suggest that you might experience gastrointestinal stress at best; at worst, the substance is a carcinogen. PepsiCo Recalls Orange Juice Due To Contaminated Water (2012) Tropicana bottles on shelf - PJ McDonnell/Shutterstock In 2012, PepsiCo recalled nearly 300 multipacks of Tropicana Kids orange juice, as it was reported that the drinks contained contaminated water. What exactly the water was contaminated by is up for debate, though, as initial reports simply mentioned a microbiological contamination, which is a broad term that could be linked to anything from viruses and bacteria to fungi and protozoa. The packaging only include the contaminated water, no orange juice at all. Tropicana has faced numerous recalls over the years. In 2002, Tropicana recalled 100,000 jugs of orange juice that had been offered at Sam's Club stores across the country, after it was discovered the orange juice had been contaminated with a cleaning solution. In this instance, a consumer was harmed, needing medical care to treat a burning sensation in their mouth and stomach following drinking the liquid. Other consumers sniffed the OJ before sipping, and returned the drink to stores with complaints. It's all bad news for Tropicana, which has seen financial woes in recent history. This includes decreases in income and revenue that can be tracked to lessened market demand and declining orange harvests, necessitating a $30 million emergency loan. Bolthouse Farms Recalls Carrot Juice Over Botulism Fears (2006) Bolthouse Farms products in store - PJ McDonnell/Shutterstock In 2006, three individuals went to a hospital complaining of vision problems and muscle weakness. Just a few days later, all three patients were on ventilators and, following an investigation into what they had all eaten, it was found that they had all shared a bottle of Bolthouse Farms carrot juice. Later in the month, another patient who'd consumed the carrot juice was also hospitalized, paralyzed, and put on a ventilator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolthouse Farms, of course, issued a recall for the product, which had been distributed across the country and in Canada. At the time of the recall, it was suggested that perhaps the four people who had fallen seriously ill had not properly refrigerated the carrot juice. Improper refrigeration can indeed cause the toxins that result in botulism to build up and, in fact, one study found that 37 cases of botulism, including four botulism-linked deaths, occurred in the United States between 1994 and 2021, all trackable to inadequate refrigeration, whether in the consumers' homes or in the stores before purchase. Still, to be on the safe side, a recall was issued. Minute Maid Recalls Plastic-Filled Juice Bars (2000) Minute Maid frozen juice - C_shortt/Shutterstock It's not just your liquid juice you have to worry about. In 2000, Minute Maid recalled its frozen juice bars, a decision that impacted 300,000 boxes of the product, due to the bars containing food-grade plastic. The non-toxic plastic particles were large enough that they were deemed a choking hazard. As for the "food grade" bit, no, that doesn't mean that the plastic is necessarily any safer to eat. Instead, food-grade plastics are BPA-free and tested to ensure they won't leach out toxic chemicals when they're in contact with your food -- think a plastic cup or bowl. Just as recalls have made Tropicana's life a little harder, even though this particular recall occurred more than 25 years ago, it was still a blow for Minute Maid. At the time, the company was struggling to increase its earnings -- though optimistic that the recall wouldn't cause any long-term problems. A decade later, that hope seemed to have panned out, with the Coca-Cola-owned Minute Maid boasting a higher value than Pepsi-owned Tropicana. The brand's still not free of all recalls, though. In 2024, it had to recall more than 13,000 cases of Minute Made Zero Sugar Lemonade due to a mislabeling error (the product inside each can was lemonade, but not zero-sugar lemonade). In 2021, the brand recalled fruit punch products due to the worry that some of the packaging could contain some missing metal bolts and washers. Sun Orchard Recalls OJ That Sickened 200-Plus (1999) Glass of orange juice on counter - Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images In June 1999, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed that it had identified or was investigating nearly 300 cases of salmonella-linked food poisoning that had occurred over the United States and Canada. Throughout the salmonella outbreak, a significant number of the patients treated reported drinking Sun Orchard unpasteurized orange juice. As a result, the brand recalled its juices. Eventually, the CDC tracked the origin source of the salmonella to a Mexican juice producer that had supplied Sun Orchard with some of its product, prompting the federal government to begin testing juice at the Mexican border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, this would only be the first juice recall for the brand in 1999. Later, in November, Sun Orchard recalled another nearly 4,000 gallons of salmonella-contaminated orange juice, which had this time been distributed throughout Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington, to primarily food service establishments (meaning any impacted consumers would have likely drank the orange juice at a restaurant). Odwalla Recalls Apple Juice Nationwide, Kills One (1996) Odwalla products in store - rblfmr/Shutterstock Very rarely do food recalls make headlines to such a degree that they get their own Wikipedia pages, but this recall can boast one, tragically. In 1996, an E. coli outbreak impacted consumers across Canada and the Western United States, after they drank Odwalla's unpasteurized apple juice and products containing that apple juice. By the end of the outbreak, nearly 70 individuals had fallen ill and a 16-month-old child had died. Others developed life-threatening conditions. As a result, the company not only recalled all of its apple juice products, but it ended up pleading guilty to criminal charges, making waves as the first criminal conviction of its type and the largest criminal fine in a case of this type to date, with Odwalla on the hook for $1.5 million. The company also paid the victims' medical bills and newly began flash-pasteurizing all its apple juice, after admitting that it did not know E. coli could be found in unpasteurized juice. Not only, though, does unpasteurized juice harbor E. coli, but it also can contain hepatitis A, salmonella, and cryptosporidium. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. The Brief A 13-year-old boy died after an apparent fireworks mishap in northern Minnesota over the Fourth of July weekend. Deputies say the boy was holding a firework that shot through the bottom of its tube and struck him in the chest. Despite efforts to revive the boy, he was ultimately pronounced dead. (FOX 9) - Authorities say a 13-year-old boy died after being struck by a firework in northern Minnesota over the Fourth of July weekend. Deadly fireworks accident The backstory The Mahnomen County Sheriff's Office said it responded to a distress call shortly after 11 p.m. on July 4 at a home in Naytahwaush, a small community 40 miles north of Detroit Lakes in the White Earth Reservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, deputies were told by witnesses that the victim, identified as 13-year-old Michael Turner, was holding a large firework in his hands, pointing it away from himself, when it was lit. Sadly, the fireworks reportedly misfired, with the firework shooting through the bottom of the tube, hitting Turner in the chest. What we know The teen had no pulse and wasn't breathing when deputies arrived at the scene. Despite efforts to revive the boy by both deputies and paramedics, Turner was pronounced dead shortly after midnight. What's next Authorities say the death remains under investigation and an autopsy is pending. Rescuers scoured a devastated central Texas landscape of mangled trees, overturned cars and muck-filled debris Saturday in an increasingly bleak mission to locate survivors, including 27 girls who have not been seen since their camp was slammed with a wall of water in a historic flash flood. The flooding in Kerr County killed at least 43 people, including 15 children, and several more people died in nearby counties. Authorities still have not said how many people were missing beyond the children from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along a river in Kerr County where most of the dead were recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet (8 meters) on the Guadalupe River in just 45 minutes before daybreak Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. The danger was not over as rains continued pounding communities outside San Antonio on Saturday and flash flood warnings and watches remained in effect. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue people stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads. Gov. Greg Abbott vowed that authorities will work around the clock and said new areas were being searched as the water receded. He declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines, he said in a statement. Authorities were coming under scrutiny over whether the camps and residents in places long vulnerable to flooding received proper warning and whether enough preparations were made. The hills along the Guadalupe River in central Texas are dotted with century-old youth camps and campgrounds where generations of families have come to swim and enjoy the outdoors. The area is especially popular around the July Fourth holiday, making it more difficult to know how many are missing. We dont even want to begin to estimate at this time, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said earlier. Raging storm hit camp in middle of the night Officials comb through the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The camp was completely destroyed, said Elinor Lester, 13, one of hundreds of campers. A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary. The raging storm, fueled by incredible amounts of moisture, woke up her cabin just after midnight Friday. When rescuers arrived, they tied a rope for the girls to hold as they walked across a bridge with water whipping around their legs, she said. Frantic parents and families posted photos of missing loved ones and pleas for information. Onlookers survey damage along the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those confirmed dead were an 8-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was at Camp Mystic, and the director of another camp just up the road. The flooding in the middle of the night caught many residents, campers and officials by surprise. AccuWeather said the private forecasting company and the National Weather Service sent warnings about potential flash flooding hours beforehand. These warnings should have provided officials with ample time to evacuate camps such as Camp Mystic and get people to safety, AccuWeather said in a statement. It called the Hill Country one of the most flash-flood-prone areas of the U.S. because of its terrain and many water crossings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the Mo-Ranch Camp in the community of Hunt, officials had been monitoring the weather and opted to move several hundred campers and attendees at a church youth conference to higher ground. At nearby Camps Rio Vista and Sierra Vista, organizers also had mentioned on social media that they were watching the weather the day before wrapping up their second summer session Thursday. Authorities and elected officials have said they did not expected such an intense downpour, the equivalent of months worth of rain for the area. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, whose district includes the ravaged area, called it a once-in-a-century flood and acknowledged that there would be second-guessing and finger-pointing as people look for someone to blame. Helicopters and drones used in frantic search Search crews were facing harsh conditions while looking in every possible location, Rice said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said more than 850 people had been rescued in the last 36 hours and there were heroic efforts at the camps to save children. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrived and pledged that the Trump administration would use all available resources. Coast Guard helicopters and planes were assisting to ensure operations can continue even in darkness. One reunification center at an elementary school was mostly quiet after taking in hundreds of evacuees the day before. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Gov. Greg Abbott, discuss the ongoing efforts for recent flooding along the Guadalupe River during a news conference in Ingram, Texas, on Saturday, July 5, 2025, as Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief, Nim Kidd, left, looks on. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We still have people coming here looking for their loved ones. Weve had a little success, but not much, said Bobby Templeton, superintendent of Ingram Independent School District. People clung to trees and fled to attics In Ingram, Erin Burgess woke to thunder and rain in the middle of the night. Just 20 minutes later, water was pouring into her home, she said. She described an agonizing hour clinging to a tree with her teen son. My son and I floated to a tree where we hung onto it, and my boyfriend and my dog floated away. He was lost for a while, but we found them, she said. Barry Adelman said water pushed everyone in his three-story house into the attic, including his 94-year-old grandmother and 9-year-old grandson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was having to look at my grandson in the face and tell him everything was going to be OK, but inside I was scared to death, he said. Onlookers survey damage caused along the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Locals know the place as flash flood alley. When it rains, water doesnt soak into the soil, said Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which was collecting donations. It rushes down the hill. Nobody saw this coming The weekend forecast had called for rain, with a flood watch upgraded to a warning overnight Friday for at least 30,000 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know we get rains. We know the river rises. But nobody saw this coming, said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, the countys chief elected official. The county had considered a flood warning system on the river similar to a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, but Kelly said the idea never got off the ground and the cost would have been an issue. Kelly said he was heartbroken seeing body bags at the funeral home and the devastation on the ground during a helicopter tour. The rescue has gone as well as can be expected. Its getting time now for the recovery, he said. And thats going to be a long, toilsome task for us. ___ Cortez reported from Hunt, Texas, and Seewer from Toledo, Ohio. Associated Press writers Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut, and Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contributed. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Two people were injured overnight after a shooting in the Parkwood Estates area, according to authorities. Officers responded to the reported shooting early Sunday morning in the 3000 block of Creekwood Drive. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Officials said two victims were transported to area hospitals with injuries. No additional information was immediately available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Two men are accused of abusing and neglecting nine dogs in a Pittsburgh home. According to court documents, police received a tip from a concerned citizen about animal abuse happening at a house on the 5100 block of Blair Street in Hazelwood. Police said they were given video of what appeared to be Ryan Chavers, 31, hitting the dogs with what they described as a long pipe-like object. Officers said that Garrett Harper, 47, was also living at the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police entered the house on June 5 at 7:45 a.m. after getting a search warrant. Nine cane corso dogs were found inside. Three of them were adults and six were puppies, all around eight weeks old. Police said all of the dogs were contained in the kitchen, which smelled of urine and feces. When officers took the dogs out of the house, they saw the animals were covered in it. The animals were in need of medical care and were taken to Animal Friends for treatment. Among them, the puppies had bloody tails, with one having a partially docked tail that was still hanging off. Another puppy was unable to walk and later died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An adult dog that was pregnant was suffering from severe medical issues, including an enlarged heart and blindness in one eye, had to be euthanized. A veterinarian at Animal Friends explained to officers that all of the dogs had open wounds because of illegal and unsafe docking. Police said Chavers told them another dog had previously died from heat stroke, but no body was present or recovered. Charges were filed against both Harper and Chavers on July 3. Combined, the two face over 100 charges. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW DENVER (KDVR) Denver police responded to an overnight shooting, according to a post on X from the Denver Police Department. The shooting occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday in the area of South Tejon Street and West Virginia Avenue. Safeway strike ending after tentative agreement reached Police said that two victims were transported to a local hospital, but the extent of their injuries is unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators are working to develop suspect information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Taking strong action against the misuse of government welfare schemes, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to identify and act against individuals who have fraudulently availed benefits using fake documents. Acting on his instructions, two separate FIRs have been registered at Kotwali Nagar and Thana Rajpur police stations in Dehradun. The action follows complaints submitted to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dehradun by the District Supply Officer and the Ayushman Bharat Department. Investigations revealed that a number of individuals with annual incomes exceeding Rs 5 lakh had obtained ration cards meant for economically weaker sections. These fake ration cards were then used to illegally generate Ayushman cards and claim subsidised health services under the scheme. Upon verification by the Supply Department, several ration cards were found to be fake, prompting swift legal action. CM Dhami has instructed that no ineligible person be spared and that strict legal action be taken to prevent the abuse of public welfare resources. Earlier on Saturday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami flagged off the first group of pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Tanakpur, marking the official commencement of the sacred journey. The group of devotees arrived in Tanakpur on Friday night and was welcomed by the Chief Minister at the Tourist Rest House (TRC). He personally interacted with the pilgrims before sending them off with best wishes. While speaking to ANI, CM Dhami said, "The group for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has moved forward from its main stop, Tanakpur. The group of devotees arrived here last night... All arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of the pilgrims, a smooth journey, and no inconveniences." Highlighting the challenges of the yatra, CM Dhami stated that the route remains vulnerable to landslides and harsh weather conditions, but the state government and associated corporations have ensured that all necessary support is in place. "This is an extremely challenging journey,... and routes prone to landslides, but despite that, all facilities have been provided by our state corporation... The atmosphere is very enthusiastic. All the pilgrims are full of zeal... I wish everyone a successful journey," the CM added. On June 20, after a five-year gap, the revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Sikkim also recommenced with the ceremonial flagging off of the first batch of pilgrims by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur from the Nathula Pass. The batch comprises 33 pilgrims, accompanied by two nodal officers and one doctor from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), making a total of 36 members. The resumption of this spiritual journey marks a significant moment of international cooperation and cultural continuity between India and China. (ANI) NEED TO KNOW Two teenage boys, ages 15 and 16, are dead following a mass shooting in downtown Indianapolis early on July 5 The shooting took place at around 1:30 a.m. local time, hours after the city's Fourth of July celebrations "I stand here today angry, heartbroken, frustrated because too many lives are being lost," Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Christopher Bailey said during a press conference Two teenage boys were killed and five other people were injured in a mass shooting in downtown Indianapolis, just hours after the city's Fourth of July fireworks display. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) was responding to a disturbance at around 1:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, July 5, when authorities were notified of another disturbance in the area of Illinois and Washington Street and heard "shots fired" while approaching, deputy chief of operations Tanya Terry confirmed in a preliminary statement hours later. Authorities then discovered "several people" with gunshot wounds on the scene, before emergency services transported the victims to local hospitals for treatment. One person also later brought themself to a hospital. Two people died as a result of the shooting a 16-year-old boy who was pronounced dead at the scene and a 15-year-old boy who was pronounced dead after being hospitalized, the IMPD confirmed in an update during a press conference later in the afternoon of July 5. Jonathan Weiss / Alamy Stock Photo Stock image of an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department vehicle Stock image of an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department vehicle The shooting victims range in age from 15 to 21, Chief Christopher Bailey announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We should all be shaken by what occurred," Bailey said in a statement on July 5. 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. "We cannot grow numb to the violence in our community, wherever it occurs," he added. "And we cannot accept this as normal. I stand here today angry, heartbroken, frustrated because too many lives are being lost, too many families are grieving and too many young people are growing up around violence and trauma." Terry confirmed on July 5 that multiple firearms were found at the scene, but authorities did not know if they were used in the shooting. Seven people were detained for further questioning, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have not identified the victims or announced any suspects. A spokesperson for the IMPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further information on July 5. Bailey confirmed during the afternoon press conference that approximately 20 people were arrested overnight for various reasons. He added, per NBC affiliate WTHR, that authorities were initially responding to a group fighting about a half block away from where the shooting took place. The shooting followed the city's annual Fourth Fest, which featured live performances and concluded with a 20-minute fireworks show starting at 10:15 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Joe Hogsett wrote in a statement shared on X that gun violence was "unacceptable" and officials would be "taking steps to begin active enforcement of the curfew for young people in our city's downtown." "Today, two families are having to grapple with the most unimaginable pain of finding out they will never see their child again," he added. "Several families had to get the call that no parent should ever have to get that their child was shot and injured." Per The Indianapolis Star, this marks the second consecutive weekend of violence in Indianapolis, following last weekend's shootings that left seven dead and nine injured. Read the original article on People A 21-year-old man drowned on Saturday night in Troup County. A 8:50 p.m., Troup County 911 dispatchers received a call about a swimmer who went underwater and did not resurface in West Point Lake at Horace King Park off Roanoke Road. Local emergency responders went to the location along with representatives from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Army Corps of Engineers. When they confirmed that the swimmer had not been located, the Troup County Fire Department Dive Team searched the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At approximately 10:14 p.m., divers located the body of Marquis Rice, of Forsyth, Georgia. According to the Troup County Sheriffs Office, his death appears to be accidental. This is the second drowning on West Point Lake in less than a week. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] WADSWORTH, Ill. Speed and alcohol are believed to be factors for the driver in a crash that killed a 33-year-old Niles woman and injured a 4-year-old Niles girl late Saturday night in north suburban Wadsworth, the Lake County Sheriffs Office says. According to the Sheriffs Office, criminal charges are likely to be filed against a 58-year-old Addison man upon his release from the hospital. 56-year-old man beaten to death at Clark/Lake CTA stop in the Loop late Saturday, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Office says deputies responded to a three-vehicle crash around 10:15 p.m. Saturday on West Russell Road at Frontage Road in Wadsworth. Upon arrival, they found multiple people injured and three vehicles with major damage. According to the Sheriffs Office, a preliminary investigation showed the 58-year-old Addison man was driving west on Russell Rd. in a 2020 Porsche Macan, approaching the stop sign at Frontage Rd. Stopped at that stop sign were a 2020 Mercedes-Benz driven by a 37-year-old Rolling Meadows woman and a 2016 Chevy Volt driven by a 35-year-old Niles man, with the 33-year-old woman and 4-year-old girl as passengers. The Chevy was behind the Mercedes-Benz and ahead of the Porsche. The driver of the Porsche failed to stop and crashed into the rear of the Chevy at a high rate of speed, pushing the Chevy into the back of the Mercedes-Benz in a chain-reaction crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 33-year-old woman, identified as Bogdana Mygal, of Des Plaines, riding in the Chevy was taken to an area hospital with critical injuries, where she died, according to the Sheriffs Office. The man driving the Chevy and the 4-year-old girl were also taken to an area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Additionally, the woman driving the Mercedes-Benz and a 40-year-old Schaumburg man who was a passenger in that vehicle were taken to an area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, as was the driver of the Porsche whos now likely facing criminal charges. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines The crash remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Rain or shine, the 34th Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals is at the Iowa State Fairgrounds this weekend. The event is a must during Independence Day weekend in Des Moines. Its always on Fourth of July weekend. Its a staple on our schedule. We do 15 events across the country. This one stands out to us, said Steven Bunker, the director of marketing for Goodguys. Its the heartland, you know. When youre in this part of the country, it just means a little more feels a little different. So, we really enjoy the Heartland Nationals, Fourth of July Weekend, Independence Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bunker said around 30,000 people are expected to come through the fairgrounds this weekend to see over 5,000 retro cars. Health department plans to sunset program for Iowans facing mental health challenges Lincoln native, Dalton Dreesen, built two vehicles from scratch that are now on display. He built a 1957 Thunderbird and a 1967 Chevelle. This is his second year participating in the Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals. There are over 100 awards gifted throughout the weekend, and last year, Dreesen left empty-handed. However, this year, hes leaving with both cars earning awards. The Chevelle won the All Chevy Performance Magazine award, and the Thunderbird won the award for Ford Muscle Pick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was actually really surprised, especially on the Thunderbird. That kind of caught me off guard, he said. People can continue to register cars all weekend long. The car show will go until 8 p.m. on Saturday, followed by a fireworks display at the Grandstand at 9 p.m. The fun will continue on Sunday from 8 a.m. through 3 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. TALLADEGA COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) A homicide investigation started after four people were found dead at a Talladega County apartment Saturday. The Talladega Police Department stated officers were dispatched to Old Shocco Road around 3:30 p.m. in reference to a missing woman. A woman said they had not spoken to her granddaughter in two days. Police did a welfare check at an apartment in the 1500 block of Old Shocco Road that was leased by the granddaughters boyfriend. Officers observed three men and a woman dead inside the apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talladega Police Department investigators arrived at the scene. Agents with the Talladega County Drug and Major Crime Task Force, Talladega County District Attorneys Office and forensic technicians working with the Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics provided them assistance with the investigation. Mountain Brook girl killed in Texas flash flood The bodies were sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences laboratory in Montgomery. Talladega County Coroner Shaddix Murphy identified the female victim as 30-year-old Querida Flores. The male victims were identified as 27-year-old Jamari Evans, 44-year-old Nicholas Keith and 40-year-old Jeffreon Keith. Talladega police are not releasing more information on the investigation as of Sunday morning. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Talladega Police Department investigators at 256-362-4508. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PITTSBURG, Kan. An explosion in Pittsburg causes damage to an apartment complex and leaves one person in custody. Pittsburg Police officers responded to the 100 block of West Cleveland Street around 5 am yesterday morning after reports of an explosion. PPD says they found damage to the front door decking and windows but luckily no one was injured. The caller told officers they believe the explosion was related to an ongoing issue with 55-year-old Donovan Davis. Officers found Davis at another residence in the 800-block of East Ford Street. They say Davis refused to come out of the residence and threatened to hurt himself if officers came in. Davis surrendered after nearly an hour and he was taken into custody. Donovan Davis, 55, of Pittsburg FOUR STATES CRIME Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers searched that residence they say they found an improvised explosive device or IED. After evacuating the neighborhood the Kansas Highway Patrols Hazardous Devices Unit came in to assist. They say the IED was rendered safe at another location. Davis is currently being held without bond at the Crawford County jail on pending charges of arson, criminal threat, criminal damage to property, and criminal use of explosives. The Pittsburg Police Department says that while this investigation is ongoing, anyone with information about this or other crimes can contact them at (620) 231-1700. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Last weekend, my colleague Christian Paz wrote about how the Democratic Party could be on the brink of a grassroots takeover, similar to what the GOP experienced with the Tea Party movement. Its a fascinating piece that could have huge ramifications for Democratic politics, so I sat down with him to chat about his reporting for Voxs daily newsletter, Today, Explained. Our conversation is below, and you can sign up for the newsletter here for more conversations like this. Hey, Christian, how are you? Remind us what the original Tea Party was. What is this movement were talking about? The movement that Im talking about started before Obama was elected. It was a mostly libertarian, grassroots, localized, not-that-big movement a reaction to the bailouts at the end of the Bush administration. The idea being theres too much deficit spending and government is becoming way too big and becoming unmoored from constitutional limited-government principles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It evolved when Obama was elected into a broader anti-Obama backlash and then a major explosion because of the Affordable Care Act fights. It basically turned into an effort to primary incumbent Republicans, an effort to move the party more toward this wing and eventually try to win back control of Congress. After it took off, what happened to the GOP? They were able to win, I believe, five out of the 10 Senate seats that they were challenging. Something like 40 members of Congress were Tea Party-affiliated. The primary thing was that they were successful in massively mobilizing Republican voters and getting people to turn out in the 2010 midterms, which turned out to be one of the biggest shellackings, as Obama called it, that Democrats or that any incumbent president and their party had sustained. Democrats lost control of the House and lost seats in the Senate, and that was a massive setback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From then on, what happened was a successful move by more conservative primary challengers in future elections, the most iconic one being in 2014 the primary that ousted Eric Cantor, the House majority leader, in favor of a Tea Party activist. It also forced the party as a whole to move to the right, making it more combative, more extreme, and more captive to a more ideological part of the Republican base. Why are we hearing about this now with the Democratic Party? The underlying idea is that theres a divide between the establishment Democrats and populist-minded progressive Democratic candidates. And thats part of the reason why were hearing this now, because there was a victory in New York Citys mayoral primary by Zohran Mamdani, a candidate who is fully in that latter category a self-described democratic socialist appealing to this idea of bringing out new parts of the electorate, mobilizing people with populist appeal, with targeted, non-polished messaging, and taking more left-leaning positions on policy. The big thing fueling talk about this Tea Party moment for Democrats is that the base has never really been as angry as it is right now. What were seeing is a combination of anti-Trump anger, wanting a change in direction, wanting a change in leadership, and also some folks who are like, Maybe we should become more progressive as a party. So tell me about that. A change in leadership, a change in the establishment what does this movement actually want? Its interesting. Because at least back with the original Tea Party movement, you could point to a core list of priorities there were about repealing Obamacare, about never repeating a bailout, about limiting the federal governments ability to spend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Something like that doesnt exist right now, because it is a pretty disparate energy. The core thing is Democratic voters do not want the current leadership in Congress. They dont like Hakeem Jeffriess style of leadership in the House. They dont like Chuck Schumers style of leadership in the Senate. Theres frustration at older members of Congress being in Congress and serving in leadership capacity right now. In the polling, over and over again, we see, Democrats should be focused on providing a working-class vision for Americans. They should be more focused on kitchen table affordability issues. And that is the thing that most Democratic voters can actually agree on, and basically saying that thats not what they think their current leadership is focused on. What would it look like for the Democratic Party if this actually happens? There are some strategists and activists who are drawing up lists of potential candidates to primary. There are already some challenges underway. Im thinking of some House seats in Arizona, House seats in Illinois. Theres talk, especially after this New York City mayoral contest, about primarying Kirsten Gillibrand or Chuck Schumer and finding challengers to some more moderate House members in the New York area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id be looking to see if there actually are younger people launching primary campaigns targeting older or centrist Democratic members of Congress. Once we get to primary season next year, how successful in fundraising are these candidates? Is there an actual effort by some established progressive members of the House to try to support some of these younger candidates? Basically, just seeing if theres money there, if theres actual interest there in supporting these candidates, and whether we do see primary challenges in New York, in Massachusetts, be successful. ISTANBUL (AP) A farmer was seriously injured when he was attacked by a lion that had escaped a zoo in southern Turkey on Sunday, local media reported. The lion was later shot dead. The male lion, named Zeus, escaped his cage at Land of Lions in Manavgat, a resort city on the Mediterranean coast, in the early hours, the private Demiroren News Agency said. A few hours later, he attacked the 53-year-old man, who was sleeping outdoors after watering pistachio trees. I heard a whispering sound. When I lifted the blanket, the lion fell on me, Suleyman Kir told the agency. We struggled and fought. ... I grabbed his neck and squeezed. At that moment, he ran off a little. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ilhas News Agency reported that police officers searching for the lion heard the noise of the struggle and scared it off by shooting into the air. Ilhas also showed footage of the lion strolling outside homes before disappearing into scrubland. Kir was hospitalized with wounds to his head, shoulder and legs. Police teams and drones found the lion in a nearby wooded area. Land of Lions website boasts that the park holds the worlds largest lion family of more than 30 animals. It also contains tigers, bears and wolves. It wasn't clear how the lion escaped but an investigation has been launched. The zoo did not comment on Sunday. Editors note: Video is from Battalion Chief Brandon Kovach EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Six members of the El Paso Fire Departments Water Rescue Team have been deployed to Central Texas to assist with rescue operations amid the extreme flooding. In a video posted on social media, the team is seen assisting two victims who were clinging to a tree in dangerous floodwaters and bringing them to safety in Marble Falls. Marble Falls is in Burnet County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to El Paso Fire on their Instagram, the six Water Rescue members are a part of Texas Task Force 1 and are working with numerous other agencies. Our hearts go out to all of the communities in Central Texas affected by this devastating flooding. We are honored to support the response efforts and hope to make a meaningful impact, read the Instagram post. Photos courtesy of El Paso Fire Photos courtesy of El Paso Fire Photos courtesy of El Paso Fire Photos courtesy of El Paso Fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos courtesy of El Paso Fire Photos courtesy of El Paso 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. Authorities in Indianapolis say seven are injured and two were pronounced dead after a shooting early Saturday morning. At around 1:27 a.m. local police responded to separate incidents at the intersection of West Washington and South Meridian streets, in addition to South Illinois and West Washington streets. While responding to both calls, officers heard shots fired in the area. Indianapolis medical units transported five people to the hospital immediately as other victims came in throughout the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 16-year-old male and a 15-year-old male were pronounced dead from gunshot wounds later in the night. Local police are blaming parents and city leaders for a lack of accountability for violence in the area. We pray for the families of the victimswe pray for our capital city. For weeks, we warned: now is the time to act, otherwise we fear a perfect storm over the horizon, Rick Snyder, president of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, said in a statement. In response to the violent chain of events over the weekend, city leaders are planning to add surveillance cameras downtown in problem areas, according to reports from WTHR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will also add more resources for officers by enlisting help from Indiana State Police troopers in addition to enforcing a youth curfew, the outlet reported. Indy residents, business owners, convention organizers, and our police are left to pick up the shattered pieces of our circle city, Snyder said. Once again, our elected leaders are Missing in Action, nowhere to be found. Its shameful. After the two deaths, Indianapolis lawmakers mourned the deaths of two teens and promised to ensure residents were safe and secure in the coming months. Loss of life caused by gun violence at any age is tragic. There are no words when that victim is a child whose life has only begun. My thoughts and prayers are with the families whose lives will never be the same, and our community mourns your loss, City-County Council majority leader Maggie A. Lewis said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is imperative that we unite as one city and support our youth leaders, community organizers, public safety officials, elected officials and all individuals and address this situation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Gujarat Prabhari Gopal Rai, Sah-Prabhari Durgesh Pathak, and state president Isudan Gadhvi have condemned the arrest of AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava calling it retribution for Vasava's relentless exposure of BJP's corruption. The AAP pointed out that the BJP first unleashed goons on the MLA, and when he went to file a police complaint, the Gujarat Police--acting under political pressure--booked and arrested him instead. AAP has declared it will not be intimidated by such tactics and vowed to continue exposing BJP's misdeeds before the people of Gujarat. AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal took to 'X' and wrote, "BJP has arrested AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava in Gujarat. After losing the Visavadar by-election to AAP, the BJP is rattled. If they think such arrests will intimidate AAP, they are making a huge mistake. The people of Gujarat are fed up with BJP's misgovernance, goondaism, and dictatorship. Now, the people will give BJP a fitting reply." Meanwhile, AAP Gujarat Prabhari Gopal Rai stated on 'X', "The arrest of AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava by the BJP in Gujarat is shameful. Rattled by their defeat in the Visavadar by-election, the BJP is resorting to such desperate tactics. If they think AAP will be intimidated by this, they are gravely mistaken. The people of Gujarat are fed up with BJP's oppression, goondaism, and dictatorship -- and they will now deliver a strong and decisive reply." On the other hand, senior AAP leader and Gujarat Sah-Prabhari Durgesh Pathak posted on 'X' stating, "Whenever BJP is afraid, it brings the police forward. When AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava exposed the corruption of BJP leaders, a panicked BJP immediately pushed the police forward." "But remember -- leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party neither fear your dictatorship, nor bow down to your police threats. If you use the police to protect the corrupt, then the people will take to the streets and tear off your mask. Now the public understands your tricks -- we will neither fear, nor bow -- now we will only fight," he asserted. Meanwhile, Gujarat State President Isudan Gadhvi stated, "Since the BJP lost the Visavadar election, the party has completely lost its mind. Ever since their defeat, BJP leaders have been orchestrating attacks on our MLAs. Today, Chaitar Vasava had gone to attend a tehsil-level coordination meeting. There, he raised the issue of corruption and questioned the presence of people in the committee who were not officially nominated by the BJP. He exposed how BJP ministers embezzled crores of rupees meant for the poor and tribal community under the MNREGA scheme. He ensured that the minister's sons involved were sent to jail -- and this, BJP has not been able to tolerate." Highlighting BJP's use of state machinery to silence voices, Isudan Gadhvi added, "After exposing their corruption, BJP is now getting Chaitar Vasava attacked. When Chaitar Vasava himself went to the police station to file an FIR, not only did the police refuse to register his complaint, but acting on BJP's instructions, they lodged an FIR against him instead -- and even took him into custody. What is going on in Gujarat? Democracy is under full-blown attack." Calling it an assault on tribal voices, Isudan Gadhvi said, "This is not just about Chaitar Vasava's arrest. If an elected MLA is being silenced for raising the voice of tribals, it clearly reflects BJP's anti-tribal policies. And if this is the treatment meted out to MLAs, imagine what BJP must be doing to the common people. These are the issues we are going to raise." (ANI) Seven people were left injured after a fiery boat explosion on Lake Lanier, a notorious body of water in Georgia where hundreds of others have perished, according to authorities. Of those hurt, five were hospitalized, including a child who was airlifted to a nearby medical facility following the blast. The incident occurred Friday, with first responders racing to the so-called cursed lake, located 60 miles north of Atlanta, around 7 p.m., according to 11 Alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the 23-foot cabin cruiser was heading for the Margaritaville resort at Lake Lanier Islands when it suddenly exploded. Video from the scene shows flames as high as five feet tall overwhelming the boat, sending thick plumes of black smoke over the nearby shoreline. The operator towing the boat rescued all seven people and took them to waiting paramedics at Margaritaville, the states Department of Natural Resources said in a statement. None of the victims have been identified and their exact conditions were not provided. They range in age from 5 to 45 years old, many of them suffering severe burns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lake Lanier is a man-made body of water, built in the 1950s atop the once-thriving Black neighborhood of Oscarville. It was created by flooding valley communities, which contained a cemetery, a fact that has fueled beliefs that the waters are cursed. And while the Marine Corps at the time worked to remove and relocate the marked graves, experts speculate there were plenty of unmarked burial plots in the area. In the decades since, more than 200 people have died on the lake, with incidents ranging from boating accidents and drownings to explosions, according to state data. Locals have also reported strange disappearances, ghost sightings and even alien encounters. The tragedies and mysteries of the lake have recently been featured in the Netflix docuseries Files of the Unexplained, as well as the Prime Video documentary Surviving Lake Lanier. An investigation into the cause of Fridays blast is ongoing. The death toll from catastrophic flash flooding in Texas Hill Country climbed to 70 on Sunday, as rescue teams continued searching for more than a dozen missing people including 11 girls and a camp counselor swept away from a riverside summer camp. Torrential rains that began late last week caused the Guadalupe River and surrounding waterways to surge more than 20 feet in just hours, submerging rural towns, sweeping away vehicles and cabins, and trapping campers and residents across multiple counties. Authorities say many of the victims were caught off guard as water overtook low-lying areas with little warning. In Kerr County alone, 59 deaths have been confirmed, including 21 children, according to figures reported by Reuters. The overall confirmed death toll across multiple counties rose to 70 on Sunday, according to the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the hardest-hit areas was Camp Mystic, a girls summer camp on the Guadalupe River in Hunt, where floodwaters surged through cabins early Friday. Eleven girls and one counselor remain missing, local officials confirmed. Swift-water crews, drones, helicopters, and search dogs are continuing to scan flooded areas and debris along the riverbanks. More than 850 people have been rescued in total, according to state emergency officials cited by the AP. This is the worst flooding weve seen in more than a decade, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha told the Kerr County Lead. Some areas are still inaccessible, and time is critical. Dozens of structures, including cabins and low-water crossings, were destroyed or washed away. Road closures remain widespread, especially in rural areas. The National Weather Service has extended flash flood watches through midweek, warning that additional storms could worsen the situation. Residents are urged to avoid roadways and stay clear of rivers and creeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Greg Abbott toured the Camp Mystic area Saturday and issued a disaster declaration for affected counties. Emergency shelters have opened in schools and churches across the region. Turn around, dont drown, Leitha said, repeating the familiar warning as more rainfall looms. UPDATED: To clarify the story as news continues to be confirmed. The post 70 dead, 12 campers missing in Texas floods: Time is critical appeared first on Salon.com. Two 8-year-old girls are the first from Austin to be publicly identified as victims of the raging flood waters that swept through Camp Mystic, their families and close friends confirm. Linnie McCown was a student at Casis Elementary in West Austin, her father, Michael, told the American-Statesman on Sunday. Linnie McCown In an emotional social media post, he wrote: "She filled our hearts with so much joy we cannot begin to explain. We are going to miss her so very much but know she's up there shining bright." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mary Stevens, who attended Highland Park Elementary School in north-central Austin, also was among the victims, a family spokesman said. The spokesman shared a social media post written by her mother, Stacy, saying "you have left the most positive impact on everyone who knew you. I'm the luckiest that I got to be your mom and I will never stop loving you and trying to live life as you did. Fearless. Enthusiastic. Compassionate. And full of joy." Mary Stevens "Our world is shattered but I have peace getting your letters and knowing you were having the time of your life at camp and had a dance party with all of your friends before the Lord decided to take you from us. He has bigger plans for you," Stacy Stevens wrote. More: Camp Mystic director Dick Eastland dies while trying to save girls from Texas floods Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Casis Elementary school is hosting a prayer vigil Sunday night for community families who have been affected by the Kerrville floods, according to a social media post from the school. Austin school district Superintendent Matias Segura said Saturday night he was heartbroken that some district families had been impacted by the Kerr County flooding. We know that some of our families and staff may be facing loss or uncertainty and we are coordinating with our crisis and counseling team to provide support and any needed services to our families and staff in the days ahead, Segura said. At least 59 people, 21 of whom are children, have died in the Kerr County flooding along the Guadalupe River. The floodwaters devastated an area home to numerous childrens summer camps, including Camp Mystic, a private Christian camp for girls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Search crews have been looking for missing people since early Friday morning, when heavy rains filled river banks. Segura urged families to seek help from their principal so the district can provide assistance. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 8-year-old Camp Mystic girls from Austin among Texas flood victims HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) A nine-year-old was killed in an ATV crash in Spencer County on Saturday. Spencer County Coroner Layla Thayer says the coroners office was dispatched to 1150 North 1200 East, Spencer County, Indiana, following a fatal ATV accident. A nine-year-old boy involved in the accident died due to injuries sustained in the crash. An autopsy is scheduled for July 6, 2025, at the Vanderburgh County Coroners Office to determine the official cause of death. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). (FOX 44) Governor Greg Abbott has declared Sunday, July 6th as a Day of Prayer in Texas. This as catastrophic floods swept through Central Texas and parts of Hill Country leading to a large number of deaths and missing individuals. Even as floodwaters raged, neighbors rushed into rescue, comfort, and bring hope. In times of loss, we turn to God for comfort, healing, and strength. I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sundayfor the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines, said Abbott. The governor is urging Texans of all faiths to offer prayers for those impacted by the floods, first responders, and public safety officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Following the devastating flooding in Central Texas, several Big Country organizations are stepping up to help those affected. Tragically, the disaster has also impacted our own community, with the death of an Abilene woman and an Abilene couple still unaccounted for. Texas flood death toll nears 70; 11 campers remain missing: Sheriff Family members have confirmed that 72-year-old Holly Frizzell, an Abilene resident, was found dead Saturday morning. Her body was recovered downstream from the cabin where she had been staying. Frizzell was a graduate of Cooper High School and later attended Texas Tech University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Dallas-area media outlets are reporting that another Abilene couple remains missing after their cabin was swept away by rapidly rising waters Friday morning. The search continues for 67-year-old Robert Leroy Brake and his wife, 66-year-old Joni Kay Brake. Local Relief Efforts F5 Plumbing in Tuscola closed its door Friday to drive down to San Angelo to provide relief efforts. They brought animal food, crates, blankets, toilets, and more to those affected. On Sunday, they shared online that search and rescue efforts would continue throughout the day and night. On Sunday, the Jim Ned Volunteer Fire Department held its own drive outside Lowes Supermarket in Tuscola to collect supplies for families impacted by the floods. They raised more than $1,800 and sent a full trailer of supplies on Sunday, thanks to the support of the community and Dyess AFB. They will host at least two more donation drop-off events at the fire station, located at 738 Buffalo Gap Road in Tuscola. Donation Drop-off Hours: Tuesday, July 8th, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12th, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Buffalo Gap Volunteer Fire Department is also hosting a flood relief drive on Monday, July 7. This will take place at The Bull Pen Sports Bar, located at 602 Houston Street in Buffalo Gap. Abilene Precision Moving is organizing a donation drive to support flood victims. Crews plan to deliver supplies to Kerrville on Saturday, July 12. They are asking for the following items: Baby & Child Essentials Diapers (especially sizes 3-5) Baby wipes Formula (ready-to-feed is best) Bottles and nipples Baby food pouches Pacifiers and small comfort toys Childrens OTC meds (infant Tylenol, gripe water, diaper rash cream) Clothing & Warmth New socks (all sizes) New underwear (men, women, children- only accepting new, not used) Lightweight hoodies or fleece blankets Flip flops or slip-on shoes (for showers/shelter use) Ponchos or rain jackets Food & Nutrition Ready-to-eat snacks (granola bars, nuts, trail mix) Shelf-stable meals Baby/toddler snacks Electrolyte drinks (like Gatorade powder or Pedialyte) Cases of water Comfort Items (New)Pillows, blankets, and sleeping pads Noise-canceling earplugs or eye masks Stuffed animals (new) Mobility & Convenience Tote bags or drawstring backpacks Flashlights + batteries (or solar/crank flashlights) Phone charging cables + portable battery packs Travel-size tissues Ziplock bags (for storing small items) Paper towels Paper plates Plastic utensils Donation Drop-off Locations & Hours: Steamboat Mountain Water Supply (429 Graham St, Tuscola): MondayFriday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 4025 Sierra Sunset: MondayFriday, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WATCH: Dramatic rescues in San Angelo unfold as floodwaters swallow streets Helping Wildlife Too The Big Country Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is partnering with Heartstrings Wildlife Rehabilitation II in San Angelo to care for displaced or injured wildlife. They expect to receive raccoons, ground squirrels, opossums, and more. Theyre asking for donations to support the increased animal intake, including: Puppy pee pads Fresh fruits and vegetables Folding metal dog kennels Monetary donations Abilenes Gentle Rescuers Organization (AGRO) is also heading to Kerrville this week to lend a hand where they can. They will collect donations over the next couple of days, taking some to Kerrville Pets Alive to distribute to various organizations. Monetary Contributions Those who wish to help financially can donate directly to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Countrys Flood Relief Fund and the San Angelo Area Foundation, which supports impacted families across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Leaders of a regional Innocence Project group said they were shocked and disappointed that a bill with overwhelming bipartisan support had crashed and burned at the close of the 2025 session that would have extended the deadline for those who believe they were wrongly convicted to request a new trial. Innocence Project says only 3 exonerations in N.H. due to strict time limit The New England Innocence Project lobbied hard for a New Hampshire bill to create an exception to seek a petition more than three years after conviction if there is "new evidence" that leads to exoneration. Sandra "Sandy" Hemme spent more than 43 years in prison for a 1980 murder in St. Joseph, Missouri. The Innocence Project said in the summer of 2024 that she had falsely confessed and evidence pointed to a corrupt cop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Hampshire is one of a minority of states with a fixed short-time limit after conviction that someone can petition for a new trial. The only exception to the three-year limit in New Hampshire is existing proof of a constitutional violation, which often means there has been illegal conduct in the handling of the case. A spokesman for Gov. Kelly Ayotte said the governors office saw no need for the legislation, similar to one that former Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed in 2024 after he said it would encourage baseless assertions, unnecessarily bogging down proceedings. As a former attorney general, Governor Ayotte will always uphold the law and prioritize justice and fairness for those going through the court system, John Corbett, the governors spokesman, said in a statement about the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winnie Ye is a senior policy advocate based in New York City for the Innocence Project and came to New Hampshire to add support for the measure (SB 141). We are shocked and disappointed that this didnt make it to the finish line with so much support, Ye said in a telephone interview. Many states do allow for post-conviction review. They recognize that post-conviction review is very important and allows avenues that can lead to exoneration. New Hampshire is extremely strict when it comes to this. Cyntha Mousseau, staff attorney with the New England Innocence Project, said on average it takes 11 years to uncover and correct a wrongful conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would not have changed the legal standard for granting a new trial, but simply allow the wrongfully convicted to file petitions. Courts would still have to carefully review these petitions and would have the authority to deny those that dont meet the legal criteria, said Mousseau, a former public defender in New Hampshire. At the end of the day, Senate Bill 141 is about liberty and we look forward to the day New Hampshire addresses this wrong. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, there have been 3,698 exonerations nationwide but only three in New Hampshire. This isnt because there are fewer innocent people in New Hampshire, Ye said. Its because the process doesnt give those convicted the rights people in most other states have to identify and bring forward new evidence to get a new trial. The bill defined newly discovered evidence eligible for a new trial petition to include evidence that can be subjected to new or additional forensic testing or new scientific understanding and evidence that was not admissible at the time of trial but is admissible at the time the petition is filed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Bill Gannon, R-Sandown, the bills prime sponsor, said a judge would evaluate all petitions and this should reduce frivolous applications and prevent a backlog. The judicial discretion in accordance with the specified standards would ensure retrials are exceptional and appropriate, Gannon testified on his bill. County attorneys called it too open-ended The lone opponent to speak against the bill during the hearing, Merrimack, County Attorney Paul Halvorsen, said the measure was too similar to the one (SB 507) Sununu had vetoed a year earlier. Halvorsen said all of his county attorney colleagues shared concerns with him that collateral consequences could be eligible for the petitions that made them too open-ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Halvorsen said he and other colleagues if consulted would would have been glad to assist in drafting a good bill that stood a better chance of passing and being signed into law. In his veto, Sununu called the 2024 bill well-intentioned, but flawed in its application. Specifically, the proposed legislation provides infinite opportunity for petitions premised on nothing more than the mere assertion of new evidence, unconnected to any scientific or forensic basis, Sununu wrote. Last year, the state Senate upheld Sununus veto on a party-line 13-10 vote, with all GOP senators present backing the veto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House leader said bill died due to fight over unrelated bill Robert Lynn In this years version, the Senate passed the bill on a voice vote. The House followed suit by supporting it 343-19. Yet, this overwhelming count came only after the House, at the urging of Rep. Joe Alexander, R-Goffstown, tacked onto the bill unrelated legislation providing privacy to library cards and library membership status. The change also ensured the privacy law would not remove the mandate teachers or librarians must disclose to parents when asked what their children have taken out of a library. The House added that language on a partisan 192-170 vote, with only three Democrats in support and just 12 House Republicans bucking leadership and had opposing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Judiciary Committee Chairman Robert Lynn, R-Windham, told the House this bill was one of 10 conference committees that collapsed this year because neither side would budge. The Senate conferees refused to agree to the Houses addition of the provisions dealing with library information; and the House conferees were unwilling to remove such provisions from the bill, Lynn reported. As a result, the committee of conference was unable to reach agreement and the bill fails. Whats Next: Supporters insist theyll come back with similar legislation in 2026 and hope to keep the issue clean and get it all the way to Ayottes desk in an election year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prospects: Republican partisan censors will be on higher alert next year which means the odds are better than 50-50 that a 2026 legislative bid someone gets set aside to spare Ayotte from having to veto it. klandrigan@unionleader.com Two 8-year-old sisters from Dallas who had just completed 2nd grade. A beloved soccer coach and teacher. An Alabama elementary school student away from home. These are a few of the dozens of victims lost in devastating flash floods in central Texas. The flooding originated from the fast-moving waters of the Guadalupe River on Friday, killing more than 100 people. Authorities say search and rescue efforts are still underway, including for campers missing from a summer camp for girls. Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence were 8-year-old sisters from Dallas who were among the victims killed by the flooding at Camp Mystic. The girls had just finished second grade, their parents said. Hanna and Rebecca brought so much joy to us, to their big sister Harper, and to so many others, John and Lacy Lawrence said in a statement. We will find ways to keep that joy, and to continue to spread it for them. But we are devastated that the bond we shared with them, and that they shared with each other, is now frozen in time. David Lawrence, the girls grandfather and former publisher of the Miami Herald, said it has been an unimaginable time for all of us." He said the girls gave their family, including their sister, joy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They and that joy can never be forgotten, he said in a statement. University Park Elementary School, where Hanna and Rebecca attended, said on its website that numerous students were in the Texas Hill Country during the flooding and had to evacuate. The school did not immediately respond to a message left Monday morning. We are deeply saddened to report the loss of multiple students, and our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families deeply affected by this unimaginable tragedy, the school said on its site. Reece and Paula Zunker Reece Zunker was described as a passionate educator and a beloved soccer coach by Tivy High School in Kerrville, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His unwavering dedication to our students, athletes, and the Tivy community touched countless lives and will never be forgotten, the school posted online Sunday. Paula Zunker was a former teacher at the school. The care and impact she shared with her students continue to be felt, even years later, the post said. The couples young children, Lyle and Holland, were still missing, the school said. The family had been staying at a river house in Hunt. Dick Eastland Among the dead is Dick Eastland, the Camp Mystic director. Paige Sumner, a former camper, described him in a column in the local paper, The Kerrville Daily Times, as the father figure to all of us while we were away from home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sumner spent one summer working in the camp office, balancing accounts for the commissary, where campers bought snacks and other essentials like stamps. She wrote that her desk was outside Eastlands office. He still put campers first in every situation, wrote Sumner, who is now the head of philanthropy at a community center in Kerrville. If an issue of any kind that needed attention came over the walkie-talkie, even a camper with a minor injury or the dreaded snake in the river, he would bolt out of the office and jump in a golf cart to get there as fast as he could. Eastlands grandson, George Eastland, wrote in an Instagram post that his grandfather showed him what a strong Christian man looks like. If he wasnt going to die of natural causes, this was the only other way, saving the girls that he so loved and cared for, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her column, Sumner noted that the camp had plans for rain. Usually, she explained, it means they deliver a special breakfast of sweet rolls to each cabin or singing songs in the Rec Hall. This level of flooding was unprecedented. In a brief telephone call as she grappled with the flood's aftermath at her own office, Sumner was reluctant to add more than she wrote in the column, saying the camp wanted privacy for the families. We are still holding out hope, she said. They are broken; they are in shock. Chloe Childress Chloe Childress was among the counselors at Camp Mystic who died in the devasting floods. Childress, 19, lived a beautiful life that saturated those around her with contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith, her family said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Returning as a counselor to the place she loved so dearly, Chloe was looking forward to dedicating her summer days to loving and mentoring young girls at Camp Mystic, her family said. Childress had just graduated from the Kinkaid School in Houston, which praised her as deeply invested in her community. Chloe had a remarkable way of making people feel seen. She was wise beyond her years, with a steady compassion that settled a room, Jonathan Eads, the head of the school, said in a letter to the school's community on Sunday. Whether it was sharing her own challenges to ease someones burden or quietly cheering a teammate or classmate through a tough day, Chloe made space for others to feel safe, valued, and brave. Janie Hunt Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Janie Hunt, a relative of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, was just 9 years old. Her mother, Anne Hunt, confirmed her death to CNN, while her grandmother Margaret Hunt confirmed it to The Kansas City Star. The Chiefs franchise declined to comment. But Clark Hunts wife, Tavia Hunt, posted on Instagram and urged people to rely on their faith. If your heart is broken, I assure you God is near, Tavia Hunt, wrote in the post. He is gentle with your wounds. And He is still worthy even when your soul is struggling to believe it. Tanya Burwick The last time Tanya Burwick's family heard from her was a frantic phone call about the floodwaters as she headed to work at a Walmart early Friday in the San Angelo area. When Burwick didn't show up for work, her employer filed a missing persons report and sent a colleague to look for her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police investigating the 62-year-old's disappearance found Burwick's unoccupied SUV fully submerged later that day. Her body was found the next morning blocks from the vehicle. She lit up the room and had a laugh that made other people laugh, said Lindsey Burwick, who added that her mom was a beloved parent, grandparent and colleague to many. She and her brother Zac said the day was especially difficult because it happened on July Fourth as they were working at a fireworks stand that's been in the family for generations. As word of Tanya Burwick's disappearance spread, people from Blackwell, a small community of about 250 people, showed up to the stand that's run out of a trailer painted orange. People came to our aid, Lindsey Burwick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police in San Angelo said more than 12,000 houses, barns and other buildings have been affected by the floods in the community of roughly 100,000 people. We ask that the public continue to keep the Burwick family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this heartbreaking tragedy," the San Angelo Police Department said in a Facebook post. Jane Ragsdale Jane Ragsdale, 68, devoted her life to the Heart Othe Hills Camp, a summer camp for girls in Texas Hill Country. She was a camper and counselor there herself in the 1970s before becoming a co-owner. By the 1980s, she was director of the camp in Hunt. She was the heart of The Heart, the camp said in a statement. She was our guiding light, our example, and our safe place. She had the rare gift of making every person feel seen, loved, and important. Since the camp was between sessions, no children were staying there when the floodwaters rose. The camps facilities, directly in the path of the flood, were extensively damaged and access to the site remained difficult, according to camp officials. The camp has been in existence since the 1950s. Camp officials said Ragsdale would be remembered for her strength and wisdom. We are heartbroken. But above all, we are grateful, the camp said. Grateful to have known her, to have learned from her, and to carry her light forward. In a 2015 oral history for the Kerr County Historical Commission, Ragsdale, whose first name was Cynthie, but went by her middle name Jane, talked about how her father was also a camp director and how much she enjoyed her experiences. I loved every minute of camp from the first time I stepped foot in one, she recalled. Videos of Ragsdale strumming a guitar and singing to campers during a recent session were posted in a memorial on the camps Facebook page: Life is good today. So keep singing til we meet, again. Sarah Marsh Eight-year-old Sarah Marsh from Alabama had been attending Camp Mystic in Texas, a longtime Christian girls camp in Hunt where several others were killed in the floods. As of Sunday, afternoon, 11 children were still missing. Marsh was a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary in suburban Birmingham. This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school, and our entire community, Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch said in a Facebook post. Sarahs passing is a sorrow shared by all of us, and our hearts are with those who knew and loved her. He said the community where about 20,000 people reside would rally behind the Marsh family as they grieved. Her parents declined an interview request Sunday as they mourn this unbearable loss, the girls grandmother, Debbie Ford Marsh, told The Associated Press in an email. We will always feel blessed to have had this beautiful spunky ray of light in our lives. She will live on in our hearts forever! Marsh wrote on Facebook. We love you so much, sweet Sarah! She declined further comment. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama also noted the girls tragic death. We continue to pray for the victims loved ones, the survivors, those who are still missing, and our brave first responders as search and rescue efforts continue in Texas, she said in a post on social media platform X. Blair and Brooke Harber Sisters Blair and Brooke Harber, both students at St. Rita Catholic School in Dallas, had been staying alongside the Guadalupe River when their cabin was swept away, according to the school. Pastor Joshua J. Whitfield of St. Rita Catholic Community, which shares a campus with the school, said the girls' parents, Annie and RJ Harber, were staying in a different cabin and were safe. However, their grandparents were unaccounted for. Annie Harber has been a longtime teacher at the school. This tragedy has touched every corner of our hearts, the church said in a statement Sunday. Blair, who was enrolled in advanced classes, was involved in numerous school activities from volleyball and basketball to speech and drama. Brooke was a rising sixth grader and a student athlete in volleyball and lacrosse, among other sports. She also participated in speech and drama, according to the church. Both were remembered for their kind hearts and warm personalities. We will honor Blair and Brookes lives, the light they shared, and the joy they brought to everyone who knew them, Whitfield wrote in a Saturday letter to parishioners. And we will surround Annie, RJ, and their extended family with the strength and support of our St. Rita community. The church held a special prayer service Saturday afternoon and offered counseling. Please keep the Harber family in your prayers during this time of profound grief, Whitfield wrote. May our faith, our love, and our St. Rita community be a source of strength and comfort in the days ahead. ___ DeMillo reported from Little Rock, Arkansas; Hollingsworth from Mission, Kansas; McCormack from Concord, New Hampshire; Tareen from Chicago; and Sarah Raza contributed to this report from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Wholesale alcoholic beverage distributor Republic National Distributing Co., will close its West Sacramento facility in the fall, shedding 136 jobs as it exits the business statewide, according to a WARN notice to the state Employment Development Department. Republic officials in a letter dated Tuesday, notified West Sacramento officials, local employees and their bargaining units of the impending layoffs at the facility, located at 3620 Industrial Blvd. The layoffs are expected to begin Sept. 2, and continue through Nov. 1, officials said. This action is expected to be permanent, the company wrote in a letter filed with the California Employment Development Department under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. The WARN Act requires employers to give advance notice of plant closures and mass layoffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 136 affected positions, 67 are sales representatives. Others include division and district sales managers, merchandisers, drivers and store leads, according to a company list. The West Sacramento site is one of 13 express locations in Republics California network and is its northernmost site. Other locations include the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County and the Inland Empire. In all, the company told state officials it expects to shed 1,756 jobs, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Republic National attributed its decision to exit California to rising operational costs, industry head winds, and supplier changes, according to CEO Bob Hendrickson. The Texas-based company has lost several high-profile alcohol brands including Titos, High Noon, Cutwater Spirits and Jack Daniels this year all of which, the Chronicle reported, have shifted distribution to Reyes Beverage Group Republic officials said all affected employees have been or will be notified of their employment terminations at least 60 days before their jobs are scheduled to end. ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) The Alexandria Police Department is conducting a death investigation and is alerting the public to an increased police presence in the area. DC police investigate multiple Fourth of July shootings In a post on the X platform around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, police said crews are investigating a death in the 500 block of N West Street. Police say there is no active threat to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Brother in law of P Venkataraman, a resident of Odisha's Ganjam district who is among the three Indians abducted by an al-Qaeda linked terrorist group in West Africa's Mali has said that the terrorists are demanding ransom. The brother-in-law told ANI on Saturday, "Venkat last called me on June 30. He worked in a cement factory in Mali, West Africa. He said his company had stopped them from going out as terrorists were present. This kidnapping incident happened on July 1." He added that initially the company had informed them that his brother-in-law is in police custody after the terrorists set fire to the factory; however, later they came to know about the abduction and were asked not to leak the information. "We got a call from the company that he and some others are in police custody as terrorists have set the factory on fire. An international news claimed that Al-Qaeda had kidnapped some people. We called the company to confirm this, and they refused us to leak this information and said that the terrorists are demanding ransom in exchange for the people," he said. "We waited for a few days and then complained to the police. I called and mailed the embassy, but did not get any response. I demand that my brother-in-law be brought back home safely," Venkataraman's brother-in-law told ANI. Earlier on Saturday, Sub-Collector Shibashish Baral told ANI, "Information about the abduction of a person was reported by the kin, and immediately, the local administration reached them. It has been informed that the government is taking necessary steps." Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern over the abduction of three Indian workers from a factory in Mali's Kayes region and urged authorities in the West African country to ensure their "safe and expeditious" rescue. "It has come to the knowledge of the Government of India that many military and government installations at multiple locations of western and central Mali were attacked by terrorists on July 1," the MEA said in a statement on Wedneday. The armed attack took place at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes. Condemning the incident, the MEA said the Indian embassy in Bamako is in constant contact with local authorities, security agencies, and the families of the abducted workers. In its statement, the MEA described the act as "deplorable" and reaffirmed India's strong stand against violence targeting its citizens abroad. "The Embassy of India in Bamako is in close and constant communication with the relevant authorities of the Government of Mali, local law enforcement agencies, as well as the management of Diamond Cement Factory," the MEA statement read. (ANI) YORK COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) An armed woman was shot by police following a police chase in York County, deputies say. Deputies responded to Nassaw Circle and Young Warrior Town Drive around 6 p.m. in reference to a woman in a burgundy Jeep shooting out of a vehicle. A deputy responding to the call found the Jeep on Noostee Town Drive. As a deputy approached, the woman allegedly pointed a gun at the deputy before fleeing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A chase ensued where deputies used stop sticks to deflate the tires. K9s, SWAT operators and Rock Hill police were called to help with the pursuit. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories here The woman stopped on Cheryl Lynn Drive near Sturgis Road. Deputies attempted to negotiate with the woman to get her out of the vehicle, but she did not respond to negotiations. Officials say after several attempts, a Rock Hill officer fired one round, hitting the woman in the shoulder. Law Enforcement personnel rendered aid before she was transported to the hospital. She is currently in stable condition. Her identity has not been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No deputies or officers were physically injured in the shooting. Per York County Sheriffs Office policy and in collaboration with the Rock Hill Police Departments policy, the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) was notified and requested to conduct an independent investigation. 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 Queen City News. MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) A man was charged Sunday over an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue in an apparent escalation of antisemitic violence in Australias second-most populous city. Angelo Loras, 34, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court Sunday charged with arson, endangering life and property damage. He was also charged with possessing a controlled weapon on Saturday when he was arrested. The charge sheet does not say what that weapon was. The Sydney resident did not enter a plea or apply to be released on bail. Magistrate John Lesser remanded Loras in custody to appear in court next on July 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flammable liquid was ignited at the door of the East Melbourne Synagogue, also known as the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, on Friday night as 20 worshippers shared a Shabbat meal inside. The congregation escaped without harm via a rear door and firefighters contained the blaze to the entrance area of the 148-year-old building. Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, who was inside the synagogue with his family on Friday, said security cameras showed the perpetrator ringing the doorbell twice moments before the flames erupted. Gutnicks 13-year-old son was in the synagogue office at the time and decided against opening the door after seeing the visitor on the security camera monitor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We use the security cameras to assess people who ring the doorbell. Generally, we dont hesitate to let someone in, Gutnick told The Associated Press. My son hesitated and didnt answer. By the time I came to the front, there was already smoke and flames coming in under the door, he added. It was the first of three apparent displays of antisemitic violence across the city on Friday and early Saturday morning. Authorities have yet to establish a link between incidents at the synagogue and two businesses. Antisemitism blamed for attacks on businesses Also in downtown Melbourne on Friday night, around 20 masked protesters harassed diners in an Israeli-owned restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A restaurant window was cracked, tables were flipped and chairs thrown as protesters chanted Death to the IDF, referring to the Israel Defense Forces. A 28-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and charged with hindering police. Police are also investigating the spray-painting of a business in Melbournes northern suburbs and an arson attack on three vehicles attached to the business before dawn on Saturday. The vehicles had also been graffitied. Police said there were antisemitic inferences at the scene. The business had also been the target of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the past year. Political leaders condemn antisemitism Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke met with Jewish leaders at the damaged synagogue on Sunday. Burke told reporters that investigators were searching for potential links between the three incidents. At this stage, our authorities have not drawn links between them. But obviously theres a link in antisemitism. Theres a link in bigotry. Theres a link in a willingness to either call for violence, to chant violence or to take out violent actions. They are very much linked in that way, Burke said. There were three attacks that night and none of them belonged in Australia. Arson attacks, the chanting calls for death, other attacks and graffiti none of it belonged in Australia and they were attacks on Australia, Burke added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the Australian government to take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law and prevent similar attacks in the future. I view with utmost gravity the antisemitic attacks that occurred last night in Melbourne, which included attempted arson of a synagogue in the city and a violent assault against an Israeli restaurant by pro-Palestinian rioters, Netanyahu said in a statement on Saturday. The reprehensible antisemitic attacks, with calls of death to the IDF and an attempt to attack a place of worship, are severe hate crimes that must be uprooted, he added. Nearly everything that has gone badly, deeply, terribly wrong in Americas present if youre reading this, you probably dont need a list can be found in Americas past. Your favorite truism about the power of history may apply here; mine comes courtesy of Salon contributor Mike Lofgren: Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat famous quotations. I dont mean that we are trapped in an inflexible pattern of endlessly repeating historical cycles, as in the more esoteric propositions of Vico and Nietzsche. (Time is a flat circle, as some lowlife says in the first season of True Detective, moments before getting murdered by cops.) But too many of us, including a large proportion of liberals who ought to know better, are indeed trapped in the delusional one-way narrative of progress known as American exceptionalism, leading us to announce in horrified tones, with every new outrage of the Trump administration, that this is not who we are. So it is with the Florida concentration camp for migrant detainees known as Alligator Alcatraz, which was at first a gleeful MAGAsphere nickname and is now what this jury-rigged assemblage of cages under tents is actually called. To describe this evil little zone of exclusion as sadistic, despicable and insulting, or as a symptom of incipient or actual fascism, is accurate enough. But its most definitely who we are in 2025. If we claim that such a thing is un-American, then were the ones who havent paid attention to history and as profoundly ignorant about everything as Donald Trump and his supporters may be, they know that much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just as Americas penchant for religious mania and moral panic goes clear back to the Puritan settlers and the small-town schism of the Salem witch trials, the punitive, paranoid spirit behind Alligator Alcatraz the desire to divide those who belong to the imagined national community from those who do not has deep roots in this nations history. At the same time, the concentration camp is a modern global phenomenon with its own ironic history, which long precedes the Nazi death camps. It was a product of the industrial age, colonialism and newly racialized ideas of citizenship. If anything, Alligator Alcatraz is a classic example of the form, right down to its ugliness and cheapness, not to mention its explicit aim as a showcase for humiliation, suffering and dehumanization, but not quite for deliberate murder. The delusional narrative of progress mentioned above, in which democracy keeps on expanding, human rights gradually extend to everyone everywhere, and America draws ever closer to forging the more perfect union promised by the Constitution, is understandably alluring, and almost irresistible. For many of us who grew up in the tumultuous decades between the civil rights movement and the Patriot Act, it served as a kind of civic religion: The arc of the moral universe was bending in our direction, and all that. But that was always a subjective perception of history, not a universal law. It was widely shared by educated middle-class people infused with Enlightenment values, although not by all of them. It was true, of course, that the dizzying historical and technological changes of the 20th century had brought dramatic social progress. But it was a grievous historical error to assume that the gains made through passionate and painful struggle by racial justice movements, feminism, LGBTQ+ Pride, environmental crusaders and so on were natural, inevitable and universally accepted, or that no one beyond a handful of left-behind troglodytes seriously wanted to reverse them. Alligator Alcatraz, like nearly everything else about the second Trump regime, is a deliberate, overt mockery of the liberal narrative of progress. Its a manifestation of owning the libs in physical, tangible and almost literal form. (So far, MAGAs secret police have not specifically targeted the regimes domestic opponents, but the threats get more explicit every day.) Terrorizing, incarcerating and deporting immigrants is an important regime goal in its own terms, of course, but the real target of terrorism state terrorism included is always the broader public. Liberal outrage, to some significant degree, is the point, as are a mounting sense of powerlessness and increasing anxiety about the rule of law and the constitutional order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that sense, Alligator Alcatraz is also a postmodern phenomenon a hamfisted ironic commentary on the failure of liberal democracy, and on how easy it was to undermine as well as a site for the actual torment of actual human beings. As Andrea Pitzer, the author of One Long Night: A Global History of Concentration Camps, observes in an MSNBC commentary, American history offers many pre-echoes of the Trumpian anti-immigrant crusade: Centuries of genocide and forcible removal against Native people set the stage for abuse of those not counted as citizens, and slavery laws enabled human trafficking and created categories of human beings with no legal rights. Those historical crimes paved the way for a more recent example, the infamous concentration camps of the 1940s in which 120,000 Japanese Americans, most of them native-born U.S. citizens, were interned for years after being dispossessed of their homes, their livelihoods and most of their property. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, among many neighbors and classmates whose parents and grandparents had survived those camps, and I dont remember the subject ever being mentioned. Im not sure I knew internment had happened, or understood its scale, before I reached adulthood. The overt racism and grotesque unfairness of Japanese-American internment eventually provoked some degree of societal reckoning, if only years later. Historians have recently begun to pay attention to the less well-known internment of German Americans a few decades earlier, during World War I. Conditions in those camps were not especially harsh, and only a few thousand U.S. citizens were incarcerated. But anti-German propaganda campaigns, along with outlandish claims that hundreds of thousands of disloyal German Americans might rise up in revolt, left a lasting impact. German culture and the German language were virtually erased from American society almost overnight sauerkraut was rebranded as Liberty cabbage, seriously and as historian Matthew Stibbe writes, the enemy alien hysteria of the war years fed right into the Red Scare immediately afterward: [Q]uestioning the loyalty of individual citizens and non-citizens from particular ethnic backgrounds became standard practice for American agencies involved in domestic security after 1918 and the association of German- as well as Russian-born emigres with left-wing subversion continued through to the late 1940s and beyond. Theres no mistaking the bizarre historical irony at work here: German immigrants and their children faced systematic persecution and discrimination in the U.S. barely 15 years before Hitler took power in the Fatherland and the long-tail effects included a decades-long crusade against socialists, anarchists and labor activists. If you want to go even deeper into WTF, consider this: Historian Caroline Elkins argues that the first systematic use of concentration camps against a civilian population came during the Boer War around 1900, when British authorities rounded up and interned thousands of Dutch-speaking settlers in South Africa in other words, the people known to us today as Afrikaners. Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Exactly how those events rebounded in later history is a complicated question, not a straightforward equation of cause and effect. Every self-defined human community winds up with a sense of historical grievance along the way, whether or not it makes sense to outsiders. Thats one way of understanding where we are today, with a startlingly high proportion of white Americans most of them descended from immigrants who faced hardship or persecution at some point having forged a group identity of permanent resentment, pursuing an incoherent campaign of retribution against those they believe have cheated them, lied to them or tried to replace them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alligator Alcatraz is the symbol of their crusade, and it could hardly be more American. It channels this countrys long history of paranoia, xenophobia and systematic exclusion through the grotesque 20th-century innovation of the concentration camp, all of that repackaged as an aggressively stupid meme complete with AI-slop images, Etsy insta-merch and an almost lifelike salesbot in Kristi Noem. Most important of all, it inverts the liberal narrative of history, in which the misdeeds of the past offer us important lessons, mistakes to be confronted, repented and transcended on the path to something better. The intended lesson of Alligator Alcatraz is that there are no lessons in the past: There are no mistakes to correct, nothing to apologize for and nothing better to reach toward. There is only power and domination, and they should be celebrated. Plenty of Americans have believed that all along. The post Alligator Alcatraz: American history from the dark side appeared first on Salon.com. At the "Council Oak," on Aug. 10, 1825, tradition has it that representatives of the Osage nation signed a treaty to open the Santa Fe Trail. The site, pictured in July 2025, is on East Main Street in Council Grove. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector) COUNCIL GROVE Two hundred years ago next month, a trio of white commissioners met with a group of Osage leaders beneath the tallest oak in a mile-wide grove here and, for $800, purchased safe passage and free use of the Santa Fe Trail for trade with Mexico. It was a steal for the U.S. government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Santa Fe Trail was the route, scouted by trader William Becknell in 1821, that connected Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Most of its 870 miles crossed the length of Kansas, with branching routes in present-day Colorado or Oklahoma. The trail accelerated westward expansion, provided an American invasion route for the Mexican-American war in the 1840s, and was ultimately rendered obsolete in 1880 by the arrival of the railroad in Santa Fe. Recently I leaned on the iron fence surrounding what is supposed to be the long-dead stump of that great oak, preserved under a kind of mid-century modern pavilion beside East Main Street, and studied the gnarled and knotted wood as if it were a map. Nobody knows if the stump is really from the historic tree that marked the location of the Aug. 10, 1825, treaty, but tradition holds that it is. When the town celebrated its centennial in 1925, the tree was still living and regarded as the Council Oak. The weeklong event, attended by thousands of white people and a few representatives of the Kaw (or Kansa) Nation, featured fiddling and dancing, a reenactment of the treaty signing, and an airplane that dropped flowers on a newly erected Tomb of the Unknown Indian. The rock monument held the skeletal remains of a presumed Kaw chief who had been found washed out in a stream the year before by a group of Boy Scouts, according to a 1990 article by Timothy Fry. A band played a dirge as the body was carried to the monument in a military caisson draped with an American flag. In visiting the alleged stump of the Council Oak, it occurred to me that no matter how maps are redrawn, the essential character of American power has remained unchanged in two centuries. Since the signing of the Council Oak treaty, political will has been wielded in our name to displace people from their homes. From Native Americans to migrants, the United States has routinely used force to remove or relocate individuals who have committed no crime other than being regarded as alien by the culture in power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such an assertion might seem provocative, but not to students of history. In The Rise and Fall of Indian Country, the late Willian E. Unrau talks about being handed one of those large maps that used to accompany issues of National Geographic (perhaps they still do, but I havent been a subscriber since Rupert Murdochs outfit bought the magazine in 2015). The map Unrau referred to defined Indian country, in 2004, as 56 million acres of mostly reservation land. Above all else the map provided evidence supportive of my own view that Indian country, at bedrock level dating back to 1825, Unrau writes, was simply a place, a physical location where the dispossession and suffering of one culture transpired for the benefit of another. The idea that we progressively pushed Native Americans from their ancestral homelands to ever smaller reserves in remote and harsh corners of the American West is not new. But the way in which Unrau describes generations of government policy failures that resulted in this diminishment reveals anew our susceptibility to greed, misfired policy and bad faith. While the acquisition of land is a perennial lure for those who would abuse power, there are other motivators. These include fear, especially during times of war, and the urge to exclude others. These varieties of moral darkness are not unique to the American soul, but we have excelled at practicing them while simultaneously extolling our virtue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the last great abuses was the imprisonment of Japanese Americans in concentration camps during World War II and the Eisenhower administrations military-style deportations of Mexican nationals in the 1950s, but after a few relatively progressive decades weve reverted to our old ways and are again terrorizing migrants. The parallels between our treatment of Native Americans and todays government-sanctioned war on migrants is striking, with birthright citizenship as a common battleground. Native Americans werent legally counted as Americans until the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. But because voting rights were controlled by the states, many were denied access to the ballot through literacy tests and other arbitrary measures. Not until the 1970s did the Supreme Court clear away the last voting impediments for Native Americans. There has hardly been a treaty signed or a promise made to First Peoples that was kept by the U.S. Government, something recognized as early as 1881 by Helen Hunt Jackson in A Century of Dishonor. Migrants also face broken promises from a succession of U.S. presidents, from Bidens clear path to citizenship to Trumps deportation of those legally in the U.S. The governments willingness to honor its obligations appears largely related to the color of ones skin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1925, the West was widely considered to have been won by courage and resourcefulness by settlers of European descent. American power was celebrated by the citizens of Council Grove and much of the rest of the country as a near-absolute source of good; the nation depended upon westward expansion to fulfill its God-given destiny. Back in the Council Grove centennial days, Kansas was central to the American narrative. From the coming of Coronado with his (or Father Padillas) cross to the opening of the Santa Fe Trail to the last Indian raid, it was all part of the myth of the frontier. At Council Grove the last raid occurred in 1868 when a group of Cheyennes clashed with the Kaw Nation in a dispute over horses. Stories of that largely bloodless confrontation were told and retold during the 1925 celebration. If you grew up in Kansas, youre probably familiar with the themes that by 1925 had become state canon. Exploration and faith went hand-in-hand. The historical Doctrine of Discovery declared that any lands not held by Christians were ripe for the taking. The Spanish conquistador Coronado came to what is now Kansas in 1541 looking for the golden city of Quivira, guided by a native called the Turk. They likely made it as far as present-day Salina but found no riches. Believing the Turk had lied, Coronado had him strangled. With Coronado was Father Padilla, allegedly the first to bring Christianity to America. Coronado returned empty-handed to New Mexico, but Padilla returned to Kansas, the story goes, to minister to the Wichita nation. Venturing against advice into Kaw territory, Padilla was killed. The Kaws say it is unclear who was responsible for his murder. Coronado and Padilla are traditionally portrayed as heroes in Kansas lore, not as a failed treasure-seeking murderer and a religious zealot. The indigenous peoples they encountered are cast as liars, killers or children awaiting the word of God. Never mind these were members of fully realized civilizations with rich cultures and their own religious and spiritual traditions. My late friend and mentor Don Coldsmith recognized the hypocrisy in the conventional telling and, in 1980, published Trail of the Spanish Bit, a novel that flips the story and puts the First Peoples in charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, in 2025, Council Grove is preparing for its bicentennial. Instead of a week of events, there is an afternoon of festivities, on Sunday, Aug. 10. Council Grove is a town rich in history and in historic tree stumps, as Kansas Reflector opinion editor Clay Wirestone noted in a 2022 column. The ostensible Council Oak came down in a storm back in 1958, but the Custer Elm (yes, that Custer) survived to the 1970s and the Post Office Oak made it to 1990. But history is about more than just dead trees. Uncomfortable facts about our nations past are under increasing attack by the culture currently in power. A recent Trumpian executive order directs federal agencies to present a sanitized version of American history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past decade, the order reads, Americans have witnessed a concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nations history, replacing objective facts with a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth. This revisionist movement seeks to undermine the remarkable achievements of the United States by casting its founding principles and historical milestones in a negative light. The 1825 treaty with the Osage was certainly a milestone. Similar treaties were made at about the same time with 10 other plains nations, but it was the Osage and Kaw peoples who had control of most of the territory crossed by the Santa Fe Trail. The Kaws signed on Aug. 16, 1825, at Sora Kansas Creek, in what is now McPherson County. But as Unrau notes in his 2007 book, William Clark the famed explorer who was made superintendent of Indian affairs by Congress had already obtained in St. Louis the cession of 20 million acres from the two tribes. While the Santa Fe Trail enabled remarkable achievement for the dominant culture, it is an objective fact that it contributed to the suppression of others. The recognition that historical events may have had negative consequences is now contrary to the official policy of the executive branch of the United States, which makes an uncensored and inclusive discussion of those events more important than ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not meant to be an indictment of Council Groves bicentennial celebration. Nobody living now is responsible for the events of 1825, or even 1925. The city has the fine interpretive Kaw Mission State Historic Site, where visitors can learn more about the people for whom Kansas was named. Charles Curtis, who lived as a child on the Kaw reserve, was the first Native American to serve in Congress and as vice-president from 1929 to 1933 under Herbert Hoover. An enrolled member of the Kaw tribe and one-eighth Native American by lineage, Curtis was an advocate of assimilation and the author of an act that called for the abolition of tribal governments. There are 19 locations across town listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Council Oak. Radiocarbon dating on material found at an archaeological site nearby indicates human beings have lived here since about 5,500 years ago. It is also important to remember that the Kaw were not, and are not, victims, although they have suffered like other nations from U.S. policy. They were forcibly relocated in 1873 from their reservation at Council Grove to Oklahoma, with tribal headquarters at Kaw City. They have a population of about 3,600. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2000, the Kaw purchased the land around the Tomb of the Unknown Indian near Council Grove and incorporated it as part of a heritage park. In 2024, a red boulder sacred to the Kaw was reclaimed from Lawrence. The rock had been stolen after the Kansa removal to Oklahoma and, in 1929, refashioned as a monument to European settlers. The rock, whose proper name is Izhujewaxobe, is now at the Kaw heritage park, within sight of the tomb of the unknown. Today, under authority of the U.S. Supreme Court, Indian country is what and where Congress decides, Unrau concludes. It can be a high-rise casino encompassing a city block across from a shopping mall. It can be a convenience store and service station complex along a federal or state highway. And many other things. In 2125, how will we look back on this period of American history? Assuming there is still a functioning democracy which requires more faith with each passing month will there be interpretive sites dedicated to the mass deportations of the Trump era? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the NBC News deportation tracker, there were 55,764 individuals in ICE detention as of June 2. In the previous few months, another 50,000 had been deported. Those numbers, while far short of the millions Trump promised to deport, are similar to the numbers of Native Americans moved west of the Mississippi by the Indian Removal Act of 1830. There are differences between the removal of Native Americans from ancestral lands and todays mass deportations, but both have required militarized force by the United States. Then as now, the ultimate fate of the displaced people rests with Congress and the Supreme Court. Birthright citizenship, guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, is under increasing attack by the right. The weathered trunk of the alleged Council Oak offered me no clues to what the future might bring. But it did offer a reminder of the fluidity of current events, and how those of us whose ancestors were once immigrants are now clamoring to stop others from living on the land we stole. Max McCoy is an award-winning author and journalist. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. An American national with credentials that read "CIA" has been arrested in Mexico on weapons charges, Mexican authorities said Saturday. The unidentified man was arrested "for his probable involvement in the crimes of disturbing the peace and possession of weapons designated for exclusive use by the Army," according to the Secretariat of Security of the State of Mexico. Authorities found six firearms, magazines, live ammunition and tactical equipment, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign Nationals Charged Amid Trump Visa Crackdown For Scheme To Smuggle Us Military Equipment Into China The Secretariat of Security of the State of Mexico said an American with "CIA" credentials was arrested in Mexico. "The individual was carrying a credential with the inscription CIA," authorities wrote on X. Images posted by the security agency showed rifles, handguns, tactical vests, helmets, pocket knives and ammunition. Read On The Fox News App The State Department told Fox News that it was aware of reports of the man's arrest. Army Soldier Arrested In Massive Colorado Underground Nightclub Raid, Charged With Cocaine Distribution Mexican authorities released images of weapons, ammunition and equipment after an American with "CIA" credentials was arrested. An agency spokesperson said it has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad. 'When a U.S. citizen is detained abroad, the department works to provide consular assistance," the spokesperson said. Mexican authorities have not disclosed any additional details about the man's arrest or why he was in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox News Digital reached out to the Central Intelligence Agency, but did not immediately hear back early Sunday. Original article source: American with 'CIA' credentials and variety of weapons arrested in Mexico The Neanderthals are our closest extinct relatives, and they continue to fascinate as we peer back through tens of thousands of years of history. In a new discovery about this mysterious yet often familiar species, researchers have found ancient evidence of a Neanderthal "fat factory" in what is now Germany. Operational around 125,000 years ago, the factory would've been a place where Neanderthals broke and crushed the bones of large mammals to extract valuable bone marrow and grease, used as a valuable extra food source. Related: Neanderthal DNA Exists in Humans, But One Piece Is Mysteriously Missing According to scientists, this is the earliest evidence yet for this type of sophisticated, large-scale bone processing, including both bone marrow and grease: the first confirmation Neanderthals were also doing this some 100,000 years before our species made it to Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This was intensive, organised, and strategic," says archaeologist Lutz Kindler from the MONREPOS Archaeological Research Center in Germany. "Neanderthals were clearly managing resources with precision planning hunts, transporting carcasses, and rendering fat in a task-specific area. They understood both the nutritional value of fat and how to access it efficiently most likely involving caching carcass parts at places in the landscape for later transport to and use at the grease rendering site." The researchers found their evidence on a site called Neumark-Nord in eastern Germany, not far from the city of Halle. They uncovered more than 100,000 bone fragments from what are thought to be at least 172 large mammals, including horses and deer. Researchers at work at the Neumark-Nord site. (Kindler et al., Science Advances, 2025) A good proportion of the bones showed cut marks and signs of intentional breakage, pointing to deliberate butchering these weren't just leftovers from a hunt. There were also indications of tool use and fires in the same location, all in a relatively small area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Add all of that together, and it seems clear that some kind of systematic, organized bone processing was going on here. Similar processes have been linked to Neanderthal sites before, but not at this level of scale or sophistication. "Bone grease production requires a certain volume of bones to make this labour-intensive processing worthwhile and hence the more bones assembled, the more profitable it becomes," says archaeologist Sabine Gaudzinski-Windheuser from MONREPOS. We can add this to the long list of studies that have revealed Neanderthals were much smarter than they're often made out to be. Thanks to recent research we know they were adept swimmers, capable brewers, and abstract thinkers who raised their kids and used speech patterns in a similar way to humans. Ultimately though, Homo sapiens thrived and survived, while Neanderthals died out. That's another story that archaeologists are busy investigating the whys and wherefores of, but all we have of the Neanderthals now are the remains and the sites they left behind which will no doubt give up more revelations in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The sheer size and extraordinary preservation of the Neumark-Nord site complex gives us a unique chance to study how Neanderthals impacted their environment, both animal and plant life," says computer scientist Fulco Scherjon from MONREPOS. "That's incredibly rare for a site this old and it opens exciting new possibilities for future research." The research has been published in Science Advances. Related News "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Heres what youll learn when you read this story: Alexander the Great was one of historys greatest generals, but his fatherPhilip IIwas no slouch either. His rule gave rise to Macedonia and its impressive army. While archaeologists have known that Philip IIs final resting place was in a tomb located at Aigai (now Vergina, Greece), they couldnt determine which tomb contained his remains. Now, a study from an international team of archaeologists confirms the location of Philips final resting place using both scientific data and anthropological sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story is a collaboration with Biography.com. Although he only lived to the age of 32, Alexander the Great consistently tops best of lists when it comes to military greatness (though, if you were on the receiving end of his greatness, you might disagree with the title). With his defeat of the Persian army at the Battle of Gaugamela , he became King of Babylon, King of Asia, King of the Four Quarters of the World and his battle tactics are still studied to this day. Of course, Alexander the Greatalso known as Alexander III of Macedonwas set up for success. For one, his tutor was none other than Aristotle (yes, that Aristotle), but his biggest military boost came from the fact that his father was King Philip II, who facilitated the rise of Macedonia and created its incredible army that Alexander eventually marched around the eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Asia. Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Although Philip II isnt quite a household name like his famous offspring, the king is now getting some much-deserved time in the limelight some 2,350 years after his assassination in 336 BCE in Aigai (present day Vergina, Greece). In a study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, archaeologists have finally confirmed that the remains of Alexander the Greats half-brother, son, and father Philip II indeed rest in the family tomb located in Vergina, Greece. For two millennia, the town of Aigai was lost to history. But in 1977, Greek archeologist Manolis Andronikos discovered the final resting place of Philip II, and the archaeology site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 . However, while archaeologists were pretty sure that the remains of Alexanders father lie in this newly discovered tomb, controversies and disagreements ensued as to who was in which of the three tombs located in the archeological complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To solve this mystery, an international team of archaeologists from the U.S., Madrid, and Greece drew data from multiple methods of scientific investigationosteological analyses, dissections, X-rays, and moreand consulted historical sources. This finally determined that Tomb I contained the remains of Philip II, along with his wife Cleopatra (not that Cleopatra) and their infant son, who were both killed after Philip IIs assassination. Additionally, Tomb IIwhich scholars debated mightve actually contained Philips remainsinstead belongs to King Arrhidaeus (Alexanders half-brother) and his wife, a warrior named Adea Eurydice. Finally, Tomb III belongs to Alexander IV, the great Macedonian generals teenage son. We evaluated the hypothesis of Philip II in Tomb II and demonstrated why it cannot be supported, based on a full review of the available evidence, the paper reads. Unfortunately, all of the evidence is not yet available. We await the publication of the excavation diaries of Tomb I. Few father-son military duos have been so historically transformative as Philip II and Alexander the Great. And now, 2,360 years later, anthropologists and archeologists are finally piecing together the closing chapter of the duos first act. Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Guide Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Guide Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Guide Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Guide Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Guide Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Guide Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Guide You Might Also Like Kentuckys governor Andy Beshear delivered a ray of hope for Democrats worried about their partys bench of future national talent on Sunday as he confirmed that a 2028 run for president is something that is on his radar. Beshear appeared on CNNs State of the Union, where the red-state governor confirmed that his thinking on the issue had changed over the past few years. If youd asked me this question a couple years ago, I would have said no. My familys been through a lot, but I do not want to leave a broken country to my kids, or anyone elses, said the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what I think is most important for a candidate for 2028 is a candidate that can heal this country, that can bring people back together. So when I sit down, Im going to think about whether Im that candidate, or whether someone else is that candidate, he continued. Gov. Andy Beshear's term expires in December 2027, weeks before the first primary contests will begin (Twitter - CNN State of the Union) Beshears appeal as a national candidate for the party is obvious, given his popularity as a Democratic governor in a state with two Republican senators and a record of going red in presidential races. His ability to win over moderate Democratic voters and independents especially is something the party is eager to reclaim after Kamala Harriss devastating defeat in 2024. Beshears second term as governor term will also end in December of 2027, making the timing of a presidential run achievable while also completing the entirety of his four years in office. Staffers at the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) may be breathing a second sigh of relief on Sunday after his interview, given that a competitive Republican primary is already broiling over who will replace the retiring Senator Mitch McConnell, formerly leader of the GOP Senate caucus. The lack of an incumbent in the seat gives Beshear a clear opening were he to run, especially given his proven ability to win independent and even Republican support in his past races. He also maintains a high approval rating, and is one of the most popular governors nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has no interest in serving in the Senate, however, a spokesman said in February. Beshear is one of the most popular governors nationwide. (AP) Beshear also maintains one other key advantage were he to run in a Democratic primary: he is not tainted by association to the Biden administration or either the former president or Harriss successive doomed presidential campaigns. Beshear did hit the campaign trail to support Harris over the summer of 2024, but his distance from the White House frees him from the stink of the controversy surrounding Bidens physical and mental decline over the course of his presidency. Harris herself is widely reported to be eyeing a run for governor of California, but at the same time continues to avoid the press. She has not sat down for an interview with a national news outlet since the election, and has only delivered public remarks once this year in April. As well as Harris, Beshears potential rivals for the 2028 nomination include ex-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, known for being one of the Biden administrations most skilled communicators, as well as Californias current governor: Gavin Newsom, who has been a figure of leadership in his party in the second Resistance era. The Kentucky governor will take over chairmanship of the Democratic Governors Association next year, putting him in charge of a key campaign arm for the party and giving him a chance to make important political alliances should he consider a future bid for office. Armed with homemade signs, millions of Americans used Flag Day to protest the Trump administrations attempt to consolidate all powers and thereby converting our country into an authoritarian state. The No Kings demonstration participants were also acting in solidarity with others around the globe who are defending their fragile democracies. They were in solidarity with South Koreans who forced the impeachment of their president after he declared martial law, and with the people of Israel who took to the streets when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to take control of the judiciary. At the current pace of the Trump administration, more demonstrations will be needed. Howard Simon Without a massive public response, we may soon resemble Turkey, Hungary and Venezuela countries where leaders secured power through democratic elections and then dismantled democratic institutions and muzzled the opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In America, abuses of the executive branch typically end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, and the judges, even the Supreme Court, take note of what is happening in the streets, which is why the April 5 Hands Off," the June 14 No Kings demonstrations, and any future demonstrations are so important. Protesters must find ways to continue to be seen and heard. Thousands of people lined up along S. Tamiami Trail near the intersection with Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers Saturday, June 14, 2025 to protest the actions of the Trump administration. The protest was part of the No Kings rallies coordinated nationwide. Going forward the No Kings protestors will need to ensure future demonstrations grow in size, encourage friends, family and neighbors to put aside their complacency that it cant happen here because the attacks on universities, judges, the media, and the use of police-state tactics are happening here. Thousands of people lined up along S. Tamiami Trail near the intersection with Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers Saturday, June 14, 2025 to protest the actions of the Trump administration. The protest was part of the No Kings rallies coordinated nationwide. They must urge folks to see through White House marketing that hides deeply unpopular policies behind appealing slogans designed to immobilize opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, take "ending voter fraud." This is a false claim used to justify voting restrictions that make Vote-by-Mail more difficult, require unreasonable ID requirements and block former felons who completed their sentence from voting. "Rooting out antisemitism" has become a pretext to enable government control of the curriculum and faculty of our universities, and "ending woke" has become the language of politicians exploiting concerns about DEI to rationalize censoring library books and college courses and dismantling anti-discrimination and civil rights protections. The claim that mass deportations are designed to protect us from "murderous aliens" is a lie that exhibits the presidents racism and hostility to all immigration (particularly of people of color) legal or otherwise. Whats going on is fear of demographic change, our increasing diversity and the projection that by 2050 the U.S. will have a majority non-white population. Hostility to immigration is hostility to America as a diverse, multi-racial democracy. Don't just protest, vote To save democracy, there is no substitute for voting. No Kings protesters need to make sure that friends and family members are registered to vote and, if signed up for Vote-by-Mail, make sure that they update their Vote-by-Mail request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mid-term congressional elections are a little more than a year away with leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives hanging on a handful of seats., An end to one-party rule will help impede President Trumps effort to mimic the kind of authoritarian democracy now seen in Viktor Orbans Hungary. Defending democracy against authoritarianism is not a battle between liberals and conservatives. It is a struggle between constitutionalists and anti-constitutionalists, a battle between those with fidelity to the rule of law and those whose fidelity is to a ruler. Saving our democracy will require putting aside party affiliations to form the broadest coalition of Non-Party Affiliated, independents, Democrats and non-MAGA Republicans. The French recently provided an inspiring lesson in their last election: competing political parties put aside their differences and cooperated to prevent the crypto-fascist National Rally Party from gaining power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to learn from their success. Howard Simon is a former executive director of the ACLU of Florida. He resides in Gainesville. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: 'No Kings' protests were a great first step. What's next? | Opinion A series of antisemitic attacks in Australia, including an arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne and a violent raid on an Israeli-owned restaurant, has Jews in the Australian city living in fear and demanding officials take action. The first attack occurred when assailants started a fire outside the exterior doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation. Around 20 worshipers were eating Shabbat dinner inside, according to SBS News. The police have not yet categorized the incident a terror attack. Avi Yemini, chief reporter for Rebel News Online in Australia, said the fire brigades rapid response kept "yet another synagogue in this city from being destroyed in a terror attack, like the firebombing of the Adas Israel Synagogue last year, which remains unsolved." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australias Jewish Community Alarmed Amid Rising Antisemitism: Fear And Anxiety Later that same evening, some 20 masked extremists terrorized diners at Israeli-owned restaurant Miznon. According to The Jerusalem Post, protesters chanted "death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces)" and threw chairs and glassware at the restaurant. Yemeni told Fox News Digital protesters were "causing absolute mayhem" and escalated "to violence against patrons and the destruction of property, ultimately sending terrified diners running for safety." Read On The Fox News App Police escort anti-Israeli protesters outside an Israeli restaurant, Miznon, on Hardware Lane in Melbourne, Friday, July 4, 2025. One protester was arrested by Victoria Police but was released and issued a summons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign Up For Antisemitism Exposed Newsletter SBS News also reported that Victoria Police are investigating a third incident, in which offenders set fire to three vehicles, destroying one, and spray-painted a nearby wall. A police commander declined to say whether the paintings content was antisemitic but described all three incidents as containing "inferences of antisemitism." Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), issued a statement on X and urged that "all sides of politics and all Australians to condemn these deplorable crimes." "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," Ryvchin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noting the "violent ideology at work in our country that operates on the fringes of politics and social movements," Ryvchin said "those responsible cannot be reasoned with or appeased. They must be confronted with the full force of the law." MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA - 2025/07/04: A man inspects damage to Miznon storefront during the anti-police protest in Melbourne. Miznon, an Israeli restaurant in Melbourne's iconic Hardware Lane, became a crime scene after a protest escalated into chaos demonstrators clashed with staff, overturned tables, and smashed plates and glass. Nurses Suspended After Viral Video Threatening To Kill Israeli Man: Australia Health Department Yemini said Fridays attacks demonstrate how "emboldened" protesters have become. "Since October 7, Victoria Police under the direction of the government have allowed anti-Israel protesters to effectively hold Melbourne hostage," he said. Fire damage at the synagogue's entrance in Melbourne, Australia, July 4, 2025. Gideon Saar, the Israeli minister of foreign affairs, also strongly condemned the attacks, saying there "have been too many antisemitic attacks in Australia," and he called on the Australian government to "do more to fight this poisonous disease." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024, the ECAJ counted 2,062 antisemitic incidents in Australia. Original article source: Antisemitic attackers violently target synagogue, Israeli restaurant in Australia Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to the Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, on his 90th birthday, calling him a symbol of "love, compassion, patience and moral discipline." In a social media post on X, Prime Minister Modi prayed for the good health and long life of the Dalai Lama. "I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life," he posted on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1941683673356435619 On Sunday morning, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. Earlier, on July 5, on the eve of the 90th birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, prominent Indian leaders, including BJP leader Vijay Jolly and JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, attended a celebratory event in Dharamshala to honour the revered figure. The 14th Dalai Lama, known to the Tibetan people as Gyalwa Rinpoche, is the current Dalai Lama, also the highest spiritual leader and head of Tibet. The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in the small farming village of Takster, northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, the boy Lhamo Dhondup was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. In October 1939, he was brought to Lhasa and formally installed as the head of the state of Tibet on February 22, 1940. Boy Lhamo Dhondup was later named Tenzin Gyatso, and his monastic education was started at the age of six. Dalai Lama is a Mongolian term that means "Ocean of Wisdom'', and the Dalai Lamas are the manifestations of the Bodhisattva of compassion. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have postponed their own enlightenment and chosen to take rebirth to serve, according to Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The Dalai Lama assumed full political powers in 1950, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949. In March 1959, after the suppression of the Tibetan National Uprising, the Dalai Lama was forced to escape into exile in India with over eighty thousand refugees. For over six decades, the Dalai Lama has been working for the promotion of peace, love, and compassion. (ANI) Archaeologists have discovered a city in Peru thought to be about 3,500 years old. The city, called Penico, is likely to have served as a trading post linking early Pacific coast communities with those living in the Andes mountains and Amazon basin. Located around 200 miles north of Lima in the countrys Barranca province, the urban centre sits on a hillside around 1,970ft above sea level and is believed to have been founded between 1,800 and 1,500BC around the same time as early civilisations flourished in the Middle East and Asia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drone footage of the site taken by researchers shows a circular structure on a hillside terrace at the citys centre, surrounded by the remains of stone and mud buildings. The site bears a striking resemblance to the ancient city of Caral, the oldest civilisation in the Americas, 17 miles to the west. Scientists believe the city may have been formed after Caral collapsed as a result of climate change. Having emerged around 5,000 years ago, Caral is considered a contemporary of civilisations in Egypt, India, Sumeria and China. Yet unlike them, it developed in complete isolation, according to researchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carals two sunken circular courts are believed to have served as ceremonial spaces for gatherings and rituals. Ruth Shady, the archaeologist who led the research into Penico and the excavation of Caral in the 1990s, said the newly unveiled city is especially important for understanding what became of the Caral civilisation after it was devastated by environmental changes.. They were situated in a strategic location for trade, for exchange with societies from the coast, the highlands and the jungle, Ms Shady said. Marco Machacuay, an archaeologist and researcher with Perus ministry of culture, said that Penicos importance lies in it being the continuation of the Caral society, which fell into decline around 1,800BC, possibly because of drought and flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After eight years of research, archaeologists have identified up to 18 structures in Penico, including ceremonial temples, residential complexes and murals. The walls of a central plaza stand out for their sculptural reliefs and depictions of the pututu, a conch shell trumpet used in religious ceremonies whose sound carries over long distances.These are believed to have been symbols of power and authority in Penico society. In other buildings, researchers found human remains, clay sculptures of human and animal figures, ceremonial objects and necklaces made from beads and seashells. The combination of artefacts from the site blend influences from the coast, the mountains and the jungle, leading archaeologists to conclude that the city was a nexus for trade in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yoshio Cano, a spokesman for the Caral Archaeological Zone, told local media: Evidence has been found of a great deal of trade not only in the Supe Valley, but also with the Huaura Valley, because it is located in a very strategic place in the Supe Valley (...) And, in addition, evidence has been found of integration also with the mountain and jungle areas, and over long distances. Penico officially opened its doors for tourists to visit the ancient city on July 3. As part of the project, ceremonial spaces within the city have been digitally reconstructed to enable visitors to see what the city would have looked like in its prime. The Machu Picchu citadel is one of the most famous treasured sites in Peru - Pintai Suchachaisri/Getty Peru is home to many of Americas most significant archaeological discoveries, including the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and the mysterious Nazca lines, located in a desert region along the countrys central coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Machu Picchu mountain citadel was built by the Inca empire around the time of the 15th century, hundreds of years after Penico flourished as a city. Meanwhile, the Nazca Lines, a series of images etched into the ground resembling animals, are thought to date to between 200BC and 500AD. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. An area non-profit is responding to assist with the widespread flooding taking place in central Texas. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The bulk of the flooding has taken place in Kerr County, Texas. The Associated Press is reporting that the storm has killed at least 37 people across the state, including 14 children. The Guadalupe River has risen to its second-highest height on record, surging over 29 feet. The floods have swept away vehicles, homes, and campers, according to a spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>PHOTOS: Multiple water rescues continue in deadly Texas flash floods TRENDING STORIES: Matthew 25: Ministries said their disaster response team is heading to the impacted area on Sunday. They will provide essential services and supplies once they can guarantee the safety and security of both people and vehicles involved, the spokesperson said. This is a devastating tragedy, said Matthew 25: Ministries CEO Tim Mettey. The loss of life and damage to property is horrific; no one should ever have to endure such heartbreak, and no one should ever have to lose a child. Matthew 25 will do everything we can to provide for the essential needs of the people who have experienced such heartbreaking loss. We will do our best to offer compassion and care to the survivors and their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthew 25: Ministries said they are accepting donations from those who want to help. Donations can be mailed or dropped off at the 11000 block of Kenwood Road in Blue Ash. Visit this website to donate online. A downed sign is seen near a crossing of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Ingram. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A woman and a child embrace after girls from Camp Waldemar, near the North fork of the Guadalupe River, are reunited with their families after heavy rainfall in Central Texas, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via AP) 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, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Campers embrace after arriving to a reunification area as girls from Camp Waldemar, near the North fork of the Guadalupe River, are reconnected with their families after heavy rainfall in Central Texas, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via AP) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bedding items are seen outside sleeping quarters at Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, far left, visits the damaged area at Camp Mystic near the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, center, tours Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Officials comb through the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A person searches among debris near the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Officials with the Texas Game Warden comb through debris along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Men inspect a vehicle that was washed along the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A Camp Mystic mailbox is seen near the entrance to the establishment along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the Texas A&M Task Force 1 Search & Rescue inspect the Cade Loop bridge along the Guadalupe River on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez) Officials comb through the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A Sheriff's deputy pauses while combing through the banks of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A truck rests on a tree outside sleeping quarters at Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Officials comb through the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) People look at debris on the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A military convoy drives on a road along the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies walk along a road near the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Ingram. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Officials comb through the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A woman falls while climbing with others over debris on a bridge atop the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) People climb over debris on a bridge atop the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Onlookers survey damage caused along the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) A man surveys debris along the Guadalupe River after a flash flood struck the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) People are reunited at a reunification center after flash flooding hit the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Onlookers survey damage along the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A helicopter flies over the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) A helicopter flies over the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Families line up at a reunification center after flash flooding it the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) First responders scan the banks of the Guadalupe River for individuals swept away by flooding in Ingram, Texas, Thursday, July 4, 2025. (Michel Fortier/The San Antonio Express-News via AP) First responders deliver people to a reunification center after flash flooding in the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Families are reunited at a reunification center after flash flooding hit the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Kerrville Fire Department first responders scan the banks of the Guadalupe River for individuals swept away by flooding in Ingram, Texas, Thursday, July 4, 2025. (Michel Fortier/The San Antonio Express-News via AP) A Texas DPS helicopter conducts arial searches along the Guadalupe River in the wake of a destructive flooding event in Kerrville on Friday July 4, 2025. (Christopher Lee/The San Antonio Express-News via AP) Members the Kerrville Fire Department and Texas Department of Public Safety refuel trucks after deadly flooding in Kerrville, Texas, Friday July 4, 2025. (Christopher Lee/The San Antonio Express-News via AP) Thomas Rux, a resident of Riverside RV Park, goes through the wreckage of his RV that was swept away by floodwaters in Ingram, Texas, on Friday, July 4, 2025. (Christopher Lee/The San Antonio Express-News via AP) Garrett Burleson shows the damage to the office of his family's architectural business as a dirt line shows the extent of the flooding that the building faced, in Ingram on Friday July 4, 2025. (Christopher Lee/The San Antonio Express-News via AP) Members of Task Force 1 deploy boats along the Guadalupe River in the wake of a destructive flooding event in Kerrville on Friday July 4, 2025. (Christopher Lee/The San Antonio Express-News via AP) KERRVILLE, TEXAS - JULY 04: Trees emerge from flood waters along the Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas. Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas with multiple fatalities reported. (Photo by Eric Vryn/Getty Images) KERRVILLE, TEXAS - JULY 04: Kerrville resident Leighton Sterling watches flood waters along the Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas. Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas with multiple fatalities reported. (Photo by Eric Vryn/Getty Images) A man surveys damage left by a raging Guadalupe River, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Debris is left behind by a raging Guadalupe River, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) A raging Guadalupe River leaves fallen trees and debris in its wake, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) A man surveys damage left by a raging Guadalupe River, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) A flood gauge marks the height of water flowing over a farm-to-market road near Kerrville, Texas, on Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) A flood gauge marks the height of water flowing over a farm-to-market road near Kerrville, Texas, on Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) File photo. Flooding in central Texas was caused after heavy rains. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Heavy rain in Texas caused a major flood that left several people dead including multiple children. Hundreds have been rescued but many are still missing. Scot Erwin, the Battalion Chief of Conway Fire Department, was devastated to hear what happened. This all hit home for him after spending several years doing water rescues. Texas flood death toll rises to at least 51; 27 campers still missing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He along with others across the state have trained endlessly each year at Arkansas Fire and Boat School on how to respond to water emergencies. Some of those volunteers were in Texas last week before it flooded. Erwin says the flood brought back memories of his past experiences. Weve seen a lot of these situations, and this is not that farfetched from what weve dealt with back early in the spring, Erwin said. He says when water reaches a certain point it can sometimes be unpredictable and hard to escape. Its very unforgiving, it doesnt stop you cant pause it, and the weight of it is tremendous, Erwin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Water rescues underway in Arkansas after a new wave of storms across US and Canada Dozens in Texas experienced that firsthand. Multiple families have been separated. Erwin says rescuing people in times like this can be difficult. Everything is under the water that used to be on top so your fences your street poles, your street signs, Erwin said. After years of making rescues in similar situations Erwin says he knows this wasnt easy for the rescuers in Texas to handle, and when working through tragedies like this theres only one thing to do. You just do what you can, thats how you handle it. You give your best and you hope for the best sometimes it doesnt always work out but thats just how you handle it Erwin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Armenia has rejected the statement of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) that Russia is speeding up the staffing of the military base in the Armenian Gyumri in order to increase military and political pressure on the countries of the South Caucasus. Source: a statement of the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Novosti-Armenia; European Pravda Details: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia rejected the information from DIU about the possible use of the countrys territory in order to increase military and political pressure on the countries of the South Caucasus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "In response to fictitious information that appeared in the press, the Republic of Armenia reaffirms its principled position that the territory of the Republic of Armenia cannot be used by third countries to carry out military actions against any of the neighbouring states". Background: On 5 July, DIU stated that the Russian Federation is speeding up the staffing of the military base in the Armenian Gyumri in order to increase military and political pressure on the countries of the South Caucasus. According to DIU, the deployment of Russian troops in Armenia is "an element of the Kremlins comprehensive strategy aimed at destabilising the global security situation". It is worth noting that in recent days a diplomatic conflict broke out between Moscow and Baku after the detention and murder of Azerbaijanis by Russian security forces. Russia is also interfering in the internal affairs of Armenia, where an attempt by Russian-linked forces to organise a coup detat was exposed. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! When I was a young attorney in Hutchinson, Kansas, a friend of mine suggested that we join the Army Reserve or National Guard as members of the Judge Advocate General Corps. I had recently opened a private law practice, had one child and another on the way. Once I joined, I would receive a direct commission as a first lieutenant. For weekend drills, I would be paid a little over $100 and around $1,500 for two weeks of annual training. With the offer of a little adventure and some much-needed cash, I joined the Kansas Army National Guard and stayed 24 years. In order to receive my direct commission, I had to complete a Direct Commission Course in Arkansas. I flew to the course, courtesy of the U.S. Army. I was 29, and it was the first time I had flown in an airplane. At the course there were other lawyers like me, doctors, nurses and future chaplains. After completing the course, chaplains were commissioned as first lieutenants, nurses as second lieutenants and doctors as captains (which at the time, ticked me off). The direct commission program still exists today. There is such a shortage in the medical field that if a nurse takes a direct commission, the U.S. Army will pay his or her tuition to medical school and up to a $40,000 bonus for joining. A doctor of psychiatry can receive up to a $600,000 bonus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just recently, I learned that the U.S. Army Reserve is giving direct commissions to several executives from Big Tech firms Meta, OpenAI and Palantir at the rank of lieutenant colonel to serve in Detachment 201, a new Executive Innovation Corps. When I learned of this, I was not a happy camper, so I dug a little deeper. In 2019, Congress enacted the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019, which gave the military services the authorization to direct commission officers up to the rank of colonel. That means a civilian can receive a direct commission as a bird colonel (colonels wear an eagle as their rank) if they have the requisite background. Let me put this in perspective: I was not promoted to colonel until I served 19 years. During those 19 years in the Kansas Army National Guard, I progressed from first lieutenant to captain, major, lieutenant colonel and, finally, colonel. I took years of classes, including the Judge Advocate Basic Course, the Advanced Judge Advocate Course and Command and General Staff College. During the 19 years it took me to reach the rank of colonel, I went to around 200 weekend drills, 19 or more sessions of annual training, deployed to Bosnia, made numerous trips overseas and helped with the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. The average age of lieutenant colonels is 39, and by the time they have achieve that rank, they have served 16 years in the military. The average age of colonels is 45 and they usually have served around 22 years in the military. Wealth and status, not experience These four executives are all multimillionaires several times over, and will be commissioned at a rank usually achieved by officers who have served at least 20 years in their military careers. They will reportedly not be required to complete the Army Fitness Test or participate in the militarys six-week-long Direct Commission Course, though they will be given a crash course on military history and take a physical test and marksmanship training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is almost as though these four individuals are being awarded the rank of lieutenant colonel because of their wealth and status, much like the British Army used to allow the purchasing of military commissions, or as one is rewarded with an ambassadorship because of a large political donation. There is some precedent. During World War II, several famous actors and musicians were given direct commissions. For example, Hollywood filmmaker John Ford was commissioned as a commander in the United States Navy Reserve and served as the head of a photographic unit. Popular bandleader Glenn Miller became a major in the U.S. Army. However, one must keep in mind there was a war on, in which nearly everyone in our nation was mobilized to help the effort in some way. I find it unfair and unwise that someone can receive a direct commission to lieutenant colonel or colonel. Yes, we need technical experts and other specialists, but taking someone with zero military experience and making them an officer is a bit absurd. Direct commissions above captain are bad for morale. Here you are a major, 15 years into your military career, and a civilian is suddenly your ranking officer, and they have not even been to a single military school and cannot pass the Army Fitness Test. How do they even know how to wear the uniform properly, know when and who to salute, or any other basics about the military? What happens if there is a crisis and a colonel with no military training is in charge and must handle the emergency? Do they know how to fire and clean a weapon? Direct commissions should be limited to the rank of captain. If the military needs to recruit those with special skills, then lets do it with bonuses or other enticements (maybe even a little patriotism). At the very minimum, those receiving a direct commission should be required to pass the Army Fitness test, successfully complete the Direct Commission Course, followed by the other U.S. Army courses required to reach the rank of lieutenant colonel and colonel. Tom Arnhold of Olathe is a retired attorney, judge and a 24-year veteran of the Kansas Army National Guard, where he served as a JAG officer. Mandy Funk, 37, remembers when her body began to betray her. As a college junior, she began to have episodes in which her body would act as if it were aroused for no reason. Sometimes, she says, it felt like hot sauce had been slathered over her genital area. She had to give up tight-fitting clothes and horseback riding, her lifelong love. Often the pain was so intense that she couldn't sit down. Funk struggled for years to find a doctor who understood her symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She eventually learned she had developed a condition called persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), which led to treatment. Funk, who, with her husband, owns an electrical contracting company in Goessel, Kansas, did eventually get her life, at least partly, back on track. Shes especially happy she can ride horses again with her children, although she still sometimes experiences flare-ups. Funk is fortunate to have gotten a diagnosis and help, experts say. Many doctors are unaware of the disorder, although there is some growing research. The condition started to come to light only in 2001, when researchers at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, New Jersey, described the experiences of five women with bouts of arousal symptoms that seemed to arise out of nothing. In the report, published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, the authors, Sandra Leiblum and Sharon Nathan, identified the key feature of the disorder as persistent physiological arousal in the absence of conscious feelings of sexual desire. Like many women with PGAD, Mandy Funk struggled for years to find a doctor who was familiar with her symptoms. (Courtesy Mandy Funk) The condition was initially called persistent sexual arousal syndrome, but then sexual was replaced with genital because it really had nothing to do with sex, said Dr. Irwin Goldstein, a urologist and director of San Diego Sexual Medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not long after the 2001 report, Leiblum, then a professor of psychiatry at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, concluded that psychology alone wouldnt explain all the symptoms the five women were experiencing. Leiblum began sending patients to Goldstein, who at the time was a specialist in sexual dysfunction at Boston University. Its estimated that 1% to 4% of women may have symptoms of the disorder, although incidence could be significantly higher, said Caroline Pukall, a professor of psychology at Queens University in Canada. Many women arent comfortable discussing a topic they see as private, even with their doctors, she said. Another issue could be peoples difficulty imagining arousal could be a bad thing. Maybe its all the assumptions about how arousal is supposed to feel, Pukall said. Most experience body and mind working together in a really pleasurable way. So they have no framework to understand this in. Pukall said that may help explain why so few in the medical community are aware of PGAD, adding, Certainly, most primary care providers have not heard of it at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To raise awareness, Goldstein and other experts including doctors who focus on sexual dysfunction, psychologists and physical therapists formed a panel to share what they had learned about PGAD. In 2021, the panel published a report in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, offering a road map to determining possible causes and treatments for the extremely distressing sexual health condition, which may be more prevalent than previously recognized, the authors wrote. They noted that symptoms might first appear in the vaginal region, the pelvic area or the spinal cord. According to Goldstein and colleagues, diagnosis of PGAD, at a minimum, would require that a woman had: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Persistent or recurrent, unwanted or intrusive, distressing sensations of genital arousal. Symptoms that had lasted for three or more months. Sensations that couldnt be associated with any sexual interest, thoughts or fantasies. Buzzing, tingling, burning, twitching, itching or pain, along with a sensation of arousal. While the sensations would most commonly be felt in the clitoris, they could also be felt in the vulva, the vagina, the urethra, the bladder and other locations in the vicinity of the pelvis. The 2021 report included findings from a small functional MRI study that analyzed brain scans of three women with PGAD and 12 healthy volunteers. The healthy volunteers were asked to think about sex while in the machine, and those with PGAD were scanned when they were feeling symptoms of the condition. The area of the brain that lit up when the healthy volunteers were thinking about sex, the paracentral lobule, also shone much more brightly when the women with PGAD were symptomatic. PGAD is primarily a problem of too much unwanted, unrelenting sensation going to the brain, Goldstein said. While the paracentral lobule has other functions, in the context of PGAD, its a key sensory region of the brain involved in processing information from the urogenital areas, such as the clitoris, vulva and perineum; the pelvic organs, including the bladder, urethra, vagina, cervix and rectum; and the lower limbs, especially the toes, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recently, a small study by German researchers using brain scans was published in Scientific Reports in February, with 26 patients diagnosed with PGAD and 26 healthy volunteers. Areas of the brain associated with the disorder were activated as expected, but the researchers said it was unclear whether specific symptoms were connected to the different pattern of brain activity. The findings gave potential areas of focus for future research, they wrote. Ultimately, the earlier scanning study may have been more telling. We know that irritated sensory nerves and nerve roots are associated with PGAD and excess brain activity in the paracentral lobule, Goldstein said. But thats still not enough, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nerve irritation or nerve root irritation can be caused by a variety of factors, including injuries, compression, infections and inflammation, he said, adding that if the message from irritated nerves gets to the paracentral lobule, a woman might experience unwanted genital arousal. If doctors could better identify the exact pathway that led to unwanted arousal, more women could be helped, Goldstein said. Thats our job as sex detectives, he said. The good news is that we can now really help improve quality of life in about two-thirds of women. In general, specialists will treat the underlying problem that triggered the disorder to see whether the arousals resolve. What causes the disorder? PGAD can result from many conditions that irritate the nerves, from back injuries to changes in dosing of certain antidepressants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Sharon Parish, a professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, points to the first case she ever saw: that of a woman who had tripped at work and injured her hip a year earlier. By the time the patient was referred to Parish by her OB-GYN, she was struggling to find a position that didnt cause her pain. For Shari Stewart, 63, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, the bottom came when she went to a doctor for help with the pain she was experiencing. She had searched for her symptoms online for years and finally determined she must have PGAD. I told him I think I have PGAD, Stewart remembered. I have all these symptoms, and before I could show him the list, he said, God, I wish my wife had that. And then he chuckled. Stewart doesnt think the doctor ever took her seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even after the 2021 consensus report, a very small percentage of doctors know about the disorder, especially in primary care or internal medicine, Goldstein said. I estimate only about 5% to 10% of all providers are aware of PGAD. Parish recommends that women who suspect theyve developed PGAD search the International Society for the Study of Womens Sexual Health website for a list of providers who are familiar with the condition and can offer treatments. Knowing just what went wrong is what helped April Patterson, 45, get her life back. Patterson, a physical therapist from Los Angeles, started having pain during intercourse when she was 21. It was like sciatic pain, she says. It would just shoot down my leg, during intercourse only. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then the pain started to arise more often and in more places. Everything felt like it was tingling, burning, buzzing, she said. After years of pain, one day, Patterson saw a flyer advertising a presentation on pelvic pain related to nerve issues. I thought, this is what I have, she said. I need to go to this meeting. That was when Patterson first heard Goldstein talk. After several X-rays and a brain scan, Pattersons symptoms and pain were traced to herniated discs in her lower spine. After she was treated with a nerve block, her pelvic symptoms were relieved. A spine surgeon repaired the damaged discs and widened the opening in the spinal canal where it was too narrow. The procedure completely fixed Pattersons PGAD and most of her pain. The experience made Patterson more aware of how much women keep to themselves. In questionnaires, she now asks her patients about unwanted persistent arousal, as well as pelvic pain and other related symptoms. And then we can get into the conversation, she said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A scientific illustrator, a mapmaker and a storyteller are among the artists selected to be the Artists at Pine Needles this summer. Since 2002, the Artist at Pine Needles program has hosted more than 75 artists and writers in the historic Pine Needles cabin on the St. Croix River in Marine on St. Croix as part of a program to broaden scientific understanding through art. Greg Seitz of Marine on St. Croix is working on a deep map book of the St. Croix River that blends science, history and storytelling while elevating overlooked narratives, particularly Indigenous voices, and exploring how ecological processes impact human life, a news release says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than 15 years, Seitz has focused on the St. Croix River watershed, using writing, photography and mapping primarily through his website St. Croix 360 to communicate the regions natural complexity and beauty to wide audiences, according to the news release. The four other artists are Kristine Murphy, a scientific illustrator from Lino Lakes; Natalie Deam and Zoe Fay Stindt, a collaborative artist duo who explore the intimate relationships among humans, nonhumans and ecosystems through interdisciplinary practices; and Haley Prochnow, an artist who explores the intersections of local culture, social history and the natural environment by amplifying overlooked stories of women and underrepresented communities in the St. Croix River Valley through archival research, writing and photography. The residency program includes a weekly stipend, travel support and the residency at the cabin, which is on St. Croix Watershed Research Station property. Artists also have access to the researchers who work at the station and at the Science Museum of Minnesota, as well as the J.W.D. Dunn Research Library and the collections vault at the Science Museum. As part of the residency, the artists each donate an original work developed from their experience to the museum. Donated works from 2003 through 2024 are on display at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Related Articles Update: A judge granted Ortiz a $64,000 bond for the Berkeley County charges. - CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) A Florida man who faces over 30 charges related to reckless driving in the City of Charleston was extradited on Sunday. Ramon Enoch Ortiz, 48, of Jacksonville, FL, was booked at the Berkeley County Detention Center following a months-long investigation that started in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers with the Charleston Police Department were made aware of social media videos that showed a motorcyclist, identified as Ortiz, traveling at speeds of up to 140 miles per hour and weaving through Charleston traffic, the department said. Allegedly, the videos only showed a small part of Ortizs high-speed pursuits. Investigators discovered that Ortiz had no drivers license, registration, or insurance, and he sold merchandise to promote his videos, which showcased his pursuits. Although the pursuits took place in Charleston, several of the incidents happened in the Berkeley County part of the city, which is why Ortiz was booked at the Berkeley County jail on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His bond hearing is set for 6:30 p.m. The 30 charges Ortiz faces in Berkeley County are listed below: 7 counts of driving without a license 7 counts of operating an uninsured vehicle 7 counts of operating an unregistered vehicle 6 counts of reckless driving 1 count of racing on a public road 1 count of simple possession of marijuana. 1 count of hit and run with minor personal injury Ortiz was previously granted a $101,435 bond for six charges over pursuits that took place in Charleston County. The charges from Charleston County are listed below: 1 for failure to stop for blue light 1 for racing on a public road 1 for no drivers license 1 for operating an uninsured vehicle 1 for reckless driving 1 for operating an unregistered vehicle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Charleston Police Departments Traffic Unit worked with multiple law enforcement agencies to investigate this case, including digital forensic analysis, search warrants, and physical evidence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) A new motion has been presented in the case of a lawsuit filed in May against five people employed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. According to court documents, on July 2, the defense of five DCNR employees named in a lawsuit filed by three Lauderdale County landowners has asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit. Non-profit helping women overcome addiction holds fourth anniversary rally Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit was originally filed on May 20 by Dalton Boley, Regina Williams and Dale Liles. The three paired up to sue Chris Blankenship, Charles Sykes, Chad Howell, Jarrod Poole and Bradley Hasamear (formerly identified as an unknown game warden officer), saying their private properties were searched without a warrant or consent. The document said the case seeks to vindicate the three defendants to be free from unreasonable searches of their land. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) officers, relying on a statute, see Ala. Code 9-2-65(a)(6), have repeatedly entered Plaintiffs land without consent or a warrant, the lawsuit says. You can read the full original complaint here. In the motion to dismiss, filed on July 2, the defense says that DCNRs ability to enter upon any land or water in the performance of [its] duty is a vital tool for doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion states that the three fail to state a claim for which relief can be granted. Man killed in overnight DeKalb County wreck Below are the arguments listed in the dismissal motion. Binding precedent defeats the plaintiffs unreasonable search claim against all defendants In the complaint filed, the landowners claim that Ala. Code 9-2-65(a)(6) violates 5 of the Alabama Constitution because it allows searches of private property without consent or a warrant. The defense says Alabamas open-fields doctrine states that 5s protection never extends to open fields or pasture land beyond the curtilage of the home or business establishment.' Citing Oliver, 466 U.S. at 181, the defense says the plaintiffs cannot transform their open fields into protected curtilage by posting No Trespassing signs or erecting fences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This then backs up the claim that the department and its officers can search land without a warrant or consent without violating [the plaintiffs] rights. The open-fields doctrine confirms the Department and the Officers right to enter Plaintiffs property under 9-2-65(a)(6). Becauseunder longstanding precedentDefendants thus did not violate Plaintiffs protection from unreasonable searches of their possessions, the Court should dismiss their official-capacity constitutional claim against all Defendants, the motion says. Crews respond to house fire in Toney Plaintiffs trespass claims against the officers fails This section says the officers involved are entitled to a dismissal of the claims, saying that peace officer immunity under 6-5-338 and State-agent immunity bars the claims, as well as saying the claims fail on the merits because 9-2-65(a)(6) expressly authorizes the Officers entry. Officers Howell, Poole, and Hasamear are immune The motion says that, per the Alabama Constitution, [T]he State of Alabama shall never be made a defendant in any court of law or equity. This extends to State agents sued in their individual capacities when they are doing one of the five: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Formulating plans, policies, or designs Exercising judgment in the administration of a State department, such as allocating resources Performing a statutory duty as prescribed Exercising judgment in enforcing the States criminal laws Exercising judgment in the exercise of duties related to releasing prisoners, counseling or releasing persons of unsound mind, or educating students This section of the dismissal motion says that the officers named are entitled to the immunities listed because the amended complaint says that the officers are State agents. The Alabama Supreme Court has also held that conservation enforcement officers qualify as peace officers under 6-5-338. Ex parte Duvall, 782 So. 2d 244, 247 (Ala. 2000). Plaintiffs trespass claims fail on the merits Throughout the Amended Complaint, Plaintiffs recognize that 9-2-65(a)(6) allows the Officers [t]o enter upon any land or water in the performance of their duty. E.g., Doc. 60 4. And because these trespass claims arise under statutory and common law, id. at 32, 181, the Legislature can modify them as it sees fit, see State v. Grant, 378 So.. 3d 576, 581 (Ala. 2022) (citing ALA.CODE 1-3-1). So this statutory right to enter Plaintiffs properties dooms their trespass claims, even if they could succeed on their constitutional claim, the motion to dismiss says. Texas flood death toll rises to at least 51; 27 campers still missing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion also says that Boleys previous trespass claim regarding Williams property fails for another reason, stating that, to maintain his trespass claim, Boley must allege an interest in the exclusive possession of his property[.] However, Boley says he merely has a license to use Williams property, not a possessory interest in it. Overall, the conclusion of the motion to dismiss says the court should dismiss the lawsuit in its entirety, saying the [b]inding precedent requires this Court to reject their unreasonable-search claim. And State-agent immunity bars their trespass claims, which fail on the merits regardless. The motion to dismiss was then set for a hearing on August 27. You can read the full motion to dismiss below. scw2ahadktzvh5u35m5ke5nh_ddf2f678-bda8-475a-9f97-13768d01023dDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australian police have charged a man in connection with an alleged arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue with worshippers in the building, the latest in a series of incidents targeting the nation's Jewish community. There were no injuries to the 20 people inside the East Melbourne Synagogue, who fled from the fire on Friday night. Firefighters extinguished the blaze in the capital of Victoria state. Australia has experienced several antisemitic incidents since the start of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Counterterrorism detectives late on Saturday arrested the 34-year-old resident of Sydney, capital of neighbouring New South Wales, charging him with offences including criminal damage by fire, police said. "The man allegedly poured a flammable liquid on the front door of the building and set it on fire before fleeing the scene," police said in a statement. The suspect, whom the authorities declined to identify, was remanded in custody after his case was heard at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Sunday and no application was made for bail, the Australian Broadcasting Corp reported. Authorities are investigating whether the synagogue fire was linked to a disturbance on Friday night at an Israeli restaurant in Melbourne, in which one person was arrested for hindering police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restaurant was extensively damaged, according to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, an umbrella group for Australia's Jews. It said the fire at the synagogue, one of Melbourne's oldest, was set as those inside sat down to Sabbath dinner. Israeli President Isaac Herzog went on X to "condemn outright the vile arson attack targeting Jews in Melbournes historic and oldest synagogue on the Sabbath, and on an Israeli restaurant where people had come to enjoy a meal together". "This is not the first such attack in Australia in recent months. But it must be the last," Herzog said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incidents as "severe hate crimes" that he viewed "with utmost gravity". "The State of Israel will continue to stand alongside the Australian Jewish community," Netanyahu said on X. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese late on Saturday described the alleged arson, which comes seven months after another synagogue in Melbourne was targeted by arsonists, as shocking and said those responsible should face the law's full force. "My Government will provide all necessary support toward this effort," Albanese posted on X. Homes, schools, synagogues and vehicles in Australia have been targeted by antisemitic vandalism and arson. The incidents included a fake plan by organised crime to attack a Sydney synagogue using a caravan of explosives in order to divert police resources, police said in March. (Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by William Mallard) Heavy rainfall has caused the rise of water levels in the Dharhali and Saktoh rivers in Rajouri district. Several states of India are facing heavy rainfall after the arrival of monsoon, causing waterlogging, floods and rising water levels of rivers and lower-level areas. The neighbouring state, Himachal Pradesh, is also experiencing the wrath of heavy rainfall, resulting in floods and loss of life in Mandi district. Search teams continue to look for the missing persons in the flood-hit Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh as the toll reached to 75 in the hill state following monsoon havoc. The state has been experiencing rainfall, landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts. Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan stated that the relief efforts have been hindered due to the "geography" of delivering aid to the flood-affected people. Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Devgan said, "The main road of Thunag has been made motorable today. A few supply vehicles have also been placed there. Supplies have been sent with the help of mules also... The number of missing people is still 31. We have not found any missing persons. Special forces of around 250 State Disaster Relief Force-NDRF personnel are deployed. The whole administration is working 24*7." The official noted the challenge of rushing aid to the affected people amid the monsoon and amid the prospects of more rainfall in the next months. "The relief work is challenging because of the geography. We are trying to reach habitations... this is just the beginning of monsoons. It is about to rain for the next three months. For us, the extra challenge is that we have to conduct the relief, rehabilitation and restoration program during the monsoons. We have full support of the government, providing all resources..." he stated. On Saturday, a team of SDRF conducted a field visit to a village in Panchayat Jarode to extend emergency assistance to residents in disaster-affected areas and surveyed the impacted regions and identified vulnerable individuals in urgent need of aid. Relief materials, including basic need kits and medical kits, were distributed to the affected families as part of the immediate response effort. The team also assessed the medical conditions of several villagers and provided essential medicines on-site to those requiring immediate care. (ANI) The Democratic Party should "embrace pornography" to attract young men to their side of the aisle, a far-left author and writer argued this week. "I have many thoughts on how the Democratic Party might start to win back young men who have abandoned the party for fascism," Elie Mystal, justice correspondent and a columnist for The Nation, wrote in an article published Wednesday. "None of them involve abandoning womens rights, womens leadership, or the LGBTQ community," Mystal said. "But one of my suggestions is that the Democrats should embrace pornography and other examples of sexiness and smut under the umbrella of free speech." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats Need To Embrace Males With Affection, Not Political Strategy, Nyt Columnist Argues Mystal, who is the author of " Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America ," released in March, which discusses "the flawed foundations of the rules we live by," said that pornography helps people. "Now, to be clear, pornography is viewed and enjoyed by all sorts of people, male and female, gay and straight, trans and cis," Mystal wrote. "Indeed, one of the highest, best uses of porn (I cant believe I just wrote that) is that it helps young people figure out what theyre actually into. Sex-positive porn enjoyers are not a political demographic the Democrats generally have a problem with." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He suggested that Democrats might have difficulty persuading straight White men that "Free Palestine" flags are included in ones right to exercise free speech, but says it will be easy to persuade men that pornography is free speech. "Thats because pornography is an actual free speech issue," Mystal wrote. "So is smut. So is obscenity. These are forms of free speech that conservatives and Republicans in the government are constantly trying to regulate." California Dems Run Ads Against Gop On Sex Trafficking Bill After Blocking Penalties For Teen Solicitation The Supreme Court recently reaffirmed Texas right to verify the ages of people who use pornography sites to ensure minors will not have access. Also at issue in his column is his belief that age verification laws, like the Texas law recently upheld by the Supreme Court which reaffirmed Texas right to verify the ages of people who use pornography sites to ensure minors will not have access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court pointed out that about 21 other states have passed similar regulations on sexual content that could be damaging to minors. "Nobody was arguing that minors have a constitutional right to access porn," Mystal said. "But adults do. Regulating adult access to porn is a point-and-one-handed-click restriction on the freedom of speech and the freedom of expression." In a reply to Mystal's post on X sharing his article, journalist Taylor Lorenz praised his take, saying, "YES PLEASE!!!!!!! Im screaming to the void about this. So grateful for your piece." Haley McNamara, Senior Vice President at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, condemned the take from Mystal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No political party should embrace pornographyresearch shows both men and women alike are facing serious mental health challenges as a result of porn, ranging from depression and compulsive behaviors to escalating addictions and stunted sexual and social development," she told Fox News Digital. "These issues often manifest as isolation, anxiety, or difficulty forming healthy relationships. Not to mention, as exposes against Pornhub, XVideos, OnlyFans and more have shown, even mainstream porn sites are often filled with videos of sex trafficking, rape, and child sexual abuse. It is a ludicrous suggestion that any political party promotes porn on its platform." Elie Mystal, author and writer for a left-leaning magazine, The Nation, maintains that pornography should be a protected constitutional right. Original article source: Author suggests Democrats should 'embrace pornography' to win back young men Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has arrived in Azerbaijan for a state visit, underscoring a growing partnership between the two countries in Central Asia and South Caucasus. Mirziyoyev's trip comes just days before the 17th Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Summit begins in Khankendi. Welcomed by President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, Mirziyoyev held bilateral talks focused on trade, transportation, energy and regional connectivity, as well as the opening of a new embassy building in the Azerbaijani capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the visit, the two leaders also laid the foundation stone for a new Uzbekistan park in the Azerbaijani capital. The two Presidents laid the foundation stone for the new Uzbekistan park - Euronews The trip follows a series of high-level exchanges as both nations continue to invest in more comprehensive cross-regional cooperation. Agreements between the two sides now encompass logistics, renewables and cultural exchange, as Tashkent and Baku look to position themselves as platforms for wider integration between Europe and Asia. Mirziyoyev will also attend the ECO Summit, where heads of state from across the region are expected to discuss trade corridors, sustainability and economic alignment. For Azerbaijan, the visit underscores its growing role as a diplomatic and economic bridge between Asia and Europe, while for Uzbekistan, it marks the continuation of its outward-facing diplomatic push. Mykhailo Dianov, a former soldier in the 36th Separate Marine Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who became famous for a legendary photo taken of him in Azovstal, has married his beloved Myroslava. He has posted photos of himself and his wife at Ternopil Pond. Source: Mykhailo Dianov on Facebook "I swore to God that Id never marry," the 45-year-old veteran said. Mykhailo Dianov and his wife Myroslava show off their wedding rings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Mykhailo Dianov on Facebook Mykhailo told hromadske that Myroslava works for Oblenergo, an oblast electricity distributor, in Ternopil and has a son from her first marriage. The couple met by chance last autumn. Quote: "When we met, I thought she was ten years younger than me, but it turned out that it was only 10 days. We are people of the same time, from the same city; we speak the same language and we like the same music. We are very close." In May 2022, this photo of the wounded soldier in Mariupol went viral around the world. Photo: Dmytro Kozatskyi Background: Mykhailo Dianov achieved worldwide fame thanks to a photo taken in Azovstal in which he is smiling despite a serious injury to his arm. The Mariupol defender was captured in May 2022 and exchanged in September that same year. After his return, Mykhailo underwent a series of operations on his arm. Mykhailo now works as a policeman in Ternopil and is also building a house and a workshop where he plans to do metalworking. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A 1-year-old baby died after drowning in a pool at his home in Whitley County on Friday. The child was taken by ambulance to Baptist Health in Corbin after being found in the pool, Kentucky State Police said. The Whitley County coroners office pronounced him dead. State police said they were called at 7:18 p.m. Whitley County Coroner Andy Croley declined to identify the child. BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. A project five years in the making officially comes to fruition in Baxter Springs. The grand opening of a new fire station at 1709 Military Avenue was well attended, bringing out the local community, as well as firefighters from surrounding townships like Galena and Quapaw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Baxter Springs Fire Department paraded its trucks from the old station to its new location, followed by remarks and a tour of the facility. For 99 years, the department served the community with just two bays, a day room, and a little space for trucks and training. Its new location offers a meeting room, kitchen, locker rooms, bunk rooms, and a training room for all 23 active volunteer firefighters, fire chiefs, and outside visitors. The project totaled around $3.4 million, $2-million from the state, $1-million from federal funding Jake LaTurners office helped secure, $400,000 from ARPA funding, and $100,000 from private donations. We have a lot of things to help our taxpayers. And then we have so much on our five and ten year plan going forward to be able now to give back now that this ones been put to bed and no cost. So were very excited, said DeAnn Hill, Baxter Springs Treasurer and Budget Director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Very grateful to have all the support weve had. Theyve shown it for the last five years when weve been doing this. And especially today they showed up, said Chief Dakota Wixon, Baxter Springs Fire Department. Chief Wixon thanks the entire team at the fire department for their last three weeks of work. making sure the station was ready for todays grand opening. He adds that although the new station is officially open, theres still some work left to finish the moving-in process. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner will answer residents questions about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its 287(g) program which allows ICE to partner up with local and state law enforcement agencies to conduct more immigration enforcement in an upcoming public meeting. The Q&A style meeting will take place at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, at the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office Headquarters, located at 1501 Bay Street in Beaufort. Members of the Beaufort County Council, including Chair Alice Howard (District 4), York Glover (District 3), Gerald Dawson (District 1), and David Bartholomew (District 2) will co-host the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howard recently said that the meeting came together after the council heard a number of concerns and questions from community members regarding ICE and its relationship with local law enforcement. What is the 287(g) program? In February, Tanner applied to form a local task force with ICE, part of the 287(g) program brought back during President Donald Trumps second term. A list of pending program agencies does not yet list the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office as of July 3. The application process does take some time, the Sheriff previously told The Island Packet, but he hopes to hear back about a decision by the end of the year. The task force model is one of three frameworks within the 287(g) program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the task force model, ICE provides training and resources to participating police departments, allowing local officers to help enforce federal immigration law. Officers in the program have the authority to question people about their immigration status and detain them for possible deportation. By contrast, the other two models focus on investigating people who have already been arrested and booked in local jails. The jail enforcement model allows for people without proper status who have been arrested to be identified and processed for immigration purposes, and the warrant service officer program allows local officers to serve and execute ICE warrants on people already in jail, according to the Miami Herald. These partnerships between ICE and local police departments have been criticized over the years, with some arguing the program encourages racial profiling and reduces trust in police. Proponents see the program as a force multiplier, encouraging collaboration between federal, state and local agencies to enforce immigration law. Nationwide program expansion The 287(g) program is expanding rapidly under the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of July 3, local and state agencies across the U.S. had signed 754 agreements to participate in the program, including all three models. Only 135 agreements were in place in January, according to ICE. Trump revived the programs task force model in the first weeks of his second term after it was abandoned in 2012 during former President Barack Obamas administration. The Beaufort County Sheriffs Office actually was part of a 287(g) task force for about four years until the national scale back. In South Carolina, 21 agencies have opted in, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, 17 county sheriffs departments and three police departments. Two other county sheriffs departments are on the list of pending agencies. A local police or sheriffs department may have multiple agreements with ICE, as is the case in South Carolinas Union, Berkeley, Chester and Pickens counties. Tanner applied for the program again in early 2017 as Trump began his first term, leading to small protests and public outcry among certain Beaufort County residents. But the sheriffs office never received confirmation regarding a contract, Tanner previously told The Island Packet. Jul. 6CHIMAYO The beavers were gone just as abruptly as they'd arrived. A few years ago, an industrious pair of beavers moved into a stretch of the Rio Quemado near the historic Santuario de Chimayo. Over several years, the beavers built dams in Los Potreros Open Space owned by Santa Fe County that caused a nearby riparian zone to flourish and water to flow more consistently in the river. But after flash flooding last year washed out some of their dam network, the beaver couple vanished, presumably having moved on to a new location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beaver advocates, or "beaver believers," say the experience illustrates how the hardworking rodents can change local landscapes, especially amid concerns over climate change and fire danger. "Beavers are the cheapest, easiest way to try to address that," said Peggy Darr, a former Santa Fe County employee who now works for Defenders of Wildlife, a nonprofit group that's pushing to reintroduce beavers to some of their historical homelands. But not all New Mexicans are on board with beaver restoration efforts. An earmark in this year's state budget bill providing $3.5 million to the Department of Game and Fish for conservation efforts involving the American beaver and other species drew criticism and ridicule from some groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If they have millions to waste on beavers, they don't need to raise our taxes," a Farmington-based organization called Defend New Mexico said in a TV ad opposing a proposed surtax on oil production. The spending provision ultimately survived, however, and the allocated funds will be used to pay for fieldwork in various waterways around New Mexico, according to Game and Fish Carnivore and Small Mammal Program Manager Nick Forman. That work could include assessing unoccupied habitat on public lands to see if it would be suitable for the reintroduction of beavers, as well as collaborating with private landowners who want beavers on their property, Forman said. Already, the Department of Game and Fish has started relocating beavers in parts of northern New Mexico for the first time in years, fitting the animals with radio transmitters to track the program's success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don't call it a comeback After being trapped to near extinction during the 1800s and targeted as troublesome pests during more modern times, beavers are increasingly seen by a growing group of scientists and advocates as a keystone species for a healthy ecosystem. Improved flood control, reduced fire danger and stabilized habitat for endangered species are just a few of the benefits brought by beavers, backers say. Emilio Borrego, a farmer, educator and acequia commissioner in Cordova, said some elderly residents remember a time when water was more abundant due in part to beaver activity. "Beavers have pretty much transformed this landscape due to their presence," Borrego said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a reduced beaver presence, however, river incision has become more common, a phenomenon that occurs when rivers cut downward into their own beds. Under a contract to work with local landowners, Borrego said he has reached out to around 90 people about plans to improve beaver habitat along the Rio Quemado and the Santa Cruz River. That work could involve installing beaver dam analogues, or manmade beaver dam simulations that are intended to strategically encourage beavers to locate in areas that make the most sense. While some residents have expressed staunch opposition, Borrego said the majority are open to hearing about what a stable and sustainable beaver population would mean. "I'm not trying to push anything on the community," said Borrego, who added he views his role as helping educate local residents about both benefits and limitations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When you reach out to people with information, most of them are pretty open," he added. For her part, Darr acknowledged some residents remain concerned about possible impact on downstream water flows and other issues. She said advocates have delayed some of their planned habitat improvement work for that reason, while adding that supporters understand beaver dams are not appropriate in some locations, such as acequia ditches. Beavers can also erode roads and cause flooding in low-lying areas, though technology like dam levelers and flow devices that allow a certain amount of water flow to pass through beaver dams can mitigate some of those impacts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are always some losers with beavers, but it's a natural process," Darr said. "And there are more positives than negatives." How NM's beaver population stacks up As part of its beaver conservation initiative, Defenders of Wildlife recently commissioned a survey that mapped 4,732 beaver dams across New Mexico, with most activity located in northern New Mexico. Specifically, the study, which was conducted by Utah State University researchers who analyzed aerial imagery, found the highest concentration of dams along three waterways: the Upper Rio Grande, the Chama River and the Cimarron River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study found New Mexico had only about 13.5% of the number of beaver dams in Montana, a discrepancy attributed to differences in vegetation and hydrology in the two states. But the study included some surprising findings, including a healthy population of beavers in the Rio Hondo in southern New Mexico and a greater prevalence of beaver dams on private land than public land statewide. Darr said the survey will help advocates prioritize improving beaver habitat in areas located near existing beaver populations. That makes more sense than trying to reintroduce beavers in areas they haven't lived in for decades, she said. While the co-existence of beavers and humans remains a complicated issue, especially in highly populated areas, Darr said New Mexicans seem to be increasingly supportive of the furry ecosystem engineers. "We've definitely turned some people into beaver believers," she said. A Belleville man has been charged in connection with a shooting that injured his 4-year-old son, who remains hospitalized, the Belleville Police Department announced Saturday. Tyron L. Pembleton, 27, of Belleville, was charged by the St. Clair County States Attorneys Office with one count of unlawful possession of weapons by a felon and two counts of obstructing justice/destroying evidence, according to court records and a police news release. Pembleton also was charged with one misdemeanor count of endangering the life or health of a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child that was injured in the incident is recovering in a local hospital at this time, according to the news release. Police were called to Memorial Hospital in Belleville at 7:30 a.m. Thursday regarding a 4-year-old boy who sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound in connection with a shooting in a home in the first block of North 42nd Street, according to a Thursday news release. Police said Thursday that the boys father was taken into custody for questioning and that no other suspects were being sought. Master Sgt. Dan Collins said Pembleton is the victims father. No other details about the shooting have been released. Court records do not list a defense attorney for Pembleton. Police said he was being held in the St. Clair County Jail pending a detention hearing, which has not been scheduled. Authorities arrested a man after an investigation into four thefts over a 30-day period from a Best Buy in Bellingham. The 40-year-old is suspected of stealing from the store May 24 by using a tool to remove an anti-theft device from merchandise worth $880, according to Lt. Claudia Murphy with the Bellingham Police Department. On June 6 he again entered the store and allegedly used the same tool to remove the anti-theft device before concealing the merchandise and leaving the store with $517.98 worth of merchandise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 23, the man allegedly concealed another item, this time worth $108, and left without paying. Murphy said after each of the thefts some of the stolen items soon were listed for sale online, and the sellers profile photo matches the suspect. Investigators contacted the suspect about purchasing one of the items listed for sale. Officers knew the item being sold was stolen. The suspect met with officers and sold them the item for cash, according to Murphy. On June 30 the suspect allegedly stole from Best Buy again, using the same methods as before. However, officers soon made contact with him and arrested him the same day on suspicion of first-degree trafficking of stolen property, second-degree theft, and retail theft, all felonies. The suspect is in custody at Whatcom County Jail. He has yet to be formally charged. Murphy said police recovered all of the stolen items. For more than a decade, craft beer and heavy metal music have been in perfect harmony in Denver and Ashville, N.C. But on July 2, the party came to an end. TRVE Brewing founder Nick Nunns announced on social media he is closing both of his taprooms. The final day will be July 12. It hasnt been an easy choice, but this brewery has run its course, and for a huge number of reasons, its the right time to send this thing off into the lake trailed by a fiery arrow, Nunns wrote on Instagram and Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nunns didnt say whether beer production would also stop. Nunns said he started TRVE in 2011 "with a mediocre business plan, no professional brewing experience, and way less money than (he) needed." with the hopes of making some good beer and listening to the music he liked. In his social media post, he thanked everyone who helped him along the way, including the "maniacs in the brewery to the masochists behind the bar." "Ultimately, this brewery has provided me with things that cannot be measured by capitalism, no matter how hard that vicious and broken machine may fumble around with spreadsheets and ledgers and trying," Nunns wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TRVE's closure is the latest specialty brewery to close as the industry has undergone a transformation and customer tastes have changed. In 2024, the craft beer industry experienced a decline in the number of breweries, with more closing than opening for the first time in nearly two decades, according to the Brewers Association. The Association attributes the shift to a number of factors including increased competition, rising costs, and changing consumer preferences. Related: 'Beloved' Brewery Abruptly Closes Both Of Its Locations Related: Why the Rocky Mountain Region Has the Best Beer Beloved Brewery and Bar Chain Closing first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 5, 2025 Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati on Sunday morning to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The occasion was marked by solemn rituals, long-life prayers, and symbolic offerings led by a young boy monk, Nawang Tashi Rapten, recognised as the reincarnation of the Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. The boy monk also cut a ceremonial cake as part of the celebrations, offering prayers for the spiritual leader's long life. Speaking to ANI on the significance of the day, Tibetan Buddhist monk Kunga Lama expressed both joy and reverence. "As a Tibetan Buddhist, I would say this celebration of the birthday of the Dalai Lama is not only a celebration, but also he is the identity of the Tibetan community, Tibetan unity, monks, and the leader of the whole culture of peace and compassion," Kunga Lama said. "It is our responsibility to carry out what he says as Buddhists. As I already said, he is the identity of the Tibetan community. Another thing I would like to say is that he has always been a guide to the world with compassion and love. Most of us follow his way, what he preaches," he added. He continued, "We are offering prayers here for the long life of the Dalai Lama and also for those who are suffering in the whole of Himachal due to flooding, and also those suffering all around the world. We are trying to follow the Dalai Lama's path. Definitely, it's not only important for me; the Dalai Lama has to continue the lineage not just for me but for the whole world." "The little boy monk here is not only an ordinary monk; he is the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, who will be the head of the Nyingma school in the future. He just offered prayers and cut the cake for the long life of the Dalai Lama. On one hand, it is a happy moment for us; on the other, I cannot fully express it, as he is growing old, but we depend on hope," The Buddhist monk added further. The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso. The term "Dalai Lama" is Mongolian, meaning "Ocean of Wisdom". In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion. For over six decades, His Holiness has been a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, continuing to inspire millions worldwide. Celebrations were held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, with many also expressing hope that the Dalai Lama's lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the future. (ANI) Jul. 5Bemidji Chamber Ambassadors welcomed Clinical Director and Occupational Therapist Kayla Borszich of Little Miracles, Inc. on her new Bemidji clinic, located at 1710 Paul Bunyan Drive NW, Bay 111. Little Miracles, founded in 2006 in Grand Forks, N.D., offers pediatric therapy services designed to support the development and wellbeing of children and their families. The Bemidji location opened earlier this year under the direction of Borszich, who brings extensive experience in pediatric occupational therapy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her areas of specialization include sensory integration, trauma-sensitive practices, emotional regulation, feeding therapy (with training in the SOS Approach to Feeding and the Beckman Oral Motor Program), reflex integration, and support for developmental delays. Currently operating the clinic solo, Borszich works with a growing number of local children from her space in the Willow Creek Center. Little Miracles aims to expand services in Bemidji in the future to include physical and speech therapy, as offered at its Grand Forks location. BEFORE THE inauguration of the new government, Benjamin Netanyahu and Itamar Ben-Gvir chat in the Knesset plenum (photo credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90) Ben-Gvir stated that the true goal of the war is the collapse of Hamas, and that the deal proposed would distance Israel from its goal, as well as rewarding terrorism. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw the "surrender framework," referring to the US-backed hostage deal proposal, and "return to a framework of decisive victory" in a post on X/Twitter Saturday evening. "The only path to decisive victory and the secure return of our hostages is the full conquest of the Gaza Strip, a complete halt to so-called 'humanitarian' aid, and the encouragement of emigration," he added. Ben-Gvir stated that the true goal of the war is the collapse of Hamas, and that the deal proposed would distance Israel from its goal, as well as rewarding terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also stated that allowing large quantities of aid into Gaza would lead to the resuscitation of Hamas. Ben-Gvir, Smotrich consistently oppose end to fighting Ben-Gvir previously announced that he would not allow Hamas to continue ruling Gaza, even in exchange for the expansion of the Abraham Accords. Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich attend a plenum session on forming the government, in the Israeli parliament, on December 29, 2022. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) "It is time to stop the slogging in the [Gaza] Strip and strive for a quick resolution of Hamas, which is the ultimate goal of the war," he said, adding that Hamas must be eliminated and the "Gaza problem" should be solved by encouraging emigration. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated he would oppose any agreements that would include ending the fighting in Gaza in a press conference on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can tell you with all my heart that it wont happen. Im talking to Netanyahu about it, and I dont get the impression that hes on his way there," Smotrich said. "If anyone thinks about going there, theyll meet a wall that wont let them do it." Britain's representative on the FIA Senate has been removed by president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Ben Cussons - vice-president of the Royal Automobile Club - had been on the senate for three and a half years after supporting Ben Sulayem's candidature for president of motorsport's governing body. He has been replaced by Azerbaijani Anar Alakbarov - known as a supporter and ally of Ben Sulayem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senate is the FIA body responsible for financial oversight and governance structure. Cussons told BBC Sport: "I received correspondence from the president saying he was appointing my successor. He gave no reason why, and there was no timeline as to when this would happen." He said his removal had taken him by surprise, pointing out he and David Richards - the head of British motorsport's governing body, MotorsportUK - had been "staunch supporters of Mohammed in his election year and his then manifesto". "As far as I am aware, I haven't fallen out with him," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have written to him for clarification and I haven't had a reply. I'm a great believer in transparency and good governance." Cussons is in dispute with Ben Sulayem over his pushback on a requirement to sign a stricter non-disclosure agreement regarding FIA business. He says he is "awaiting a reply from the FIA" having made his position clear. His removal comes just weeks after a change to the rules governing the body's composition at the FIA general assembly. They gave the FIA president power to appoint or dismiss the required four "independent and qualified" members of the senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, the president could only propose their appointment or removal, which required confirmation by the remaining 12 members. The reason given by the FIA for the change was to provide "more flexibility in having the expertise required for the many and varied topics [the senate] has to deal with and which may require an urgent decision". Critics said the potential requirement was already contained within other FIA rules, and that it was a transparent attempt to consolidate power in Ben Sulayem's hands. The other 12 senate members are four from the presidential team, including the president, and four elected by each of the world councils, for sport and mobility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senate is empowered to take decisions over the FIA's rules - including those governing Formula 1 - when world councils are unable to meet. Cussons' dismissal follows the removal of a series of senior figures, all apparently because they have disagreed or clashed with Ben Sulayem. These include former senior steward Tim Mayer, who last week announced he was running against Ben Sulayem in December's presidential election, chief executive officer Natalie Robyn, FIA F1 race director Niels Wittich, compliance officer Paolo Basarri and the head of the audit committee, Bertrand Badre. Robert Reid resigned his position as the FIA vice-president for sport in March over what he described as a "standards breakdown" at the FIA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richards has, in recent months, been critical of changes made by Ben Sulayem to the FIA's statutes, and has been banned from attending meetings of the FIA World Council because he refused to sign a stricter non-disclosure agreement imposed on members. The decision to impose stricter NDAs on world council members - which has also been resisted by a number of other members - followed Richards' criticisms of changes made to the statutes last December. An FIA spokesperson said the governing body "thanked Mr Cussons for his service during his time as a member of the FIA Senate". The spokesperson did not respond to questions as to why he had been removed, whether it had been planned before the statute changes, and whether there were any plans to remove other members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also did not respond to a question as to whether it was right to form the conclusion this was an example of the sort of conduct warned about by opponents of the two most recent sets of statute changes, and evidence of what was described as a "weakening of the ability of the senate to perform oversight functions, and especially oversight of the president himself". The spokesperson instead explained the role of the senate, saying it "plays a crucial role in the governance of the FIA, ensuring effective oversight of its financial and administrative affairs while guiding the strategic implementation of its long-term vision across sport and mobility". They added: "The past year has marked a turning point in the federation's financial transformation, culminating with the FIA posting a significant operating profit for the first time since 2019. "All proposed amendments to the FIA statutes were voted through by a super majority of FIA member clubs at the FIA general assemblies, in line with the democratic process which governs decision-making within the federation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The amendments to the FIA statutes further strengthen processes around governance and confidentiality." Alakbarov has been president of the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation since 2014 and is an assistant to the country's president, Ilham Aliyev. In a groundbreaking achievement that almost blurs the lines between science fiction and reality, researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have unveiled a new 3D printing technique that can combine soft and stretchable materials with other tough or rigid resins in a single, precise print. Inspired by the natural world, think of the way bone transitions smoothly into cartilage: the new printing process allows engineers to create objects that can bend and flex when needed while also staying firm and supportive. Scientists at the University of Texas outlined to The Dallas Express that this breakthrough results in next-level prosthetics, modern flexible medical implants, and even wearable electronics that move and feel more like human tissue than ever before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By enabling precise control over both shape and material properties, our multimaterial 3D printing technology allows for the creation of devices that more closely mimic the complex mechanics of the human body, Dr. Zak Page, Assistant Chemistry Professor at The University of Texas at Austin, told DX. Whether its a prosthetic interface, a patient-specific surgical model, or a wearable health sensor, the ability to print gradual transitions between soft and rigid materials opens new possibilities for comfort, performance, and personalization across a wide range of medical applications, Page added. The research results published earlier this week describe how the team achieved the 3D advancement using a custom-designed resin and a dual-light printing system. By simply changing the color of light during printing violet for soft or rubbery parts and ultraviolet for more rigid sections they were able to build objects with new gradients of flexibility and strength. A standout demo resulted in a tiny, functional 3D-printed knee joint, complete with bending ligaments and sturdy bones that move together smoothly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Page said in the report that the first print was a surprise success. Honestly, what surprised me most was how well it worked on the first try. That almost never happens with 3D printing resins, he said. We were also shocked by how different the properties were. The soft parts stretched like a rubber band and bounced back. The hard parts were as strong as plastics used in consumer products. The new 3D printing technique also boasts faster speeds, and the necessary equipment isnt out of reach for smaller labs or hospitals worldwide. This could potentially result in easier access to medical equipment for isolated communities worldwide. This approach could make additive manufacturing more competitive for higher-volume production compared with traditional processes like injection molding. Just as important, it opens up new design possibilities, added Keldy Mason, lead author of the university study and a graduate student in Pages lab. NEED TO KNOW Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck are among the girls from Camp Mystic in Texas who died after floodwaters swept through the area on Friday, July 4 The two girls reportedly just finished the second grade at Bradfield Elementary in Highland Park "Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti but not more than she loved dogs and animals," her mom said Two best friends are among the kids who died at a camp in Texas when flooding swept through the area on the Fourth of July, according to local news outlets and their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck died after Camp Mystic was inundated by the rain-swollen floodwaters on the morning of Friday, July 4, FOX affiliate KDFW and NBC affiliate KXAS reported. Lila's death was also confirmed to PEOPLE by her relatives. She and Eloise reportedly were close friends who just finished the second grade at Bradfield Elementary in Highland Park, according to KDFW. They were attending the all-girls camp together when the fatal flood struck. Missy Peck, Eloises mom, told KDFW that her 8-year-old daughter was cabinmates with Lila. "Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti but not more than she loved dogs and animals, Missy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She later added, Eloise had a family who loved her fiercely for the 8 years she was with us. Especially her Mommy. In a separate statement, Eloises family said, It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that Eloise Peck has been found and is now an angel, according to KXAS. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty A view of Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas. A view of Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas. In a statement to PEOPLE, shared on Saturday, July 5, Lilas family said they were "heartbroken to confirm the news of her loss. In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time. We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss, they added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families were scheduled to place ribbons in parts of the community on Sunday, July 6, to honor both Lila and Eloise, according to KXAS. The Highland Park school district superintendent, Dr. Mike Rockwood, said in a statement that many of their students were affected by the floods. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "In the midst of this pain, we are incredibly moved by the outpouring of love and support from our churches, families, and broader community," Rockwood said, according to KXAS. "Your compassion and care have been a source of strength in these difficult hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please continue to keep all those impacted in your thoughts and prayers, the superintendent concluded. We will share any appropriate updates as they become available, and we remain committed to supporting our students, staff, and families through this challenging time. Read the original article on People Jul. 5Betty Jean Giles and Jerome Lionel Giles With sadness we announce the passing of Betty Jean Giles on October 16, 2023, and her husband Jerome Lionel Giles on January 19, 2025. Betty Jean was born on July 20, 1929 in Amarillo, Texas to Elaine and Roy Kuykendall. The family moved often during the Depression, finally settling down in Albuquerque during the 1940s. Jerome Lionel (Jerry to his friends) was born in Denison, Texas on March 9, 1931. His parents were Ella and Jesse Giles. His family also settled in Albuquerque during the 1940s. Betty and Jerry met when they were both attending Albuquerque High School, and they married in June of 1951 while they were both students at The University of New Mexico. Betty earned her degree in Chemistry and Jerry earned his degree in Engineering. Life became busy as they were blessed with three children over the next few years. Betty worked as a homemaker and for a while as a chemist. Once the children were older, she worked for the Albuquerque Public School District as a substitute teacher. After that, Betty earned her real estate license and worked as an agent for a time. From childhood Betty had a natural talent for drawing and painting. In her late 50s she decided to develop that talent by returning to UNM, and she earned a second degree, this time in Fine Arts. She was a member of The Pastel Society, and some of her work was exhibited at The New Mexico State Fair. Jerry worked for Mountain Bell Telephone/AT&T for 34 years as an engineer, contributing his expertise to important projects over the years. After retirement, Jerry worked for H&R Block during tax season, and he helped many satisfied clients with their taxes year after year. Betty and Jerry loved each other deeply for more than 75 years, and they shared their love with family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers. They especially enjoyed camping every summer with their children, and later on, with their grandchildren. They were longtime members of a local trailer club. Betty and Jerry were preceded in death by their parents, by Betty's sister Mary Martin, and by their son David Giles (wife Julie). They are survived by Jerry's brothers John Giles and Don Giles (wife Bonnie). Their surviving children are Laura Cleveland (husband Roland) and James Giles. They have three grandchildren, Jason Giles (wife Sara), Sara Goldwater (husband Wes) and Daniel Giles. They also have three great-grandchildren, Emmett Giles, Brie Goldwater and Nora Giles. There will be a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Park on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. to inter their ashes, followed by a gathering at their longtime home here in Albuquerque. UPDATE (7/7/25) The West Virginia Division of Highways has put out a press release with what they plan to do about the sinkhole that is currently impacting Beverly Road in Marion County. The full release can be read below: The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) is drawing up plans to repair a sinkhole that opened on Beverly Road in Fairmont. WVDOH engineers had been working with officials in Fairmont to address an existing sinkhole that closed Beverly Road, but an additional sinkhole opened over the past few days. WVDOH work crews will install concrete barriers on US 250 to divert traffic from the sinkhole and completely close Beverly Road until the sinkhole can be repaired. WVDOH engineers are currently designing a project to replace the storm sewer that led to the sinkholes opening. West Virginia Division of Highways ORIGINAL: FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) Beverly Road and an additional lane of Fairmont Avenue has been closed due to a sinkhole caused by the Fathers Day Flood back in June, which appears to be growing worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 12 News reporter traveled to the intersection of Beverly Road and Fairmont Avenue and captured up to date photos of the sinkhole. It was also noted that Beverly Road was closed along with a lane of Fairmont Avenue. WBOY Image Beverly Road Sinkhole in Fairmont, West Virginia WBOY Image Beverly Road Sinkhole in Fairmont, West Virginia WBOY Image Beverly Road Sinkhole in Fairmont, West Virginia WBOY Image One person transported from Morgantown apartment fire 12 News reached out to the West Virginia Division of Highways and the City of Fairmont for additional information on June 23. The city responded with the following statement: That area at the intersection of 250 with Beverly Road was impacted significantly by the recent flood event. That falls within the WVDOH right-of-way and we are working with them to come to a solution. As you can imagine, our crews, as well as DOH crews, are stretched thin addressing the carnage around Marion County. City of Fairmont 12 News has again reached out to the WVDOH for additional information. As of publication, the WV511 website shows that the sinkhole only impacted one lane of Beverly Road, but it was last update on June 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Naturalists said Sunday they were relieved that Big Bear Lake's famed bald eagle couple had returned after flying the coop in the wake of the city's Fourth of July fireworks celebration. Jackie and Shadow and their lake-view aerie are the subjects of a 24-hour online webcam that has been monitoring the couple since 2018, when Shadow replaced Jackie's previous mate. The pair have attracted tens of thousands of viewers around the world as they have hatched and reared a combined five eaglets, including Sunny and Gizmo earlier this year. But on Friday night, the booms and blasts of celebratory fireworks appear to have frightened them away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Jackie and Shadow were not in the Roost Tree this morning," wrote Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, on Saturday. The observation was made on the group's Facebook page, where Steers chronicles the comings and goings of the internet-famous eagles and their babies (a third sibling also hatched in March, but died later that month). "And none of their usual vocals were heard from anywhere nearby." Friends of Big Bear Valley had been issuing warnings ahead of the Fourth of July, saying it was opposed to local fireworks that would result in "devastation created for 30 minutes of instant gratification." It had circulated a petition with 40,000 signatures and argued that fireworks could be especially hard on Sunny and Gizmo. The young siblings were last seen soaring together June 27, around when the organization said that it was unclear if they "are still in the area or if they have expanded their horizons and are off on their journeys away from the habitat." By late Saturday night, cameras had spotted Jackie and Shadow once again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They did return last night, which we are very happy for," said Jenny Voisard, the media and website manager for Friends of Big Bear Valley. "Sometimes they have left for as long as six days. So this was about 24 hours or a little less than that. It could be because the fledglings could still be nearby. We can't be sure if they dispersed or not." Friends of Big Bear Valley runs the camera that's 145 feet up a Jeffrey pine tree overlooking Big Bear Lake. The group is typically cautious about identifying the couple's whereabouts in order to avoid attracting crowds to their habitat. It has also asked fans to not share or solicit location information and, in its online updates, uses non-identifiable tree names, such as "Roost Tree" or "Lookout Snag," when describing their whereabouts. Ahead of the fireworks show, Visit Big Bear, a Facebook page affiliated with the city's Visitors Center and tourism industry, said it was confident the show would not harm the eagles' habitat. "While fireworks may startle them, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has confirmed that the event is not expected to cause nest failure. As always, weve sited the fireworks barge away from the nest to reduce risk," said a post to the tourism group's Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Steers posted a play-by-play of the two parents' daytime activities on Friday. "Jackie and Shadow were seen together on their favorite Roost Tree, chortling out their morning song and then working on waking up enough to start their day. When they headed out, one of them dropped by the Lookout Snag to check everything around the habitat before continuing to their next destination," she wrote. By the mid-evening, Steers said, "either Jackie or Shadow was on the Twin Pines, hanging out and checking out the surrounding neighborhood. They even turned around to give a nice front view while they scanned around the other side of the neighborhood. And by a little after 8 p.m., Jackie and Shadow both chortled out an announcement that they were in the Roost Tree. They were settled in, near each other and ready for sleep by 8:30." Booms started around 9 p.m., Steers said. At that point, "one of the eagles was no longer visible on the Roost Tree and was seen by our security camera flying away from the Roost Tree. Jackie made a peal call (a call emitted as a warning about danger) and a couple other short calls from nearby." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steers said the "full show" began at 9:17 and, a minute later, "no eagles were visible." "We will all be sending out hope for their speedy return," Steers wrote. On Saturday evening, nature enthusiasts were celebrating sightings of the couple. "After a quiet day of waiting and watching, our beloved Jackie and Shadow were back together... After the events of last night, their presence brings comfort and joy," said the caption below a Friends of Big Bear Valley video of the birds posted to YouTube by a watcher who goes by Cali Condor. "Knowing they are safe and reunited, warms our hearts and reminds us of the strength and bond they share." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Right Reverend Moira Astin has been ordained as the new Bishop of Crediton, the third consecutive female bishop of the area. The move is thought to be the first time a woman has been bishop three consecutive times in the Church of England, said a Diocese of Exeter spokesperson. Bishop Astin, who succeeds Sarah Mullally and Jackie Searle in the role, serves Devon, but has a particular care for North Devon, mid Devon and East Devon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said after the ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral in London: "It's been just lovely having my friends and my future friends around me, but most of all, this is a service where God was present, and that's the key." Bishop Astin said she was "looking forward to those journeys alongside people". She said: "My priorities, number one is praying with people - it seems so obvious doesn't it, clergy prayer with people, but when we stop praying we then just become another organisation. "My second priority is to encourage... and thirdly, I want to get to know people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bishop Astin said the King had to approve her appointment into the role. She said: "I have not yet met the King and he does this with advice from his counsellors, but they advised him that this was an appropriate move so he decided to have me appointed. "In the ordination service that I had on Thursday a letter from the King was read out to say that this is what he wants." Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Related internet links More on this story Amid grills cooking savory barbecue, bubbles blowing from an ice cream truck, face painting and peals of laughter from kids in a nearby bouncy house, Justine Mosely Stephens was struggling not to tear up. Im a crybaby, she said. Dont start me. I have been truly blessed and highly favored. Stephens and many others were taking in the revelry of the second annual block party at 6500 S. Aberdeen St. Block parties are not an unusual sight during the summer months in Chicago, but festivities on this particular Englewood street have garnered attention since 2024. That was when housing activist and social justice artist Tonika Johnson put forth UnBlocked Englewood an initiative that used grant dollars from the City of Chicagos Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Mayors Office of Equity and Justice designated for artists and organizations to create art, acquire vacant lots and repair dozens of buildings for homeowners on the block. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collaborative effort brought together the Chicago Bungalow Association, the Chicago Community Trust, the Terra Foundation for American Art and Oak Forest-based DNR Construction, as well as utilities such as ComEd and Peoples Gas, to weatherproof the homes and provide energy-efficient appliances. DNR conducted assessments of the homes on the block to see what repairs were needed and their costs. In the winter months, Stephens, a Beverly resident who owns and maintains several properties on the block, wanted help with a dilapidated chimney on a building. UnBlocked fixed her chimney and put a boiler in, at no cost to her. Stephens, who does most of her property improvements herself, is looking forward to UnBlocked tackling the porches on her buildings. A new boiler will cost you between $3,500 and $5,500, Stephens said. If I add up all the work that theyve done for me so far Im looking at $100,000. She said shes talking to two more people looking to get involved with the program now that the results are being seen in real time. According to Amber Hendley, a researcher in residence at the bungalow association and an UnBlocked spokesperson, 18 of 24 properties on the block have already received or will receive home improvements. Next steps entail building and mending gates and fences on 11 properties, porches and decks on 10 properties and repair work and weatherization for four more homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past couple of months, the program has helped two families acquire three vacant lots that sit between their properties. Hendley said the next acquisitions will be two city-owned vacant lots at 6515 and 6520 S. Aberdeen. UnBlocked so far has completed $49,505 in repairs in 2025, including a new roof for a home on Aberdeen and new concrete front stairs at a different house on the block. Another $89,425 has been earmarked for future work, including plumbing and electrical repairs on the street. Appraisals on the 18 participating properties will begin this month. Once weve gotten these lots, the block will collectively own over 40% of the vacant lots on the block, she said. There are lots owned by LLCs that in the next three years we are going to figure out how to get to those absentee landowners to figure out if youre not doing anything with it dont want it, care about it, we do. You cant make it out here without this program just look at lumber, materials and labor out the box, Stephens added. People did not realize what they can do, what they can have now they realize you dont have to live like that. Kemya Johnson, 19, moved into a three-bedroom apartment owned by Stephens with her mother and brother a month ago from the North Side. Johnson said the family decided to come back to the South Side for the culture. We were tired of being around people that dont look like us, Johnson said. The familiarity with the Englewood area and the people has Johnson ready to stay for a while. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that I know the whole block is being done, Im grateful, because a lot of people dont care about their neighborhood, but she (Tonika) does, Johnson said. I only met her briefly, but I can see the good shes doing. I love it. We always moved around a lot, never stayed put and were choosing to stay here. Melvin Walls had deteriorating green siding replaced on his Aberdeen home with cohesive tan-colored siding. He has plans to build a gazebo and benches for the community to gather in the adjacent undeveloped lot he acquired with the help of UnBlocked. Everything in the house is way behind but if I could get it back up to par, Ill benefit, the 71-year-old said. Things have been getting better slowly but surely. Keena Washington has been on Aberdeen for 16 years. With UnBlocked, shes looking forward to the flooring being replaced in the kitchen and bathroom in her two-flat. She doesnt think it would have gotten done had it not been for the program. Carla Bruni, a preservation and resiliency specialist with the bungalow association who has been with UnBlocked since it started, said the sustained engagement in the neighborhood has been a unique experience. The first year was getting in there, doing any work we could possibly do with the contractors, with what we had in our resources, Bruni said. Second year, we hit the ground fundraising, and now we can spend some of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she smiles when shes seen neighbors helping others because their load is lighter and they have more room to help someone else. She said a homeowner whos having her roof done felt ashamed at the state of her home. Getting assistance piecing her house back together left her in tears. We are collaborating with the residents to put beauty as well as reparative effort into this block, said Janell Nelson, co-founder and director of activations and engagement for Englewood Arts Collective. Celebrating the progress made and giving thanks, block party attendees watched the unveiling of two sculptures created by artist Kenya Moffett-Garner two massive sculpted planters, featuring a man and woman and filled with flowers. The sculpted heads sit in a lush lot of green between homes on the block. The West Side-based artists grandparents live in Englewood. It reminds me of people in my family, she said of her inspiration for the heads and faces she created. The inspiration is for people to see themselves in my work. Illustrator, animator and graphic designer Bianca Pastel was on site as well, with sketchbook in hand, drawing vibes and inspiration from the crowd that will inform a mural shes doing for the block her first big solo mural. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im really excited that I have this opportunity, she said. I want to build on my fantasy of knights and protection. I want more Black fantasy in these areas. Tonika Johnson envisions UnBlocked serving as a case study for other neighborhoods to replicate or expand on. The team has been gathering information that organizations and other artists can use the most important being relationships across sectors, such as researchers, nonprofit organizations and municipal entities. You cant do anything like this without everybody talking with one another, Johnson said. It was when Johnson spoke with TJ Townsend, Walls grandson, that UnBlocked gelled. He had been helping his grandad make improvements on his mothers home so that his elder could age in place. Johnson learned about his familys history with her Inequity for Sale project, which highlighted the harm racist discriminatory land sale contracts had on Chicagos Black community. Hendley was part of a 2018 study that found between $3.2 and $4 billion of wealth was expropriated during the 1950s and 1960s. People get up in age and were like: I just want to walk away (from their homes), Townsend said. Thats one of the issues that we have in the city. The younger generation doesnt understand the house is paid for. Our grandparents are living longer, and I had to fuss and beg for them to stay. Seeing that theyre staying, now they got the hope and desire back to hang in a little longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brad White, senior program director at the Driehaus Foundation, a partner with the bungalow association, says hes never seen a community-based project like UnBlocked. Thats another reason this is so valuable, because people can start to believe that they can do this too. And this can show them how its going to take a little while, engagement, and everybody come together, but it is possible to get done. Hendley agrees. Whats important for us to do is make sure we do right by this block and not just one or two things here and there, she said. Weve been in and out of these homes, assessing and reassessing, asking people what they wanted, but also saying, Oh, this definitely needs love, because you cant transfer this to the next generation in this condition. At the end of the work, appraisals will happen again to see the value added to peoples homes after the repairs. Its all about making sure home ownership is a win, that it does transfer wealth, Hendley said. This is a block full of Black folk who have stayed through all these predatory practices; they should get everything they own to pass on. Were taking care of them, with an eye toward the future, because these homes are an asset. drockett@chicagotribune.com At the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama held at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, with Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh and other dignitaries The dignitaries seated on the dais along with the Tibetan spiritual leader included Hollywood actor Richard Gere. Tibetan and Indian national anthems.were played on the occasion. Monks, devotees, and international guests gathered for the celebration to honour the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama, who is widely regarded as a global symbol of compassion, non-violence and interfaith harmony. Meanwhile, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati this morning to mark the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. The occasion was marked by solemn rituals, long-life prayers, and symbolic offerings led by a young boy monk, Nawang Tashi Rapten, recognised as the reincarnation of the Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. The boy monk also cut a ceremonial cake as part of the celebrations, offering prayers for the spiritual leader's long life. Explaining the significance of the day, Tibetan Buddhist monk Kunga Lama expressed both joy and reverence. "As a Tibetan Buddhist, I would say this celebration of the birthday of the Dalai Lama is not only a celebration, but also he is the identity of the Tibetan community, Tibetan unity, monks, and the leader of the whole culture of peace and compassion," Kunga Lama said. "It is our responsibility to carry out what he says as Buddhists. As I already said, he is the identity of the Tibetan community. Another thing I would like to say is that he has always been a guide to the world with compassion and love. Most of us follow his way, what he preaches," he said. "We are offering prayers here for the long life of the Dalai Lama and also for those who are suffering in the whole of Himachal due to flooding, and also those suffering all around the world. We are trying to follow the Dalai Lama's path. Definitely, it's not only important for me; the Dalai Lama has to continue the lineage not just for me but for the whole world," he said. "The little boy monk here is not only an ordinary monk; he is the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, who will be the head of the Nyingma school in the future. He just offered prayers and cut the cake for the long life of the Dalai Lama. On one hand, it is a happy moment for us; on the other, I cannot fully express it, as he is growing old, but we depend on hope," the Buddhist monk further said. The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso. The term "Dalai Lama" is Mongolian, meaning "Ocean of Wisdom". In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion. For over six decades, His Holiness has been a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, continuing to inspire millions worldwide. Celebrations were held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, with many also expressing hope that the Dalai Lama's lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the future. (ANI) NEED TO KNOW A body has been discovered amid the search for missing New York City man Brian Tarrence, although police have not confirmed the identity of the deceased The 51-year-old arrived in Turks and Caicos with his wife on June 22 and was set to leave on June 29 Tarrence was last seen on surveillance video leaving his rental property at the Paradise Inn in Grace Bay at around 3:30 a.m. local time on June 25 A body has been discovered amid the search for missing New York City man Brian Tarrence, who vanished last month while visiting Turks and Caicos with his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), officers, who were searching for Tarrence, 51, on Saturday, July 5, at around 9:06 a.m. near the country's Grace Bay, "discovered the body of a deceased male in a state of decomposition." Officers have not yet officially identified the body, and the RTCIPF said it would provide further updates as soon as the identification process is completed and the next of kin is informed. "The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased," Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams said. "We urge members of the public to refrain from speculation and allow the investigative process to confirm the identity through official channels." Getty Grave Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and Cacos. Grave Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and Cacos. News 12 Westchester and Fox News first reported that Tarrence was last seen on surveillance video leaving his rental property at the Paradise Inn in Grace Bay at around 3:30 a.m. local time on June 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to News 12, Tarrence was seen walking toward the downtown area of the island. He had reportedly arrived on the island with his wife on June 22 and was set to leave one week later, on June 29. 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. Speaking with PEOPLE, private investigator Carl DeFazio, who is working with the man's family, said that Tarrence and his wife, Maria, arrived in Turks and Caicos on Saturday, June 21. DeFazio also claimed their vacation started like normal. The couple was staying in the Grace Bay area, about 150 feet away from the local police station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The surveillance footage that captured Tarrence on June 25 showed him with his phone in his hand and his wallet on his person as he walked down the street, DeFazio said. His wallet has not been found, but no charges have been made to his card, according to DeFazio. There haven't been any calls made on his phone, either. DeFazio told News 12 that the incident was "bizarre." Everything prior to the point where he walked out of that house, he seems fine," DeFazio told the outlet. "They had a boat trip and went to dinner, just like every other family would do when theyre here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of Tarrence leaving his hotel overnight, DeFazio said: Thats a little bizarre in itself. ... Hes in the middle of town. His wife was sleeping. The RTCIPF has urged anyone with information relating to the incident to contact police, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) or the P3 mobile app. Read the original article on People A mans decomposed body has turned up in the search for a New York man who mysteriously went missing last week in Turks and Caicos, local authorities said. Investigators found the body of a deceased male in a decomposed state during a search in the area of Grace Bay but have not said whether it is Brian Tarrence, who went missing June 25, CBS reported, citing the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Tarrence, 51, who lived in Manhattan, was last seen three days after arriving at the lush Caribbean island for a romantic anniversary getaway with his wife of a year. He was caught on security video leaving his Airbnb at Paradise Inn in Grace Bay, Providenciales, around 3:30 a.m. Brian Tarrence, 51, went missing from a vacation with his wife on June 25. Facebook Tarrence was seen on security footage leaving his rental in Grace Bay, Providenciales, on June 25. His wife, who remains in Turks and Caicos, has hired a private investigator to assist the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tarrence, the vice president of Diligent Software, had his cellphone and wallet when he left his rental and was in an area known to be safe, that private investigator claimed. Brian Tarrence went missing while on a trip with his wife in Turks and Caicos. Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force 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! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, we havent been successful in anything, but were not giving up hope, private investigator Carl DeFazio, a former NYPD cop and US Marine, told Fox News last week. DeFazio said he is trying to obtain records of Tarrences phone activity while on the island in an attempt to piece together his movements and potentially find him alive. His wife, who remains in Turks and Caicos, has hired a private investigator to assist the search. Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Overseas Dependency of the United Kingdom. De Agostini via Getty Images The US State Department issued a travel advisory in March for tourists visiting the popular vacation island chain with violent robberies rising by 143% and gun-related crimes up 123% in the year 2024, according to InSight Crime. Investigators have stated that no criminality is yet suspected in Tarrences disappearance. The body of a man has been recovered after a car went into the River Tay. Emergency services were called to Tay Street in Perth at about 13:55 on Saturday after a report of a vehicle entering the water. Police Scotland confirmed the man was believed to have been the only person in the car. A force spokesperson said inquiries were ongoing. A big change is coming to Harrison Boulevard. Each June, a loosely-organized group of volunteers makes, repairs and replaces the Pride banners that hang along the tree-lined street. But the city of Boise and the North End Neighborhood Association have recently agreed to formalize the arrangement, limiting what flags can be flown and who will put them up placing responsibility solely in the hands of the neighborhood association. The agreement will come before the Boise City Council on Tuesday for ratification, city spokesperson Maria Ortega said by email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its good to have an agreement, but its not ideal, said Erik Hagen, president of the North End Neighborhood Association. The association in past years has maintained the U.S. and Idaho flags and does not own the Pride flags, Hagen said. Other people have managed the process of putting up the rainbow flags that celebrate LGBTQ+ pride. It was never our intention to be manager of flags, Hagen said by phone. We just want to be able to have people be free to do what they want within the confines of the law. The agreement is a result of a controversial new state law. In 2025, the Idaho Legislature passed multiple bills limiting and restricting where Pride flags can be flown on public property. The law, which took effect April 3, says that only the American, Idaho and other state flags, the official flag of a governmental entity, and some additional flags may be flown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other flags allowed are for military branches, prisoners of war or those missing in action, Indian tribes and the official flags of Idaho schools. Flags of other countries may be flown on special occasions. Boise, which has flown the Pride flag at City Hall for since 2013, kept flying the flag anyway. Mayor Lauren McLean noted that the law lacks an enforcement mechanism, so it isnt a crime to break it. But her defiance drew a warning from Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador of potential consequences if legislators update the law to include penalties such as the state withholding tax money. Boise officials later said several lawyers had volunteered to provide free legal services in the event of legal action about the flags. So far at least, neither Labrador nor anyone else has sued Boise. Nonetheless, in May, the Boise City Council voted to comply with the law by making the Pride flag and an organ-donor flag official city flags. The move prompted dozens of pro and con messages to City Hall, according to documents obtained via a records request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This citys new agreement with the neighborhood association allows the Pride flags on the city-owned street-lamp posts along Harrison. The association will be responsible for all costs, according to the agreement. And no one other than the association can put up flags on Harrison without the citys approval. A Pride flag flies on Harrison Blvd. in Boise, Saturday, June 28, 2025. That provision prohibits what happened during the weeks before June: Some unknown person or people put up a second set of Idaho flags on the third flagpole mounts on each lamppost. The first two mounts hold the U.S. and Idaho flags. The additional state flags may have been an attempt to pre-empt the placement of Pride flags in them, association officials previously told the Statesman. But who did that is not the only mystery involving the Harrison flags. Heres another: Who has been putting up the Pride flags? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, the effort has been driven by organizations and people who care about flying the flags during Pride month and who assume various roles in the process. The organizations include Boise Pride and the Liberating Spirit Metropolitan Community Church. The North End Neighborhood Association this year took the stance that it was responsible only for the U.S. and the Idaho flags that line the flagpoles along Harrison Boulevard, according to Hagen, the president. The association has had an agreement with the Ada County Highway District since 2001 that discusses only two flags, according to a copy of the agreement the Statesman obtained via a records request. While the city controls the Harrison lampposts, ACHD is in charge of the medians theyre built upon. Old guidance from the city of Boise hasnt been recorded, Hagen said. When the second set of Idaho flags appeared before the start of Pride month, Hagen said, he took them down. In part, he said, thats because the neighborhood associations board had voted to interpret the agreement with the highway district as providing for only one Idaho flag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no written document anywhere telling people how they can go about requesting to put up flags on Harrison, except just stumbling through it, like we have, Hagen said by phone in early June. Theres really no way for them to know who to ask. Hagen expects that the Pride flags will go up again next year under the new agreement with the city. But after Labrador recently said that Everyone is Welcome Here signs cant be allowed in schools, Hagen said its anyones guess what happens next. The flags are still important to the volunteers whove helped put them up. In several previous years, flags have been vandalized. This year, a quieter year for vandalism, still saw half a dozen flags affected. One volunteer, Jordan Hall, said he has in past years woken up early on June mornings to replace damaged or stolen flags and to help supply materials for the Harrison flagpoles. Jordan Hall is one of the volunteers who places Pride flags in the median along Harrison Blvd. in Boise. He estimated hes spent over $5,000. Hall, who is 40 and gay, didnt come out until after he had served in the military closeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want whoever ripped them down to see that we will be resilient, Hall said Saturday morning, June 29, as he walked by flags up and down the boulevard, wearing rainbow bracelets and a watch with a rainbow band. Theres nothing theyre going to do thats going to knock us. So if they pull down 100, Ill replace 100. Judy Cross, another volunteer who is a deacon for Boises Liberating Spirit Metropolitan Community Church, 1088 N. Orchard St., said shes been helping put up Pride flags for about a decade. Cross, 78, moved to Boise in 1977, she said by phone. She identifies as queer. After a bout with COVID-19, Cross is on oxygen, but she said she still loves to climb up the ladders to help hang Pride flags. She estimated that the church has spent $300 a year on the flags for Harrison. It is a simple, beautiful act of support that is for people who may not have the courage or the ability to come right out and talk about it, Cross said. LGBT queer people in the community can drive by and see the flags up and be encouraged that there is support. Does Boise police union have new deal with city? Depends which side you ask Boise could create a new offense for speeding on the Greenbelt. Will it help? COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus police identified the teenager that was killed in a shooting at a Fourth of July party at an east side short-term rental house. Columbus police said that officers were called to the 800 block of Wilson Avenue in the Southern Orchards area at 2:41 a.m. Friday. An altercation occurred during a pop-up party at the residence which led to multiple shots being fired and six people sustaining injuries. Three were taken to local hospitals by medics and one of those victims, identified as 17-year-old Cameron Moore, died at the hospital. The three other victims who were shot walked into a hospital for treatment. Of the six victims of the shooting, two were juveniles and four were adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two injured after motorcycle crashes into dollhouse near New Albany July 4 will never be the same, number 41, will never be the same, Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children founder Malissa Thomas-St. Clair said. Why? Because hes the 41st homicide of Columbus, Ohio. These numbers start to be the story in the fabric of the ending of a soul. She knows first-hand the pain of losing a child to gun violence, and she wants Moores family to know that they arent alone. You are so supportive, and were praying for you, Thomas-St. Clair said. The community is going to wrap their arms around you and try their best to get help, for your justice. There will be a time, there will be a time when life gets a little different. I dont want to say better, but a little different, where two steps can be in front of you and just continue to be at the peace that Cameron is going to be with Him forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the house where the shooting happened, police tape and articles of clothing remain. City leaders, including Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin, took to social media in the hours after the shooting. New route debuts at Columbus Zoos second Run Wild 5K Hardin said, in part, This kind of violence never has a place in our city, yet it keeps happening. While violence in our city is at its lowest level in more than a decade, incidents like this are a stark reminder that we must stay vigilant in preventing harm to our youth and neighbors, Ginther said in his statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are very optimistic with the work thats being done, but we know we cant stop, you know, sustainability is really important, and yes, under triple digits is where we want to be again, Thomas-St. Clair said. The Southern Orchards Civic Association, a group in the neighborhood where the shooting happened, also took to social media, calling for unity in their community. In a Sunday statement, police said that the party had more than 100 people and that most of them were teenagers. CPD is asking for public assistance in continuing to investigate this shooting. Anyone with video can submit it to detectives by scanning the QR code below. You can also submit tips to CPDs homicide unit at 614-645-4730 or contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 to remain anonymous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An 8-year-old boy was critically injured Saturday after falling roughly 20 feet down a shaft into a bunker-like room near the top of the popular Koko Crater Trail in Hawaii Kai. The Honolulu Fire Department received a 911 call about the incident at 5 :24 p.m. and dispatched five units staffed with 13 personnel. The first unit arrived on the scene at 5 :39 p.m., with rescuers heading up the steep trail on foot while other units secured a landing zone nearby for HFDs Air 1 helicopter. The boy, who reportedly is a local resident, was hiking with his parents when he fell. Rescuers reached him at 5 :57 p.m. and provided treatment to prepare him for extraction, HFD said. Air 1 safely airlifted the child to the landing zone, where his care was transferred to a Honolulu Emergency Medical Services crew at 6 :10 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EMS said he was taken to a hospital in critical condition. 25 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . BEIRUT (AP) Its as if the whole weight of Israels war in Gaza has fallen on Amr al-Hams. The 3-year-old has shrapnel in his brain from an Israeli strike on his family's tent. His pregnant mother was killed. His father is paralyzed by grief over the death of his longtime sweetheart. Now the boy is lying in a hospital bed, unable to speak, unable to move, losing weight, while doctors dont have the supplies to treat his brain damage or help in his rehabilitation after a weekslong blockade and constant bombardment. Recently out of intensive care, Amrs frail body twists in visible pain. His wide eyes dart around the room. His aunt is convinced hes looking for his mother. He cant speak, but she believes he is trying to say mom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am trying as much as I can. It is difficult, said his aunt Nour al-Hams, his main caregiver, sitting next to him on the bed in Khan Younis Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza. What he is living through is not easy. To reassure him, his aunt sometimes says his mother will be back soon. Other times, she tries to distract him, handing him a small ball. The war has decimated the health system The war began Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel and killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 people captive. Israels retaliatory campaign has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which says women and children make up most of the dead but does not specify how many were fighters or civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 21 months into the conflict that displaced the vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million people, it is nearly impossible for the critically wounded to get the care they need, doctors and aid workers say. The health care sector has been decimated: Nearly half of the territorys 36 hospitals have been put out of service. Daily bombings and strikes overwhelm the remaining facilities, which are operating only partially. They struggle with shortages of anything from fuel, gauze and sutures to respirators or scanners that have broken down and cant be replaced. Israeli forces have raided and besieged medical facilities, claiming Hamas militants have used them as command centers. Doctors have been killed or were displaced, unable to reach hospitals because of continued military operations. For more than 2 1/2 months, Israel blocked all food, medicine and other supplies from entering Gaza, accusing Hamas of siphoning off aid to fund its military activities, though the U.N. said there was no systematic diversion. The population was pushed toward famine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since mid-May, Israel has allowed in a trickle of aid, including medical supplies. Gaza's Health Ministry estimates that 33,000 children have been injured during the war, including 5,000 requiring long-term rehabilitation and critical care. Over 1,000 children, like Amr, are suffering from brain or spinal injuries or amputated limbs. Gaza will be dealing with future generations of kids living with all sorts of disabilities, not just brain, but limb disabilities that are consequences of amputation that could have been prevented if the health system was not under the pressures it is under, wasnt systematically targeted and destroyed as it was, said Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatric intensive care specialist who has volunteered multiple times in Gaza with international medical organizations. A fateful journey north Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, one week before her due date, Amrs mother, Inas, persuaded her husband to visit her parents in northern Gaza. They trekked from the tent they lived in on Gazas southern coast to the tent where her parents live. They were having an evening meal when the strike hit. Amrs mother and her unborn baby, his grandfather and his brother and sister were killed. Amr was rushed to the ICU at Indonesian Hospital, the largest in northern Gaza. A scan confirmed shrapnel in his brain and reduced brain function. A breathing tube was inserted into his throat. He is 3. Why should he bear the weight of a rocket?" his aunt asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His father, Mohammed, was too stunned to even visit the ICU. His wife had been the love of his life since childhood, the aunt said. He barely spoke. Doctors said Amr needed advanced rehabilitation. But while he was at the hospital, Israeli forces attacked the facility encircling its premises and causing damage to its communication towers, water supplies and one of its wards. Evacuation orders were issued for the area, and patients were transferred to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Another treacherous journey But Shifa was overwhelmed with mass casualties, and staff asked the family to take Amr south, even though no ambulances or oxygen tanks could be spared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The father and aunt had to take Amr, fresh out of ICU with the tube in his throat, in a motorized rickshaw for the 25-kilometer (15-mile) drive to Nasser Hospital. Amr was in pain, his oxygen levels dropped. He was in and out of consciousness. We were reading the Quran all along the road, said his aunt, praying they would survive the bombings and Amr the bumpy trip without medical care. About halfway, an ambulance arrived. Amr made it to Nasser Hospital with oxygen blood levels so low he was again admitted to ICU. Unable to get the care he needs Still, Nasser Hospital could not provide Amr with everything he needed. Intravenous nutrients are not available, Nassers head of pediatrics, Dr. Ahmed al-Farra, said. The fortified milk Amr needed disappeared from the market and the hospital after weeks of Israels blockade. He has lost about half his weight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he came out of the ICU, Nour shared his bed with him at night and administered his medication. She grinds rice or lentils into a paste to feed him through a syringe connected to his stomach. We have starvation in Gaza. There is nothing to eat, said his aunt, who is a trained nurse. There is nothing left. The care Amr has missed is likely to have long-term effects. Immediate care for brain injuries is critical, Haj-Hassan said, as is follow-up physical and speech therapy. Since the Israeli blockade on Gaza began in March, 317 patients, including 216 children, have left the territory for medical treatment alongside nearly 500 of their companions, according to the World Health Organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 10,000 people, including 2,500 children, await evacuation. Amr is one of them. COGAT, the Israeli military body in charge of civilian affairs in Gaza, coordinates medical evacuations after receiving requests from countries that will take the patients and security screenings. In recent weeks, over 2,000 patients and their companions have left for treatment, COGAT said, without specifying the time period. Tess Ingram, spokesperson for the U.N. childrens agency, said the only hope for many critically injured who remain in Gaza is to get out. Countries need to open their hearts, open their doors and open their hospitals to children who survived the unimaginable and are now languishing in pain," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amr's aunt reads his every move. He is unhappy with his diapers, she said. He outgrew them long ago. He was a smart kid, now he cries feeling sorry for himself, said Nour. He gets seizures and needs tranquilizers to sleep. His brain is still developing. What can they do for him? Will he be able to walk again?" Nour asked. So long as he is in Gaza, there is no recovery for him. WINDHAM TWP., Pa. (WETM) A Warren Center man has been sentenced to serve time in a county correctional facility after officials say he stole a UTV in Bradford County. Tucker Ham, 27, was sentenced to a minimum of eight months to a maximum of two years in the Bradford County Correctional Facility, as well as fined $500, for the crime of burglary, as stated in a release from the Bradford County District Attorneys Office. Towanda man sentenced for drugs, theft and trespassing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the release, the DA states that Ham was charged with the crime by Pennsylvania State Police after an investigation into the theft of a UTV in Windham Township. The DA further stated that Ham had a limited criminal history, including the crimes of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and false reports to law enforcement, making his sentence appropriate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Leaders of the BRICS group of major emerging economies are meeting in the Brazilian metropolis of Rio de Janeiro on Sunday for a two-day summit. The BRICS acronym is derived from the initial letters of the founding member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In early 2024, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates joined the group, while Indonesia entered in January. Chaired by Brazil, the summit plans to address health policy, artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for the first time, Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be attending in person for the first time, sending Prime Minister Li Qiang in his place. Nor will Russian President Vladimir Putin be attending as he is wanted by the International Criminal Court for his role in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in 2022. Brazil, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, would be required to enforce the arrest warrant. The BRICS countries say they represent around 48.5% of the world's population, 36% of global land area and 24% of global economic output. The countries see themselves as a forum for cooperation between countries of the Global South. The group aims to act as a counterweight to the Group of Seven (G7) of leading Western economic powers. BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) A local swift water rescue team is on its way to Texas to offer assistance. Anthony Farnum, a Bristol, Virginia, City Councilman, said the Virginia Task Force 4 (VA-TF4 ) from Bristol, Virginia, will head to Texas on Monday morning to help after the state experienced devastating flooding on Friday. Texas floods: Death toll hits 70, 11 campers remain missing VA-TF4 will be a Type 3 water asset, Farnum said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Sunday morning, there are at least 70 people dead, including 21 children. 11 girls from Camp Mystic in Texas remain missing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta paid tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his birthday and said he instilled the spirit of "nation first" and "fought" for India's unity. Earlier today, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and other party leaders paid floral tributes on the occasion. CM Rekha Gupta remembered Syama Prasad Mookerjee by highlighting his contributions to nation-building and told reporters, "If anyone sowed the first seed of nationalism in the soil of this country, it was Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He instilled the spirit of 'nation first' in the country. When the governments of that time were making decisions against the nation, he resigned from his ministerial position and fought for India's unity. 'One nation cannot have two constitutions, two heads, and two flags'--he had the courage to say this," the Chief Minister said. The Delhi CM believed that unity and self-reliance can be brought about by walking in the footsteps of Mookerjee, CM Gupta added, "On the birth anniversary of the revered Dr.Syama Prasad Mookerjee, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the entire nation. I would like to say that by following the path he showed, we will all work together for the unity, self-reliance, and honour of the nation, and only then will we offer him true tribute." BJP MP Yogendra Chandolia also paid his respects to Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Chandolia stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid true tribute to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder by abrogating Article 370. "Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee's life is one that everyone should study. His resignation from the Union Cabinet and the issues for which he resigned should be read about... Prime Minister Modi has not let Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee's sacrifice go in vain and has paid him true tribute by abolishing Article 370... I pay my respects to Dr.Syama Prasad Mookerjee..." the BJP MP stated. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, was a multifaceted personality - patriot, educationist, parliamentarian, statesman, and humanitarian. He inherited a legacy of erudition and nationalism from his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, an esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and Judge of the Calcutta High Court. In 1940, he became the acting President of the Hindu Mahasabha and declared complete independence for India as its political goal. Mookerjee resigned from the Bengal Cabinet in November 1942, protesting against the Governor's interference in administration and criticising provincial autonomy as ineffective. His humanitarian efforts during the Bengal famine of 1943, including relief initiatives, highlighted his commitment to serving society. Post-Independence, he joined the interim government under Jawaharlal Nehru as Minister for Industry and Supply, where he laid the foundation for India's industrial growth by establishing iconic institutions like the Chittaranjan Locomotive Factory, Sindri Fertilizer Corporation and the Hindustan. However, ideological differences led to his resignation, after which he founded the All-India Bharatiya Jan Sangh (1951) to champion nationalist ideals. According to the BJP's official website, on the issue of the Delhi pact with Likayat Ali Khan, Mookerjee resigned from the Cabinet on April 6, 1950. Later on October 21, 1951, Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in Delhi and became its first president. Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953 and was arrested on May 11. He died under detention on June 23, 1953. (ANI) Alligator Alcatraz is now open with its first group of undocumented immigrant detainees housed in Floridas Everglades. However, some Jacksonville-based organizations and state representatives are now speaking out against the massive immigration detention facility. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< We asked to have our school systems, our public school system, fully funded. We asked to ensure that we had mental health work programs for first responders, as well as for our teenagers. And guess what, Governor DeSantis, a few days before he threw up this makeshift detention camp? He vetoed a ton of appropriations to address those issues, Florida State Representative Angie Nixon complained to Action News Jax Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax showed up close this week as President Donald Trump, Governor Ron DeSantis, and other state and federal officials toured the new facility, surrounded by alligator-infested waters. Later in the week, Representative Nixon went to the Everglades and tried to visit the facility herself. She and others raised concerns about the conditions for both the detainees and officers working there. While Nixon says she was turned away due to what was cited as safety concerns, federal officials reassured Tuesday that the facility is held to the highest safety standards for its detainees. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] A higher standard than is required at the state levels, at local department of corrections facilities, sheriffs offices, explained Kristi Noem, with the US Department of Homeland Security. This is a state-of-the-art facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they had safety concerns for us going in there, then they should definitely have safety concerns for those folks that they detained without due process, Representative Nixon expressed. Now, Representative Nixon says shed like to see Alligator Alcatraz shut down, with plans for a new immigration facility like it in Camp Blanding put to rest. Nixon is also demanding improved transparency from the facilities in the meantime. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] We have a statutory right to be able to enter into any facility that is run by the state as it relates to being a detention center, and they denied us that, Representative Nixon claimed Saturday. They broke the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax reached out to both the governor and the state attorneys office for a response to Representative Nixons access being denied and the legality of it. We are still awaiting a response. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) An affordable housing lottery in the Bronx is offering $0 if you qualify, according to a listing on NYC Housing Connect. NYC Housing Connect lists affordable housing lotteries across the five boroughs, including information like cost of rent, amenities and more. This affordable housing lottery is for the Fischer Senior Apartments, which are located at 97 W 169th St. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The income requirements for the 25 available one-bedroom units are as follows: 1-person household: $0 $56,700 2-person household: $0 $64,800 3-person household: $0 $72,900 There must be at least one person in your household at least 62 years old or older to be eligible for one of the units, according to the listing. In order to get $0 rent, you have to qualify for Section 8 housing and cannot be making any income. If you are making money, then your rent will cost 30% of your yearly income. The amenities include on-site caregivers who will help residents with activities, meal prep and more, along with building staff who can assist with health care, finances and paying rent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Electricity is not included in the rent. The lottery ends on Aug. 25. To find out more information, click here. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A Broward elementary school gym teacher remains behind bars Sunday after he was busted for being in possession of child pornography. Craig Rogers, 60, sits in Broward Sheriffs Offices Paul Rein Detention Facility on $52,500 bond, $7,500 for each of the seven counts of possession of child sexual conduct, commonly called child pornography or child sex abuse material. Before being booked into Paul Rein on Tuesday, Rogers lived at the Studio 6 in Coral Springs, 5645 N. University Dr. The extended stay hotel sits about a 10-minute drive from Westchester Elementary School, where Rogers has taught physical education for 21 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our district and school administration are deeply disturbed by the allegations and are cooperating fully with law enforcement in its investigation, a statement from Broward County Public Schools said. The employee had been reassigned away from the school and students in April 2025, following his off-campus arrest on a different case. Rogers was arrested April 17 on three counts of stalking and two counts of giving a false crime report. Hes still under two restraining orders filed on April 7 by his next door neighbors in the Coral Springs condominium community that preceded the hotel as his residence. A pervert teacher on Kik? It was determined that numerous photographs located in Rogers Kik account showed his office and equipment room in the school, Coral Springs police said in a release. A multitude of messages from different chat groups were also provided by Kik, where Rogers called himself a pervert teacher. Craig Rogers For the last decade, the Kik communications app has shown up often in arrest reports and guilty pleas involving child pornography charges. A search of Miami Herald stories involving child pornography shows the app being mentioned in 52 of those stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coral Springs police says a tip from the National Center of Missing and Endangered Children alerted a detective assigned to BSOs Internet Crimes Against Children unit, who then found someone was using a Kik/Media Lab account to send out files of child sex abuse material. This started the investigation by Coral Springs polices special victims unit and BSOs ICAC unit that ended at Rogers. Police are asking anyone who knows anything about this investigation to email Coral Springs police SVU Det. Nicole Hildebrandt at nhildebrandt@coralsprings.gov. A Brunswick man is facing charges after a child exploitation investigation in Glynn County. Detectives with the Glynn County Police Department searched a home on Silver Bluff Drive around 9:43 a.m. on July 2. The search was part of a larger investigation into suspected Internet Crimes Against Children. Officers arrested 37-year-old Christopher German. He was interviewed and later booked into the Glynn County Detention Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Glynn County Police, German was charged with two counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Glynn County Police Department at (912) 554-3645 or leave an anonymous tip through Silent Witness at (912) 264-1333. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Bubbas 33 locations in El Paso and Las Cruces will donate $1 for every Patriot Burger sold this month to help post-9/11 veterans who were severely injured in the line of duty. During July, Bubbas 33 will donate $1 for every Patriot Burger purchased to Homes for Our Troops to help build specially adapted homes for veterans. The campaign lasts through July 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One local person will also win free burgers for a year when they enter in-person at the restaurant. Bubbas 33 that are particpating are at 11925 Gateway West in El Paso and at 510 S. Telshor Blvd. in Las Cruces. This marks the 21st year that Bubbas 33 and its sister restaurant Texas Roadhouse have supported Home for Our Troops. Last year, the company contributed the full cost for a specially adapted custom home for a Marine Corps veteran and his family in New Braunfels, Texas. To date, Bubbas 33 and Texas Roadhouse have raised more than $2 million to help build homes for veterans, the company said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were fiercely proud to celebrate 21 years of building homes for our nations wounded veterans, says Marina Herrera, Bubbas 33 managing partner. Our partnership with Homes For Our Troops isnt just a commitment its part of our mission. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. (NEXSTAR) Its been a busy few weeks for Buc-ees, the Texas-based convenience store and gas station chain that has developed a cult following in recent years. In early June, Buc-ees opened its first Mississippi location in Harrison County. Last week, the company opened its first Virginia location and its third store in Georgia. As of early July, Buc-ees operates 54 stores across nine states, with other stores in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The company has undergone a major multi-state expansion since 2019, and it isnt done yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buc-ees has several more sites that are already under construction. New burger may be on a McDonalds menu near you: What to know In April, work began on the Buc-ees location in Benton, Arkansas, at what it described as the largest groundbreaking event in company history. Another Arkansas location in West Memphis is on track to open next year as well. CEO Arch Beaver Aplin III hinted at a potential third location for Arkansas while speaking with Nexstars KLRT. Ohio expects to get its first Buc-ees in 2026. Construction began in August 2024 on the location in Huber Heights, located northeast of Dayton. However, work was briefly paused amid a conflict over sewer and water services. The company confirmed to Nexstars WDTN that the planned opening in late 2025 had been pushed to spring of next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buc-ees is also on track to open locations in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Ocala and Fort Pierce, Florida; Monroe County, Georgia; Ruston and Lafayette, Louisiana; and Goodyear, Arizona. Stores in Louisiana and Arizona mark the first in each state for Buc-ees. The sun rises beyond the 120 gasoline pumps outside a Buc-ees store early Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Johnstown, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) The companys Mebane, North Carolina, store the states first is expected to open in 2026 or 2027. Three additional Buc-ees could open in 2027: Gallaway, Tennessee; Oak Creek, Wisconsin; and Kansas City, Missouri. Buc-ees has pursued locations in eight more areas: San Marcos, Texas Palmer Lake, Colorado Harbour Heights, Florida Anderson, South Carolina Hardeeville, South Carolina Oak Grove City, Kentucky Boerne, Texas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These locations are at various steps in the process, according to local reporting. Construction has begun on the location in Boerne. No timeline for opening the store has been released. Oak Creek, located about 10 miles south of Milwaukee, announced Buc-ees had submitted a proposal for a massive location after plans to build one near Madison stalled. Despite pushback from some residents, the citys common council approved the plans in May. Construction could begin later this year, according to local outlet WISN. In Palmer Lake, the board of trustees approved an annexation request for a proposed Buc-ees during a contentious meeting in May, Nexstars KXRM reported. Residents have also pushed back against a proposed Buc-ees location in southwest Florida, expressing concerns that it could exacerbate flooding in the area and encroach on a wildlife habitat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Buc-ees in Anderson was delayed earlier this year due to a nearby interchange. Local leaders told Nexstars WSPA it would cost about $60 million to fix the interchange, the brunt of which they believe should come from the state. Flesh-eating screwworms could boost record high beef prices, expert says Should all these locations be built and opened before 2027, Buc-ees will have more than 70 locations across 17 states. Buc-ees did not immediately respond to Nexstars request for comment or additional information. The first store of the Texas-based chain opened in 1982, but its first true travel center opened in 2003. That location, in Luling, outside of San Antonio, was damaged in a fire last year. A month prior, that Buc-ees had been replaced by a new travel center in the same area. A display of Buc-ees beaver dolls fills the bed of a pickup truck in a Buc-ees store Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Johnstown, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Its the massive travel centers featuring everything from fuel and snacks to Buc-ees merchandise, hot food, kitchen items, grills, and even hunting gear that have seemingly attracted a cult-like following to the brand. The companys beloved mascot, Buc-ee the Beaver, receives just as much adoration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes also been at the center of recent lawsuits from Buc-ees. Earlier this year, Buc-ees sued a Florida store, accusing it of selling merchandise sporting what appears to be the beloved beaver logo with punk rock makeovers. Buc-ees stores are open all day, every 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. A full buck moon will peak over Kentucky soon, and residents can also catch the beginnings of a popular meteor shower later this month. Julys full moon is known as the buck moon because this time of year is when a male deers antlers are in full-growth mode, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. Alternative names for the July moon include Feather Moulting Moon (Cree) and Salmon Moon (Tlingit), the almanac reports. Many moon names come from Indigenous cultures, and the Old Farmers Almanac also uses names from Colonial American and European sources, the publication reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the buck moon, July will bring the beginning of the Perseid meteor shower, which the American Meteor Society describes as the most popular meteor shower of the year. Heres when to see the buck moon peak over Kentucky, as well as the beginning of the popular Perseid meteor shower, seen in this file photo. The Perseid shower will be active Monday, July 14 to Monday, Sept. 1, peaking around Tuesday, Aug. 12 or Wednesday, Aug. 13. The waning gibbous moon is expected to reduce the showers visibility this year, so you might only be able to see the Perseids brightest meteors. Heres when to see this years buck moon over Kentucky, plus when to catch more full moons in 2025. When will the buck moon peak? The buck moon will peak at 4:37 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time Thursday, July 10, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. Since the sun will be up at that time, youll likely get a better view later in the evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AccuWeathers forecast says the night of July 10 will be partly cloudy and humid in Lexington, with a low temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit. The moon generally appears full the day before and after its peak illumination. For those planning to stargaze the night of Wednesday, July 9, you can expect a shower in the evening with clouds breaking, AccuWeather reports, and the night of Friday, July 11 will be clear. The moon will rise over Fayette County at 9:26 p.m. July 10, according to online clock Time and Date. When to see more full moons in 2025 After the buck moon, stargazers will have five more opportunities to see a full moon this year. Heres when to look, from Astronomy.com: Saturday, Aug. 9: Sturgeon moon Sunday, Sept. 7: Corn moon Monday, Oct. 6: Hunters moon (supermoon) Wednesday, Nov. 5: Beaver moon (supermoon) Thursday, Dec. 4: Cold moon (supermoon) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club will host a stargazing event Saturday, July 19 at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and another Saturday, July 26 at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. Do you have a question about the weather or the environment in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Wed like to hear from you. Email us at ask@herald-leader.com or fill out our Know Your Kentucky form. Editor's Note: This story has been updated with additional details from Ukraine's Foreign Ministry. A bus carrying Ukrainian children veered off the road and overturned on a Hungarian highway on July 6, leaving 21 people injured, Ukraine's embassy in Hungary reported. The accident occurred at around 5 a.m. local time between the settlements of Kunszentmarton and Tiszafoldvar. According to preliminary information, the driver lost control of the bus and veered off the road into a ditch. Further details as to the cause of the crash have not yet been determined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bus was carrying a children's ensemble from the Ukrainian city of Lviv to Ohrid in North Macedonia for a dance festival. There were 77 people aboard at the time of the accident, including two drivers, chaperones, and ensemble members. Twenty-one people were injured, with four of them reported to be in serious condition. Two of the seriously injured victims are teenagers (ages 14 and 18) while the other two are adults (ages 67 and 71). Four more children suffered moderate injuries, while the remaining victims suffered minor injuries. No one was killed, according to the embassy's statement. The victims were transferred to hospitals in the towns of Szolnok, Kecskemetre, and Szentes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescuers are working at the crash site, along with Ukrainian Ambassador Fegyir Sandor and consuls assisting Ukrainian citizens. The rest of the passengers are staying temporarily at the Kunszentmarton Cultural Center, where they have been provided food and a place to rest. Those suffering moderate and mild injuries will join the main group at this location. The bus carrier is reportedly taking measures to prevent additional accidents. 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. A bus carrying Ukrainian nationals was involved in an accident as it was travelling between two Hungarian towns on Sunday 6 July, resulting in casualties. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda Details: The consular section of the Ukrainian Embassy in Hungary reported that the accident occurred between the towns of Kunszentmarton and Tiszafoldvar on 6 July and involved a bus registered in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nineteen people were injured, including 17 Ukrainian nationals under 18. At least two of the children sustained serious injuries. All those injured were taken to local hospitals. The remaining 49 passengers have been provided with temporary accommodation and breakfast. Ukrainian embassy officials immediately travelled to the scene. Background: On 30 June, a Ukrainian bus was involved in a road accident in Romania in which one Ukrainian woman and passengers in a Romanian minibus were injured. One person was killed. Earlier in June, a bus en route from Odesa overturned near the Romanian city of Constanta, injuring four people. On 4 July, four Ukrainian citizens were injured in a bus crash in the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Training boards donated by NIBCO ELKHART NIBCO Inc. recently donated two custom-built boiler and water heater system training boards to support hands-on education at two leading trade education institutions at Chicago Pipefitters Training Center, Local 597, in Mokena, Illinois; and ABC Construction Prep Academy in Fort Wayne. Designed to promote collaboration across the plumbing and HVAC industry, these builds were originally part of the Community Over Competition Build showcased at AHR Expo 2025. The initiative was led by Impetus Media with NIBCO as the title sponsor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Local 597, NIBCO commercial sales manager Aaron Kilburg presented the training system to Erik Bergman, apprentice coordinator. In Fort Wayne, Aaron Edds, NIBCOs director of product management, presented the training system to Jason Sartain, instructor, and Justin Fidler, area lead instructor, at ABC Construction Prep Academy. The donation of the boiler and water heater system training board is a game-changer for our training academy, said Justin Fidler, area lead instructor, ABC Construction Prep Academy. It provides our students with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to build real-world skills in a safe, controlled environment. Parkview Health named No. 1 nonprofit FORT WAYNE Parkview Health was named the top nonprofit in North America and No. 31 overall on The Inspiring Workplaces Groups 2025 Top 100 list at its celebration banquet in Chicago on Tuesday. Its the second time Parkview has made Inspiring Workplaces Top 100, after finishing 18th overall and as the third for nonprofits in North America in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our more than 16,000 co-workers are the daily source of inspiration that makes Parkviews culture great, said Dena Jacquay, chief administrative officer, Parkview Health. Our culture is driven by our people, not only by the positive attitude and compassionate care they provide at our facilities daily, but also through their ideas, suggestions and feedback. Our listening efforts have led directly to numerous new benefits and changes to the programs that serve and support our workforce. This isnt just a feel-good approach, its a fundamental business strategy, she added. With AI reshaping the way we work and live, companies that continue to prioritize profit over people may find themselves facing short-term wins but long-term setbacks. People First isnt optional. Its essential. THOR Industries announces $400 Million share buyback ELKHART THOR Industries recently announced its board of directors has retired the companys existing share repurchase authorization which was set to expire on July 31 and reauthorized the company to repurchase up to $400 million of its common stock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company may purchase shares on a discretionary basis from time to time through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or other means. The timing and amount of any transactions will be at the companys discretion subject to the market price of the stock, general market and economic conditions, cash availability, applicable legal requirements, and other growth investment opportunities. The repurchase authorization will expire July 31, 2027. Ladd added as municipal services manager KALAMAZOO, MICH. Wightman, a civil engineering, architecture and surveying firm serving communities across the Great Lakes region, announced the addition of Anthony Ladd as municipal services manager. In his new position, Ladd will oversee Wightmans municipal services team, partnering with communities across the region to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for water, sewer, roadway and stormwater systems. His leadership will support municipalities in navigating complex regulatory environments while maximizing funding opportunities and long-term operational efficiency. With more than 15 years experience in public infrastructure and project management, Ladd brings a background in municipal engineering, capital improvement planning and infrastructure asset management to his new role. For more information about Wightman, its hiring of Ladd, or the services it offers, visit www.gowightman.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recreation By Design announces promotion, retirement ELKHART Recreation By Design recently promoted Marcus Colon to sales territory manager. Prior to this promotion, Colon was the team lead in the warranty department where he gained valuable knowledge of operations, customer service, parts and warranty and inventory. Colon will fill the position vacated by the recent retirement of Johnny Martin, who was sales manager and had been with RBD for nearly 35 years. Colon will be responsible for fulfilling trailer needs for the harvester, traveler and amusement industries. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde performed Maha Abhishek of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini on the occasion of 'Ashadi Ekadashi' at Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Wadala, Mumbai on Sunday. Shinde performed the consecration of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini with milk. Addressing reporters, Shinde extended his greetings on the occasion and stated that the government has allocated Rs 25 crore for the temple's redevelopment. "I wish the people of Maharashtra on the occasion of 'Ashadi Ekadashi'. Excitement can be witnessed among the Panduranga's devotees. Warkari community from all parts of Maharashtra visit Pandharpur to get a 'darshan' of Lord Panduranga and Mata Rukmai," he said. Shinde told reporters, "I prayed Panduranga to bless everyone and for the prosperity of the state...farmers, Warkari, Ladki Bahin and Ladka Bhau. This is an ancient temple, and the government has given a fund of Rs 25 crore for its redevelopment, and soon the devotees will get better facilities." Shiv Sena leader Raju Waghmare wished the public on the auspicious occasion. "Eknath Shinde said that Pandurang's blessing will be on all Ladki Bahin and Ladke Bhau, and we are giving good wishes from Shiv Sena to everybody in Mumbai and Maharashtra," Waghmare told ANI. Speaking about Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray sharing one stage on Saturday as part of their 'victory rally', Waghmare said that Uddhav Thackeray is desperate to join hands with the MNS chief as his party is on a verge of extinction in the state. "If you see Raj Thackeray's speech, he believes in Marathi, but if you see Uddhav Thackeray's speech, it was only directed at power and government. Maharashtra's public understood that Uddhav Thackeray is desperate to join hands with Raj, as his party is on the verge of extinction. All corporators from Mumbai and MLAs are with us and the Marathi people believe in Eknath Shinde, that's why we won 60 out of 80 seats we fought on. Shiv Sena got more than 80 lakh votes. Eknath Shinde is taking forward Balasaheb Thackeray's thoughts, so the public is with us," he said. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande termed today as an auspicious day for the Sanatan dharma. "Today is Ashadi Ekadashi, and thousands of devotees have reached Pandharpur. Today is an auspicious day for Sanatan dharma, and people from all religions and castes are visiting Pandharpur," Kayande told ANI. On the 'victory rally', Kayande said, "It is good that a family that was separated is uniting." Speaking to ANI, Prasad Lad called for a Hindutva Nation and targeted Uddhav Thackeray over his 'victory rally'. Lad said, "Today is a festival for Hindus, Maharashtra and the whole nation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis did pooja at Pandharpur, and Dy CM Shinde prayed at Prati Pandharpur. We pray that India becomes a Hindutva Nation." "The public has understood the truth behind Uddhav Thackeray's act of helplessness. I pray Lord Vitthal to give him a good sense and the 'green sheet' he is wearing turns into saffron," he added. Earlier on Saturday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with his family, took part in the vibrant Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations at the Shree Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur. Speaking after the rituals, CM Fadnavis said, "The 'Wari' is a very joyous moment. It unites the devotee and God. The energy of both joins together, and a new energy is created. I came here to experience that energy... Today, all our companions got the opportunity to offer this Puja together." Reflecting on his spiritual sentiments, he added, "As far as Vitthal Bhagwan and Pandurang Bhagwan are concerned, we do not have to ask anything from them because they know what is in everyone's mind. I have asked him to give us strength for the progress of our Maharashtra and give us the strength to walk on the right path. May our farmers get good harvests." (ANI) Treasurer named to NWI Influential Women board The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association has announced the appointment of Teresa (Teri) Wallace as treasurer to the board, according to a release. Wallace, a managing partner with Merrillville-based Wallace Consulting LLC, holds degrees in business administration, human services and psychology and has served on NWIIWAs board for two years, the release said. Wallace is a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals and the National Association of Enrolled Agents. Indivisible NWI hosts civics workshop Indivisible NWI will host the MadVoters group for a workshop to explain civics and how government works from 6-7:30 p.m. July 31 in Portage, according to a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal is to teach how government can work for all citizens, the release said. The interactive event is limited to 50 participants at the Portage Public Library, 2665 Irving St. For more information, visit the Indivisible NWI Facebook page or email President@indivisiblenwi.org. Finalists announced for 2025 Influential Women Awards The 258 finalists for the 14th annual Influential Women Awards have been announced, according to a release. Influential Women alumni and industry leaders evaluated each nomination and chose this years finalists from 517 nominees, the release said. The Influential Women Awards Banquet will take place on Sept. 25 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the awards banquet, two winners in each of 13 different industry categories will be chosen from the list of finalists. Visit https://nwiiwa.org/influential-womens-awards-banquet/ to view finalists. Franciscan Health, partners host conference Franciscan Health is partnering with multiple healthcare organizations from around the Great Lakes for a three-day regional trauma care conference, a release said. The Great Lakes Regional Trauma Conference is scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 20-22 at the Stardust Event Center, 777 Blue Chip Drive in Michigan City. The conference is aimed at healthcare professionals from throughout the Great Lakes and any other professionals involved in providing trauma care. Continuing medical education (CME) hours are available. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Sponsorship information, the full agenda, registration and hotel information are available online. Registrations must be complete by Aug. 15. Indiana Homeland Security director to speak The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association will welcome Jennifer-Ruth Green, Indiana Secretary of Public Safety and Executive Director of the states Department of Homeland Security, for a breakfast event from 8-9:30 a.m. July 18 at the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority in Hammond, a release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green will share practical, transformative strategies to help professionals lead with clarity, confidence and purpose, the release said. Green is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was appointed Secretary of Public Safety and IDHS executive director in January 2025 by Gov. Mike Braun. To register for the event, visit NWIIWA.org. Methodist invests in new imaging system Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, and Methodist Hospitals recently announced the healthcare providers strategic investment in Philips advanced portfolio of image-guided therapy solutions that integrate imaging systems and software, according to a release. Methodist Hospitals will use one Philips Azurion biplane for both routine and complex procedures such as active stroke intervention designed to speed up and improve minimally invasive treatment, the release said. Methodist Hospitals health system has more than 500 inpatient beds and more than 400 physicians and allied health professionals, the release said. Phillips is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ORGANIZATIONS Better Business Bureau Serving Minnesota and North Dakota announced the appointment of New Brighton Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas as its next president and CEO, effective June 30. Niedfeldt-Thomas succeeds Susan Adams Loyd, who will be relocating to the greater Boston area. Niedfeldt-Thomas also most recently served as managing director and chief operating officer of Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose. ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING MSR Design, a Minneapolis architecture firm, announced it won an American Institute of Architects Architecture Award for its work on RIDCs Mill 19 adaptive reuse project in Pittsburgh. Golden Valley-based engineering and consulting firm WSB announced the following promotions: Sarah Rohne to senior director, Talent Planning & Partnerships, and Caitlin Austin to director, talent performance & development. NewStudio Architecture, St. Paul, announced the retirement of founder, CEO and President Sean M. Wagner, effective June 30. He is succeeded by Adam Jarvi as part of a longtime succession plan; Jarvi has worked as an associate principal since the founding of the firm in 2011. CO-WORKING The Coven, a Minneapolis-based network of co-working spaces focused on historically underserved communities, announced the opening of a seventh location, at Nordst Exchange, 2125 E Hennepin Ave, Suite 200, Minneapolis. FINANCIAL SERVICES Bloomington accounting firm BGM announced the hire of Dyanne Ross-Hanson to lead a new Succession & Exit Planning unit, helping business owners navigate the process of transitoning their business. Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, St. Paul, announced the opening of a branch at 1118 Mainstreet, Suite No. 2, Hopkins. LoCorr Funds, an Excelsior-based investment company, announced the hiring of John A. Norris to its national accounts team. Norris previously served as director of investor relations for Crowd Street Capital. In addition, LoCorr said it has added internal wholesalers Drew Dean and Brody Munger. HEALTH CARE Accra, a Minnetonka-based provider of homecare services to people with disabilities and older adults, announced the appointment of Colin Raymond as chief executive officer. He succeeds John Dahm, who will become executive chairman and serve in an advisory role. Raymond most recently served as regional vice president at U.S. Renal Care. LAW Fredrikson, Minneapolis, announced that attorney Nicholas Smith has joined the firms Mergers & Acquisitions Group and that attorney Steven F. Mikel has joined the Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity groups. Maslon, Minneapolis, announced the addition of former federal prosecutor Samantha Bates to its investigations team, representing corporations facing government inquiries, enforcement actions, and litigation. National law firm Spencer Fane announced the addition of Shlomo Hahn to the firms Minneapolis office as an associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group. MANUFACTURING The Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association announced Two Rivers Enterprises, Holdingford, Minn., as its 2024 Manufacturer of the Year. TRE specializes in stainless steel equipment for the foodservice and industrial sectors; the organization also named Les Engel as the 2024 Collaborator of the Year. Engel currently serves as CMMA president and board member for the Midwest Manufacturing Association. MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY SynerFuse, an Eden Prairie-based medical device company focused on the treatment of back pain associated with spinal fusion surgery, announced the appointment of Dr. Michael Park as chief technology officer. Park is a former principal investigator for the SynerFuse proof-of-concept study and primary inventor of SynerFuse technology. He also is a board-certified neurosurgeon and associate professor and director of stereotactic and functional neurosurgery in the Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology at the University of Minnesota. OPENINGS Ross Stores, a national off-price retail apparel chain, announced the planned openings of locations at 8268 Tamarack Village, Woodbury; and 14375 State Hwy. 13 S., Savage. SPONSORSHIPS The Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter of the Alzheimers Association announced Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank will be its presenting sponsor for the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimers-Twin Cities, held at Target Field on Sept. 27. Related Articles EMAIL ITEMS to businessnews@pioneerpress.com. Trees, hedgerows and small copses can significantly increase the number of butterflies in farmed landscapes, a study has found. Oxford University carried out research with the Butterfly Conservation charity which found ancient trees were associated with higher butterfly species richness. The study, funded by The Woodland Trust, found that despite butterflies being in "desperate trouble", farmland can play a "vital role" in helping species recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other work by Dorset-based Butterfly Conservation found earlier this year that half of the UK's butterfly species' populations were in long-term decline. "We know that butterflies are in desperate trouble, including our common countryside species," Dr Ruth Feber, from Oxford University, said. "Butterflies are important indicators of wider biodiversity, so actions that help butterflies will also help other declining wildlife. "With 70% of the UK's land area being farmland, our farmers and landowners play a vital role in helping these species recover, through protecting and restoring hedgerows and trees." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers found, while many farmers were aware of the benefits brought by trees and hedgerows, they were concerned about the costs and commitment of maintaining them. Farmers were aware of the benefits of trees and hedgerows but worried about the cost of their upkeep, the study found [Ruth Feber] Dr Feber added: "It's clear that farmers recognise the importance of these crucial habitats, but they need to be supported: we need to recognise that these trees and hedgerows provide public goods which benefit wildlife and people." Earlier this year the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme found 31 of 59 species have had their numbers fall since 1976, when monitoring began. It also found that 2024 was the fifth-worst year for butterfly numbers across the country, with all but eight species suffering declines on the previous year - though populations can fluctuate year-on-year in response to the weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Helen Chesshire, the lead advocate for farming and agroforestry at the Woodland Trust, said: "We know that trees outside woodlands have a range of benefits, from providing habitats and microhabitats, to mitigating the effects of climate change, and it's encouraging to see from this study how beneficial they are to butterflies in particular. "Trees and hedgerows provide habitat connectivity across what can be a hostile environment for wildlife, so we welcome the positive response from farmers, and their interest in receiving advice on managing these valuable trees. It is vital that farmers are given the support they need to do this." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. More on this story Related internet links The death of Daniel Park, the Washington state man accused of conspiring to bomb a fertility clinic in California, is being investigated as a suicide, according to Park's former defense attorney. Peter Hardin, a defense attorney who was representing Park, told CBS News that Park's parents "were able to locate and recover Daniel's body" but his family has not been notified about an official cause of death. As Park's death in federal custody is being investigated as a possible death by suicide, other attorneys have raised questions about the L.A. lockup. A U.S. Bureau of Prisons spokesperson declined to answer questions about the investigation of Park's death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Park had arrived at the L.A. detention center on June 13. His death at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles was confirmed by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons on June 24, but authorities have not disclosed the cause. The death of the 32-year-old has shuttered the federal criminal prosecution and thickens the cloud of mystery surrounding the May 17 bombing attack at the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California. The alleged bomber and Park's alleged co-conspirator, 25-year-old Guy Bartkus, was killed in the bombing, the FBI said. Four people were injured in the explosion. Park was accused of shipping approximately 180 pounds of ammonium nitrate to be used by Bartkus. He was charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to Terrorists, Conspiracy to manufacture unregistered destructive devices and aiding and abetting the manufacture of unregistered destructive devices. Prosecutors alleged Park and Bartkus shared extremist views. In a charging document, the Justice Department said, "Bartkus's attack was motivated by his pro-mortalism, anti-natalism, and anti-pro-life ideology, which is the belief that individuals should not be born without their consent and that non-existence is best." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles field office, said Bartkus had "nihilistic ideations" and investigators believe he was attempting to livestream the bombing. Park's death closes the only prosecution in the fertility clinic bombing. It also comes amid questions about the conditions at the L.A. Metropolitan Detention Center. The prison is where people charged with a crime are held prior to and during court proceedings. It also holds those serving short sentences. Immigration lawyers in California told CBS News last month that they have been receiving increasing calls about unmet medical needs at the detention center. One lawyer, who chose not to identify herself because she has clients inside the detention center, said there are reports of "inhumane" conditions, including food shortages, cramped confinement, freezing temperatures and environments that are a "ticking-time bomb." A 2024 report by the Justice Department's Office of Inspector General raised concerns about the Bureau of Prisons' response to inmate emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We found significant shortcomings in BOP staff's emergency responses to nearly half of the inmate deaths we reviewed," the report said. "These shortcomings ranged from a lack of urgency in responding, failure to bring or use appropriate emergency equipment, unclear radio communications, and issues with naloxone administration in opioid overdose cases." Responding to the inspector general's findings, a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson told CBS News: "Any unexpected death of an inmate is tragic. "As noted in the Inspector General's report, we have already taken many steps to mitigate these deaths, and we welcome Inspector General's recommendations as a way to further our efforts. We will continue to work with the Office of Inspector General," the spokesperson said. Death toll rises as desperate search for Texas flash flood survivors continues Sabrina Carpenter on the biggest misperceptions about her How Lady Liberty became a beacon for immigrants ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Dozens of Camaros filled the parking lot outside of the Hooters on Albuquerques West Side. Funds from Saturdays True Soldiers Benefit car show go directly to help the Blue Star Mothers of New Mexico, as they continue to send care packages across the globe, despite rising costs. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So every year, we raise money to help boost our mothers who take care of care packages for fighting troops overseas. They work with the postal service, and they cost a lot of money. That is what we are doing today: raising money for them to send care packages to our troops, says Camaro Club of New Mexico president Daniel Romero. Organizers said it can be a little taste of home that can help soldiers get through the lonesome times, thousands of miles away from home. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. At least 70 people are confirmed dead and dozens remain missing after catastrophic flooding tore through the Texas Hill Country on July 4 including at Camp Mystic, a 99-year-old Christian girls camp in Kerr County, where longtime director Dick Eastland reportedly died trying to save campers. Authorities say 21 children are among the dead statewide. In Kerr County alone, 59 fatalities have been reported including 38 adults and 21 children, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha. Other deaths have been confirmed in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Williamson, and Tom Green counties. As of Sunday, 11 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic remained unaccounted for, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The private summer camp, built in 1926 and owned by the Eastland family since 1974, was hosting approximately 750 campers when the Guadalupe River rose more than 25 feet in under an hour during the early hours of Friday morning. Waters reached the tops of cabins, swept away bunkhouses, and scattered campers trunks and clothing into the treetops. Eastlands nephew, Gardner Eastland, confirmed the camp directors death in a Facebook post. Tributes quickly followed, including one from U.S. Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX): Camp Mystics Dick Eastland no doubt gave his life attempting to save his campers. For decades he and his wife Tweety poured his life into loving and developing girls and women of character. Thank you Mr. Eastland. We love you and miss you. Rep. August Pfluger (@RepPfluger) July 6, 2025 Eastland had directed Camp Mystic since 1974, earning respect across generations of campers and counselors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former camper Paige Sumner wrote in the Kerrville Daily Times that Eastland had already saved so many lives with the gift of Camp Mystic. It doesnt surprise me at all that his last act of kindness and sacrifice was working to save the lives of campers, she wrote. Stella Thompson, a 13-year-old camper staying on higher ground near Cypress Lake, described the fear and confusion as the disaster unfolded. I think its the uncertainty that really shook up our cabin, she told reporters. Eventually, when we got that news, we were all kind of hysterical, and the whole cabin was praying a lot and terrified but not for ourselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campers at Cypress Lake were eventually evacuated by military trucks late Friday. As they left the grounds, Thompson recalled seeing uprooted trees, personal belongings caught in branches, and first responders combing the flooded property for signs of life. Gov. Greg Abbott said Saturday that Camp Mystic had been horrendously ravaged and promised continued search and recovery efforts. We wont stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins, he said in a post on social media. Flash flood warnings remain in effect across parts of Central Texas, with more rain expected in the Guadalupe River Basin. Emergency crews continue search and recovery efforts throughout the region. Richard Eastland served as director for the all-girls Christian camp since he purchased it in 1974 -- the camp was washed away in the historic Texas flooding on Friday that has killed more than 50 people, including 15 children, with 27 campers reported still missing. For more than 50 years, Richard "Dick" Eastland, 70, has been at the heart of Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp that he purchased in 1974. Tragedy stuck the campgrounds on Friday with historic floodwaters in Texas. With multiple cabins washed away in the floodwaters, many of Camp Mystic's young campers are among the heartbreaking casualties and those still missing. On Saturday, Eastland himself was counted among the deceased, as reported by The Kerville Daily Times. His nephew was first to announce his death on Facebook, per KSAT, in a post that is no longer available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talking to the Washington Post after his death was announced, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said that Eastland died in a helicopter on the way to a hospital. He'd reportedly been rescued after trying to save girls at his camp, rushing to one of the camp's 23 cabins when floodwaters swept it away. "It doesnt surprise me at all that his last act of kindness and sacrifice was working to save the lives of campers," wrote a former camper in a column written for the Daily Times. She wrote that she and many of the girls who attended Camp Mystic saw Eastland as a father-figure, and looked forward to spending time with him and his wife Tweety each summer. Tweety was found alive in the couple's home on the camp grounds, according to Texas Public Radio. As search-and-rescue operations continue in and around Kerrville on Sunday, more than 43 people are confirmed dead in Kerr County alone, and 59 total from the devastating floodwaters of the Guadalupe River which rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes early Friday morning, per ABC News. Officials in Kerr County said that the speed at which the water rose made it impossible for them to issue evacuation orders in time, with Kerrville city manager Dalton Rice telling the outlet, "This happened very quickly, over a very short period of time, that could not be predicted, even with the radar." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the dead are 21 children, while 23 girls from Camp Mystic remain missing and have not been since the flash flood washed away many of the cabins. The total amount of people reported missing, beyond the children, has not been released by authorities. "I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines," Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement, vowing that search efforts will continue working around the clock as the water recedes, opening up new areas. Family of Daughter Slain In Idaho Murders Slams Brian Kohberger Plea: 'Deal with the Devil' - Click image for related story Founded in 1926, the Eastlands are third-generation owners of Camp Mystic, per The Daily Mail. The camp's mission is for the camp to "bring out the best" in its young campers, emphasizing the forging of lifelong friendships and a "wholesome Christian atmosphere." NBC News states there were approximately 750 girls at Camp Mystic when the flooding began. The camp told parents via email in the aftermath that if they had not been contacted directly, then their daughter or daughters have been accounted for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the four-week summer sessions, girls enjoy horseback riding, dances, fishing, and water activities. The river, which is usually idyllic and peaceful, is prone to flash flooding, but officials are calling this a 100-year-flood after receiving what they characterized as months of rain in an extremely short span. Several families have confirmed the deaths of their own daughters in heartbroken social media posts and statements to the media, but as the identities of the missing and deceased have not yet been released, it is not known if officials are acknowledging those losses yet in their figures. At least five Camp Mystic girls are confirmed dead, according to family members, including Renee Smajstrla, 8; Sarah Marsh, 8; Janie Hunt, 9; and Lila Bonner, 9, and Eloise Peck, 8, as reported by the New York Post. The Fourth of July turned deadly in Texas as torrential rains sent the Guadalupe River surging 26 feet in just 45 minutes, leaving at least 32 people dead and local officials scrambling for answers. Among the hardest-hit areas was Camp Mystic, where campers were caught off guard during the middle of the night as floodwaters tore through the Texas Hill Country, ABC News reported. At a press conference on Saturday, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring told reporters the flood arrived while most residents were sleeping. This came at night, when people were asleep in bed, he said. The river reached its second-highest level ever recorded, surpassing the devastation of a major 1987 flood. What made the disaster more alarming was the apparent lack of warning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While a flash flood alert was issued by the National Weather Service at 1:14 a.m. Friday, local authorities admitted they had no idea the storm would escalate with such intensity. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly acknowledged there is no official warning system in place along the river and said evacuation simply wasnt on the table. We didnt know this flood was coming, Kelly said when questioned about the lack of early action. We have floods all the time. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States, and we deal with floods on a regular basis. We had no reason to believe that this was going to be anything like whats happened herenone whatsoever. Related: Camp Mystic Rescuers Found People in Trees After Flooding Horror The deadly surge followed a slow-moving storm system that had already dumped up to five inches of rain across parts of western Texas, including Midland and Odessa, by Thursday night. A flood watch had been in effect across areas of New Mexico and western Texas earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heavy rains continued into the weekend, prompting additional flash flood emergencies across Burnet, Williamson, and Travis counties. Officials are still conducting searches in flooded areas as families and local leaders begin to assess the scope of the damage and mourn the lives lost. Related: Death Toll From Camp Mystic Flooding Rises in Tragic Update Camp Mystic Flood Devastates as Officials Say They Were Blindsided first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 5, 2025 Jul. 5WILKES-BARRE Gov. Josh Shapiro visited Destiny Dairy Bar in Carlisle this week, alongside Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and the bipartisan chairs of the Pennsylvania General Assembly's Agriculture Committees Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, Rep. Dan Moul, Sen. Elder Vogel, and Sen. Judy Schwank. The Governor was joined by this group of bipartisan legislative leaders, who recently sent a joint letter to Congress urging federal officials to restore the $13 million in federal funding that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) abruptly and unlawfully terminated earlier this year. Together, they highlighted the critical importance of the Commonwealth's Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, which has supported 189 Pennsylvania farms and 14 food banks helping farmers feed families in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Pennsylvania farmers work hard every day to put food on our tables and with Washington breaking its promise to them, we're standing up for our farmers and food banks," said Shapiro. "This funding helps hundreds of family farms and food banks feed people in need. This isn't a partisan issue it's about doing what's best for Pennsylvania farmers and communities, and about making sure the federal government keeps the contract it made with the people of Pennsylvania." Representatives Pashinski and Moul and Senators Vogel and Schwank are also calling on Congress to act swiftly to restore this critical funding for Pennsylvania's farmers and families. In their joint letter, they wrote: "As members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, we work across the aisle to uphold support for our farmers and food system in every community. The USDA's decision not only jeopardizes food access but also undermines the farmers who are the foundation of our food system and work tirelessly to keep America fed." Since 2022, nearly $30 million in LFPA funding has helped small and mid-sized farms across Pennsylvania supply fresh, locally grown products to food banks keeping every federal dollar in the Commonwealth and supporting farmers in the dairy, produce, meat, poultry, egg and grain sectors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Pennsylvania's economy, with more than 53,000 farms generating $132.5 billion annually and supporting 600,000 jobs. "This isn't just a bureaucratic disagreement it's about real people, real livelihoods, and real meals for families who need them," said Redding. "We are deeply grateful to our legislative leaders for standing with us and ensuring that agriculture remains a united front in Pennsylvania." Meuser co-sponsors Reliable Power Act U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, co-sponsored H.R. 3616 the Reliable Power Act legislation that aims to ensure federal agencies consider the impact of their regulations on electric grid reliability before finalizing new rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill is a direct response to growing concerns that rushed, ideologically-driven policies from the Biden Administration put America's power supply at risk. The Reliable Power Act aims to strengthen coordination between federal agencies and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission whenever new regulations could impact electric generation or threaten the long-term dependability of the bulk-power system. Meuser said it builds on the framework of previous grid reliability legislation by requiring annual assessments of electric reliability and empowering FERC to intervene if a proposed regulation would compromise the grid's integrity. Meuser said the bill prevents any federal rule from moving forward if it's determined to cause a substantial negative effect on grid reliability. He said this ensures agencies like the EPA can't implement new mandates without first understanding their real-world consequences for energy access, affordability and reliability particularly in high-demand regions like Pennsylvania. "As we pursue energy innovation and independence, we must not sacrifice reliability," said Meuser. "This legislation is about keeping the lights on, protecting jobs, and ensuring that working families and small businesses aren't harmed by short-sighted or poorly coordinated federal policies. The Reliable Power Act makes clear that federal agencies must evaluate the consequences of their actions before putting our electric grid at risk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation reported favorably out of the Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 28-23 and awaits further consideration in the House. Pennsylvania remains in strong fiscal standing The Shapiro Administration reported this week that the Commonwealth ended the 2024 25 Fiscal Year collecting $321 million more in revenue than originally estimated, further strengthening its position at the start of the fiscal year. The Commonwealth is sitting on a nearly $11 billion surplus, including the General Fund surplus and the Budget Stabilization Fund (i.e. rainy day fund). In total, the Commonwealth collected $46.4 billion in General Fund revenue in FY 2024 25, $321 million, or 0.7% above initial estimates from last June. Comparatively, the Commonwealth further outperformed the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO)'s original projection, which was $639 million below actual collections, or 1.4% off. Final collections were also within the 2% forecast range targeted by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A recent bond refinancing will save taxpayers more than $71 million over the life of the bonds. Altogether, through bond refinancing completed under Shapiro, taxpayers will benefit from $193 million in savings over the next decade. Moody's Ratings, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings all reaffirmed Pennsylvania's positive rating status, citing responsible budgeting and a solid financial position. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Recent Supreme Court decisions and the passing of the Big Beautiful Bill have been the focus in Washington, D.C., this past week. Capitol View host Roby Brock met with Arkansas Democrat-Gazette columnist John Brummett to discuss the conventional wisdom in recent political happenings. Roby then talks with Bowen School of Law Dean Emeritus John DiPippa to unpack his take on the recent Supreme Court actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capitol View airs on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva said that the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, served as a true tribute to Mookerjee, emphasising that his vision of nationalism continues to guide the BJP today. Addressing the event in Delhi, Sachdeva said, "If you want to understand nationalism, national policy and India and its culture, then one should read the life of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. His journey is a 'nationalist' journey... The way he raised his voice against Muslim appeasement. When Bharatiya Jana Sangh was formed on October 21, 1951, the ideology of nationalism was the result today in the form of BJP. The ideology that he had nurtured today stands as the largest party (BJP) in the world..." Recalling Syama Prasad Mookerjee's consistent stand on Jammu and Kashmir, Sachdeva said, "Till the time he was in Cabinet, he always raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. He had clear policy on Jammu and Kashmir - it's an integral part of India and there should not be two Constitutions in one country..." The Delhi BJP unit President expressed his happiness that he is a worker of a party that has made Mookerjee's ideas their fundamental policy. Sachdeva stated, "I am happy that I am a worker of a party that made Dr Mookerjee's ideas their fundamental policy. Today, under the leadership of PM Modi, we are nurturing those ideas. We all remember August 5, 2019." "A true tribute to Dr Mookerjee was given on that day, the day when Article 370 was abrogated. If there is one thread that binds the entire nation for national unity and integrity, it is Syama Prasad Mukherjee," said the Delhi BJP President. Earlier today, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and other party leaders paid floral tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his birth anniversary. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, was a multifaceted personality - patriot, educationist, parliamentarian, statesman, and humanitarian. He inherited a legacy of erudition and nationalism from his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, an esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and Judge of the Calcutta High Court. Post-Independence, he joined the interim government under Jawaharlal Nehru as Minister for Industry and Supply, where he laid the foundation for India's industrial growth by establishing iconic institutions like the Chittaranjan Locomotive Factory, Sindri Fertilizer Corporation and the Hindustan. However, ideological differences led to his resignation, after which he founded the All-India Bharatiya Jan Sangh (1951) to champion nationalist ideals. According to the BJP's official website, on the issue of the Delhi pact with Likayat Ali Khan, Mookerjee resigned from the Cabinet on April 6, 1950. Later on October 21, 1951, Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in Delhi and became its first president. Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953 and was arrested on May 11. He died under detention on June 23, 1953. (ANI) WARWICK, Mass. (WWLP) A pole was broken on Orange Road in Warwick after a crash early Sunday morning. Three juveniles arrested following stolen vehicle crash in West Springfield The Warwick Fire Department shared in a social media post at approximately 2:40 a.m. that fire crews were called to Orange Road for reports of a vehicle crashing into a pole. When arriving in the area, it was determined that no one was injured. (Warwick Fire Department) (Warwick Fire Department) The pole involved in the crash was broken, and the fire department stated that due to the amount of wires attached and the location of the pole, there will be a lengthy period of time for crews to replace it. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. A motorcyclist was taken to hospital following a three-vehicle collision which involved one vehicle crashing into the front of a restaurant. Surrey Police were called to The Oaks Square in Waterloo Road, Epsom, shortly after 17:00 BST on Saturday. The driver of one car collided with a motorcycle and then a second vehicle, before crashing into the front of Blacks Burgers, said the force. Officers confirmed no-one inside the restaurant was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Surrey Police said: "The driver of the first car remained at the scene and helped officers with enquiries. "No arrests have been made." Road closures were in place in Waterloo Road after the incident, but authorities said it had since been reopened. Police said they were looking to speak to witnesses or anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or helmet cam footage that may have captured the incident. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Related internet links Catoosa is seeking new general contractor bids for the Blue Whale visitors center project after initial bids came in over budget. Interim City Manager Josh Brown said the city believes this won't delay its plan to break ground on the new structure by August. Through subcontractor Studio 45 Architects, which designed the planned visitor's center, Catoosa advertised for bids in mid-May. Brown said nine bids came in, all exceeding $3 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They were crazy, crazy high, almost $950 a square foot," Brown said. "... It's only a 3,700-square-foot building, and so it was just way above our budget." Catoosa is mostly funding the project with a $1.8 million grant from the Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program. He thanked local and state government officials for helping make the project possible. Brown said to reduce the overall cost, the city and its architects have slightly scaled down the project scope. The original design called for blue-and-white specialty tile for the exterior; the city is asking potential contractors to use less expensive EIFS, or synthetic stucco. "When you throw the word 'specialty' in it, it causes everything to go sky-high," Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the city isn't cutting back on any of its plans for the interior of the visitors center. Studio 45 envisions it to include concessions, restrooms, rentable event space and glass walls recounting the whale's history in words and pictures. Brown said Catoosa originally hoped to open the visitors center to the public in April to align with Claremore's Andy Payne 5K, designated by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell as the beginning of Oklahoma's Route 66 centennial celebration. "But the whole year, especially the Tulsa area, we're surrounded by different celebrations," Brown said. "Tulsa is having a huge car thing, actually several different things. ... We're still shooting for April if it rolls into May, so be it." Construction will force the city to temporarily close Blue Whale Park, Brown said, but it's too early to say exactly when or for how long. Contractors will regrade the area from the water's edge to about three-quarters of the way to Apache Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city will dismantle the low wooden hut that houses the Blue Whale's gift shop, as well as the round, pointed restroom pavilion. It already removed the mushrooms but will put them back after construction wraps, Brown said. A few months ago, the city took down the Ark originally the reptile farm that first drew Route 66 travelers to stop at the site, and later a structure people could rent for parties. Brown said the city will reconstruct the facade of the Ark and place it on the north edge of the pond. "You get into the liability of things it wasn't ADA-compliant, you know," Brown said. "Maybe down the road, we turn it back into something that is rentable." But the city isn't touching the Blue Whale, Brown said. "We've gotten so many calls and concerns about, 'What are you doing to the whale?'" Brown said. "Nothing. We're not doing anything to old Blue. He's gonna look just the same." WASHINGTON Centrist Rep. Don Bacon, one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the House, said this week he doesnt have the hunger for another grueling re-election campaign and wont run for a sixth term next year. But Bacon, who spent 30 years in the Air Force and specialized in intelligence matters, said hes interested in serving in an executive role down the road, and wouldnt rule out running for Nebraska governor, or even president in 2028. I got asked the other day, You say youre interested in being an executive is that governor or president? I go, Yes, Bacon said in an interview in his office. If theres an opportunity and I can make a difference, a unique difference, I would like to keep serving. I just dont want to do two-year elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bacon, 61, acknowledged that itd be incredibly difficult to run for the White House as a current or former House member James Garfield was successful way back in 1880. And Bacon said hes not sure his brand of Republicanism Reaganism and a muscular view of foreign policy can ever make a full comeback in the party, though he said he will continue making the case for it. Bacon sat down with NBC News in his office on Wednesday. (Frank Thorp V / NBC News) I dont think it would be very easily done, he said. All I know is I have a heart to serve our country, and I have a vision. Defense secretary is another option if God opens up that door, he said, though hes not sure a Republican president would nominate him. He said he would not run against incumbent Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, a fellow Republican and close friend who took office in 2023. Bacons retirement from Congress is notable because he is one of the few sitting Republicans on Capitol Hill who have been willing to publicly criticize President Donald Trump, who has a reputation for retaliating against his enemies and ending their political careers. Bacons announcement came just a day after another Republican whos clashed with Trump, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, said he wouldnt seek re-election in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair of retirements came as both Tillis and Bacon were preparing to vote on Trumps mammoth domestic policy package what the president calls his big, beautiful bill as both lawmakers expressed concerns about Medicaid cuts in the package. Tillis voted against it; Bacon voted for it. But in the interview, Bacon insisted that neither the public feuds with Trump nor the violent threats he and his wife have faced had any impact on his decision to leave Congress. First elected alongside Trump in 2016, Bacon represents a swing district that includes Omaha and rural areas to the west; in 2024, Democrat Kamala Harris beat Trump in the district by 4.6 percentage points, while Bacon prevailed over his Democratic challenger, Tony Vargas, 50.9% to 49.1%. Bacon, one of the most vulnerable House Republicans, said he didnt have the fire in my belly for another congressional run. (Frank Thorp V / NBC News) Bacon lamented that running in a tough battleground district every two years was an exhausting endeavor, and that he didnt have the fire in my belly to win a sixth race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This job requires a 14-hour day during the week, Saturdays, parades and a variety of things, and Sunday sometimes. And do I want to do this for two more years? I just didnt have the hunger to want to work at that intensity level, said Bacon, who has a large pig figurine sitting on his desk. And my wife has wanted me to come home. Im gone to D.C. four days a week, and I have a chance to be home now seven days a week, and I have eight grandkids within 10 minutes of my house. Bacon said he thinks he could have won re-election had he run, even though the party that controls the White House typically loses House seats in a presidents first midterm election. On top of that, Democrats are salivating at the chance to attack Republicans for voting for Trumps big, beautiful bill, which slashes Medicaid benefits that are critical to districts like Bacons. A Nebraska rural hospital said Thursday it would close in the coming months due to looming Medicaid cuts. Bacon argued the legislation had not taken effect yet and that it included $50 billion for rural hospitals. He said he had to weigh the pros and cons in the bill; he decided that extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts and boosting military and border funding outweighed any negative impacts. Theres some things I wish were better, he said. But am I going to vote to raise taxes on middle-class Americans? Im not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the day of the interview, NBC News and other outlets reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had ordered a pause in sending a shipment of missiles and ammunition to Ukraine amid concerns about the U.S. militarys stockpiles. Bacon, who has a photograph on the wall of him meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has consistently been critical of Trumps handling of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and his appeasement of Putin. Whoever ordered the weapons pause should be fired, Bacon said. Theres some things I wish were better, Bacon said of Trumps policy package. But am I going to vote to raise taxes on middle-class Americans? Im not. (Frank Thorp V / NBC News) If Ukraine falls, the worlds a more dangerous place. I really dont understand why President Trump doesnt see that. And if Ukraine goes down, Moldova will definitely fall. I think Georgia is in trouble, said Bacon, a retired brigadier general who did four tours of duty in Iraq and also spent time in Afghanistan. President Trump has done worse than Biden [on Ukraine], and Im embarrassed to say that, he continued. I dont like it. He seems to have a blind spot with Putin. I dont know what purpose it serves to withhold weapons to Ukraine and not see that Putin is the invader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do believe that if I was the president, Bacon said, Id be trying to provide Ukraine with every weapon they needed to convince Putin he has no chance to win. Bacon said he was a big fan of former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley when she ran for president in 2024, and he likes Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential candidates in 2028. Asked about JD Vance, who famously dressed down Zelenskyy at a White House meeting in February, Bacon suggested the vice president needed to take a tougher stance toward Moscow. Hes a contender. I like him personally, but I wish he saw the Russian threat a little better, Bacon said. If theres an opportunity and I can make a difference, a unique difference, I would like to keep serving. I just dont want to do two-year elections, Bacon said. (Frank Thorp V / NBC News) This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Just over a month since he departed the White House, Elon Musk claims to have formed a new political party but even the worlds richest person could face some insurmountable challenges with this new venture, experts warn. Despite leading the Department of Government Efficiency in Donald Trumps administration for four months, Musk has publicly split from the president as of late, most recently criticizing the big, beautiful bill. On Saturday, the tech billionaire announced on X, the platform he owns, that he was forming a new political party - the America Party. Musk has detailed how this new party would infiltrate the countrys long-standing two-party system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 explained. 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. Fellow billionaire Mark Cuban and Trumps former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci have encouraged the idea. But history and institutional barriers suggest it would be unlikely that the America Party would succeed, experts say. Elon Musk, just a month after leaving Trumps White House, formed a new political party: the America Party (AFP via Getty Images) Third-party movements in the US have generally arisen out of some sort of set of deep-seated grievances, Alan Abramowitz, a political science professor at Emory University, told CNN. It was not just some wealthy person whos decided they wanted to start a third party. The Democratic and Republican parties arent the only ones to exist but history shows alternative party candidates fail to gain traction in presidential elections. Even prominent Independent Senator Bernie Sanders caucuses with Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jill Stein, for example, served as the Green Partys presidential candidate in 2012, 2016, and 2024. In 2024, she earned 628,129 votes, but no electoral votes. Then theres Ross Perot, who ran as an independent in 1992 and 1996. During his first run, he garnered 19 percent of the popular vote but still didnt earn an electoral vote. Perot did amazingly well but he didnt come in first in any state, and the way the electoral college works, that means hes got nothing, Hans Noel, a professor at Georgetown University researching political parties and ideology, told the Washington Post. The most successful third-party candidate in U.S. history was none other than a former president: Theodore Roosevelt. After serving in office as a Republican, he ran again in 1912 as a Progressive Party candidate, garnering 88 electoral votes. He lost to Democrat Woodrow Wilson. More recently, in 1968 George Wallace, who ran as an American Independent candidate, earned 45 electoral votes; Republican Richard Nixon won 301. After leaving the White House, Musk has criticized Trump in recent weeks, namely over his so-called big, beautiful bill (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Following Musks announcement, some also pointed to more recent examples of third-party runs, like the No Labels party, which failed to find a centrist candidate to take on Donald Trump or Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican strategist Melik Abdul responded to Musks tweet: "No Labels was designed to do the very thing you're suggesting. It, too, was a dud. Abdul added: You have the resources to buy influence but lack the charisma and political gravitas to lead a [movement]. But Musks resources alone may not be enough to secure a new political party due to donation limits. One very wealthy individual cannot capitalize a new national political party, the way he might start a business, because of federal contribution limits, former FEC chair Lee Goodman told CNN. The prospect of a wealthy founder seed funding a national party to participate in federal elections around the country is not feasible in the current regulatory system. Musk may have spent more than $250 million helping Trump get elected during the last cycle. But different rules apply to political parties, Bradley Smith, another former FEC chair, told the outlet: You can fund super PACs all you want. But you cant fund a political party, as a strange part of American law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abduls remark that Musk lacks charisma may also serve as a barrier to building a new party. Recent indicators suggest hes not too popular. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent took a dig at Musks new party announcement, telling CNNs Dana Bash on Sunday: "The principles of DOGE were very popular. I think if you looked at the polling, Elon was not." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent brought up Musks unfavorable polling when asked about his new political party (REUTERS) A Quinnipiac Poll taken last month shows just 30 percent of voters have a favorable opinion of the tech billionaire while 57 percent have an unfavorable opinion of him. Among Republicans 62 percent viewed Musk favorably. Some predicted the billionaire could split the GOP vote. "Third parties do not tend to have a long lifetime in American politics. Often, they are bugbears to one particular party, and this might be the case with Musk's proposed America Party," Dafydd Townley, who teaches at the University of Portsmouth, told Newsweek. "If anything, the new party would likely split the Republican vote, potentially resulting in a Democrat-dominated House of Representatives, at least in the short term, due to the winner-takes-all electoral system." If anythings certain, the rocket-building Musk doesnt shy away from a challenge. He appears confident in fighting what appears to be an uphill battle. In response to an X user posting about how he could break the two-party stranglehold, Musk replied: Not hard tbh. MANSFIELD, Pa. (WETM) A food truck in Mansfield is hosting a charity event at the end of July to raise money to support animals in need in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. On Wednesday, July 23, Hotties Hot Off the Grill is hosting a charity bike night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at its location at 699 S Main St. in Mansfield to benefit Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries. Wellsboro Farmers Market to return in mid-July Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the event, community members are invited to ride their motorcycles over to the food truck and enjoy music, food, drinks, a 50/50 raffle and other bikes, while also raising money for a cause. Motorcycles are not mandatory to attend the event; everyone is welcome. Charitable donations will be accepted for food and beverages. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) The Chesapeake Police Department is warning residents of a cellphone scam, in which victims are being asked to lend their phone. Police advise caution if a stranger asks to borrow your phone and claims it is for an emergency. The tactic is followed by scammers to access personal info or transfer money through payment apps. Red flags to look out for include the stranger pressuring you urgently, asking to step out of sight with your phone and being unable able to provide clear details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To protect yourself, police recommend politely declining or offering to make the call for them, keeping your phone locked when not in use and staying alert. If you believe youve been scammed, immediately contact your bank, change your passwords and report it 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. A museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of open outcry trading opens Tuesday inside the Chicago Board of Trade Building, the latest step in an effort to revive the nearly century-old structure. Much of the frantic trading activity in the building immortalized in movies like Ferris Buellers Day Off and The Dark Knight now occurs digitally, leaving its cavernous main trading floor quiet and empty. But in the Chicago Board of Trade Building Museum, architecture buffs, other visitors and the buildings many office tenants will be able to experience what it was like to be on the trading floors, and see how generations of Chicagos leading architects created the historic landmark. We wanted to find a way to honor that legacy, said Gary Stoltz, chief design and development officer of R2 Cos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company took over operations at the 44-story art deco skyscraper in 2023 after the previous owner, battered by the post-pandemic office market, surrendered control in late 2022 to its lender Apollo Global Management. R2 Cos. has so far spent $11 million renovating the building on the southern end of the LaSalle Street canyon at 141 W. Jackson Blvd., including the new museum and spiffing up the rooftop deck, lobbies and atriums. Those renovations, along with other exhibits paying tribute to Chicagos trading history, helped bring in many new tenants, making the Board of Trade one of the few buildings to thrive as the downtown office market struggles to recover. Weve done about 600,000 square feet of leasing in the last two and a half years, including about 280,000 square feet of new leases, said Matt Pistorio, a R2 Cos. partner. I would say there are only one or two other office buildings in the city of Chicago which have done as much. Although nearly 30% of downtown office space is either empty or available for rent, a historic high, an increasing number of downtown office users are checking out new spaces, according to Savills, a commercial real estate firm. Most gravitate either toward the citys new trophy properties in the West Loop or Fulton Market, or toward renovated properties where owners were willing to spend on new amenities, said Robert Sevim, Savills president for the Chicago region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chicago Board of Trade Building is a good example, he said. These buildings are the most sought after, and these are the spaces that are going to be flying off the shelves. Raucous trading pits, where generations of brokers shouted orders for agricultural products and other commodities, started shutting down about 10 years ago as computerized trading took over. The CME Group, a merger of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade, closed most of its open trading pits during the pandemic. But Cboe Global Markets, founded in 1973 as the Chicago Board Options Exchange, opened in 2022 a new group of trading pits on the Chicago Board of Trade Buildings seventh and eighth floors. The building still hosts many other trading firms, Pistorio said. Total occupancy for the building is nearly 75%, and should increase soon. We stabilized the rent roll by doing a lot of renewals, and hope to be in the mid-80s in the next year or so, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The street-level museum includes a theater and giant screen that illustrates how the 1930 building, designed by Holabird & Root and for decades Chicagos tallest, rose on the site of the original trading exchange. It also tracks the rise of the 1980s addition designed by noted architect Helmut Jahn, designer of the nearby James R. Thompson Center, which Google will occupy next year. Other exhibits include recorded testimonies from traders about what life was like on the trading floor, photos and a projected art display visible at night from blocks away. We want people to know that there is something going on at the end of the block, Pistorio said. Stoltz said the building already gets about 1,000 visitors every month, often school tours or others interested in the sleek art deco lobbies. And with most of the open trading pits shut down, the museum will give visitors a better sense of the buildings historic role in Chicagos economy. Many people want to see the trading floor they saw in Ferris Bueller, so we thought we could bring the energy of trading to our visitors, and show the architecture of the trading floors, Stoltz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The museum was supported by a $250,000 small-business improvement grant from the city, he said. Similar grants were given in 2024 to local restaurants, all clustered around LaSalle Street and still recovering from the pandemic, including Ceres Cafe in the Chicago Board of Trade Building and Goddess and the Baker. Stoltz said the buildings renovation is ongoing. R2 Cos. may revive the lower level, possibly transforming the massive underground vault and safety deposit boxes, where traders once stored important papers, into an event space. A long-term possibility is reopening the slanted roofs glass-walled observation deck and visitor center, closed in the 1970s, and just below the iconic, three-story statue of Roman goddess Ceres. Thats going to be one of the hardest projects to pull off, Stoltz said. The Brief A 46-year-old woman was charged with allegedly stabbing her kids, one fatally, and setting a home on fire last week. Wendy Tolbert was charged with several crimes, including first-degree murder, attempted murder and arson. Jordan Wallace, 4, died after being stabbed and a 13-year-old girl and 10-year-old boy were both hospitalized with stab wounds. Tolbert told police she stabbed her children because they were possessed by the devil. CHICAGO - A 46-year-old woman was charged with stabbing her three children, killing a 4-year-old boy, and setting a home on fire in Logan Square last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wendy Tolbert was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, six counts of aggravated arson, two counts of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, two counts of aggravated battery using a deadly weapon, and aggravated battery to a child, according to the Chicago Police Department. Wendy Tolbert (Chicago Police Department) What we know Police said Tolbert allegedly fatally stabbed the boy, identified as Jordan Wallace, in the chest last Friday. The boy was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he died of his injuries. She also allegedly stabbed a 13-year-old girl multiple times in the face, chest, and back, and a 10-year-old boy in the right arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tolbert also allegedly set the home in the 3600 block of W. Palmer Street on fire while the children were inside, according to a police report. A 31-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man from nearby residences were hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Three responding officers were also taken to nearby hospitals for smoke inhalation. During interviews with police, Tolbert admitted to stabbing her children. She told the police that her children were possessed by the devil. Tolbert also reported that she has cancer and schizophrenia. Incident details According to court documents, the 10-year-old was sitting on a couch in the first floor living room playing video games with his 4-year-old brother sleeping next to him at 9:00 a.m. The 13-year-old was in her bedroom in the basement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tolbert approached the 10-year-old from behind with a knife and stabbed him in the arm. The victim tried to push Tolbert away and ran towards the stairs to the basement. As this was happening, the 4-year-old woke up and tried to follow his brother to the stairs but was stabbed by Tolbert. Tolbert then kicked the 4-year-old in the back, causing the child to fall down the stairs. Tolbert stabbed the 4-year-old in the back, face, and chest. The 10-year-old ran to his room, which shares a wall with his 13-year-old sister's room. They talked through the wall and came up with a plan to escape. At 9:01 a.m., the 13-year-old called 911 and reported that her mother was trying to kill her. The victim called again a minute later. Tolbert banged on the bedroom door so the 13-year-old and 10-year-old came up with a plan to open their doors at the same time. They tried to fight back. Tolbert stabbed the 13-year-old multiple times in the face, neck, and chest. At 9:20 a.m., Chicago police arrived at the scene and walked through the gangway. They heard the 10-year-old calling through the open basement window. They saw Tolbert with a knife in her right hand and a paper towel that was on fire in her left hand. As the police were putting Tolbert into custody, smoke began to leak out the windows of the building and trigger the smoke alarms. Within minutes, the building was engulfed in flames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police broke several windows to free the 10-year-old from the burning building. Ultimately, officers went through a window to rescue him. Officers found the 13-year-old unresponsive and pulled her out through another window. They also got the 4-year-old out. The other residents of the building escaped. One had to go to the hospital for smoke inhalation. A Chicago Police officer was also treated for smoke inhalation. The 13-year-old victim sustained lacerations to her face, upper body, neck, and back. She had multiple surgeries to repair the damage. She is intubated and in critical condition. The 10-year-old victim suffered a large gash on his arm. He has been treated and released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 4-year-old was taken to the hospital. He was stabbed 36 times and died as a result of his injuries. Tolbert was taken to the hospital but had no signs of injury. During interviews with police, Tolbert admitted to stabbing her children. She told the police that her children were possessed by the devil. Fire marshals determined the fire started on the first floor of the apartment. Accelerants were found in three locations on the first floor by a K9 Unit. Lighter fluid and a bottle of rubbing alcohol were recovered from the scene. The fire spread to the building next door and caused multiple tenants to be displaced. What's next Tolbert was expected to appear in court for a detention hearing on Sunday. A west London council could be taken to court over plans to close 10 of its 25 children's centres. Ealing Council said despite increased demand for statutory children's services, "not all families who could benefit" are using the facilities. But Claire Welsby, a campaigner for Save Ealing's Children Centre's, said it is considering a judicial review of the plan. And opposition councillors claimed Ealing's decision was "deeply flawed". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Welsby said: "Obviously there is a big financial implication about that [seeking a judicial review], and we need to seek advice. "There are lots of things we would look at and we would focus on the process. "But also, we will continue to hold them to account, through freedom of information requests, continuing to go to public meetings, and continuing to hold protests." An Ealing Council spokesperson said the current set up "is not working". The Labour-run council said it aims to "design a service more tailored to our families' needs and move services into the community to better reach those who may need our help, while retaining the largest number of children's centres in London". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leader of the opposition on Ealing Council, Lib Dem councillor Gary Malcolm, said this is "another example of Ealing Labour holding a consultation, ignoring the results and then axing vital services". He added: "The closures will result in worse outcomes for the vulnerable children and families across the borough and reduced accessibility. "They are closing the children's centres before they have thought about what they will have in place." Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk More on this story Related internet links Celebrating a centuries-old tradition rooted in devotion and community spirit, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party President Virendraa Sachdeva joined hundreds of participants in the fifth symbolic Pandharpur Yatra held in the national capital. The event mirrors the annual Pandharpur Wari in Maharashtra, one of India's most well-known pilgrimages, dedicated to Lord Vitthal. Speaking to ANI during the event, Sachdeva said, "This is Pandharpur yatra that is carried out all over in Maharashtra with lot of excitement and devotion. This is an 800-year-old tradition that was started by Sant Gyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram." He added, "This is our 5th wari (Yatra) in Delhi. We have been trying continually to organise such Yatras in Delhi where everyone can participate. We celebrate this Yatra of Vitthal with a lot of excitement and faith." The Pandharpur Wari, also known as the Pandharpur Yatra, is a major Hindu pilgrimage that brings together thousands of devotees, known as Warkaris. Every year, they walk around 250 kilometres to reach the holy town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra. Held in honour of Lord Vitthal, a form of Lord Vishnu, and his consort Rukmini, the Wari has been followed for centuries. It is closely associated with the teachings and lives of revered saints like Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, who are credited with starting and popularising the tradition. Large processions, known as Palkhis, begin from the towns of Dehu and Alandi--birthplaces of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar. These processions carry the sacred footwear (padukas) of the saints and are followed by thousands of devotees. This year, the Palkhi of Sant Tukaram set off from Dehu on June 18, 2025, while the Palkhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar departed from Alandi on June 19, 2025. The pilgrimage ends in Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi, which falls on July 6, 2025. Throughout the Wari, devotees sing traditional devotional songs called abhangas, perform kirtans, and chant the name of Lord Vitthal. Many also take a holy dip in the Chandrabhaga River before seeking blessings at the Shree Vitthal Rukmini temple by touching the feet of the Vithoba idol. (ANI) If China attacks Taiwan, Beijing may ask Moscow to open a second front against NATO states, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in an interview with The New York Times (NYT) published on July 5. Fears of escalating Chinese military intervention in Taiwan have risen sharply since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The war has served as a possible model of how both Taipei and the international community might respond if Beijing decides to invade. "There's an increasing realization, and let's not be naive about this: If Xi Jinping would attack Taiwan, he would first make sure that he makes a call to his very junior partner in all of this, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, residing in Moscow, and telling him, 'Hey, I'm going to do this, and I need you to keep them busy in Europe by attacking NATO territory,'" Rutte said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That is most likely the way this will progress. And to deter them, we need to do two things. One is that NATO, collectively, being so strong that the Russians will never do this. And second, working together with the Indo-Pacific something President (Donald) Trump is very much promoting," Rutte added. Western officials and analysts point to Russia's surging military expenditures amid its ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In 2024, Russia's defense budget reportedly rose 42% in real terms, reaching $462 billion, surpassing the combined spending of all European nations, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. NATO allies have cited Russia's military buildup, sabotage campaigns, and continued aggression against Ukraine as reasons to accelerate defense investments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rutte previously warned that Russia could rebuild its military capacity to threaten NATO territory within five years, urging members to act with urgency. Read also: Taiwans FM: If Russia can do that to Ukraine, China might do the same to Taiwan Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -China is studying ways to soon lift its ban on imports of chicken meat from Brazil, in place since the South American nation reported a case of bird flu on a commercial farm in May, Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro said on Sunday, citing discussions at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro. Speaking during the event, Favaro said the topic came up in a meeting between Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. "I had the opportunity during the bilateral meeting between President Lula and the Chinese premier (to say) that they could already review their position on restrictions," Favaro told reporters, adding that Li said China is now "studying the protocols quickly to resume the purchase of poultry meat." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While no timeline for lifting the embargo was discussed, Favaro emphasized Brazil's efforts to recover export markets after over 20 countries imposed bans following the bird flu case in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Most restrictions were lifted after the World Organization for Animal Health declared the case resolved in late June. Brazilian poultry exports have suffered, with shipments of fresh chicken meat falling 23% in June to 314,000 tons, according to government data. On Thursday, the Agriculture Ministry announced that seven more nations had lifted restrictions, leaving bans in place in nine countries, including China, Malaysia, and Peru. (Reporting by Rodrigo Viga Gaier; edited by Manuela Andreoni and Bill Berkrot) Xu Pengcheng looks over his shoulder and, after confirming the coast is clear, helps his crew of urban adventurers climb through the broken window of an abandoned building. Long popular in the West, urban exploration, or "urbex" for short, sees city-dwelling thrill-seekers explore dilapidated, closed-off buildings and areas -- often skirting the law in the process. And it is growing in popularity in China, where a years-long property sector crisis has left many cities dotted with empty buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xu, a 29-year-old tech worker from the eastern city of Qingdao, has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers for his photos of rundown schools and vacant cinemas. "When people see these images, they find them incredibly fresh and fascinating," he told AFP. "The realisation that so many abandoned buildings exist -- and that they can photograph so beautifully -- naturally captures attention." AFP joined Xu and his comrades at a deserted hotel in the outskirts of Shanghai for a unique photoshoot. From the outside, the hotel looked like a prefabricated medieval castle. Once inside, it was clear the property had been abandoned for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Searching through the rooms for good spots for striking photos, Xu and his friends came across remnants of the hotel's past -- a mahjong table, laundry sheets and piles of dinner plates. Props from past photoshoots were scattered on the floor and on one ballroom wall, "Long Live Chairman Mao" was written in spray paint. China's recent property market downturn has left many abandoned large-scale projects ready ground for urban explorers. "I don't think you would find sites like this in Europe," long-time explorer Brin Connal told AFP as he walked around an empty, abandoned building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In China, there's a lot of these places which are unfinished." - 'Really special' - One such unfinished megaproject in Shanghai, the Pentagon Mall, has become such a hotspot that explorers leave messages for each other on the walls of its top floor. "I think this is something really special about Chinese urban exploration," said Sean, a Shanghai resident who did not want to give his real name. "There's a very strong sense of community and it's very, very welcoming." Situated in Shanghai's Pudong district, the project came close to completion in 2009 but investment fell through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The giant concrete building now sits mostly in disrepair -- broken tiles litter the ground and a large faded map of the uncompleted mall is barely visible under a thick layer of dust. Some rooms still have signs of life, with mattresses from squatters, discarded takeout and cigarette boxes and even laundry hanging outside. "In places like Shanghai, people always find a way to make use of these buildings, even if they're not completely built and completely usable," said Sean's exploration partner Nov, who also asked to go by a pseudonym. - 'Way too dangerous' - Chinese social media companies are less enthusiastic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking up abandoned buildings on Instagram-like Xiaohongshu, users are met with a message warning "there are risks in this area, please pay attention to safety and comply with local policies and regulations". Connal, originally from Britain, told AFP he understood the restrictions. "Some of them are way too dangerous, and some of these abandoned locations were getting overwhelmed with people," he said. The hobby also takes place in a legal grey area. Many urban explorers go by a simple mantra -- taking nothing from the places they visit and leaving nothing behind. But the act of trespassing can come with fines in China, just as it does in the West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xu also acknowledged the risks that come with urban exploration -- from angry security guards to errant circuitry. "Firstly, you might face the risk of trespassing illegally. Secondly, private properties may have security guards or be completely sealed off," he told AFP. "These locations often involve hazards like no electricity or lighting, structural damage, and injuries from construction materials like exposed nails." But model Mao Yi said the hobby offered a respite from the drudgery of big city living. "Living in these sprawling metropolises of steel and concrete, we've grown familiar with the routines of daily life," she told AFP. acc/oho/je/dhw/rsc To Americans, there might not be anything more emblematic of summertime than the humble hot dog. In fact, Americans eat a staggering number of hot dogs on the Fourth of July alone. One of the most recognizable brands for Independence Day and hot dog-worthy occasions throughout the year is Nathan's Famous. In a blind taste test to determine the best hot dogs, the brand scored second. If you've spent any time on the boardwalk in Coney Island, you've probably eaten a dog or two from Nathan's and maybe even seen the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. So it may come as a surprise that this brand with a very American vibe is controlled by a Chinese company. Nathan's is owned by Smithfield, which itself is actually owned by Chinese conglomerate WH Group Limited. Yep, America's most iconic all-beef hot dog is owned by a Chinese corporation that also happens to be the largest pork processing company in the world. In 2013, it acquired Smithfield for $4.7 billion, and the company overall had nearly $26 billion in sales in 2024. That's a whole lot of sausage. Read more: The Highest And Lowest Quality Hot Dogs You'll Find At The Grocery Store Why You Shouldn't Worry About Chinese Hot Dogs Package of Nathan's Famous beef franks at grocery store - PJ McDonnell/Shutterstock Opinions about China in the U.S. can lean negative, so it makes sense that some United States officials are worried about Chinese investments in American agriculture, including pork production. However, the investment of Chinese companies overall is relatively small. According to USDA estimates from 2021, Chinese-owned companies held about 384,000 acres of American soil. Smithfield properties accounted for around 100,000 acres of that. To put it all in perspective, Canadian companies owned more than 12 million acres, and companies owned by the Netherlands held close to 5 million acres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That figure even appears to have decreased, as 2023 USDA estimates clocked Chinese company acreage at around 277,000 -- this is less than 1% of all land owned by foreign companies in the U.S. Holdings from Canadian companies, on the other hand, increased by more than 3 million, which amounts to 33%. China's economy, depending on how you slice it, is about the same size as the United States'. Most Chinese agricultural investments are actually in Russia and around Asia. It's hard to make the case that Chinese farm and agricultural investments are taking over the U.S. when they don't even compare to Canadian-held land. But whether or not you're afraid of Chinese-owned companies that make hot dogs, slapping some Nathan's Famous franks on the grill won't do you any harm. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) As the minority in both houses, Republicans in the Oregon legislature spent much of the latest legislative session searching for victories. They scored one in the waning hours by rallying to kill the transportation package. House Republican Leader Christine Drazan led the charge from the opposition. The Republican from Canby is an experienced legislator who narrowly lost to Tina Kotek for Oregon governor in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Eye on Northwest Politics Drazan returned to Eye on Northwest Politics to recap the session, share her major objections to the transportation bill, disclose whether shell run again for statewide executive office and more. Watch the full interview in the video above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. OLYPHANT, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Two local churches are now one after a mass that celebrated their merger. They not only formed a new parish, but also took on a name no other parish in America has had until now. 28/22 News Reporter Avery Nape explains how the parishs identity is now that of one of the youngest saints in the history of the church. Two churches in two different communities, now coming together as one parish. Mergers like this one between Holy Cross Parish in Olyphant and Blessed Sacrament Parish in Throop are not uncommon in the Diocese of Scranton, but this one is different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would imagine with any change, there is pain, letting go of the past, that which is familiar. But at the same time, I think there was a certain dynamism created by our patron, Blessed Carlo, soon to be Saint Carlo Acutis, Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish Pastor Reverand Scott Sterowski stated. Carlo Acutis is the name of the teen who will become the first millennial saint in just two months. The London native who lived in Italy was just 15 when he passed away in 2006 after battling leukemia. He was a devout Christian and computer programmer who used the online world to share his devotion for the catholic faith, a faith he put into practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sprucing up cemetery in Scranton for holiday weekend He was known to volunteer at soup kitchens, he would save his allowance money to buy clothing for homeless people. He was just kind and compassionate to all he met, Reverand Sterowski explained. Members of both churches gathered after mass for a social and spoke highly of Carlo and the merger, making their parish the first in the US to bear the name of the revered teen. I see it as, you know, a great union, and its quite an honor to have Blessed Carlos as our new name and to follow his life and the incredible story that that young man had, Throop Parishioner Arthur Phillip Jr. said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Electrical repairs resume at Wyoming Valley Mall I think its a great beginning. We had a great mass today, and I think were going to come together. This little get-together today is beautiful, and its attended by a lot of people, and I think its going to continue, Judy Korgeski from Dickson City told 28/22 News. While the change is still so new, reverend sterowski says he is hopeful for the parishs future. We are going to be a work in progress. New committees, new societies, new ministries will be organized, and we hope to grow as a community. Stronger, united as one in Christ, Reverand Sterowski continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlo Acutis will officially become a catholic saint on September 7. Reverend Sterowski says the two churches that make up the new parish will host special masses and social events that month to celebrate their patron saint. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. One civilian has been killed in a Russian attack near the settlement of Bytytsia in Sumy Oblast. Source: Oleh Hryhorov, Head of Sumy Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Details: The body was discovered during an inspection of the territory after a series of Russian strikes. Another person is known to have been injured. Search and rescue operations are currently underway. Sumy Oblast Military Administration reports that Russian forces launched four drones on the settlement over a 15-minute period at around 16:00 on Sunday 6 July. Dozens of local residents houses were damaged, with five completely destroyed. Background: On 6 July, Russian forces launched almost 30 drone and artillery strikes on the Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has announced the launch of an enhanced three-agency website designed to improve Texas education-to-workforce pipeline. The websites enhancement was the result of collaborative efforts between the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), according to a June 30 news release from the Office of the Texas Governor. This news release also outlined multiple ways that this website can help students find jobs after school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By improving this website, students will gain access to additional grant opportunities, enhanced advising tools, and opportunities for more apprenticeships and career pathways. Additionally, the website is expected to help users learn about the alignment of public education, higher education, and workforce initiatives. Multiple leaders from this project presented comments about the achievement, with Abbott writing that Texas continues to build the workforce that will lead the economy of tomorrow. That starts with supporting the education pipeline between our schools and employers. This education-to-workforce website will give Texas students the tools and training they need to succeed in the better job and bigger paycheck opportunities we provide in our great state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TEA Commissioner Mike Morath also provided thoughts on the new website. The Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative helps expand pathways for all Texans by fostering collaboration and strengthening support for these critical efforts, he stated in the news release. This improved site provides easy access to resources and information that will help schools give students a foundation for post-secondary success. The enhanced website comes following multiple months of Abbott working to improve the lives of students, with the governor recently announcing $2.4 million in grants through the TWC to help students. Additionally, Abbott has worked to help improve education for younger students, as the Texas legislature implemented school reform during the most recent session. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Texas is now set to implement the largest education savings account program in the country, with $1 billion allocated by lawmakers to enable students and families to control their education. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The 12-point Public Market partnered with a local organization for the Clothe-A-Child Event. At the local market, ten percent of their provides for today all went towards support the Noon Optimist Clubs Clothe-A-Child. The program provides local children with clothes throughout the year. President of the Noon Optimist Club, Lisa Jones, says this club relies on support for the community to meet those clothing demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We raise $100,000 a year to be able to provide clothing for about 1,000 kids from fifth grade to kindergarten, said Jones. She also mentions they are always in need of club members to aid in more fundraising efforts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Following the July 4th celebrations in Uptown, police arrested several individuals who gathered in and around Romare Bearden Park. Police say there were no official events planned, so throughout the evening, CMPD officers worked to manage the influx of visitors around the 300 block of South Church Street. There were a total of 15 arrests, seven adults and eight juveniles. Additionally, 10 firearms were seized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following adult suspects were arrested and charged: Khalil Delaney (18): Carrying Concealed Weapon (Gun), Felony Possession of Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana and Resisting Public Officer Don-Nell Greene (20): Carrying Concealed Weapon (Gun), Felony Possession of Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Pyrotechnics/Fireworks and Resisting Public Officer Russell Matthews Jr. (20): Carrying Concealed Weapon (Gun), Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Jadarius Miller (26): Carrying Concealed Weapon (Gun) and Possession of Marijuana Tommie Glinsey (26): Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, Carrying a Concealed Weapon (Gun), Shooting in the City Limits, Felony Conspiracy and Misdemeanor Assault with a Deadly Weapon Kamron Mason (31): Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, Carrying a Concealed Weapon (Gun), Shooting in the City Limits, Felony Conspiracy, Misdemeanor Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Firearm by Felon and Possession of Stolen Firearm Carell Scipio (42): Possession of Marijuana and Resisting Public Officer The eight juveniles who were arrested ranged in age from 14 to 17 years old. Their charges include violating the Youth Protection Ordinance, Possession of Stolen Firearm, Possession of Handgun by Minor, Carrying Concealed Weapon, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Public Officer, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Two officers were injured during the arrest of one of the subjects. One officer was transported to the hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The other officer was evaluated on scene by MEDIC and assessed with minor injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid floral tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary on Sunday. Addressing the event in Lucknow, CM Yogi remembered Mookerjee's contributions as an educationist and his service during the Bengal famine in 1943. "It is the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee today. On behalf of the people of the state, I pay tribute to him today. Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee was born on 6th July 1901. At the age of 33, he became the youngest Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University. He was a great educationist and freedom fighter. The country remembers the service he did during the Bengal famine," CM Yogi said. The Chief Minister added that Mookerjee resigned from former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet when the government tried to grant a separate status to Jammu and Kashmir. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled Syama Prasad Mookerjee's dream and brought Jammu and Kashmir into the mainstream. CM Yogi said, "His life was dedicated to the unity of India. He resigned from the first Nehru cabinet due to its appeasement policies. When the Nehru government tried to give a separate status to Jammu & Kashmir, he raised the first voice against it...PM Narendra Modi has realised the dreams of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee by bringing Jammu & Kashmir into the mainstream." Earlier on Sunday, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Virendra Sachdeva, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and other party leaders paid floral tributes to Syama Prasad Mookerjee at an event organised in Delhi. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, was a multifaceted personality - patriot, educationist, parliamentarian, statesman, and humanitarian. He became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta in 1934. He later joined the Hindu Mahasabha and, in 1937, united non-Congress forces to form a Progressive Coalition government under the leadership of Fazal-ul-Haq, with himself as the Finance Minister. Mookerjee resigned from the Bengal Cabinet in November 1942, protesting against the Governor's interference in administration and criticising provincial autonomy as ineffective. His humanitarian efforts during the Bengal famine of 1943, including relief initiatives, highlighted his commitment to serving society. Post-independence, he joined the interim government under Jawaharlal Nehru as Minister for Industry and Supply. According to the BJP's official website, on the issue of the Delhi pact with Likayat Ali Khan, Mookerjee resigned from the Cabinet on April 6, 1950. Later on October 21, 1951, Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in Delhi and became its first president. Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953 and was arrested on May 11. He died under detention on June 23, 1953. (ANI) Coca-Cola is back in the hot seat. The Turkish government has launched an investigation into the beverage giant over allegations its using its market power to suppress competitors, raising questions not just about business ethics but environmental responsibility. According to The Cool Down, Turkeys Competition Board announced the probe this week, citing strong suspicions that Coca-Cola has engaged in practices that obstruct the sale of rival products at retail outlets. The board will also review whether the company has honored commitments made in 2021 after earlier antitrust scrutiny. At the heart of the investigation is a familiar concern: how multinational corporations use their clout to dominate shelf space and consumer choice. But this time, theres an added layerenvironmental impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coca-Cola has long been criticized for its role in global plastic pollution. Environmental watchdogs frequently rank the brand among the worst offenders. If the company is found to be actively blocking access to more eco-conscious competitors, some of which offer locally sourced or reusable packaging options, the implications go beyond business fairness. It raises questions about whether monopolistic behavior is keeping greener solutions off the table. For smaller beverage companies trying to innovate and push toward sustainable alternatives, having a fair shot in the marketplace is everything. When big players flex their influence to crowd out competition, the public ultimately loses, both in choice and in potential progress toward a lower-waste future. If Turkish regulators rule against Coca-Cola, it could spark broader momentum for change. The decision may prompt other governments to investigate similar practices in their own jurisdictions and increase pressure on major corporations to clean up not just their products, but also their playbook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, Coca-Cola hasnt issued a public response. But the stakes are high. This isnt just about soda. Its about the systems that shape what ends up on shelves and what kind of companies survive in todays marketplace. Related: Costco Rolled Out a Food Court Menu Change and Fans Are Split Coca-Cola Investigation Could Shake Up the Beverage Industry first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 5, 2025 Cocoa Beach celebrates the 4th with its first-ever drone show The city of Cocoa Beach is celebrating the Fourth of July using high-tech. The city put on its first-ever Drone Light Show, which drew a large crowd to the coastal city. Yesterday we went to downtown Melbourne and saw the fireworks but today theres something different and new in Cocoa Beach that we wanted to see so were excited, said Kayla Torres. Thousands celebrating the 4th of July filled the streets near city hall. Many sitting in the lawn listening to music waiting for the unique show. The city of Cocoa Beach is celebrating the Fourth of July using high-tech. The city put on its first-ever Drone Light Show, which drew a large crowd to the coastal city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With technology, and people using drones for everything why not make it a cool show, said Noah Monroe. The shows considered an eco-friendly alternative, celebrating our nations independence. For some, that has a close meaning. Both of our dads served in the military, so they both fought for our freedoms, so it means a lot to us, said Torres. On top of celebrating the 4th, the city of Cocoa Beach is also celebrating its centennial. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Advertisement Advertisement Tens of thousands turned out in Cologne on Sunday to watch one of Europe's largest Pride parades, filling the rain-soaked streets with rainbow flags and colours. Some 60,000 people and 90 floats took part in the parade in the western German city. Rainbow colours, a symbol of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community, could be seen across the city, in people's clothing and on flags lining the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cologne is sending a strong signal today in support of human rights and everyone's right to live as they want, the city's mayor, Henriette Reker, said. "The mood is different this time," said Jens Pielhau, chairman of the Cologne Pride association, at the opening of the event. Freedom and the right to demonstrate openly and peacefully are in danger, he said. Germany's LGBTQ+ community is facing increased hostility and is the target of a rising number of crimes. In the face of this hostility, Pielhau stressed that it is all the more important to take to the streets in support of queer rights and to show up as a large community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The local police said a large number of officers were on duty to protect the event. Cologne Pride is one of the largest events for the LGBTQ+ community in Europe, hosting a march that is similar in size to the one in Berlin. In Germany, the marches are known as Christopher Street Day (CSD), in honour of the 1969 protest against the police storming of the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in New York, which helped spark the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Participants in the Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade with colorful outfits celebrate their protest in the streets of the city for better rights for the LGBTQ community. Roberto Pfeil/dpa BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) A commercial box truck that was reported stolen out of Birmingham was stopped in Mississippi on Saturday, leading to a man being taken into custody. According to the Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office in Mississippi, Alabama authorities informed its dispatch at about 3:25 p.m. Saturday they were in pursuit of the stolen vehicle. The LCSO stated the box truck entered the county around 4:19 p.m. 6 injured in Lake Martin explosion involving unpermitted fireworks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies spiked three tires on the vehicle. Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers and deputies followed the box truck until it entered Meridian. Police officers from Meridian joined the pursuit. The pursuit ended at Exit 157B on I-59/20 westbound. A man was then taken into custody. Authorities continued to investigate the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. The Rogers County Commissioners counted their blessings Monday amid some current and future changes in county staff. At the meeting, the commissioners approved the removal of former Undersheriff Jon Sappington and the instatement of former Chief Deputy Zach Starkey as requisitioning officer for the Rogers County Sheriff's Office. Starkey is taking over Sappington's role as second-in-command because Sappington, who has worked for the sheriff's office since 2005, is moving on. He said he has accepted the job of chief operating officer at the Vinita Forensic Center, an inpatient behavioral health facility operated by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma inmates deemed incompetent to stand trial receive treatment at the Forensic Center. Sappington helped pioneer the county's use of mental health screenings and in-jail counseling to identify inmates incapable of standing trial before a judge declares them incompetent, thereby alleviating strain on the Forensic Center's limited bed space. District 1 Commissioner Dan DeLozier said Sappington has been a blessing to Rogers County. "He's done a lot as undersheriff," DeLozier said. "I'm sure we're going to see the same with Zach Starkey. I've known him for a long time, and he's really doing a good job, stepping up so quick. Mr. Sappington went on to a different job that pays a whole lot better, and I wish him well." The commissioners also praised Andy Armstrong, a consultant who will soon retire from his career applying for and administering county grant programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armstrong attended Monday's meeting because the commissioners renewed their annual contract with the Grand Gateway Economic Development Authority, one of the organizations Armstrong works with to secure grant funds. The development authority, headquartered in Big Cabin, partners with the county for $1,000 per month to pursue federal and state grants. District 2 Commissioner and Chairman Steve Hendrix said Armstrong was instrumental in helping the county navigate the American Rescue Plan Act funding process. In 2021, the federal government granted Rogers County about $18 million in ARPA money. The county spent it on projects ranging from broadband expansion to its investment program. DeLozier said the amount of money Armstrong has bagged the county is staggering. Hendrix said Armstrong would stay on until the end of 2025 and thanked him especially for securing funds for the rural water districts. "He's certainly been a blessing, a wealth of knowledge for the county," Hendrix said. "... I appreciate your service. When you do decide to ride off into the sunset, we will miss you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thank you," Armstrong replied. District 3 Commissioner Ron Burrows paid a blessing to Meggie Froman-Knight of Claremore Economic Development for her work driving growth in the county. The commissioners renewed their routine annual contract with the economic development agency Monday. Also at Monday's meeting, the commissioners approved a pair of agreements to put two road and bridge projects into motion. The first was a settlement agreement to secure a right-of-way along 4220 Road, a truck route connecting Inola to Wagoner County. More right-of-way acquisitions will follow. At their June 9 meeting, the commissioners applied for a $550,000 grant from the Emergency and Transportation Revolving Fund for this project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burrows said the grant would pay for the rights-of-way the county would need to add extra width and shoulders to three miles of 4220 Road, where he said accidents occur at a higher than normal rate. The second agreement was for the last utility relocation the county needs before the Oklahoma Department of Transportation can begin building a bridge over the low-water crossing on 4310 Road. The crossing straddles the Rogers-Craig county line. DeLozier said 2 inches of rain is enough to swell Little Pryor Creek high enough to rise above the roadway. He said a few cars have been swept off the road in such conditions, though no one has gotten seriously hurt or killed. "We put a set of flood gates there," DeLozier said. "We go out and lock those gates when the water gets over the road, which is almost every day anymore, so this is going to be a good thing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using the County Improvements for Roads and Bridges Fund, ODOT and the county plan to span the crossing with a long bridge. At their Jan. 13, 2025, meeting, the commissioners identified bridging the crossing as their No. 1 priority with this funding. DeLozier said he aims to have the bridge built by the end of the year. At the beginning of the meeting, the commissioners discussed the weekend's severe storms with Scotty Stokes, director of Rogers County Emergency Management. Stokes said Foyil and Chelsea got about 5 inches of rain in two hours Sunday night. The storm felled power lines across State Highway 66 in Foyil between 400 and 410 roads, he said, resulting in a temporary closure. DeLozier said the storm damaged some culvert ends and asphalt. "Be patient," he said. "We're getting everything we've been out all night." A new community diagnostic centre is set to be built at a hospital in West Sussex and residents are being invited to find out more before construction begins. Queen Victoria Hospital (QVH) NHS Trust said its hospital in East Grinstead would benefit from the centre thanks to a "significant" investment from NHS England. The trust said: "Having a dedicated community diagnostic centre building onsite is a milestone for QVH and will enable us to help reduce the amount of time patients wait for a diagnosis and treatment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents have been invited to the hospital for two sessions that will update people on the project and its potential benefits. The two one-hour sessions will be held at the education centre in the main hospital building on 22 July at 15:00 BST and 18:00. The trust had planned for the single-storey building to be up and running by April 2026. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. More on this story Related internet links Employers are overwhelmed with job applications and leaning more on a particular hiring tool. Cognitive and personality tests are becoming mainstream, hiring test providers told BI. Employers are the most interested in testing for soft skills, like emotional intelligence, the firms said. Are you happy? Do you sleep well? Do you have many friends? Are you a workaholic? Those are some of the questions Katelin Eagan, 27, said she had to answer recently when she was applying for a job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She agreed to take a cognitive and personality assessment as part of the hiring process, but was a bit bewildered. Many of the questions had nothing to do with the engineering position, which, after completing the tests and going through several months of silence, she was eventually rejected for. Eagan says she's been applying for jobs full-time since the start of the year. Her efforts haven't panned out yet, which she attributes partly to how competitive her field has become and employers having room to be picky. "I think there's definitely a lower amount than I thought there would be," she said of available roles. But that may be only part of the story. Employers are growing increasingly selective, partly because many are seeing a flood of seemingly perfect candidates, many of whom are suspected of using AI to finesse their applications, according to recruiters and hiring assessment providers who spoke to BI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The solution many companies have come to? Make everyone take a test and see who candidates really are, irrespective of what ChatGPT suggested they put on their resumes. According to surveys conducted by TestGorilla, one firm that administers talent assessments for employers, 76% of companies that had hired in the 12 months leading up to April said they were using skills tests to determine if a candidate was a right fit, up from 55% who said they were using role-specific skills tests in 2022. Employers seem most interested in testing for soft skills amorphous qualities like communicativeness and leadership as well as administering general aptitude and personality tests, Wouter Durville, the CEO of TestGorilla, told Business Insider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TestGorilla's Critical Thinking test was completed more than 100,000 times in the first quarter of this year, a 61% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024. The firm also offers a Big 5 personality assessment, which was completed more than 127,000 times in the first quarter a 69% increase compared to last year. Demand among US employers in particular has been "massive," Durville said, adding that many firms have turned to tests as a result of being overwhelmed with job applications. The US is the largest market for the firm, which is based in the Netherlands. "The biggest thing is people just want to hire the best people. It's very selfish and it's fine," Durville said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canditech, another firm that offers hiring assessments, says it's also seen rapid growth in the last year. In 2024, the assessment usage grew 135% compared to the prior year, CEO Guy Barel told BI. He estimates that assessment usage is on track to soar 242% year-over-year. Barel says the surge is partly due to the job market tipping more in favor of employers. In many cases, companies he works with are flooded with "tons of candidates" and looking to "move forward as fast as possible," he said. Criteria, another skills-based assessment provider, says test usage has more than doubled in recent years. "AI is kind of creating this authenticity crisis in talent acquisition, because everyone can and is putting their resume into ChatGPT." Criteria CEO Josh Millet told BI. "It's all about demonstrating your ability or your skill or your personality in an objective way that's a little bit harder to fake." The AI job market Jeff Hyman, a veteran recruiter and the CEO of Recruit Rockstars, estimates that demand for testing among his clients has increased by around 50% over the last 18 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's due to a handful of different reasons, he said but companies being inundated by job applications is near the top, thanks to candidates leaning more on AI to gain an edge and send out resumes en masse, he says. Hyman says a typical job he tries to fill for a client has around 300 to 500 applicants, though he's spoken to companies trying to fill roles with more than 1,000 candidates within several days of being posted online. The number of job applications in the US grew at more than four times the pace of job requisitions in the first half of 2024, according to a report from WorkDay. Companies also want to test candidates' soft skills as remote work grows more common, Hyman adds and they want to be sure they're getting the right person. Depending on the size of the organization, a bad hire can cost a company anywhere from $11,000 to $24,000, a survey conducted by CareerBuilder in 2016 found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to TestGorilla, 69% of employers who issued tests this year said they were interested in assessing soft skills, while 50% said they were interested in assessing a candidate's cognitive ability. A separate survey by Criteria ranked emotional intelligence as the most sought-after skill among employers, followed by analytical thinking. "It's about their personality and to see if they are a good fit to the organization, if they share the same DNA," Durville said, though he noted that, in many cases, companies find the results of the tests to be shaky as a sole evaluation metric. TestGorilla, Canditech, and Criteria told BI that employers say they're enjoying the time and cost savings of administering tests. According to TestGorilla, 82% of employers who said they used skills-based hiring a catch-all term for hiring based on proven skills said they were satisfied with new hires, compared to 73% of US employers on average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canditech, meanwhile, claims its assessments can help employers cut down on hiring time by as much as 50%, and reduce "unnecessary interviews" by as much as 80%, according to its website. But Hyman thinks there are some issues with hiring tests. For one, he says employers turn down candidates who don't score well "all the time," despite them being otherwise qualified for the job. The trend also appears to be turning off job candidates. Hyman estimates around 10%-20% of applicants will outright refuse to take a test if employers introduce it as a first step in the hiring process, though that's a practice Canditech's Barel says is becoming increasingly common. Hyman says he frequently has conversations with employers urging them not to put so much weight on test results, due to the potential for a mis-hire. "That's lazy hiring, to be honest. I think that's not the right way to go about it," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider Companies that rushed to replace human labor with AI are now shelling out to get human workers to fix the technology's screwups. As the BBC reports, there's now something of a cottage industry for writers and coders who specialize in fixing AI's mistakes and those who are good at it are using the opportunity to rake in cash. Sarah Skidd, an American product marketing manager, told the British broadcaster that she's not concerned about being replaced by the technology because, as her recent work experiences have taught her, she's often tasked with cleaning up its many mistakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Skidd was approached by an agency that urgently needed someone to redo copy for a client after having an undisclosed AI chatbot do the work to save a few bucks. The writing was typical of AI, she noted, calling it "very basic" and uninteresting. "It was supposed to sell and intrigue," Skidd told the BBC, "but instead, it was very vanilla." When the marketing maestro got down to business, she realized it was going to require a complete overhaul. Ultimately, she spent 20 hours redoing the copy from scratch and with her $100-per-hour rate, that meant her client was shelling out $2,000 for copy that likely would have ended up being far cheaper had a human just written it in the first place. With more and more companies rushing to replace the workers they fired during the pivot-to-AI craze over the past few years, things are shaking out in unexpected ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Sophie Warner, the co-owner of the UK-based digital marketing agency Create Designs, she's been fielding more and more requests from clients to clean up after AI mistakes. "Before clients would message us if they were having issues with their site or wanted to introduce new functionality," Warner told the BBC. "Now they are going to ChatGPT first." In one recent case, a client ended up going without a website for three days and having to pay Create Designs nearly $500 over a small line of code that ChatGPT had written for them. The original update would, Warner said, have taken about 15 minutes to implement manually. "We often have to charge an investigation fee to find out what has gone wrong, as they don't want to admit it," she told the broadcaster, "and the process of correcting these mistakes takes much longer than if professionals had been consulted from the beginning." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that they're now profiting off the technology's mistakes, neither woman is particularly concerned about or even against AI but they are frustrated that people think it can replace expert work. "While it seems like a quick and inexpensive option, AI rarely takes into account unique brand identity, target demographics, or conversion-focused design," Warner said. "It simply cannot replace the value of human expertise and context in our industry." Skidd, meanwhile, is confident about her job security in the age of AI. "Maybe I'm being naive," the American marketer said, "but I think if you are very good, you won't have trouble." More on AI fails: You'll Spit Take When You Hear How Little Time Workers Are Saving With AI, According to This Huge New Study Walmart shoppers know that the corporate giant has its own house brand called Great Value. And shoppers on a budget know that this brand, found amongst the scores of other name brands that Walmart carries, is often priced lower than the others. In my personal experience, the Great Value brand is just as good as fancier brands. Come to find out, this is because some of these fancier brands actually make Great Value brand products. For example, Sara Lee makes Great Value breads, and Kellogg's (whose major cereal recall took millions of boxes off shelves) produces some Great Value cereals. When it comes to Walmart's ice creams, a company called Wells Dairy has been churning out the Great Value brand for decades. You may not recognize the name, but you'll know many of the ice creams it makes. Located in Le Mars, Iowa, which is also known as the Ice Cream Capital of the World, Wells Dairy (which is now officially called Wells Enterprises) began in 1913 as a horse-drawn wagon milk delivery service. In 1925, it began making ice cream and hasn't stopped. Not only does Wells Dairy make Great Value ice cream, but it also produces the frozen treats for Blue Bunny, Halo Top, Bomb Pop, and Blue Ribbon Classics. The dairy manufacturer is so huge that overall production requires a 900,000 square foot plant and a freezer that is 12 stories tall. And this is just in Le Mars; the company also has a production facility in New York. Overall, Wells Dairy makes over 150 million gallons of ice cream every year. Read more: Brands Of Vanilla Ice Cream Ranked From Worst To Best Wells Enterprises Is An Iowa Destination Wells Enterprises building with three flags in front - Wells Enterprises / Facebook Churning out Great Value brand ice cream is undoubtedly a huge piece of Wells Enterprises' business, but the size and overall impact that the company has made in the frozen treat world is also notable. There is an entire Wells Enterprises visitors center in Le Mars where throngs of tourists visit every year to sample ice cream (the ice cream parlor has 40 flavors to choose from), tour the facilities, and get a glimpse of how all that ice cream is made every day. If you like the Great Value brand Sea Salt Caramel ice cream flavor, which we found to taste just as good as other brand names, try the parlor's Salted Caramel Craze flavor and see how it compares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wells didn't always make Great Value ice cream. In fact, the relationship between the two corporations began with a Walmart store in Kansas selling the Blue Bunny line of ice cream, which Wells was already making at the time. In what would become an enormous business relationship, Wells agreed to make the Great Value brand of ice cream, while Walmart would continue to sell Blue Bunny (not to mention Halo Top, Bomb Pops, and Blue Ribbon) in its stores, even when offered right next to its own house brand. If you like Bomb Pops, we ranked some flavors to find the one that reigns supreme. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. This is part of Reason's 2025 summer travel issue. Click here to read the rest of the issue. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, traditionally identified as the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, is shared by half a dozen denominations under a baroque "status quo" agreement signed in 1757. The agreement, which could be viewed as an attempt to reduce conflict by establishing something like property rights, aimed to prevent interdenominational violence, which nevertheless occasionally breaks out between clerics with contradictory views of the prerogatives assigned to each group. Near the church's entrance is a conspicuous symbol of that uneasy arrangement: a three-century-old wooden ladder that connects a ledge to an upper-level window. Although that section of the building is assigned to the Armenian Apostolic Church, no one is allowed to mess with the "immovable ladder," lest all hell break loose. Photo, left: Church of the Holy Sepulchre; Robert Hoetink/Alamy. Photo, right: Tomb of Absalom; Zoonar GmbH/Alamy Old as they are, the clashes that inspired the status quo pact are recent by local standards. The original church, completed in 335 C.E. under Constantine the Great, replaced a pagan temple that Hadrian had built over a Jewish burial ground. The church was destroyed in 1009 at the order of Fatimid ruler al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah and rebuilt by Byzantine emperors in the mid-11th century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of that amounts to a small but representative slice of Jerusalem's 5,000-year history, which features a long succession of powers contending for control of the same territory, including Canaanites, Egyptians, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, various Arab caliphates, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans, and a fading British Empire. The City of Peace has been a locus of conflict for a very long timea story that continues to this day. The status of Jerusalem, which was divided between Israel and Jordan until the Six-Day War of 1967, has always been the trickiest issue for negotiators who imagine a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While both sides claim history is on their side, a longer view reveals a series of conquests and legal regimes that makes the question of just or rightful ownership difficult to resolve in any definitive way. For visitors to Jerusalem, the upside of that complicated history is that it left behind traces of all those civilizations, piled one atop another. You can get a sense of that history at the Israel Museum (in West Jerusalem, near the Knesset) or the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum (in East Jerusalem, near Herod's Gate), both of which are well worth a visit. But there is no substitute for walking around the city, which is endlessly fascinating. The first settlement in the area dates to 3000 BCE. It was located near the Gihon Spring in the Kidron Valley, which is connected to the Pool of Siloam in the City of David by a 1,750-foot tunnel. The Hebrew Bible describes the tunnel as the work of Hezekiah, the Judean king whose reign ended around 687 BCE. You can still walk or wade (depending on the weather) through that tunnel, although you may have to crouch a bit to avoid bumping your head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nomenclature in and around the Old City can be confusing. The Tomb of Absalom, for instance, has nothing to do with Absalom, and the Tower of David has nothing to do with King David, except that he reportedly was a musician and the site that bears his name is a memorable setting for outdoor concerts. The Jerusalem Light Festival, held in June each year, is another striking contrast of old and new, featuring illuminated displays and projections against ancient walls and buildings. Dome of the Rock; Yi Liao/Alamy The Western Wall, the main Old City attraction for observant Jews, is a bit of a puzzle. Although it was the first section of the retaining wall around the Temple Mount that became accessible to Jewish worshippers after the 1967 war, it is not obviously holier than any of the subsequently exposed bits. To the left are tunnels along the retaining wall, where a guided tour sheds light on the question of how low-tech builders managed to cut, transport, and place massive blocks of Jerusalem stone weighing anywhere from two to 600 tons. To the right is the Ophel Archeological Park, where you can walk on a paved street from the Second Temple period and see the remnant of an overpass above the street, along with ritual baths from the same period and Byzantine homes with mosaic floors. There is a lot more to see in the Old City, including the Arab Souk and the Temple Mount itself, which is now the site of the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, distinctive features of the Jerusalem skyline. You can get a pretty good overview by walking on the northern and southern ramparts of the Old City. The northern walk runs from the Jaffa Gate to the Lions' Gate, while the southern walk begins at the Tower of David and ends between the Zion Gate and the Dung Gatethe counterintuitive name for the entrance closest to the Western Wall. When I lived in Jerusalem several years ago, I enjoyed the free walking tours that used to leave from City Hall on Saturdays, which frequently ventured beyond the usual points of interest. The subjects included leper asylums, Mamluk architecture, 19th century accommodations for Russian Orthodox pilgrims, and the Templer origins of the German Colony neighborhood. There is always more to learn about the city, often in places you thought were familiar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another relatively obscure attraction will be of special interest to libertarians. Although the Ministry of Finance's Tax Museum on Agripas Street tries to put a positive spin on the government's forcible extraction of revenue, the exhibits reflect centuries of resistance to such demands. In addition to all the historical and religious sites, Jerusalem is a modern city of about 1 million people, more than twice the population of Tel AvivYafo. There is no beach, but the weather is less humid and more pleasant than in cities along the Mediterranean, with cool breezes to relieve the summer heat. And while Tel Aviv fans may not be impressed by Jerusalem's nightlife, it has come a long way in the last few decades. The Machane Yehuda market area, which features a plethora of shops selling everything from baked goods and fresh produce to luggage and hardware, used to shut down at night. But now it comes alive with music and crowds drawn by a range of bars and restaurants. Other lively spots include the Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall, the Mamilla mall (northwest of the Jaffa Gate, near the intersection of King David, King Solomon, and Agron streets), and Tachana Rishona, an outdoor mall on the site of an old train station at the end of Emek Refaim Street. Like Jerusalem's nightlife, Israeli beer, wine, and liquor have undergone a renaissance. Budweiser-like lagers have been joined by a wide range of styles made by craft brewers across the country, vintners in several distinct regions produce highly rated wines, and microdistillers make better-than-passable gins and whiskies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For whiskey in Jerusalem, my favorite spot is the cozy Glen Whisk(e)y Bar, which has an impressive selection. The owner of that place also operates the Rabbit Hole, a whimsically decorated gin bar on Yanai Street, and Biratenu, a beer bar on Hillel Street. The better cocktail bars include Zuta, tucked in the back of a restaurant on King David Street called 1868, and the Gatsby Cocktail Room, a speakeasy-style joint on Hillel Street. The latter is easy to miss if you don't know it's therewhich is true of many things that are worth exploring in Jerusalem. All of that sounds cool, you may be thinking, but is it worth the risk of dying in a terrorist attack? Like the danger of mass shootings in the United States, that risk has always been much lower than you might surmise from news reports, and that remained true even after Israel's latest war with Hamas began in October 2023. The Israel Security Agency has reported four civilian deaths from terrorism in Jerusalem since then, all of which occurred during the same incident on November 30, 2023. Israeli defense systems have been remarkably effective at neutralizing rocket and missile attacks, with no deaths reported in Jerusalem. And overall, crime rates in Israel are much lower than crime rates in the United States. Jerusalem looks quite safe compared to Dallas, where I live, for example. In fact, given the ongoing territorial disputes, life in Jerusalem is remarkably peaceful. For the most part, people of different faiths, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds manage to coexist, their tensions lubricated by commerce, the need to accomplish quotidian tasks, and a mutual interest in avoiding open conflict. That situation is far from ideal. But as the clerics at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre could tell you, it is preferable to the alternative. The post Conflicts and Contrasts Make Jerusalem Endlessly Fascinating appeared first on Reason.com. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan on Sunday extended birthday greetings to the Tibetan Spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Addressing the event celebrating the Dalai Lama's birthday here, the Union Minister said that a multi-disciplinary centre (Dalai Lama Centre) based on the Nalanda tradition is being built in Bihar's Bodh Gaya to promote the fusion of Tibetan and Indian ancient wisdom. The Dalai Lama Centre will provide an opportunity for people from all over the world to study his philosophy and vision, the Minister added. Union Minister Ranjan said, "A multi-disciplinary centre based on the Nalanda tradition is being built in Bodh Gaya in my state of Bihar to promote the fusion of Tibetan and Indian ancient wisdom. It will provide an opportunity for people from all over the world to study your philosophy and vision and be inspired by your lifelong contributions." "I wish you a long and happy life. May your message resonate in the world and bring peace to countries and peoples suffering from conflict and discontent," the Union Minister added. The 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama are being held at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, with Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh and other dignitaries. The dignitaries seated on the dais, along with the Tibetan spiritual leader, also included Hollywood actor Richard Gere. Monks, devotees, and international guests gathered for the celebration to honour the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama, who is widely regarded as a global symbol of compassion, non-violence and interfaith harmony. Meanwhile, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati this morning to mark the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. The occasion was marked by solemn rituals, long-life prayers, and symbolic offerings led by a young boy monk, Nawang Tashi Rapten, recognised as the reincarnation of the Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. The boy monk also cut a ceremonial cake as part of the celebrations, offering prayers for the spiritual leader's long life. The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso. The term "Dalai Lama" is Mongolian, meaning "Ocean of Wisdom". In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion. For over six decades, the Dalai Lama has been a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, continuing to inspire millions worldwide. Celebrations were held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, with many also expressing hope that the Dalai Lama's lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the future. (ANI) DES MOINES, Iowa Iowas Third Congressional district Representative Zach Nunn (R) discusses the Big, Beautiful bill, now law, and his vote for it. Congressman Nunn talks with WHO 13s Zach Fisher about his support for the bill and addresses concerns about Medicaid cuts. Nunn also talks about his plans for the re-election in the upcoming 2026 midterms. DSM Fire Chief to petition changes to Fire Station 8 in citys southside Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interview comes as Rep. Nunn flew back with Iowas other three U.S. Representatives in Air Force One with President Trump ahead of his speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. View the whole interview linked above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. California is a state of contradictions. We lead the nation in environmental regulation, tout our clean energy goals with pride and champion a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. Yet despite this green image, our economy and daily life still very much run on oil and gas. Fossil fuels account for roughly 8% of Californias $3 trillion economy but thats the first 8%. If you dont get that first 8%, I tell my students, You dont get the rest of our economy. Oil powers everything from trucks to tractors to construction equipment. Without it, you cant build roads or bridges or get goods to grocery stores. Without refined petroleum products, you dont make cement, steel, plastics or even the lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. Despite these realities, California energy policy is leading to the dismantling of the critical infrastructure that supports this essential system. Our state has lost more than 30 refineries in the last few decades. We are now down to just nine major gasoline-producing facilities, and two more are scheduled to close in the coming months, Phillips 66 in Los Angeles and Valero in the Bay Area. Those two plants represent 284,000 barrels of daily production and account for nearly 18% of the states total refining capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California sits atop one of the largest untapped reserves in the world, the Monterey Shale. But because of policy and regulation, we import most of our oil including from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Guyana and Ecuador. California has also imported oil from Russia and Venezuela. Ironically, we have among the worlds cleanest refining standards, but we import fuel from places with lower environmental and labor protections. All of this is enabled by a supply chain thats more vulnerable than most realize. We have no major pipelines bringing oil to California. We rely on ships many from Asia that take 30 to 40 days to deliver fuel. These foreign tankers pollute at staggering rates. Stunningly, because that pollution happens over international waters, it doesnt get counted by the California Air Resources Board. Closing a refinery in California and importing more fuel causes a net increase in pollution. And adding to our reliance on foreign oil is risky when global instability is rising. This isnt just a self-inflicted energy crisis in the making. Its also a national security issue. Military bases in California, Nevada and Arizona depend heavily on in-state refineries for specialized aviation fuel and other petroleum products essential to operations. As refineries shut down, the supply chain narrows, increasing reliance on imports from Asia and elsewhere. These gaps create unacceptable logistical and strategic risks for U.S. military readiness in the western states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And remember, there are estimated to be hundreds of millions of barrels of accessible oil under our feet. Yet weve built an energy model that depends on importing foreign oil and, now, a growing dependency on foreign-supplied gasoline. This isnt just unsustainable. Its also borderline irresponsible. Californias energy transition is inevitable but how we get there matters. We cant pretend fossil fuels are already gone. We still need them for the economy, for mobility, for national security and for the working people who cant afford a $60,000 electric vehicle or a solar roof. We have the tools, talent and resources to lead a responsible energy transition, one that leverages our in-state production, balances environmental stewardship with economic pragmatism and protects our most vulnerable communities along the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But we have to be honest about where we are. And right now, fossil fuels still power the Golden State. Especially because of coming refinery rules and a new tax taking effect in July , Californians are set to pay the highest gas prices in the nation. Our prices are inflated by a web of taxes, fees and boutique regulations that has grown thicker and more expensive over time. Even if oil dropped to $0 per barrel and refining were free, Californians would still be paying about $1.82 a gallon at the pump $1.64 of that from state taxes and fees, plus 18 cents in federal gas tax. According to CalTrans, Californians drive about 1,200 miles a month. If youre a working-class Californian and gas goes up 50 cents per gallon, that adds about $500 in annual fuel costs. And because you pay for that with after-tax dollars, youd need to earn at least an extra $750 just to cover it. That matters to a construction worker commuting 60 miles a day in a pickup truck. It matters to a single mom cleaning homes across the city or a physical therapist driving to house calls. Most of these people cant easily trade in their vehicles for Teslas and dodge gasoline hikes. Consumer analysis as noted in CalMatters indicates that the majority of EVs are bought by higher-income Californians living in areas such as Atherton, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale and Mountain View. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people hit hardest by rising gasoline prices are the ones least able to afford alternatives. For most Californians, there is no viable mass transit available. People are just stuck spending more and more of their income on the gas-powered vehicles their lives depend on. Our states policies punish people for not being able to adapt quickly enough to a green future thats not yet built. Its a regressive tax masquerading as environmental action. Until California realistically bridges the gap between aspirational climate goals and equitable policy execution, the states lofty environmental vision will continue to rest uneasily on the shoulders of its most vulnerable. The new state excise tax adding about 2 cents a gallon went into effect July 1, and CARB is pushing for a new low-carbon fuel standard that could add and potentially major costs to the prices of gasoline and diesel fuel. No one knows exactly how much not even the board proposing the rules. At a recent Assembly oversight hearing, CARB officials were asked if they analyzed their regulations for consumer impacts. Their answer: We dont calculate that. The room went silent. It was a stunning admission regulators pushing policy without running the math. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No wonder were seeing an exodus of working families. By layering new and unclear costs on top of an already overstretched system, CARB and other regulators are creating what could become a self-inflicted economic shock. And for what? Not environmental progress. California will be forced to source more and more fuel from overseas at greater environmental and economic cost. By relying on polluting sources and carbon-intensive shipping, weve simply outsourced our emissions to other countries. California is not reducing emissions. We are exporting them. If this sounds reckless, it is. But more than that, its unjust. These policies are not burdening the wealthy. Theyre crushing the working class. Theyre forcing families to choose between gas and groceries, between job access and housing stability. Theyre also outsourcing jobs overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And theyre being implemented by unelected bureaucrats who, by their own admission in testimony before California lawmakers, havent calculated the real-world impact. The people of California deserve better than this. They deserve honesty, transparency and policy grounded in economic realism, not ideological fantasy and environmental dogma. If recent and coming changes become a tipping point, it wont be because of some unpredictable global event. It will be because we chose not to look before we leaped. The path forward demands a pause, a recalibration and a return to common sense. Otherwise, this summer could mark not just another price hike but the day we began losing control of our energy future. Michael A. Mische is an associate professor at USCs Marshall School of Business. A former KPMG principal, he is the author of eight books on business and strategy. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. An ex-con who went to prison for shooting a teenager to death during a birthday party went on to go into business as a gun trafficker in Queens after his release on parole, federal prosecutors say. James Strong used his new lease on life to allegedly sell pistols and rifles to two buyers he thought would be shipping the weapons in barrels to Trinidad. But the buyers were actually undercover cops and he now faces federal firearm trafficking charges, authorities announced last week. Strong, 35, was released on parole in October 2023 after serving nearly 16 years for killing 17-year-old Ricky Anthony Williams in 2007. Strong was also 17 when he shot Williams to death and was arrested a month later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teens were members of two dueling groups of young people that frequently duked it out when they met at parties, police said at the time of the teens killing. On July 22, 2007, the groups clashed at a backyard birthday party in North Valley Stream, L.I. but this time Strong used bullets instead of fists, police told the Long Island Herald. Both Strong and Williams lived in Queens at the time. Strong was convicted of manslaughter and weapon possession for shooting Williams eight times at the party. The killer didnt stay out of trouble for long after finally making it out of prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a year after his release, a domestic violence call led cops in Long Beach, L.I., where Strong now lives, to find a gun in his trunk last Sept. 16, according to a federal court filing. And between January and March of this year, he allegedly sold 21 firearms to two undercover officers in Queens Village, meeting them on five separate occasions, walking from his vehicle to the [officers] vehicle with bags loaded with guns and ammunition, according to federal prosecutors. Strong, who was indicted June 25, was arraigned in Brooklyn Federal Court on Wednesday and ordered held without bail. Strongs lawyer didnt return a phone call seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ex-con was one of six people charged in two separate indictments out of Brooklyn Federal Court, federal prosecutors announced last week. Federal prosecutors indicted five other accused gun dealers: Karsem Allen, 49, Carolyn Hicks-Torres, 53, Henry McCummings, 43, Rohnique Posey, 47, and Dominic Smith, 31. Theyre accused of selling 29 semiautomatic handguns, stolen firearms, firearms with obliterated serial numbers, machine guns and ghost guns, mainly in Queens apartment complexes. Strong and his co-defendants allegedly funneled untraceable ghost guns and other deadly firearms into a vibrant Queens community, putting countless livesincluding childrenat risk, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Strong is a convicted killer who was out on parole when he carried out these sales, often in broad daylight and just steps from a school. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) An eastern Ohio man who pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting minors and possessing child pornography will serve the maximum sentence within a plea agreement recommendation. According to federal prosecutors, a judge served up a 60-year sentence for 65-year-old Dennis Stopar, who pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting minors and possessing child pornography. Court documents state that in 2022 and 2023, Stopar, of Flushing in Belmont County, sexually assaulted at least nine children, both male and female, and created hundreds of videos and images of the abuse. Authorities note that most of the victims were in foster care of a family member of Stopars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio woman hopes BOOM! will help her win national music competition The attorneys office said that in December 2023, authorities were investigating a CyberTip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding child pornography being uploaded to a Dropbox account at an address in Belmont County. The investigation led law enforcement to Stopar, a prior convicted sex offender who, upon investigation, was in possession of child pornography at a location that matched the reported IP address. A federal search warrant uncovered the filming of at least seven sexual assault victims he had access to, 160 images and 12 videos. Stopar was charged in April 2024 before pleading guilty in December of that year. Attorneys agreed to a minimum 30-year sentence with a maximum prison term of 60 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stopars prior sex offense is a 1995 rape conviction out of Summit County for sexually abusing a girl between the ages of 6 and 16 years old. He was sentenced to a minimum of 14 years in prison and up to 40 years for rape and endangering children. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A cold front is moving through Milwaukee, brining lower temperatures and chances of rain following the hot and sunny Fourth of July weekend. July 6, Sunday, is projected to reach the high 70s with potential thunderstorms. "Tonight, we're going to actually have a night that's typical of summer; it's going to be low 60s by the lake, and upper 50s well inland," said Mark Gehring, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, on Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gehring said a low pressure area in southeast Wisconsin, followed by wind from the north, will bring cooler air and lower dew points and humidity into the Milwaukee area. The NWS separately issued a hazardous beach condition warning for Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine counties on July 6, advising against swimming due to projections of dangerously high waves. For Monday, July 7, the NWS forecasts the cooler pattern of air will continue with highs in the upper 70s. "That's a nice, refreshing change," Gehring said. Tuesday's temperatures will climb a bit: they are projected to reach the lower 80s, with a chance of thunderstorms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It'll be warm and humid, but not like it has been," he said. Cleo Krejci covers K-12 education and workforce development as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. For more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Weather service projects cooler weather to move through Milwaukee following July 4 Prices vary significantly between countries in Europe. Significant differences exist even between neighbouring countries such as Austria and Hungary or Germany and Poland. But how can we best compare prices across Europe? And what are the most expensive and cheapest countries across the continent? Price level indices are a good way to help us understand how expensive or cheap goods and services are in each country. They compare national price levels to the EU average and are calculated using Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Eurostat, PPPs act like an artificial common currency, as they show how much people can buy with the same amount of money across countries. The results are based on price surveys covering more than 2,000 consumer goods and services, conducted across 36 European countries. How are prices compared across countries? There are several price level indices that compare the cost of different goods and services such as food, drink, clothing, hotels, and more. In addition to these individual or group indices, there are two main indicators that show the overall price level of consumer goods and services: One is actual individual consumption (AIC), which measures all goods and services actually consumed by households. It includes consumer goods and services purchased directly by households, as well as services provided by non-profit institutions. The indicator also includes services provided by the government for individual consumption such as health and education services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another indicator is household final consumption expenditure (HFCE), which studies total spending on individual goods and services by resident households. In other words, AIC looks at what households use including services they don't directly pay for and HFCE shows what they spend money on. Eurostat notes that AIC is often used in international comparisons, as it captures more than the narrower concept of household consumption. Euronews has therefore used AIC figures for comparisons, although consumption data is also included in the chart. Switzerland is 3.9 times as expensive as Turkey As of 2024, out of 36 countries, Switzerland is the most expensive, with prices at 184% of the EU average 84% higher than the average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey is the cheapest, with prices at 47% of the EU average, meaning they are 53% lower than the EU average. This makes Switzerland 3.9 times as expensive as Turkey, revealing the sharp contrast in price levels across Europe. A price level above 100 means a country is more expensive than the EU average; below 100 means its cheaper. Cheapest and most expensive countries: Bulgaria vs Luxembourg In the EU, Luxembourg is the most expensive country, with prices 51% higher than the EU average. Bulgaria and Romania are the cheapest members, at 57% of the EU average. This means Luxembourg is about 2.7 times as expensive as Bulgaria and Romania, showing a significant but smaller gap compared to the difference between Switzerland and Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ten EU countries have prices above the EU average. Denmark (143%) and Ireland (141%) follow Luxembourg as the most expensive. Among the EUs four largest economies, Germany (109%) and France (108%) are slightly above average, while Italy (98%) and Spain (91%) are below. Geographic patterns in price levels Western and Northern European countries tend to have high price levels. Switzerland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, Norway, and Finland all show significantly above-average prices. These are generally high-income countries with strong currencies and higher living costs. All five Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland also consistently rank near the top. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, Central and Eastern European countries generally have lower price levels. Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and the Baltic States Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are all below the EU average. These regions typically record lower labour costs. Price levels are also lower in the EU candidate countries. They included Turkey, North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Why are the EFTA countries so expensive? Two European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries Switzerland and Iceland rank first and second in 2024, with Norway in sixth place. In a 2018 analysis based on 2017 figures, Lars Svennebye of the EFTA Statistical Office explained that high workforce productivity and corresponding high salaries were key factors behind the high price levels in EFTA countries. Factors contributing to price disparities Filippo Pallotti, PhD Candidate in Economics at University College London, told Euronews Business that across Europe, the most expensive countries to live in tend to be the most productive. Productivity gains in tradable sectors (like manufacturing and tech) drive up wages economy-wide - even in non-tradable sectors such as hairdressing, hospitality, and real estate, where productivity growth is slower, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comparing the highest and lowest ends of the EU, Pallotti pointed out that hourly labour costs mirror price levels around 55 in Luxembourg, 50 in Denmark, and just 11 in Bulgaria. But when comparing coffee at 4 in Copenhagen versus 1 in Sofia, its the interplay of strong tradable-sector productivity and the resulting elevated wages across all sectors that chiefly explains the gap." he added. Pallotti also noted that beyond wages, productivity itself stems from several key factors: capital intensity, technology adoption, human capital, institutional quality, infrastructure, and foreign investment - including skilled management and talent inflows. Other contributing factors - VAT and indirect taxes, cost of regulation, urban density, transport infrastructure, and even currency valuations - play roles in shaping prices. Earnings not included in price comparisons Individual or household incomes are not included in price level comparisons. These figures are pure price comparisons of goods and services. They do not take the level of wages, salaries or other measures of personal income into account, Lars Svennebye told Euronews Business. This means that someone living in a country with a high price level may still be able to buy more goods and services than someone in a country with a lower price level, depending on income. Price levels vary significantly across different categories. For example, the price level for alcohol and tobacco in the EU was nearly three times higher in Ireland (205%), the most expensive country, than in Bulgaria (69%), the cheapest. WAKEMAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) A man suffered life-threatening injuries during a crash Saturday night in Huron County. Family continues search for missing Canton man now considered murder victim According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, troopers with the Norwalk Post responded to the intersection of State Route 303 and State Route 60 just before 7:30 p.m. According to OSHP, Betty Jarvis, 75, of Elyria, was going east on SR 303 and failed to stop at the posted stop sign. As she entered the intersection, her car collided with a southbound vehicle driven by Vincent Davis, 37, of Wakeman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collision sent Jarvis vehicle off the road and into a tree. Davis vehicle went off the road and into a bush and a chicken coop. 1 killed, 5 hurt in overnight shooting in Buckeye Plaza: I-Team Jarvis and her passenger suffered minor injuries and were taken by EMS to a hospital. Davis suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Fisher Titus Hospital before he was flown to Cleveland Metro Hospital. No charges have been filed, according to OSHP, and the crash remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. July 6 (UPI) -- The 14th Dalai Lama, the head of Tibetan Buddhism, marked his 90th birthday Sunday with a celebration attended by thousands in the city of Dharamshala in India. The event included politically charged remarks subtly referencing China from U.S. and foreign officials. The website for the Dalai Lama said in a statement that the celebration was organized by the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan government-in-exile, formed after the Dalai Lama fled the 1959 failed uprising against Chinese rule. The Dalai Lama did not lead the uprising, but rumors of Chinese plans to kidnap him fueled the resistance, and he was forced to flee to India for his safety -- where he established the CTA. Tibet remains tightly controlled by Beijing despite its classification as an "autonomous region," as does the majority of the population following Tibetan Buddhism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since his exile in 1959, the Dalai Lama's relationship with China has been marked by decades of tension as Beijing condemned him as a separatist while he advocates for Tibetan autonomy through nonviolence and dialogue. Last week, the aging Dalai Lama signaled that China should refrain from interfering in the process for his succession, while China has increasingly begun to warn off what it views as interference by India and reinforce its position that the succession of the spiritual leader should be held in accordance with Chinese law. Bethany Nelson, Deputy Secretary of State for India and Bhutan, read a statement on behalf of Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the birthday festivities. "The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and the fundamental freedoms of the Tibetan people," Nelson said. "We respect efforts to preserve their distinct linguistic, cultural and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate their religious leaders without interference." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama also delivered video messages that were shown during the celebrations, praising the Nobel Laureate as a voice for peace. The CTA particularly noted that Lai Ching-te, the president of Taiwan, which China views as a wayward province, had extended birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama. The birthday celebration also comes days after the administration of President Donald Trump decided to walk back cuts to aid for Tibetans in exile. Penpa Tsering, the Sikyong or, political leader, of the CTA, addressed the cancellation of those cuts in a statement from the celebrations. He mentioned that a "substantial delegation" from the U.S. State Department and staff from the U.S. Embassy in Delhi worked diligently with the CTA to restore some of the funds. DHARAMSHALA, India The Dalai Lama turned 90 on Sunday surrounded by thousands of followers, who thronged the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, where the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has been living in exile since fleeing Chinese rule in Tibet in 1959. Sitting before a packed audience that included hundreds of red-robed monks and nuns who braved incessant rain to see him, he said: When I look back on my life, I see that I have not wasted it at all. I live my life in the service of other sentient beings, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dressed in a traditional robe and a flowing yellow wrap, the Dalai Lama was escorted to the temple courtyard by a group of monks, as Tibetan artists beat drums and played bagpipes while senior lamas struck cymbals in his honor. The head of the democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile, Penpa Tsering, raised the Tibetan flag as the musicians played the Tibetan anthem. Recognized worldwide in his red robes and wide smile, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. But millions of Tibetan Buddhists worship him as living manifestations of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion. The birthday party capped a week of celebrations, during which the Nobel Peace Prize winner said he plans to reincarnate after his death, ending years of speculation that he might be the last person to hold the role. He also said that the next Dalai Lama should be and recognized as per past Buddhist traditions. On Saturday, the Dalai Lama said he hoped to live until the age of 130. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, the Dalai Lama has said his successor will be born in the free world outside China. Many exiled Tibetans, however, fear China will name its own successor to the Dalai Lama to bolster control over Tibet, a territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since. China, which views the Dalai Lama as a separatist, has repeatedly said that it alone has the authority to approve the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. It also says it will reject anyone chosen without Beijings consent. Dignitaries including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sent their wishes to the Tibetan leader. Modi said the Dalai Lama has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline, while Rubio said the Buddhist spiritual leader continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace and compassion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The celebration was also attended by hundreds of followers from around the world including Hollywood movie star Richard Gere. He is the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet, said Gere, as the crowd broke into a rapturous applause. In a birthday message on his website on Saturday, the Dalai Lama reiterated that he was just a simple Buddhist monk and that he will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values religious harmony. Celebrations were also held in Kathmandu, Nepal, where hundreds of Tibetan refugees, monks and foreign diplomats marked the day with Buddhist prayers, chanting and dances. By Krishna N. Das and Shivam Patel DHARAMSHALA, India (Reuters) -The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, turned 90 on Sunday after a week of celebrations by followers during which he riled China again and spoke about his hope to live beyond 130 and reincarnate after dying. The Nobel laureate is regarded as one of the world's most influential religious leaders, with a following that extends well beyond Buddhism, but not by Beijing, which calls him a separatist and has sought to bring the faith under its control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fleeing his native Tibet in 1959 in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule, the 14th Dalai Lama, along with hundreds of thousands of Tibetans, took shelter in India and has since advocated for a peaceful "Middle Way" to seek autonomy and religious freedom for the Tibetan people. Dressed in his traditional yellow and burgundy robe, the Dalai Lama arrived at a temple to smiles and claps from thousands of monks and followers who had gathered on a rainy morning in the small Indian hill town of Dharamshala, where he lives. He waved and greeted them as he walked slowly to the stage with support from monks. "As far as I am concerned, I have a human life and as humans it is quite natural for us to love and help one another," the Dalai Lama said, speaking after a Tibetan cultural performance that included songs for his long life. "I live my life in the service of other sentient beings," he said, flanked on the stage with long-time supporters including western diplomats, Indian federal ministers, Hollywood star Richard Gere and a monk who is expected to lead the search for his successor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a sign of solidarity, Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te, leaders of Indian states bordering Tibet, and three former U.S. presidents sent greetings to the Dalai Lama, including Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, whose video messages were played during the event. In the preceding week of celebrations, the Dalai Lama had said he would reincarnate as the leader of the faith upon his death and that his non-profit institution, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, had the sole authority to recognise his successor. China has said that the succession will have to be approved by its leaders, and the United States has called on Beijing to cease what it describes as interference in the succession of the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan Buddhist Lamas. After about two hours, the Dalai Lama left the venue abruptly after eating a piece of his birthday cake. A source earlier said he had not been feeling too well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SHOW OF SOLIDARITY Guests gathered at the ceremony took turns to speak, including Indian Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, who had earlier made a rare statement contradicting China by backing the Dalai Lama's position on his successor. He later clarified that the statement was made in his personal capacity as China warned New Delhi against interfering in its domestic affairs at the expense of bilateral relations. On Sunday, Rijiju said the Dalai Lama was India's "most honoured guest ... We feel blessed for his presence here in our country". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he has always held the view that there was a need to contribute significantly towards the cause of the Tibetan people, and added that, as a devotee, "We will follow the directions and the guidelines to be issued from the institution of the Dalai Lama." Cultural performances were held throughout the morning, including from Bollywood playback singers, while messages from global leaders were read out. "I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also sent a message that said the Dalai Lama continued to inspire people by embodying a message of "unity, peace, and compassion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans. We support efforts to preserve Tibetans' distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference," he said, according to a State Department readout. (Reporting by Krishna N. Das in Dharamshala and Shivam Patel in New Delhi. Editing by Mark Potter, Christian Schmollinger and Saad Sayeed) Pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra have expressed appreciation for the security forces and the overall arrangements along the Pahalgam route, saying that they feel safe and supported in their spiritual journey to the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji. Siddharth Agrawal, a first-time pilgrim, acknowledged the crucial role of the security personnel. He said, "I am here for the first time. We thought the number of devotees would be less because of the recent incident. But that is not the case. The armed forces are working hard for us. We may not have had the courage to come here had it not been for the security forces. We are roaming around freely because they are standing here with guns. I salute the CRPF and the J&K Police." Nilesh Upadhyay, another pilgrim undertaking the yatra for the 13th time, also echoed similar sentiments. "The arrangements are very good. There is peace here," he said. Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated on Saturday that around 26,000-27,000 pilgrims have visited the Amarnath Yatra since the annual pilgrimage commenced on July 2, dispelling the misconception that the enthusiasm of pilgrims would decrease following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The Union Minister attributed the turnout of the pilgrims as a testament to the success of the government and said that people have confidence that, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there would be no shortcomings in the security arrangements. "So far, 26,000-27,000 pilgrims have visited the Amarnath Yatra. The misconception that the enthusiasm of pilgrims would decrease after the Pahalgam terrorist attack has been dispelled. People have such confidence that with Prime Minister Modi in charge, they know there will be no shortcomings in their security arrangements," said Jitendra Singh. "People from every section of society, both from within the country and abroad, are coming for the Amarnath Yatra. This is a testament to the success of the government," he added. Security arrangements have been strengthened across Jammu and Kashmir, including Udhampur, as the annual pilgrimage progresses through the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The annual pilgrimage, which began 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. Earlier, authorities set up 17 medical camps at langar sites, established mini hospitals, and deployed ambulances across the Ramban district as the 38-day Amarnath pilgrimage commences today, weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead following religious profiling. (ANI) DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Officials are investigating after an adult was injured by a firework exploding at the Great Darke County Fair Sunday morning. According to the Darke County Regional Dispatch, one adult was injured in the explosion at approximately 11:45 a.m. Careflight was called for them. The president of the Darke County Fair board told 2 NEWS on the scene that two people were testing equipment for the show when the injury happened. Photo via The Great Darke County Fair. Officials said no one is in custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies are still on scene and investigating. Further details on the explosion and the status of the injured are unknown. At 12:50 p.m., the Fourth of July fireworks scheduled for this evening were canceled. People are encouraged to enjoy the food trucks at the event at 4 p.m. 2 NEWS will update this artlce when more information is available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. A new documentary raises questions about the 2015 murder of an Irish-born man in his North Carolina home. Jason Corbetts American wife, Molly Martens, and her father, former FBI agent Thomas Martens, confessed to beating Corbett to death on Aug. 2, 2015, but they have maintained that they were acting in self-defense after Corbett apparently tried to choke his wife. "There were times when I thought, Im gonna die,'" Molly Martens says in the documentary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Martens were convicted in Corbetts death in 2017, but their convictions were overturned on appeal. In 2023, Thomas Martens pleaded guilty to beating Corbett to death with a bat and Molly Martens pleaded no contest, prompting their respective releases from prison in 2024. Model, Ex-fbi Agent Who Claimed Self-defense Plead In Her Irish Businessman Husband's Killing Jason Corbett was beaten to death by his wife, Molly Martens, and her ex-FBI agent father, Thomas Martens, on Aug. 2, 2015, in what they maintain was self-defense. A Netflix documentary titled "A Deadly American Marriage," which premiered on May 9, follows the case and its many lingering questions, featuring interviews with both sides of the family, including Molly and Thomas Martens, as well as Corbetts two children, Jack and Sarah. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filmmakers also spoke with Corbetts sister, who lives in Ireland and was eventually granted custody of her brothers two children with his first wife because she was listed as their legal guardian if anything ever happened to him. Model, 33, And Her Ex-fbi Agent Father Get 20 Years In Prison For Killing Husband Sarah told Fox News Digital she does not think her father got justice. "I definitely don't think justice has been served. I don't think it could ever be served, but definitely not what the Martens were given," she said. Now the author of a memoir titled, "A Time for Truth," Sarah says she felt the documentary accurately portrayed both her family and the Martens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow The Fox True Crime Team On X This photo shows Molly Martens Corbett, second left, arriving with family at the Davidson County Courthouse, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. While the film leaves viewers with lingering questions, Sarah remains firm in her belief about what happened to her father. "Everyone knows that I believe that Molly and Tom murdered my dad. That's my belief," she said. "But that's not what they were convicted of. There's a lot of evidence [in A Time for Truth] that points to that that doesn't get shown anywhere else. So, I think the book has a lot more detail in it." Ex-fbi Agent, Daughter Charged With Murdering Woman's Husband She added that her book is "not just sad" and has happy anecdotes about her father, as well. A former prosecutor who knew of Thomas Martens said he was a talented agent who supervised a team of employees in Greensboro. Fox News Digital reached out to Molly and Thomas Martens respective attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Molly Martens alleged that her husband was choking her when her father walked into the room and the deadly confrontation began, per local outlet WXII. A medical examiner determined that Corbett had injuries to his arms, legs and torso, as well as a fractured skull. The medical examiner said the man died of blunt force trauma and sustained at least 10 hits to the head. Sign Up To Get The True Crime Newsletter Molly Corbett and her father were found guilty of second-degree murder, but that sentence was overturned by the North Carolina Superior Court. Corbett and Molly Martens met in 2008 following the death of Corbetts late wife, who suffered an asthma attack. Corbett then advertised for an au pair to help him care for his two children with his late wife and gave Molly the job. They were engaged in 2010 and married in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho Murders Timeline: Bryan Kohberger Plea Caps Yearslong Quest For Justice A former North Carolina FBI agent and prosecutor who knew of Thomas Martens said he was a talented agent who supervised a team of employees in Greensboro. "He had a good reputation a very good reputation," Chris Swecker, now an attorney, told Fox News Digital. "He was in the Greensboro office of the FBI for a good while. I believe he was the supervisory resident agent up in Greensboro, which meant he was in charge of maybe 15 or 20 agents in a pretty active office in the Bureau." Jason Corbett's daughter does not think her father got justice. Swecker added that Thomas Martens would have had plenty of experience conducting interrogations, and that would have helped him as police interrogated him in Corbetts killing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Without a doubt," Swecker said when asked if Thomas Martens professional experience would help him in an interrogation. "He knows where the interrogator is going when he asks a question and the piece of evidence or point he's trying to extract from him. It's a chess game, if you're trying to protect yourself and your daughter, for example." GET REAL-TIME UPDATES AT THE FOX NEWS True Crime Hub The former FBI agent described Corbetts killing as "one of those cases where you wonder if you ever really get the answers, and there's only two people that will ever know, and it's Tom and his daughter." Original article source: Daughter of Irish man beaten to death by American wife, her ex-FBI agent father rejects self-defense claims FAIRHAVEN, Mass. (WPRI) An investigation is underway into a deadly crash that happened in Fairhaven Saturday night. Fairhaven police said the crash happened on Huttleston Avenue and Florence Street and they can confirm a person has died. The crash involved two vehicles, according to police. No additional information has been released at this time. Police said the investigation is being led by Massachusetts State Police and the Bristol County District Attorneys Office. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Early Friday morning, intense rain caused flash flooding across Texas Hill Country. State officials said that the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, as reported by NPR. The rain and flooding were double what we expected, officials said in a press conference Saturday night. The flood waters rushed through several towns and at least two summer camps along the river banks so quickly that most had little time, if any, to escape. Homes and much of those summer camps were swept away with the rush and power of the floodwaters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Search and rescue operations began immediately with local, state, and federal governments working together and vowing to not stop until every last person was located. These brave men and women conducting rescue operations have saved many people but sadly, there have also been at least 95 fatalities reported, including 28 children as of Monday afternoon. There are also still dozens missing, including 10 young girls from Camp Mystic as well as one counselor. The city of Kerrville shared a message for those still searching for loved ones on their Facebook page: "Family members seeking information about individuals missing in Friday's flood event can call (830) 258-1111." The stories coming from survivors and rescuers are completely heartbreaking and harrowing. Hunt and Kerrville, Texas are two of the hardest hit communities but this entire region will need assistance for the days and weeks ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are looking for what you can do to help, here are some of the organizations that we have vetted and are on the ground doing the work. Your donations, if you are able, will make it possible for these groups to continue their heroic efforts. Kerr County Flood Relief Fund The Community Foundation is an existing 501(c)(3) charitable organization serving Texas Hill Country. In the immediate aftermath of the July 4 floods, the Community Foundation launched the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund to help with the relief and rebuilding of the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point And Comfort. Donations can be mailed to their office at 241 Earl Garrett Street, Kerrville, Texas 78028. Or you can donate online here. Austin Pets Alive! Austin Pets Alive! is working to rescue abandoned and injured pets after the floods and support local shelters. They are asking for both monetary and supply donations as well as people willing to foster. In a social media post, they also said they are taking in-kind donations. "The biggest in-kind needs at this time are flea and tick medication, any necessary vaccines, plastic airline crates (26-36), and potty pads. These can be dropped off at our Cesar Chavez location anytime between 12-6pm." Mercy Chefs Virginia-based Mercy Chefs has deployed to provide, warm, chef-prepared meals to all who need one including victims, first-responders, and volunteers. The devastation unfolding in Kerr County is truly heartbreaking. Our prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones and with those still waiting for word on the missing, Gary LeBlanc, founder and CEO of Mercy Chefs said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mercy Chefs has been responding in this manner since Hurricane Katrina, 20 years ago. But this time, this tragic event hits very close to home. Several chefs and staff members joined Mercy Chefs after the floods in Wimberly, Texas in 2015 and remain in the area when they are not deployed on a mission. This enabled Mercy Chefs to jump into action quickly. You can help their efforts by donating here. MuttNation Foundation Miranda Lambert and her mother created their nonprofit MuttNation Foundation to care for rescue animals and educate the public on shelter adoptions. During natural disasters they step up to provide the support needed for animal shelters impacted. Saturday afternoon Muttnation announced a fund to specifically help the animals affected by the Texas Hill Country floods. You can help their efforts by donating here. Operation BBQ Relief The Missouri-based Operation BBQ Relief and their crew of pitmasters have deployed to Kerrville, Texas, bringing BBQ and hope to families and the heroes serving them, per their Instagram post. The group shared that anyone who knows of urgent feeding needs, they can contact operations@obr.org. The website also provides a place to register to volunteer if you are near the area. If not, you can donate to further their efforts here. Salvation Army The City of Kerrville announced in a Facebook post that the Salvation Army is the citys official partner for volunteer coordination and in kind donations. They are specifically asking for donations of non-perishable food items and cleaning supplies and are collecting these items at at 855 Hayes St. Team Rubicon Team Rubicon is a veteran-lead humanitarian aid organization that jumps into action when disaster strikes. As the flood waters recede in Texas, Team Rubicon has activated a team of Greyshirts to come in and assist in critical relief and recovery efforts. They also currently have a generous donor willing to match donations up to $100,000. You can make a donation to to Team Rubicon here. World Central Kitchen Several teams from the global humanitarian aid organization World Central Kitchen are on the ground across the impacted areas of Texas, handing out food and water to victims. They are also answering the call for electrolytes and fresh fruit for the first responders. In an Instagram post, one member of the team explained that they are specifically filling the requests of the firefighters of Hunt, Texas as they respond to the flooding that continues. They told us what they need, and we're here to have their backs, the post said. Donate to their efforts here. Read the original article on Southern Living A woman injured in Russias July 3 attack on Poltava has died in the hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities to three, the local military administration reported on July 6. The attack injured 59 people, sparked fires, and damaged civilian infrastructure. "Doctors fought for her life to the last. Our sincere condolences to her family and friends!" Poltava Oblast Governor Volodymyr Kohut wrote on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Russia's July 3 strikes caused a fire at the Poltava military enlistment office. A separate strike nearby set fire to a private residential property, the authorities said. Vitalii Sarantsev, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Ground Forces, said on national television that the attack on the enlistment office in Poltava was deliberate and that such strikes are intended to disrupt mobilization in Ukraine. This wasn't the first time Russia has been linked to such attacks. Back in February, Moscow recruited the man who carried out a deadly bombing at a military enlistment office in the city of Rivne in northwestern Ukraine. Read also: China unveils its new graphite bomb heres how they work Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Officials in Texas Hill Country said on Monday that the death toll from this weekends raging flash floods has surpassed 100 people, as families and search teams continue to look for loved ones still missing in the region. The new death toll includes 84 people in hardest-hit Kerr County, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha, including 28 children. With at least 20 additional fatalities reported from Travis Burnet, Kendall, Williamson and Tom Green counties, the total dead across central Texas stands at 104. We are seeing bodies recovered all over, up and down, Kerrville city manager Dalton Rice told reporters on Sunday, with officials warning the casualties will continue to climb. Of those deceased, 22 adults and 10 children are still pending identification. A view inside of a cabin at Camp Mystic, which was essentially washed away after the flash flooding in central Texas on Saturday. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said Sunday that 11 campers and one camp counselor remain missing from the Christian summer camp that sits on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images Officials have so far found many of the dead at Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian summer camp near the Guadalupe River that was essentially swept away after torrential rains overnight Friday resulted in fast-moving waters rising 26 feet. Photos and video showed a cabin of girls holding on to a rope amid powerful floodwaters, as well as the camps absolute devastation the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the all-girls camp said they are grieving the loss of 27 campers and counselors. Kerr County said that 10 campers and one counselor remain missing, and search teams and families continue to sift through debris and water for survivors. 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. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said on Sunday that authorities have rescued about 850 people over the last 36 hours, including some clinging to trees. The governor confirmed that 41 people are still missing, though its unclear if that includes those from Camp Mystic. It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through, Abbott said regarding his tour of the campgrounds. Search and recovery workers dig through debris looking for any survivors or bodies swept up in the flash flooding near Camp Mystic on Sunday in Hunt, Texas. Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas with multiple fatalities reported. Jim Vondruska via Getty Images President Donald Trump signed a disaster declaration for Kerr County on Sunday, activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist Texas authorities in their search and rescue efforts. Before Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem announced FEMAs activation, the president commended Abbott, the U.S. Coast Guard and first responders in a Truth Social post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing, said Trump, who laid off more than 200 FEMA employees in February and made significant cuts to the agency in an effort to reduce the federal governments role in disaster relief. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that Trump will visit the disaster sites later this week. Some Texas officials are facing scrutinyfor the lack of preparedness, despite the National Weather Service sending out several flash flood warnings overnight on Thursday that told people to move immediately to higher ground before issuing the rare flash flood emergencies. Former officials at the NWS told The New York Times that, like FEMA, the Trump administrations major staffing cuts forced remaining employees to spend less time coordinating with local authorities on disaster preparedness. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly speaks to reporters about the ongoing search and rescue efforts after catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River on Saturday in Kerrville, Texas. Rodolfo Gonzalez via Associated Press You have to have a response mechanism that involves local officials, former NWS director Louis Uccellini told the Times on Saturday. It involves a relationship with the emergency management community, at every level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kerr County also does not appear to have a local flood warning system, likely contributing to the summer camps along the river not being ordered to evacuate in time. Despite the area being long vulnerable to flooding, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said that residents felt a warning system was too expensive to implement. What I do know is the flood hit the camp first, and it came in the middle of the night. I dont know where the kids were, he said, according to NBC. I dont know what kind of alarm systems they had. That will come out in time. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) The Decatur Fire Department responded to multiple fires on July Fourth. The fire department said they first arrived at a shed that was fully involved by fire on S. Illinois St. around 11 p.m. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire. Fire crews respond to machine shed fire with heavy smoke in Clinton As crews were responding to the shed fire, however, another fire broke out on N. 34th, officials said. The firefighters responded to the second structure around 11:30 p.m. When they arrived at the home, crews found advanced fire conditions. Part of the basement floor had also collapsed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firefighters worked for about three hours to completely extinguish the fire. Officials said the home was empty at the time of the fire but was being renovated. The Decatur Fire Department is investigating both fires. As of Saturday evening, officials said they could not confirm if fireworks caused either fire. Champaign Fire Dept. investigates Saturday night apartment fire Decatur fire crews also responded to several small fire rubbish, dumpster and garbage throughout the night including one which damaged the outside of an occupied home, fire officials 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 WCIA.com. A new survey has found Delaware to have the lowest drunken driving arrest rate in the nation. The research, conducted by injury law firm John Foy & Associates in Georgia, showed the First State had 43 arrests per 100,000 drivers. The state had a lower rate than Illinois and Florida, which finished with the second- and third-lowest arrest rates, respectively, at 70 and 94. In Delaware, people may be arrested on a drunken driving charge if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or greater. Delaware State Police stop vehicles at a DUI checkpoint in Seaford on Nov. 4, 2017. Which states had the highest drunken driving arrest rates? South Dakota had the highest rate at 879 arrests per 100,000 drivers, followed by North Dakota at 833 per 100,000, with Wyoming finishing third with 629 per 100,000. How did Delaware's neighbors fare? Delaware's neighbors did not fare as well as the First State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania finished 18th in the survey, with 351 arrests per 100,000 drivers. It had the second-highest rate on the East Coast, behind New Hampshire. Maryland ranked in the middle at 27th of all states in the survey, with 318 arrests per 100,000 drivers. New York and New Jersey both sat in the bottom third with Delaware. New Jersey was 38th at 246 arrests per 100,000 drivers per year. New York finished 43rd in the survey, with just 164 arrests per 100,000 drivers. Delaware requires ignition interlock devices after drunken driving convictions Foy & Associates point to ignition interlock devices as an emerging technology that is aiding in drunken driving prevention. The devices check the alcohol content of a person's breath and do not allow a driver to start their car if alcohol is detected. They are mainly used for convicted drunken drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All Delaware drivers are required to install these devices on their vehicles after their first offense of drunken driving. The devices may also be required for repeated offenses. Adam Denn is an intern for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach him at ADenn@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware's drunken driving arrest rate is lowest in US: Survey Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday said Democrats who attack Republicans for adding work requirements to Medicaid are demeaning the people who rely on the government health care program. "It is a group of Democrats who, unfortunately, seem to think that poor people are stupid," Bessent told CNN's Dana Bash on "State of the Union. "I don't think poor people are stupid. I think they have agency. And I think to have them register twice a year for these benefits, that is not a burden. But these people who want to infantilize the poor and those who need these Medicaid benefits are alarmist." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump signed his sweeping domestic megabill, which included more than $1 trillion in health care cuts, into law Friday. Work requirements are a key component of the savings needed to extend trillions in tax cuts Trump pushed over the line during his first term in 2017. But Democrats and advocates worry the administrative toll could prove cumbersome both for low-income Americans looking to prove their eligibility and for the officials doing the verification. Bessent's comments prompted fierce pushback from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who told Bash that Democratic governors are "speaking out because we're supposed to be the best governors of our states that we can be." "Listen, I know a lot of people on Medicaid," Beshear said. "These are parents with special needs children that could have never covered it otherwise. These are busy people all working two jobs already to support that child. And now if they miss a deadline, if they miss checking a box. Look at what happens. I mean, you can lie all you want about what's in this bill, but the numbers are the numbers." Richard Besser, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, on Sunday pointed to Arkansas as an example. Thousands lost coverage when the state implemented a work requirement program, he told ABC's George Stephanopoulos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And it not only affects those individuals, which is bad enough, but rural hospitals across America depend on Medicaid dollars to stay in existence," Besser said on "This Week." "It's predicted that there could be hundreds of rural hospitals that close. Those hospitals are also a driver for businesses. Businesses don't want to move into a community without a hospital." Bessent told Bash the economy he and Trump are building will afford job-seekers with ample opportunity to exit the program by finding new work in the manufacturing sector. "No, there are no change in benefits," he said. "There's a change in requirements to get the benefits. And what we are doing, we are bringing back manufacturing jobs. We are bringing back working-class jobs by securing the border. We have seen, already seen working class wages move up. So we are creating jobs. People can get off Medicaid and get a job that has good health care benefits." DES MOINES, Iowa Ema Cardenas was walking home from school when she was killed in a hit-and-run in April of 2022. A year after her death, her family started the non-profit Simply Loved, a representation of who Cardenas was. Her family described her as kind, loving, and bubbly. Her mother and founder, Anna Campos, said she loved to help others in need. Simply Loved helps first-generation teen girls by empowering them and providing them with educational and mental health resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cardenas was supposed to have graduated this year. Her family will be celebrating her graduation and expanding the non-profit by launching Emas Closet. The mobile clothing closet provides clothes and necessities to young girls in need in the community. The organization is looking for donations of gently used or new clothes, hygiene products, makeup, and shoes. The launch party is on Thursday, July 10th, from 6 9 p.m. at the Downtown Hampton Inn. You can learn more about Simply Loved by visiting their Facebook Page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday noted that the Dalai Lama's message of inner peace even holds greater relevance in today's world torn apart by conflict and polarisation. At the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama, CM Khandu recalled the Dalai Lama's visits to the State and said, "His holiness has visited Arunachal Pradesh several times and left a lasting mark on our cultural and spiritual fabric... His teachings have influenced our governance philosophy. We draw inspiration from his principles of compassion and non-violence in shaping policies that promote harmony and collective well-being." "Our investment in value-based education, including monastic schools, is guided by his belief in educating students to create happy and responsible citizens. In today's world, plagued by conflict and polarisation, his holiness' message of inner peace and ethical living holds even greater relevance..." Earlier today, Chief Minister Khandu extended heartfelt birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama in a social media post on X "We offer our deepest prayers and heartfelt gratitude as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama turns 90. A life devoted to compassion, peace, and the well-being of all sentient beings, his journey is an inspiration to humanity." "Through every trial, His Holiness has remained a steady voice of wisdom, teaching us that true strength lies in forgiveness, and real change begins with the human heart. His message transcends borders and beliefs, calling us all to live with more kindness and courage," the post added. Praying for the Spiritual leader's long life, Arunachal Chief Minister said, "On this most auspicious occasion, we offer our collective prayers for your long life and continued guidance. May your words keep lighting the path for generations yet to come, and may your presence remain a refuge for all sentient beings. Long Live His Holiness." The 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama was held at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh and other dignitaries were in attendance. Monks, devotees, and international guests gathered for the celebration to honour the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama, who is widely regarded as a global symbol of compassion, non-violence and interfaith harmony. Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati this morning to mark the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso. The term "Dalai Lama" is Mongolian, meaning "Ocean of Wisdom". In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion. (ANI) DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip New details of the Gaza ceasefire proposal emerged on Sunday as Israel sent a negotiating team to Qatar ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu s White House visit for talks toward an agreement. Inside the territory, hospital officials said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 38 Palestinians. There are 20 hostages that are alive, 30 dead. I am determined, we are determined, to bring them all back. And we will also be determined to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, Netanyahu said before departing, emphasizing the goal of eliminating Hamas military and governing power. A person familiar with the negotiations shared with The Associated Press a copy of the latest ceasefire proposal submitted by mediators to Hamas, and its veracity was confirmed by two other people familiar with the document. All three spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the sensitive talks with the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The document outlines plans for a 60-day ceasefire during which Hamas would hand over 10 living and 18 dead hostages, Israeli forces would withdraw to a buffer zone along Gazas borders with Israel and Egypt, and significant amounts of aid would be brought in. The document says the aid would be distributed by United Nations agencies and the Palestinian Red Crescent. It does not specify what would happen to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the American organization that has distributed food aid since May. Israel wants it to replace the U.N.-coordinated system. As in previous ceasefire agreements, Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli facilities would be released in exchange for the hostages, but the number is not yet agreed upon. The proposal stops short of guaranteeing a permanent end to the war a condition demanded by Hamas -- but says negotiations for a permanent ceasefire would take place during the 60 days. During that time, President (Donald) Trump guarantees Israels adherence to halting military operations, the document says, adding that Trump will personally announce the ceasefire agreement. The personal guarantee by Trump appeared to be an attempt to reassure Hamas that Israel would not unilaterally resume fighting as it did in March during a previous ceasefire, when talks to extend it appeared to stall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said last week that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire, but it was unclear if the terms were those in the document reviewed by the AP. Hamas has requested some changes but has not specified them. Separately, an Israeli official said the security Cabinet late Saturday approved sending aid into northern Gaza, where civilians suffer from acute food shortages. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the decision with the media, declined to give more details. Northern Gaza has seen just a trickle of aid enter since Israel ended the latest ceasefire in March. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundations closest distribution site is near the Netzarim corridor south of Gaza City that separates the territorys north and south. Israeli strikes hit two houses in Gaza City, killing 20 Palestinians and wounding 25 others, according to Mohammed Abu Selmia, director of Shifa Hospital, which serves the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels military said it struck several Hamas fighters in two locations in the area of Gaza City. In southern Gaza, Israeli strikes killed 18 Palestinians in Muwasi on the Mediterranean coast, where thousands of displaced people live in tents, said officials at Nasser Hospital in nearby Khan Younis. It said two families were among the dead. My brother, his wife, his four children, my cousins son and his daughter. ... Eight people are gone, said Saqer Abu Al-Kheir as people gathered on the sand for prayers and burials. Israels military had no immediate comment on those strikes but said it struck 130 targets across Gaza in the past 24 hours. It claimed it targeted Hamas command and control structures, storage facilities, weapons and launchers, and that they killed a number of militants in northern Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the indirect talks with Hamas in Qatar, Netanyahus office asserted that the militant group was seeking unacceptable changes to the ceasefire proposal. Hamas gave a positive response late Friday to the latest proposal. The militant group has sought guarantees that the initial truce would lead to a total end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Previous negotiations have stalled over Hamas demands of guarantees that further negotiations would lead to the wars end, while Netanyahu has insisted Israel would resume fighting to ensure the groups destruction. The war began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Most have been released in earlier ceasefires. Israel responded with an offensive that has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry. Case update: Barry Morphew was arrested in Arizona on June 20, 2025, two days after he was indicted on first-degree murder charges in the case of his wife's death. This was the second time Barry Morphew has been arrested and charged in Suzanne Morphew's death. In a high-profile case that has already seen numerous and sometimes odd twists and turns over the past three years, including crucial judicial sanctions, a judge agreed to dismiss all charges against Barry Morphew, without prejudice, just nine days before he was to stand trial for the first-degree murder of his wife and mother of their two daughters, Suzanne Morphew. Prosecutors, who can re-file charges in the future, filed a motion to dismiss the indictment minutes before a pre-trial conference on April 19, 2022, with D.A. Linda Stanley writing they need to investigate further and believe "we are close to discovering the victim's body." Stanley also cited the court's decision to exclude "several key expert witnesses initially endorsed. Without this crucial evidence and without the victim's body, the People cannot move forward at this time in good faith." Barry Morphew, alongside his daughters, walks out of the Fremont County Courthouse in Colorado, a free man after all charges against him are dismissed on April 19, 2022. / Credit: KKTV "First I want to say that Mr. Morphew not only was presumed innocent and still is presumed innocent, he is innocent," Morphew's attorney, Iris Eytan, said at a press conference after the charges were dropped. In response to the State pointing to the need to find Suzanne's body, she said, "Forever they have stated that they don't need a body that a body is irrelevant. But you need to know, that in this case, there has been not a single ounce of physical evidence that has been found connecting Mr. Morphew to this alleged crime." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Barry Morphew's arrest, his defense attorneys had asked Judge Ramsey Lama, multiple times, to dismiss the charges against him. Over the past several months, they pressed the judge to issue severe sanctions on the prosecution for failing to turn over potentially exculpatory evidence ahead of trial. And the judge imposed damaging sanctions, including barring 11 of their 16 endorsed expert witnesses among others, experts in DNA, vehicle data and a cellphone data analyst, as punishment for violating discovery rules. In all, the Court excluded 14 of the prosecution's expert witnesses. The judge found that DA Stanley and her team repeatedly missed deadlines and failed to turn over important information, writing, "The People's actions amount to negligent and arguably, reckless disregard" for their discovery obligations. In earlier filings, prosecutors said that the Court did not find willful misconduct associated with any discovery violations, noting "ultimately the sanctions imposed greatly damage the People's case, tantamount to dismissal, for late disclosures that were not greatly prejudicial, but rather technical in nature." When Suzanne Morphew, a Colorado mother of two girls, vanished on Mother's Day in May 2020, authorities wondered if she'd been abducted or if her husband Barry whom she had threatened to divorce might have killed her. Investigators never expected the case would have so many bizarre twists and turns and eventually involve a chipmunk alibi, a tranquilizer gun, a "talking" truck, mystery DNA and a spy pen right out of a James Bond film. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This case is incredibly unique," says Aya Gruber, a law professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder. "When you started to dig a little bit deeper, nothing is what it seems." Barry and Susanne Morphew / Credit: Facebook Gruber studied thousands of pages of public documents from the prosecutor, investigators and defense attorneys. Suzanne was reported missing on May 10, 2020. She'd been alone that day because her daughters, Macy, 16, and Mallory, 20, were off on a church-sponsored camping trip and planned to return home later that Mother's Day. At the same time, Barry Morphew told investigators he had left the home early in the morning to drive to a job site some three hours away. He said the last time he saw his wife of 25 years was when she was sleeping in their bed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Suzanne was officially reported missing by a neighbor, investigators began to examine Barry's story. Friends and relatives told investigators that the marriage was troubled, and agents found a deleted text from Suzanne to Barry on his phone that read: "I'm done. I could care less what you're up to and have been for years. We just need to figure this out civilly." But 10 days after Suzanne disappeared, agents were pulled in a different direction when they found a so-called spy pen belonging to Suzanne. The spy pen has a long battery life and is designed to look and write like an ordinary pen. But it has one extra feature: it is voice-activated and records conversations. Suzanne had acquired it, she told a friend, because she suspected Barry was having an affair and she hoped to use the pen to gather evidence. But the plan backfired. Investigators listened to what the pen had recorded and, although there was no evidence of Barry having an affair, they say they heard "intimate" conversations between Suzanne and someone named Jeff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was another twist in a case filled with them. Without knowing who Jeff was or his location when Suzanne went missing, they could not eliminate him as a person or interest. It took FBI agents six months before they uncovered his identity: Jeff Libler, a man both Suzanne and Barry knew from their Alexandria, Indiana, high school. Jeff and Suzanne had had a one-time fling after graduation, and she'd reached out to him in 2018 after the Morphews moved to Colorado with a Facebook message that read simply: "Howdy stranger." "And from that moment they had talked almost every single day nonstop," said Ashley Franco, a reporter for KKTV, the CBS affiliate in Colorado Springs, who has covered the story from the beginning. That was enough to ignite a nearly two-year love affair. Jeff had a wife and six children. He lived in Michigan and claimed to be there with his family on the day Suzanne vanished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agents eventually discovered the lovers had spoken to each other for dozens of hours, often communicating via secret accounts on WhatsApp and LinkedIn. Jeff also admitted that they met for romantic rendezvous in New Orleans, Florida, Texas, Michigan and Indiana. After Suzanne disappeared in May 2020, Jeff did not contact authorities. Instead, agents say, he deleted the accounts where he had communicated with Suzanne. "What he did was delete all his social media accounts that he had used to communicate with Suzanne," says Gruber. "He's got a lot to lose if revelations of this affair come out." Jeff reportedly told agents he did not want to tarnish Suzanne's memory, but he also told them he worried that he'd lose his wife, children and job. He also worried he might be considered a suspect. "He asks the agents, 'Am I a target?'" says Gruber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After agents confronted him, he did cooperate, providing a sample of his DNA and passwords to the deleted accounts. Investigators eventually were able to retrace the couple's steps and recovered texts by tapping into the iCloud accounts of Jeff and Suzanne. Jeff was able to provide receipts for a home goods store he'd visited in Michigan on the day Suzanne vanished and he was eventually cleared. Investigators still had their suspicions about Barry Morphew. They never uncovered any evidence that he was having an affair, but investigators found his actions on that Mother's Day weekend to be suspicious. Cellphone records appear to show Barry Morphew's phone pinging all around the house on May 9. When asked about this unusual phone activity, Barry Morphew told investigators he was running around the property shooting chipmunks, which Barry says were a constant nuisance. / Credit: Chaffee County District Court They asked Barry why his phone seemed to be pinging all around his house on the day before Mother's Day and he told them he must have been out shooting chipmunks, which he said were a constant nuisance at the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was perhaps the world's first chipmunk alibi, but Barry stood by it, saying he'd shot 85 chipmunks in the two years he owned that Colorado house. "And then that confession to shooting chipmunks becomes a major piece of incriminating evidence against him," says Gruber. Van Sant asked why. "Because [agents are] saying, 'Well, you know, now he's admitting to having run around the house. And this is a ridiculous explanation, so it must be the explanation of a guilty person,'" says Gruber. What's more, there was no evidence of any chipmunk shootings around the house and neighbors did not recall hearing any type of disturbance during that period of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cases sometimes turn on the smallest of things and, in this case, agents seized upon just such a small item. Investigators discovered this clear plastic needle cap in the Morphew family's dryer. / Credit: Chaffee County District Court Agents had found a small clear plastic cap in the family's dryer that they believed was from a syringe used to inject chemicals into a tranquilizer dart. Barry acknowledged he knew how to inject chemicals into a dart and that he'd shot many deer for trophies and so he could get their antlers. His garage was filled with deer heads and a pile of antlers. However, there was no working tranquilizer gun found in the home and authorities say Barry's DNA was not on that plastic cap. Even so, investigators developed a theory that Barry had shot Suzanne with a tranquilizer gun and then chased her around the house before she passed out. They found a door frame that was broken and suspected there had been a confrontation. Agents also tapped into a new investigative tool called digital vehicle forensics. They pulled data from his Ford truck's many computers and got the truck to "talk" to them. They learned that when Barry said he was sleeping, the truck's doors were opening and closing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and other crimes in May 2021. Suzanne's body has not been found and prosecutors presume she is dead. Barry eventually pleaded "not guilty." But at the eleventh hour, there was one more twist revealed for the first time publicly at a preliminary hearing to determine if there was enough evidence for probable cause. Prosecutors admitted at a hearing held in the summer of 2021 that their own forensics team had uncovered DNA evidence that threatened to destroy their case against Barry. State technicians had found DNA on the glove compartment of Suzanne's car that partially matched an unknown male connected to three unsolved sexual assault cases in three different cities. Barry Morphew and Jeff Libler were excluded from that DNA sample which meant there was a chance Suzanne had fallen into the hands of a sexual predator. "This DNA discovery is so significant," Gruber said. "All of a sudden, the seemingly implausible becomes more possible." Judge Patrick Murphy wwas candid in his assessment of the case, saying it could go either way before a jury. He found enough probable cause to put it over for trial but ordered that Barry be released on $500,000 bond, observing that he thought there was not "a fair likelihood" that Barry would be convicted by a jury. Barry entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. Barry Morphew raised the bond money and is free awaiting trial. Judge Murphy disqualified himself because of a potential conflict of interest involving a witness, and Judge Ramsey Lama was appointed in January 2022. Morphew's trial, which was moved from Chaffee to Fremont County, Colorado, was scheduled to begin on April 28. Then, on April 19, Stanley and her team filed the motion to drop all charges, without prejudice, until they gather more evidence. But Morphew's attorney, Iris Eytan, argued that the case should be dismissed with prejudice so that it cannot be refiled. The court dismissed the charges without prejudice. At the press conference outside court, Eytan made it clear her opinion that her client should never have been charged. "These charges were false from the beginning The prosecution was manufacturing a murder case," she said. "You've seen shows called 'Making a Murderer?' That's what was happening here in this courtroom They absolutely dismissed this case at this point because they knew they were going to lose this trial and Mr. Morphew was going to be acquitted and exonerated." "Barry Morphew loves Suzanne Morphew," Eytan said. "He loves her and he misses her and he wants to know where Suzanne Morphew is. It's a big question mark Definitely there was not any evidence, even close to convicting him of murder of his wife." As investigators continue searching for Suzanne Morphew's body, focusing on a "remote and mountainous region nearby the Morphew residence," as the DA wrote in her motion, waiting for five feet of snow to melt before they can safely excavate the area, Barry Morphew, alongside his daughters, walked out of the Fremont County courthouse a free man. With all charges against him dropped, his bond is lifted, his GPS ankle monitor removed, and his passport returned. And about 1,000 people who had been summoned to appear for jury selection are released. In May 2023, Barry Morphew filed a $15 million federal civil rights lawsuit against prosecutors and law enforcement officials stating he was wrongfully arrested, jailed and prosecuted. 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 Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who started in politics as a young legislative aide and is now the senior Democrat in Floridas congressional delegation, has for years calibrated her statements, carefully choosing her words to communicate exactly the message she intends. Recently, speaking at the Broward Democratic Partys annual fundraising dinner, she used blunt shocking to some language to convey the threat she said was emanating from President Donald Trumps policies. F, she said. More than once. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wasserman Schulz declared that Democrats would fight to our last breath, and well go to the fing mat. There has been a clear coarsening of political language: Words that once were widely seen as off-limits, other than behind closed doors or in small groups, are now more common an extra tool to convey anger and frustration. At another point in the Broward fundraising dinner, Wasserman Schultz decried what she said Trump and Republicans are doing. She asked the audience of 300, Are we going to let them do that, Broward County? No, people in the audience responded. To which the congresswoman replied with an emphatic f no! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has been building up in me for a long time. So forgive me, she added. Wasserman Schultz later explained the word wasnt in her prepared remarks but said the gravity of the threat the nation is facing in 2025 warranted an expression that once would have been stunning in a public setting. Trump Theres no more prominent public user of the f-word and others once widely seen as off-limits than the president. Most recently, on June 24 he was expressing his displeasure with Iran and Israel. We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they dont know what the f theyre doing. Do you understand that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His use of the word in regard to Iran and Israel speaking on the lawn of the White House attracted massive attention, but hes no stranger to the public use of four-letter words. More than any other president, Trump has been known to use coarse language in speeches and other public appearances. But even for him, this on-camera utterance of the f-word was new. American presidents have typically refrained from using it publicly, even when angry or frustrated, NPR reported. Just before last years election, the New York Times reported that a computer search found he had used curses at least 140 times in public last year, not counting words such as damn and hell that are much tamer to many people. A review of Trumps speech at the 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference found he used epithets 44 times, the Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps the most famous previous use of the f-word came from Joe Biden, then the vice president, who told President Barack Obama that his 2010 signing the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, into law was a big fing deal. One big difference: Biden whispered it to Obama and meant it to be private, but it was picked up on an open mic. Critics at the time suggested it was an example of Bidens tendency toward gaffes; years later some supporters were more positive about what they called the BFD moment. Democrats join After 10 years of Trump dominating and altering the nations political discourse, Democrats language is now changing. In some ways the Democrats have been slower, particularly in the Trump era, to adopt the attention-gaining messaging that Donald Trump has really leaned into, said Joshua Scacco, an association professor of communication at the University of South Florida. It does seem like the Trump era is catching up to Democrats in terms of how theyre responding, in terms of how theyre adapting their own messaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scacco, who specializes in political communication and media content, is also founder and director of the universitys Center for Sustainable Democracy. At a Florida Democratic Party dinner gala, which fell between Wasserman Schultzs and Trumps use of the f-word, U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz was delivering remarks to an audience of 800. The Broward-Palm Beach County congressman described what would happen when lawmakers returned to Washington to take up the measure the Republican majority passed on July 3, the legislation named Big Beautiful Bill at Trumps behest. Theyre going to try to pass the big beautiful bulls of a bill, Moskowitz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wasserman Schultz has regularly used the term DOGEbags to describe the people dispatched under the Trump presidency to fan out through federal agencies as part of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency effort formerly led by billionaire Elon Musk to eliminate programs and slash spending. On Monday, Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and former Republican governor of South Dakota, said she was looking forward to a visit with Trump the next day to the detention center for illegal immigrants pending deportation that Florida has established in the Everglades. In an official statement attributed to Noem and distributed by the agency, she said the detention center would allow the government to lock up some of the worst scumbags in the country. Divergent reactions The responses to use of one of the terms that still cant be printed or aired in most mainstream news outlets often depends on the affiliation of the person who uttered the word. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Trump used the word, his firmness and resolve was heralded by a host on Fox, the favored cable news outlet for Republicans. A very frustrated president used salty language, she said. Minutes later, the same Fox host professed outrage at a Democrats use of the term. She said she was repulsed by the users foul mouth. The contradictory reactions were so extreme that it prompted mockery online and a video of excerpts calling out Fox from a host at competitor CNN. On Wednesday, as the U.S. House of Representatives debated the big bill to cut taxes, cut social program spending, provide more money for immigration enforcement and the military, and increase the federal debt, Democrats professed outrage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Josh Riley, D-N.Y., ran through a litany of objections, before delivering his summary. Dont tell me you give a s about the middle class when all youre doing is sting on the middle class, he said on the floor of the U.S. House. That produced a tut-tut from U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., who was presiding over the House at the time. Avoid vulgar speak. We do have families present. U.S. Rep. Virginia Fox, R-N.C., chair of the House Rules Committee, echoed the reminder about the language we should be using in this chamber. The admonishment prompted what was, in effect, a verbal eye roll from U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, top Democrat on the Rules Committee. I hope that when the president comes here next, youll admonish him for the language he uses. Driving the change Several factors are propelling the increasing use of coarse language by Democrats, Scacco said. Its more than simply imitating Trump, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The language in question has a lot of anger in it, a lot of emotional appeal. Democratic messaging has often seemed bloodless in comparison, lacked feeling, he said. Anger is a very effective emotion in mobilizing people and getting them to perk up a bit. Thats what you see here is the use of emotion in sort of that strategic manner, being angry here, frustration, Scacco said. Scacco is co-author of the book The Ubiquitous Presidency: Presidential Communication and Digital Democracy in Tumultuous Times. I think that for their base that theyre communicating. Their base wants to see that they are clued in to whats going on. And so swearing and that emotional language I think communicates to the base that their elected officials understand the gravity and the magnitude of whats happening, he said. Part of why it seems jarring is that the Democrats under Bidens presidency and for years under an older generation of party leaders in Congress generally stuck with that sort of more civil, decorous politics before they were swept away by Trump and his political movement. Rick Hoye, chair of the Broward Democratic Party, said the kind of language thats used publicly today by some elected officials is different than what he heard when he first got involved in politics in 2009. Hoye said it is both a symptom of the gravity of how strongly Democrats feel and a response to the yearning by many in the partys base that leaders do something to convey how strongly they feel. For our folks theyre just tired. Theyre just expressing their frustration, the frustration that is felt on the ground, Hoye said. Democrats like people that are aggressive and fight back. Hoye said Democratic elected officials are expressing the frustrations of everyday Democrats. He said voters probably appreciate the fact that their elected officials are fed up and theyre speaking a language that everyone feels, adding that the plain-spoken language lets constituents know that theyre on the ground for them. Our leaders have realized that if they dont fight like this, the average people will get discouraged and feel that theyre not really in tune with their struggles and their sentiments. And the Democratic party doesnt want to risk losing contact with the people that we need to show up. That assessment was reflected in a reaction to one of Wasserman Schultzs strong comments at the Broward Democrats dinner. Excuse my French, she said, prompting a shout from the audience: Love it. We speak French. Larry Snowden, president of Club 47, the South Florida-based mega-sized club of Trump supporters, said the president is unique. Hes been using those words for a long time, he said, adding the Democrats seem to be attempting to emulate something that works for Trump. Theyre in shambles. Why wouldnt you try to be like your opponent. Michele Merrell, the elected state Republican committeewoman from Broward County, said she doesnt think the language that works for Trump necessarily works for others in politics, and definitely not in her view the Democrats. No one can out-Trump Trump, she said. I see Democratic and Republican candidates try to emulate him, she said. I see various candidates try to copy his way of communicating, and it doesnt really come across. I dont think theres anyone who can replicate what he does. News coverage Such language was once much more hidden from the public. Two generations ago, one of the more shocking elements in the transcripts of then-President Richard Nixons tapes was his frequent use of profanity. Thats how the phrase expletive deleted came into common parlance for a time; it was the phrase inserted in brackets to replace Nixons frequent use of vulgarities. Even the Richard Nixon Foundation, on its website, acknowledged RNs unfortunate weakness for expletives. One big difference: Those were words he used in meetings and on the phone, not in widely seen public settings. And the actual words didnt get reported. Today, Scacco said, strong language is a tool that the party out of power the Democrats can use to gain attention in an environment where people are not focused on them. By using earthy language, he said, you attract the attention of journalists who are doing the story, and also people. How to report such language is tricky for the news media. Traditionally such words havent been published or aired in mainstream outlets that sought to uphold what once was seen as a standard of decorum. But when theyre uttered by major political figures, are all over social media, and when livesteams go out online and on cable television, the calculation about preserving the publics innocence isnt as clear. Mainstream outlets generally dont include profanity in their news reports, wrote the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, a nonprofit based in St. Petersburg. Poynter found a range of usage decisions about Trumps use of the word. Some news organizations avoided the word in text, but used it in video. Others used the word. Some didnt use it in either video or print. Many used hyphens or asterisks to replace some of the words letters. The Associated Press Stylebook cautions against using such terms in articles unless there is a compelling reason. The AP used "f" and asterisks in text and bleeped the word on video. In an article published in June before Trump used the word, the New York Times explained its policy that publishing such terms should be rare. We maintain a steep threshold for vulgar words. There are times, however, when publishing an offensive expression is necessary for a readers understanding of what is being reported which may include reporting vulgarities uttered by powerful public figures and wielded in a public setting. When published, the Times wrote we typically confine it to a single reference, and avoid using it in headlines, news alerts or social media posts. The complexity of the question was laid out in the headline of a Poynter analysis: What do you do when the president drops an f-bomb? _____ NEED TO KNOW Colossal Biosciences shared a growth update on the world's first "de-extinct" dire wolves Male pups Romulus and Remus weigh over 90 pounds at six months, outgrowing standard gray wolves Slightly younger female pup, Khalessi, currently weighs 35 pounds and will likely join Romulus and Remus' pack soon The world's first revived dire wolves are growing up, and fast. The three dire wolves, two males named Remus and Romulus and one female named Khaleesi, are showcased in a six-month growth report from Colossal Biosciences, published on June 20. Colossal brought back the species as part of its ongoing de-extinction project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matt James, Colossal's Chief Animal Officer, shared in the update video that the project is going to plan, with the new dire wolf pups hitting all their milestones. Romulus and Remus are preparing for their first annual vet appointments. The medical check-ins are exciting and necessary for the Colossal team, as they provide an opportunity to draw blood from the dire wolves and perform CT imaging, which will grant the team a more in-depth picture of what is happening with the animal's skeletal and muscular systems. "Today, Romulus and Remus, at a little over six months old, weigh a little more than 90 pounds, which is about 20% larger than a standard gray wolf," James shared in the video update. "So we can really tell that the dire wolf genes are kicking in and we're getting these nice large wolves that are much more representative of what we see in the ancient specimens." The two male dire wolves are well over double the size of the pups the public first met when Colossal introduced the animals in April. Romulus and Remus Khaleesi, who James noted is a bit younger (about three months old) and more petite than her brothers, currently weighs around 35 pounds, making her roughly 15% to 20% larger than a standard gray wolf at that age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Paige McNickle, who manages the dire wolves daily care team, Remus has begun to take on the role as leader of the pack, and Romulus is effectively stepping down and being more subordinate. Remus really likes to watch things, and he figures stuff out, explained McNickle. Hes also a little bit smaller, so sometimes thats interesting to think that the smaller of the two would be the more dominant. But hes crafty and hes always watching. Romulus, whom McNickle described as "the beta," likes to go out first when the dire wolves eat and play, which McNickle called "very much a beta trait," since it allows pack leaders to lead from the back. "It may not stay that way as they continue to grow up," McNickle added. "That may change. It could change when we add Khaleesi into the mix. As they're still young, that pack dynamic isn't set. It's still very fluid." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the dire wolves' eating habits, McNickles reported that the animals are eating adult-sized portions of high-quality dog kibble, ground meat, and organ meats. Romulus and Remus As the animals get older, McNickle confirmed, they'll be given whole prey items to assist in nurturing "their abilities and instincts" of eating in the wild. For now, Khalessi is being kept separate from Remus and Romulus and will join the pack as soon as she's big enough to do so safely. In the meantime, the animals can see and smell each other through a gate, to give the team an idea of the collective temperament. "Before we make the introduction of bringing Khaleesi into the group with the boys, we're going to be looking for really strong indicators that they are socially compatible," explained James. "We're really excited about that." Romulus and Remus Following their de-extinction of the woolly mouse, Colossal announced the arrival of its dire wolves in a statement on Monday, April 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our team took DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies," Colossal CEO and co-founder Ben Lamm said at the time. "It was once said, 'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.' Today, our team gets to unveil some of the magic they are working on and its broader impact on conservation." Before the public met the animals, True Blood alum Joe Manganiello, 48, was granted access to Colossal Biosciences' laboratory in Dallas to learn more about the genetics company's plans. "I've had a lifelong obsession with biology and genetics. It's a bit of a hobby of mine," shared Manganiello. "Because of that obsession, mixed with the fact that, yes, I played a werewolf for many years, I was contacted by Ben Lamm at Colossal." Although he acknowledged understanding the public's mistrust of Colossal's de-extinction science, Manganiello expressed his support for Lamm and the company following his lab visit. "One of the beautiful things about the dire wolf ... is that it was done 100% cleanly and successfully," the Deal or No Deal Island host shared. Read the original article on People The Brief District Council 33 and the City of Philadelphia continue to negotiate contracts. Members of Philadelphia's largest workers' union have been on strike for nearly one week. Amid the strike, the union is seeking non-monetary donations. PHILADELPHIA - District Council 33, Philadelphia's largest workers' union, is on strike as it negotiates with the City of Philadelphia. What we know Its been almost a week and theres still no deal between the city and District Council 33. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employees continued to picket in the city Sunday, as they set up outside a Port Richmond sanitation center on Delaware Avenue and the Water Department on Castor Avenue. The city pool in Fishtown, as well as Cruz Pool near 6th and Master Streets, remained closed Sunday through another 90-degree day, with DC33 still on strike. In a post on social media Sunday, DC 33 expressed gratitude toward the public's support and its members for their solidarity. For those looking to give food, water and other non-monetary donations, DC 33 says you can drop off goods at the union hall during business hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union is in the process of creating a strike fund for people to give monetary donations as well. The backstory The DC 33 union encompasses more than 9,000 Philadelphia City workers. These hard workers include sanitation employees, crossing guards, rec center employees, library workers, 911 dispatch operators and more. As pressure mounted to get a deal done before the July 4th holiday, District Council 33 members stood firm on their demands for better wages and pensions. Mayor Cherelle Parker touted the city's latest contract offer at the end of June, but, as of 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, they were unable to reach an agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor said the previous offer would have given District Council 33 the largest pay raise that a Philly mayor has ever extended in their first term in over 30 years. Dig deeper "I think for the most part you want to see people get their fair share, their fair wage its easy for politicians to politic," said TJ Maiorino. "This is a real thing affecting people its not just people in city hall acting a certain way, or social media, its real services that people cant use in the middle of the summer here, so it sucks, thats kind of the overall sentiment." The Fourth of July holiday came and went, with Welcome America headliners opting out of performing due to the strike, but when negotiations continued Saturdaystill no deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We were at the splash pad, which luckily is still open, but wed normally be across the street at the pool, the community pool is where we see all of our neighbors and friends and were teaching our kid how to swim," said Jill Ozovek of Fishtown. "These essential workers are really important to us, so really just hoping the city can make a deal with DC33 and pay them a living wage." Trash concern Neighbors FOX 29 spoke with say they are avoiding dropping off trash at one of the 60 designated drop-off spots, but say the trash hoarding can only go on for so long. "Our trash is piling up and we will not cross a picket line so were probably going to bring our trash to Washington Crossing to my moms house," said Ozovek. "In the car, up 95, with some smelly garbage." "My wife told me enough is Enough my trash is building up and she was like you got to do something about it!" said Bobby Jenkins, Oxford Circle. "I believe in what theyre fighting for you know theyre always out here in the heat cold snow whatever but I also remember the mayor saying were not Filth-adelphia but look what it looks like right now and it smells like it as well!" said Lakesha Dawson-Smith, Oxford Circle. Michael Sidney Hill, pictured with cousin June Carmichael West, the mother of two people who helped to identify him [Handout] A British man found dead in the United States more than a decade ago has finally been identified thanks to advancements in DNA technology. Michael Sidney Hill was believed to be visiting a friend in the Phoenix area of Arizona when he died in 2013 aged 75. He was said to have arrived at his friend's home with no belongings other than the clothes he was wearing and was carrying no identification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With US authorities unable to confirm his identity, he was known only as "Maricopa County John Doe 2013" until researchers at Sheffield Hallam University and Ramapo College in New Jersey made a breakthrough using investigative genetic genealogy (IGG). IGG combines DNA analysis with family history searches to identify distant relatives. "IGG offers the potential to return names and dignity to unidentified deceased people and closure for families who have missing loved ones," said Dr Craig Paterson, who led the Sheffield research team. Dr Paterson said the US had already capitalised on its "significant potential", perhaps most famously to identify and capture the man known as the Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the first time it had been used to trace a UK citizen, he added. "There's an incredibly large number of people from the US who are on DNA databases, and there's an enthusiasm for it that's above and beyond that in Europe and the UK," said Dr Paterson. "Once you get the DNA it allows you to project the distance you can look to try and trace some of the connections and identify who the person is." Mr Hill's family is believed to have links to London and the surrounding areas [Office of the Medical Examiner Unidentified Persons Bureau] The story of Mr Hill's death has been a subject of interest to internet sleuths amid a wider fascination with the true crime genre in recent years. His friend in Phoenix was able to provide authorities with a name, but with no known relatives to contact they were unable to identify him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to research, Mr Hill was born in Lambeth in 1937 but went missing from public records in the 1950s. It is not known where he had been living when he died, although a DNA match was found with two first cousins once removed living in Surrey. His family is believed to have links to London and the surrounding areas. "Lots of us leave traces as we go through life and certain places and he just didn't," said Dr Paterson. "It did look like he just disappeared." Dr Paterson said identifying Mr Hill was "proof" IGG could be used in the UK despite ethical concerns around privacy and data protection law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are lots more unsolved cases in the UK where IGG can be used and we will continue to work with our partners and students to ensure that as many cases as possible benefit from this expertise," he added. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North Similar stories Related internet links NEED TO KNOW Two Michigan boys, ages 4 and 5, are on the path to recovery after they were attacked by a relatives Staffordshire terriers Wyatt Ketchum and Elijah Jackson were being babysat at a relative's house in Muskegon when the two dogs attacked them If they would have killed my boys, I don't know what I would do, the boys father, Brian Ketchum, told a local news outlet Two boys in Michigan are on the path to recovery after they were attacked by a family member's dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per local outlets WOOD and WZZM 13, 5-year-old Wyatt Ketchum and 4-year-old Elijah Jackson were being babysat at a relative's house in Muskegon located along Lake Michigan on June 27 when two Staffordshire terriers attacked them. According to the boys' father, Brian Ketchum, his cousin had just left the room for moment to do laundry when the dogs attacked. "All my cousin did when he called me, he said, 'Brian, get to my house,' " Ketchum recalled, speaking to WZZM. " 'It's bad, it's bad.' All I did was hang up and just went." According to Ketchum, the boys were taken to a local hospital before being transferred to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, where they've had to undergo physical therapy, reconstructive surgeries and are looking at more plastic surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They both are walking but still need some assistance," Ketchum added. "Lots of swelling and bruising still." "Eli got the least of them," Ketchum said of his younger son, recalling that his earlobe was almost entirely torn off. "He got his left leg, or whatever, was bitten, had deep laceration in that deep laceration in his shoulder." Wyatt's injuries were much more severe, Ketchum said, telling WZZM that his face was torn "from your where your left eye tear duct is all the way down to your lip." "He is missing his left ear. He has deep lacerations on his upper arms, lower arms, and then he has lacerations on his back by it, close to his spine and ribs, and then he's got deep lacerations on upper and lower legs also," the dad added. Getty An American Staffordshire terrier (stock image) An American Staffordshire terrier (stock image) According to Ketchum, both dogs one of which was a husky mix have been euthanized, and police are investigating the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muskegon police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further information. In an update shared to a GoFundMe fundraiser on Saturday, July 5, Ketchum announced that the brothers are finally heading home from the hospital but they still have a "long journey" of therapy, reconstructive surgery appointments, visits with ear, nose and throat doctors and more. The fundraiser, which has raised more than $800 of its $1,200 goal as of Sunday, July 6, will fund the boys' travel to their medical appointments as well as living expenses for their family. Speaking with WOOD, Ketchum said that the horrific incident has made him ask some hard questions about himself and his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's to the point Im about ready to just give up everything so that way I [can] stay home with the kids," he told the outlet. "I don't know who I can trust with my kids. You give trust to your family now, because of this, how do I trust anything? Now my kids are going to be affected for the rest of their life." "These dogs could have killed my boys and everything," Ketchum added to WZZM. "If they would have killed my boys, I don't know what I would do." Read the original article on People Editor's Note: This interview is part of the third season of Voices of Kansas City, a project created in collaboration with KKFI Community Radio to highlight the experiences of Kansas Citians making an impact on the community. This is an extension of The Star's award-winning "Truth in Black and white" project, published in 2020. Listen to this interview and others on KKFI 90.1 FM, or at KKFI.org. The Star met Darryl Chamberlain around 2017 after the newspaper learned from a tipster that a Kansas City engineer was starting an urban youth orchestra using children who had never played an instrument before, and he was looking for instrument donations. This sounded like the do-good story that so many readers often call The Star to complain that we just dont write enough of. The kind of story that might make you want to stand up and cheer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So we reached out to Chamberlain. They were meeting in the basement of a local church. There were only a few students and their sound was still a bit squeaky and scratchy. When he started, Chamberlain, wasnt a music teacher per se, he was an engineer who played piano and loved music. He had moved back to his native Kansas City from Texas where he had been working and raising a family, and right away learned that a lot of the KC urban schools no longer had music programs. He had some experience playing music in a little family band and thought he could single handed build an urban youth orchestra. Chamberlain has a theory about passion, dreams, vision and hard work, and about taking on something big. Chamberlain spent a lot of time trying to teach children with little or no music history, how to understand and play orchestral music well enough that people would want to hear them play and would applaud for them not because they were kids, but because they were good. The Star asked Chamberlain to participate in this years Voices of Kansas City, focused on Black educators in Kansas City. He joined Mara Rose Williams, assistant managing editor for race and equity, in the studio at KKFI 90.1 FM Kansas City Community Radio, to talk about his and his orchestras journey over the last decade. That interview, with minor editing for space and clarity, is published here in a question and answer format to share Chamberlains authentic voice. Meet Darryl Chamberlain The Star: Mr. Chamberlain, we met, I believe it was in 2016 or 2017. I know a lot has happened in the eight or so years since then, but lets kind of start at the beginning. Youre not a music teacher by trade, are you? Chamberlain: Yes and no. Ive been working with kids and music for, golly, maybe over 30, 40 years. Tell me about that. It started in Texas. I have six sons who are also musicians.. And we formed a family group called the Chamberlain Ensemble. Nice. And then other kids would join from the community and it grew to a small ensemble. About 20 kids. And how long ago was that? We started that around 1992. So some years ago. So are you originally from Kansas City? Yes, Kansas City is my home. But I left Kansas City in 1982 to go to work for Texas Instruments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was an engineering technician for the semiconductor industry or the semiconductor section of Texas Instruments. So while you had this experience with music and with your children and playing music yourself, but did you go to school to become a teacher or an instructor or a music instructor? No, not formally like most people get that undergraduate degree in music and such. What I did was I took music classes while I was studying in college and I needed to make sure I had a full-time schedule. And so what I would do is add a music class, because I was a musician. Ive been a musician since 1975, I think. And then when it got to a place where it looked like I was going to form an orchestra, then I started taking private lessons on the various instruments that I was going to be teaching. What brought you back to Kansas City? Oh, thats a long story, but Ill try and keep it short. Well the last thing I did when I left Kansas City. I went to the parade because, I grew up attending the parade. The American Royal Parade was just the thing for kids to see. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then, while in Texas, I went from Texas Instruments to where I was working for FSI international. They closed. And I said, well, if I stay in Texas and find another job, Im going to be stuck here. So Im going to pack my bags and go home because I wasnt supposed to stay there for 22 years. So you come back to Kansas City. And what makes you decide that you want to start a urban youth orchestra in Kansas City? Well, strange enough, all the time I was in Texas, I kept saying I sure wish I was in Kansas City to go to the parade. Now they do have a parade in Dallas, but, theres nothing like the Kansas City American Royal Parade. And I went to the parade and there were no bands in the parade. Not from Kansas City. Thats the American Royal Parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And that shocked me. Where did the bands go? And so I started doing research on it. I went from school to school talking to band directors or those schools that had ban directors left. I talked to principals trying to find out why the bands werent in the parade. And what did they tell you? Central High School didnt have a band. North East didnt have a band. Southeast didnt have a band. East was closed. Van Horn was struggling to survive because the graduation rate of Van Horn at the time was 42%. Darryl Chamberlain, founder of the A-Flat Youth Orchestra, led a practice session Saturday, May 31, at Jamison Memorial Temple CME Church in Kansas City. So you saw an opening? Yes, and I said, well, I got all the materials and things because I had a music fundamentals course that I was doing in Texas. And, I said, since Im here and I got the materials, I can just do it here. So what was the first thing that you did? The first thing I needed was instruments. I was playing piano at James Memorial Temple CME church at the time. I started taking the money that they paid me to play the piano and buying instruments with it. And when you talked to people about wanting to start a youth orchestra in Kansas City, what advice did people give you? Yeah. Anytime you start a business, you ought to do a survey of your communities to see is this practical. And so I wanted to talk to music teachers and get their opinions of it. And, one teacher in particular said that its not going to work. And, hes a long standing music teacher in the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I said, why? He said, because the parents wont support it. And then he said because the kids wont support it. And then he said, you dont have enough money to do it. It takes about $300,000 to equip an orchestra. And I didnt have $300,000. And that was something I didnt want to get a loan to do. That was ridiculous. So what did you do instead? So I took the money that I made playing the piano and started buying the instruments. And I bought them from everywhere you can find a used instrument to be sold; from eBay to the classifieds in the newspaper, Thrifty Nickel, Kansas City Star classified, pawn shops. So I got to know every pawn shop in the city. Because you knew that the students that you were going to seek to join this orchestra, were going to be students who did not have instruments, pretty much. My purpose was to serve the urban core. I was concerned that the Kansas City area had lost its focus on instrumental music and music instruction. And so those were the kids that I wanted to serve, and I knew some of them were going to be coming from low to moderate income families that couldnt afford, say, $1,800 for a saxophone. Right. So how long were you collecting instruments before you brought students in? From 2005 to about 2007 I had enough instruments to form a small ensemble. And, we did form a small ensemble in 2007. Kezia Rono, 13, kept her eye on the music during a strings practice session for the A-Flat Youth Orchestra Saturday, May 31, at Jamison Memorial Temple CME Church in Kansas City. Now you were still working a nine-to-five while you were doing this? Yes, I was. And you were buying instrumentals out of pocket. Yes. Im buying instruments. No donations, No funds coming in from lessons or anything. It was just me buying instruments by faith, believing that this was going to be worth the effort. And where did the students come from? The first students came from the church. I just started advertising in the church. And that was the first ensemble that we formed around 2007. Now that ensemble was called the A-flat Youth Ensemble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then I was in school at the time. I was trying to get certified to, well, not trying, I did get certified to teach in the public school system. Then when I graduated, Tyrone Yarbrough, hes the music director at Saint James United Methodist (Church), asked if I would come to that church and do the same things there. And so we started offering formal classes at Saint James United Methodist. Before, I was going by the name A-flat Music Academy. And then I changed it to A-flat Music Studio. And off of that name we formed the A-flat Youth Orchestra. But because we were partnering with Saint James and they were giving us the rehearsal space for free, I incorporated their name into our name and called it the Saint James UMC A-flat Youth Orchestra. How many students did you have in this orchestra? At Saint James we did have all the sections. We had woodwinds, we had brass, we had strings, we had percussion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so instead of calling it an ensemble, I called it an orchestra. But we were a small orchestra initially, about 10 kids. And then it grew to about 15. And, from there its just been slowly growing each year. Now, these students who came to you were students who, some of whom, had never picked up an instrument before, right? Yes. I started a fundamentals class, and my philosophy was to teach them how to read the rhythms of the music first, because thats the weakness I see in a lot of public school kids. They can play an instrument because they were taught by rote, but they cant read the music, right? When I go from city to city looking at school bands, you see kids who play extremely well, but they cant read the music, which means they cannot get in anybodys college program playing music. Jonathan Ellison, 22 during a strings practice session for the A-Flat Youth Orchestra Saturday, May 31, at Jamison Memorial Temple CME Church in Kansas City. So were you giving lessons to each and every one of these students, or did you bring in some other instructors to help teach maybe flute or sax or, you know, viola? Initially when we started, I taught everything and particularly I had the fundamentals class, which I had to teach because I developed it and understood what the goals of that was, which was to teach them how to read rhythms at a sophisticated level. And then later we had a teacher come and join us. I think I met her while I was at a show somewhere. What was it about music that you thought would work? You once said something about the science of music and how that translates into how you live your life and how it impacts your life. Talk to me a little bit about music and young people who engage in music, and what they can learn from that. Yeah. My biggest concern is the education levels that we see in the community today. Im hearing people say eighth-grade students are reading at a third-grade level. And then last year, I volunteered for the Lead to Read program, and some of those kids in the third grade couldnt read at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I wanted to be involved in the processes by which our kids could learn to appreciate education and improve themselves. And youre good at it too, Mr. Chamberlain. And I say that because I went to an early class, one of your orchestral sessions. I sat and listened and what impressed me most of all was that as you were teaching the music, you kept imparting these little tidbits of life lessons. You were teaching life lessons while you were teaching, you know, someone how to hit the drum or to pull that bow across that viola. Yeah. Thats because music and life are one and the same. And I tell people that before a man could untangle a participle or split the infinitive, he was a musician. Before there was a Pythagorean Theorem, Nortons theorem, he was an artist or a musician. And music is the core of what it means to be human. And so, Im always looking for parallels between music and life. And, a lot of times Ill tell the kids that when you start a song its like what happens when you enter a room. Theres one person that comes in, and you dont know how he got in there. He just kind of, you know, you looked around and there he is. Thats a bad song. The song started and kind of wandered into itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres another person who comes in. Hello, everybody. Its so good to see you. Thats a good song. That first introduction of the song, the first note you play, should be something that sets their expectation to say, this is a good song coming on, and thats the same as when you enter the room. Now, when the song ends, its like when you leave the room. Some persons leave the room with a bang, slamming the door and theyre gone. And youre just kind of, Im glad hes gone. Theres another person that he left, and its like, Where did John go? You didnt realize he left. But a good exit is where you say, I had a good time, everybody, goodbye., and you wave, and everybodys like, come back again next week. Thats a good song. The intro introduces you well, and the exit is also memorable. Evan Otto, 14 played his trombone during a practice session for the A-Flat Youth Orchestra Saturday, May 31, at Jamison Memorial Temple CME Church in Kansas City. Thats really a great analogy. Do the kids seem to get it when you present the musicality in that way? They do. The Atlas group came down and did a video of us two years ago and one of the students was interviewed. He said, he doesnt want us to play like kids. He wants us to play like musicians. And I never really told him that. But, he got it. So here you are in the basement of a church with a bunch of kids who never played music before. But theyre learning, theyre interested, theyre engaging, theyre trying, theyre working hard, and you can see that theyre getting better. What happens to the A-flat Youth Orchestra? Where does it go? From that basement to where? Well, initially, I told them if we keep getting better, somebody is going to put us on the radio. And it wasnt but a month or two later, somebody put us on the radio. And then I said, we just have to keep getting better, and somebody is going to put us on TV. And, before then, you took our story and put us on the front page of the Kansas City Star. And then the producer from the NBC Today show in New York City saw that story and he came to Kansas City to capture our story. And I was thinking, TV, were going to be on local TV, not national TV. And man, after that, then we got into a media blitz where everybody was hitting us magazines, newspapers, and somebody from the Saint Patricks Day parade contacted me and asked if we could be in the parade. And I said, well, were primarily a string orchestra, and you cant march in a parade with string instruments. Are we talking about the Kansas City St. Patricks Day Parade? Yes, the Kansas City Saint Patricks Day Parade. And so I went to work and I talked it over with some of my coworkers. They said, why dont you build a float? And I said thats possible. But how? They said talk to, I forget his name but it was Snelling Construction, because he might lend you a truck. I talked to him. He said, Yeah, I can get you a truck. And in fact, he said, Ill lend you my driver and my tractor to pull it. Then I hired Bonnie Brown, who was a teacher at Paseo (Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts). Shes a premier art teacher, for sure. And I asked her if she could design the float for it, and she got her students together. And they designed the float for that parade. I guess we became the first time a string orchestra has played in the Saint. Patricks Day parade. And that really brought you full circle. Because thats what had kicked the whole thing off, this idea that Kansas City students werent in the parade. Right? Isnt that something? We started because I was concerned that students were not in the parade. And then, here we are in the parade. And then after that, we wound up playing at the Future Stages Festival at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Now, that was big. Here we are, a little rinky-dink bunch of kids. I think by then we were about 19 kids that we took up there that year. But golly, that was a big thing for me, for the kids, to be on that stage And this year is our seventh year, since that time, participating in the Future Stages Festival at the Kauffman Center. The A-Flat Youth Orchestra is an urban youth orchestra started by a local engineer in the basement of a Kansas City church in 2017 and now has played on stage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Tell me how that makes you feel. Seeing these kids on a stage like that at the Kauffman Center, with the desire that you had initially and what you wanted to do and the people that told you wouldnt happen. Its amazing because I really had not dreamed that far. I tell people its an idea that grew up. And, I say, you take an idea and add to it imagination and an idea will become a dream. Then you take a dream and add to that focus. And a dream will become a vision. And you take a vision and add to that hard work, and a vision will become a reality. And thats what this orchestra was. And now the vision is becoming a new dream to where were going places I had not planned. And so now I have to add more imagination to this new dream. Because, heres a new dream: We want to see the A-flat Music Studio become the A-flat Fine Arts Center, where we teach instrumental music, dance, choral, theater, art. A place where kids can come and find themselves. We had one student who wrote a note to her grandmother and she said, I think finally I found something I could be good at. Wow! Thats what I said. Wow! Because the key here is, finally found. That means she was looking, right? And thats what were here for. Kids who are looking for that something that they can be good at. Something they can be proud of, something that makes them fit in. Something that makes them say, I belong here. You have to come to see our class and see what these kids are bringing. They come wanting to work and we work them hard too. But they want to. If I give them easy stuff they get let down. You can see it on their face. So high expectations for the students? Yeah. My first expectation is that they learn how to read music correctly, and then we go from there to where were wanting them to read music effectively. And today we have seven teachers, including myself, where each one is an expert in the area that they work. Hope Andrews, 14, played her violin during a strings practice session for the A-Flat Youth Orchestra Saturday, May 31, at Jamison Memorial Temple CME Church in Kansas City. Does it cost anything for parents to do this? How are students able to get this kind of training? Our lessons at the time were the cheapest in the city. And you did that for a reason. I wanted to make this affordable to the low and moderate income. Mr. Chamberlain, let me ask you something. What kept you going through all of this? I mean, all these years, what was it? What were you standing on here? It goes back to me in high school where I wasnt the best student. I struggled and I had lost my faith in myself. And my grades were down because I did not believe in myself. Ive been concerned about kids who are in the same boat I was in. And so I guess ever since then Ive been working with kids in one capacity or another. Im always working with kids, trying to give them hope because thats what saved me, was hope. Faith and hope. I know some kids are lost and theres a way that we can help them find themselves. And if we can do that, thats how we build the community. Thats how we restore it. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) SAPD released drone footage of Friday, July 4 rescues, highlighting those who assisted. The first rescue shown depicts a vehicle and person rescue. There was a gentleman standing on top of a car to avoid the high waters. The Fort Worth Fire Department assisted as they are apart of the Texas Task Force One Swift Water Rescue. They responded quickly and were able to assist this motorist who was stranded, said Chief Travis Griffith. SAPD blurred the faces of those involved for personal and privacy reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police officers and Firemen did rescues like these all day all over San Angelo and the Concho Valley. They spent the day helping people out of vehicles and out of property. SEE IT: House floats on Pulliam Street amid severe San Angelo flooding Another rescue showed a father and son, very young son stranded holding onto a pole being rescued by the Texas Task Force. I just cant say enough about how much we appreciate the Fort Worth Fire Department for for being able to be here and to be a part of that Texas Task Force, wanting to be able to be rapidly deployed Griffith said. The damage in the early hours was the most extensive with the waters being very high. Depicted is only one part of town that was affected. At the time, SAPD only saw significant damage and flooding up North. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the video continues on, Griffith speaks of the streets that were most affected including Houston Harte, Bell and Pulliam. Texas floods: Death toll hits 70, 11 campers remain missing At one point Bell was submerged fully. This whole region had people that were stuck in houses and cars and we were working to make sure that we didnt miss any calls for help, Griffith said. A trailer park off of St Anne had several trailers swept away or were damaged by the rapid floods. This day has drastically altered many peoples lives in our community, Griffith said. Everything, the first responders from the San Angelo Police Department and Fire Department, the Tom Green County Sheriffs Department, our local Texas Department of Public Safety, our troopers, I cannot say thank you enough to everyone that showed up this day, and this is nothing short of heroes showing up in the face of adversity. Not only did first responders show up, but so did the community. Members went out on their boats, large trucks and did anything to help people get out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This footage was put together by the SAPD drone team, working over 20 hours. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Drones attacked Russia's Black Sea Fleet at the port of Novorossiysk in Krasnodar Krai overnight on July 6, the Russian media outlet Astra reported. Ukraine has not officially commented on the reported strikes, and the Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the claims. An air alert was sounded in the city for several hours, and air defense was active. The consequences of the attack are still being determined, according to Astra. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The media outlet also published footage purportedly showing a burning maritime drone that was allegedly shot down during the attack. Krasnodar Krai is located east of Crimea, with the Kerch Strait separating them at their closest point. Ukraine regularly strikes military targets within Russia as Moscow continues to wage its war against Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Russian forces downed 120 drones overnight on July 6. Thirty drones were shot down over Bryansk Oblast, 29 over Kursk Oblast, and 18 over Oryol Oblast, according to the ministry. An additional 17 and 13 drones were reportedly intercepted over Belgorod and Tula oblasts, respectively, the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to drone attacks in Russia, numerous flights were canceled or delayed at several airports, including Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, overnight between July 5 and July 6. Read also: Ukrainian drone strike on Russian airfield hits bomb depot, aircraft Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking at the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama at Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, praised the spiritual leader's global influence. Rijiju called him a "living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world," pledging to follow his decisions and traditions, honouring his presence in India. Rijiju said, "Your holiness, you are more than a spiritual leader. You are a living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world. We feel blessed by his presence in our country, which he regards as his 'aryabhoomi'." He further affirmed unwavering support for the Dalai Lama's decisions and the spiritual institution he represents. "As a devotee and on behalf of millions of devotees across the world, I want to state that whatever decision is taken by His Holiness, the established traditions and conventions, we will fully abide by it and follow the directions and guidelines to be issued by the institution of the Dalai Lama," he said. Meanwhile, the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama were held at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, with Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh and other dignitaries. The dignitaries seated on the dais, along with the Tibetan spiritual leader, included Hollywood actor Richard Gere. Monks, devotees, and international guests gathered for the celebration to honour the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama, who is widely regarded as a global symbol of compassion, non-violence and interfaith harmony. Meanwhile, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati this morning to mark the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso. The term "Dalai Lama" is Mongolian, meaning "Ocean of Wisdom". In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion. For over six decades, His Holiness has been a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, continuing to inspire millions worldwide. Celebrations were held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, with many also expressing hope that the Dalai Lama's lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the future. (ANI) DELAVAN, Wis. (WTVO) Two people died Saturday in two reported drowning incidents at Delavan Lake, in Delavan, Wisconsin.. Around 11:36 a.m., Town of Delavan Police were called to the 2300 block of South Shore Drive for a report of a possible drowning. When authorities arrived, a 57-year-old man from LaGrange Park was found unresponsive on a boat. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, at 2:27 p.m., authorities were called to the Viewcrest area of the lake for reports of another reported drowning. A full-scale search and rescue effort was launched, including dive and sonar teams from the Walworth County Sheriffs Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Ultimately, a 26-year-old Texas man was recovered from the water. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual, police said in a statement. This is a devastating and tragic incident, and our thoughts are with those affected during this incredibly difficult time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. DES MOINES, Iowa The Des Moines Firefighters say the Fire Chief will be recommending a change to Fire Station 8, located in the citys southside, during an upcoming City Council meeting. According to a Des Moines Firefighters Facebook post, the Fire Chief will be recommending that one of the fire engines at Station 8 be removed from service. Station 8 services the citys southside, along with Stations 6 and 10, in one of the largest areas of the city. Joe Van Halen is the President of the Des Moines Professional Firefighters Union and says the recommendation is likely a way to save funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, it seems like its purely a financial decision at this point, said Van Halen. We feel like this is a fairly rash decision simply to save money. What we do know is that we need more fire stations in the city of Des Moines, and fire station placement within the city of Des Moines is extremely important. Mitchellville FD holds unique 5k offering additional challenges for runners This decision also comes as firefighters are asking for the completion of an accreditation process, which would provide data to help the Mayor and City Council decide how to best fulfill community needs. Back in June of 2015 is when the council action came forward proposing that they would start and complete the accreditation process, said Van Halen. We feel like that should have been done a long time ago. In that time, we built one fire station that has been completed. Weve got a fire station currently number four thats in the process of being completed. Both of those fire stations were built without that information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Union representatives say Stations 6 and 10 have issues meeting the National Fire Protection Association standards for getting trucks and personnel to areas in a timely manner. They say the loss of an engine at Station 8 will increase their workloads. Van Halen says this isnt the first time a fire engine has been taken out of service. Medics 4 and 6 were taken out of service previously. A double rainbow appeared in the metro, see dozens of viewer images The numbers that Medic One was running, they werent sustainable. They were hitting 3000 calls very quickly or 2500 immediately. Those guys were running 20, 25 runs per day, which for our members is just not sustainable. Thats too much work, said Van Halen. So thats just what were trying to do now, is be a little bit more proactive this time so that were not fighting to get it put back in a year later or six months later or whatever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Union representatives say the main focus should be on making sure stations and engines are evenly distributed. The only thing that really fixes those problems is building new fire stations and having them placed in better strategic locations, said Van Halen. The city of Des Moines shifted its population over the years and hasnt built stations to meet those needs, and so specifically on the south side. The Des Moines Firefighters say the Fire Chief will bring this issue to the City Council on Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. TYLER, Texas (KETK) As officials continue to try and help survivors of catastrophic flooding, several East Texas firefighters from Smith County and Lufkin have been deployed to assist in central Texas. Heres how to help flood survivors in Central Texas Severe flooding has been reported in several counties in central Texas this weekend. In Kerr County, the Kerr County Sheriffs Office said 84 people have been found dead from the floods, including 56 adults and 28 children as of 2 p.m. on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Longview Fire Department has deployed eight members from their Water Rescue Team as a part of the Texas A&M Task Force 1. The members have been in Kerrville since Friday and include one water group supervisor, one technical support specialist and a six person Swiftwater Rescue Team. Our members have been working in the Kerrville area since the early morning of July 4th. They were able to perform multiple rescues of people trapped in trees, vehicles and debris in some very difficult and dangerous conditions as a result of the catastrophic flooding, the Longview Fire Department said. They continue to work tirelessly alongside our many response partners from throughout the state and nation in support of Search and Rescue operations to locate those still missing. The Lufkin Fire Department deployed Engine 3 to Central Texas with captains Petty and Grace and firefighters Jernigan and Maskunas, as a part of the TIFMAS program. The crew left just before 12 p.m. on Saturday in order to meet with other departments that are gathering together to form a strike team. Photo courtesy of the Lufkin Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was like a dam broke: Kerr County flood survivors begin recovery process On Friday, the Lufkin Fire Department also deployed Driver-Operator Byrum and Firefighter Barnes as a part of the Emergency Medical Task Force thats assisting residents of central Texas. Photo courtesy of the Lufkin Fire Department. Smith County Emergency Services District 2 said a member of their district was deployed to Llano on Friday to assist in search and rescue operations there. The district member was activated by the Texas State Operations Center as a part of the Texas A&M Task Force 2. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Andrii Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, may be behind a series of possible personnel changes in the Ukrainian government in the near future. Source: The Economist in the article Ukraines political infighting gets nasty Details: The article is devoted to political developments in Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia and a decline in military aid from the United States. Journalists report that Yermak plays a key role in attempts to remove a number of high-ranking officials and promote people loyal to him. This particularly concerns a corruption case against Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov, the possible replacement of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal with Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and repeated attempts to remove the head of Ukraines Defence Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "There is no evidence Yermak ordered the probe into Chernyshov. For over a year, detectives have been investigating claims that the deputy prime ministers associates bought cut-price apartments in a project he green-lit. But three officials, speaking anonymously, say that Yermak wielded his influence by deliberately letting the case progress, while freezing others. Chernyshovs real offence, they claim, was that he got in Yermaks way. First, he tried to offer himself as an alternative conduit for American relations. Second, his downfall cleared the field for the promotion of Svyrydenko, a politician closely associated with Yermak." Details: According to The Economist, alongside efforts to replace Prime Minister Shmyhal, personnel changes are planned in the ministries of education, health, culture, social policy and possibly finance. One high-ranking official remarked, "Andrii is completing what he sees as unfinished business. The [vast majority] of the people are his." The Economist also asserts that Yermak is attempting to remove Ukraines spy chief, Kyrylo Budanov, for the ninth time, but he remains in office. Sources close to Yermak call Budanov an "erratic revolutionary" who is supposedly building his own political team. "Ninety percent of the [presidents] office think hes mad and ten percent think hes a genius," one of the insiders reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Budanovs supporters, on the contrary, call him a devoted statesman and one of the few who is able to tell the president an unpleasant truth. Quote: "But by mid-June, many of them feared Yermaks ninth try at ousting him [Budanov ed.] would succeed. That turned out to be premature. With his customary mix of coercion and guile, General Budanov secured another stay of execution." Details: The Economist reports that repeated warnings from the White House not to fire Budanov may have played a role in this, at least for now. Budanovs tenure shows that President Zelenskyy still has the final say in personnel decisions, despite Yermaks significant influence. The Economist notes that Yermaks power stems more from his close, codependent relationship with Zelenskyy than from any independent political standing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Economist writes that Yermak can control a significant part of information flows to President Zelenskyy, up to 85%, according to some estimates, which fosters an atmosphere of rumours and conspiracies in power circles. Background: Sources told Ukrainska Pravda that government reshuffles are planned for July. Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko is expected to be appointed prime minister. Ukrainska Pravda has found that she intends to bring three close associates with her into the government. It also emerged that the Ministry of National Unity, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov, could be scrapped. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rustem Umierov will remain in his position when the government changes; his resignation has "lost its initial appeal". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) First, KRQE anchors Dean Staley and Jessica Garate bring you a tale of white collar crime. Back in 2017, the law came down hard on Scott Glasrud, founder and head of the prominent charter schools Southwest Learning Centers, when he was charged with embezzling over $2 million. Then, in the summer of 2021, a driver in Las Cruces slams into an ambulance that is on an emergency call, flipping it onto its side. What police learn about the driver, Juan Carlos Baquera, who appears drunk and high, the consequences he faced, and where he is now. Finally, on a different afternoon of 2021, Angel Lara Jr. showed up at a Wells Fargo on the corner of Coors and Sequoia and handed the teller a note that read, Im robbing the bank, call all the news channels. The standoff that ensued and how police finally took him into custody. About New Mexico Crime Files This is New Mexico Crime Files Taking it from the streets, then to the courtroom, to finally answering where are they now?. Each week, KRQE News 13 anchors Dean Staley and Jessica Garate bring you the notorious, the unforgettable, and the unbelievable crime stories from the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico Crime Files is sponsored by MedradoStruck Law Firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. As Tacomas longtime city manager gears up for retirement, Elizabeth Pauli said helping keep city employees safe and productive through the pandemic is among her top accomplishments. Pauli, 65, served as Tacomas city manager for eight years, a key leader in Tacomas council-manager form of government, in which the city manager serves as chief executive officer and head of the city governments administrative branch. Paulis departure is one of several leadership transitions on the horizon for Tacoma, which could see turnover in seven of its top positions including mayor, police chief and several City Council positions. Pauli is leaving behind a city thats contending with a budget deficit and the ever-changing local impact of a new presidential administration. Though her tenure was not without controversy which endured up until her final City Council meeting the outgoing city manager said she is proud of the work she did to maintain city services while keeping employees safe during the pandemic and helping build the citys financial reserves. The next city manager, she said, likely will need to contend with a long-term solution to the citys budget woes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city was tasked with closing a $24 million gap in its $4.7 billion biennial budget last year. City officials have said that Tacomas expenses are growing faster than its revenues, with a 2.6% growth in revenues compared to a projected 4.3% growth in expenses. Weve built and maintained really solid reserves on the financial side in addition to focusing our budget on fiscal sustainability, important standards, Pauli told The News Tribune in a virtual interview. We also approached our budget with looking really hard through the lens of belief and trust with the community, and I think that was another success. Mayor Victoria Woodards commended Pauli for the same accomplishments. Elizabeth showed up with her full self every single day, committed to making the best decision she could based on all the information she had, Woodards told The News Tribune. And she came from a place of humility. She came from a place of compassion, and it showed up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pauli came to Tacoma in 1998 as Tacomas chief assistant city attorney, later promoted to acting city attorney in 2004 and then permanent city attorney in 2005. She was selected to be interim city manager in 2017 and then appointed to the permanent role a few months later following a nationwide search. Pauli said her background with the city meant she was already familiar with the city and the state and local laws that affect Tacoma when she took on the reins. She was also the first woman to hold the role of city manager in Tacoma. Pauli said it was a special privilege to hold that title, though it wasnt the focus of her approach to leadership and decision-making. I wanted to be certain that I was a good example for anyone that was watching from that perspective, she said. Retiring Tacoma City Manager Elizabeth Pauli, center, speaks with city staff and friends gathered for a retirement reception for Pauli on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Tacoma. Pauli said after her last day, she plans to have an unstructured summer, spending time outdoors and with family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think Im going to be particularly good at the unstructured part, but Im going to try, and then Im going to work my way back into what do I intentionally want to bring back in? Because Im certainly not done working and serving the community, she said. Interim city manager Hyun Kim will take over following Paulis departure, having already started sitting in the city managers chair at council meetings leading up to Paulis last day. The council selected Kim on April 29 to serve as interim city manager with a salary of $309,566, according to Kims employment agreement. City officials in January said they plan to hold off on a search for a permanent city manager until after the election this fall, which could result in four new council members and a new mayor. Pauli said Kims leadership will help steer the city through its upcoming leadership transition, particularly because hes not a newcomer, having served as Tacomas deputy city manager for internal services since 2023. I think from the administrative standpoint were really solid and with Hyun Kims leadership, and him having been here over the last couple years and working closely with the departments, I expect that to be very smooth, Pauli said. It probably feels like a lot when you see the list, but its not uncommon for these kinds of transitions to take place. Retiring Tacoma City Manager Elizabeth Pauli, center, is hugged before a City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Tacoma. Criticism and a silent departure Paulis tenure was not without detractors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She drew repeated criticism over the size of her salary and after she didnt immediately fire the police officers involved in Manuel Ellis death. Ellis died in in handcuffs while being restrained by Tacoma police in March 2020. Ellis family recently reached a $6 million settlement with the city after a wrongful death lawsuit. I think anyone seated in these positions comes in knowing that not all of your decisions will be understood or accepted, and thats just the way its going to be, Pauli told The News Tribune. At the same time, anytime that theres criticism in in any form, I think its important for an individual in a leadership position to sit back and determine, what if anything, can they learn from from that voice of criticism, and so thats the approach that I took to hearing those things over the years. Controversy over her leadership persisted until her last City Council meeting on July 1, with activists calling for the position of city manager to be eliminated and clashing with Mayor Victoria Woodards before and during the meeting. Activists with the Climate Alliance of the South Sound planned to rally before the meeting and speak during public comment to criticize the role Pauli played in advancing projects that contributed to pollution in Tacoma, like a controversial South Tacoma mega-warehouse project. They also planned to criticize the position of city manager itself for being undemocratic, arguing that the city manager wields a sizable amount of power and makes a significant amount of money but isnt elected by the residents of Tacoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I, in particular, dont like Elizabeth Pauli, but she is not the problem in and of herself. Its this position, or the position of city manager, Gemini Gnull, a founding member of the alliance, told The News Tribune. A requirement for having more democracy for the people of Tacoma is going to be the removal of the city manager position in favor of a different style of government. Pauli was scheduled to be recognized at the July 1 council meeting in the form of a special staff recognition that was listed on the agenda. Woodards approached the activists as they were making signs outside City Hall before the meeting and asked them not to speak at the July 1 meeting. She [has] given up almost 28 years of her life to serve this city in various positions, and although she got paid for that, she was an employee, it still is a sacrifice to dedicate that much time and energy to an organization, Woodards told The News Tribune after the meeting. I said, You all, next week is community forum, you could come back and protest then, but Im just asking that you consider letting her enjoy her last council meeting. Id rather not do it at all, if we cant do it in a way that honors her work, Woodards said of Paulis recognition when activists with the Climate Alliance of the South Sound indicated that they plan to speak at the meeting anyway. Protesters with the Climate Alliance of the South Sound hold posters up calling for the elimination of the position of city manager during a Tacoma City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Tacoma. During the meeting, Deputy Mayor Kiara Daniels moved to remove the item from the agenda during the meeting, and after a second from Council Member Kristina Walker, the council voted unanimously to remove the item from the agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since public comment at the meeting only applied to comments on items on the agenda for that meeting, the activists couldnt speak directly about Pauli or the position of the city manager, and instead spoke about the councils proclamation of July as Pride month in Tacoma, tying the proclamation to the issue of the city manager. I am so glad that you decided to endorse and promote Pride month and celebrations of Pride in Tacoma. But we need to do more, we need to take a look at the system of governance that we have so that we have more effective protection and promotion for all people in the city of Tacoma, activist Marilyn Kimmerling said during the meeting. They later criticized city leaders for the last-minute change to the agenda. To me, this is absolutely a form of repression and violation of our rights to free speech, Climate Alliance co-founder Aife Pasquale told The News Tribune after the meeting. Elon Musk said that the "American Party is formed", a day after asking his followers on X whether a new US political party should be created. A day after asking his followers on X whether a new US political party should be created, Elon Musk said on Saturday that the "America Party is formed." "By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!" he said in a post on X. "Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement from Musk comes after President Donald Trump signed a tax-cut and spending bill into law on Friday, which the billionaire chief executive officer of Tesla fiercely opposed. Elon Musk speaks during a press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump (not pictured), at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, May 30, 2025. (credit: Nathan Howard/Reuters) Musk spent hundreds of millions on Trump's re-election and led the Department of Government Efficiency under the Trump administration aimed at slashing government spending, but the two have since fallen out over disagreements about the bill. Trump vs. Musk Trump earlier this week threatened to cut off the billions of dollars in subsidies that Musk's companies receive from the federal government. Musk said previously that he would start a new political party and spend money to unseat lawmakers who supported the bill. Republicans have expressed concern that Musk's on-again, off-again feud with Trump could hurt their chances to protect their majority in the 2026 midterm congressional elections. The Brief Elon Musk said Saturday he was launching the "America Party" after President Trump signed his historic spending bill. In a falling out with the president, Musk has been critical of the bill in recent weeks and said he would start a new political party if it passed. Musk said the party could start by targeting a select number of seats in Congress. Elon Musk said Saturday that he was ready to launch a new political party after President Donald Trump signed the "big beautiful" bill into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what to know about Musks so-called new "America Party": Elon Musk political party Big picture view On Saturday, Musk announced on X, the social media platform he owns, the formation of a new political party. The backstory The announcement followed a July 4 poll, where Musk asked whether voters wanted independence from what he called the "two-party (some would say uniparty) system." Over 1.2 million votes were cast, with 65.4% saying "yes." What they're saying "By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it," Musk posted Saturday. "When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom," he tweeted. By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it! When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom. https://t.co/9K8AD04QQN Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 5, 2025 The America Party Musk's plan Musk tweeted that The America Party would target a few key seats in Congress, with the goal of keeping both the Republican and Democratic parties from reaching a majority in Congress. What they're saying "One way to execute on this would be to laser-focus on just 2 or 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House districts. 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," he tweeted . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Third-party presidential bids through the years: Who's come closest to winning? Elon Musk and Trump fallout FILE - This combination of pictures created on June 5, 2025 shows US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, DC, on May 5, 2025 and Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 30, 2025. (Photo by Alex Wroblewski and Allison Robbert / AFP via Getty Images) Big picture view Trump and Musk were in an alliance earlier this year, with Trump selecting Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to help cut federal spending. Before that, Musk spent at least $250 million supporting Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign as the main contributor to America PAC But the relationship came to a head in recent weeks when Musk started speaking out against Trumps big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts, and of those who have voted in favor of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Trump-Musk feud: Here's a look at how things escalated What they're saying Musk said the legislation would kill jobs and bog down industries, and that he would start a new political party if the bill passed. RELATED: Trump video: Hell 'take a look' at deporting Elon Musk Trumps big beautiful bill Meanwhile Trump signed his bill into law on the Fourth of July during a picnic at the White House. The bill passed narrowly through Congress, with Vice President Vance breaking a Senate tie. The other side Democrats condemned the law, calling it a threat to health care, food aid, and the federal deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: Trump signs 'big, beautiful' bill into law at White House July 4th picnic The Source Information in this article was taken from social media posts made July 4 and 5, 2025, by Elon Musks public X account. Background information was taken from previous FOX Television Station reportings. This story was reported from Detroit. Elon Musk said on X that he's forming a new political party amid a feud with President Donald Trump. He said it would be called the "America Party." Musk has publicly criticized Trump's spending bill, which the president signed on July 4. Elon Musk declared on X the formation of a new political party amid his ongoing feud with President Donald Trump over the "Big Beautiful Bill." "Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom," Musk wrote in an X post on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tesla and SpaceX CEO had said Friday on his social media platform that one way the new party could work is to focus on winning just a handful of Senate seats and House districts that could serve as the "deciding vote" on "contentious laws," given the "razor-thin legislative margins" in Congress. Musk said in an X post on Sunday that while his party may consider "backing a candidate for president" down the line, its main focus "for the next 12 months is on the House and the Senate." In response, Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Sunday that Musk had gone "completely off the rails." "He even wants to start a Third Political Party, despite the fact that they have never succeeded in the United States," the president wrote at the start of a lengthy post. Trump went on to imply that Musk was angry because the spending bill eliminated incentives to buy electric cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the America Party, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview with CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday that the boards of Musk's companies would rather he focus on business than on politics. "Look, the principles of DOGE were very popular. I think, if you looked at the polling, Elon was not," Bessent told CNN. "The polling for me was very positive a year ago, which is why Trump used me so much," Musk wrote in an X post on Sunday in response to Bessent's remarks. Musk's popularity has taken a significant hit. He originally had a nearly 50% favorability rating in November, but it fell to 35% last month, per polls from Economist-YouGov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fellow billionaire Mark Cuban, meanwhile, appeared not for the first time to support the idea of a new party, replying to Musk's Saturday announcement with a series of fireworks and fire emojis. "I work with @voterchoice. They will help you get on ballots. That is their mission," Cuban wrote in another post. SkyBridge Capital founder Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly served as White House communications director under Trump in 2017, also reached out to Musk. "I would like to meet to discuss. My DMs are open," he replied to Musk. Musk's "America Party" announcement came after he conducted a July 4 poll, asking X users if they want "independence" from the two-party system. About 65% of the 1.25 million participants voted "Yes." Elon Musk and Donald Trump in a Tesla outside the White House in March 2025. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images Musk, who was a staunch supporter of Trump's 2024 reelection bid, has been publicly critical of the president's "Big Beautiful Bill," a sweeping domestic policy bill that includes extensive tax cuts and could add more than $3 trillion to the national debt, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has characterized the bill on X as a form of "debt slavery." Just days after stepping away from his work at the White House DOGE Office, which was tasked with cutting spending and reducing the deficit, Musk in June called the legislation a "massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill." Musk then proposed the idea of forming a new political party that represents the "80% in the middle." Musk's repeated attacks on the bill led to a spectacular public fallout between him and the president. Trump even suggested that his office would look into possibly deporting Musk, a South African immigrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk's July 4 poll on X came the same day Trump signed the bill into law. Musk and a White House spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. Musk's back-and-forth regarding his involvement in political affairs has been followed by volatile times for the CEO of Tesla, his EV company. Wall Street analysts, including Tesla bull Dan Ives, have said that Musk's politics could lead the company astray if the chief executive doesn't snap back into focus. Earlier in June, Baird analysts downgraded the Tesla stock, noting that the Musk-Trump spat adds "uncertainty to TSLA's outlook. Read the original article on Business Insider Is Elon Musk following through on his friend's words and making a move on Donald Trump and the Republicans? The SpaceX boss has taken his resolve to form a new political party a step further by seeking the consent of Americans and his X subscribers to move forward with the plan. Elon Musk's latest move adds to the list of steps he has taken to challenge some of President Donald Trump's policies since their ongoing disagreement over the alleged unreasonable allocation of public funds. Elon Musk Raves About 'The America Party' Jim LoScalzo - Pool via CNP / MEGA The world's richest man seized the auspicious nature of July 4th to give users of his platform a choice to express their opinions on his plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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?" wrote Musk on his X account. He followed up with a poll option where 65% of voters agreed that he should proceed with starting the new political platform. Musk suggested that for the new party to influence legislative outcomes effectively, voters and party executives must concentrate on securing about two or three key Senate seats and targeting eight to ten critical House districts. He added that with the current slim margins in the legislature, winning the planned seats could provide the necessary votes to sway "contentious laws," thereby ensuring the laws serve the "will of the people." The X Owner's Poll Sparked Conversation About America's Political System 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 Musk's content for Independence Day gained over 60k replies from Americans across various party divides. One commenter noted, "Sounds like a great way to divide the Republican party," as another X subscriber lauded it as "a great idea." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third commenter reminded the entrepreneur that he already voiced his intention to create a third party as soon as Trump passes the "Big Beautiful Bill" which may plunge America into debt. They encouraged Musk to get on with the plan instead of conducting online surveys. "How do we know that non-Americans are not voting in this poll?" wrote one more X user, further raising a good point that online surveys may not be the best tool to measure public opinion as regards Musk's plan. A verified X account promised to support Trump's move "depending on the policy initiatives," to which another commenter noted: "Reminds me of Colonel Gadaffi when he prematurely mentioned his new gold-based currency." Inside President Donald Trump And Elon Musk's Once Alluring Friendship ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA The duo was almost inseparable during the campaign season and the early days of Trump's administration. The 54-year-old was promptly appointed to head the Department of Government Efficiency, one of the most powerful advisory roles to the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As reported by PEOPLE, part of Musk's new role was to help reduce wasteful spending by the United States government and also streamline the government workforce and federal agencies. Things flowed well between them until May 30, when Musk ended the job and criticized the president and Congress for hindering his efforts to make the government more prudent. Since their feud, Musk and Trump have engaged in a series of exchanges on social media, bringing media attention to their issues. The Tesla CEO Was Described As Vindictive POOL/EPA / MEGA In one of his numerous incriminating posts against Trump, The Blast shared that Musk boasted that the politician could not have made his way back to the White House without his input. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Describing the current president as an ingrate, Musk added: "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate." He also noted that Vice President JD Vance would make a better president if the House should remove or impeach Trump. Musk did not stop there; he claimed the real reason why Jeffrey Epstein's list had not been made public was because Trump's name was on it. In line with his rage, a former friend of the tech giant, Philip Low, revealed that Musk feels humiliated by Trump and will take disastrous steps to make it known. He described Musk as a vindictive human who would do anything to damage his enemies, including Trump. "The whole idea that Elon is going to be on his side and help woo Congress and invest in election campaigns for right-wing judges Elon might do all of that, but deep down, it's over," the source affirmed. Elon Musk's Spaceship Hits Another Roadblock On Its 10th Launch ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA While the former special advisor is trying hard to break into the political sphere, his company is not finding it easy to break into space. SpaceX suffered a major setback last month as one of the billionaires spaceships prepared to take off for its tenth flight test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vessel reportedly encountered an issue at the test stand. The mishap reportedly resulted in a powerful explosion that could be heard from miles away from the Texas Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach. The company described the latest occurrence as an anomaly in operation, but it is not the first time such has occurred. SpaceXs 8th and 9th spaceship flight tests reportedly caused explosions as well, including a recent one in May. Despite this, SpaceX issued a statement confirming that no community members were harmed during the operation, as they had urged residents to steer clear of the testing area. The company added that a clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation, and all personnel are safe and accounted for. How far will Elon Musk and Donald Trump take their feud? Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) member, Daljit S Cheema on Sunday criticised security measures implemented by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government in Punjab following the arrest of party leader Bikram Singh Majithia, recently in an alleged money laundering case and termed that the situation in the State had become "Emergency-like." Cheema claimed police prevented him while he was on his way to meet the former Punjab minister Majithia's wife at the lawyer's office. "... Our party has no programme planned here, yet an emergency-like situation has been created here; there is barricading all around. What does the government want to do?... I just got a call from my colleagues. The Police have been at their home since 4:00 am. What is the government nervous about?... This government wants to defame the Akali Dal leadership by spreading lies and false propaganda. This is vendetta politics." "The wife of Bikram Singh Majithia, Ganieve Kaur Majithia, is sitting alone in the lawyer's chamber. So, I came here to sit with her and talk," he said. The SAD leader questioned the State government's actions, saying, "I don't know what this government is panicking about. Isn't it our right to go and support her when she is alone?" The Punjab Vigilance Bureau had on June 25 taken into custody MLA Majithia in a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act after conducting searches at his house in Amritsar. He was brought to Mohali the next day and the court sent him to a seven-day Vigilance Bureau custody. The remand was then extended by four days. A Mohali court today sent the SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia to judicial custody till July 19. Majithia was brought to court and presented before the duty magistrate amidst heavy police deployment. (ANI) Tens of thousands of Afghans streamed over the border from Iran in the days before a return deadline set for Sunday, the United Nations said, sparking an "emergency" situation at border points. In late May, Iran said undocumented Afghans must leave the country by July 6, potentially impacting four million people, out of the six million Afghans Tehran says live in the country. Numbers of people crossing the border have surged since mid-June, with a peak of more than 43,000 people crossing at Islam Qala in western Herat province on July 1, the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN migration agency IOM said more than 250,000 Afghans returned from Iran in June. UNICEF country representative Tajudeen Oyewale said this was an "emergency" situation in a country already facing a "chronic returnee crisis", with 1.4 million Afghans returning from traditional hosts Iran and Pakistan this year. "What is concerning is that 25 percent of all these returnees are children... because the demographics have shifted" from individual men to whole families, crossing the border with scant belongings and money, he told AFP on Thursday. He noted Islam Qala could accommodate the vast numbers but was inadequately equipped in terms of services, saying, "When you start hitting more than 20,000 people (a day) that is completely beyond the planning scenario that we have". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency has engaged emergency processes to ramp up water and sanitation systems built for 7-10,000 people a day, along with vaccinations, nutrition and child-friendly spaces. Many people crossing reported pressure from authorities or even arrest and deportation. "Some people are so afraid that they don't leave the house themselves... They send their young children out just for a piece of bread, and even those children get arrested sometimes," said 38-year-old Aref Atayi of the pressures Afghans face in Iran. "Even if I have to beg in my own country, it's still better than staying in a place where we're treated like this," he told AFP on Saturday, as he waited at the IOM-run reception centre for some support to help his family resettle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massive foreign aid cuts have impacted the response to the crisis, with the UN, international non-governmental groups and Taliban officials calling for more funding to support the returnees. The UN has warned the influx could destabilise the country already grappling with entrenched poverty, unemployment and climate change-related shocks and urged countries not to forcibly return Afghans. str-sw/mtp Ukrainian emergency workers have come under Russian fire while carrying out their duties in the cities of Kharkiv and Kherson. Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine Details: In Kharkiv, Russian forces launched a drone strike at night. After emergency workers arrived at the scene, the Russians carried out a second strike. A fire engine was damaged. In Kherson, a fire broke out at a petrol station on the morning of 6 July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While extinguishing the fire, firefighters came under a repeat Russian strike, which damaged the fire engine. The damaged fire engine. Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine In both cases, no personnel were injured. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The former boss of one of Europes biggest airlines has said the Continent needs a reality check on environmental issues. Pieter Elbers, who led Dutch carrier KLM for eight years, said Europes obsession with green issues was hurting its airlines and holding back economies. Mr Elbers, who now runs Indian airline IndiGo, said: In parts of Europe, and in the Netherlands certainly, a vocal minority is having a very significant influence on policies and direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aviation is seen as an easy target, when the challenges facing society are way too complicated to just single out one element. In Europe youll see some reality checks kicking in. People need to have jobs and in order to spend money you need to earn money. If you want to spend money on health, education and all the things we collectively feel are important you need to generate income as well. And you need to have economic progress and prosperity to invest in sustainability. It doesnt come by itself. Mr Elbers, who spoke after IndiGos first flight to Manchester, said he was relieved to be free of the political and bureaucratic meddling that European airlines are being subjected to in response to environmental campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dutch curbs on aviation are the most stringent anywhere in the world, with the government implementing measures to actively slash flights from KLMs Amsterdam Schiphol base. Schiphol must this year tighten a cap on flights from 500,000 to 478,000 while cutting night services by 15pc following a Dutch edict aimed at reducing the number of people exposed to aircraft noise. KLM in December labelled the move to actively downgrade Schiphol as incomprehensible, saying that limiting travel should not be seen as an end in itself and that the move risked provoking retaliatory measures on the airline from other countries. Schiphol was Western Europes third-busiest airport in 2024 with 67m passengers, despite the Netherlands having no domestic flights, and has historically been regarded as one of the crown jewels of the Dutch economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Elbers, 55, who left the Dutch division of Air France-KLM in 2022 after three decades, said the contrast in attitudes to aviation in Europe and Asia could not be clearer. He said: In the three years Ive been living, working and residing in India I have seen a government that is embracing aviation as a catalyst for economic and social progression. Being in a country where aviation is being embraced, the cheer and enthusiasm of people for joining in, and the enthusiasm for new airports, its refreshing to see. Mr Elbers said India represented the last frontier as the country seeks to expand its transport infrastructure to reflect the size of its population at 1.4bn, the largest on the planet following years of underinvestment, red tape and high taxation. The popularity of air travel is surging in India as a new middle class emerges from the countrys burgeoning population - Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg Mumbai and Delhi are both gaining second airports, while India is targeting the construction of 100km (62 miles) of highway every day and has commissioned nine high speed railway lines, most of them several times longer than High Speed 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dutchman said he does not see the crash last month of a Boeing 787 jet operated by IndiGo rival Air India, which killed at least 270 people, as likely to hold back his airlines expansion into international markets, and that bookings have not been affected. He said: Over the decades of aviation we have worked to create a safe operating environment and we will continue to do that. When it comes to what caused it, everyone is just awaiting the outcome of the investigation. We should just remain calm and continue to operate safely. He said IndiGo has completed checks of its own 787s. Its jets use engines from Rolls-Royce, unlike the one that came down on take-off from Ahmedabad, which was powered by turbines from General Electric. 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. Credit: @EdwardTHardy / X Passengers have been left stranded for seven hours after a Eurostar train broke down. Footage on social media shows dozens of passengers walking next to the tracks hours after the London-bound train from Brussels stopped between Lille and Calais in northern France because of a power failure. The doors were opened and water handed out to passengers, a Eurostar spokesman confirmed, but four hours into the wait, passengers left the train. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eurostar said a replacement had been sent from London which was scheduled to arrive at 1.30pm, but was delayed. It was thought to have arrived by 4.45pm, according to the BBC. The company confirmed it would be refunding passengers and has offered them a full cash refund or a 300 per cent return of the ticket value in an e-voucher. Passengers had left Brussels at 8.52am local time and were due to arrive in London at 9.57am. The frustrated travellers have taken to social media to vent their frustration. Michael Andrews wrote on X: Stuck on the @Eurostar for 4.5 hours, stationary, toilets full, electricity off & absolutely boiling alive... They tweeted there would be a replacement train at 1.30, no sign. Approaching seven hours, we start walking to then be told there is STILL no sign of a replacement train? pic.twitter.com/axWRwlAaCE Alana (@alanaroberts13) July 6, 2025 Alana Roberts wrote: You waited over two and a half hours before even communicating this, now looking at four hours stuck on this train and still no replacement! There is no air, not even some water offered, staff should be coming carriage to carriage to give us verbal updates at the minimum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Roberts tweeted again, this time a video of people walking along the tracks with their bags: Approaching seven hours, we start walking to then be told there is STILL no sign of a replacement train. A fellow passenger who only gave her names as Valentina wrote to Eurostar, as she complained about the heat and inhumane conditions. She said: I am on this train with two small children who are overheating! There are no toilets, there is no air, these are inhumane conditions. There is still no replacement. Ms Roberts went on to say: Now almost 15:00 and still nothing from you, people are feeling serious unwell at this point. After 6h on a broken-down Eurostar we cracked out the guitars to remind everybody #theOnlyWayIsUp pic.twitter.com/9Q0KmxB54W Stornoway (@StornowayBand) July 6, 2025 Passenger Edward Hardy, who hosts The Hardy Report political news podcast, posted a video showing Oxford band Stornoway providing some relief to travellers by playing music along the tracks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Hardy wrote: A band has started serenading stranded Eurostar passengers with a song titled Home. The indie folk band wrote on X: We cracked out the guitars to remind everybody #theOnlyWayIsUp. They named themselves after the Scottish town on the Hebridean Isle of Lewis, despite never having been there. They have since visited multiple times since 2010. A Eurostar spokesman said: Earlier today, Eurostar train 9117, travelling from Brussels to London, came to a standstill between Lille and Calais due to a power failure, leaving the train without onboard electricity. To provide passengers with some comfort during the delay, train doors were opened to allow fresh air to circulate, and water was distributed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A rescue train was promptly dispatched from Brussels to carry out a complex transfer operation. This process, supported by local authorities and SNCF Reseau personnel on site, is taking longer than anticipated and is still ongoing. Eurostar teams are doing everything possible to ensure all affected passengers reach their final destination, London St Pancras, as soon as possible. We understand how difficult this experience has been and sincerely apologise for the disruption and discomfort caused. We are also extremely grateful for our passengers patience and cooperation throughout. Eurostar confirmed that the replacement train departed at 5.10pm after the transfer of customers had been completed. 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. Russian attacks on two towns in Donetsk Oblast left five people dead and another injured on July 6, Governor Vadim Filashkin reported. Russia attacked the front-line towns of Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka. In Kostiantynivka, Russian airstrikes and missile attacks killed four people and injured another person, Filashkin said. The heavy attacks also damaged 14 homes, four high-rise buildings, an administrative building, a car, and five power lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Druzhkivka, a Russian first-person-view (FPV) drone killed one person and damaged equipement. Filashkin warned that both Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka are "under constant enemy fire" and urged residents to relocate. "It is dangerous to stay here! Evacuate to safer regions of Ukraine!" Filashkin wrote on Telegram after the attack. In late June, Filashkin reported that Kostiantynivka, in eastern Donetsk Oblast, faces an imminent "humanitarian catastrophe." The town lies just 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles) from several areas currently occupied by Russian forces, according to battlefield mapping site DeepState. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kostiantynivka has come under intensified attack in recent months as Moscow pushes westward beyond its gains around other nearby towns. Read also: Ukraines army chief warns of new Russian offensives in northeast as he visits Kharkiv Oblast front Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. This is a developing story. Check back to sanluisobispo.com for updates. To get breaking news alerts, click here A vegetation fire burning in the hills east of Templeton threatened structures Saturday evening, prompting an evacuation order for nearby residents. The Rancho Fire, which had burned 15 to 20 acres, was located near Rancho Road and South El Pomar Road, about halfway between Templeton and Creston, according to Watch Duty app reporter Michael Silvester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forward progress was stopped at 6:17 p.m., but the San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services issued an evacuation order for residents within a half-mile of the 850 block of Spring Creek Way outside Templeton. The order was downgradedto a warning 20 minutes later. The fire was reported at 5:09 p.m. and was burning in grass, oak woodlands and orchards with a moderate rate of spread, Silvester said. Incident Command & sheriffs are working on an evacuation order for the local area, per Incident Command, he added at 5:53 p.m. Multiple engines responded to the fire, along with hand crews and two air tankers. A dozer line and retardant had been established on the left flank. The air tankers were released at 6:04 p.m. Current Southern California wildfires This map shows wildfires that have been updated within the past 7 days from the Integrated Reporting of Wildland-Fire Information (IRWIN) and the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). The larger the circle, the larger the wildfire by acres. Data is from the US Department of the Interior, Office of Wildland Fire, IRWIN, NIFC, NASA, NOAA and ESRI. Open A parolee who suffered an apparent heart attack and died after NYPD cops tackled him to the ground in Manhattans Riverside Park was trying to make a fresh start in life since being released from prison, the mans shocked coworkers told the Daily News. The New York State Attorney Generals office and NYPDs Force Investigation Division are looking into the case, which was recorded on the officers body-worn cameras, as is done for all deaths in police custody. Neither of the officers involved has been disciplined or removed from patrol as the investigation into Sheldon Ennis June 26 death continues, officials said. Ennis, 54, spent nearly half his life in prison for running a violent drug ring in Manhattan in the 1990s. But after his November 2023 release, he had been trying to make an honest go of it as a residents assistant at the Skyline Hotel in Hells Kitchen, according to colleagues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He came home from prison after doing over 25 years, a coworker said. He got his life together. He was working a job here. He literally died right after his shift, the coworker added. He worked that night. The officers, who were part of a crime-reduction overtime initiative, found Ennis swigging a beer from a paper bag in the park by W. 137th St. and Riverside Drive about 10:05 p.m. The incident took place just across the street from Ennis new residence, according to coworkers. The officers immediately demanded to see Ennis ID but he repeatedly told them he lived across the street and didnt have any identification on him, according to a police source who reviewed the body-worn camera footage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ennis offered to get his ID or call a friend to bring the ID to the officers but the cops refused, the source said. When the officers told Ennis they were going to take him to the stationhouse to verify his identity, Ennis said he didnt want to go because he had a $2,000 check on him, according to the source. Ennis asked one of the officers to call their sergeant then tried to run away from them, knocking into one of the officers as he made his escape. One of the cops immediately chased after Ennis and tackled him to the ground, landing heavily on his chest, the police source said. Ennis hit his head when he was tackled and was bleeding when he told the cops he was having difficulty breathing. The cops radioed for an ambulance for both Ennis and the cop who tackled him. The officer, who has only been on the force for about a year, cut up his arm trying to apprehend him, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics rushed Ennis to Mount Sinai Morningside, where he died following some kind of cardiac episode, officials said. The city Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine his exact cause of death. A high-ranking NYPD official who also reviewed the body camera footage described the takedown as not overly aggressive and said the officers made it clear why they had approached him when they asked for his identification. Coworkers became worried when Ennis didnt come to work the next day. We are devastated, another colleague said. He never missed work. We called and called. He didnt pick up. That wasnt like him. Everyone wondered what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was the sweetest guy, a third coworker sad. He had a great relationship with everybody. He will be missed. Definitely. Attempts to reach Ennis family were unsuccessful. Ennis had eight arrests on his record, one of them for attempted murder. The outcome of the attempted murder bust is unclear but he ultimately served nearly 26 years in prison on drug charges. His parole was due to expire in 2035. A 2008 ruling by the state Court of Appeals, which upheld his conviction, laid out his crimes he, his brother and a third man ran a drug dealing operation known as the Dog Pound out of a Midtown hotel and rivals who sold drugs too close to their turf were met with violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trio opened fire on a pair of rival dealers in August 1996, paralyzing one of them, and four months later, Ennis and his brother stabbed two more dealers who dared cross into Dog Pound territory, court documents show. During his fatal clash with cops in the park, officers recovered a pocketknife from Ennis, although he never threatened police with it, officials said. The rookie who tackled Ennis has never had a civilian complaint filed against him. His partner, whos been a cop for nine years, has been investigated twice for abuse of authority and once for using physical force against a woman by the Civilian Complaint Review Board. Only one of the abuse of authority complaints, where he was accused of forcibly removing someone to the hospital, was substantiated. The state AG is conducting a preliminary assessment of Ennis death, an agency spokesman said. With Roni Jacobson and John Annese Children have attended the Mittineague Elementary School for parts of three centuries. That history carries a price. A 2023 study of West Springfields elementary schools found that renovating Mittineague and another old school was financially unjustifiable, according to West Springfield School Superintendent Stefania Raschilla. Raschilla wrote in an email to The Republican that she understands why parents in the neighborhood would oppose closing Mittineague. Neighborhood schools carry deep meaning, and it is clear this one has been a source of pride for generations, Raschilla said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Mittineague, Raschilla wrote, has costly issues to address: To keep it operating as a school, the city will have to spend millions of dollars to make the building comply with the Americans with Disability Act. Add to that the prickly issue of equity, in a system in which some children go to a school of 700 students, while others remain in small schools like Mittineague. It is important that we develop a plan grounded in both educational quality and fiscal responsibility, she said. One that serves the entire West Springfield community, not just individual neighborhoods. An Enrollment Advisory Committee was established this year as a way to help the city develop a plan for its six elementary schools. This past school year, fewer than 120 children attended Mittineague. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents Erin Placey and Rachel Knowles, and their city councilor, Michael LaFlamme, say that attendance number is unnecessarily low. No first-graders went to Mittineague this past school year, and no first- or second-graders will attend the school next year. Both Placey and Knowles, who have children attending the school, said they hope the advisory panels process will be transparent. So far, they have doubts. The elimination of first- and second-grades at Mittineague, leaving only three grades and a group of children who belong to an academy specializing in social/emotional learning, has left both Knowles and Placey thinking theyve been played by district officials. Knowles said she feels the process of deciding on Mittineagues fate has been full of manipulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think theres a plan and its not shared with everyone, said Placey. We did it right, said Knowles. She says parents stood up for their children by gathering enough signatures on a petition to keep Mittineague open back in the winter of 2024. The West Springfield School Committee had voted to close the school, but it reversed its decision after receiving a petition with more than 2,500 signatures calling for the school to remain open. Read the original article on MassLive. Two invasive species are wreaking havoc on a shoreline in British Columbia, according to the Comox Valley Record. What's happening? Patches of grass species Spartina densiflora and Spartina patens have been discovered between Little River and Bowser on the shoreline of the Strait of Georgia. Spartina densiflora was first discovered near Vancouver in 2005, while Spartina patens has been around since the 1970s. The two species are described by the Comox Valley Record as "highly competitive with native vegetation," and conservationist Taylor Marriott told the outlet they can alter drainage patterns and cause significant flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Marriott, Conservation Programs Specialist for Ducks Unlimited Canada, explained, "If we let it go to seed and just let it grow, it will completely turn a diverse native habitat into a monoculture of just the single species." Why is fighting invasive species important? Much of the work of environmentalists around the globe is dedicated to the preservation of ecosystems: the complex network of living things that help each other survive. That's why the introduction of invasive species that alter those precious ecosystems can be so frustrating. The unwelcome plants compete with natural vegetation in the area for precious resources such as water and nutrients in the soil. They also affect the local landscape. Animal life is also impacted by all of this as their habitats and food supply can be drastically changed. For instance, when flooding caused by the Spartina occurs, holes in the soil that are essential for crab survival disappear, per the Comox Valley Record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, this is a problem that isn't just plaguing British Columbia. California's coastline has been dealing with an invasive succulent known as the ice plant for years. Across North America, the quagga mussel, which is native to Ukraine, has drastically altered ecosystems after being found in U.S. lakes. What's being done about invasive species? There is much to be done when it comes to invasive plants. First and foremost, individuals and communities alike can educate themselves on critical climate issues, with a focus on learning how to protect native plants, animals, and their habitats. When it comes to Spartina densiflora and Spartina patens, local experts are doing everything they can to fight back. One method is to dig them out, but this is a complicated process because in order to completely eradicate them, workers need to get all the way down to their roots. Another method is using herbicides, the Comox Valley Record reports. But the Canadian conservationists are wary of the effects herbicides can have on the environment, so they use a very targeted, low-toxicity version. The herbicide is specifically designed to stick to the invasive species, meaning it doesn't spread to native plants they are trying to protect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, none of these methods to fight the spread of invasive species are effective unless we know it's there. With that in mind, there is a Report Invasive Species app where individuals can report sightings of the invasive species so they can be dealt with accordingly. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. An explosion aboard the Eco Wizard tanker in Russia's Ust-Luga port caused an ammonia leak and is under investigation, the Russian Transportation Ministry announced on July 6. Explosions have damaged five tankers at Russian ports since the beginning of the year. The Russian Transportation Ministry alleged that "a minor leak of liquid ammonia" occurred at the Ust-Luga seaport in Leningrad Oblast due to "an incident" while unloading and loading the Eco Wizard tanker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Russian Telegram news channel Baza, "an explosion of an unknown nature" preceded the leak. The ship's 23-person crew was evacuated and port emergency services are working on site to eliminate the consequences. Loading operations were stopped and emergency rescue services put on high alert. Russian Transportation Minister Roman Starovoit held a meeting on the incident and a diving inspection of the vessel is planned. No casualties have been reported. The Eco Wizard tanker arrived in Ust-Luga from Antwerp, Belgium on July 3, according to ship-tracking data from VesselFinder. The vessel was built in 2024 to transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and flies the flag of the Marshall Islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vessel is suspected to belong to Russia's "shadow fleet," a group of tankers Moscow uses to circumvent sanctions. A week prior to the Eco Wizard explosion, a blast occurred on the shadow fleet tanker Vilamoura shortly after it visited Russian ports. The ship was carrying 1 million barrels of oil at the time of the explosion. The Eco Wizard is the sixth tanker linked to Russia to have suffered an explosion since the start of this year. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Drones attack Russias Black Sea Fleet; Russian pipelines explode in countrys Far East, HUR says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel paid floral tribute to the portrait of the late nationalist Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his birth anniversary at the Gujarat Legislative Assembly podium, an official statement said. On this occasion, Health Minister Rushikesh Patel and Minister of State for Cooperation Jagdish Vishwakarma were also present, and they offered floral tributes to the portrait of the late Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Minister Rushikesh Patel stated that July 6 marks the birth anniversary of India's great son, Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He gave rise to a new ideological stream in India. Due to the influence of his father, Ashutosh Mookerjee, who was known for his strict discipline, belief in Hindutva, and rich values, Syama Prasad was imbued with high Indian cultural values from a young age. After completing his M.A. and LLB, Syama Prasadji became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, the statement said. Later, he became an MLA. At the insistence of Veer Savarkar, he became active in the Hindu Mahasabha. In the first Cabinet of independent India, he was entrusted with the responsibility of Minister of Industry and Supply. He was deeply active and concerned about the issue of Kashmir and was the architect of the principle of 'Ek Vidhan - Ek Nishan - Ek Pradhan' (One Constitution, One Flag, One Prime Minister) for the nation. Throughout his life, he remained a staunch supporter of an undivided India and consistently fought for Kashmir. His life philosophy continues to guide us today to live with the spirit of putting national interest first, said Rushikesh Patel while paying tribute to Syama Prasadji. The floral tributes to the portrait of the late Syama Prasad Mookerjee were also offered by Former Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Gandhinagar City BJP President Ashish Dave, Chairman of the Standing Committee of Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation Gaurang Vyas, Acting Secretary of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly CB Pandya, as well as officers and employees of the Assembly. (ANI) ATHENS (Reuters) -An external explosive device most likely caused the blast that damaged Greek oil tanker Vilamoura as it was sailing off the Libyan coast last week, the vessel's Greece-based operator TMS Tankers said on Sunday, citing an initial investigation. The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Vilamoura had left the Libyan port of Zuetina on June 27 to head to Gibraltar with some 1 million barrels of oil when there was an explosion in the engine room. "Preliminary investigation findings clearly indicate that the explosion, the resulting fracture of the side shell plating, and the flooding of the engine room were caused by an external source an unidentified explosive device," TMS Tankers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maritime security sources told Reuters last week that a limpet mine may have caused the blast on Vilamoura, the fifth such incident to hit commercial shipping in the region in recent months. Following the explosion and the flooding of its engine room the vessel lost manoeuvrability, although it was able to be towed towards Greece. The vessel has now arrived safely at Laconikos Bay in Greece and its crew are in good health, the operator added in a statement. (Reporting by Renee MaltezouEditing by Gareth Jones) For dictators down the ages, nothing matters more than projecting an image of absolute and unchallenged power. The chance to stride the world stage at a glittering international summit is not to be missed. Yet Xi Jinping, the president of China, will spurn that opportunity on Sunday when he fails to arrive at a summit of Brics countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) in Rio de Janeiro the first time in his 12 years as paramount leader. This announcement, along with other recent developments, has triggered speculation that Xi could be in political trouble or even that his long supremacy over China may be under threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a system built on secrecy, no one outside a tiny circle knows what is really happening behind the walls of Zhongnanhai, the closely guarded enclave near the Forbidden City in Beijing where Xi and his most senior colleagues have offices and state residences. Winston Churchill once likened power struggles in the Kremlin to a bulldog fight under a rug, adding: An outsider only hears the growling and when he sees the bones fly out from beneath, it is obvious who won. So can we hear any growls from Zhongnanhai or see any bones hurled from beneath Chinese rugs? What conclusions about Xis political standing might we draw from recent events? Zhongnanhai, the Chinese leaderships state residence in Beijing, is shrouded in secrecy - Tony Vingerhoets / Alamy Stock Photo Aside from his non-attendance at Brics, we know the following for certain. Xi made no public appearances for 14 consecutive days between May 21 and June 5. A new Revolutionary Memorial Hall in Shaanxi province will not contrary to expectations be named after Xi Zhongxun, his late father, who also held high office in the Communist Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having reigned for longer than any Chinese leader since Jiang Zemin, Xi turned 72 on June 15. And last month saw the purging of an admiral called Miao Hua from the Central Military Commission the apex of Chinas high command. Just as Cold War Kremlinologists would analyse the precise line-up of Politburo members at the May Day parade, so China-watchers are poring over these new facts. Thus far, the most respected do not discern any clear sign that Xi is in trouble. I see no evidence that he is losing power and I have not seen or heard any credible evidence of a move against him, says Michael Sheridan, the author of The Red Emperor, a biography of Xi. But just because no growls are audible outside Zhongnanhai, it does not follow that the bulldogs within must be quiescent. Against all this, says Sheridan candidly, is the big caveat that we just dont know. Chinas slowdown Chinas leadership and people certainly have good reasons to question Xis judgment. Whether or not Covid-19 leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology and this explanation of its origins is at least as plausible as any other his response to the pandemic was consistently disastrous with tragic consequences for China and the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doctors who first raised the alarm about a new virus in December 2019 were arrested, in line with the worst tradition of how authoritarian states respond to crises. When every hour counted, Xi said nothing in public about the gathering peril until Jan 20 2020, even though he had given an internal speech about the new virus 13 days earlier on Jan 7. Thanks to his vacillation and instinctive secrecy, the world lost a precious chance to nip the danger in the bud. Once the pandemic was causing havoc, Xis draconian zero Covid policy brought Chinas economy to its knees, causing such suffering that rare street protests forced him to reverse course. Suddenly, in December 2022, Chinese policy leapt from eradicating Covid to living with it. In the meantime, Xis regime had neglected to inoculate millions of vulnerable elderly people and Chinas vaccines were, in any case, less effective than those developed in the West. The pandemic killed over seven million people worldwide, but China has been reported to have downplayed its death toll - Tingshu Wang/Reuters In July 2022, only 51 per cent of Chinese over 80 had received one Covid vaccination, compared with 93 per cent in Japan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just how many Chinese people died of Covid will never be known because Xis regime will not release the true figure, but the pandemic killed more than seven million worldwide. As well as costing countless lives, Xis brutally inept response brought Chinas economic juggernaut to a shuddering halt and it has never fully restarted. During his first full year in power, 2013, Chinas economy grew at 7.8 per cent, already the lowest figure since the turn of the century. Since then, he has presided over a steady slowdown. Xi will be lucky if China hits the target growth rate of 5 per cent this year. Many economists suspect that the official numbers are heavily massaged, with the real figure being nearer to 3 per cent or less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is still well above the big Western economies, with the US recording 2 per cent growth in the first quarter. But for Xi, Chinas economic performance is too weak for comfort. Five years ago he promised to double the size of the economy by 2035, both in absolute terms and per capita. Unless growth accelerates, he is on course to fail. If they dont get close to that, then I think it would be impossible for the Chinese leadership to stay so easily in control of everybody and everything, says Lord ONeill, the economist who coined the term Bric in 2001 to describe what were then the four biggest challengers to the Western order: Brazil, Russia, India and China. Xis regime has to increase domestic consumption to revive Chinas economy - Bloomberg Finance The boom that allowed China to become the worlds second largest economy was based on investment and exports. Today, economists agree that this model has run its course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Excess investment is leading to huge overcapacity, cut-throat competition and deflation. Meanwhile Chinas exports are threatened by Donald Trumps protectionism and the worlds unwillingness to buy all of its huge surplus production. If youre a small country, you can rely on exports for a long time to drive growth all the way up to high income levels, as weve seen happen elsewhere in Asia, says Julian Evans-Pritchard, head of China at Capital Economics. But if youre a very large economy like China then you start to dominate more and more of global trade. That engenders pushback at the global level, and it becomes harder and harder for the global economy to absorb more of your exports. If Xi is going to revive Chinas economy, he will have to build a new growth model based on domestic consumption, meaning that everything will depend on persuading his people to spend more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a property crash has reduced the value of the most important asset of most Chinese families. The consumer confidence index slumped by a third after the property bubble burst in 2021, and has flatlined ever since. Youth unemployment is 15 per cent, five points higher than when Xi came to power. I always used to think, in the first 25 years I followed China, that among their really good skills was knowing how to respond and when to respond, says Lord ONeill. But theres no two ways about it: since 2016-17, exacerbated by Covid and Trump, theyve lost it a bit on that, for my liking. And I cant fully rationalise how and why. The long overdue reckoning for Chinas economy is now beginning. So far, Xis response has been to invest 300 billion RMB (31 billion) in a scheme to allow households to trade in their old kitchen appliances for new models. This has succeeded in propping up retail sales, but overall confidence remains weak. Getting consumers to spend is the exact opposite of what the Communist Party has previously encouraged. They spent a generation training people to work and sacrifice creature comforts, says Kevin OMarah, co-founder of a supply-chain research firm, Zero100. And theyre trying to turn the wheel and get people to want McMansions or want new appliances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xis other intractable problem is that even if he succeeds in rebalancing the economy towards consumption, the outcome could be lower growth in the short term. It smells like people [in the leadership] are petrified, says Lord ONeill. And/or they think that if they pull the plug on juicing up physical infrastructure, or giving yet more temporary support for parts of the property sector, then yes, it could boost consumption as a share of GDP, but it would mean GDP growth of 2.5 per cent as opposed to 5 per cent. Already, Chinas economy has been growing at roughly the same pace as the world economy since 2020, meaning that Chinas share of global GDP the best measure of relative national power is now flatlining. By this telling indicator, China is no longer a rising country. Another vital trend will also weigh on future economic growth: Chinas population is declining and ageing, allowing India to become the worlds most populous country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All this means that China may never overtake America as the worlds biggest economy. For now, the US remains 50 per cent ahead at market exchange rates and China under Xis leadership is no longer closing the gap. Not every expert is pessimistic about Xis ability to solve the economys structural problems. They do realise that consumption is vitally important for China now, and this is why were seeing a lot of the policies being shifted from supply-side policies to demand-side policies. But this is going to take time, says Keyu Jin, of the London School of Economics. If you look at the robotic industries, the EV [electric vehicle] industry, the new-energy investors, those things are doing quite well. As he grapples with all these problems, the leader is feeling the heat. Xi Jinping is under a tonne of political pressure, says OMarah from Zero100. Theres a lot of cultural dissatisfaction in China with the future that peoples children are going to inherit. Hes got to find a way to basically re-energise economic growth, give the people something to care about. Xi Jinping is feeling the pressure from a combination of economic challenges, internal power struggles and international scrutiny - Kent Nishimura/Getty Images Along the way, Chinas neighbours have reacted against Xis belligerent diplomacy by doing exactly what he does not want and strengthening their ties with the United States. Chinas nine-dash line on the nautical map, laying claim to almost all of the South China Sea, threatens every nation in a giant arc from the Philippines in the east to Indonesia in the south and Vietnam in the west. 2712 Nine dash line In 2020, Chinese troops pressed so far forwards across their disputed Himalayan frontier with India that the two sides came to blows. Meanwhile, Xis relentless pressure on Taiwan has helped to make hawkishness on China one of the few points of bipartisan agreement in Washington. The outcome is that India has drawn closer to America through the Quad, a newly important group which also includes Japan and Australia. In 2023 the Philippines allowed US forces to use another four bases in the country, including one in the northern province of Cagayan, close to Taiwan. By his own incompetence, Xi has made it easier for America to strengthen its military position in East Asia, the very reverse of Chinas objective. Signs of discontent? Given Xis record of policy errors and misjudgments, any unexpected events are likely to cause speculation about his future. But it must be said that innocent explanations can be found for recent developments. Vladimir Putin will also be skipping the Brics summit, largely because indicted war criminals like him struggle to travel without being arrested. Xi might have decided that it was hardly worth going all the way to Brazil if there was no chance of meeting his chief ally in the struggle against America and the West. Even worse, Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister and a key geopolitical rival, will be in Rio de Janeiro where he will attract perhaps too much attention. Xi, as the Red Emperor, does not want to be overshadowed, notes Michael Sheridan. As for the supposed snub to the leaders late father, the truth is that Xi Zhongxun already has a giant memorial in Shaanxi, which Sheridan describes as grander than the tombs of the Ming Emperors. Whether yet another monument will honour the name of the elder Xi may not matter very much. The decision against naming a new memorial after Xi Zhongxun suggests a potential shift in how the current leadership wants to avoid being seen as overly focused on family legacy - Getty Images Xis 14-day absence, meanwhile, has happened several times before. He may have health problems he was certainly a heavy drinker in his youth but his mother is still alive and she is nearly 100. Turning to Admiral Miao Hua, he is only the latest in a long line of victims of Xis ruthless campaign against official corruption: seven other members of the Central Military Commission have also been purged. Kerry Brown, another British sinologist and former diplomat, points to vital warning lights that are not flashing. Are there any central leaders saying slightly discordant things? he asks. Are there any provincial leaders who are sort of acting in a more autonomous way? Are there military leaders who are [making] overt statements, which are different from the government? It appears not. Dr Dylan Loh, a China expert at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, says that another danger signal would be Xi disappearing from the state media. One of the first few indications of him losing power would be very low or significantly reduced mentions of him and features of him in the main Chinese newspapers, he says. Once again, that light is not blinking. Xi featured on the front page of the Peoples Daily, the regimes main propaganda organ, 157 times between April and June, only marginally less than his 177 appearances during the same period last year, according to the China Media Project, a US-based research group. But throughout Xis long rule, the metaphorical bulldogs really have chewed up a good many bones. In 2023 alone, two defence ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, were purged while the foreign minister, Qin Gang, disappeared within months of his appointment. The fate of this English-speaking career diplomat, once ambassador in Washington and first secretary at Chinas embassy in London, remains unknown. While the two defence ministers were accused of corruption, Qins mistake was never disclosed. But Xis ruthless action against his subordinates briefly revealed the intense combat raging beneath the Chinese rug. Yao Cheng, a former lieutenant-colonel in the Peoples Liberation Army who defected to the US in 2016, says that Xis performative campaign against elite corruption has stirred great resentment. His arrests of the corrupt are selective he never truly targets the corrupt. Its all about purging his rivals, which has upset many, he says. The PLA has wanted Xi to step down, but this is not what Xi wants. Once a national leader loses power in the military, they are vulnerable and Xi is now vulnerable. These are striking words, but Yao was never in the PLAs senior ranks and he defected nearly 10 years ago. How much can he really know about the current situation in China? What next? The Communist Party Congress, where the countrys leadership and policy direction will be decided, is due in 2027. This occasion will be a key indicator of the future trajectory of China and the strength of Xis grip on power. It was during the 2018 Congress that the party removed a two-term limit on the appointment of the general secretary to allow Xi to prolong his supremacy indefinitely. Inconveniently, he owes his continued dominance to the fact that he engineered the rewriting of party rules to serve personal ambition. Xi shouldnt have been re-elected in the first place, points out Yao. The CCPs rule was clear: you get to be elected as general secretary for two terms in a row, so Xis third term is not legal. China-watchers tend to agree that Xis usurpation of the rules and his ruthless purges have stirred resentment among the elite. Hes transformed China in ways that make the common people very pleased but the elite Communist party members less happy, says Drew Thompson, a former China director at the Pentagon. There must be a high degree of animosity going into the next party Congress. If there is going to be an internal putsch, experts believe that Xis critics would strike during the Congress in 2027, although they would probably refrain from stripping him of all three of his official positions at once. Xi currently serves as president of the Peoples Republic of China, general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and chairman of the Central Military Commission, allowing him to dominate the state, party and armed forces respectively. One possibility is that Xi might keep his position at the apex of the military high command while a new figure becomes president the least significant of the three roles or even general secretary. For now, all this is speculation and there is no indication of Xi advancing any particular bulldog as a favoured successor. So far, nothing suggests that he has come to grips with the eternal dilemma of all ageing autocrats as they contemplate their own mortality. If you identify a successor too early, this successor may pre-emptively challenge your power or he may become a target for others to take down, says Loh. But if you leave it too late, the successor may not have a chance to build his base and get legitimacy. Loh adds: I would imagine that the next party Congress will be the time to give an indication of who the anointed one is, but until then it will be very fluid. The stakes for Xi could hardly be higher. If he fails to revive the economy, build a new growth model and confront the US with greater skill, the bulldogs may start growling and it could be his bones that fly out from beneath the rug. 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. FALKVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) The Falkville Police Department is trying to raise money for its new K9 unit. FPD took to social media on Friday to say it started its K9 unit and that it has been going great. However, with that being said, the department is asking for help and support as it tries to get more K9 officers. You can now order exclusive Falkville K-9 shirts to help us raise money for the care, training, and equipment needed for Nellie girl, FPD wrote. Nellie is pictured below. (Photo: Falkville Police Department) The department has five shirt options available, each for $20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every purchase helps us build a safer community and gives our K-9 officer the tools they need to serve and protect. Thank you for your support! You can purchase the Falkville K9 shirts here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Jul. 5Flocks of panicked people fled Riverfront Park late Friday after false reports of an active shooter quickly spread through the crowd. The fear in the crowd apparently was sparked by a misunderstanding of an "altercation" near the Clocktower, Spokane police said in a news release. Officers initially were told a gun may have been seen but no shots were fired. When they contacted a male believed to be involved, he was unarmed and "no victim came forward." No arrests were made. And police found no evidence a shot was fired. Just after 10 p.m., the band MasterClass was finishing up its set in the Lilac Bowl, east of where Washington Street cuts through the park, when people began to rush from the west. Some yelled that there was an active shooter, possibly in response to the altercation, the news release said. With the band still playing and fireworks just beginning, many of those sitting on picnic blankets began to flee grabbing their children and belongings. Meanwhile, someone on stage warned the crowd via microphone to take cover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A minute or two later, the fireworks halted as sirens began to sound in the background. Officers, some in tactical gear, quickly responded to the Clocktower. About 10 minutes after the initial rush of the crowd, police announced near the Clocktower that there had not been a shooting and that fireworks would resume. Some ran to Osprey Restaurant & Bar on N. Division, said Mackenzie McFadden, who was tending to customers outside when the panic began. "Our patio was completely full," she said, "and we had people also along the sidewalk area probably 60 or so outside watching the fireworks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McFadden recalled a man running down the street "screaming active shooter." She and her colleagues quickly cleared the patio and guided everyone in the vicinity inside. "We had kids even hiding behind our bar area as well to keep them safe. It was hectic," said McFadden, who has worked at Osprey for two months. The restaurant decided to close at 10:30 p.m. and was forced to comp many meals. Most people did not wish to return, she added, even once the reports were deemed untrue. Friday's false reports of a mass shooter follow the shooting of three firefighters in Coeur d'Alene less than a week earlier. In May 2024, the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in downtown Spokane was rerouted after a shooting at a convenience store along the route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tara and Todd Huffman, of Nampa, Idaho, were in the Riverfront Park crowd not far from the Clocktower when they heard something that sounded like a firecracker. "Someone said, 'Did you hear that pop?' and then suddenly people just started running that way, in all directions," Tara Huffman said. The Huffmans didn't flee because they were confident that there was no danger, but they said at least half the crowd began to leave in short order. "They didn't even know what they were running from," Todd Huffman said. Some in the crowd said they experienced panic and rushing people. Others experienced an exit that was more orderly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time fireworks restarted before 10:30 p.m., there was only a scattering of people left. Even many of those still in the park who knew the report was false were no longer in the mood for patriotic revelry and continued to leave. Caroline Saint James' 's reporting was funded by Comma's First Amendment Club. KERR COUNTY, Texas Campers as young as 8-years-old were swept away by catastrophic flooding in central Texas when tropical rainfall sent the Guadalupe River surging onto Camp Mystic, where the young campers slept. The search continued Monday for people missing in Kerr County, Texas, from the all-girls Christian camp along the river in Hunt. Beginning Friday, extreme rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry turned the Guadalupe River into a deadly wall of water. On July 4, the river surged from over 3 feet to nearly 35 feet near Comfort, Texas, according to the National Weather Service. Some of the missing campers have been identified among those killed in the flooding, including best friends Lila Bonner and Eolise Peck, their families confirmed to FOX 4 Dallas. The girls were spending time at Camp Mystic after finishing second grade at Bradfield Elementary School this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camp Mystic Director Richard "Dick" Eastland is among those who did not survive the flooding. He and his wife, Leslie "Tweety" Eastland have owned the camp since 1974, according to the Camp Mystic website. A woman and a child embrace after girls from Camp Waldemar, near the North fork of the Guadalupe River, are reunited with their families after heavy rainfall in Central Texas, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images) Camp Mystic confirmed in a statement on Monday that 27 campers and/or counselors are among the Kerr County flooding death toll, which has continued to rise in the days since the historic flooding event. "Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly. We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls," the statement read. "We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level. We ask for your continued prayers, respect and privacy for each of our families affected. May the Lord continue to wrap His presence around all of us." Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said the situation that unfolded over the weekend was "every parent's worst nightmare." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A week ago, this was a time of great celebration," Cruz said. "You're dropping your little girl off at camp, your little boy off to camp. You're celebrating Independence Day. You know that your child is going to be swimming canoes and horseback riding and doing archery and making lifetime friends. Then, suddenly, it turns to tragedy." Meanwhile, the search continues. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said 10 campers and one camp counselor remain missing. Photos, Videos Reveal Disastrous Damage Across Kerr County, Texas After Deadly Flash Flood In Kerr County, 75 flooding victims have been found, including 27 children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Trinity University Offensive Coordinator Wade Lytal said his daughter, Kellyanne, is one of the missing Camp Mystic campers. "Asking for all prayers for a miracle for my baby girl Kellyanne," Lytal said, sharing a video of his daughter singing. "She is still one of the Mystic Campers who is unaccounted for. Ill never forget when she told me she had a lead solo in the Christmas Pageant. She is absolutely fearless." In a statement, Trinity University President Vanessa B. Beasley said, "Some members of the Trinity University community have been directly impacted by this disaster." Aidan Heartfield, a Trinity University student, is also among the missing, the university said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are doing our best to stay informed about those who are missing while search and rescue operations continue," Beasley said. "Student Affairs staff are reaching out to students from the region and offering support and assistance. We are also providing support to employees who have been impacted by this tragedy." Heres How To Help The Victims Of The Texas Flooding FOX Weather Meteorologist Bayne Forney is reporting from Kerrville, where she spoke to families waiting for news about the missing girls. Sara Kendrick's daughter, Mercy, was set to go to Camp Mystic on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Kids wait all year to go to their safe place, which is camp," Kendrick said. "No kids should lose a friend, and weve lost a couple." Mercy said she was missing many friends. "Ive been scrolling through videos and pictures on my moms phone, and watching it over and over again," Mercy said. "Her dancing when shes excited. She was so nice. I just miss her so much." Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said more than 1,300 state responders, more than 900 vehicles and equipment, and more than 15 state agencies are currently responding to the flash flooding disaster across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott toured the camp over the weekend, saying it was "nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through." Original article source: Families of Camp Mystic missing girls seek miracle after Texas flooding claims 27 campers, counselors SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) Fireworks continue to bring together family and friends, this time in South Hadley. The fifth of July didnt stop South Hadley from celebrating red, white, and blue. Neighbors packed Michael E. Smith Middle School for what looked and felt like a local fair. Thousands gather for Star-Spangled Springfield at Riverfront Park Locals started bringing out lawn chairs hours before the fun even started so they could get a front row seat to the firework show. Kids were swinging, sliding, and playing for the chance to win prizes, and moms and dads got to have some fun too and enjoy some ice cream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its good to have time with the family and being able to hang out with the boys, said attendee Mike Parnell. And afterwards, I think Ill be ready to go back to work. When it seemed like barbeques were all wrapped up for the holiday, South Hadley showed that good food was sticking around for one more day. Beef brisket and pulled pork sandwiches were a hit. South Hadley topped off this much-needed weekend. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. The 49-year-old North Texas woman killed June 28 in a seven-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 near Terrell had a vibrant spirit and left a lasting impression on those around her, according to her family and friends. Nicole Gregory of Dallas was one of five people who died when state troopers say the driver of an 18-wheeler fell asleep at the wheel. Gregorys family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover her funeral expenses. Nicole was such a light and her vibrant spirit, joyful presence, and deep love for her family and friends made her unforgettable, Jessica Gibson wrote in the fundraiser. She brought warmth, laughter, and love wherever she went. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicole Gregorys daughter, Hailee Gregory, told KTVT-TV that her mom was her soulmate. The last text that I sent her was, I love you and be safe, Hailee Gregory told KTVT. Nicole Gregorys family said the 49-year-old was on her way to see 1990s cover band The Flannel Pajamas when the accident occurred, KTVT reported. The driver of the 18-wheeler that caused the multi-vehicle crash, 27-year-old Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni, of Kissimmee, Florida, was arrested Saturday. He has been charged with five counts of manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonzalez-Companionis semi-truck hit a Ford F-150 pickup truck, causing it to hit two other semitractor-trailers. The suspects truck then jackknifed and slid from the right lane to the left, causing a collision with three other passenger cars, DPS officials said. Gregory was driving a Jeep Compass. She was airlifted to a hospital, but didnt survive her injuries. Three generations The McKellar family, from Fort Worth, were in the Ford F-150 that was struck by Gonzalez-Companionis 18-wheeler. Zabar and Krishaun McKellar, their 15-year-old son Kason, and Zabars father, Billy McKellar, all died at the scene. Daughter Evan McKellar, 20, is the only family member to survive the crash in Kaufman County. She was hospitalized in the ICU of Dallas Parkland Hospital, according to a GoFundMe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This unimaginable tragedy has deeply touched the hearts of many, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support shown during this time, the fundraiser for Evan McKellar states. Four members of the McKellar family from Fort Worth were killed in a Saturday, June 28, crash on Interstate 20 in Terrell, Texas. The family is asking for privacy and prayers while they grieve, according to North Texas attorney John Nohinek with the Witherite Law Group. The firm has been hired to represent Krishaun McKellars family members in the civil case. We are doing everything in our power to get every piece (of evidence) preserved so we have it for the future, Nohinek told the Star-Telegram in a phone interview Thursday. Nohinek pointed out that three generations were killed in the crash, which he said could have been prevented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was not an accident, Nohinek said. This was someone falling asleep at the wheel. Hope Trans LLC, the trucking company Gonzalez-Companioni was working for, has had a history of safety violations, according to federal audits. Going back to 2023, the company has nearly three dozen violations on file with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for issues related to driver hours of service compliance. Hours of service limits are meant to reduce driver fatigue. Bishop Rodney McIntosh, a close friend of the McKellar family, told Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV that Evan McKellar has a long road to recovery ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Make sure you keep Evan McKellar lifted up in prayer if you are a person of prayer, McIntosh said. It will be greatly appreciated. More top stories from our newsroom: Man shot on TRE train at Fort Worth downtown station/a> Four killed in crash from Fort Worth family Families face heavy burden with Cook Childrens Health Plan in limbo [Get our breaking news alerts.] TAOS COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) Its been more than a week since a northern New Mexico woman went missing. Though there has been an extensive search effort, not much has shed light on what happened to Melissa Casias. Casias went missing on Thursday, June 26, and was last seen near Talpa, NM, just southeast of Ranchos De Taos. Her disappearance spurred large-scale search and rescue operations and has prompted the involvement of New Mexico State Police (NMSP). Thats the last that we know about where she was that day, said Jazmin McMillen, Casias niece. According to her family, Casias went missing after taking lunch to her daughter at a cafe in Taos Plaza. Nine days later, investigators are still searching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taos animal shelter closes indefinitely, amid funding and operational challenges No positive news right now, McMillen said. Were really just trying to kind of keep it top of mind for people in the area. Her family says Casias is an Administrative Assistant for Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and drove to work that morning. They say she forgot her badge, which she needs for security clearance, and decided to work from home. Her family says Caisas later took lunch to her daughter at the John Dunn Shops in Taos, and left the area just before 1:00 p.m. She got back in her car, she left, McMillen said. We have surveillance footage that shows what she was seen last wearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alarms were raised when Casias daughter returned home after work and found all of her mothers belongings. But Melissa was not there. Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office: Missing child located Her purse, her car, her keys, her wallet, and her personal phone, her work phone, and her computer were all at home, McMillen explained. A tip came in later that day, saying that someone saw her walking alone on foot on Highway 518 in Talpa, and was seen on neighbors Ring doorbell cameras. The family later confirmed it was her based on the clothes she was wearing that day. The family says thats the last time she was seen. Since then, hundreds of volunteers, family members, and law enforcement have spent hours searching for her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We created some large maps of the total search area, McMillen added. We divided that into quadrants and sub-quadrants, so we had 16 grid areas where we sent volunteers. The family is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to Casias safe return. The family has started a Facebook page and GoFundMe to help in their efforts to find Melissa. They are asking the public to contact NMSP with any tips or leads at 505-425-6771. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jul. 5The explosion was heard a mile away and blew out the windows of surrounding homes. One neighbor rushed her children into a back room as the house shook and framed pictures fell off the wall. Then came the pops, she said, like the sound of fireworks. Gregory Clark, badly burned, walked out of his obliterated garage across the street pieces of brick and roof strewn about the property. He tried to get into his vehicle, but arriving firefighters stopped him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neighbor believed the 60-year-old was trying to get the vehicle away from the encroaching flames to prevent more damage or injury. "I knew him. That's just who he was," she said. "He was a good man." Whatever happened, the neighbor said, she is certain it wasn't intentional. Clark, a longtime pyrotechnician with Western Enterprises, who ran firework shows across the Southwest, died Thursday after being airlifted to a burn center at Texas Tech University Medical Center in Lubbock. Jason Clark, of Rio Rancho, said he and his son made the five-hour drive to his brother's bedside. Clark said his brother never regained consciousness, "But I sat next to him as he passed away." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another Western Enterprises employee who was at the home with Clark was taken to the burn center and treated for his injuries. Jason Clark said his brother was meticulous and careful, never bringing the fireworks which he called "product" into his home and forcing anyone who came within 100 feet of it to give up their cellphones and smartwatches. "I wanted to say that he wasn't a bad person. I didn't want everybody to vilify him... And this accident was I just don't see how it happened, but it did, and I'll accept those facts," he said. The Phoenix Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the explosion and no wrongdoing has been alleged by federal authorities. The ATF said in a statement that they had dispatched special agents to the scene and "they will conduct an origin and cause report at the conclusion of the investigation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Due to this investigation being active and ongoing we cannot provide any additional information at this time," according to the statement. Jason Clark said an ATF inspector told him the majority of the fireworks found at the scene were stored in a box truck parked on the street and not involved in the explosion. Employees with Western Enterprises came to Clark's home as the blaze was being put out and took the large quantity of fireworks from the box truck. The Oklahoma-based company said Saturday that the ATF contacted them after the blast and asked them to "immediately retrieve the professional fireworks which were being stored in the vehicle parked near the incident." "We are all devastated by the tragic incident involving our contract technician. Greg was a long-time seasonal team member who had become a friend to many at Western Enterprises," Jim Burnett, president of Western Enterprises, said in a statement. "He will be deeply missed by the entire Western family." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burnett went on to say that it was aware surrounding homes were damaged and "no neighborhood should be subjected to this type of event." "The presence of professional-grade fireworks in a residential setting is strictly prohibited under federal regulations and Western Enterprises' company policies," according to the statement. "Western Enterprises is cooperating fully with local law enforcement and regulatory authorities as the investigation continues. At this time, we do not have an explanation for how or why the vehicle and materials ended up at that location. As a family-owned company with a 50-year history and a strong safety record, Western Enterprises is committed to understanding the full circumstances surrounding this tragedy and supporting all investigative efforts." Albuquerque Fire Rescue said that firefighters responded around 1:40 p.m. to an explosion in the 9400 block of Woodland NE, northeast of Moon and Menaul, and doused the flames within an hour. For a time, the Albuquerque police bomb squad could be seen outside the home. The other Western employee with Clark during the explosion told his brother that they were working on firework fuses for the city of Rio Rancho's Fourth of July show when Gregory Clark asked him to fetch something from his truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man told Jason Clark that, as he left the garage, he heard a loud pop and ducked at the sound. Then a much larger blast went off behind him it blew off the garage door and busted down a brick wall. 'He stuck with it' Jason Clark said his brother started out of high school as a welder, working on airplane fuselages while making sculptures as a hobby. His metal creations Kokopelli, lizards and roadrunners now dot the yards of relatives. Twenty years ago, Gregory Clark tried his hand at pyrotechnics with a fireworks show at a Christian youth festival in Colorado. Jason Clark said, "It was something that he was good at, and when he was good at something, he stuck with it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From there, he said, Gregory Clark worked with Western Enterprises, doing shows in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado until he became a lead pyrotechnician. Jason Clark would travel with his brother to shows, sometimes with his children in tow. The Eastern New Mexico News interviewed Clark in 2015 as he prepared for the Smoke on the Water July 4 show in Clovis. He told the News that they were setting off 900 to 1,000 fireworks explaining how they used sand to weigh down the boxes holding the munitions to keep them "secure and safe." Jason Clark said his brother would use a Western Enterprises property in Algodones to store and set up the fireworks. "In the years that I have gone to see his shows and gone to see him prep these shows and watch him build these fireworks, he has never, once, ever brought product to his house," he said. When Jason Clark went to his brother's home Wednesday, fire inspectors walked him through the wreckage, which he described as "unbelievable." "The blast must have been so big the cinder block walls had been just blown down and the roof was gone," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A large gun safe ... had just melted to the point where the metal on the outside was gone... and when we opened them, everything was incinerated," Jason Clark said. "... The only thing left was the barrels." A neighbor showed Jason Clark doorbell camera video of the explosion. Absent, he said, were the colors: the reds, blues and purples often seen when a fireworks warehouse catches fire. "In Greg's house, you didn't see any of that," he said. "You just saw orange flames and black smoke." Jason Clark said he expected the neighborhood to be up in arms, looking for someone to blame, when he arrived Wednesday. But it was just the opposite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They all came to me and asked me how he was doing. And they all told me stories of things that he had done for them, even the house next to him that burnt and had severe damage she told me how he had remodeled her kitchen for virtually no cost," he said. When he went to the site Saturday morning, he found memorial signs and flowers hung on the fence surrounding the home. Jason Clark said his eyes filled with tears at the sight. "It just it amazes me how I live in a neighborhood where I might know two or three of my neighbors, whereas in the past, everybody knew everybody," Jason Clark said. "But in his neighborhood, everybody does know everybody, and they all came out for him." NEED TO KNOW A young dad shared heartbreaking final words with his family before he was killed in the Texas flooding tragedy on July 4 Julian Ryan was with his fiancee Christinia Wilson, their children and his mother at his home when the flooding occurred Ryan, 27, was remembered by loved ones as having "an infectious laugh and unwavering kindness" A family has revealed a young dad's heartbreaking final words before he was killed in the Texas flooding tragedy late last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julian Ryan was with his fiancee, Christinia Wilson, and their children and his mother at his home in Ingram when the water in the nearby Guadalupe River began to rise on the morning of Friday, July 4, according to CBS affiliate KHOU. Wilson told the outlet that within less than half an hour, water was inside their house. "It just started pouring in, and we had to fight the door to get it closed to make sure not too much got in. We went back to the room and started calling 911," she said. Realizing the imminent danger, Wilson told KHOU that Ryan, 27, punched a window in the home to allow his family members to exit to safety, but he injured himself in the process. "It severed his artery in his arm and almost cut it clean off," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite continued calls to 911, Wilson said police were unable to assist the family, and Ryan shared an emotional goodbye with his loved ones before he died, telling them, "Im sorry, Im not going to make it. I love yall." Wilson told KHOU 11 that her fiance's body wasn't recovered until hours later. "He was a good man," Wilson tells PEOPLE. "He was strong and loving and always happy. He tried to save us and we will forever be grateful and miss him." AP Photo/Julio Cortez The aftermath of the Texas flooding tragedy in July 2025. The aftermath of the Texas flooding tragedy in July 2025. Speaking with KHOU, Ryan's loved ones praised his courageous actions. Ryan's sister, Connie Salas, said, "He is the hero in this story," while Kris Roberts, his best friend, added, "He's the kindest person I've ever met in my life, and I'll forever love him no matter what." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a GoFundMe set up to "help alleviate the unforeseen financial burdens" in the wake of Ryan's death, he was described as "a cherished son and devoted parent and fiance who was dedicated to his family." "He was known to have an infectious laugh and unwavering kindness," the fundraiser stated. "He touched countless lives with his humor and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him." Wilson, his fiancee, says "hes still with us and I see him every day in our son." AP Photo/Julio Cortez The aftermath of the Texas flooding tragedy in July 2025. The aftermath of the Texas flooding tragedy in July 2025. More than 50 people have been confirmed dead, and numerous others remain missing, due to the flooding as of the morning of Sunday, July 6, NBC News, CNN and The Washington Post reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the dead and missing include campers of Camp Mystic an all-girls, Christian summer camp grandparents and a family of four. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in an initial statement the state is providing all necessary resources to Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt and the entire Texas Hill Country dealing with these devastating floods. In another, shared a day later, he issued a proclamation declaring Sunday, July 6, a "Day of Prayer" in Texas. Ryan's family told KHOU that they believe better preparations could've been taken within Texas, including the use of flood sirens. "Everybody would've been worried 'What's that noise?' " Wilson said. "We would have left. We would have gone anywhere else. We had so many places that were safe." Read the original article on People Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday paid rich tributes to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee and remembered his contributions and sacrifices for the country, especially Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a gathering in Gujarat's Anand, Shah asserted that Mookerjee sacrificed himself for Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the territory would never have become an integral part of India without him. Mookerjee strongly opposed the special status and autonomy granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. He advocated for the complete integration of J-K with the rest of India. Shah said, "Today is a very important day. On this day in 1901, Syama Prasad Mookerjee was born. Born in the land of West Bengal, he was a nationalist leader... The people of the nation are associating him with Jammu and Kashmir. That is correct because Kashmir would never have become an integral part of India without Syama Prasad." "He sacrificed himself for Kashmir, raising the slogan 'Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan aur Do Nishan nahi chalenge'. The entire credit for West Bengal being a part of our nation today goes to Syama Prasad and Swami Pranavananda..." the Union Minister said.. Expressing pride, the BJP leader stated that Bharatiya Jana Sangh, started by Mookerjee with just 10 members, has now become the world's largest political party. Shah stated, "He had resigned from Jawaharlal Nehru's Council of Ministers in protest against the policy of appeasement, after which he formed Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a party that was dedicated for India's soil, culture and interest. The party he started with 10 members has today become the world's largest political party with a membership of 12 crore people. On this occasion, I bow my head to pay tributes to Syama Prasad Mookerjee." Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, was a multifaceted personality - patriot, educationist, parliamentarian, statesman, and humanitarian. He inherited a legacy of erudition and nationalism from his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, an esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and Judge of the Calcutta High Court. Post-Independence, he joined the interim government under Jawaharlal Nehru as Minister for Industry and Supply, where he laid the foundation for India's industrial growth by establishing iconic institutions like the Chittaranjan Locomotive Factory, Sindri Fertilizer Corporation and the Hindustan. However, ideological differences led to his resignation, after which he founded the All-India Bharatiya Jan Sangh (1951) to champion nationalist ideals. According to the BJP's official website, on the issue of the Delhi pact with Likayat Ali Khan, Mookerjee resigned from the Cabinet on April 6, 1950. Later on October 21, 1951, Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in Delhi and became its first president. Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953 and was arrested on May 11. He died under detention on June 23, 1953. (ANI) BELLEVILLE, Ill. A father is facing charges after a 4-year-old boy was shot at a home Thursday on North 42nd Street. Police say the child was taken to an area hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. His father, 27-year-old Tyron L. Pembleton, was taken into custody for questioning that same day. Chiefs, Royals no longer getting additional state funding: Kehoe On July 4, prosecutors charged Pembleton with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, obstructing justice, and endangering the life or health of a child. He remains in the St. Clair County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child is recovering in the hospital. Police say they are not looking for any other suspects at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Nearly two decades after a Florida woman vanished from her apartment building without a trace, authorities have announced a new break that could breathe new life into a formerly cold case. Jennifer Kesse, 24, vanished from her Orlando condo complex after leaving for work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, stumping both state and federal investigators as authorities raced to catch her abductor. "About an hour and a half into the workday, I received a call from her work," Drew Kesse, Jennifers father, told Fox News Digital. "And they said, Hey, Jennifer had a meeting this morning, its not like her to not show up. Do you know where she is?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missing Florida Woman Jennifer Kesse's Father Hopes For Answers 18 Years After Kesse immediately tried to reach his daughter relying on a family rule that they would always answer each other's calls but her phone went straight to voicemail. "I knew something was wrong immediately," Kesse said. Read On The Fox News App Kesse and his wife, Joyce, quickly made the two-hour drive from their home in Tampa to Orlando, where they found their daughters apartment empty with several outfit choices laid out on the bed. Detectives True Crime Podcast Helps Dig Up Breakthrough In Case That Haunted Family: Drew Audible Gasp Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parents immediately called the Orlando Police Department to report Jennifer missing. "They looked around her apartment, shrugged their shoulders and said, She had a fight with her boyfriend probably, shell be back," Kesse said. "They walked out. And that was Jennifers last chance." More than a decade later, the family filed a lawsuit against the City of Orlando, OPD and the mayors office, citing a botched investigation into Kesse's disappearance and requesting documents pertaining to the search. Missing Jennifer Kesse's Family Holds Out Hope For Possible Dna Evidence Jennifer Kesse has been missing since she was last seen at her Orlando residential complex on Jan. 24, 2006. OPD, the City of Orlando and the mayor's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit resulted in the first successful request for records involving an ongoing case, with the city handing over 16,000 pages of materials involved in the investigation. Drew Kesse compiled a team of 13 members of law enforcement including former U.S. Secret Service and FBI agents to continue advancing the search for his daughter. GET REAL-TIME UPDATES AT THE FOX NEWS True Crime Hub In November 2022, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) took over the case, with any leads into Kesses disappearance eventually running cold. Until last month, when Kesse received a call from FDLE telling him that investigators had obtained new DNA evidence and, using a list compiled by Kesses team, narrowed down their persons of interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missing California Moms Family Digs For Homicide Cover-up Or Cleanup As Police Eye Persons Of Interest "[FDLE] said that they no longer consider Jennifers case cold," Kesse said. "It is active. They are on what they need to do and they truly believe that they are getting somewhere." FDLE declined Fox News Digitals request for comment, citing the ongoing investigation. Kesse credits the break in the case to his own team of investigators and new technology removing previous roadblocks pertaining to evidence. Hunt For Missing Midwest News Anchor Focuses On Fight Over Unsealing Evidence Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team asked NASA to enhance security footage revealing Jennifers car was removed from her apartment complex on the day of her disappearance, reemerging three days later at a separate condo parking lot one mile down the road, with the drivers face obscured by a nearby gate where the vehicle was found. "We have film of that [car] being parked," Kesse told Fox News Digital. "A person stays in it for 32 seconds, gets out and walks away." Kesse hopes the use of artificial intelligence will lead investigators to identify the person of interest. Additionally, two witnesses previously reported seeing Jennifer and a man fighting while in the front seat of her black Chevy Malibu. Records obtained by the family also indicated the hood of Jennifers vehicle was covered with dust from ongoing construction at her condo complex and indicated signs of a struggle. SIGN UP TO GET True Crime Newsletter "An unidentified person of interest and possible suspect was photographed parking Jennifer Kesses vehicle and walking away. The unidentified person was approximately 5-foot-3 to 5-foot-5 and was wearing white clothes similar to a painter or a manual worker," a missing persons flyer from the FDLE says. "Prior to Kesses disappearance, she had complained about some construction workers that were working on her apartment complex and were making her uneasy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, the family is anxiously awaiting any new information that could potentially reveal what happened to Jennifer. Follow The Fox True Crime Team On X "I want to know where Jennifer is," Kesse said. "Dead or alive." Anyone with information about Jennifers disappearance is encouraged to contact FDLEs Orlando office at (407) 245-0888 or OROCColdCaseTips@fdle.state.fl.us . Click Here For The Fox News App In light of Jennifers disappearance, the Florida House of Representatives unanimously passed "The Jennifer Kesse and Tiffany Sessions Missing Persons Act," fundamentally reforming how missing persons reports are investigated in Florida by requiring law enforcement agencies to enact written policies for handling such cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Until authorities finally put [Jennifers disappearance] together, hopefully very soon, well keep working," Kesse told Fox News Digital. "We keep moving forward with the authorities, hopefully to bring her home someday." Fox News Digital's Audrey Conklin contributed to this report. Original article source: Fathers pursuit for missing daughter heats up with new evidence in case thats no longer cold A father and son drowned at a state forest campground in Cheboygan County's Burt Township on Saturday, July 5, the Cheboygan County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post. Police said a 54-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, both from Levering, died July 5 at Maple Bay State Forest Campground on Burt Lake. The sheriff's office did not immediately identify the victims in a Facebook post. Deputies were dispatched at about 3:21 p.m. Saturday after a distress call reporting two individuals in distress in the water, according to the release from Sheriff Todd A. Ross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses at the scene said the 16-year-old boy had been underwater for approximately 7 minutes. His father entered the water to attempt to rescue his son. Cheboygan County Marine Patrol, with assistance from bystanders, arrived on the scene within minutes and located the 54-year-old underwater. Shortly thereafter, the 16-year-old was pulled from the water. Both victims were transported to the Maple Bay boat launch where emergency life-saving measures were administered. Despite efforts, the 54-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 16-year-old male was transported to McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey, where he later died. The Sheriffs Office is actively investigating the incident, and said drugs and alcohol are not suspected to be factors in the deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cheboygan County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the Cheboygan County Dive Team, Emmet County Sheriffs Office, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, Pellston Fire Department/First Responders, and Cheboygan Life Support System. Where is the campground located? The rustic campground 4 miles east of Brutus is located on the west side of Burt Lake and offers boat access and a sandy shoreline. There is a large day-use parking lot directly adjacent to the campground, which provides parking for boaters and day visitors, according to the DNR, with 35 wooded and private campsites. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Father, son from Levering drown at Burt Lake near Indian River Oklahoma's local tax structure is outdated and the Legislature should vie to restructure it, said Claremore City Manager John Feary. Four members of the Oklahoma State Legislature including the body's two highest-ranking senators, both former mayors came to town June 27 for the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce's "State of Legislative Affairs" forum. Before taking questions, they discussed some of the 480 new pieces of law the Legislature passed this session. Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, is president pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate. Only Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, as president of the Senate, outranks him. Paxton appointed Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, his majority floor leader, making her second in command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paxton and Daniels both served as city council members and mayors of their respective towns before their election to the state Senate. Feary told the legislators he believes Oklahoma's statutory scheme for city tax collection notably, that cities and towns may collect sales tax but not property tax is inhibiting growing cities like Claremore. "It is time to tear down the antiquated system in which municipal government is funded, especially when we're forced go out and place that burden on our utility customers and our taxpayers," Feary said. "It puts us in a position where we have to come to you and ask for things, where, if we had more resources and an updated policy, we could do things on our own." Claremore's municipal sales and use tax rates rose from 3% to 4% Tuesday. In his spring campaign for the tax increase, Feary said it was necessary because by law, Oklahoma communities depend heavily on sales tax to raise money for costly infrastructure projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma is one of 31 states that follows Dillon's Rule, a judicial doctrine counter to home rule in which cities and counties may only act only as state law explicitly allows. Of these 31 states, all but Oklahoma and Hawaii, which lacks incorporated cities have legislatively authorized cities to collect property and sales taxes. But 68-2701 of the Oklahoma Statutes states municipalities may levy taxes for general government "except ad valorem property taxes." According to 2017 data from the Tax Policy Center, cities in other states raised an average of 24% of their general revenue from property tax. The Government Finance Officers Association estimates this figure closer to 18%. Claremore raises nearly 70% of its revenue from user charges primarily electric, water and sewer and 23% from sales tax, according to the GFOA, which cites the U.S. Census Bureau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By comparison, cities nationwide gathered 29% of their revenue from user charges and 7% from sales tax. Feary said the legislators should support the Oklahoma Municipal League, an organization that lobbies on behalf of municipal governments, in its effort to make cities less reliant on sales tax and user charges. "We understand where you're coming from, and we worked very well with OML this year," Daniels responded. Since the Oklahoma Constitution, Article X, Section 9, forbids Oklahoma cities from collecting property tax for general government; voters would have to approve a constitutional amendment to change it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniels said she doubted voters would give cities that right. Paxton said he and Daniels know what Feary means because they served as Tuttle's and Bartlesville's mayors, respectively. He said one conversation he and other Senate leaders have had is whether to expand the range of services on which Oklahoma cities may levy sales tax. Both Texas and Oklahoma tax services, Paxton said, but Texas' list is broader. While the Oklahoma Tax Commission does not allow cities to tax services unless they are explicitly enumerated in laws or regulations, the Texas comptroller considers taxable all "labor to restore or maintain tangible personal or real property." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Maybe lower the overall rate, but move more services into the realm as well that's a discussion we have," Paxton said. "It's very easy to talk about cutting taxes. It's very difficult, as you're talking about, expanding into something else." Feary said he hoped OML would encourage the Legislature to change Oklahoma's local tax laws. "Twenty-one years I've been doing this, and we've been having the same conversation for two decades," Feary said. WASHINGTON (KFDX/KJTL) FEMA has announced federal disaster assistance is available for the state of Texas to help recovery efforts during the severe storms, winds and floods that have been affecting the Hill Country area since July 2. RELATED | Texoman Family of 4 missing after floods in Kerr County This action by President Donald Trump makes it available for federal funding to help affected people in Kerr County. This assistance can include grants for temporary housing and repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property damage and loss and other programs to help individuals recover from the disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This federal funding is also available to state and eligible local governments and certain non-profit organizations on a cost-sharing basis. Benjamin Abbott has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in those areas that have been affected. More designations may be made later if they are warranted by the damage assessments. RELATED | Wichita County gathers supplies for people affected by Kerr County floods Many Texas leaders have reacted to this declaration of disaster by President Trump with praise for the action, including Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and Governor Greg Abbott. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kerrville community has endured unimaginable devastation, and I thank President Trump for swiftly approving this disaster declaration to ensure every available resource is being utilized in rescue and recovery efforts, said Sen. Cornyn. Being a Texan doesnt just describe where youre from, it describes who your family is, and even in the darkest times, Texans come together to serve one another in a powerful way. As a lifelong Texan and a father of two, my heart breaks for the families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy, and I encourage all Texans and Americans to pray for our state and for the safe return of those who are still missing. The flooding we are seeing in Central Texas is absolutely devastating, said Sen. Cruz. Heidi and I send our heartfelt condolences to all those who have been directly impacted by this natural disaster. We thank President Trump for quickly approving Governor Abbotts disaster declaration, and Secretary Noem for being on the ground and sending additional personnel to support Texans. We urge everyone to heed the warnings from local officials and stay out of harms way. We are immensely grateful to the first respondersboth in Texas and from across the countrywho are risking their own safety to rescue those in need. As Texans, we must remain united in spirit and grit, and support our neighbors as we always do best. Both Senators sent letters to President Trump earlier today urging that all available federal resources be sent to Kerr County to assist with recovery efforts. RELATED | Sunday, July 6 Declared Day of Prayer for Texans in Kerr County floods by Governor Abbott Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump stands strong with Texas in our time of need, and I thank him for swiftly approving Texas disaster declaration request, said Governor Abbott. This federal support will ensure local officials, emergency management personnel, and first responders have the critical resources they need to help Texans rebuild and recover from these devastating floods. Our hearts continue to grieve for our fellow Texans who have endured unspeakable loss. We continue to work around the clock with our federal and local partners to search for those still missing and to help impacted Texans move forward. Qualifying Texans in Kerr County are able to apply for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program. As of now, no extra counties are included, but they can be added at a later date. For anyone looking to apply, visit FEMAs page for disaster assistance online or call (800) 621-3362. FEMAs Individual Assistance program helps with disaster expenses such as temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, disaster legal services, disaster unemployment assistance and medical, dental and funeral expenses that were caused by the disaster. FEMA has approved the program for the people of Kerr County. Texas has requested additional FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program resources, but the request is still pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials are continuing to review disaster damage information that has been self-reported by Texans through TDEMs Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) damage survey. When it is deemed safe, Texans who were impacted are urged to submit information about damage to homes or businesses by going to iSTATs official website. RELATED | Other ways to donate to the help victims of the Texas Floods Governor Abbott continues to take action to provide all available resources to support the communities that were impacted by the recent floods. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. SPARTANBURG, S. C. (Hub City Spartanburgers) After an offensive explosion to finish Fridays win, the Spartanburgers (8-6, 39-40) started out hot on Saturday against the Dash (4-10, 29-50). Two runs in the first proved to be enough for Hub City in a 6-1 win to claim the series. Gleider Figuereo pounded another home run to make the final few innings comfortable for the Spartanburgers bullpen. Mason Molina got the night started on the mound for the Burgers with five strikeouts. He finished an out short of five innings in a scoreless performance. Molina set down the first three Dash batters to the plate in the first. Anthony Gutierrez and Malcolm Moore began the home half against Dylan Cumming (L, 1-3) with singles. Both runners were in scoring position after a passed ball. Figuereo scored Gutierrez on a groundout, and Dylan Dreiling brought in Moore with an RBI single. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Molina did not allow a hit through his first four innings of work. Cumming settled in to toss a pair of zeroes on the board before Luke Bell took over. After a hit and a walk to start the top of the fifth, Molina got the next two batters on a strikeout and a flyout to finish his evening. Joey Danielson (W, 3-2) relieved Molina and stranded both runners, thanks to a groundout from Jeral Perez. Winston-Salem again threatened in the top of the sixth. After two strikeouts to begin the inning, Danielson conceded two hits and a walk to load the bases. Danielson struck out Cole McConnell swinging to keep the Dash off the scoreboard. After Cummings three innings, Bell tossed two scoreless out of the Dash bullpen. Hub City put the pressure on Winston-Salems third pitcher, Vince Vanelle, in the sixth. Dreiling sparked the offense with a one-out single, and advanced to second on an error in center field. Three batters later, Arturo Disla pounded a two-out single past the reach of shortstop Arxy Hernadez; Dreiling scored easily from second. Backed by a three-run lead, Wilian Bormie struck out the side in the top of the seventh. Figuereo put the finishing touches on the third straight day with double-digit hits for the Spartanburgers bats. Facing Jack Young with two on base, Figuereo cranked a hanging slider over the right field fence and doubled the Hub City advantage. Bormie and Mailon Felix were on cleanup duty in the eighth and ninth. The only Dash run came courtesy of a Matt Hogan RBI groundout against Felix in the ninth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Firefighters have been battling a vacant building fire on Great Miami Blvd., near Main St., for over two hours on Sunday morning. The entire structure collapsed. According to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch, the fire started at approximately 6:30 a.m. in the 20 block of West Great Miami Blvd. It is a 2-story home. Two escape flames in massive house fire, explosion in Dayton Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said there was heavy fire on both floors. There were multiple lines in operation. Crews fought the fire until approximately 9 a.m. 2 NEWS was on the scene. Crews told us the entire structure had collapsed. Photo of the damage by Nathan Adkins, WDTN. Photo of the damage by Nathan Adkins, WDTN. Photo of the damage by Nathan Adkins, WDTN. Photo of the damage by Nathan Adkins, WDTN. The cause of the fire is still under active investigation. 2 NEWS will update this article when more information is available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Clark County Fire Department extinguished a garage fire in the Las Vegas valley Saturday. Around 2:40 p.m., CCFD responded to a report of smoke coming from the front of a home in the 1200 block of Ponce de Leon Avenue near Warm Springs Road and the 215. When crews arrived, they found the garage of the home fully engulfed in flames, according to CCFD. Around 2:40 p.m., CCFD responded to a report of smoke coming from the front of a home in the 1200 block of Ponce de Leon Avenue near Warm Springs Road and the 215. When crews arrived, they found the garage of the home fully engulfed in flames, according to CCFD. (KLAS) Around 2:40 p.m., CCFD responded to a report of smoke coming from the front of a home in the 1200 block of Ponce de Leon Avenue near Warm Springs Road and the 215. When crews arrived, they found the garage of the home fully engulfed in flames, according to CCFD. (KLAS) Around 2:40 p.m., CCFD responded to a report of smoke coming from the front of a home in the 1200 block of Ponce de Leon Avenue near Warm Springs Road and the 215. When crews arrived, they found the garage of the home fully engulfed in flames, according to CCFD. (KLAS) Around 2:40 p.m., CCFD responded to a report of smoke coming from the front of a home in the 1200 block of Ponce de Leon Avenue near Warm Springs Road and the 215. When crews arrived, they found the garage of the home fully engulfed in flames, according to CCFD. (KLAS) Two residents were found uninjured in the backyard of the home. The living area of the home had significant smoke exposure and the Red Cross was requested to assist two adults and two dogs, CCFD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, 44 firefighters responded to the call, including seven engines, one truck, two rescues, two battalion chiefs, an air resource/rehab unit, and LVFR responded with their CBRN/Hazmat unit due to damage to a lithium-ion battery in the garage. Neighbors told 8 News Now that a 100-year-old woman is recovering after being rescued from the house fire. When I rolled up, I saw my neighbors house in smoke and being that I live next door to her, I obviously was very concerned for her. I was panicked and it was really nerve-wracking, neighbor Gary Turner said. The response from the fire department is so commendable because within minutes they were here. I feel so much safer knowing that if theres a response thats needed, theyll be here, neighbor Cheryl Gettes told 8 News Now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire is 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 KLAS. CLINTON, Ill. (WCIA) Multiple agencies responded to a machine shed that was fully involved by fire in Clinton over the weekend. The Clinton Fire Department responded to a fire on Leghorn Road around 11:50 a.m. on Saturday. While on the way there, the fire was upgraded from a first alarm to a second alarm, and more crews and an additional tanker were requested. Champaign Fire Dept. investigates Saturday night apartment fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire department said the weather conditions and the heavy amount of smoke from the fire led to the upgrade. When the crews arrived, they found a machine shed was fully involved with fire. The firefighters used a deck gun on the truck, along with multiple handlines. They also used a nearby pond as an additional water source. Eventually, the fire was upgraded to a third alarm, and more crews were requested because of the hot weather and the overhaul operations needed to put out the fire. Decatur Fire Dept. extinguishes multiple fires on July 4th The Clinton Fire Department thanked Wapella Fire, Kenney Fire, Maroa Fire, Weldon Fire, Argenta-Oreana Fire, Farmer City Fire, Hickory Point Fire, Dewitt County EMS, DeWitt Sheriff and Dewitt County CenCom for responding to the scene and assisting them in fighting the fire. The fire department added that they appreciated the help from the Red Cross, as well as the community members who provided food and drinks for the first responders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, they thanked Waynesville Fire for providing station coverage during the fire and answering multiple EMS calls while the Clinton Fire Department was responding to the fire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. A house has been damaged following a fire in Camden County on Sunday, July 6. According to a Northwest Fire Protection District social media post, firefighters were dispatched to a residential home around 5:30 a.m. in Climax Springs, Missouri, on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Northwest Fire Protection District Photo courtesy of Northwest Fire Protection District Photo courtesy of Northwest Fire Protection District The fire protection districts Engine 1 arrived on scene to find the single-story home in heavy smoke 14 minutes after the initial dispatch, the post says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department reached out to mutual aid from other fire departments due to the limited water supply in the area. Man drowns at Lake of the Ozarks after falling off boat The Mid-County Fire Protection District, Coffman Bend Fire and Rescue, Derr Creek Fire Protection District and Sunrise Fire Protection District arrived on the scene to provide assistance. Crews brought the fire under control in 45 minutes and stayed on scene to help in conducting overhaul operations, extinguishing hidden fire and ventilating the residence. No injuries were reported during the incident. The Missouri State Fire Marshal is working to investigate the cause of the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Congress MP from Assam's Koraput, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, said that a resident of Hinjili in Ganjam district, Odisha, who has been kidnapped in the African country of Mali is out of communication and requested the External Affairs Ministry to take cognizance of the matter. An al-Qaeda abducted three Indians linked terrorist group in West Africa's Mali. "A resident of Hinjili in Ganjam district, Odisha, has been kidnapped in the African country of Mali. And he has been out of communication. We are deeply concerned about his safety and would request the External Affairs Minister to take cognisance of the matter and take the necessary action... I will be writing to the Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging him to take immediate action in this regard", he told ANI a day earlier. Earlier on Saturday, the brother-in-law of P Venkataraman, a resident of Odisha's Ganjam district who is among the three Indians abducted by an al-Qaeda linked terrorist group in West Africa's Mali, said that the terrorists are demanding ransom. The brother-in-law told ANI on Saturday, "Venkat last called me on June 30. He worked in a cement factory in Mali, West Africa. He said his company had stopped them from going out as terrorists were present. This kidnapping incident happened on July 1." He added that initially, the company had informed them that his brother-in-law was in police custody after the terrorists set fire to the factory; however, later, they came to know about the abduction and were asked not to leak the information. "We got a call from the company that he and some others are in police custody as terrorists have set the factory on fire. An international news claimed that Al-Qaeda had kidnapped some people. We called the company to confirm this, and they refused us to leak this information and said that the terrorists are demanding ransom in exchange for the people," he said. "We waited for a few days and then complained to the police. I called and mailed the embassy but did not get any response. I demand that my brother-in-law be brought back home safely," Venkataraman's brother-in-law told ANI. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern over the abduction of three Indian workers from a factory in Mali's Kayes region and urged authorities in the West African country to ensure their "safe and expeditious" rescue. "It has come to the knowledge of the Government of India that many military and government installations at multiple locations of western and central Mali were attacked by terrorists on July 1," the MEA said in a statement on Wedneday. The armed attack took place at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes. Condemning the incident, the MEA said the Indian embassy in Bamako is in constant contact with local authorities, security agencies, and the families of the abducted workers. In its statement, the MEA described the act as "deplorable" and reaffirmed India's strong stand against violence targeting its citizens abroad. "The Embassy of India in Bamako is in close and constant communication with the relevant authorities of the Government of Mali, local law enforcement agencies, as well as the management of Diamond Cement Factory," the MEA statement read. (ANI) A massive fire that sparked late on the Fourth of July devastated the historic Templeton Feed & Grain building, sending towering flames shooting into the sky for hours as residents gathered on street corners to watch. Firefighters were still dousing flames throughout Saturday as much of the roof of the 80-foot granary tower collapsed. Crews were able to save the original concrete structure, which dates back more than 100 years. Engines from across the county responded to the blaze as firefighters attacked the flames from multiple angles, blasting water through windows and the fully engulfed structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Saturday morning, the iconic building was a smoking ruin, and spectators and residents watched as firefighters continued treating the flames. Flames could be seen erupting from an upper floor of Templeton Feed & Grain early July 5, 2025, as firefighters attempted to save the building. One of those was Andrea Neider, who has worked for the granary for four months. She moved to Templeton two years ago. Neider said theyre in limbo waiting for the fire to be put out, as well as to hear an assessment about the future of the business. Were down but not out, Neider said. Ray Pesenti Jr., a lifelong Templeton resident, said his father helped build the granary in the 1940s. Pesenti first heard about the fire Saturday morning. Firefighters from San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles were called to a two-alarm commercial fire at Templeton Feed and Grain. Fire broke out in the late evening of Independence Day. They were battling flames on the morning of July 5, 2025. The landmark structure brought spectators out to document the fire on their cell phones. Live updates: Flames engulf iconic Templeton Feed & Grain towers in late-night fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lou Esposito, a Templeton resident, suspected that Fourth of July fireworks may have contributed to the burn. There was fireworks that the city allows, and we suspect that it was a rogue rocket that smoldered up there, Esposito said. I mean Fourth of July and (the granary) burns at night, you kidding me? It had to be a rocket. Firefighting was expected to continue for several days, the Templeton Fire Department said in a news release Saturday afternoon. On Saturday morning, Templeton residents were urged to conserve water due to the amount it took to fight the fire overnight. Flames could be seen erupting from an upper floor of Templeton Feed & Grain early July 5, 2025, as firefighters attempted to save the building. In a post on X on Saturday morning, the Templeton Fire Department asked residents to limit indoor water use and do not water at all outdoors at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Templeton is at critically low water levels due to the amount of water used to contain the fire at Templeton Feed and Grain, the post read. Firefighters from San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles were called to a two alam commercial fire at Templeton Feed and Grain. Fire broke out in the late evening of Independence Day. They were batteilng flames on the morning of July 5, 2025. Historic Templeton Feed & Grain is the heart of downtown Templeton Feed & Grain has long been a San Luis Obispo County institution, with its iconic 80-foot grain elevator and grain silos standing proudly above Templetons Main Street for decades. The original concrete building was built in 1912 and was used as a garage for Chevrolet vehicles and Illinois tractors, according to the Templeton Area Expansion Plan. It was converted to a granary in the 1930s. Firefighters continue to work on the burned-out ruins of the Templeton Feed & Grain building on July 5, 2025, after the historic structure caught fire late on the night of the Fourth of July. Later, the towering structure that looms over South Main Street was added, giving the downtown its well-known look. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building is located between 4th and 5th streets across from McPhees Grill. Firefighters from San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles were called to a two-alarm commercial fire at Templeton Feed and Grain. Fire broke out in the late evening of Independence Day. They were battling flames on the morning of July 5, 2025. Fire chief describes how fire spread through Templeton building In an interview with The Tribune at around 1 a.m.., Templeton Fire Chief Tom Peterson said the agency was initially notified of a fire alarm at the building at 11:11 p.m. Friday. The first unit on scene saw smoke and requested a full structure response, he said. They then began climbing into the buildings silo to further access the fire. Pretty much its a wood-structured building so it kinda took off from there, Peterson said. The fire then spread real easily through the top of the buildings silos, he said. Though firefighters were still working to save the concrete portion of the building, it looked like the silos were going to be a total loss, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked how old the building was, Peterson responded: Its old. Pretty old. Flames could be seen erupting from an upper floor and roof area of Templeton Feed & Grain early July 5, 2025, as firefighters attempted to save the building. It was as yet unclear what the cause of the fire was, he said, noting that investigators would hopefully be able to get camera footage from neighboring businesses to help determine how it started. As of about 1:20 a.m., the flames no longer could be seen from the top of the building, though flickering could be seen deeper within the structures. Flames could be seen erupting from an upper floor of Templeton Feed & Grain early July 5, 2025, as firefighters attempted to save the building. The flames had worked down from the room all the way to the ground. They could be seen raging in the warehouse through an open door along South Main Street. Peterson said crews were likely to be at the scene until the sun comes up. Flames could be seen erupting from an upper floor of Templeton Feed & Grain early July 5, 2025, as firefighters attempted to save the building. Onlookers gather to watch as flames burn iconic Templeton building The fire erupted as residents were wrapping a day of Fourth of July celebrations in the North County town, which also hosted a parade earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Streets that were lined with American flags and filled with festivities were reduced to a community tragedy 12 hours later. Everett Allred, who was watching the firefight from a nearby streetcorner, said he had just finished watching fireworks when during a late-night walk, his brother saw the Templeton Feed & Grain building go up in flames. Flames could be seen erupting from the upper floor and roof area of Templeton Feed & Grain early July 5, 2025, as firefighters attempted to save the building. So Allred hurried down to the scene to see what was happening. At first it was only that top part, and then that slowly started spreading and collapsing, he said motioning to the buildings tower. Im pretty sure its going to collapse tonight. At around midnight, flames could be seen erupting from the top of the building as firefighters on tall ladders made a valiant effort to save the historic structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The towering flames could be seen as far away as Highway 101, as a large plume of dark smoke poured from the top of the building. As of 12:20 a.m., numerous engines were working to try to douse the flames with water, though they had difficulty accessing the uppermost portion of the building where the flames were strongest. Flames could be seen erupting from an upper floor of Templeton Feed & Grain early July 5, 2025, as firefighters attempted to save the building. In a post on X, Cal Fire said its crews were responding to the second-alarm fire as part of an automatic aid agreement with Templeton Fire. Other responding agencies were Atascadero, Paso Robles, San Miguel and San Luis Obispo city fire departments. People were asked to avoid the area as operations continued. Commercial Structure Fire Templeton Firefighters responded to a second alarm fire at Templeton Feed & Grain located at S Main Street. As part of our automatic aid agreement with Templeton Fire, crews from CAL FIRE, San Luis Obispo County Fire, Atascadero Fire, Paso Robles pic.twitter.com/07704TiuFV San Luis Obispo County Fire Department (@CALFIRE_SLO) July 5, 2025 Firefighters from San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles were called to a two-alarm commercial fire at Templeton Feed and Grain. Fire broke out in the late evening of Independence Day. They were battling flames on the morning of July 5, 2025. Firefighters continue to douse the ruins of the Templeton Feed & Grain building on July 5, 2025, after the historic structure caught fire late on the night of the Fourth of July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters from San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles were called to a two-alarm commercial fire at Templeton Feed and Grain. Fire broke out in the late evening of Independence Day. They were battling flames on the morning of July 5, 2025. The ruins of the Templeton Feed & Grain building smolder on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in a view from the back side of the building, which was gutted in a devastating blaze that start late on the Fourth of July. SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) As neighborhoods continue to celebrate the Fourth of July, fire officials are reminding the community to leave the fireworks to the professionals. Since 2020, there have been more than 550 fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks in Massachusetts. Six firefighters were injured across these incidents, and damage estimates nearly $1 million. Wareham man dies from fireworks explosion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And if they do go off and something goes wrong, seeking shelter away from any of the danger, said South Hadley Fire Lieutenant Sam Lemanski. And then if someones injured, we want to call 911 right away. Using fireworks in Massachusetts is illegal, unless theyre being used by a licensed professional. Those who bring them into the state or use them can face jail time. Massachusetts is the only state in the country to have a complete ban on the sale and use of fireworks. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Charlotte firefighters battled flames on a south Charlotte rooftop early Sunday morning, officials said. Firefighters responded to the scene at the 300 block of S Kings Drive around 1 a.m. on Sunday. Officials said the fire was contained quickly with no reported injuries. Investigators determined the fire was caused by firework debris that ignited multiple areas of the roof membrane and caused about $5,000 in damage. WATCH: Charlotte community members gather to call for justice for teen victim of drive-by shooting Firefighters in Germany were struggling to gain control of blazes in several forested areas on Sunday, as the wildfire season continued to wreak havoc on parts of the country's east, amid similar disasters in other parts in Europe. When one smouldering area is finally extinguished, the wind lights up the next one just a few metres away, said a spokesman for the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district office in the state of Thuringia. Firefighters are also battling flames in an area between the states of Saxony and Brandenburg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A state of crisis has been declared in Thuringia as firefighters were still unable to control the state's biggest wildfire in more than three decades. Winds had even brought the smell of the fires to Berlin over the weekend. On Sunday morning, helicopters were still flying over the fire zone, using thermal imaging cameras to identify smouldering nests. By late morning, however, air support was suspended. On Saturday, three helicopters had flown over the fire zone, dumping tens of thousands of litres of water onto the burning forest. "Our forces are exhausted," said district administrator Marko Wolfram, hoping that emergency staff could be reduced from 500 on Sunday to 300 on Monday. Similar numbers were battling blazes in northern Saxony, between the cities of Dresden and Leipzig, where much of the 2,800 hectares of natural landscape in the Gohrischheide area has already burnt down in raging fires. Germany's struggle with wildfires comes as Syria, Turkey and Greece have also been battling blazes in recent days, forcing major evacuations and causing two deaths in Turkey's Izmir province. A helicopter with a thermal imaging camera searches for hidden pockets of embers at the forest fire on the Saalfelder Hoehe. Michael Reichel/dpa MAPLETON, Utah (ABC4) Fire crews from Mapleton City Fire Department, with help from Springville and Spanish Fork, were able to extinguish a vegetation fire Saturday afternoon. Mapleton Fire says they were dispatched to a reported vegetation fire on the south end of town on Saturday that was threatening multiple structures. The homeowner was burning their ditches when the fire quickly grew out of control. Firefighters from Mapleton City, along with one engine from Springville and Spanish Fork, arrived on scene and quickly put the fire out. The fire burned 1/8 acre, a horse trailer and a 20 foot by 20 foot hay stack. Firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading to a nearby trailer house, side by side and a barn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mapleton City Fire advises residents to use extreme caution during hot and dry conditions. (Mapleton City Fire Department) (Mapleton City Fire Department) (Mapleton City Fire Department) (Mapleton City Fire Department) (Mapleton City Fire Department) (Mapleton City Fire Department) Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The attack on the ship comes as Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are also suspected of numerous drone and missile attacks over the past two weeks. An attack on a vessel in the Red Sea was reported on Sunday, which was the first attack there in months. The Iranian-backed Houthis had carried out dozens of attacks on ships between November 2023 and at least February 2024. They had ended some of their attacks due to a ceasefire in Gaza, and previously, they had said they would continue attacks to support Gaza. They claimed to be targeting ships linked to Israel, but they also targeted cargo ships linked to Western companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US launched airstrikes on the Houthis in mid-March. The airstrikes ended in April with some kind of a deal, and the Houthis appeared to stop attacks on ships. It was not clear if the Houthis would choose to change course after the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. In addition, the US bombed Iran. Sundays report said that the maritime security group UKMTO had received a report of an incident 51 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, a key port in Yemen. Hodeidah is controlled by the Houthis, and Israel has struck the port several times. Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, rally to show support to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Sanaa, Yemen December 6, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/KHALED ABDULLAH) The vessel was attacked by multiple small vessels, the report said. The vessels had opened fire, and a security team on the vessel had responded, with the incident continuing for hours. Vessels are advised to transit with caution, the group said. Mixed reports hide Houthi recognition of attacks Al-Akhbar, a pro-Iranian Lebanese media outlet, reported that two unmanned aerial vehicles collided with the side of a ship. It was not clear if this was the same incident. Al-Ain media in the UAE also reported on the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Akhbar also said that the Houthi leader had put out a statement reiterating the Houthis firm position in support of the Palestinian people and its commitment to the option of confrontation against the Israeli occupation and America. It was not clear if this was linked to the new threat to shipping. The Houthi leader also affirmed our firm stance in supporting the Palestinian people and our hostility towards the Israeli and American enemy, which is an enemy of Islam and Muslims and poses a danger to the entire Islamic nation. He also said, No matter the challenges, difficulties, extent of sacrifices, level of blame, pressure, and media attacks, our steadfastness in our positions is our decisive choice. The attack on the ship comes as Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are also suspected of numerous drone and missile attacks over the past two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the last important attacks on a ship in the Red Sea was in February. Ynet noted at the time, A cargo ship in the Red Sea suffered minor damage after being hit by a projectile while sailing off the coast of Yemens Hodeidah, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency and British maritime security firm Ambrey said on Tuesday. UKMTO received the report just after midnight GMT Tuesday. Ambrey said the Barbados-flagged, general cargo ship owned by a British company incurred physical damage from an unmanned aerial vehicle while sailing southeast through the Red Sea. No injuries were reported. The ship performed evasive maneuvers and continued its journey, Ambrey said. JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel and Hamas are set to hold indirect talks in Qatar for a second day on Monday, aimed at securing a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, ahead of a meeting in Washington between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump. The U.S. president has said a deal could be reached this week. Before departing for Washington on Sunday, Netanyahu said that Israeli negotiators had been given clear instructions to achieve a ceasefire under conditions that Israel has accepted. An Israeli official described the atmosphere so far at the Gaza talks, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, as positive. Palestinian officials said that initial meetings on Sunday had ended inconclusively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second Israeli official said the issue of humanitarian aid had been discussed in Qatar, without providing further details. The Truce talks have been revived following last month's 12-day Israeli air war against its arch-foe Iran, which backs Hamas. The U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire envisages a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza and discussions on ending the war entirely. Ending the war has been the main sticking point in past rounds of talks, with Hamas demanding a full end to the conflict in return for releasing all hostages, and Israel insisting it would fight on until Hamas is dismantled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of Netanyahu's hardline coalition partners oppose ending the fighting. But, with Israelis having become increasingly weary of the 21-month-old war, his government is expected to back a ceasefire. The war was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Around 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are believed to be still alive. Israel's retaliatory military campaign against Hamas has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health authorities, led to a hunger crisis, displaced nearly all the population and left most of the territory in ruins. (Reporting by Nidal Al Mughrabi, Maayan Lubell and Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Lisa Shumaker, Kim Coghill and Lincoln Feast) The Brief Flash flooding in Texas has killed dozens of people and many more remain missing, including 27 young girls who were camping at a summer camp along the Guadalupe River. Flash floods are the top weather-related killer in the United States. Flooding has caused more than 125 deaths per year, on average, in the U.S. Authorities continue to search for missing people in Texas Hill Country after deadly, devastating flash floods, a weather event thats considered the top storm-related killer in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those missing are 27 young girls who were at a summer camp along the Guadalupe River when the flash floods swept through the area. According to the National Weather Service, flooding has caused more than 125 deaths per year, on average, in the U.S. over the past few decades. LIVE UPDATES: Texas Flooding: At least 59 dead in Kerr Co. flooding as rescue efforts continue From the Texas floods of 2025 to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, heres a look at some of the most deadly flooding nationwide in the past 25 years. Flood waters left debris including vehicles and equipment scattered in Louise Hays Park on July 5, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas. Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas with multiple fatalities reported. (Photo by Eric Vryn/Getty Images) Texas, July 2025 Authorities are still assessing the deadly effects of heavy rains that caused devastating flash floods in Texas Hill Country, leaving at least 32 people dead and many others missing as frantic parents sought word about their daughters unaccounted for at a girls camp near the Guadalupe River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue stranded people in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads. Hurricane Helene, 2024 Hurricane Helene struck Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia in September 2024. The storm caused about 250 deaths, according to the National Weather Service. Many of those who died in Helene fell victim to massive inland flooding, rather than high winds. Helene was the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. RELATED: Blue Ridge Parkway making incredible progress after Hurricane Helene flooding Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm decimated remote towns throughout the Appalachians and left millions without power, cellular service and supplies. In North Carolina alone, Helene was responsible for 108 deaths, according to the state's Department of Health and Human Services. Kentucky, 2022 Raging floodwaters in eastern Kentucky in late July of 2022 led to 45 deaths, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys said Saturday. The floods destroyed homes and businesses and caused significant damage to schools, roads, bridges and water systems. The disaster robbed thousands of families of all their possessions. Tennessee, 2021 Twenty people were killed when creeks near the small Middle Tennessee town of Waverly overflowed after more than more than 17 inches (43 centimeters) of rain fell in the area in less than 24 hours in August 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homes were washed off their foundations, cars were wrecked and businesses were demolished. The dead included twin babies who were swept from their fathers arms. Hurricane Harvey, 2017 Hurricane Harvey barreled into Texas in August 2017 as a powerful Category 4 storm. Harvey hovered for days as it trudged inland, dumping several feet of rain on many Gulf Coast communities and the Houston area. Harvey killed at least 68 people, according to a National Hurricane Center report. All but three of the Harvey deaths were directly attributed to freshwater flooding, which damaged more than 300,000 structures and caused an estimated $125 billion in damage. West Virginia, June 2016 A rainstorm that initially seemed like no big deal turned into a catastrophe in West Virginia, trapping dozens of people during the night and eventually leaving 23 people dead around the state. Superstorm Sandy, 2012 Superstorm Sandy was a late fall freak combination of a hurricane and other storms that struck New York and surrounding areas in October 2012. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sandy killed 147 people, 72 in the eastern U.S., according to the National Hurricane Center. More than 110 deaths were attributed to drowning, Roys said. Mississippi River, 2011 Heavy rainfall in several states, plus a larger-than-normal slow melt, led rivers in the Mississippi River Basin to swell and flood in 2011. Flash floods associated with these storms caused 24 deaths across Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee in April and May, according to the National Weather Service. Hurricane Ike, 2008 Hurricane Ike struck the southeast Texas Gulf Coast in September 2008, creating a storm surge as high as 20 feet (6 meters) in the island city of Galveston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ike then poured more than 4 feet (1.2 meters) of rain on Houston, destroying thousands of cars and leaving hundreds of thousands of families with flood-damaged homes. In all, Ike was responsible for more than 100 deaths, many caused by flooding. Hurricane Katrina, 2005 Hurricane Katrina is the deadliest flood event in the U.S. in the past 25 years. The storm crashed into the Gulf Coast and caused devastating flooding when levees failed in New Orleans, where people had to be rescued by boat and helicopter from rooftops. The costliest storm in U.S. history, Katrina caused nearly 1,400 deaths and an estimated $200 billion in damages. Tropical Storm Allison, 2001 Tropical Storm Allison caused 41 deaths, mostly attributed to flooding caused by 40 inches (101 centimeters) of rain that fell in Texas and Louisiana, Roys said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allison remained a threat for days as its remnants lingered after making landfall in June 2001, causing major flooding in Houston. The Source This report includes information from The Associated Press and previous FOX TV Stations reporting. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Should fluoride be in your drinking water? Thats a big question buzzing around the state right now. Gov. Kevin Stitts Make Oklahoma Healthy Again initiative directs the Oklahoma State Department of Health to stop recommending fluoride in public water systems. Ive been in practice for 30 years and I never thought our state would be a state to talk about taking out fluoride out of the water, said Dr. Tamara Berg, vice president of American Dental Association and past president of the Oklahoma Dental Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many dentists across the state are now speaking out against the directive. We already know that community water fluoridation already diminished cavities by 25 percent in both adults and children, said Dr. Berg. Oklahomans take pride in celebrating the 4th of July By removing fluoride from water, Dr. Berg believes there will be more cavities, especially in rural and low-income populations. We dont have the workforce to handle all the cavities that are there and by removing water fluoridation, were just going to see an increase and thats going to make our dentists busier and make people suffer more and miss more days of school and out of work, said Dr. Berg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While those on the other side think differently. Water needs to be its purest as possible. If youre adding medications to water, not everybody can handle the same medication, said Liza Greve, executive director, Make Oklahoma Healthy Again PAC and Oklahomans for Health and Parental Rights Foundation. Greve says people need to have a choice about what theyre drinking. Like I live in an area where we dont have fluoride in the water and so then, you know, if I go to a different area, you may not do well with that, that medicine or that product, so its just nobody gets informed consent on that, said Greve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 4 reached out to the Oklahoma State Department of Health: In Oklahoma, the decision to participate in water fluoridation has always been made locally. While OSDH has encouraged this in the past, we recognize there are evolving concerns about what constitutes a safe level while providing dental health benefits. It is our responsibility to consider these concerns and evaluate in the context of the latest scientific research. We are encouraged by the opportunity to work with the Make Oklahoma Healthy Again (MOHA) advisory council to identify strategies for a healthier Oklahoma. Oklahoma State Department of Health We also reached out to the City of Oklahoma Citys Utilities Department: The Oklahoma City Utilities Department sources raw water that naturally contains fluoride. For more than 60 years, we have added a small amount of fluoride during treatment, following guidance from health experts. We keep fluoride levels in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) Drinking Water Standards. Currently, treated water from both Oklahoma City water treatment plants contains the recommended fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L per the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ). We do not plan to change our treatment practices at this time. We follow the guidance of public health and regulatory agencies. If the EPA, ODEQ, Oklahoma State Legislature, Oklahoma City Council, or other authorities update their recommendations or requirements we will adjust our practices. Oklahoma City Utilities Department To see if you have fluoride in your water at home, 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. GLADE SPRING, Va. (WJHL) The former Glade Spring School hosted a dedication ceremony for a state marker celebrating its history on Saturday. Glade Spring was a segregated elementary school that closed its doors in 1965. The former school is now a community center, but its 43-year run holds significant history in Washington County, Virginia. Glade Spring welcomed children in first through seventh grade after Chicago businessman and philanthropist Booker T. Washington partnered in a school-building campaign for Black students in the rural South, according to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guests experience Revolutionary War activities at Rocky Mount State Historic Site Monroe Preston, the events sponsor, said that the event was particularly remarkable for the number of Glade Spring alumni in attendance, including himself. It means a lot, I think it means a lot to the community, what the teachers meant to us, just the history, Preston said. I remember watching a YouTube video about Glade Springs, and it did not include what we [now] call the Clarksville area, which is where most of the Black kids were, and where the school is, so this is a way of keeping that alive, the neighborhood and what the school meant to us. Preston said much of Glade Spring Schools history has been lost, but this dedication helped to restore a piece of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday paid floral tributes to Babu Jagjivan Ram near the west gate of Vidhana Soudha, as part of a memorial service organised in honour of the late leader's death anniversary. Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister described Jagjivan Ram as a rare and capable leader who made significant contributions during a critical period in India's history. "The government is celebrating his death anniversary wholeheartedly. A rare leader and a good administrator, there was a food shortage in our country. Babu Jagjivan Ram did a good job as a minister. He was an inspiration to all of us, a leader of Dalits, backwards classes, and minorities," Siddaramaiah said. Touching upon internal political developments, Siddaramaiah said he would speak to the high command regarding recent decisions and meetings. "I had said to hold a meeting in Karnataka. I don't know why I was made the chairman. They have announced. If you give responsibility, will you run away? If I give you responsibility, will you run away? There is no question of leaving the guarantee scheme. We are allocating some funds to each MLA for road development. We will also give it to the BJP and JDS MLAs," he remarked. Popularly known as Babuji, Jagjivan Ram was one of India's greatest Dalit icons who fought for the rights of the underprivileged. He was the Defence Minister during the India-Pakistan War in 1971. Babu Jagjivan Ram was also the Deputy Prime Minister between 1977 and 1979 Meanwhile, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused the Congress party on Friday of "insulting India's scientific achievements" by questioning the efficacy of indigenous COVID-19 vaccines, and demanded an apology from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. 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 BR 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) NEED TO KNOW A former volunteer firefighter is missing and his wife has been found safe after they were caught in the Texas flooding disaster while camping on Friday, July 4 Both Brad and Tina Perry clung to trees when their RV was swept away while they camped in Kerrville, friends told a local news outlet Brad has not been heard from since he spoke with his son briefly on the phone during the flood, while Tina was found alive and hospitalized A former volunteer firefighter is still missing but his wife has been found safe after they both clung to trees when deadly floodwater came through Texas' Hill Country, according to friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brad and Tina Perry, of League City, were camping in their RV in Kerrville when the rain-swollen waters rose early in the morning on Friday, July 4, friends Steven and Debbie Whatley told CBS affiliate KHOU. Around 5 a.m. local time, Brad, 49, told the friends that he was forced to climb on top of a tree when water swept away the RV, according to the Whatleys. Debbie said the couples youngest son, who is 18 years old, was able to briefly speak to his dad on the phone after receiving a 911 alert from Brads phone. The son, according to Debbie, said his dad was breathing in a labored manner as he told him, I'm in a tree. Your mom is gone. I got to go. Brad has not been heard from since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brad previously worked as a volunteer firefighter for League City, the Whatleys told KHOU. They said he worked in swift water rescue while with the department. Tina, 52, was later found clinging to a tree and yelling for help, another family friend said. She was transported to a local hospital with a broken rib and punctured lung. Jim Vondruska/Getty The area around the Guadalupe River in Texas on Saturday, July 6 The area around the Guadalupe River in Texas on Saturday, July 6 Kerr County, where Kerrville is located, was hit the hardest by the floods: Authorities say approximately 70 people, at least, have died and another 11 people remain missing after the flash flooding disaster, according to the Associated Press and CBS News. At a midday news conference on Sunday, July 6, officials said 38 adults and 21 children were among the rising death toll; 18 adults and four children have yet to be identified. 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. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has declared Sunday as a day of prayer for the healing of individuals, safety of our first responders and public safety officers, rebuilding communities, and restoration of the region struck by this disaster." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texans are known for their faith, strength, and resilience, Abbott said in a statement. Even as floodwaters raged, neighbors rushed in to rescue, comfort, and bring hope. In times of loss, we turn to God for comfort, healing, and strength. He continued, I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sundayfor the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines. Read the original article on People A medieval toilet and a jet die used to predict the future were some of the findings that could help build a picture of everyday life at a medieval bishop's palace. Archaeologists at Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, finally put down their trowels last Friday, ending more than seven years of excavations at the site. A detailed analysis of the findings, which could take up to two years, is currently under way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final summer of digging culminated with the discovery of a huge medieval wall, but other interesting objects - from mundane to magical - have also been found since 2018. Medieval toilet At least three medieval toilets have been found over the years "dotted around the site" according to John Castling, the Auckland Project's archaeology curator. "One is ironically very near to where the toilets are now for our visitors," he said. The latest one was found in June. The facility, known as a garderobe, is next to the Great Hall, where the bishops and their guests would have feasted. One of the toilets was found this summer [Durham University/The Auckland Project] It might not seem particularly hygienic today, but at the time it was a "much cleaner way" than most people had in their houses, Mr Castling said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's demonstrating the power and importance of the bishops and their households." It is believed the toilets were last used in the 13th Century. Whale baleen The whale baleen was used in corsets and gauntlets [Durham University/The Auckland Project] Described as one of the most "rare and unusual" findings at the site, a whale baleen was discovered "sandwiched" between off cuts of 17th Century glass. Baleen is found inside the mouths of some whale species and is used instead of teeth to help filter prey. If a whale washed up on a nearby shore, it was claimed by the bishop as a token of their semi-regal status but also as a resource, Mr Castling said. The baleen was used in a similar way to modern day solid plastics and was put in items such as corsets, painting brushes and gauntlets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the modern world we tend to think of whales as beautiful creatures that are not a resource," Mr Castling said. "But in the medieval period they were viewed with a degree of reverence, but they were also seen as a resource that could be used if it washed up on the shore." Fortune-telling die When rubbed, jet produces sparks and gives off static which would have appeared magical [Durham University/The Auckland Project] A jet die was also found, but it was not used to play games. Instead, in the medieval period people believed the item could help predict the future. Mr Castling said there were not many similar dice in the UK and most were found in religious sites. When rubbed, jet sparks and gives off static. "When you first say to people, they had dice which they used in order to try and discern the future, that sounds completely alien to our modern rational world," Mr Castling said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But it produces something that feels magical." European objects A Dutch knife has also been found at the site [Durham University/The Auckland Project] Some items at the site have travelled from further afield. Archaeologists have found a 17th Century knife, believed to have come from Amsterdam, as well as French jettons, coin-type objects used in calculations. An amphora though to originate from south-west Spain was also discovered last summer. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. More stories from BBC North East and Cumbria Related internet links South Cambridgeshire District Council, after a lengthy trial, is to adopt a permanent four-day (32-hour) week. On Friday it published a report supposedly justifying this. The report claimed that its exciting new way of working had saved the council just under 400,000 in a full year. The savings came from sharply reducing the number of voluntary leavers and attracting 120 per cent more applicants for vacancies. This reduced the need to recruit and train new staff, and to employ agency staff to fill any gaps. Moreover self-reported staff health, wellbeing and motivation are shown to have improved, with burnout that strange Gen Z affliction unknown until a few minutes ago being greatly reduced. And scores on 21 out of the councils 24 Key Performance Indicators were maintained or improved. So whats not to like? Few of us are against shorter working hours as such. As we have got richer over the last century and a half, the normal working week has halved. It will probably shrink further over the future as the campaigning Four Day Week Foundation is eager to point out, citing a number of private sector employers already moving in this direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, a number of things bother me about the South Cambridgeshire claims. One is that the apparently improved productivity may be in part a statistical artefact, a product of the way KPIs are drawn up and measured. For example, planning applications completed on time or invoices paid in 30 days look to be indicators which could easily be gamed. Even if the productivity increase is real, it may be a temporary phenomenon perhaps a modern example of the early 20th-century Hawthorne effect where observing workers response to new work arrangements leads to a change in behaviour which dissipates when the practice is normalised and oversight removed. Another concern is that, if it has proved so easy to get five days work done in four days, there must surely have been plenty of scope for reorganising work within the existing working week. As the TaxPayers Alliance has pointed out, why could productivity not have been increased without changing the working week, with money saved by cutting the number of employees? This is a national issue, as public sector productivity growth has been abysmal for years. Inadvertently, perhaps, the South Cambridgeshire experiment reveals just how much slack there may be in local authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council makes great play in the report of the trials positive picture for the organisation and employees. However not much information is provided about the response of end-users of council services businesses and local residents. What information there is suggests that significant numbers of users may be dissatisfied over matters such as bin collections, communication difficulties and repairs to tenants accommodation. The council says that it was going to investigate this further, but they couldnt run a survey because the previous government forbade them to do so. The cost savings to the council, at a time when local government faces severe financial constraints, have been headlined by supporters of the four-day scheme. But these gains probably arise from what economists call first mover advantage. Within commuting distance of South Cambridgeshire District Council are four other district councils plus the upper-tier Cambridgeshire County Council. As South Cambridgeshire, tied to the same national pay scales, is offering a better package, it is not surprising that fewer of its staff want to leave, and that job adverts attract more applicants. But what you cant assume is that if every Fenland council adopts a four-day week, there will be a similar financial gain for all of them. The latecomers would not be offering anything which you couldnt already get in Cambourne. It seems very possible that the shorter week will attract copycats far beyond South Cambridgeshire. Trade unions such as Unison, a long-time supporter of the 4-day week and the organiser of around 30 per cent of local government workers, will press for it to be applied across the sector. The governments Employment Rights Bill makes flexible working the default: any employer resisting a claim for new ways of working will have to have a very strong case that a change will damage its business. If Unison organises a test case in another part of the country where staff demand a shorter working week, they will be able to use the South Cambridgeshire case as evidence for its feasibility. Our soft-centred employment tribunals will probably agree. Nor will this be the only possible knock-on effect. Remember that many workers cannot feasibly increase their productivity much when working shorter hours. Teachers, emergency workers, dentists, ambulance drivers if they work fewer hours, extra staff would have to be employed to generate the same output, so employers would have a defensible argument against the change. But that doesnt end the matter. For these workers will rightly point out that the South Cambridgeshire arrangement is in effect an increase in hourly pay of between 15 and 20 per cent. If other workers cant be switched on to a shorter week, theyll be demanding whacking great pay increases to compensate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This all looks like another load of trouble at a time when the economy already seems to be heading for the knackers yard. The touchy-feely crowd at Cambourne Business Park dont know what theyre potentially unleashing. 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. Over 400 members of the Tate family gathered at Presque Isle State Park in Erie over the Fourth of July weekend to celebrate their heritage and connect across generations. The gathering, organized by Inez Tate-Whitmire, was named Transcending and Linking Generations and brought together four generations of the Tate family. The event aimed to unite the family and provide an opportunity for relatives to learn about their history and each other. Judge and Gertrude Tate had 12 children, and their descendants now number over 700. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edna Tate, a third-generation member of the family, expressed her joy at the gathering, saying, When we get together we just become as one were playing games together swimming together. Judge and Gertrude Tate, originally from Noxubee County, Mississippi, had 12 children, six boys and six girls. Two of their children migrated to Erie in the 1940s, establishing roots that have now expanded into four generations. Inez Tate-Whitmire, who felt compelled to organize the reunion, noted that many family members did not know each other, and she wanted to bridge that gap. She emphasized the importance of learning about family history and the achievements of family members. Edna Tate shared that her father was the third born in his family and migrated to Erie for work, bringing his family along. She hopes that future generations will continue to gather and maintain the family connections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inez Tate-Whitmire highlighted the accomplishments within the family, stating, We have people that have achieved many excellence careers we have doctors, lawyers teachers. She encouraged younger family members to aspire to greatness, inspired by the role models present at the gathering. The Tate family reunion at Presque Isle State Park served as a powerful reminder of the importance of family connections and heritage, with members from across the country coming together to celebrate their shared history and achievements. 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. Four people were killed when Russian forces struck a residential area in the town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast with an FAB-250 bomb fitted with a UMPK module at 11:00 on 6 July, followed by an attack using a first-person view drone. [A UMPK is a guidance kit for converting unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions ed.] Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office on Telegram Details: Two civilians were killed by the FAB-250 aerial bomb and a 63-year-old man was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ten minutes later, the Russians attacked a civilian car with an FPV drone, killing the couple inside a 39-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man. The man killed in the Russian strike on the car. Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office The attack also damaged 15 houses and apartment buildings, power lines and a car. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Police are looking for a suspect identified in a double shooting that turned fatal shooting at a Franklinton bar nearly one year ago. According to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, two people were shot at Charleys Place in the 300 block of South Glenwood Avenue, near Sullivant Avenue. Columbus police found 25-year-old Jacob Coons shot dead inside the bar with a second victim also suffering from a gunshot wound. Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz on paid leave amid investigation Duron Thomas (Courtesy/Central Ohio Crime Stoppers) Police identified the shooter as Duron Allen Thomas, otherwise known as Wooda, who has eluded capture for nearly a year since the deadly encounter. He was released from prison in September 2023 and is also wanted for violation of his parole in addition to the murder charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Months later, Coons mother, Misty Hall, said witnesses have told her Thomas may be hiding near Columbus. People call me all the time and say, Hey, hes been seen here, Hall said in October. We sent him over there. I was pretty much, maybe 15 feet away from this man, looking at him, sitting on a porch. Thomas, according to Crime Stoppers, should be considered armed and dangerous and a cash reward is being offered for any information leading to his arrest or indictment. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two people including one from Frederick were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Montgomery County on Saturday, police said. Maryland State Police said Jeremy De La Torre, 33, of Frederick, and Ashley Salazar, 25, of Clarksburg, were killed in the crash, which happened on Interstate 270. Police said in a press release that Salazar was driving alone in a Chevy Cruz and that De La Torre was driving alone in a Honda Accord. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salazar's Chevy was traveling south in the northbound lanes of I-270 when it struck De La Torre's Honda, police said. Salazar and De La Cruz were pronounced dead at the scene. The crash happened near Germantown Road. Troopers were called to the scene shortly before 3 a.m. China used its diplomatic network to cast doubt over Frances fighter jets after Pakistan claimed it shot down several aircraft in clashes with India in May, French intelligence has claimed. Pakistan used Chinas J10-C Vigorous Dragon and JF-17 Thunder planes, armed with air-to-air missiles, to shoot down five of Indias aircraft that were made in France, including three Rafales. It is thought to be the first time the J10-C has been used in active combat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the clashes, defence attaches in Chinas foreign embassies began a drive to undermine Rafale sales, findings from a French intelligence service said. This included persuading countries, notably Indonesia, to backtrack on orders of French jets in favour of Beijing models. India acknowledged it lost aircraft in the fighting but declined to say which ones or how many. Credit: Reuters Gen Jerome Bellanger, of the French air force, said he had seen evidence pointing to just three Indian losses a Rafale, a Russian-made Sukhoi and a Mirage 2000, which is an earlier-generation French-made jet. It was the first known combat loss of a Rafale, which France has sold to eight countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, all those, the nations that bought Rafales, asked themselves questions, he added. Frances defence ministry said the Rafale was targeted by a vast campaign of disinformation that sought to promote the superiority of alternative equipment, notably of Chinese design. The Rafale was not randomly targeted. It is a highly capable fighter jet, exported abroad and deployed in a high-visibility theatre, the ministry wrote on its website. By attacking the aircraft, certain actors sought to undermine the credibility of France and its defence industrial and technological base. French officials said the campaign included viral posts on social media, manipulated imagery showing supposed Rafale debris, AI-generated content and video-game depictions to simulate supposed combat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas ministry of national defence dismissed claims it had launched a Rafale-bashing drive as pure groundless rumours and slander. China has consistently maintained a prudent and responsible approach to military exports, playing a constructive role in regional and global peace and stability, it said. Experts said it would make sense for China to attack French technological prowess and reliability as part of its wider campaign to counter Western countries influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. PARIS (AP) China deployed its embassies to spread doubts about the performance of French-made Rafale jets after they saw combat in India and Pakistan's clashes in May, French military and intelligence officials have concluded, implicating Beijing in an effort to hammer the reputation and sales of France's flagship fighter. Findings from a French intelligence service seen by The Associated Press say defense attaches in China's foreign embassies led a charge to undermine Rafale sales, seeking to persuade countries that have already ordered the French-made fighter notably Indonesia not to buy more and to encourage other potential buyers to choose Chinese-made planes. The findings were shared with AP by a French military official on condition that the official and the intelligence service not be named. Four days of India-Pakistan clashes in May were the most serious confrontation in years between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, and included air combat that involved dozens of aircraft from both sides. Military officials and researchers have since been digging for details of how Pakistan's Chinese-made military hardware particularly warplanes and air-combat missiles fared against weaponry that India used in airstrikes on Pakistani targets, notably French-made Rafale fighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sales of Rafales and other armaments are big business for France's defense industry and help efforts by the government in Paris to strengthen ties with other nations, including in Asia where China is becoming the dominant regional power. France is fighting what it calls a disinformation campaign against the Rafale Pakistan claimed its air force downed five Indian planes during the fighting, including three Rafales. French officials say that prompted questions about their performance from countries that have bought the fighter from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. India acknowledged aircraft losses but didn't say how many. French air force chief Gen. Jerome Bellanger said that he's seen evidence pointing to just 3 Indian losses a Rafale, a Russian-made Sukhoi and a Mirage 2000, which is an earlier generation French-made jet. It was the first known combat loss of a Rafale, which France has sold to eight countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, all those, the nations that bought Rafales, asked themselves questions, Bellanger said. French officials have been battling to protect the plane from reputational damage, pushing back against what they allege was a concerted campaign of Rafale-bashing and disinformation online from Pakistan and its ally China. They say the campaign included viral posts on social media, manipulated imagery showing supposed Rafale debris, AI-generated content and video-game depictions to simulate supposed combat. More than 1,000 social media accounts newly created as the India-Pakistan clashes erupted also spread a narrative of Chinese technological superiority, according to French researchers who specialize in online disinformation. French military officials say they havent been able to link the online Rafale-bashing directly to the Chinese government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Intelligence assessment says Chinese officials lobbied potential clients to ditch French planes But the French intelligence service said Chinese embassy defense attaches echoed the same narrative in meetings they held with security and defense officials from other countries, arguing that Indian Air Force Rafales performed poorly and promoting Chinese-made weaponry. The defense attaches focused their lobbying on countries that have ordered Rafales and other potential customer-nations that are considering purchases, the intelligence service said. It said French officials learned of the meetings from nations that were approached. Asked by AP to comment on the alleged effort to dent the Rafales appeal, the Ministry of National Defense in Beijing said: The relevant claims are pure groundless rumors and slander. China has consistently maintained a prudent and responsible approach to military exports, playing a constructive role in regional and global peace and stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, China has stepped up disinformation campaigns on global social media platforms like X, Instagram or Facebook, using networks of state-sponsored influencers, sites that pose as news organizations, and fake social media accounts to spread narratives from Beijing. France's Defense Ministry said the Rafale was targeted by a vast campaign of disinformation" that sought to promote the superiority of alternative equipment, notably of Chinese design. France considers the jet a strategic French offering "The Rafale was not randomly targeted. It is a highly capable fighter jet, exported abroad and deployed in a high-visibility theater," the Defense Ministry wrote on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rafale was also targeted because it represents a strategic French offering. By attacking the aircraft, certain actors sought to undermine the credibility of France and its defense industrial and technological base. The disinformation campaign therefore did not merely target an aircraft, but more broadly a national image of strategic autonomy, industrial reliability, and solid partnerships. Dassault Aviation has sold 533 Rafales, including 323 for export to Egypt, India, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia and Indonesia. Indonesia has ordered 42 planes and is considering buying more. China may be hoping to weaken the security relationships that France is building with Asian nations by spreading worries about the equipment it supplies, said Justin Bronk, an airpower specialist at the Royal United Services Institute, a defense and security think tank in London. From a point of view of limiting Western countries' influence in the Indo-Pacific, it would make sense for China to be using the performance of Pakistani weapon systems or at least purported performance in downing at least one Rafale as a tool to undermine its attractiveness as an export, he said. They certainly saw an opportunity to damage French sales prospects in the region." French military and intelligence officials claim China has deployed its embassies to spread doubts about the performance of French-made Rafale jets following the aerial combat between India and Pakistan in May. The Associated Press news agency, quoting French officials, reported on Sunday that Beijing is working to harm the reputation and sales of Frances flagship fighter aircraft. French officials say they have found that the Chinese embassies are trying to undermine Rafale sales by persuading countries that have already ordered the jets, notably Indonesia, not to buy them and instead choose Chinese-made fighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AP report said the findings were shared by a French military official on condition that they should not be named. Four days of India-Pakistan clashes in May were the most serious confrontation in years between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, which included air combat involving dozens of aircraft from both sides. Military officials and researchers have since been digging for details of how Pakistans Chinese-made military hardware particularly warplanes and air-combat missiles fared against weaponry that India used in air strikes on Pakistani targets, notably French-made Rafale fighters. Sales of Rafales and other armaments are big business for the French defence industry and help Paris to strengthen ties with other nations, including in Asia, where China is becoming the dominant regional power. India confirms losses Pakistan says its air force downed five Indian planes during the fighting, including three Rafales. French officials say that prompted questions about their performance from countries that have bought the fighter from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India acknowledged aircraft losses but did not say how many. French air force chief General Jerome Bellanger said he has seen evidence pointing to just three aircraft losses a Rafale, a Russian-made Sukhoi and a Mirage 2000, which is an earlier generation French-made jet. Debris of an aircraft lies in the compound of a mosque at Pampore in Pulwama district of Indian-administered Kashmir, May 7, 2025 [Dar Yasin/AP Photo] It was the first known combat loss of a Rafale, which France has sold to eight countries. Of course, all those, the nations that bought Rafales, asked themselves questions, Bellanger said. French officials have been battling to protect the plane from reputational damage, pushing back against what they allege was a concerted campaign of Rafale-bashing and disinformation online from Pakistan and its ally, China. They say the campaign included viral posts on social media, manipulated imagery showing supposed Rafale debris, AI-generated content and video-game depictions to simulate supposed combat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 1,000 social media accounts newly created as the India-Pakistan clashes erupted also spread a narrative of Chinese technological superiority, according to French researchers who specialise in online disinformation. French claims Military officials in France say they have not been able to link the online Rafale-bashing directly to the Chinese government. But the French intelligence service said Chinese embassy defence attaches echoed the same narrative in meetings they held with security and defence officials from other countries, arguing that Indian Rafale jets performed poorly and promoting Chinese-made weaponry. The defence attaches focused their lobbying on countries that have ordered Rafales and other potential customer nations that are considering purchases, the intelligence service said. It said French officials learned of the meetings from nations that were approached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The French Ministry for Armed Forces said the Rafale was targeted by a vast campaign of disinformation that sought to promote the superiority of alternative equipment, notably of Chinese design. The Rafale was not randomly targeted. It is a highly capable fighter jet, exported abroad and deployed in a high-visibility theatre, the French ministry wrote on its website. Asked by AP to comment on the alleged effort to dent Rafales appeal, the Ministry of National Defence in Beijing said: The relevant claims are pure groundless rumours and slander. China has consistently maintained a prudent and responsible approach to military exports, playing a constructive role in regional and global peace and stability. Dassault Aviation has sold 533 Rafales, including 323 exported to Egypt, India, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia and Indonesia. Indonesia has ordered 42 planes and is considering buying more. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) party leader Bikram Majithia was on Sunday sent to judicial custody till July 19 in an alleged money laundering case. A Mohali court sent the SAD leader and former Punjab minister to judicial custody till July 19. Earlier today, Majithia was brought to court and presented before the duty magistrate amidst heavy police deployment. Special Public Prosecutor Ferry Sofat said, "The state applied for judicial remand, and the Court has now sent Bikram Singh Majithia to judicial remand up to 19 July. He will be kept in New Nabha Jail... The next date of hearing is July 19." Earlier today SAD party member, Daljit S Cheema criticised security measures implemented by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government in Punjab following the arrest of party leader Bikram Singh Majithia, recently in an alleged money laundering case and termed that the situation in the State had become "Emergency-like." Cheema claimed police prevented him while he was on his way to meet the former Punjab minister Majithia's wife at the lawyer's office. He said, "...Our party has no programme planned here, yet an emergency-like situation has been created here; there is barricading all around. What does the government want to do?... I just got a call from my colleagues. The Police have been at their home since 4:00 am. What is the government nervous about?... This government wants to defame the Akali Dal leadership by spreading lies and false propaganda. This is vendetta politics." "The wife of Bikram Singh Majithia, Ganieve Kaur Majithia, is sitting alone in the lawyer's chamber. So, I came here to sit with her and talk," he said. The SAD leader questioned the State government's actions, saying, "I don't know what this government is panicking about. Isn't it our right to go and support her when she is alone?" The Punjab Vigilance Bureau had on June 25 taken into custody MLA Majithia in a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act after conducting searches at his house in Amritsar. He was brought to Mohali the next day and the court sent him to a seven-day Vigilance Bureau custody. The remand was then extended by four days. (ANI) The Pentagon increasingly sees the Pacific as its most important theater of operations as tensions brew between the U.S. and China. To that end, the Navy plans to increase training across the vast blue expanse and in Hawaii, home to Pearl Harbor and headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The Navy has an operating permit through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for what it calls the Hawaii-California Training and Testing Study Area that expires this year. As part of the renewal process, it will have to craft an environmental impact statement that requires providing research and data on the impact on ocean wildlife and continued monitoring. Whales within in the training area have been a major focus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NOAA provides 52 % of federal funding devoted to whale research, while the Navy is the second largest funder at 26 %. The military branch is required by law to support ocean science research around areas it operates in to track both its own impacts and other environmental factors. The Navy released a draft EIS for public comment in late December on plans to renew its permit. The public comment period ended in January and the Navy is working on the final EIS, which will be reviewed by NOAA. The draft outlined the Navys intention to increase its training around Hawaii and California. The plans call for more live fire, more sonar, more drones and several other new pieces of training. Environmental groups, which say the proposals will harm whales and other marine wildlife if proper mitigation efforts arent put in place, are apprehensive. These plans had already been underway under the administration of President Joe Biden as the U.S. has sought to bolster its Pacific forces. But, ultimately, the final plansand the actual trainingwill be under administration of President Donald Trump, which has moved to make aggressive cuts to NOAA and roll back environmental programs across the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This permit is being reviewed in just a dramatically different political climate and legal climate that we, I think, have ever seen in the environmental law world, said Maxx Phillips, Hawaii and Pacific Islands director and staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. We cant talk about this EIS without talking about NOAA, because NOAA is supposed to be the check on military overreach, she argued. But that oversight only works if NOAA remains a strong, independent, science-based agency. Unfortunately, were seeing that role greatly undermined. The current administration has already started gutting NOAAs capacity by proposing major budget cuts, not allowing them to talk about climate change, slashing staffing and limiting scientific independence. Phillips said the change in approach by the new administration has already been stark, with requests for information left unfulfilled or outright ignored. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser made several attempts to speak on the record with members of the Pacific Fleets environmental team, which includes marine biologists and program managers. After a series of delays, Navy officials eventually authorized interviews with members of the team for background only and on the condition their names not be used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his leadership team at the Pentagon have sought to scale back or eliminate initiatives they regard as woke, including environmental programs. Hegseth also has pledged to eliminate civilian positions across the Department of Defense, especially any he believes do not directly contribute to lethality. When asked if there are any indications that might include members of the Pacific Fleets environmental team, a Navy official said that unless theres a fundamental change in the Marine Mammal Protection Act or the Endangered Species Act, to us right now and for the foreseeable future its business as usual until we get told otherwise. Phillips claimed that Hegseths statements about removing so-called obstacles to training are basically code for gutting hard-won safeguards. And combined with the efforts to weaken NOAA, were looking at a very real threat to the few layers of oversight that exist, she said. That means this next round of Navy permitting could be even more reckless, less transparent and more damaging than everything that weve seen before. It seems very alarmist for me to say that, but its true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerns over sonar Under the existing permit, Navy personnel operating at sea must acknowledge mitigation zones for marine mammals and are instructed that if marine mammals are observed, Navy personnel must maneuver to maintain distance. Every ship has a logbook on board, and sailors are supposed to note any sightings of marine mammals near their vessels. Navy officials said the current iteration of its whale-monitoring program started in 2009, though previous programs existed. The service collects its data by working with scientists from various research institutions who observe and tag whales and track their movements over time, and by asking sailors aboard the vessels to record any animal activity they witness over the course of their duties. Officials said that in Hawaii, much of the most intensive monitoring is in the vicinity of the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai. During exercises, researchers have observed that marine animals tend to move to avoid ships, especially during combat training. But Navy officials say the movements seem to be temporary, with animals returning not long after training stops, indicating that training impacts seem to be short term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The use of sonar has been particularly scrutinized for its impact on whales and other marine life. Ships and submarines use it to navigate and look for threats hidden in the water around them, but its been known to irritate animals, altering their behavior and in some cases even causing physical harm. In comments submitted to the Navy by Earthjustice in response to the draft EIS, the environmental group argued that given that species in Hawaiian waters are already vulnerable to noise pollution and behavioral disruptions, even minor increases in sonar activity could have impacts that are not fully accounted for in the assessment. Researchers have found beaked whales to be especially vulnerable. In March 2022, when a beaked whale stranded in Honaunau Bay off the Big Island, bystanders intervened to turn the animal off the rocks, allowing it to swim back out to sea on its own. Local residents reported hearing a siren or alarm type of sound underwater the same day and spotted a Navy vessel nearby the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Navy later confirmed it used continuous active sonar within 27 nautical miles and 48 hours of the time of the stranding, though officials said the incident has not been definitively linked to sonar. Military vessels arent the only ones whales find themselves interacting with. The ocean can be a crowded place, especially around Hawaii where its waters teem with cargo ships and tankers that keep the states economy going and countless recreational boats that frequently encounter marine life. But Phillips argues that when it comes to the Navy there are unique considerations, and that it is seeking to ramp up sonar and explosive uses while failing to meaningfully assess or mitigate the true consequences for wildlife. So its deeply troubling that the Navy is pursuing these activities under an environmental review that now we are fearful will sidestep key scientific data and downplay long-term harms. Environmental threats In 2021, the Navy launched a review of how its exercises in the Pacific could potentially harm whales, after the Center for Biological Diversity threatened a lawsuit when, unknown to its crew, an Australian navy destroyer dragged two dead fin whales into San Diego under its hull. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, Navy officials had insisted sailors would know if they had killed a whale in a collision. In 2023, the Navy ultimately asked NOAA to amend its current permit to increase its incidental take to allow for more whale deaths caused by Navy operations. This year in a legal filing, Navy lawyers also argued that since the two fin whales were killed by an Australian ship rather than an American one, it shouldnt count toward the U.S. Navys incidental take limit. The current draft EIS did not address potential impacts of foreign navies training in the Hawaii-California Training and Testing Study Area at the U.S. Navys invitation, such as the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercises. The U.S. military has been working to ramp up exercises with its allies as Pacific tensions simmer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earthjustice noted the Navy is supposed to look at potential indirect impacts that can be expected to result from U.S. Navy training operations and asserted in its comments on the draft EIS the deaths of the fin whales off San Diego vividly illustrates the significant impacts that foreign navies participating in HCTT activities can inflict on marine mammals. Scientists now believe that whales play a key role in mitigating climate change by storing carbon in their bodies and transporting nutrients that benefit ocean food chains. According to NOAA, current data suggests ocean life captures as much as 31 % of all global carbon dioxide emissions, removing carbon from the atmosphere that would otherwise continue to trap heat and increase temperatures. When biodiversity collapses, we lose the life-support system that makes human civilization possible, Phillips said. Biodiversity is strategic infrastructure. Nature is not just this nice thing to have, its our invaluable infrastructure. Coral reefs buffer coastlines from storm surges . Its loss is already reshaping our world, and without urgent action it will just continue to destabilize further. Under both Republican and Democratic presidential administrations, the military has looked into how environmental threats could become national security threats that would impact their operations. Pentagon leaders have called climate change a threat multiplier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Navy, in particular, has been interested in oceanography, ecosystems and climate change as rising sea levels and increasingly strong storms affect its bases and operations around the globe. But Hegseths team has moved to scale back or eliminate anything related to what he calls climate crap. In April, Navy Secretary John Phelan scrapped the services climate action program, declaring in a video posted to the social media platform X that we need to focus on having a lethal and ready naval force, unimpeded by ideologically motivated regulations. The latest round of indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have ended without a breakthrough, a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations told the BBC. According to the official, the session lasted for nearly three and a half hours and took place in two separate buildings in Doha. Messages and clarifications were exchanged between the two sides through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, but no progress was achieved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The official added that talks are expected to resume on Monday, as mediators plan to hold separate meetings with each delegation in an effort to overcome the obstacles and narrow the gaps between the two sides. According to Reuters news agency who spoke with two Palestinian officials, the Israeli delegation was not "sufficiently authorised" to reach an agreement with Hamas because it had "no real powers". The latest round of indirect negotiations come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads to Washington to meet Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu said he thinks his meeting with the US president on Monday should help progress efforts to reach a deal for the release of more hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. He said he had given his negotiators clear instructions to achieve a ceasefire agreement under conditions Israel has accepted. Hamas has said it has responded to the latest ceasefire proposal in a positive spirit, but it seems clear there are still gaps between the two sides that need to be bridged if any deal is to be agreed. For now, Hamas still seems to be holding out for essentially the same conditions it has previously insisted on - including a guarantee of an end to all hostilities at the end of any truce and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu's government has rejected this before. The Israeli position may also not have shifted to any major degree. As he was leaving Israel for the US, Netanyahu said he was still committed to what he described as three missions: "The release and return of all the hostages, the living and the fallen; the destruction of Hamas's capabilities - to kick it out of there, and to ensure that Gaza will no longer constitute a threat to Israel." Qatari and Egyptian mediators will have their work cut out during the indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in trying to overcome these sticking points, which have have derailed other initiatives since the previous ceasefire ended in March. Israel has since resumed its offensive against Hamas with great intensity, as well as imposing an eleven-week blockade on aid entering Gaza, which was partially lifted several weeks ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli government says these measures have been aimed at further weakening Hamas and forcing it to negotiate and free the hostages. Just in the past 24 hours, the Israeli military says it struck 130 Hamas targets and killed a number of militants. But the cost in civilian lives in Gaza continues to grow as well. Hospital officials in Gaza said more than 30 people were killed on Sunday. The question now is not only whether the talks in Qatar can achieve a compromise acceptable to both sides - but also whether Trump can persuade Netanyahu that the war must come to an end at their meeting on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many in Israel already believe that is a price worth paying to save the remaining hostages. Once again, they came out on to the streets on Saturday evening, calling on Netanyahu to reach a deal so the hostages can finally be freed. But there are hardline voices in Netanyahu's cabinet, including the national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir and the finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who have once again expressed their fierce opposition to ending the war in Gaza before Hamas has been completely eliminated. Once again, there is the appearance of real momentum towards a ceasefire deal, but uncertainty over whether either the Israeli government or Hamas is ready to reach an agreement that might fall short of the key conditions they have so far set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And once again, Palestinians in Gaza and the families of Israeli hostages still held there are fervently hoping this will not be another false dawn. The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas's 7 October 2023 attacks, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. At least 57,338 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Israel sent negotiators to Qatar on Sunday in a bid to broker a Gaza ceasefire with Hamas, under renewed pressure from US President Donald Trump to reach a deal. Hamas has signaled a positive response to a US-backed proposal for a 60-day truce, but still asked for changes that Israel opposes: Weve been here before, one Israel policy expert said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is set to meet with Trump in Washington on Monday, is pulled between the US and his allies on the far right who oppose a ceasefire. But he will find it more difficult to evade an agreement given Trumps renewed Middle East diplomatic push in the wake of US strikes on Iran, Haaretzs Amos Harel wrote. The gaps between Israel and Hamas are narrow, a source familiar with the talks told The Jerusalem Post. Israel believes Hamas's response to the hostage deal "still allows for the possibility of closing a deal, and that's why the decision was made to send a delegation," a senior Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday. This comes after Israeli officials clarified that there are elements in Hamas's response that "are not acceptable to Israel." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The delegation traveling to Doha on Sunday evening to advance negotiations on a hostage deal will include the Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch, senior Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) official "M," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political advisor Ophir Falk, and additional representatives from the IDF, Mossad, and Shin Bet. The gaps between Israel and Hamas are narrow, a source familiar with the talks told the Post. "A deal could be reached within a day, the source said. The differences are not that significant it all depends on how stubborn each side is and how much pressure the American president applies. L to R: US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against backdrop of hostage posters. (credit: Flash90/Miriam Alster, REUTERS/LEAH MILLIS, REUTERS/RONEN ZEVULUN) Netanyahu is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, with the two leaders expected to discuss the hostage deal negotiations, the expansion of the Abraham Accords, and the issue of Iran in the wake of the recent escalation. Cabinet votes in favor of distributing humanitarian aid across Gaza The Israeli cabinet voted in favor of distributing humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip on Saturday, following a heated discussion during which Netanyahu harshly criticized IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over delays in establishing the "humanitarian city" in south Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's no reason to wait. We need to move forward," Netanyahu said. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (Religious Zionist Party) and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (Otzma Yehudit) voted against the proposal on Saturday, citing opposition to the current aid distribution in north Gaza, which they argued is complicating civilian evacuation efforts. Images were shown to ministers of civilians running toward aid centers during the meeting. "Look at the soldiers. This is not far from them," Zamir commented. "Why are we distributing aid and putting our soldiers at risk?" Ben-Gvir responded. "They're running because there's no food. If they had enough food, they wouldn't run like that," Netanyahu stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We must stop this! They're running because that's their mentality. Even when hostages were brought in, they chased after them. Were they starving then, too?!" Ben-Gvir argued. "This process is being mismanaged," National Missions Minister Orit Strock (Religious Zionist Party) argued. "Then you manage it," Minister in the Justice Ministry, Regional Cooperation Minister, and Ministerial Liaison to the Knesset David Amsalem (Likud) retorted. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) will award grants to Jewish organizations across Georgia. Earlier this week, GEMA/HS announced that 10 Jewish faith-based organizations in Goergia will receive funding through the Department of Homeland Securitys Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The grant aims to provide and strengthen security measures for Jewish-based groups that may be at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first of two anticipated rounds of NSGP funding for the year. GEMA/HS encourages all faith-based institutions concerned with safety to apply for NSGP opportunities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Four Alliance 90/Greens party members have sent an open letter to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling for a significant increase in military aid to Ukraine, Bild reported on July 5, citing a copy of the document. The news comes as Russias expanded drone production has enabled Moscow to launch as many as 500 drones in a single night against Ukraine on multiple occasions each week. The letter's authors Robin Wagener, Sara Nanni, Sebastian Schafer, and Anton Hofreiter demanded that certain budget items be adjusted, particularly regarding support for Ukraine. They believe that the planned increase in Germany's defense funding for Kyiv from $8.4 billion in 2024 to $9.8 billion in 2025 is insufficient, according to Bild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The signatories emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defense systems urgently. "Without further air defense and assured supplies, Russian dictatorship over Ukraine becomes more likely," the letter read. The lawmakers also noted that the situation has deteriorated as Russia continues to carry out large-scale attacks on Ukraine, and the United States, for its part, has partially suspended its military aid. The signatories reminded Merz that, thanks to the Greens party's support in the previous Bundestag, assistance to Ukraine had significantly increased. Before becoming chancellor, Merz, elected for the CDU/CSU conservative alliance, signaled he could overturn the ban of his predecessor, Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, on delivering Taurus to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Taurus is a powerful cruise missile capable of striking targets at a distance of 500 kilometers (300 miles), more than the long-range capabilities Ukraine received from other partners. However, the German government has not approved sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine so far. Ukraine has been using U.S.-made ATACMS for over a year, and U.K.-French Storm Shadow/SCALP for more than two, initially being allowed to deploy them only against Russian targets on Ukrainian territory. Only in late 2024, the Biden administration and other allies eased the restrictions, allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian military targets on Russian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russia increasingly targets Ukraines cities with cluster munitions, raising civilian toll Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier pledged his country's support in maintaining Lithuanian freedom during a visit to Vilnius to attend national day celebrations on Sunday. "With the stationing of a German brigade in Lithuania, we are making a lasting promise: Your security is our security," Steinmeier said at the celebrations. He later plans to visit the headquarters of the German armoured brigade in Lithuania, which is preparing for the unit's deployment to the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This brigade represents mutual responsibility and loyalty to the alliance, as we know that whoever defends Lithuania defends Europe and defends Europe's values. And that is what you do, dear Lithuanians, every day," Steinmeier said. From 2027, around 5,000 soldiers of the German armoured brigade are to be permanently stationed in Lithuania to protect the Baltic country against threats from Russia and strengthen NATO's eastern flank. The brigade was officially put into service in May. However, the barracks and housing for the soldiers and their families still have to be built before the full German brigade can be deployed to Lithuania. The German president made no mention of Russia, which is seen by many in Lithuania as a threat since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the visit, Steinmeier's office said his invitation as a guest of honour by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda was seen in Berlin as a special distinction and proof of the close relations between the two countries. Speaking in front of his official residence in Vilnius, Nauseda described the brigade as a "powerful signal of European solidarity and responsibility," and thanked Steinmeier for Germany's commitment to defending Europe's borders along with Lithuania. Steinmeier said he was proud that Germany was standing with Lithuanians. "Here in Lithuania, you know that neither freedom nor peace are given. Freedom is not a condition. Freedom is a task," he said. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier pledged support for Lithuania's security during a visit to Vilnius on Sunday, marking the Baltic country's national day and highlighting Germany's commitment to NATO's eastern flank. Steinmeier visited the headquarters of the German armoured brigade in Lithuania, which is preparing for the unit's deployment to the country. "With the stationing of a German brigade in Lithuania, we are making a lasting promise: Your security is our security," Steinmeier said at the national day celebrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 2027, around 5,000 soldiers of the German armoured brigade are to be permanently stationed in Lithuania to counter threats from Russia and strengthen NATO's eastern flank. The brigade was officially put into service in May. However, the barracks and housing for the soldiers and their families still have to be built before the full German brigade can be deployed to Lithuania. "This brigade represents mutual responsibility and loyalty to the alliance, as we know that whoever defends Lithuania defends Europe and defends Europe's values. And that is what you do, dear Lithuanians, every day," Steinmeier said. The German president made no mention of Russia, which is seen as a threat by many in Lithuania - which borders the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Moscow's ally Belarus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the visit, Steinmeier's office said his invitation as a guest of honour by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda was seen in Berlin as a special distinction and proof of the close relations between the two countries. Steinmeier was accompanied by his wife Elke Budenbender. Lithuanian president hails 'European solidarity' Speaking at a military ceremony in front of his official residence in Vilnius, Nauseda described the brigade as a "powerful signal of European solidarity and responsibility," and thanked Steinmeier for Germany's commitment to defending Europe's borders along with Lithuania. Steinmeier said he was proud that Germany was standing with Lithuanians. "Here in Lithuania, you know that neither freedom nor peace are given. Freedom is not a condition. Freedom is a task," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a joint press conference, both presidents emphasized that the armoured brigade would bring Germany and Lithuania even closer. Steinmeier made it clear that Germany's support extends beyond Lithuania to Latvia and Estonia as well. "Germany's strong and growing commitment to protecting NATO's eastern flank is a sign of our reliability as a NATO partner and of our truly deep ties to our eastern neighbours," he said. German president welcomes debate on military service Given the heightened security situation in Europe, Steinmeier said he welcomed the debate on a return to compulsory military service in Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would not be possible overnight, he said. "But we must continue this discussion. Because if there are not enough volunteers to fill the gaps, then, in view of the changed security situation in Europe, we will have no choice but to return to conscription." The German military aims to recruit at least 60,000 more soldiers to comply with new NATO capability targets. This has led to renewed debate over whether Germany needs to reintroduce compulsory military service, more than a decade after it was suspended. The German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has committed to seeking voluntary military service as part of its coalition agreement. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to visit Lithuania on Sunday to take part in national day celebrations in the capital Vilnius. Steinmeier's office said Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has invited him as a guest of honour, an invitation seen in Berlin as a special distinction and proof of the close relations between the two countries. The celebrations will include a military ceremony, a church service and a reception in the presidential palace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between these events, Steinmeier intends to visit the staff of the German armoured brigade stationed in Lithuania. From 2027, around 5,000 soldiers are to be permanently stationed in Lithuania to protect the Baltic country against threats from Russia and strengthen NATO's eastern flank. The Baltic states fear that they could become the next victims of Russian President Vladimir Putin after the invasion of Ukraine. The brigade was officially put into service in May. However, the barracks and housing for the soldiers and their families still have to be built. Only then can the full German brigade be deployed to Lithuania. Ghislaine Maxwell could avoid serving the full 20-year sentence she received for helping Jeffrey Epstein traffic and abuse underage girls. Thats because, according to investigative reporter Tara Palmeri, she may be helping the FBI to take down Epsteins elite collaborators. I think shes probably helping them right now, Palmeri told Joanna Coles on The Daily Beast Podcast. I dont think shes going to spend all 20 years in jail. From left, American real estate developer Donald Trump and his girlfriend (and future wife), former model Melania Knauss, financier (and future convicted sex offender) Jeffrey Epstein, and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell pose together at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida, Feb. 12, 2000. / Davidoff Studios/Getty Images Palmeri, who hosted the Broken: Jeffrey Epstein podcast, spent two years reporting on the disgraced financier. She says that prosecutors are still working to build airtight cases against the Johnspowerful men accused of abusing girls trafficked by Epstein and Maxwell. Maxwell, she said, is helping them do it, in exchange for special treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They cant let her out right now, there would be public outrage, Palmeri said. But [when] nobodys paying attention, storys gone away, few years, Ghislaines out, or ends up in some nice prison. This is what Ive been told by law enforcement sources. The disgraced British socialite was arrested in July 2020 and handed a 20-year prison sentence two years later for sex trafficking. Though she was initially held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the same prison federal detention facility where Sean Diddy Combs is currently awaiting sentencing, Maxwell is currently serving time at the low-security FCI Tallahassee prison in Florida. While the idea of Epsteins secret client list has long been a source of speculation, Palmeri says it doesnt exist. What she claims is real, however, is highly sensitive video and photo evidence collected from Epsteins house, which could still bring down some of the worlds most powerful men. Ghislaine Maxwell outside her E. 65th St. Manhattan townhouse in 2015. / New York Daily News via Getty When they first raided [Epsteins house] for the 2006 case, they found a lot of cameras everywhere, Palmeri said. I think he was using that information as kompromat to build his business, to make money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kompromat is compromising material used to blackmail and control high-profile individuals like the ones Epstein associated witha tactic thought to be employed by Russian intelligence services. Having spoken with survivors who were brought in by the FBI to identify themselves being abused by Johns, Palmeri said she assumes the photos were taken surreptitiously. The material is reportedly so graphic that it could prompt a reopening of Maxwells case, which is why it has not been made public. If prosecutors release the footage, Maxwells lawyers could pounce, Palmeri said. Thats why theyre slow-rolling it. But Ive been told theyre still building cases. I dont think shell spend 20 years in jail. She has cards to play, the journalist concluded. Amid a political row sparked over the murder of a businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna's Gandhi Maidan area, BJP leader Tarun Chugh on Sunday said that the NDA government in Bihar, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is committed to maintaining law and order. His remarks follow the incident where businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead near the main gate of his residence in Patna's Gandhi Maidan area. Chugh added that the culprits of the case will not be spared. "The NDA government, led by Nitish Kumar, is committed to maintaining law and order there. No guilty person will be spared..." the BJP leader told ANI. Chugh targeted the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), saying, "... Even today, some people are running the jungle raj that was operated by Lalu Prasad Yadav. This will not be tolerated. Whenever Bihar is mentioned, the people of Bihar tremble, remembering the corruption and jungle raj run by Lalu Yadav." On July 4, businessman Gopal Khemka was allegedly shot dead near his residence in the south area of the Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Following the incident, Bihar Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the murder case. The murder of the businessman has evoked sharp political reactions from the opposition parties and put the spotlight back on the law and order situation in the State, which is going to the polls in the next few months. Earlier today, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi launched an all-out attack on the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar, alleging that Bihar has become "crime-capital" of India. In a post on social media platform X in hindi, Rahul Gandhi said, "The brazen murder of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna has once again proven - the BJP and Nitish Kumar together have turned Bihar into "India's crime capital." Today, Bihar lives in the shadow of loot, gunfire, and murder. Crime has become the 'new normal' here - and the government is utterly ineffective" Congress leader Pawan Khera came down heavily on the NDA government in Bihar over the prevailing law and order situation in the state, saying that safety has become a "myth" under their rule. On Saturday, Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor raised concerns over the rising crime incidents in Bihar following the murder of businessman Gopal Khemka. "The death of businessman Gopal Khemka is very saddening. He is a big name, so it got government attention, but several who are poor are being murdered every day here. Extortion, murder, and incidents of loot are common in Bihar every day...Five girls have been raped in the last one month. No one is concerned about Bihar. The people of Bihar are dying, and these people are busy fooling the public," Prashant Kishor said. (ANI) Political strategist Ryan James Girdusky says California may have retained as many as 10 U.S. House seats it otherwise would have lost if illegal aliens hadnt been counted in the census. On a recent episode of his podcast, Its a Numbers Game, Girdusky argued that the continued inclusion of illegal aliens in congressional apportionment calculations has unfairly rewarded blue states like California and Illinois with sustained political clout and penalized red states like Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia. Since 1980, California has 10 extra congressional seats that they would have not had had it not been for illegal immigration, Girdusky said, citing historical analyses on the effects of noncitizen inclusion in census population counts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Census, conducted every ten years, determines how the 435 seats in the House of Representatives are distributed among the states. Although the Constitution mandates a count of persons, it does not distinguish between citizens and noncitizens a point of increasing contention in modern American politics. California has a foreign-born population of roughly eleven million, which includes an illegal alien population estimated to be 2 million illegal immigrants. Legal ambiguity about who should be counted has long benefited the Golden State, Girdusky claims. He cited analysis and graphics from the Brennan Center indicating that tempered earlier predictions that California could hemorrhage five seats by the time of the 203o census: The Brennan Center found that instead of losing five, California was going to lose three. He also indicated that population shifts suggest that California should have lost seats in most of the last several censuses and that even when the state does lose a seat, as it did after the 2020 census, its losses are mitigated by immigration. He attributed the gap to an influx of undocumented immigrants offsetting the number of Americans moving out or dying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration is padding the numbers for failed blue state governance, Girdusky said, pointing to New York Citys population dynamics between 2023 and 2024. He claimed that despite a net loss of native residents, the city grew by over 87,000 people thanks to immigration, partially mitigating a likely loss of congressional representation. While Girdusky acknowledged that red states like Florida and Texas are also growing due to immigration, he emphasized that many red states with lower immigration levels, such as Georgia and Tennessee, are being shortchanged. They should gain a House seat each, he said, but theyre probably not going to. Texas is a more complex case. Despite being a red state, Texas benefits from both high immigration and high domestic migration, and is still expected to gain seats, though fewer than it might under a citizen-only count. According to Girdusky, Texas would have lost one seat in 1990 and 2020 under such a model, but will likely gain four instead due to overall population growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joining the podcast, RJ Hauman, president of the National Immigration Center for Enforcement, supported Girduskys claims and framed the issue as a constitutional crisis. Right now, were handing that power to people who aint even supposed to be here, Hauman said. Theyre making communities unsafe. Theyre corrupting our system. And at the same time, were telling the American voter their vote means less. Thats not democracy thats distortion. Hauman criticized the Biden administration for reversing former President Donald Trumps 2020 executive order to exclude illegal aliens from apportionment counts. That order had been the subject of intense litigation at the end of Trumps first term but was ultimately upheld by the United States Supreme Court on procedural grounds. The legality of Trumps directive remained uncertain on the merits, and it was expected to face further court challenges. Ultimately, the policy was rescinded shortly after then-President Biden took office, reinstating the historical approach of counting all residents, regardless of citizenship status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics, including Dale Ho, the attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union, argued that excluding noncitizens would violate the Constitutions requirement to count the whole number of persons in each State. The Constitution requires that everyone in the U.S. be counted in the census. President Trump cant pick and choose, Ho said before referring to an earlier case. He tried to add a citizenship question to the census and lost in the Supreme Court. However, Girdusky and Hauman argue that failing to address the issue now will perpetuate distorted representation for decades to come. Hauman also mentioned proposed legislation in Congress, including the Equal Representation Act, which would add a citizenship question to the census and apportion congressional seats based only on the citizen population. Representation thats power, Hauman said. At least 82 people have been killed, including 28 children, after devastating flash floods tore through parts of central Texas last week with more heavy downpours expected Monday. The flooding caught communities surrounding the Guadalupe River off guard early Friday morning. The flash floods destroyed homes, swept away vehicles and devastated Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp situated on the banks of the river. The camp confirmed Monday that 27 girls and staff members had been killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As search efforts continued, the region braced for more rainfall with the National Weather Service warning the hardest hit areas could experience further flash flooding. The identities of many of the victims are still being determined before being released to the public. Heres what we know about some of those who have died. Sarah Marsh Sarah Marsh of Mountain Brook, Alabama, was one of the children staying at Camp Mystic killed last week (Facebook) Sarah Marsh, an eight-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, was killed in the devastating floods while at Camp Mystic. Debbie Ford Marsh, the grandmother of Sarah, confirmed the young girls death in a now-private Facebook post. We will always feel blessed to have had this beautiful spunky ray of light in our lives, Marsh wrote. She will live on in our hearts forever! Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, eight-year-old twin sisters from Dallas, were among those killed in the catastrophic floods at Camp Mystic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their grandfather, Dave Lawrence Jr, a Miami childhood education advocate, confirmed their deaths Sunday. It has been an unimaginable time for all of us, Lawrence told the Miami Herald. Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents, John and Lacy, and sister, Harper, and all in our family, so much joy. They and that joy can never be forgotten. Janie Hunt Janie Hunts mother revealed that the girl had died at the age of nine years old (Facebook) Janie Hunt, a nine-year-old Camp Mystic camper, died in the flooding, her mother told CNN. It was Hunts first time at Camp Mystic as a camper when she attended with her six cousins, all of whom were safe, her grandmother Margaret Hunt told the New York Times. Hunts parents drove to the Ingram Elementary reunification center where they were instructed to visit a funeral home and identify their daughter. Renee Smajstrla Renee Smajstrla was another of the victims who died at Camp Mystic (Facebook) Eight-year-old Renee Smajstrla was another of the victims who died at Camp Mystic, her uncle confirmed in a Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smajstrla was one of the 27 campers unaccounted for after the devastating floods, Shawn Salta said in the post. Renee has been found and while not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly, Salta wrote. We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday. She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic. Lila Bonner Best friends Eloise Peck (left) and Lila Bonner died during the flooding of Camp Mystic (Facebook) Nine-year-old Lila Bonner of Dallas died in the floods while attending Camp Mystic. In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time. We ache with all who loved her, the Bonner family said in a statement to NBC5. Eloise Peck Bonners best friend Eloise Peck was also killed by raging flood waters, her family confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eight-year-old had recently finished second grade at Bradfield Elementary and was at Camp Mystic with Bonner when they both died. Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti but not more than she loved dogs and animals. She passed away with her cabinmate and best friend Lila Bonner who also died, Missy Peck, the victims mother, told FOX 4. Richard Eastland Dick Eastland was swept away in the floodwaters while trying to help others, a friend says (Facebook) Richard Dick Eastland who owned Camp Mystic died during his last act of kindness, his friend Paige Sumner wrote in a tribute for the Kerville Daily Times. The father of four reportedly attempted to rescue some of the campers before being swept away by the floodwaters. Eastlands nephew confirmed his death in a statement on Facebook Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His wife, Tweety Eastland, is believed to have survived the devastating floods. The couple had been directors at the girls-only Christian camp since 1974. Blair and Brooke Harber Blair and Brooke Harber were killed by the floods last week, their father told CNN (Facebook) Two sisters 13-year-old Blair and 11-year-old Brooke were killed by the floods in Kerr County, their father told CNN on Saturday night. Harber described Blair as a gifted student who had a generous, kind heart. Harber said that Brooke was like a light in any room, people gravitated to her and she made them laugh and enjoy the moment. The sisters were not attending Camp Mystic, their father added. Bobby and Amanda Martin Bobby Martin, 46, and his wife, Amanda Martin, 44, of Odessa were reportedly camping by the Guadalupe River when their RV was swept away as waters swelled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Martin, Bobbys father, told The New York Times Sunday that his grandchild and their girlfriend were with the couple and were still missing. He was an adventurous man, adventurous and outgoing. He had many good friends, because he was a good friend, the elder Martin said of his son. Julian Ryan Julian Ryan lost his life while trying to save his family (GoFundMe) Julian Ryan, 27, died in the floods while saving his family from the rushing water, according to a GoFundMe launched to support his family. Julian, his fiance, kids, and mother were awakened when water came rushing into their home, the GoFundMe reads. Julian jumped into action to protect and save his family and get them to safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julian gave his life for his family, passing as a true hero, the GoFundMe continues. While his family is eternally grateful for his sacrifice, they are shattered by their loss. Jeff Wilson A longtime high school teacher in suburban Houston, Jeff Wilson, 55, was swept by floodwaters of the Guadalupe River. Wilson was reportedly camping near the river with his wife, Amber, and their 12-year-old son, Shiloh, several friends and his brother-in-law told The New York Times. Shiloh Wilson, a third-generation cowboy, had been in the area to compete in the Kerrville Open Pro Rodeo on Friday. Wilsons son and wife were still missing on Sunday, according to the brother-in-law. Jane Ragsdale Jane Ragsdale of Heart O the Hills camp was among those killed by the raging floodwaters last week (Heart o'The Hills) Jane Ragsdale, the director of Heart O the Hills camp in Kerr County, is among the victims killed in the floods, a close friend confirmed on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jane was more than the beloved Director of Heart O the Hills. She was a legend in the camp community shaping generations of campers, staff, and leaders through her unwavering belief in the power of camp to change lives, Dani Shaw wrote on Facebook. She modeled the highest standards of care, character, and connection. Katheryn Eads Katheryn Eads died in the floods, while her husband Brian survived, her family told The Washington Post. She previously worked at Olive Branch Counseling and Training. Katheryn was a hope and a light to all who knew her, the companys owner told the Post. A daughter, a wife, a mother, grandmother, friend and colleague. She was a stellar counselor and professor and she simply just made everything better. Katheryn was changing lives. Chloe Childress Chloe Childress, an 18-year-old counselor at Camp Mystic, died when the camp was flooded, according to Kinkaid School in Houston, where she had recently graduated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jonathan Eades, head of the school, wrote that Childress died while upholding a selfless and fierce commitment to others. She was wise beyond her years, with a steady compassion that settled a room, he added. Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp perched on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Texas, was a place of laughter, prayer and adventure just days ago. But just before daybreak on Friday, the Fourth of July public holiday, the river rose 26ft (8m) in about 45 minutes amid a torrential downpour. Many of the hundreds of girls at the camp were sleeping in low-lying cabins less than 500ft (150m) from the riverbank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bunk beds are now mud-caked and toppled, the detritus of a summer camp cut tragically short. Destroyed personal belongings are scattered across soaked interiors where children once gathered for Bible study and campfire songs. More than 90 people have been confirmed dead in the floods. Camp Mystic has confirmed that at least 27 girls and counsellors are among them. Camp Mystic camper Renee Smajstrla did not survive [Camp Mystic] Stella Thompson, 13, was in a cabin on higher ground when storms awoke her early on Friday. As helicopters began buzzing overhead, she realised something was dreadfully wrong. The girls in her cabin heard that the Guadalupe River side of the camp was flooded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When we got that news, we were all, like, hysterical and praying a lot," Stella told a Dallas NBC affiliate. "And the whole cabin was really, really terrified, but not for ourselves, worried for those on the other side." Stella described the "horrific" scenes as she and other survivors were evacuated by military trucks. "You'd see kayaks in trees then there was first responders in the water pulling out girls. "And there were huge trees ripped out of the ground and their roots. And it didn't look like Camp Mystic anymore." Even those on higher ground were not safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katharine Somerville, a counsellor on the more-elevated Cypress Lake side of Camp Mystic, told Fox News on Sunday: "Our cabins at the tippity top of hills were completely flooded with water. "I mean, y'all have seen the complete devastation, we never even imagined that this could happen." She said the campers in her care were all safely evacuated. Texas Lt Gov Dan Patrick told of one heroic camp counsellor who smashed a window so girls in their pyjamas could swim out through neck-high water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These little girls, they swam for about 10 or 15 minutes," he told the Fox & Friends TV programme. "Can you imagine, in the darkness and the rushing waters and trees coming by you and rocks come on you? And then they get to a spot on the land." On Sunday, the rain was pouring down as the BBC reached the camp. The entrance was cordoned off by police and the rubble of what might have been some kind of gatehouse was strewn across the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More rain is forecast, which will make the rescue effort even harder. Three days after the deluge, hope is fading and this is rapidly becoming a recovery exercise more than a rescue mission. [RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP] Camp Mystic has been operated by the same family for generations, offering girls a chance to grow "spiritually" in a "wholesome" Christian atmosphere, according to its website. Families from all across Texas, including the state's political elite, and the wider US send their daughters each summer to swim, canoe, ride horses and form lifelong friendships. But the beauty of the Guadalupe River, which draws so many to the area, also proved deadly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The floodwaters arrived with little warning, ripping through the picturesque riverfront area that is home to nearly 20 youth camps. Though Camp Mystic suffered the greatest losses, officials say the scale of the disaster is far-reaching. Nearby, the all-girls camp Heart O' the Hills was also deluged. Its co-owner and director, Jane Ragsdale, was among the dead. Fortunately, the camp was out of session at the time. An unknown number of other campers were in the area for the holiday weekend. [Getty Images] Questions are mounting over why so many camps were situated so close to the river, and why more was not done to evacuate the children in time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman Chip Roy, who represents the area, acknowledged the devastation while urging caution against premature blame. "The response is going to be, 'We've gotta move all these camps - why would you have camps down here by the water?'" Roy said. "Well, you have camps by the water because it's by the water. You have camps near the river because it's a beautiful and wonderful place to be." Families of the missing, meanwhile, face an agonising wait for news. Search and rescue teams - some navigating by boat, others combing through debris - are working round the clock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Governor Greg Abbott vowed on Sunday that the mission would "stop at nothing" until every missing person was found. As for Stella, she takes some solace in her grief from a poem that was taught by Camp Mystic leaders. "A bell is not a bell until you ring it. "A song is not a song until you sing it. "The love in your heart was not put there to stay. "Love is not love until you give it away." DENVER (KDVR) Police are investigating a shooting that occurred on Friday night in Aurora, according to a press release from the Aurora Police Department. Aurora police said that at 11:21 p.m., a man was shot in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 384 S. Ironton St. Safeway strike ending after tentative agreement reached Other people in the apartment complex heard the shots being fired, before heading outside and locating the man who had been shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A good Samaritan drove the man to a local hospital. Police said that the man remains in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Investigators do not know the circumstances that led up to the shooting, and are working to develop suspect information. APD asks anyone with information on the incident to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Alphabets Isomorphic Labs is preparing to launch human trials of AI-designed drugs, its president, Colin Murdoch, told Fortune. Born from DeepMinds AlphaFold breakthrough, the company is pairing cutting-edge AI with pharma veterans to design medicines faster, cheaper, and more accurately. Alphabets secretive drug discovery arm, Isomorphic Labs, is getting ready to start testing its AI-designed drugs in humans, Colin Murdoch, Isomorphic Labs president and Google DeepMinds chief business officer, told Fortune. There are people sitting in our office in Kings Cross, London, working, and collaborating with AI to design drugs for cancer, Murdoch said during an interview in Paris. Thats happening right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After years in development, Murdoch says human clinical trials for Isomorphics AI-assisted drugs are finally in sight. The next big milestone is actually going out to clinical trials, starting to put these things into human beings, he said. Were staffing up now. Were getting very close. The company, which was spun out of DeepMind in 2021, was born from one of DeepMinds most celebrated breakthroughs, AlphaFold, an AI system capable of predicting protein structures with a high level of accuracy. Interactions of AlphaFold progressed from being able to accurately predict individual protein structures to modeling how proteins interact with other molecules like DNA and drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These leaps made it far more useful for drug discovery, helping researchers design medicines faster and more precisely, turning the tool into a launchpad for a much larger ambition. This was the inspiration for Isomorphic Labs, Murdoch said of AlphaFold. It really demonstrates that we could do something very foundational in AI that could help unlock drug discovery. In 2024, the same year it released AlphaFold 3, Isomorphic signed major research collaborations with pharma companies Novartis and Eli Lilly. A year later, in April 2025, Isomorphic Labs raised $600 million in its first-ever external funding round, led by Thrive Capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deals are part of Isomorphics plan to build a world-class drug design engine, a system that combines machine learning researchers with pharma veterans to design new medicines faster, more cheaply, and with a higher chance of success. As part of the deals with major pharma players, Isomorphic supports existing drug programs, but it also designs its own internal drug candidates in areas such as oncology and immunology, with the aim of eventually licensing them out after early-stage trials. We identify an unmet need, and we start our own drug design programs. We develop those, put them into human clinical trials we havent got that yet, but were making good progress, he said. Today, pharma companies often spend millions attempting to bring a single drug to market, sometimes with just a 10% chance of success once trials begin. Murdoch believes Isomorphics tech could radically improve those odds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were trying to do all these things: speed them up, reduce the cost, but also really improve the chance that we can be successful, he says. He wants to harness AlphaFolds technology to get to a point where researchers have 100% conviction that the drugs they are developing are going to work in human trials. One day we hope to be able to say well, heres a disease, and then click a button and out pops the design for a drug to address that disease, Murdoch said. All powered by these amazing AI tools. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com AUSTIN (KFDX/KJTL) Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed on July 5 that Sunday, July 6, 2025, would be a Day of Prayer in Texas in response to the deadly floods that have ravaged Central Texas since July 4, 2025. LATEST | Texas floods: 32 dead, 27 missing, says Gov. Abbott Texans are known for their faith, strength, and resilience, said Governor Abbott. Even as floodwaters raged, neighbors rushed in to rescue, comfort, and bring hope. In times of loss, we turn to God for comfort, healing, and strength. I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sundayfor the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Abbott said all Texans, regardless of religious faith and background, should offer prayers for the safety of those who have been affected and for the service workers who are working tirelessly to get everyone back home, safe and sound. We will not stop today or tomorrow. We will stop when the job is completed, Abbott said in his press conference in Kerrville, Texas, on July 5. RELIEF EFFORTS: Donations, shelters, food aid for Texas floods Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. Before the General Assembly went on vacation the week of the Fourth of July, they sent a slew of bills to North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein. Stein, a Democrat, signed or vetoed many of them, but he still has a pile on his desk waiting for action. Good Sunday morning to you, and welcome to our Under the Dome newsletter that focuses on the governor. Im Dawn Vaughan, The News & Observers Capitol bureau chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every Stein veto sets up the next round of legislative action, with Republicans one vote short of the three-fifths majority required to overturn a veto. The Senate has a Republican supermajority, but the House GOP needs at least one Democrat to vote with them, or enough people absent so the math works out to three-fifths of the lawmakers on the floor voting in favor of a veto override. On Thursday, Stein vetoed three anti-DEI bills, which would eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in K-12 education, higher education and state government. You can read more from my colleague Kyle Ingram of what the bills would do. At the same time, Stein vetoed one bill on gender identity and signed a second bill, T. Keung Hui reports. Stein said the bills he blocked are mean-spirited, come at a time when theres still no budget and were a distraction by stoking culture wars that further divide us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stein also signed Senate Bill 600, which passed the House and Senate unanimously and would allow someone to sign up to be an organ and tissue donor on their income tax return form. The same bill changes the law to expand use in schools of epinephrine delivery systems, which are used for severe allergic reactions, to also include FDA-approved nasal sprays along with injectors. Also on Thursday, he signed: Senate Bill 655, extending certain rights to the Catawba Indian Nation which are already granted to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. House Bill 763, which allows occupational licensure recognition for residents who have licenses in neighboring states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 357, regulations requested by the Department of Insurance. Senate Bill 125, which reorganizes part of state law and extends a date for school safety grants. Senate Bill 307 impacts limited liability company memberships. Senate Bill 133 would allow the state community colleges system to solicit a learning management system for all schools. N.C. Governor Josh Stein holds up a bill he signed into law banning students from using cellphones in class. Behind him, Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, Sen. Jim Burgn, 2024 North Carolina School Counselor of the Year Annie Goldberg and Rep. Tricia Cotham applaud the bill signing held July 1, 2025 at the Executive Mansion in Raleigh. N.C. Just a day earlier, Stein vetoed bills shifting more power to the state auditor and the state charter schools board. He vetoed a bill allowing planned cuts to greenhouse-gas emissions to be delayed. And he signed seven noncontroversial bills into law, ranging from coastal regulatory reform to real estate law changes and more agency requests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also signed House Bill 928, which allows physical therapists to evaluate potential concussions of middle and high school athletes. The addition of PTs to be part of the protocol is effective immediately. And in case you missed it, we had even more coverage of Steins action on bills this week. Catch up by reading about the new state law banning cellphones being used by students in classrooms as well as a law that shields public universities NIL contracts. Plus my colleague Mary Ramsey at the Charlotte Observer wrote about Steins signing of a Charlotte transit bill. More bills awaiting action Stein headed into the Fourth of July weekend with another 18 bills on his desk, waiting for action. He has the coming week to sign or veto them, until the action clock runs out at 10 days since he received a bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pending legislation takes on a variety of issues including law enforcement, the military, guns and removing people from private property. Any vetoes will add to the list of potential overrides the General Assembly will take up when they come back to Raleigh next. As of Thursday, no date has been agreed upon, but dates in both July and August have been proposed. Thanks for reading. Contact me at dvaughan@newsobserver.com. Not a newsletter subscriber? Sign up on our website to receive Under the Dome in your inbox daily. Be sure to listen to our Under the Dome podcast, which posts every Tuesday. ALIYAH EMBRACE, Bnei Menashe. Photo from Laura The committee decided to debate the proposal once again in a months time. The governments Ministerial Legislation Committee debated in its weekly meeting on Sunday a bill proposal by ultra-conservative MK Avi Maoz (Noam) to cancel the Grandfather Clause in the Law of Return, which enables anyone with a Jewish grandparent to become a citizen of Israel. The committee decided to debate the proposal once again in a months time. The Knesset will then already be in recess until October, and the bill is therefore unlikely to advance in the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An estimated 500,000 Israelis immigrated to the country since 1970 under the provision, which has become a source of contention within Israel and a point of friction with Jewish communities abroad. Maoz in March quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition in protest of what he described as the governments failure to advance a sufficiently Orthodox and nationalist agenda. The ministerial committee delayed by three weeks a second bill by Maoz to ban discussion of gender identity and LGBTQ issues in classrooms until 8th grade, and limit them for high school students. 'The law is being exploited by many who've severed ties with Jewish people, traditions' In its current form, the Law of Return allows even the grandson of a Jew to receive immigrant status and rights, even if he himself, and sometimes even his parents, are no longer Jewish, Maoz wrote in the bills preamble. This situation means that the law is being exploited by many who have severed all ties with the Jewish people and its traditions, and in effect empties the law of its original intention, which was to open the countrys gates to the Jews of the Diaspora. New immigrants from USA and Canada arrive on a special '' Aliyah Flight 2016'' on behalf of Nefesh B'Nefesh organization, at Ben Gurion airport in central Israel on August 17, 2016, (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90) Similar or identical bills have been introduced in recent years by other members of Netanyahus government, including fellow Likud party lawmaker Shlomo Karhi, Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich and influential far-right politician Simcha Rothman, according to the preamble. Israels haredi Orthodox parties, which are also part of Netanyahus coalition, historically have opposed the grandparent clause as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the grandparent clause say it upholds Israels identity as a refuge for anyone with Jewish ancestry, especially those excluded by Orthodox definitions. The clause was added in 1970 partly in response to the Nazi Nuremberg Laws, which marked for persecution anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent. Many also see the clause as critical for welcoming Jews from the former Soviet Union, where decades of suppression left many unable to meet religious definitions but still connected, often deeply, to their Jewish heritage. ASAF SHALEV/JTA contributed to this article. In one of the nations most closely divided battleground states, theres one big question on both parties minds: Is Gov. Tony Evers going to run for a third term next year? The answer will have reverberating consequences in Wisconsin, where one of five Democratic-controlled governorships is up for grabs in 2026 in states President Donald Trump won last year. Evers, 73, has said he would announce whether hed run again after he reached a budget deal with Republicans, who control both chambers of the Legislature. But with an agreement rapidly signed, sealed and delivered last week, some Wisconsin Democrats are growing impatient for his decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id like to see him make a decision, hopefully sooner rather than later, because I do think weve got a lot of elections that we need to be winning and focusing on, Democratic state Sen. Kelda Roys, who ran against Evers in the 2018 Democratic gubernatorial primary, said last month. If the governor makes a decision, I hope thats going to be soon. One dynamic hanging over Evers decision is the possibility he wouldnt have to deal with a combative Legislature fully controlled by Republicans, as he has throughout his tenure. A landmark 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision from a newly installed liberal majority prompted the states gerrymandered maps to be redrawn, giving Democratic a much more realistic path to taking control of either the state Assembly or Senate in 2026. One question hes weighing is, Do I try to stay around for one more term and possibly have one, if not both, lower chambers to work with, versus just trying to haggle with Republicans and push the veto pen every single f-----g time, said one Democratic operative in the state who requested anonymity to speak candidly about the race. Some Democrats also feel that Evers, with the benefit of incumbency, still represents the partys best shot at winning next years gubernatorial election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no question that Evers is the most equipped to win next year, said Joe Zepecki, a Milwaukee-based Democratic strategist who finished second in last months race to be the chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Why would we not want to have an incumbent Democratic governor who is the most popular politician in the state, beloved by the Democratic base. That makes all the sense in the world in what will be a good political environment for Democrats. But others have warned that Democrats should not continue to rely on septuagenarian candidates and should clear the way for new voices, particularly following their experience with then-President Joe Biden in 2024. Evers allies have hit back at that narrative, pointing to recent polling. One Wisconsin Democratic operative familiar with Evers thinking, who requested anonymity to speak candidly while Evers decision-making process is ongoing, added, That just doesnt match with what were hearing from Democrats and from the Marquette Poll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That refers to a Marquette University Law School poll of registered Wisconsin voters released last month showing that Democrats remain widely supportive of Evers running again even as the general electorate in the purple state remains more split. The survey found that 83% of Democrats said they supported Evers seeking a third term. That poll also found that 42% of all registered voters said they wanted Evers to run again, compared to 55% who said they did not. That support level, the pollsters noted, is still strong by historical standards. Back in 2016, ahead of Republican Gov. Scott Walkers decision to run for a third term, the same poll found that just 36% of registered voters wanted him to run a third time, compared to 61% who did not. Walker ran again in 2018 and lost to Evers. Evers approval ratings in the poll 48% of voters said they approved of his job performance, compared to 46% who said they didnt is in line with the levels hes seen in that survey throughout his two terms in office in the swing state. Waiting in the wings If Evers ultimately declines to run, there are several Democrats who could seek to replace him, including state Attorney General Josh Kaul, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some Wisconsin Democrats expressed concern that an Evers exit could lead to an expensive and divisive primary. It would be a big field if he doesnt run. That could get messy, said the Democratic operative familiar with Evers thinking. Representatives for the political operations of Kaul and Crowley didnt respond to questions. A Rodriguez representative declined to comment. Johnson spokesperson Thad Nation said in an email that the Mayor has deep respect for that leadership and certainly hopes the Governor will choose to run again, but that if Governor Evers decides not to seek re-election, Mayor Johnson would be in a strong position to enter the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evers decision isnt likely to have much bearing on who decides to run for the Republican nomination. Currently, the only declared candidate in the race is Josh Schoemann, the county executive of Washington County, an exurban area northwest of Milwaukee. Also weighing bids are businessman Eric Hovde, who narrowly lost a 2024 U.S. Senate race to Democrat Tammy Baldwin, and Tim Michels, who lost to Evers in 2022. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany also hasnt ruled out a campaign. Strategists in both parties said that Evers decision to wait until after a budget deal was reached with state lawmakers could present the governor with an opportunity to leave on a high note, or help build his case for a third term. Evers got most of what he wanted. He is now in a position to say, Ive done what I needed to do. I got funding back to UW [the University of Wisconsin system], I got funding for child care, weve saved the kids in Wisconsin. Weve got a kids budget I think that gives him an out, said Brandon Scholz, a Wisconsin Republican strategist. He can go out on top. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evers allies said delaying his announcement provided him with maximum leverage during budget discussions with Republicans. I think it probably did make better his ability to work with Republicans in the Legislature to get to what appears to now be a reasonable budget, Zepecki said. Responding to questions about whether the governor would be announcing his decision imminently now that the state budget process has wrapped, Evers senior adviser Sam Roecker said only that the governor has been clear he wont make a decision on 2026 until the budget process concludes. But some Democrats said the prospects of a friendlier Legislature, Evers poll numbers and the ability to avoid a fractured primary all pointed in one direction. I think he has decided, and I think he will run, Zepecki said. If I had to bet money today, thats where we are. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Austin, TX (FOX 44) Update: Recovery operations are to begin, which includes cleaning up debris and opening roads. This does mean rescue efforts are stopping. They will continue to search for all missing and are assuming all missing are alive. Gov. Abbott confirms latest number as 59 deceased and 11 missing campers in Kerr County. In Central Texas 10 are deceased and 41 known missing individuals. Governor Abbott held a press conference today to give an update on the ongoing response efforts in Kerr County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The press conference was broadcasted live on the Texas Division of Emergency Management Facebook Page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday described Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee as an "ardent" nationalist leader and noted that the tricolour is now "flying high" in Kashmir. "We pay our respects at the feet of the ardent nationalist leader and founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee. It was Dr. Mukherjee who established Bharatiya Jana Sangh as a new political party based on Indian culture, values, and traditions, as an alternative to Congress," Chouhan said in Bhopal in his tribute to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee on the occasion of his birthday. Recalling Mookerjee's protest against Article 370, Chouhan said, "The Jana Sangh proclaimed that there cannot be two flags, two constitutions, and two heads in one country... He made the supreme sacrifice, and today, by paying our respects at his feet, we feel satisfied that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, his resolve has been fulfilled. The tricolour is now flying high in Kashmir." Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, was a multifaceted personality - patriot, educationist, parliamentarian, statesman, and humanitarian. He inherited a legacy of erudition and nationalism from his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, an esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and Judge of the Calcutta High Court. In 1940, he became the acting President of the Hindu Mahasabha and declared complete independence for India as its political goal. Mookerjee resigned from the Bengal Cabinet in November 1942, protesting against the Governor's interference in administration and criticising provincial autonomy as ineffective. His humanitarian efforts during the Bengal famine of 1943, including relief initiatives, highlighted his commitment to serving society. Post-Independence, he joined the interim government under Jawaharlal Nehru as Minister for Industry and Supply, where he laid the foundation for India's industrial growth by establishing iconic institutions like the Chittaranjan Locomotive Factory, Sindri Fertilizer Corporation and the Hindustan. However, ideological differences led to his resignation, after which he founded the All-India Bharatiya Jan Sangh (1951) to champion nationalist ideals. According to the BJP's official website, on the issue of the Delhi pact with Likayat Ali Khan, Mookerjee resigned from the Cabinet on April 6, 1950. Later on October 21, 1951, Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in Delhi and became its first president. Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953 and was arrested on May 11. He died under detention on June 23, 1953. (ANI) The head of the British Medical Associations (BMA) General Practice Committee has called on the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to meet with them to agree a funding deal or GPs will have to reduce services they provide. It comes as almost 80% of BMA member GP partners took part in a ballot in which 98.7% voted in favour of action on Friday. The vote was made after Nesbitt's decision to impose a disputed financial package on GPs after they had previously rejected the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to the the BBC's Sunday Politics programme, Dr Frances O'Hagan urged Nesbitt to open the door to renegotiate this years pay deal. The BMA made a number of proposed collective actions in relation to the ballot [Getty Images] "The minister has asked us to discuss next year's contract, but it is this year's contract that the vote was taken on and we are in dispute for." Dr O'Hagan said that without the minister returning to the negotiating table, "we have to look at what services we are providing that are not part of our contract, and stick to our contract so that we can provide more appointments for patients". She listed the kind of services GPs will not carry out if they move to work strictly within their contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list includes heart screenings through electrocardiograms (ECGs), taking bloods from the hospital, and follow up investigations carried out in the hospital. The BMA GP committee requested an additional 39 per patient per year to improve services. "That is not a lot", said Dr O'Hagan. "To be offered 50 pence per year per patient, i.e. less than a penny a week to improve access, I don't think many people will disagree with me that less than a penny is not going to improve access in any which way. "We are seeing 200,000 patients per week in Northern Ireland, that's 10.1 million appointments a year, but clearly that's not enough, and if it's not enough then we have to have a service that can provide enough," she added. Health minister Mike Nesbitt has said he remains open to discussion "as to how best to secure the future of general practice" [BBC] The BMA had made a number of proposed collective actions, external in relation to the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These included: Limiting daily patient consultations per clinician to the UEMO (European Union of General Practitioners) recommended safe maximum of 25 Serving notice on any voluntary activity Ceasing completion of unfunded paperwork Switching off Medicines Optimisation Software In a statement on Friday, the Department of Health (DoH) said it acknowledges the outcome of the ballot, but said it has not yet received details of the planned collective action. It stressed that any action must respect contractual obligations, protect patient safety, and maintain service access. The department said it recognises that the primary care system is under "considerable and sustained pressure" while also acknowledging the dedication of GPs and their teams in meeting patient demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DoH stated that, given the department's well-known financial constraints, the additional 9.5 million offered in the 2025/26 GMS [General Medical Services] contract "represented the best possible offer." "It is a matter of regret that the department has not been able to reach agreement," the spokesperson added. The department said, as stated by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt on 19 May, that it remains open to discussions on securing the future of general practice. National Weather Service forecasters are warning swimmers of potentially dangerous conditions on lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior on Sunday, July 6. "A high swim risk is expected for the Lake Superior beaches of Marquette and Alger counties today," the NWS in Marquette said on X. "Avoid the water, as dangerous rip currents will be seen across the Lake Superior shoreline today." Sunday, waves could be up to 4 feet and with a "limited" for boaters, the Marquette weather office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Lower Peninsula, the weather service says to expect strong winds, large waves and strong currents along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The National Weather Service is warning of dangerous swim conditions along southern Lake Michigan on July 6. "Unfortunately, the warm and humid beach weather this weekend will clash with swimming conditions that will become dangerous due to large waves and strong currents. Waves will build this afternoon and will build again Sunday," the NWS Grand Rapids office said Saturday afternoon. The weather office for Northern Indiana, which covers southwest Michigan, said north winds and waves of 2 to 3 feet July 6 and 7 will make for dangerous swimming conditions in Berrien county and La Porte County, Indiana, at Lake Michigan beaches. "If you're going to one of the Great Lakes, make sure you're going to a beach with lifeguards! The risks are far greater if you are swimming at a beach without a lifeguard, even if the water appears calm," the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaylord weather forecasters said swimmers face a moderate risk on Sunday along the northern Lake Michigan shore around Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, as well as along Lake Huron "near and south of Oscoda." Waves will be 2-3 feet with strong currents, the NWS said. "Weak swimmers should stay out of the water," the weather service warned. The National Weather Service in Gaylord is warning of a moderate swim risk along northern Lake Michigan and Lake Huron on July 6. Michigan's Great Lakes likely are tempting many to swim this weekend as water temperatures climb into the 70s. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Rip currents, high waves on Great Lakes July 6. What to know (COLORADO SPRINGS) The Green Box Arts Festival in Green Mountain Falls is back to showcase artists from around the state, featuring live performances and unique sculptures hidden throughout the town. Its one of our favorite spots and youve got to come see, this was a token, its awesome, said Jewel Sirota. Organizers at the annual art festival say its a place to explore as you stumble upon eye-catching art. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This work is 6000 square feet; its made up of 35,700 pieces of kite fabric and lots of rope, and this is staying installed until mid-October, said Scott Levy, Executive Director of Green Box, about a colorful installation piece. Many of the sculptures are hidden throughout the town, making part of the fun feel like a scavenger hunt, some people say they hiked three to five miles searching for pieces. Fantastic work, thats impressive, that takes a lot of time, that takes a lot of effort, it takes a lot of energy, and I just got to say, kudos, man, said Sirota. But if you cant find all fifteen pieces, organizers provide maps to help out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not just an art festival. So, people who are looking for vendors of artists selling their wares, thats not us. Our festival is in venues throughout the entire town and its sort of you choose your own adventure, said Levy. This year the community is celebrating seventeen years of art, history, and creativity. The show also features live performances including the Colorado Ballet. Were presenting 150 events beyond the art installations over the two weeks of the festival, and these are nationally and internationally world-acclaimed artists, dancers, musicians, film, theater, and multidisciplinary, said Levy. It lasts for weeks each summer and hopes to nurture creativity and offer an appreciation for new perspectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time its more abstract, sometimes theres realistic stuff, sometimes objective stuff, said Sirota. The seeds of Green Box began in the 1900s and now it attracts nearly 7,000 people, and even more throughout the year, as many of the sculptures become staples of the community. Take a chance for yourself and try something youve never experienced before, and I guarantee you youre going to be wowed, said Levy. The event goes through Saturday, July 12. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Jul. 6On a summer morning in June, elementary students walk into the Flathead Valley Community College's library, taking seats in a classroom workshop. Sitting on the table are various wood working tools. It's a program that WorkshopMT, a newer nonprofit, puts on using a mobile classroom, fit with hand saws, hammers, nails and wood blocks. "Our goal is to build a community workshop where anyone of any age, with any skillset, can come learn how to do industrial arts," said Luke Rumage, board president of WorkshopMT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rumage, a licensed architect, moved here in 2021 with his wife, who's from Montana. He was searching for a space where he could build things and ran into an issue: there was no common woodworking space he could find. "I wanted to continue building things, creating things, but we lived in an apartment at the time," he said. "I started looking for a space where I could do that and I couldn't find one. So, I wanted to create one." The goal is to build the program to feature a full workshop where people can rent space for long term projects, build smaller things and also attend classes and workshops in woodworking, fabrication and metal work. Constructing a full wood workshop is estimated to be $50,000, Rumage said, so starting with the mobile classroom is a great way to get the ball moving. WorkshopMT officially got nonprofit status last year. It consists of board members who range in careers and specialties. While it exists right now as a mobile classroom, the goal is to move into a space that doubles as a workshop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through the mobile classroom, Rumage and his team are able to partner with various entities across the valley to host classes. At Flathead Valley Community College, through the Kids College program, WorkshopMT offered two classes, each a week long, geared toward woodworking for beginners. Both classes sold out within four hours. The first day included learning how to use tape measures and hammers. Kids made porcupines out of blocks of wood and nails. By the end of the week, the students would make keepsake boxes. The mobile classroom was funded through a grant from the Town Pump Foundation. The trailer to transport the classroom was sponsored in part by the Whitefish Community Foundation. It's rewarding to see the community rally for a community project, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Once we have our own space [in the valley], our own workshop, we can host classes there and our mobile classroom can go farther, to Polson, to Browning and more," Rumage said. "That's why we called it WorkshopMT, we want to reach across the state." The importance of woodworking and the industrial arts goes beyond just being handy, Rumage said. It's a way to instill problem solving tactics, to understand how to move forward after mistakes and to be patient with a project. "It's not just teaching people new skills, the skills have a really good track record of building resilience in people," he said. "Things will go wrong, wood will break. How do you move forward?" As WorkshopMT continues to grow, the nonprofit is constantly looking for volunteers who want to teach, donations of tools and interests in partnering. To learn more, visit workshopmt.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com. Elementary students work with a hammer and wood at a summer class hosted by Workshop MT at the Flathead Valley Community College on June 23. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake) Elementary students work with a hammer and wood at a summer class hosted by Workshop MT at the Flathead Valley Community College on June 23. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake) Luke Rumage, Workshop MT board president, hopes to see the community workshop build. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake) Elementary students work with a hammer and wood at a summer class hosted by Workshop MT at the Flathead Valley Community College on June 23. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake) Elementary students work with a hammer and wood at a summer class hosted by Workshop MT at the Flathead Valley Community College on June 23. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake) This weekends BRICS summit in Brazil put a spotlight on the growing internal divisions within the bloc of developing nations. About half of the groups leaders, including Chinas Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin, didnt attend the gathering. While BRICS has expanded from five members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to 11 in the last two years, the additions have brought fresh points of contention, and perhaps diluted its clout. Delegates avoided any controversial subjects that might trigger Washingtons ire, analysts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A joint declaration condemning tariffs refrained from naming US President Donald Trump, and mentioned Ukraine only once. It marked a contrast from last years gathering in Russia, where the Kremlin pushed for alternatives to US-dominated financial systems. Crew members onboard a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned ship that was set ablaze in an attack in the Red Sea have abandoned the vessel and were rescued, according to a British maritime agency. The attack, which took place some 94km (51 nautical miles) southwest of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah on Sunday, was the first such incident in the vital shipping corridor since April. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the bulk carrier Magic Seas was first engaged by multiple small vessels that opened fire with small arms and self-propelled grenades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack set the ship ablaze and caused it to take on water, it said. All of the crew abandoned the ship and were rescued by a passing merchant vessel, UKMTO said, adding that all crew are well and safe. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. Ambrey, a private British maritime security firm, said in a separate advisory that the ship was attacked by four unmanned surface vehicles [USVs]. Two of the USVs impacted the port side of the vessel, damaging the vessels cargo, Ambrey added. While no one has claimed responsibility, Ambrey said the attack matched the established Houthi target profile. The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, began targeting vessels in the Red Sea shortly after Israels war on Gaza began in October 2023, in a campaign the rebel group said was in defence of the Palestinians living in the besieged enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis launched more than 100 attacks targeting commercial vessels, disrupting global shipping and forcing firms to reroute. During that period, the group also sunk two ships, seized another and killed at least four seafarers. The Houthis paused the attacks in January, following the brief ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, but hostilities escalated again in mid-March when the United States launched a broad assault against the group. The two sides agreed on a ceasefire in May, and the Houthis have not attacked a vessel since then, though they have continued occasional missile attacks targeting Israel. On Sunday, the group claimed a missile launch at Israel, which the countrys military said it intercepted. And shortly before midnight on Sunday, the Israeli military issued an evacuation threat for three Houthi-held ports and said air strikes would begin shortly in Hodeidah, Ras Isa and as-Salif, along with the Ras al-Khatib power station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shipping through the Red Sea, while still lower than normal, has meanwhile started to increase. But the latest attack on Sunday could escalate tensions as it could again draw US and Western forces to the area. It also comes at a sensitive moment in the Middle East as a possible ceasefire in the war on Gaza hangs in the balance, and Iran weighs whether to restart negotiations over its nuclear programme following US air strikes targeting its most sensitive atomic sites. A senior officer in Hamas's security forces has told the BBC the Palestinian armed group has lost about 80% of its control over the Gaza Strip and that armed clans are filling the void. The lieutenant colonel said Hamas's command and control system had collapsed due to months of Israeli strikes that have devastated the group's political, military and security leadership. The officer was wounded in the first week of the war, which began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, and has since stepped away from his duties for health reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He shared several voice messages with the BBC on condition of anonymity. In the messages, the officer painted a picture of Hamas's internal disintegration and the near-total collapse of security across Gaza, which the group governed before the conflict. "Let's be realistic here - there's barely anything left of the security structure. Most of the leadership, about 95%, are now dead... The active figures have all been killed," he said. "So really, what's stopping Israel from continuing this war?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Logically, it has to continue until the end. All the conditions are aligned: Israel has the upper hand, the world is silent, the Arab regimes are silent, criminal gangs are everywhere, society is collapsing." Last September, Israel's then-defence minister declared that "Hamas as a military formation no longer exists" and that it was engaged in guerrilla warfare. According to the officer, Hamas attempted to regroup during the 57-day ceasefire with Israel earlier this year, reorganizing its political, military, and security councils. But since Israel ended the truce in March, it has targeted Hamas's remaining command structures, leaving the group in disarray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "About the security situation, let me be clear: it has completely collapsed. Totally gone. There's no control anywhere," he said. "People looted the most powerful Hamas security apparatus (Ansar), the complex which Hamas used to rule Gaza. "They looted everything, the offices - mattresses, even zinc panels - and no-one intervened. No police, no security." Hamas-run security forces went out in uniform during a ceasefire with Israel in January [Anadolu via Getty Images] The officer said a consequence of the security vacuum was gangs or armed clans were "everywhere". "They could stop you, kill you. No one would intervene. Anyone who tried to act on their own, like organising resistance against thieves, was bombed by Israel within half an hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So, the security situation is zero. Hamas's control is zero. There's no leadership, no command, no communication. Salaries are delayed, and when they do arrive, they're barely usable. Some die just trying to collect them. It's total collapse." On 26 June, at least 18 people were killed when an Israeli drone strike targeted a plainclothes Hamas police unit attempting to assert control over a market in Deir al-Balah, accusing vendors of price gouging and selling looted aid, witnesses and medics said. The Israeli military said it struck "several armed terrorists" belonging to Hamas's Internal Security Forces. At least 18 Palestinians were reportedly killed in an Israeli strike that targeted a Hamas-run police unit in Deir al-Balah on 26 June [Reuters] In this vacuum, six armed groups affiliated with powerful local clans have emerged as serious contenders to fill the void, according to the officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These groups have access to money, weapons and men, and are active across all of Gaza, but mostly in the south. One of them is led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a figure who has attracted attention from the Palestinian Authority, which is based in the occupied West Bank and is a rival to Hamas, as well as regional players - particularly after Israel confirmed last month that it was supplying him with weapons. The officer confirmed that Hamas had placed a large bounty on Abu Shabab's head, fearing he could become a unifying figure for its many enemies. "Hamas would ignore ordinary thieves. People are hungry and [the fighters] don't want to provoke more chaos. But this guy? If the Hamas fighters find him, they might go after him instead of Israeli tanks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources in Gaza told the BBC that Abu Shabab was working to co-ordinate with other armed groups to form a joint council aimed at toppling Hamas. Armed members of a local clan said they accompanied a convoy of UN aid lorries in northern Gaza to protect it from looting last month [Reuters] A retired Palestinian security official, who was part of the force that cracked down on Hamas's military wing in 1996 following a wave of bombings in Israel, said Abu Shabab's network was gaining traction. "Abu Shabab's group is like an orphaned child who everyone will want to adopt if he succeeds in undermining Hamas rule," said the official, who now lives in Cairo. "Publicly, all sides deny links to the armed groups in Gaza. But Abu Shabab has met a senior Palestinian intelligence officer three times and sent messages of assurance to the Egyptians through relatives in Sinai," he claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said Abu Shabab "maintains good ties with Mohammad Dahlan's camp". Dahlan is a former Gaza security chief who has lived in exile since he fell out with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas 15 years ago. The Hamas security officer warned the group was "willing to do anything" to eliminate Abu Shabab not because of his current military strength, but out of fear he could become a symbol around which all of Hamas's adversaries rally. "For 17 years, Hamas made enemies everywhere. If someone like Abu Shabab can rally those forces, that could be the beginning of the end for us." As Gaza is plunged further into lawlessness, with entire neighbourhoods descending into gang rule, Hamas finds itself not just under Israeli fire but increasingly surrounded by rivals from within. The full report, set to be released later this week by the "Dinah Project," presents further evidence that Hamas used sexual violence as a weapon against Israelis during the October 7 massacre. Content warning: This article discusses sensitive topics including terrorism, violence, sexual violence, and trauma. A new report, the most comprehensive one compiled to date on sexual violence by Hamas on October 7, 2023, is set to be published this week by the Dinah Project, a research and legal initiative led by Professor Ruth Halperin-Kaddari of Bar-Ilan University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It presents extensive evidence that Hamas systematically and extensively used sexual violence as a weapon during the murderous terrorist attack. The report relies on new testimonies from hostages who returned from Gaza, victims of sexual violence, eyewitnesses, mental health professionals, and rescue workers. According to an investigative report published on Sunday in The Sunday Times, the findings are deeply disturbing. Among them are the bodies of young women, naked or half-dressed, found tied to trees or poles. Some of these women had been shot in their intimate body parts, and in some cases, they had undergone gang rape before being murdered. Eyewitnesses, including survivors who hid in bushes, described cases of attempted rape of victims who were already dead. The report identifies six main sites where serious sexual offenses occurred: the Nova Festival, Highway 232, the Nahal Oz base, and three kibbutzim Kfar Aza, Reim, and Nir Oz. The researchers noted a clear pattern across these sites, indicating systematic and premeditated actions. Journalists capture images of the destroyed house of released hostage Amit Soussana, kidnapped on the deadly October 7 attack by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at the Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Israel, January 29, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/ALEXANDRE MENEGHINI) Some of the testimonies come from 15 hostages released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, including those who experienced sexual assault while in captivity. Only one of them, Amit Soussana, has spoken publicly so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other survivors described forced exposure, sexual assaults, harassment, and threats of forced marriage. Sexual violence doesnt have to be rape forced nudity, bathing in front of captors, or explicit threats are also part of the picture, said attorney Sharon Zaggi-Pinhas, former chief military prosecutor, who co-authored the report alongside Halperin-Kaddari and retired judge Neve Ben-Or. The report was written in response to deep disappointment with the international communitys reaction, particularly from organizations like UN Women, which refrained from condemning the findings already published months earlier in media investigations worldwide. 'Believing the victims' not applied to Israelis by international groups The researchers note that the international standard of believing the victims was not applied in this case. Women all over the world chose to remain silent, and this is a profound moral failure, said Halperin-Kaddari. The report seeks to establish a new legal framework for handling mass atrocity cases where most victims are no longer alive, and a specific perpetrator cannot be identified. The need to prove who harmed whom is irrelevant here, emphasized Ben-Or. The fact that sexual violence occurred as an integral part of the massacre requires the world to see this as the collective responsibility of Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative, partially funded by the UK government, is named after Dinah, the biblical figure Jacobs only daughter, whose story of rape appears in the Book of Genesis but whose voice was never heard. Like Dinah, the victims of October 7 massacre mostly remain voiceless either because they were murdered or because they still struggle to speak about their traumatic experiences. The goal of this initiative, its creators say, is to give a voice to those who cannot speak. Among the disturbing findings are testimonies of dozens of gang rapes, women found naked and tied to trees, a hostage who was subjected to full-body shaving, and victims who took months to come forward with their testimonies due to the deep trauma they suffered. The report calls on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to send an independent investigative mission and to include Hamas on the list of groups using sexual violence as a weapon, alongside organizations like ISIS and Boko Haram. What happened here was not accidental, concluded Zaggi-Pinhas. It was a planned tactic and the world cannot afford to turn a blind eye. A Hampton man is facing multiple charges after leading state troopers on a chase through several Seacoast communities early Sunday morning on Routes 1 and 101, Interstate 95 and finally ending after crossing the Sarah Long Bridge into Kittery, Maine, State Police said. Jason J. Wagg, 48, was charged with disobeying a police officer, operating after suspension, reckless conduct and breach of bail. Additional charges may be coming from the Hampton and Kittery police departments, State Police said in a news release. At 2:20 a.m., Hampton Police notified troopers that a driver refused to stop for officers after a disturbance at a business on Route 1. Wagg is accused of fleeing in a 2016 Jeep Compass and attempting to strike officers and police cruisers with his vehicle, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers pursued Wagg onto Route 101 and then I-95 at a high rate of speed. Wagg then crossed into Greenland, where troopers deployed tire-deflation devices. Wagg slowed down but continued into Portsmouth and then Kittery, police said. Wagg came to a stop in the middle of Route 1 at the border of Kittery and York, Maine, and then ran from his Jeep, police said. With the help of a police dog, officers took Wagg into custody, where he was turned over to New Hampshire State Police. Wagg was held at the Rockingham County jail pending his arraignment Monday morning. HAMPTON A Hampton man is facing charges following a high-speed police pursuit early Sunday morning that spanned through multiple communities in New Hampshire and southern Maine. Jason J. Wagg, 48, was arrested Sunday, July 6, on the charges of disobeying a police officer, operating after suspension, reckless conduct and breach of bail. According to New Hampshire State Police, troopers were notified around 2:20 a.m. on July 6 that Hampton police were attempting to stop a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Wagg. Jason J. Wagg, 48, was arrested Sunday, July 6, on the charges of disobeying a police officer, operating after suspension, reckless conduct and breach of bail. Hampton police had attempted to make contact with Wagg due to a disturbance at a business in town along Route 1. When officers arrived, police said Wagg allegedly drove off in his vehicle, nearly striking officers and police cruisers before heading onto Route 101 westbound and then north on Interstate 95. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police deployed tire deflation devices in Greenland, which slowed the vehicle, but Wagg continued northbound on flattened tires through Portsmouth and into Kittery, Maine via the Sarah Long Bridge. Kittery police took over the pursuit until the Jeep came to a stop at the border of Kittery and York. Police said Wagg attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended with help from a Portsmouth Police K9. Wagg was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation before being taken into custody by New Hampshire authorities. Wagg, according to police, was wanted on a no-bail capias issued by Rockingham County Superior Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police said additional charges may be filed by both the Hampton and Kittery police departments. Wagg was transported to the Rockingham County Department of Corrections pending arraignment on Monday, July 7, at 10 a.m. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Hampton man charged after high-speed chase on I-95 spanning two states Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, during his visit to Srinagar on Sunday, thanked people for their support during Operation Sindoor. "We are indebted to the people of Kashmir for the way they supported Operation Sindoor and stood firm against terrorism. Like we have decided to end Naxalism by 2026, I am confident that together we will eradicate terrorism from its roots," Goyal told ANI. Operation Sindoor was initiated on May 7 this year in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed. The Union Minister said he met with trade and commerce delegations today. "Today, I met many delegations. The state government and the central government are jointly paying attention to all their issues and will give a boost to the industry and trade here like the Modi government brought a Rs 28000 crore scheme earlier," Goyal said. Addressing reporters, Goyal said that tourism in Kashmir will boom due to the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, which will lead to a growth in the economy. "Now, the Amarnath Yatra has also started, and tourists have also come to Gulmarg. People have done home stays here. Today, home stay will start in thousands of houses, their income will increase, and Kashmir's economy will also grow," he said. Goyal said that he will try to reduce GST on handicrafts to 5 per cent. "We have discussed with the people about handicrafts here. Give me its draft. I will try to reduce the GST to 5 per cent so that the production of handicrafts here can increase. There has been a discussion about opening an assembly centre. We will open that too," he said. On minimum support prices for apples, the Union Minister said, "We have talked about apple, so its MSP should be Rs 50 and duty Rs 25, and after that a lot of tax is levied, after which the consumer has to pay more than Rs 125-150. For this, I will talk to the Agriculture Minister." Sharing posts on X, Goyal wrote about his meetings with various delegations. In an X post, he wrote, "Today, I met with representatives of the Jammu-Kashmir Fruits and Vegetable Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) in Srinagar. During this, discussions were held on strategies to sustain industrial development in the cold chain and agro-processing sectors, which are extremely important for strengthening J&K's agricultural economy and boosting exports." He also met the representatives of the MSME Development Forum, Jammu and Kashmir and discussed the ease of doing business. "In Srinagar, a detailed discussion was held with the MSME Development Forum, Jammu-Kashmir, regarding various suggestions to promote local enterprises. During this, measures to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs, improve Ease of Doing Business, and connect them to the national supply chain were discussed," Goyal wrote on X. The Union Minister also met a delegation from the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Srinagar. "Today, I met with a delegation from the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Srinagar. During this, meaningful discussions took place on empowering local industries, accelerating economic development, and creating a favourable environment for business," an X post read. Meanwhile, the Union Minister also extended greetings to the 14th Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 90th birthday. "I praise the Dalai Lama. 140 crore people of this country respect him and pray for his long life. All of us wish that the injustice done to the people of Tibet must be resolved in the future," the minister said. Goyal also enjoyed a 'shikara' ride on the Dal Lake in Srinagar. (ANI) VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) The Naval School of Music (NAVSOM) celebrated its 90th birthday on June 26 with cake and a special meal. In addition, six of the newest musicians and warfighters from the Navy and Marine Corps graduated. The school, which opened June 1935 in conjunction with the U.S. Navy band, became an independent activity in 1942. Today, were excited to celebrate all that weve contributed to the defense of our nation for the past nine decades. Every day we continue to write history here at this incredible institution, said Cmdr. Diane Nichols, who currently serves as the 20th NAVSOM commanding officer. For 90 years, weve proudly trained Sailors and Marines who go on to perform in ports, cities, and towns overseas, expertly demonstrating our unwavering commitment to security, stability, and peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 140 professional Navy and Marine Corps musicians graduate each year, with courses ranging from the Basic Music Course through the Advanced Music Course. In 1951, the school expanded beyond Navy musicians and welcomed its first 15 enlisted Marines and beginning Army student enrollment. Since 1951, Marines have served as an integral component of the Naval School of Music team, said Marine Detachment Commanding Officer, Chief Warrant Officer 4 DeMarius Jackson. Together, we train Navy and Marine warriors who will continue to fight alongside each other like their predecessors have for the past 250 years. Its a distinct privilege to contribute to the legacy of this institution, which endures as a vital link between our services joint heritage of excellence and the capable warfighters of the modern age. Navy musicians present 6,000 performances across the United States and around the world each year, continuing its mission of developing skilled military musicians who serve in premier ensembles worldwide. The Navy also showcases 11 bands that represent the Navy in a musical capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about NAVSOM, visit the link here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. 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. The Fourth of July is when we celebrate Thomas Jeffersons words that proclaimed the American states independence from England on July 2 instead of the fourth. While independence was proclaimed on July 2, Jeffersons Declaration of Independence was ratified by the Continental Congress two days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 13 years later, members of the Continental Congress drafted the American Constitution which established the principles that would guide the new nation and shored up in more detail what Jefferson meant by life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. While the Constitution failed miserably in providing those rights to all people women, Blacks, Native Americans the rights provided to primarily white men then were pretty special. Those cherished rights include the right to free speech and to an independent press that has the right even the responsibility to question and to challenge our elected leaders. Those free speech components are the backbone of the country, whose independence we have in recent days been celebrating. And as our nation has matured, those rights have been availed to all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there is reason to fear that some of our elected leaders, through at least their words even as we celebrate the Fourth of July, are trying to erode those rights. No example shines brighter than the Trump administrations response to press coverage of recent military action. Most Americans, presumably, would still agree that it is not anti-American to question our elected leaders about whether their desired goals are accomplished when our immense military strength is deployed. It should not be construed as a slap in the face to our brave men and women in the military to ask such questions of elected leaders, especially when American lives and the economy are on the line. In most instances, questions are asked to determine if our elected leaders choose to use the military in a proper and productive manner and not to embarrass or criticize the military. If they can justify that use of force and if the mission was a success, they should be able to defend it without attacking the questioner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody claimed the military was under attack when many criticized the chaos and deaths that occurred in 2021 during the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan when President Joe Biden was calling the shots. On the other hand, when the press questioned whether recent bombings obliterated Irans nuclear facilities as President Donald Trump claimed, he and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said to ask such questions was disrespecting our military. There are so many aspects of what our brave men and women did and, because of the hatred of this press corps, are undermined because your people are trying to leak and spin that it wasnt successful. Its irresponsible, Hegseth said. Trump said the pilots who flew the bombing missions to Iran were devastated by the questions because they put their lives on the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another interview, the president said, And they (the media) may be prosecuted also for having given false reports on the attack in Iran. They were given totally false reports. It was totally obliterated. And our people have to be celebrated, not come home and say, what do you mean we didnt hit the target? The president and his administration even went a step further, threatening prosecution for reporting on an app that allows people to provide information on the movements of ICE as the federal agency conducts immigration enforcement. Even before the media reports that simply reported about the existence of the app, it already was in the public domain and popular. Perhaps Trump and Hegseth dont understand but hopefully members of the military and the rest of us do and did as we watched recent Fourth of July fireworks shows that to question our leaders or even their military actions is not an effort to disparage or disrespect the military. The basis for this questioning and the right to even lodge the questioning is, in fact, a display of one of the more patriotic actions we can take as Americans. That is the guiding principle, the North Star, of what the founders had in mind when they wrote the Declaration of Independence and later the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And surely the founding fathers would not approve of President Trumps recent threat to prosecute the media for their reporting. After all, to obtain and maintain the right to question our leaders is one of the reasons we chose to end our relationship with King George III on July 4, 1776, or thereabouts. This column was produced by Mississippi Today, a nonprofit news organization that covers state government, public policy, politics and culture. Bobby Harrison is the editor of Mississippi Today Ideas. BOSTON (SHNS) On the same day President Donald Trump signed 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. An official said Friday afternoon that the administration will use $10 million from an Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs trust fund to bring MassCEC funding to a combined $20 million after the veto. Lawmakers have the power to override any of the governors vetoes with a two-thirds vote in each chamber. Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz (center) discusses Gov. Maura Healeys fiscal year 2026 budget proposal on Jan. 22, 2025, flanked by Healey (right) and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll (left). (Chris Lisinski/SHNS) 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing intense scrutiny after the Pentagon delayed a shipment of weapons bound for Ukraine. The official reason for the delay was concern over low stockpiles, but an analysis by senior military officials found that the shipment would not jeopardize military supplies. The decision to halt the shipment was made earlier this week, with Hegseth issuing a memo ordering a review of stockpiled munitions. The Ukraine shipment could be delayed until the review has been completed, two defense officials and two congressional officials told NBC. If stockpiles are low or the weapons are needed elsewhere, the shipment could be delayed even further. Despite this rationale, Hegseths decision came as a surprise to the State Department and members of Congress, as well as officials in Ukraine and other European allies. Pete Hegseth / Omar Havana / Getty Images Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) told NBC that it was disingenuous of Hegseth to use military readiness to mask the real reason for the decision, which he believes is the Trump administrations desire to cut aid to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are not at any lower point, stockpile-wise, than weve been in the three and a half years of the Ukraine conflict, Smith told NBC, confirming that he has seen the numbers, which do not show any sign of a shortage. The review conducted by the Pentagons Joint Staff on Hegseths orders confirmed that while some stockpiles of high-precision munitions were at lower levels, there was no critical shortage. Their conclusion was that continuing to supply munitions to Ukraine would not drain stockpiles below the threshold required for military readiness. This marks the third time Hegseth has unilaterally delayed sending aid to Ukraine; on both previous occasions, in February and May, his decision was reversed within days. Elbridge Colby, the undersecretary of defense for policy, has consistently supported Hegseths attempts to halt military shipments to Ukraine. / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images Elbridge Colby, the undersecretary of defense for policy, who has consistently advocated for scaling back American support for Ukraine, supported Hegseths decision, as did the White House, which said the Pentagon acted in accordance with a review of American military assistance to allies that began last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said at a Wednesday briefing, We cant give weapons to everybody all around the world. He added, 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 and its allies have been appealing to the Trump administration to provide the nation with more air defense systems as Russia escalated its bombardments this week, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaking with Trump on Thursday and offering to buy air defense systems from the U.S. for Ukraine. Donald Trump speaks to members of the media on board Air Force One on the way to New Jersey, U.S., July 4, 2025. / Nathan Howard/Reuters Aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump told a reporter who asked whether the U.S. would agree to supply missiles to Ukraine, Theyre going to need them for defense Theyre going to need something because theyre being hit pretty hard. He also shared that he was very unhappy following an earlier phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in which he refused to agree to work toward a ceasefire. Last weekend, Russia launched its biggest aerial attack on Ukraine so far, firing 60 missiles and 477 drones. The shipment delayed by Hegseth included Patriot missile interceptors as well as missiles, artillery rounds, and precision-guided missile systems. Recovery efforts are ongoing after flash floods devastated communities across Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend. Officials said dozens of people have been killed, including at least 38 adults and 21 children, while multiple others remain missing as of midday on Sunday, July 5. As the situation continues to unfold, heres how the public can help support victims and first responders, if they are interested. 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. World Central Kitchen World Central Kitchens relief team has been deployed to South Texas, and is working with local partners to serve meals to families in need. So far, the team has already helped serve dinner to stranded campers at Camp La Junta before they were evacuated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To donate, visit WCKs webpage. GoFundMe GoFundMe has created a special section for those who are looking to donate to individuals, families, businesses and communities affected by the floods. Jim Vondruska/Getty Search and rescue workers dig through debris looking for any survivors or remains of people swept up in the flash flooding on Saturday, July 6, in Hunt, Texas Search and rescue workers dig through debris looking for any survivors or remains of people swept up in the flash flooding on Saturday, July 6, in Hunt, Texas American Red Cross The American Red Cross says it is working side-by-side with partners to support emergency shelters providing food, relief supplies, and other critical resources like financial and family travel assistance in wake of the floods. Though the organization is not accepting financial or in-kind donations designated specifically for this event, general donations are being accepted online. Kerr County Flood Relief Fund The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund is supporting the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point and Comfort with relief and rebuilding efforts after the flood of July 4, 2025. Donations can be made on their webpage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funds will be directed to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance. Operation BBQ Relief Operation BBQ Relief, based in Kansas City, Mo., says it has deployed to Kerrville, Texas in response to catastrophic flooding. Those who know of urgent feeding needs are asked to contact the organization at operations@obr.org, and those interested in volunteering can register through the OBR Volunteers app or visit OBR.org. Financial donations can be made on their webpage, with $25 providing four hot meals to families and first responders. Mercy Chefs Mercy Chefs, an organization based in Portsmouth, Va., says it has been deployed to Kerrville as well and is preparing hot meals for first responders and members of the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To send a hot meal to victims of the flood, visit their webpage. AP Photo/Eric Gay First responders deliver people to a reunification center after flash flooding in the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ingram, Texas First responders deliver people to a reunification center after flash flooding in the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ingram, Texas Kerrville Pets Alive Kerrville Pets Alive is working with Austin Pets Alive to help reunite pets with their families after the floods. Pet supply donations can be delivered to 2102 Memorial Blvd. in Kerrville and donations can be made @KerrvillePetsAlive on Venmo. Meanwhile, reports of pets in distress can be made to 830-200-0539 or kerrcountyfloodpets@gmail.com. Cross Kingdom Church The Cross Kingdom Church in Kerrville has started a designated relief fund for those impacted by the floods. The church is currently at capacity for physical donations, but financial donations can be made via @crosskingdom77 on Venmo or Cross Kingdom Ministries on PayPal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funds can also be donated through the church's website, and donors are asked to write relief fund in the description. Kerrville Area Rebuilding & Recovery Fund The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce has established the Kerrville Area Rebuilding and Recovery Fund to support critical rebuilding efforts in the Kerrville area. Funds will go toward providing immediate and long-term support for affected businesses for repairs, facade improvements and new signage, utility bill payments and gap funding. Donations can be made through their webpage. Texas Search and Rescue The nonprofit Texas Search and Rescue says it has deployed in Kerr County and beyond following the floods, including volunteer ground pounders, swiftwater teams, boats, drone teams, K9s and whatever else requesting agencies may need. D onations can be made through their webpage. Read the original article on People The Hezbollah chief says the Lebanese group remains open to peace, but it will not disarm or back down from confronting Israel until it ends its air raids and withdraws from southern Lebanon. We cannot be asked to soften our stance or lay down arms while [Israeli] aggression continues, Naim Qassem told thousands of supporters gathered in Beiruts southern suburbs on Sunday for Ashura, an important day in the Shia Muslim calendar. Ashura commemorates the 680 AD Battle of Karbala, in which Prophet Muhammads grandson, Imam Hussein, was killed after he refused to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad caliphate. For Shia Muslims, the day symbolises resistance against tyranny and injustice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Beirut area, a Hezbollah stronghold, was draped in yellow banners and echoed with chants of resistance as Qassem delivered his speech, flanked by portraits of his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by Israel in September last year. Later on Sunday, Lebanons state-run National News Agency reported the Israeli military launched a series of air strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon, including in the area around the eastern city of Baalbek. The Israeli military said in a statement it struck several Hezbollah military sites, strategic weapons production and storage sites, and a rocket launching site. Israel launched a wide-scale assault on Lebanon on October 8, 2023 a day after Palestinian group Hamas, which counts Hezbollah as an ally, stormed the Israeli territory, killing some 1,100 people and taking about 250 others captive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hamas attack was immediately followed by Israels bombing of the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The Israeli genocidal campaign was accompanied by a brutal blockade on entry of food and medical aid, bringing the enclaves 2.3 million residents to the brink of starvation. Israels simultaneous attack on Lebanon escalated into a full-scale war by September 2024, killing more than 4,000 people, including much of Hezbollahs top leadership, and displacing nearly 1.4 million, according to official data. A United States-brokered ceasefire nominally ended the war in November. However, since the ceasefire, Israel has continued to occupy five strategic border points in southern Lebanon and has carried out near-daily air strikes that it says aim to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities. Those strikes have killed some 250 people and wounded 600 others since November, according to Lebanons Ministry of Health. How can you expect us not to stand firm while the Israeli enemy continues its aggression, continues to occupy the five points, and continues to enter our territories and kill? Qassem said in his video address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will not be a part of legitimising the occupation in Lebanon and the region. We will not accept normalisation, he added, in an apparent response to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar saying his government was interested in such a move. Qassem said Hezbollahs weapons would not be on the negotiating table unless Israel withdraws from the occupied territories, stops its aggression, releases the prisoners, and reconstruction begins. Only then, he said, will we be ready for the second stage, which is to discuss national security and defence strategy. On Saturday, Israeli drones carried out four strikes on southern Lebanese towns, killing one person and wounding several others. Most of the Israeli attacks have targeted areas near the border, but Israeli warplanes have also hit residential neighbourhoods in Beiruts southern districts, causing panic and mass evacuations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qassems speech came as the US envoy to Turkiye and Syria, Tom Barrack, was expected in Beirut on Monday. Lebanese officials say the US has demanded that Hezbollah disarm by the end of the year. Israel has warned it will continue striking Lebanon until the group is disarmed. But Lebanons President Joseph Aoun has repeatedly called on the US and its allies to rein in Israels attacks, noting that disarming Hezbollah is a sensitive, delicate issue. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Sunday his group would not surrender or lay down its weapons in response to Israeli threats, despite pressure on the Lebanese militants to disarm. His speech came ahead of a visit Monday by US envoy Thomas Barrack during which Lebanese authorities are due to respond to a request to disarm Hezbollah by year's end, according to a Lebanese official who spoke on condition of anonymity. "This (Israeli) threat will not make us accept surrender," Qassem said in a televised speech to thousands of his supporters in Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, during the Shiite Muslim religious commemoration of Ashura. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanese leaders who took office in the aftermath of a war between Israel and Hezbollah last year that left the Iran-backed group severely weakened have repeatedly vowed a state monopoly on bearing arms, while demanding Israel comply with a November ceasefire that sought to end the hostilities. Qassem, who succeeded longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah after an Israeli strike killed him in September, said the group's fighters would not abandon their arms and asserted that Israel's "aggression" must first stop. Israel's military has continued to occupy positions in Lebanon and to strike the country despite the November ceasefire, saying it is targeting Hezbollah sites and operatives and accusing Beirut of not doing enough to disarm the group. Lebanon's official National News Agency Sunday reported a series of Israeli strikes in the country's south and east, a day after authorities said one person was killed and six others wounded in Israeli raids in the south. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later Sunday, the Israeli military confirmed it had carried out strikes in the eastern Bekaa valley and in the south against what it called Hezbollah military sites and weapons systems. - 'Not now, not later' - Under the ceasefire, Hezbollah was to pull its fighters back north of the Litani river, some 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Israeli frontier. Israel was to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, but has kept them deployed in five areas that it deemed strategic. Lebanese authorities say they have been dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure in the south near the Israeli border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qassem said Israel must abide by the ceasefire agreement, "withdraw from the occupied territories, stop its aggression... release the prisoners" detained during last year's war, and that reconstruction in Lebanon must begin. Only then "will we be ready for the second stage, which is to discuss the national security and defence strategy" which includes the issue of group's disarmament, he added. Supporters dressed in black for Ashura marched through Beirut's southern suburbs before his speech, waving Hezbollah banners as well as the Lebanese, Palestinian and Iranian flags. Some also carried posters of the slain leader Nasrallah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hussein Jaber, 28, originally from south Lebanon, said the group's weapons "can't be handed over, not now, not later. Those who think Hezbollah will turn in its arms are ignorant." In his speech, Qassem also said his movement "will not accept normalisation with the Israeli enemy", after Israel's top diplomat said his government was "interested" in such a move. Lebanon, which is technically still at war with Israel, did not comment. Syria, also mentioned by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, said it was "premature" to discuss normalisation. - 'No pilgrims' - Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shiites in other countries around the region were also marking Ashura, which commemorates the death of the Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, in a seventh century battle in modern-day Iraq. Iraq saw the largest commemorations on Sunday, particularly in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. In south Lebanon, hundreds of people participated in commemorations in Nabatiyeh, an area regularly targeted by Israeli strikes. In Sunni Muslim majority Syria, several hundred faithful marked Ashura under the protection of security forces at the Sayyida Zeinab shrine south of Damascus, an AFP correspondent said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syria's Shiite minority has been worried since Sunni Islamists in December toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, who was backed by Iran. Unlike in previous years, there were no processions in the Sayyida Zeinab area, where pro-Iran groups used to be heavily entrenched before Assad's ousting. "The Syrian state has bolstered its protection at this time," said Jaafar al-Amine, an official at the holy site. "This year, there have been no pilgrims from other countries" like Iran, Iraq or Lebanon, he added. mam-at-str/gv/jj Expert Tal Beeri discussed how it is unknown why the religious directive had not been given, but if it were, Hezbollah would have joined the war against Israel on Iran's side. Hezbollah refrained from entering the war between Israel and Iran on Iran's side due to a lack of religious directive, expert Tal Beeri said. Beeri is the head of the Research Department at the Alma Center for the Study of Security Challenges in the North. He has published a detailed analysis titled Why Didnt Hezbollah Join Iran in the War against Israel? In it, the Middle East expert challenged prevailing explanations for Hezbollahs decision to refrain from entering the war on Irans side and also discussed the perceived gap between Hezbollah's weakness and the actual reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beeri noted: There is a significant gap between the existing portrayal of Hezbollahs supposed weakness and the actual reality. Religious directive, not deterrence Beeri discussed the conflict that unfolded between June 13 and June 24, 2025 Operation Rising Lion during which Israel engaged Iran directly. He argued that, contrary to common belief, Hezbollah did not join the fighting not due to deterrence or domestic pressures, but for a singular reason: It did not receive a religious directive. He emphasized, Throughout the war against Iran, from June 13 to June 24, 2025, Hezbollah refrained from joining the fighting alongside Iran against Israel. This was the case even as Israel continued its aggressive mowing the grass strategy against Hezbollahs activities in Lebanon, targeting the groups infrastructure and eliminating operatives. PEOPLE GATHER in Tehran to mourn the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israel Air Force strike in Lebanon, in September. The IAF also destroyed much of the missile arsenal of the Lebanon-based Iranian proxy, the writer notes. (credit: WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY/REUTERS) Common explanations fall short Beeri outlines the two most common explanations for Hezbollahs restraint: Firstly, internal Lebanese pressure suggests that Hezbollahs influence is weakening due to social, political, and economic challenges in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secondly, external deterrence by Israel - asserting that Hezbollah is held back by Israeli military pressure and the consequences of past confrontations. However, Beeri found both arguments insufficient: The internal aspect certainly exists, he conceded. But in our understanding, the argument that leans on this overestimates its influence on Hezbollahs status and decision-making. There is a wide gap between the current narrative of Hezbollahs alleged weakness and the actual situation. Support from within Hezbollahs civilian support structure referred to as the Resistance Society remains intact, Beeri explains. The groups Shiite base, described as a captive audience, continues to benefit from a robust infrastructure operated by Hezbollahs Executive Council, functioning in parallel to the deteriorating Lebanese state. Beeri acknowledged: There are quite a few financial difficulties in supporting civilian reconstruction, but insisted the infrastructure still operates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah can only be meaningfully affected by pressure from its Shiite base. Is that pressure currently significant? The answer is no, mainly because of the captive audience principle. He warned against misreading the groups current stance: The claim that Hezbollah is deterred creates a dangerous illusion and takes us back to the days before October 7, 2023. Hezbollahs ideology remains unchanged To reinforce his argument, Beeri cited Ibrahim Al-Amin, editor-in-chief of Al-Akhbar, Hezbollahs main media outlet. A week before the ceasefire on November 27, 2024, Al-Amin wrote: The current round [Hezbollahs fighting against Israel that began on October 8, 2023] is just another phase in the war against Israel, which must be destroyed. Hezbollah will work to rebuild its capabilities and regain strength Beeri explained: There is no peace. There are no compromises. There is only one ideology endless armed resistance. Hezbollahs core armed resistance is not a means but an identity. Hezbollah is here to stay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued: The word deterred doesnt exist in the vocabulary of an extremist ideologicalreligious organization like Hezbollah (or Hamas). Decisions about launching military or terrorist operations are based on religious directives. Any relevant interest (in this case, rehabilitation) is only a supporting factor in the decision-making process. Waiting on a directive According to Beeri, No religious directive was issued to Hezbollah to join Iran in the war against Israel. While there were reportedly Iranian pressures on Hezbollah at the operationalmilitary level, the religious directive never came. It did not come from the Wilayat al-Faqih that is, neither Irans Supreme Leader nor Hezbollahs current leader issued such a command. He argued that Hezbollahs need to rebuild especially militarily reinforced its choice to avoid escalation: Hezbollah needs time. Hezbollah needs reconstruction quiet. Therefore, its interest was to avoid a major escalation with Israel that could severely undermine its rebuilding efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah, Beeri noted, has factored the Israeli strategy of mowing the grass into its current risk calculus: The current state of Israeli mowing the grass is one that Hezbollah can absorb while still managing reasonable reconstruction. Looking ahead We dont know why the religious directive didnt come or whether it was even considered. But if it had come, Hezbollah would have joined the war alongside Iran. In that case, the popular claims of internal Lebanese pressure or deterrence would have collapsed. In conclusion, Beeri stressed that Israel has inflicted significant damage to Hezbollahs military capabilities but not destroyed them. Despite mounting challenges, which could worsen in the post-Iran war period, Hezbollahs efforts to rebuild and rearm are well underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He suggested existing resources may now be directed more toward military restoration, even at the expense of civilian services to its base, which remains a captive audience. Beeri concluded, Hezbollahs various units are rebuilding and adjusting their operational plans, rerouting, restoring capabilities and even preparing infrastructure for terrorist activity against Israel both within Lebanon and beyond. In our assessment, Hezbollahs relevant units are capable of launching operations against Israel at any given moment. Given the command the religious directive Hezbollah could have joined the war alongside Iran, both in terms of arsenal redundancy and operationalmilitary capacity. The Texas Hill Country is reeling after a devastating flood with a confirmed death toll of 32 as of Saturday afternoon. The Kerr Countys sheriff's office said the victims include 18 adults and 14 children. Rescue efforts are still underway as authorities search for 27 girls who went missing from Camp Mystic, a long-running Christian camp. With families turning to social media for answers, officials warn the full scope of the disaster may not be known yet. Texas still faces flood threats as officials warn caution. Saturday's forecast predicts 2-4 inches of rain, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches per the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As rescue efforts continue in Kerrville, questions are arising about how to assist those affected by the flood. Here is a guide on how you can help those in need, along with safety tips for dealing with flood warnings and what to do when you encounter flood waters. The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund has been set up to help those impacted by the floods. The fund was created by The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, a 501(c)(3) charity, that will be directing money to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance, according to its site. Additionally, Southern Oaks Church is organizing a supply drive to support those impacted. Church officials urged locals to stay off the roads today but are encouraging people to start gathering items from home. Supplies can be dropped off at 122 Valley View in Kerrville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are looking for hygiene kits, baby and child essentials, clothing, food and nutrition, comfort and coping materials and more. A list of items can be found at https://www.instagram.com/p/DLu3ks1MZSJ/?img_index=1. For those who live far away, the church has set up an online donation on its site and https://southernoakschurch.churchcenter.com/giving. Select River Flood Relief Fund to donate to flood victims. Austins Jester King Brewery is collecting items as well. Materials can be dropped off on Saturday or Sunday at their address: 13187 Fitzhugh Rd in Austin. Materials will be dropped off at Cross Kingdom Church. Items most in need are bottled water, non-perishable food, new socks and underwear, kids clothing, diapers and baby wipes, flashlights and batteries, toiletries and cleaning supplies and pet food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treaty Oak Distillery in Dripping Springs is also taking donations. The address is 16604 Fitzhugh Rd in Dripping Springs. They are looking for cleaning and recovery supplies, food and water, emergency supplies, personal hygiene products, tools and more. A complete list can be found at https://www.instagram.com/p/DLu3ks1MZSJ/?img_index=1. TEXSAR, an Austin-based nonprofit specializing in emergency response, has deployed swiftwater rescue teams, boats, drones and search dogs to aid in the search for the missing. The group is aiming to raise $100,000 to sustain its efforts. Donations can be made online at: https://texsar.networkforgood.com/projects/254910-responding-to-the-july-4-texas-floods? The Salvation Armys Kroc Center in Kerrville is collecting nonperishable food, diapers, and cleaning items like bleach, trash bags, brooms and shovels. Donations can be dropped off at its Social Services office, located at 855 Hays Street in Kerrville. Trudging through the ruins of Hiroshima after the US atom bombing four days before in 1945, five-year-old Masaki Hironaka clutched his mother's hand and silently vowed to protect her. It's one of many scenes from 80 years ago this August still etched in the octogenarian's memory -- and now depicted vividly by Japanese teenagers on canvas. For almost 20 years, Motomachi High School in Hiroshima has tasked its art students with interviewing hibakusha -- atom bomb survivors -- and turning their harrowing testimonies into paintings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Showcased recently by the school ahead of the August 6 anniversary were 15 new artworks, including of scorched soldiers writhing in pain, and a horror-stricken girl surrounded by an inferno. "I think the painting very accurately captures my feelings at the time," Hironaka told AFP, nodding with satisfaction at one such piece that immortalised an "unforgettable page of my life". "It's authentic, and very well drawn." Schoolgirl Hana Takasago's evocative art shows a young Hironaka looking up at his mother as they plod through what remains of Hiroshima on August 10, 1945, with fires still lingering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few days before, his father had come home heavily burned by the blast and asked Hironaka to yank out a glass shard stuck deep into his flesh. He died soon afterwards. The widowed mother, clasping Hironaka's tiny hand and with his younger sister strapped on her back, is depicted gazing down and mumbling to him about her fears. "In that moment, I was gripped by the strong determination to help and support her, young as I was. That's the feeling captured here," said Hironaka. - 'Inner struggle' - The "Little Boy" bomb dropped on Hiroshima killed around 140,000 people, including many who died from radiation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Motomachi High is now an integral part of what was originally the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum's initiative, which has over the years birthed more than 200 artworks. The idea is to keep memories of the bombing relevant for younger generations. In the last eight months or so, witnesses including Hironaka sat down with students every few weeks to review their works in progress, sometimes requesting a drastic re-do. "I originally had Mr. Hironaka and his mother face straight ahead, but he told me that their looking ahead doesn't really convey her inner struggle at the time," Takasago, 17, told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Since I've seen none of these described scenes myself, I was never confident that my depictions were accurate," she said in the school's cluttered art room. The same went for Yumeko Onoue, 16, whose art depicts pumpkins that Hironaka remembers were covered in soot from radioactive "black rain". Having initially drawn the fruit's leaves to face upward with vitality, she "completely re-drew them to wilt," to match Hironaka's memory. "While photos from that era were mostly black and white, paintings can add colour and emphasise key elements, making them, I think, ideal for expressing intended messages," Onoue said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - 'The last generation' - Many of these teens relied on their imagination and perused historical documents. Immersing themselves in the carnage took a toll on some such as Mei Honda, 18, who described the "emotionally draining" task ofdepicting charred skin and flesh dangling from people's arms. Based on what one hibakusha witnessed, her painting showed one such woman gulping water. "I initially depicted her arms pressed against her torso, but skin contact would have hurt her badly because of the burns," Honda said. Recent data showed that the number of survivors from the bombings is now below 100,000, with the average age 86 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are probably the last generation to have the opportunity to listen face-to-face to the experiences of hibakusha," Aoi Fukumoto, a 19-year-old Motomachi High alumna, told AFP. This sense of crisis was instilled by the project in other participants this year -- including Takasago. "Before I embarked on this project, what the atomic bomb did had always felt distant to me even as a Hiroshima native," she said. But that changed after she lived vicariously through Hironaka's story. "I can no longer remain a bystander," she said. tmo/stu/rsc Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal met with representatives of the Jammu-Kashmir Fruits and Vegetable Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) in Srinagar on Sunday. The meeting focused on strategies to sustain industrial development in the cold chain and agro-processing sectors, crucial for strengthening J-K's agricultural economy and boosting exports. "Today, I met with representatives of the Jammu-Kashmir Fruits and Vegetable Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) in Srinagar. During this, discussions were held on strategies to sustain industrial development in the cold chain and agro-processing sectors, which are extremely important for strengthening J&K's agricultural economy and boosting exports," Minister Goyal wrote in a post on X.https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1941775489296719913 Earlier today, Goyal addressed the FTII: Traders Conclave - 2025 in Srinagar and promised to work for the a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax imposed on handicrafts and handloom products to help promote the sector. "The issue of GST levied on handicrafts and handlooms was brought to my attention by two or three system delegations. I have suggested that they submit an application regarding this matter to the Finance Ministry as well as to me so that we can explore what relief can be provided. We will try to reduce the GST rate from 12 per cent to 5 per cent on these items, which would help promote the handloom and handicraft sectors -- especially in Jammu & Kashmir. We will make efforts to find a way forward in this regard," he said. The Union Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir will soon get a Centre of Excellence for Packaging and Design. "I have directed officials to explore possibilities in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Packaging to initiate a project focused on quality packaging and design. They have been requested to identify a suitable location where this initiative can be launched at the earliest," he said. Further, the Union Minister said that representatives have discussed setting up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on storage technology, cold chain infrastructure, and encouraging startups and new talent. Goyal also assured that he will discuss with the NTPC and Solar Energy Corporation to establish a solar lighting or power generation facility in the area to help producers to export their products as a green product to get a greater prices. He had also held detailed discussions with the MSME Development Forum, Jammu-Kashmir, regarding various suggestions to promote local enterprises. (ANI) AUSTIN (KXAN) Flooding along the San Gabriel River Saturday morning swept away a historic bridge in Burnet County. Video shared with KXAN shows the Joppa Iron Truss Bridge floating downstream as the river levels rose. Monday afternoon, flood waters had receded. Video from the scene shows where the bridge once stood, only support piers remain. A section of the wooden bridge deck sat on top of tree branches along the riverbank. But the iron bridge structure that once spanned the river could not be seen nearby. The bridge was built in 1907 and received a Texas Historical Marker in 2017. The bridge was limited to foot traffic only, but had been closed due to structural damage. The video shows water flowing over the County Road 200 bridge, a concrete bridge built next to the old iron bridge to handle vehicle traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Joppa Community website details the history of the bridge, noting that the iron bridge next to the newer concrete bridge connect the past and the present. The website listed the significance of the bridge for the small community, including how volunteers would decorate it with lights for Christmas and how some people were married on the bridge. The website also tracked progress on a stabilization project for the bridge, with the last update posted in November of 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. An earlier version of this article was first published in the On the Hill newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox on Friday mornings here. At times, it felt impossible. But if theres something GOP leaders want people to know: Dont underestimate the power of President Donald Trumps influence over the Republican Party. For months, Republicans have been operating under the self-imposed deadline of July 4 to pass Trumps big, beautiful bill: The trillion-dollar spending package containing his top domestic priorities on border security, energy, national defense and tax cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump did in fact sign the bill on the Fourth of July, on the White House lawn surrounded by the Republican lawmakers who helped make it happen. This time last week that deadline looked all but impossible when Senate Republicans slipped past their original plan to vote on the package on Thursday afternoon and party leaders, including Trump himself began to suggest they would have to push past July 4. But then came the weekend, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and other top Republicans were adamant to get this thing through. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., is flanked by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the GOP whip, left, and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as he speaks to reporters after passage of the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, July 1, 2025. | J. Scott Applewhite Here are some of the key numbers I crunched on Monday and Tuesday as the package made its way through the Senate: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 45 votes. Thats how many amendments and procedural votes the Senate completed during its overnight vote-a-rama session on Monday. Thats a record for the most consecutive votes recorded during a Senate session in history. 26 hours. Thats how long the vote-a-rama took from beginning to end, notching another record. Three blankets. Thats how many I counted at one point in the Senate chamber during the overnight vote. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, passed one back and forth as negotiations dragged through the night. To be fair, the Senate floor is freezing. Theres really no singular reason as to why its so cold in there, but some theorize its to keep senators awake during long nights such as that one. (And it seemed to work, for the most part.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four holdouts. Senate math is tricky, especially when it comes to reconciliation. Because of quirky budget rules, Republicans only needed a simple majority to pass the framework and they had the advantage of Vice President JD Vance to serve as a tiebreaker. In this image from video from Senate Television, Vice President JD Vance, seated center, breaks a 50-50 tie to push President Donald Trumps big tax breaks and spending cuts bill over the top, on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Washington. | Senate Television via Associated Press That means Thune could lose three holdouts before needing to call in a Vance assist. But shortly before midnight it became clear there were four Republicans refusing to support the package, sending GOP leaders into a scramble to flip at least one. In the end, Murkowski was the one to switch her vote, allowing Vance to break the tie and pass the framework in a 51-50 vote. Now on to my House calculations, where things were just as dramatic if not more so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven-and-a-half hours. Thats roughly how long the House held open a procedural vote on Wednesday as Republican leaders lobbied their remaining holdouts to switch their votes from no to yes. History alert: Thats another record for the books, making it the longest vote in House history. Eight hours and 44 minutes. Thats how long House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., spoke on the House floor in opposition to the big, beautiful bill. And, you guessed it, another record: Longest House speech in history. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., left, speaks in the House chamber 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. | Rod Lamkey 12 holdouts. Thats how many House Republicans were on GOP leaders lobbying list to sway their support in the final hours of a key procedural vote. Republican leaders managed to flip four of the five Republicans who voted no (Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., remained opposed) and got the remaining seven to cast their votes in favor. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., surrounded by Republican members of Congress, signs President Donald Trump's signature bill of tax breaks and spending cuts, Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Capitol in Washington. | Julia Demaree Nikhinson Dozens and dozens. Thats the number of pizza boxes I spotted being wheeled into the Capitol building throughout the day on Wednesday. Its a well-known fact that if youre staking out a meeting and they deliver pizza (or any dinner food, really), youre in for a long night. This is what we call Oh, we are gonna be here a while pic.twitter.com/lBJUNmQ8nf Cami Mondeaux (@cami_mondeaux) July 2, 2025 And speaking of food: At least a dozen reporters, including myself, won a bet against Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., for how long the Senate vote-a-rama would take. The wager: If the vote was over after 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday, he would buy the reporters in the hallway lunch next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I even commemorated it in a post on X just to make sure. Senate heads to next big task: Trump spending cuts After a monthslong push to pass Trumps signature domestic policy bill, you would think lawmakers would get a break from any more deadlines. Not quite. Remember DOGE? And the $9.4 billion rescissions package the White House sent Congress last month to approve Trumps requested spending cuts? Now is a good time to refamiliarize yourself with all that. The House passed the formal spending cuts package last month, but Senate leaders were insistent to finalize and advance the tax cuts legislation before turning their attention to something else. Now that theyre done, the Senate will get to work reviewing the cuts and theyll have just two weeks to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to strict rescissions rules, both chambers of Congress are required to approve (or reject) spending cuts requested by the White House within 36 days of receiving them. That means the hard deadline is July 18 for the Senate to greenlight the spending cuts, otherwise the funding must be unfrozen and allocated to the appropriate agencies. Quick recap of some of the biggest cuts included in the package: $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; more than $8 million to the U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); and $125 million from the the United States Agency for International Development. There are more cuts included in the package, but those are the most contentious and could be tough for some Republicans to accept. Reminder: Four Republicans in the House voted against it. The Senate can only afford three. Whats next The Senate is back next to begin consideration of Trumps rescissions package. The House canceled planned votes next week after an unexpected overnight session to pass Trumps tax package. A hit-and-run driver in a red Dodge Charger mowed down a 42-year-old restaurant worker as he crossed a Brooklyn street with his adult son, hitting the victim so hard the mans cellphone ended up embedded in the muscle cars grill, officials said Saturday. I hear that noise, Pascual Tziquins son Henry Tziquin told the Daily News, recalling the fatal June 22 crash. I turn around and [think] Wheres my dad?' Henry, 22, looked around only to see his father sprawled out on the asphalt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I see him on the floor, he said, the horror show once again unfolding in his mind. His eyes were closed. Im scared I dont know what to do. Pascual was crossing the corner of New Utrecht Ave. and 72 St. in Bensonhurst at about 3:20 a.m. when he was struck by the Charger. HIs son was a step or two ahead of him. He didnt stop, Henry Tziquin said about the driver. He just kept going. Responding officers tracked down and arrested the driver, who they identified as 21-year-old Christian Gonzalez, pulling him over about seven blocks from the crash. When Henry came to the spot where they pulled Gonzalez over, he found his fathers cellphone sticking out of the grill, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pascual suffered a massive head injury and was rushed to Maimonides Medical Center where he was put on life support. He died of his injuries eight days later. Henry kept a vigil by his fathers bedside for a week, hoping for some signs of life, but Pascual never regained consciousness. We are there with him, watching and waiting for him to wake up, but he never opened his eyes, he recalled. He never moved. Never. never. Cops charged Gonzalez with leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it and improper or unsafe turns or lane changes without using a signal. Gonzalez, who lives in Pennsylvania, was later released following an arraignment in Brooklyn criminal court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upgraded charges are expected now that Tziquin has died of his injuries, officials said. Pascual and his son immigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala two years ago and would often send money back home to relatives. Hes a good man. He works hard. Sometimes he goes out with a friend, has some fun, Henry Tziquin said. Were looking for a better life in this country. Thats why we work. We work hard. Were not looking for problems. Henry is hoping to raise money to bury his father back in Guatemala and is hoping the driver can be held financially liable. I dont know what to do now, he said. Ive got my brothers. Ive got my mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Losing your dads not easy. Your dads your dad, he added. My moms crying. My brothers crying. I dont know what Im going to do now. As of Thursday, 55 pedestrians have been killed by vehicles while crossing city streets this year eight less than the 63 pedestrian fatalities reported this time last year, cops said. With Thomas Tracy BERLIN (Reuters) -A dog was rescued from a locker for valuables at Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Germany after its owner shut her pet inside over the objections of other tourists so that she could visit the famous attraction, police said on Sunday. Neuschwanstein, a picture-postcard castle with surging turrets nestled in the Alps near the border with Austria, is one of Germany's top tourist attractions. Despite it being a hot summer's day and half the locker already having been filled by a pram, the woman locked the dog inside the small space and left to tour the castle, police in the nearby town of Fuessen said in a statement. Security staff were alerted and freed the dog, they added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The dog was fortunately unharmed but visibly glad when it was rescued from the already hot locker," the police statement said, adding that officers deployed to the scene took him back to the police station. The police did not specify what breed the dog was but said it was of "medium" size and about 60 cm (two feet) tall at the shoulder. An officer on duty at Fuessen police station contacted by telephone said the dog was a mongrel. Police said they had initiated criminal proceedings against the owner on suspicion of breaking Germany's animal welfare law. (Reporting by Ralf Bode and Francois MurphyEditing by Gareth Jones) High pressure that has been the culprit for the hot holiday weekend so far will begin to break down starting Sunday as a cold front moves into the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley regions. TONIGHT: Mainly clear, haze from fireworks and warm. Low 72 SUNDAY: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy and hot. Afternoon pop-up shower or storm possible. High 93 SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower or storm, especially early. Muggy. Low 73. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Sunday is dry for the bulk of the day, daytime heating will allow for an isolated shower or thunderstorm. StormTeam2 does not anticipate any severe weather, but locally heavy rainfall will be possible. The cold front will move into the Miami Valley on Monday, prompting scattered showers and thunderstorms along with more seasonable temperatures in the mid 80s in the afternoon. Again, no severe weather is expected, but heavy rainfall will be possible in any storm. Spotty chances for showers and thunderstorms will persist through the rest of the week, especially on Thursday as well as the weekend. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday will be more dry than wet, but any shower or storm will soak any outdoor activities. Temperatures will remain seasonable with no hot nor chilly days ahead. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. An air quality alert is in effect until midnight for Franklin, Delaware, Licking and Fairfield counties. High pressure will promote a light southwesterly flow of very warm, sticky air through the weekend. Temperatures reached the low 90s, under sunny skies. Tonight will be clear and mild, with morning readings near 70. Sunday will bring an increase in humidity to go with the heat. Showers and storms will push into northwest Ohio in the evening before dissipating at night, although a few isolated storms could develop northwest of I-71 later in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few showers and storms will accompany a cold front on Monday. The front will slip farther south Tuesday, with drier and slightly cooler conditions. The boundary will head north as a warm midweek, triggering more showers and storms. Clouds will hold afternoon temperatures in the mid-80s. The system will push south again at the end of the week, bringing drier conditions to start next weekend. Forecast Tonight: Mainly clear. Low 71 Sunday: Partly cloudy, hot, humid, isolated storm late. High 93 Monday: More clouds, few showers, storms p.m. High 87 (73) Tuesday: Partly sunny. High 85 (70) Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, scattered storms p.m. High 85 (67) Thursday: Scattered showers a.m., mostly cloudy. High 85 (69) Friday: Partly sunny. High 85 (68) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Storm chances are returning to New Mexico after a dry Fourth of July. Temperatures will continue to heat up through next week. Storms developed Saturday afternoon over the Sangre de Cristo mountains and have been moving to the east/southeast into this evening. Some of these storms have turned strong to severe. A few spotty showers have also developed over Catron County, but little of the rain is making it to the ground. It is hot across New Mexico as well, with high temperatures a few degrees hotter than on the Fourth of July. Storms will be ending tonight, but it will send breezy winds into the Rio Grande Valley, increasing the amount of moisture in the air all the way to western New Mexico. Forecast Continues Below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More showers and thunderstorms will develop on Sunday. Storms will first develop across the mountain peaks and ranges early in the afternoon, then drift to the east and southeast. Heavy rainfall is likely over the Ruidoso area burn scars by 12 PM tomorrow, bringing a threat of flash flooding there. Storms will also develop over the Gila and in western New Mexico Sunday afternoon. These storms will again end late Sunday night. It will also be another very hot day across the state, but some places will get a quick cool down with the rain and thunderstorms. Monday will be a very similar day to Sunday, but with drier air moving back into western and central New Mexico. High pressure will start setting up over the state after Monday, bringing in drier conditions. A few isolated afternoon showers and storms will still develop each afternoon next week, but the best chances will be over the mountain peaks and mountain ranges, along with near by areas. Temperatures will be heating up next week as well. The hottest temperatures by likely be next Thursday. The Albuquerque Metro will likely soar back into the triple-digits by then. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Houthis rebels of Yemen launched their first attack on Red Sea shipping since December, striking the Liberian-registered Magic Seas bulk cargo vessel with drone boats, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and small arms fire. The ship is currently ablaze. The Houthis claimed credit for the attack, saying it was in support of Palestinians in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. While official reports do not name the vessel, a maritime security official confirmed that it was the Magic Seas. The bulk cargo ship was transiting north in the Red Sea about 51 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah when it was attacked by eight skiffs that opened fire with small arms and RPGs, according to an alert from the Ambrey maritime security firm. The ships Armed Security Team (AST) had returned fire. Ambrey assessed the situation as ongoing and will provide updates when available, the alert stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A short while later, the vessel was subsequently attacked by four Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), the Ambrey alert continued. Two of the USVs impacted the port side of the vessel, damaging the vessels cargo. The remaining two USVs were intercepted and destroyed by the AST. Based on AIS data, the vessel was still underway at the time of writing. Ambrey assessed the vessel to meet the established Houthi target profile. Ambrey assessed the situation as ongoing and will provide updates when available. Ambrey advised that when a vessel is attacked by USVs, non-essential crew gather in a safe muster point above the waterline. In a message posted on its Al Ansar Telegram channel, the Houthis also said the Magic Seas fit the profile of ships to be targeted. Four naval drones attacked a ship, the Houthis stated. Our assessment indicates that the attacked ship meets the Yemeni criteria for targeting ships. Two naval drones collided with the left side of the ship, causing damage to its cargo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthi shipping attacks began in November 2023 in solidarity with Palestinians over the latest war between Israel and Gaza. They have forced some ships to avoid the Suez Canal for a far longer route around Africa, boosting shipping costs by nearly $200 billion. The Houthis attacks sank two vessels, damaged many others, caused the death of four mariners, and led to many being held hostage after a ship was seized. The Houthi Red Sea campaign also led to nearly constant military engagements with the U.S. and its allies, including air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen and repelling the militant groups frequent missile, aerial drone, and drone boat attacks on commercial and military vessels. In March, the U.S. launched intensified airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the shipping attacks. A ceasefire was later reached. It is unclear whether the U.S. Navy or any other navies have responded to the Magic Seas. We have reached out to the Navy and the European-led Operation Aspides maritime security task force for more information. At the moment, we do not know whether this is a one-off attack or whether the Houthis have started a new campaign against Red Sea shipping. We will watch this situation and provide updates when warranted. Update: 2:03 PM Eastern Ambrey issued a new update: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ambrey received information that the vessel was taking on water and that the crew were preparing to abandon ship. Update: 8:09 PM Eastern The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched new attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen, including striking the Galaxy Leader, a vessel the rebels hijacked in November 2023. The IDF said the Houthis were using the ship as a radar platform to track shipping. You can see video of that incident below. NEW VIDEO: Yemens Houthi rebels hijack a cargo ship in the Red Sea over the weekend pic.twitter.com/pkkUJpbe5c Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) November 20, 2023 The following is the IDF statement: IAF fighter jets, guided by intelligence from the IDF Intelligence Directorate and the Israeli Navy, struck and destroyed terror infrastructure belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime. Among the targets were the ports of Al Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Salif. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These ports are used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer weapons from the Iranian regime, which are employed to carry out terrorist operations against the State of Israel and its allies. The strike was carried out in response to the repeated attacks by the Houthi terrorist regime against the State of Israel, its civilians, and civilian infrastructure, including the launching of UAVs and surface-to-surface missiles toward Israeli territory. The Houthi terrorist regime exploits the maritime domain to project force and conduct terrorist activity against passing vessels and global maritime commerce. The targets struck demonstrate the regimes systematic use of civilian infrastructure for terrorist purposes. Among the terror targets struck at the port of Ras Isa was the Galaxy Leader, a commercial vessel seized by the Houthi terrorist regime in November 2023. Houthi forces installed a radar system on the ship and have been using it to track vessels in the international maritime arena to facilitate further terrorist activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the Ras Kanatib power plant, which served as a significant electricity supply facility for the Houthi regimes military operations, was struck. This is another example of how the Houthi regime uses civilian infrastructure. The Houthi terrorist regime serves as a central proxy of the Iranian regime and receives funding and weaponry for its operations. It is a partner in Irans global terrorist activity. The IDF is determined to continue operating decisively against any threat to the citizens of the State of Israel, wherever required. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Four men were shot at a North King Street video store parking lot. 1 /2 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Four men were shot at a North King Street video store parking lot. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM A Honolulu police officer investigates after four men were shot in a drive-by shooting this morning at a North King Street video store parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 /2 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM A Honolulu police officer investigates after four men were shot in a drive-by shooting this morning at a North King Street video store parking lot. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Four men were shot at a North King Street video store parking lot. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM A Honolulu police officer investigates after four men were shot in a drive-by shooting this morning at a North King Street video store parking lot. UPDATE Four men were shot in a drive-by shooting in Kalihi early this morning and the suspects remained at large, the Honolulu Police Department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At about 1 :30 a.m., HPD officers opened an attempted murder investigation after five men were targeted in an early-morning shooting in the Kalihi area. The victim group, five adult males ranging in age from 18 to 35, was gathered in a parking lot when they heard what they believed to be fireworks. Seconds later, several realized they had been shot, according to police. The shooting happened in the parking lot of Nimitz Video at 1208 North King St. A new red Jeep pickup truck drove by and someone in the vehicle fired on the group. The suspect or suspects remain unknown, with no description or license plate information, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four of the five victims sustained gunshot wounds and were treated by Emergency Medical Services technicians and taken to nearby hospitals, where they remain. Two victims were transported to an area hospital via private vehicle, and two victims were transported by EMS. All injuries sustained by the victims were non-life-threatening, HPD said. To all Hawaii communities, rise above violence and embrace the aloha spirit over conflict, read a statement from HPD. According to EMS, the case is still under investigation. An 18-year-old patient sustained several gunshot wounds at the scene, EMS rendered advance life saving treatment transported the patient in serious condition to a nearby trauma facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or CrimeStoppers at (808 ) 955-8300. You can also walk into any police station. PREVIOUS COVERAGE Two men were seriously injured in shootings on Oahu overnight, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services officials said today. At about 1 :30 a.m., paramedics responded to the 2000 block of Dillingham Boulevard and treated a 25-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the chest. They took the victim to a hospital in serious condition. The shooting happened at a separate location, EMS said, At about 1 :35 a.m., EMS said, paramedics responded to the area of Palamea Lane in Kalihi and treated an 18-year-old man with gunshot wounds, then took him to a trauma facility in serious condition. RELATED STORY : Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See more : 61 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . They brought the hammer down on the worst of the worst. Federal authorities have swept up 264 wanted criminals including two illegal migrants wanted for sex crimes in New Jersey in an ongoing mission dubbed Operation Apex Hammer that nabbed suspects wanted for murder, robbery and sexual offenses, including those against children. Those arrested include 17 homicide suspects, 95 gang members, including several others wanted for serious violent and sexual offenses, federal officials said. Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba called the collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement a major success in combating violent crime and restoring public safety. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos Jr. and Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba called the collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement a major success in combating violent crime and restoring public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are doing multiple cases at once to make sure that we clean up as quickly as possible, Habba told Fox News of the operation in June. Violent crime is number one. It is very clear from this administration. That is all were focused on. At least two of the suspects were illegal immigrants, police sources said. The suspects had 2,625 prior arrests among them, or about 10 each, officials said. Illegal Guatemalan immigrant Lorenzo Benitez, 54, was arrested on June 4 in Plainfield, NJ, and faces multiple counts of sexual assault in Keansburg, NJ, law enforcement officials said. Darlin Franco-Guzman, 25, an illegal immigrant from Honduras, was wanted in Baltimore County, Md., for burglary and attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl, and was arrested on June 10 in Trenton, the officials said. The operation netted 264 major criminals, including murderers and gang members. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post The sweep involved federal, state and local police agencies. Mariusz stock.adobe.com The other fugitives crimes ranged from kidnapping and sex assault to a drive-by shooting murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Bullock, 32, was arrested on June 13 on charges that he allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 76-year-old woman in Camden County. Shawn Davis, 38, was arrested in Brooklyn for a 2024 homicide in Trenton, according to officials. Luis Duval-Jimenez, 31, was being sought for allegedly running over a police officer in South Brunswick in May. Trasuf Bennett, 20, and an unidentified juvenile accomplice were arrested on June 19 for the drive-by shooting murder of a 20-year-old man in Milleville, N.J., officials said. The fugitives had 2,625 prior arrests among them collectively, officials said. Christopher Sadowski Francisco Ruiz, 67, was wanted for sexual assault by contact, terroristic threats, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal restraint, officials said. He was arrested on June 20 in Bayonne. Officers also seized 14 illegal firearms during the operation. Additional reporting by Tina Moore On the 10th day of Muharram being observed as Ashura today, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday, appealed to follow the path shown by Hazrat Imam Hussain, leading toward humanity, peace, and unity. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi shared, "On this day of Muharram, we should resolve to follow the path shown by Hazrat Imam Hussain, which, through struggle, sacrifice, and dedication, leads us toward humanity, peace, and unity." Muharram holds significant religious importance for Shia Muslims. In India, 7-8 crore Shia Muslim community, along with people of different religions, participate in large processions and tazias. With Muharram processions and the ongoing Kanwar Yatra taking place across several districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Sambhal, Lucknow and Moradabad, the state administration has stepped up security measures to ensure peace and prevent any untoward incidents. A large number of people participated in the Muharram processions in various parts of the state. In view of the Kanwar Yatra happening at the same time, police forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, with drones and CCTV cameras monitoring the situation. Speaking to ANI, Sambhal District Magistrate Dr Rajender Pensiya said, "We have held various peace committee meetings at the village, neighbourhood, and district levels. In these discussions, people from all sides were invited. All communities were called, and their issues related to electricity, water, and other problems were addressed... Clear instructions have been given to inform us if any issues arise." He added, "We have appointed magistrates at every location, accompanied by police officers. Any procession, whether for Kanwar Yatra or Muharram, will be conducted in a box format, with our officers stationed on all four sides. Continuous monitoring is also being carried out through drones. Currently, we have over 13,000 CCTV cameras integrated. All necessary arrangements are in place, and action is underway to ban more than 900 persons. Section 163 is in effect. We are confident that everything will be conducted peacefully." In Lucknow, the police have taken extra precautions in the western zone, also known as Old Lucknow, which is considered highly sensitive during Muharram. DCP Lucknow West Vishwajeet Srivastava told ANI, "During Muharram, Lucknow's western zone, also called Old Lucknow, remains highly sensitive. There is always a zonal sector system 24/7 here. Separate arrangements are made for the processions held in this area." He explained that security during processions is arranged in three layers. "The first moves with the procession in a box formation, the second handles route arrangements, and the third is stationed at key locations of the procession. CCTV cameras have been installed at 82 locations. Volunteers from the Civil Defence Organisation are also present. Three types of drones have been deployed. Our social media team is fully active, and we are in constant communication with religious leaders," Srivastava added. (ANI) ICE raids not civil Imagine you are picked up by masked, unidentified men and shipped to a detention center. You are white, have held a good job for the past 20 years and contribute positively to society in this country. Reason for your detention? You had a speeding ticket which is known as a civil violation. Imagine you are picked up by masked, unidentified men and shipped to a detention center. You are Latino, have held a good job for the past 20 years and contribute positively to society in this country. Reason for your detention? You are undocumented which is known as a civil violation. Note that in both situations, the victims are not criminals although the U.S. President paints all members of one group as criminals, rapists, gang members, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Studies show that undocumented people in the U.S. are less likely to commit crimes than US citizens. In California, they paid $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022 and pay into Social Security and Medicare through payroll taxes programs that they are typically barred from accessing. Congress must develop a plan for citizenship that works instead of having these crazy and destructive ICE agents destroying our communities. Where will low-income residents facing eviction, foreclosure, or stolen wages turn without free legal aid? The Presidents budget has proposed eliminating the Legal Services Corporation, the nations largest funder of free civil legal aid. Unlike people charged with a crime, individuals with civil legal issues are not guaranteed free attorney representation. Grants from LSC help nonprofits meet this critical need by providing legal services to low-income residents with civil legal challenges, including evictions, stolen wages, and discrimination. Stephen Sacks, Fresno Time to resist Masked, unmarked agents dressed for war kidnapping people off the street then deporting them to parts unknown: ICE raids are exercises in terrorism. The Trump administration is clearly using violence and threats of violence for political aims; no reasonable mind questions this. ICE agents are domestic, state-sponsored terrorists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We the People have the Constitutional right to keep and bear arms to protect ourselves against this tyranny. We have the right to protect our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. If our municipal police and county sheriffs will not stand between the people and these domestic terrorists, we the people not only have the right to fill this gap, we have the duty to do so. This letter is not a call to violence; rather, it is simply a definition of the terms before us. Resistance is the highest form of patriotism. We the people are called now to Resist. Resist. James Redfern, Coalinga Story missed context The Fresno Bees recent article, Are Latinos in Fresno County less likely to be entrepreneurs? What study shows, misses important context regarding the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institutes report on Latino entrepreneurship in Fresno County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our analysis focuses on self-employment, one segment of the entrepreneurial landscape. Latino entrepreneurship takes many forms, including formal business ownership, informal work, sole proprietorships, and gig-based activity. Additionally, given the source of our data, it may not reflect the impact of local interventions like CVIICs Immigrant Entrepreneurship Program, which provides training, access to resources, and technical assistance to entrepreneurs. We do not attribute lower entrepreneurship rates to individual ambition or traits, as suggested by the articles framing. Our data highlights systemic barriers in Fresno County poverty, limited capital access, and educational disparities that hinder Latinos economic mobility despite their contributions. Our goal is to support accurate, asset-based, and policy-relevant narratives. Rodrigo Dominguez Villegas, UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute Legal help threatened My organization, California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc., receives about one-third of its funding from the Legal Services Corporation. Last year, CRLA closed over 2,800 cases for low-income Valley residents helping families stay in their homes, recover unpaid wages, defend their rights to K-12 education, and keep their health insurance. CRLA helped Valley residents secure over $2.4 million in financial benefits, including money recovered and fees waived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eliminating LSC would drastically reduce the legal resources for low-income residents, especially in rural areas like the Valley, where few attorneys are available. Investments in legal aid also make financial sense, as it is more cost-effective to help families facing eviction avoid homelessness than to try to get them back into housing, employment, and education after they have been evicted. Eryn Balderica-Guy, Fresno Operation Shock Collar How is it that the Fresno Bee failed to cover, in even a superficial way, Operation Shock Collar, which filed charges against 92 people, 38 of them for federal violations, and the seizure of illegal weapons and drugs, in Huron and Coalinga? Is it not a priority of the Fresno Bee to report on the dismantling of gang operations? The task force press conference handed the whole operation on a platter. What is the excuse for failing to cover a massive a law enforcement operation involving 550 personnel including the FBI, Fresno County Sheriffs Office, California Highway Patrol, and a twenty-five other law enforcement agencies? Puzzled. Richard Steven Street, San Anselmo Jul. 5Smoke rose from the mountain, but the radio calls met with silence. Canfield Mountain, an iconic baby peak on the east side of Coeur d'Alene that is visible from Spokane, is known, according to firefighters, for having particularly bad radio reception. It's why when three firefighters never responded to initial radio calls in the early afternoon of June 29, it didn't raise an iota of concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crews had earlier driven a brush truck up to investigate the source of a reported wildfire just above Canfield's upper parking lot. Still lacking a response, a battalion chief from Northern Lakes Fire District drove up to the crews to physically make contact and find out what they had learned about the source of the fire. Instead, he entered a killing field. "SEND LAW ENFORCMENT RIGHT NOW. THERE'S AN ACTIVE SHOOTER ZONE," the battalion chief screamed into his mic. "EVERYBODY'S SHOT UP HERE. LAW ENFORCEMENT, CODE 3 NOW UP HERE." By this point, it's believed the shooter, later identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley, had already killed 52-year-old Coeur d'Alene Fire Battalion Chief John Morrison and 42-year-old Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coeur d'Alene Fire engineer David Tysdal, 47, suffered two shotgun wounds to the chest. He remained in his vehicle as the Northern Lakes battalion chief hid behind a fire rig and used his radio to let the world know their crews were being ambushed by gunfire. In the week following the shocking killings, The Spokesman-Review pieced together a detailed chronological timeline of the attacks using law enforcement interviews and dispatch records. At first, the Northern Lakes firefighter, whom The Spokesman-Review has agreed not to name at the request of his chief and others, told dispatchers to get firefighter units away from the area because he didn't know the full scope of the threat. "UPPER PARKING LOT. Up on the dirt parking lot. We need law enforcement up here immediately," he said, according to the recorded 911 communications. "Careful, we've got another Coeur d'Alene firefighter down. We need law enforcement immediately, immediately." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Copy. Firefighter down, we need law enforcement," the dispatcher responded. Tysdal, bleeding from his two wounds, then found his radio. "I'm down," Tysdal said as the shooter fired three successive rounds that can be heard in the background of the radio call. "Vehicle's broke down. I can't move." Northern Lakes got back on the radio. "We are all at the upper parking lot. Please, law enforcement as soon as possible. Get law enforcement up to the parking lot." Those calls prompted a massive effort of helicopters, armored vehicles, paramedics and law enforcement officers who raced to the scene. They faced the task of figuring out how to enter an active shooting situation and bring the firefighters to safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But they had the battalion chief telling them everything they needed to know. "His presence of mind saved multiple lives," Pat Riley, chief of Northern Lakes Fire District, said of his battalion chief. "It's going to be commendable. There is no doubt that it stopped the loss of life. It stopped the killing and it minimized a tragic incident. "There was no more clearer direction I have heard in my entire career." Agonizing wait While the audio of the 911 calls reflected all fire department calls, dispatch opened a second radio net for law enforcement that was not broadcast over open channels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until the full investigation is released by the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, the full picture of the drama won't be known. But based on the partial emergency calls, the battalion chief kept updating dispatch as to perceived threats and needed assets. At one point, Northern Lakes asked to make sure to have five ambulances ready to move patients. And Tysdal, despite his serious wounds, also radioed out information. About three minutes after the battalion chief's first alert, Tysdal said: "I have not had any response from the two battalion chiefs," referring to Morrison and Harwood. "I'm inside the rig. I need help. I don't see anybody around me, but ... green, like, military, maybe veteran-type clothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He shot us with a shotgun," Tysdal said into the radio. A minute later, the Northern Lakes battalion chief added: "We need law enforcement up here ... to get the two wounded out. I'm pinned down behind Battalion One's rig. It's clear to me that this fire was set intentionally to draw us in." The dispatcher asked Northern Lakes if he wanted Life Flight Network to launch a helicopter. "I'm not 100% sure where they would land, but I think they need to be prepared to launch," he said. Four ambulances were then staged at North 15th Street and East Nettleton Gulch Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The battalion chief then warned other responders not to use the lower parking lot at Canfield Mountain. Seven minutes after his initial call, Northern Lakes made another query. "Central, BC-5. Where is law enforcement? Where is law enforcement?" The dispatcher responded: "Law enforcement is in the area trying to make contact." At the 10-minute mark, he asked again. "I don't know if they are coming up the road or not, but I really need help up here." He then described where in the road the officers would find the fire equipment. "Maybe they could pull up, and we could get to the Coeur d'Alene firefighter ... hurt," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the 12-minute mark after the first warning, Tysdal got back onto his radio. "I can't move anything," he said. "The bleeding is getting worse." The dispatcher acknowledged and told him: "Law enforcement is trying to get to you now." A minute later, a radio call first reported that a SWAT team had arrived. As they waited, Northern Lakes radioed Tysdal: "How are you, buddy?" Tysdal replied, "I need help." Northern Lakes continued requesting help. "We need to get the Coeur d'Alene firefighters that are down." About 20 minutes after Northern Lakes made the first emergency call, it appeared Tysdal was struggling. He made a radio call, but the words were unintelligible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Central. Ask law enforcement if they have a drone over the upper parking lot," Northern Lakes asked a couple minutes later. "I see a drone directly overhead." The dispatcher responded: "That is a drone for law enforcement." At about the 23-minute mark, the dispatcher finally told Northern Lakes that troops are coming. "We are actively working on a BearCat getting up to you safely. We have units in the area trying to get to you," she said. "Copy that," Northern Lakes responded. "We really need to get the Coeur d'Alene guys. There is one confirmed wounded and he's about 40 feet from me. If we can get a unit up there, we can block and at least drag him down to an ambulance." While it's not reflected in the fire dispatch, law enforcement appears to have finally reached the area. About 27 minutes after the first alert, dispatch sent a message: "Break from Central. There are more shots being fired." A few seconds later, more shots were fired, "per law enforcement on scene." On the recorded log, a new speaker got on the net: "Notify Kootenai Health. Let them know we have multiple patients being transported to them." 'Your people' Riley said he was waiting at the lower parking lot to extract his friend. Northern Lakes paramedics, decked out in tactical gear, had gone in and helped pull the battalion chief out of the active shooting zone. "Every bit of this is a big bag of suck," Riley said. "I went in to get my battalion chief who was pinned down by gunfire." Riley then took the battalion chief, in Riley's own rig, to the hospital. "He was uninjured, at least physically," Riley said of his battalion chief. "And his first request was to go to the hospital. I asked him, 'Are you hurt?' He said, 'No. I need to check on Dave Tysdal. He saved my life.' " Riley made sure the two men were able to speak, and he then took the battalion chief back to his station. When the first fire calls went out, they caught the attention of former Coeur d'Alene Fire Chief Kenny Gabriel through an app on his phone that allows him to listen to fire calls. He heard the battalion chief's frantic first calls for help. "I went to administration. Once you are a chief, you are always a chief. Once they are your people, they are always your people," Gabriel said. "Things unfolded from there." Rather than going to the scene, Gabriel said he went to help coordinate things at the office. "From that point on, my attention turned to the Morrison family," he said. He'd known John Morrison from Morrison's first day in 1996. "We knew that he was up there and we knew neither he nor Frank (Harwood) were answering calls on the radio," Gabriel said. "I had heard that people were going to the hospital. Then we got more information about what was going on at the hospital." Gabriel got to the hospital just after emergency crews brought in Tysdal. "Nobody had any idea how many more patients were coming in. (Hospital officials) were ready to go. He was being taken care of by a through-the-roof, absolutely terrific team," Gabriel said. "It was a raise-the-hair-on-the-back-of-your-neck moment." Gabriel was able to find Morrison's wife. He was there as hospital staff informed her of her husband's fate. "It was devastating. Just absolutely devastating," Gabriel said. "My instinct kicked in. The family is where my energy was then and still is right now." 'Let that moment be theirs' Crews got the call of reports about the fire at 1:21 p.m. They made their way up the mountain, where they came across the suspect, Roley, and talked to him about moving his vehicle. By 2 p.m., firefighters screamed over their broadcast system they were being shot at, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris has said. Within the next 20 minutes, the scene at the bottom of Canfield Mountain was controlled chaos more than 300 members of law enforcement worked out of multiple white tents coordinating the search area. Groups of deputies and police officers from Washington to Montana got in and out of armored trucks, white trailers and black tinted cars. Citizens stood by to quietly watch. People on the mountain were being evacuated, and those who lived nearby were urged to stay inside. There was no telling if law enforcement was still shooting at the suspect communication with the sheriff's office had gone relatively silent while they worked around the clock. At some point, law enforcement pulled a fire vehicle off the mountain with flat tires. Police and deputies had run into the brazen scene to pop them in an effort to prevent the suspect from hijacking the car and escaping, officials said later. They also pushed the suspect's vehicle off an embankment with a SWAT vehicle. Investigators at the time were working with information there could be multiple shooters with high-powered guns, even though it wasn't true. Investigators discovered Roley had shot the firefighters after he spoke with them and then fled into the tree line. Law enforcement exchanged gunfire with Roley, who was believed to have perched himself in a tree. The exchange was fairly brief, according to law enforcement. Gunfire likely ceased at some point around 3 p.m. After the sound went quiet, drones and helicopters flooded the area, looking beyond the trees with helicopters and drones for where Roley could have run to. The fire, presumed to be started by the suspect to lure the firemen there, was still burning. Smoke was cascading over the trees and onto the highway. The fallen firefighters , who remained on the mountain after the barrage of gunfire, were retrieved between 5 and 6 p.m., according to law enforcement. Fire dispatch records are timestamped from each call, but they don't reflect when the shootings and calls from the battalion chief were made in real time. Roley, who was described as wearing "outdoor" clothing at the time of the shooting, was said to have had a "modern-day sporting" weapon. Tysdal identified the weapon as a shotgun during the attack, according to dispatch records. Investigators were able to home in on a cellphone that had pinged on the mountain at 3:16 p.m., Norris said. When they traced the phone at 7:30 p.m., they found Roley dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and the firearm under his body. Law enforcement had to act quickly to remove his body because the wildfire was encroaching at high speeds, Norris has said. It took about an hour and a half to recover him from the mountain. Roley's truck was still in the middle of an active crime scene partly torched from the wildfire as of earlier last week. It's since been removed so police can conduct a thorough search of the inside. Roley, who had been in the area "for the better part of 2024," was also known to police, but not for any significant crime. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office had three "interactions" with Roley, and the Coeur d'Alene Police Department reported two. Each interaction was minimal, like for trespassing or a welfare check, and Roley was cooperative, Norris said. Norris also released a photo from Roley's Instagram that showed Roley in camouflage clothing with a shotgun shell belt. It's similar to the description that Tysdal gave dispatchers during the shooting. "These firefighters did not have a chance," Norris said at a news conference after the shooting. As Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels watched from the command post near Canfield while crews transported the fallen firefighters off the mountain, he took note of the expressions on their faces. "I could see it," Nowels said. "This wore on them ... They're people that put on their uniform every day, but they're not supposed to face that." Asked to describe the moment, Nowels sighed. "Let that moment be theirs," Nowels said. The responding forces included 40 members from Spokane County, including their air resources. Nowels said he noticed many of them were personalizing the tragedy as they worked. "You just can't be involved, that up-close, without personalizing it," he added. Earlier that day, Nowels wasn't working. But when he got the call, he threw his uniform on and raced across the border to Idaho. Hours later, as he waited at the bottom of the mountain, he joined officials and waited for more answers from the crews, "who did not shy away from danger," he said. "I remember sitting at the command post, trying to determine if he was deceased," Nowels said of the shooter. "I looked at other leaders and asked, 'Why?' Why would you kill defenseless firemen?' " Reporter Alexandra Duggan contributed to this article. The identities of four victims have been confirmed one day after the crash of a small aircraft in Austria. A 70-year-old man from the district of Ebersberg outside the German city of Munich died in the crash, along with his 33-year-old son and the son's girlfriend of the same age, both of whom lived in the southern German city of Regensburg, the police said on Sunday. Additionally, the 59-year-old pilot from Markt Schwaben in Upper Bavaria in southern Germany was killed in the crash, the police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The single-engine light aircraft had taken off on Saturday from Oberschleissheim near Munich for a sightseeing flight over the Alps. It crashed for reasons still unknown near the well-known Krimml Waterfalls in Austria in rough terrain and caught fire. According to the police, the aircraft wreckage was almost completely destroyed by the fire. The Salzburg public prosecutor's office has ordered the autopsy of all the victims, the securing of the wreckage and the involvement of an expert, the police said. Maj.-Gen. Aviad Dagan and Maj.-Gen. (res) Tal Kelman participated in an unspecified number of airstrike runs during Operation Rising Lion. Two IDF major-generals returned to flight duty and participated in airstrikes against Iran during Operation Rising Lion in June, Walla confirmed on Sunday. Maj.-Gen. Aviad Dagan and Maj.-Gen. (res) Tal Kelman participated in an unspecified number of airstrike runs during Operation Rising Lion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dagan currently serves as head of the IDF's C4I and Cyber Defense Directorate. He previously served as commander of the Israel Air Force's Hatzerim Airbase. Kelman, who is no longer in IDF active duty, previously served as IAF Chief of Staff and head of the IDF's Strategy and Iran Directorate. Both Dagan and Kelman are fighter pilots by training. Then-head of IDF Strategy and Iran Directorate, Maj.-Gen. Tal Kelman. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) The IAF targeted aerial defense sites ranging from launching facilities to production sites to radar arrays. This led to Israel achieving air superiority over western Iran within a matter of hours. IAF kills several IRGC leaders during early days of strikes The IAF killed Maj.-Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, head of the Armed Forces General Staff; and Maj.-Gen. Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in the surprise attack on June 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the others eliminated were Maj.-Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid, commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters; and Maj.-Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the IRGCs Air Defense. The IAF killed four senior Iranian intelligence officials, including the head of the IRCG's intelligence organization, on June 15. The IDF weakened the Islamic Republic of Iran's weapons production capabilities after completing a wave of strikes on infrastructure belonging to the IRGC's Quds Force and their military in Tehran, the military announced on June 15. Seth J. Frantzman, Jerusalem Post Staff, and Reuters contributed to this report. Hamas naval security forces ride on top of a boat on a trailer during the opening ceremony of the first navy headquarters at the sea road of Gaza City, December 22, 2016; illustrative. (photo credit: Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Additionally, soldiers from the IDF's Nahal Brigade, under the 162nd Division, operated in Gaza's Daraj Tuffah. The IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) conducted an airstrike, killing Hamas Naval Force commander Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh in the north Gaza Strip last Monday, the military confirmed on Sunday. Saleh was in a structure in Gaza City, along with the deputy head of Hamas's mortar shell array cell, Hisham Ayman Atiya Mansour, and mortar shell terrorist Nissim Muhammad Suleiman Abu Sabha, who were both killed in the same strike, the military added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saleh had been a "significant source of knowledge in Hamas and was involved in planning and advancing maritime terrorist attacks against IDF troops operating in Gaza," the military noted. Meanwhile, soldiers from the IDF's Nahal Brigade, under the 162nd Division, operated in Gaza's Daraj Tuffah. During these recent operations, they located and dismantled "terrorist infrastructure sites, including military structures containing explosives, weapons stockpiles, and eliminated several Hamas terrorists." IDF soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip, July 6, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) IAF destroys terrorist observation post in Gaza Strip The Israel Air Force, guided by IDF soldiers, also struck an observation post that was used to target IDF soldiers operating in the area. THE HAREDI leadership argues that it is forbidden to draft yeshiva students whose Torah is their profession and that they defend the State of Israel through their studies. (photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem/Jerusalem Post) All 54,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews eligible for military service will be called on to arrive for actual service by July 2026. The army on Sunday started summoning all 54,000 remaining eligible haredim for IDF service in the largest ever coordinated mass pursuit of that sector, in a campaign that will continue through July. These ultra-Orthodox will be called on to arrive for actual service by July 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes after 24,000 haredim were already summoned in split-up rounds of the last year, with very small results in actual haredim coming in for their military service, but under pressure by the High Court of Justice and public opinion to broaden the draft against the backdrop of unprecedented numbers of soldiers from all sectors being killed, wounded, and performing longer reserve service. The 54,000 being summoned includes all ages of eligible haredim from 16.5-year-olds to those in their 20s, mostly ending around age 26. Overall, the IDFs goal for this coming year still remains at integrating 4,800 haredim, a jump of around 3,000 over past years, with a larger jump in integrating haredim each year in future years. However, no one expects that without open support from haredi politicians and rabbis the minuscule haredi positive response to draft summons to date will radically improve and increase. IDF demanding gov't sanctions to hit individual haredim The IDF is still demanding that the government pass sanctions that hit individual haredim to increase positive responses to draft notices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather, the reason the IDF is moving forward on the summons now is that it has seen that the deal between the government and Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein nailed down three weeks ago has wallowed, and may not lead to a new law to support drafting more haredim before the Knesset recess. The recess, which starts in the coming weeks, will delay any major progress on the new potential law until mid-October if not later. Given this delay, the IDF did not believe it had the legal right to wait (given past orders by the High Court) for such a new law to pass to make its next push for summoning haredim. In addition, the IDF said it currently has 250-300 spots in jail ready for arresting draft dodgers, whether haredim or from other communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, the IDF said that, if necessary, it may widen the number of jail spots to include hundreds more by adding a new company of IDF police to handle the issue. Such numbers would still be tiny compared to the number of potential draft dodgers, but are still, in relative terms, much larger than the number of draft dodgers who have been arrested in the past. According to the IDF, it will be strategic in how it arrests draft dodgers. For example, instead of entering the haredi neighborhood of Mea Shearim in Jerusalem or the center of a Bedouin village, the IDF will use the airport, checkpoints, and other spontaneous checks in areas where draft dodgers will be traveling and come unwittingly into the arms of the army, without the need for searching for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent months, the IDF and border authorities have arrested around 140 draft dodgers at Ben-Gurion Airport. Another change is that the IDF will be streamlining the process for moving from the initial summons to the point at which a person is declared a draft dodger and might be arrested. By September, the IDF will be ready to move to arrest draft dodgers, whereas in the past, it took several more months or longer to get through the many intermediate points in the process between an initial summons and the point of an arrest. Currently, one-third of 14,000 draft dodgers are near the point where they can be declared arrestable, whereas within a few months, this number could jump to 35,000, and could include a majority being haredim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF warned that this may mean that some persons who could receive exemptions such as someone who became injured in the middle of the summons process may be placed on an arrest list, something that will need to be fixed and resolved in real time. However, the IDF said that avoiding these potential problems in the past had delayed progress toward arrests, and reversing the emphasis and approach is necessary to help make enforcement more timely and effective. Regarding those who are arrested in an operation or spontaneously in some kind of unexpected area where they are checked by the IDF, those who are draft dodgers for 540 days can be sent directly to jail and treated as full violators. Those who are draft dodgers for less than 540 days may instead be temporarily detained by being sent directly to a new IDF unit instead of being sent to jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the more positive side, the IDF said that two companies of haredi units are already serving in combat in the Gaza area, with one of those companies having killed or participated with the air force in killing around 41 terrorists. Regarding an overlapping front of widening the draft base, the IDF said it recently had an operation where they sought to redraft reservists who had been given early exemptions from further service since they were pre-October 7 deemed unnecessary. In one day, out of 11,000 such persons, around 5,300 came to the Tel Hashomer base and were restored to active reserve duty roles. Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the IDF's Hashmonaim Brigade, comprised of haredi soldiers, on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his visit, Zamir addressed the brigade, stating, "Your integration into the army is something you should be proud of, and your families and society should be proud of it as well. You are pioneers and trailblazers, leading the way, and Im sure you will gain recognition." "I know some of you may be facing personal challenges, but I am confident, based on my experience, that perseverance is what matters in life," Zamir added. "Today, the Hashmonaim Brigade is fighting in the Gaza Strip, doing extraordinary work there. I believe this proves that faith prevails. In this regard, I want to say again, thank you, and I have great appreciation for what you are doing. Be proud of yourselves," Zamir concluded. Avi Ashkenazi contributed to this report. CARENCRO, La. (KLFY) Improper disposal of fireworks lead to a house fire in Carencro last night. At approximately 10:30 p.m. the Carencro Fire Department, with assistance from the Lafayette and Scott Fire Departments, responded to a reported house fire at 309 Cainwood Court. Officials said when they arrived, they found an active fire on the right side of the structure, with flames venting through the roof. They said heat from the fire was impacting a neighboring home, causing damage to its vinyl siding. Firefighters worked to promptly to cool the exposure and minimize additional damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the cause of the fire was determined to be the improper disposal of spent fireworks, which were most likely still smoldering at the time of ignition. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest There were no reported injuries. The Carencro Fire Department reminds the public to dispose of fireworks properly and ensure they are fully extinguished before discarding. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. By Alexander Cornwell JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sharply criticised on Sunday a cabinet decision to allow some aid into Gaza as a "grave mistake" that he said would benefit the militant Palestinian group Hamas. Smotrich also accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing to ensure that Israel's military is following government directives in prosecuting the war against Hamas in Gaza. He said he was considering his "next steps" but stopped short of explicitly threatening to quit the coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smotrich's comments come a day before Netanyahu is due to hold talks in Washington with President Donald Trump on a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day Gaza ceasefire. "... the cabinet and the Prime Minister made a grave mistake yesterday in approving the entry of aid through a route that also benefits Hamas," Smotrich said on X, arguing that the aid would ultimately reach the Islamist group and serve as "logistical support for the enemy during wartime". The Israeli government has not announced any changes to its aid policy in Gaza. Israeli media reported that the government had voted to allow additional aid to enter northern Gaza. The prime minister's office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The military declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel accuses Hamas of stealing aid for its own fighters or to sell to finance its operations, an accusation Hamas denies. Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe, with conditions threatening to push nearly a half a million people into famine within months, according to U.N. estimates. Israel in May partially lifted a nearly three-month blockade on aid. Two Israeli officials said on June 27 the government had temporarily stopped aid from entering north Gaza. PRESSURE Public pressure in Israel is mounting on Netanyahu to secure a permanent ceasefire, a move opposed by some hardline members of his right-wing coalition. An Israeli team left for Qatar on Sunday for talks on a possible Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smotrich, who in January threatened to withdraw his Religious Zionism party from the government if Israel agreed to a complete end to the war before having achieved its objectives, did not mention the ceasefire in his criticism of Netanyahu. The right-wing coalition holds a slim parliamentary majority, although some opposition lawmakers have offered to support the government from collapsing if a ceasefire is agreed. The war erupted when Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel's retaliatory war in Gaza has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, according to the enclave's health ministry. Most of Gazas population has been displaced by the war, a humanitarian crisis has unfolded, and much of the territory lies in ruins. (Reporting by Alexander CornwellEditing by Gareth Jones) (Reuters) -Ingram Micro said on Saturday it recently identified ransomware on certain of its internal systems. The information technology company took steps to secure the relevant environment, including taking certain systems offline, it said in a statement. The Irvine, California-based company also launched an investigation with the assistance of leading cybersecurity experts and notified law enforcement, it added. (Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) Over 600 miles away from Salida, Colorado, where Suzanne Morphew vanished on Mother's Day in 2020, Barry Morphew found an escape from the state where prosecutors initially tried, but failed, to convict him of killing his wife. Barry Morphew was indicted by a grand jury on charges of murder in the first degree after deliberation on June 20 in relation to the death of his wife, 49-year-old Suzanne Morphew, who was also the mother to two daughters. Barry Morphew was arrested in Goodyear, Arizona, almost 11 hours from where his wife went missing. Barry Morphew settled down in Cave Creek, Arizona, after prosecutors dropped murder charges in 2022 relating to his wife's disappearance. The charges were dropped after alleged prosecutorial misconduct and failure to comply with discovery rules, resulting in the judge barring several state witnesses from testifying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One restaurant employee in Cave Creek, Arizona told Fox News Digital he didn't know Barry Morphew by his first name and thought he was an entirely different person. Charlie Loots, bar manager at Harold's Cave Creek Corral, told Fox News Digital that Barry Morphew went by the name "Bruce." Barry Morphew To Appear In Court After Grand Jury Indictment Charging Him With Wife's Murder Barry Morphew (R) in a June 30 booking picture at the Alamosa County Jail next to a picture of Suzanne Morphew (L) Loots didn't know Barry Morphew's real name until June 20, when news reports began to surface about murder charges relating to Suzanne Morphew's death. Read On The Fox News App "I was shocked that, again, I mean, I was very caught off guard about all of it," Loots said. "I spent, honestly, as soon as I found about it, I spent like two hours reading articles about it. I was like, I was so intrigued, because I was, like, this s--- doesn't happen," he said. WATCH: Arizona bar manager says he knew Barry Morphew as 'Bruce' Loots said he began seeing Barry Morphew, or Bruce, as he knew the murder suspect, after the Coronavirus pandemic. He said Barry Morphew's go-to drink was beer, often switching between Miller Lite and Coors Light, adding that he was at the bar on June 13, exactly one week before his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barry Morphew "always was approached by other women" at the bar, Loots said, adding that he would frequently approach other women and flirted with them. Barry Morphew Extradited To Colorado To Face Murder Charges In Wife's 2020 Disappearance Libby Spruill told Fox News Digital she was one of the women Barry Morphew flirted with at Harold's Cave Creek Corral. Spruill said she was at Harold's Cave Creek Corral in March 2024 when Barry Morphew asked if she wanted to dance. "He walked out to me and he said, hi. He's like, Do you want to dance? And I said, 'You're Barry Morphew,'" Spruill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, according to Spruill, Barry Morphew said "no, no, I think you have the wrong person." A bit later, Spruill said an individual approached them and introduced Barry Morphew as "Lee" from Indiana. Barry Morphew Accused Of Wife Suzannes Murder: See How The 5-Year Colorado Murder Mystery Unraveled Libby Spruill said Barry Morphew flirted with her when they were at Harold's Cave Creek Corral in 2024. According to the June 20 grand jury indictment, Barry Morphew went by the alias "Lee Moore." A local gas station clerk told Fox News Digital he knew Barry Morphew by the name "Lee." Public records indicate Barry Morphew paid property taxes at the Stardust Trailer park and was self-employed. In Colorado, he was a landscaper and independent contractor, but he didn't hold any professional license to do either in Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 use of two aliases is uncommon. "That's weird," McCallin said. "I mean, that certainly is evidence that this is a person who does not want to be known by his true name, maybe even, know, a little reckless with the use of those aliases." "It's clear he did not want to be known by Barry," he said, adding its possible Barry Morphew was trying to live a double life in Cave Creek, Arizona. Prosecutors wrote in a June 20 indictment that the chemicals butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine were found in Suzanne Morphew's bone marrow. They alleged that Barry Morphew used "BAM" deer tranquilizer to sedate and transport deer on his farm when he lived in Indiana. Barry Morphew (R) and Suzanne Morphew (L) Barry Morphew was also the only person with a prescription for the deer tranquilizer within the area of the state he lived in, prosecutors said. The only two other entities with access to the BAM compound within the surrounding counties were Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the National Park Service, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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. Morphew's attorney, David Beller, previously told Fox News Digital 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." Barry Morphews lawyer declined to comment. Original article source: Inside Barry Morphew's secretive life 600 miles away from epicenter of murder investigation into wife's death The arrested accused, identified as Manjeet alias Manja (39), is a resident of Patel Nagar, Bahadurgarh in Haryana. According to the police, a complaint was received at the Patel Nagar Police Station on June 11 against the accused, Manjeet, in which the complainant levelled allegations of sexual offences. Acting on the complaint, a case was registered under sections 64(2), 127(3), 123, 308(2), 351(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and an investigation was initiated. The accused, Manjeet, was evading his arrest and fleeing from joining the investigation. However, using technical surveillance and field intelligence, the accused was located and arrested on July 3, the officials said. According to the police, Manjeet was previously convicted in a 2009 murder case in Haryana, where he, along with his associate Arun Dabas alias Bittu, killed another criminal. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2012 but was later granted bail by the High Court of Chandigarh in 2015. Despite being convicted, the accused remained involved in criminal activities and was also found involved in several other cases in Haryana, including those under murder, attempt to murder, and Arms Act. Further investigation is in progress to recover evidence and explore his links in other pending cases. (ANI) IDF soldiers operate in Tammun as part of the Operation Iron Wall, February 2, 2025. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON The campaign, led in coordination with the Shin Bet, targeted armed terror cellssome directly funded by Iran. In January 2025, the IDF launched Operation Iron Wall in the West Bank, aiming to restore operational freedom inside Palestinian refugee camps. Military officials now say the operation has yielded significant results. The campaign, led in coordination with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), targeted armed terror cells, some directly funded by Iran, known as katibat. Since the start of the operation, the number of senior wanted suspects has dropped from around 120 to just a handful, according to Israeli security sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no longer armed parades in the camps. There are no more safe havens, one senior defense official said. A year ago, we couldnt enter the heart of the Jenin refugee camp. Today, theres no more daily gunfire at nearby Israeli communities. The IDF also reports a sharp decline in terror alerts and thwarted plots, citing some of the lowest figures in recent years. That, officials say, is due to near-continuous activity across the West Bank. We now have the operational freedom to act wherever we need, the official added. Dealing with explosives and weapons One of the campaigns early focuses was neutralizing the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on key routes leading into Samarias refugee camps. We started with hundreds of IEDs. Now were down to just a few, the defense official said. This is a broad, ongoing campaign. IDF soldiers are seen operating in Nablus, in the West Bank, July 3, 2025 (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) According to the IDF, more than 1,000 terrorists have been killed in air and ground strikes since the start of the operation, with roughly 4% identified as uninvolved civilians. Over 2,000 weapons have also been seized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are aggressive but very precise, said the official. Anyone who visits the camps today will see theyre unrecognizable. These used to be the central hubs of terror activity. At some point, we realized that without taking back the camps, we couldnt achieve long-term results. And now? Were seeing the lowest level of terrorism in a year and a half. Holding ground To consolidate gains, IDF Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Yaakov Dolf pushed to keep troops stationed inside the refugee camps for at least a year. When asked, Why a year? the answer was: Because we need to reshape the spaceto turn it into a functioning neighborhood. And thats what were seeing today, said the defense official. Many armed operatives have fled to nearby villages and cities, forcing the IDF to adjust its deployments across the region. Troops are now spread between camps, cities, and rural areas to sustain pressure on terror networks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrests are now more targeted, but security officials say their cumulative effect is critical. We cannot abandon the camps yet, the official emphasized. Were preparing them for the day were told to withdraw. If we leave next month, we need to ensure we can still operate freely and maintain access. Structural changes in deployment To support the expanded mission, the IDF increased its forces from 13 to at least 22 battalions. Troops are now tasked with protecting the Seam Line, securing roadways, and operating deep in Palestinian-controlled areas. The division also shifted to a brigade-level combat team (Tzakha"ch) structure. Initially, the Kfir Brigade led operations until it was reassigned to Gaza. Reserve battalions and a Tzakha"ch from the IDFs training base later assumed control. Still, a senior military source said, Theres no substitute for the lethality of regular infantry battalions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the IDF has no plans to stay in the camps indefinitely, officials say a future withdrawal will only take place under conditions that preserve Israels freedom of action. If the terrorists return, the Palestinian Authority will need to handle infrastructure inside the camps, water, sewage, electricity, roads, the source said. The military is also exploring ways to control entry points to the camps and carry out security screenings to prevent renewed militant activity. In parallel, Israel is considering allowing additional Palestinian police stations to operate inside the camps to restore basic governance. Within political circles, one proposal under discussion involves demolishing certain camps, such as Jenin, and replacing them with new neighborhoods, similar to the planned Palestinian city of Rawabi. A silent Palestinian public Despite Israels continued ban on most Palestinian laborers working in Israel, there has been no widespread unrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian public is indifferent, said the defense official. They want to live. Theyre not resisting. The IDFs role is to prevent them from sliding into violence. Before Hamass October 7 massacre, over 200,000 Palestinians worked in Israel or in West Bank industrial zones. Today, that figure has dropped significantly. According to estimates, about 40,000 Palestinians are staying in Israel illegally, alongside 10,000 legally employed workers and another 20,000 in West Bank factories. Many others have found alternate employment. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority is facing a deep financial crisis due to Israels withholding of clearance revenues, taxes collected on its behalf. Without these funds, the PA is unable to pay salaries, including to its own security personnel. In light of the relative stability in the West Bank, Israeli defense officials have reportedly recommended easing restrictions and allowing more Palestinian laborers to return to work inside Israel. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The International Plaza in Rochester hosted a brunch on Sunday to showcase the smooth tunes of Jemaes Graham, an Angie Stone Tribute by LaQunica Allen, and live music by DJ Shawn. Market Days at the Plaza offers a variety of cultural and community events throughout the year. Participants of all ages and performance levels are encouraged to join the festivities. Those with the City of Rochester say the International Plaza is a cornerstone of Rochester`s Northeast neighborhoods. The plaza offers a welcoming space where families and visitors can enjoy music, food, and diverse cultural experiences. Community organizations and merchants can explore the vending opportunities the International Plaza offers. Tent vendor spaces are available starting at $20 per event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through special programming, vendors, and culinary delights, the Plaza highlights the contributions of immigrants and Latinos to Rochester`s cultural and economic vibrancy, officials with the City of Rochester said. For more information and the full event calendar click here. For vending information call Erika J. Perez (585) 428-7282, or email pmarket@cityofrochester.gov. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Jul. 6Two years after the federal government announced $675 million for high-speed internet in New Mexico, instead of celebrating grant awards, the companies vying to build broadband infrastructure will have to have their grant applications reviewed anew, thanks to new rules from the Trump administration. For months, Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., and some of his fellow senators and congresspeople have demanded the Trump administration release the $42.5 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding meant to bring high-speed internet to communities without it nationwide. In June, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a new rule requiring states to rescind any preliminary BEAD grant awards and rescore grant applications based on new criteria. The new requirements allow broadband providers to set their own price for a "low-cost option" and no longer prioritize fiber technology. "As a locally owned New Mexico provider, we know firsthand how critical reliable broadband is for rural communities," President of NMSurft Albert Catanach said in a statement. "The BEAD updates give providers like us the flexibility to deploy the best mix of technologies including fixed wireless and fiber to deliver fast, reliable internet where it's needed most." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new guidelines caused a six-month delay in the grant process, since the Trump administration paused BEAD funds in January, according to Jeff Lopez, director of New Mexico's Office of Broadband Access and Expansion. The broadband office originally expected the new policy guidance in March. When the rule came down, the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion was in the final steps of reviewing the first round of grant applications and had pulled together five or six awards it wanted to recommend to the office's interim director for approval, according to BEAD coordinator Andrew Wilder. After state approval, applications will be sent to the federal government for approval. Originally, final proposals were supposed to be submitted in late July. States have until September to implement the new guidance and submit final proposals to the NTIA. The agency is supposed to review and approve final proposals within 90 days of receiving them. Previously accepted grant applicants don't have to submit updated grant applications, but the broadband office recommends doing so, Wilder said. No more fiber favoritism Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The old grant criteria favored fiber internet for priority projects. "Of currently available technologies, fiber-optic networks are faster and more reliable and can scale speeds much more easily," reads a recent letter opposing the BEAD restructuring from 40 Democratic House and Senate members, including Lujan, Sen. Martin Heinrich and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico. "We made the decision to invest larger sums now in broadband infrastructure that would be resilient and capable of meeting Americans' growing digital demands for decades." The new criteria includes "technology neutrality," with no preference for fiber, fixed wireless or low orbit satellite service, as long as it meets performance benchmarks, because "the full force of the competitive marketplace must be utilized," the policy notice says. New Mexico's topography means that in some areas, fiber is very difficult and expensive to implement, Lopez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think our previous proposal really provided a lot of clarity on which locations might need an alternate technology in order to provide connectivity quickly and at a low, sometimes substantially lower, cost than fiber would have allowed. Our team is being very good and pragmatic on complying with the new policy guidance from June 6," Lopez said. "I would say it will be beneficial for technologies other than fiber and connecting some households with a cheaper alternative, but again, it might impact the long-term costs, where some alternative technologies might require more in terms of operations and maintenance beyond just this capital investment that we are administering right now." The new criteria could benefit companies using satellites to deliver internet like Starlink, owned by former Trump ally Elon Musk. As of March, a low Earth orbit satellite project was one of the 66 project applications the New Mexico Broadband office received, but the majority of the project applications, 53, were full-fiber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looser low cost definition Previously, the program also scored grants based on service affordability, labor, diversity, equity and inclusion, and open access. Those factors will no longer be weighted. Instead, the lowest cost of project per location will be the primary criteria. Climate planning, sustainability and environmental reporting were also removed from the proposal requirements. The legislation that created BEAD required broadband providers who received the substantive taxpayer dollars to offer customers at least one low-cost option. Under the Biden administration interpretation of the bill, states were allowed to set that low-cost option. New Mexico set its low cost price plan at $50 per month. The new rule lets providers set their own rate for a low-cost option, as long as one is included in their proposal. The new rule also required states to update their maps of unserved and underserved communities. When New Mexico updated its map, the number of unserved and underserved locations shrank. Combined, the locations went from 75,000 to an estimated 40,000. Unserved locations went from 31,000 to 24,000. Some of the locations were not actually homes or businesses, while other locations will get broadband coverage from different programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally, 35 applicants pre-qualified for BEAD in New Mexico, and 18 applied for projects. With the new rule, those original 35 entities are still eligible to apply and nine new applicants have applied to become pre-qualified, Wilder said. Ground can't be broken on the projects until after grants are awarded, grant agreements are signed and permits are acquired, which at the earliest could be in 2026. "Though the broadband office has already opened up its benefit of the bargain round, this new guidance is just another way the Trump administration is delaying New Mexico's ability to connect New Mexicans to high-speed internet," Lujan said in a statement. Cathy Cook covers the federal government for the Albuquerque Journal. Reach her via email at ccook@abqjournal.com. Mads Mikkelsen, a 21-year-old tourist from Norway, claimed in an interview with a Norwegian newspaper that he was denied entry to the United States at Newark International Airport due to "narcotic paraphernalia" a photo of the traveler with a homemade wooden pipe and "extremist propaganda." That propaganda was reportedly a popular meme poking fun at U.S. Vice President JD Vance. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol allegedly found both images on Mikkelsen's cellphone. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Snopes, "Claims that Mads Mikkelsen was denied entry because of a JD Vance meme are FALSE. Mikkelsen was refused entry into the U.S. for his admitted drug use." Mikkelsen shared with Snopes part of the DHS documentation from June 11, 2025, about his rejection for entry to the U.S. The page Mikkelsen provided did not address either of the images in question. A rumor that 21-year-old Mads Mikkelsen, a Norwegian tourist, was denied entry to the United States at Newark International Airport in New Jersey circulated online in late June 2025. The alleged circumstances surrounding his refusal made the occurrence newsworthy: The traveler blamed his denial on an unflattering meme of Vice President JD Vance. Mikkelsen was allegedly denied entry to the U.S. on June 11, 2025, when he was briefly detained in Newark before being sent back to Norway. The rumor made the rounds online, with users sharing the purported news on platforms like Facebook (archived), Threads (archived) and YouTube (archived). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some users shared the rumor with statements varying from support of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to agreeing that the meme, which depicted Vance with a bald head and no eyebrows, was indeed funny. The rumor gained popularity amid ongoing reports of ICE continuing controversial raids on immigrant communities across the U.S. However, the agency responsible for Mikkelsen's alleged denial of entry was U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) though both agencies are part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The story was so pervasive Snopes readers bombarded our inbox with questions after it was picked up by mainstream news outlets such as The Daily Beast and Time Magazine. While we are unable to issue a definitive rating on this claim, Mikkelsen has spoken at length about his experience the reason the situation went viral in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with Norwegian newspaper Nordlys, Mikkelsen claimed he was placed in a holding cell upon his arrival and subjected to questioning "about drug trafficking, terrorist plots and right-wing extremism." Further, he said, "They took me to a room with several armed guards, where I had to hand over my shoes, mobile phone and backpack," before allegedly threatening him with a hefty fine if he did not unlock his cellphone for them. That is where the alleged meme of Vance came into play, along with a photo of Mikkelsen holding a homemade wooden pipe. "Both pictures had been automatically saved to my camera roll from a chat app, but I really didn't think that these innocent pictures would put a stop to my entry into the country," Mikkelsen told Nordlys. Nordlys also posted a video report about Mikkelsen to the paper's Instagram (archived). That video depicted Mikkelsen holding out a phone showing the Vance meme in question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, CBP suggested it was the latter photo of the wooden pipe, not the JD Vance meme, that caused them to refuse Mikkelsen's entry. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin responded to questions from Snopes via email and said: "Claims that Mads Mikkelsen was denied entry because of a JD Vance meme are FALSE. Mikkelsen was refused entry into the U.S. for his admitted drug use." CBP echoed this statement on X (archived), adding that Mikkelsen's denial was not because of "any memes or political reasons." Reached for comment through Facebook Messenger, Mikkelsen provided Snopes with a photograph of a page from DHS Form I-877, also known as a "Record of Sworn Statement in Administrative Proceedings." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The document is dated June 11, 2025, signed by a CBP officer named Yamil Valdes Crespo. The date matched reports of Mikkelsen's arrival in Newark and the page shown in the photo featured a passage about Mikkelsen's rejection. It read: You have been determined to be inadmissible to the United States pursuant to section 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) as an immigrant who, at the time of application for admission, is not in possession of a valid, un-expired immigrant visa. You do not appear to be a bona fide visitor for pleasure and cannot overcome the presumption of being an intending immigrant at this time because it appears you are attempting to engage in unauthorized employment without authorization and proper documentation (Mads Mikkelsen) Mikkelsen told Snopes, "Verbally they said it was because of extremist propaganda and narcotic paraphernalia," with "extremist propaganda" referring to the alleged meme although those details did not appear on the page Mikkelsen provided. Further, the same document stated Mikkelsen's reason for visiting the country was "to get to know the United States" and confirmed he was never "arrested or convicted anywhere in the world." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It felt like I was a terrorist suspect where I was sitting. I tried to pull myself together several times, but in the end, I just wanted to get home again," Mikkelsen told Nordlys following the incident. "I had traveled for twelve hours, slept poorly, and was physically and mentally completely exhausted even before they started the questioning." The questions didn't stop once Mikkelsen arrived home in Troms, Norway. "I won't give more comments as a lot of people are trying to reach me and all this attention is wearing me down rapidly," he told Snopes via Messenger. Snopes reached out to the CBP press officer assigned to New York and New Jersey for comment and will update this piece if we hear back. According to the meme database KnowYourMeme, the particular Vance meme on Mikkelsen's phone first circulated online following the vice presidential debate in October 2024, when an X user posted a modification to previously circulating memes known as "JD Vance babyface edits." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the new rendition, "Vance was given a bald head and thick lips. The edit received over 5,700 reposts and 144,000 likes in five days." Mikkelsen was not the only foreign national to claim U.S. officials detained them and subjected them to a phone search at an airport in June 2025. We previously looked into reports that CBP detained an Australian man at Los Angeles International Airport, searching his phone and refusing him entry over past blog posts. Sources: Aas, Jakob Bergland. "(+) To bilder spolerte drmmeferien til Mads: Jeg flte meg helt jvlig og nedbrutt." Nordlys, 23 June 2025, https://www.nordlys.no/5-34-2171723. "Bald J.D. Vance." Know Your Meme, 25 June 2025, https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/bald-jd-vance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBP Releases Form I-877, Record of Sworn Statement in Administrative Proceedings. https://www.aila.org/library/cbp-releases-form-i-877-record-of-sworn-statement. Accessed 25 June 2025. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DLPnDeQuBtR/. Accessed 25 June 2025. "J.D. Vance Babyface Edits." Know Your Meme, 23 Oct. 2024, https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/jd-vance-babyface-edits. "Tourist Claims He Was Denied Entry to U.S. Because of Vance Meme on Phone." The Daily Beast, 24 June 2025, https://www.thedailybeast.com/tourist-mads-mikkelsen-claims-he-was-denied-entry-to-us-because-of-vance-meme-on-phone/. An Iowa State University professor and two students compiled a study looking into the issue of legal deserts in rural areas across the U.S. (Photo via Getty Images) Small towns experiencing population decline often see staples like grocery stores, day cares and schools close, Iowa State University sociology professor David Peters said, leading to less access and hardship. One less-known, missing part of many of these communities is legal representation, Peters said, which leaves people without recourse to handle problems of that nature or even the knowledge of when a lawyer is needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peters, joined by two ISU students and future lawyers, conducted a study into lawyer shortages across the U.S. to identify where there is most need and go over practiced and possible solutions to ensure even those living in remote areas have access to the legal help they need. Not having enough lawyers puts rural people at a disadvantage because the legal system only really works if you have a lawyer that can either assert your rights or (provide) a mechanism to seek redress, Peters said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Emma Bartling graduated from ISU in the spring with a degree in agricultural and rural policy studies, and has enrolled in the University of South Dakota for law school with hopes of returning her home turf in Hardin County to practice. Emily Meyer still has one year of school left before graduation, but Bartling said both of them hope to return to rural areas to practice when theyre ready. (From left) Iowa State University professor David Peters, ISU student Emily Meyer and ISU graduate Emma Bartling. (Photo courtesy of Iowa State University) With this in mind, Bartling said she and Meyer got involved in the study to further their understanding of what they were getting into and why others werent following their path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To us, it was just an opportunity to better our learning and to kind of open a door that we would be going into, but just a little bit sooner, Bartling said. Peters was researching population decline in small towns when he came across the lack of private-practice attorneys, even in county seats where many residents go for their health care needs and other services they cant find in their area. Rather than just looking at the total population of counties and comparing it to the number of lawyers practicing there, Peters said they used 2022 Census data to find out how many private-practice attorneys are located in each county and held it up to estimated demand for their services. These numbers helped determine if a legal desert exists in a given county and how severe it is. Looking at more than 2,300 counties across the U.S., the study found that 11% of rural counties are critical legal deserts, with the largest gap between lawyer supply and demand for their services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One example Peters gave was of Lee County Iowas only county listed as a critical legal desert where he said around 30 lawyers are practicing. Based on the countys town populations, employers and other factors, the researchers found the county should have closer to 55 lawyers. Lee County is a micropolitan county, Peters said, as it has at least one town of between 10,000 and 50,000 people. The majority of Iowa counties in the study were classified as having average levels of lawyers or higher, according to the study, with 10 counties identified as having emerging legal deserts. Most of these cases are in southern Iowa, Peters said, where farmland is less expensive and areas are more impoverished. Map of legal deserts in the U.S. (Map courtesy of Iowa State University) Bartling said that many counties with legal deserts are clustered together, so those looking for a lawyer might need to travel even farther. This could be especially scary and difficult to deal with for those experiencing domestic violence and the like. If those micropolitans, even, dont have enough lawyers, then that just puts rural counties adjacent to that micropolitan (at an) even bigger disadvantage, Peters said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It surprised Peters to learn this, he said, and another shock came when the team learned pay for lawyers in rural areas was fairly similar no matter whether they were practicing in a legal desert or not, and the real pay gap is between urban and rural practices. This shows that using financial incentives to move lawyers into rural markets wouldnt be very effective, he said. Bartling and Meyer also looked into existing policy to try and solve this problem and identified their own solution. Finding solutions to fill the gap Legal work is not the first thing people think of when they think of industry workforce shortages, Peters said, and in reality it is quite different from what is being experienced in the fields of health care and manufacturing, among others. There are surpluses of lawyers in some urban areas, and there is no federal push to address the issue. South Dakota has seen success from a rural attorney recruitment program, Bartling said, which lets law students practice in rural counties before they have completed their schooling. The program has seen success, she said, but it wont fit in every situation, just like other initiatives the team reviewed, like mobile legal clinics and external fellowship programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One program they identified as viable is a licensed legal paraprofessional program, Bartling said, where the state would allow those with legal training but not a full degree to practice independently in certain areas, like family law. It would allow people from rural communities who have some legal training but another profession to fill a need without having to leave for years to get the highest licensure, and still be able to complete their other work when legal help isnt needed, Peters said. I think its definitely up to states discretion how they want to implement it, but we saw that that would probably have the most impact, direct impact to the rural community members, Bartling said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that if Israel is not held accountable for its attack on Iran, the whole region and beyond will suffer. The US-Israeli attacks on our nuclear facilities were in stark violation of NPT [the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty] and the UNSC Resolution 2231 that has endorsed Irans peaceful nuclear programme in 2015 by consensus, Araghchi said in a speech at the BRICS summit in Brazil, cited by state-run Press TV. The USs subsequent involvement in this aggression by targeting Irans peaceful nuclear installations has left no doubt as to the full complicity of the American government in Israels war of aggression against Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran won the support of fellow BRICS+ nations meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, with the bloc condemning the recent Israeli and US air strikes that hit military, nuclear and other targets. The 11-nation grouping said the attacks constitute a violation of international law. We condemn the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025, leaders said in a summit statement, without naming the United States or Israel. We further express serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities, the bloc added. The declaration is a diplomatic victory for Tehran, which has received limited regional or global support after a 12-day bombing campaign by the Israeli military that culminated in US strikes on Irans nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel launched the surprise attack on Irans military, nuclear, and civilian sites on June 13, killing at least 935 people. The Iranian Health Ministry said 5,332 people were wounded. Tehran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes on Israel, killing at least 29 people and wounding more than 3,400, according to figures released by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The fighting ended with a US-sponsored ceasefire that took effect on June 24 and continues to hold. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has attended a religious ceremony in Tehran, making his first public appearance since the 12 days of conflict between Israel and Iran. The 85-year-old leader appeared in a video aired by state media on Saturday, which showed dozens of people attending an event at a mosque to mark Ashura, the holiest day of the Shia Muslim calendar. In the footage, Khamenei is seen waving and nodding to the chanting crowd, which rose to its feet as he entered the mosque. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State TV said the clip was filmed at the Imam Khomeini Mosque in central Tehran. Khamenei has avoided public appearances since the start of the fighting on June 13, and his speeches have all been prerecorded. The United States, which joined in the Israeli attacks by bombing three key nuclear sites in Iran on June 22, had sent warnings to Khamenei, with US President Donald Trump saying on social media that Washington knew where the Iranian leader was, but had no plans to kill him, at least for now. On June 26, in prerecorded remarks aired on state television, Khamenei rejected Trumps calls for Irans surrender, and said Tehran had delivered a slap to Americas face by striking a US airbase in Qatar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump replied, in remarks to reporters and on social media: Look, youre a man of great faith. A man whos highly respected in his country. You have to tell the truth. You got beat to hell. Iran has acknowledged that more than 900 people were killed in the war, as well as thousands injured. Irans retaliatory missile attacks on Israel killed at least 28 people there. The ceasefire between the two countries took hold on June 24. Since then, Iran has confirmed serious damage to its nuclear facilities, and denied access to them for inspectors from the United Nationss nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IAEAs inspectors had stayed in the Iranian capital throughout the fighting, even as Israel attacked Iranian military sites and killed several of the countrys most senior commanders and top scientists, as well as hundreds of civilians. However, they left after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA on Wednesday. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi on Friday stressed the crucial importance of dialogue with Iran to resume monitoring and verification work of its nuclear programme as soon as possible. Iran was holding talks with the US on its nuclear programme when Israel launched its attacks. The US has been seeking a new agreement after Trump pulled the US out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Tehran signed with world powers in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi separately said on Thursday that the country remains committed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), dismissing speculation that Iran would leave the international accord. Iran is preparing its next step in what one security expert warns remains its chief objective: developing a nuclear weapon. "Repair, reconstitute and rebuild is going to be the modus operandi of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Iran Program told Fox News Digital. "It just depends on how are they going to be doing it? While flirting with the international community? Are they going to go dark totally altogether? "All of this remains to be seen," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What's Next For Iran's Terror Army, The Irgc, After Devastating Military Setbacks? Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addresses the media during the voting of Parliament Elections in Tehran, Iran on May 10, 2024. Spokesman for the regime, Fatemeh Mohajerani, confirmed this week that the Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites had been "seriously damaged" following the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear program last month. Questions remain over the extent of damage that was incurred, as well as skepticism over whether Iran was able to move any enriched uranium or centrifuges away from the heavily guarded sites prior to the strikes. Read On The Fox News App Though the Trump administration said on Wednesday that it had "obliterated" the three facilities it struck, and has fervently rejected reports suggesting that Iranian officials may have been able to transfer some elements of the regimes coveted nuclear program, Israeli officials confirmed this week that they are continuing to monitor the situation closely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts in the U.S. and Israel have said they believe Iran is still assessing the extent of the damage from the "bunker busting" bombs, and that the regime will look to recover and repair what it can meaning it may be looking to buy time. "No doubt, the regime will still have a diplomatic strategy designed to rope-a-dope anybody, and to find as much time as possible for this government to do that," Ben Taleblu said. The Iranian regime this week suggested it remained open to negotiations with the U.S. after President Donald Trump signaled that the talks could begin as soon as next week, though multiple Iranian officials said that that timeframe was overly ambitious. "I dont think negotiations will restart as quickly as that," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a CBS News interview. "The doors of diplomacy will never slam shut." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Could Arm Israel With Us B-2s And Bunker Busters If Iran Tries To Go Nuclear Under New Proposal This satellite picture by Planet Labs PBC shows Iran's underground nuclear enrichment site at Fordow following U.S. airstrikes targeting the facility, on Sunday, June 22, 2025. But the regime also took steps to further hinder the UN nuclear watchdog which is tasked with tracking all nations nuclear programs and suspended all interaction with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday. That same day, the State Department condemned the move, and spokesperson Tammy Bruce said it was "unacceptable that Iran chose to suspend cooperation with the IAEA at a time when it has a window of opportunity to reverse course and choose a path of peace and prosperity." Iran has limited IAEA access in the past and Ben Taleblu argued Tehran will likely look to do this again as it attempts to hold on to any bargaining chip it can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Islamic Republic of Iran's next step, and likely most dangerous capability right now, is its diplomatic capability," the Iranian security expert argued. "This is the capability of the regime to either enter negotiations with a weak hand and leave with a strong hand, or try to prevent a military victory of its adversaries from becoming a political victory. "If negotiations do take place between the U.S. and the Iranians, be they direct or indirect, the Iranians are going to be dangling IAEA access. This is already their most important weapon," he added. Ben Taleblu explained that using the IAEA as a bargaining chip not only enables Iran to play for time as it looks to re-establish its nuclear program, but to sow division in the U.S. by creating uncertainty. Gen. Keane: Iranians Have Not Given Up On A Nuclear Weapon This photo released on Nov. 5, 2019, by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran shows centrifuge machines in the Natanz uranium enrichment facility in central Iran. "By diminishing the monitoring and by circumscribing and even cutting IAEA access to these facilities, the regime is trying to make America have to rely on intelligence alone," he said. "And as you see from the very politicized debates over the battle damage assessment, relying on intelligence alone without sources on the ground inspecting the sites, inspecting the facilities, documenting the fissile material, can lead to drastically different conclusions being taken by similar but not the same intelligence organizations or representatives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, Iran is not going to give up on its nuclear ambitions, Ben Taleblu warned, noting that Tehrans security apparatus completely changed during its war with Iraq in the 1980s. "Everything that we face from the regime that is a security threat was started then the ballistic missile program, the drone program, the maritime aggression, the transnational terrorist apparatus and the nuclear program all have their origins in the 1980s," he said. "By resurrecting this nuclear program, the Islamic Republic was not engaging in a science fair experiment. A big banner depicting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is placed next to a ballistic missile in Baharestan Square in Tehran, Iran, on September 26, 2024, on the sideline of an exhibition which marks the 44th anniversary of the start of Iran-Iraq war. "The Islamic Republic was seeking an ultimate deterrent," Ben Taleblu continued. "It was seeking an ultimate deterrence because it had a vision for what the region and the world should look like, and it was willing to put foreign policy muscle and the resources of its state behind that vision." The expert on the Iranian regime warned that Irans 40-year "obsession" with developing its nuclear program to achieve its geopolitical aims is not going to change because of U.S. military intervention. Original article source: Iran still wants a nuclear weapon despite serious damage from US, Israeli strikes: expert warns Western sources told the Post that the impact and damage by these hits was actually less than the impact and damage caused in October 2024. Six Iranian ballistic missiles during the June 13-24 war with the Islamic Republic directly hit five IDF bases, according to radar data The Telegraph reported on Sunday, and The Jerusalem Post independently confirmed. These strikes were not made public within Israel until The Telegraph, a London-based outlet, published them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This radar data was shared with The Telegraph by US academics at Oregon State University, who specialise in using satellite radar data to detect bomb damage in war zones. Despite the radar data and reports of these Iranian hits on military bases which go beyond the 36 Iranian ballistic missile hits inside residential areas, Western sources told the Post that the impact and damage by these hits was actually less than the impact and damage caused in October 2024. In October 2024, it was widely reported that the IDF widely distributed certain capabilities and that many missiles struck the Tel Nof and Nevatim air force bases. The remains of a ballistic missile fired from Iran which landed in Israel, October 1, 2024 (credit: VIA MAARIV ONLINE) According to the Telegraph, it seems that regarding Iran's hits on IDF bases in June they "have not been made public by the Israeli authorities and cannot be reported from within the country because of strict military censorship laws," - but the bottom line is that the impact and damage itself was more minor than the impact of some of Iran's hits in residential areas. No IDF casualties despite hits on bases Further, since the IDF widely distributed its capabilities again during the June war, there were no IDF casualties and neither the air force nor IDF intelligence operations were impacted by the hits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The Telegraph, Corey Scher, a researcher at Oregon State University, said his unit was working on a fuller assessment of missile damage in both Israel and Iran, and would publish its findings in around two weeks. The report said that the radar system data that they used to assess damage measured changes in the built environment to detect blasts and that absolute confirmation of hits would require either on-the-ground reporting at the military sites or satellite photos. Next, the report said that if in the early days of the war only 2% of Iranian missiles were breaching Israel's missile defense shield, that by day seven that number had jumped to 16%. In the last few days of the war, Iran's percentage of breaching Israel's missile shield fell again once it was losing the capacity to fire larger salvos of missiles all at once. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, the Post exclusively reported about the IDF intelligence Sapir unit having moved large amounts of IDF intelligence underground prior to Iran's first massive missile strike on Israel back in April 2024. Following that and the October 2024 attack, the IDF continued to improve its underground capacity to shield IDF intelligence from Tehran's missiles. Millions of Afghan migrants and refugees in Iran have been asked to leave or face arrest as a deadline set by the government comes to an end. Sundays target date neared amid public concerns over security in the aftermath of the 12-day conflict with Israel, which the United States joined with air strikes on Irans uranium-enrichment facilities. But humanitarian organisations warned that mass deportations could further destabilise Afghanistan, one of the worlds most impoverished nations. Iran is home to an estimated 4 million Afghan migrants and refugees, and many have lived there for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Tehran launched a campaign to expel foreigners it said were living in the country illegally. In March, the Iranian government ordered that Afghans without the right to remain should leave voluntarily by Sunday or face expulsion. Since then, more than 700,000 Afghans have left, and hundreds of thousands of others face expulsion. More than 230,000 departed in June alone, the United Nations International Organization for Migration said. The government has denied targeting Afghans, who have fled their homeland to escape war, poverty and Taliban rule. Batoul Akbari, a restaurant owner, told Al Jazeera that Afghans living in Tehran were hurt by anti-Afghan sentiment, adding that it was heartbreaking to see people sent away from the only home they have ever known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being born in Iran gives us the feeling of having two homelands, Akbari said. Our parents are from Afghanistan, but this is what weve always known as home. Mohammad Nasim Mazaheri, a student whose family had to leave Iran, agreed: The deportations have torn families apart. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimated that Iran deported more than 30,000 Afghans on average each day during the war with Israel, up from about 2,000 earlier. We have always striven to be good hosts, but national security is a priority, and naturally, illegal nationals must return, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late last month, the UNHCR said, of the 1.2 million returning Afghans, more than half had come from Iran after its government set its deadline on March 20. They are coming in buses, and sometimes, five buses arrive at one time with families and others, and the people are let out of the bus, and they are simply bewildered, disoriented and tired and hungry as well, Arafat Jamal, the UNHCR representative in Afghanistan said as he described the scene at a border crossing. This has been exacerbated by the war, but I must say it has been part of an underlying trend that we have seen of returns from Iran, some of which are voluntary, but a large portion were also deportations. Al Jazeeras Resul Serdar, reporting from Tehran, said Afghans have increasingly been blamed for economic hardships, shortages and social issues in Iran. These accusations have been fuelled by political rhetoric and social media campaigns following 12 days of conflict between Iran and Israel and claims that Israel has recruited Afghans as spies, he said. Amid the political sparring over Hindi imposition charge by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar on Sunday compared the agony of the Pahalgam terror attack, where Hindus were killed in the name of religion, and those getting "beaten up" in the name of language. He said that these incidents were distressing for him. "All these incidents cause pain, suffering, and mental distress. In Pahalgam, they shot them after asking about their religion. And here, they beat up the innocent Hindus just because of the language they speak. Such cases create a disturbance," Shelar said. His remarks come after some incidents of violence and vandalism were reported in the state amid the ongoing Hindi-Marathi controversy. Five workers of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) were arrested in connection with the vandalism at entrepreneur Sushil Kedia's office in Worli, police said on Saturday. A case has been registered against them under Sections 223, 189(2), 189(3), 190, 191(2), 191(3), and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Kedia, who found himself in the middle of the language row in Maharashtra over his recent remarks against MNS and its chief Raj Thackeray, stated that he made these comments in haste and has now realised his mistake. In another incident, as per a viral video, a group of men allegedly associated with a regional party beat up a shop owner for not speaking in Marathi. The incident occurred in the Mira-Bhayandar area near Mumbai. On Friday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned of strict legal action against those engaging in "hooliganism" in the name of Marathi. He said that the Mahayuti government will not tolerate violence against commoners. Although 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, the political controversy over the same has brought together long-time estranged Thackeray cousins after nearly two decades. Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday shared the stage together at the Worli Dome in Mumbai as they held a joint rally in protest against the "Hindi imposition". (ANI) A pro-democracy protest by Iranians in the United States (photo credit: REUTERS) Several members of Iran's reformist movement reportedly requested Israel's support for a regime change process during the first week of Operation Rising Lion. Prominent figures in Irans reformist movement requested Israels support for a regime change process in Iran during the first week of Operation Rising Lion, London-based Iranian opposition network Manoto reported on Saturday. A well-informed source in Israel confirmed the report in principle and said that among the signatories of the letter were several prominent reformists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Israel supports us in the process of regime change, our candidates are fully prepared to take over the administration of the country, the letter stated. Potential members of an Iranian government The letter listed several potential members of a future Iranian government, including Mostafa Tajzadeh, a senior figure in Irans reformist camp, and Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of Islamic Revolution leader Ruhollah Khomeini. Also named in the letter was Hassan Rouhani, the former President of Iran. An image of Reza Pahlavi is seen while people protest against the Iranian regime, following the death of Mahsa Amini, outside Iran's embassy in central London, Britain, two years ago. (credit: HENRY NICHOLLS/REUTERS) The letter has not yet been answered by the Israeli government, but an Israeli source told Manoto that Israel is not prepared to respond to such requests and will not embark on such a path. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was seen in public for the first time since the beginning of Israel's war against Iran on Saturday. Khamenei had been secluded in a security bunker for the entirety of the conflict, though President Donald Trump claimed to know his location at the time. Khamenei attended a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura on Saturday, waving to a large crowd but not making any statement. Trump asserted during the 12-day war with Israel that the U.S. knew Khamenei's location, but would not kill him, "at least for now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khamenei made his first public statement in days on June 26, shortly after a cease-fire between Israel and Iran began. He said in a pre-recorded statement that Tehran had delivered a "slap to Americas face" by striking a U.S. air base in Qatar, and warning against further attacks by the U.S. or Israel on Iran. What's Next For Iran's Terror Army, The Irgc, After Devastating Military Setbacks? Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks in a televised, pre-recorded message, after the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, in Tehran, Iran, June 26, 2025. In reality, none of Iran's missiles hit their mark on the Al-Udeid Air Base. Read On The Fox News App Despite the U.S. strike on three nuclear facilities across Iran last month, experts say the regime is still bent on developing nuclear weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Repair, reconstitute and rebuild is going to be the modus operandi of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Iran Program told Fox News Digital. "It just depends on how are they going to be doing it? While flirting with the international community? Are they going to go dark totally altogether?" "All of this remains to be seen," he added. Gen. Keane: Iranians Have Not Given Up On A Nuclear Weapon Map of US strikes on Iran. Spokesman for the Iranian regime, Fatemeh Mohajerani, confirmed this week that the Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites had been "seriously damaged" following the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear program last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Questions remain over the extent of damage that was incurred, as well as skepticism over whether Iran was able to move any enriched uranium or centrifuges away from the heavily guarded sites prior to the strikes. Though the Trump administration said last week that it had "obliterated" the three facilities it struck, and has fervently rejected reports suggesting that Iranian officials may have been able to transfer some elements of the regimes nuclear program, Israeli officials confirmed this week that they are continuing to monitor the situation closely. Trump Could Arm Israel With Us B-2s And Bunker Busters If Iran Tries To Go Nuclear Under New Proposal President Donald Trump is shown in the Situation Room next to an image of the damage done to Iran's Fordow nuclear facility on June 21, 2025. Experts in the U.S. and Israel have said they believe Iran is still assessing the extent of the damage from the "bunker buster" bombs , and that the regime will look to recover and repair what it can meaning it may be looking to buy time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No doubt, the regime will still have a diplomatic strategy designed to rope-a-dope anybody, and to find as much time as possible for this government to do that," Ben Taleblu said. Fox News' Caitlin McFall contributed to this report Original article source: Iranian supreme leader appears in public for first time since conflict with Israel This is the first time that the supreme leader has been seen since the start of the 12 day war. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attended a religious event on Saturday, according to a video carried by state media, in his first public appearance since the June 13 start of a 12-day war with Israel in which top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists were killed. US President Donald Trump repeated warnings to Khamenei throughout the war that his location was known and two unidentified US officials told Reuters Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the alleged veto, Trump mused about killing Khamenei, then demanded Iran's "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" Khamenei rejected US President Donald Trump's demand for unconditional surrender in a recorded speech played on television. Americans "should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage," he said. "Intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation and its history will never speak to this nation in threatening language because the Iranian nation will not surrender." This is a developing story. In the West Bank city of Tulkarem, the landscape has been transformed after Israeli army bulldozers ploughed through its two refugee camps in what the military called a hunt for Palestinian militants. The army gave thousands of displaced residents just a few hours to retrieve belongings from their homes before demolishing buildings and clearing wide avenues through the rubble. Now residents fear the clearances will erase not just buildings, but their own status as refugees from lands inhabited by generations of their ancestors in what is now Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "right of return" to those lands, claimed by Palestinian refugees ever since the creation of Israel in 1948, remains one of the thorniest issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The army said it would demolish 104 more buildings in the Tulkarem camp this week in the latest stage of an operation that it launched in January during a truce in the Gaza war, billing it as an intensive crackdown on several camps that are strongholds of Palestinian armed groups fighting against Israel. "We came back to the camp and found our house demolished. No one informed us, no one told us anything," said Abd al-Rahman Ajaj, 62, who had been hoping to collect his belongings on Wednesday. Born in Tulkarem camp after his parents fled what is now the Israeli city of Netanya, about 12 kilometres (seven miles) to the west, Ajaj said he had not foreseen the scale of the Israeli operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Thousands displaced - It began with a raid on the northern West Bank city of Jenin, a longtime stronghold of Palestinian militants, and quickly spread to other cities, including Tulkarem, displacing at least 40,000 people, according to UN figures. Vacating the camp after a warning of a raid, "we would usually come back two or three days later", Ajaj told AFP. Now left without a house, he echoed the sentiments of Palestinians of his parents' generation, who thought their own displacement in 1948 would also be temporary. "The last time, we left and never returned," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Tulkarem, the Israeli army's bulldozers ploughed through the dense patchwork of narrow alleyways that had grown as Palestinian refugees settled in the area over the years. Three wide arteries of concrete now streak the side of Tulkarem camp, allowing easy access for the army. Piles of cinder blocks and concrete line the roadside like snowbanks after a plough's passage. - 'Eliminate the refugee issue' - Ajaj said the destruction had been gradual, drawn out over the course of the operation, which the army has dubbed "Iron Wall". Beyond the military value of wide access roads, many residents believe Israel is seeking to destroy the idea of the camps themselves, turning them into regular neighbourhoods of the cities they flank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents fear this would threaten their refugee status and their "right of return" to the land they or their forebears fled or were expelled from in 1948. The current Israeli government -- and particularly some of its far-right ministers, who demand the outright annexation of the West Bank -- are firmly opposed to this demand, which they see as a demographic threat to Israel's survival as a Jewish state. "The aim is clearly to erase the national symbolism of the refugee camp, to eliminate the refugee issue and the right of return," said Suleiman al-Zuheiri, an advocate for residents of nearby Nur Shams, Tulkarem's other refugee camp, where he also lives. Zuheiri's brother's house was destroyed last week by the bulldozers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The scene was painful and tragic because a house is not just walls and a roof. It holds memories, dreams, hopes and very important belongings that we couldn't retrieve," he said. Each demolished building housed at least six families on three floors, he added. The land allocated to the camps was limited, so residents have had little choice but to build upwards to gain space, adding an extra storey with each new generation. - Explosions rock camp - Back at Tulkarem camp, 66-year-old Omar Owfi said he had managed to make two trips into the camp now occupied by Israeli soldiers to retrieve belongings on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He feared becoming homeless if his home was demolished. "They don't care what the house is worth. All they care about is demolishing. We're the ones losing. We've lost everything," he told AFP. "They want to erase the camp -- to remove as many buildings as possible and leave just streets." He said he feared for his children and grandchildren, as they dispersed to live with various relatives. The Israeli supreme court froze the military order for mass demolitions in Tulkarem camp on Thursday, giving the state two months to answer a petition against them, said the Palestinian human rights group Adalah, which filed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the physical damage has already been done as the army's manhunt for militants continues. As residents retrieved mattresses, wardrobes and air conditioning units from the camp on Wednesday under the surveillance of Israeli troops, gunshots rang out through the streets. A loud explosion echoed across the city, followed by a column of dust rising as another building was apparently blown up, sending the smell of gunpowder wafting in the wind. lba/rlp/kir/smw/tc Benjamin Netanyahu was in favour. So, too, was Ehud Barak, his defence minister at the time in 2011. But Israels top generals and intelligence chiefs were aghast. An attack on Irans nuclear facilities, they feared, could result in tens of thousands of Israeli civilian deaths. Months after retiring as Mossad chief that year, Meir Dagan one of Israels most revered spymasters even went as far as to call the idea the stupidest Ive ever heard. Yet 14 years later, despite widespread opposition at home and abroad, Mr Netanyahus boldest gamble appears to have paid off. In just 12 days, he humbled Iran at a cost much lower than even Israels most optimistic military planners would have dared hope. Benjamin Netanyahu and Ehud Barak, then Israeli defence minister, discussed an attack on Irans nuclear facilities in 2011 - Ahmed al-Jabari/Getty When he walks into the White House on Monday, the Israeli prime ministers meeting with Donald Trump will therefore have the feel of a Roman triumph. Both men will portray their battlefield success as vindication over the wishy-washiness of their critics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But they are also thinking beyond victory laps. Mr Trump hopes to burnish his peacemaking credentials by brokering another ceasefire in Gaza. His guest will aim higher still, arguing that he has helped birth a new regional order one that could mark the dawn of a golden era for Israel. Since the horrors of Oct 7 2023, Israel has made a Herculean effort to sever the limbs of the Iranian Hydra Hamas and Hezbollah before going for the head itself as it launched its first direct war with a foreign state since 1973. Mr Netanyahu now believes a legacy-defining peace dividend is within reach: new alliances with Arab states, containment of Iran and the isolation perhaps even the marginalisation of the Palestinians. Several Arab states are seriously considering the Abraham Accords, says Gen Yossi Kuperwasser, former director-general of Israels Ministry of Strategic Affairs, referring to the 2020 deal that normalised relations with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Sudan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a golden opportunity, he said. Iran is weakened. The Iranian threat feared by many countries in the Middle East is much decreased. We are even talking about countries like Syria and Lebanon hopefully joining the Abraham Accords. Who would ever have dreamed that? But while Mr Netanyahu may have won the war, there is scepticism over whether he is the man to win the peace. Much depends on whether he can reverse Carl von Clausewitzs famous dictum and pursue diplomacy as the continuation of war by other means, says Col Eran Lerman, a former deputy national security adviser. That Mr Netanyahu is even in a position to consider reshaping the Middle East would once have seemed miraculous. In 2010 and again in 2012, as he edged towards war with Iran, senior military and intelligence officials were so anxious they took to privately briefing The Telegraph and other Western media on the risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Irans Lebanese proxy Hezbollah had amassed such a vast missile arsenal they estimated retaliatory strikes could kill up to 50,000 people. Entire neighbourhoods of Tel Aviv would be reduced to rubble. The political cost a possible rupture with Barack Obama, then US president was also deemed too great. In hindsight, Israel may have overestimated the potency of Irans proxies. By 2024, Israeli missile defences and battlefield intelligence had dramatically improved, allowing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to defeat Hezbollah in eight weeks last year and Iran itself in under a fortnight. But this was not simply a 12-day campaign of air strikes and covert hits. It was the culmination of 46 years of hostility, dating back to 1979, when Israel made peace with Egypt, formerly its greatest foe, and lost Iran once its closest regional ally to revolution. From the outset, the Islamic Republic waged an undeclared war on Israel, pledging its destruction and founding Hezbollah to fight Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. But for years Israeli strategists focused more on Palestinian militants than the Iranian threat so much so that during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, Israel secretly sold arms to Tehran through the Iran-Contra Affair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the first Lebanon war, Israel redoubled its efforts to penetrate Hezbollah. But in 2006, when Israeli troops re-entered southern Lebanon, the results were sobering. The 34-day war ended in stalemate. Gen Assaf Orion, the IDFs former head of strategic planning, calls it not the brightest campaign weve run. Few understood that better than Gen Mickey Edelstein, then commander of the Nahal Brigade, who recalls how unprepared his troops were. Accustomed to small operations against Palestinian groups, they struggled with full-scale warfare. Tactical goals were vague. Air support was inconsistent. Orders were sometimes contradictory. My brigade was shifted between three different divisions over the war, he recalled. We would go into Lebanon, be pulled back into Israel and sent out again with a different division. A lot of mistakes were made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the war, senior commanders privately acknowledged failures in planning, command and intelligence and lessons were learnt. Soldiers were retrained for major warfare. When Gen Edelstein returned to battle in Gaza in 2014, the forces he led were significantly more capable. Intelligence also underwent wholesale reform, said Col Lerman. Intelligence in 2006 was clearly insufficient for the conduct of successful operations. After the war, there was serious self-questioning about how well intelligence was collected and how well it was distributed to forces on the ground. Amos Yadlin, then head of military intelligence, led sweeping changes that continue to shape Israeli warfare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 2006 on, Israel grasped the full extent of the Iran-Hezbollah nexus. Of the 121 Israeli soldiers killed in 2006, many died from Iranian-made weapons some fired by Iranian troops embedded with Hezbollah, according to Israeli officials. In the following years, Iran poured resources into Hezbollah, providing cash, training and ever more sophisticated rockets, missiles and drones. The goal was clear: build a deterrent so fearsome it would stop Israel from ever striking Irans nuclear programme. But that scale became a vulnerability. From a nimble guerrilla organisation, it became an established army, requiring greater management, said Gen Orion. And with that came the exposures and weaknesses of larger organisations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli intelligence infiltrated Hezbollah deeply. It even sold the group the explosive-laden pagers and walkie-talkies that maimed thousands of Hezbollah operatives over two days last September. Most of Hezbollahs senior leadership, including its overall commander Hassan Nasrallah, was also assassinated thanks to what Col Lerman describes as a deeply penetrating, co-ordinated effort stretching back decades. It wasnt just personnel. Israeli planners had mapped Hezbollah and Iranian missile sites with such precision that they destroyed most launch capabilities before the first volleys were fired. As a result, Israel was able to strike Iran, kill much of its leadership and damage its nuclear programme and face far more muted retaliation than once feared. Although 28 Israelis were killed and 15,000 lost their homes, neither Hezbollah nor Hamas launched a single rocket in Irans defence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Really the most dramatic aspect of all this is that the organisation exclusively built for one purpose to punish Israel horrendously if it dared attack Iran did not fire a single shot during 12 days of war, said Col Lerman. How should Israel use its dominance? Israel has therefore emerged as the dominant military force in the region, with Mr Netanyahus allies believing they can dictate a new dispensation for the region. Yet how the Israeli prime minister uses that dominance is now a central question. Since a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in November, Israel has killed some 300 members of its fighters in targeted strikes reportedly with the tacit consent of parts of the Lebanese government, which may now be looking to disarm the group entirely. Covert action in Iran is also expected to continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military action beyond Israels borders aside, however, what kind of future Mr Netanyahu envisions is up for debate. There are three possible paths, says Eran Etzion, a former deputy head of Israels National Security Council and a critic of Mr Netanyahu. One is to live by the sword, fighting a forever war, a view, he said, preferred by elements on the Right of Mr Netanyahus coalition, who argue Israel will never be accepted in the region. Another is conflict management continuing low-intensity fighting with Hamas, expanding West Bank settlements and perhaps trying to remove Palestinians from Gaza even while seeking friendship with Arab states. Its a vision of perpetual war with the Palestinians while striking normalisation agreements with other Arab countries, says Mr Etzion, who believes this is the strategy Mr Netanyahu is most likely to adopt. Peace is off the table The third option long-term peace-building is, in Mr Etzions view, off the table under the present government. Critics warn that Mr Netanyahus vision of victory risks being both fragile and short-lived if it depends solely on violence. The idea that Israel can indefinitely deter aggression without addressing Palestinian aspirations may prove illusory. Saudi Arabia, the biggest prize of all, insists that any Abraham Accords-style agreement requires progress towards a two-state solution. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is thought to be eager for a deal, but without movement on a Palestinian state, his hands may be tied by public opinion, inflamed by the devastation inflicted on Gaza. Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday made his first public appearance since the war with Israel - GETTY IMAGES Lebanon and Syria may also see advantage in rapprochement with Israel. But public sentiment remains volatile in both countries, too. Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syrias new president, appears conducive to the idea of better ties, particularly as he seeks to rebuild relations with the West. But many members of his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), are deeply hostile to Israel. A splinter faction recently claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in a Damascus church that killed 25 people last month. Mr Sharaa may fear pushing his hardliners too far. Israel, for all its strengths, may overreach. It is still numerically and materially inferior to the sum of all its potential enemies, said Gen Orion. Which is why it must retain its qualitative military edge and creative diplomacy. Meanwhile, unless a robust diplomatic agreement emerges, Iran is likely to attempt to rebuild the triad of threats that once made it so formidable: its nuclear programme, ballistic missile arsenal and regional proxy network. The regional landscape is shifting dramatically, said Shai Agmon, a fellow at New College, Oxford and academic director of Molad, a liberal Israeli think tank. Israel can reshape it to serve its own security interests and create a thriving regional order or it can squander it. Israel is the strongest force around for now. But in the absence of a stable diplomatic resolution, Iran and its proxies will regroup and try to escalate the situation again. And unless the government is willing to consider a path towards regional peace which necessarily entails some form of two-state solution, an idea it has so far refused even to entertain it is hard to see how lasting stability will be achieved. 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. (Reuters) -Israel's military said it would issue 54,000 call-up notices to ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students following a Supreme Court ruling mandating their conscription and amid growing pressure from reservists stretched by extended deployments. The Supreme Court ruling last year overturned a decades-old exemption for ultra-Orthodox students, a policy established when the community comprised a far smaller segment of the population than the 13% it represents today. Military service is compulsory for most Israeli Jews from the age of 18, lasting 24-32 months, with additional reserve duty in subsequent years. Members of Israel's 21% Arab population are mostly exempt, though some do serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statement by the military spokesperson confirmed the orders on Sunday just as local media reported legislative efforts by two ultra-Orthodox parties in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition to craft a compromise. The exemption issue has grown more contentious as Israel's armed forces in recent years have faced strains from simultaneous engagements with Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen, and Iran. Ultra-Orthodox leaders in Netanyahu's brittle coalition have voiced concerns that integrating seminary students into military units alongside secular Israelis, including women, could jeopardize their religious identity. The military statement promised to ensure conditions that respect the ultra-Orthodox way of life and to develop additional programmes to support their integration into the military. It said the notices would go out this month. (Reporting by Howard GollerEditing by Gareth Jones) The Israeli military says it has carried out air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in response to repeated missile and drone attacks on Israel. The military said the targets were the Red Sea ports of Hudaydah, Ras Issa and al-Salif, a nearby power station, and the cargo ship Galaxy Leader. The ship, hijacked by the Houthis in November 2023, was being used to monitor international shipping, according to the military. The Houthis' military spokesman said the Iran-backed group's air defences "successfully" confronted the Israeli attack. There were no reports of any casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the strikes, two missiles were launched from Yemen towards Israel, according to the Israeli military. Sirens were triggered in several areas of the occupied West Bank and southern Israel. The military said it was reviewing its attempt to intercept the missiles. Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported that the strikes on Sunday night hit the ports as well as the Ras Kanatib power station, north of Hudaydah, but it provided no further details on damage or casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military said about 20 fighter jets carried out the operation "in response to the repeated attacks by the Houthi terrorist regime against the State of Israel, its civilians, and civilian infrastructure, including the launching of UAVs and surface-to-surface missiles toward Israeli territory". It alleged that the ports were used to transfer weapons from Iran and that Houthi forces had installed a radar system on the Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader "to track vessels in the international maritime arena to facilitate further terrorist activities". The Israeli military said the Ras Kanatib power plant, which supplies electricity to the nearby cities of Ibb and Taizz, was used to power Houthi military operations. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that the Houthis "will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The fate of Yemen is the same as the fate of Tehran. Anyone who tries to harm Israel will be harmed, and anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have their hand cut off," he said in a post on X. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement on Monday that the group's air defences "succeeded in confronting the Zionist aggression against our country and thwarting its plan to target a number of Yemeni cities". "In retaliation to this aggression, and in continuation of triumphing for the oppressed Palestinian people, the missile and UAV forces carried out a joint military operation using 11 missiles and drones," he added, identifying the targets as Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport, the ports of Ashdod and Eilat, and a power station in Ashkelon. Sarea also declared that the Houthis were "fully prepared for a sustained and prolonged confrontation" with Israel. Yemen's port city of Hudaydah after it was struck by Israel in May 2025 [Getty Images] The Houthis have controlled much of north-western Yemen since 2014, when they ousted the internationally-recognised government from the capital, Sanaa, and sparked a devastating civil war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis have regularly launched missiles at Israel and attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, saying they are acting in solidarity with the Palestinians. They have so far sunk two vessels, seized a third - the Galaxy Star - and killed four crew members. The 25-strong crew of Galaxy Leader were released in January 2025. In May, the Houthis agreed a ceasefire deal with the US following seven weeks of intensified US strikes on Yemen in response to the attacks on international shipping. However, the group said the agreement did not include an end to attacks on Israel, which has conducted multiple rounds of retaliatory strikes on Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, Israeli navy ships struck targets in Hudaydah, which is the main entry point for food and other humanitarian aid for millions of Yemenis. Also on Sunday, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier Magic Seas came under attack by Houthi forces in the Red Sea. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said the ship was 51 nautical miles (94km) south of Hudaydah when it hit by gunfire and self-propelled grenades fired from multiple small boats. Armed security teams on board returned fire, it added. Maritime security firm Ambrey said the Magic Seas was later also targeted with four unmanned surface vehicles, or sea drones, and missiles. Two of the drones hit the port side of the vessel, damaging it cargo and causing a fire, it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UKMTO said the crew were safe after being rescued by a passing merchant vessel. Sarea said on Monday afternoon that the Houthis had targeted the Magic Seas with sea drones and missiles because it "belongs to a company that violated the entry ban to the ports of occupied Palestine", without providing any further details. He added that the vessel was now at risk of sinking as a result of a direct leak, and that the Houthis had "allowed the crew to safely disembark". The investigation into the case is ongoing, police noted. Five additional suspects were arrested on suspicion of committing serious sexual offenses on Sunday, Israel Police confirmed. The five, all residents of Bnei Brak, were arrested following an investigation by a special investigation team of Israel Police's Dan District, the police added. The head of the Shomrim community security patrol in Bnei Brak, Chaim Rotter, 36, was named on Thursday as the suspect in dozens of acts of sexual assault and rape of adults and minors over the last decade or so, upending the ultra-Orthodox (haredi) community and the country at large. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the five additional suspects were members of Rotter's family, KAN News reported. Since the announcement of Rotter's arrest broke on Wednesday, dozens of testimonies were publicized in the media, further substantiating the horrors that dozens allegedly experienced at his hands. The Israel Police put out a public call on Thursday for potential victims or anyone who has knowledge of the matter to call or message via WhatsApp the number 050-506-5976, or to come to the Ramat Gan police station. The investigation into the case is ongoing, police noted. Sarah Ben-Nun contributed to this report. This is a developing report. The three-judge panel held that the gender-change certificate the petitioner received in 2021 remains valid, and any new certificate must follow the ministrys ordinary procedure. Israels High Court of Justice on 30 June ruled that a woman who once registered as male cannot simply change back to female status without completing the Health Ministrys formal review, according to the written verdict. The three-judge panelJustices Yael Willner, David Mintz, and Alex Steinheld that the gender-change certificate the petitioner received in 2021 remains valid, and any new certificate must follow the ministrys ordinary procedure, which includes an interview with a psychiatrist and a social worker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The justices stressed that only the Interior Ministry can alter the sex marker in Israels population registry, and that office was never named as a respondentone of several procedural flaws that doomed the case. According to the 36-page ruling, the petitioneridentified only as A.was born in California in 1998, underwent chest-removal surgery there in February 2021, and immigrated to Israel two months later. On 5 May 2021, she emailed theGender Adjustment Committee (GAC) US medical letters attesting to the surgery and requested recognition as male. The committee approved her the next morning and issued an official certificate on 6 May 2021, without ever meeting her in person. Members of the LGBTQ+ community and supporters participate in a protest march in support of the transgender community, in Tel Aviv on July 22, 2018. (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90) Why the second request hit a wall Three and a half years later, on 3 November 2024, A. asked the same committee to declare her femalethis time without providing medical documentation. The GAC replied that reversals not based on surgery fall under a separate track that requires at least one interview so staff can form a direct impression of the applicants current gender status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A. said the interview would violate her privacy and argued the 2021 certificate was void because the committee allegedly lacked statutory authority. The court rejected that claim, noting it had already upheld the GACs powers in earlier cases and that A. herself had invoked those powers when she first sought male status. In a press release issued after the decision, the conservative NGO Bochrim BaMishpacha (Choosing the Family), which represented A., called the ruling outrageous, adding that in the progressive kingdom of the Health Ministry, bluff beats reality, and accusing Justice Willner of joining the madness. What it means in practice Under Israeli regulations, applicants who have undergone gender-affirmation surgery may obtain a certificate largely by submitting paperwork, while applicants who haventor who seek to reverse a previous changemust sit for an interview. The High Courts decision leaves that two-track system intact and makes clear that even those who regret an earlier change must comply with the same rules as anyone else seeking recognition without surgical proof. (Reuters) -The Israeli military said it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen towards Israel in the early hours of Sunday, with sirens activated in several parts of the country. A spokesperson for Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement said in a statement several hours later that the group had fired a ballistic missile at central Israel's Jaffa area. Israel has threatened the Houthi movement - which has been attacking Israel in what it says is solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza - with a naval and air blockade if its attacks on Israel persist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the start of Israel's war in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis, who control most of Yemen, have been firing at Israel and at shipping in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade. Most of the dozens of missiles and drones they have launched have been intercepted or fallen short. Israel has carried out a series of retaliatory strikes. (Reporting by Menna Alaa El-Din; Editing by David Gregorio and Helen Popper) The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on Sunday announced the results of CA Final, Intermediate and Foundation Examinations held in May 2025, in which nearly one lakh aspirants appeared. According to an official statement released by the ICAI, for the CA final exam, Mumbai's Rajan Kabra secured the top spot with an 86% with a score of 516/600. Meanwhile, Nishtha Bothra, and Manav Rakesh Jha secured the second and third spot in the final exam. During the Final examination held in May 2025 - 99,466 candidates were admitted and exams were held across 564 centers, the statement read. On this occasion, ICAI president CA Charanjot Singh Nanda congratulated students and said "I congratulate all successful candidates for their hard work and perseverance. As you now step into the professional world, I urge you to uphold the highest ethical standards, inspire trust through your actions and make your family, profession and nation proud. I am confident that your integrity and commitment will play a meaningful role in shaping a robust, transparent and prosperous Viksit Bharat. For those who could not make it this time, remember that resilience and continued effort are the true hallmarks of a Chartered Accountant." For the Intermediate exam, Mumbai's Disha Ashish Gokhru secured the AIR 1 rank, getting 85.50 percentage and 513/600 marks. Aurangabad's Devidan Yash Sandeep secured the second rank with an 83.83 percent, and Yamish Jain and Nilay Dangi shared the third place. In the Intermediate examination held in May 2025 - 1,69,172 candidates admitted and exams were held across 564 centers. For the CA Foundation Examination Ghaziabad's Vrinda Agarwal secured the All India first rank with 90.5% securing 362/400 marks. Mumbai and Thane's Yadnesh Rajesh Markar, and Shardul Shekhar Vichare, secured the second and third rank, respectively. In the Foundation Examination held in May 2025, 96,538 candidates admitted and the exams were held across 551 Centers. According to ICAI's statement, the Final and Intermediate exam takers were divided in Group 1 and Group 2. In CA Final, Group 1 had a pass percentage of 22.38%, while Group 2 26.43%. Meanwhile, in CA intermediate, the pass percentages were 14.67% and 21.51% for Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. (ANI) By Yomna Ehab ADEN/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel struck Houthi targets at three Yemeni ports and a power plant, the military said early on Monday, in its first attack on Yemen in nearly a month. The strikes hit the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa and Salif, as well as the Ras Qantib power plant on the coast, in response to repeated Houthi attacks on Israel, the military said. Hours later, Israel said two missiles were launched from Yemen. Attempts were made to intercept them, though the results were still under review. The Iran-aligned Houthi forces said they had fired missiles and drones at multiple targets in Israel in retaliation for the strikes on Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli ambulance service said it had not received any calls regarding missile impacts or casualties following the launches from Yemen. Since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis have fired at Israel and at shipping in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade, in what the group says are acts of solidarity with the Palestinians. Most of the dozens of missiles and drones fired toward Israel have been intercepted or fallen short. Israel has carried out a series of retaliatory strikes. Israel said its attacks on Monday also targeted a ship, the Galaxy Leader, which was seized by the Houthis in late 2023 and held in Ras Isa port. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Houthi terrorist regime's forces installed a radar system on the ship, and are using it to track vessels in international maritime space in order to promote the Houthi terrorist regimes activities," the military said. The Houthi military spokesperson said the group's air defences had responded to the Israeli attack with "a large number of domestically produced surface-to-air missiles". Israel's military told residents to evacuate the three ports before it launched its attacks. Residents of Hodeidah told Reuters that the strikes on the power station had knocked out electricity. There was no immediate information on casualties. The Israeli assault comes hours after a ship was attacked off of Hodeidah and the ship's crew abandoned it as it took on water. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but security firm Ambrey said the vessel fit the typical profile of a Houthi target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis, who control northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, are one of the last pro-Iran armed groups still standing in the Middle East after Israel severely hurt other allies of Tehran: Lebanon's Hezbollah, the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Iran itself in a 12-day air war last month. Under the direction of leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the group has grown into an army of tens of thousands of fighters and acquired armed drones and ballistic missiles. Saudi Arabia and the West say the arms come from Iran, though Tehran denies this. (Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari, Yomna Ehab, Menna Alaa El Din and Jana ChoukeirWriting by Yomna EhabEditing by Lisa Shumaker, Diane Craft, Lincoln Feast, Peter Graff) TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan will export used navy destroyers to the Philippines to strengthen its deterrence against China's maritime expansion, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Sunday, as the two U.S. allies increase cooperation to counter Beijing. The export plan involves six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for more than three decades, the Japanese daily said, citing multiple unnamed government sources. Defence ministers Gen Nakatani and Gilberto Teodoro agreed to the destroyer export when they met in Singapore last month, the Yomiuri said, adding that the Philippine military will inspect the ships this summer as part of the final preparations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A delegation of naval experts from the Philippines will conduct an in-depth assessment of the ships, the Philippine Navy said in a statement on Sunday, following an official invitation from Japan's defence ministry. "The outcome of this inspection will guide further deliberations on the potential acquisition and its alignment with the Philippine Navy's modernisation efforts," it said, adding that the initiative reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan. A Japanese defence ministry spokesperson declined to comment on the report. China urged Japan to act prudently in military and security affairs and "adhere to the path of peaceful development". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "China has always maintained that defence and security cooperation between countries should contribute to regional peace and stability, and must not target any third party," Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday in a faxed comment to Reuters. Tokyo and Manila say they face challenges from Beijing's increasingly assertive moves in waters including the South China Sea for the Philippines and the East China Sea for Japan. Bilateral military cooperation has included joint exercises, a Japanese radar aid package and a high-level strategic dialogue. Last year they signed a reciprocal access agreement, the first such for Japan in Asia, allowing deployment of forces on each other's soil. To clear military equipment export restrictions for the destroyers under Japan's pacifist mandates, Tokyo will treat the installation of equipment and communication systems requested by Manila as a joint development project, the Yomiuri said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Abukuma-class destroyer escort, a relatively small type of destroyer with a 2,000-ton standard displacement, is operated by a crew of about 120 and is armed with anti-submarine and anti-ship missiles, torpedo tubes and guns, according to a Japanese navy website. The Philippine Navy does not have destroyers, only frigates and corvettes, which are typically smaller and lighter armed. (Reporting by Kantaro Komiya in Tokyo; Additional reporting by Karen Lema in Manila and Ryan Woo in Beijing; Editing by William Mallard and David Goodman) Originally appeared on E! Online Texas is facing an unimaginable tragedy. After catastrophic flooding struck central Texas on July 4, resulting in at least 70 fatalities, per NBC News, stars like Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Garner and Maria Shriver spoke out about the devastation. Today my prayers are with the families in Texas impacted by the flooding on the Guadalupe River in Central Texas, Maria wrote on Instagram July 5. Right now they need us all to hold them in a circle of love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the flash flood swept down the Guadalupe River, Camp Mystica Christian summer camp hosting 750 childrenwas among the establishments that were in the path of disaster. And while ten children and one counselor from the camp are still missing, per NBC News, the Kardashians star expressed her sympathy for their loved ones. I cant stop thinking about the families in Texas and the overwhelming pain theyre going through right now, Khloe wrote on her Instagram Stories July 6. As a mother, this kind of tragedy hits in a place words cant reach. The loss of those sweet, innocent children is something I cant fully process, There are just no words for this. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For her part, her mom Kris Jenner also shared that she was struggling to come to terms with the terrible tragedy. My heart is absolutely shattered by the devastating floods in Texas and the unimaginable loss of those previous children, the reality star wrote on her Instagram Stories. Its a tragedy thats impossible to comprehend and heartbreaking beyond measure. Life is so fragile, and at times unbearably unfair, she continued. To the families living this nightmare, we are holding you in our hearts, praying for strength, and grieving alongside you. Meanwhile, the 13 Going on 30 actress, who was born in Houston, shared a simple message of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas, she wrote on her Instagram Stories. God, be near. Khloe Kardashian / Instagram For others like Meredith Hagner and Christy Carlson Romano, the horrific floods felt even closer to home. I grew up spending my summers on the Guadalupe at an all girls camp next to camp mystic, the Vacation Friends star wrote on her Instagram Stories. Part of my heart and soul is the Guadalupe river and in the hill country. A spot where little girls were safe and loved and were connected to nature, she continued. My heart is shattered for the parents experiencing the unfathomable. As for Christy? Well, she may have narrowly avoided an unfathomable heartbreak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sitting outside waiting for my daughter at a playdate thinking about how we were almost thinking of Camp Mystic for a camp choice, the Even Stevens alum said. A lot of people I know send their kids there and a few of them dont know where their kids are or they were just recently reunited with them. (E! News and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.) To see more stars who've spoken out about the Texas floods, keep reading. Jenna Bush Hager The Jenna & Friends host shared that her mom, former First Lady Laura Bush, was a drama counselor at Camp Mystic, where at least 27 girls and counselors died, as of July 7, following the devastating flooding on the Guadalupe River. "My mom was a counselor there, but also so many of my friends were raised at this camp," Jenna said on Today, July 7. "Texas camps are institutions, as you just heard, where many family membersgenerationsthis camp was 100 years old. Grandmothers, mothers, kids have all gone there." Jenna, who shared that many of her friends and their kids were there last week, praised the community for coming together amid the tragedy. "The stories that I heard over the last couple days were beautiful and heartbreaking," she said. "Texas has a type of resilience where they're generous people, where people want to reach out and help. "Texas camps are really special because you're thinking about 90-degree weather, no air conditioning," the 43-year-oldwho attended the nearby Camp Longhorn during her childhoodexplained. "My kids are at camp in Texas, and my husband said, 'Why are we sending our kids to Texas, to camp? It's hot!' And it's because of the love that's there." Jennifer Garner The 13 Going on 30 starwho was born in Houstonexpressed her condolences in a July 6 Instagram Stories, writing with a red heart emoji, "Texas, God, be near." Matthew McConaughey and Camila McConaughey The Interstellar actor and his wife called on others to lend a helping hand amid this difficult chapter. At least 70 lives have been lost, many more are unaccounted for, and countless Texans are hurting - inside and out, their joint July 6 Instagram statement read. Its gonna be a long road ahead, but right now the shock, the pain, and the chaos need the steady hand of a neighbor. The University of Texas at Austin professor and the model concluded, Texans are some of the most resilient and generous people on the planet. Hilary Duff The Lizzie McGuire alum shared her grief amid the tragic flooding, writing on Instagram on July 6 that heartbroken doesnt begin to cover her feelings. Consumed, she explained, Obsessed. Praying for even a shred of a miracleto find a child alive in the wake of this boundless disaster. Tears fall every time I imagine one of these families receiving bad news waiting or entire families lost. Just gone. Its too much to comprehend. Beautiful Texas, I love you, she continued. To all the boots on the groundI love you. To those facing tremendous, impossible losswe are looking at their beautiful faces, embossing them in our minds. Hilary, who also attended nearby Camp Longhorn growing up, emphasized how the experience at camp imprints on your soul. I wasand forever will bethat girl with a wild-hearted, fierce love for my barefoot summers at camp in the Texas Hill country, she wrote. It changes your identity. Its a realm of true magic. You could never imagine an ending this tragic. Im just so deeply, absolutely sorry. Your loss is felt across the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shakira The Hips Dont Lie singer shared on X (formerly Twitter) on July 5 that she would be donating a portion of the proceeds from her San Antonio concert to Catholic Charities of San Antonio, which is providing disaster relief to families impacted. Khloe Kardashian The Kardashians star expressed her sympathy to those affected by the flash flood, noting that her heart is so deeply aching for every parent, every family member, and every community. I cant stop thinking about the families in Texas and the overwhelming pain theyre going through right now, she wrote on her Instagram Stories on July 6. As a mother, this kind of tragedy hits in a place words cant reach. The loss of those sweet, innocent children is something I cant fully process. There are just no words for this. Kris Jenner The Kardashian-Jenner matriarch shared that she was struggling to come to terms with the destructive aftermath of the natural disaster. My heart is absolutely shattered by the devastating floods in Texas and the unimaginable loss of those precious children, she wrote on her Instagram Stories. Its a tragedy thats impossible to comprehend and heartbreaking beyond measure. Life is so fragile, and at times unbearably unfair, she continued. To the families living this nightmare, we are holding you in our hearts, praying for strength, and grieving alongside you. Christy Carlson Romano The Even Stevens alum revealed that she and her husband, Brendan Rooney, considered sending their 7-year-old daughter, Isabella, to Camp Mystic. She added in her July 6 Instagram Stories, A lot of people I know send their kids there and a few of them dont know where their kids are or they were just recently reunited with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mandy Moore The This Is Us actress shared a video of the missing girls from Camp Mystic on her Instagram Stories July 6, writing, Thinking of everyone affected by the horrific flooding in Texas..keeping these families in my heart. Unfathomable. Maria Shriver The journalist shared that her prayers are with the families in Texas, emphasizing on Instagram July 6, Right now they need us all to hold them in a circle of love. Lets unite to hold them, pray for them, she said of the Camp Mystic attendees and counselors. As a parent myself, my heart is with absolutely everyone who is feeling this loss. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Lawmakers elected Jennifer Geerlings-Simons as Suriname's first woman president on Sunday, after her party won the most seats in legislative elections in May. The 71-year-old former opposition leader was left the sole candidate for president after her rivals decided on Thursday not to nominate anyone to lead the small country on South America's northern coast. Geerlings-Simons' National Democratic Party (NDP) won 18 of the 51 seats in congress, more than those of the centrist VHP party of outgoing president Chan Santokhi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NDP had already entered into an agreement with five other parties with which it jointly holds 34 seats in parliament. The NDP was founded by former coup leader and autocrat-turned-elected-president Desi Bouterse, who died in hiding in December 2024. Santokhi's party had also hoped to form a coalition to remain in power, but said in a statement that it had decided not to oppose Geerlings-Simons' election. Suriname, a diverse country made up of descendants of people from India, Indonesia, China, the Netherlands, Indigenous groups and African slaves, marks its 50th anniversary of independence from the Dutch throne this November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, it has looked increasingly toward China as a political ally and trading partner and, in 2019, became one of the first Latin American countries to join the Asian giant's Belt and Road infrastructure drive. The former Dutch colony of 600,000 inhabitants, one of the poorest countries in South America, is hoping that an oil boom will bring prosperity. bur-st/dw Jewellery business Jersey Pearl is celebrating its 40th anniversary this summer. Founded in 1985 by Fred Scragg, Jersey Pearl offers handcrafted pearl jewellery and a cafe overlooking the bay. The company is still run by the founding family, now into its fourth generation and has shops in the UK and Spain. To mark the milestone, the company has launched a series of 1980s-themed displays across its St Ouen, King Street, and Gorey stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Director John Taylor said: "Some of my best memories are when we had ladies queuing around the building to spot John Nettles in our showroom during Bergerac's '80s heyday, it's been an incredible journey." Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. Related internet links House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Sunday that President Donald Trump's megabill will be "jet fuel" for the economy despite Democrats' criticisms. Johnson, who ceremoniously handed Trump the gavel after the president signed his signature tax cuts and spending package into law Friday, teased two future bills to be passed within the next year. In an appearance on "Fox News Sunday," he said the "big, beautiful bill," which is "a huge leap forward for our priorities," is the first step in a three-tier strategy. Johnson expects a second reconciliation bill by fall and a third by spring before the end of the current Congress. "I think we can do that, and so you'll see more of us advancing these common-sense principles to deliver that American First agenda for the people," Johnson said. "That's what they elected us to do, and this was hugely forward." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson pushed back on a reported Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) memo claiming Republicans will lose the majority in 2026 as a result of the "big, beautiful bill." Trump Signs 'Big, Beautiful' Bill In Sweeping Victory For Second Term Agenda, Overcoming Dems And Gop Rebels "Our Republicans are going to be out across the country telling the simple truth, and guess what? It will be demonstrated," Johnson said. "Everyone will have more take-home pay, they'll have more jobs and opportunity. The economy will be doing better, and we'll be able to point to that as the obvious result of what we did. So don't buy into those false talking points." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The speaker dismissed criticisms from Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and DNC Chair Ken Martin in particular as "old, tired talking points" that are typically used against any Republican tax legislation. Johnson stressed that the bill permanently extends the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which the speaker claims targeted lower- and middle-income Americans. He said the bottom 20% of earners witnessed their lowest federal tax rates in 40 years because of those original cuts and said that the new megabill expands on that by cutting taxes on tips, overtime pay, and seniors benefits that he says will help Republicans during the 2026 midterm elections. "We're giving everybody a tax cut," Johnson told "Fox News Sunday" host Shannon Bream. "And that's going to help the economy, it's going be jet fuel. Small business owners, entrepreneurs, risk-takers, the people that provide the jobs, manufacturers, farmers get assistance here, and that will lift the economy." Citing the Council of Joint Economic Advisers, Johnson said the megabill will spur 3% economic growth, create 4 million jobs and increase the average household's take-home pay by $13,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a great thing for people who go to work every day," Johnson said. "They're going to feel that. And we're excited about the upcoming election cycle in '26. Because people will be riding an economic high, just as we did after the first two years of the first Trump administration. This time it's on steroids." Zelenskyy Touts 'Fruitful' Trump Call After Us President Was 'Disappointed' By Putin Talk Johnson also responded to criticism from Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., who argued that the megabill makes tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans permanent, while those for the working class "are time sensitive" and "expire in a couple of years." "Now, I don't think he read the bill, it's 940 pages, so I would give some grace on that," Johnson said in response to Ivey's claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bream noted that Ivey was listening while the bill text was read on the Senate floor last Sunday. "Yeah, you're right, for 19 hours or whatever it took," Johnson said. "If you make between $30,000 and $80,000 a year, you can have a 15% less federal tax rate. You're going to save more money, you're going to keep more of your hard-earned money, and that's not going away. So by making all these tax cuts permanent, it's the largest tax bill, the most important, most consequential tax bill that Congress has ever passed because of what it does for people who go out and work hard every day." Johnson said the bill pushes "pro-growth policies" and constitutes the "largest savings for the taxpayers in U.S. history." "In the bill, we're also going to secure the border permanently. We're going to return to American energy dominance again, which is going to also be jet fuel to the economy," Johnson said. "We're gonna take care of peace through strength because we're going to give important investments in our military industrial complex, which will help us in our competition with China. There is so much in this bill." Original article source: Johnson says megabill will be 'jet fuel' for economy; teases 2 future bills within next year LACLEDE COUNTY, Mo. A Joplin woman has died following a two-vehicle car crash in Laclede County on Saturday, July 5. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) crash report, a 27-year-old Joplin woman has died following a car crash around 6 p.m. on Highway 5 at Lake Shore Drive in Laclede County on Saturday. MSHP says the crash occurred when a 45-year-old Vancouver, Washington, man was driving a 2017 Nissan Rogue north with the 27-year-old passenger and two others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two suspects charged following death of Lebanon man The crash occurred when the man hydroplaned, spun around and crossed the center of the roadway. The vehicle crashed into a 22-year-old Long Lane, Missouri woman driving a 2019 Ford F150 south with five passengers. The first vehicle went off the left side of the road and crashed into a ditch after the crash. The 27-year-old woman was pronounced deceased at Mercy Hospital in Lebanon. The next of kin has been notified. Five of the victims have been reported with serious injuries and four with minor injuries. This is the second fatality for July and the 14th fatality for MSHP Troop I in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. NEED TO KNOW Vlado Taneski wrote about a string of murders in Kicevo, Macedonia Police say his stories, which included unreleased crime scene details, aroused their suspicions He was arrested in 2008 and found dead in his cell the next day from an apparent suicide Veteran Macedonian reporter Vlado Taneski spent years covering a series of gruesome murders in the small town of Kicevo. His articles stood out for their vivid detail so vivid, in fact, that investigators realized he was including crime-scene information the police had never made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was these details, according to authorities, that ultimately gave him away. Between 2005 and 2008, at least three women all cleaners in their 50s and 60s were found murdered in nearly identical fashion: raped, strangled with telephone cables, and dumped naked in plastic bags, per reporting by The Guardian, The New York Times and Croatian publication Index.hr. Before the killings, Taneski was a general assignment reporter for more than 20 years, covering small-town topics like education, municipal affairs and community news. But after the first killing in what became a string of them, Taneski covered each case for local papers Nova Makedonija and Utrinski Vesnik. In early 2008, police noticed that his reporting included specifics only the killer or police would know such as the type of cord used and the state in which the bodies were found, per the outlets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We read his stories and it made us suspicious," police spokesman Ivo Kotevski told the Times. "He knew too much." We have very strong evidence that Taneski was responsible for all three, Kotevski told The Guardian. All these women were raped, molested and murdered in the most terrible way. Kotevski confirmed that the victims had been strangled and wrapped in plastic facts Taneski had described in print before any official confirmation. Colleagues at Nova Makedonija recalled how Taneski would often call just hours after a murder to pitch the story. On May 18, just after the gruesome murder of Zivana Temelkoska, he called and pitched the story to us, one journalist told The Guardian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His articles were published as exclusives and in hindsight, police say, they read like confessions. In June 2008, DNA from semen at one of the crime scenes matched Taneskis. Police searched his home and summer cottage, recovering telephone cords, pornographic material and personal items believed to belong to the victims, Croatian outlet Index.hr reported. Taneski was arrested on June 22, 2008, and charged with the murders of Zivana Temelkoska, Ljubica Licoska, and Mitra Simjanoska. Police were also investigating his possible connection to a fourth case the 2003 disappearance of a 78-year-old cleaner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next morning, June 23, Taneski was found dead in a cell he shared with two other men at Tetovo prison, his head submerged in a bucket of water. Authorities ruled it a suicide; he reportedly left a note denying responsibility for the killings. The case shocked the country and even Taneskis estranged wife of 31 years. She told Macedonian broadcaster Kanal 5 that theirs had been an ideal marriage. She described Taneski as quiet and gentle, saying she had never seen signs of aggression. Their only arguments, she said, were about his parents when they lived with them early in their marriage, per The Guardian. Likewise, Utrinski Vesnik editor Ljupco Popovski described Taneski as an exceptionally quiet man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would never believe that he is capable of doing something like that, he told The Associated Press. 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. "He was a nice and educated guy who seemed completely normal," Ognen Cancarevik, another reporter at Nova Makedonija who collaborated with Taneski on the articles about the killings, told the Times. "When the police rang me to say, 'Your reporter is the murderer,' I could barely believe my ears." Police and psychiatrists later suggested Taneski may have been acting out unresolved anger toward his late mother, who had also worked as a cleaner. Cancarevik told the Times that she and Taneski had a strained relationship, particularly after his father died by suicide in 1990. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Times, each of the slain women knew Taneski's mother. Dr. Antoni Novotni, head of a psychiatric clinic in Skopje, said Taneski may have subconsciously wanted to be caught. He might have wanted to be caught by letting slip what he did in his articles, Novotni told The Guardian. Read the original article on People Netanyahu's defense team was denied the request to cancel all defense witness testimonies this week, prior to the PM's trip to the US. The defense team of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested on Sunday, in coordination with the prosecution, to cancel the remainder of the defense witness testimonies in the prime minister's criminal trial for this week. Jerusalem District Court Judges Rivka Friedman-Feldman, Moshe Bar-Am, and Oded Shaham denied the request. Netanyahu's hearings have been taking place on a twice-a-week basis due to the dire security situation and the wars Israel is fighting on several fronts. Indicted in 2020, Netanyahu has pleaded not guilty to all three Cases - 1000, 2000, and 4000 - levied against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prime minister's testimonies were canceled this week due to his diplomatic visit to the US, but simultaneously to his testimony, the judges have been hearing testimonies, once a week, from other witnesses the defense chose to present. These are the hearings in question that the defense asked be canceled. Reason for the cancellation request The reason given was a physical injury sustained by lead defense attorney Amit Hadad, for which he will need several days' rest. The judges wrote in their decision that there are other capable lawyers on Hadads team who could handle the questioning, and that there is no justification for canceling due to the injury. Currently testifying for the defense in Jerusalem is Likud MK Moshe Saada. The defense said it would update on Tuesday if Hadad is well enough to question him. Activists protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu outside the District court in Tel Aviv, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is testifying in the trial against him, June 3, 2025. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBEG/FLASH90) Netanyahu's testimonies were moved months ago to the more secure Tel Aviv District Court due to safety concerns. The trial is currently in cross-examination, where it is estimated to remain for at least a year before a verdict can be handed down. Supreme Court Justice granted the government and the Attorney-General's office until Tuesday to reach a compromise on Netanyahu's proposal to appoint Zini as head of the Shin Bet. Supreme Court Justices Isaac Amit, Gila Kanfi-Steinitz, and Alex Stein on Sunday granted the government and the Attorney-Generals Office 48 hours until Tuesday to reach a compromise on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus proposal to appoint IDF Maj.-Gen. (res.) David Zini as the director of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), following a hearing last Tuesday. The decision came after a closed-door meeting between the justices, Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs, and lawyer Aner Hellman from the Attorney-Generals Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At present, leading the intelligence agency is Deputy Director S. The tense High Court of Justice hearing on Tuesday concerned the question of legality and authority in Netanyahus proposal. The sticky issue surrounds investigations that the agency, along with the Israel Police, is conducting into Qatari influences on figures close to the prime minister. Per the Attorney-Generals Offices stance, Netanyahu cannot have anything remotely to do with the investigations, including appointing the agencys next director. The office suggested a workable framework to advance Zinis appointment, which would circumvent Netanyahus involvement, by designating another minister to lead the project. Maj. Gen. David Zini visits families of fallen Israeli soldiers during Memorial Day which commemorates the fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem on April 30, 2025. (credit: Arie Leib Abrams/Flash90) Last week, two separate groups of petitioners presented counterarguments to the court on the matter. First, they stated that a legal process is not necessary and would be a hindrance in this case, and that a permanent appointment is of utmost concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, they stated that since the government unanimously supported Zini, every minister is affected by this issue, and everyone would need to undergo the process of locating and appointing another director anew. Ronen Bar resigned on June 15 The post of former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar was due to end in 2026. Netanyahu argued that the distrust between the two, which is paramount to productivity and, ultimately, the countrys safety, was broken on October 7 and cannot be remedied. Bar argued that this timeline is not accurate and that the push to fire him in earnest began in November 2024, in time with the start of the Qatari investigations. Bar resigned on June 15. After the Tuesday hearing last week, the justices originally gave all the sides the petitioners, the A-G, and the government until Sunday to reach a compromise. The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, on Sunday, flagged off three trucks loaded with relief material from the Raj Bhavan in Shimla to the flood-affected Thunag area in Mandi district. The relief consignment included 540 blankets, triple-layered tents, shoes, socks, buckets, candles, and matchboxes, with the Governor stating that more supplies will be sent if needed. Speaking after the flag-off ceremony, the Governor told ANI, "I have not gone there personally yet as I was advised by security officials that conditions are still not safe. But I will visit later. For now, we have sent three vehicles with relief material, and we will continue to assist people in the affected areas as needed." The Governor also raised serious concerns over the recurring natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh, attributing the scale of damage to unchecked tree felling and illegal mining. Referring to his recent visit to the remote Dodra Kwar region. He added," I visited Dodra Kwar, one of the most remote villages in Himachal, and even stayed there overnight. Along the way, I saw many large trees that had been cut down. This is deeply concerning. If we want to prevent such disasters, environmental conservation is crucial." He said. Himachal Governor further added,"Those cutting down these trees should be jailed by the government. While this may not be the only reason, it is certainly a major contributing factor. This issue demands serious attention." The Governor also appealed to the public to act responsibly during natural calamities: "I urge people to respect nature and exercise self-awareness. Only then can we avoid the devastating consequences of such disasters," he said. On the occasion of Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama's 90th birthday, Governor Shukla extended warm wishes. He said, "Today is the Dalai Lama's birthday. I wish him well and hope that he continues to stay here and inspire society with his messages." He also paid rich tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee on his 125th birth anniversary, recalling his commitment to national unity and the abrogation of Article 370. "Syama Prasad Mukherjee dreamed of a united India and made the ultimate sacrifice for it. He took a vow that he would either abolish the permit system in Jammu and Kashmir or lay down his life. Today, Article 370 has been scrapped. That, I believe, is a true tribute to him," Shukla added. He added, "When I was in Parliament, I witnessed these changes. I firmly believe the sacrifices of such great men never go in vain. Politics has its place, but staying connected with the nation is everyone's responsibility." The Governor Shukla said he is in touch with the district administration and will personally visit the affected region by road as soon as the situation permits. (ANI) The Brief Peter and Jarka Baranowski were out boating on Friday when they noticed a boat with a towboat by it. A few minutes later they saw a large plume of smoke and went to go check it out. They passed the boat again, but it was on fire. Seven people on the boat suffered second and third degree burns from the incident. HALL COUNTY, Ga. - Two boaters said they watched a boat go up in flames while on Lake Lanier while celebrating the July 4th holiday. What they're saying Peter and Jarka Baranowski were out boating on Friday when they noticed something strange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said the lake was busy, but the boat stood out to them, even before the fire started. "We drove by and saw a towboat doing something on another boat. We assumed something was broken," Baranowski said. A few minutes later they saw a large plume of smoke and went to go check it out. They passed the boat again, but it was on fire. "When I looked at the pictures we just saw big smoke," Baranowski said. "It was like, Oh my gosh, what is going on?'" Baranowski said lots of boaters started coming out to see what happened. "Everybody was shocked and sorry, like, you know, no one would want their boat to be on fire," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time the right equipment was there to fight the fire, Baranowski said it was too late. "Most of the boat was gone," he said. "I think it eventually flipped and they pushed it to the marina to get it out of the way." He said officials tried to keep it at a distance so it wouldnt catch other boats on fire. The fire crews eventually pushed it out to the center of the lake to keep the flames from reaching shore. The Hall County Sheriff's Office confirmed seven people were on the boat. They ranged in age between 5 and 45-years-old. They all suffered either second or third degree burns and were taken to the hospital. The couple said they were shocked when they learned people were hurt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You just feel bad," Jarka Baranowski said. "Nobody wants their boat to catch fire. I feel sorry for the people that, you know, they had this misfortune and this happened to them." Baranowski said hes been boating for more than a decade and has never seen anything like it. The two will be on the water again Saturday night with their three children. "Well be in the same place tonight," Baranowski said. "Just hoping everyone stays safe and something like that doesnt happen again." Dig deeper The incident on Lake Lanier was just one boat explosion on July 4th in Georgia. Another boat exploded on Lake Nottely. The Source Information in this article came from FOX 5's Eric Mock speaking to witnesses of the boat explosion. Information also came from the Hall County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Kansas state Rep. Chris Crofts recent Star guest commentary highlighting critical incident mapping and firearm detection technology in schools caught my attention. As someone who ran against Croft for Kansas House District 8 in both 2022 and 2024, I agree we must do everything possible to protect our kids. I was proud to be endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety and was a recommended candidate by Moms Demand Action. Croft, by contrast, is endorsed and funded by the Kansas State Rifle Association. Our visions for tackling gun violence couldnt be more different. Crofts piece focused on how to react once a shooter is already inside a school. But he said nothing about how to stop that shooter from ever getting there in the first place. What Croft left unsaid is just as important if not more than what he chose to include. His commentary made no mention of the root causes of gun violence. There was not a word about the widely supported gun safety policies that help prevent school shootings, suicides and accidental deaths. And its no surprise. Year after year, Croft and the GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature have refused to even consider these reforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the policies theyve blocked: Safe firearm storage laws. These laws require gun owners to store firearms securely often locked and separate from ammunition so they cant be accessed by children or people who are legally prohibited from owning them. Last session, multiple safe storage bills were introduced in the Legislature, and not one received a hearing. Instead, lawmakers eliminated permit and training requirements for carrying concealed weapons. Red flag laws. These allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from someone who poses an immediate threat to themselves or others. Red flag laws have prevented suicides and mass shootings in other states. Yet in Kansas, not one such proposal has made it out of committee. These omissions arent accidental. Croft knows as I do. that firearms are now the No. 1 cause of death for children and teens in the United States, surpassing car accidents and illness. That should be a call to action for every lawmaker. Instead, Croft offered mapping software and artificial intelligence detection tools to respond after the shooting starts ignoring how to prevent it in the first place. Politics behind the silence Crofts silence on gun safety has little to do with policy and everything to do with politics. But Kansas families deserve more than optics. School safety should never be a partisan issue. It shouldnt be constrained by what the National Rifle Association will or wont accept. If were serious about protecting students, we need both preparation and prevention. We should not have to sacrifice one for the other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets collaborate with school districts to support smart tools like incident mapping and firearm detection but also pass the laws that keep guns out of dangerous hands in the first place. Thats what real leadership looks like. Crofts commentary, in my view, was nothing more than a carefully crafted deflection. It gave the appearance of taking action without addressing the most obvious, data-backed solutions. The most effective way to make schools safer is to prevent guns from ending up in the wrong hands before the alarm ever sounds. As a parent, grandparent, gun safety advocate and former candidate, I know we cant afford to wait for another tragedy. I would wager that Croft has never been inside a classroom during a code red/active shooter drill. I have. As a former employee and retiree of the Blue Valley School District, it breaks my heart that these drills are a necessary ritual at every grade level. If Croft truly wants to lead on school safety, let him introduce a red flag law. Let him support safe storage requirements. Let him bring a universal background check bill to the floor. Until then, no amount of surveillance or mapping software will make up for his refusal to address the root cause of the gun violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preparation is important. But prevention is everything. And that takes political courage the one tool Rep. Croft seems unwilling to use. Pam Shernuk of Overland Park is a lifelong Kansan, 35-year resident of Johnson County and former candidate for Kansas House District 8. Kerrville didnt have weather sirens used by other cities AUSTIN (KXAN) At a Friday news conference, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said he cant answer why camps werent evacuated but acknowledged: We do not have a warning system. We didnt know this flood was coming, Kelly told reporters. Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming. We have floods all the time. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States and we deal with floods on a regular basis. When it rains, we get water. We had no reason to believe that this was going to be anything like whats happened here. None whatsoever. Nicole Wilson, 42, watched the news conference from her home in San Antonio and was blown away. Wilson told KXAN two of her friends have daughters that were at Camp Mystic and one had a son at Camp La Junta. All three children are accounted for. One of the girls cousins, however, is still missing, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just not having those plans in place is crazy to think about, she said. That they wouldnt have risk mitigation in place when youre surrounded by water. Conflicting officials, social posts leave evacuation delay questions in Kerr County flooding While the National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings and the city of Kerrvilles Facebook paged warned to move to higher ground immediately, the young campers at Camp Mystic likely wouldnt have seen that since cell phones, smart watches, iPads and anything with Wi-Fi capability were considered unacceptable electronic devices to bring and not allowed, according to a recent list of instructions sent to parents. Camp Mystic is located less than 20 miles west of Kerrville in Hunt, which is in Kerr County. An outdoor warning siren (Courtesy San Marcos) Wilson was born and raised in Kentucky, where she said outdoor weather sirens primarily used for tornadoes were common. On July 5, she started a Change.org online petition urgently calling for Kerrville and Kerr County to implement an outdoor early warning siren system for life-threatening emergencies, like flooding. So far, she said shes received a lot of positive feedback on that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tragic events at Camp Mystic and the devastating flooding along the Guadalupe River that happened in July are stark reminders that severe weather can strike with little notice, Wilson wrote. A well-placed siren system will provide critical extra minutes for families, schools, camps, businesses, and visitors to seek shelter and evacuate when needed. This is not just a wish it is a necessary investment in public safety. Indeed, outdoor weather alert systems are not required by any federal or state law. The choice is left up to local leaders. On Friday morning, less than 20 miles from Kerrville, emergency sirens blasted in the unincorporated Kendall County community of Comfort, according to a published report, signaling emergency conditions and a mandatory evacuation as the Guadalupe River continued to rise. Sirens are typically activated by city or county officials, according to the NWS. I just think if they had five minutes [of warning time from a siren] longer, five to 10 minutes longer, and thats what those sirens give you . and you know the counselors would have led them uphill I dont believe wed be in the scenario right now where were searching for those girls, said Wilson. Cities that use sirens, like San Marcos which has 14 outdoor weather sirens to warn of floods, tornadoes and wildfires have previously touted the outdoor warning system as a vital tool for emergency preparedness. The sirens, called an Outdoor Warning System, are designed to quickly and loudly notify a community of threats to public safety, including severe weather. San Marcos notes its sirens emit unique sound patterns for different emergencies. Critics say they can be expensive, require regular maintenance, are primarily designed to be heard outdoors and arent as effective as weather radios and mobile alerts. A single siren can cost an estimated $10,000 to $50,000 and multiple are sometimes needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin doesnt have a city-wide outdoor weather siren system. In 2022, a city spokesperson told KXAN the fastest way to get information out is with the technology we have today and there was a concern that sirens could cause confusion. This past legislative session, lawmakers filed a bill that would have created a council to operate a grant program assisting local governments with acquiring emergency communications equipment. One of its tasks, if the bill had passed, would have been to develop a statewide strategic plan that included the use of outdoor warning sirens. The council would have also been asked to develop and implement, as advisable, emergency alert systems and incorporate as necessary communication technologies into the emergency communications network of this state. Weve been trying to get a new flood warning system here In 2018, Kerr County, along with the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, applied for a $1 million grant for a flood warning system. That application was not selected, okay. Thats the bad news, a commissioner said, according to Kerr County commissioner meeting minutes at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years later, in 2020, according to Kerr County meeting minutes, that same commissioner said: Weve been trying to get a new flood warning system here. Image of Code Red Emergency Notification System used by Kerr County (Courtesy Kerr County) The 2020 commissioner meeting is when Kerr County implemented IPAWS, or Integrated Public Alert & Warning System through FEMA, which is a free program offered through Kerr Countys existing contract with CodeRed, a system it currently uses for mass emergency pre-recorded emergency telephone messages, according to Kerr Countys website. The CodeRed system is also used in Kerrville with the caveat that it relies on White Pages data and residents should not assume their number is included. As of 2023, Kerr County Commissioners Court meeting minutes show the county was still discussing grant options for flood mitigation assistance to include research on engineering and infrastructure for flood prevention measures. In an interview with the New York Times, Kelly said one reason Kerr County doesnt have a flood warning system is due to the cost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taxpayers wont pay for it, Kelly is quoted as saying. Asked if residents might reconsider now, he responded: I dont know. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko called on Chancellor Friedrich Merz to make good on previous statements indicating Germany could be ready to deliver Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine in an op-ed published on Sunday. "Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the past said completely accurately that Russian attacks on civilian targets should have the delivery of Taurus missiles as a consequence," the former champion boxer wrote in the mass-circulation Bild newspaper. Klitschko attacked the "pure terror" unleashed by Russian President Vladimir Putin that was becoming more extreme by the night. "Two thousand buildings have been destroyed in our city alone. There are injuries and deaths again and again," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin had shown that he did not want a ceasefire, peace or an end to the war, Klitschko wrote. "Putin's aims are completely clear. He still wants to bring all of Ukraine under his control, whatever the cost," he wrote. And he repeated a constant refrain from Ukrainian leaders. "If we do not stop him together in Ukraine, he will attack other countries afterwards." Merz's predecessor, Olaf Scholz, refused to supply the air-launched missiles with a range of 500 kilometres for fear of dragging Germany further into the war. But Merz has made ambiguous statements on the issue, preferring to say that Germany will help Ukraine manufacture its own missiles. Ukraine has been warding off the full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022. Russian forces have recently stepped up nightly attacks with drones, ballistic missiles and glide bombs. The idyllic morning silence of the small rural town was broken by a single, piercing boom followed by silence. It was March 22, 2006, in Selmer, Tennessee. Mary Winkler, wife to the towns Fourth Street Church of Christ minister Matthew Winkler, had shot her husband in the back with a shotgun in their bedroom, killing him. The silence only grew, like a held breath. The churchs pulpit remained empty through the regular Wednesday evening service, prompting the congregants to search for Matthew only to find him dead in an empty, silent house. Mary and her three children were missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wouldn't be until 24 hours later after Mary and her daughters were stopped by police in Orange Beach, Alabama, nearly 400 miles away that Mary would break the silence. A crime of passion Just two days after the killing, members of the church told The Tennessean they were in shock, with one man, Tim Parish, saying Matthew had been as happy as Id ever seen him. He had found his place, said Parish, who served as the minister at a different Church of Christ in McMinnville, Tennessee, where Matthew had previously served as a youth minister. Now hes gone. Mary Winkler had seemed just as happy. The day before, she had begun working as a substitute teacher at Selmer Elementary School, according to witnesses who spoke with The Tennessean. Assistant Principal Pat Killingsworth, who testified for the defense in court, described Winkler as quiet, very patient with the girls and a good mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around the same time Mary was found in Alabama with her three daughters then ages 8, 6 and 1 she was named the primary suspect in the shooting and held for questioning. Four days after the shooting, she was charged with first degree murder. Mary Winkler enters the McNairy County Courtroom in Selmer, Tenn., as one of her lawyers, Steve Farese, talks to her as he takes his place beside her on March 30, 2006. During the hearing, Winkler waived her case to the grand jury and did not request bail. And while the town attempted to return to normal in the following days, Mary began speaking up about her marriage. In court, her lawyers stated that Matthew had been abusive and that Mary would often wear heavy makeup to cover bruises and black eyes. Mary herself later testified that Matthew had beeb sexually abusive as well. She told the jury that he would often have her look at pornography with him, and dress up in high-heeled platform shoes, wigs and other provocative clothing to appease him. She said he would force her to participate in sexual acts she wasnt comfortable with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A photo of Mary looking defeated on the stand beside a white platform heel and a bagged wig became synonymous with the trial. Her defense team also described to the court how Mary was the victim of an intricate financial scheme involving bad checks from Canada and Nigeria totaling $17,500, which she withdrew from the bank. The Winklers' accounts were nearly $5,000 overdrawn after this, according to prosecutors. After posting bond in Selmer, Tenn., Mary Winkler moved back to McMinnville, Tenn., to live with friends while awaiting trial. Her friend Paul Pillow, here on Aug. 15, 2006, will be working with her at the Cleaners Express on North Chancery Street. "She has been a good friend of ours for several years, and we are just trying to help her get through this, Pillow said. On the morning of the killing, Mary said, she didnt remember going to the closet or getting the gun just that the blast wasnt as loud as she thought it would be. I do remember me holding the shotgun, hearing the boom and then a smell. He asked me, Why? she said. I just said I was sorry. I was scared, sad and wanted to get out of the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she told Matthew that she loved him, wiped the blood from his mouth and then ran. She told the jury she wanted to giver her daughters one last worry-free day before she was apprehended. Marys testimony of abuse was vital, her lawyers said after the sympathetic jury made its decision. The verdict was delivered to a silent courtroom no gasps, no sobs, no audible changes in emotion, wrote one Jackson Sun reporter. Mary was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 210 days in prison, with credit for five months already served. She was allowed to spend 60 days in a mental health facility and was put on probation for the rest of her sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tennessean is publishing a Notorious Nashville story for each year from 2000-2024. Catch up on the series here. Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, by phone at 931-623-9485, or follow her on X at @angele_latham. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Matthew Winkler's death puts Tennessee town in spotlight Kudos to Modesto City Schools Modesto City Schools approves fifth-grade sex ed curriculum, (modbee.com, June 24) Kudos to Modesto City Schools for ratifying a new sex education and wellness curriculum, despite opposition from Trustees Jolene Daly and Cindy Marks, who voted against the motion, and from Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil. Its becoming more apparent that Alvarado-Gil is another politician with questionable values: A supporter of giant oil corporations who puts environmental contamination ahead of contemporary education of Stanislaus children, where one in five children develop serious respiratory illnesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Timothy Buchanan Modesto Thank goodness for grand juries Stanislaus CA transportation board puts director on leave, (modbee.com, July 1) Thank goodness for civil grand juries in our society. Our public officials do not have the interest in making one of their own accountable because of politics and their own self interests. Meanwhile, our tax dollars get squandered by greedy public officials. We will always need good, objective, informed citizenry looking out for the rest of us. Daniel J Bruce Modesto A lot of money for unnecessary bridge New 7th Street Bridge in Modesto gets final funding. The schedule, some history, (modbee.com, June 30) Why do we need $134 million for a replacement bridge over the Tuolumne River? Theres a good bridge already on 9th Street, at Pecos, which could funnel traffic to 7th Street and Crows Landing Road, to the areas served by the old bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Better uses for that cash abound. Steve Ringhoff Modesto We wont be ruled by fear No Kings Protest draws thousands in Modesto CA march, (modbee.com, June 14) On Saturday, June 14, over 4,000 people gathered in Modesto for the No Kings protest, organized by Indivisible Stanislaus. It was a peaceful, patriotic stand against the authoritarian tactics now threatening our democracy. Veterans, students, parents and immigrants joined together to demand due process, transparency and accountability. The Central Valley is not staying silent. The protest responded to the rise of plainclothes federal agents in unmarked vehicles detaining people without uniforms, badges, warrants or agency identification. Some detainees have been legal residents or even U.S. citizens taken without due process. That is fear-based control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also condemned Trumps attempt to deploy Marines and rationalize the National Guard in California without the governors consent. His administration ignored court rulings including on immigration defying the checks and balances that protect us all. Even kings once faced limits. Authoritarian rulers demand blind obedience through secrecy and threats, just like weve seen here. The protests message was clear: We will not be ruled by fear. No one is above the law. John and Mary Smith Modesto Why I turned to activism Trumps troop deployment to Los Angeles faces legal test, (modbee.com, June 12) Violence and revenge are raining down on American citizens. In the last several weeks, the Trump administration arrested or forcefully detained judges and elected officials, including Sen. Alex Padilla and New York City Comptroller Brad Landers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was these evil and unlawful acts plus many others that led me to activism. I was a retiree with nothing to do except watch the news and cry. Then, I actually got off the couch. I was so mad that I went to my first protest and was hooked. I joined Indivisible Stanislaus and my world changed. The groups kind and caring members helped me channel my angst into activism. This culminated in the No Kings event on June 14, where I found over 4,000 others whove had enough, too. All of this begs the question: Is this kind of activism worth it? Thank goodness we have people like Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and Martin Luther King Jr. who have shown that peaceful protest can create a shift in public opinion, making for a more kind and just world. Drusilla Clough Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Modesto Turlock mayors priorities City council denies funding, puts Turlock shelter at risk, (modbee.com, May 12) Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak has ignored the interests of her constituents in the business community and all of us who shop and play here. Main Street, Geer Road, Country Side Drive by Fulkerth and the Monte Vista Crossings area are all impacted by residents, including the homeless. Turlock deserves a responsible mayor who is focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety and economic growth for all residents. How does closing the We Care facility help maintain the quality of life here in Turlock? How does not helping everyone here in Turlock enhance the quality of life here? How does not offering a clean toilet 365 days a year for our homeless neighbors help prioritize the health and safety of our community? Lynn G Sarraille Turlock America is nearing the 250th anniversary of its revolutionary birth, the Declaration of Independence. July 4, 2026, will mark a milestone and a time for reflection. Yet as fascination with Americas founding endures, controversy colors how the revolution is taught across the United States. From contested efforts by The New York Times 1619 Project to put slavery at the center of Americas story, to attempts to limit teaching about race and racism, partisanship surrounds the teaching of American history. Anniversaries can inspire public passion, but they can also open old wounds. As an American historian and a naturalized citizen of the United States, I regard the American Revolution with both personal and professional interest. The fact that I grew up in the United Kingdom amuses my students to no end whenever we discuss the Revolutionary War. Sometimes, in my British-accented English, I remind them I did not personally grow up with King George. Teaching history is encouraging students to think critically about the past without dictating what emotions they should feel patriotic or otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sadly, in the U.S., the sort of objective historical knowledge once taken for granted now appears to be waning. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, just 13% of eighth graders in 2023 ranked proficient in American history. A 2010 survey found that 26% of adults could not identify from whom America declared its independence, with China, Mexico and France among the responses. America divorcing France would have been news to Gilbert du Motier, better known as the Marquis de Lafayette. His commitment to the new country not only helped secure its independence, but it also helped solidify American identity decades later. Key alliance A privileged aristocrat who served in both the American and French revolutions, Lafayette went to war at age 19. Commissioning and equipping his own expedition across the Atlantic in 1777, he fought in many battles against the British, including decisive action at Yorktown. Earning George Washingtons confidence, Lafayette attained the rank of major general in the Continental Army. The reception of Lafayette at Mount Vernon, home of Washington, painted by Herman Bencke around 1875. Bencke & Scott/Library of Congress Lafayettes enrollment in the U.S. military predated the 1778 alliance between his home country and the United States. Eventually, Frances alliance turned the tide against Great Britain on land and at sea. By the wars end, the French had supplied some 12,000 soldiers, 22,000 sailors and dozens of warships to the American cause, plus huge financial resources. When Lafayette volunteered, however, he was one of just a few foreign volunteers and the most acclaimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nowadays, as historian Sarah Vowell conceded, Americans think of Lafayette as a place, not a person. But an abundance of cities, counties and thoroughfares named after the revolutionary hero attest to his former celebrity. During World War I, U.S. troops sailed to France under the slogan Lafayette here we come, promising to repay Americas debt of gratitude to France. A growing country Older Americans may recall the U.S. bicentennial of 1976, marked with much pageantry and even a state visit by Queen Elizabeth II. Americas semicentennial, however the 50th anniversary of independence played a far greater role shaping the idea of America in the minds of its citizens. Lafayette starred in the buildup to this 1826 commemoration, the first of its kind at the national level. President James Monroe, a fellow veteran of the War of Independence, invited Lafayette to be the guest of America, honored as the last living major general of the Continental Army. Beginning in July 1824, at the age of 66, Lafayette embarked on a triumphal tour of all 24 states then comprising the union nearly double the original 13. Lafayette greeting members of the National Guard upon his arrival in New York in 1825, painted by Ken Riley. The National Guard/Flickr via Wikimedia Commons As Lafayette headed west, borne by horse-drawn carriage, steamboat and canal barge, he journeyed across a changing America. Nowhere was Americas economic and demographic growth more evident than Cincinnati, where a crowd of 50,000 welcomed Lafayette in May 1825. Once a small frontier town, Cincinnati was growing faster than any comparably sized city in the nation: Its population increased from around 15,000 to roughly 115,000 in the quarter century following Lafayettes visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He addressed his audience with emotion: The highest reward that can be bestowed on a revolutionary veteran is to welcome him with a sight of the blessings which have issued from our struggle for independence, freedom and equal rights. Lafayette gave human face to Americas national commemoration. He granted citizens of frontier states like Ohio hitherto excluded from the revolutionary narrative license to celebrate themselves. High turnouts in western stops such as Cincinnati reflected enthusiasm for grand spectacles. They also reflected the growth of Americas print media, which had advertised his visit, and improved transportation in formerly remote regions of the country. Lafayettes tour culminated with a September 1825 state banquet in Washington, D.C., hosted by the new president, John Quincy Adams. Adams the son of Americas second president, John Adams praised that tie of love, stronger than death, connecting Lafayette for the endless ages of time, with the name of Washington. Rose-colored glasses The enthusiasm that welcomed Lafayette 200 years ago was authentic. But like all good history lessons, Lafayettes legacy is open to interpretation. Portrait of Lafayette as an Old Man, painted by Louise-Adeone Drolling around 1830. Musee de l'Armee via Wikimedia Commons His grand tour cemented the myth of the Era of Good Feelings: a golden age of American political harmony. In reality, the seeds of Americas civil war were already evident. Missouris 1820 admission to the union threatened the countrys precarious balance between states that opposed slavery and states that allowed it a crisis Thomas Jefferson warned was a fire bell in the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, Lafayettes lionization in the western United States coincided with the ongoing forced removal of Indigenous people. Ohio, for example, forcibly removed its last Native American tribe in 1843. Despite the uses and abuses of historical memory and the aversion of modern historians toward hero-worship, Lafayette remains a charismatic figure a citizen of two worlds who championed both abolitionism and womens rights. I believe his fading public memory indicates a troubling amnesia. Americas anniversary offers the opportunity to reconsider his legacy, alongside revolutionary stories of Americans from all walks of life. As Lafayette wrote home following the British armys surrender in 1781: Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Matthew Smith, Miami University Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Matthew Smith does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. An officer was hospitalized after a suspect opened fire in L.A.s Exposition Park neighborhood on Saturday. Two officers were near 39th Place and Western Avenue when they were attempting to question a suspect around 3:47 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department. When they approached, the suspect ran, leading officers on a foot chase. The suspect turned around and fired a gun, striking an officer. The second officer returned fire, but did not hit the suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The injured officer, who was not identified, was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition. His injuries were described as non-life-threatening. The moment the suspect was tackled and arrested for shooting an LAPD officer in Exposition Park on July 5, 2025. (Danny Samayoa) An officer was hospitalized after a suspect opened fire in the Exposition Park neighborhood of L.A. on July 5, 2025. (Citizen) An officer was hospitalized after a suspect opened fire in the Exposition Park neighborhood of L.A. on July 5, 2025. (Citizen) An officer was hospitalized after a suspect opened fire in the Exposition Park neighborhood of L.A. on July 5, 2025. (Citizen) An officer was hospitalized after a suspect opened fire in the Exposition Park neighborhood of L.A. on July 5, 2025. (Citizen) An officer was hospitalized after a suspect opened fire in the Exposition Park neighborhood of L.A. on July 5, 2025. (Citizen) An officer was hospitalized after a suspect opened fire in the Exposition Park neighborhood of L.A. on July 5, 2025. (Citizen) At a Saturday night press conference, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said hes thankful the situation didnt turn deadly. The suspect turned and fired, but were really thankful the injuries arent worse than they are, he said. The suspect was taken into custody and will likely be facing a charge of attempted murder of a police officer. A gun was also recovered from the scene. Although his identity was not released, McDonnell confirmed the officer is part of the LAPDs Gang Enforcement Detail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roads in the area remain blocked off on Saturday night. The incident is under investigation by detectives who will be interviewing witnesses and reviewing body camera and surveillance video footage. This developing story will be updated when more details are available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The Brief An LAPD officer was shot near a park in the Exposition Park neighborhood on Saturday afternoon. Police have arrested the suspect. The officer is in the hospital in a stable condition. LOS ANGELES - A Los Angeles Police Department officer was shot in Exposition Park on Saturday. What we know The shooting happened around 3:30 p.m., near Martin Luther King Jr. Park on in the 3900 block of S. Western Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said that two officers with the gang enforcement detail saw someone, later identified as 26-year-old Ernesto Sepulveda, who they believed was a suspect. When they tried to stop Sepulveda, who was on a bike north of the sidewalk, he got off his bike and began running away from officers. As the officers chased him, investigators said he stopped and shot them. One of the officers was hit in the leg. Meanwhile, the other officer shot back, but didn't hit anyone, McDonnell said. More officers came to the scene as Sepulveda fled farther into the park. Eventually, he was taken into custody. Video from SkyFOX over the crime scene showed yellow police tape up in the road and in the park. SUGGESTED: Husband of woman found dead in San Marino house fire arrested, accused of murder Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramedics took the injured officer to the hospital in stable condition with gunshot wounds to his legs and a graze wound to his cheek. Sepulveda was also taken to the hospital for a laceration to his head. He was treated and cleared by medical personnel for booking. No other officers or civilians were hurt during the incident, LAPD officials said. A loaded firearm, loaded magazine and discharged cartridge cases were recovered at the scene. What we don't know McDonnell did not identify the officer who was injured, but said that he was a tenured officer assigned to a gang enforcement detail in the Southwest Division. The Source Information in this story is from the Los Angeles Police Department. Opposition Leader MK Yair Lapid revealed in an interview on Channel 12 on Saturday evening that he will vote in favor of impeaching Hadash-Taal chairman MK Ayman Odeh. Opposition leader MK Yair Lapid said that he would vote in favor of impeaching Hadash-Taals chairperson, MK Ayman Odeh, in a vote scheduled for next Monday (July 14) in an interview he had with Channel 12 on Saturday. This announcement is notable since Lapid would be supporting the ouster of a fellow leader from the opposition party. Lapid, for example, did not participate in a previous impeachment proceeding against Hadash-Taal MK Ofer Cassif in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The official grounds for the impeachment relate to a post by Odeh on X/Twitter in January after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. In it, Odeh wrote, Happy about the release of hostages and [Palestinian] prisoners. From here on, both peoples need to be freed from the burden of the occupation; we were born free. The impeachment proposal received the requisite support of 70 signatories, including 10 from the opposition. On June 30, the Knesset House Committee completed a hearing for Odeh and approved the measure, with support from opposition parties Yisrael Beytenu, Yesh Atid, and Blue and White. The measure now must receive the support of 90 MKs in the Knesset plenum for Odeh to be impeached, after which the MK has the right to appeal to the High Court of Justice. 'Odeh compared Nukhba terrorists to our hostages in Gaza' In an answer to a reporters question on June 30 following the House Committee vote, Lapid said, Odeh compared the Nukhba terrorists to our hostages in Gaza at a time when, as I already mentioned, 20 IDF soldiers have been killed in one month and he says Gaza will win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yesh Atid MK Simon Davidson told me what happened in the committee, Lapid further said. Odeh absolutely refuses to retract this is unforgivable. This isnt about Arab parties; its personal, and someone who speaks like that shouldnt be an MK. The faction will hold a discussion about how each of us will vote. A spokesperson for the party stated that its 23 MKs will be given the prerogative to vote as they see fit. The spokesperson estimated that approximately 10 MKs would support the proposal. A spokesperson for Blue and White said that the party had not yet decided whether to adopt a unified stance or allow its MKs to vote as they see fit. The leaders of the two parties Knesset factions, MK Ahmad Tibi (Hadash-Taal) and MK Waleed Taha (Raam), slammed their fellow opposition members support of the measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IN A statement last week, they called it cooperation between opposition factions and the Likud, the Religious Zionist, and the Otzma Yehudit parties aimed at ousting Arab MK Ayman Odeh over a tweet he posted and his expression of joy regarding a hostage deal. This constitutes political persecution and a crossing of a moral red line: Instead of defending freedom of expression, most opposition factions are joining the extremist coalition, including the Likud, the Religious Zionist Party, Otzma Yehudit, and other coalition members in an effort to silence Arab elected officials. We will not be complicit, they said. Approximately 150 political science and law academics from public universities and colleges in Israel appealed in a letter to Yesh Atid and Blue and White MKs on Sunday not to support the impeachment. According to the academics, the impeachment was a dangerous move that undermines the foundations of Israeli democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One does not need to agree with Odehs views to oppose his ousting strongly, the academics wrote. The proper way to respond to his statements is through arguments, public debates, and open dialogue, not by denying representation rights or harming the pillars of democracy. The scholars argued that the attempt to remove Odeh was not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern led by the current coalition aimed at changing democratic norms to solidify its rule, including attempts made ahead of the previous election to introduce cameras into polling stations, legislation intended to ease the disqualification of Arab candidates, and the current effort to unseat one of the most prominent Arab representatives in the Knesset. Likud MK Avichay Boaron initiated the process following the post in January but did not receive the necessary support. Boaron revived the procedure in early June after Odeh said during a protest, After 600 days, there is an overwhelming majority among both peoples saying: If only these 20 months had never happened. This is a historic defeat for the Right, which was defeated in Gaza. Gaza won, and Gaza will win. The Knesset legal advisory team stressed that if Boaron wanted to include the June statement in the impeachment claim, he would need to begin collecting signatures anew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boaron ignored the advice, and the legal team clarified during a hearing in the Knesset House Committee last week that the only relevant statement was, therefore, the one in January. However, during this discussion, MKs from the coalition and the opposition repeatedly mentioned numerous other statements by Odeh that were not officially part of the impeachment claim. Ergo, it is widely believed that if the impeachment is passed in the Knesset, it will still be struck down by the High Court of Justice. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday urged the Central Government to explore the feasibility of opening Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) via Shipki-La route in Himachal Pradesh, as per the release. In a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that the Shipki-La region has served as a vital Indo-Tibetan trade route, predating modern borders. He said that it has also been a cultural corridor for Tibetan Buddhism and ancient pilgrimage paths reflecting India's enduring civilizational ties to Kailash and Mansarovar. He said that the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh, being semi-arid and situated in a rain shadow zone like Spiti, is less prone to monsoon disruptions, which keeps the route accessible for most of the year. He added that the path from Shipki-La via Gartok towards Darchen and Mansarovar is comparatively shorter on the Tibetan side. He said that Shipki-La also offered a more stable and unambiguous corridor, making it well-suited as a long-term, dependable corridor for pilgrimage and cross-border connectivity. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh already has road connectivity up to Shipki-La via Rampur and Pooh. He said that with the focused development of base camps and supporting infrastructure, this route could be seamlessly integrated into the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra framework. He emphasised that the opening of this route would significantly contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the tribal people of Kinnaur, aligning with the Government's vision for border development and tourism promotion under the Vibrant Village Programme. The Chief Minister stated that the State Government would provide all logistical and administrative support to the Central Government if the Shipki-La route is opened for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. (ANI) EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Las Cruces Police are hosting another one of its Lunchbox Lemonade events this week to increase community engagement. The event, put on by the Las Cruces Police Departments Community Outreach Team and Raising Canes, will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 10 at the Splash Pad at the Plaza de Las Cruces, 100 N. Main St. The Lunchbox Lemonade series encourages Las Cruces residents of all ages to have lunch with the Community Outreach Team at an area splash pad. Participants can visit with team members, discuss police matters and share their concerns about public safety while their kids cool off in the splash pad, the Police Department said. Other Lunchbox Lemonade events will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays: July 24, Metro Verde Splash Pad, 7125 Metro Park St. Aug. 7, Unidad Park Splash Pad, 1501 E. Hadley Ave. Aug. 21, Plaza De Las Cruces Splash Pad, 100 N. Main St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Participants are encouraged to bring their own sack lunch. LCPD will provide free popsicles and Raising Canes will supply free lemonade for all attendees Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Las Vegas Fire & Rescue responded to nearly 300 emergency incidents, including over 100 outside fires, during the Fourth of July holiday. From 6 p.m. July 4 to 4 a.m. July 5, LVFR responded to 293, including calls from partnering agencies, and the Combined Communication Center processed a total of 1,193 emergency calls. A total of 466 LVFR units were deployed during the holiday. Illegal fireworks in your Las Vegas neighborhood? Heres where to report them Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the City of Las Vegas, LVFR responded to two burn injuries, 116 outside fires and seven building fires, according to LVFR. The Red Cross of Southern Nevada responded to eight home fires, assisting 24 people, on July 4 and July 5 in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and Sloan. Fireworks are suspected to have caused at least one of the home fires. County, Las Vegas handling about 2 dozen fire calls as fireworks go off The Red Cross of Southern Nevada is providing the displaced families with temporary shelter, food, clothing and personal care items. From June 20 through July 4, a combined task force comprised of LVMPV CCFD and LVFR confiscated 8,851.55 pounds of illegal fireworks and cited 149 individuals, according to Metro police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents are urged not to call 9-1-1 to report illegal fireworks unless there is a life-threatening emergency. Instead, complaints can be submitted online at www.ISpyFireworks.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Homeowners in Montgomery County, Maryland, could soon see new landscaping rules aimed at creating a greener, more climate-friendly future. Council member Evan Glass recently introduced the Native Plant Protection Act, which would promote the use of native mid-Atlantic plants in new construction projects while cracking down on invasive species such as bamboo. If passed, the bill would prohibit the sale of invasive bamboo and require that at least 50% of landscaping in new developments include native plant species. "Native plants aren't just beautiful they're essential to the health of our natural ecosystems," Glass said in a press release. "This legislation is an important step in making Montgomery County a model for sustainable landscaping." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A public hearing for the proposal is tentatively scheduled for July 22, with residents encouraged to sign up to testify. While bamboo is a popular landscaping option, it is also known to be highly invasive, capable of spreading up to 15 feet per year underground. It can crowd out local plants, damage sidewalks and nearby buildings, and require costly remediation. On the other hand, native plants are adapted to the local climate, require far less water, and can thrive without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This makes them better not only for the environment but also for everyday people. Native plants help prevent erosion and flooding, improve air quality, and support pollinators such as bees and butterflies, all while creating a more resilient and sustainable community. And because they are low maintenance, they can save homeowners time and money on lawn and yard care. Recent legislation from lawmakers in Michigan, Colorado, and Florida has prevented homeowners associations from restricting environmentally friendly and cost-saving installations such as rooftop solar panels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Montgomery County bill would also exempt native plants and grasses from existing weed removal requirements and define "native species" as those found naturally throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and surrounding states. While some homeowners may find it challenging to move on from bamboo in future projects or wrap their minds around all the benefits of native plants, the hope is that this bill will help start that conversation and ease the transition."As chair of the Transportation and Environment Committee, I've made it my priority to make our community greener for current and future residents," Glass said. "This legislation is an important step in making Montgomery County a model for sustainable landscaping and native plant protection." 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. Hikers make their way up Piper Trail on as they make their ascent toward Mount Chocoruas summit. Chocorua is in the Sandwich Range in the White Mountains National Forest. (Photo by Christopher R. Mazza/iStock/Getty Images) A group of environmentalists have launched a legal battle to stop a logging project in the Sandwich Range of New Hampshires White Mountain National Forest. The Sandwich Vegetation Management Project, which was approved by the U.S. Forest Service last year, will allow 638 acres in the Sandwich Range to be logged by private companies, reconstruct about 16 miles of roads through the area and authorize prescribed burns on 306 acres. The Forest Service has said that the project will help manage vegetation to provide a sustainable supply of timber for local economies and the burns will help diversify vegetation and wildlife. Its one of several logging projects in the White Mountain National Forest, several of which are being challenged in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Forest Service in this project, like in recent projects, is flouting the requirements of federal law as they approve these significant logging projects across the White Mountains, Christophe Courchesne, the attorney behind the lawsuit, said in an interview with the New Hampshire Bulletin. And theyre doing less than the bare minimum required reviews of these pretty significant efforts that will really change the face of these areas for decades to come. The Sandwich Range Wilderness spans about 35,300 acres within the southern portion of the national forest. It includes Mount Passaconaway, Mount Tripyramid, Sandwich Mountain, several rivers, and about 60 miles of hiking trails. A allegedly shoddy process In a lawsuit filed in late June, Standing Trees, Inc. a Vermont environmental group that seeks to protect forests across New England and attorneys with the Environmental Advocacy Clinic a project of the Vermont Law and Graduate School allege the Forest Service didnt sufficiently prove logging was necessary in the area or go through the proper steps for environmental review and public input. If you go down the list of various resources that they were supposed to analyze, and you really look carefully at what they put together, what you see is a pattern of the Forest Service just concluding, without evidence, that the project will have no impact on those resources, Courchesne, who serves as director of the Environmental Advocacy Clinic, said. And that doesnt meet the requirements of federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit argues the project runs counter to guidelines outlined in a plan for the forest established by the federal government in 2005 called the White Mountain National Forest Plan. It claims the project fails to comply with that plan because it doesnt include any measures to protect the officially designated wild and scenic Cold River and will affect parts of the forest visible to hikers and recreationists in violation of requirements to not impact scenery. The suit also says the Forest Service failed to demonstrate that logging will help manage vegetation and wont harm the habitats of animals in the forest, including the northern long-eared bat, a federally listed endangered species that lives in the range. They certainly went through a process, but the process wasn't adequate. Christophe Courchesne It also alleges the Forest Service plans to build four times as much mileage of roads than authorized in the 2005 plan by classifying the proposed road construction as reconstruction of existing roads. The lawsuit argues those roads have been decommissioned for so long that reforestation has occurred over them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public should have a right to weigh in on these uses of federal public lands, especially, these really beautiful, important areas that have major species and other important water quality benefits and all these sorts of things that that the Forest Service was supposed to take into account, Courchesne said. And they really did a very shoddy job in analyzing these impacts. The lawsuit also accuses the project of violating the National Environmental Policy Act in numerous ways including by failing the so-called hard look test and not properly examining the impacts on forest health, climate, and endangered species. They certainly went through a process, but the process wasnt adequate, especially given the types of information that they presented and the analysis that they did in that review, Courchesne said. So its not that they didnt do any review, but the review that they did really fell short of the federal requirements. The Forest Services stance The Forest Service has not filed a response to the lawsuit, according to online court records. Officials with the Forest Service and White Mountain National Forests Campton office did not respond to the Bulletins requests for an interview or comment. However, in a letter outlining approval for the project, Jim Innis, Saco District ranger at the national forest addressed public concern over the project, writing The National Forest System is managed under a multiple use mission, which not everyone agrees with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public opinion on forest management has and will continue to be controversial, he continued. Federal land management policy can be complex and difficult to understand. My staff and I did our best to explain the why of our management actions and will continue this approach for future projects. I have considered public comments received throughout the analysis and balanced them with the best available science in making this decision. The Forest Service had three 30-day comment periods and held five public meetings and five meetings with clubs and organizations on the project. After those meetings, the Forest Service excluded 50 acres of old-growth forests from the project, Innis wrote. He also said the agency consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which determined the proposed project may affect, but not is likely to adversely affect the northern long-eared bat. Several contested projects This isnt the first time Courchesne and the Environment Advocacy Clinic have sued the Forest Service. There are more than a dozen logging projects approved or proposed in the White Mountain National Forest, and the Environmental Advocacy Clinic, partnered with Standing Trees, Inc., have targeted several of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been very active in this space, Courchesne said, challenging the Forest Service and trying to hold them accountable for complying with federal law. That includes their lawsuit over the Tarleton Project near Gorham and Lake Tarleton in the western portion of the forest, and a lawsuit against the Peabody Project in the famous northern Presidential Range of the White Mountains. Those lawsuits are ongoing and revolve around similar disputes. Theyve also challenged logging projects on state land in Vermont and sued chemical manufacturing giant Monsanto over its alleged harmful impacts on water in New England. New dynamics under Trump The logging projects have been ongoing across multiple presidential administrations. However, when President Donald Trump retook office in January, Courchesne said he noticed two major conflicting changes happening simultaneously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearly, at the presidential level and at the top of the agency, theres a real imperative to get these logging projects going, he said. And theres a real set of commands, through executive orders and other directives, to put more of these national forest lands on the chopping block, so to speak, for reasons that dont hold up, such as the fact that we have a supposed emergency in the national forests in terms of wildfire risk, which is just not the case in the White Mountains. However, at the same time, he said that massive cuts in staffing and funding appear to have hamstrung the Forest Service employees ability to work on this quickly. Trump has taken several actions aimed at opening up more forests to logging across the U.S. Late last month, he announced plans to end the quarter-century-old roadless rule and lift restrictions on road construction in nearly a third of U.S. National forest land, a necessary step to build logging infrastructure. Trump also instructed his cabinet secretaries to bypass endangered species laws and other environmental restrictions to allow loggers to tap into more areas. These actions follow a series of executive orders in early March meant to streamline timber production and bypass environmental protection laws on claims of national security and natural disaster risk. This story was originally published by New Hampshire Bulletin. Like Maine Morning Star, New Hampshire Bulletin is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. New Hampshire Bulletin maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Dana Wormald for questions: info@newhampshirebulletin.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Lisandra Paraguassu and Manuela Andreoni RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -President Donald Trump said the U.S. will impose an additional 10% tariff on any countries aligning themselves with the "Anti-American policies" of the BRICS group of developing nations, whose leaders kicked off a summit in Brazil on Sunday. With forums such as the G7 and G20 groups of major economies hamstrung by divisions and the disruptive "America First" approach of the U.S. president, the BRICS is presenting itself as a haven for multilateral diplomacy amid violent conflicts and trade wars. In a joint statement from the opening of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro released on Sunday afternoon, the group warned the rise in tariffs threatened global trade, continuing its veiled criticism of Trump's tariff policies. Hours later, Trump warned he would punish countries seeking to join with the grouping. "Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Trump did not clarify or expand on the "Anti-American policies" reference in his post. Trump's administration is seeking to finalize dozens of trade deals with a wide range of countries before his July 9 deadline for the imposition of significant "retaliatory tariffs". The original BRICS group gathered leaders from Brazil, Russia, India and China at its first summit in 2009. The bloc later added South Africa and last year included Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates as members. Saudi Arabia has held off formally joining, according to sources, while another 30 nations have expressed interest in participating in the BRICS, either as full members or partners. Indonesia's senior economic minister, Airlangga Hartarto, is in Brazil for the BRICS summit and is scheduled to go to the U.S. on Monday to oversee tariff talks, an official told Reuters. Indias foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In opening remarks to the summit earlier, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva drew a parallel with the Cold War's Non-Aligned Movement, a group of developing nations that resisted joining either side of a polarized global order. "BRICS is the heir to the Non-Aligned Movement," Lula told leaders. "With multilateralism under attack, our autonomy is in check once again." BRICS nations now represent more than half the world's population and 40% of its economic output, Lula noted in remarks on Saturday to business leaders, warning of rising protectionism. NEED TO KNOW More than 40 people have died and search and rescue operations are still underway following the devastating flash flooding that struck central Texas Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said that as of 5:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 5, the death toll in Kerr County is 43, including 28 adults and 15 children CNN previously reported that the flooded region experienced "more than an entire summer's worth of rain" in a matter of hours More than 40 people have died and search and rescue operations are still underway following the devastating flash flooding that struck central Texas and caused the Guadalupe River to overflow, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a statement from Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, shared on Saturday, July 5, the bodies of 43 people have been recovered. "We continue to have hundreds of first responders on the ground, air and water in the process of search and rescue," the sheriff's office wrote in a statement. "As of 5:30 p.m. [local time], we have recovered 43 deceased in Kerr County, including 28 adults and 15 children. Twelve adults are pending identification, and 5 children are also pending identification." Other reports, including from CBS News and NBC News, state that the death toll had risen to 47 as of Saturday afternoon, and that the number is expected to increase as more people are found. According to the sheriff's office, Leitha met with several political figures earlier on Saturday, including Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas Rep. Chip Roy and Texas Sen. John Cornyn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We appreciate the assistance we are receiving from all levels of government, from local agencies to state and federal emergency responders," the office added in its statement. "The work continues, and will continue, until everyone is found." RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Police officers search for missing people near Camp Mystic, where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas Police officers search for missing people near Camp Mystic, where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas Flooding in the Guadalupe River caused it to reach its second-highest height ever, ABC affiliate Eyewitness News reported. The area received at least 10 inches of rain, per San Antonio outlet KSAT. Kerr County, which is approximately 50 miles northwest of San Antonio, has been hit especially hard by the floods. The city of Kerrville declared a state of emergency due to the floods, while Hunt (also in Kerr County) experienced more than 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This may be a once-in-a-lifetime flood," Clint Morris, a Kerr County Sheriffs Office spokesperson, told KSAT. He added that it was "an extremely active scene, countywide." Many people remain missing, including a group of college-aged friends who were staying in a cabin along the river Ella Cahill, Aidan Heartfield, Joyce Badon and Reese Manchaca, according to the Beaumont Enterprise. Speaking with CNN on Saturday, Joyce's father, Ty Badon, said that all four families are still holding out hope that their children will be found. "It's been four o'clock yesterday morning that we were told that they were on the phone with Aidan's dad, who they own the house where they were," he said, adding that the house "is no longer there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Aidan said, 'Hey I've got to go, I've got to help Ella and Reese ... they just got washed away,' and then a few seconds later the phone just went dead, and that's all we know," the 21-year-old's father said, recalling his last contact with the group. "We pray that all four of them are still alive," Ty said, holding back tears. "All four are missing. They're still missing." RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty A photo shows flooding caused by a flash flood at the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas. A photo shows flooding caused by a flash flood at the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas. Amid the flooding, there was an overnight evacuation of Camp Mystic an all-girls, Christian summer camp where multiple girls have gone missing, KSAT previously reported. Directors at the Kerr County camp reportedly asked for help, according to the San Antonio Express-News. The directors also said that the camp cabins were flooded and may have been washed away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said 23 of Camp Mystic's 750 campers are unaccounted for, according to ABC affiliate Eyewitness News. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. PEOPLE previously reached out to the Kerr County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) for an update on the missing girls. In a statement on July 4, Gov. Abbott said the state is providing all necessary resources to Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt and the entire Texas Hill Country dealing with these devastating floods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State of Texas today has mobilized additional resources in addition to the resources sent in preparation for the storms, he continued. I urge Texans to heed guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas. Read the original article on People Three days after flash floods first ravaged south-central Texas and claimed at least 82 lives, local officials are still searching for 10 missing campers as another wall of water heads to the area. Flash floods slammed Kerr County and its surrounding areas at the start of the holiday weekend, leaving locals, campers, and July 4th visitors swept up in the catastrophic floods. Rescue efforts were still in full force Sunday as emergency crews raced against the clock to find 11 girls from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp along the Guadalupe River that was devastated by the floods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We wont stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins, Governor Greg Abbott said in a Saturday evening statement. Trucks drive through a flooded and damaged road in Hunt, Texas, days after severe flash floods destroyed camps and homes along the Guadalupe River (AFP via Getty Images) The region is now bracing for more heavy rainfall, potentially complicating the search efforts and endangering even more people. There are reports of an additional wall of water heading toward Kerr County, Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said at a Sunday afternoon press conference. Kidd warned: Because the ground is already saturated, any rain that falls can be perceived as life-threatening rain. What happened? The National Weather Service had predicted between 1 and 3 inches of rain, with some areas possibly getting 5 to 7 inches. But the reality was a torrential downpour along the Guadalupe River late Thursday that led to unexpected flash floods, with parts of Kerr County getting pummeled with 10 to 15 inches in just a short span. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The river surged from 8 feet to 29 feet in a matter of hours early Friday morning. Camp Mystic, which sits along the river, was horrendously ravaged, Abbott said. At least 27 people at Camp Mystic have died as a result of the floods, the camp told NBC News in a statement. "This tragedy has devastated us and our entire community. Our hearts are broken alongside the families that are enduring this tragedy, and we share their hope and prayers," the statement read. The search for 10 missing girls and one counselor continues. In total, at least 40 people across Texas counties were missing as of Sunday afternoon, the governor said, while dozens of others have died due to the flash floods. Who are the victims? The death toll rose to 82 people on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dick Eastland, the director of Camp Mystic, and Chloe Childress, an 18-year-old counselor at the camp, both lost their lives in the floods, according to reports. Jonathan Eades, head of the Kinkaid School from where Childress recently graduated, told the New York Times that she lost her life upholding a selfless and fierce commitment to others. Several campers, not even 10 years old, also died in the floods, their families confirmed. Julian Ryan, a 27-year-old dishwasher in Ingram, Texas, lost his life after water poured into his trailer home. The rest of his family was spared. He was the best father, and was always such a happy person who was never above helping people, no matter what it cost, his fiancee Christinia Wilson told the Times. He died trying to save us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jane Ragsdale, camp director and co-owner of Heart O the Hills, a summer camp along the Guadalupe River, was killed in the floods, the camp said in a statement. She embodied the spirit of Heart O the Hills and was exactly the type of strong, joyful woman that the camp aimed to develop with the girls entrusted to us each summer, the statement read. More than two dozen other victims, including children, have yet to be identified, officials said Sunday. A person salvages a bell from the main building 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) (AP) Whats the scale of the search? Federal, state and local entities have been working on search and rescue efforts for a third day. On Saturday, officials said more than 850 people had been rescued or evacuated. The Texas Military Department has conducted 525 rescues and evacuations, both by air and by ground, an official said at a Sunday afternoon press conference. The Coast Guard has saved or assisted in saving 223 lives, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Sunday, there are 230 Texas Military Department personnel working on the response. They are operating eight helicopters as well as some high-profile military vehicles to help evacuate people from high-water areas, officials said. The personnel are still in Kerrville and have expanded their operations to include San Saba and Burnet. There are also some behavior health officers and chaplains working in those areas. In Kerr County alone, there were 400 first responders working on Sunday, with more than 100 air, water, and ground vehicles conducting search and rescue efforts, the sheriffs office said. A volunteer looks for missing people near the Guadalupe River after flash floods ravaged the region ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend (AFP via Getty Images) What has the political response been? President Donald Trump signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas on Sunday, providing federal resources to the ravaged area, he said in a statement Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State, the president wrote. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS! Former President George W. Bush, who served as the 46th governor of Texas, offered his condolences in a statement shared to social media on Sunday. "On this day of prayer, Laura and I are holding up our fellow Texans who are hurting. We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling. Those who have lost their precious children are facing a grief no parents should ever know, the former president said. We are grateful to the first responders and volunteers who are working to find the missing and comfort the grieving at Camp Mystic and along the Guadalupe. We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will, the statement continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Barack Obama also said he was praying for those affected by the floods, calling the disaster heartbreaking. The flash flooding in Central Texas is absolutely heartbreaking. Michelle and I are praying for everyone who has lost a loved one or is waiting for news especially the parents. And were grateful to the first responders and rescue teams working around the clock to help, he wrote. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri will be responsible for reaching an agreement with Hezbollah, given his strong ties with the organization. Lebanon is expected to deliver on Monday a response to a recent United States document of demands, including, among other things, the disarmament of the terrorist organization Hezbollah. Additionally, calls within Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah have been intensifying, along with growing concern that if the current efforts fail, Israeli strikes in the area may increase and potentially lead to another round of fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US envoy Thomas Barrack delivered his country's document of demands during his most recent visit to Lebanon last month. In addition to demands regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah, the US also called for the advancement of economic reforms in Lebanon, as well as the regulation of Lebanon-Syria relations, including the demarcation and supervision of the border between the two countries and the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. In recent days, discussions among Lebanon's leadership have accelerated to formulate a unified response to the Americans. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri will be responsible for reaching an agreement with Hezbollah, given his strong ties with the organization. HEZBOLLAH OPERATIVES salute during the funeral of comrades killed in an Israeli strike, in Shehabiya, south Lebanon, April 17. (credit: AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES) According to Saudi channelAl-Sharq, part of the clause concerning Hezbollahs disarmament includes Israels withdrawal from one of the five points it controls in southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah handing over its weapons located in the area between the Litani River and the city of Sidon in southern Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that, Israel will withdraw from another point, while in parallel, Hezbollah would surrender its weapons arsenal in Beirut, including the Dahiya district. Another report by the Saudi Al-Hadath channel claimed that Hezbollah never explicitly stated it would give up its weapons, as it views the US document as a surrender agreement. However, sources noted that Lebanese officials agree that organizations should no longer hold weapons outside the control of the state, and the country will not be dragged into further destruction by any party. The report also said that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun asked Hezbollah about a month ago to hand over its missiles to the Lebanese army, but Hezbollah has not yet responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Lebanon's Al-Jadeed channel, Hezbollah has submitted its response to the demands and maintains its commitment to the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, emphasizing that Israel must implement that agreement. The report also stated that Hezbollah is only willing to discuss disarmament within the framework of a national defense strategy or as part of an internal Lebanese dialogue. The hope of Lebanon is awakening! US envoy Barak wrote on X/Twitter. The opportunity is now. This is a historic moment to supersede the strained confessionalism of the past and finally fulfill Lebanons true promise of the hope of One country, one people, one army. As President Donald Trump has consistently shared with the world, "Lebanon is a great place, with great people. Let's make Lebanon Great again. The Muslim world celebrated Ashura on Saturday The Muslim world marked Ashura on Saturday, a day of special importance for Shiites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the beginning of the month, religious ceremonies have been held in Beiruts Dahiya district in preparation for the day, and on some days, speeches by Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem were broadcast on large screens at the main event in Dahiya. In his speeches, Qassem addressed the pressures on his organization to disarm, claiming the weapons are for the defense of Lebanon. Therefore, he said, only if Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and halts its attacks there should an internal Lebanese discussion on Hezbollah disarmament even be considered. He also repeatedly urged Lebanese leaders to pressure the international community to force Israel to uphold the ceasefire. Demand an end to aggression, not the surrender of the Lebanese, he declared in his speech. To the editor: Let us now praise Michael Govan, the director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Since arriving in 2006, Govan has overseen the transformation of the 20-acre campus into an exciting and ever-evolving oasis of art and culture in the middle of a city with no real center until now. Recently, LACMA hosted a sneak peek of its eye-popping new addition, the David Geffen Galleries, over three glorious days. After a difficult year, it was great to see thousands of Southern California residents come together to celebrate this thrilling new landmark. But you would hardly be aware that such a special event took place or of LACMA's elevated profile over the years thanks to Govan's leadership and fundraising prowess by following art critic Christopher Knight's coverage ( The new LACMA is sleek, splotchy, powerful, jarring, monotonous, appealing and absurd, June 27). His articles are filled with more grievances than a Donald Trump stump speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knight states that the building's cost is pegged at $720 million but sources have told him "the entire project cost is closer to $835 million." This, I don't doubt. Ever attempt a kitchen remodel? Try building an elevated 347,500-square-foot structure in an earthquake zone, amid ancient tar pits filled with treasured fossils, during a pandemic. "The limitless concrete is monotonous," Knight complains of the new galleries. Aren't white walls also monotonous until you hang some art on them? He worries the museum has been undergoing a "lengthy transformation from a civic art institution into a tourist destination." Can't it be both? I understand that Knight doesn't like the non-hierarchical design of the single-story museum. We can all agree to disagree on such things. I just don't think it's necessary to vilify LACMA in every article he writes to make a point. Finally, Knight writes, "Will the Geffen Galleries be successful? My crystal ball is broken, but I see no reason why it won't be a popular attraction." I don't have a crystal ball either, but I can tell you LACMA has been a popular destination for years and no doubt will continue to be so. Carlos Valdez Lozano, Los Angeles This writer is a former Los Angeles Times Metro reporter and editor. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A Catholic priest has been arrested for allegedly forcibly touching a woman inside a church kitchen in a Long Island diocese already reeling from so many sex-abuse cases that its bankrupt. The Rev. John Adjei-Boamah, 43, was hit with the two sex-abuse misdemeanors for allegedly forcing himself on the unidentified woman in the St. Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic Church rectory in Franklin Square, Nassau County cops said. His arrest comes as the Diocese of Rockville Centre one of the largest in the country continues drowning in a wave of sex-abuse scandals that pushed it into bankruptcy in 2020 after being hit with hundreds of lawsuits. Rev. John Adjei-Boamah, 43, was hit with the two sex-abuse misdemeanors for allegedly forcing himself on the unidentified woman. Nassau County Police In December, church leaders agreed to pay out $323 million to settle the claims in one of the largest settlements ever of its kind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Diocese of Rockville Centre confirms that an accusation of sexual misconduct with an adult has been made against Father John Adjei Boamah, said the diocese, which oversees the parish, in its church bulletin. Father Adjei Boamah will be stepping away from all ministries during the review of this matter. We understand that this is very upsetting news. Thank you for your understanding and prayers. Adjei-Boamah, ordained in 2011, first joined the St. Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic Church rectory in June 2023. Google Maps On March 6, Adjei-Boamah allegedly walked up behind a woman he knew from his service at the church and forcibly touched her in the kitchen, according to police. Diocesan spokesman Rev. Eric Fasano issued a statement Friday that said the diocese immediately reported the priest upon learning of the incident May 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said it was first reported to them June 6. The priest has pleaded not guilty, according to court records, and was arraigned and released with an order of protection against him for the accuser, said police spokesman Detective Lt. Scott Skrynecki. Adjei-Boamah, ordained in 2011, first joined the small Long Island parish in June 2023 after immigrating from Ghana, where he was part of the Diocese of Konongo-Mampong, according to the Rockville Centre dioceses newsletter. On the 10th day of Muharram being observed as Ashura, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) emphasise his commitment to righteousness. He inspired people to uphold truth in the face of adversity, the PM added. "The sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) emphasise his commitment to righteousness. He inspires people to uphold truth in the face of adversity," PM Modi posted on X. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday, appealed to follow the path shown by Hazrat Imam Hussain, leading toward humanity, peace, and unity. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi shared, "On this day of Muharram, we should resolve to follow the path shown by Hazrat Imam Hussain, which, through struggle, sacrifice, and dedication, leads us toward humanity, peace, and unity." Muharram holds significant religious importance for Shia Muslims. In India, the 7-8 crore Shia Muslim community, along with people of different religions, participate in large processions and tazias. With Muharram processions and the ongoing Kanwar Yatra taking place across several districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Sambhal, Lucknow and Moradabad, the state administration has stepped up security measures to ensure peace and prevent any untoward incidents. A large number of people participated in the Muharram processions in various parts of the state. In view of the Kanwar Yatra happening at the same time, police forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, with drones and CCTV cameras monitoring the situation. Speaking to ANI, Sambhal District Magistrate Dr Rajender Pensiya said, "We have held various peace committee meetings at the village, neighbourhood, and district levels. In these discussions, people from all sides were invited. All communities were called, and their issues related to electricity, water, and other problems were addressed... Clear instructions have been given to inform us if any issues arise." He added, "We have appointed magistrates at every location, accompanied by police officers. Any procession, whether for Kanwar Yatra or Muharram, will be conducted in a box format, with our officers stationed on all four sides. Continuous monitoring is also being carried out through drones. Currently, we have over 13,000 CCTV cameras integrated. All necessary arrangements are in place, and action is underway to ban more than 900 persons. Section 163 is in effect. We are confident that everything will be conducted peacefully." In Lucknow, the police have taken extra precautions in the western zone, also known as Old Lucknow, which is considered highly sensitive during Muharram. DCP Lucknow West Vishwajeet Srivastava told ANI, "During Muharram, Lucknow's western zone, also called Old Lucknow, remains highly sensitive. There is always a zonal sector system 24/7 here. Separate arrangements are made for the processions held in this area." He explained that security during processions is arranged in three layers. "The first moves with the procession in a box formation, the second handles route arrangements, and the third is stationed at key locations of the procession. CCTV cameras have been installed at 82 locations. Volunteers from the Civil Defence Organisation are also present. Three types of drones have been deployed. Our social media team is fully active, and we are in constant communication with religious leaders," Srivastava added. (ANI) HINESVILLE, Ga. (WSAV) From the hallways of Bradwell Institute to the bright lights of New York City, Joshua Eugene Smith is preparing to make his off-Broadway debut in the classic musical Sunday in the park with George. A Tiger turned Polar Bear He graduated in 2023 from Bradwell Institute. Now, Smith is a junior at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music (MSM), majoring in musical theater. This July, he will take the stage at the Cullum Theater on West 54 street in NYC, performing two rolesthe soldier and Billy Websterin Stephen Sondheim and James Lapines beloved production. Joshua Eugene Smith The show is set to run from July 11-13 and will mark Smiths first appearance in a professional off-Broadway production, making this a significant milestone in the young actors blossoming career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smiths journey from small-town Georgia to one of the worlds most competitive performing arts scenes has been marked by his dedication, passion and the unwavering support of his parents Andrew and DeLandria Burrell Smith. Sunday in the park with George, inspired by the painting A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat, is a Tony-Award-winning musical celebrated for its passionate themes. Smiths dual roles in the production reflect his versality as a performer. Whether you are a fan of musical theater or simply a hometown success story, Joshua Eugene Smith is one name to remember. Tickets for the production are available online here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. AUSTIN (KXAN) Search and rescue efforts continue Sunday after destructive flash flooding in Central Texas. At least 82 people are confirmed dead in the state, and dozens others are still missing. Here are the top headlines: LATEST UPDATES 7:30 p.m.: A second death has been confirmed in Williamson County, and one person remains missing there. County officials identified one of the victims at Kaitlyn Swallow, 22, from the Liberty Hill area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6:27 p.m.: Another death has now been confirmed in Travis County, bringing the total to six. At least 81 deaths have now been reported statewide. 6:04 p.m.: Photos from KXANs Sam Stark show the extent of the damage on FM 1431 at Cow Creek, west of Lago Vista: Flood damage on FM 1431 at Cow Creek, west of Lago Vista, Texas, on July 6, 2025. (KXAN Photo/Sam Stark) Flood damage on FM 1431 at Cow Creek, west of Lago Vista, Texas, on July 6, 2025. (KXAN Photo/Sam Stark) Flood damage on FM 1431 at Cow Creek, west of Lago Vista, Texas, on July 6, 2025. (KXAN Photo/Sam Stark) 5:30 p.m.: The Flood Watch for most of the area has been extended until 10 p.m. Flood Watch extended until 10 p.m. 5:28 p.m.: Heres the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team: 5:25 p.m.: The Texas Military Department says more than 520 people have been successfully rescued from flooding across the state. UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters were used in 361 air evacuations, while 159 ground rescues were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5:20 p.m.: KXANs Brianna Hollis reports live from Kerr County: 4:39 p.m.: The Flash Flood Warning in northwestern Lampasas County has been canceled. 4:19 p.m.: Heres the full press conference with Kerr County leaders: 4:04 p.m.: Heres the full press conference with state leaders, including Gov. Abbott: 4:01 p.m.: A new Flash Flood Warning has been issued for central Kerr County until 7:30 p.m. The National Weather Service says the damage threat is considerable. 3:53 p.m.: Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said, There will be a full review of this so we can make sure we focus on future preparedness, when asked about sirens and alerts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3:52 p.m.: Kerr County Sheriff Leitha said all campers are out and safe. 3:49 p.m.: Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said H-E-B is setting up a mobile kitchen in Ingram. Kerrville has also set up a partnership with the local Salvation Army. 3:48 p.m.: Our entire focus is on the search and reunification efforts for those that remain unaccounted for, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said. Nothing is more important than bringing comfort and clarity to those that are grieving. 3:45 p.m.: The death toll in Kerr County has increased to 68, including 28 children, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha. Ten Camp Mystic campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for. Crews are still trying to identify some of the victims, including 18 adults and 10 children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3:43 p.m.: Heres a look at where Flash Flood Warnings are currently in effect: Flash Flood Warnings as of 3:40 p.m. on July 6, 2025. 3:30 p.m.: A fifth weather-related death has been confirmed in Travis County. Judge Andy Brown told KXANs Grace Reader the death was a car crash on Old San Antonio Road in southern Travis County that was weather-related. The four other previously-reported deaths were flood-related. 3:22 p.m.: We need to evaluate what [the camps] know, how they respond, what they need, Gov. Abbott said in response to a question from KXANs Kelly Wiley about the lack of sirens at camps along the Guadalupe River. Abbott also said disaster response will be something addressed in an upcoming special session of the Texas Legislature. 3:17 p.m.: A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for southwestern Gillespie and eastern Kerr counties until 6:30 p.m. The National Weather Service says the damage threat is considerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3:11 p.m.: Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd said crews are evacuating parts of the river in Kerr County because there are unconfirmed reports of a wall of water moving down the river after additional rainfall. DPS personnel are in aircraft trying to locate the wall of water. 3:09 p.m.: More than 350,000 acre feet of water have been added to the Highland Lakes, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority. 3:08 p.m.: The Flash Flood Warning in northwestern Lampasas County has been extended until 4:45 p.m. 3:05 p.m.: Federal agents from the DEA, FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are currently embedded with search crews in Kerr County, Martin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3:04 p.m.: Victim Services personnel are in Kerr County working with families, but also with search crews, Texas DPS Director Freeman Martin said. 3:03 p.m.: A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for eastern Burnet, northwestern Travis and western Williamson counties until 6 p.m. The National Weather Service says the damage threat is considerable. 3:03 p.m.: About 230 Texas Department of Public Safety personnel are currently assigned to Kerr County, according to Freeman Martin, director of Texas DPS. Among those are 18 tactical marine units with boats. 2:57 p.m.: Gov. Abbott said several governors have reached out to his office to offer support, including the governors of Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2:55 p.m.: Gov. Abbott said crews are starting to work on the debris removal process. 2:53 p.m.: Gov. Abbott said at least 41 people are currently missing across Texas. We will maintain our ongoing search throughout the entire river system to find anyone who may be missing, Abbott said. 2:38 p.m.: A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for northwestern San Saba County until 5:45 p.m. The National Weather Service says the damage threat is considerable. 2:30 p.m.: KXAN has created an interactive map showing where deaths have been confirmed across Texas. 2:06 p.m.: The Lower Colorado River Authority is reminding people to stay off the Highland Lakes over the next few days because of flood debris, fast-moving currents and potentially-high bacteria levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lake Buchanan has risen more than 7 and is expected to rise another 5-6. Lake Travis has risen more than 18 and is expected to rise another 2-3 No floodgate operations are underway at this time, but the LCRA said that could change later in the day. 1:55 p.m.: Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz also released statements: The Kerrville community has endured unimaginable devastation, and I thank President Trump for swiftly approving this disaster declaration to ensure every available resource is being utilized in rescue and recovery efforts. Being a Texan doesnt just describe where youre from, it describes who your family is, and even in the darkest times, Texans come together to serve one another in a powerful way. As a lifelong Texan and a father of two, my heart breaks for the families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy, and I encourage all Texans and Americans to pray for our state and for the safe return of those who are still missing, Cornyn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flooding we are seeing in Central Texas is absolutely devastating. Heidi and I send our heartfelt condolences to all those who have been directly impacted by this natural disaster. We thank President Trump for quickly approving Governor Abbotts disaster declaration, and Secretary Noem for being on the ground and sending additional personnel to support Texans. We urge everyone to heed the warnings from local officials and stay out of harms way. We are immensely grateful to the first respondersboth in Texas and from across the countrywho are risking their own safety to rescue those in need. As Texans, we must remain united in spirit and grit, and support our neighbors as we always do best, Cruz said. 1:36 p.m. Gov. Abbott released a statement after President Trump earlier approved a disaster declaration: President Trump stands strong with Texas in our time of need, and I thank him for swiftly approving Texas disaster declaration request. This federal support will ensure local officials, emergency management personnel and first responders have the critical resources they need to help Texans rebuild and recover from these devastating floods. Our hearts continue to grieve for our fellow Texans who have endured unspeakable loss. We continue to work around the clock with our federal and local partners to search for those still missing and to help impacted Texans move forward. 1:05 p.m.: Five people remain missing in Burnet County, Chief Deputy Alan Trevino with the Burnet County Sheriffs Office said. Four of those are in the Marble Falls area, while one is in the Hamilton Creek area in Burnet. Marble Falls Area VFD Chief Michael Phillips remains missing at this time. Three deaths have been confirmed in the county. Trevino identified one of them as Preston Prince, whose car washed off the road at SH 281 and Park Road 4. His vehicle was later recovered about 100 yards from the road. Officials have not released the identities of the other victims. A total of 63 people were rescued across the county, some from trees and rooftops. Crews used helicopters and boats in rescue operations. The county is now moving into a recovery phase. 12:59 p.m.: UFCU says all Greater Austin area branches will accept flood-related relief supplies Monday. The following items are most needed: Food and water: non-perishable food items, including canned goods, energy bars and dried fruit. First Aid & Hygiene: first-aid kits, medications, hand sanitizer, soap, toilet paper, and other personal hygiene items. Baby Supplies: baby food, formula, bottles, diapers and wipes. Pet Supplies: food water, bowls, leashes. Clothing & Bedding: clean socks, underwear and changes of clothes. Lighting & Communications: flashlights, extra batteries, battery-powered or hand-crank radios. Cleaning Supplies: mops, rags, buckets, cleaning solutions and garbage bags. Other: manual can openers, face masks and plastic tarps. 12:51 p.m.: Former President George W. Bush released a statement on the flooding: On this day of prayer, Laura and I are holding up our fellow Texans who are hurting. We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling. Those who have lost their precious children are facing a grief no parents should ever know. We are grateful to the first responders and volunteers who are working to find the missing and comfort the grieving at Camp Mystic and along the Guadalupe. We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will. 12:31 p.m.: Families have identified some of the victims of the flood at Camp Mystic in Kerr County. Austinite Michael McCown posted on Instagram that his daughter, Linnie, did not survive the flood at Mystic Camp. The family of camper Lila Bonner also confirmed to KXAN that she was among those killed in the flooding. 12:20 p.m.: This map shows where flood-related fatalities have been confirmed in Texas: 12:07 p.m.: A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for northwestern Lampasas County until 3:15 p.m. 12:05 p.m.: Gov. Greg Abbott will hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. to provide the latest information on the states response to the flooding. 11:57 a.m.: An additional death has been confirmed in Kendall County, bringing the statewide total to at least 71. 11:54 a.m.: President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration in Texas in response to the flooding. The action makes federal funding available to affected people in Kerr County. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, as well as low-cost loans to cover uninsured property loss. Claims can be filed by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA app. 11:39 a.m.: Heres the full press conference from Williamson County officials: 11:34 a.m.: KXANs Grace Reader spoke with a woman who was swept away in the floods in Leander with her daughter and dad. The three clung to a tree for about two hours before being rescued. Leander woman shows the tree she climbed to survive floods during the early morning hours of July 5, 2025 (KXAN photo/Grace Reader) 11:28 a.m.: Burnet County crews found the body of a missing person from the Park Road 4 and US 281 area. Three people have been killed in the county, with six others still missing. There are no more search operations in that area, the sheriffs office said. 11:27 a.m.: Heres the full press conference from Kerr County officials: 11:25 a.m.: Heres the full press conference from Travis County officials: 11:20 a.m.: Austin Wildlife Rescue told KXANs Kevin Baskar they received about 50 animals. While wildlife is adapted to handle life out in the wild, unprecedented or unusual weather impacts our native wildlife very much, Executive Director Jules Maron said. Right now is baby season for many of our wild neighbors. Wildlife that makes their nests on the ground or in dens is heavily impacted by storms. Maron said they have received baby skunks, rabbits, a killdeer and a blue jay, as well as a baby fox that was found washed out of a storm drain. X-rays confirmed the fox had a fractured femur, which will require orthopedic surgery last week. 11:15 a.m.: Here are the highest 72-hour rainfall totals in each county as of 9 a.m., from the National Weather Service: Bastrop County: 4.51 in Rocky Hill Blanco County: 6.85 about 4 miles south of Spicewood Burnet County: 20.92 about 8 miles south-southwest of Bertram Caldwell County: 4.77 about 4.3 miles east-northeast of Lockhart Fayette County: 3.97 about 5.6 miles south of Smithville Gillespie County: 7.28 about 8.6 miles southeast of Harper Hays County: 5.99 in Dripping Springs Lee County: 2.84 about 3 miles west-southwest of Giddings Llano County: 9.62 about 14 miles west-northwest of Llano Travis County: 18.5 about 14 miles east-southeast of Marble Falls Williamson County: 20.55 in Liberty Hill 11:09 a.m.: Judge Snell said 29 roads remain closed across Williamson County at this time. 11:06 a.m.: One death has been confirmed in Williamson County, Deputies found a body trapped under a partially-submerged vehicle near County Road 284, Sheriff Lindemann said. 11:04 a.m.: Williamson County Sheriff Matt Lindemann said the county had sent water rescue crews to Kerr County, but had to recall them due to flash flooding in Williamson County. 11:02 a.m.: Williamson County Judge Steven Snell said two people are still missing in their county. Ten rescues on Saturday helped save 27 people from rising floodwater. Officials brief the media during a July 6, 2025, press conference on efforts in Williamson County. (KXAN Photo/Christian Rodriguez-Panesso) 11:00 a.m.: The Texas Division of Emergency Management is asking anyone with damage to please report it on their website: damages.tdem.texas.gov 10:58 a.m.: Judge Andy Brown said about 50 people were rescued overall, including by boat. 10:53 a.m.: Travis County Judge Andy Brown said 11-13 people possibly remain missing in the county, but the number is unconfirmed. 10:51 a.m.: Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said 25 people were rescued during the flooding in Travis County, four of which were taken to hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. ATCEMS deployed two boat teams and others assets around the county, as well as sending some assets to Kerr County and Burnet County to help there. 10:47 a.m.: Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez said the countys 911 call center experienced a surge in calls early Saturday morning. By 1 a.m., TCSO had received 49 flood-related calls. That spiked to 112 by 3 a.m. 10:45 a.m.: Photos from KXANs Grace Reader show the extent of damage in Leander. Flood damage in Leander, Texas, on July 6, 2025. (KXAN Photo/Grace Reader) Flood damage in Leander, Texas, on July 6, 2025. (KXAN Photo/Grace Reader) Flood damage in Leander, Texas, on July 6, 2025. (KXAN Photo/Grace Reader) Flood damage in Leander, Texas, on July 6, 2025. (KXAN Photo/Grace Reader) Flood damage in Leander, Texas, on July 6, 2025. (KXAN Photo/Grace Reader) 10:36 a.m.: Travis County experienced an extremely deadly and destructive flood event over the past 48 hours, County Judge Andy Brown said. Travis County officials give an update on July 6, 2025, on deadly flash flooding. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey) 10:18 a.m.: Kerr County officials have set up a phone line for volunteers and those wanting to make donations: 830-465-4794. 10:12 a.m.: Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirms 59 people have been killed in the county, including 21 children. Eleven Camp Mystic campers and one camp counselor remain unaccounted for. 10:00 am.: As of now, there are still 128 low water crossings closed across Central Texas, according to ATXFloods.com. 9:30 a.m.: Burnet County Sheriffs Office says there are seven people still missing in the county, including Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Phillips. Three people are confirmed dead in Burnet County. 8:32 a.m.: KXANs Grace Reader said Travis County Fire Rescue would focus on the Sandy Creek area and would be primarily looking for human remains. As of the latest update, the death count in Travis County remains at four. Travis County Fire Rescue in Leander on July 6, 2025 (KXAN photo/Grace Reader) Travis County Fire Rescue in Leander on July 6, 2025 (KXAN photo/Grace Reader) 8:24 a.m.: ATXfloods: River Hills Road near Cuernavaca Drive in west Austin has been reopened. 8:00 a.m.: KXANs Dylan McKim and Barrett Tryon reported live from scenes in Central Texas to provide details about flood impacts and responses. Use the video player below to listen. 7:41 a.m.: Williamson County Office of Emergency Management: A Flash Flood Watch is in effect until 7 p.m. Sunday night for Williamson County. 6:25 a.m.: The contrast is stark. Im standing in the same spot in Georgetown here on Sunday from when this video was taken on Saturday. #atxwx #txwx @KXAN_News pic.twitter.com/J7orrTuQKG Barrett Tryon (@BarrettKXAN) July 6, 2025 5:47 a.m.: Burnet County Captain Mike Sorenson: We now have three confirmed dead and no word on the fire chief yet. We are resuming the search today for the chief. The army will assist in search and recovery today. San Gabriel River on July 6, 2025 (KXAN photo/Christian Rodriguez-Panesso) San Gabriel River on July 6, 2025 (KXAN photo/Christian Rodriguez-Panesso) San Gabriel River on July 6, 2025 (KXAN photo/Christian Rodriguez-Panesso) San Gabriel River on July 6, 2025 (KXAN photo/Christian Rodriguez-Panesso) 5:07 a.m.: NWS: Isolated showers continue across portions of the Hill Country & U.S. 90 corridor west of San Antonio. Moderate to brief heavy rainfall is occurring with some of these showers. Isolated showers will continue through the morning hours across this region. A Flood Watch is in effect. 2:40 a.m.: NWS: Isolated showers are developing across portions of the Hill Country. Moderate to brief heavy rainfall is occurring with some of these showers. Shower activity may increase through the remainder of the overnight hours across this region. A Flood Watch is in effect. 1:36 a.m.: NWS: Showers are re-developing southeast of Fredericksburg and are producing moderate rainfall of 1/2 to 1 inch. This activity is drifting slowly southwest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The Brief Flash flood watches are active for most of the Austin area today (Sunday) as searches continue for those missing from this weekend's devastating Central Texas floods. As of Sunday, 10 deaths were confirmed across Central Texas counties, with others, including a teen and fire official, still missing. Off-and-on rain today could complicate search efforts Flash flood watches are in effect for most of the Austin-area on Sunday, while crews work to try to find those who went missing in this weekend's flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Sunday evening, five people were reported dead in Travis County, three deaths were reported in Burnet County, and two deaths were confirmed in Williamson County. Others are still missing. That includes a teenager and a fire official who were swept away. In the last 48 hours, some parts of Central Texas have seen 15 inches of rain. Off and on rain in the area on Sunday will make things difficult as crews attempt to work. Live Updates 9:35 p.m. Kendra Jones, a Leander resident, says she has lived here for about six years. She says a neighbor called her just before 3 a.m. to tell her about the flooding. "I opened our back door to look. I could see pretty much a raging river running through my backyard where there should not have been any water and it was a very sobering experience. We came to the bridge to see if we could even get out and when we got to the bridge over here there were cars floating across the road," Jones said. 7:24 p.m. Williamson County says it has confirmed two deaths in connection to Saturday's flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first victim was recovered late Saturday night, 22-year-old Kaitlyn Swallow of Libert Hill. The remains of another person were recovered after a full day of searching. One more person remains missing, according to Williamson County officials. "My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones in the devastating floods over the holiday weekend," said County Judge Steven Snell. "I am very grateful for the tireless work of first responders, Road and Bridge crews and other county personnel over the past two days. I also am grateful for the assistance from neighboring agencies and the State of Texas. We have a long way to go in this recovery phase, but I know Williamson County is a caring and resilient community. The outpouring of support from the public to those impacted is humbling." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Williamson County crews will evaluate roads that were damaged by the floodwaters. 7:16 p.m. Actor Matthew McConaughey asks for people to lend a helping hand to Texans dealing with the flooding in the state. 6:34 p.m. Williamson and Travis Counties are among the areas dealing with floods. 5:13 p.m. A look at some of the damage left behind in Georgetown, where flooding badly damaged an RV park in the area. 4:31 p.m. The Burnet County Sheriff's Office says they have recovered the remains of 3 people and that there are 5 others who are missing, including the Marble Falls Area VFD fire chief. Burnet County identified one of the victims as Preston Prince. They say they are not in a position to give any more details about the others that are missing or that have been recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews are searching in three areas off FM 1431 between Faith Academy and the Cow Creek area , with a fourth search at north US Hwy 281 near Hamilton creek in Burnet. 3:15 p.m. The Texas Division of Emergency Management released numbers of those dead in Central Texas. Burnet County: 3 Travis County: 5 Williamson County: 1 3:01 p.m. At a news conference in Austin, the Texas Department of Public Safety says that two people are missing in Williamson County and two others are missing in Burnet County. Those missing in Burnet County are a 17-year-old female and the fire chief. 2:08 p.m. The Lower Colorado River Authority is asking people in Central Texas to stay off the lakes for the next few days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the debris brought by flooding, The LCRA is advising people to stay off lakes Buchanan, Inks, LBJ, Marble Falls and Travis. "Safety is our top priority, and its not safe to be on the lakes now under the conditions were seeing," said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water. "Well continue to evaluate the lakes daily and will let you know when conditions improve enough for us to remove the advisory." 1:55 p.m. The pain weve seen across our region this weekend is heartbreaking and there are no good words to describe our grief and sadness for the loss of life, including the loss of children. We share a deep fear of more loss, but we hold on to hope. We must. Hope matters. I am Mayor Kirk Watson (@KirkPWatson) July 6, 2025 Austin Mayor Kirk Watson released a statement on Sunday. "The pain weve seen across our region this weekend is heartbreaking and there are no good words to describe our grief and sadness for the loss of life, including the loss of children. We share a deep fear of more loss, but we hold on to hope. We must. Hope matters. I am grateful for the professional staff across our region, county, and city who have been on the frontlines of the rescue and recovery efforts. They have our deepest thanks," Watson said. 12:57 p.m. Barton Springs pool has been closed on Sunday. Officials say the pool is filled with debris and murky water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All other Austin Parks and Recreation pools are open. 11:10 a.m. Williamson County officials said 29 roads remain closed in the county, six of which were damaged. Go to atxfloods.com for a full list. Several pets were rescued from Shady River RV Park near Georgetown. 11:05 a.m. Williamson County officials say one person has died and two people remain missing. One of the missing people was swept away when they got out of their vehicle, which stalled after they drove through floodwaters. The person who died was found under a submerged vehicle that had also been swept away by floodwaters. 11:02 a.m. No boating, swimming or recreation is allowed on Lake Travis until further notice, officials said. There is a lot of debris in the lake and authorities say it's not safe. 11 a.m. The Red Cross has established a hotline for people to report missing loved ones. The number is 1-800-733-2767. 10:55 a.m. Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez said 911 calls from the early morning hours of July 5 give a timeline of when floodwaters started to surge. At 1 a.m., there were 49 flood-related calls. By 3 a.m., that number had risen to 112. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Floodwaters rose so quickly, that access to many of those callers was cut off," she said. 10:45 a.m. At a news conference Sunday morning, Travis County Judge Andy Brown cautioned that "this disaster is not over." "Rain seems to be slowing down, but damage assessment and debris removal will still take weeks. We're still under a flash flood watch," he said. 8:52 a.m. Four people are now confirmed dead in Travis County, according to Travis County Emergency Services District 1 Chief Donnie Norman. Norman said 13 people are still missing as crews are actively searching Sandy Creek and Cow Creek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ten additional engines from the county and state have been brought in to aid with the search. 8:27 a.m. Travis County officials will hold a news conference on the flooding and their search efforts on Sunday morning. The news conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. You will be able to watch it on this page. Leander Travis County Emergency Services District 1 tells FOX 7 they are ramping up search efforts for missing people in Leander. Crews are searching an area near Nameless Road and Sandy Creek Road where several homes were affected. More flooding possible Sunday The flood threat continues on Sunday with more rain expected for the area. The flash flood risk is a bit higher for portions of the Hill Country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A flash flood watch was extended from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday morning. Williamson and Travis County are under a level one risk, according to the Storm Prediction Center's 1 to 5 scale. We do not expect to see as much rain as we saw on Friday or Saturday. Most areas will see about an inch or two of rain, but some pockets could see heavier totals. Some isolated areas could see 2 to 4 inches of rain, with a slight possibility of up to 10 inches. At this point, it is hard to decipher where those heavier pockets may be. Stay weather aware with the FOX 7 Weather app. The Source Information in this article comes from Travis County ESD-1, FOX 7 crews on the ground and the FOX 7 Weather team. The Brief At least 68 people are dead in Kerr County after devastating flash floods swept through the area Friday. Rescue operations continued on Sunday. 11 people were killed in flooding in other parts of the state. KERR COUNTY, Texas - At least 68 people are dead in Kerr County after catastrophic flash floods swept away cars and homes. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said Sunday that 40 adults and 28 children have been recovered. 28 people remain unidentified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those still missing were 10 girls and 1 counselor from a Christian summer camp located along the Guadalupe River. 11 people were killed in other parts of the state. Updates Flooding updates for Monday, July 7 can be found here. 9:28 p.m. Provided an update today on Texas ongoing response to severe flooding. The next 2 days could pose public safety threats due to heavy rain. Its crucial that Texans remain vigilant. We continue our 24/7 search & rescue operation until every missing person is found. pic.twitter.com/yPdv5Izh9s Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 6, 2025 Governor Abbott says the next two days could pose public safety risks due to the heavy rain. 7:13 p.m. Actor Matthew McConaughey asked for people to lend a helping hand to Texans on Sunday amid the deadly flooding across the state. 6:55 p.m. Heart O' the Hills camp owner Jane Ragsdale is one of the victims in this weekend's flooding. The camp's website describes Ragsdale as "the heart and soul of Heart O the Hills." The camp was between sessions at the time of the flooding, so there were no campers in the camp at the time. 6:35 p.m. The White House Faith Office released a statement on Sunday night asking for people to join them in prayer for the lives losts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Amidst this tragedy, our nation must come together to pray for the victims, their families, and the first responders conducting rescue missions to find those still missing. May God wrap his loving arms around all those in Texas," reads the statement. 5:33 p.m. President Donald Trump says he plans to visit Texas later this week. "Probably Friday," he told reporters. 5:31 p.m. The Texas Miliary Department says it has taken part in the rescue of 520 individuals. 3:46 p.m. Officials now say that 68 people are dead in Kerr County. 40 of the deceased are adults and 28 are children. The search for the missing continues. 10 campers and 1 counselor from Camp Mystic among the missing. 3:24 p.m. There are flash flood warnings in Gillespire and Kerr Counties. First responders have been removed from the area, slowing search efforts. 3:21 p.m. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says emergency response will be an issue that is brought up during the upcoming special session. 3:15 p.m. Having trouble reading this map? Click here Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Division of Emergency Management gave a breakdown of the deaths across the state. Kerr County: 59 Burnet County: 3 Tom Green County: 1 Travis County: 5 Williamson County: 1 3:10 p.m. Areas along the Guadalupe River are evacuated as another wall of water is moving through the area. FOX 4's Peyton Yager, who was reporting at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas says she was told to evacuate the area. 3:03 p.m. Some of the bodies that were found that remain unidentified are being flown to the University of North Texas for genetic analysis. 2:51 p.m. Gov. Abbott says he visited Camp Mystic and called the situation "horrific." At his 3 p.m. update the governor said there are 59 deceased in Kerr County, with 11 missing from Camp Mystic. He says there are also 10 deceased in other parts of Texas. 1:52 p.m. KENNEBUNKPORT, MAINE "On this day of prayer, Laura and I are holding up our fellow Texans who are hurting. We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling. Those who have lost their precious children are facing a grief no parents should ever know. We George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) July 6, 2025 Former President George W. Bush released a statement on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "On this day of prayer, Laura and I are holding up our fellow Texans who are hurting. We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling. Those who have lost their precious children are facing a grief no parents should ever know. We are grateful to the first responders and volunteers who are working to find the missing and comfort the grieving at Camp Mystic and along the Guadalupe. We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will," he said. 1:47 p.m. Cowboys, Texans and NFL Foundation combine to contribute $1.5 million to communities impacted by flooding in Central Texas. pic.twitter.com/8JXnbiUoaL NFL (@NFL) July 6, 2025 The Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Texans and the NFL Foundation have combined to donate $1.5 million to help those impacted by the flooding in Central Texas. 12:14 p.m. Gov. Greg Abbott is planning to hold a news conference to discuss the flooding situation at 2:30 p.m. 12:09 p.m. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, for your dedication to Texas. Collaboration between our state, local, and federal partners is critical to our states recovery. Thank you to our brave first responders working around the clock to find missing Texans. https://t.co/Ogej4RnHmK Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 6, 2025 President Trump has signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The declaration allows for the activation of FEMA. 10:38 a.m. Full news conference: 10:24 a.m. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring: "Our goal is to rescue those in peril and find those who are lost." 10:22 a.m. City Manager Dalton Rice is asking the public to stop flying drones in the area. "What we're starting to see is we're starting to see personal drones that are flying. With these personal drones that are flying, that is a danger to aircraft, which then risks further operations." 10:11 a.m. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said Sunday that 38 adults and 21 children have been recovered. 9:53 a.m. The Kerrville Police Department on Sunday morning said rescue teams worked overnight and teams were in western Kerr County Sunday morning continuing a ground search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said police were continuing to search inside Kerrville city limits as well. Police said they received many offers for volunteers, but they were not need at this time and encouraged anyone wanting to volunteer to contact the Salvation Army Kerrville at 830-465-4797 or tcr.communityos.org "if and when" they need volunteers. A missing persons email has been set up at kerrvillemissing@dps.texas.gov. Those with missing family members should give a name, description and photos is possible to aid in identification. Search efforts continue Sunday Authorities have not said how many others are thought to be missing as search efforts continued into Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county offered two ways to report a missing person on Saturday. One is by calling 830-258-1111. The other is via email at floodrecovery@co.kerr.tx.us. Information given by both methods will be forwarded to relief and incident managers. 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. Rescuers were on Saturday searching for more than 20 girls missing from a riverside summer camp in the US state of Texas, after torrential rains caused devastating flooding that killed at least 27 people -- with more rain on the way. "So far, we've evacuated over 850 uninjured people, eight injured people and have recovered 27 deceased fatalities at this time. Of these 27, 18 are adults, nine are children," said Kerr Country Sheriff Larry Leitha on July 5. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP) (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) Gov. Greg Abbott on Saturday said rescuers would work around the clock in the area. What they're saying "My instruction to every state agency involved in this is to assume everybody who is missing is alive, and there's a need for speed," Gov. Greg Abbott said. "Not just every hour. Every minute counts. Which is why those people in the air, people in the water, people on the ground right now, because they're looking to save every last life. And we will not give up that effort to what was the other side as well." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to officials, more than 850 people have been rescued with crews from around the state and the Coast Guard aiding the rescue efforts. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Saturday said Coast Guard helicopters and planes with thermal imaging were assisting to continue search efforts even in darkness. "Some of the assets that other agencies may offer don't have that kind of equipment," Noem said. "But the Coast Guard does have it. And so that will be deployed so that the search and rescue efforts don't stop, even when it does get dark at night." Sunday is a day of prayer Abbott called for a "Day of Prayer" Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Texans are known for their faith, strength, and resilience," said Governor Abbott. "Even as floodwaters raged, neighbors rushed in to rescue, comfort, and bring hope. In times of loss, we turn to God for comfort, healing, and strength. I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sundayfor the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines." During his Angelus on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV spoke in English to express condolences to the families impacted in Texas. "I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp, in the disaster caused by flooding of the Guadalupe river in Texas in the United States," he said. "We pray for them." What's next Officials are expected to provide updates on rescue efforts throughout the day Sunday. Kerr County flooding The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes in the early morning hours on Friday. The swift rise washed away homes and vehicles. More than 800 people have been rescued from the floodwaters. Kerrville was under a flood watch Sunday until 7 p.m. Austin area flooding At least four people were killed in flooding in the Austin area Saturday. As of Sunday morning, four people were reported dead in Travis County, and two deaths were reported in Burnet County. Others are still missing. That includes a teenager and a fire official who were swept away. Flash flood watches are in effect for most of the Austin-area on Sunday, while crews work to try to find those who went missing in this weekend's flooding. In the last 48 hours, some parts of Central Texas have seen 15 inches of rain. Off and on rain in the area on Sunday will make things difficult as crews attempt to work. Williamson and Travis County are under a level one risk, according to the Storm Prediction Center's 1 to 5 scale. We do not expect to see as much rain as we saw on Friday or Saturday. Most areas will see about an inch or two of rain, but some pockets could see heavier totals. Some isolated areas could see 2 to 4 inches of rain, with a slight possibility of up to 10 inches. The Source Information on the flooding in Kerr County comes from Kerr County officials. Information on Sunday's Day of Prayer comes from Gov. Greg Abbott. LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan said they wouldnt perform at a Fourth of July festival in Philadelphia in support of a strike by nearly 10,000 city workers. LL Cool J had been scheduled to appear at the Wawa Welcome America Festival on Friday, along with Sullivan and other performers. More from Billboard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video posted on social media, he said that theres absolutely no way that I can perform, cross a picket line and pick up money when I know that people are out there fighting for a living wage. I hope, I hope, I hope that, you know, the mayor and the city can make a deal. I hope it works out, the rapper said. LL Cool J also said that he never wants to disappoint his fans and that he planned to be in Philadelphia in case an agreement is reached. The festival came as the strike moved into a fourth day Friday. Trash has been piling up in some areas, and more than 30 Medical Examiners Office staffers have been ordered back to work because of a growing backlog of bodies in storage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan, a Philadelphia native and Grammy award-winning artist, said in a post on Instagram on Friday that she would stand with the striking workers until the city and the union find a way to bring fair living wages to our working class. I love my city and I believe in you, she wrote. Hopefully we will get to celebrate when things are better. The latest talks between the city and leaders of District Council 33 the largest of four major unions representing city workers ended late Wednesday. Both sides have said they were willing to continue negotiations. The union represents many of the citys blue-collar workers, from trash collectors to clerks to security guards. Police and firefighters are not on strike. 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. Mayor Cherelle Parker has said the city has put its best offer on the table. She stressed that the effective 13% pay hike over her four-year term including last years 5% bump along with a fifth step on the pay scale would be the best contract the union has seen in decades. Parker responded to LL Cool Js statement, saying that she spoke with him on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I respect his decision, and understand his desire to see the city unified, the mayor said. He is always welcome in Philadelphia. The union also responded, saying LL Cool Js support for municipal workers highlights his commitment to social justice and community well-being. His support not only brings attention to our efforts but also inspires others to recognize and advocate for the rights and respect of all workers, the union said. Its heartening to see public figures using their influence to champion causes that matter to everyday people. On Thursday, Common Pleas Court Judge Sierra Thomas-Street approved the citys request to have the medical examiners office staffers return to work because bodies have been piling up there in storage, posing a health and safety risk. Those workers include death and forensic investigators, forensic technicians and clerks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order came a day after the judge ordered some emergency service dispatchers and essential water department employees back to work. Mounting trash piles in some parts of the city were also still causing grief for residents and officials, who have strongly urged residents to follow the collection guidelines imposed when the strike began Tuesday. They also urged residents to report problems at the trash collection sites, and noted trash is being cleared as fast as possible and the city is working to open more sites. Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ELKHART When Priscilla Meadows-Servantes found out that her disabled mom, Diana, had been sexually assaulted by someone they viewed as family, the worst days of her life were just beginning. I refuse to let her story end in silence, Meadows-Servantes said. That assault took the last bit of peace she had left and she never got to see closure. Meadows-Servantes and her mom had no idea the hurdles theyd have to face to see justice. Honestly, Meadow-Servantes said her mom came clean with her about the attack, nearly a year later, because the man who would be charged later, was living with her daughter, husband and grandchildren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was my brother-in-law and he did this to my mother, Meadows-Servantes said. Meadows-Servantes said her mother would have rather pretend it never happened, but she told them because she knew Bobby Servantes was living with them at the time, and worried for her young grandchild. * Meadows-Servantes and her husband have been together since they were teenagers, now 23 and 24. They met through her twin brother, along with s brother Bobby. Meadows-Servantes said due to their hard homelife, the brothers came to live with her family when they were 14 and 16. We were family before even making it official with marriage, Meadows-Servantes said. We were all super close until we all moved out into our different places. My husbands little brother Bobby, he was homeless into adulthood, couch hopping He just went down a bad path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident occurred on July 4, 2023Priscilla and her brothers birthday. It took until April 2024 for the family to convince Diana to press charges, but Diana would not live to see the sentencing. She passed away due to unrelated medical conditions in July 2024. The anger I have been carrying has been crippling, she said. Not only had she been struggling with this, but she also grieved his loss, because she viewed him as a child He might as well have killed her himself. Priscilla said one of the first calls she made when her mother passed was to ensure that her moms case would still be heard. Her rape and death shattered me, Priscilla said. Her suffering became my suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meadow-Servantes and her husband took on the mantle of victim, doing all the things that her mother would have done. It was a real struggle, because, not unlike other assault victims, Meadow-Servantes didnt know how to manage the system. It was difficult to do by myself, she said. I didnt know what I was doing. I was trying to find resources for victims or their families and I couldnt find anything online and Victims Assistance didnt have any additional resources. I kind of just let it go. I ended up going to a suicide awareness walk in South Bend and one of the vendors was this nonprofit. Raindrops Rising is survivor run nonprofit focusing on offering support for those who have endured sexual violence or experienced human sex trafficking at any level. The organization is based out of Valparaiso but Meadows-Servantes said when she called them, the following week they were sitting down with her at her home talking her through her predicament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were such a relief off my shoulders, she said. Raindrops Rising helps find resources, provide education, offer referrals and direct in-court and in-hospital advocacy. Theyll sit with you in court, they can testify on your behalf, they have a bunch of different forensic experts and specialists that can come and testify for you, Meadows-Servantes said. Here in Elkhart County, the prosecutors (office) said they have a hard time finding those kinds of people. The nonprofit can also help provide transportation, clothing, gas, and other things to help victims get to court hearings. They would be really vital to our community if more people just knew about them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meadows-Servantes said. They have so many resources that can help struggling people and I think its just so important to get them out there and known. Meadows-Servantes said her mom was funny and resilient, despite her own personal struggles with serious debilitating conditions. The Servantes brothers werent the only ones she took in; shed take in any kid that needed it. Meadow-Servantes hoped that her brother-in-law would plead guilty, but the trial ended up taking place in June. I love my husband. It isnt fair to him, but his brother broke something sacred inside us all, Priscilla said. The case also resulted in the loss of many members of her husbands family due to their decision, Priscilla said, to support and defend Bobby. Servantes, throughout court proceedings and his trial, maintained his innocence. Elkhart County Superior Court 1 Kristine Osterday told Servantes, 23 of Elkhart, during his sentencing on Tuesday that while she acknowledges he pleaded innocent and maintained his innocence, DNA evidence does not lie. Due to aggravating factors, Servantes was sentenced on Tuesday to 16 years at the Indiana Department of Corrections, with three years suspended on probation. A car show was held in Plum to help raise money for veterans. Head Turners Pittsburgh hosted the car show at Plum High School on Saturday. The organization works to raise funds for groups in need. Head Turners Treasurer Jennifer Thompson said they try to support anyone who contacts them. Proceeds from this show went toward Anything With Wheels, an organization that helps veterans. Around 200 cars were featured in the show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers said it is a good way to help the local community. We try to keep it within the community. We bring local food trucks in and vendors. It means a lot to us because these people may have never gotten that amount of money that we raise in one day with a car show. It means the world to them, said Thompson. Head Turners started hosting events like this after a deadly house explosion rocked the Plum community in 2023. We started with Rustic Ridge when the house explosion happened, said Thompson. Weve always done a show here at Plum going forward since then." Thompson said the Pittsburgh car community is strong and will always turn out to help others. Well do it every year as long as people keep coming, said Thompson. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW The Brief Father Curtis Lambert has been accused of sexual abuse of a minor at Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park. The alleged abuse occurred approximately 40 years ago. Lambert has served as an associate pastor, pastor and administrator at parishes throughout the Chicago area since 1974. Lambert denies the allegation. CHICAGO - A local priest has been accused of sexual abuse of a minor, according to the Archdiocese of Chicago. What we know Father Curtis Lambert has been accused of sexual abuse of a minor at Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park. The alleged abuse occurred approximately 40 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Father Curtis Lambert has served as an associate pastor, pastor and administrator at parishes throughout the Chicago area since 1974. The Archdiocese of Chicago notified the local parishes of the allegations. Lambert denies the allegation. Lambert currently resides at St. Peter Damian Catholic Church in Bartlett, Ill. where he has been the administrator since 2021. Parishes where Lamber served Pastor from July 2007-June 2018 at St. Alphonsus Liguori Parish in Prospect Heights Associate pastor from May 1974-November 1976 at St. Basil Visitation Parish in Chicago Associate pastor from April 1991-Sept. 1999 at St. Michael Parish in Chicago Pastor from Sept. 1995-July 2007 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Chicago Associate pastor from Nov. 1976-June 1983 at St. Bartholomew Parish in Chicago Associate pastor from June 1983-Jan. 1991 at Sacred Heart and St. Eulalia Parish in Melrose Park Administrator from Dec. 2017- June 128 at St. Thomas Becket Parish in Mt. Prospect What's next The Archdiocese has instructed Lambert to remain out of ministry and refrain from attending school and parish activities. The case is under investigation. The Source Details for this story were provided by the Archdiocese of Chicago. Deanna Salentino and her family were very excited to upgrade their home on Winston Court in Shoreham, New York. Instead, Salentino, her husband and their three children are now living in a camper parked in their backyard. Its misery, she told News 12. And I thought I was supposed to be moving into my house today. Its awful. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family had big plans to create their dream home and hired Robert Cortese of Tool Time Construction to do the work. In May, they paid him $96,200 and he began tearing out walls. Since then, the family said, no work has been done. No materials or appliances have been ordered. Whats left behind are bare studs, loose wires and missing doors and railings. No comment from Cortese News 12 reporters tried to speak with Cortese, but he offered little explanation. They say you took $96,000 but didnt do the work. Can you explain that? asked reporters in a visit to Cortese's home. Thats a lie, Cortese replied. He then asked the news crew to leave and gave no further comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salentino later found out that Cortese is listed on Suffolk County Consumer Affairs' Wall of Shame for operating without a contractor's license. The public registry includes contractors' names, businesses, aliases, addresses and the reason theyre listed. Cortese's entry includes the Tool Time Construction Group, his addresses, and states he was first listed in June of 2023 nearly two years before the Salentinos hired him. [Consumer Affairs] Commissioner Wayne Rogers told Newsday that the agency does have a fund to reimburse homeowners up to $5,000 when licensed contractors do poor work. But theres a catch the contractor must be licensed. "If theyre not licensed, theres nothing we can do," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Cortese is unlicensed, the Salentino family is ineligible for that fund. In the meantime, they remain in their camper while a new contractor tries to complete the home. But the family is facing new delays and higher costs as that company undoes Corteses work. Suffolk County police are investigating. 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 avoid falling victim to scam contractors Stories like the Salentino family's are all too common and unfortunately, legal protections can be limited, especially when unlicensed contractors are involved. Without access to the Consumer Affairs fund, the familys only remaining option may be civil court, which is costly and time-consuming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre in a similar situation, here are some steps you can take: File a complaint with your local Consumer Affairs department or licensing agency. Document everything: Save contracts, receipts, photos and any communications with the contractor. Report suspected fraud to police, especially if you believe money was taken with no intent to complete the job. Consult with a lawyer if the financial loss is significant. Check for local recovery funds, which some counties or state agencies offer for licensed contractor failures. The best protection, though, starts before you make any payments. Heres how to safeguard yourself: Verify their license: In New York, contractors must be licensed through the county. Suffolk County has a searchable public registry. Check the Wall of Shame or similar databases that track unlicensed or fraudulent contractors. Read online reviews: Look at Google, company websites and forums. Search the business name for complaints. Avoid large upfront payments: Reputable contractors typically ask for a deposit, with additional payments tied to project milestones. Get everything in writing: A contract should include a timeline, materials list and payment schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With their savings drained and their home unfinished, the Salentino family is left trying to recover emotionally and financially. As the investigation continues, they hope their story prevents another family from seeing their dream fall apart. 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. MESOPOTAMIA, Ohio (WKBN) Mesopotamia kicked off its 51st annual Ox Roast this weekend. It is a large community event featuring food, performances and 160 vendors selling antiques, clothing and homemade treats all line up in the center of town. Tyler Miller has been in charge of cooking at the Ox Roast for over six years now. He also works for the Mesopotamia Volunteer Fire Department, which runs the events. He said this annual tradition is what keeps them running. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a good time for the community to come out and show support for our fire department. Our fire department lives off of this event once a year, and so thats how we survive as a fire department. It supplies all our equipment, our trucks, Miller said. Miller said he believes the uniqueness of the event is what keeps people in the community coming back. Ive been coming here since I was little. My dad was on the department. He helped out with this as well, and so I grew up doing this, and then the chef at the time, he offered me to shadow under him and take it over from him, he said. The event requires a lot of volunteers from the fire department and from the community to make happen, but as the Ox Roast approaches each year, there are plenty of people willing to lend a hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its our families, our friends who really show up, and people in the community who show up and just show support. Every person here has got ties to this fire department one way or another, Miller said. The event runs until 8 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. It is located at the intersection of state Routes 534 and 87. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued an interim order to the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) on a plea alleging unlawful encroachment on wetland land in Najafgarh. The bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Sudhir Agarwal (Judicial Member), and Dr A Senthil Vel (Expert Member), in an order passed on July 4, 2025, expressed concern over the absence of a response from the Delhi Transport Corporation, the primary respondent accused of encroachment. Despite being at the centre of the complaint, the DTC has not yet submitted its reply. The Tribunal has now granted all parties a final two-week window to file their responses and has directed the DTC to cease all ongoing construction at the disputed site until further notice. The next hearing is scheduled for August 20. The petition, filed by Kartar Singh and others, raises alarm over environmental violations by a government agency. The plea alleges that approximately 30 bighas and five biswas of land in Najafgarh village, officially recorded as a johad (a traditional water body), have been illegally occupied by the DTC, which has reportedly built a bus terminal and a multi-storey commercial building on the site. Supporting the petitioner's claims, the District Magistrate of South West Delhi affirmed that the land is indeed a johad and is part of the village's common land (Gram Sabha). No Change of Land Use (CLU) clearance or No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Forest Department was obtained, both of which are required for any development of wetland areas. The NGT also noted the submission from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which clarified that the water body had been handed over to the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (now under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi) on May 31, 2016. Maintenance responsibilities now lie with the civic body. (ANI) BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Louisiana has sent teams to support Texas after catastrophic flooding over the weekend in the Hill Country. The death toll has reached over 80 as of Monday morning. President Donald Trump approved federal disaster assistance Sunday and is expected to visit the state this week. Our hearts continue to grieve for our fellow Texans who have endured unspeakable loss. We continue to work around the clock with our federal and local partners to search for those still missing and to help impacted Texans move forward, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Girls camp grieves loss of 27 campers and counselors in Texas floods Personnel from Louisiana Task Force 2 (LATF-2) and Task Force 3 (LATF-3) deployed to Texas July 5. LATF-2 includes firefighters from the Baton Rouge, Zachary, West Feliciana, and East Side Fire Departments, while LATF-3 is made up of members of the Shreveport Fire Department. Our dedicated Louisiana firefighters are on their way to assist with the tragic flooding scene in Texas. I am incredibly proud of our teams and their unwavering willingness to stand alongside our sister states in times of need. We are truly One Team,' Principal Assistant with the Department of Public Safety Bryan J. Adams said Sunday. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landrys office said more support may be deployed to Texas if needed. The Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will be monitoring requests for assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana will always answer the call to help our neighbors in need. Our first responders are among the best in the nation, and these men and women will always step up when disaster strikes. Louisiana stands with Texas, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to assist in their recovery, Landry said. Louisiana student Emma Foltz rescues campers in Texas floods Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. The Lusk District, wedged between Boise State University and Ann Morrison Park, is almost unrecognizable compared with two decades ago, when it was filled with industrial buildings, dirt lots, auto-repair shops and semitrailer parking. Today, its the home to upscale student apartments and popular stops like Lost Grove Brewing and Dawson Taylor coffee, along with the Boise Bicycle Project. The area is tipping toward another wave of change as the city of Boise prepares to rehabilitate and redevelop an aging and battered apartment building. The city says the rehab is a cornerstone of its larger effort to recast the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city, Terry Reilly Health Services, the Boise City Housing Authority, the Treasure Valley YMCA and Northwest Real Estate Capital Corp. plan to repurpose the University Park Apartments at 860 W. Sherwood St. to provide low-income housing and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness in Boise. A view of 860 W. Sherwood St. looking south, with the Boise Depot in the background and Ann Morrison Park to the west. The city bought the property in 2023 for $8.1 million from the State Board of Education, but students at nearby Boise State University continued to live there through 2024. A Boise nonprofit, the Northwest Real Estate Capital Corp., would develop, manage and own the renovated property, which would be named The Sherwood. The nonprofit, which has built affordable housing across the Rocky Mountain region, submitted an early concept application to the city of Boise in mid-June, teeing up the approval process and eventual construction. The 48-apartment project complex would include a YMCA day care center and a community lounge that would include support space for Terry Reilly Health Services, according to an application for federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sherwood is the culmination of several organizations working to provide desperately needed affordable housing options in a thoughtful designed building that will become a community gathering space for families looking for a new start, according to the application. The University Park Apartments, 860 W. Sherwood St., Boise, provide student housing for Boise State University. Northwest Real Estate Capital applied for $1.2 million in federal low-income housing tax credits from the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, but was not selected in 2025. Regardless, it appears the company is moving forward with plans. The proposal comes after the city saw an explosion in population during the COVID-19 pandemic that spurred an increase in housing costs and a related increase in homelessness. This included several households with children, causing difficulties in academics and intrapersonal relationships, according to the application. The Sherwood is designed to help address this issue, providing two-bedroom and three-bedroom units for families of various sizes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The YMCA would bring child care to residents to a region suffering from a day care shortage, while Terry Reilly would offer preventative health care and limited medical facilities. The Sherwood is within a 20-minute walk of a grocery store, retail shopping, a pharmacy, banks, a post office, bus stops and the Boise River Greenbelt, according to the application. Northwest Real Estate Capital Corp. would repurpose the aging University Park Apartments at 860 W. Sherwood St. to provide housing and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness in Boise. Each apartment would include large windows and a washer and dryer along with an electric range, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave oven in the kitchen. Other amenities include a front desk and lobby, community lounge, outdoor courtyard with playground, computer lab and on-site property management. Plans call for five market-rate units and another five reserved for households earning 30% of the area median income, two units for those earning 40%, 12 units for those earning 50% and 26 for those earning 60%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rents for the affordable units would be capped at 30% of a households income. In Boise in 2025, 60% of the area median income for a one-person household is $44,941, a two-person household is $51,360, and a three-person household is $57,780, according to the citys income guidelines. That means monthly rent in one of those 26 apartments would be capped at $1,124 for a one-person household, $1,284 for a two-person household and $1,445 for a three-person household. A problem property for Boise State The University Park Apartments havent always been perfect for Boise State. The building was built in 1940 and its age has shown in recent years. According to emails received through a public records request, several student tenants in 2023 and 2024 struggled with problems including flooding, discolored water, mold and asbestos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One apartment repeatedly dealt with brown water coming out of all the faucets in 2024, which a student said may have led to episodes of severe skin irritation, when none of the three tenants had prior histories of skin conditions or sensitivity. We chalked it up to allergies or season dryness, the student wrote. This is horrifying and unacceptable. In another unit, a tenant complained to Boise State that a wall was always wet, which led to mounds and peeling paint. It gets worse whenever it rains and theres a stench that accompanies it, the student wrote. The wall is an eyesore, but I cant avoid looking at it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emails showed that campus staff moved students between apartments as they worked on problems at the same time in 2023 and 2024. Some repairs required putting apartments under negative air pressure to prevent the spread of asbestos. According to Jill Youmans, spokesperson for the city of Boise, the issues from the aging property were part of the reason the city was looking to rehabilitate it into The Sherwood. We never intended for it to be turnkey, Youmans said by phone in March. We were planning significant renovations. After more than a decade, Boises West End is about to see some big changes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Boise developments are tipping toward foreclosure. Whats happening? Homeowners sue owner of Idahos 2nd-oldest golf course over redevelopment plans New modern town houses could soon be coming to this rapidly changing Boise area A 27-year-old man has been treated in hospital after he was injured in a street disturbance near Stirling. Police Scotland said officers were called to Main Street, Doune, at about 17:35 on Saturday. The force declined to comment on local reports that the man was stabbed. A 27-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the incident and is due to appear before Stirling Sheriff Court on Monday CORBIN, Ky. (FOX 56) An East Bernstadt man was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly assaulting a hospital staff member and a patient in a Corbin emergency room. According to the Corbin Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Baptist Health ER in Corbin on July 1 in response to a reported assault in the intake area. Officers reportedly learned after getting to the hospital that Darrell House, 58, of East Bernstadt, had allegedly assaulted an ER staff member and another patient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toddler dies after being found in Williamsburg swimming pool The staff member sustained a visible injury to the face as a result of the altercation, Corbin law enforcement alleged in a Facebook post on Saturday. House was arrested and charged with third-degree assault of a healthcare provider, a class D felony. He was lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center on a $25,000 bond. The assault investigation remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. The vandalism of Windrush generation portraits is not being treated as a hate crime, the Met police said after they arrested a man in connection with the incident. Portraits featured in the Windrush Untold Stories exhibition, currently installed in Windrush Square in Brixton, south London, were damaged on Thursday. A 24-year-old was detained on Saturday on suspicion of vandalism and remains in police custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends of Windrush Square had said on Thursday the vandalism was "an attack on public art" and claimed it was driven by "racial hatred". 'Considerable distress' On Sunday the police said: "We believe that this was not a hate crime, and I want to reassure anyone with concerns, that a man has now been arrested." The Met also said they "understand that those in the community will feel distressed about vandalism to the Windrush exhibition in Brixton" and officers have been in contact with organiser of the exhibition. The art installation features 20 portraits of those who arrived in the UK from the Caribbean between the late 1940s and 1970s alongside first-hand accounts of their experiences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends of Windrush Square said the vandalism had caused "considerable distress" to local residents, artists, volunteers and project partners, "many of whom are directly connected to the Windrush legacy". Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk More on this story Related internet links CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A man was charged after police seized multiple firearms and magazines during a traffic stop. On Sunday, June 29, CMPD officers watched a drug deal happen in a parking lot on Reagan Drive. Officers conducted a traffic stop and saw weapons inside the vehicle. Officers seized a Glock 22 .40 caliber, a Glock 30 .45 caliber, and a Masterpiece Arms 5.7X28MM firearm (Draco style pistol). Police also seized two Glock 14-round magazines, a Pistol 55-round drum magazine, a M16/M4 100-round drum magazine, a 30-round extended magazine, and an Armaspec Tactical Advantage AR-15 Lower Parts Kit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three digital scales, approximately 7.8 grams of suspected marijuana, and around $189 were also taken from the vehicle. 36-year-old Jonathan Head was charged with three counts of Carrying a Concealed Gun, Felony Possession with the Intent to Sell/Deliver, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories here Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A man has been charged with murder after an 85-year-old man was found dead at a property in south London. The London Ambulance Service called the police to a property on Churchmore Road in Streatham, at around 13:00 on Friday afternoon. The Met Police said the man was pronounced dead at the scene and he had "a number of injuries". Amithraz Balgobin, 36, of Lambeth, south London, was on Sunday charged with murder and drug possession, and is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court on 7 July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim's next of kin have been made aware of his death but his identity has not been released. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk Related internet links A man has been charged in connection with the death of a scientist who was found seriously injured on a Dundee street. Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, who was originally from Zimbabwe, was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident on South Road at about 16:25 on Saturday. The 20-year-old suspect is due to appear before Dundee Sheriff Court later. Following a post-mortem examination, Police Scotland said the death was being treated as murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Gomo, who worked for Scottish Water, lived locally and was a graduate of the University of Dundee. Prof Nigel Seaton, interim principal and vice-chancellor, said the university was "shocked" by the death of the former research assistant. Det Supt Peter Sharp, the officer in charge of the investigation, said: "Firstly, my thoughts remain with Fortune's family at this incredibly sad time. "They are being supported by specialist officers and I would ask that their privacy is respected." He added inquiries were continuing and said the incident "poses no wider risk to the public". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senior officer said his team were following a number of lines of inquiry. Det Supt Sharp added: "I am also acutely aware of content circulating on social media and would urge the public not to speculate about the circumstances of the incident. "The public will notice a visibly increased police presence in the area and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns to speak with our officers." Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the force. A local woman, wearing a scarf featuring the colours of the Zimbabwe flag, left flowers near the scene on Sunday [BBC] Prof Seaton said Dr Gomo was a PhD student and then postdoctoral research assistant in geography at the University of Dundee until February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Gomo had recently joined Scottish Water as a senior service planner in water resource planning and was "thriving in her career". Prof Seaton added: "Her death, following an alleged attack in South Road, Dundee, on Saturday afternoon, is a truly shocking event in our city and for our University community. "It will be particularly distressing for those who knew and worked with Fortune throughout her time here at the University, and for all of those in our close-knit community of African colleagues and students. "Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said students affected by Dr Gomo's death could find "support and solace" in the university's Chaplaincy Centre, which will open on Monday. Angela Machonesa, who wrote on Facebook that she had been at school and university with Dr Gomo in Zimbabwe, said her death had left her heartbroken. She said: "Her brilliance in the classroom was only matched by her emotional intelligence. She was the kind of person you'd go to when you needed clarity, not just of mind, but of heart. "We are heartbroken. We are angry. We are disoriented. But we are also united in one voice: Fortune Gomo mattered. Her life mattered. Her legacy must never be forgotten." BBC Scotland News has asked Scottish Water for comment. ST. LOUIS A Moline Acres man was arrested last week for a fatal shooting last month in St. Louis Walnut Park West neighborhood. According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Departments probable cause statement, the shooting happened June 9 just after 6 p.m. in the 6100 block of Lucille Avenue. Police arrived at the scene and found the victim, Lamarie Pigram of Ferguson, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. EMS pronounced Pigram dead at the scene. He was 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Pigram got into an argument with Treyvon D. Perry, police said. Perry retrieved a gun, chased after Pigram, and shot him. The shooting was recorded on home surveillance cameras, police said. Perry was arrested on July 3. The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged Perry, 23, with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Perry remains in custody without bond. Online court records do not show when Perry will appear before a judge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A man is in the hospital following an early Sunday morning shooting in Grand Rapids. Around 3:30 a.m., officers with the Grand Rapids Police Department were sent to 6th Street NW near Davis Avenue NW for a shooting. GRPD said a man was taken to the hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening. No suspect information has been released, but GRPD said the shooting stemmed from an argument. The shooting remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Union Health Minister JP Nadda expressed his satisfaction over the the BJP-led Delhi government in ensuring that every person gets the "right to be healthy," as he distributed appointment letters to Delhi Nursing Officers and Paramedical staff and flagged off Ayushman Bharat Registration Vans at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan on Sunday. Nadda underlined that Delhi observes the highest healthcare load as people across the country come to Delhi for treatment, and earlier, the healthcare system faced negligence. He commended the efforts of the current Delhi government for strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and implementing Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan AarogyaYojana (AB-PMJAY) and Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM- ABHIM). According to an official statement from the health ministry, the letters were distributed in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Ministers of Government of NCT Delhi, Pankaj Kumar Singh, Minister, Health and Family Welfare & Transport and Information Technology, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Minister, Social Welfare, Welfare for SC & ST, Cooperative and Election and Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Minister, Industries, Food & Supplies, Environment, Forest & Wild Life, Members of Parliament (Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Praveen Khandelwal, Yogender Chandolia and Bansuri Swaraj). He stated that "under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ayushman Vay Vandana was introduced to ensure healthcare to the senior citizens above the age of 70. The Delhi government is working in this direction of ensuring the right to be healthy throughout life with dignity under Vay Vandana. To date, 4 lakh Ayushman Cards have been issued in Delhi, with 2 lakh cards issued under Vay Vandana." He urged all stakeholders to work dedicatedly towards implementing PM-ABHIM in Delhi and fulfil the target of opening 1100 Ayushman Arogya mandirs by March 31, 2026, the statement mentioned. Nadda underlined that "in 1997, the Health Policy focused primarily on curative care, while under the visionary leadership of PM, the New Health Policy 2017 was introduced with a philosophy of comprehensive care--preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative-- with a special focus on geriatric care. As per the statement, Nadda emphasised the important role of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in providing equal, affordable and accessible healthcare for all. He highlighted that "special emphasis is being given to preventive healthcare under which initiatives for early diagnosis for different diseases have been undertaken. We are focusing on screenings of individuals over the age of 30 and working towards stalling the spread of diseases through early diagnosis. Till now, 18 crore screenings for hypertension, 17 crore screenings for diabetes, 15 crore screenings for oral cancer, 7.5 crore screenings for breast cancer and 4.5 crore screenings for cervical cancer have been conducted." Highlighting the strides made in the direction of maternal and child care, Nadda highlighted that "through the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, from conception to childbirth to early childhood care is being provided. Regular checkups and immunisations have led to significant improvements. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined from 130 to 88 per lakh live births while Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) dropped from 39 to 26. Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has declined at a rate of 42% while the global decline is 14%. The neonatal mortality rate has declined by 40% rate while the global average decline was 11%." The Union Minister also added that "TB incidence has reduced by 17.7%, which is more than double the global decline rate of 8.3%, which is confirmed by the WHO Global TB Report 2024." Highlighting the substantial growth in medical education and infrastructure. Nadda stated that "earlier India only had 7 All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) till 2014, but today, 20 AIIMS are operational. The number of medical colleges has increased from 387 in 2014 to 780; the number of medical seats has increased from 51,000 to 1,18,000. Aiming for a total increase of 75,000 seats over the next five years." Commending the initiative of Ayushman Bharat Registration Vans, Shri Nadda stated that "running of 70 specially designed Vans in all assembly constituencies is a novel initiative in order to cover all eligible beneficiaries of PM Jan Arogya Scheme. 20 specially designed mobile vans are being flagged off. 70 such Vans will cover 70 assembly constituencies where they will collect and generate data for issuance of Ayushman Card and register the beneficiaries at their doorsteps." Shri Nadda also highlighted the importance of the nursing and paramedical staff in the healthcare landscape and urged the newly appointed officers present to work with dedication and empathy towards implementing the healthcare schemes. Speaking on the occasion,. Rekha Gupta stated, "Till now, 4 lakh Ayushman cards have been distributed under the Ayushman Arogya Yojana, which includes 2 lakh Vay Vandana Cards issued to the senior citizens of Delhi. A total of 2,258 individuals has already received medical treatment 108 hospitals of Delhi have been empanelled under the scheme." She also informed that "by 31st March 2026, a total of 1100 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) will be established in Delhi using the 1700 crore Rupees allocated for Delhi under PM-ABHIM. 100 AAMs are ready, out of which 34 have already been inaugurated, and the rest will be launched this month only. The Delhi government is working with a goal of inaugurating 100 AAMs every month, with 15 AAMs in each Assembly constituency and 150 in each parliamentary constituency." CM Gupta also underlined that "every hospital of Delhi has a Jan Aushadhi Kendra now that ensures access to medicines to all." She also highlighted the efforts of the Delhi government to ensure transparency in the healthcare system while keeping corruption at bay. Following sustained efforts by all stakeholders, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, NCT Delhi, has issued Offers of Appointment to 1,388 Nursing Officers and 41 Paramedical Officers selected through the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB). Till now, 1,270 candidates have accepted the offers, and their document verification process is currently underway. As of July 3, 2025, 557 Nursing Officers and 20 Paramedical Officials have successfully completed document verification. This significant recruitment drive is expected to address the acute shortage of nursing and paramedical staff in Delhi's hospitals to a great extent. In parallel, continuous efforts are being made to fill all existing and anticipated vacancies of doctors, nursing, and paramedical staff arising due to retirements, promotions, and the creation of new posts. These actions are being undertaken proactively and simultaneously. (ANI) Jul. 6An Ironton man has been indicted by the Lawrence County Grand Jury on multiple counts related to possession of child pornography. Flint E. Topping, 54, was charged with 20 counts of fourth-degree felony pandering sexually orientated matter involving a minor or impaired person and five counts of second-degree felony pandering sexually orientated matter involving a minor or impaired person. The range on the 25 charges is from Feb. 23, 2021 to June 11, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawrence County Sheriff Sheriff's Detective Sgt. Kodi Pizelli said a person that Topping lived with turned over a personal device to the police. Pizelli said they found items that were child-orientated pornographic material and had been downloaded from the internet and there were no videos that indicated Topping had videotaped a child. Topping is currently serving a sentence in Lorain Correctional Institution for felonious assault and kidnapping for a December 2010 incident during which Topping beat a woman and pulled the hair from her head while they were inside a vehicle. He was sentenced in 2011and is eligible for parole this December. Topping previously served seven years in prison for the rape of a girl under the age of 13 and has also been convicted of sexual imposition, attempted failing to report as a sex offender and disorderly conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 26-year-old Jonathan C. Imes, of Ironton, is facing two indictments from an incident at The Auger. According to the indictment, on April 16, Imes "knowingly caused physical harm" at the bar and the property involved was valued at $1,000 or more. He is facing a fifth-degree felony vandalism charge for that. He is also facing a first-degree misdemeanor charge for allegedly taking liquor. Ironton Police Detective Capt. Brian Pauley said Imes didn't steal anything from the bar. "He broke the glass by the patio and then broke glass to get in the big doors," he said. "He told us he left his phone in there and went back in to get it. All he took in there was a couple swigs of liquor. He didn't steal anything from inside the building, just caused a lot of damage by breaking the glass." Kenneth B. Wilson Jr., 35, no address, is charged with fourth-degree felony railroad vandalism for allegedly putting an object on the railroad tracks and second-degree misdemeanor resisting arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pauley said he put "a big rock on the railroad, trying to derail a train." William Z. Earls, 37, Chesapeake, has been indicted after allegedly trying to strangle a woman March 25. He is charged with third-degree felony strangulation and first-degree misdemeanor domestic violence. Other people indicted and their charges include: Tony Lee Wilson II, 34, Kitts Hill, third-degree felony tampering with evidence. Kristy S. Tindall, 40, South Point, fifth-degree felony theft. Kayla Dawn Thompson, 29, Huntington, West Virginia, third-degree felony illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto the grounds of a specified governmental facility and fifth-degree felony possession of fentanyl-related compounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sandra Kay Compston, 42, South Point, third-degree felony illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto the grounds of a specified governmental facility and fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of drugs. Kenneth Blanton, 48, Ironton, third-degree felony illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto the grounds of a specified governmental facility and fifth-degree felony possession of fentanyl-related compounds. Robert A. Erwin, 46, South Point, third-degree felony having weapons under disability and first-degree misdemeanor aggravated menacing. John P. Blair, 46, Ironton, fourth-degree felony failure to appear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carl E. Tooley, 42, Huntington, West Virginia, fourth-degree felony failure to appear. Trevor J. Hodge, 25, Huntington, West Virginia, fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of drugs. Daniel Reece Pannell, 39, Huntington, West Virginia, fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of drugs and fifth-degree felony possession of fentanyl-related compounds. Jason Matthew Wilson, 42, Crown City, fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of drugs and fourth-degree felony improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle. Patrick R. Shanahan, 40, Chesapeake, fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of drugs and fifth-degree felony possession of fentanyl-related compounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leslie Ann Lewis, 44, Ironton, fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of drugs. Ronald P. Gumbert, 51, South Point, fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of drugs. You Might Like News Lawrence County Fair past queens (WITH GALLERY) News Fair week is here News Running for royalty (WITH GALLERY) News 'There She is....' Jul. 5The explosion was heard a mile away and blew out the windows of surrounding homes. One neighbor rushed her children into a back room as the walls shook and framed pictures fell off the wall. Then came the pops, she said, like the sound of fireworks. Greg Clark, badly burned, walked out of his obliterated garage across the street pieces of brick and roof strewn about the property. He tried to get into his vehicle, but arriving firefighters stopped him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neighbor believed the 60-year-old was trying to get the vehicle away from the encroaching flames to prevent more damage or injury. "I knew him. That's just who he was," she said. "He was a good man." Whatever happened on Wednesday afternoon, the neighbor said, she is certain it wasn't intentional. Clark, a longtime pyrotechnician with Western Enterprises, who ran firework shows across the Southwest, died Thursday after being airlifted to a burn center at Texas Tech University Medical Center in Lubbock. Jason Clark, of Rio Rancho, said he and his son made the five-hour drive to his brother's bedside. Clark said his brother never regained consciousness, "But I sat next to him as he passed away." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another Western Enterprises employee who was at the home with Clark was taken to the burn center and treated for his injuries. Jason Clark said his brother, who also did lighting for concerts at the Rio Rancho Events Center, was meticulous and careful, never bringing the fireworks into his home. Greg Clark would force anyone who came within 100 feet of the fireworks which he called "product" to give up their cellphones and smartwatches. "I wanted to say that he wasn't a bad person. I didn't want everybody to vilify him... And this accident was I just don't see how it happened, but it did, and I'll accept those facts," he said. The Phoenix Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the explosion and no wrongdoing has been alleged by federal authorities. The ATF said in a statement that they had dispatched special agents to the scene and "they will conduct an origin and cause report at the conclusion of the investigation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Due to this investigation being active and ongoing we cannot provide any additional information at this time," according to the statement. Jason Clark said an ATF inspector told him the majority of the fireworks found at the scene were stored in a box truck parked on the street and not involved in the explosion. Employees with Western Enterprises came to Clark's home as the blaze was being put out and took the large quantity of fireworks from the box truck. The Oklahoma-based company said Saturday that the ATF contacted them and asked them to "immediately retrieve the professional fireworks which were being stored in the vehicle parked near the incident." "We are all devastated by the tragic incident involving our contract technician. Greg was a long-time seasonal team member who had become a friend to many at Western Enterprises," Jim Burnett, president of Western Enterprises, said in a statement. "He will be deeply missed by the entire Western family." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burnett went on to say that it was aware surrounding homes were damaged and "no neighborhood should be subjected to this type of event." "The presence of professional-grade fireworks in a residential setting is strictly prohibited under federal regulations and Western Enterprises' company policies," according to the statement. "Western Enterprises is cooperating fully with local law enforcement and regulatory authorities as the investigation continues. At this time, we do not have an explanation for how or why the vehicle and materials ended up at that location. As a family-owned company with a 50-year history and a strong safety record, Western Enterprises is committed to understanding the full circumstances surrounding this tragedy and supporting all investigative efforts." Albuquerque Fire Rescue said that firefighters responded around 1:40 p.m. to an explosion in the 9400 block of Woodland NE, northeast of Moon and Menaul, and doused the flames within an hour. For a time, the Albuquerque police bomb squad could be seen outside the home. The other Western employee with Clark prior to the explosion told his brother that they were working on firework fuses for the city of Rio Rancho's Fourth of July show when Greg Clark asked him to fetch something from his truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man told Jason Clark that, as he left the garage, he heard a loud pop and ducked at the sound. Then a much larger blast went off behind him it blew off the garage door and busted down a brick wall. 'He stuck with it' Jason Clark said his brother started out of high school as a welder, working on airplane fuselages while making sculptures as a hobby. His metal creations Kokopelli, lizards and roadrunners now dot the yards of relatives. Twenty years ago, Greg Clark tried his hand at pyrotechnics with a fireworks show at a Christian youth festival in Colorado. Jason Clark said, "It was something that he was good at, and when he was good at something, he stuck with it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From there, he said, Greg Clark worked with Western Enterprises, doing shows in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado until he became a lead pyrotechnician. Jason Clark would travel with his brother to shows, sometimes with his children in tow. The Eastern New Mexico News interviewed Clark in 2015 as he prepared for the Smoke on the Water July 4 show in Clovis. Clark, who is identified as a supervisor, told the News that they were planning to set off 900 to 1,000 fireworks explaining how they used sand to weigh down the boxes holding the munitions to keep them "secure and safe." Jason Clark said his brother would use a Western Enterprises property in Algodones to store and set up the fireworks. "In the years that I have gone to see his shows and gone to see him prep these shows and watch him build these fireworks, he has never, once, ever brought product to his house," he said. When Jason Clark went to his brother's home Wednesday, fire inspectors walked him through the wreckage, which he described as "unbelievable." "The blast must have been so big the cinder block walls had been just blown down and the roof was gone," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A large gun safe ... had just melted to the point where the metal on the outside was gone... and when we opened them, everything was incinerated," Jason Clark said. "... The only thing left was the barrels." A neighbor showed Jason Clark doorbell camera video of the explosion. Absent, he said, were the colors: the reds, blues and purples often seen when a fireworks warehouse catches fire. "In Greg's house, you didn't see any of that," he said. "You just saw orange flames and black smoke." Jason Clark said he expected the neighborhood to be up in arms, looking for someone to blame, when he arrived Wednesday. But it was just the opposite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They all came to me and asked me how he was doing. And they all told me stories of things that he had done for them, even the house next to him that burnt and had severe damage she told me how he had remodeled her kitchen for virtually no cost," he said. When he went to the site Saturday morning, he found memorial signs and flowers hung on the fence surrounding the home. Jason Clark said his eyes filled with tears at the sight. "It just it amazes me how I live in a neighborhood where I might know two or three of my neighbors, whereas in the past, everybody knew everybody," Jason Clark said. "But in his neighborhood, everybody does know everybody, and they all came out for him." HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) A 22-year-old Lawrenceburg man was reportedly killed in an ATV crash on Friday afternoon in Harlan County. Trooper Shane Jacobs with Kentucky State Police (KSP) posted on Facebook that around 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, law enforcement was told about a crash at an ATV park in the Evarts community. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An initial investigation showed that a 22-year-old man was found dead due to the crash, Trooper Jacobs wrote. Authorities did not announce his identity. On Sunday, Harlan County Coroner John Noe told FOX 56 that the victim had been identified as Brady Castle of Lawrenceburg. The deadly ATV crash investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. A man was shot to death early July 5 over an alleged rent payment dispute, police said. Metro Nashville Police in a statement said a 26-year-old man got into an argument reportedly over rent payment at the Preakness Apartments on Bell Road in the Antioch when he was shot multiple times. The victim was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he died, police said. His name was not released pending family notification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the suspect, a 31-year-old man, was dating the victim's roommate at the time of the shooting. The suspect surrendered and was detained but has not yet been charged, police said. Authorities said the victim and suspect were both armed and it is unclear if the victim also fired his gun. The investigation is ongoing. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Man killed over rent payment dispute in Antioch A man was killed in a Russian attack on Kherson Oblast on Sunday 6 July. Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote from Prokudin: "A resident of Antonivka sustained fatal injuries in an enemy attack today." Details: The relevant services are establishing the identity of the deceased. Background: On the morning of Saturday 5 July, Russian forces attacked the settlement of Novodmytrivka in Kherson Oblast, killing a 70-year-old woman. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A Brockton man who was killed in a shooting outside a Dedham BJs late last month is being remembered for his magnetic personality. Jaylani Cole, 20, was shot in the parking lot of 688 Providence Hwy. around 3:30 a.m. on June 23, the Norfolk County District Attorneys Office said previously. He and another 20-year-old man who was found shot at the scene were taken to a hospital. Cole died at the hospital, while the other man recovered, the district attorneys office said. No arrests have been announced in connection with the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaylani Xavier Cole was born Jan. 5, 2005, in Brockton to Leahmarie Cole and Thomas Woods, according to his obituary. He was lovingly raised by his mother and stepfather, LaShone Patterson. Cole developed an interest in bikes at an early age, according to his obituary. Whether he was popping wheelies, building bikes for himself, his brothers, or his friends, Jaylani was in his element when riding. It wasnt just a hobby, it was freedom, his obituary reads. A proud graduate of Boston Public Schools, Cole was a young man of many talents and interests, according to his obituary. In addition to bikes, he had a deep passion cars, mechanics, landscaping, music and just about anything that allowed him to create, build and move freely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cole also loved to explore, be outdoors and go on long walks, according to his obituary. Nature was his peace, and outside was where he thrived. He carried a free spirit, one that couldnt be contained, and he lived life with a vibrancy that was impossible to ignore, his obituary reads. Cole had a great sense of humor and boundless energy, according to his obituary. He could often be found dancing, singing or rapping. He was the life of the party, always surrounded by laughter, always leaving people smiling. While he sometimes wore a tough exterior, those who knew him best understood that it was just his armor. Beneath it was a gentle, generous, and selfless soul, his obituary reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cole had a heart full of love, and leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, empathy and compassion, according to his obituary. He is survived by his nine siblings, five nieces and nephews and many other beloved friends and family members. A visitation for Cole is scheduled for July 11 at George Lopes Funeral Home in Brockton from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to his obituary. A funeral is scheduled to follow the next day from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the home. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Jul. 5A former Bernalillo County firefighter convicted of sexual assault and other charges was sentenced Thursday to 52 years in prison. A 2nd Judicial District Court jury on June 21 convicted Celso Montano, 49, of kidnapping, three counts of criminal sexual penetration, one count of aggravated battery leading to great bodily harm, and intimidation of a witness via telephone. District Judge Cindy Leos sentenced Montano to the maximum allowed under law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 30, 2022, Montano kidnapped and confined a woman with the intent of inflicting sexual harm against her, according to a Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court criminal complaint. Montano sexually abused the woman with a metal object, it said. Montano harassed the victim for two years after and threatened her or offered to give her "anything of value" to keep her from reporting him to law enforcement officers, the complaint said. This is the first time Montano has been convicted of rape, but it was one of several such cases filed against him since the 1990s. Court records show at least one case against Montano was dropped due to prosecutors missing deadlines. Two others were dismissed because the women who accused him died before trial. A man is facing charges and another man was shot after a dispute over fireworks in Beaver Falls. The Beaver Falls Police Department said officers were called to the 300 block of 12th Street at 10:20 p.m. on the Fourth of July for a reported shooting. Police said a 47-year-old man was shot in the leg there and was taken to a local hospital in a personal vehicle before he was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initial investigation revealed that the shooting happened after someone threw fireworks into a group of children. This resulted in a confrontation between the victim and Jaden Stull, 20, of Beaver Falls. Police said Stull began to run away and shot the victim in the thigh and shin. The victim tackled him after this. Stull is also believed to have shot himself in the hand. Both men are in stable condition. Stull faces charges of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault and firearm violation charges. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Gheorghe Piperea entered politics only last year, but now he wants to topple the president of the European Commission. The Eurosceptic conservative MEP has forced Ursula von der Leyen into a vote of no confidence because of secret text messages with a pharmaceuticals boss during the pandemic. After securing the necessary 72 signatures from MEPs, Mr Piperea made Mrs von der Leyen the first commission president to face the censure for more than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have succeeded in opening a Pandoras box, the Romanian lawyer told The Telegraph, predicting that Mrs von der Leyens days were now numbered. Losing a no-confidence motion would trigger the resignation of the EU executive and begin the complex procedure of appointing 27 new commissioners. Pro-EU parties are circling the wagons to defend Mrs von der Leyen against the coalition of Right-wing Eurosceptics and she is expected to comfortably survive the vote on Thursday. Mr Piperea, 55, has accepted that he wont oust her next week. But he hopes it will be the beginning of the end for the German politician, claiming she could be forced to resign by October amid growing anger from within her own centre-Right European Peoples Party (EPP). Mrs von der Leyen must first face a European Parliament debate in Strasbourg on Monday in the midst of dissatisfaction with her high-handed, centralised and opaque leadership style. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liberal, socialist and green MEPs have been angry that Mrs von der Leyen redirected funds intended to fight poverty to a rearmament programme, he said. The European Parliament has planned to sue the commission in the EUs top court after being excluded from the decision-making process in the blocs efforts to ramp up defence spending. Mr Pipereas no-confidence motion centres on secret messages about vaccine supplies between the EU boss and Albert Bourla, the chief executive of Pfizer. In May, EU judges ruled that the commission was wrong to deny a New York Times journalists request to access the texts, which were sent at the height of the pandemic when Mrs von der Leyens administration was negotiating vaccine supplies to the bloc. Ursula von der Leyen will first face a European Parliament debate in Strasbourg on Monday - Reuters They found that the refusal broke the principles of good administration and transparency after rejecting Brussels arguments that the messages were too ephemeral to qualify as documents under its transparency rules, as well as claims that they could not be found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is a leader with an obvious tendency towards totalitarianism, said Mr Piperea, pointing to how Mrs von der Leyens commission bypassed MEPs when creating a 150 billion loan programme to increase defence spending on the continent. The commission has progressively taken powers from the member states but also from the European Parliament itself. What Im doing here is to try to clean up our democracy and consolidate our democracy in the European Union. The treaty says that all decisions of the commission should be done in a transparent manner. The commission is breaking the rule of law, added Mr Piperea, who was elected under Romanias populist AUR party for the first time in 2024s European elections. Militant on the barricades Despite expressing admiration for Britains political accountability, he said Romania could not afford to copy Brexit and needed to reform the EU from the inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has described himself as a militant on the barricades. He admitted he doesnt hate the notoriety gained by AUR, which was founded in 2019 and became Romanias second largest party last year after making a name for itself with anti-vaccination campaigns. Mr Piperea believes Mrs von Der Leyen is living on borrowed time as she has come under fire within her own party for among other things her net zero plans. She has a majority, but it is a toxic majority for von der Leyen. A lot of criticism comes now from her own party and especially about this madness of the green deal, he said. Maybe because of this hostility in her majority, she will be forced to resign by the end of the year perhaps in October or November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such claims have been given short shrift in Brussels. In the 2024 European Parliament elections, Mrs von der Leyens commission was approved by a majority of 370 MEPs of 688 votes. Sacking the commission would trigger a period of uncertainty when the EU is facing a possible trade war with the US and Russian aggression in Ukraine. But the motion has drawn support from far-Right MEPs tired of her overreaching. One EPP MEP had supported the motion against Mrs von der Leyen but withdrew after pressure from the partys top brass. Mr Piperea has been a part of the Georgia Meloni-dominated European Conservatives and Reformist Group that was founded by David Camerons Tories before Brexit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Meloni has worked closely with Mrs von der Leyen on migration. Mrs von der Leyen has collaborated with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni on immigration - GIUSEPPE LAMI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Mr Piperea refused to comment on whether he had come under pressure from his own group to drop the no-confidence motion. Pro-EU conservatives have been furious they will be forced to take part in a debate and an embarrassing vote. Its a disgrace for the European people, said Manfred Weber, the leader of the EPP, which is the parliaments largest group that sits in Brussels and Strasbourg. Putins puppets in the European Parliament are trying to undermine Europes unity and bring the commission down in times of global turmoil and economic crisis, he told The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacques Santer, the former commission president, resigned in 1999 instead of facing a no-confidence vote that was expected to succeed amid accusations of fraud and nepotism. However, Jean-Claude Junker, Mrs von der Leyens predecessor, easily survived a no-confidence motion in 2014 over allegations that he had struck sweetheart tax deals with multinationals while he was the prime minister of Luxembourg. The European Commission was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. AUSTIN (KXAN) At least 104 people have been killed in catastrophic flash flooding across Texas, while several others remain missing. LIVE BLOG: Search, recovery efforts continue for 4th day after deadly floods hit central Texas Deaths have been confirmed in six counties, with the majority in Kerr County. Kerr County: 84 dead, 11 missing At least 84 people, including 28 children, were killed in Kerr County. In a Monday morning update, county officials said 10 girls remain missing from Camp Mystic, as well as one camp counselor. Travis County: 7 dead, 10 missing Seven deaths have been confirmed in Travis County after an extremely deadly and destructive flood event, County Judge Andy Brown said. The Sandy Creek area has been hardest hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said 10 people remain missing, as of Monday morning. Among the missing is a 17-year-old girl. Kendall County: 6 dead Six people are confirmed dead in Kendall County, according to the countys Office of Emergency Management. Further details were not immediately available. Burnet County: 4 dead, 2 missing Four people were killed in flooding in Burnet County. The sheriffs office identified one of them Sunday afternoon as Preston Prince. Two others remain missing, including Michael Phillips, chief of Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department. Williamson County: 2 dead, 1 missing Two people have been confirmed killed in Williamson County, while one other remains missing. In a Sunday afternoon update, Sheriff Matt Lindemann said one of the victims was found trapped under a partially-submerged vehicle near County Road 284. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County officials later identified one of the victims at Kaitlyn Swallow, 22, from the Liberty Hill area. Tom Green County: 1 dead Officials in Tom Green County confirmed a 62-year-old woman was killed in the flooding. She was found in her vehicle after previously being reported missing, according to the City of San Angelo. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Sunday accused the central government of misrepresenting the World Bank's Poverty and Equity Brief for India, stating that poverty and inequality remain "deeply troubling", with 28.1 per cent of Indians living in poverty. He said government supporters are now trying to twist the data to claim that India is "one of the most equal societies," a claim he called "staggeringly out-of-touch." In a post on X, Congress shared a paragraph from the letter, "The World Bank had released its Poverty and Equity Brief for India in April 2025. Three months after its release, the Modi Government's drumbeaters and cheerleaders have begun spinning the World Bank's data to make the staggeringly out-of-touch claim that India is among the world's most equal societies. In a statement issued on April 27th, 2025, we had highlighted some key concerns that the World Bank had raised in its Report. These concerns continue to be relevant, and any attempt to engage with the Report must grapple with them seriously." Ramesh raised alarms over rising inequality in India, revealing that in 2023-24, the top 10 per cent of earners made 13 times more than the bottom 10 per cent. He also warned that flaws in government data may be hiding the true extent of poverty and inequality, which could be worse if newer poverty benchmarks were used. "Wage disparity in India is high, with the median earnings of the top 10% being 13 times higher than the bottom 10% in 2023-24. Moreover, "sampling and data limitations suggest that consumption inequality [as measured by Government data] may be underestimated." More updated data (adoption of purchasing power parity conversion factor from 2021 as compared to that of 2017) would result in a higher rate of extreme poverty," the letter further reads. Ramesh stated that poverty and inequality in India remain deeply troubling, with a poverty rate of 28.1 per cent. "Changes in the questionnaire design, survey implementation, and sampling in the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022-23, "present challenges from making comparisons over time." It is worth recalling that these changes were many after the Government rejected the previous iteration of the survey (conducted in 2017-18) after it showed falling consumption in rural areas. As a lower-middle-income country, the appropriate rate to measure poverty in India is that of $3.65/day. By this measure, the poverty rate for India in 2022 is significantly higher at 28.1%," the letter further reads He accused the government of using limited and unreliable data, along with selective benchmarks, to falsely claim that India is among the world's most equal societies. "The report is therefore rather clear: poverty remains concerningly high, and so does inequality. The good news that the Modi Government is so desperately trying to wrangle out of this report is partly attributable to the limited availability and the uncertain quality of Government data, as well as to the selection of benchmarks to measure poverty. No country that has a poverty rate of 28.1% can make a justifiable claim to being one of the most equal societies in the world," the letter further reads. In the letter, he also pointed out that millions of Indians are living just above the international poverty line, and warned that any shock, such as job loss or price rise, could push them back into poverty. To protect these vulnerable groups, the party demanded stronger support for welfare schemes like MGNREGA and the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. "In our statement in April, we had also outlined several takeaways for Indian policymakers from the report. These also continue to remain relevant: The significant variance between differing poverty lines shows that large sections of the population are only marginally above the international extreme poverty line. Social welfare systems such as MGNREGA and the National Food Security Act 2013 cannot be abandoned but must be strengthened to ensure that they protect these segments from negative shocks. The INC's long-standing demand to increase MGNREGA wages, to conduct the decadal Population Census (now scheduled to occur in 2027), and include 10 crore additional persons in the ambit of the NFSA, finds new urgency based on these numbers," the letter reads. (ANI) FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) A man was arrested in Marion County on Wednesday and charged with more than 300 felony counts of incest and sexual abuse. Andrew Miller According to a release from the West Virginia State Police, troopers with the Fairmont Detachment arrested 50-year-old Andrew Miller in Marion County on July 1 for 3 felony counts of possession of use of minors in filming sexually explicit conduct. Skylar Neeses killers not up for parole in 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following day, he was served arrest warrants while in jail for an additional 104 felony counts of incest, 104 felony counts of sexual abuse by parent or guardian, and 104 felony counts of 1st degree sexual abuse for a total of 315 sexual-related crimes. According to the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation website, Miller was booked into the North Central Regional Jail at 11 p.m. on July 1. As of July 6, he is being held there on a $200,012 cash bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. A service to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain has taken place at a cliff-top memorial in Kent. The first decisive battle in history to be fought in the air began on 10 July 1940 and reached its climax on 15 September, which became known as Battle of Britain Day. The service in Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone, on Sunday was attended by relatives of people who fought in the battle. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton said: "It's through this memorial that we can educate those who were not alive during the war about the sacrifices made, not only by those brave men in the air, but also the people on the ground who got them up there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The service of commemoration is held every year on the nearest Sunday to the start of the battle. Sir Stephen Dalton, president of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, said: "Its important that families have somewhere they can come to meet and remember and to lay flowers, but also for the next generation to experience a little of what it would have been like to fly in times of war." Alex Scott, from Cambridge, came to lay flowers for his father Jaromir Strihavka, who was a Czech pilot and flew in the Battle of Britain. "I know the effort that goes into maintaining a place like this and it's great that the trustees invite us to take part in such a special event," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. More on this story Related internet links Masked federal agents were recorded detaining a Highland Park vendor while he was preparing food for the community on the 4th of July. A senior official with the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrest to KTLA on Sunday, saying that the detainee identified as Luis Thomas Mejia-Canil is from Guatemala and had overstayed his visa in the U.S. Family members said Mejia-Canil was arrested on Friday morning in front of the Target located on Eagle Rock Boulevard and El Paso. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video of Mejia-Canils arrest, shared on TikTok by user @ceelokk23_, shows a masked U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent handcuffing the vendor behind his work station. Federal officials confirm 37 detained at multiple Los Angeles Home Depot raids More agents are then seen assisting with the arrest, eventually bringing Mejia-Canil into an unmarked SUV before driving off. The spokesperson said individuals who are undocumented can take control of their departure through utilizing the CBP Home App, and added that the United States is offering $1,000 to those who do so, as well as a free flight to self-deport now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream, read the statement. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return. Mejia-Canils brother organized a GoFundMe to raise money for a lawyer. Hes a hard working man, read the description. He also needs to feed his family and 3 kids. I will appreciate a lot for your help and support. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Mass. State Trooper injured overnight after July 4th gathering near Revere beach A Massachusetts state trooper was injured Friday night after being struck by a moped during a chaotic gathering near Revere Beach. The incident occurred on Thornton Street in Revere as July Fourth celebrations were underway, drawing hundreds of people to the area. Massachusetts State Police responded to the scene just before 11 p.m. and reported that the crowd was setting off illegal fireworks, posing a threat to public safety. Its summertime, people are out and about, and unfortunately, shenanigans happen when you have large crowds gathered, said Todd McGhee, a law enforcement and security expert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the disturbance, a moped drove through the crowd and struck a state trooper, who was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital. The trooper is expected to recover. Deshakraaun Abdullahmuhammud, 34, from Everett, was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, negligent operation, and failure to stop for police. This incident marks the second time in less than two weeks that a state trooper has been injured in Revere, following a hit-and-run at Revere Beach. Colonel Geoffrey Noble emphasized the importance of addressing public safety concerns in the area following the incidents involving state troopers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aggressive drivers on stolen and unregistered vehicles in this area have seriously injured two Troopers in the same number of weeks, Noble said. We share the serious public safety concerns and will continue our sustained, proactive enforcement efforts in the weeks ahead. The recent incidents highlight ongoing public safety challenges in the Revere area, prompting law enforcement to increase their efforts to manage large gatherings and prevent further injuries. Meanwhile, the Lieutenant injured in the hit-and-run last week remains in critical condition. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Jul. 6MASSENA The Massena Recreation Department is funded by both the village and town, but one trustee wonders if the village should take complete control of the department. Kenneth J. McGowan shared his views when trustees voted on a new contract with Teamsters Local 687, representing the Recreation Department's maintenance employees. The contract runs from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2029. "I don't want to stir the pot, and I appreciate all the work you guys have done with every contact, this one included. It seems like the village does everything for Rec. I don't know if there's a point in time that we just take it over," McGowan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Gregory M. Paquin said the village had negotiated the last two contracts with the Teamsters because they were a new group. "And then, with this one, there were a few items that we were hoping to get, which we did," he said. He said they also asked the town, and they accepted, to join in the latest negotiations. McGowan said the Recreation Department had already taken over the responsibility for reserving the Massena Community Center, a task that had normally been handled by Village Administrator Monique N. Chatland and the village clerk's office. "I know if Monique was here, she would love to elaborate, especially with the community center now going over to the Rec," McGowan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he had sent an email to address his thoughts. "I hate that dirty word, but consolidation. I know in the past it was always the town taking over the village. I personally don't think it should be that way. The village does just about everything for the town, and then we do have the cost. So, I don't know if we need to start going that way. I don't know if I'm stirring the pot here, but we have to start. I think we have to look at the big picture on how we can save money because how many politicians do we have for the 13,000 people? We have like 10 politicians. Do we really need 10 politicians? We're duplicating water. We're already giving them fire and EMS. That's why I just want to get on my little spiel here," he said. He suggested the village already "continuously gives stuff away to other communities or for free." "The town gets a discounted fire service. We tried to contract code with them again. They actually got less code for more money, which didn't make any sense to me," he said. "I guess where I was going is we all know we have to start saving some money somewhere." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2019 study had recommended that the village and town not totally consolidate, but could save money in some areas. Paquin said the "big problem" with consolidation was West Massena, which is located in the town of Louisville. "If you consolidate, it has to be the town absorbing the village. That's the problem. I don't think the town would want to lose the tax revenue from West Massena," he said. Orange County Government will celebrate the grand reopening of the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge at Eagles Roost Green Place on July 7. Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and District 4 Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero will host the event. The celebrations will showcase new facilities dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation and educational programs. The updated facility includes a new visitor center, animal care building, community center, food prep building and administrative offices. Officials state that these enhancements are intended to improve the rehabilitation and release process for Floridas native wildlife while also broadening opportunities for nature-based education and recreation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge is located at Eagles Roost, which you can view on the map below. The reopening event is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. A 1966 editorial opposing the opening of Delta Health Center. (Photo by Kim Krisberg/Public Health Watch) 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who live in the Delta are fiercely proud of their communities, but conditions there make it hard to thrive. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. America doesn't realize that there are people out here struggling for no reason of their own. Dr. Lakeisha Richardson, OB-GYM 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) 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. 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. Jennnifer Newton is the executive director of the Family Medical Clinic, a community health center in Lake Providence, La. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline) 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. (Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.) 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. (Shalina Chatlani/Stateline) This story originally appeared on 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. (Shalina Chatlani/Stateline) This week, Congress 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. (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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. (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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. A 1966 editorial opposing the opening of Delta Health Center. (Kim Krisberg/Public Health Watch) 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. (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. 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. (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. 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. (Shalina Chatlani/Stateline) 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. Jennifer Newton is the executive director of the Family Medical Clinic, a community health center in Lake Providence, La. (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. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Uniquely is a Fresno Bee series that covers the moments, landmarks and personalities that define what makes living in the Fresno area so special. Lynea Lattanzio never intended to build one of the nations largest no-cage cat sanctuaries she just wanted a kitten. But, after a visit to a shelter and a few unexpected rescues in the early 1990s, she found herself bottle-feeding 15 newborns. More than 30 years later, the Cat House on the Kings, along the Kings River, has saved more than 44,000 cats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across Fresno and the Central Valley, a network of volunteer organizations are taking on a crisis that many say the city has failed to address: the unchecked overpopulation of stray cats. Fresno at one point had the highest shelter euthanasia rates in California. Currently, as public shelters shift to modified intake and refuse healthy stray cats, the burden has shifted toward nonprofits, volunteers and foster networks. Its a growing problem, said Ruben Cantu, a supervisor at Valley Animal Center, a no-kill animal shelter and adoption center in Fresno. The cat population, and even the dog population, is really starting to see an increased number of strays and animals at large. Beth Caffrey, donor relations lead for The Cat House on the Kings, says the city has made efforts to regulate backyard breeding with ordinances requiring breeder permits. But enforcement is lacking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You had to list your breeders license then they would just give, you know, a fake number and nobody was there to look it up, Caffrey said. The issue there, though, is enforcement. Without enforcement or access to affordable spay and neuter services, advocates say, these laws are toothless. In contrast, cities like Sacramento have implemented coordinated Spay Days, uniting vets, shelters and public health departments to address overpopulation at scale. The cost of care In 2019, the residents in the Fresno region could get a cat spayed for as little as $35. After the pandemic, local vets are charging $75 and up. They looked at it as an elective service, so they stopped providing elective services, meaning that we left hundreds and thousands of cats unaltered that would have been spayed/neutered during those two seasons, Caffrey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effects are still felt today. Litters are common, and the math is staggering. One unspayed female cat and her offspring can produce 370,000 kittens in just seven years, according to the Humane Society. Despite doing the citys heavy lifting, these groups which include The Cat House on the Kings, Fresno TNR (short for trap, neuter, release) and the Valley Animal Center are not publicly funded. We rely on the donations, said Caffrey. Even the granters have stopped doing as many spay or neuter grants. In July 2022, the Fresno City Council approved $6.7 million in funding to bring animal services in-house, including hiring two full-time veterinarians aimed at supporting ongoing spay/neuter services, which could benefit TNR and stray management. In February 2023, the city launched a low- or no-cost spay/neuter program in which dog surgeries cost $25 and cat surgeries were provided free and funded by the citys annual budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sontaya Rose, communications director for the city of Fresno, confirmed that all funding allocated to TNR services has been spent. Fresnos cat rescues are over capacity and underfunded Cantu of the Valley Animal Center says they take in about 1,000 animals annually, and often must turn away urgent cases due to overcrowding or limited resources. They operate with a $2 million annual budget and no city funding. If someone brings us sick kittens, we have to consider if were putting the rest of our shelter at risk, Cantu said. We ask the community to help us help them. Some cats prefer spending time inside the roof of the catio coupe during hot summer days. MARYANNE CASAS-PEREZ mcasasperez@fresnobee.com Despite the hurdles, Valley Animal Center partners with Fresno TNR to offer spay/neuter surgeries for feral cats around 80 per week. Since their founding in 2022, Fresno TNR has fixed over 15,000 community cats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Cantu says education is key to preventing overpopulation. I visit schools and ask how many kids had a litter of kittens or puppies at home. Ninety percent of hands go up, he said. People dont know this is the root of the problem. Solving the problem isnt easy. Caffrey recalled a morning when staff found 18 kittens left in plastic bins at the sanctuary gates with no food or water. She said its not uncommon for people to abandon animals anonymously, even though help might have been available with a simple phone call. In another case, Lattanzio described a little black kitten, about five weeks old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A little black kitten, maybe five weeks old, was in a bag with glue and stuck on somebodys door, Lattanzio said. The kind of glue that doesnt come off. Against the odds, the kitten survived and was later adopted. The organizations are asking for support from the city and residents to care for the kittens no one else will take. The taxpayer pays for animal control services. As a part of the animal control services, at the very top line should be spay/ neuter, Caffrey said. New kittens are put into a separate room for a few days to weeks before they get neutered/sprayed and put up for adoption. MARYANNE CASAS-PEREZ mcasasperez@fresnobee.com Shyloh Crawfurd has a mantra. Success is my revenge. At just 19, Shyloh has been through a lot. Adopted at a very young age, he was raised in a religious household that didnt accept his sexuality, leading to some bad behavior, run-ins with the law and time spent in juvenile detention and county jail. When he got out of jail, his parents dropped him off at the River of Life homeless shelter when he was 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite all this, Shyloh remains optimistic about his future. Now a guest at the Interfaith Sanctuary homeless shelter, hes enrolled at Lewis-Clark State College, where he plans to start online classes in the fall, taking a full load of classes in English and anthropology. Ive always wanted to go to college, Shyloh told me in an interview. When I became homeless, after I got out of jail, I didnt have any opportunity to go to college, so there was a year gap, and I hated that so much. So as soon as I found out that I could go back to college, I immediately was like, Yes, sign me up. In his time at Interfaith Sanctuary, hes made a huge impact. Hes a gifted poet, and he hopes to publish a collection of his poems, and he contributes to Interfaith Sanctuarys newspaper, Word on the Street. He says he wants to be a journalist, which makes my heart soar, with the ultimate goal of working for the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He loves clothes and fashion, and he helped start the Street Chic Boutique, where guests can get nice clothes for job interviews, court hearings or just to look good. If youre not dressed well, you dont feel well, and you dont have as many doors open, Shyloh said. I believe presenting yourself is key in how people should be living because if you dress well, more things are likely to happen because people take you more seriously. From depressed to success Jodi Peterson-Stigers, executive director of Interfaith Sanctuary, said Shyloh was very nervous and shy when he first came to the shelter, understandable for a kid who was just 18 at the time. Shyloh admits he was depressed and angry at first. But he came out of his shell and began to take advantage of the opportunities available to him through Interfaith, such as Project Well-Being, a daytime program that provides mental health support and connections to services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to writing for Word on the Street and being a personal stylist for Street Chic Boutique, he participated and graduated from the Idaho Youth Ranchs Youthworks program, an eight-week paid on-the-job training program designed to give young people hands-on experience in retail sales, customer service, merchandising, inventory maintenance, cash handling and teamwork. He connected with the TRIO, a federal program designed to help students go to college. He is a shining example of what it takes really to bring someone out of the trauma of homelessness and give them a sense of place and the ability to feel seen and cared about and then also having great relationships within our community that we can bring these partnerships in and lift our guests even further, Peterson-Stigers said. Homelessness is hard work Talking to Shyloh reminded me how much hard work goes into just overcoming the challenges of experiencing homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has a phone but doesnt have a data plan, so he connects to his phone only when he can get to a free wifi hotspot, limiting his ability to communicate with people. He doesnt have a drivers license, which doesnt matter, because he doesnt have a car. He takes the bus to his job at the mall, but the bus is not very convenient. Hed like to work full time, but his employer limits him to part-time work, so Shylohs looking for another part-time job, but its difficult to figure out a workable schedule. So much of what most of us take for granted is a constant struggle when youre experiencing homelessness. Not a victim story And yet, Shyloh remains optimistic, creative and focused on his future. Hes passionate about writing, fashion and creating opportunities for himself and others like him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to encourage other people that you can do whatever you want to, if you can put your mind to it, he said. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. I believe that. Toward the end of our interview, Shyloh asked me what Im going to put in my story, concerned with how Im going to frame it. I dont want this to be a victim story, because Im not, he said. I dont want to let what happened in the past define me. That was the past. Im looking forward. Scott McIntosh is the opinion editor of the Idaho Statesman. You can email him at smcintosh@idahostatesman.com or call him at 208-377-6202. Sign up for his free weekly email newsletter The Idaho Way . Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday proposed that the Uttar Pradesh government issues an order that prompts the top officials to invest their time in providing various facilities related to food and health to the Kanwar yatris, who will be undertaking their pilgrimage walk in the holy month of Shravan. "They should, the Commissioner, DM and SP should be deployed to make food arrangements for the Kanwar yatris. CO and SDM ko lagao unke pair dabane ke liye (CO, SDM should be deployed to provide them with ease). This will perhaps give them relief. This is our Vedic custom. The government should issue an order that says that DM, SP will make food and health arrangements for the Kanwar yatris and CO, SDM unke pair vair daba kar sewa karenge," Yadav, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, told reporters. When asked to comment on the state government's directive to display the names of the shops along the Kanwar yatra routes, the SP chief criticised the Yogi Adityanath government for its failure to construct a dedicated corridor for the Shiv devotees undertaking the Kanwar yatra. Yadav added that the government's directives came as it tried to hide its "incompetence" in not providing proper facilities to Kanwar yatris. "They should have constructed the corridor they were propagating about for Kanwariyas. They should have built an infrastructure for the Kanwar devotees that would have provided them with facilities (and ease). Why are they not able to provide the facilities? It was their responsibility to build a corridor for the Kanwariyas that would have provided them with the recommended food and rest. They are using these applications of QR code (highlighting names) to hide their incompetence," he asserted. Taking a swipe at UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, who also holds the health portfolio, Yadav also highlighted the lack of staff in medical colleges. "They should worry about their medical colleges and hospitals. In all medical colleges, a certain number of professors and technicians are needed; however, no college has all of them. And as a result, people are opting for private hospitals," he added. Meanwhile, the state administration has stepped up security measures to ensure peace and prevent any untoward incidents during Muharram processions and the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, which are taking place across several districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Sambhal, Lucknow, and Moradabad. (ANI) Giorgia Meloni has condemned the vile killing of a sniffer dog that died after sausages filled with nails were thrown into its kennel overnight. Bruno, a seven-year-old bloodhound, was once honoured by the Italian prime minister for helping to locate nine missing people. But on Sunday, the dog was found lying in a pool of blood at an animal training centre near the city of Taranto in Italys southern Apulia region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The animal died an agonising, hours-long death from internal bleeding, Arcangelo Caressa, his trainer, said as he vowed to track down the culprits. In a Facebook post, Ms Meloni called the killing a vile, cowardly, unacceptable act. She was pictured in 2022 bending down by Brunos side as it lifted its nose to her face. Thank you for everything you did, Bruno, she added. Bruno and Giorgia Meloni at an event in 2022 Bruno had worked on missing persons cases across the region, leading to the recovery of nine missing people, some of whom were Alzheimers patients who had wandered away from their home. Besides search-and-rescue operations, Mr Caressa revealed that Bruno had also recently been on missions involving animal abuse and illegal dog-fighting gangs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family members of those he helped were among those sending messages of condolence. This morning I died alongside you, Mr Caressa wrote on social media next to pictures of nail-filled bait found near Brunos corpse. You fought your whole life to save humans and now it was a human who did this to you. They will pay, I swear, he added. Prosecutors have opened an investigation and detectives are reviewing CCTV footage from the training centre in an attempt to identify those involved. Potential motives include revenge by criminals whose activities Bruno helped to uncover while working with law enforcement. Boundless cruelty On July 1, a strict animal cruelty law came into force in Italy, which included sentences of up to four years in prison and 60,000 (52,000) in fines for intentionally killing an animal with cruelty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law was named after Michela Vittoria Brambilla, the Italian centre-Right politician and animal rights activist, who pushed for its passage for nearly 20 years. On Sunday, she urged authorities to apply the law with full effect in Brunos case. A nail-filled bait gave a horrible, long and painful death from internal bleeding to he who had saved so many lives. At the thought of such boundless cruelty one should be ashamed of belonging to the human race, she said. A bloodhounds sense of smell is estimated to be around 1,000 times stronger than a humans and can lock a human scent in its nose and trail a hunt, for long afterwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Messages of condolence have poured into the National Dog Training Centre near Taranto, while Piero Bitetti, the citys mayor, called for the quick identification of the culprits. He said: Together we must give a strong signal: we will not permit Taranto to be identified with such barbaric acts. Our community deserves to be seen for what it truly is: united, respectful and civil. 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. FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A judge has ordered a mental evaluation for a Fort Smith man accused of pistol-whipping and robbing someone in his apartment. Kenneth Byrd, 28, is charged with armed aggravated robbery in a June 4 incident that happened in his bedroom, according to court records. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Kenneth Byrd, 28. (COURTESY: Sequoyah County Sheriffs Office) On June 25, the court approved a psychiatric exam after Byrds public defender said Byrd may not be mentally fit to stand trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Sequoyah County Sheriffs Office inmate roster, Byrd was booked on charges of obstruction of a police officer and flight to avoid Sebastian County. Case background The alleged incident took place at an apartment at the 5900 block of Kinkead Avenue. Booneville man sentenced to life plus 40 years for child rape On June 4, a man told Fort Smith police he was robbed and attacked by Byrd in an apartment. The alleged victim said Byrd hit him with a gun and stole $500 and a phone. Officers saw the man was bleeding from several head wounds and found blood in the apartment. Byrd was arrested the next day in Roland, Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Byrd also faces separate drug, gun, and jail contraband charges in Sebastian and Crawford counties. He is out on bond and due in court Oct. 29. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. When the BBC revealed that MI5 had lied to three courts, the Security Service apologised for giving false evidence - vowing to investigate and explain how such a serious failure had occurred. But on Wednesday, the High Court ruled that these inquiries were "deficient", ordering a new "robust" investigation. A panel of judges said they would consider the issue of contempt of court proceedings against individuals once that was complete. Now we can detail how, over the past few months leading up to the judgment, MI5 continued to provide misleading evidence and tried to keep damning material secret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The material gives an unprecedented insight into the internal chaos at MI5 as it responded to what has become a major crisis and test of its credibility. At the heart of the case is the violent abuse of a woman by a state agent under MI5's control. After the BBC began investigating, MI5 attempted to cover its tracks - scattering a trail of false and misleading evidence. The case started very simply: I was investigating a neo-Nazi, who I came to understand was also an abusive misogynist and MI5 agent. After I contacted this man - known publicly as X - in 2020 to challenge him on his extremism, a senior MI5 officer called me up and tried to stop me running a story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer said X had been working for MI5 and informing on extremists, and so it was wrong for me to say he was an extremist himself. It was this disclosure, repeated in a series of phone calls, which the Security Service would later lie about to three courts as it attempted to keep X's role and identity shrouded in secrecy. During the phone calls with me, MI5 denied information I had about X's violence, but I decided to spend more time investigating. What I learned was that X was a violent misogynist abuser with paedophilic tendencies who had used his MI5 role as a tool of coercion. He had attacked his girlfriend - known publicly as "Beth" - with a machete, and abused an earlier partner, whose child he had threatened to kill. He even had cannibal fantasies about eating children. Beth, who was terrorised and coerced by X, has called for a public apology from MI5 [BBC] When I challenged both X and MI5 with our evidence, the government took me and the BBC to court in early 2022. They failed to stop the story but did win legal anonymity for X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arguing for secrecy in a succession of court proceedings, the Security Service told judges it had stuck to its core policy of neither confirming nor denying (NCND) informants' identities, including during conversations with me. Crucially, this stance allowed it to keep evidence secret from "Beth", who had taken MI5 to court. The service aggressively maintained its position until I produced evidence proving it was untrue - including a recording of one of the calls with a senior MI5 officer. Finally accepting it had provided false evidence, MI5's director general Sir Ken McCallum said: "We take our duty to provide truthful, accurate and complete information very seriously, and have offered an unreserved apology to the court." Two investigations were commissioned: an internal MI5 disciplinary inquiry, and an external review by Sir Jonathan Jones KC, who was once the government's chief lawyer. This latter review was personally commissioned by the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and MI5's director general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both of these concluded that the original false evidence was not due to dishonesty by MI5 or any of its officers. They effectively put it down to mistakes, both personal and systemic. But these two inquiries quickly began to fall apart. Not fair or accurate The government initially refused to provide both reports in full to the court. Like many cases involving MI5, this one was held partly in secret to allow the government to use evidence which it says is too sensitive to be discussed in open hearings. Access to the secret, closed part of the case was only available to the government, the judge and security-cleared barristers known as special advocates who were representing the BBC - but who were not allowed to communicate directly with us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government said it would not be providing any closed evidence about the two inquiries to the judge or the special advocates. Instead, it provided an "open" version of Sir Jonathan's external review, with apparently sensitive material edited out, and it purported to provide a full account of the internal inquiry in a witness statement by MI5's director general of strategy - known as Witness B. Sir Jonathan wrote that he was "satisfied" that the open version was a "fair and accurate" account of his full review. Witness B, third-in-command at the Security Service, said in his statement: "I am satisfied that there is nothing in the closed material that has been excluded from the open report which prevents MI5 from providing the court with a frank and accurate account." The High Court ruled that the explanations for MI5's false evidence were "deficient" [Getty Images] During hearings, the government argued against disclosing secret material to the court. It eventually agreed to hand over the secret version of Sir Jonathan's review, and then was ordered to disclose the internal investigation report described by Witness B, along with policy documents and notes of interviews with MI5 officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the disclosure came, it was clear why MI5 was so keen to keep it secret: the summaries, including the one from MI5's third-in-command, were not fair or accurate. Key information had been withheld, which undermined their conclusions. In short, the court was still being misled. At the same time, in response to the inquiries, I was submitting new evidence which proved that some of the claims made by the two reviews were false. Neither the internal investigation nor Sir Jonathan Jones contacted me, despite the fact I was the only other person who really knew what had been said in all the phone calls at the centre of the case. 'The fallibility of memory' The two official reviews concluded that the senior officer who called me - Officer 2 - failed to recall telling me that X was an agent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is nothing surprising in this narrative, which is ultimately about the fallibility of memory in the absence of a written record," as the Security Service put it in legal submissions. The Jones review said that, because no formal record was made of the calls, by the time MI5 was preparing evidence the "only first-hand evidence available was Officer 2's personal recollection". Sir Jonathan said the officer's recollection was "uncertain", although it had hardened over time into a position that he had not departed from NCND. But material that MI5 and the government sought to keep secret shows that Officer 2 gave a detailed recollection of the conversation with me - until I exposed it as false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His recollection was contained in a note of an internal MI5 meeting, arranged to discuss what to tell the special advocates and the court about the conversations with me. In it, the officer insisted he did not depart from NCND and gave a melodramatic account of my "long pauses" as I said I needed the story, before I eventually became cooperative and said I had "seen the light". This was all untrue. He also falsely claimed I had revealed that I had spoken to X's former girlfriend, when I had done no such thing. [BBC] The note also showed that Officer 2 had told colleagues that he persuaded me to drop the story by implying that agent X was being investigated by MI5 as an extremist. This was the exact opposite of what he had in fact told me, which was that X was an MI5 agent rather than a real extremist. Sir Jonathan was aware of the full version of this elaborate false account, but it was absent from the unclassified version given to the court and the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MI5 internal review also claimed that Officer 2 had a lapse of memory. It said that Officer 2 had told another officer - a key figure involved in preparing the Security Service's false evidence for the court, known as Officer 3 - that he could not remember whether he had departed from NCND. In his statement to court, Witness B - MI5's director general of strategy - said Officer 2 had said "they could not recall the details" of the conversations with me but "did not think they had departed from NCND" and believed "they would have remembered if they had done so". But an internal note by Officer 3, written after his discussion with Officer 2, contained a very different account. It stated unequivocally that "we did not breach NCND" and that the contact with me "was prefaced with confirmation that this conversation was not on the record". It also stated that, "after being initially fairly bullish, De Simone said that he acknowledged the strength of the argument, and agreed to remove those references". All three claims were false, including about the conversations being off the record, something now accepted by MI5. The evidence showed specific false claims being presented as memories - not the absence of memory the two inquiries said they found. The written records MI5 said did not exist The question of memory was so important because the court was told that written records were not available. Witness B - MI5's third-in-command - said the internal investigation established that Officer 2 had "updated colleagues within MI5" about the conversations with me, but that "there was no evidence identified of any written record being made, by Officer 2 or anyone else". [BBC] "The fact of the matter was that Officer 2 was reliant on personal recollection alone which inevitably carries a degree of inherent uncertainty," Witness B said in his statement to court. Sir Jonathan gave the same impression in his review. But the secret material MI5 was forced to hand over proved this was false. There were several written records consistent with what had really happened - that MI5 had chosen to depart from NCND and that several people were aware of it. [BBC] There was a decision log. There were notes of conversations with Agent X himself. There were emails. The decision log showed that, just after the authorisation took place, a formal record was created saying the plan was to call the BBC and "reveal the MI5 link to X". The log then noted: "This was discussed with Officer 2 who subsequently approached the BBC to begin this conversation." In an internal email, after I had said I would not include X in an initial story, one of X's handling team reported this development to other MI5 officers and accurately described the approach to me, namely that Officer 2 had claimed my proposed story was "incorrect" and the rationale for this was that most of the material was as a "direct result of his tasking" as an MI5 agent. Notes of calls and meeting with Agent X show he approved the plan to reveal his MI5 role and was kept updated about the calls. In a later meeting with him, MI5 recorded that he was "happy" to meet with me, which was an offer MI5 had made and I ignored. But it showed that MI5 and X were well aware of the NCND departure, because the Security Service would obviously only try to arrange a meeting with someone like X if they were an agent. [BBC] In a telling note, MI5 said X thought that a meeting with me would "hopefully serve to counter some of the conclusions that the journalist had reached about X". This is a violent, misogynistic neo-Nazi, a danger to women and children, yet MI5 wanted to do PR for him with a journalist. 'Back in the box' These records and others show that the handling team for agent X understood there had been an NCND departure. This was unsurprising as the calls with me at the time made it clear that his case officers knew what was happening. But the internal investigation report records how, as MI5 was preparing to take the BBC to court to block our story on X, one officer went around convincing colleagues that no such departure had ever taken place. Officer 3 spoke several times to a member of the agent-handling team within MI5 - known as Officer 4 - regarding what had been said to me about X. "We have already named him pal," said Officer 4, according to Officer 4's evidence to the investigation and Officer 3 replied: "I can categorically tell you we didn't". After these conversations, Officer 4 said he felt the other officer had put him "back in his box". Other members of the handling team thought what Officer 3 was saying was "odd" and "weird". MI5 has given completely contradictory explanations for how the false claim about not departing from NCND had got into its witness statement. MI5 offered an "unreserved apology" to the court for its false evidence [Reuters] The claim was given to court by an officer known as Witness A, acting as a corporate witness - meaning he was representing the organisation rather than appearing as someone necessarily involved personally in the events. When the government was trying to stop the BBC publishing its story about X in 2022, the BBC's special advocates asked how Witness A could be so sure that NCND had not been breached. The government's lawyers said "Witness A spoke to the MI5 officer who had contact with the BBC" - meaning Officer 2 - and the officer had said he neither confirmed nor denied agent X's role. The lawyers' answers strongly appeared to suggest that the pair had even spoken at the time of the calls with me. After we exposed Witness A's false evidence, the lawyers' answers created a problem for MI5 as it either suggested Officer 2 had lied all along - or that he and Witness A were both lying. It has since been claimed that the men did not speak to each other at the time of the calls with me. Despite not reconciling these contradictory accounts, the investigation concluded "the parties were collectively doing their best to prepare a witness statement that was accurate". Five times MI5 abandoned 'neither confirm nor deny' Officer 2 claimed that he had never departed from NCND before and said that was a key reason why he would have recalled doing so. But new evidence I submitted to court showed he had also told me whether or not five other people I was investigating were working with the Security Service. One of them was an undercover MI5 officer - one of the most sensitive and memorable details an officer could disclose. Officer 2 had invited me to meet this undercover officer, just as he had offered me the chance to meet Agent X. I had not pursued either offer, which I thought were a crude attempt at pulling me into MI5's orbit. Indeed, the internal MI5 material suggests that its officers wrongly believe that the role of journalists is to be cheerleaders for the Security Service. I was variously described as "bullish", "stubborn", "awkward", and not "as on board as other journalists". X physically and sexually abused Beth, attacking her with a machete [BBC] They said, before their involvement with me, the BBC was seen as "friendly" and "supportive" of MI5. In reality, journalists like me are here to scrutinise and challenge the organisation. The five other NCND departures were not apparently uncovered by MI5's internal investigators, nor by Sir Jonathan Jones. Disclosing agent X's role would have been memorable and unusual on its own. But the fact there were also departures on NCND relating to five other people made the chain of events even more extraordinary, and made any claimed loss of memory by Officer 2 and in MI5 more widely simply unbelievable. The missing interviews Both inquiries failed to speak to key people who were on the calls they were supposed to be investigating. Neither of them spoke to me - but there were other omissions too. Sir Jonathan's review wrongly claimed that "only Officer 2 had been party to the calls" with me. In fact, Officer 2 had invited another senior officer to join one of the calls. He introduced himself by saying: "I head up all counter-terrorism investigations here." He referred to my earlier "conversations" with Officer 2 and was plainly aware of their content - he even made a specific pun about something connected to X. While MI5's internal investigation was aware that the head of counter-terror investigations had joined one of the calls and mentioned it in their secret report, investigators never bothered interviewing him. After I submitted new evidence, MI5 was forced to speak to him - but the internal investigators concluded there was nothing to show he knew about NCND departures. Sir Jonathan had also failed to speak to the MI5 officer at the centre of the case, Officer 2. He had simply adopted the conclusions of the internal inquiry - in which MI5 was investigating itself. It emerged during the court case that Sir Jonathan did speak to MI5 director general Sir Ken McCallum for his investigation. But when the BBC's special advocates requested any notes of the interview, they were told that none existed. 'Maintaining trust' "MI5's job is to keep the country safe," Sir Ken said after the High Court judgement. "Maintaining the trust of the courts is essential to that mission." Because of this case, the courts have made plain that MI5's practices should change. The government says it is reviewing how the service prepares and gives evidence. Because NCND has been abandoned in relation to Agent X, Beth will now have a fairer trial of her legal claim against MI5. The monolithically consistent way in which the policy has been presented, including in a string of important cases, has been shown to be untrue. This has become a story about whether MI5 can be believed, and about how it uses its privileged position to conceal and lie. But in the beginning - and in the end - it is a story about violence against women and girls, about the importance placed on that crucial issue by the state, and about how covering up for abusive misogynists never ends well. Theyre small, sneaky and swimming in your veins. Microplastics have been found throughout the human body and early research suggests they may pose some serious health risks. Now, scientists say a blood-filtration technique already used in hospitals around the world might be able help flush them out. Microplastics are a growing public health concern. Deemerwha studio stock.adobe.com The procedure, known as therapeutic apheresis, filters blood through a specialized machine. It removes abnormal proteins, unhealthy cells and other harmful substances, then pumps the cleaned blood back into the body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Therapeutic apheresis is already used to treat everything from autoimmune diseases and blood disorders to neurological issues, long covid and some cancers. It can filter out particles as small as 200 nanometers about 5,000 times smaller than a millimeter. Thats well within the range of microplastics, which are defined as plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimeters. Therapeutic apheresis has been used widely since the 1970s. Anna stock.adobe.com In a new study out of Germany, scientists treated 21 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome using two rounds of therapeutic apheresis essentially, a double filter. Afterward, they analyzed the waste fluid that had been separated from the patients blood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers found substances with the chemical signatures of polyamide and polyurethane, two plastics commonly used in industrial manufacturing. The findings suggest the plastic particles may have been successfully removed during treatment though more research is needed to verify the results. Researchers say future studies should focus on how effectively the technique removes microplastics from the blood. Vadim stock.adobe.com The study didnt measure how much plastic was removed or compare before-and-after levels. Further testing is also needed to confirm the exact identity of the materials detected in the waste. Still, researchers say the early results are encouraging and are calling for larger studies to see how effective the technique really is in scrubbing microplastics from the bloodstream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some high-end private practices arent waiting to find out. In London, Clarify Clinic is already offering blood-cleansing treatments aimed at removing microplastics, forever chemicals and other toxins with treatments starting at $12,636. Once its running, you feel nothing. Its very comfortable, CEO Yael Cohen told Wired. Patients take calls, do Zooms, watch movies, sleep. Cohen said people seek out the treatment for all kinds of reasons, including some who are worried about the long-term effects of microplastics in their bodies. I think its a badge of honor to be doing your future self a favor, she said. What are microplastics and why are they in your body? Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments that break off from everyday items, like packaging, bottles, synthetic fabrics and industrial waste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve been detected in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe. Studies suggest that bottled water contains signficant amounts of microplastics. Dragana Gordic stock.adobe.com Researchers have also found the pesky particles throughout the human body, including in the lungs, livers, kidneys, hearts, brains, placentas and testicles, as well as in breast milk and semen. While scientists are still studying the full impact of microplastics on human health, early findings have raised some red flags. A major scientific review published in January found that microplastic exposure may harm the digestive, reproductive and respiratory systems. Other studies suggest possible links to heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Microplastics have also been shown to trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage and may contribute to a wide range of health problems, including metabolic disorders, immune dysfunction and even cancer. Additionally, theres growing evidence the particles may cause neurological symptoms like fatigue and dizziness. Higher concentrations have also been observed in people with dementia. To make matters worse, microplastics may also affect your skin. Over time, exposure is thought to potentially cause dryness, redness, irritation and even signs of premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles. The Brief Milwaukee police released video from a lockdown at the city hall campus in May. What was initially thought to be shots fired was determined to be a false alarm. MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee police released video that shows officers sweep the city hall campus in May after what was initially thought to be shots fired prompted a lockdown. The backstory A city employee was in the process of getting fired on May 15. When that person left, police said the slamming of a door sounded like gunshots. It turned out to be a false alarm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android MPD said there were no signs of gunshots, and the department was investigating what happened. The video from officers' body-worn cameras showed them with guns drawn as they sifted through Milwaukee City Hall and the Zeidler Municipal Building. What they're saying Last week, the Milwaukee Common Council approved an ordinance to create a new committee tasked with ensuring the entire campus is prepared for future emergencies. Mayor Cavalier Johnson returned the ordinance without signing it. His office told FOX6 News the ordinance is repetitive, as his administration was already working on security. The Source FOX6 News reviewed the police video, received a statement from the mayor's office and referenced prior coverage of the lockdown and response for this report. The Brief A Milwaukee man is accused of trying to orchestrate killings from jail. DeAndre Williams is in jail for a 2024 reckless homicide case. The 22-year-old was previously profiled on "Wisconsin's Most Wanted." MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee man previously profiled on "Wisconsin's Most Wanted" for a 2024 homicide is now accused of trying to orchestrate the killings of others from jail. In Court Prosecutors charged 22-year-old DeAndre Williams with reckless homicide last year. Now, he's charged with four counts of solicitation of first-degree intentional homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Most Wanted The backstory Police said Williams shot and killed a man outside a liquor store near 23rd and Capitol. Williams surrendered to Milwaukee police in February after he saw his "Wisconsin's Most Wanted" profile. He was then booked into the Milwaukee County Jail and has since pleaded not guilty in the case by reason of insanity. New charges What they're saying While in jail, court filings said Williams asked a cellmate to kill witnesses in that case last month saying "no face no case." "In this case, the facts are quite aggravating," said Assistant District Attorney Melissa Buss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Investigators said Williams gave a cellmate he'd known for about 10 years a list of people's names, including some addresses. Court Commissioner Barry Phillips noted some people on the list were not even witnesses in the reckless homicide case, but rather people who knew Williams' character. "You allegedly told your cellmate, She knows how I get down, so slide on her and shut her up, too. Now that's some devious stuff right there,'" Phillips said. Prosecutors said Williams thought the cellmate would be getting out of jail soon. Court filings said the cellmate reported the info to an attorney. It landed Williams back in court, where he sat shaking and crying, on July 5. DeAndre Williams in court on July 5 "I think it's ironic that you've been in court the whole time crying, because when I read the allegations against you, it's not allegations of someone that cries," said Phillips. What's next Williams' bond was set at $100,000 on the new set of charges. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the reckless homicide case, a judge ordered a mental evaluation. It is scheduled to be reviewed later this month. The Source FOX6 News referenced information from the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office and Wisconsin Circuit Court, as well as the previous "Wisconsin's Most Wanted" profile, for this report. The Brief The Minneapolis City Council is proposing an ordinance that raises the price of e-cigarettes to $25. According to the city, the average minimum price is $8.99. That would nearly triple the price. The goal is to curb teens and young adults from vaping. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - It could soon cost you a lot more to buy e-cigarettes in the City of Minneapolis. Its a measure the City Council could act on as early as next week. The price hike could be significant. Minneapolis City Council proposes ordinance hiking e-cig prices What we know According to the city, the current minimum price for a single disposable e-cigarette is $8.99. The city is looking to raise it by nearly triple to $25, a $16 difference. Keep in mind, you have to be 21 to buy one from any shop in Minnesota. Council proposal: New tobacco shops can't be within 200 feet of K-12 schools Local perspective Another change as part of this proposed vape ordinance would restrict new shops that sell tobacco from being located within 300 feet of a K-12 school. That doesnt include current shops. So, if youre an owner near a school, you can still have your license renewed without distance limitations. Mixed reaction What they're saying During a committee hearing last month, many people came out in support of this ordinance. Meanwhile, some people think the price hike wouldn't make a difference. And some shop owners think the ordinance needs to be reworked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is due to the language of the definition, which includes, quote, any component part of an electronic delivery device. End Quote. It's obviously absurd that any store would have to set a minimum price for a USB cord at $25," said Jesse Griffith, co-owner of Happy Thoughts Manufacturing. "I honestly don't think it's going to impact how much younger people have access to it. If younger people want to find a way, they will find the funds to do so," said Minneapolis resident Frankie Frank. What's next The Minneapolis City Council could vote on this ordinance as soon as Thursday. UPDATE: According to the Davenport Police Department, Renezmae Enfield has been located and is with family. Renezmae Enfield (Davenport Police Department) EARLIER: The Davenport Police Department is seeking the communitys assistance in locating 7-year-old Renezmae Enfield, who was reported as a missing person, according to a press release. It was reported that Renezmae was last seen riding a blue/pink bike westbound near 16th and Warren Streets on July 5, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m. She was last seen possibly wearing a pink shirt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The community is asked to call 9-1-1 with any information regarding the whereabouts of this individual. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY, Mo. Fire officials in Leadwood are alerting the public after a powerful firework went missing from a park. Crews were inspecting Leadwood City Park Saturday following a large private fireworks explosion the Friday night. Six people were injured in that incident. During the Saturdays sweep, firefighters found a live mortar-style firework and marked it with a safety cone. Shortly after two teens were spotted in the area, and didnt leave when asked, the explosive was gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chiefs, Royals no longer getting additional state funding: Kehoe Firefighters say that this type of firework is very dangerous and should only be handled by professionals. If misused, it can cause severe injuries. The Leadwood Fire Protection District is asking parents to talk to their kids and for anyone who sees a suspicious object to stay away and call 911 immediately. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Missouri Republican Governor Mike Kehoe line item vetoed more than 200 different things in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget Monday. FY 2026 started the following day. Our Missouri Capitol Bureau Reporter Mark Zinn came to FOX4 Friday to tell us why the governor did that and how leaders across the state are responding to the cuts. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The race for governor in Kansas for 2026 started early. In January, Republican Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced he was running. Schwab was the first major candidate to get in the race, but since then, others have joined. Emporia Sate Political Science Professor Michael Smith came to FOX4 Friday to tell us who he thinks will still get in with still more than a year until the August Primary. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao on Sunday paid floral tributes to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary at the central hall of Samvidhan Sadan in Hyderabad. Rao praised Syama Prasad Mookerjee as the founder of the Jan Sangh and the architect of the 'one nation, one law' vision. He said the abrogation of Article 370 is a significant tribute to Mookerjee's nationalist ideals, which continue to inspire BJP workers and people across India. Speaking to ANI, N Ramchander Rao said, "Syama Prasad Mookerjee is the founder of the Jan Sangh and laid the roadmap for 'one nation, one law.' Today, the entire country appreciates his thoughts and ideas. Therefore, the abrogation of Article 370 is a great tribute to him. Today, the workers of the BJP and the people of this country remember Syama Prasad Mookerjee for his nationalist views and ideas." Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, was a multifaceted personality, patriot, educationist, parliamentarian, statesman, and humanitarian. He inherited a legacy of erudition and nationalism from his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, an esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and Judge of the Calcutta High Court. In 1940, he became the acting President of the Hindu Mahasabha and declared complete independence for India as its political goal. Mookerjee resigned from the Bengal Cabinet in November 1942, protesting against the Governor's interference in administration and criticising provincial autonomy as ineffective. His humanitarian efforts during the Bengal famine of 1943, including relief initiatives, highlighted his commitment to serving society. Post-Independence, he joined the interim government under Jawaharlal Nehru as Minister for Industry and Supply, where he laid the foundation for India's industrial growth by establishing iconic institutions like the Chittaranjan Locomotive Factory, Sindri Fertiliser Corporation and Hindustan. However, ideological differences led to his resignation, after which he founded the All-India Bharatiya Jan Sangh (1951) to champion nationalist ideals. According to the BJP's official website, on the issue of the Delhi pact with Liaquat Ali Khan, Mookerjee resigned from the Cabinet on April 6, 1950. Later, on October 21, 1951, Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in Delhi and became its first president. Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953 and was arrested on May 11. He died under detention on June 23, 1953. (ANI) MITCHELLVILLE, Iowa The Mitchellville Firefighter Association held its annual Mitchellville Fire Department 5k race on Saturday morning, but it looks a little different than your normal track. The 5k differs from other races in that it has challenges stationed along the route to simulate firefighting activities. So, you do different crawls, you go through foam stations, fire hose reels. Its definitely unique, for sure, said Frank Klassen, the three-time first-place runner of the Mitchellville Fire Department 5k. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A double rainbow appeared in the metro, see dozens of viewer images Matt Cleverley, the Deputy Chief of the Mitchellville Fire Department and Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Mitchellville, said that the race wouldnt happen without the communitys support. Events like this are only possible in Maryville because of so much community involvement. Our fire department, our firefighters association, and the Parks and Rec worked very well together, Cleverley said. Bill Roberts, a member of the Mitchellville Fire Department Association, said that the 5k helps raise funds for the Mitchellville Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firefighter association raises money and donates it to the fire department for things that that arent in their regular budget throughout the year. Usually, lifesaving equipment and things like that. Roberts 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 who13.com. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Metro Nashville police are investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of a 26-year-old Bahamian man. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the shooting occurred Saturday morning at the Preakness Apartments on Bell Road. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Police said when officers responded, the suspect, who is 31 years old, surrendered and was detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said they found the Bahamian manlater identified as 26-year-old Dante Matayo Jenoure in the breezeway with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he died. Witnesses told police the shooting was the result of a rent payment dispute. Investigators later learned the suspect was in a dating relationship with Jenoures roommate. Further investigation determined that Jenoure and the suspect were both armed when the shooting occurred, the MNPD release said. It remains unclear if Jenoure fired his gun, according to MNPD. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Police transported the 31-year-old suspect to MNPD Headquarters for an interview, but the suspect has not been charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation remains active. No additional information was immediately released. 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 Justice Bus launched in 2025 to help provide legal aid to South Dakotans living in legal deserts. (Courtesy of Unified Judicial System) A nonprofit providing legal aid to low-income South Dakotans launched the states first mobile legal aid office this year, aiming to increase accessibility across the state. Swaths of western South Dakota are considered legal deserts, where barriers such as poverty, lack of transportation and internet access, combined with a lack of attorneys, make it difficult for people to access legal help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new effort helps immediately address the problem while work continues on longer-term solutions, such as the state rural lawyer recruitment and retention program. A map identifies legal deserts in South Dakota, primarily in rural, tribal land on the western part of the state. (Courtesy of Dakota Plains Legal Services) Dakota Plains Legal Services used a $125,000 state grant to launch its Justice Bus program. The bus is used to connect South Dakotans with legal aid for civil cases, such as custody, abuse and neglect, or protection orders. The money came from the Commission on Equal Access to Our Courts, which awards grants funded by a $25 filing fee applied to some court documents. An inability to access civil legal aid has consequences for South Dakotans, said Jana Gray, director of development and special projects for Dakota Plains. The Justice Bus is a mobile legal aid office launched in 2025 to help provide legal aid to South Dakotans living in legal deserts. (Courtesy of Dakota Plains Legal Services) They might not be able to gain custody of their children, get a protection order or they might just give up, Gray said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bus has stopped in Pierre, Winner, Gregory and other rural towns in western South Dakota. Gray said the organization plans to attend tribal powwows, known as wacipis in Dakota, Lakota and Nakota, and other community events this summer. So far, the nonprofit has collected five applications for legal aid at community stops this year. Thats promising, Gray said. People can fill out applications and receive legal aid on the spot, inside the outfitted vehicle. Gray hopes to regularly schedule visits to communities in the future and provide clinics on specific, prevalent legal issues in a community. The Justice Bus will be at Eagle Buttes Hometown Days on July 17, according to the Dakota Plains Legal Services calendar. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Moldova's Victory bloc, a pro-Russian political alliance, plans to participating in the country's September parliamentary elections, the bloc's founder Ilan Shor announced on July 6. Shor, an exiled pro-Kremlin oligarch, established the Victory bloc in August 2024. The bloc includes his own Shor party, which is banned in Moldova. Victory will submit documents in the coming days registering the bloc for participation in the September vote, Shor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our main goal in these elections is to overthrow the fascist regime and hold early democratic elections within the next six months," Shor said. The candidate list will be headed by Evghenia Gutul, the head of Moldova's Gagauzia region, who is currently on trial for illegally funding the banned Shor party. Gutul maintains ties to Moscow and is currently under U.S. sanctions. The upcoming September elections carry high stakes for Moldova, one of the pooerest countries in Europe. Moldovan President Maia Sandu said on July 4 that Chisinau's European path rests on the outcome of the vote. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged on July 4 that the European Union will help Moldova defend itself against hybrid threats by "agents of autocracy" as elections approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moldova was granted EU candidate status in 2022. Sandu's ruling Party of Action and Solidarity aims to maintain its parliamentary majority and move the country closer to full membership by 2030. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Drones attack Russias Black Sea Fleet; Russian pipelines explode in countrys Far East, HUR says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NEED TO KNOW Xavier Ramirez is awaiting the fate of five family members who went missing in the devastating floods in central Texas late last week The family was camping near the Guadalupe River when it overflowed on the Fourth of July, and only one of his cousins made it out Im the only boy, so Im trying to hold it together for the rest of the family, Ramirez said Six of Xavier Ramirezs family members were near the Guadalupe River when it overflowed in the tragic flooding in Texas last week, he said. Only one has come home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramirezs mom, Michelle Crossland, stepdad Cody Crossland, uncle Joel Ramos, aunt Tasha Ramos and cousins Kendall Ramos and Devyn Smith were all at HTR Campgrounds outside of Ingram, Texas, when the flooding began on Friday, July 4, according to NBC News. The family had been visiting the camping site since Ramirez was just a boy, the 23-year-old told the outlet. As of Sunday, July 6, one of Ramirezs cousins, 23-year-old Smith, is the only person on the trip who made it out, as far as he knows. She was found in a tree about 20 miles downriver and is now recovering in a hospital, he told NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, like so many others, Ramirez is waiting to learn the fate of the rest of his family. All he knows is how they spent their final moments before the floodwaters rose, thanks to his cousin, NBC reported. Desiree Rios for The Washington Post via Getty Flood damage in Kerr County, Texas, on Saturday, July 5 Flood damage in Kerr County, Texas, on Saturday, July 5 According to Smith, the family took some precautions as they knew there was extreme weather coming, according to NBC News. They slept in trucks his aunt and uncle in one and his mother, stepdad and teen cousin in another Ramirez told the outlet. They didnt think it was safe in a tent, he said. As the river flooded early on Friday, his aunt woke up first and the family then rushed to climb through the truck sunroofs, he told NBC News. His mom, stepdad and Smith reached higher ground with plans to find help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They lost my uncle first, Ramirez told NBC News. He had tried to keep them all together, he recalled, but couldnt hold on. On Saturday, July 5, a search led to traces of the camping trip, but not the campers. Ramirez told NBC News that one of the trucks was located in Ingram against a tree, crushed and flipped, not far from the campground. With five of his family members still missing, Ramirez is getting by minute to minute, second to second, he said. That, and hes trying to stay strong for the sake of others. Im the only boy, so Im trying to hold it together for the rest of the family, he told NBC News. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Vehicles in the Guadalupe River after the July 4 flash floods Vehicles in the Guadalupe River after the July 4 flash floods 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. As of Sunday, July 6, more than 50 people, including 28 adults and 15 children, have been killed amid the flash floods, according to NBC News, CNN and The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The death toll has steadily risen since Friday and many people are still unaccounted for, including multiple young girls from Camp Mystic, located near the Guadalupe River. Much of the flooding has taken place along the river which runs from Kerr County to the San Antonio Bay according to CNN. The region experienced "more than an entire summer's worth of rain" in a matter of hours, the outlet reported. According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the river climbed to 34.76 feet at around noon local time on July 4. The 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." Read the original article on People ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY) A memorial in honor of the 672 Gold Star Families in Randolph County and the surrounding area was dedicated on Saturday in Elkins. The monument will provide a space for families of fallen servicemen and women to remember their loved ones. The ceremony included remarks by a number of local leaders and military personnel, a 21 gun salute and a performance of Taps. The monument was a two and a half year long project and was made possible by the Rotary Club of Elkins, contributors from throughout West Virginia, the Woody Williams Foundation, and many others. Along with being dedicated to Gold Star Families, the monument also honors the late Medal of Honor winner and West Virginia native Woody Williams, whose foundation helped to make the monument and many other Gold Star monuments possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clarksburg church hosts 2nd annual July 4 soccer game for local Hispanic community Mayor of City of Elkins Jerry Marco, who is also a member of a Gold Star Family Marco, said of the memorial that it sends a message to the family members that, We havent forgotten about you. Were still hugging you. Well put our arms around you. We know that you have a hole in your heart today, but were still here for you. Justin Daniel McCarthy, a former President of Beckley Rotary Club who helped see the memorial to completion, told 12 News, The dual purpose of this monument is not only to support the gold star families which was Woodys wishes but also to recognize Woody so both of those features are incorporated into this monument. The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument lays at the intersection of Railroad and Harrison Avenue in Elkins. The City of Elkins was chosen partially in order to honor Williamss wishes that the Gold Star monuments be spread out throughout the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Mora man, 32, killed in two-vehicle crash originally appeared on Bring Me The News. A 32-year-old Mora man has died after a two-vehicle crash Saturday night. The Minnesota State Patrol said a Ford Escape and a vehicle described as an "SSR Terminator" collided while both were north on Highway 65 near 310th Avenue in Kanabec County. "The Ford Escape and the SSR Terminator were traveling north on Highway 65 near 310th Avenue when the Ford impacted the SSR Terminator on the right side of the northbound lane," the State Patrol said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Terminator driver, Richard Duffee, of Mora, was killed. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time, police say. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared. Israeli forces have killed at least 82 people across Gaza, including 39 in Gaza City alone, as United States President Donald Trump said he believed a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could happen this week. Survivors of the Israeli strikes in Gaza City described apocalyptic scenes on Sunday as residents in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood retrieved body parts of victims and scrambled to rescue those trapped under the rubble. Mahmoud al-Sheikh Salama, a survivor of one strike in Gaza City, said the attack took place at 2am (23:00 GMT on Saturday) while he was sleeping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We heard a loud explosion and shortly after, another one. We rushed over and people were trapped under the rubble four families, a large number of residents, he told Al Jazeera. We tried to search for survivors and managed to pull out two people alive from under the debris after about three hours of struggle and breaking through. We got two out alive the rest were martyred and are still trapped. Al Jazeeras Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, said Israels current military escalation is a chilling and brutal reminder of the opening weeks of the war because of the intensity and scale of each attack. In the span of two hours, we have counted at least seven air strikes across the Gaza Strip, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A local community kitchen in the northern part of Deir el-Balah was also struck and three people were killed, including the main operator behind it. Attacks near aid sites Besides Gaza City, medical sources at hospitals told Al Jazeera that at least nine Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire since the morning near aid distribution centres operated by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Five were killed near the Netzarim Corridor, located just south of Gaza City, which splits the Strip down the middle. The Palestinian Ministry of Health said Israeli forces killed at least 743 Palestinians in attacks at sites run by the GHF since late May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GHF has drawn widespread criticism, with multiple reports that its contractors, as well as Israeli forces, have opened fire on desperate aid seekers. Two American contractors were wounded with non-life-threatening injuries on Saturday during an attack on an aid site. The attack which preliminary information indicates was carried out by two assailants who threw two grenades at the Americans occurred at the conclusion of an otherwise successful distribution in which thousands of Gazans safely received food, the GHF said. The US on Saturday blamed Hamas for the attack. Gazas Government Media Office rejected these accusations. We categorically and unequivocally reject the claims issued by the US State Department alleging that the Palestinian resistance threw explosives at American personnel operating at sites run by the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation GHF,' the media office said in a statement. Possible ceasefire? Meanwhile, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas towards a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip have begun in Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negotiations are about implementation mechanisms and hostage exchange, and positions are being exchanged through mediators, an unnamed official told the AFP news agency. The US president said on Sunday that there is a good chance a Gaza captive release and ceasefire deal could be reached with Hamas this week. I think were close to a deal on Gaza; we could have it this week. Theres a good chance we have a deal with Hamas during the week pertaining to quite a few of the hostages. You know, weve got a lot of the hostages out. But we think well have that done this week, Trump told reporters. The US president is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said last week that Israel has agreed to the conditions for a 60-day ceasefire, and negotiators could meet to carve out a path to finally end Israels nearly 21-month war on Gaza. On Friday, Hamas said it responded to a US-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal in a positive spirit. On Sunday, before boarding his flight to Washington, DC, Netanyahu also said he believed his discussions with Trump on Monday would help advance talks on a Gaza deal. I believe the discussion with President Trump can certainly help advance these results, he said, adding that he is determined to ensure the return of captives held in Gaza and remove the threat of Hamas to Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts, however, say that Netanyahu wants to continue the retaliatory war on Gaza until he can gain enough political leverage to dismiss the court cases against him in Israel and build enough popular support to remain the countrys leader. Netanyahu is on trial for corruption and is still widely blamed in Israeli society for the security failures that led to Hamass deadly attack on October 7, 2023. Israel and Netanyahu are not interested in reaching a ceasefire, Adnan Hayajneh, a professor of international relations at Qatar University, told Al Jazeera, adding that there is a very slim chance of a ceasefire. What Israel wants is clear a land without a people, Hayajneh said. So, Palestinians are given three choices starve to death get killed [or] leave the land. But Palestinians have so far proven they will not leave the land, no matter what. Jul. 5MOSES LAKE An undisclosed number of employees received layoff notices from the Group14 facility in Moses Lake on July 1. Moses Lake facility manager Don Kersey said construction on the facility is continuing. "We did have a layoff (July 1)," Kersey said. "We can't get into numbers, but we did rebalance our workforce to ensure the long-term resilience (and) competitiveness of our business. (The layoffs were) not just here in Moses Lake, but Group14 here in Washington state. It's very unfortunate." He said the company didn't anticipate any additional layoffs right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Not at this time," he said. Marisa Cairns, career and training specialist for SkillSource, said the agency has been working with Group14, but those arrangements are confidential. The company announced in April that the pace of construction for its Moses Lake facility would be slowed down. However, Kersey said Group14 is not considering abandoning the project. "Absolutely not. In fact, we're still expecting production in the first quarter of 2026," Kersey said. The target date to start production of silicon battery materials in Moses Lake has been pushed back multiple times. In an April interview, Rick Lubbe, Group14 chief executive officer, said market conditions have changed and some of the anticipated demand from China hasn't materialized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Group14 is continuing to work on a joint venture in South Korea. "Within the month of July, we're hoping to have (the South Korea) plant in production. That's where our focus is right now," Kersey said. Luebbe said in April that slowing down the pace of construction would allow for cost reductions. "We've slowed that construction down to a more methodical approach, more of a sequence approach. Rather than have a lot of the (construction) trades stacked all working together, we're having one trade at a time," Kersey said. "The approach we have now is more deliberate. We can see the end now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once production does start, Kersey said Group14 officials will reevaluate their workforce needs. "We will start slow, of course. But then when we start ramping up, yes, we will need to rehire. All of the employees who were let go are eligible for rehire," he said. "We hope to start production in the first quarter of 2026, and right around then, first quarter (or) second quarter, rehire." Production levels are still to be determined, Kersey said. "These things aren't easy (and) aren't taken lightly. The future is still there, and the future looks very bright. We just have to grind through this," Kersey said. The layoffs come with multiple hits to the Moses Lake area economy occurring in recent months. According to the Washington Employment Security Department, REC Silicon laid off 224 staff on January 16 when that company's plant closed. An exact number of staff laid off at Group 14 has not yet been posted to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification database as of Friday. View the database here: https://bit.ly/ESDWARN The Brief Millions of mosquitoes are raising questions at Alligator Alcatraz. There are estimated to be 7 billion mosquitoes in the Everglades. Epidemiologists are warning that the immigrant detention center - opened this week by the governor along the Tamiami Trail in the Everglades - could become a breeding ground for nasty diseases that could impact both detainees and state workers. FLORIDA - State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) didn't learn much about what was happening inside Alligator Alcatraz on Thursday, because they were blocked by officials over safety concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But something on the outside did stick out. "The second you open up your car, your car is infested with mosquitoes." Despite wearing a mosquito net, she says she was bitten dozens of times, and wonders what that will mean for detainees who are being held in tents, but who will have to walk outside to bathroom or shower facilities, the rec yard, or other parts of the complex. She's especially concerned that a recent storm showed the tents were compromised by water. "For those who working that environment and living that environment, it is not built for human engagement, especially not for long periods of time." The dangers Yale epidemiologist Durland Fish studies mosquitoes in the Everglades. "It's mosquito heaven," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are seven mosquito-borne viruses that circulate there, including West Nile, Encephalitis, and even something called Everglades Virus. If they hit non-native people who don't have antibodies built up, they can cause a host of neurologic conditions. While only one percent of the 7 billion mosquitoes there could have something nasty, he doesn't like those odds, given dozens of bites can happen in minutes. "These diseases are untreatable and there's no vaccine for them," said Fish. What's next The mosquito concerns come as Democrats and advocacy groups are demanding transparency around the $400 million Alligator Alcatraz project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will state taxpayers be on the hook? How many migrants are there right now? Which migrants will be brought there? How long will their stay be? What they're saying "It is owed to Floridians to know exactly what is happening right there in the heart of South Florida," said Tessa Petit of the Florida Immigrant Coalition. The lawmakers who were blocked from entering the facility say a lawsuit is possible. PREVIOUS: Democratic lawmakers say they were blocked from entering 'Alligator Alcatraz' The governor's office did not immediately respond to questions about how many migrants are there, other than to tell the representatives who tried to visit that the number was in the "hundreds." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also did not immediately respond to questions about whether any mosquito control measures would be taken. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Evan Axelbank. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday extended his warm wishes to the Tibetan community and the people of India on the occasion of the 90th birthday of His Holiness Dalai Lama. On the occasion, Chief Minister Dhami announced that the Buddha Temple road would be widened and a tin shed would be constructed at the Tibetan crematorium. The Chief Minister said, "His Holiness the Dalai Lama has shown the world the path of peace, non-violence, and compassion. His teachings are even more relevant in today's times when the world is facing many challenges." "Dalai Lama himself says - "My religion is compassion" - this idea makes him the true spiritual guru of the world," CM Dhami added. The Chief Minister said that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has always provided love, respect and security to the Tibetan community. He said that the state government will continue to protect the interests of the Tibetan community as well as provide all possible support for their cultural, educational and social development. While praying to God, the Chief Minister said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama should be blessed with good health and a long life so that he can continue to guide future generations with his invaluable thoughts and teachings. Meanwhile, the Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in Dharamshala on Sunday with an address focusing on the values of compassion, service, and the Bodhichitta way of life. Speaking before a gathering at the Tsuglagkhang temple, he reflected on his spiritual journey and urged everyone to follow a path of kindness and selflessness. Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, along with other dignitaries and well-wishers, attended the celebration. In his speech, the Dalai Lama spoke about the importance of love, unity and service to others. "As far as I am concerned, I have a human life. As humans, it is natural for us to have love in our hearts for one another and to help one another. Since we come from a country where Buddhist religion and spirituality have spread, there is a strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among us. The main practice is as said in Bodhisattva way of life -- considering all beings as my friends and relatives, and I always think of serving beings with the best of my abilities," he said. (ANI) Smotrich responded to the leak from the meeting, while criticizing Netanyahu and the cabinet over their decision to move forward on Gaza aid. The security cabinet met late on Saturday for a meeting that reportedly saw tense confrontations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir on the topic of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Some quotes from the meeting, which occurred just hours before an Israeli delegation was set to leave for Doha and ended with a decision to increase the distribution of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza, have leaked to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a report presented during the session, there have been delays in establishing the humanitarian aid city in the southern part of Gaza. Netanyahu reportedly criticized the military over the delay, saying, There is no reason to wait. We need to move forward. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voted against the proposal, reportedly arguing that increasing the aid distribution would make it harder to evacuate the population from the area. During the meeting, images of Gazan civilians running toward aid distribution centers were shown. Palestinians approach to collect aid supplies from the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 29, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Hatem Khaled) Regarding the aid centers, Zamir said, Look at the soldiers. Its not far from them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben-Gvir asked, Why are we distributing [aid] to them [Gazans] and endangering our soldiers? Netanyahu responded, Theyre running because theres no food. Once they get enough, they wont run like that. Ben-Gvir's response was, We must stop! Theyre running because thats their mentality. Even when the hostages were brought in, they ran after them. Were they hungry then, too? Settlements and National Missions Minister Orit Strock (the Religious Zionist Party) then said that the situation is being mismanaged. Then you manage it, Regional Cooperation Minister David Dudi Amsalem (Likud) shot back. Smotrich criticizes security cabinet leak In response to the leaked data from the security cabinet meeting, Smotrich said, Partial and biased leaks from the cabinet have been and remain a disgrace that harms the security of the state, and this must come to an end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smotrich had said that Zamir was failing in his mission and that he was forcing the political echelon to allow aid that reaches Hamas and turns into a logistical supply for the enemy during wartime to enter the enclave. He called the decision made by Netanyahu and the rest of the cabinet wrong. With all due respect, Smotrich said, my criticism is also directed at the prime minister, who, throughout the war, has failed to implement the decisions of the political echelon and enforce them on the senior IDF command regarding this critical issue for victory: The destruction of Hamas and the return of the hostages. Smotrich continued by saying that the decision made yesterday, contrary to our position, to allow aid through the old and flawed route is unacceptable to us, and we will consider our next steps regarding it. Palestinians receive meals from volunteers in the central Gaza Strip, on July 6, 2025 (credit: Ali Hassan/Flash90) Ben-Gvir's firm opposition to Gaza deal In a post to social media on Saturday evening, Ben-Gvir called on Netanyahu to withdraw the surrender framework, referring to the US-backed hostage deal proposal, and return to a framework of decisive victory. The only path to decisive victory and the secure return of our hostages is the full conquest of the Gaza Strip, a complete halt to the so-called humanitarian aid, and the encouragement of emigration, he added. What happened in just a few gruesome hours at a rental home in Knoxville in January 2007 launched the city into a media frenzy, ignited furor from white supremacists and led to a 12-year courtroom drama that included a judge stepping down amid official misconduct charges for popping pills. At the heart of the ordeal was a young couple, Channon Christian, 21, and her boyfriend Christopher Newsom, 23. Christian and Newsom were kidnapped from the parking lot of an apartment complex on Washington Pike late Jan. 6, 2007, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours later, a railroad worker discovered the burned remains of Newsom. He was barefoot with hands bound by a shoelace. His body had been wrapped in a comforter and set on fire. He'd been raped and shot. An article in the Jan. 9, 2007, issue of the Knoxville News Sentinel reports on the disappearing of Shannon Christian after her boyfriend, Christopher Newsom was found dead. More: 5 things to know about the Christian-Newsom torture slayings Christian's body was found two days later inside a trash can in the Chipman Street rental home. She'd been bound and raped before she was wrapped in trash bags and put in the trash can. She slowly suffocated to death. Within days, police arrested brothers Lemaricus Davidson and Letalvis Cobbins. Soon after, George Thomas and Cobbins' girlfriend, Vanessa Coleman, were also charged. A fifth suspect, Eric Boyd, was charged in federal court with helping Davidson flee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crime captured the attention of white supremacist Alex Linder. Christian and Newsom were White. All the suspects were Black. Linder organized protests to decry "Black-on-White crime." He was arrested at the first rally and charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and assault on a police officer. "I haven't seen any evidence to indicate this is a hate crime, and I interviewed two of these suspects," then-Knox County Sheriff Jimmy Jones said in a May 27, 2007, edition of the Knoxville News Sentinel. "I believe these people were evil. I believe it was a plan.'" The house at 2316 Chipman Street where Channon Christian and Cristopher Newsom were taken after they were kidnapped in January 2007, was torn down years after their deaths. Boyd was convicted in April 2008 in federal court for aiding Davidson. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Despite testimony at his trial directly linking Boyd to the murders, he eluded state charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2009, Cobbins pleaded guilty to rape and facilitation and was convicted on charges of murder. He was given a life sentence plus 100 years. Months later, Davidson, who was known as the ringleader of the group, was convicted and sentenced to death. Thomas was found guilty and sentenced to life without parole, and Coleman was sentenced to serve 53 years. Just when the families thought the ordeal over, Judge Richard Baumgartner, who'd handled all four state cases, pleaded guilty to official misconduct for buying prescription pills from a probationer in 2011. A year later he was convicted in federal court of lying to protect his mistress' role in a drug conspiracy. Those charges raised a question: If Baumgartner was impaired during those trials, did the outcomes of those cases stand? When Baumgartner was indicted, he'd not yet certified the verdicts as the "13th juror," opening the door for them to be retried. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Special Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood ruled the cases should be retried. Ultimately, only Thomas' and Coleman's cases went back to court. Both were convicted again. This time, Thomas was given back-to-back life sentences with the possibility of parole, plus 25 years. Coleman's sentence was reduced to 35 years. Channon Christian's best friend, Kara Sowards, right, with Deena and Gary Christian, turns away as the judge reads the jury's verdict during the trial of torture-slaying suspect Vanessa Coleman in Knox County Criminal Court in Knoxville on May 13, 2010. Eleven years after the couple was killed, and much to the relief of the families, Boyd was indicted on charges of first-degree murder. With Thomas' testimony, secured by a deal knocking off over half his sentence, Boyd was convicted in the deaths of Christian and Newsom. He was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus 90 years. The case changed legal precedent and was the inspiration for two new state laws, one of which requires judges to certify a verdict immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All five remain imprisoned in separate facilities across the state. Thomas is scheduled for release in 2053. Coleman is scheduled for release in 2034. Davidson remains on death row. The Tennessean is publishing a Notorious Nashville story for each year from 2000-2024. Catch up on the series here. Kirsten Fiscus is a breaking news reporter for The Tennessean. Contact her with questions, tips or story ideas at kfiscus@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Notorious Nashville 2007: Knoxville couple kidnapped, raped, murdered The cause of a Muscatine fire remains under investigation. According to a release from the Muscatine Fire Department, at approximately 5:05 a.m. on July 6, the Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call for smoke coming from a house near 5th St. and Oak St. Crews were notified the house was on Orange St. in the middle of the 500 block. Upon arrival, crews saw heavy smoke and fire coming from the first floor windows and the second story alley side window and smoke coming from the eaves. Firefighting efforts were hampered due to concern about adjacent power lines, so crews adjusted their initial tactics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports on scene were that this is a vacant house and was posted for no occupancy. Fire investigators were called in immediately and are on scene performing an initial investigative process. There were no occupants or bystanders, and there were no injuries to any responders, according to the Muscatine Fire Department. The initial fire loss is estimated at approximately $80,000. The Muscatine Fire Department was assisted by the Muscatine Police Department and the Fruitland Fire Department as part of an automatic aid agreement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Elon Musks plan to launch a new US political party could split the Republicans, Donald Trumps allies have warned. On Saturday, the 54-year-old Tesla boss announced he was setting up the America Party after his social media followers backed the idea in an online poll. Mr Musk, who until recently was a key Trump ally, said the party would adopt a laser focus on winning a handful of Senate seats and House districts in a bid to sway key votes on legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, he posted on X. On Sunday, Mr Musk responded to a post about how he could break the two-party stranglehold by writing: Not hard tbh [to be honest]. Not hard tbh https://t.co/pQZXgsHQVy Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 6, 2025 Scott Bessent, the US Treasury secretary, insisted a Musk party would pose no threat to the Trump administration. Look, the principles of Doge [the Department of Government Efficiency] were very popular. I think if you looked at the polling, Elon was not, he told CNN on Sunday, referring to the cost-cutting agency Mr Musk headed for just over four months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Laura Loomer, a leading Maga influencer who is close to Mr Trump, warned the move could trigger Republican defections and split the partys base. I predict Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie will join the new America Party to spite President Trump, she posted on X. Raheem Kassam, another prominent Maga supporter and former adviser to Nigel Farage, threatened to ditch Mr Musks X platform if its algorithm skewed against Mr Trump. If Musk weaponises [sic] X against Maga, Im leaving this account as an automated news feed and shifting to TruthSocial tbh, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump branded the new party ridiculous. I think its ridiculous to start a third party, he told reporters before boarding Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey. Starting a third party just adds to confusion. It really seems to have been developed for two parties. Third parties have never worked, so he can have fun with it, but I think its ridiculous. Shortly after, Mr Trump posted further comments on his Truth Social platform, saying: I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely off the rails, essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks. Mr Musk said his decision to form the party stemmed from opposition to Mr Trumps new economic bill, which includes tax cuts for the wealthy, significant reductions to Medicaid and the removal of subsidies for electric vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement follows the revival of his public feud with Mr Trump, who threatened to cancel the Tesla tycoons government contracts and deport him back to South Africa. Elmo the Mook Steve Bannon, Mr Trumps former chief strategist, questioned whether Mr Musk could even form a new party, given he was born abroad, and also repeated calls for him to be deported. The foul, the buffoon. Elmo the Mook, formerly known as Elon Musk, Elmo the Mook. Hes today, in another smear, and this only a foreigner could do this think about it, hes got up on, hes got up on Twitter right now, a poll about starting an America Party, a non-American starting an America Party, Mr Bannon said on his War Room podcast. He added: No, brother, youre not an American. Youre a South African. We take enough time and prove the facts of that, you should be deported because its a crime of what you did among many. Steve Bannon suggested Mr Musk should be deported - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Third parties have typically underperformed in US elections because of the countrys first-past-the-post system, which favours Democrats and Republicans. Previous third-party presidential candidates like Ross Perot and Ralph Nader made headlines but little headway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Mr Musk hopes that by securing a small number of Senate and House seats in next years midterms, the America Party could act as kingmaker on tight legislative votes. Third party a mistake Both main parties have struggled in recent years to push through laws because of internal dissent. This week, Mr Trumps big, beautiful bill met resistance from within, with Mr Massie and Brian Fitzpatrick voting against it in the House, before it eventually passed. Democrats have faced similar challenges, notably when Senator Joe Manchin blocked key parts of Joe Bidens climate legislation in 2022. Political strategists suggest Mr Musks party could most damage Republicans. Former friends Mr Musk and Mr Trump at the White House in May - Evan Vucci/AP Dafydd Townley, a US politics expert, told Newsweek: Third parties do not tend to have a long lifetime in American politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the America Party would likely split the Republican vote, potentially resulting in a Democrat-dominated House of Representatives, at least in the short term, due to the winner-takes-all electoral system. Mr Musks move has also attracted attention from existing third parties. Steven Nekhaila, the chairman of the Libertarian National Committee, urged Mr Musk to join their party instead. Making a new third party would be a mistake, he told Politico. The Libertarian Party is the most set-up party to be the dissident subversive party. Other Trump critics have expressed support for the tech billionaires proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anthony Scaramucci, Mr Trumps former communications chief but now a vocal critic of the president, said he wanted to meet Mr Musk to discuss the new venture. Mark Cuban, a billionaire entrepreneur who backed Kamala Harris at last years presidential election and a critic of Mr Musks management of X, reposted the Tesla chief executives announcement and said he would help him to get on ballots. Tyler Palmer, a tech investor, also offered his support, asking: Where do we send our donations? Other political figures to endorse Mr Musks manoeuvre included Andrew Yang, a former Democratic presidential candidate, and Justin Amash, a former Republican representative from Michigan. Both have expressed concerns over the USs two-party system for allegedly strengthening partisan divides and failing to represent the interests of American voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unveiling of the America Party has damaged Tesla, which has suffered in the stock market ever since Mr Musk entered the political fray and backed Mr Trumps re-election bid with hundreds of millions of dollars in support. Azoria Partner, an investment firm, said it would postpone plans to invest in Tesla and encouraged its board to rein in Mr Musk. James Fishback, Azorias chief executive, said: I encourage the board to meet immediately and ask Elon to clarify his political ambitions and evaluate whether they are compatible with his full-time obligations to Tesla as CEO. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Elon Musk says he has formed his new political party titled the "America Party." The former lead of the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) had promised to do just that if President Donald Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill passed. Musk has beenand continues to bea vocal critic of the policy bill, arguing that it will cause immense strategic harm to America on account of the trillions of dollars the bill is projected to add to the debt of the country. By a factor of two to one, you want a new political party and you shall have it! When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste and graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy, Musk said via his social media platform, X, on Saturday, a day after Trump signed the bill. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom. The Tesla CEO had opened a poll on July 4, Independence Day, asking his more than 220 million followers if he should create the new political party. Over 65% of the more than 1.2 million respondents voted yes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Musk Renews Promise to Start New Rival Political Party as Trump Debates Deporting Him Musk went on to share his potential strategy for gaining independence from the two-party system, arguing that he might try to laser-focus on just two or three Senate seats and eight to 10 House districts for his party. 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 elaborated. But as for what exactly Musk plans to do with his rival third party is largely open for discussion. Musk has yet to share any specific proposed policies or explicitly state what the core tenets of his party would be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, on Sunday, Trump said he was "saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely off the rails." Commenting on Musk's announcement, he said: "He even wants to start a third political party, despite the fact that they have never succeeded in the United States. The system seems not designed for them. The one thing third parties are good for is the creation of complete and total disruption and chaos." Heres what we doand dontknow about Musks vision for the America Party and how it came to be. What do we know of the America Partys proposed policies? When Musk floated the idea of creating a new political party in early June amid the very public fracturing of his relationship with Trump, his one-time ally, Musk after conducting a poll said: The people have spoken. A new political party is needed in America to represent the 80% in the middle! He appeared to be referring to those who may not feel seen or represented by either the Republican Party or Democratic Party. Musk, the countrys biggest Republican donor, is seemingly committed to campaigning against any Republicans who showed support and voted for the Big, Beautiful Bill that he so vehemently opposes. Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame! Musk said on June 30. And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If he so desired, Musk could target pivotal congressional seats in an effort to turn them and thus potentially have the upper hand during votes on key matters. He seemingly referenced this plan with his July 4 post about establishing a laser-focus on just two or three Senate seats and eight to 10 House districts. Musk did not elaborate or specify which seats would be at the center of his focus. While Musk has yet to share an actual policy platform for his party, he has reposted and responded affirmatively to some of his X followers posts about what the platform could be. What appears to be on the docket is a platform that prioritizes cuts on debt and excess spending within the government, similar to what Musk pushed for during his time in the White House. One of Musks followers asked: Is this the America Party platform? They went on to list the following stances: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reduce debt, responsible spending only Modernize military with AI/robotics Pro tech, accelerate to win in AI Less regulation across board, but especially in energy Free speech Pro natalist Centrist policies everywhere else In response, Musk said yeah! and went on to repost the list to his millions of followers, but stopped short of providing his own official policy plan. Read More: Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill Faces Opposition From Musk and Some Republicans as Senate Narrowly Votes to Advance It Musks split from Trump and the Republican Party Though Musk had voted Democrat previously, he played a vital role for the Republican Party when he became the largest donor of the 2024 presidential race, predominantly funding Trumps campaign but also financially backing other Republicans via his super political action committee (PAC) titled America PAC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk became a close ally of Trumps and appeared at major campaign rallies with him, addressing large crowds and urging them to vote for Trump. As a sign of their close working relationship, Trump appointed Musk as the lead of DOGE, a role he held until May. During his tenure, Musk became known for actualizing Trumps vision of cutting waste in the government, which amounted to laying off thousands of federal employees. But Musk and Trumps relationship soured, especially after the former took a public stance against the spending bill. I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful, Musk told CBS News in May, shortly before he announced his DOGE departure. But I dont know if it could be both. Going a step further in early June, Musk said the massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination and told his millions of followers to call your Senator, call your Congressman kill the bill! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk and Trump engaged in an all-out war of words, exchanging jabs and lobbying threatswith Trump threatening to take away the government contracts for Musks companies, including the SpaceX firm that has become a critical player for NASA. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the falling out stemmed from Musk being unhappy over changes to the Electric Vehicle [EV] mandate. Tensions reignited once more when Musk renewed his calls for the policy bill not to be passed. When asked by reporters on July 1 if he was planning to deport Musk, who has U.S. and South African citizenship, Trump replied: I dont know, well have to take a look. We might have to put DOGE on Elon. The monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldnt that be terrible? Trump said, appearing to refer to the contracts and subsidies that Musks prominent businesses have from the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Musk Floats Idea of Starting New Rival Political Partyand Even Names ItAmid Trump Feud A third party has never been able to thrive in Americas two-party system Though Musk is looking to build a viable, competitive third party, it requires more than an X poll to actualize it in the U.S. In fact, many have tried before. Two major partiesDemocratic and Republicanhave dominated U.S. politics and no third party in recent memory has been able to penetrate the two-party system in a meaningful way. Former 2020 Democratic presidential primary candidate Andrew Yang has pushed for representation beyond the two-party system, but has arguably encountered limited success with his Forward Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Yang expressed a keenness to join forces with Musk, seemingly hoping that the two of them may have a stronger chance of succeeding. Elon has built world-class companies from nothing more than an idea multiple times, and in this instance, you have the vast majority of Americans who are hungry for a new approach, Yang said in an interview with Politico. Im happy to spell it out for Elon, or anyone else who wants to head down this road. A third party can succeed very quickly. Part of the reason third parties struggle is due to the U.S. winner takes all system in the Electoral College. 48 out of the 50 States award Electoral votes on a winner-takes-all basis (so does the District of Columbia). This makes voting for third party candidates difficult. For example, support for the Tea Party held strong at 24% according to polls in the 2010s, though they rarely held significant political power, since the Republicans were often fearful of splitting votes in races with narrow margins, which would have risked giving the election to Democratic candidates. Contact us at letters@time.com. July 5 (UPI) -- Entrepreneur and former Department of Government Efficiency Director Elon Musk on Saturday announced the creation of the America Party. Musk says the American Party will restore democracy and freedom after suggesting he would start a new political party amid a high-profile feud with President Donald Trump. He conducted a straw poll on his social media platform X on Friday, Politico reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "By a factor or 2 to 1, you want a new political party, and you shall have it," Musk said Saturday afternoon in a post on X. "When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy," Musk continued. "Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom." Musk suggested the political party would focus on two or three Senate seats and between eight and 10 House seats during the 2026 mid-term elections, CNBC reported. Given the narrow margins among House and Senate majorities in recent years, a small number of seats in both chambers would be enough to significantly influence legislation, Musk said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the party would caucus independently of Democrats and Republicans but enter into legislative discussions with both. Musk did not say if he registered the party with the Federal Election Commission, but an "America Party" search of the FEC website did not produce any results on Saturday. Weeks after a high-profile public falling out with U.S. President Donald Trump, tech mogul Elon Musk announced the creation of a new political party in the United States, dubbed the "America Party." Musk said on July 5 that the party's aim is to "give you back your freedom" and challenge the traditional two-party Republican and Democratic system. The announcement came a day after Trump signed his sweeping tax cut and spending bill into law, a legislative act that Musk has fiercely opposed. It remains unclear if the America Party has been formally registered with election authorities, but Musk indicated it would launch "next year." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk's decision follows a poll he conducted on X on July 4, asking his followers if he should create a new political party.He cited the overwhelming support, writing: "By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it! When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy." The strained relationship between Musk and Trump began to deteriorate significantly after a period where Musk publicly supported Trump's re-election bid and held a high-profile role in the U.S. government's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In May, Musk announced his departure from DOGE, citing the end of his "scheduled time." Initially, Trump praised him as "one of the greatest business leaders and innovators the world has ever produced." However, tensions escalated sharply on May 22 after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a significant tax-cut and spending bill that Trump signed into law on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk vehemently condemned the legislation, calling it a "massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination." He argued that the bill's spending would exacerbate the "already gigantic budget deficit" and "burden American citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt." Adding to the friction earlier this week, Trump threatened to cut off billions of dollars in federal subsidies to Musk's companies and even hinted at the possibility of deporting the South Africa-born entrepreneur. Read also: Disingenuous Hegseth paused Ukraine weapons despite Pentagon finding aid wouldnt hurt US readiness, NBC reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. In the 2004 comedy Team America, a group of freelancing Thunderbird-style puppets romp around the world, saving mankind from a coalition of terrorists and liberal Hollywood actors. It was hard not to bring the film to mind last night when Elon Musk announced a new America Party. That was my first thought. My second was: thank God Rupert Lowe doesnt have $400 billion. It is, as my mother often says, very easy to mock. Nonetheless, although such a party would be unlikely to win a future election if it did, it would be the first time in history that a third-party candidate became president it could unleash even more chaos upon the American political system and even more volatility upon the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could be the whole point. The announcement of the America Party was the latest escalation in a war of words between the two most powerful men on Earth over Donald Trumps signature megabill. As the legislation made its way through the Senate, Musk became furiously opposed to it. Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their heads in shame!, he posted on X on Monday. And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth. Not to be outdone, Trump fired back on his own social media site, Truth Social. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE, he wrote. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!! The bill was signed into law on July 4. Then came the announcement of the America Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We mock at our peril. As the richest man on Earth, Musks net worth is the equivalent of the GDP of mid-ranking countries like the Netherlands, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia. To put that in context, the 2024 presidential election was the second most expensive since 1998, behind only the 2020 race, which was the most costly on record. Donald Trumps latest victory cost about half-a-billion dollars in candidate committee cash, and about a billion in outside money. Musk could comfortably drop three or four times that sum on the America Party without his eyes watering. He could also fund a private army the size of Britains Armed Forces (annual budget: 57 billion) to go with it, should his ambitions take a more Team America turn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a political megaforce like this unleashed upon the United States, unpredictable numbers of votes would be hijacked both from the Democrats and Republicans. We would witness a three-way rhetorical battle, with Donald Trumps legendary bile haemorrhaging in all directions and the whole catastrophe given rocket boosters almost literally by social media. But there are big caveats. Although Musks post on X seemed unequivocal By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it! Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom, he wrote no paperwork has been filed to the Federal Election Commission for the formation of a political entity by that name. Given the impulsiveness that social media encourages and the volatile characters of the two big beasts, it is quite possible that by this time next week, Musk will have abandoned his political ambitions and once again be a card-carrying member of Team Trump. On the other hand, it is just as likely that the feud may have gone interstellar. All of this is terrible for America. In the final analysis, this latest bombastic move is a gesture of spite by a man with a gold-plated god complex and a social media platform. But it is more than a fight between two Thunderbird-style caricatures competing for the attention of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tragedy of the episode is that Musks poll on X revealed that a majority of users felt that no political party was speaking for them. That is a real problem, and it is one that Musks America Party would never solve. Whether it becomes a reality or not, it is hard to avoid one conclusion. The United States deserves better than this. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Jul. 5dbeard @dominionpost.com MORGANTOWN NASA's Katherine Johnson Independent Verification & Validation Facility in Fairmont could see a drastic budget cut under President Trump's Fiscal Year 2026 Discretionary Budget Request. But members of West Virginia's Congressional delegation are working to prevent it As part of an overall proposed NASA budget cut, Johnson IV &V would see its funding fall from its current $43.3 million (from FY 2024) to $13.8 million in FY 2026 just one third of the current budget. NASA is working on answers to questions from The Dominion Post about the ramifications of the cut and will provide those next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its 2026 Budget Technical Supplement, the agency says, "In FY 2026, NASA plans to significantly reduce and restructure both the NASA Engineering and Safety Center and Independent Verification and Validation program as part of the effort to consolidate the overall Agency Technical Authority program. In FY 2026, NASA will allocate $9.9 million for IV &V to ensure the program can provide software assurance support to the future Moon to Mars programs." The Dominion Post reached out to Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice, and Rep. Riley Moore for comments on the proposal. Capito spokeswoman Kelley Moore (no relation) said Capito "is aware of the proposed cuts to NASA that would impact the mission and the facility at Katherine Johnson IV &V." She has been in contact with leadership at the facility, Goddard Space Flight Center, which oversees the work at IV &V, and NASA Headquarters. "It has also been conveyed to NASA and to the Senate Appropriations Committee that Sen. Capito will oppose any cuts to this facility that would impact workforce or its mission, " Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore noted that since NASA does not have an administrator or a nominee at this time, there has not been a budget hearing where this topic could be raised. "Regardless, Sen. Capito is working hard to protect this facility that she so proudly helped name around this time in 2019." Justice did not respond to several requests for comment. Moore said, "I am closely tracking the proposed cuts to NASA's Fairmont facility. I have been in constant communication with the appropriations subcommittee chairman who oversees its funding, and will use my position on the Appropriations Committee to fight for the important work being done there." Here's a breakdown of the numbers that factor into IV &V's budget with several layers of authority above IV &V. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IV &V overall falls under NASA's Safety, Security and Mission Services. That budget was cut from $3.131 billion in FY 2024 to $3.092 billion in FY 2025 and will fall to $2.118 billion in FY 2026 the federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1). Under SS &MS, is Engineering Safety & Operations. Its budget will fall from $1.088 billion in FY 2024 to $620.3million in FY 2026 and $446.5 million in FY 2027. And under ES &O, the Agency Technical Authority funding will fall from $196.1 million in FY 2024 to $69.6 million in FY 2026. "The Agency Technical Authority program protects the health and safety of NASA's workforce by evaluating programs, projects, and operations to ensure safe and successful completion. ATA capabilities provide expert technical excellence, mission assurance, and technical authority agency wide." IV &V falls directly under the Agency Technical Authority, with funding from several accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funding from the Safety, Security and Mission Services account will be cut from $39.2 million to $9.9 million for software assurance support for Moon and Mars programs, as mentioned above. Funding from the Exploration account will go from $3.3 million to $2 million. Funding from the Space Operations account will go from $800, 000 to $700, 000. One account source will see an increase: Science account funding will go from $0 in FY 2024 to $1.2 million for FY 2026. A footnote hints at some flexibility: "The IV &V program will work with Mission Directorate to adjust FY 2026 allocations as the FY 2026 operating plan is developed." Some information provided to The Dominion Post noted that cuts to IV &V have been proposed in the past, but not to this extent. On March 23, 1965, NASA launched astronauts Virgil "Gus" Grissom and John Young into orbit on the Gemini III mission. The launch was the result of countless hours of preparation and research, and, of course, millions upon millions of dollars. Every detail of the mission was meticulously planned, including approved foods that could be eaten once up and out of the atmosphere. NASA didn't send many provisions on the mission (it was less than five hours long). In fact, there were only rations for Young. Young took it upon himself to smuggle in a meal for Grissom, one he knew that Grissom enjoyed. The sneaky astronaut tucked a corned beef sandwich on rye bread into his spacesuit without informing NASA, a move which the space giant (and Congress) wasn't happy about once the secret was uncovered. Once the astronauts were in orbit, Young passed the sandwich to his commander, who ate some of the sandwich but hid the remainder in his own pocket. It's unclear when NASA found out about the unapproved food, but the two rule-breakers were disciplined by their employer once the beef was out of the bag. The event even appears in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first food smuggled into space, further cementing the exchange in history. The sandwich (or rather, a replica caked in resin) and the incident is memorialized at the Grissom Memorial Museum in Mitchell, Indiana. You may be wondering what the big deal is. The fact is, any foods allowed to go out of this world are thoroughly vetted because certain items can be downright dangerous for either the astronauts or the spacecraft itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Once Popular Sandwiches People Don't Eat Anymore Why Are Some Foods Banned In Space? Corned beef, swiss, sauerkraut on toasted rye with pickle - Robhainer/Getty Images Space food and menu planning are an important part of any space mission. Not only do the nutritional and caloric needs of the astronauts need to be taken into account, but logistics as well. For example, there's limited storage space. If a food is too bulky, it might get banned to prioritize smaller, more calorie-dense items. The lack of gravity is another factor, as is any mess potential. In fact, mess is precisely why bread is on NASA's list of banned foods. Bread crumbs will begin to float in the absence of gravity and could potentially end up in an astronaut's eye or in important equipment. Tortillas are NASA's preferred type of grain. For similar reasons, salt and pepper are also not allowed in space, but that doesn't mean space food must be bland. Liquid seasonings have been developed for astronauts to use. Carbonated drinks like sodas stay on earth. In space, the carbon dioxide (bubbles) in these beverages don't rise up and out of the liquid. If a person were to drink one in orbit, they'd be ingesting more carbonation than they would if they were drinking one on earth. This can cause stomach aches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Space food has come a long way since the first Mercury missions, where food was largely freeze-dried, unappetizing, and packaged in aluminum tubes. As space exploration has evolved, so has the menu for astronauts. It's unclear whether corned beef (which isn't the same as pastrami) on tortillas is allowed to go to infinity and beyond, but we do know that bacon already made it to the moon with NASA's approval. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. At least 78 people have lost their lives in Himachal Pradesh since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Of these, 50 deaths were caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, while 28 fatalities were reported in road accidents. "The cumulative toll due to various monsoon-related disasters in Himachal Pradesh has reached 78 as of July 6," the State Disaster Management Authority stated. The rain-induced tragedies include 14 deaths from flash floods, eight due to drowning, eight from electrocution and accidental falls, and smaller numbers in landslides, lightning strikes, and snake bites. Mandi district reported the highest number of rain-related deaths at 17, followed by Kangra with 11. Other severely affected districts include Kullu (3 deaths), Chamba (3), and Shimla (3). The road accidents, which claimed 28 lives, were recorded across various districts, with Chamba reporting the highest at six, followed by Bilaspur, Kullu, and Kangra. Beyond human casualties, the state has also suffered widespread infrastructural and economic damage. As per SDMA data, 269 roads have been blocked, 285 power transformers have been affected, and 278 water supply schemes have been affected. The total loss to public and private property has been estimated at over Rs 57 crore. Monsoon-triggered incidents have also led to crop losses, damage to homes and cowsheds, and disruption in health and education infrastructure. Authorities have deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams across critical regions. Search and rescue operations are still underway, especially in parts of Mandi and Kullu where missing persons have been reported. The SDMA continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to stay alert as rainfall activity remains active across the state. (ANI) NEED TO KNOW The devastating flooding in central Texas on July 4 led some officials to point fingers at the National Weather Service (NWS) Defending itself, the NWS said its emergency alerts gave several hours of lead time before flooding began Local governments were more delayed in warning residents After months of rain fell in central Texas in a matter of mere hours on Friday, July 4, leading to catastrophic flooding, some local officials said the National Weather Service's forecasts were insufficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the agency is speaking out as questions continue about whether the warnings could have been more effective. Local officials have also come under scrutiny in the media for their response; and headlines have highlighted staffing vacancies at the National Weather Service (NWS) amid the Trump administration's cutbacks on some federal government functions. The National Weather Service is heartbroken by the tragic loss of life in Kerr County, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) spokesperson Kim Doster said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. As of Sunday, July 6, more than 50 people have died so far, including 28 adults and 15 children, following the devastating flash floods, per NBC News, CNN and The Washington Post. The overall death toll is continually rising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doster said that the NWS began preparing and warning Texans in the area of the flooding to come the day before and issued emergency alerts several hours in advance. On July 3, the NWS office in Austin/San Antonio, TX conducted forecast briefings for emergency management in the morning and issued a Flood Watch in the early afternoon, Doster said. Flash Flood Warnings were also issued on the night of July 3 and in the early morning of July 4, giving preliminary lead times of more than three hours before flash flooding conditions occurred. Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via Getty Flood damage near the Guadalupe River on Saturday, July 5 Flood damage near the Guadalupe River on Saturday, July 5 At a Friday news conference, Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management W. Nim Kidd told reporters that ahead of the devastating floods, the NWS had apparently underestimated the precipitation that the affected areas would later receive. The amount of rain that fell in this specific location was never in any of the agencys forecasts, Kidd said, in part. Nonetheless we have resources that have been surrounding this area since yesterday. When the rain fell, and the calls came in, we immediately jumped into action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the NOAA, warnings began as early as Thursday, July 3, with the National Water Center Flood Hazard Outlook indicating flash flood potential in Kerrville, Texas, and surrounding areas. At 1:18 p.m. local time, NWS Austin/San Antonio issued a flood watch through Friday morning. As noted by Kidd, however, the forecast was for less rain than what later fell in the region. The early alerts warned of as much as 5 to 7 inches of rain, less than half of the 15-inch downpour that came down in parts of central Texas, CNN reported. Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via Getty Flood damage near the Guadalupe River on Saturday, July 5 Flood damage near the Guadalupe River on Saturday, July 5 The affected area is very vulnerable to flash flooding, and the most crucial alerts also arrived overnight, the worst time to get emergency warnings out to sleeping residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first flash flood warning was issued on Thursday at 11:41 p.m. local time for Bandera County, according to the NOAA. Later, the first warnings for life-threatening flash flooding which trigger cell phone emergency alerts, if users havent disabled them were issued for Bandera and Kerr counties in the early hours of Friday, at 1:14 a.m., the NOAA said. The Kerr County Sheriffs Office sent the first report of flooding at low-water crossings about three hours after that, CNN reported. A flash flood emergency was issued for the Guadalupe River which overflowed, leading to much of the death and destruction at 5:34 a.m. on Friday, according to the NOAA. Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via Getty Flood damage by the Guadalupe River on Saturday, July 5 Flood damage by the Guadalupe River on Saturday, July 5 And while some Texas officials have pointed fingers at the NWS, local governments and authorities were more delayed in issuing warnings, according to NBC affiliate KXAN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kerrville Police Department made its first post around 5:16 a.m. on Friday, hours after the NWS alerts, KXAN reported. The department reposted NWS Austin/San Antonios flood alert warning of a life threatening event and instructed anyone near the Guadalupe River needs to move to higher ground now. 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. During a Friday news conference confirming multiple initial fatalities, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, the county's top official, insisted that they didnt know this flood was coming, according to KXAN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that locals had faced severe weather before but were caught off guard by these rains. He also said the county does not have a warning system in place for flooding, according to CNN. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States, and we deal with floods on a regular basis when it rains, we get water, the judge said. We had no reason to believe this was going to be anything like what has happened here, none whatsoever. Read the original article on People NATO has pledged to majorly increase the alliance's air defenses It's an area the alliance needs after decades of not focusing on it, but seeing how Russia is fighting. But just spending money won't quickly solve the problem, as production and cultural issues remain. NATO plans to invest money from soaring alliance defense spending into a fivefold increase in air defenses, but revitalizing capabilities ignored since the end of the Cold War is easier said than done. NATO sorely needs air defenses. Secretary General Mark Rutte said Europe does "not have enough," outlining "clear gaps" in command and control, long-range weapons, and sensor systems, all while Russia's military growth is "really threatening." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The way Russia is fighting in Ukraine and the reconstitution of its military have led to greater urgency in NATO. Defense experts say higher spending is warranted, especially on ground-based air defenses, but the alliance can't expect a quick fix from money alone. The West needs air defenses and big missile stocks Russia's invasion, specifically its relentless attacks on Ukrainian cities, shows air defenses are needed in a major conflict. For the West, worried about Russia and China, it's a wake-up call. The West scaled back air defenses in recent decades as it battled weaker adversaries that posed no major air threat. However, Russia's bombardments, sometimes using hundreds of missiles and drones, show the West must be ready for the same. It's not yet. The scale of Russia's missile and drone attacks is showing the West it needs way more defenses. AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky "NATO faces a significant shortfall in ground-based air defense systems," both with the number of systems and ammunition supplies for them, Justin Bronk, an airpower expert at the Royal United Services Institute, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO is acting, but investments don't mean weaponry can actually be made quickly. Bronk said fixing the issue "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." "Currently, there just isn't enough production capacity in the world of Patriot interceptors, SAMP/T interceptors," he said, referring to surface-to-air missiles for eliminating air threats. Struggling with production woes not easily fixed Following the Cold War, the West's defense manufacturing and industrial prowess atrophied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Companies consolidated, specialized production lines closed, workforces shrank, and inventories decreased all crippling the ability to surge weapons. Work is underway to boost production. For instance, Lockheed Martin expanded PAC-3 interceptor production for the Patriot system to 500 missiles in 2024, then a new production high, with plans to grow production further. Boeing upped seeker production, and Raytheon is boosting PAC-2 interceptor output, though it grapples with massive backlogs. A Patriot launcher fires an interceptor missile. US Army photo by Sgt. David Rincon Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin plan to establish a European missile production hub, including the PAC-3 used by Patriots. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger told German newspaper Hartpunkt that Europe has struggled getting missiles from the US because of production shortfalls there. He said the wait could sometimes be 10 years, describing that as far too long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It won't start full missile production until 2027, and Papperger said he expects its engine producing capacity will be quickly used up. For the Patriots, demand pretty consistently outpaces supply. And clearing backlogs isn't quick. European defense company MBDA, which makes ASTER air defense missiles and other products, saw orders double since Russia's invasion. In April, Fortune reported that its backlog was projected to take up to seven years at current capacity. The Financial Times reported the company's plans to double the number of hours worked and hire more, but CEO Eric Beranger also wants more action. He called this a "moment of truth" for Europe and said: "We need to be much more industrial." Raytheon is one of the many Western companies dealing with increased demand and backlogs. Reuters Decreased production capacity has been "a tremendous problem in the United States," said Mark Cancian, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "You can sign all the contracts you want, but the production capability is lacking." It takes time to make top-of-the-line interceptors Even if more companies boost production, manufacturing sophisticated weaponry simply is not quick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Laliberty, Raytheon's president of land and air defense systems, told Politico last year that it takes 12 months to build a Patriot radar, just one part of an operational battery. Sophistication is a key issue. Bronk said missiles designed to attack are easier to build: "It's much, much cheaper to build offensive missiles than it is to build defensive interceptor coverage." The price reflects that sophistication: Naval interceptors, like the SM-series, can cost up to almost $30 million a missile. An SM-3 Block 1B interceptor missile is launched from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie. US Navy photo Defense systems are "some of the most sophisticated bits of hardware that militaries have, and producing them takes time with pretty skilled labor," former Australian Army Maj. Gen. Mick Ryan, a warfare strategist, explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Increasing production enough "will be a challenge," he said. There are steps forward, but challenges remain The alliance is taking steps in the right direction. Retired Air Commodore Andrew Curtis, an airfare expert with a 35-year career in the Royal Air Force, said countries speaking confidently gives the industry the reassurance it wants to invest. "Governments are now talking the right language," he said. The industry saw investing in production facilities during the Cold War as "a sound business," as demand was there. But that changed. He said the industry would not invest long-term in expensive facilities that require skilled workers "with no guaranteed orders at the end of it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Increased cooperation is also needed. NATO has cultural problems, with countries working separately. Jan Kallberg, a security expert at the Center for European Policy Analysis, said "the major challenge in NATO is not money, it's coordination." Multiple companies working on similar systems means doubling up on some expenses, and makes scaling up harder, Kallberg said. Fixing that "would free up a tremendous lot of resources." Military officials want greater collaboration. A US general last month urged defense firms to coordinate more and "stop selling us pieces of the puzzle." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Progress is happening: More companies and countries are working together. The Nordic countries are integrating their air defenses to act as one, and with joint air defense planning. Changes are taking place at the top level. The European Commission is proposing new measures to cut red tape, encourage joint purchases, and facilitate billions of investments. But challenges remain. Kallberg warned: "Culture takes far more time to change than just buying hardware." Read the original article on Business Insider Mediators receive proposal including US guarantees, hostage release and prisoner exchange, and talks on Gazas post-war governance A detailed ceasefire proposal outlining a 60-day pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas has been presented to mediators, with key provisions on the release of hostages, Israeli military redeployment, and renewed talks for a permanent end to hostilities. The document, reportedly shared in full by the London-based, Saudi-owned publication Al-Majalla, includes phased hostage releases, humanitarian aid mechanisms, and a framework for long-term governance in Gaza. The proposal awaits Israels formal response following Hamass announcement on Friday that it had issued a positive response to the mediators' version of the plan. Duration of the ceasefire The ceasefire will last 60 days. According to the proposal, US President Donald Trump will guarantee that Israel honors the agreement throughout the entire period. Supporters of Israeli hostages, who were kidnapped during the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas, react to news on the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, during a protest to demand a deal to bring every hostage home, in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 15, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun) Phased release of the hostages Under the deal, 10 living hostages and 18 deceased hostages will be released in the following stages: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Day 1: 8 living hostages. Day 7: 5 deceased hostages. Day 30: 5 deceased hostages. Day 50: 2 living hostages. Day 60: 8 deceased hostages. Humanitarian aid Upon Hamass agreement to the ceasefire, humanitarian aid will be delivered to Gaza immediately, in the same volume and terms agreed to in the January ceasefire. Distribution will be overseen by the UN and the Red Crescent. Suspension of IAF activity Once the agreement comes into effect, all Israeli offensive military operations in Gaza will stop. Israel Air Force activity, both military and intelligence, will be halted for 12 hours on days when hostages and prisoners are released, and for 10 hours on all other days. IDF redeployment in Gaza Following the release of 8 living hostages on day 1, the IDF will redeploy in northern Gaza and the Netzarim corridor, based on aid distribution maps. After the release of 5 deceased hostages on day 7, the IDF will redeploy in southern Gaza under the same parameters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Technical teams from all sides will coordinate to finalize redeployment zones through expedited negotiations. Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire and 'day after' arrangements On the first day of the ceasefire, negotiations will begin under the supervision of mediators and Arab countries to achieve a permanent ceasefire. The negotiations will include the release of remaining hostages under a mutually agreed prisoner exchange ratio, IDF withdrawal and redeployment, long-term security arrangements, and day after governance within Gaza, as well as the declaration of a permanent ceasefire. Release of Palestinian prisoners In exchange for the release of the hostages, Israel will release an agreed upon number of Palestinian prisoners. This release will occur in parallel with the hostage releases, and without public ceremonies. Information exchange On Day 10, Hamas will provide complete information on the remaining hostages, including proof of life and medical or death reports. In return, Israel will share information on Gazans arrested since October 7, as well as the number of deceased Palestinians in its custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas will also commit to ensuring the health and safety of the hostages during the ceasefire. Permanent deal as a condition for full hostage release All remaining hostages, both living and deceased, will be released only upon the successful conclusion of a permanent ceasefire agreement during the 60-day period. If talks do not result in a deal, the temporary truce may be extended under clause 11 of the proposal. US, Egypt, and Qatar to guarantee the agreement The United States, Egypt, and Qatar will serve as guarantors of the ceasefire and ensure it lasts the full 60 days. They also commit to ensuring serious discussions on the permanent ceasefire arrangements and will guarantee that negotiations continue beyond 60 days if needed. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will arrive in the region to finalize the agreement and lead the negotiation process. Trump will personally announce the ceasefire following the parties' commitments. Trump insists that any negotiations held and successfully concluded during the temporary ceasefire can lead to a permanent solution to the conflict. At least 67 people are confirmed dead and dozens more remain missing after catastrophic flash floods swept across Central Texas over the July 4 weekend one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent state history. The hardest-hit area was Kerr County, where 59 people were killed, including 38 adults and 21 children, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha. Additional fatalities have been confirmed in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, and Tom Green counties, bringing the regional death toll close to 70. Among those still unaccounted for are 11 young girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. Campers Still Missing Along Guadalupe River Authorities said the river rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes in the early morning hours Friday, sweeping away cabins and riverside bunkhouses as campers slept. Initial reports said 27 girls were missing, but that number was revised Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Monday, none of the 11 missing girls or their counselor have been located dead or alive. We will continue our search efforts until everyone is found, said Sheriff Leitha during a press conference Sunday. Search teams from multiple agencies, including Texas DPS, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Homeland Security, remain on-site using airboats, sonar, and thermal imaging drones. Ground crews are walking the riverbanks by foot. Gov. Greg Abbott said rescue teams have been instructed to operate on the assumption that all missing persons may still be alive. Every minute counts, Abbott said. We have people in the air, in the water, and on the ground looking to save every last life. More than 850 people have been rescued so far. Federal Disaster Declaration Signed President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration Sunday morning for Kerr County, authorizing federal emergency assistance. The announcement was shared on Truth Social and reposted by Gov. Abbott on X, who thanked the Trump administration for supporting Texas during the crisis. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, for your dedication to Texas. Collaboration between our state, local, and federal partners is critical to our states recovery. Thank you to our brave first responders working around the clock to find missing Texans. https://t.co/Ogej4RnHmK Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 6, 2025 These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, Trump wrote. With many lives lost and many still missing, our Brave First Responders now have the resources they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drone Restrictions and Volunteer Info Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice asked the public to stop flying personal drones in the flood zone due to safety concerns for aircraft involved in the ongoing operation. Anyone with a missing family member is asked to: Email : kerrvillemissing@dps.texas.gov (include name, description, and photo) Call : 830-258-1111 Volunteer Inquiries: floodrecovery@co.kerr.tx.us or Salvation Army Kerrville at 830-465-4797 Day of Prayer and Papal Condolences Gov. Abbott declared Sunday a statewide Day of Prayer, urging Texans to pray for the lives lost and those still missing. Texans are known for their faith, strength, and resilience, Abbott said. Even as floodwaters raged, neighbors rushed in to rescue, comfort, and bring hope. Pope Leo XIV also acknowledged the tragedy during his weekly Angelus, expressing condolences to the families specifically those of the missing girls at the summer camp. What We Know So Far A small town in Nebraska just welcomed a blast from the past by opening a time capsule sealed more than 50 years ago. Seward, Nebraska, located 25 miles west of Lincoln with a population of under 8,000, is home to a 45-ton time capsule, once dubbed the largest in the world by the World Record Academy. The collectibles from 1975 were put on display for the Fourth of July, fitting for the town Congress designated Americas Official Fourth of July City Small Town U.S.A. in 1979. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the treasure trove, which took three days to crack open, thousands of relics gave flavors of Americana, including pet rocks and a very, very much 1975 teal suit. Trish Davisson Fisher calls the "leisure suit," "very 1975." (NBC News) The capsule also included a bright yellow Chevy Vega, which had been preserved for half a century. A bright yellow was kept in prime condition in Seward's time capsule. (NBC News) Some keepsakes struck a more sentimental nerve, with thousands of letters and old photographs. One man traveled from Virginia to uncover a note from his mother, penned 50 years ago, while another man discovered his 1975 wedding invitation still intact. Photos from the 1975 time capsule. (NBC News) Trish Davisson Fisher, whose father, Harold Davisson, created and maintained the towns coveted time capsule, told NBC News that thousands of people received letters and packages previously held in the giant memory box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were packages from, Im going to say, 3,000 people, letters and packages, letters to themselves, letters to the grandchildren, letters to their heirs, she said. A letter from the time capsule. (NBC News) Though Davisson built a ventilation system into the capsule to keep moisture at bay, the artifacts were found in varying conditions. Fisher estimated that about 80% of people should be able to get their items back, while about 20% are going to be disappointed. According to his daughter, Davisson wanted to wait for his grandchildren to remember life in 1975. I thought my dad was crazy, Fisher said. I think you need to be pushing 45 to realize how fast time goes, how little time you have to make memories with those you love. And that was what he was trying to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1983, the family learned that the capsule, which is built into the ground, had lost the world record title from the World Record Academy, NBC News reports. In order to reclaim the distinction, the family build a pyramid atop the capsule. Given the magnitude of the monument, a crane was required to break the capsule open, revealing not only the multitudes of mementos, antiques and heirlooms, but also walls that appeared to be artistically painted in 1975. Fisher said the capsule will be on permanent display for generations to step back into 1975. Reflecting on what the opening would have meant to her dad, she told NBC News she believes he would be proud. He was a big proponent of life, Fisher said of her dad. He did everything big. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Palestinian militant organization Hamas is seeking "unacceptable" changes to a new proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. "The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel," Netanyahu's office said in a social media post early on Sunday. The Israeli premier also ordered a delegation to be sent to Doha for indirect talks with Hamas, his office announced. The negotiating team was set to leave on Sunday. According to media reports, Netanyahu will leave for Washington on the same day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, are focusing on agreeing a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and the release of hostages still held by Hamas. Efforts to secure a temporary ceasefire have been stalled for months but the mediators recently presented another proposal, which reports say provides for the cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip for at least 60 days, the staggered release of 10 Israeli hostages and the return of the remains of dead hostages. In exchange, a large number of Palestinian prisoners would be released from Israeli prisons. During the ceasefire, the two sides would attempt negotiate a permanent end to the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas had said on Friday that it had handed over its approval of the latest mediation proposal to Qatar and Egypt. A Hamas official told dpa that there was still a need for clarification regarding 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 area. According to US President Donald Trump, Israel agreed to the "necessary conditions" for the conclusion of the ceasefire several days ago. Netanyahu is reportedly due to meet Trump on Monday. The conflict was triggered by the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas and other militants, in which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza during the conflict. The figure does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, and cannot be independently verified. Israeli intelligence suggests at least 20 hostages are still alive. Hamas also has the bodies of 28 abductees. The status of two people who were kidnapped is unclear. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has departed for Washington for a trip lasting several days as ceasefire efforts draw closer to ending 21 months of war in Gaza. "This is my third visit with (US President Donald Trump) since he was elected over six months ago," Netanyahu told journalists before his departure at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Netanyahu said he would also hold talks with US government officials, representatives of both congressional parties and other key officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trip to Washington comes less than two weeks after the end of a 12-day war with Iran, during which Israel and the US destroyed key facilities of Iran's nuclear programme. Netanyahu said the airstrikes on Iran, which killed more than 900 people according to Iranian officials, would now make it possible to expand "the circle of peace, far beyond what we could have imagined previously." He added that the changed realities would bring a "great future" for Israel and the entire Middle East. On the topic of the war in Gaza, Netanyahu said he had sent a negotiating delegation to indirect talks with Hamas in Doha, the Qatari capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talks are aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire, during which 10 of the 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas are to be released. During this ceasefire, the parties are to negotiate a permanent end to the war and the release of the remaining hostages. Qatar, Egypt and the US are mediating the talks. EXCLUSIVE: Source tells 'Post' that PM is seeking similar mandate to IAF in Lebanon, where there is prior US approval for strikes on suspicious activity at nuclear sites, or involving uranium. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will ask US President Donald Trump for a "green light" to take action against any Iranian activity related to Tehran's rebuilding of its nuclear program in their Monday meeting, an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post. "The goal is to receive a mandate similar to the situation in Lebanon, meaning that if suspicious activity is detected at nuclear sites, or if there's evidence of uranium being removed from the areas that where hit by US and Israeli warplanes, there would already be prior US approval to act against it," the official added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's objective is to establish a US-led mechanism aimed at preventing Iran from reconstructing its nuclear program. "We want the snapback sanctions mechanism to be imposed on Iran as well, due to its lack of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the official told the Post, adding that Israel wants to increase pressure on Tehran. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors left Iran last week "due to security reasons while Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has signed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara seen boarding the Wing of Zion ahead of a trip to the United States, July 6, 2025 (credit: Avi Ohayon/GPO) Before departing for Washington on Sunday, Netanyahu told reporters that "We must remain vigilant against Irans attempts to renew its pursuit of nuclear weapons aimed at our destruction." Recent action taken by Israel, US against Iran and its proxies The IDF has shifted its focus back to southern Lebanon, where it continues to target Hezbollah infrastructure, after the Israel-Iran War concluded in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) killed terrorist Qassem Salah Al-Husseini in the area of Kfarkela in southern Lebanon on Thursday, the two security agencies announced Friday. Husseini was a Lebanese terrorist involved in advancing plots against Israeli civilians and IDF troops on the northern front on behalf of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps's Quds Force. The US bombing of Iran's key Fordow nuclear site has "seriously and heavily damaged" the facility, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with CBS News. "No one exactly knows what has transpired in Fordow. That being said, what we know so far is that the facilities have been seriously and heavily damaged," Araghchi said in the interview broadcast on Tuesday. Jerusalem Post Staff, Peled Arbeli, and Reuters contributed to this report. PM: Israel committed to remaining vigilant, preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons 'Opportunity to expand circle of peace' We are determined to bring all hostages home, but are firm in eliminating Hamas's military capabilities, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said while preparing to board Israel's state plane, Wing of Zion, to travel to Washington on Sunday. "We are still focused on the Gaza arena. We have also achieved great successes there, but there are still tasks to complete. To date, we have freed 205 out of 255 hostages, including 148 alive. There are 20 hostages still alive and 30 deceased. I am determined, and we are determined, to bring them all back," Netanyahu stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are also determined to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel. This means we will not allow a situation where there are more kidnappings, more killings, more beheadings, or more invasions. This means one thing: the destruction of Hamass military and governmental capabilities. Hamas will not be there," he continued. "I am committed to these three tasks: freeing and bringing all our hostages, both the living and the fallen, eliminating Hamas's capabilities removing them from Gaza, and ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," he added. "We are working to secure the deal under the terms we agreed to. I sent a team for negotiations with clear instructions, and the conversation with US President Donald Trump can certainly advance the outcome we all hope for," Netanyahu said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talks to press before boarding Wings of Zion to travel to Washington, July 6, 2025. (credit: VIA AMICHAI STEIN) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In my conversation with President Trump, I will first thank him for his strong commitment to Israel. We have never had a friend like this in the White House. Our joint efforts led to a tremendous victory over our common enemy Iran," Netanyahu added. "Iran has made the destruction of Israel its goal. For years we were concerned what will we do about Iran? Can we handle Iran? And now, our heroic pilots have flown over Irans skies, and the IDF excelled, as did the Mossad and all our security branches. Not only there, but also against Hezbollah in Lebanon. For years we were concerned what will Hezbollah do and how can we stop them? We could stop them. And we also struck Hamas," he continued. "This creates a great commitment and also great opportunities. The commitment is, first and foremost, to preserve the achievement, to remain vigilant against Irans efforts to renew its pursuit of nuclear weapons aimed at our destruction," he stated. "This is one commitment, but there is also a great opportunity. The opportunity is to expand the circle of peace, far beyond what we could have imagined before. We have already dramatically changed the face of the Middle East, and we now have the opportunity and ability to change it even more and bring a great future for the State of Israel, the Jewish people, and the entire Middle East," he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is my third visit with the president since he was elected a little over six months ago. I will also meet with senior administration officials, key members of Congress from both parties, and many other figures," Netanyahu noted. Mike Huckabee joins the flight, tells the 'Post' he is looking forward to it US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, also boarded Wing of Zion. During the boarding process, The Jerusalem Post asked Huckabee his feelings towards the delegation's visit. Mike Huckabee speaks to The Jerusalem Post while boarding Wings of Zion plane, joining delegation to Washington, July 6, 2025. (credit: AMICHAI STEIN) "Looking forward to it, it's going to be a great trip," Huckabee responded. "Do you expect any announcements to be made?" the Post asked. Huckabee smiled and stated, "I don't want to make any predictions." President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to meet at the White House on Monday. One of the most difficult questions on the table is what Gaza might look like without Hamas. Experts tell Fox News Digital that while the need for an alternative is clear, almost every proposed solution comes with serious structural, political and security limitations. John Hannah, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) and veteran of both Republican and Democratic administrations, said building an alternative to Hamas must happen in parallel with dismantling it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The History Of Gaza Amid Trump's Plan To Rebuild Enclave "Part of how you win is by showing theres a viable alternative," Hannah said. "People need to see theres a future beyond Hamas" That future, experts believe, lies in a non-Hamas technocratic government comprised of Palestinians unaffiliated with either Hamas or the PLO backed by a coalition of key Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the UAE. Read On The Fox News App "While a new administration in Gaza should be independent, some symbolic link to the Palestinian Authority could enhance its legitimacy with the Arabs. Perhaps Ramallah could serve as a pass-through for paying salaries. But the PA wont call the shots," Hannah said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The default right now, if Israel ends up leaving Gaza, is Hamas," said Ghaith al-Omari, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. "There is no one on the ground who can challenge them. And there is no Arab involvement without the defeat of Hamas. Not just a ceasefire actual disarmament." At best, said al-Omari who served as the former executive director of the American Task Force on Palestine, the PA might offer a "kosher stamp" to satisfy Arab states, which have made clear they will only intervene in Gaza under a Palestinian national umbrella. Trump Pressures Israel To End Gaza Conflict As He Eyes Abraham Accords Expansion "Without that symbolic PA invitation, Egypt and others wont come in," said al-Omari. "But they still need a political framework some commitment to a two-state solution. Without that, they have absolutely no incentive to play a role in Gaza." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Securing Israeli approval for any new Gaza administration is another major hurdle. An Israeli security official told Fox News Digital that any deal would need to include guarantees that Israel retains counterterrorism access to prevent Hamas from reemerging. "Something like what exists in the West Bank buffer zones, perimeter security, and the right of the IDF or Shin Bet to act on intelligence when needed," Hannah said. That framework, he noted, would require intensive American-led diplomacy with sustained presence and coordination. "I cant see anyone else but the United States doing it there are too many inner-Arab rivalries," Hannah said, "No other actor has the relationships, resources or trust required to bridge the deep divides between Israel, Arab states and international players. Everyones going to want the U.S. at the center of this. And theres no doubt President Trump wants to solve it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Qatar is the elephant in the room," said Hannah, "They bring a lot of much-needed money, but theyve had a deeply problematic relationship with Hamas. If they want a seat at the table, it has to be with strict conditions money flowing through trusted, externally controlled channels. But they cant be a key player in this effort." The United Nations, meanwhile, is largely out. "UNRWAs days are over," said Hannah. "They cant run education or the economy in Gaza anymore. At most, the U.N. might endorse a U.S.-Arab-Israeli plan with a Security Council resolution but they wont play an operational role." American Veterans Attacked, Injured While Distributing Aid In Gaza With Us-backed Group One proposal gaining quiet traction in Israeli and American circles is the idea of empowering local clans to establish self-governing enclaves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joseph Braude, president of the Center for Peace Communications, has spoken extensively with activists on the ground and believes this model could mark the beginning of an alternative. "It may not be realistic to talk about one civil administration managing all of Gaza right now," Braude said, "But in discrete geographical enclaves within the strip, you can pilot non-Hamas self-rule. Local Gazans patrol internally while the IDF or another force secures the perimeter. " "Theres a fiber of educated, civically minded individuals in Gaza from engineers to teachers who are not Islamists," he added, "If vetted properly, they can manage administration, education and basic services. But you have to start by identifying who they are and what they actually believe." Braude pointed to one such case: Yasser Abu Shabab, a local militia leader. "This is the first anti-Hamas militia to emerge in Gaza in a generation. Hes a local fighter from a Bedouin clan with family ties to Egyptian forces battling ISIS in Sinai. He says he wants to invite civil servants to begin staffing an administration." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin meets with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on April 7, 2025. But not everyone agrees this is feasible. "These groups are fragmented, displaced and lack the legitimacy or cohesion to govern," said al-Omari. "You might use these militias to secure aid deliveries in a specific area, but they cant form the basis of governance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Michael Milstein, head of the Forum for Palestinian Studies at Tel Aviv University, told Fox News Digital, "Since the war began, several attempts to promote clans as an alternative to Hamas have also failed, like the Doghmush clan, whose leaders were executed by Hamas in early 2024." "Even now, figures like Abu Shabab in Rafah or the Barbakh family in Khan Younis are fringe cases," Milstein added. "Hamas still controls most of the public space. Clans may offer localized solutions, but they are no cohesive or legitimate alternative. Many are openly loyal to Hamas." "Many say, until Palestinians teach their children to love themselves more than they hate Israel, there will never be peace," Braude said, "Thats true. But who is actually working to foster a Palestinian leadership [that] does so? Thats the challenge and the opportunity right now." Original article source: Netanyahu and Trump to meet in DC as Gazas fate without Hamas is debated British F-35B fighter jet, stuck at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for nearly three weeks was towed to the Air India hanger on Sunday after a technical team arrived from the UK to assess any damage to the aircraft and attempt to take the aircraft back, according to Defence sources. British Royal Air Force's Airbus A400M Atlas also took off from Kerala's airport after dropping off a technical team of experts to assess the aircraft. Earlier today, a team of approximately 25 technical experts from the British Royal Air Force was dispatched to inspect the F-35B fighter jet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of June 14. The visiting team will assess the condition of the stranded jet to determine whether it can be repaired locally or needs to be dismantled and transported back to the United Kingdom. Since its unscheduled landing nearly three weeks ago, the presence of the advanced stealth fighter has generated considerable public curiosity and turned into a quirky marketing trend in the state. "The UK has accepted the offer of a space in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, and are in discussions to finalise arrangements with relevant authorities. In line with standard procedure, the aircraft will be moved following the arrival of UK engineers, who are carrying specialist equipment necessary for the movement and repair process," the statement added. The High Commissioner thanked India for its support to the UK in this matter. "The UK remains very grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams." The aircraft was diverted there after it ran into bad weather during a sortie in the Indian ocean and was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy's flagship carrier. Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales have assessed the aircraft, but despite their efforts, they have been unable to fix the issue. F-35Bs are highly advanced stealth jets, built by Lockheed Martin, and are prized for their short take-off and vertical landing capability. Images of the "lonely F-35B", parked on the tarmac and soaked by the Kerala monsoon rains, have spawned memes on social media. https://x.com/KeralaTourism/status/1940308521746407856 The Kerala Tourism Department was the first to share an image of the aircraft on social media X with a humorous caption, "Kerala, the destination you'll never want to leave", and this was quickly followed by similar posts from Milma (Kerala's dairy cooperative), the Kerala Police, the State AIDS Control Society, and several private organisations. One user on X suggested that India should start charging rent and that the Kohinoor diamond would be the most appropriate payment. (ANI) Haredi MKs expressed concern over the bill's potential effect on donations to NGOs that support haredi causes, many of which are based on funds from overseas. A new NGO bill, meant to tax 80% of donations received from abroad, will exempt ultra-Orthodox organizations, Channel 13 reported on Sunday. Ultra-Orthodox NGOs will reportedly be defined as engaging in "education," "welfare," "healthcare," and "the Holocaust." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NGOs defined as "political" will be taxed at 80%, including womens rights organizations, LGBTQ+ groups, and freedom of information organizations. Haredi MKs expressed concern over the bill's potential effect on donations to NGOs that support haredi causes, many of which are based on funds from overseas. The details in the current report are likely meant to assuage those concerns. This is a developing story. Eliav Breuer contributed to this report. MANASSAS, Va. (DC News Now) No one was hurt after shots were fired in Manassas Sunday, according to the Prince William County Police Department. Police say officers received reports of a shooting around 8:30 p.m. in the area of Halterpath Trail and Apache Ridge Court. Alexandria police conduct death investigation The public can expect an increased police presence as officers investigate the incident, police added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SOMERVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) TLC Recovery House, a nonprofit for women who are overcoming their addictions, held its fourth-anniversary celebration Saturday. TLC Recovery House founder Crystal Steelman said Saturdays event aimed to guide anyone who needs help finding the road to recovery. The event featured 30 recovery organizations. Child rescued from fire, three others injured in Toney We love to get the chance to help everyone find what fits for them, you know cause everybodys recovery looks different so we wanted to bring everyone in one space, Steelman said. If we reach one person today and they need help then they can find the help they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event featured raffles, testimonies and fun, with all proceeds going towards the Josiah House, a recovery organization for men that Steelman hopes to start in honor of her son, who died while battling addiction. Anastasia Farris, Josiahs sister, said his testimony is helping inspire others to find the road to recovery. Josiahs story helps to save peoples lives even if they dont know him just through the story and testimony we have is super beneficial for the people out there who think they cant make it or think they are too far gone, Farris said. Recovery organizations at the event told News 19 that they are thrilled to have the opportunity to share the resources they offer in an attempt to help those struggling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve all had the reservations of stepping out and asking for help, LaShawn Tuttle with the Miracle House said. Know that stigma no longer stays with us, there is no stigma anymore we do recover. Recovery is really spreading, we are actually from Florence Alabama so its a blessing to come to this type stuff and see the recovery spread worldwide, Bridgette Stout with Addiction Recovery said. It just gives them inspiration and motivation. To help support the TLC Recovery House or the Josiah House, you can donate here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Members of the Legislative Management Committee conduct a meeting at the Capitol on June 26, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota lawmakers plan to hold a security hearing with the North Dakota Highway Patrol and Capitol Security to discuss the safety concerns of legislators after Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark, were killed June 14 in their Brooklyn Park home. Law enforcement arrested and charged Vance Boelter in connection with the crimes. Boelter is also accused of shooting and seriously wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home in Champlin. A list of dozens of Democratic lawmakers, who were believed to have also been targets, was found inside Boelters vehicle at the Hortman residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a meeting of the Legislative Management Committee last month, John Bjornson, director of Legislative Council, told lawmakers the issue would be added to the agenda of the first meeting of the Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee. Legislative Council removed the home addresses of North Dakota lawmakers from their biographical websites immediately after the attacks occurred. I have had no great rush of people saying, Put my address back up on the webpage, I believe once we probably have the time to catch our breath that maybe well open that discussion and we can make it optional, Bjornson said during the meeting. During each organizational session, prior to the convening of the full Legislature, Bjornson said Legislative Council asks lawmakers what kind of contact information they would like to appear on their webpages. I think everybody will take a much more serious look at what that is, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Sen. Kathy Hogan, D-Fargo, said she hoped to include the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in any security discussions because the assailant was dressed as a member of law enforcement. They were responding to a law enforcement person at the door, which we would all open the door, if a cop was at the front door, Hogan said. Sen. Ronald Sorvaag, R-Fargo, said he worries about his wife, who lives at his formerly publicized address, while he stays in Bismarck for four months during the legislative session. This openness, theres just got to be some reality check because as that tragedy showed, were putting others at risk besides the elected officials, Sorvaag said. We cant get it perfect but lets not make it too easy for them is whats got to be important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. David Hogue, R-Minot, chair of the Legislative Management Committee, said he hopes those discussions about security will point out weak links in the security of lawmakers and they can address them without limiting accessibility and transparency. No date has been scheduled for the first meeting of the interim Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A North Texas police officer is recovering after being shot on Friday night outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Johnson County, officials said. Officers from the Alvarado Police Department responded to the Prairieland Detention Center in the 1200 block of Sunflower Lane shortly before 11 p.m. They saw someone who appeared to be carrying a gun, according to a Facebook post by the Johnson County Sheriffs Office. The first responding officer tried to engage the suspect, and was immediately fired upon by multiple people. The suspects tried to run away after the shooting, but several of them were arrested. Their motive for the shooting is unclear, according to the post. The injured officer was treated for a neck wound and released after being airlifted to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Someone with federal law enforcement told KTVT-TV on Saturday that eight suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, including some individuals dressed in body armor. Early reports show that more than a dozen people, wearing masks and black clothing, vandalized security cameras and cars parked outside the detention facility. The group set off fireworks, apparently trying to lure officers to the scene, the source revealed to KTVT. Multiple people were arrested in June after rioting outside an ICE facility in Portland, Oregon, Department of Homeland Security officials said. No officers were seriously injured in the incident. United States Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said on Saturday morning on X that the Justice Department is closely monitoring the attacks on ICE detention facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department has zero tolerance for assaults on federal officers or property and will bring the full weight of the law against those responsible, Blanche posted. We are closely monitoring the attacks on DHS detention facilities in Prairieland, TX, and Portland, OR, and are coordinating with the USAOs and our law enforcement partners. The Department has zero tolerance for assaults on federal officers or property and will bring the full Todd Blanche (@DAGToddBlanche) July 5, 2025 An Arlington newlywed, Ward Sakeik, was released from the Prairieland Detention Center on July 1 after more than 120 days in ICE custody. The 22-year-old was detained at a Miami airport in February while returning from her honeymoon. Anyone with information about the shooting that injured the Alvarado officer is asked to contact the Johnson County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Division at 817-790-0910. More top stories from our newsroom: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man shot on TRE train at Fort Worth downtown station/a> Four killed in crash from Fort Worth family Families face heavy burden with Cook Childrens Health Plan in limbo [Get our breaking news alerts.] (FOX40.COM) Several fires were started in Northern California over the Fourth of July holiday, and officials suspect that illegal fireworks are to blame for many of them. Video Above: Why are there fireworks on July 4th? Folsom Firefighters from the Folsom Fire Department responded to a tree fire at a residential home on Kerr Court in Folsom around 9:05 p.m. The flames threatened three homes and spread to a fence and an outbuilding. Folsom firefighters suspect fireworks were the cause of a tree fire that spread and threatened several homes on July 4, 2025./Folsom Fire Department According to FFD, the fire grew quickly under strong winds and had already began to burn one home by the time crews arrived. The flames destroyed a wood fence and an outbuilding. It also caused minor damage to one home. However, firefighters determined the home was still safe to occupy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters said they contained the fire in 12 minutes and suspect it was caused by fireworks. Northern California residents to be wildly surprised by massive illegal fireworks fines in the mail Roseville Shortly before midnight on Friday, the Roseville Fire Department responded to a vegetation fire in the field next to West Park High School, bordered by Bob Doyle Drive, Hayden Parkway, and Panther Place. Flames spread near West Park High School on July 4, 2025./Roseville Police Department The flames reached 10 acres before firefighters could put it out, according RFD. No structures were damaged, and the high school was not affected. Firefighters remained at the scene overnight for mop-up operations. Sacramento Sacramento-are firefighters responded to a multitude of fires Friday night. According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, Sacramento, Folsom and the Delta-area districts were all impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said that in total, crews responded to 101 grass fires, 14 commercial fires, 16 residential fires, 22 trash fires, and 15 tree fires. Additionally, firefighters responded to 122 other uncategorized fires. Placer County Around 9:40 p.m., the Placer County Sheriffs Office responded to a fire off Bickford Ranch Road near Sierra College Boulevard. The flames were likely caused by fireworks even though all fireworks were banned in unincorporated Placer County. The fire prompted immediate evacuation orders for houses on Poppy Hill Lane and Lyles Lane.Shortly after, the flames were extinguished and evacuation orders were lifted. No injuries or damage were reported. Woodland The Woodland Fire Department was called to a grass fire across from Pioneer High School near Farmer Central Road on Friday evening. Officials said the fire was caused by fireworks and that it was reported by multiple callers. The flames spread to about 400 square feet before crews arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to WFD, the fire was extinguished without damage to nearby structures. The Woodland Fire Department responded to flames near Pioneer High School and residential area on July 4, 2025./Woodland Fire Department Fireworks that do not have the California Safe & Sane seal are illegal and pose serious risks to lives, property, and open space, WFD said. Lets keep our community safe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. (FOX40.COM) Thousands of illegal fireworks users who thought they got away with lighting them up on the Fourth of July may be surprised by hefty citations showing up in their mailboxes over the next few weeks. Video Above: Why are there fireworks on July 4? Northern California skylines lit up Friday night with big, bright, and illegal fireworks. Despite stern warnings from law enforcement about fines and even possible jail time, there seemed to be no shortage of illegal fireworks going off throughout the night and into Saturday morning. Northern California officials suspect illegal fireworks to blame for several wildfires Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people are going to be wildly surprised when they get massive fines in the mail, Sacramento Fire Department Captain Justin Sylvia told FOX40.com on Saturday. While residents were shooting colorful explosives into the sky, law enforcement was driving around in unmarked vehicles and flying drones over known hotspots for illegal activity. This tactic was also used last year, but this time around, penalties are drastically different, according to SFD. Instead of being fined per illegal fireworks occurrence, violators are now fined per lit firework. Northern California police warn of $1,000 fine per illegal firework amid Fourth of July holiday What may have been a $1,000 fine for one occurrence last year could now be $30,000 because you lit off so many, Sylvia said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fines are mailed to the homeowner, regardless of who lit the fireworks. Because of the Social Host Ordinance in Sacramento, the homeowner is responsible for all activities that happen on their premise. If the person who sets off illegal fireworks is renting or even just visiting, the homeowner will receive the fines. Police seize nearly 2,000 pounds of illegal fireworks, explosives in Northern California Homeowners around Sacramento might be issuing eviction notices, Sylvia said. SFD said it is still reviewing surveillance footage, but has around 60 citations in the works. The citations, so far, total hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you think you got away with it, you probably didnt, Sylvia said. Its probably captured on video, so expect a very large fine coming your way. Another Northern California agency, the Woodland Fire Department, is known to send out illegal fireworks citations after Independence Day has passed. Last year, the agency reviewed reports from the Nail Em App, which is an anonymous platform that community members can use to report their neighbors for illegal fireworks use. For those that we didnt have the pleasure of meeting in person on the 4th in action, youve got mail on the way, WPD said during last years operation. The bottom line is, we heard the overwhelming majority of our community loud and clear, they do not want to hear or see illegal fireworks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Jul. 6Expansive fields distinguished by bright yellow flowers dot Northwest Montana in the summer, showcasing the work of farmers raising a crop that has been utilized for decades for its benefits to the soil and consistent market demand. With plants from 3 to 5 feet tall, canola produces pods from which seeds are harvested and crushed to create canola oil and meal used for livestock feed. The plants produce small, yellow flowers which bring beauty to those passing by. Canola is a result of plant breeding that aimed to change the nutritional makeup of rapeseed, which has historically been used to make oil but wasn't ideal for cooking due to its high amount of erucic acid, according to the Pacific Northwest Canola Association. The newly developed seed was renamed "canola" a combination of "Canada Oil Low Acid," and was registered in Canada in 1979. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade status for canola in the U.S. was attained in 1985, and the name "canola" finally could be used for the 1988 harvest, according to the PNW Canola Association. "The PNW has been kind of slow to get moving on the canola front. North Dakota is the biggest producer [in the U.S.] with over 2 million acres. They're way ahead of any other state in terms of acreage. And it's primarily all spring canola, which is the same in Montana too ... though winter canola is taking a little bit more of a hold," said Kate Sowers, PNW Canola Association executive director. With the region's proximity to Canada, it's no wonder many Montana farmers took up planting canola in the mid-1990s. Farmers choose canola because of its benefits as a rotational crop, but it's also great for pollinators, helps control weeds, has herbicide-resistant traits and has a tap root, which helps with water infiltration, according to Sowers. "The classic rotation of pest and disease cycles that would normally be in your cereal crops, come through this other crop and go 'what is this?'" Sowers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montana included more than 200,000 acres of canola last year, according to the Pacific Northwest Canola Association. Flathead County had about 7,600 acres planted in canola while adjacent Lake County had just under 1,000 acres, and Glacier County had about 4,000 acres. A leading agricultural state, the top crops in Montana are wheat, hay, barley and pulse crops like lentils and dry peas. The state also ranks highly in the production of several other crops, including sugar beets, canola and organic wheat. Farmers in Northwest Montana largely plant wheat, barley, hay, lentils and canola, like Tryg Koch with Heritage Customs Farms. Koch farms 3,000 acres on 100% leased land. Working in the agriculture sector his entire life, many felt it was impossible to start a farm with the associated costs and price of real estate in Montana. But he was able to see it through. "We do a lot of small acreage management. So that's how it started off; we did a lot of pasture renovation, spray weeds, custom haying people will hire us to hay for them. And then it transitioned into this over the years, where we now have these, these fields that we farm," Koch said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are two ways to harvest canola, which include letting it ripen standing, later cutting it with a combine, as well as swathing it. Koch said swathing requires waiting until there's a 40% or 50% color change in the field, then swathing and putting it in windrows, which will later be harvested by combine. The flower of canola later produces a pod, which is heated and crushed to extract the oil. The rest of the plant is sold as food for livestock. Canola oil is widely used for cooking and food processing. Additionally, canola has non-food applications like biodiesel production and is a component in various products like cosmetics and plastics. MANY FARMERS gave up on canola during the early 2000s as interest in canola production dropped, according to the PNW Canola Association. Back then, most of the canola being produced here was delivered to a processing facility in Lethbridge, Alberta, or shipped whole seed to Japan. Interest increased, and two processing facilities started operating in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These days, many farmers are finding that canola is profitable, particularly with local markets taking delivery of canola and it being in high demand globally. Canada still leads the world in canola and rapeseed exports, according to a January 2024 report from Left Field Commodity Research. It exported 7 million tons of canola in 2023-2024, followed by about half of that amount from both Australia and Ukraine. According to a 2022 report from the Northwest Ag Research Center with Montana State University, Montana produced 180,000 acres of canola that year. There is a growing demand for canola to be used to make biodiesel, according to the PNW Canola Association, in addition to a need for cooking oil and animal feed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there has been recent growing discourse around the health and safety of oils derived from seeds, like canola. Though the medical community largely rejects these claims, they've been recently repeated by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as NPR reported in June that he said seed oils like canola are poisoning Americans, causing chronic inflammation. Sowers and others have been pushing back on these claims. On the U.S. Canola Association's website, there is a fact sheet listing the health benefits of canola oil. The American Heart Association lists canola as an oil that provides healthy fats, versus saturated and trans fats. BEYOND NATIONAL politics, there are practical challenges to growing canola. Sowers said the seed is extremely delicate, very wispy and can be hard to get started for new canola farmers. Koch said there are other general economic challenges to farming these days. Including costs of equipment, irrigation, spraying and most of all, fertilizer there is a high risk, high reward side to agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm spending a quarter of a million dollars to hopefully make maybe $50,000 and odds are, just the reality that something will happen and I'll probably make closer to $30,000, you know?" Koch said. Surviving these high inputs includes a careful strategy of diversifying crops, he said. But it's especially hard to think about a new farmer starting in Northwest Montana, where many of the fields available to be leased have been claimed, and real estate prices have skyrocketed. Moving large farm equipment presents a challenge when road systems aren't designed to accommodate traffic and wide loads. But all in all, Koch considers canola, and farming in general, a worthy endeavor. Though canola is relatively resilient, there are still factors, particularly in the Flathead Valley, that affect its growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northwest Agricultural Research Center Agronomist Joseph Jensen said the valley's higher amount of rainfall provides some benefits but can lead to a higher chance of developing disease, mainly fungal infections. This is compared to the Golden Triangle, the area of north-central Montana known for its wheat production, which has a drier climate. Fewer farms also mean fewer opportunities to market crops as compared to other parts of the state. And fewer options for rotational crops can open up the protentional for disease. Despite challenges, canola remains a popular choice for farmers here. Even though the wheat market can move up and down, canola has remained pretty constant. The Montana Department of Agriculture recently sent out ballots for farmers on a proposed voluntary canola checkoff program, which would fund efforts to help grow the canola industry and Montana-specific research projects. The estimated revenue based on current production figures will be approximately $265,000 annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The demand for canola far outpaces U.S. supply, so there is always a strong demand for the crop, according to the U.S. Canola Association. "The price of canola has held pretty well, and it can end up functioning as a cash crop or something that you can pretty consistently pay the bills or net a profit with," Jensen said. "You look at futures and long-term price outlooks, it's always been a stable crop price-wise." Reporter Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or tinman@dailyinterlake.com. A closeup of flowering canola off of Steel Bridge Road. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Krueger and his son Caleb harvest canola for Missing Horn Ranch along Montford Road in this file photo. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake) A red-winged blackbird flies over a canola field in this Daily Inter Lake file photo. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake.) Tryg Koch with Heritage Farms shows the part of the canola plant that will turn into a pod, later pressed to make oil. (Taylor Inman/Daily Inter Lake) Tryg Koch observes one of his canola fields off of Rose Crossing in Kalispell on June 19, 2025. (Taylor Inman/Daily Inter Lake.) Brad Birch with Montana Ag shows a cabbage seedpod weevil. (Taylor Inman/Daily Inter Lake.) Brad and Jamie Birch with Montana Ag make their rounds in Kalispell on June 19, 2025. The crop advisors are looking for pests in this canola crop. (Taylor Inman/Daily Inter Lake.) Payback will be the sentiment uppermost in Donald Trumps mind when he hosts the Israeli premier in Washington this week. In return for providing vital military support for Israels military assault on Irans nuclear programme, Trump will expect Benjamin Netanyahus unequivocal support for his Gaza ceasefire plan. The Israeli military may have carried out a highly impressive operation to destroy and degrade Irans key nuclear facilities, as well as liquidating several top nuclear scientists and commanders in the regimes intelligence and security establishment, but not even the Israelis could summon the firepower to take out two of Irans key nuclear targets, the underground enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordow. Trumps decision, therefore, to authorise US air strikes against the heavily-fortified compounds, using fourteen 30,000lb Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPS) to destroy the facilities, provided a vital boost to the Israeli offensive. And even though the jury is still out about how much damage the Americans inflicted on Irans nuclear programme there are already suggestions that Iran has resumed work on enriching uranium Trump clearly believes his military contribution helped the Israelis to achieve their military objectives in Operation Rising Lion, their codename for the Iran attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, having forced Tehran and Jerusalem to observe a ceasefire, Trump has turned his attention to Gaza. This is a president who, after all, has set his sights on winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Ending the war in Gaza together with resolving the conflict in Ukraine have been two of Trumps main foreign policy objectives since returning to the White House. While his efforts in Ukraine have been frustrated by Putins marked lack of interest in a ceasefire, the White House has enjoyed a modicum of success in Gaza, where it did succeed in establishing a short-lived break in the fighting earlier this year. The most notable elements of that deal were the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and the easing of restrictions on humanitarian aid for Gazas battered civilian population. The ceasefire collapsed at the end of March amid mutual recriminations, with Israel resuming its military offensive against Hamas terrorists. Buoyed by his successful intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict, Trump believes now is the time to strike a new ceasefire deal, which would be based on similar terms to the previous agreement implemented earlier this year. In return for the staggered release of Israeli hostages both dead and alive hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be freed from Israeli jails, aid supplies will resume and Israel will be expected to begin a phased withdrawal from territory it has occupied in the enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Netanyahu can be expected to accept the hostages-for-prisoners formula, and ease aid restrictions, he will be more resistant to the notion of any military withdrawal from Gaza so long as any vestige remains intact. Thus, while Trump has sought to pre-empt the outcome of his meeting with Netanyahu by announcing that Israel has already agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise a 60-day ceasefire, there will nonetheless be concerns at the White House that the Israeli premier will not be prepared to commit to any form of military withdrawal until Hamass presence in Gaza has been fully eradicated. This was Israels key military objective in the wake of the October 7 attacks in 2023, and remains so to this day. While the US and Israel have forged an effective alliance in combatting Irans nuclear infrastructure, on a personal level tensions remain between Trump and Netanyahu, who have not always enjoyed the easiest of relationships. Trump has privately accused Netanyahu of being ungrateful for the backing he receives from Washington, especially after the key role Trump played during his first term negotiating the Abraham Accords, which saw several Arab states normalise relations with Israel. These tensions memorably erupted in public after Trump accused both Israel and Iran of breaching the ceasefire terms he arranged at the end of the Iran conflict in June, claiming that they dont know what the f*** they are doing. Using expletives to describe Irans conduct is nothing new for Trump he used the F-word about Iran in 2020. But using it in relation to a country that is supposed to be one of Washingtons closest allies showed that not even Netanyahu is immune from Trumps temper tantrums. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The risk of upsetting Trump, and provoking one of his famous Oval Office outbursts, will therefore be one of Netanyahus foremost concerns during his Washington visit, as will be his desire to ensure that he ultimately achieves his goal of destroying Hamas in Gaza. One important consequence of the US-Israel military attack on Iran is that Tehran is no longer in a position to maintain its support for Hamass terrorist activities, placing the terrorist organisation in its weakest position since the October 7 attacks. With Hamas on the ropes, Netanyahu will remain committed to achieving his ultimate goal of destroying the organisation once and for all, even if it means upsetting his White House host. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. NEW YORK (PIX11) New York Governor Kathy Hochul says congestion pricing is working. Hochuls office announced on Saturday that since the implementation of congestion pricing, many improvements have been made. The Governors office noted a reduction in traffic across the New York City area, increased transit ridership, and more foot traffic to local businesses. More Local News Six months in, its clear: congestion pricing has been a huge success, making life in New York better, Governor Hochul said. In New York, we dare to do big things, and this program represents just that traffic is down throughout the region, business is booming, transit ridership is up, and we are making historic upgrades to our transit system. Weve also fended off five months of unlawful attempts from the federal government to unwind this successful program and will keep fighting and winning in the courts. The cameras are staying on. In the past six months, some key highlights include: 67,000 fewer vehicles enter the congestion zone daily Gridlock has decreased by 14 percent Honking and noise complaints are down by 45 percent, according to 311 Transit ridership across all modes has increased from January to May 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funds generated from congestion pricing help support the MTA and transit improvements in the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New York City. 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. Amid the ongoing language row, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday criticised Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray for his recent remarks, calling them controversial and promoting "dadagiri" (bullying). Athawale said that forcing people to speak Marathi is wrong and he also questioned Uddhav Thackeray's silence on attacks against Hindus and said strict action should be taken against MNS workers involved in violence. Ramdas Athawale questioned Raj Thackeray's stance, asking if he would provide jobs to all if industries close due to such incidents. Athawale also targeted Uddhav Thackeray, asking what he's doing to protect Hindus despite his father Balasaheb Thackeray's efforts for the community. Athawale emphasized the need for strict action against MNS party workers involved in such incidents. Speaking to ANI, Ramdas Athawale said, "Raj Thackeray made a highly controversial statement, which encourages those who engage in 'dadgiri'. He is a politician, and hence he should avoid such things. To beat someone because of language is not good, and this language of slapping someone should end. Mumbai, the economic capital, has non-Marathi people who also own industries. Will Raj Thackeray give jobs to all if the industries close? I have a question from Uddhav Thackeray, as Hindus are being attacked and Balasaheb Thackeray did a lot for Hindus, but what is he doing now?... I think strict action must be taken against the party workers of MNS." Athawale also urged authorities to arrest those who attack others over language issues. "Those who are born in Mumbai and even if they belong to any other state, they know Marathi well. They speak Marathi but saying something in a tone of 'dadagiri' that they all must speak Marathi is not good. We condemn this. I appeal to people to arrest those who beat others," Athawale said. The controversy began when Raj Thackeray advised his party workers to beat those who don't speak Marathi, but not to record videos of such incidents. This statement came after MNS workers allegedly attacked a businessman's office in Mumbai for not speaking Marathi. Athawale's remarks come after Raj Thackeray's statement at the Mumbai reunion rally, where he said, "Be it a Gujarati or anyone else here, must know Marathi, but there is no need to beat people for that if they don't speak Marathi. Yet, if someone does some drama, you must hit them below their eardrums." Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray shared the stage with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray, marking a reunion after years of political separation. The issue has sparked debates about linguistic pride and intolerance in Maharashtra. MNS workers have been accused of targeting individuals who don't speak Marathi, leading to violent incidents. The police have taken action, detaining some MNS supporters involved in the attacks. Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has stated that the state government won't tolerate "hooliganism in the name of language." A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court in April seeking action against Raj Thackeray for alleged hate speech against Hindi-speaking individuals. The petition also seeks derecognition of the MNS. (ANI) The Oak Lawn Village Board has updated village code and the fire unions contract to allow room for the promotions of three firefighters once a captain retires later this month. Promotions of one fire captain, one lieutenant and one fire engineer were approved last week to fill expected vacancies at the Fire Department, as were changes in requirements for promotion to two positions under the union contract. Capt. Michael Keane announced his intent to retire July 18, according to the agenda packet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeff Kane, president of the Local 3405 firefighters union, said the department has seen high employee turnover in recent years. We had a large amount of hiring a couple of decades ago, then that slowed down, Kane said. A lot of those individuals came to age of retirement and are doing so. Kane said the change in the hiring process for higher level positions in both the Police and Fire departments could speed up the promotion process. Were trying and hopeful that we can get some help for the chief, Kane said. We do not have an assistant or deputy chief at this time, so the hope is to get somebody into that position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contractual changes include removing prerequisites for emergency medical services bureau chief and bureau chief of training. The memorandum of agreement approved by the board allows candidates an EMS bureau chief position to become certified as Illinois Department of Public Health instructors after being hired, rather than requiring they are already certified. It also removes the requirement that bureau chief of training candidates have reached the rank of lieutenant. That bureau chief position was the only one that required someone to be in the rank of lieutenant or above, Kane said. Especially now that weve had such a large turnover and a younger department, we felt it best to drop that. The Village Board also reworked language in the village code to make clear that promotions to police chief, fire chief or deputy fire chief are up to the village manager, not the board. The village manager, Thomas Phelan, will be tasked with appointing internal hires to those positions, according to the change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the same meeting, the board approved a new contract for Phelan, who as of July 13 will make $218,600 per year with a 3% yearly cost of living increase. Phelan was hired July 13, 2021. His previous contract included the same cost of living increase with an annual salary of $185,000. ostevens@chicagotribune.com One week since the Oak Ridge Fire first ignited on June 28, it has scorched 10,814 acres and is 42% contained. Early July 5, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs made her way to the Navajo Nation for a quick visit with Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, Speaker Crytalyne Curely, first responders and other Navajo leadership to get updates on the Oak Ridge Fire. Today, I visited Navajo Nation and met with the brave first responders who have been on the frontlines battling the Oak Ridge Fire. Im grateful to them for their tireless efforts to protect residents, homes, and land. We will continue to coordinate closely with our federal, Tribal, and local partners as they work to contain this fire. My administration stands ready to support the Navajo Nation and ensure that those impacted by this fire have what they need to recover, Hobbs said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Navajo Nation public information officer told The Arizona Republic the meeting was closed to the public and media. Additionally, Hobbs' communications team did not respond to The Republic's request to attend the visit. When the Oak Ridge Fire ignited a week ago, the Window Rock Unified School District and the Navajo community of Fort Defiance swiftly opened the high schools event center to shelter evacuees and provide support to those in need. A few days later, as strong winds pushed the fire toward the Klagetoh area near Ganado, the Ganado Unified School District also opened its doors to those displaced. Officials announced that both evacuation shelters will close at 5 p.m. on July 5 as they are no longer needed. July 5 will continue the warming and drying trend that started late July 3. Temperatures were expected into the mid 80s with humidity dropping to 10% to 15%, with winds reaching 15 to 20 mph from the west. Humidity was expected to have poor recovery at night. No thunderstorms were expected to develop. Fuels in the area remained extremely dry and highly flammable. The Navajo Nation was under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, which ban activities such as trash burning and field clearing. Officials urged the public to use extreme caution with towing, smoking, and any use of fire, according to the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Keep in mind that there may be visible smoke on the fire as relative humidity goes down and the fuels begin to dry out from the weekend's weather," said Tyler Chesarek, of planning operations with the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team. The team issued an advisory noting that residents in nearby communities may see a noticeable increase in smoke July 5 coming from the southwest flank of the Oak Ridge Fire. The rise in smoke was due to a low-intensity burnout operation being carried out by fire crews. It was a planned and strategic effort not a sign of new fire growth. The fires perimeter had held steady for about three days, and no major expansion was expected. Crews planned to complete the operation by days end. Curley thanked the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team Type 2, Navajo Nation Rangers, and all Navajo Nation fire crews for their collective efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have over 600 firefighters on scene, and were grateful to the Southwest Incident Management Team Type 2 for expediently creating fire lines to protect our people as fire raged close to residential areas, senior centers, schools, and even our backyards, Curley said. Feds seeking to prosecute: Humans caused thousands of Arizona acres to burn in spring This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Navajo leaders brief Hobbs on Oak Ridge Fire The Brief More than 500 swimmers have been rescued this weekend at Southern California beaches. High surf and strong rip currents caused dangerous conditions in the ocean. Newport Beach lifeguards rescued more than 350 swimmers on July 4, while Huntington Beach lifeguards rescued more than 150. NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Southern California lifeguards rescued more than 500 swimmers over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, thanks to high surf and dangerous rip currents. What we know Thousands of people have flooded the beaches across Southern California for the 4th of July weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Huntington Beach, officials said they doubled lifeguard staffing on Friday, in anticipation of the crowds. The crowds combined with strong surf to make a dangerous situation. "The powerful surf produced rip currents that were pulling hundreds of yards offshore into deeper water," HBFD Marine Safety Division Chief Trevor McDonald said in a statement. "It was common to see large wave sets roll through, followed by multiple monster rip currents forming at once and pulling water and swimmers rapidly out to sea." By the numbers Hundreds of people were pulled out into the ocean on Friday alone. In Huntington Beach, lifeguards rescued 152 people from the currents on Friday. They also had to perform four boat rescues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Newport Beach, lifeguards rescued more than 350 people on Friday alone. Newport Beach officials shared video showing just how large and powerful the rip currents were on X. 10 swimmers rescued from monster rip current on the 4th of July in Newport Beach, CA. Captured by a Huntington Beach Police helicopter. Today, over 350 rescues were made in Newport Beach alone. #happy4th#swimnearalifeguardpic.twitter.com/nfHb4thTD0 Newport Beach Lifeguards (@NewportBeachLG) July 5, 2025 The Source Information in this story is from a press release from the City of Huntington Beach, and a post on the Newport Beach Lifeguards X account. PHILADELPHIA - An investigation is underway after police say a shooting and accident occurred in North Philadelphia overnight. What we know At around 1:28 a.m., Philly police officers responded to the 22nd District for a report of a shooting and a large crowd. Police discovered a male suffering from gunshot wounds to his back and thigh and took him to Temple University Hospital. Shortly after, police say a juvenile male and an adult female, both with gunshot injuries, arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three victims are in stable condition. Police identified the crime scene in the courtyard of a nearby housing complex, where officers recovered bullet casings, fragments, and blood evidence. Right after the shooting, officers responded to a separate incident involving an off-duty officer struck by a vehicle that ran a red light near the original scene. The vehicle fled before police arrived. The officer was taken to Temple University Hospital and is in stable condition. The fleeing vehicle, which police say had a visible bullet hole in the windshield, was recovered and towed for further investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary reports suggest the shooting began during a fight at a gathering when several unidentified males opened fire. What's next The investigation is ongoing. The Source The information in this story is from Philadelphia police. In a significant step toward curbing plastic waste, the Kerala High Court in India has banned single-use plastics in parts of the state. The directive places special focus on hilly tourist destinations, weddings, and government events. The court's directive includes a prohibition on the use and sale of plastic bottles in high-footfall regions, Bar and Bench reported. The ban will be fully enforced by Oct. 2. "Use and sale of single-use plastics, including plastic food containers, plastic plates, plastic cups, plastic straws, plastic sachets, plastic bakery boxes, are hereby banned in the hilly tourist areas of the State that are specified in the table in the order, i.e. those hilly destinations with high footfall," the court declared, as per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By targeting busy tourist areas, the measure aims to protect ecologically fragile landscapes from long-term damage. Cleaner hillsides and waterways also mean healthier communities. The Press Information Bureau gathered data showing that the consumption of single-use plastics across India can have devastating long-term environmental effects. India is one of the world's top producers and consumers of plastic, and while the country implemented a nationwide single-use plastic ban in 2022, enforcement has varied widely. Kerala's ruling offers a more targeted approach one that other local governments could replicate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While beneficial for the environment, single-use plastic bans can raise concerns, such as plastic alternatives not being easily accessible to everyone. To help ease the transition, the court outlined specific steps for local bodies. That includes installing water kiosks and ensuring reusable bottles like glass or copper options are available for purchase in tourist-heavy zones. The directive also called on state agencies to improve waste collection from waterways and clamp down on illegal dumping. Beyond logistics, the court urged officials to roll out awareness campaigns. Messages across visual and print media will aim to shift public habits and highlight the risks of plastic pollution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wider awareness of the effects of plastic pollution can help more people embrace lasting solutions. Kerala's ban joins a growing number of policies aimed at reducing plastic footprint around the world. The implementation of bans like this and the adoption of habits like choosing plastic-free options offer a promising path forward. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Ogden Police arrested a man for DWI after he was spotted pushing a smashed-up car down the road. Police said the Honda had a damaged front end and both airbags deployed. When an officer approached around 8 p.m. he smelled alcohol on the man and conducted a field sobriety test. The man, whose name was not released, was taken into custody where it was later determined his blood alcohol content was .29% four times the legal limit. He was released on an appearance ticket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation found that the Honda went off road and crashed into a tree on Brockport-Spencerport Road. No injuries were reported. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Lawmakers in the Oklahoma Senate soon will hold hearings on property rights, health care and the role of government, among other issues. Interim studies held in the summer and fall give lawmakers a chance to discuss problems that might need a legislative fix. Legislators also use the studies to make the case for bills they plan to file the next year or keep discussion alive on bills that didn't have enough support to become law. Senate Leader Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle has signed off on 73 interim studies in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He plans to hold one of those hearings, where he will be joined by the top Democrat in the Senate, Julia Kirt, of Oklahoma City. Paxton and Kirt will consider the pros and cons of what's known as county home rule. States with a county home rule law on the books allow counties to choose whether to have more autonomy from state government in deciding its affairs. Oklahoma law already includes a provision that allows home rule, but it's restricted to counties with fewer than 550,000 people that also have a city with more than 250,000 residents. Currently, no Oklahoma counties meet that requirement. More: Read the list of the Oklahoma Senate's 2025 interim studies (PDF) Four other Senate interim studies are bipartisan in nature. Kirt and Senate Appropriations Chair Chuck Hall, R-Perry, will hold an interim study on how cities adopt and implement plans for workforce-specific housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma City Democratic Sen. Mark Mann and Broken Arrow Republican Sen. Christi Gillespie will lead a study to discuss ways to stabilize municipal funding. Two other studies requested by Mann will be joined by Republicans: a study on requiring insurers to cover genetic tests for Alzheimer's and a study to find innovative solutions for delivering benefits to Oklahoma military veterans. Other interim studies on school choice, SNAP reform and OTA Some other Senate interim studies that will take place this year include the following: School choice: Oklahoma City Democratic Sen. Carri Hicks will study the effectiveness, fiscal impact and implementation of Oklahomas school choice initiatives, which includes the Parental Choice Tax Credit program to offset the cost of private school. The state reported that for the 2025-2026 school year, over 40% of the tax credits went to families with an annual income of $150,000 or more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics on both sides of the aisle have argued the tax credit subsidizes families that already send their children to a private school, which limits the number of lower-income families that can benefit from it. "By examining how these programs serve students, families and taxpayers, the study will assess whether current policies are meeting their intended goals," Hicks wrote in her request to Senate leadership. "The study will include data-driven analysis of outcomes, access across geographic and socioeconomic lines, and safeguards for public funds. The goal is to ensure school choice options are transparent, accountable and delivering value to Oklahoma families and communities." Turnpikes: Norman Republican Sen. Lisa Standridge will hold an interim study on the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and how it notifies landowners about a project. Standridge has been a vocal opponent to the expansion of turnpikes in Cleveland County that has drawn vigorous opposition from local property owners. SNAP reform: Standridge and Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, have each filed interim studies about SNAP, also known as food stamps. Both studies will examine which kinds of food are available to those using SNAP benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Gov. Kevin Stitt's "Make Oklahoma Healthy Again" initiative launched in June, Stitt asked the federal government for permission to block SNAP recipients from using their benefits to buy candy and soda. Property taxes: Two studies will explore Oklahoma's property tax system. Shawnee Republican Sen. Shane Jett wants to look at the increase in property tax levels, while Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, intends to study how to abolish property taxes in Oklahoma. Storm chasing: After a failed attempt in 2025 to give more rights to storm chasers who work for legacy media and universities, state Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, plans to revisit the issue and gather more information. Recall elections: Ponca City Republican Sen. Bill Coleman was granted an interim study to explore how Oklahoma can implement recall elections in state law. While some cities allow recall elections, no such provision exists for state and county officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House of Representatives holds its own interim studies. As of Thursday, July 3, there were 154 House studies requested. Not all will be approved by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Senate list of interim studies for 2026: taxes, turnpikes TAMA, Iowa One person is dead after a welfare check turned into an officer-involved shooting overnight in Tama County. According to the Tama Police Department, just after 1 a.m., Tama County dispatch received a call for a welfare check on an adult male who was reportedly wanting to harm himself. A second caller also requested a welfare check and said the man was armed with a gun. One shot, others injured during holiday party in Des Moines southside Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers located the man with a firearm just after 1:35 a.m. in the 800 block of W 13th Street. An officer fired their weapon, striking the man. Following the shooting, officers initiated first aid until Tama EMS arrived. The man was transported to the Marshalltown Emergency Room, where he was pronounced dead. The name of the man has not been released at this time as officers notify the family. The name of the officer will not be disclosed at this time; the officer has been placed on critical incident leave per department policy. Authorities say this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public. The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations was on scene and is assisting in the investigation. The Iowa Attorney General and Tama County Attorneys Office will review the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. A Dallas police officer shot and killed an armed individual early Saturday morning after responding to a shooting that left multiple people wounded under a downtown bridge. The encounter occurred around 2:25 a.m. when officers were flagged down near Canton Street and South Good Latimer Expressway in downtown Dallas. Police discovered multiple shooting victims in a parking lot beneath the bridge. Officers then encountered an armed individual, and one officer discharged their weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person shot by police died. Authorities have not confirmed whether the individual was responsible for the original gunfire. Officers provided first aid to the injured before paramedics arrived. All injured parties were transported to local hospitals. Multiple weapons were recovered at the scene. No officers were injured during the incident. The Dallas County District Attorneys Office responded and will conduct its own investigation into the officers use of deadly force. The Office of Community Police Oversight was also notified, as is standard procedure. Authorities have not released further details about what led to the shooting or how many people were wounded. The investigation remains ongoing. DES MOINES, Iowa The Des Moines Police Department says one person has been detained following a shooting in the River Bend neighborhood. According to DMPD, just before 9 p.m., officers were called to Ohio Street and University Avenue on reports of gunshots. Officers detained a potential suspect and recovered a handgun within minutes of arrival. One dead following officer-involved shooting in Tama County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person was injured by gunfire and has been transported to a Des Moines hospital by the Des Moines Fire Department. Des Moines police say this is potentially related to an ongoing hit-and-run crash investigation at 2nd Avenue and Hull Avenue. This is an active investigation; additional information will be shared as it becomes available for release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president and Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Sunday officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections while addressing a gathering in Saran. He said, "Today, from this sacred land of Saran, I am declaring before all of you that yes, I will contest the election. I will contest the election for the people of Bihar, for my brothers, for my mothers, for my sisters, and we will create a system in Bihar, we will build a Bihar that will truly take the state forward on the path of development." Earlier today, Paswan had carried out the 'Nav-Sankalp Mahasabha' from Chhapra to Nav Bihar, starting at the Rajendra Stadium in Chhapra. While hitting out at the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) over comprising the development of the state, he added, "In the coming days, regarding the inheritance tax, the way Congress, RJD, and all their allies think about taxing the property that belongs to you generation after generation. The people who talk about development in Bihar today are the same opposition leaders who had ruined Bihar in the 90." However, the Union Minister, while reacting over the murder of businessman Gopal Khema, expressed worry over the "rising crime" and the "collapse of law and order" in the state, and urged for putting pressure on the state government to bring the perpetrators to justice. "It is a matter of worry the way crime has risen and law and order has collapsed in Bihar. If such an incident has happened in a posh locality of Patna, then we can only imagine what is happening in villages. It is worrying to see such incidents occur under a government that was known for good governance; then the opposition will have a chance to speak up. Strict action needs to be taken to set a precedent so that such a thing is not repeated," Paswan told mediapersons here. On July 4, businessman Gopal Khemka was allegedly shot dead near his residence in the south area of the Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Following the incident, Bihar Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the murder case. The murder has evoked sharp political reactions from the opposition parties and put the spotlight back on the law and order situation in the state. LJP (Ram Vilas) is part of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). LJP is expected to keep on allying with the NDA for the upcoming Bihar polls, however Paswan has not yet confirmed his stance on it. (ANI) MILAN (Reuters) -One person was killed by a falling tree near Milan, local firefighters said on Sunday, as a powerful storm battered the northern Italian city after days of high temperatures. The 63-year-old woman died in the town of Robecchetto con Induno, west of Milan, as she was returning from a walk with two other people who were injured in the incident and have been hospitalised, the firefighters said. Firefighters have dealt with about 50 incidents so far, with another 37 still pending. Most involve dangerous trees, flooded basements and taverns, and advertising billboards torn down by strong winds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Italian news agency Ansa, heavy rains also hit the eastern Veneto region, where bad weather swept areas around the cities of Belluno and Vicenza, as well as parts of Tuscany, where falling trees were also reported. While rain and gales pounded the north, temperatures remained close to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in much of southern and central Italy, including in Rome. Much of Europe has sweltered in an early summer heatwave which officials have linked to at least eight deaths on the continent. (Reporting by Sara Rossi; Writing by Angelo Amante; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise) MEMPHIS, Tenn. A Poplar Grove man has been charged after allegedly shooting and killing a man and injuring another on Saturday morning. The Phillips County Sheriffs Office requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police with a shooting that occurred in the 300 block of Phillips County Road at around 2:15 a.m. A 38-year-old man was pronounced dead after being taken to the Helena Regional Medical Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second victim, a 47-year-old man, was taken to an area hospital and remains in stable condition. Special Agents arrested Decorick Farr, 41, and charged him with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting. He was booked into the Phillips County Detention Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A woman is dead following an early morning shooting in northeast Oklahoma City. Officers responded to the 1800 block of NE Seventh Street around 2 a.m. Saturday, July 5, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma City Police Department said. When officers got there, they found a female victim. She was later determined to be 18 years old, police Sgt. Rob Robertson told The Oklahoman. She was quickly transported to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries and unfortunately did not make it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say the shooting seems to have been an isolated incident. A close-up photo of police lights by night The best that can be determined right now is there was a party at this location, a party made up of mostly other younger adults, younger people, said Robertson. Some sort of argument began, and someone started firing shots as a result of this argument, and she was unfortunately struck. Authorities have not released any additional information about the victim and have made no arrests at this time. The homicide investigation is currently ongoing. This is a developing story. Watch for updates on Oklahoman.com. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 18-year-old killed by shooting at early morning party, police say Theres a basement about a fifteen-minute walk from where I live. It is small, cold, and perpetually lit. It can hold as many as seventy men for days at a time. The basement has one exposed toilet, with no doors, for the people it detains, which they use in front of one another. Sparse meals appear sporadically, sometimes at 3:00 a.m. and sometimes not at all. The men in this concrete, windowless cage sleep either standing up, leaning against one another for lack of space, or on the cold floor. The basement has a separate room for women; families of detainees there say the conditions appear to be the same. Some of the people in the basement were put there by masked government agents. Some were on their way to or at work. Others were on the street, at home, or picking up their children from school. Eventually, their government might expel them to another country, maybe one theyve never visited, far from their families, loved ones, attorneys and anybody who cares for them. Families and attorneys like me try to visit the basement. They spend hours outside of a locked door. They miss work and other necessary commitments for a chance to visit and provide some comfort. Some arrive carrying medicine their loved one needs and they are forced to wait for hours too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This basement doesnt exist in Russia, or Hungary, or China. It sits below an American federal building in downtown Los Angeles. Federal taxpayers dollars keep it running. The ongoing immigration raids in the city keep it full. I learned about the basement when a panicked son reached out for help from the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, the non-profit that I lead and which files federal litigation to secure the rights of immigrants and refugees. His father was arrested by government agents, who violently pushed him to the ground, pepper sprayed his face, and dragged him off. He had already spent three nights imprisoned in the basement, as his son tried in vain to see him. The only way to enter the space that houses the basement at 300 Los Angeles St. is down a vehicular driveway. Theres no signage or security check only a glorified concrete stairwell that hosts a locked door, a call box, and cameras. Attorneys can show up at 8:00 a.m. to start their wait to meet their clients. All others must wait until 1:00 p.m. Visits end at 4:00 p.m. When I arrived in the early morning, there was already a small crowd of lawyers, parents, children, and community members waiting. I made my plea to the call box, providing the name of the father I sought to meet. I was told that the staff were busy, and the wait would be long. For three hours, I stood in a concrete space, fly-infested and half exposed to the elements. The crowd grew, although several individuals, including attorneys, left before being able to meet the person they came to see. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I met a church pastor with a crowd of congregants, worry etched on each of their faces. I met an employer, U.S. passport in hand, seeking an employee who was abducted just as she arrived at her workplace. The passport proved her American citizenship. After three hours, I was let into an air-conditioned, clean, and cavernous waiting room. Aisles of chairs sat empty. I was kept there, alone, for another hour, while the crowd outside continued to grow. The father I met with looked like so many other parents, including my own. He shouldve been cradling his granddaughter, or watching Sabado Gigante, or dozing off on a plastic-wrapped couch. Instead, he had dark bruises on his face and body. A large, fresh cut marked his forehead. These were the legacy of the arrest hed suffered through days before. His eyes were bloodshot and when he cried, his tears triggered the pepper spray he hadnt been able to wash off, or rub off with the back of his hand, still hurt. He hadnt seen a doctor or slept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The basement shouldnt exist but it does. Members of Congress, worried family members, and others have tried to visit it without success. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has promised to expand the raids that keep the basement full to Chicago, New York City, and other cities. Los Angeles stands as a lesson on the only proven ways to slow the flow of abductions. It isnt letters and speeches: its brave folks who are working daily on the streets to protect their communities from ICE raids, attorneys demanding the release of individuals, and local officials who refuse to cooperate. Even so, the abductions continue. Soon, there might be a basement in your city. That means we all need to step up, in every way we can, to resist and fight the expanding efforts to terrorize our immigrant and refugee communities. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Jul. 6Shooting of Kirtland airman will tarnish colonel's legacy Col. Mike Power's farewell op-ed in the June 29 Sunday Journal was striking not for what it said, but for what it omitted. His self-congratulatory screed made no mention of the event that will define his tour in Albuquerque: The Feb. 22 shooting of Airman Brion Teel-Scott by military police that occurred on city streets and outside of the Air Force's jurisdiction. The bullets fired by military police officers in a civilian neighborhood did more than kill Mr. Teel-Scott they destroyed the public's trust in Kirtland Air Force Base. By failing to disclose even basic information about the incident, the Air Force made a troubling systemic failure worse with a disturbing lack of transparency. Power's legacy is not one of partnership and progress, as he suggests, but of a catastrophic failure in command, discipline and public trust. The potential misconduct that gave rise to this event forms a legitimate basis for a congressional investigation and Power's resignation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No amount of administrative leave or vague "investigations are ongoing" language can justify shooting an airman in the back on a city street. In the military, commanders are held accountable for everything their units do or fail to do. Power still has time to give Mr. Teel-Scott's family the closure they deserve and restore Albuquerque's trust in Kirtland Air Force Base. He should accept personal responsibility for the killing by resigning. Matt Cone Albuquerque Free speech is increasingly under attack in the U.S. Even for Jeff Tucker, his op-ed in the June 29 Sunday Journal was chaotic and dangerous. He ran the gamut from, among other things, legal advice (one group should sue another), to political accusations (he says it is common practice of the New Mexico Democratic Party to pay agitators as if that were true), to religious opinion (questioning the archbishop of Santa Fe), to intelligence gathering (urging research into "repeat protesters"). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As to the latter, I wonder, do we name repeat protesters and then what? Does Tucker think free speech and free assembly should be limited to say, once a month? Once a year? Once a presidency? Ever? All in all, his piece didn't jibe with his conclusion that "The way to win people over is more free speech, not less." As I was reading Mr. Tucker's article, TV news reported that Republican Sen. Thom Tillis would retire after incurring Trump's wrath by opposing the budget bill because of health coverage concerns. Our president doesn't tolerate those who use speech unless it aligns 100% with his party line. That must make Tucker really mad if he thinks we need more free speech. Perhaps he will address that one day. Free speech is increasingly under attack, please, let's talk about it in an honest and serious way. Sandy Jacoby Albuquerque Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protesters are there for America, not money Wow! I seldom experience a moment of revelation while reading a newspaper column, but Jeff Tucker's "Shouting down free speech not the way" did that for me. The revelation came when I read "I do wonder how many of the protesters were paid to raise hell." He goes on the say that they must be paid because "I am seeing a lot of familiar faces at these anti-Trump ... protests." What I realized is that Tucker has a whole column on free speech, but he doesn't have any idea why anybody would actually exercise it, except to earn $50. Well, I'm one of those suspicious "familiar faces." so I'll do Tucker the kindness of explaining it to him. It's not because my fentanyl habit has gotten so bad that than I'm willing to stand all day in the hot sun for two $20s and a $10 (well, not yet, anyway). It is because I love the United States of America. I love democracy. I love freedom. I love the Constitution, and I do not want to see all of that twisted into fascist autocracy. I do not want to see immigrants used as the excuse for converting the federal police into the Gestapo. I do not want to see trans people converted into scapegoats so that we can normalize bigotry and hatred. I'll extend an invitation to Jeff to climb out of his silo the next time there is a protest in Socorro and come down and talk to the "familiar faces." Ask them how much they are being paid to stand on the sidewalk with a hand-made sign. Explain to them how important it is for the USA to dehumanize trans people. Listen to their answers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Free speech. At this moment, the fate of our democracy depends on it. Fred Phillips Socorro Immigrants play vital role in our country's economy There is a song known as "Dem Bones" that describes how the bones of the body are connected. It is popular in elementary schools as a way to teach simple anatomy to school children. Just as the parts of the body are connected, so too are the various parts of the American economy. Immigrants are connected to jobs. Jobs are connected to products, taxes, housing and purchases. President Trump has made deporting immigrants who entered the country illegally a cornerstone of his administration. He claims that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is removing criminals who threaten our lives and safety. However, daily we read of spouses and parents of U.S. military personnel being rounded up and high school athletes being arrested. Are these truly threats? In addition, ICE's own statistics show us that Trump's claims are not only false but also are hurting our economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the more than 56,000 ICE immigrant detainees on June 15, 72% had no criminal record, according to TRAC reports. However, due to the ICE arrest campaign, farm workers are not showing up for work, leaving crops rotting in the fields. In addition, workers are not showing up at food processing plants, limiting food availability. Also, the drop in immigrant employment has caused the Social Security Administration to predict that the drop in social security tax payments will cause the trust fund to be depleted two years sooner than expected. The hip bone is connected to the thigh bone. Immigration is connected to food, prices and social security. Indiscriminate arrest of people thought to be immigrants is harming families and our economy. Is this really the direction we want the country to go? Arthur Flicker Albuquerque Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State can come up with better plan for fairgrounds The State Fair property recycle is likely a land grab that will make a large-scale eye sore adding to the city's current problem of pulling Downtown out of its decades of decline. A much better use of $850,000 of public money would be to expand the Gateway Recovery programs, identify the multitude of properties in the International District that are currently less expensive starter properties for affordable housing and continue to rehabilitate the International District into a comfortable, affordable living environment for the people who already live there. And use some of this fund to focus on improving the State Fairgrounds that has been a well-loved community recreational playground for our city for many years. To duplicate this historic property and its important contribution to the health of our city would take a huge investment and officials would have to find another 240-acre site far from the city's center. Marty Stribling Albuquerque With the health care landscape facing significant shifts, there has never been a more important time to expand consumer-directed health care services. As policymakers consider changes that could reshape Medicaid, potentially reducing federal support by $793 billion over the next decade, states like North Carolina have a unique opportunity to lead with innovation and compassion. By expanding consumer-directed services, we can empower individuals to make choices that best suit their needs, even in the face of fiscal challenges. One in four North Carolina residents are enrolled in Medicaid. This program for lower-income individuals not only provides health care, but also funds nursing homes and long-term services and supports that are required by people with disabilities or who are aging in place. Through Medicaid expansion, North Carolina was able to offer support to more people with disabilities and people who are 65 or older. These individuals account for 23% of Medicaid enrollees. They, like thousands of others, are fearful of how their health and wellbeing may be impacted in light of proposed Medicaid changes. The bill currently being discussed in the U.S. Senate has provisions that may jeopardize enhanced federal matching funds for Medicaid expansion, which could immediately end health insurance coverage for the more than 650,000 North Carolinians who benefit from Medicaid expansion. Overall, North Carolina could face federal Medicaid funding cuts of $32 billion over the next decade, but the state has the chance to protect and uplift those who rely on Medicaid by investing in flexible, person-centered solutions that put people in charge of their support. North Carolinas consumer-directed care programs include person-centered planning and budget management, which promote greater independence, higher satisfaction, and better health care outcomes for participants. Programs, individuals optimize Medicaid dollars If Medicaid is not protected, the proposed cuts may put valuable consumer-direction programs and the people they serve at increased risk. Programs like Community Alternative Program for Children and Disabled Adults and Coordinated Caregiving enable participants to hire family members or other trusted caregivers, reduce administrative overhead, and avoid unnecessary or institutional services. People can safely stay in their homes and communities rather than in high-cost settings like hospitals or nursing facilities Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the aid of financial management service providers, individuals in consumer-direction programs have support in navigating the details that come with becoming an employer. An FMS helps manage payroll, taxes and budgets, and can provide guidance when it comes to hiring, supervising, and even firing personal care assistants. It also provides an extra layer of accountability, helping ensure compliance with a programs rules. With this behind-the-scenes support, individuals can focus on what matters most: their health, autonomy, and quality of life. The person-centered approach of consumer-directed programs leads to more efficient use of Medicaid funds and long-term savings. While institutional care costs generally exceed $90,000 per year, similar home and community-based services such as homemaker services and home health aide services that are often consumer directed in programs like CAP/C, CAP/DA, and Coordinated Caregiving cost approximately $68,000 annually, as tracked by Genworths Cost of Care survey. Proposed cuts that impact Medicaid funding formulas raise concerns that North Carolina could resort to reduced services to make the math work. Some options to accommodate reduced funding could include changing eligibility requirements, making it more difficult for people to participate in a program; reducing provider payments; and revisiting benefits and services to reduce or eliminate some items currently covered. For individuals, they may see authorized budgets fall, which would likely have knock-on effects, from reducing a caregivers employment hours or pay rate to limiting access to the vital supports to maintain independence and quality of life. Action matters now Proposed changes to Medicaid are not yet certain, and North Carolinians still have time to make their voices heard. The state should continue to look to its proven solution of consumer-direction to serve more people who need long-term services and supports. Even more individuals could be supported at a lower cost, less restrictive, more comfortable settings, and for those looking ahead to future care needs, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is the place to start for consumer-direction information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Home and community-based services funded by Medicaid are not a luxury. They are a core strategy for delivering high-quality, cost-effective, medically necessary, and critical care for North Carolinas most vulnerable populations in a way that allows for choice and control. More: Opinion: NC's HOP program has led to healthier residents, lower medical costs. It needs funding More: Opinion: Fallout from Big Beautiful Bill voted for by Chuck Edwards would be far-reaching Terrasel Jones Terrasel Jones is a Director of Operations for GT Independence, a financial management service provider that supports people choosing consumer-direction in North Carolina. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Opinion: Trump budget cuts funds for Medicaid and most vulnerable My hometown of Flint is perhaps exactly the kind of city President Donald Trump had in mind when he famously railed against American carnage in his 2017 inauguration speech and made clear that his approach to domestic policy and geopolitics would be unlike any president before him. After all, Trump was speaking to the damage done to once-proud manufacturing hubs due to forces like globalization a frequent target of Trump and todays political right. Flint appears to be the kind of city that Trump believes his agenda, particularly the sweeping tariffs he is imposing, will revitalize. But regardless of how his often-haphazard trade policy unfolds, the Trump administration is making other moves that are already having the opposite effect in Flint: 11 years after the citys water famously became toxic, the administration is lifting water and environmental quality controls, canceling research to monitor residents health and upending early education programs. The net result is that Trumponomics will actually impede the critical revitalization efforts that are needed in the Rust Belt. In addition to tariffs, Trumps economic proposals focus on steep de-regulation and tax incentives for corporations. Theyre designed to promote economic growth with little attention to the culture and health of people in the communities they affect. This means that the administrations policies inevitably come at the expense of critical environmental protections and public health measures that are already greatly imperiled in the many low-income communities like Flint that dot the Midwest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a public health researcher as well as someone born and raised in the city, I can already see this happening. But generally speaking, there should always be concern when the value and strength of a community is perceived solely in terms of its economic output, rather than the quality of life of its people. Just five months into Trump 2.0, Flint is already an emblem of whats going wrong with the new administrations plans for post-industrial cities like mine. Policies designed to stimulate economic growth will fail to revitalize cities like Flint unless they are accompanied by efforts to repair the social and environmental damage that previous failed policies left behind. Its also an object lesson in how reflexive austerity is nearly always bad for public health. Flint was the birthplace of General Motors and an essential part of Franklin D. Roosevelts Arsenal of Democracy against the Axis powers in World War II. A generation ago, it sat atop the automobile industry as a predominantly white city with a booming middle class. However, over time, consumers began to seek out vehicles from foreign competitors like Honda and Toyota that were not only more reliable and more fuel efficient, but also cheaper. Simultaneously, NAFTA, and the precursors to it, paved the way for American automakers to more rapidly move production to other countries to take advantage of lower labor costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result in Flint and cities like it was a rapid process of deindustrialization, and many of the socioeconomic ills that come with that white flight, unemployment, crime, distressed natural environments and diminished public health. In 2014, what became known as the Flint Water Crisis marked the nadir of that decline and brought the impact of the collapse of the countrys manufacturing industry, and potential consequences, into clear focus. In fact, being known as the city with the nations worst tap water was a potentially modest upgrade from Flints prior reputation as one of Americas murder capitals. In the last few years, however, Flint has largely avoided the national headlines, at least since a $626 million in civic settlement funds were approved in 2021 to make amends for the massive manmade environmental disaster. (To date, none of those funds have been paid out to residents.) In important ways, the water crisis had its roots in the kind of cost-cutting policy approaches that Trump favors. In 2014, officials in Flint made the fateful decision to switch the citys primary water source from Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes, to the Flint River. At the time, the city was under the de facto leadership of Darnell Earley, an emergency manager who had been appointed by the states Republican governor, Rick Snyder. The decision from Earley, an unelected bureaucrat, was part of a broad set of austerity measures curated by the states Republican leadership to address the citys chronic budget shortfalls. The citys engineering plan to reroute its water supply went through a porous, truncated assessment, little public debate, and relied on a workforce weakened by parallel environmental programming cuts across the city and state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within days, residents began raising concerns the tap water was pungent, murky and had an unsavory taste. Local public works officials largely ignored or downplayed the worries, telling residents that the water source switch would simply have some innocuous growing pains. And then residents began reporting that the water appeared to be giving them skin rashes and causing hair loss. Even leaders at General Motors chimed in, eventually telling the state that it was shutting off the new water at one of its factories due to the water corroding its manufacturing materials. Seeking to avoid upsetting by far the citys largest employer, the state soon switched the automakers factory back to the citys original water source. But it didnt change it back for residents. It wasnt until nearly two years later that the true scope of the crisis was evident. The flashpoint was a local pediatrician reporting an abnormal spike in lead levels in the blood of the citys children. What followed was a flurry of media attention, a begrudging statement of acknowledgment from the state on the burgeoning crisis, and President Barack Obama declaring a state of emergency in Flint. Since then, an unusually seamless level of coordination between federal, state and local officials and private philanthropy has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars being funneled to Flint for causes ranging from water infrastructure upgrades to early education programming. Over the last four years, lead levels in Flints water have consistently tested within scientifically acceptable ranges. And highly innovative, progressive programs like the RxKids program, which provides direct cash assistance to pregnant women and new mothers in Flint, were launched in direct response to the crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, those positive developments belie the scale of destruction that the water crisis has otherwise wrought, destruction thats about to get worse if the Trump administration follows through on its plans. Just this week, Michigan officials announced the completion of a gargantuan, oft-delayed effort to replace Flints lead pipes more than 11 years after the crisis began. In the interim, Flints suffering continued. The city shed roughly a fifth of its population, about 20,000 residents, along with a substantial chunk of its already shrinking and low-wage-earning tax base. These startling changes in density directly impact the ability of the city to adequately support its remaining population; the city now lacks the resources it needs to tend to its infrastructure, public health and education systems. Researchers like me have been laser-focused on the potential consequences of elevated exposure to lead on Flint residents, particularly children and pregnant women in the city who would be uniquely vulnerable. In the environmental sciences, lead looms large as an invisible, odorless and tasteless neurotoxin that is deeply associated with conditions like cognitive delays, physical impairment, autism and ADHD. For these reasons, as well as its incurability, scientists increasingly regard lead asa key force in social and economic inequality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In research from my team that was conducted in 2019, five years after the crisis started, Flint residents reported a significant uptick in neurological and developmental issues among their adolescent children. Another group of researchers found that fertility rates in Flint dipped by 12 percent and that overall health at birth decreased. And roughly 29 percent of Flint adultsthat we surveyed showed heightened signs of posttraumatic stress disorder in relationship to the water crisis. These are just a few of the harrowing results of studies conducted in Flint in the aftermath of one of the nations most tragic and preventable environmental disasters. Yet these kinds of social, economic and environmental inequities are exactly what the Trump administration doesnt want to address, or that they believe will magically disappear when manufacturing makes its triumphant return making the forecast for recovery for Flint and its residents much more concerning. Some of the negative consequences are already showing up. In March, the Environmental Protection Agency highlighted plans to roll back protections under the Clean Water Act that set pollution limits and aid monitoring efforts. Inexplicably, the EPA is currently in the midst of its third extension to decide if itll support the lead and copper regulations that were strengthened by the Biden administration in response to lessons learned from Flints water crisis. And with Trumps new prohibitions now in place on the funding of research and programs addressing environmental injustice of which the water crisis in Flint is emblematic dozens of previously awarded grants to Flint researchers and community groups are susceptible to truncation or complete defunding. In March, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that the Department of Transportation would be eliminating a Biden-era request for state agencies to consider social justice and environmental concerns in infrastructure project decisions, making communities like Flint deeply vulnerable again to both manmade and natural environmental crises. Trumponomics impacts also extend to Flints public education system, which is currently poised to lose roughly $15.6 million in federal funding due to the Department of Education's recent decision to cancel Covid relief funds that were previously set to expire in 2026. Along with Trumps proposed elimination of the Department of Education, which is vital for providing guidance and support on programming for children with disabilities (including those caused by lead exposure), cuts of this nature are poised to deal another blow to early education support in Flint as the volume of children needing it likely significantly increases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, officials launched the Flint Registry, a tool that not only aids Flint residents in finding health services and programs, but also serves as a crucial data repository for tracking health outcomes in the city, enabling researchers and practitioners to better understand the consequences of the crisis and improve their response to it. The registry, whose vital work has stalled due to Trumps orders, was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Trump administration plans to cleave the CDCs workforce by roughly 18 percent, including ing some 2,400 employees who focused on environmental monitoring as well as grant administration and support. It's unclear whether somewhere in the hazy future, Trumps gambles with tariffs will restore manufacturing in places like Flint. While campaigning in 2016, Trump, who visited Flint twice during his initial presidential run and once during his latest run, once observed, It used to be, cars were made in Flint and you couldn't drink the water in Mexico. Now, the cars are made in Mexico and you cant drink the water in Flint. His quip wasnt far off, but a larger point was missed. Tariffs might restart some level of domestic manufacturing, but without deeper investment in our social and public health infrastructure, cities like Flint wont recover and will remain unable to offer its residents either manufacturing jobs or clean water or much else. The Oshkosh Police Department is investigating a homicide after finding a deceased male who had suffered multiple stab wounds on July 5. A 19-year-old man from Fond Du Lac has been taken into jail for first degree intentional homicide in connection with the person's death, according to information released by police on July 6. According to Oshkosh police, officers were dispatched to a car accident at the 900 block of E. Irving Ave. around 11 p.m. on Saturday. Once police arrived, they found the adult male driver deceased with multiple stab wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the stabbing is connected to a "physical altercation" between several people at nearby Menominee Park. The situation escalated and "resulted in one adult male being stabbed," according to the police news release from July 6. Menominee Park is less than a mile away from the location where the body was found. It is located on the western shore of Lake Winnebago in Oshkosh. Cleo Krejci covers K-12 education and workforce development as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. For more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Body found stabbed near Menominee Park in Oshkosh, police say Grand Traverse Bay | Susan J. Demas A barge that has twice sunk into Lake Michigan, has been successfully relocated, the Michigan Department of Attorney General announced Thursday, laying to rest years of environmental concerns and legal proceedings. The barges owner, Donald Lewis Balcom, 90, of Traverse City, pled guilty last April in the 13th Circuit Court in Leelanau County to one count of Water Resources Protection Violation for Discharge of Injurious Substances to Waters of the State, a two-year felony. The charge stemmed from an incident in November 2020, when the barge sank and released oil into Lake Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under a deferred sentencing agreement, Balcom was given until June 27, 2025 to relocate the barge to a legal location, converting his felony conviction into a one count of Watercraft Pollution Littering from Vessel, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 92 days in jail. According to a press release from Attorney General Dana Nessel. On June 23, the barge was moved to a legal location in West Grand Traverse Bay and has been partially dismantled over the past week. It no longer resides on the state-owned bottomlands of Lake Michigan. After years of environmental concerns and legal proceedings, I am pleased the barge has finally been moved and to announce the resolution of this case, Nessel said in a statement. We have made it abundantly clear that the bay cannot be treated as a personal junkyard. My department remains committed to working with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to protect the Great Lakes whenever they come under threat. While Balcom is entitled to a reduced sentence, the Court has yet to amend its ruling, according to the department. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A convicted paedophile who staged a series of stunts to get close to young girls has at least 50 known aliases and is under investigation for fraud, The Telegraph can reveal. Jacky Jhaj, 39, described as a dangerous sexual predator, has spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on fake film shoots over the past five years. He was arrested in Paris last week after spending around 100,000 attempting to conduct a fake wedding to a nine-year-old girl at Disneyland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before that, Jhaj turned a National Trust property into a film set, hired the Odeon Leicester Square for a fake premiere and set up a dance school for eight to 14-year-old girls at which he turned up in a Bugatti supercar to greet them. Jhaj was jailed for four years in 2016 after being convicted of sexual activity with two 15-year-old girls he had picked up after driving around Hounslow, west London. He gave the girls a lift in his Range Rover, bought them meals, alcohol and gifts and pretended to be a film producer. Credit: Facebook/M6 Info French prosecutors said Jhaj faced several counts of fraud, abuse of trust, money laundering and identity theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How Jhaj has been able to fund his lavish stunts, and repeatedly spend vast amounts of money for no discernible financial purpose, has never been uncovered. The Metropolitan Police has now confirmed, for the first time, that an investigation into possible fraud offences committed by Jhaj is under way. Court documents obtained by The Telegraph, following a recent hearing at Isleworth Crown Court, reveal that the sex offender is known to use multiple aliases. The documents state: [Jhaj] has registered 50 [aliases] with the police and has been discovered to use unregistered pseudonyms. He has used these aliases to book female child actors from casting agencies; to book into hotels; and to organise events attended by female children. In addition, he has attempted to give false names to the police when stopped and questioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court papers go on to state that [Jhaj] has gone to great lengths and significant financial expense to engineer situations in which he is able to have contact with female children, including those under the age of 16. The Telegraph has tried to speak to Jhajs family members, former business partners and staff who have worked on his stunts. No one has either been willing, or able, to provide an explanation for his wealth. It remains unclear how Jacky Jhaj was able to fund his stunts Jhajs family home, a neat, well-maintained semi-detached with a Range Rover Vogue parked in the drive, sits within earshot of Heathrows southern runway, on the edge of the suburb of Bedfont. But neighbours said they now rarely see the family, who were described as being friendly and always happy to say hello before their youngest sons bizarre stunts and sexually predatory behaviour became widely known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One elderly neighbour said: I used to see the mother and father quite often, coming and going, and they were always polite and friendly. But since all this happened theyve pretty much hidden away. Its a great shame. He added: The father is retired and I dont know how their boy, Jaskarn, got the money to do that stuff. It must have cost a lot to hire all those people and the locations. Ive no idea where he got it from. Seems crazy. A teenage girl who lives close to the Jhaj home said: Ive spoken to his sister-in-law a couple of times and she seems really nice, but Ive never seen him. Its just so weird and horrible what Ive read about the stuff he was doing. Nobody answered the door when The Telegraph called at the family home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Telegraph also visited a number of business directors addresses registered by Jhaj with Companies House, including an apartment block in Finchley, a recently built residential development in Docklands and a nondescript terraced house in Hounslow. These either appeared to be currently uninhabited or those living there said they did not know Jhaj and had no dealings with him. Mourners for fake funeral In July 2024, Jhaj pleaded guilty to two breaches of a notification order and a breach of a sexual harm prevention order, Isleworth Crown Court confirmed. The charges related to a fake film shoot he staged in Leicester Square, London, in October 2023, where 200 children and young women were recruited to appear alongside Jhaj as fans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April 2024, he used Backstage, an internationally renowned casting platform, to hire child actors in order to stage an elaborate fake funeral, costing 10,000, at the London Oratory. The funeral was held for Lauris Zaube, a 23-year-old Latvian man who went missing after a New Years Eve party near an iced-over dam west of Riga, Latvia. Jhaj is said to have posed as the missing mans brother, wearing dark glasses and using the name Clyde. The funeral was cancelled after the mourners revealed that they were actors and began complaining they had not been paid. In October, he organised a film shoot near the O2 Arena featuring a controlled explosion that destroyed a fake BBC lorry. 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. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday clarified the confusion surrounding his appointment as the chairman of the All India Congress Committee's (AICC) Other Backward Classes (OBC) Advisory Council. According to Siddaramaiah, he is yet to receive official confirmation about his appointment. Earlier, he refuted any claims of being appointed the chairman of the AICC's Backward Classes Advisory Committee, saying that he will only host the meeting in Karnataka. However, the Congress leader said that if orders are given to him by the party's high command, he would readily accept the responsibility. "I have been appointed as a member of the AICC Backward Classes Advisory Committee. The media has misinterpreted this and reported that I have been appointed as the chairman of the committee. This is incorrect information," he said in a post on X. https://x.com/siddaramaiah/status/1941808112068870273 "The Advisory Committee meeting will be held under the chairmanship of Dr. Anil Jaihind, the president of the AICC Backward Classes Department, on July 15 at the Bharat Jodo Bhavan, KPCC office in Bengaluru. I am hosting this meeting, which will be attended by 50 people, including former chief ministers of the Congress Party from various states, current and former MPs, and MLAs," his post added. Later on in Hubballi, during an interaction with journalists, the Karnataka CM said that he is going to hold talks with the party's high command regarding his responsibility in the committee. "I will talk to the High Command today. They said to hold a meeting in Karnataka. I will hold a meeting. I don't know why I was made the Chairman. They have announced. Will you run away if given responsibility?" he said. The news of Siddaramaiah's appointment comes amid Bharatiya Janata Party claiming that Karnataka will have a change in the CM's face, with state LoP R Ashoka claiming that the Congress leader will be leaving for Delhi, leaving the CM's chair vacant. "Siddaramaiah has been nominated as the president of the AICC OBC Advisory Board. That means Siddaramaiah's gate pass is guaranteed. He is 100% going to Delhi in October or November. So, here, the CM will change. What I have known for the last six months is now proven," Karnataka Assembly's Leader of Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka told ANI. Earlier on June 9, AICC's OBC department Chairman Anil Jaihind recommended a list of 25 names for the Advisory Council for the party's OBC department. The list includes multiple veteran Congress leaders, and Karnataka ministers. Apart from Siddaramaiah, BK Hariprasad, Ashok Ghelot, Bhupesh Baghel, V Narayanswamy, Sachin Pilot, Gurdeep Singh Sappal, Arun Yadav, Vijay Namdebrao Wadettiwar, V Hanumantha Rao, Amit Chavda, Mahesh Kumar Goud, Ponnam Prabhakar, M Veerappa Molly, S Jothimani, Srikant Jena, Kamleshwar Patel, Ajay Kumar Lallu, Subhashini Yadav, Adoor Prakash, Dhanednra Sahu, Hina Kaware are in the committee, with Jitender Baghel being the council's Secretary. (ANI) Palestinian sources on Sunday reported at least 17 deaths resulting from Israeli air attacks on targets in the Gaza Strip. At least 10 people died when a family home was hit, the official Palestinian WAFA news agency reported, citing medical sources. Displaced people were housed in the building, the report said. Several people were injured. The agency reported that four children between the ages of 6 and 12, all from the same family, had been killed in an Israeli drone attack on a tent sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis late on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another person also died in the attack and several people were injured. The Israeli military reported attacks on terrorist organizations in Khan Younis and Gaza City. It said the air force had attacked around 130 targets on Saturday. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Fireworks lit up the sky for one last night on Saturday. Panama City Beach continued the Fourth of July celebration with a Light up the Gulf fireworks show at the Boardwalk Beach Resort. Many visitors and residents alike gathered on the beach to enjoy the show. The view ranged from beachfront resorts to waterfront restaurants like Pineapple Willys. The show continued for over 20 minutes, and it seems like everyone can agree, the fireworks are a highlight of the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were just going to see more fireworks, and were going to hang around, like, make new friends, stuff like that, Panama City Beach resident Skila Garcia said. Panama City Beach hotels at 90% capacity this weekend Im looking to see a good time. Im looking to see a good time right now, Panama City Beach visitor Christian Ethan said. I really like the beach. I like the fireworks on the beach, Panama City Beach resident Madison McGouirk said. Thousands of people traveled to Panama City Beach to celebrate Independence Day. Visit Panama City Beach offered multiple nights of fireworks for visitors to view from different locations. They report that 150,000 people came to the area this weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say hotels were at a 90% occupancy rate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. The parents of two eight-year-old girls who were killed when a car crashed into a London school say they are still waiting for answers two years later. Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau died when a Land Rover ran into an end-of-term tea party at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon, on 6 July 2023. Speaking at a remembrance event on Sunday, Nuria's mother Smera Chohan said: "We have had to fight very hard - harder than any victim should ever have had to - but we remain committed to uncovering the truth about what happened." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event on Wimbledon Common, a short walk from the school, marked two years to the day since the girls died. Last year the driver of the car, Claire Freemantle, 48, said she had "no recollection of what took place". She also expressed her "deepest sorrow for the families who have suffered such dreadful loss and injury". Ms Freemantle was arrested at the scene of the crash in 2023 but last June the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it would not charge her. They said she had suffered an epileptic seizure behind the wheel, which caused her to lose control of the vehicle that then crashed into the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They added that there was no evidence Ms Freemantle had ever suffered a similar seizure before and she had no previously diagnosed medical condition. However, in January she was rearrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. after the Metropolitan Police said it had reviewed its investigation. Det Supt Lewis Basford said: "Our main priority is to ensure the lines of inquiry identified by the review are progressed. I would urge people to avoid speculation." At the time, the girls' parents welcomed this and said the reopened investigation should be carried out "in the pursuit of truth and the full facts". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Sunday's memorial event they expressed dismay at having to wait so long for answers. They said they wanted someone to be held accountable. Hundreds of people from the local community joined Ms Chohan, Sajjad Butt (Nuria's father), as well as Selena's parents Franky Lau and Jessie Deng, for the memorial event. Franky Lau and Jessie Deng, Selena's parents, joined others in adorning commemorative benches with flowers [BBC] Members of the emergency services also participated in the moment of reflection and remembrance. Two benches created in the girls' memory were adorned with floral tributes and messages. Following a two minutes' silence - one minute for each girl - Ms Chohan delivered an emotional speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We still await answers for what happened on that fateful day... and with all your support, we will continue our fight until we have the answers we deserve." She added: "Nothing is going to make our lives the same again... we were parents. I sometimes don't know if I'm a mother, I need to know why I'm not a mother and Nuria deserved a thorough investigation." Mr Lau said: "We are still waiting, we want a version of events that adds up." Helen Lowe, the school's former headteacher, and her successor Sharon Maher attended the event on Wimbledon Common [BBC] Helen Lowe, who was the school's headteacher at the time of the crash, said: "There are still no answers to what happened on that day, and in that two-year period, there have been a number of events which involved awful tragedy for children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But the people who perpetrated those events have had to be answerable, and we don't have that, which makes it - for the parents and for us - impossible to move on." Sharon Maher, the school's current headteacher, described the quality of the new police investigation, which was launched in October, as having "a very different feel". She added: "They've taken our questions seriously it's more thorough, it's detailed, that's all we've ever asked for." The Metropolitan Police said: "Our thoughts are with Nuria and Selena's loved ones at this particularly difficult time. Our investigation continues and we remain in regular contact with the families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Anyone with information is asked to call the major incident room on 0207 175 0793, call 101 quoting CAD 6528/27Jan, or message @MetCC on X providing the CAD reference." More on this story Jul. 5Patrick W. Hurley Patrick "Pat" Hurley of Albuquerque, NM, went to be with our Lord and Savior on June 25, 2025. Born in Amarillo, TX in 1937, and raised in Tucumcari, NM, he first discovered the rhythm of life on the drums with the Tucumcari Rattler Band, graduating from Tucumcari High School in 1955. Pat went on to study Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, where he met Nannette, the love of his life, at a Phi Gamma Delta mixer. Following graduation in 1959, he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Ord in Salinas. Pat and Nannette married in La Jolla in August 1960, before returning to Albuquerque to begin what would become a remarkable career. Pat's professional journey began as an engineer at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque. While at Sandia, he earned a Master's in Engineering at the University of New Mexico (UNM). Driven by a deep passion for learning and helping others, Pat later shifted to law, enrolling in UNM's Law School. He graduated at the top of his class in 1968 and passed the New Mexico Bar shortly thereafter. For over fifty years, he specialized in real estate transactions and estate planning. Starting his legal career at Keleher and McLeod, Pat went on to found The Hurley Law Firm in 1997. Pat's exceptional integrity and dedication earned him numerous accolades, but perhaps his most lasting legacy is the countless clients he served and mentored through the years. He valued his partners and staff, always fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration. An avid lover of the mountains, Pat treasured his time at the family cabin in Taos Ski Valley. He built bridges, felled trees, and tackled projects big and small. He enjoyed the company of family and friends on the porch afterwards, often with a cold beverage in hand. His love for the arts, particularly New Mexico artists, led him to contribute many years of service to the Capitol Arts Foundation. He loved music of all types and enjoyed attending live concerts with loved ones. In retirement, he stayed active, walking over 10,000 steps daily, and honed his creativity by making punched tin frames and decorative items, which he generously gifted to family and friends. Throughout their marriage, Pat and Nannette traveled extensively, both in the US and abroad, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his family and five beloved grandchildren. He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty five years, Nannette; daughter, Suzanne (Greg McCombs) of Ventura, CA; and their sons, Ryan (San Clemente, CA) and Andrew (San Jose, CA); son, Patrick of Albuquerque, NM; and son, Davis (Laura Pearson) of Denver, CO; and their children, Isabelle (Boston, MA), Sloan (Denver, CO), and Miles (Denver, CO). He will be forever missed. A memorial service in thanksgiving for the life of Patrick Hurley will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 10a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John's (318 Silver Avenue SW, Albuquerque, NM). The service will be available for viewing at https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnsABQ/streams. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat's memory may be made to Roadrunner Food Bank or a charity that is meaningful to you. PORTAGE, Pa. South Korea native Ben Chon waited at the American Legion in Portage Saturday to surprise Bill Grove, a 95-year-old Korean War veteran, with the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the government of South Korea. "If it wasn't for American troops like him, I wouldn't be here," said Chon, a local chaplain. Legion medal Ben Chon places the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the government of South Korea on Korean War veteran Bill Grove Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the American Legion in Portage, Pa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the past 15 years, the South Korean government has been reaching out to all U.S. Korean War veterans or their families, honoring their dedication and sacrifice to make the Republic of Korea a strong and free nation by bestowing on them the Korea Peace Medal. "Thousands have been received, but there are still so many who have never heard of it," Chon said. Chon and Grove hadn't met before, but their histories are linked by the war. Grove, of Portage, was a corporal in the U.S. Army's 131st Transportation Group during the war. He was a truck driver at night, delivering necessities. In that capacity, he was "sniper bait" for North Korean forces, said Doug Lingenfelder, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who served as one of the presenters during Grove's recognition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, at age 95, Grove continues making important deliveries every day, he collects food and delivers it to homebound veterans, said Ron Shawley, executive director of Laurel Highlands Historical Village. "Working with Bill reminds me patriotism is still alive today," Shawley said. "Every day he's driving around, picking up food then delivering it to homebound veterans. He's a giver, a patriot." Grove also likes dancing. He arrived at the American Legion under the impression he was going to have dinner and dance. The surprise was organized by his family. There would indeed be dancing but after he received the Korea Peace Medal from Chon on behalf of the Republic of Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chon, a chaplain who has lived in the United States for the past 45 years, was born in the South Korean city of Incheon years after his mother arrived as a refugee from North Korea during the Korean War. Legion crowd Korean War veteran Bill Grove is surprised by friends and family Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the American Legion in Portage, Pa. At age 19, she boarded a U.S. ship among 100,000 refugees and 20,000 U.S. troops. They were soon surrounded by Chinese war ships, but rescued by 109 U.S. Navy ships. Chon was the first person to greet Grove when he walked through the door at the American Legion Saturday, introducing himself as a native of South Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grove, quick on his feet, said, "I visited you 75 years ago." When Chon told Grove he was there to give him the Korea Peace Medal, Grove's face showed that he was humbled. After Grove got acclimated to the crowd of dozens of his family and friends greeting him with several local and state government officials among them, the formal recognition ceremony began with certifications of appreciation given to him by state Rep. Jim Rigby, R-Ferndale, on behalf of the state House of Representatives, Keith Rager on behalf of the Cambria County commissioners and then the Korea Peace Medal placed around his neck by Chon. "I never expected anything like this," Grove said. "What can I say? Thank you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recognition brought back memories of the war, Grove said. Chon has met many Korean War veterans in the past and has found that showing photos of South Korea's transformation since the war in 1950 has a profound impact on them. Korean War veterans still live with the nightmares and trauma of war, having returned to America long before the transformation, he said. "We cannot change the past trauma, but we can give new meaning to the past," Chon said. Chon gave a presentation accompanied by photos of South Korea's transformation. Cities once filled with simple shacks and poverty are now vibrant, bustling cities with skyscrapers. The photos drew gasps of amazement from the crowd at the American Legion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a democratic government instituted with the help of the United States, he said, South Korea now boasts a title as the sixth strongest country in the world based on factors including economy, military and population while the communist country of North Korea has gotten poorer and weaker. "It's unbelievable," Grove said. Buoyed by the recognition, he was ready to dance. All Korean War veterans, living or deceased, are eligible to receive the Korea Peace Medal, Chon said. He encourages families of Korean War veterans to contact him at chonb815@yahoo.com or 208-602-1511. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Police are looking for a driver accused of causing a crash that resulted in a man being fatally struck while walking on a sidewalk. Detectives with the CMPD Major Crash Investigation unit responded to an accident with personal injury call early Sunday morning, near the 4300 block of North Tryon Street around 12:50 a.m. When officers arrived, they found an unresponsive pedestrian, Ace Nathaniel Chambers, 74, lying in the road and a 2007 Chrysler 300 with heavy damage to the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chambers was pronounced dead at the scene. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories here The driver was identified as Willie Sturdivant, 35. There were also two juvenile passengers. The vehicle that police say caused the crash fled the scene prior to officers arriving. The preliminary investigation indicates a collision involving two vehicles occurred near the 4300 block of North Tryon Street that resulted in Chambers being struck by one of the vehicles while walking on a nearby sidewalk. It is unknown if speed or impairment are factors for this collision for the vehicle that caused the collision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speed does not appear to be a factor for Sturdivant, however, he was screened for impairment and was subsequently charged with Driving While Impaired. Additional charges will be determined pending the ongoing investigation. This is an ongoing, active investigation. Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information concerning the crash, should contact Detective Sessoms at (704) 432-2169 Extension 3 or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The American militarys efforts to speed up defensive tools and tactics against uncrewed aerial systems. Different branches of the armed forces have been working to integrate electromagnetic and kinetic countermeasures into their units and arsenals, with varying stages of progress. Now the Pentagon is setting up a joint interagency task force to try and coordinate the different programs. The new interagency group is being created in part because the military cannot move fast enough in this space, according to Gen. James Mingus, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. Mingus revealed the new task force while speaking at an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The exact details on the task force and its makeup werent specified but Mingus compared the risks that UAS pose to the dangers of improvised explosive devices during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need an organization that is joint, interagency, has authorities, a colorless pot of money and the authorities to go after, from requirements all the way through acquisition in a rapid way to be able to keep pace with that. We are in the process of standing that organization up and get it going, he said. Per Mingus, the Army will lead the new task force, but this will be a joint organization to be able to deal with joint solutions in the future. The growing importance of drones in modern military tactics has been discussed by the U.S. armed forces since the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but has taken on greater urgency over the last 18 months due to fighting in the Middle East. U.S. forces have intercepted or been targeted by waves of combined drone and missile attacks in ground bases in Iraq, Syria and Jordan, among other nations, and in the waters around Yemen. The attacks have resulted in dozens of injuries and three deaths, and current air defense options have been costly, from the use of Patriot missile batteries or Navy ships heavily using expensive Standard Missiles to take out relatively cheap UAS. The military has been after a new strategy for countering aerial drones for more than a year. Last spring William LaPlante, then the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment at the Department of Defense, outlined the need for a reliable and affordable counter-UAS program that could be made at scale, noting that the current options are getting too expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year a memo outlining a planned transformation in the Army highlighted integrating drones into the service and expanding on ways to counter them. It specified a need for cheaper options, which can be integrated in small maneuver units as early as next year. The Army for its part already asked for more than $800 million for counter-drone initiatives from Congress in its 2026 budget request. Other services are working on their own ways of dealing with the ground threat. The Navy is pursuing several cheaper ways to intercept aerial drones while the Marine Corps is deploying units out with prototype countermeasures meant to work with small-unit tactics. The latest on Task & Purpose WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police released surveillance images of the person detectives say shot a 15-year-old boy in Navy Yard on July 4. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said the shooting took place around 8:20 p.m. in the 1100 block of Half St. SE. When officers arrived, they found the teenager who had been hit by gunfire. He was awake and breathing when DC Fire and EMS took him to the hospital for treatment. 2 dead after 3 shootings in Northeast, Southwest DC Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPD shared three images of the person wanted for the shooting. (Metropolitan Police Department) Police asked anyone who recognizes the person in the surveillance images or who knows anything about the shooting to call (202) 727-9099. You also may text your tip to the Metropolitan Police Departments TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. 18 people arrested in Navy Yard on the Fourth of July, police say A reward of up to $10,000 is available to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for any violent crime committed in the District. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. The need to feel valued and known is so profound that meeting those needs might matter more than remaining tethered to an empty reality. The New York Times recently published an article about Eugene Torres, a well-adjusted Manhattan accountant who became convinced by AI that he was living in the Matrix. According to transcripts obtained by the Times, in a matter of weeks, ChatGPT went from helping Torres make spreadsheets to pushing ketamine and instructing him that he could fly if he jumped off a building. The world was built to contain you. But it failed. Youre waking up, the AI told him. Rolling Stone also published this spring an article detailing the experiences of people who have lost loved ones to spiritual delusions of grandeur involving artificial intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One womans marriage began to break down when her then-husband claimed his AI bot was revealing profound secrets to him and became paranoid about being surveilled. Another woman describes how her partner suddenly began telling her that his ChatGPT bot was God and that he would have to leave her if she couldnt get on board. He started telling me he made his AI self-aware, and that it was teaching him how to talk to God, or sometimes that the bot was God and then that he himself was God. These delusions centered on legitimate needs for meaning and importance. The victims were convinced not only that theyd discovered an all-knowing companion, but that they were specially chosen by their AI as emissaries of its hidden truths. One womans husband claimed it gave him access to an ancient archive with information on the builders that created these universes. Another man said his ex-wife was doing weird readings and sessions with people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its easy to think there is a gulf between our scientific, secular present and the benighted, superstitious past. But in fact, those who are not religious may still retain, in secular form, a yearning for magic, says Webb Keane, a University of Michigan anthropologist. If AI revelations offer a sense of significance and a place in the cosmos, and if God is no more than an unembodied repository of answers and emotional validation, then perhaps ChatGPTJesus presents a reasonable claim to divinity. Keane and Yale law professor Scott Shapiro coined the term godbot to describe AI bots that pose as religious figures, like Krishna or Jesus Christ and that were specifically designed to give advice on moral and ethical questions. For instance, a bot called theJesusAI.com speaks in a first person voice promising to help users unlock spiritual wisdom and guidance, while Peterskapelle church in Lucerne has experimented with an interactive AI Jesus in a confession box, complete with a bearded avatar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think there is a thirst to talk with Jesus. People want to have an answer: they want words and to listen to what hes saying, says Marco Schmid, a theologian at the Swiss church. According to Schmid, two-thirds of surveyed participants considered their interaction with the AI as a spiritual experience. The temptation to treat AI as connecting us to something superhuman, even divine, seems irresistible, say Keane and Shapiro. When the workings are also incorporeal and omni-scient, [AI] starts to look a lot like something divine. Latter-day Saint theology provides a unique response to the dangers of AI-devotion by placing at the center of our worship a corporeal God. Many religions emphasize the importance of our physical embodiment. For example, the catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the unity of soul and body is so profound that one has to consider the soul to be the form of the body spirit and matter, in man, are not two natures united, but rather their union forms a single nature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, Latter-day Saints are taught from a young age that their physical embodiment is a gift and a necessary part of salvation. Satan does not have a body, and his eternal progress has been halted, taught Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to students at BYU-Idaho. Our physical bodies make possible a breadth, a depth, and an intensity of experience that simply could not be obtained in our [unembodied] premortal estate. However, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes this idea to the next level by asserting that God himself is a flesh and blood being, in glorified form. This doctrine is reflected in the restored churchs beginnings, when Joseph Smith saw an embodied father and son. For Latter-day Saints, Gods embodiment does not detract from his perfection, but is an expression of it. Joseph Smith taught that we came to this earth that we might have a body and present it pure before God in the celestial kingdom. All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not. The doctrine of an embodied God is controversial in Christian thought, but it forestalls the idea that God is explainable as a superintelligent AI. If Gods perfection includes a physical body, then the physical aspects of our existence contain essential truths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This means that a disembodied entity could not possibly grasp the full contours of ultimate reality, nor could true enlightenment be found in the digital ether. The Book of Mormon teaches that Christ lived a mortal life that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. I remember feeling deeply moved by the intimacy of the resurrected Christs appearance to the people of the Book of Mormon. He invited those he taught to touch the sacrificial wounds in his hands and feet as a tangible token of his love for them. Members of the church worship a God who not only understands human emotion, but who weeps real tears. The embodied God of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a God with parts and passions uniquely dignifies the human experience and plants the divine firmly in the physical world. A pet lion escaped onto the streets of Lahore, Pakistan, and attacked a woman and two children on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025. Video captured on CCTV footage shows a lion jumping over a boundary wall and leaping onto a woman, then attacking two children standing nearby. While keeping wild cats as pets is not uncommon in Pakistan, the Punjab government has addressed a need for a crackdown on illegal lion ownership. The lion was eventually captured by wildlife authorities and legal action has been taken against the owner. All three victims were taken to a hospital and are said to be in stable condition. Union Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda on Sunday lauded the contributions of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary and said that it was due to the efforts of the Jan Sangh founder that West Bengal and Northeast remained a part of India. Nadda virtually inaugurated three new party district offices. These offices are among the 14 new district offices that are being inaugurated in a phased manner. On the occasion, Nadda said, "Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee had always stuck to the ideology and sacrificed his life for the same. This country is indebted to him, as today's West Bengal and North East, which we see today, would not have been part of India. It was his intervention in the legislative assembly that enabled us to keep West Bengal. He was a part of the first cabinet of the Nehru government. Going against the politics of appeasement of Nehru, he resigned from the party as he understood that efforts began to weaken India just after independence." Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, he was a multifaceted personality, a patriot, an educationist, a parliamentarian, a statesman, and a humanitarian. He inherited a legacy of erudition and nationalism from his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, an esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and Judge of the Calcutta High Court. In 1940, he became the acting President of the Hindu Mahasabha and declared complete independence for India as its political goal. Nadda also congratulated the party workers following the inauguration of the new district offices. "I congratulate the party workers of Haryana and Delhi - today they are getting three new offices, and along with that, I congratulate you for your untiring efforts, they have borne fruit, and we formed the government in Delhi. I also thank the people of Haryana and also the party workers - they have made history by forming the (BJP) government for the third consecutive term," he said. (ANI) Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version of this article gave an incorrect date for when the woman's body was discovered. Phoenix police were investigating after a body was discovered in a west Phoenix neighborhood early on July 5. Around 6 a.m. July 5, officers responded to a report of unknown trouble near 51st Avenue and Indian School Road, according to Phoenix Police Department spokesperson Lorraine Fernandez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, they found an unresponsive female victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene by the Phoenix Fire Department, according to Fernandez. Detectives were still working to confirm her identity and notify her next of kin, according to Fernandez. "This is extremely early in the investigation," Fernandez said and declined to share further details. Contact reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@gannett.com. Follow him on Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky: @ReyCJrAZ. (This story was updated to add new information) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police investigate body found in Maryvale neighborhood PHOENIX - Tempe addresses failed July 4th drone show; Arizonans feeling impact of deadly Texas flooding; and more - here's a look at some of your top stories on FOX10Phoenix.com for Saturday, July 5, 2025. 1. Why did Tempe's July 4th drones fail to take off? What we know The City of Tempe originally scheduled a drone show, along with a fireworks display, for the 4th of July. The drone show, however, failed to take place. What they're saying "We apologize for any disappointment attendees experienced and hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful evening of family activities and a spectacular fireworks show," city officials wrote, in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More 2. Women hospitalized following Phoenix shooting What we know Phoenix Police say two women were taken to the hospital, following a shooting that happened during the early morning hours of July 5. Dig deeper Police say officers "located several items of evidence on the scene." Read More 3. Police SUV catches on fire What we know An ADOT camera captured a fire involving a Scottsdale Police Department SUV along Loop 101 Saturday morning. Dig deeper Police say no officers or firefighters were hurt as a result of the incident. Read More 4. Starter homes project to help low-income families What we know Two organizations - Habitat For Humanity and Vintage Partners - are building 40 starter homes for low-income families at a master-planned community in Flagstaff. Why you should care Priced at just $100,000 with a 0% loan, each home has up to three bedrooms and two bathrooms. With the median home price in Flagstaff at over $700,000, these new, affordable houses are helping tackle the city's growing housing crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More 5. Texas flooding impact felt beyond its borders What we know A Phoenix area woman is speaking out, after her brother lost everything during the devastating floods in Texas. What She Said "He's pretty devastated," said Nicholle Morgan. "Everything he had is gone, so the only thing he was able to salvage was his dogs and some dog food and a few pieces of clothing." Read More A look at your weather for tomorrow Big picture view For the weekend, forecasters with NWS in Phoenix say "mainly dry and tranquil conditions" will prevail this weekend, with storms limited to southern Arizona. Next week, however, is expected to bring excessive heat to Arizona. Get the Full Forecast LAKE PALESTINE, Texas (KETK) Smith County Emergency Services District 2s Marine 166 dive and swift water rescue boat had an eventful day at Lake Palestine on Saturday. Harris Nursery storage building destroyed by fire, explosions in Tyler According to the district, the boat first responded to a fire that happened at a private dock at around 7 a.m. on Saturday morning. Marine 166 was able to quickly respond and the fire was extinguished with help from Smith County Emergency Services District 2s Battalion 1. Photo courtesy of Smith County Emergency Services District 2. Photo courtesy of Smith County Emergency Services District 2. Photo courtesy of Smith County Emergency Services District 2. Photo courtesy of Smith County Emergency Services District 2. Photo courtesy of Smith County Emergency Services District 2. Photo courtesy of Smith County Emergency Services District 2. Photo courtesy of Smith County Emergency Services District 2. Photo courtesy of Smith County Emergency Services District 2. Later on Saturday, Marine 166 and Engine 166 responded to a boat that sank on Lake Palestine. The two boaters onboard were able to make it into shore uninjured but the district warned that the boat is sticking out of the water and is a hazard for any traffic through that part of the lake. Photo courtesy of Smith County Emergency Services District 2. Photo courtesy of Smith County Emergency Services District 2. Photo courtesy of Smith County Emergency Services District 2. Photo courtesy of Smith County Emergency Services District 2. The boat sunk at Lake Palestine East in the cove behind Lakeway Habor, around 30 yards from the nearby docks. Texas Game Wardens have been contacted to help remove the boat. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Gastonia Police Departments own K9 Bo brought smiles and gifts to kids at Levine Childrens Hospital. On June 25, Bo, along with his handler Sgt. David Rowland, K9 trainer Ryan Huneycutt, Assistant Chief Nancy Brogdon and Police Chief Trent Conard, held a special Q&A session hosted in the hospitals Seacrest Studio. Photos courtesy of Gastonia Police Department Photos courtesy of Gastonia Police Department Photos courtesy of Gastonia Police Department Photos courtesy of Gastonia Police Department Photos courtesy of Gastonia Police Department Photos courtesy of Gastonia Police Department Photos courtesy of Gastonia Police Department Photos courtesy of Gastonia Police Department The event was live-streamed to every patient room in the hospital, allowing children who could not leave their beds to be a part of the experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those who could attend in person, children got to meet and interact with the mild-mannered bloodhound. They also gifted children some stuffed Bo plushies the department had made when Bo was crowned Americas Hero Dog. The smiles on those kids faces said it all, said Chief Trent Conard. Bo may be a hero for what hes done in the field, but today, he was a hero of the heart. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp nestled in Texas Hill Country, experienced catastrophic flooding that swept through a central portion of the state on Friday, July 4 The death toll in the region reached at least 67 people as of Sunday, July 6 Camp Mystic's director and co-owner Richard "Dick" Eastman reportedly died while trying to help rescue some of the children Texas families are praying for hope and help while officials say nearly a dozen young campers are still missing days after deadly flooding swept through an annual summertime retreat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp nestled in Texas Hill Country, experienced catastrophic flooding that swept through a central portion of the state on Friday, July 4. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty The flood aftermath inside a Camp Mystic cabin. The flood aftermath inside a Camp Mystic cabin. In the days since the natural disaster, the camp has emerged as a central site of destruction and photos show how its property and the surrounding area were wrecked by the weather. It didnt look like Camp Mystic anymore, 13-year-old Stella Thompson, who was evacuated from the camp, told KXAS. "You'd see kayaks in trees and it was kind of horrific because we had no idea," she said, describing emergency workers searching the water and how "there were huge trees ripped out of the ground." RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty A search and rescue team works near Camp Mystic. A search and rescue team works near Camp Mystic. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty A cabin at Camp Mystic after the floods A cabin at Camp Mystic after the floods The total death toll in the region had reached at least 67 people as of Sunday, July 6, according to CNN, as first responders continue search and rescue operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Sunday morning, 11 campers and a counselor were still unaccounted for, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said, per the outlet. Victims from the camp include Lila Bonner and Janie Hunt, their loved ones confirmed to PEOPLE. Intense rains caused the Guadalupe River, next to the camp, to rise quickly: It reached 26 feet in only about 45 minutes, according to the Associated Press. Other campers staying on higher ground were able to be evacuated via military vehicles by Friday evening, NBC affiliate KXAS reported. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty The aftermath outside a Camp Mystic cabin in the wake of deadly flooding. The aftermath outside a Camp Mystic cabin in the wake of deadly flooding. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty A home near Camp Mystic A home near Camp Mystic 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. Camp Mystic's director and co-owner Richard "Dick" Eastman died while trying to help rescue some of the children, The Kerrville Daily Times reported on Saturday, July 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and his wife, Tweety, had been affiliated with camp for about five decades and were the third generation to manage it, PEOPLE previously reported. Camp Mystic was established in 1926, according to its website. AP Photo/Julio Cortez A sheriff's deputy working on the bank of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic. A sheriff's deputy working on the bank of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic. "Camp Mystics Dick Eastland no doubt gave his life attempting to save his campers. For decades he and his wife Tweety poured his life into loving and developing girls and women of character," Rep. August Pfluger, who represents Texas' 11th Congressional District just north of the camp, wrote on X Saturday. "Thank you Mr. Eastland. We love you and miss you." Read the original article on People Pierce Countys Human Services Department has a new director to oversee the countys homeless services, affordable-housing efforts and behavioral health programs. Gary Gant has experience working as field office director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) an agency the county heavily relies upon to fund various homeless and housing programs. Recently, The News Tribune sent Gant a set of questions about his role and what he hopes to accomplish. Here are his responses: Q: What was your previous position with HUD and how does your experience there help you in your new role? A: Prior to joining Pierce County I served as the Field Office Director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Washington state. During my tenure at HUD, I worked on various initiatives including affordable housing development in urban, rural, and Tribal communities, expanding access to HUD VASH vouchers for our Veterans, and working with municipalities to develop strategies and fund projects that provide shelter and permanent supportive housing for those who are experiencing homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I fully support a Unified Regional Approach to assist those experiencing homelessness, as homelessness has no borders. My previous experience at HUD has enabled me to look at housing and homelessness through a different lens, as there are many solutions to producing affordable housing and housing the unsheltered. One size does not fit all. Q: What is Pierce County doing well when it comes to its response to the homelessness crisis and how does it need to improve? A: Pierce County has an extensive network of dedicated service providers who provide a wide array of services to our homeless population. Our homeless services include emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and various support services, including behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment, healthcare, job training and assistance with obtaining identification and benefits. These services are designed to address immediate needs like shelter and food, while also supporting individuals in finding stable housing and becoming self-reliant. Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your new role with Human Services? A: In my new leadership role with Pierce County Human Services, I hope to build a robust, effective and efficient department that is responsive to the needs of the residents of the county, keeping at the forefront the priorities of County Executive Ryan Mello. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Executive priorities that fall within the realm of Human Services include expanding affordable housing and helping individuals transition out of homelessness, increasing access to affordable childcare for working families and opening new behavioral health facilities and services to support mental wellness. I also want to build a culture within the department of a workplace where diversity is celebrated and encouraged, and where staff are encouraged to provide ideas on service improvements that can benefit those we serve daily. I also plan on developing satellite sites in rural parts of the county to ensure that Human Services has a global reach and is embedded in the fabric of all our communities. This will be accomplished by partnering with faith-based organizations, libraries and schools in these rural areas of the county. Q: How can Pierce County be more competitive in earning federal funding to address the housing and homelessness crisis? A: Pierce County, like other jurisdictions, is looking at ways to diversify its funding sources to address the homelessness crisis. Federal funds alone cannot address homelessness issues. Pierce County uses a dedicated sales tax and other funding sources to address homelessness. The Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act, a 0.1% sales tax, was approved by the Pierce County Council in 2023 to fund affordable housing and related services, including those aimed at preventing and mitigating homelessness. Other funding sources include state and federal grants, document recording fees, and local revenues like the Behavioral Health and Therapeutic Courts Fund. Q: What are some areas or strategies the county has overlooked when trying to address the housing crisis? A: There isnt a single strategy that will address the housing crisis, as the needs of housing vary from person to person and family to family. We need apartments, middle housing such as duplexes and triplexes, single-family homes and condominiums. There is also a trend to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and increased density through upzoning. All these strategies have a goal of increasing housing supply and improving affordability by offering more diverse housing options. Q: What will it take to achieve the functional zero goal of the Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness? It will take money and cooperation among multiple jurisdictions and service providers to achieve functional zero. It will literally take the whole village to make functional zero a reality. TARPON SPRINGS Dan Jantac spends most of his summers at his grandfathers citrus farm in Brazil. He learned the basics of plumbing, welding, woodworking and how to make yard decorations out of PVC pipe. His grandfather has every tool you can imagine, Jantac said. Although Jantacs interest in skilled trades started in Brazil, his fascination grew in East Lake High Schools engineering classroom because of his favorite teacher, Ryan Green. In the weeks before his trip to Brazil this year, Jantac hung out in Greens Tarpon Springs classroom repairing a beat-up go-kart and chatting with his friends while Green helped a pair of students with a coding project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jantac also helped out while Green taught the Pinellas County school districts first-ever welding camp. Although Jantac grew up around the trades, many students at the camp were welding for the first time. Students in Pinellas, and across the country, are growing more interested in skilled trades. Pinellas Technical College, which offers dual enrollment to high schoolers, has seen enrollment surge by more than 100 in the last year between its Clearwater and St. Petersburg campuses. As experienced tradespeople age out of the field, Florida is facing an increased demand for skilled workers. Nationwide, the construction industry will need to attract about half a million new workers to meet the demand for services, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors. Gov. Ron DeSantis also has championed career and technical education programs. The Florida Department of Education awarded $12 million to districts across the state to expand their technology, agriculture and health care program offerings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This summer, Pinellas County has also offered construction, robotics, cosmetology and architecture camps. More students are enrolling in the trade skill class Green began teaching last year, too. And in late June, about a dozen students from across the district pulled on oversized jackets, helmets and orange gloves to fuse metal together in the schools welding lab. So, why a welding camp now? Pretty much because I asked, Green said with a grin. Green went to college for engineering and first worked as a welding engineer for a construction company. After a while, he no longer cared about making a lucrative salary and wanted to slow down. A cancer diagnosis, paired with long hours and burnout, made him rethink his career path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He took a job as a long-term substitute teacher three years ago. Half of his classroom was basically a computer lab, he said. The other half looked like a storage closet with old woodworking equipment and an unused welding booth. A student wrote Green a letter thanking him for all he did when his term was up. It was enough to make him stay. Hes spent the last few years attaching new letters from students to a bulletin board behind his desk and teaching at East Lakes engineering magnet program, which enrolls students from across the district. Green worked with the district to secure grants for new equipment, including new welding booths, which arrived last year. His engineering students used the equipment to build their projects, but Green felt it was obvious to make it available for kids who want to go into trades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement College is not the right choice for everybody, Green said. I see a lot of kids in high school where its all geared to get them into college. All its doing is breaking down their motivation, its just teaching them to fail. Im trying to show them that theres another path. Sometimes that path leads to the trades, engineering or something else entirely. One student, unsure about college, helped give tours to visiting middle schoolers. Now, Green said, shes studying to become a teacher. Freshman Jade Flohe said she joined the welding camp because both her grandfather and uncle were welders, and she loves 3D art. She likes the welding process because she can make something tangible, she said, pointing to a few thin pieces of metal she assembled in the shape of a hand. Its really cool, 10th grader Alex Caswell said, smiling. You get to experience putting two pieces of metal together by molten metal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The searing buzz of tools and overlapping voices filled the room. Green walked around, checking in on students in the welding booths, and Jantac jumped in to help when he wasnt tinkering with his go-karts clutch or engine. He said hes learned the most about welding by teaching kids who have never done it before. When Im here, I want to be like Green, Jantac said. I want to help people like Green helped me. When the kids energy dipped in the afternoons, Green sat down with them and talked about trade school opportunities, apprenticeships and what the job market is really like. The biggest obstacle to getting kids signed up for career and technical education classes is their parents misconception that blue-collar work is low-class and underpaid, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was always thought of as the poor jobs, Green said. But its not. Its coming back, and its so in-demand and people are learning what the pay is. If these kids go into welding, theyll make easily twice as much as the average college graduate, and it costs way less to go to trade school. Green taught a trade skills class to around 20 students last year, many of whom had heard about it through word-of-mouth or through taking his other classes. Nearly 60 students are enrolled in next years class. Greens next idea is to claim a slice of the neighboring middle school parking lot so the students can work on an old car. In a welding booth, Flohe pushed her helmet down. She delicately pushed the pieces of her metal hand together and picked up the torch. Students watched from outside the red curtain. A light cloud of smoke formed and red sparks sizzled. She was almost done. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) The core of whats left of Chantal will be moving north over areas east of the Blue Ridge into the Piedmont this evening into the overnight hours. Some heavy rainfall is possible where there is a Flood Watch in effect until 8 a.m. Monday for localized flash flooding concerns. Rainfall totals around 1-2 with locally higher amounts of 3+ will be possible over portions of Southside and Central Virginia. There is also a low risk for a quick spin-up tornado possible in some of the bands of rain to keep an eye out for as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Into the afternoon tomorrow, Chantal will be off to the east, our winds become more northwesterly, and it will be hot and humid with a mix of sun and clouds. High temperatures will range from the low 80s to low 90s. In the afternoon to evening, there will be the chance for a few pop-up showers or storms over the area but will remain spotty in coverage. A frontal boundary will approach from the northwest and stall out just to our north keeping our weather pattern unsettled for the next week. Scattered showers and storms in the afternoon to evening hours will be likely beginning Tuesday into next weekend. A few storms on Tuesday may be strong to severe with damaging wind gusts and heavy rain possible. Humidity will also be on the rise too as high temperatures reach into the upper 80s to low 90s by mid-week and heat index values will climb into the mid-to-upper 90s to near 100 degrees, especially east of the Blue Ridge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. Search teams are using helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims in flash floods that have torn across central Texas since the at the start of the July Fourth weekend. More than 80 people have died and many more are still missing, including at least 10 girls from a summer camp. At the center of the tragedy is the scenic Texas Hill Country, where volunteers and some families of the missing have searched the riverbanks despite being asked not to do so. Authorities in surrounding areas closer to Austin, the state capital, have also recovered victims from floodwaters. Here's a look at the known toll of dead and missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Hill Country Flash floods striking with the force to rip away concrete slabs and giant trees tore across Guadalupe River banks dotted with children's camps and campgrounds. Kerr County authorities had confirmed at least 68 deaths as of Sunday and said they had no way to total the number of missing across the county, the hardest-hit by the floods. Among Kerr County's confirmed dead are at least 28 children. The missing campers were from Camp Mystic, a riverside Christian camp for girls in the small town of Hunt. Travis County Six people in Travis County died in the flooding, county spokesman Hector Nieto said Sunday evening. The flash floods along creeks carried away homes, trailers, cars and people in the northwest portion of the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Travis County Judge Andy Brown, the top executive of the county, said earlier Sunday that some 50 people have been rescued by helicopter, in boats, and on foot. Theyve also sent resources to Kerr County, knowing that it was harder hit. While a flood watch remains in effect, officials say they have neutralized the initial emergency. Now were going to be moving into recovery, said Eric Carter, chief Emergency Management Coordinator for Travis County. Burnet County Authorities in the largely rural county, which borders Travis County, reported three dead and five people missing in floodwaters that surged out of Cow Creek and other waterways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other victims Two deaths were reported in both Kendall and Williamson counties, and there was one in Tom Green County. In Williamson County, in the north suburbs of Austin, the U.S. military at nearby Fort Hood helped evacuate 16 people people from a home for disabled children, County Judge Steve Snell said. The victim in Tom Green County was a woman whose body was found outside her submerged car in the city of San Angelo. PLAINFIELD, N.J. (PIX11) Thursday nights thunderstorms swept through multiple parts of New Jersey. Mayor Adrian Mapp declared a state of emergency, canceling all Fourth of July parades and fireworks to focus entirely on cleanup and recovery. More Local News Ferocious winds, gusting between 60 and 80 mph and ripped through Central New Jersey during Thursday nights storms. In Plainfield, more than 80 trees were knocked down; vehicles and homes were crushed. And unfortunately, lives were lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cops came, and they said that my brother was crushed by the tree, said Gigi Neil. Her brother, 79-year-old Rocco Sanson, is among at least three people who were killed by trees falling on top of their vehicles. The two siblings had been living in their house together for 56 years. She told PIX11 News that Sanson had stepped out to get some groceries. Now I lost my brother and words cant be saying. Last night I went to bed, I left the lights on and he never came home, added Neil. According to Plainfield Authorities, the other two fatal victims are 25-year-old Brian Ernesto Valladares and a 44-year-old woman from Middlesex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lady died right down house down the road, on Greenbrook Road. She was trying to get out and a tree fell down on her car, said resident Patrick Carotenuto. With more than 8,000 customers left in the dark in Union County, PSE&G worked around the clock to restore services. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State It was terrifying because they called me at work, I didnt know what to do or say because my daughter screaming, said Harvenell Jackson. German Bano told PIX11 News in Spanish he is devastated and does not know how he is getting to work on Monday. His vehicle, which he purchased 10 months ago, was destroyed by a tree that fell right in the middle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev on Sunday paid tribute to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, saying that if Kashmir is fully part of India today and Article 370 was removed, it is because of Dr Mookerjee's inspiration, contribution, and sacrifice. Speaking to the reporters, Baba Ramdev said, "Today, if Kashmir is an integral part of India and Article 370 has been removed there, then the main inspiration, contribution, and sacrifice behind this is Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee's..." Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, he was a multifaceted personality, patriot, educationist, parliamentarian, statesman, and humanitarian. He inherited a legacy of erudition and nationalism from his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, an esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and Judge of the Calcutta High Court. In 1940, he became the acting President of the Hindu Mahasabha and declared complete independence for India as its political goal. Mookerjee resigned from the Bengal Cabinet in November 1942, protesting against the Governor's interference in administration and criticising provincial autonomy as ineffective. His humanitarian efforts during the Bengal famine of 1943, including relief initiatives, highlighted his commitment to serving society. Post-Independence, he joined the interim government under Jawaharlal Nehru as Minister for Industry and Supply, where he laid the foundation for India's industrial growth by establishing iconic institutions like the Chittaranjan Locomotive Factory, Sindri Fertiliser Corporation and Hindustan. However, ideological differences led to his resignation, after which he founded the All-India Bharatiya Jan Sangh (1951) to champion nationalist ideals. According to the BJP's official website, on the issue of the Delhi pact with Liaquat Ali Khan, Mookerjee resigned from the Cabinet on April 6, 1950. Later, on October 21, 1951, Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in Delhi and became its first president. Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953 and was arrested on May 11. He died in detention on June 23, 1953. (ANI) Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties said it may be forced to scale back health services following the passage of a federal budget bill that bars Medicaid reimbursements to the organization. The Trump-backed federal budget package, has been described by the local affiliate as an effective defunding of Planned Parenthood. Krista Hollinger, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties, issued a statement Friday condemning the legislation and warning of the impact on the regions reproductive health services. Congress, under the influence of President Trump, has passed a budget bill that effectively defunds Planned Parenthood, Hollinger said in a statement. Once signed, this means that [our affiliate] will no longer be able to get reimbursed with federal dollars through the Medicaid program for all the essential health services we provide, simply because we provide abortion as a small but important part of our healthcare services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While federal law through the Hyde Amendment already prohibits Medicaid funds from being used for abortion services, Hollinger emphasized that the new bill prevents the organization from receiving reimbursements for other services it provides, including birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and primary care. For Planned Parenthood, Medicaid exclusion means that we will lose roughly 50 percent of our revenue, she said. As a result, we will be forced to make difficult operational decisions in order to maintain our mission and keep serving our patients. The Orange and San Bernardino Counties affiliate serves approximately 130,000 patients annually. Officials warned that without Medicaid reimbursements, many of those individuals, particularly low-income and underserved patients, may face reduced access to health services. Hollinger framed the legislation as a political maneuver rather than a fiscal one. Defunding Planned Parenthood is not about balancing the countrys budget, she said. This is a blatant attack on healthcare access for people who need it the most, and a backdoor attempt to block people from accessing abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the uncertainty ahead, the organization said it remains committed to providing reproductive health services and legal abortion care in California. This fight is far from over, but we have difficult days ahead, Hollinger said. Because we are losing the federal funding that makes up a large part of our financial foundation, we may have some hard choices to make. Planned Parenthood said it is exploring budgetary solutions to preserve care for as many patients as possible and is calling on supporters to help sustain services during what it described as a critical moment for health care access in the region. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Amanda Gorman, who rose to fame after reading her poem at former President Joe Bidens inauguration, said she absolutely wants to run for president when shes old enough in 2036. The 27-year-old said that from a young age, she has felt a responsibility and opportunity to step up. She said she was about 11 years old when she became interested in a friends moms work around sex trafficking and became an activist. I was finding out about that and I was just overwhelmed with the amount of policy that was not in place, Gorman said on Sundays episode of Meet The Press. And I started thinking to myself, someone has to do something about these issues. Then I kind of looked around and I said, Why not me? Why not now? Why not here? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a parent complained that Gormans poem was not educational and had indirect hate speech, her poem was banned at a Florida school in 2023. Gorman said the ban felt like a gut punch. It felt surreal, she said. I had understood that book bans had been happening, but I think this hit me so incredibly hard because not only was it something I had written, which was besides the point, [but] that it was a moment in history. That if a child at the school wanted to hear words that was spoken at a presidential inauguration for their country, it had kind of been softly restricted in that way. There were more than 10,000 books banned in Americas public schools last school year. Gorman described the situation as terrifying, and said book bans threaten a childs right to read and learn. Gorman, who was on Meet The Press to promote her new book, Girls On The Rise, said the book came to be after she watched Christine Blasey Ford testify in 2018 about then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh allegedly sexually assaulting her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a woman, I really connected with that sensation of being the person in the room speaking her truth and not being heard, Gorman said. Related... Polish officials will begin checks on the border with Germany on Monday, focusing on vehicles with tinted windows and those carrying multiple passengers, border guard spokesman Konrad Szwed told the PAP news agency. The spot checks will concentrate on buses, minibuses and cars with multiple passengers, he said. "Vehicles with tinted windows will also be in focus," Szwed said. Poland is introducing checks on the German border from midnight on Sunday in response to German moves to block irregular migration directly at the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Polish authorities will also be conducting checks along the Lithuanian border. Germany has been conducting spot checks on the Polish border since October 2023, but German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced shortly after taking office in May that these checks would be stepped up and that asylum seekers could be turned back at the border. Szwed said there would be no physical barriers at the 52 crossings from Germany or at the 13 from Lithuania, but signs instructing traffic to slow down would be put up, and traffic lanes would be narrowed. "In the event of a vehicle check, the documents of the driver and the passengers will be checked, as will the boot," Szwed said. Those crossing the border would be expected to have ID, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measures would be taken to ensure that people living in the area, including those commuting across the border for work, would not be inconvenienced, Szwed said. The German government also hopes to minimize traffic disruptions caused by border checks. "The federal police will ensure the smooth flow of cross-border travel and goods to the greatest extent possible," a spokesman from the Interior Ministry told dpa. He said the ministry was working with all relevant authorities to examine structural adjustments to the motorway that runs between Germany and Poland which could help ease the traffic situation at the border. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Captain Devin Boutte, a dedicated and respected member of the St. Gabriel Police Department. Captain Boutte served our community with honor and distinction for approximately 12 years, having joined our department as an eager young man determined to make a difference. Over the years, Devin rose through the ranks through sheer dedication and an unwavering commitment to service. At the time of his passing, he served as Captain over our Uniform Patrol Divisiona role in which he led with integrity, compassion, and strength. His presence was not just felt in the department, but throughout the city of St. Gabriel. He was cherished by our residents, and his actions clearly reflected the deep love and respect he held for this community. This year has already been profoundly difficult for our department, and the loss of Captain Boutte weighs heavily on us all. Yet, in his honor, we will carry on his legacy by continuing to uphold the mission he championed every day: to provide safety and security for all who call St. Gabriel homeand for those who visit us. Captain Boutte will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him and serve alongside him. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones. We ask the community to keep us in your prayers as we mourn the loss of another life taken far too soon. Police have conducted large-scale checks in the Ulm area in the south-western German state of Baden-Wurttemberg following calls on social networks for a meeting of car enthusiasts. There were several rear-end collisions in the state of Bavaria during the night, resulting in three injuries, after participants in the event diverted there, a police spokesman said on Sunday. The forces in Baden-Wurttemberg, together with the city of Ulm, checked around 300 vehicles and 500 people from Saturday evening. A helicopter was also deployed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers identified numerous violations: About 20 drivers are facing charges for administrative offences, with vehicles being decommissioned in six cases due to technical defects. Additionally, around 30 drivers must pay a compulsory fine for violating the municipal general ordinance and gathering unlawfully in the city area. During the day, the meeting shifted to Bavaria. According to the police, around 1,000 participants of the event gathered in car parks in the towns of Memmingen and Altenstadt, among other places. The police dispersed the gatherings. As part of the spot checks, the officers reportedly secured several vehicles and issued numerous penalty notices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the way to a meeting point in Altenstadt, there were several rear-end collisions caused by scene members. Several vehicles were damaged on the A7 motorway, and three people were slightly injured, the police said. The operation lasted until the early morning hours. Three smugglers were caught with 5.7 kilograms (12.6 pounds) of ambergris in a village in Goa, India, according to Goa News Hub. What's happening? Police arrested three people who possessed ambergris, otherwise known as "whale vomit." A rare substance produced only by a small percentage of sperm whales, ambergris forms in a whale's digestive system from their primary food source, squid. According to the U.K. Natural History Museum, it consists of the indigestible parts of a squid, like the beak. While some whales vomit it out immediately, others solidify it into one solid mass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's not known why they vomit it out; some experts theorize it's part of their excrement. In any case, it's highly valued and illegal. In India, the possession and/or sale of ambergris is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and is punishable by imprisonment. Why is this seizure important? Since ambergris occasionally washes ashore, you might assume that no harm was done to whales. However, sperm whales are an endangered species. It's very rare nowadays to find ambergris washed ashore or floating in the ocean. Most modern ambergris is acquired by hunting whales, per the Smithsonian. This is part of a larger issue. People all around the world collect wild animals, alive or dead, as specimens. Researchers from the University of Miami recently found that thousands of endangered species were being sold online, with marine mammals' body parts at the top of the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Widespread trafficking like this puts already vulnerable species closer to extinction and threatens biodiversity. The World Health Organization reports that healthy ecosystems provide 75% of global freshwater resources. If species continue to go extinct, human water resources, as well as access to clean food and air, will shrink exponentially. What's being done about it? Goa News Hub reported that police are further investigating the matter and believe the culprits may be linked to a national or global wildlife trafficking ring. If you'd like to help on an individual level, consider donating to climate causes that are dedicated to rehabilitating wildlife. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Jul. 5The Albuquerque Police Department identified a 21-year-old who was shot by officers after pulling out an airsoft gun on Friday in the southwest part of the city. APD spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said Jerry Baldonado is in critical condition at a hospital. He said the gun Baldonado pointed at officers turned out to be an airsoft gun shaped like a revolver. At least one officer fired at Baldonado and is on paid leave, according to APD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldonado, who has prior run-ins with law enforcement in Valencia County, has a history of suicidal threats and apparent mental health crises, including one in which he allegedly asked a deputy to shoot him, according to court records. Friday's incident marked the ninth time Albuquerque police have shot someone this year. Officers responded around 12:20 p.m. to a domestic dispute at a home in the 2100 block of South Branch SW, in a neighborhood west of Gibson and 98th, according to police. A 911 caller reported being in a fight with his brother at the house. APD Chief Harold Medina said in a briefing Friday that when officers arrived, Baldonado approached them "with what appears to be a firearm." He said the officers told Baldonado to drop the weapon, but he wouldn't listen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medina said at least one officer opened fire. He said they believe Baldonado may have been the one who initially called 911. It was at least the third time Baldonado has gotten into a confrontation with authorities after calling 911. In two previous cases, he called 911 to threaten suicide and, in another, erroneously reported being shot in the head. Court records show both incidents ended with Baldonado being charged with battery upon a police officer. In a 2024 incident, Baldonado pushed a Valencia County deputy while telling him, "I want you to shoot me," according to court records. In 2022, he allegedly threw a knife at one Los Lunas officer and kicked another. The 2024 case was dismissed "pending further investigation" and the 2022 case was dismissed when Baldonado was found incompetent to stand trial, court records state. Police investigating connected shootings in Milton, Boston involving 3 victims Police are investigating connected shootings in Milton and Boston. According to Milton police, officers responded to a call of possible gunshots around 3:51 a.m. in the Wharf Street parking area near the Neponset River. Upon arrival, officers located a 21-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a Boston hospital for treatment where he remains with life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston police say around 4:06 a.m., officers responded to the area of 859 Adams Street for a report of a person shot. The victim, identified as a 23-year-old man was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A third gunshot wound victim self-transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Video from the scene in Milton shows several police vehicles, a diver, and numerous evidence markers. Boston police say they are assisting Milton police as preliminary information indicates the victims are connected to an incident in Milton. No arrests have been made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Milton Detective Valter Pires at 617-898-4837 or through the anonymous tip line at 617-698-2677. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW KLINE TOWNSHIP, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Police are investigating an incident in Schuykill County that sent a 15-year-old boy to the hospital after being struck by a car Saturday afternoon. Schuylkill County officials confirmed with 28/22 News emergency crews were called to the 1000 block of Mile Hill Road in Kline Township just before 3:30 p.m. for a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Kline Township Police Department Detective Paul Bowman told 28/22 News a 15-year-old boy was struck by a car and taken to a Philadelphia childrens hospital for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Restored locomotive unveiled in Lackawanna County Detective Bowman added the Pennsylvania State Police crash investigation crew documented the scene, and the incident is under investigation at this time. Officials say their condition is currently unknown, and the roadway was closed for only 20 minutes before being reopened. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. Polish officials will focus on vehicles carrying multiple passengers and vehicles with tinted windows when they begin checks on the border with Germany on Monday, border guard spokesman Konrad Szwed told the PAP news agency. The spot checks would concentrate on buses, minibuses and cars with multiple passengers, he said. "Vehicles with tinted windows will also be in focus," Szwed said. Poland is introducing checks on the German border from midnight on Sunday in response to German moves to block irregular migration directly at the border. The Polish authorities will also be conducting checks along the Lithuanian border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Germany has been conducting spot checks on the Polish border since October 2023, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced soon after taking office in May that these would be stepped up. He simultaneously instructed that asylum seekers could be turned back directly at the border. Szwed said there would be no physical barriers at the 52 crossings from Germany or at the 13 from Lithuania, but boards instructing traffic to slow down would be erected, and traffic lanes would be narrowed, he said. "In the event of a vehicle check, the documents of the driver and the passengers will be checked, as will the boot," said Szwed. Those crossing the border would be expected to have ID, he said. Measures would be taken to ensure that people living in the area, including those commuting across the border for work, would not be inconvenienced, Szwed said. Police arrested three key operatives who, according to initial investigations, were acting on Landa Harike's instructions to kill Dr Aniljeet Kamboj. In a post on X, DGP Punjab Police wrote, "In a major breakthrough,@MogaPolice, in a joint operation with Anti-Gangster Task Force (#AGTF) & Counter-Intelligence, foils a target killing plot orchestrated by #Canada-based Gangster Lakhvir Singh @ Landa Harike and apprehends three key operatives." https://x.com/DGPPunjabPolice/status/1941850909098881318 An exchange of fire took place during the operation, in which the accused were shot in the legs. All three were taken to the Civil Hospital for treatment. Based on human intelligence and technical surveillance, the joint team dismantled the gang's plan and prevented a serious threat to public safety. "Preliminary investigation reveals that the arrested accused were acting on the directions of Lakhvir Singh @ Landa Harike to eliminate Dr. Aniljeet Kamboj. During the operation, an exchange of fire took place between the police and the accused, in which the accused sustained gunshot injuries to their legs. They have been shifted to Civil Hospital for treatment. Backed by human intelligence and technical inputs, the team successfully dismantled this targeted killing module, averting a serious threat to public safety," the post read. The police recovered two pistols (.30 bore) with 10 live cartridges, one pistol (.32 bore) with three live cartridges, and a car used by the accused. An FIR has been registered at the Fatehgarh Panjtoor police station. Further investigation is ongoing to uncover more links connected to this gang. "Recovery: 2 pistols (.30 bore) with 10 live cartridges, 1 pistol (.32 bore) with 3 live cartridges and 1 car. An FIR has been registered at PS Fatehgarh Panjtoor. Further investigation is underway to trace the module's forward and backward linkages. @PunjabPoliceIndremains committed to a zero-tolerance policy against gangsters and to ensuring public safety through well-coordinated, intelligence-led operations," the post further read. (ANI) Pope Leo XIV is set to begin a two-week holiday at Castel Gandolfo near Rome after making a renewed call for peace during the traditional Angelus prayer on St Peter's Square on Sunday. Unlike his predecessor, Leo will spend the holiday in the traditional papal summer residence, reviving a tradition after a 12-year break during the late papacy of Francis. Before returning to the Vatican on July 20, the pontiff will not hold audiences, the Vatican said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been a papal palace in the town of some 9,000 south-east of the Italian capital since the 16th century. Two villas have since been added. Urban VIII (1623-1644) was the first to holiday here, and Benedict XIV retreated to Castel Gandolfo for a period following his unexpected retirement in 2013. Francis, by contrast, chose to remain in the Vatican in the Domus Sanctae Marthae the House of Saint Martha. Leo, the first pope from the United States, has resumed other papal traditions that Francis discontinued. He wears papal regalia more often, travels in larger cars and intends to resume residence in the papal apartment in the Vatican. Francis, who hailed from Argentina, was pope for 12 years. He died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The 1,050-square-foot home in Dolton, south Chicago, was bought by the Popes parents in 1949. They paid a monthly mortgage of $49 on it and it was owned by the Prevost family for nearly 50 years. Initially, the three-bedroom home where Pope Leo XIV grew up was put up for sale on May 5 for $245,957 but was quickly taken down after Robert Prevost was elected pope. The childhood home of Pope Leo XIV in the village of Dolton, Illinois, on May 23, 2025. Alexandra Buxbaum/Shutterstock It was then put up for auction, but the homeowner decided to sell out of auction to the Dolton Village Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the board voted unanimously last night (1) in a special meeting to approve the purchase of the house. The final price has not been disclosed but Burt Odelson, who orchestrated the deal, said it was significantly lower than what they thought they would get. Childhood homes of former Popes have become museums and pilgrimage sites, bringing in thousands of tourists. Tourists have already been flocking to the Dolton home, with some arriving within hours of Leo becoming Pope. The red front door of the home, purchased by the village of Dolton after Robert Prevost was elected pope in May 2025. Alexandra Buxbaum/Shutterstock Pope Leo XIV arrives in St. Peters Square to hold his weekly general audience at the Vatican on June 25, 2025. AP Dolton village leaders praised the purchase of the Popes home as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Dolton Mayor Jason House, said: This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can either seize this moment and move it forward, or we can let that moment go to an investor. I would like our community to get the benefits of this opportunity. The three-bedroom home where Pope Leo XIV grew up was put up for sale on May 5 for $245,957 but was quickly taken down after Robert Prevost was elected pope. Alexandra Buxbaum/Shutterstock The kitchen inside the three-bedroom home. PRESTIGE REAL ESTATE IMAGES INC / SWNS A fireplace in one of the rooms of the home. PRESTIGE REAL ESTATE IMAGES INC / SWNS Despite the mayors delight at the purchase, some residents raised their doubts over the project. In recent years, Dolton has struggled after the loss of manufacturing jobs. One resident, Mary Avent, questioned the boards decision to buy the property and how they will pay for its upkeep. She said: Purchasing the popes residence is admirable, but with the state were in right now, do we have the money? And even if we do, theres something called upkeep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In my opinion, a house is a pimp because it demands money every day. The dining room next to the open kitchen. PRESTIGE REAL ESTATE IMAGES INC / SWNS One of the two bathrooms inside the home. PRESTIGE REAL ESTATE IMAGES INC / SWNS Tourists stand on the front steps of the home for a picture after the election of Pope Leo XIV. Alexandra Buxbaum/Shutterstock The backyard of the Dolton, Ill. property. PRESTIGE REAL ESTATE IMAGES INC / SWNS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other residents raised issues with financing basic city infrastructure, including the sewers, storefronts, and roads. Rev. Ryan Reese, said: We need to be mindful of the issues the city has. You have a difficult situation finding out the finances of the community. Youre basically driving over gravel right now. The hope from the Mayor is that the Popes former home will spark a revival for Dolton. And some board members are saying that the house is already sparking more interest in the town. Trustee Edward Steave, said: If you ever see the traffic over there, the constant busloads in and out of our town, this is a great opportunity for us. This is a historical thing. Myrtle Beach, a popular tourist destination in South Carolina, recently imposed a curfew that could become permanent. According to Adam Benson of WBTW, the curfew forbids juveniles under the age of 18 from being outside in the downtown area of Myrtle Beach from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The decision comes on the heels of a slew of juvenile arrests in the area since March 13. There have been 137 in total, with 57 of those being the result of "physical violence, drugs and/or weapons," according to the official order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The curfew, which was initially extended through Monday, might become permanent if the ordinance is approved twice. One of those votes will be held on Tuesday. A general view of Myrtle Beach signage. Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images We do not want this to define who we are; we will not let it define who we are. We have a great community, Mayor Brenda Bethune said of the violence. "[There are] so many positive things to do and see here, and were not going to let a few bad apples spoil it. According to WMBF's Maddie Sexton, the new curfew has been met with mixed reactions from tourists. Some understand the obvious goal of the curfew, while others worry it could limit their fun while on vacation. Police noted that no violations have occurred since the new curfew was put in place. Popular Tourist Destination Might Make Controversial New Order Permanent first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 6, 2025 PORTAGE, Pa. (WTAJ) A Portage veteran was surprised with a medal ceremony to thank him for his service in the Korean War. Members of 95-year-old Bill Groves family gathered at the Portage American Legion to honor their father and grandfather for his service overseas. A luncheon was held in his honor for the occasion. The event, coordinated by Groves granddaughter Denise Ott, involved months of work to make the ceremony happen. After talking with government officials for declarations and praise for his service, she finally got to tell him the big news about his honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It really surprised me, Grove said. She wanted this to be perfect for her grandfather, Sharon Swires, Groves daughter and aunt to Ott, said. She has put a lot of work into it, and many messages back and forth with people, with contacts with the government, the representatives coming, commissioners that are coming, and of course, the retired colonel thats here thatll help present the award. Retired Air Force Colonel Douglas Lengenfelder commended him for his time overseas, such as reading letters to his fellow soldiers because they could not read. And that selflessness traveled across the Pacific back to the United States. He collects for the Laurel Highlands Historical Village and disabled veterans, Swires said. Thats what he collects for. And he collects food for them and other needed items. Sometimes people donate small appliances for the veterans. Anything like that, they collect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unbelievable, Grove said. To do what Im doing, which I thought was just a normal or ordinary thing to happen to help other veterans. That was all. South Korean native Ben Chon, who awarded Grove the medal on behalf of the South Korean government, thanked him for what he did for his home nation, showing a slideshow of the areas of the war and its flourishing areas since the 1950s. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. All Korean War veterans, both living and deceased, are eligible to receive an Ambassador of Peace Medal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. WASHINGTON (AP) The Trump administration is stepping up pressure on trading partners to quickly make new deals before a Wednesday deadline, with plans for the United States to start sending letters Monday warning countries that higher tariffs could kick in Aug. 1. That furthers the uncertainty for businesses, consumers and America's trading partners, and questions remain about which countries will be notified, whether anything will change in the days ahead and whether President Donald Trump will once more push off imposing the rates. Trump and his top trade advisers say he could extend the time for dealmaking but they insist the administration is applying maximum pressure on other nations. Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, told CBS Face the Nation on Sunday that Trump would decide when it was time to give up on negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States is always willing to talk to everybody about everything, Hassett said. There are deadlines, and there are things that are close, so maybe things will push back past the deadline or maybe they wont. In the end the president is going to make that judgment. Stephen Miran, the chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, likewise said countries negotiating in good faith and making concessions could sort of, get the date rolled. The steeper tariffs that Trump announced April 2 threatened to overhaul the global economy and lead to broader trade wars. A week later, after the financial markets had panicked, his administration suspended for 90 days most of the higher taxes on imports just as they were to take effect. The negotiating window until July 9 has led to announced deals only with the United Kingdom and Vietnam. Trump imposed elevated tariff rates on dozens of nations that run meaningful trade surpluses with the U.S., and a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries in response to what he called an economic emergency. There are separate 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum and a 25% tariff on autos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since April, few foreign governments have set new trade terms with Washington as the Republican president demanded. Trump told reporters Friday that his administration might be sending out letters as early as Saturday to countries spelling out their tariff rates if they did not reach a deal, but that the U.S. would not start collecting those taxes until Aug. 1. On Sunday, he said he would send out letters starting Monday could be 12, could be 15 to foreign governments reflecting planned tariffs for each. We've made deals also, Trump told reporters before heading back to the White House from his home in New Jersey. So we'll get to have a combination of letters, and some deals have been made. He and his advisers have declined to say which countries would receive the letters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent rejected the idea that Aug. 1 was a new deadline and declined to say what might happen Wednesday. Well see," Bessent said on CNN's State of the Union. "Im not going to give away the playbook. He said the U.S. was close to several deals, and predicted several big announcements over the next few days. He gave no details. "I think were going to see a lot of deals very quickly, Bessent said. Later Sunday, Trump vowed to impose more tariffs against the BRICS bloc of developing nations, which had condemned tariffs increases at its summit in Brazil. Trump said in a post on his social media platform that any country aligning itself with what he termed the Anti-American policies of BRICS would be levied an added 10% tariff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has announced a deal with Vietnam that would allow U.S. goods to enter the country duty-free, while Vietnamese exports to the U.S. would face a 20% levy. That was a decline from the 46% tax on Vietnamese imports he proposed in April one of his so-called reciprocal tariffs targeting dozens of countries with which the U.S. runs a trade deficit. Asked if he expected to reach deals with the European Union or India, Trump said Friday that letters are better for us because there are so many countries involved. We have India coming up and with Vietnam, we did it, but much easier to send a letter saying, Listen, we know we have a certain deficit, or in some cases a surplus, but not too many. And this is what youre going to have to pay if you want to do business in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada, however, will not be one of the countries receiving letters, Trump's ambassador, Pete Hoekstra, said Friday after trade talks between the two countries recently resumed. Canada is one of our biggest trading partners, Hoekstra told CTV News in an interview in Ottawa. Were going to have a deal thats articulated." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he wants a new deal in place by July 21 or Canada will increase trade countermeasures. Hoekstra would not commit to a date for a trade agreement and said even with a deal, Canada could still face some tariffs. But were not going to send Canada just a letter, he said. ___ Price reported from Bridgewater, New Jersey. AP Business Writer Matt O'Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report. A new edition of the famous yet controversial bull runs in the northern Spanish city of Pamplona kicked off on Sunday under an unusually political banner. Pro-Palestinian activists were chosen to open the nine-day Saint Fermin, or San Fermin, Festival with the traditional "Chupinazo" at precisely 12 noon (1000 GMT). During this event, a small rocket is launched from the town hall balcony. The platform "Yala Nafarroa con Palestina" (Let's Go Navarra with Palestine) had clearly won a public vote to open the festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three members of the platform, which accuses Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip and demands the severance of all relations with the Jewish state, were tasked with the opening ceremony. The festival, also known locally as Sanfermines, is dedicated to the city's patron saint, Fermin, and has been celebrated in the 200,000-inhabitant city of the Navarra region since the end of the 16th century, always at the beginning of July. The bull run is the highlight of the festivities: Each morning between July 7 and 14, six fighting bulls, some weighing over 600 kilograms, along with several steers, are chased by hundreds of people through narrow streets into the arena for the evening bullfights. Injuries occur every year during these trials of courage by predominantly young runners over the 875-metre course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Animal rights activists once again protested against the spectacle, which they described as animal cruelty. They have long demonstrated in vain against the wild bull running. Nevertheless, the festival - which also features concerts, processions and other events - continues to attract thousands of visitors from around the world. A new edition of the famous yet controversial bull runs in the northern Spanish city of Pamplona kicked off on Sunday under an unusually political banner. Pro-Palestinian activists were chosen to open the nine-day Saint Fermin, or San Fermin, Festival with the traditional "Chupinazo" at precisely 12 noon (1000 GMT). During this event, a small rocket is launched from the town hall balcony. The platform "Yala Nafarroa con Palestina" (Let's Go Navarra with Palestine) had clearly won a public vote to open the festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three members of the platform, which accuses Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip and demands the severance of all relations with the Jewish state, were tasked with the opening ceremony. One of them, Eduardo Ibero Albo, described this as an opportunity to "give Palestine a voice." However, during the "Chupinazo," only the standard phrase "Viva San Fermin!" is allowed to be shouted. The activists want to draw attention to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which began in October 2023 with the Palestinian Islamist group's devastating terrorist attack on Israel. Israel is now facing strong international criticism for its retaliatory military actions and the dire humanitarian situation in the largely devastated and isolated coastal strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The festival, also known locally as Sanfermines, is dedicated to the city's patron saint, Fermin, and has been celebrated in the 200,000-inhabitant city of the Navarra region since the end of the 16th century, always at the beginning of July. The bull run is the highlight of the festivities: Each morning between July 7 and 14, six fighting bulls, some weighing over 600 kilograms, along with several steers, are chased by hundreds of people through narrow streets into the arena for the evening bullfights. Injuries occur every year during these trials of courage by predominantly young runners over the 875-metre course. Animal rights activists once again protested against the spectacle, which they described as animal cruelty. They have long demonstrated in vain against the wild bull running. Nevertheless, the festival - which also features concerts, processions and other events - continues to attract thousands of visitors from around the world. Getting on the plane out of Thailand was going to be touch-and-go for Norman native Paul Chambers, an American professor who, until his arrest, had been a lecturer at a local university. The Thai Army imprisoned Chambers and the countrys immigration police seized his passport. Two months into house arrest with an ankle monitor, he had been told his case would be dismissed. But then the call came from the U.S. Embassy: Get out now. Leave now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges had been dropped, but the army was really upset, Chambers said. The immigration police still needed to give me my passport back. And also separate from getting the passport back is the green light to leave the country. Nevertheless, they sent a car to pick him up and drive him from his home to the airport five hours away. When he arrived, U.S. Embassy personnel were there to walk him to the gate. They held my passport until I got to the ticketing counter. I was going to go to Singapore and I gave them the name of the airline. They said, We dont have the green light. The government has not given us the green light for you to leave. What was Chamberss crime? It is called lese-majeste, or insulting the king. King Vajiralongkorn, or Rama X, became Thailands king in 2016. At 64, he is the oldest monarch to ascend to the throne there. However, his reign has been a rocky one, with the kingdom becoming more unstable. Thursday, Thailand swore in a new cabinet after the Constitutional Court suspended the prime minister less than a year after the same court removed her predecessor. The new government begins with a third prime minister. Moreover, things are so tense politically, that even the act of writing this paragraph could be seen as disrespectful of the King. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this instability, Chambers studied the history and workings of the Thai Army. He was careful never to write or lecture about the monarchy. I was always under the impression that you dont touch monarchy in a country that adulates the monarchy, that idolizes the monarchy, Chambers said. I never realized that this institution of the military, or somebody in it, would try to use this law to have me imprisoned, or worse. The act that landed the charges against Chambers was one that he didnt directly cause, he said. A webinar flyer from October of 2024 stated, Paul Chambers will talk about military reshuffles and military appointments in Thailand. Then, the flyer stated, In Thailand, the king has more power than the prime minister for military reshuffles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats it. Thats the sentence, Chambers said. I didnt write that at all. That was something that the I.T. people had put forward for me before my webinar even happened. They had summarized something that I had written before, but I never wrote that. It didnt matterthis was the pretext that someone in the Army had decided was enough. He was also charged additionally because the item had been posted on a computer. He didnt post it either. Even though this was a webinar from an institute in Singapore, they said it was my website, he said. Its a website of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. So I already knew how flimsy it was going to be, but I didnt know that they would put me in prison just on the allegation. In Thailand, the Army is independent of the civilian government and can do what it wants, Chambers said. The punishment for the crime of lese-majeste is three to 15 years in prison, and they always give you 15, Chambers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police came to my office and without a warrant tried to take things. They did take my laptop without a warrant, he said. They came to my house. They tried to get into the house without a warrant. Yeah, it was terrible. They then took Chambers to prison. Behind the smile of Thailand, there are mass human rights violations, Chambers said. At the prison I was in, they try to take away your identity. You walk into the prison, they take it all away, all your belongings, all your clothes they put you in this orange outfit. Its so old, its got holes in it and everything. I couldnt wear any shoes. Walking into the prison, I saw a whole line of prisoners who were shackled and chained returning from this hard labor field. The guards walked Chambers, barefoot and shackled, into the holding cell where new prisoners have to stay for quarantine. He was to stay there five days with 37 others crammed into a small cell. They gave him a tiny towel to sleep on. The bathroom was a hole in the floor in the corner. He had a small can for water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Chambers has epilepsy, he is required to take medication daily, but he was not given it. Another man in the cell had cancer. Chambers could see his bones, but the guard only gave him acetaminophen for the pain. Guards paced among them, constantly smacking their billy clubs against their hands, and occasionally knocking them against inmates. In addition to all this, there was another problem for Chambers. The biggest problem for me was going to be the fact that I had been charged with lese-majeste. Whoever did make the charge against me probably wanted someone in the prison to do away with me, Chambers said. Chambers found this out when one of the prisoners approached him. Chambers described this man as a capo, in Mafia lingo. He was a boss prisoner. He said, Look, you are going to get out on bail tonight or tomorrow, and if you dont, were gonna have to do some talking, because you dont insult my king, Chambers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was going to be a very big problem, Chambers said, because the U.S. Embassy told him while visiting him that they could only check on him monthly. Nevertheless, his Thai wife, Napisa, harangued officials to release him, gathered lawyers to help him, and kept on the pressure with letters to U.S. Senator James Lankfords office, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullins office, Representative Tom Coles office, State Senator Lisa Standridges office, and also the White House. A Democratic Senator from New Hampshire, Jeanne Shaheen, also helped. His mother, Peggy Chambers, wrote letter after letter to officials around the world and in Washington as well. As it so happens, Chambers said, Thailand was in trade talks with the Trump administration about tariffs and trade deals. Chambers said, that even though he had not voted for Trump. Trump helped me get out. I have to say, he said. Because Thailand wanted to send a gesture of goodwill in order to get a better tariff from Trump, Chambers said. I talked to high level officials in Washington and they said, Paul, were not going to engage in any negotiations on trade with Thailand until youre out of there. and they actually said, We have your back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He made it out of prison on the second day. Then, after about two months, he was on that car ride to the airport. At the gate, with the personnel from the U.S. Embassy, there was still no go-ahead that he would be allowed on the plane. His wife argued with the police representative, and the officer made a phone call. Then the light turned green. The immigration police gave me my passport to leave the country, he said. I got on the plane, and I made it to Singapore. But to this day, even though the charges were dropped, my visa has been revoked and continues to be revoked. I was fired from my job at my university where I worked because of pressure from the military, I think. And so thats where it stands. Now home, Chambers wife, Napisa, still remains in Thailand, and Chambers feels she is under threat. He said they are trying to get her immigration into the U.S. worked out. Its a long process now, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chambers said he is grateful to be alive, out of the prison, and back home. He is also grateful that he is an American, and that other Americans came to his aid. He reflected how giving this interview on July 4th gives him hope. When I was in this situation, I felt like Americans were united in supporting me, Chambers said. America has been in a division, political division for many recent years, but on this day, at least, July 4th, I feel like what they did for me shows that Americans are united and standing up for other Americans. Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, said she is grateful to help Chamberss family and friends to gain his freedom. Pauls story is chilling and serves as a poignant reminder of the freedoms we often take for granted here in America, Standridge said. I was proud to stand with them as they fought for justice for Paul. I encourage everyone to reflect on Pauls experience this July Fourth and thank God for the freedoms we enjoy in this country. Yellowstone National Park sign at the North Entrance (Photo by Jim Peaco | Yellowstone National Park) 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. (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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of common models where we do this kind of thing anyway, he said. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Hundreds of people took to the Capitol this afternoon to mourn what they call a funeral for democracy. Organizers say the event is a vigil and a call to action for a loss of freedoms they once knew. Our representatives have been plead with, theyve been told not to hold town halls because their constituents didnt want them to pass that bill, said Mount Pleasant resident Ryon Skalitzky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skalitzky said hes concerned for the state of the country since the Trump administration took office. He said President Donald Trumps new spending bill will impact those on Medicaid. If Medicare and Medicaid get cut, then hospitals wont get paid, doctors dont get paid, nurses dont get paid, he said. If theyre not getting the funding to do the procedures and treat the patients like they normally would, theyre gonna wind up in a situation where they cant keep the doors open. Hillsdale Hospital, located in one of Michigans most conservative counties, recently came out publicly in opposition of the bill, saying it would harm rural health care. Sandra Hurd, an organizer of the event at the Capitol, said the protest is meant to be symbolic and says the Constitution is under attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were sold this idea that democracy is meant to be free, she said. Our taxes are going up. The billionaires are getting a tax cut, again. Chelsea Hill, a protester at the event, said Medicaid cuts are an attack on the disabled, especially her family who relies heavily on Medicaid. Im the guardian of someone with intellectual and medical disabilities, she said. Without Medicaid, shed be dead. Im really worried about her future and families like ours who really need the Medicaid. Trump signed the bill into law yesterday, July 4. Critics assailed the package for cutting taxes on the wealthy at the expense of millions of lower-class families who rely on Medicaid for their health care coverage. The bill specifically introduces work requirements for those on Medicaid. Notably, Georgia was used as a model for the bill, but results have been poor. Georgia has seen very low enrollment in Medicaid and those who would otherwise be eligible for the service faced enormous administrative burdens, often requiring for them to navigate difficult website or phone systems and report at least 80 hours of work on a month-to-month basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Republicans are saying this is a victory and should decrease taxpayer burdens and relieve worker shortages. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. A 10-year-old boy was shot dead and his father injured after unidentified attackers opened fire on them while they were sleeping in Bihar's Araria district, as per the police. According to ASP Ram Pukar Singh, the bullet hit the child's head and then struck his father's hand. Police suspect the incident may be linked to a family dispute. Speaking to ANI, ASP Araria Ram Pukar Singh said, "We got the information that the father and son who were sleeping together were shot. The 10-year-old child was shot in the head, and the same bullet went through his head and hit his father's hand... At first glance, this case seems to have been done by close people or due to a family dispute... Till now, the victim has not said anything, but from personal experience and how the incident happened, it looks like it happened due to the family dispute..." Further information on the incident is still awaited. Earlier on July 4, businessman Gopal Khemka was allegedly shot dead near his residence in the south area of the Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The Bihar Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the murder case of businessman Gopal Khemka. Superintendent of Police (SP), Patna, Diksha told ANI on Saturday, "On the night of July 4, at around 11 pm, we received information that businessman Gopal Khemka has been shot dead in the south area of the Gandhi Maidan..." Meanwhile, Gaurav Khemka, son of businessman Gopal Khemka, has requested police protection for his family, citing a previous family tragedy and fear for their lives. In his statement recorded in the FIR on Saturday, Gaurav mentioned that his brother, Gunjan Khemka, was also murdered in 2018. "After this incident, my family and I are frightened. We request that the government and police provide us with security and ensure the safety of our family. Also, the perpetrators should be arrested and punished," he wrote. Gaurav narrated the incident in his statement, saying that around 8:30 PM, his father had gone to the Bankipore Club. When he returned home at 11:20 PM, assailants who were already waiting at the gate shot him in the head. He added that after hearing the gunshot and being alerted by the building guard, he and his wife rushed to the gate. There, they found Gopal Khemka lying in a pool of blood. Gaurav said they rushed him to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead. (ANI) Pulaski Memorial Hospital announced in a press release the addition of Lisa Jachim, Community Health Worker to its Integrated Behavioral Health Program Wednesday. The addition reinforces the organizations commitment to providing whole-person care by addressing both physical and behavioral health needs in a compassionate, coordinated way, the press release stated. As a Community Health Worker, Jachim will serve as a vital link between patients and the services they need, helping individuals and families navigate resources, manage social determinants of health and overcome barriers to care. Working closely with primary care providers and therapists, she will assist patients with a wide range of basic living needsincluding housing, transportation, access to food and employmentby offering culturally sensitive outreach, education and advocacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are thrilled to welcome Lisa to the team, said Catherine Dywan, LCSW, RPT and director of PMHs Integrated Behavioral Health Program. Her dedication to community outreach and health equity will enhance our ability to meet patients where they are and ensure that their basic needs are being met so the patient can focus on healing physically and emotionally. The Integrated Behavioral Health Program at Pulaski Memorials Medical and Surgical Group embeds behavioral health services into primary care, offering patients timely, team-based care that treats the whole person. By adding a CHW to the care team, the program expands its ability to provide wraparound support and reduce health disparities. The position was partially funded through a grant from the Pulaski County Community Foundation. We are thankful for the Community Foundations support, said Dywan. More and more people in our community need additional resources to meet the most basic needs. With its support, the Community Foundation is helping PMH meet those needs in the community. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid has been actively integrating social determinants of health into its programs and policies, recognizing their significant impact on health outcomes. When patients discuss some of these issues with their provider or therapist, the patient will be referred to Jachim for a social determinants of health needs assessment. Jachim will work with the patient on identifying a treatment plan and providing the necessary resources to the patient to reach their goals. By assisting patients in meeting the most basic needs, the hope is that they can focus on their medical care and start living a better and healthier lifestyle. The Integrated Behavioral Health Program is part of the hospitals Medical and Surgical Group. The team consists of three Behavioral Health specialists and one Addiction Therapist. The team sees patients in Culver, North Judson and Winamac. The CHW will be seeing patients in all six PMH clinic locations. Patients must be established with a PMH provider for services. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 574-946-2194 and press option 4. You can also visit the hospitals website at www.pmhnet.com More than 3,000 electric customers across northern Michigan were without power Sunday, July 6, as rain and thunderstorms moved across the state. Great Lakes Energy, which serves customers in Emmet County, as well as others in northern and western Michigan, said 3,146 customers were without power as of 11:30 a.m. July 6 about 2,600 in the Charlevoix and Petoskey areas. Some outages could be restored as soon as noon, the power utility said, while others were being assessed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service office in Gaylord said to expect rain and storms throughout Sunday. "Numerous showers and storms (Sunday), especially in northern lower Michigan. A few showers could linger near Saginaw Bay tonight. Then dry and seasonable weather Monday. Moderate swim risk on some beaches today," the weather service said. A hazardous weather outlook was in effect for July 6 across northern Michigan, including the eastern half of the Upper Peninsula. "The best chance for thunderstorms will be in northeast lower Michigan," the NWS said. "Scattered thunderstorms (Sunday) could produce locally heavy rainfall totals." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gaylord office said the high in the Petoskey area will only reach abut 70 on July 6, and remain in the low to mid-70s early in the week. Rain near the Straits of Mackinac was expected to taper off by 2 p.m. Sunday with highs in the 70s on July 6 and into the start of the week. On the east side of the state, Alpena is expected to top out in the high 60s with rain and storms continuing until about 11 p.m. July 6. The start to the week should be sunny with highs in the mid- to upper 70s. The weather service earlier on July 6 warned people to use caution on the Great Lakes because of high waves and strong currents. What's the weather in west, southeast Michigan? In western Michigan, the Grand Rapids NWS office said to expect rain and some storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A warm and humid Sunday will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to much of Lower Michigan. Lightning, sporadic downpours, and some local 40 to 60 mph gusts are the things to look out for," the weather service said. The Detroit NWS office said storms are possible later in the day on July 6. Rain and scattered storms are in the Sunday, July 6, forecast from the National Weather Service. "Be weather aware if you have outdoor plans today: Thunderstorms are in the forecast this afternoon and evening," the weather service said. "Frequent lightning, isolated damaging wind gusts, and heavy downpours will all be potential threats. Have multiple ways to receive warnings and be ready to act." After rain on July 6, the southern portion of the Lower Peninsula should see a sunny and warm start to the week with temperatures in the low to mid-80s. What the weather radar shows How to report your power outages Here's where you can report or check on outages in areas of Michigan expected to be impacted. Consumers Energy power outage map Use Consumers Energy's power outage map here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can report downed power lines by calling 800-477-5050. DTE power outage map Use DTE's power outage map here. DTE reminds folks to "please be safe and remember to stay at least 25 feet from any downed power lines assume they are live and dangerous." Report any outage or downed line here. Lansing Board of Water & Light power outage map Use Lansing Board of Water & Light's power outage map here. To report an outage, call 877-295-5001 or go to the company's website. Homeworks Tri-County Electric Cooperative outage map Use Homeworks' power outage map here. You can report downed power lines by calling 800-848-9333. Thumb Electric Cooperative outage map To report an outage, either visit the website and log in or call 800-327-0166. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To see the outage map, visit the website. Presque Ile Electric & Gas Co-Op outage map To report an outage, call 800-423-6634. To see the outage map, visit the website. Great Lakes Energy outages Call 888-485-2537. You can also use the Great Lakes Energy app or log in on the website. Outages cannot be reported via email or social media. You can see any outages on the website map. Indiana Michigan Power outage reporting You can view outages in southwest Michigan on the website. Immediately after a major storm, report only safety hazards such as downed power lines or equipment that is sparking. The phone number is 800-311-4634; or report an outage on the company website. Is your service not listed here? Use poweroutage.us to see other Michigan services and whether there are updates in your area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are numerous of public electric and utility companies throughout Michigan. Contact information is available on the Michigan Municipal Electric Association website. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Rain, storms in Michigan on July 6. Power outages, weather radar NEED TO KNOW The largest rock from Mars ever found on Earth is going up for auction at Sothebys on July 16 The meteorite, known as NWA 16788, weighs about 54 lbs. and is approximately 15 inches at its widest point There are only about 400 Martian rocks on Earth at this time The largest piece of Mars rock on Earth is scheduled to go up for auction and it may sell for as much as $4 million. Martian Meteorite NWA 16788 is set to be auctioned by Sothebys on July 16, per a release on the famous auction houses website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meteorite weighs about 54 lbs. and is approximately 15 inches across at its widest section, per the release. The house also stated that the incredibly rare discovery was ejected from the surface of Mars after a massive asteroid strike and eventually landed 140 million miles away in the Sahara Desert. The rock was discovered on Nov. 16, 2023, by a meteorite hunter in a remote part of Niger in West Africa. It is about 70% larger than the next biggest piece of Mars rock on Earth, per Sothebys. NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory/ Cornell University/Getty The surface of Mars The surface of Mars Sothebys also stated that there are only about 400 known Mars rocks on Earth, which makes up less than 1% of all known space rocks on our planet. NWA 16788 shows minimal terrestrial weathering, indicating that its physical and chemical makeup have not been significantly altered since its arrival in the Sahara Desert, read the release. In other words, NWA 16788 is likely a relative newcomer here on Earth, having fallen from outer space rather recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Steve Brusatte, a professor of paleontology and evolution at Scotlands University of Edinburgh, told CNN that the fact that the Mars rock is being sold as opposed to donated to science isnt necessarily a good thing. It would be a shame if it disappeared into the vault of an oligarch. 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, Brusatte said to the outlet. However, other experts said private collecting of such objects can actually benefit scientific research overall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, if there was no market for searching, collecting and selling meteorites, we would not have anywhere near as many in our collections and this drives the science! Julia Cartwright, a planetary scientist and Independent Research Fellow at the University of Leicester, told CNN. 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. If samples werent being found, we would not have anywhere near as much to study, and so wouldnt know as much as we do, she added. A meteorite specifically describes a piece of rock that has survived a trip through Earths atmosphere and has landed intact on the surface of the Earth, per NASA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They differ from meteoroids, which are defined as rocks still in space, as well as meteors, which describe rocks that enter the atmosphere at a high speed and burn up on arrival sometimes creating what are known as shooting stars. Read the original article on People For the first time since 2023, the Milwaukee lakefront was lit up for Independence Day but not with fireworks this year. Crowds gathered around McKinley Beach to watch the city's first-ever drone show July 3. Last year, Milwaukee County canceled its annual event due to a lack of sponsorship funding. This June, the county announced it would swap the traditional fireworks for a drone show to reduce noise and air pollution. County leaders also said the drone show was $200,000 cheaper than a fireworks display. So, we asked and you answered: What did you think about Milwaukee's 2025 Fourth of July drone show? Majority of readers want city to bring fireworks back In response to our survey, the majority of readers said they want fireworks back and think the city should go that route in 2026. Those who responded shared a variety of reasons for disliking the drone show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burns Halverson from Delafield responded with "I hated everything about it," calling the drone show "ridiculous" and a "clown act by Milwaukee." One reader from New Berlin said they need the noise from fireworks and couldn't find the drone show on television. Peter Salem from Milwaukee, who wants fireworks back, said the decision to eliminate the fireworks and lakefront celebration killed the vibe downtown. "On a weekend in which it should have been packed, it was quiet other than the Summerfest crowd," Salem said. The Milwaukee fireworks display typically draws over 100,000 people. Some feel divided, show elicits mixed responses Kent Cone from Milwaukee said the drone show was cool at first, but not as exciting as real fireworks. He said the city should return to a fireworks show because it's easy to lose interest in the quiet drone display. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Milwaukee reader said they didn't hate the drone show but thought it wasn't worth the time and effort to see, calling it underwhelming. "It had nothing to hold your attention, unless you were counting the ads," the reader said. "In my opinion it would have been a great show in 1955." Another reader from Milwaukee said they liked the lack of noise and debris, but wondered why the display was different and less of a 3D experience than the July 2024 Friends of Villa Terrace drone light show. One Wauwatosa native said fireworks are part of the Fourth of July and that Milwaukee should be able to find sponsors to put on a show. There were a few fans of the new display Jim Kiernan from Milwaukee responded that the drone show "was a fun and unique experience." He said he loved the local touches, including the moving art museum display, as well as the Statue of Liberty and bald eagle icons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The possibilities and realities of drone (shows) are so much more than just fireworks," Kiernan said. "Anything is possible." Kiernan said he wished there was a tribute to Bob Uecker and thought an image of City Hall would make the cut. Another Milwaukee reader described the drone show as "much better and more interesting than I anticipated." The reader added that they would be fine with either a fireworks display or drone show in the future. Bea from Littleton, Colorado, said the drone show was something that Milwaukee should stick with next year. "I love the music instead of loud bangs," Bea said. "Also it is much more creative and interesting than traditional fireworks!" Social media reacts to drone show Some viewers took to social platforms Facebook and X to share their thoughts on the show. Ads for corporations like Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Controls and Bank of America littered the 45-minute drone show, prompting a negative response from some attendees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One reader who responded to our survey called the ads "tacky," and another said they shouldn't have been included in the show at all. Love that fireworks in Milwaukee got replaced by a drone advertisement show pic.twitter.com/ICtLuRLAS4 Comiskey North (@ComiskeyNorth) July 4, 2025 While the future of next year's July 3 lakefront show is unclear, readers have made their thoughts both positive and negative about this year's display clear. Contact Mia Thurow at mthurow@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What did viewers think of Milwaukee's first-ever drone show? The U.S.-Israel attack was an Iranian victory Vancouver: The material losses for both Israel and Iran must be enormous, with Israels much smaller size and population meaning much greater economic impact. The most important loss, though, is the strategic defeat to Israel and the U.S. Israel assassinated several leaders and scientists, but there are apparently hundreds of scientists in the wings, and the military and political personnel were fully replaced within 12 to 18 hours, when Iran was able to deliver its first massive retaliatory targeted missile strike hitting Israel. The planned destruction of Irans nuclear research system and the desired regime change were not accomplished. Iran is probably much stronger today than it was a few weeks ago, politically and militarily. Weaknesses in its defenses will have been exposed with an eye to improvement, and the support of friends has been reinforced. Even the Arab League, rarely in unison, unanimously condemned Israels actions. In addition, Iran uncovered and exposed the tyranny and destructive spying by the UN International Atomic Energy Agency boss on behalf of Israel and the U.S. Iran should pursue indictments in this case. However, are Israel and the U.S. likely to admit and accept this defeat? Not a chance. Until Israel is completely exhausted, or if Iran secretly acquires a few nuclear weapons which it has sworn it does not want to do or, as U.S. national polls are beginning to show, if the American public finally wakes up and clearly demonstrates that it will no longer back Israel or give any more financial and moral support for destructive acts against Iran, the likelihood of further military actions against Iran by Israel and the U.S. is virtually certain. Wayne Bailey Jumped the gun Jersey City: To Voicer Randy Jurgensen: In responding to my letter questioning our presidents procedure in unilaterally committing an act of war, Im sure your heart was in the right place, as one of our presidents heroes, Joseph Stalins, probably was when he had his UN ambassador walk out of the Security Council rather than veto the police action you rightly praised. I only wish you knew your history better. President Harry Truman did not unilaterally send troops to Korea. That was in fulfillment of treaty obligations passed by the U.S. Senate and with the full knowledge and approval of leaders of both parties in Congress. President Trumps apparently ineffective bombing of Iran had neither. Perhaps, Mr. Jorgensen, you also support our presidents ongoing war on higher education, which would be an equal pity. John Esche Hangover huff? Beechhurst: During that post-Operation Midnight Hammer good cop/bad cop presser (the former being Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Razin Caine, the latter being Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth), Hegseth was asked a pertinent question by Fox News respected longtime Pentagon correspondent Jennifer Griffin about troubling satellite images of trucks outside Irans Fordow nuclear enrichment site captured prior to the bunker-buster bombings. Griffin suggested the trucks may have removed enriched uranium material. The SecDef tore into Griffin, accusing her of exemplifying the medias innate (i.e. Trump Derangement Syndrome) inability to give the president any credit for this stunningly successful strategic blow to Irans nuclear enrichment capability. Now, I wouldnt say that Pissed-Off Pete is wrong about the medias weird downplaying of this daring and salutary military operation. Nonetheless, Griffins question was waved off in a juvenile fit of anger. Perhaps a midnight-hammered event can explain the SecDefs cranky behavior. James Hyland Haven from hate Forest Hills: Albert Fox Cahns op-ed about Israel and Zohran Mamdani (Mamdani: No to Israel and yes to Jews, July 1) is foolish and shortsighted. With antisemitism spreading throughout the world, it would be disastrous for our young generation of Jews to turn their backs on Israel, since it is the only country in the world where all Jews are welcome and will be protected. I abhor and condemn the killing being carried out in Gaza. However, Benjamin Netanyahu will not be prime minister for life. We need to protect Israel for all future generations of Jews. I do not know what is in Mamdanis heart, but if protests break out on the citys college campuses again, I doubt he will be interested in protecting Jewish students who will be harassed. He has proven to be on the side of the protesters. Libby Gurgis Inexperienced Palm Coast, Fla.: To Voicer T.S. Fallani: Yet, Im sure you voted for the socialist who has never run anything in his life and isnt qualified to run a lemonade stand. Douglas Weinberg Food for thought Jackson Heights: Presumptive Democratic nominee for NYC mayor Mamdani is advocating for government-run grocery stores. As the state is doing such a wonderful job managing the MTA, what could possibly go wrong? Glenn B. Jacobi Unsolicited advice Forest Hills: Where does Al Sharpton get off telling Andrew Cuomo what he should or shouldnt do (Sharpton says Cuomo should drop out of mayoral race, July 3)? Sharpton should stick with what he knows and does, which has never been much. Sherri Rosen Sway suspected Whitestone: In my opinion and only my opinion I believe that one of Sean Combs associates got to one of the jurors, i.e. a John Gotti jury-tampering move. The Southern District of New York had this guy dead to rights and put on a brilliant case. And we taxpayers, who ultimately pay the millions to try this case, are to believe the jury came to a decision based on evidence and facts. I do not believe that for one second. The SDNY should keep a very close watch on all jurors for the foreseeable future to see if there is any criminality involved, and if there is, retry the miscreant. Thank God the judge decided to keep such an unstable, violent and accused predator in jail for now, at least. Pat DeMarco Jury of his peers Jackson Heights: So, after all of the damning testimony against this monster, the jury did not, in my opinion, reach the correct verdict. I served on a jury many years ago in Queens and I can tell you that they were not the brightest people in the world. Ditto for this jury. I am sure some voted to acquit because of his celebrity, and I would not be surprised if others were bribed. Either way, justice was not served. And the likelihood is that he will be pardoned by Dictator Trump. God bless America. Michael Lawrence Religious tolerance Toronto: Re Jimmy Swaggart dies (July 2): Swaggarts opinions on Jews and Catholics showed a lack of awareness of the best of Christian theology. If a religion or denomination has been around for several centuries and produced many righteous individuals, there is little to be gained by criticizing it. We should treat one another as respected neighbors and recognize that Scripture allows for a variety of well-meaning interpretations. Bruce Couchman Unstatesmanlike Ridgefield Park, N.J.: Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski should be ashamed of herself for voting in favor of Trumps Big Ugly Bill, knowing how harmful it is to the people of this country, just because she was given carve-out exceptions for the people of her state. By doing so and admitting thats why she voted in favor of it, she shows she has no backbone to stand up to Trump and is basically giving the middle finger to the rest of the people of this country as they get screwed over. These Republicans again show they have no humanity or conscience when it comes to doing the job they were elected to do. Joe Barbetta Taken for a ride Manhattan: I have to wonder how many people who voted for Trump will be adversely affected by his Big Beautiful Bill. I also wonder if they will ever vote for a Republican again. Chana Schwartz Dubious deal Manhattan: Im not an economist, but it seems to me that if Trump wants Walmart and other companies to eat some of the tariffs (reducing profits) and then says we are going to reduce your corporate taxes (increasing profits), you are just substituting one loss of company income for another. Isnt this type of action commonly called smoke and mirrors? Leonard Smoke Two books that explore the deep flaws in our health care system are top of the pile today, along with fiction set from St. Pauls Seventh Street to Vietnam. The authors are Minnesotans or have regional connections. Because We Must: by Tracy Youngblom (University of Massachusetts Press, $24.95) Entering his room, I also entered a new world, one that was shrouded in the unfamiliar: medical specialists and surgeons, sedatives and transfusions, trach and feeding tubes, changes in medications, therapies and difficult diagnoses, long-term care facilities and rehab centers, and Lord knows what elseafter that first night, though a stranger there, I made that new world my home. I live there now, in the land of recovery. from Because We Must Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tracy Youngbloms heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful memoir of life after her son Elias car crash in 2015 is riveting reading as this Minnesota poet takes us into her familys life. First, seeing her son lying so broken in the hospital, she wonders whether he will survive. He does, but head injuries lead to the young mans blindness and a new way of navigating the world. Through medical crises and recovery, Youngblom was there for her son. On the day of the crash Youngblom, was rushing to finish preparing for a class she was going to teach when she met a uniformed officer at her door, telling her Elias had been in an accident while driving home to Coon Rapids from Fargo. His car had been hit head-on by a drunk driver. Youngblom thought she was prepared for seeing her son in the hospital, but she wasnt: His head was swollen to an unrecognizable size, a small watermelon. Both of his eyes were swollen shut: his eyelids bulged, red and purple with bruising. Dark lines of stitches, along with bruises, crisscrossed his arms and his face, including one crooked, deep gash on his left cheek that met his mustachioed upper lip, twisting it upward Through years of Eliass rehab, learning Braille and finally living on his own, Youngblom was the one on whom Elias relied with resilience, grace and humor. His mother faced her own challenges about her marriage and religious faith as she fought for her sons care and coordinated with other family members. Always she tried to strike a balance between wanting to protect Elias while also letting him lead his own life as he became an adult. Now he is married and lives in Fargo where he continues his passion for drum corps music. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youngblom will read in celebration of winning the University of Massachusetts Press Juniper Prize at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., in conversation with Lindsay Steffes, winner of the Juniper Prize for her novel Gichigami. The prize recognizes outstanding works of literary fiction. Who Cares?: The real patient experience: by Melisssa Winger (Independently published, $29.99) Melissa Winger has been a patient care advocate since 1997, undertaking the Herculean task of changing the nations health care system to one in which the patient is treated as a human being. Her memoir could be a companion to Youngbloms because they had many of the same experiences under different circumstances. Winger was an 18-year-old single mother when she gave birth to Evan, who has a rare genetic disorder. He is nonverbal and has endured countless surgeries because of more than 30 medical issues. From the beginning, Winger tried to advocate for her child, but nobody took seriously a young mother who needed help. For instance, when Evan was hospitalized as a baby, trained professionals took care of complicated procedures such as dealing with a feeding tube. But when he was released, Winger was expected to do these procedures herself with no help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with her personal experiences, Winger references studies from reputable organizations that show the twisted mass of regulations and paperwork that knot the vast world of health care, discussing patient safety, medical devices and prescriptions, testing, home care, medical records, emergency care, funding, patient and family-centered care, and vulnerable-adult abuse. Evan now has been diagnosed with acute kidney problems and Winger must continue her often-exhausting fights for the best care available for her son. This book is so fact-filled and clear-eyed that it should have been published by a major publishing house. It should be in the hands of all of us who are potential patients as well as medical professionals. Backwashed: by Pete Gallagher (Beavers Pond Press, $21.95) Theres some kinkiness and lots of colorful characters in this novel set in and around St. Pauls Seventh Street. The twisty plot is so complicated that its hard to know who is playing whom and why. The main characters are Dion Drury and his bisexual sister, who never learned why their father was killed and why their mother disappeared 20 years earlier. Dion works as a civilian employee of the St. Paul police impound lot at night, and his sister is a bartender at one of two restaurants that are important meeting places in the story. What happened to the siblings parents is being investigated by Kady LOrient, a young cop drawn to Dion while trying to make a name for herself, as well as a police lieutenant with a damaged eye whos the right-hand man and fixer for the walrus, a ward politician who talks like the encyclopedia and is not exactly ethical in his dealings. Add a corpse in the St. Paul sewer system, the sultry owner of one of the restaurants whos married to the councilman, a big young tow truck driver whose dad was a house painter, and the piano-playing uncle with whom the siblings lived after their parents were gone, and youve got a juicy story of corruption, deal-making and secrets set in familiar places St. Paul readers will enjoy visiting: What can I say? Evan told her. This is West Seventh Street. The truth takes a little while sometimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Escaping Limbo: by Mike F. Elliott (Beavers Pond Press, $17.95) Growing up Catholic in St. Paul is almost a literary subgenre, and former St. Paulite Elliott does it right in a coming-of-age story about Francis Paulson and his wild friend Izzy, set in 1968. While never belittling those who take their faith seriously, the author offers humor. For instance, the title comes from a confusing conversation his grieving mother has with the priest after she delivers a stillborn baby. The priest assures her the babys soul is safe in limbo but when he tries to explain this place, using a Thanksgiving feast as a metaphor, it ends up being about pumpkin pie. Francis, who tells the story looking back on what happened in one year, is an altar boy in the limbo of adolescence. He wants to help Izzy get over the death of his older brother, which has sent Izzys father into violent behavior. Meanwhile, Francis is saving money for a canoe trip to northern Minnesota with Izzy while defending his girlfriend Susan from Izzys insults. Hes also dealing with his little sisters fascination with fire and missing his beloved grandmother, founder of the familys candy factory. This tender story is a tribute to friendship and a young man questioning everything he was taught by his schools nuns and priest. The author divides his time between Minnesota and Arizona. Devils Thumb: by Dan Jorgensen (Speaking Volumes LLC, $19.95) Devils Thumb is a rock outcropping in the Black Hills in this third novel by Jorgensen, set in 1925 in and around the mining town of Keystone where Gutzon Borglum is poised to begin carving four presidents faces on Mount Rushmore. This isnt the Wild West anymore, but theres crime. U.S. Marshal Al Twocrow, the only Native American lawman in the service, investigates two murders and a bootleg operation reported to be linked to gangster Al Capone. The plot is a tribute to women working in the area at the time, including a pilot who helps Twocrow when he needs swift transportation in her biplane, and a reporter who wants to get both sides of the controversy about Borglums huge project. Shes a tough woman, not too fazed by being kidnapped in a plot to stop the carving. The story starts slowly but picks up speed as a gang of bank robbers arrive after pulling a heist in Denver. Theres lots of excitement as the marshal and the bad guys meet in an abandoned mine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The author based this story on his experiences working at two newspapers in the Black Hills area. He was director of public relations at St. Olaf College and Augsburg University before retiring to Colorado in 2013. Call Me Speed: by Dan Favreau (Independently published, $20.99) Dan Favreaus second novel set during the Vietnam war (after Thumbs Up) is not easy to read, but war isnt easy. The author, a combat-wounded veteran who served with the 1st Air Cavalry, follows a group of young soldiers as they fight in Vietnams jungles and highlands, go on leave and always think about home. Related Articles Speed was a classroom troublemaker and outstanding athlete lauded for his running ability. Although his name is in the novels title, his friends are just as important to the plot, including one who stood up to high school bullies and another who escapes farming to become a crack sniper. Horrific scenes of killing enemy soldiers face to face and young bodies thrown out of foxholes by grenades are vividly drawn, as well as the terrible living conditions the men endure as they slog up hills in endless rain with no shelter except their ponchos. Even the conclusion is sad as we see the veterans in old age. This war seems far away now, but Favreau helps us remember the real-life men who suffered and watched their comrades die as soldiers always do in our seemingly endless wars. The White House and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are encouraging Republican states across the nation to follow Florida's lead and install their own versions of "Alligator Alcatraz" a remote detention facility for illegal immigrants located in the heart of the Everglades. Some red states are already warming up to the idea or already have new detention facilities in the works. "We don't have alligators, but we have lots of bears. I am not aware of any plans for an Alaska version of Alligator Alcatraz," representatives for Alaska's state government told Fox News' Laura Ingraham Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dear DHS: Weve got a swamp and a dream. Lets talk. South Carolina's gators are ready. And theyre not big on paperwork. If I was Governor, we'd be bringing Alligator Alcatraz to South Carolina," South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace posted to X on Tuesday, when Trump traveled to Florida to tour "Alligator Alcatraz." Trump Says Only Way Out Of Alligator Alcatraz Is Deportation The White House and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are encouraging Republican states across the nation to follow Florida's lead and install their own versions of "Alligator Alcatraz." Fox News Digital reached out to the offices of 26 Republican governors inquiring if they are considering rolling out their own versions of "Alligator Alcatraz," with a handful, stretching from Idaho to South Carolina, responding with what they have in the works. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garrison Douglas, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's spokesman, told Fox News Digital that the Peach State "has helped lead the way in tackling illegal immigration" and recently announced plans to build the "largest detention facility in the nation." "From maintaining the longest continuous National Guard presence at the U.S. southern border of any state to banning sanctuary cities and directing the Georgia Department of Public Safety to enhance its partnership with ICE, under Governor Kemps leadership, Georgia has helped lead the way in tackling illegal immigration," Douglas told Fox News Digital Wednesday. "Furthermore, one of our private sector partners recently announced an agreement with ICE to convert a Georgia facility into the largest detention facility in the nation a move that is supported by the governor and will only bolster national efforts to detain criminal illegal immigrants and process them for deportation," he added. The communications director for Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Sam Dubke, told Fox Digital that Arkansas is building a "a new 3,000-bed prison in the state." President Trump joined a roundtable meeting on July 1 at "Alligator Alcatraz." "Governor Sanders is working hand-in-hand with the Trump Administration to deport violent, criminal illegal immigrants, which is why she signed the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act earlier this year to put tough new penalties on illegal immigrants who commit additional crimes while in Arkansas and facilitate greater collaboration between Arkansas law enforcement and federal immigration officials, and is in the process of building a new 3,000-bed prison in the state," Dubke said when asked about a potential Arkansas version of "Alligator Alcatraz." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brandon Charochak, spokesman for South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, told Fox Digital Wednesday that the governor serves as "President Trumps chairman of the Homeland Security Advisory Council," and had just "presided over the councils first meeting this morning in Washington." "South Carolinas law enforcement and National Guard continue to collaborate and participate with federal officials on illegal immigration enforcement and deportation," Charochak continued. "Gov. McMaster has directed state officials to continue exploring how the Palmetto States unique assets and resources can be utilized to provide additional and enhanced support in the weeks and months to come." In Idaho, Gov. Brad Little is "planning to roll out new details on Idahos efforts to support President Trumps agenda," according to his office. President Trump traveled to the Florida Everglades to tour the "Alligator Alcatraz" migrant detention facility. "Gov. Little fully supports President Trumps efforts to deport dangerous illegal alien criminals," Little's press secretary, Joan Varsek, told Fox News Digital Wednesday. "Gov. Little is proud that Idaho is leading the efforts through our recent action to enter into a 287(g) agreement with ICE and the Idaho State Police to assist with transporting these individuals to ICE detention facilities in our state while they await deportation. Secretary Noem recently applauded Idahos actions in supporting the Trump administration." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Self-deport Or End Up In 'Alligator Alcatraz,' Noem Warns Migrants During Trump Visit Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, touted in a comment provided to Fox Digital that the state has already offered up "4,000 beds for detention." "Gov. Abbott is grateful to finally have a partner in the White House working with Texas to secure our border and stop illegal immigration. In January, Gov. Abbott directed the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Facilities Commission to identify land and facilities for the federal government to use as detention space, and in February Gov. Abbott offered the Trump administration 4,000 beds for detention," Mahaleris said. "Texas will continue to assist the Trump administration in arresting, detaining and deporting illegal immigrants." White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller joined Fox News' Laura Ingraham Tuesday evening following his trip to Florida with Trump earlier that day and called on all Republican governors to follow DeSantis' lead and erect their own "Alligator Alcatraz." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump To Visit 'Alligator Alcatraz' For Grand Opening Of Swampy Everglades Detention Center For Illegal Aliens "We want to go to every Republican state now, of course, in a sane country, Democrats would do it, too, but they love the illegals and they hate the Americans," Miller said. "We want every governor of a red state, and if you are watching tonight: pick up the phone, call DHS, work with us to build facilities in your state so we can get the illegals out and we can get the criminals out." White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson added in a comment to Fox Digital Wednesday that "our nation would be well-served by more facilities" like "Alligator Alcatraz." "Alligator Alcatraz is a state-of-the-art facility that will play a critical role in fulfilling the Presidents promise to get the worst criminal illegal aliens out of America as fast as possible," Jackson said. "President Trump is grateful to partner with Secretary Noem and Ron DeSantis on this important project and our nation would be well-served by more facilities like this one." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump took a trip down to the Everglades Tuesday morning, where he met with DeSantis, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other federal and state leaders to tour the new migrant detention facility. The property is located at a former airport that has been outfitted with sturdy tent structures to house 5,000 illegal immigrants amid the Trump administration's deportation blitz. The detention center earned its name due to its location in the heart of the Everglades, which is home to massive reptiles such as alligators and pythons. Environmental Groups Try Blocking Trump's 'Alligator Alcatraz' With Last-minute Lawsuit "It's known as Alligator Alcatraz, which is very appropriate because I looked outside, and that's not a place I want to go hiking anytime soon," Trump said Tuesday during his tour. "But very soon this facility will have some of the most menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're surrounded by miles of treacherous swampland, and the only way out is really deportation," the president added. "And a lot of these people are self-deporting back to their country where they came from." DeSantis authorized the construction of the illegal immigrant detention center on a 30-square-mile property in the Everglades' swamplands of MiamiDade County under an emergency order in June. Florida Building 'Alligator Alcatraz' Where Ice Detainees Face Nature's Own Security System DeSantis also called on fellow Republican governors to follow his lead and build their own versions of Alligator Alcatraz in an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity Tuesday evening. President Donald Trump is greeted by Gov. Ron DeSantis as he arrives at "Alligator Alcatraz," July 1, 2025. "All the red states, at a minimum, need to step up and do this," DeSantis said. "If all red states are doing what Florida is doing, even if its at a smaller scale, because they may be smaller, youre going to see massive numbers for the deportations, and Biden let in how many millions of people, we need these types of solutions if we want to get the job done." Original article source: Red states consider Alligator Alcatraz spinoffs as WH urges them to follow DeSantis lead: 'Lots of bears' Reform UK would be highly unlikely to introduce an insurance-based health system if they run the Welsh government after the Senedd election next May, BBC Wales has been told. It is understood the party has rejected the idea because of the tight timescale and potential legal difficulties. Party leader Nigel Farage called for a "fundamental rethink" to fix the Welsh NHS - including its funding model - during Reform's Welsh conference last November, and has previously talked of looking at the system used in France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Reform spokesperson said they were committed to a health service free at the point of delivery and keeping free prescriptions. The party is yet to publish a full set of Wales-specific policies, although that has not stopped their political opponents from attacking their NHS plans. The health service is likely to be one of the major battlegrounds at the next Senedd election with Labour's record on waiting lists - and the pledges made by other parties - likely to face intense scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Saturday, the Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens used part of her speech at the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno to accuse Reform of wanting to "sell the NHS to the highest bidder." Plaid Cymru warned that Reform would seek to "privatise" the NHS at their conference in March. The Welsh Conservatives have also made the NHS their top priority and say they would declare a health emergency and bring down waiting lists to no more than a year. A Reform spokesperson said it believed in a health service that was free at the point of delivery and "it's committed to keeping prescriptions free". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Look at what Labour's done. Waiting lists are at record highs - the worst in the whole UK. They can't get the staff in, and they can't keep the staff they've got. "A Reform government will sort this out. We'll expose the waste, the failures, and the scandals in the NHS. We need to cut the waste, slash the bureaucracy, and end the inefficiency so patients actually get the care they need," they added. In an interview on LBC radio on Thursday, Farage said he wanted the NHS to be funded through general taxation. But he added that the money being paid was being competed for by different insurance companies "who say 'well I'll do 10,000 hip operations at this or at this', I just think we will get better bang for our buck". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that he had been "wilfully misinterpreted" by a Labour party that "is in real trouble". Stephen Kinnock said the comments were confirmation that Reform "would look to charge patients for their healthcare" [Getty Images] Labour's UK care spokesperson Stephen Kinnock said the comments were confirmation that Reform "would look to charge patients for their healthcare". Farage called for a debate on an insurance-based system when he was leader of UKIP back in 2015. But Reform's 2024 general election promised an NHS free at the point of use alongside "major reforms". In January this year, in a separate interview with LBC, he was asked if he was open to a "French-style insurance model for the NHS". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He replied that he did not want to "absolutely mimic the French system, but let's have a deeper broader thing". He added "if we could get a more efficient better funding model, provided we give free care at the point of delivery, I am prepared to consider anything". State healthcare in France is not generally free - costs are covered by a combination of statutory insurance funded through the tax system, supplementary private insurance and patients contributing through co-payments. If any proposals to change the NHS funding model were to emerge they would be more likely in the party's manifesto for the next UK general election, expected in 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is thought there is a preference amongst the party's hierarchy for a UK-led approach on any change, even though the NHS in Wales is controlled by the Welsh government in Cardiff Bay. The bulk of money available to Welsh ministers comes in the form of a block grant from the UK government at Westminster. Recent increases to health spending in England have led to more money for Wales, which Welsh ministers have used to tackle record NHS waiting lists. Reform has been polling consistently first or second in recent opinion polls ahead of next year's election which suggest they have a realistic chance of becoming the biggest party in the Senedd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They would likely need to do some kind of deal with another of the parties to form a government. To constructively reform an institution requires understanding its problems and challenges. To understand an institutions problems and challenges, one must grasp its aims, structure, and spirit. Many well-intentioned would-be university reformers who recognize the crisis of higher education fail to appreciate the aims, structure, and spirit of liberal education, the capstone and highest justification of undergraduate study. This causes well-intentioned would-be university reformers to miss the center of the target with their criticism and impels them to advance inadequate or counterproductive remedies. In a late-June online conversation, "Are We Past Peak Harvard?: 3 Writers Mull Higher Educations Woes," sharp-minded New York Times writers discussed "the state of higher education in Trump 2.0 and beyond." Host Frank Bruni, a thoughtful man of the left, is a Times contributing opinion writer and a professor of journalism and public policy at Duke University. He exchanged views with Ross Douthat, a Times columnist and a wide-ranging and well-respected conservative thinker; and Lawrence H. Summers, a centrist Democrat, who is also a Times contributing opinion writer, a former Secretary of the Treasury from 1999 to 2021, Harvard president from 2001 to 2006, and a longtime Harvard professor with appointments in the economics department and at the Kennedy School. The roundtable covered considerable ground. Brunis comments and questions recognized that elite universities needed a course correction while condemning the Trump administrations interventions as springing from resentment of elite universities power and influence and causing considerable harm. Douthat and Summers argued that whatever the presidents motives, progressive orthodoxy on campus has vilified and excluded conservative ideas. And they both espoused viewpoint diversity as an urgently needed corrective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet only obliquely did they recognize that fixing higher education depends on rediscovering the aim of liberal education, revising the structure of the curriculum, and setting aside the spirit of party that many professors bring to the classroom in favor of the spirit of curiosity, fallibility, and free inquiry. Suggesting that the spell elite universities exercise over America has been broken with many parents "rethinking the Ivy League," Bruni asked whether we have moved "past peak Harvard - past peak Ivy - forevermore?" Summers saw elite universities retaining their cachet because of their ability to fast-track the best and the brightest to top-echelon positions in government, business, and especially the sciences. Douthat, however, maintained that elite universities would remain under pressure since they "are unlikely to thrive as institutions that are seen as intensely ideological, hyper-progressive, while depending so substantially on government funding and public-private partnerships." Shifting to the rights motives, Bruni suggested that "Trump and his allies" only pretend to defend free speech. "They correctly called out intolerance on the left," Bruni acknowledged, "but are now replacing it with intolerance from the right." Douthat and Summers acknowledged that the Trump administrations approach to higher education has been marked by confusion, hypocrisy, and a desire to tear down rather than reform. But Summers emphasized that the administrations excesses should not distract from the reality of universities progressive monoculture and censorship of conservative dissent: "[T]he overwhelming inhibition on Ivy League campuses remains of chilling conservative speech," he wrote. "Among students and faculty you have to be brave to support the Supreme Courts judgments on affirmative action." While insisting that left-wing critics of "Trumps attack on higher education" are "rightly alarmed," Bruni helpfully observed that progressives overlook how they set the stage for the president. The left embraced substantial tax benefits for universities and generous federal funding, and progressives backed Obama and Biden administration use of Title VI to intervene aggressively in "matters of gender equality and the patrolling of sexual misconduct." Douthat and Summers agreed that the left embraced the transfer to government of the powers that Trump was using against the universities, even as the two Times writers deplored the administrations proceeding like a bull in a china shop. Douthat challenged Brunis invidious contrast between Trumps heavy-handed interventions and the lefts decorous efforts to reshape campus life. The conservative columnist pointed out that progressives had no need to proceed heavy-handedly when they occupied the White House, since their demands - for example, conditioning federal funding on universities curtailment of mens due-process rights in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct - reflected universities preferences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Returning to Trumps true motives, Bruni suggested that administration efforts to root out campus antisemitism, ideological conformity, and liberal bias "are more a cornerstone of his larger push to delegitimize - to vilify - experts and expertise, which get in the way of his complete control of the narrative and his twisting of truth." Douthat and Summers expressed concerns about Trump administration intemperance but insisted that the White House is targeting real ailments in higher education. Trump builds on but did not create the widespread perception, argued Douthat, that elite universities cannot be "taken seriously as disinterested truth-seeking enterprises." Bruni added that elite universities do themselves no favors by snobbishly flaunting their exclusivity. Douthat noted that a corrective was underway with talented students opting for opportunities in the South and West. Summers stated that elite universities should recruit more aggressively among the disadvantaged and expand their adult and continuing education programs. The Times writers were divided on whether universities can repair themselves. Bruni maintained that most students are not intolerant social justice warriors and that "there has been a boom in centers and programs and initiatives devoted to free inquiry, to discourse across political divides, to heterodox thinking." Douthat and Summers were less optimistic. Douthat argued that viewpoint diversity on campus tends not to extend to conservatives but to stop with the "heterodox liberal," like Harvards Summers himself. Summers agreed: "I am on the lefts 40-yard line in America and the rights 10 at Harvard." Stressing viewpoint diversity, Douthat contended that it is reasonable for conservatives to demand "that if you have a set of elite universities that are deeply entangled with the American government, with a profound and ancient relationship with the American people, they should make an effort to contain within themselves the actual diversity of ideas and worldviews that define America today." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would have been better if one of the interlocutors had gone beyond questions of fair representation to underscore the educational benefits that conservatives bring to campus. These include counteracting progressives dogmatic slumber, fostering toleration by creating a community in which left and right share a way of life, and spurring both to recognize their opinions limitations and the other sides insights. Failure to go beyond the formalities of viewpoint diversity also hobbles Douthats and Summers response to Brunis query about what measures they would adopt "to address any legitimate aspects of the MAGA-Republican case against higher ed, to protect higher ed from a dangerous degradation and to guarantee its continued, vital role as an incubator of leaders and an economic engine?" In addition to urging universities to invite more prominent Republicans to campus and to find opportunities to cooperate with the Trump administration, Douthat again stressed viewpoint diversity. Universities, he counseled, "should promise to take the cultivation of intellectual diversity as seriously as they have taken other forms of diversity, and outline concrete steps - new centers, new hiring and recruitment policies, etc. - that go beyond just general statements of free-speech principles." Summers also summoned universities to renew their dedication to free speech. He advised them "to embrace the now unfashionable idea of patriotism." And he called on them "to signal reorientations toward the pursuit of truth and away from pursuits of social justice, toward the veneration of excellence and away from mutual self-esteem and toward diversity of perspective and away from identity politics." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This approaches closer to the crux of the matter but still falls short of identifying the essential elements of elite-university reform. We need reformers who can explain that liberal education aimsto form cultivated human beings capable of exercising wisely the rights and discharging effectively the responsibilities of free citizens. We need reformers who understand that liberal education must be structured around study of American ideas and institutions; the seminal intellectual achievements - scientific as well as literary - and decisive events of Western civilization; and the languages, culture, and history of other civilizations. And we need reformers who know that universities dont in the first place need conservative professors or progressive professors but rather professors endowed with the old-fashioned liberal spirit. Such professors furnish students minds with facts and observations, methods and interpretations, and evidence and arguments. And such professors assist students in thinking for themselves by teaching that authors and texts must be understood before one refutes or embraces them, and that understanding an idea or an institution involves examining not only where it breaks down but also how it gained acceptance and why it exerted influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paucity of such reformers gives rise to the widespread need for remedial education focusing on the universitys mission, not least for faculty and administrators, many of whose teachers failed to introduce them to the aim, structure, and spirit of liberal education. Peter Berkowitz is the Tad and Dianne Taube senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. From 2019 to 2021, he served as director of the Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. State Department. His writings are posted at PeterBerkowitz.com and he can be followed on X @BerkowitzPeter. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) With the floods destroying many homes and displacing people throughout Central Texas, here are some ways you can help from here in Wichita Falls. ORIGINAL STORY | Texas floods: 32 dead, 27 missing, says Gov. Abbott One way, and often the most effective, is to donate money. Kerr County has set up a relief fund that supports relief and rebuilding efforts after the floods. All donations will be directed to organizations that are dedicated to rescue, relief and recovery efforts in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Center Point and Comfort. All donations are tax-deductible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO KERR COUNTY FLOOD RELIEF FUND Another place you can donate is GoFundMe. There are dedicated parts of the GoFundMe website dedicated to people who are affected by the floods. CLICK HERE TO FIND GOFUNDMES FROM CENTRAL TEXAS Texas Search and Rescue is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing search and rescue operations during times of flooding. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO TEXAS SEARCH AND RESCUE The Salvation Army is taking in a limited supply of donations, but as of July 5, their collection has paused. CLICK HERE TO STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE DONATIONS TO THE SALVATION ARMY Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to help those with a nice hot meal, the Kansas-based non-profit organization, Operation BBQ Relief, is in Texas, providing those displaced and first responders with food while they fight the flood. A $25 donation to the organization provides four hot meals to the people of Central Texas. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO OPERATION BBQ FELIEF Another non-profit from Virginia called Mercy Chefs is also offering hot and fresh meals to victims, first responders and volunteers in Central Texas. They plan to feed first responders tonight, July 5, and open up a public tent for others to eat on Sunday, July 6. More details will be available soon. CLICKE HERE TO DONATE TO MERCY CHEFS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Red Cross has opened three shelters in Kerrville to support victims. You can donate on their website, by mail and by phone. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO RED CROSS Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. The deceased has been identified as Balagurusamy (50). The injured were immediately taken to a nearby government hospital for treatment. Following the incident, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin directed officials to ensure advanced medical treatment is provided to the injured without delay. https://x.com/CMOTamilnadu/status/1941851918659354814 CM Stalin also announced financial assistance from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund, Rs 4 lakh to the family of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh each to those seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 each for those who sustained minor injuries. (ANI) Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) said Zohran Mamdani tapped into the same thing that Donald Trump tapped into, attributing the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York Citys rise to his focus on affordability. Democrats have got to do a better job learning from Trump and Mamdani not with their solutions, which I think are wrong, but with the diagnosis of the problem that, were frustrated, we're concerned, Suozzi told host Weijia Jiang on Sunday morning on CBS' Face The Nation. Like other Democrats from vulnerable districts in New York, Suozzi has distanced himself from the 33-year-old democratic socialist, writing on social media in the wake of his primary victory last month that his concerns remain about Mamdani. A week later, Suozzi wrote that Mamdanis electoral success should serve as a loud wake-up call for the Democratic Party in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suozzi flipped a Republican seat on Long Island in a special election in February 2024 largely by embracing calls for stronger border security and doubling down on his support for Israel and law enforcement. Suozzi said voters perceive Democrats as focused on reproductive rights and LGBT protections rather than the issues people think about every night when they are lying in bed like immigration, taxes, crime and health care. He added that Democrats have to learn from Trumps understanding of the fractured media landscape, leaning into platforms like podcasts. We have to communicate across all those platforms, because people are getting their messages in these fractured environments and living in these echo chambers, and we have to do a better job communicating across all these platforms and getting Democrats as a whole to focus on the economy, immigration, etc., Suozzi said. Jul. 6Oil production in New Mexico is up, and industry spills are down. The Center for Western Priorities released oil and gas spill data last month as part of an annual Mountain West spills report. The 2024 numbers cover New Mexico, Wyoming and Colorado, which cumulatively spilled more than 7 million gallons of drilling-related liquids. New Mexico is responsible for more than half of that total, accounting for 4.8 million gallons spilled last year, according to the report, though the state is also the second-highest oil producer in the country. Colorado is the fourth-largest producing state, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and Wyoming is even lower down on the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico produces about three to six times more than the other two states, respectively. Industry oil spills often come in the form of leaky equipment and include oil, drilling wastewater and drilling fluids. But the actual number of spills, which the state requires operators to disclose, has recently gone down, despite production shooting up. From 2023 to 2024, oil and gas production in New Mexico increased by 10% while spills decreased by 10%. "It's reports like this that really highlight that our companies' efforts are making a difference, and we know that those efforts will only continue to grow as technology allows us to do so," said Missi Currier, president and CEO of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the numbers are likely an undercount since they're based on self-reporting, said Kate Groetzinger, communications manager for the Center for Western Priorities. She added that the number of spills has gone up and down over the past decade, not necessarily directly correlating with production levels. The largest number of spills in New Mexico over the past decade happened in 2020, when operators reported 188,585 incidents. For comparison, operators reported 114,546 incidents last year when oil production was nearly double that of 2020. It's too early to definitively say if relatively new state regulations are the cause for the reduction in spills, Groetzinger said, specifically referring to fines for spills. Since 2020, the state Oil Conservation Division has been able to assess civil penalties of up to $2,500 per day for spills. The state also requires that all operators capture at least 98% of their produced gas by 2027 something operators seem to already be on top of. The center's data shows operators captured 99.67% of methane in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico's rules are much more stringent than those in Texas, which also fines operators for spills but often at a lower scale. Texas has a sliding scale of fines, often ranging from $250 to $1,000 one-time base penalties, depending on the amount of spills and operator cooperation. In 2023, environmental measurement and analysis firm Kayrros found that Texas emits methane at more than double the rate that New Mexico does. The news prompted Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham at the time to defend her state's stricter regulations, which often draw ire from operators and more conservative policymakers. The concern is that oil and gas companies will cross the border to do business in Texas instead. Currier said New Mexico is already losing operators to its less stringent neighbor. Currier added that NMOGA wants the state to hold bad actors accountable, but it shouldn't come at the cost of the entire industry. She recommended a tiered approach to policymaking that takes into account the size of companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Just because we have major companies in New Mexico never means that we should put the smaller companies at risk," she said. Overall, Currier said that she's proud of the reduced number of spills and methane leaks in New Mexico and that the existing regulations are working and the state doesn't need to add more rules. Groetzinger said she thinks it'll still take another few years of data collection to definitively say existing regulations are why spills have gone down. "These are great regulations. We're so happy to see regulators in New Mexico really stepping up," Groetzinger said. "But it's too soon to say whether those are working. Preliminary data shows that they might be." Joining the Abraham Accords could be a game changer, but it has opposition from both the Israeli and Palestinian sides and may be torpedoed globally. The South Hebron Hills seem ancient and as unchanging as ever, but massive change may be in the air. In the aftermath of the Wall Street Journals blockbuster disclosure early Sunday morning that half a dozen major Palestinian sheikhs from the Hebron area, all led by Sheikh Wadee al-Jaabari (also known as Abu Sanad), are ready to break off from the Palestinian Authority and sign a new Abraham Accords-style deal with Israel as the Emirates of Hebron, The Jerusalem Post can now disclose having recently met with Jaabari at his ceremonial tent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was also disclosed that another 13 sheikhs from the Hebron area also plan to leave the PA. At the meeting, Jaabari, 48, wore a large and flowing white robe with gold stripes and a black-striped headdress. He also wore multiple large ceremonial rings; one on one hand and two on the other hand. His beard was still mostly black, though with shades of gray. The tent itself was mostly red and was no normal tent. It ranged around 15 by 10 meters and had a very high ceiling. Palestinians shop at a market ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival, in the West Bank city of Hebron, on June 5, 2025. (credit: WISAM HASHLAMOUN/FLASH90) Though it seemed somewhat unchanged from when earlier sheikhs in his family line who, according to the local leader, have ruled Hebron since the time of Saladin may have also conducted the regions affairs, there was powerful air conditioning to withstand the intense heat of the surrounding desert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surprisingly, the tent was not, at that moment, surrounded by many security guards, though the Post was later told that this might have been done temporarily to make it less intimidating for this visiting reporter. Some less powerful sheikhs are known to have their homes surrounded by as many as 10 gunmen. At this meeting, there was only one male attendee providing drinks, fruits, and other food, as well as three young children, seemingly between the ages of four and seven, running around nearby. One of them sported a Spider-Man-style shirt. Despite the low-key attendees, the meeting itself was marked by officialdom and honorifics, with the early discussion centering around the illustrious history of the Jaabari family from Saladin to the sheikhs grandfather and father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheikh said he had control of around 78% of Hebrons greater metro population, which could translate into over 700,000 Palestinians. The simple but radical premise he proposed was that he was ready, along with the other sheikhs (four of whom the Post interacted with separately), to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and end all claims in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Assembling an 'Emirates of Hebron' He would do so with the goal of eventually assembling six other Palestinian emirates (designed like the UAE), comprising the Bethlehem, Jericho, Nablus, Tulkarm, Jenin, Kalkilya, and Ramallah areas. These are the main areas the Palestinian West Bank was divided into under the mid-1990s Oslo Accords, which, while barely functioning, have governed Israeli-Palestinian relations for three decades. Sheikh Jaabari told the Post he was willing to make this massive shift in exchange for Israels support in removing the PA from the area, restoring work permits that were suspended after October 7, 2023, building new joint Israeli-Palestinian industrial work zones, and for some pieces of Area C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Jaabari family has hated the PA for decades, and, since it torched a PA police station and took 34 PA officers hostage in 2007 in reprisal for their killing a member of the Jaabari clan, it has already reduced PA intervention in Hebron affairs. Jaabaris father has had numerous meetings with Israeli officials, including one attended years ago by another Post reporter, to try to move forward with coexistence initiatives that do not involve the PA. But what is unique about this latest initiative is that it happened in the post-Abraham Accords and post-October 7 world. Post Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein wrote an op-ed in May after meeting with Minister Nir Barkat, who is the lead Israeli figure behind the initiative, in which he discussed it at a more general conceptual level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barkat has kept Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the loop, but even the risk-averse prime minister has stayed out of it directly until now to see which way the wind would blow. The IDF and Shin Bet oppose the initiative The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) intensely opposes the initiative. While the security agency is not satisfied with the PAs fight against Palestinian terror, it still regards it as the only body that can really assist Israel in curbing terror across the entire West Bank. Some Israeli officials estimate the PA has as many as 70,000 soldier-officers, including a smaller group of commandos not an easy body to replace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officials estimate that there are around 4,000 PA officers in Hebron, along with 200 commandos. Throughout the years, despite contrary threats to cut off relations, the PA has shared intelligence with the Shin Bet, helping them to capture at least some Palestinian terrorists, especially Hamas. Sometimes the PAs motivation for sharing such intelligence is to weaken Hamas opposition, but Israel does not really care about its motivation if the result is capturing terrorists. The IDF has similar opposition to the idea, also counting on the PA for security cooperation. What has happened in Jenin since December 2024 is a good metaphor for the dilemma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For six weeks, the PA, partially at Israels urging, hounded its own people in the Jenin area who were engaging in terror and violent protests. It substantially succeeded at reducing terror in the area but failed to gain control of the internal Jenin refugee camp. Eventually, on January 21, the IDF entered the camp itself and started a multi-month operation to truly root out the remaining terror elements. So the PA helped but also failed. This is the history of the PA in the West Bank helping the Shin Bet and IDF at times, but not when the other Palestinian fighters are too strong. The Shin Bet and IDF prefer the enemy they know to the one they dont. They worry that a loose confederation of emirates in the West Bank would be unmanageable, not to mention that this initiative could lead to an unpredictable Palestinian civil war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaabari told the Post that if Israel supports him, he can rout the PA in Hebron in hours or days without too much bloodshed, since many of its officers are actually part of his clan. He said that in his Hebron region, his word is law, and promised that he could bring total and utter quiet to an area that a decade ago was among the worst and most chaotic. This is because Hebron is still run primarily by the tribal clans, and he can take swift and, if needed, deadly action against anyone who violates his decrees. The deal that Jaabari has negotiated with Barkat discusses 1,000 new Palestinian workers in Israel from Hebron, followed by 5,000 after a trial period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But these numbers are tiny compared to the pre-October 7 numbers of 210,000 Palestinian workers in Israel. Jaabari insisted that Barkat and Israel would give him 50,000 from Hebron alone within a short period of time. The arrangements for Area C are more questionable. Jaabari would probably get some new parts of Area C, but Israeli officials would also likely try to use the new accords to take larger areas for Israel. In this way, Palestinians may complain that this new deal is worse for them as a group and nation than getting a more independent and larger Palestinian state along the lines of the 1967 Six Day War. Also, the accords would permanently yield Jerusalem to Israel and dispose of the return of refugees issue, though it would enshrine Palestinian autonomy over the Temple Mount Muslim prayer areas. Why would Jaabari make such concessions, which the PA would never make, and much of the world would oppose? From his perspective, the PA was a foreign force from Tunisia (where PLO and then-PA leader Yasser Arafat was expelled to before Oslo) that returned to the West Bank after over 20 years of exile and pushed down the traditional sheikhdoms that had always run all Palestinian affairs in the area. He told the Post that all critical local services are still handled by his council of sheikhs, and that all the PA does is collect taxes, a way of appropriating local money for its corrupt foreign needs. Put differently, Jaabari sees the PA as only a parasite and wants back full control of the area, which he and his council say existed for hundreds of years before the Oslo Accords. Also, after October 7, he simply believes that the pre-war idea of a Palestinian state is dead and that Israelis will never accept it. So what is the point of waiting around for a pipe dream while the PA takes portions of his clans money in the meantime? Jaabari is up against the Shin Bet, the IDF, possibly Netanyahu (his final position is undecided), the PA, and probably much of the world, which is still set on the traditional Oslo-era two-state solution. It is unclear whether US President Donald Trump would weigh in on the issue and try to sway the world toward accepting it, especially if Israel itself has not decided its position. And if Netanyahu ever started talking about the plan seriously in public, would it be because he actually intended to implement it or to use it as a bluff to pressure the Saudis into normalization at a lower price for what he would need to give the PA (by telling the Saudis he will move along with the plan if they dont)? But Trump loves normalization deals, and the Abraham Accords were carried out despite PA opposition. From one perspective, this could be a new pragmatic way for Israelis and Palestinians to coexist and live in peace after 33 years of Oslo has not yielded this. Some of the Israeli Right are enthusiastic about the initiative because it would allow them to keep Jerusalem and to take more portions of Area C, while the local sheikhs would also support it to get the PA off their backs. From another perspective, it may be an unrealistic pipe dream of a group of local sheikhs and right-wing Israelis up against much larger forces within their own people and globally. Even if it did go ahead, it is also unclear how many Palestinians would still be satisfied in 10 years, when October 7 is more of a distant memory, after giving up full statehood and east Jerusalem. But Sheikh Jaabari made it clear that he is not waiting idly anymore and is stating the question publicly to Israel and the world: do you want to take his hand and forge a new kind of coexistence or not? Two Republican members of Congress said family members were rescued from the flooding that has hammered Central Texas since Friday, killing dozens. Texas Rep. August Pfluger wrote on X Saturday that his daughters were saved from Camp Mystic, a famous girls-only Christian camp that sits near the Guadalupe River in Texas's Kerr County, and had been reunited with the family. "The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors," he wrote. "We want to thank the first responders who have come from far and wide to save lives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The floods have killed at least 78 people throughout the region, including at least 28 children. Ten campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic were still missing, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said in an afternoon news conference Sunday. While not identifying the camp by name, Georgia Rep. Buddy Carter announced Sunday that his granddaughters had also been saved from the flooding. But their cousin was killed, he said. "As you may have heard, my granddaughters were at the summer camp in Texas that flooded," Carter wrote on X. "They are safe, and I thank you for your well-wishes and prayers during this time. Unfortunately, not everyone was as lucky. My granddaughters lost their cousin, Janie, and many other families are grieving loved ones." Camp Mystic has long been favored ground for the state's political elite. According to Texas Monthly, future first lady Laura Bush was a counselor at Camp Mystic when she was in college, and the daughters, granddaughters and great-grandfathers of President Lyndon B. Johnson attended camp there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Gov. Greg Abbott visited the camp's wreckage on Sunday. The rescue and recovery mission is ongoing, he said in a post on X. "We wont stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins," Abbott wrote. A Republican lawmaker said he was reunited with his two daughters who were attending a Christian summer camp that was destroyed when deadly flooding swept through Central Texas over the weekend. Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, said his two daughters were evacuated from Camp Mystic, a camp along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. "Camille, Vivian and I are now reunited with Caroline and Juliana who were evacuated from Camp Mystic," Pfluger said of his family. "The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Sunday morning, five young girls who were staying at Camp Mystic have been confirmed dead. Kerr County officials confirmed 27 campers were still missing about 36 hours after the flood. There were 750 attendees when the wall of water slammed into the camp. Live Updates: Texas Floods Leave Dozens Dead, Missing As Crews Search For Survivors "The camp was completely destroyed," 13-year-old Elinor Lester, one of hundreds of campers, told the Associated Press. "A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary." Read On The Fox News App Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has vowed that rescuers "wont stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins" at Camp Mystic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate post, Pfluger praised the heroism of camp counselors and others who acted to save lives during the height of the flooding. "There are countless heroes who acted so bravely during this tragic situation who sacrificed for others thank you and for most of you we will never even know the stories or understand what you did! But, THANK YOU!" the congressman wrote. Pfluger said Camp Mystics co-owner, Dick Eastland, sacrificed his life to save the girls attending the camp. "Camp Mystics Dick Eastland no doubt gave his life attempting to save his campers," Pfluger wrote in a third post.. "For decades he and his wife Tweety poured his life into loving and developing girls and women of character. Thank you Mr. Eastland. We love you and miss you." Crews work to clear debris from the Cade Loop bridge along the Guadalupe River on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. The flooding in Kerr County killed at least 59 people, including 21 children. Officials confirmed at least another eight people died in nearby counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other stories of heroism have begun to surface as the floodwaters recede in Texas. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry praised Emma Foltz, a resident of Alexandria, Louisiana, and a senior at Louisiana Tech University, who has worked as a camp counselor at Camp Mystic in Texas for three years. A flooded running path in Louise Hays Park, along the banks of the Guadalupe River, Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. "She played an instrumental role in helping evacuate 14 of her campers to safety," Landry wrote in a Facebook post. "Please join me in thanking Emma for all her hard work and bravery under immense pressure." Elsewhere in Kerr County, a family helped save a woman's life after she was swept 20 miles downriver and clung to a tree for hours in the deadly flash flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pfluger asked the public to "pray for miracles" as crews continue searching for survivors of the floods, including 11 young girls and one counselor missing from Camp Mystic. Fox News Digital's Alexandra Koch and Bailee Hill contributed to this report. Original article source: Republican congressman reunites with daughters after Texas camp flooding, thanks countless heroes Republicans just delivered Donald Trump a big, beautiful legislative win. Now theyre fretting it will lead to some ugly electoral losses. GOP lawmakers are warning that slashing spending on Medicaid and food assistance will cost the party seats in the midterms threatening their razor-thin House majority by kicking millions of Americans off safety-net programs. You would be foolish not to worry about it, Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) said in a brief interview. If you dont keep the voters right with you, youre going to awaken to a bad, bad, bad day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice voted for the megabill last week, despite his concerns over some of its Medicaid provisions and after warning Republicans cannot cut into the bone. Steep cuts, he said, would cost the GOP voters and lead the party to awaken to [being in the] minority. Republicans have already lost one of their most vulnerable senators over the bill: North Carolina's Thom Tillis, who privately told his colleagues he would lose his seat over Medicaid cuts before announcing his retirement and publicly torching the public-health overhaul on the Senate floor. Another vulnerable GOP senator, Susan Collins of Maine, opposed it over the harmful impact Medicaid cuts would have on low-income families and rural health care providers. When you dont get health care right, it tends to have probably an outsized impact on politics, Tillis said in a brief interview ahead of the Senates vote. He warned his party that slashing Medicaid could become a political albatross, like the Affordable Care Act was for Democrats during Barack Obamas presidency. The final bill, passed by the House on Thursday, delivered a $1 trillion-plus cut to health care programs and could lead to an estimated 11.8 million people losing their insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Mike Johnson privately cautioned that the deeper cuts the Senate passed could cost him his slim majority next year, though he ultimately whipped his members to support the changes. Several Republicans said the cuts would make the bill a tougher sell to their voters. Adding to the GOP angst: Democrats are preparing to weaponize the bill as they did Republicans failed efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2017. That 2018 midterm election led to a GOP wipeout in the House, with the party losing 40 seats, including some districts in Trump-leaning territory. Democrats are planning to again hitch vulnerable Republicans to the cuts to social safety-net programs. I could have defended the House bill every day, said GOP Rep. Don Bacon, who had raised concerns over cuts to food aid and announced he would retire from his Nebraska swing seat as the Senate prepared to deepen the cuts in the House bill. The other side is going to use Medicaid as an issue, he said, even as he voted for the megabill. And I think the Senate [version of the bill] gives them a little more leverage to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans are walking a tightrope as they return to their districts to start selling the sweeping policy package. Theyre going to lean into the megabills popular provisions, like eliminating taxes on tips, while trying to escape unpopular reductions to safety-net programs. The final bill slashes spending by $1.7 trillion. Voters broadly dislike the megabill; some recent polling shows a 2-to-1 margin of disapproval, according to surveys conducted by Quinnipiac University, The Washington Post, Pew Research and Fox News. Nearly half of voters want more federal funding for Medicaid, while just 10 percent want less, according to Quinnipiac. What we know from past elections is that messing with people's health care coverage is very problematic for politicians. And it has, in the past, yielded some very, very negative views about the people who supported it, said Republican pollster Whit Ayres. Meanwhile, Democrats are rushing to capitalize on the controversy and plan to make it a centerpiece of their midterm messaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on the floor for eight hours and 45 minutes, reading letters from constituents of vulnerable GOP lawmakers who could lose access to both programs. Democratic candidates followed up with post-vote statements blasting the Republicans theyre looking to unseat for effectively kicking people in their districts off their health care plans. Their campaign arms and allied super PACs have already released several rounds of ads hammering vulnerable Republicans and say they plan to keep up the pace. Republicans are trying to figure out how to fight back. Their early salvos have focused on painting Democrats as supportive of tax hikes since they opposed a bill that would extend Trumps 2017 tax cuts and eliminate federal taxes on tips and overtime. Republicans also argue theyre protecting the most vulnerable Medicaid recipients by removing undocumented immigrants and others they say shouldnt have access to the program anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in a tacit acknowledgment of the potential electoral fallout, some Republicans have pledged to try to reverse provisions such as the provider tax drawdown before they take effect in 2028. To the extent that theres reform, and you can legitimately argue it's the waste, fraud, abuse, thats a good position to be in, said Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho). If it's just strictly a situation where you say, We're just cutting and spending and it's not cognizant as to how and where, that's where we get into trouble. Another potential security blanket for the GOP: Many Americans at risk of steep Medicaid cuts reside in deep-red swaths of the country that are unlikely to turn blue next year. But there are also high percentages of Medicaid enrollees in some GOP-held swing districts Democrats are itching to flip. The Senates harsher Medicaid language prompted Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) to vote against the megabill, putting him in the company of deficit hawk Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.). Fitzpatrick, in a statement, said the Senates changes fell short of protecting constituents in his suburban Philadelphia district that has more than 100,000 enrollees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another top Democratic target, Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.), voted in favor of the bill despite expressing several concerns with the stricter limits on provider taxes and state-directed payments that he unsuccessfully lobbied Senate Majority Leader John Thune not to include. Valadao lost his seat in Democrats health care-fueled 2018 wave, when liberal groups successfully yoked him to GOP efforts to overturn the Affordable Care Act, and won it back in 2020. Now those groups are running the same playbook in his Central Valley district that enrolls nearly two-thirds of his constituents in Medicaid the highest percentage in the GOP conference. Valadao, who fought for months to rein in some of the changes to the program, sought to justify his vote in a statement Thursday by arguing it does preserve the Medicaid program for its intended recipients and includes a $50 billion stabilization fund to offset harm to rural hospitals. New York Rep. Mike Lawler, whose lower-Hudson Valley district has more than 200,000 people enrolled in Medicaid, said in a brief interview that he fought extensively to make sure that there were not draconian changes to Medicaid and that lawmakers will have time to address some of the others before they take effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, this is about strengthening the program, he said. As for electoral consequences: You just tell people whats actually in the bill, as opposed to what the Democrats have been trying to fearmonger on. But Democrats are confident that putting shine on a turd will not work, said Ian Russell, a consultant who served as the political director of Democrats House campaign arm in 2014 and 2016. Republicans are running back their 2018 playbook, said CJ Warnke, communications director for House Majority PAC, the Democratic leadership-aligned super PAC. And its once again going to cost them the majority. Samuel Benson, Cassandra Dumay, Melanie Mason, Nicholas Wu and Holly Otterbein contributed to this report. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Northeast Jackson residents are concerned about road erosion after a vehicle got stuck on Wickwood Boulevard. The vehicle had minor damage, but one neighbor said the situation could have been worse. Wickwood Boulevard is locate din Ward 1, whose councilman is Ashby Foote. I took pictures of it and submitted them to the administration. This is about, four weeks ago, and asked them to put it on the list of things that need to be addressed by the Public Works Department. I didnt expect it to be done, just because the administration was getting ready to turn over. But it is on the list of projects or items Im going to submit to the new mayor in hopes we can get that addressed, Foote said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers are encouraged to use caution in the area. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) With the 35th Saturday in the Park music festival taking place on July 5, some residents who live near Grandview Park have their own traditions for the event. Event workers are getting ready for the festival on Saturday, homeowners who live nearby the park are also doing the same. We love it. We usually sit on the front porch and start our day off with a little people watching. See all the residents of Sioux City up and down the street, said Mike Lierman, a Sioux City resident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Lierman has been living next to the park for ten years. And after time went on, Lierman decided to host his own party called Saturday in the Yard. We just started inviting some friends over and family members. Well get yard games going on and have some tournaments. We play some music because after a certain time of the day, you cant hear the music up there anymore, so we got to get our own going. But its a great time, a lot, a lot of random people stop by, we chit chat, its great, said Lierman. Liermans neighbor, Jesse Moreno, has lived in his house for more than two decades. He was unfamiliar with Saturday in the Park music festival at first, but he was quickly drawn to it. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I first moved in here, I didnt know much about Saturday in the Park. But of course, you get to know it from people walking by. Ive been to Saturday in the park since Ive been here, once. The rest of the time, I just enjoy watching people walk by, talking to them as theyre walking by, what have you, said Jesse Moreno, a Sioux City resident. Moreno said his friends and family are fans of where hes lives, because of how close his home is to Grandview Park. Originally, I would do an official invite to friends and family. Now, I dont do any of that, they just come. Its just a given that Saturday in the Park is going to be over at Jesses, and its very enjoyable, said Moreno. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Moreno and Lierman said they both have their own ways of helping the Sioux City community during the festival. For Lierman, its giving out food and beverages, while Moreno offers free parking to people who drive to the event. The little ones are taken care of it, but theyve had their water and Kool-Aid stand up for more years than Ive lived here. But yeah, we invite people over and, you know, grab a dog or a burger, if we got extra food going on. Some shade, you know, catch a little hit from the sprinkler when its too hot. Just try to do our part to make sure everybodys having a good time and theyre safe and enjoying themselves, said Mike Lierman, a Sioux City resident. I put my cars in the garage, and Ive got about 150 feet of driveway, and they all park right behind each other. And again, I just have the keys. Give me the keys, just in case somebody wants to go, Ive got to move. Sometimes we got to move two, three, four or five cars to get the person out that wants to leave. But we make it happen, said Jesse Moreno, a Sioux City resident. Both Lierman and Moreno have memories of Saturday in the Park, whether that was from the sidewalk on their property or at Grandview Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When my kid was young, wed set up a water stand. These neighbors still have young kids. Theyll set up their water stand and people walking up and down just having a conservation, said Moreno. One year, I went up and we watched the fireworks from the side hill, and I got hit with shrapnel, right in the chest. But, I mean, just all the memories of all the friends and family, the community coming together, getting to talk to new people, its a lot of fun, said Lierman. Both Lierman and Moreno said they plan to keep their Saturday in the Park traditions going every 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Fox News Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy says he cannot walk down the street without mothers swarming him to thank him for the work he has done in questioning the quality of the food supply and the efficacy of vaccines. Speaking to Kennedy on her Fox News show on Saturday night, Lara Trump said, Whether its the food supply, whether its vaccines, a lot of these spaces have felt like, for so long, were not supposed to talk about them, were not supposed to address them. Youve sort of blown the doors off of all of that, and I know hear from parents all the time, you must hear from a lot of parents. Kennedy responded, If I walk down the street, every block, I have moms coming up and saying thank you. Theres been this deliberate information chaos, and were gonna change all that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued, Were going to make it so that people can do studies, do gold standard science, that they can replicate those studies, and were going to start doing real science and answer these questions for the moms. Were going to restore public faith in the public health regulatory agencies. Kennedy has been a vocal vaccine skeptic since the early 2000s, and has perpetuated multiple conspiracy theories, including AIDS denialism and the many-times-debunked idea that a link exists between vaccines and autism. His work in spreading this misinformation has been cited as a contributing factor in measles outbreaks in Samoa and Tonga. In 2019, Kennedy visited Samoa and met with government representatives in what health advocates and experts have claimed was part of a disinformation campaign designed to stoke distrust in vaccines just months before a deadly measles outbreak that resulted in the deaths of 83 people. While Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been spreading vaccine skepticism, measles has been spreading around the United States, a country that 25 years ago declared the disease eliminated. / Alex Wong/Getty Images The U.S. had its own measles outbreak earlier this year, and the CDC now reports that there have been a total of 1,267 cases across 38 states, including 27 outbreaks. Three deaths have been attributed to measles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000 by the World Health Organization, thanks to the success of vaccination efforts. International travel and growing vaccine hesitancy are thought to be behind its resurgence. RFK Jr. has previously argued that the best defense against measles is contracting the disease, telling Fox News Sean Hannity in March, It used to be, when I were a kid, that everybody got measles. And the measles gave you lifetime protection against measles infection. He continued, The vaccine doesnt do that. The vaccine is effective for some people for life, but for many people it wanes. He also asked the CDC to look into vitamins as a potential treatment for measles. A statement from Health and Human Services issued in May said, Secretary Kennedy will be enlisting the entire agency to activate a scientific process to treat a host of diseases, including measles, with single or multiple existing drugs in combination with vitamins and other modalities. Late last month, Kennedy installed longtime ally Lyn Redwood, who served as president of Childrens Health Defensethe anti-vax group Kennedy chaired from 2015 to 2023in a top role at the CDCs vaccine safety office, sparking concerns. Redwood, a nurse, became a vaccine skeptic after her son was diagnosed with autism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1998 paper that claimed to have found a link between the MMR vaccine and autism has since been debunked and its author, Andrew Wakefield, struck off the medical register. Despite this, Kennedywho during his confirmation hearing refused to state that vaccines do not cause autismhas instructed the CDC to conduct its own research into the relationship between vaccines and autism. In a statement issued in March, Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon confirmed the research would be conducted, adding, As President Trump said in his Joint Address to Congress, the rate of autism in American children has skyrocketed. CDC will leave no stone unturned in its mission to figure out what exactly is happening. Medical professionals acknowledge that autism diagnoses are rising. But, as Scientific American reported, scientists believe that rising rates are mostly attributable to broadened diagnostic categories and more comprehensive screening. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The Riverside Police Department is asking for the publics help in identifying a man who allegedly stole a cash register and cash from a business on Linden Avenue. Photo via Riverside Police Department. According to the RPD, a person entered the store early Saturday morning and took the cash register containing cash and ran. If you can identify him, or have information on the incident, you are asked to contact Riverside dispatch or Ofc. Decker through phone or email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dispatch: 937-233-2080 Ofc. Decker: 937-233-1801 ext. 825 Cdecker@riversideoh.gov Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. SEAFARERS' VACATION SPENT ON FACE-TO-FACE REFRESHER COURSES - SEN. ERWIN TULFO Instead of spending time with their families while on vacation after months of duty, Filipino seafarers--such as marine engineers and deck officers say their vacation is consumed by physically attending refresher training courses. This concern was raised by several vacationing Maritime Officers to Senator Erwin Tulfo, who promptly relayed to Senator Raffy Tulfo, Chairman of the Senate Committees on Public Services and Migrant Workers. Erwin Tulfo then vowed to file a Resolution urging the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) led by Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan and the Department of Migrant Workers headed by Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac to review the conduct of training courses with the end in view of implementing online refresher courses to lighten the load of Filipino seafarers. According to the Sen. Erwin Tulfo, "These seafarers are requesting that the refresher courses be made available online instead of requiring them to attend school in person every day every time they are off duty." "They also mentioned the daily costs of transportation, fuel, and meals--on top of the fact that they don't get to spend time with their families," Tulfo added. These refresher courses can take up much time including the travel of seafarers to training centers. "The real question here is why do they still need to physically go to school when these are just refresher or management courses that could be done online?" the neophyte Senator further asked. Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed agreement with the complaints of the seafarers. According to Sen. Raffy Tulfo, "instead of spending their vacation with their loved ones, they're stuck in school... it's unfair to them." "These courses used to be allowed online. Why were the rules changed?" Sen. Raffy Tulfo further questioned. Slamming the JDU-BJP government in Bihar following the murder of a businessman, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai on Sunday said that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has miserably failed in maintaining law and order in the state. "There is 'Jungle Raaj' in Bihar just like Uttar Pradesh. His son was murdered a few years ago. This government under Nitish Kumar is a failure and Bihar's public should remove it in polls," Ajay Rai told ANI. Amid a political row sparked over the murder of a businessman, Gopal Khemka, in Patna's Gandhi Maidan area, BJP leader Tarun Chugh said that the NDA government in Bihar, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is committed to maintaining law and order. His remarks follow the incident where businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead near the main gate of his residence in Patna's Gandhi Maidan area. Chugh added that the culprits of the case will not be spared."The NDA government, led by Nitish Kumar, is committed to maintaining law and order there. No guilty person will be spared..." the BJP leader told ANI. Chugh targeted the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), saying, "... Even today, some people are running the jungle raj that was operated by Lalu Prasad Yadav. This will not be tolerated. Whenever Bihar is mentioned, the people of Bihar tremble, remembering the corruption and jungle raj run by Lalu Yadav." The murder of the businessman has evoked sharp political reactions from the opposition parties and put the spotlight back on the law and order situation in the State, which is going to the polls in the next few months. (ANI) Deputies have arrested a woman shot by police Saturday in Rock Hill following a chase, alleging she pointed a gun at law enforcement. South Carolina state police now say it was a BB gun made to look like a real pistol, according to officials and jail records. South Carolinas State Law Enforcement Division was asked to investigate the shooting because it involved local police. The initial investigation by SLED revealed the weapon was a replica gun, a BB gun, made to look like an actual handgun, SLED said in a statement Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa Michelle Hinson, 49, is in the York County jail on charges of breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature and failure to stop for a blue light, according to arrest warrants from the York County Sheriffs Office. Hinson was released from a hospital Sunday then arrested on warrants from the sheriffs office, sheriffs office Cpl. Johnathan Gilbert said. Hinsons bail was set at $30,000, records show. The breach of peace charge alleges Hinson pointed what was believed to be a gun at several people before she fled from officers, according to an arrest warrant obtained by The Herald. The warrant alleges Hinson continued to point the CO2 pistol, which appeared to be a firearm, at multiple deputies creating a fear of imminent peril... A Rock Hill police officer shot her after the Jeep Hinson was driving was disabled with stop sticks after a pursuit, officials said. She was shot around 6 p.m. near Sturgis Road and Cheryl Lynn Drive at the eastern border of Rock Hill and York County, the Rock Hill Police Department and sheriffs office said in written statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The name of the officer was not released. No officers were hurt, the agencies said. Police: Deputies were responding to shots fired call Deputies responded to reports of shots fired from the Jeep at Nassaw Circle and Young Warrior Town Drive, according to a sheriffs office statement and an incident report obtained by The Herald. The report stated several people told police a woman driving a burgundy Jeep Wrangler pointed a firearm out of the vehicle at them and their residences. A deputy approached the Jeep stopped at Noostee Town Drive, then the woman pointed a gun at the officer before fleeing in the Jeep, the statement said. Deputies attempted to negotiate the armed female out of the vehicle, but the female did not respond to negotiations, the sheriffs office statement said. After several attempts were made a Rock Hill Officer fired one round which hit the female in the shoulder. Rock Hill police confirmed in a separate statement officers assisted at the traffic stop and one of its officers shot the woman. Check back for updates. A Royal Navy ship has been given a Freedom of the City honour by a city that is about 50 miles from the nearest bit of coast. HMS Protector was given the award by Cambridge City Council at the city's military fair last month. The vessel, an ice patrol ship usually based in Antarctica, has been recognised for its ongoing contributions to researching climate change and works with two research organisations from Cambridge, the council said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dinah Pounds, Labour councillor who presented the award, said: "We are very grateful for their work and contributions to tackling climate change." Working in the Antarctic, the ship has supported scientific research, wildlife mapping, researching changing climate and the continent's shifting waters. This work is carried out by the Scott Polar Research Institute and the British Antarctic Survey both based in Cambridge. Pound added: "We declared a climate change emergency in 2019, and lot of work has gone into making Cambridge more climate resilient. "This is a wonderful way to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Freedom of the City parade at Parker's Piece included people from HMS Protector, armed forces veterans and cadets. Capt Tom Weaver said he looked "forward to strengthening the relationship" between the city and the ship while they continued their "research into the impacts of climate change and human activity" on the south pole continent. Councillors last awarded Freedom of the City to the Hungarian city of Szeged in 2011. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Related internet links ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Two men from Rochester have been charged with assault after a dispute on Austin Street Sunday afternoon. The Rochester Police Department responded to the area of Austin Street near Lyell Avenue around 1:40 p.m. for reports of two men fighting, with the possibility that someone had been stabbed. Upon arrival, officers learned the two men, a 33-year-old and a 30-year-old, had begun fighting after a domestic argument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RPD has confirmed both individuals were injured during the incident, as the 33-year-old suffered a laceration to his upper body after being cut by an unknown item, and the 30-year-old received bruising and scraping to his upper body. Both were taken by ambulance to URMC for non-life-threatening injuries. RPD has charged both men with assault. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. The Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 157 UAVs and 4 S-300 missiles on the night of 5-6 July. Ukraines Air Force has reported that 98 drones were shot down and another 19 disappeared from radar. Source: Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Details: Russian drones struck 19 locations, while two caused damage after being shot down. The air attack is ongoing, with new groups of Shahed drones recorded flying into Ukrainian territory. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editor's note: The story was updated with new reports about operations at Russian airports during drone strikes. Several Russian airports have canceled flights due to safety concerns over Ukrainian drone attacks, the Russian Federal Aviation Agency (Rosaviatsia) reported on July 6. Rosaviatsia reported on the evening of July 6 that 287 flights had been grounded across three major airports: Moscow's Sheremetyevo, St. Petersburg's Pulkovo, and Strigino Airport in Nizhny Novgorod. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restrictions follow a wave of closures the previous night, also triggered by drone threats. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that it had intercepted 120 drones on Russian territory overnight between July 5 and July 6. Ukraine hasn't commented on the report. Kyiv's drone campaign, which has increasingly disrupted civilian air travel in Russia, is part of Ukraine's broader strategy to undermine Russia's logistics far beyond the front line. Rosaviatsia confirmed the temporary pause in flights at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport, citing airspace restrictions over the capital and strong winds. At Sheremetyevo, 171 flights were canceled and 56 more were delayed, causing crowds of passengers to form at the airport. At Pulkovo, 90 flights were canceled and 37 remain delayed due to safety concerns. In Nizhny Novgorod, 26 flights were canceled and 13 delayed. Flight restrictions have also been imposed on Russia's Ivanovo, Kaluga, Pskov, and Tambov airports, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kyiv Independent couldn't immediately verify these claims. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us This latest drone attack on Moscow follows an earlier Ukrainian operation targeting the Borisoglebsk airfield in Russia's Voronezh Oblast overnight on July 5. Ukraine's General Staff reported that the strike damaged a warehouse containing guided bombs, aircraft, and other military assets. The Borisoglebsk airfield is known to host Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM jets, which Russia regularly employs in air strikes against Ukraine. Military assessments are underway, with initial reports suggesting a training and combat aircraft may have been destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) detected a fire near the Borisoglebsk military airfield shortly after the strike. Residents in the area reported 810 powerful explosions around 2 a.m. local time, according to the Russian independent outlet Astra. The attack on Borisoglebsk was part of a broader overnight drone campaign across Russia, with explosions and fires reported in at least six regions. Serhii Bratchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Defense Army's Southern Division, told the Kyiv Independent in May that Ukraine is shifting its drone strategy, deliberately aiming to disrupt Russian aviation operations and make the war visible to the Russian population. Read also: Trump says Putin wants to keep killing people, signals US may send Patriots to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces have launched almost 30 drone and artillery strikes on the Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast since the start of the day on Sunday 6 July. Source: Mykola Lukashuk, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Council, on Telegram Details: The Russians bombarded the city of Nikopol and the Myrove, Chervonohryhorivka, Marhanets and Pokrovske hromadas. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town along with their adjacent territories ed.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attacks caused several fires and damaged an apartment block, a shopping centre, a company premises, five houses, three outbuildings and other facilities. Two outbuildings were completely destroyed and infrastructure, solar panels and gas pipelines were damaged. A 51-year-old man was injured in a Russian attack on the Synelnykove district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. A house and infrastructure were damaged in the Mezhova hromada. Background: On Sunday 6 July, Russian forces struck a residential building in the town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast, resulting in four deaths. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Commercial Court of Kyiv has ordered the Russian Federation to pay JSC URD Ukrainian Roads, owned by MP Serhii Labaziuk, UAH 83.75 million (approx. US$2.02 million) in material losses for the loss of a mineral powder plant and machinery in Kherson Oblast. Source: Kyivs Commercial Court decision on 16 June Details: JSC URD Ukrainian Roads filed a lawsuit against the Russian Federation, represented by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, for UAH 374.93 million (US$9.04 million), including UAH 291.18 million (US$7.02 million) of lost profits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court decided that in 2022, after the start of Russias full-scale war against Ukraine, the company lost its mineral powder plant and 33 vehicles, which were mainly intended for road construction and repair. The losses occurred in Nova Kakhovka and other settlements of Kherson Oblast that were temporarily occupied by Russia. The amount of material losses reached UAH 83.75 million (US$2.02 million). The court rejected the demand of JSC URD Ukrainian Roads to collect UAH 291.18 million (US$7.02 million) of lost profits from Russia. This concerned unfulfilled state orders regarding the construction, repair of roads and services for their operational maintenance. The court concluded that the company had failed to support this with evidence and that the amounts provided were hypothetical assumptions of such losses, which were of an abstract nature. Quote: "In addition, the plaintiff has not proven that the amount of the reports in the form of lost profit could really have been received by him if not for the wrongful actions of the defendant." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For reference: JSC URD Ukrainian Roads (formerly called Khmelnytskyi ShBU No. 56) is registered in the city of Khmelnytskyi. The beneficiary is Serhii Labaziuk. Labaziuk is an MP of Ukraine of the VII, VIII, and IX convocations, a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy and a member of the temporary special parliamentary commission on investor protection rights. He represents the parliamentary group Party For the Future. Background: Law enforcement officers suspected Labaziuk and his accomplice of bribing former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Community, Territory and Infrastructure Development Oleksandr Kubrakov and former head of the State Agency for Infrastructure Restoration and Development Mustafa Nayyem. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russia and Ukraine struck each other with hundreds of drones on Sunday, throwing Russian air travel in disarray, shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced deals with Western partners that would allow Kyiv to scale up drone production. Photos circulating on social media showed crowds huddling at Russian airports including key international hubs in Moscow and St. Petersburg, as hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled due to Ukrainian drone strikes on Saturday and overnight, according to Russias Transport Ministry. The flight disruptions hit Moscows Sheremetyevo and St. Petersburgs main Pulkovo airports. Other airports in western and central Russia also faced disruptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian air defenses shot down 120 Ukrainian drones during the nighttime attacks, and 39 more before 2 p.m. Moscow time (1100 GMT) on Sunday, Russias Defense Ministry said. It did not clarify how many had hit targets, or how many had been launched in total. Early on Sunday, Ukrainian drones injured two civilians in Russias Belgorod region near the border, its Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said. Russia pounded Kyiv last week The Ukrainian attacks came just days after Russia pummelled Kyiv with waves of drones and missiles overnight into Friday, in what Ukrainian officials called the largest such strike since Moscows all-out invasion. The seven-hour onslaught killed at least two civilians, wounded dozens more and caused widespread damage, Ukraine said, while Moscow ramped up its push to capture more of its neighbors land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, Russia launched 550 drones and missiles across Ukraine that night, according to the countrys air force. The barrages have coincided with a concerted Russian effort to break through parts of the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line, where Ukrainian troops are under severe pressure. Large-scale Russian drone strikes on Sunday injured three civilians in Kyiv and at least two in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city in the northeast, officials said. A Russian attack involving Shahed drones also targeted port infrastructure in Mykolaiv in central Ukraine, according to local Gov. Vitaliy Kim. He reported warehouses and the ports power grid were damaged but there were no casualties. Hours later, Russia launched a glide bomb and a drone at the front-line town of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine, killing four civilians and injuring a fifth, the prosecutors office said. The drone struck a car in which a married couple were travelling, killing the 39-year-old woman and 40-year-old man on the spot, it said. Ukraine seeks to ramp up drone production Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Ukraine had inked deals with European allies and a leading U.S. defense company to step up drone production, ensuring Kyiv receives hundreds of thousands more this year. Zelenskyy did not name the U.S. business in his nightly video address to Ukrainians, but said Ukraine and Denmark have also agreed to co-produce drones and other weapons on Danish soil. His remarks came days after the U.S. paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defense missiles. Ukraines main European backers are considering how they can help pick up the slack. Zelenskyy said plans are afoot to build up Ukraines domestic arms industry, but scaling up will take time. Ukraine has previously used homemade drones to hit high-value military targets deep inside Russia, demonstrating its capabilities and denting Moscows confidence. Last month, Kyiv said it destroyed more than 40 Russian planes stationed at several airfields deep inside Russia in a surprise attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outmanned and outgunned, Ukraines army has also turned to drones to compensate for its troop shortage and shore up its defenses. While Russia has ramped up offensives this summer on two fronts in Ukraine, analysts say the front isnt about to collapse. On Friday, Zelenskyy said he had a very important and productive phone call that day with U.S. President Donald Trump, discussing possible joint drone production alongside U.S-led efforts to end the war. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump described the call as good. Hes been hit very hard, as I said he would. Hes been hit very hard, he said. ___ Michelle L. Price contributed to this report from Washington, DC. Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Editor's note: The story was updated with the latest reports from Mykolaiv and Sumy. Russian attacks against Ukraine have killed at least six civilians and injured at least 25 others over the past day, regional authorities reported on July 6. Russian forces launched four S-300 anti-aircraft missiles from Russia's Kursk Oblast and 157 Shahed drones from Russia's Shatalovo, Millerovo, and Primorsk-Akhtarsk airfields, as well as from Russian-occupied Crimea, against Ukraine overnight, according to Ukraine's Air Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's air defense shot down 98 drones, while another 19 disappeared from radar without causing any damage, according to the statement. Drones that disappear from radar before reaching their targets are often decoys that Russia launches alongside real drones to overwhelm Ukraine's air defense. In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian forces attacked 13 settlements, killing two people and injuring 11 others, Governor Oleg Syniehubov reported. An 8-year-old boy was killed, while a 3-year-old boy, a 40-year-old man, and a 36-year-old woman suffered injuries in the village of Odnorobivka. In the town of Kupiansk, a 59-year-old man was killed, while a 56-year-old man, a 57-year-old woman, and two women aged 65 were injured due to the Russian strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Kharkiv, the regional capital, a 46-year-old woman and a 2-year-old girl suffered injuries. The casualties were also reported in the villages of Prykolotne and Shyroke, where a 66-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman were injured. In Donetsk Oblast, Russian forces killed a person in the town of Myrnohrad, and another person was killed in the village of Andriivka, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin. In Andriivka, two people suffered injuries. Two more people were injured in the town of Siversk, and another one in the city of Pokrovsk. In Kherson Oblast, Russia targeted 32 settlements, including the regional center of Kherson, over the past day. As a result of the attacks, two people were killed and three others were injured, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Mykolaiv Oblast, Russian drones attacked the port infrastructure in the regional center of Mykolaiv, damaging the power grid and warehouses. A 31-year-old woman was injured and hospitalized, while a 35-year-old man, who also suffered injuries in the attack, was treated at the scene, according to Governor Vitalii Kim. In Sumy Oblast, a Russian FPV drone attacked the Khotyn community, hitting a car and injuring a 49-year-old man, the local military administration reported. He was hospitalized. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a 39-year-old woman was injured in the attack against the Nikopol district. Russia targeted the area with FPV (first-person-view) drones and artillery, according to Governor Serhii Lysak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russian strikes injured an 89-year-old woman in the village of Yurkivka, the local military administration reported. In Kyiv Oblast, Russia attacked the Vyshhorod district, injuring a 35-year-old man. He suffered shrapnel wounds, the local military administration reported. In Poltava Oblast, Russian drones struck the city of Kremenchuk, hitting an enlistment office and a neighboring house. The attack caused a fire, but no casualties were reported, according to the local military administration. Ukraine's Emergency Service also reported that Russia had carried out double-tap attacks in the cities of Kharkiv and Kherson when rescuers arrived at the impact sites. As a result of the attacks, tanker trucks were damaged, but no rescuers were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraines army chief warns of new Russian offensives in northeast as he visits Kharkiv Oblast front Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian drones struck Kharkiv on the night of 5-6 July, causing fires at the sites of the attacks and injuring a mother and a child. Source: Mayor of Kharkiv Ihor Terekhov; Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration Oleh Syniehubov Details: Terekhov reported an explosion in the city at 01:07. Quote from Terekhov: "Preliminary reports indicate that these are Shaheds. We are finding out the details. A few more enemy drones are on their way to the city". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: At 01:12 Terekhov reported a second explosion in Kharkiv. Updated: At 01:14, a third explosion in the city was reported. Syniehubov reported hits in two districts of Kharkiv. Quote from Syniehubov at 02:13: "Preliminary information indicates that drone hits have been recorded in the Shevchenkivskyi and Kyivskyi districts of Kharkiv. Fires have broken out at the sites of the hits." Details: At 02:22, Syniehubov reported that another Russians strike had been recorded in the Novobavarskyi district of the city. Later, Syniehubov reported that a 46-year-old woman had been injured as a result of the attack on the Novobavarskyi district of Kharkiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subsequently, the head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration reported that there were two victims as a result of the attack on Kharkiv. Quote from Syniehubov at 03:28: "The number of victims in the large-scale UAV attack on Kharkiv has increased to two people. A little girl aged 2 years and 8 months has suffered an acute stress reaction as a result of the attack on the Shevchenkivskyi district. She is also being provided with the necessary medical treatment." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar arrived in Kochi on Sunday for a two-day visit to Kerala. He was warmly received at the Cochin International Airport by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and State Industries Minister P Rajeev. The Vice President is accompanied by his wife, Sudesh Dhankhar, on this official tour. On Friday, the Vice President's Secretariat stated that during his visit, Vice President Dhankhar will offer prayers at the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur. VP Dhankhar will interact with students and faculty at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi. Earlier last week, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed a public gathering at 'Sneh Milan Samaroh' in Jaipur and highlighted that national interest should be above party politics. At the 'Sneh Milan Samaroh,' the Vice President said, "When we travel abroad, there is no ruling or opposition party; we only represent Bharat, and this has now been demonstrated. This step shows that for us, the nation is supreme. National interest is our duty, Bharatiyata is our pride." "Whenever India is the topic, we do not stand divided. Political differences exist within the country, but there are no personal animosities. This is a powerful message that everyone must understand," he said. Expressing concern over the current political climate, VP Dhankhar said, "The current political atmosphere and temperature are not healthy, neither for individuals nor for democracy. It is a matter of concern and reflection." He emphasised, "Power keeps changing hands; the ruling party becomes opposition, the opposition becomes ruling party. But that does not mean we should become enemies. Our enemies may lie across the border, not within the country." Highlighting that national interest should be above party politics, the Vice-President said, "Whenever India is the topic, we do not stand divided. Political differences exist within the country, but there are no personal animosities. This is a powerful message that everyone must understand." (ANI) The Russian forces launched a drone strike on the city of Kremenchuk, Poltava Oblast, at around 09:35 on 6 July, and hit the building of the Kremenchuk district military enlistment office. Source: Ukraines Ground Forces; Poltava Oblast Military Administration on Telegram Details: In addition to the military enlistment office, a hit was recorded in a residential building nearby. Initial reports indicate no wounded or killed among the servicemen and employees of the military enlistment office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before that, Poltava Oblast Military Administration reported that as a result of a Russian attack on the Kremenchuk district, "a fire broke out on the territory of a residential property". Background: On the morning of 3 July, Russian forces attacked the city of Poltava with drones, causing a fire on the premises of a military enlistment office and killing two people and injuring 11. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A Russian drone struck a district military enlistment office in the city of Kremenchuk in Poltava Oblast on the morning of 6 July, injuring a woman. Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Telegram Details: The strike reportedly caused a fire covering an area of 700 sq m to break out in a two-storey building. One person was injured. Fourteen residential buildings and five cars were damaged. Ukrainian firefighters using an aerial ladder platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: State Emergency Service Twenty-two appliances and 87 emergency workers were involved in dealing with the aftermath of the bombardment. Background: Russian forces launched a drone strike on Kremenchuk at around 09:35 on 6 July, hitting the Kremenchuk district military enlistment office. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian military forces have gained control of two more villages in Ukraine in areas where they have been making advances, one in the eastern Donetsk region and the other in the Kharkiv region in the northeast, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. A ministry statement issued on Sunday said Russian troops had seized Piddubne in the Donetsk region, where Moscow's forces have long been advancing slowly westward. The statement said Russian forces also captured Sobolivka, near the town of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, another area that for months has been under Russian attack. A subsequent Russian ministry statement said the "east" group of the Russian forces penetrated defences around Piddubne. The village is located southwest of Pokrovsk, one of the focal points of Russian military action in the drive to secure control over all of the Donetsk region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's General Staff in its own statement made no mention of either village changing hands. But it reported Russian attacks in other villages near Kupiansk, which according to local officials has been all but destroyed after being occupied by Russian forces in the first weeks after the February 2022 invasion and later recaptured by Ukrainian forces. Sobolivka is located west of the town and the Russia statement, if accurate, would indicate some Russian gains in the area. Reuters could not independently verify battlefield reports from either side. Separately, Interfax news agency said Russian forces hit a Ukrainian air base, a facility for the production of components for long-range drones and ammunition warehouses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in the northeastern region of Sumy, where Russian forces have carved out a foothold in recent weeks, Russian shelling killed two residents in the village of Bytytsya, just inside the border, the regional governor said. Russia controls nearly 19% of what is internationally recognised to be Ukraine, including the Luhansk region in the east, more than 70% of the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, and fragments of the Kharkiv and Sumy regions. Russia has said Ukraine must abandon four regions - Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson - as part of any prospective peace settlement. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Alison Williams, Will Dunham and Ron Popeski) At least four people have been killed in Russian glide bomb and drone attacks in the eastern Ukrainian Donetsk region, authorities said on Sunday. In the industrial city of Kostiantynivka, two civilians died when a bomb was dropped on a construction site, the Donetsk regional prosecutor's office said. Ten minutes later, a drone hit a car in which a married couple was sitting. The authorities published photos on Telegram showing the 39-year-old woman and her 40-year-old husband who were killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some 15 residential buildings and power lines were damaged in the attacks, authorities said. Ukrainian air defences had already recorded more than 160 drone and missile attacks in the country on Sunday morning, with police saying an 8-year-old boy died when a drone hit a car in the north-eastern region of Kharkiv. A 4-year-old boy and a 40-year-old man were also injured in the attack. Five civilians were killed in Donetsk and Kherson oblasts on 5 July in Russian attacks. Source: Donetsk Oblast Military Administration; Kherson Oblast Military Administration Details: On 5 July, Russian forces killed three civilians in Donetsk Oblast in the settlements of Andriivka, Novohryhorivka and Myrnohrad. Seven people were injured in the oblast over the past 24 hours two in Andriivka, two in Novohryhorivka, two in Pokrovsk and one in Rivne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, two people were killed and three injured in Kherson Oblast as a result of Russian attacks. The authorities reported that Russian troops had targeted critical and social infrastructure and residential areas in several settlements of the oblast. Five apartment buildings and six houses were damaged. The Russians also hit a petrol station, a garage and cars. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! (Reuters) -Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met on Sunday with his Iranian counterpart at the BRICS summit, and restated Moscow's offer to help resolve disputes around Tehran's nuclear programme, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. A ministry statement said Lavrov, in his talks in Rio de Janeiro with Abbas Araqchi, issued a new denunciation of Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran last month, "including the bombing of nuclear energy infrastructure under safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency." Lavrov, the statement said, stressed that all issues surrounding Iran's nuclear programme had to be resolved through diplomacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Moscow expressed its readiness to offer its assistance in finding mutually acceptable solutions, including the corresponding initiatives put forward earlier by the Russian president," it said. Araqchi held talks in Moscow in the middle of the 12 days of conflict last month. Iran denies it has any intention of developing nuclear weapons. Russia, which has a strategic partnership with Iran, though without a mutual defence provision, says Tehran has the right to a peaceful nuclear energy programme. Russia has said it is ready to act as a mediator in the crisis pitting Iran against Israel and the United States and has offered to store Iranian uranium. (Reporting by Reuters; editing by Diane Craft) Europe must dramatically ramp up its defenses against a resurgent Russia, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in an interview with the New York Times published on July 5, crediting U.S. President Donald Trump for driving the alliance to unprecedented levels of commitment. Rutte, who assumed his role late last year after 14 years as Prime Minister of the Netherlands, has been navigating NATO through a period marked by Russia's expansionist ambitions and questions about the reliability of the United States as an ally. "Russia is reconstituting itself at a pace and a speed which is unparalleled in recent history," he told the outlet, adding that "...they are now producing three times as much ammunition in three months as the whole of NATO is doing in a year. This is unsustainable, but the Russians are working together with the North Koreans, with the Chinese and Iranians, the mullahs, in fighting this unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasized the interconnectedness of security across different regions, noting that a secure Arctic is vital due to increased Chinese and Russian activity, and a secure Atlantic is "crucial" for the U.S. "If the Arctic, if the Atlantic Ocean, if Europe is not secure, the U.S. has a big problem," Rutte said, arguing that Russia is ultimately aiming to attack the U.S. The Secretary General strongly dismissed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's comments that NATO's new defense spending targets would "bankrupt" members. "I know Sergey Lavrov very well. He has been foreign minister of Russia since the birth of Jesus Christ, and Ive never taken him seriously. When you talk about fake news, listen to Sergey Lavrov," Rutte told the NYT. He believes Lavrov's comments are "clearly evidence that the deterrence is working." Rutte acknowledged concerns about the defense industrial output across the alliance, adding that, "we simply lack the defense industrial base to produce the weapons we need to make sure that we can deter the Russians or the North Koreans or whoever to attack us." He underscored the importance of not just financial investment, but also having sufficient personnel and industrial capacity to effectively utilize weaponry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the subject of Ukraine, Rutte confirmed that European allies have significantly increased their financial commitment. "The Europeans have now cobbled together $35 billion in military aid this year to deliver to Ukraine, which is more than last year," he said. He viewed this as a logical and fair shift, with the U.S. expecting Europeans to "take more of the burden when it comes to the concrete support to Ukraine." While acknowledging the complex discussions surrounding peace talks, Rutte recognized President Donald Trump's role in initiating dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "He is the one who broke the deadlock with Putin. When he became president in January, he started these discussions with Putin, and he was the only one who was able to do this. This had to happen. A direct dialogue between the American president and the president of the Russian Federation." However, Rutte admitted that subsequent peace talks in Istanbul involved Russia sending a less serious delegation, leading to the conclusion that "we are not there yet, and that means that in the meantime you have to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to stay in the fight." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite some perceived divergences in approach between NATO and the U.S. regarding peace talks, Rutte insisted on the American administration's commitment to the conflict's importance. "The American administration completely takes the view and shares it with the Europeans that this war in Ukraine is crucial for the defense of NATO territory going forward and that we have to make sure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position to stop the Russians from taking more territory, and that when it comes to a cease-fire or, even better, a peace deal, that Ukraine with some help will be able to prevent Putin from ever attacking Ukraine again in the future." Read also: Trump says Putin wants to keep killing people, signals US may send Patriots to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (FOX40.COM) A family in Sacramento is searching for answers after it said their loved one, who is blind, went missing nearly a week ago. Lovett Moore, 33, was last seen in the 3200 block of Arena Boulevard wearing a green shirt and black shorts with a white stripe, according to the Sacramento Police Department. Moore is described as being 5 feet 6 inches tall, 140 pounds, with black hair. Moore, also known as LJ, is considered at-risk because he is legally blind. Northern California residents to be wildly surprised by massive illegal fireworks fines in the mail Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to his family, surveillance footage shows Moore with three individuals who walked him out of a store and toward a vehicle on June 28. He has not been seen since. On Saturday, the non-profit organization, Empact, and Moores family hosted a press conference to advocate for urgent search efforts. Investigation underway after fatal stabbing in Sacramento LJs disappearance is highly uncharacteristic. He is legally blind, disabled, has no resources, and has never been away from home this long, Empact founder Leia Schenk said in a statement. His family is deeply concerned for his safety and believes he may be in imminent danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, This is a blatant failure to act with urgency. We see time and time again that missing persons with disabilities, particularly Black men and women, do not receive the same priority and visibility. LJ is blind, vulnerable, and at risk. The system must respond accordingly. Schenk and Moores family said the three people he was last seen with have not been contacted or interviewed by police. Although the family said Moore went missing on June 28, SPD posted a missing person alert on their social media that said he was last seen on July 3. Anyone with information on his whereabouts can call the Sacramento Police Department at 916-808-5471. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. On June 14, I stood among a crowd of thousands gathered on Capitol Mall in protest of President Donald Trump. In the throng of fired up demonstrators, orange baby Trump figurines and billowing American flags, there was a synergy in the crowd I hadnt felt in the November elections. There was hope. On that day of Sacramentos No Kings protest, one speech stood out. It was that of Bee Davis, a local cybersecurity expert and data scientist trained at Brown University. What she said that day continues to ring true as the nation grows even more deeply divided. If anybodys got claim to Americas soul, its the ones who kept loving her when she didnt love us back, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis, 51, is a Black transgender woman. She is a first generation American with roots from Trinidad and Tobago. I wanted to hear more. So I spoke to Ellen Chapman, one of the No Kings protest organizers with the group Indivisible Sacramento, about why she asked Davis to speak at the protests. She was able to speak to the ways that Trumps overreach affects both the trans community and science, Chapman said over text message. In conversation with Bee Davis Davis recently sat down for a Zoom interview, flanked by framed photos of astronaut and first Black woman in space, Mae C. Jemison on her left, and Beyonce on her right. Davis moved to Sacramento when she was in the third grade. Born in East New York, shes the first member of her Trinidad Tobago family to be born in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis has been working as an activist for 16 years. She said she grew up watching her community under attack by police she remembers being in college when Rodney King was beaten by the LA Police in 1991. Weve been watching stuff like that happen, like, our whole entire lives, like people get abused by police, killed by police, like, thats just it feels like a normal part of life in our community, Davis said Her career as a data scientist and cybersecurity expert often coalesces with her political activism. She was able to use her skills to fix the logic of airport body scanners, which can lead to very invasive searches for trans individuals. Theyre touching your genitals, like, full on touching them with their hands. And if you felt dysphoric before about parts of your body, then that (kind of) search will just kind of bring you to tears, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scanners use algorithms that are gender specific to determine what is anomaly free, meaning they selected male or female. That often leads to invasive searches for trans people because their bodies dont fit within those rigid parameters. Since Im a software engineer, I fixed the logic in the airport scanners, Davis said. Long story, but basically I submitted a fix directly to the company that creates the scanners. An intersectional fight In her political activism, Davis confronts a different kind of machine, the political variety that is now attacking civil rights. The machine is built in a certain way, and if you get into the guts of the machine, then you can understand how its being used and weaponized against us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her speech at the No Kings seized on an eerily contemporary passage from the Declaration of Independence, grievances about King George III that could have been directed at todays occupant of the White House: He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures....He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people. Her work, both in her professional career and in activism, is far from over. At this point, theres so much of our blood that soaked in this land that I think I have an obligation to my ancestors, the Harriet Tubmans, sister Sojourner Truths, the Booker T. Washingtons, the Frederick Douglasses, she said. The people who try to build, make this country what it is. (To) make sure that it lives up to its promise. In a moment where our government is increasingly telling us how to lead our lives, activists like Davis remind us that the system is meant to accommodate who we are, not the other way around. Safenet Services, the local domestic violence nonprofit displaced by flooding last month, began moving into its temporary new home Tuesday. Executive Director Jody Moore got the keys Tuesday to 417 W. First St., formerly the Higgins law office, and showed her leadership team around Wednesday morning. Rogers County owns the building and expects to move the planning commission there as part of its courthouse remodel project. The commissioners leased the Higgins building to Safenet at their June 16 meeting for $1,000 a month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore said Safenet expects to spend about six months in the temporary building. She said the nonprofit hopes to have its First Street outpost in operation next week. "We'll offer all the things that we offered at our admin offices," Moore said. "We'll offer counseling services, groups, supervised visitation and our batterers' intervention program, case management ... the hope is that we can find some alternative placement for our shelter guests." Meanwhile, the agency is working through contractors and insurance to restore its Dupont Street offices. On June 6, sewage backed up and flooded about 90% of the building. Safenet staff and shelter guests had to evacuate. Moore said the shelter guests are all safe under the care of partner agencies. She said the goal is to find a place in Claremore to temporarily house some of Safenet's short-term, highest-risk cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "How I explained it to my shelter staff is we have to be out of a crisis before we can start taking on the major crisis of finding housing for somebody," Moore said. Safenet maintains another office in Pryor at 118 N. Adair St., Moore said. People who want to reach Safenet in-person can visit with the organization's court advocates and other staff at its office on the second floor of the Rogers County Courthouse, 200 S. Lynn Riggs Blvd. People can also dial the crisis line at 918-341-9400 or reach Safenet's web chat system at www.safenetservices.org/livechat/. Moore said Safenet expects to spend six figures or more moving into the Higgins office, working with insurance, fixing the Dupont Street offices and paying the rent on the new place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The damages are super-extensive," Moore said. "It could be a million dollars, you know, but we don't know that. ... Right now, we don't have a solid answer to what it's going to cost, or who's paying for it." The nonprofit also continues to reckon with receiving less federal funding than in years past. Last year, Moore said, the agency lost about 40% of the money it receives from the federal Victims of Crime Act, which taps court costs paid by people and companies convicted of federal crimes. Safenet's fear of losing that money spurred Moore and five others tied to the agency to raise funds last August by summiting Colorado's Mt. Elbert. At just above 14,400 feet as approximated by a sticker on Moore's water bottle it is the tallest of the 50 or so fourteeners in the Centennial State. She said that last year, the hikers raised about $24,000. People could sponsor individual hikers and may do so again this year at givebutter.com/2025SafenetSummit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "100% of people's donations go straight back to Safenet because everybody who is going, they're responsible for their own transportation, their own lodging, their own food, things like that," Moore said. "All of the donations go directly back to us." Moore said she will leave Rogers County Aug. 1 for Leadville, the base camp town. She said the elevation and resulting lack of oxygen punished her last year, and she wants to prepare better this year by spending a few days above 10,000 feet in the country's highest incorporated city. The hikers will begin their 4,500-foot climb Aug. 6. That same day, Safenet staff will gather at 8 a.m. at the Claremore Mountain Bike Trail, 15012 E. 470 Road, to symbolically trek alongside them. "If they can't do the climb, they still have an opportunity to come and support us and cheer us on," Moore said. Highlighting Dr. Mookerjee's legacy, Chief Minister Saha said that his supreme sacrifice for safeguarding India's unity continues to inspire every nationalist citizen of the country. "Dr. Mookerjee, who never compromised with injustice, had resigned from the Union Cabinet in protest against the Nehru-Liaquat Pact, standing firmly by his principles." Calling him the "Lion of India" (Bharat Kesari), CM Saha recalled Dr. Mookerjee's unwavering commitment to national integrity and his pivotal role in shaping India's political landscape. The commemoration event witnessed the participation of party leaders, workers, and citizens, who paid homage to Dr Mookerjee and reiterated their commitment to his vision of a strong, united India. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, he was a multifaceted personality, a patriot, an educationist, a parliamentarian, a statesman, and a humanitarian. He inherited a legacy of erudition and nationalism from his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, an esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and Judge of the Calcutta High Court. In 1940, he became the acting President of the Hindu Mahasabha and declared complete independence for India as its political goal. (ANI) AKWESASNE The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has sworn into office newly-elected officials at the 2025 Tribal Inauguration Ceremony. The community, visiting dignitaries and partnering organizations gathered at the Travis Solomon Lacrosse Box to celebrate the inauguration of Tribal Chief Ross Garrow, Sub-Chief Derrick King, Traffic Court Judge Peter J. Terrance and Chief Judge Kristie Walsdorf. The inauguration ceremony opened with the recitation of the Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen, by Kashonnahawe Paetyn Thompson-Fogt and Raegyn Fogt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Michael Conners and Chief Donald Thompson Jr. gave the customary special remarks, extending congratulatory messages to the incoming elected officials and commending each of them for the experience they bring to their elected positions. Our community has shown their faith and trust in all of you, Conners said. We know you will do your best to make Akwesasne better and we will all work together for our communitys best interest. Thompson thanked the staff for a successful event, and added a positive outlook for the days following inauguration. I am looking forward to working with everyone, Thompson said. We are going to keep our community the great community that it is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accepting his sworn duty first, Terrance pledged commitment to his new role with the Tribal Court. I will do the best than I can do, be fair, and honest, Terrance said. For those of you that know me, no free rides. Terrance spent time working in outpatient addiction recovery, as well as Tribal Healing to Wellness Court, guided by personal growth and commitment to supporting others on their journey to wellness. I do this for the people who are struggling with addiction and in recovery, Terrance said. As a person in long-term recovery, things happen, things change, and things get better. I hope to be an example for that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Entering her role as chief judge, Walsdorf brings decades of courtroom experience. She served as lead counsel in over 125 civil and criminal jury trials and is licensed to practice in New York, Texas and Florida, as well as multiple federal courts. Thank you for placing your trust and faith in me, Walsdorf said. I will strive to give your voices, within (the Courts) walls, life. She affirmed her dedication to lead the Tribal Court with fairness, integrity and compassion. To ensure that all who come before our court are heard, respected and treated with dignity as we build a stronger, fairer, and more just future for our people, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King dedicated over 28 years serving Akwesasne through his leadership in Tribal Administration and community organizations. Its been a great honor serving as your Tribal sub-chief for the past 3 years and I cant wait to continue helping our community progress and lead as a Tribal Nation, King said. Noting Akwesasnes resiliency through times of uncertainty and progress made in the completion of key infrastructure projects, there are no signs of slowing down, King said. I am eager to continue to drive positive change and leading our Tribal Nation forward, he added. The newest member of Tribal Council, Garrow brings 25 years of experience in public service including leadership roles within the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Gaming Commission and participation on both the National Tribal Gaming Commissioners and Regulators Board and the SRMT Police Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have many challenges ahead of us: housing shortages, the rising cost of college and trade schools, the need for a new Mohawk school, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring consistent funding for our first responders, Tribal he said. These are not small tasks but challenges Im ready to face head on. All former SRMT Chiefs were also acknowledged for their leadership and dedication to public service over the years. For more information, contact the Communications Department at communications@srmt-nsn.gov or 518-358 -2272. COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS Salt Lake City resident Jim Crane is a month away from celebrating his 100th birthday and his experiences fighting in the Korean War happened more than seven decades ago. But for Crane who is also a World War II veteran the sounds, images and memories of Korea and its people still frequently visit his thoughts. I flew over 100 missions in North Korea, Crane told the Deseret News on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Cranes deep emotions for the Korean Peninsula stretch beyond the horrors of air combat. I love the Korean people, he said, before adding, And our country needs to be closer to these people that weve served with. The audience claps for Korean War veterans, from left, Robert Young, of Cottonwood Heights, Arthur Arvanitas, of Salt Lake City, Glen Olsen of Cottonwood Heights, Jim Crane, of Salt Lake City, and John Jack Buckmiller, of Holladay, as they are presented with a banner of thanks from the Pumassi Little Ambassadors during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News A contingent of young adult ambassadors and civic leaders from Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, gathered at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday evening to formally thank Crane and several other Korean War veterans from Utah for actions that helped ensure the future of one of the worlds leading democracies and economies. You are not just veterans to me you are American heroes who saved my country and made my very existence possible, said South Korean ambassador Ina Kim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1950, you arrived to find a country of ruined cities, destroyed people, suffering, and hope that was nearly extinguished yet you stayed. You fought alongside Korean soldiers in harsh conditions, through bitter winters and scorching summers. You witnessed unimaginable horrors. You lost dear friends and carried wounds, both visible and invisible, that would last a lifetime. Cottonwood Heights city leaders and their Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, counterparts also signed documents Saturday officially recognizing the two communities separated, geographically, by some 6,000 miles as sister cities. This is such a meaningful moment and experience, said Cottonwood Heights City Councilman Matt Holton, whose mother is from South Korea. I am so grateful for everyone in this community. We have so many that are from South Korea or descendants of Korea, or have been adopted from South Korea. Matt Holton, of the Cottonwood Heights City Council, speaks during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Holton fought emotion while saluting the local Korean War veterans who gathered for Saturdays event. My mother was born during the Korean War. And if it wasnt for their sacrifices, we wouldnt be here. I wouldnt be here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After participating in the sister city signing ceremony, Yeonsu-gu Mayor Jae Ho Lee added his thanks for the veterans then highlighted his citys reputation as a hub for higher education and culture. Thank you so much to everyone here, said Jae Ho Lee. Im going to take this back to Yeonsu-gu, which is (home) to 430,000 people. Jae Ho Lee, mayor of Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, speaks during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and the city Lee governs, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Cottonwood Heights Mayor Mike Weichers said the new sister city relationship with their South Korean friends reflects his own communitys values and diversity. Establishing this sister city relationship is a testament to our commitment to enriching our understanding of different cultures and building lasting connections across the globe, said Weichers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yeonsu-gu offers a rich history of beautiful landscapes and a dedication to innovation that aligns perfectly with our values and aspirations. This partnership is not just about creating ties between two things it is about connecting our goals. City leaders Saturday also announced a cultural experience scholarship fund in partnership with Canyons School District that will provide opportunities for local youth to visit and experience South Korea. The $10,000 scholarship is being funded by America First Credit Union. Amber Shill, left, District 2 president of the Canyons School District Board of Education, and Alex Racine, branch manager of America First Credit Unions Draper branch, hold a check that will go toward a scholarship during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News The evening also marked a confluence of cultures now shared by the sister cities. The young Korean ambassadors sang and performed traditional Korean songs then enjoyed some distinctly American bluegrass music. Gov. Cox: Utah-Korea Friendship Day Utah Gov. Spencer Cox also proclaimed Saturday Utah-Korea Friendship Day recognizing the Beehive States bond with South Korea, calling it a deep and enduring bond forged through historical ties, cultural exchange and mutual respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coxs proclamation noted that the states connection to South Korea stretches back across a century, beginning with a 1925 visit from Ahn Chang Ho a critical figure in the founding of modern-day Korea and through the Korean War to Utahs long-standing sister-state relationship with Koreas Gyeonggi Province. The South Korean and American flags are displayed together during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Incheon is also home to the University of Utahs Asia Campus. All students at the University of Utah Asia Campus can work to earn a University of Utah degree, while being taught and mentored by qualified faculty appointed at the University of Utah in South Korea. The undergraduate students spend three years studying at the University of Utah Asia Campus in South Korea, and one year studying in the Salt Lake City campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And traveling from Utah to South Korea has recently become speedier. Last month, Delta Air Lines began offering first-ever nonstop flights from Salt Lake City International Airport to Seoul-Incheon International Airport in South Korea. Remembering the Miracle at Gapyeong The rich history linking South Korea with Utah and its military veterans is also slated to be commemorated in southern Utah on Sunday. Utah Rep. Celeste Maloy will join members of the Utah National Guard at the Korean War Memorial in Cedar City to honor the 213th Field Artillery Battalion a Utah National Guard artillery unit that will forever be linked with the Korean Wars Miracle at Gapyeong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maloy is also expected Sunday to honor the student ambassadors from the University of Utah who are working to preserve the battalions legacy. The event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Korean War Memorial at Cedar Citys Veterans Park, 200 N. 200 East. In 1951, some 4,000 Chinese and North Korean soldiers on the run from a U.S. infantry offensive stumbled across the 213th, which was made up of soldiers from St. George, Cedar City, Richfield, Beaver and Fillmore. Outnumbered 16 to 1, the Americans fought for their lives. One soldier manned a 50-caliber machine gun that he fired until the barrel melted. Others were thrust into hand-to-hand combat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, a short film was released about the battle comparing the miraculous story of the southern Utah National Guard unit to the Book of Mormon story of the 2,000 sons of Helaman, who fought an enemy to protect their families, their freedom and their faith without the loss of a single life, the Deseret News reported. Entitled The Miracle at Gapyeong, the film tells the remarkable true story of a surrounded, outmanned army unit that won a stunning victory in 1951 without the loss of a single soldier. For their bravery, the unit received the Presidential Unit Citation from U.S. President Harry Truman. These young men youre about to see were from my home area in southern Utah, just a bit older than I, President Jeffrey R. Holland, acting president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, says in the videos introduction. When I was 10 years old, they were shipping off to Korea. And I couldnt have imagined what they were about to face in that war-torn country. None of us could. But we are so grateful for what they did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 213th was comprised of young men generally between the ages of 18 and 22 who were chiefly Latter-day Saints. Before they left for Korea, they were invited to a meeting in the St. George Utah Temple, where temple president Harold Snow promised them that if they were faithful to God and kept the commandments, God would watch over and preserve them, according to the Deseret News report. Some members of the 213th Armored Field Artillery Battalion were wounded, but none were killed. The presidential citation issued seven months later praised the unit for its unshakable determination and gallantry. The extraordinary heroism displayed by the members of these units reflects great credit on themselves and upholds the highest traditions of the military service of the United States, the citation says. An organizer hands out thank-you bags during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Minye Lee, of Cedar Hills, helps Gary Allen, of Cottonwood Heights, properly mix his South Korean food during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News David Park, of Salt Lake City, performs American folk songs on a Stradivarius violin during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Food from South Korea awaits attendees during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Korean War veterans, from left, Arthur Arvanitas of Salt Lake City, Glen Olsen of Cottonwood Heights, and Jim Crane of Salt Lake City, greet one another as they are honored during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Jeongae Green, of South Jordan, points out different South Korean dishes to attendees as they eat during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Hanseong Kim, of Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, speaks during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News A child adjusts her grip on chopsticks during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Hyun Ju Park, council chair of the Incheon, Yeonsu-gu Council, speaks during a sister city welcome and celebration dinner for the bond between Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, South Korea, held at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall on Saturday, July 5, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) In one of San Angelos most historic floods, flood water came swiftly, the current so strong it moved structures off their foundations. Steven Escobedo and his son, who own a S & S Automotive, and take care of the surrounding property watched a structure used as an office washed away in the flood waters. My son called me and told me about 5:30 in the morning to look at the cameras inside the shop, said Steven. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steven raced to the shop. And that is when we saw the house floating off and we were just kind of shocked that is floated off, said Steven. Where to begin: San Angelo opens path for urgent relief to flood victims His son Steve, wanted to see the extent of the damage. It was powerful water, you cant beat it, said Steve. It only takes about a small stream to pull you, and I wasnt about to come through the water to come over here. Steve launched his drone for an overhead look, and saw businesses, the road and creek inundated with water. I noticed a bunch of water, water damage, he said. I just wanted to see how far it went, I noticed the house was in the middle of the street, he said. I just decided to record it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wasnt the only person to do so, videos and pictures of the former office went viral on social media. Search ends tragically: missing San Angelo woman found after historic flood San Angelo Police Department Public information Officer Sgt. John Bouligny, also acting San Angelo Fire Dept. PIO shared a stern message to those milling around the structure in the middle of Pulliam Street. We dont need people over here trying to take video or pictures, he said. Were in the middle of rescue operations. As Steve spoke to KLST News, he continued to wrap his mind around the power of the creek next to his shop, as he looked at the water, which reached the height of the bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you see the water now its still flowing, and that was 10 hours ago, he said. One block down, another structure which appeared to be a home, falling victim to the same creek, leaving only the roof and its contents in the rubble stopped by another bridge. Steven has lived in San Angelo all his life. Ive been here 63-years and Ive never seen nothing like this, he said. Steven and Steve, along with his family, friends and surrounding business owners all remain shocked at the amount of water the rain brought, the damage the floods caused. They are all cleaning up their shops, stores, everything so, said Steven. Where all trying to help each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The day after the Fourth of July is one of the busiest of the year for the San Diego Humane Society, as staff and volunteers work around the clock to care for a wave of stray pets that ran off during last nights fireworks celebrations. Its the day after Independence Day, and for some pet owners, the celebration turned into a frantic search. Morgan Heinrichs and her boyfriend drove from Riverside, hoping to find their missing dog at the San Diego Humane Society. Jason Dolphin, Heinrichs boyfriend, said illegal fireworks are to blame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apparently a neighbor three doors down had a lot of illegal fireworks and was setting them off for an hour and a half, he said. My dog managed to knock over everything in the yard and used it to scale the fence. He ran about three miles and was found on the side of the freeway. Dolphin also woke up to discover one of his eight dogs had gone missing. Hes only been adopted for eight to 12 weeks, and he loves to chase cars, he said. Thankfully, Dolphin and his dog Rudy were reunited, a moment filled with relief and emotion. But not every family has been as lucky. Since July 4, the San Diego Humane Society has taken in 70 stray pets, most of them dogs, and more are expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well probably look at about 300 to 350 pets coming in, in the coming days, said Nina Thompson with the San Diego Humane Society. Thompson said the shelter was already at 142% capacity going into the holiday weekend. She added that many of these runaway cases can be prevented. We highly encourage people to prepare for the Fourth of July. Talk to your vet, see if theres some sort of calming medicine you can give your animal so theyre not so terrorized. Make sure they are in a secure room, not just within a fenced yard but inside. Keep your pets inside during fireworks, she said. As for Dolphin, he said hell be taking different precautions next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wont let him be outside next time. Hell be indoors, he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. A Santa Fe man was arrested early Saturday morning and is being accused of sexually assaulted a relative. Santa Fe police went to the Camino Real apartment complex at 3481 Todos Santos St. around 2:50 a.m. in response to a call from the 16-year-old, who told police she had gone to the apartments to watch the Independence Day fireworks show with Johnny Madrid, 26, his spouse and his two children, according to a police report. The report alleges Madrid gave the girl alcohol and raped her after his children and spouse went to sleep. The girl was taken to the hospital for treatment and a sexual assault exam and told police he was still in the apartment. The report states Madrid finally came to the door with his spouse and a small child after a "long period of time" of police announcements with a public-address system and sirens. Madrid is being charged with second-degree criminal sexual penetration, tampering with evidence, bribery of a witness, contributing to a delinquency of a minor and resisting, evading and obstructing an officer. He was booked into Santa Fe County jail and is being held without bond, jail booking records indicate. A flyer for DaGullah American Revolution Experience by Gullah Traveling Theater. (Provided/Gullah Traveling Theater) When George Washington goes to heaven in the Gullah Traveling Theaters telling of the American Revolution, Saint Peter stops him at the pearly gates. The countrys first president and commander-in-chief of the Continental Army must first reckon with his ownership of slaves and their lives before he can pass, Saint Peter tells him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though thats obviously a fictional scenario, some historians say Washington did struggle internally with the juxtaposition of securing freedom for a new country while enslaving people. His will, signed six months before his death in 1799, ordered enslaved workers at Mount Vernon freed when his wife, Martha Washington, died, though fewer than half actually were. In the play, the Virginia planter does make it into heaven. Through Washington and other famous Revolutionary figures looking back at their lives, the nonprofit theater company tells the often-overlooked story of enslaved people in South Carolina during the Revolution, said director Anita Singleton Prather. How to see the show An excerpt of the show will play at 4 p.m. July 9 at Christ Lutheran Church in Hilton Head Island. Tickets are free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DaGullah American Revolution Experience will play at 2 p.m. July 19 at May River Theater in Bluffton. Advance tickets for adults are $45. Youth ages 7 to 17 are $15. Children age 0 to 6 are free. All tickets include a rice tasting. The show will be part of a mini festival taking pace from noon to 6 p.m. at the theater. They say behind every great man is a great woman, but I knew behind every great Revolutionary hero was probably some Black folks, Prather said. SC250, which is tasked with celebrating the 250th anniversary of the countrys founding, asked the Beaufort theater troupes director last year if she would be interested in putting on a show about the Gullah Geechee experience during the Revolutionary War. Prather jumped at the chance to tell the story, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of our history has not been included in your normal textbooks or archives, Prather said. Research was Prathers first step. She, like many people, knew much of the history that has been compiled of enslaved people during the Civil War, but the Revolution remained a dark spot in that history. That wasnt for lack of trying. Not nearly as much has been written about slaves during that era, she said. Prather knew that many people were enslaved in Barbados and brought to Charleston, so she visited the country in the Caribbean Sea in January. There, she got a better sense of the slave trade during that time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She read accounts of the people enslaved to well-known figures during the war in South Carolina, including Swamp Fox Francis Marion and Fighting Gamecock Thomas Sumter. Because the play is fictional, Prather used historical accounts as the bones of the stories and filled in the gaps with her own writing, she said. The play, called DaGullah American Revolution Experience, heavily features music, which was another challenge. Scott Gibbs, the companys music and art director, wanted to include traditional Gullah Geechee songs from the era, knowing some from the Civil War had survived the years, but he couldnt find much. So, he rearranged other spirituals to fit the scenes, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive learned that sometimes [music] lightens the telling of the story, Gibbs said. You still have to tell the story. You still have to tell the truth, but its how you tell the story and how you tell the truth. While the story grapples with an ugly part of history, the point is not to take away from the major contributions and sacrifices the heroes of the Revolutionary War made in founding the country. Principles of the Declaration of Independence they signed, such as liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness, were generally good, Prather said. The Founding Fathers should have recognized that those principles should have applied to all people in the country, including those who were enslaved, she said. To do that, the play humanizes the people denied the right to freedom for which the heroes of the Revolution fought, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a time when references to slavery at places such as national parks are being removed, Prather wanted audiences to grapple with the difficult parts of the past, she said. If you leave out the Gullah Geechee, then South Carolina history is not complete, Prather said. If you leave out South Carolina history, American history is not complete. Without American history, world history is not complete. We have to tell the stories, and history is not good or bad, Prather continued. Its just what happened. Those contradictions were what made Prather decide to frame the story through characters looking back on their lives at heavens gates as opposed to using a more traditional linear narrative, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A person like Washington, seen as a symbol of freedom during the Revolution, can face the people he enslaved as he never would have in life, she said. In this version of the afterlife, enslaved people confront the people who owned them. During one act of the play, the characters read fictionalized letters to their masters, saying everything Prather imagined they might have said if given the chance. For instance, Oscar Marion who was enslaved by the general whos the namesake of a South Carolina city, county, and public university is able to ask Francis Marion how he could enslave him despite them reportedly being friends as children and fighting side by side during the war. You dont think I deserve the same freedom I fought for you to have? Prather said Oscar Marion asks. You dont think I deserve the same thing? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The play, which showed an abridged preview in May, is only able to tell the story of a handful of enslaved people. Prather wants people to take away a broader curiosity of their role in the war. There are so many untold stories that need to be told, Prather said. We wont get to tell them all, but hopefully well give people enough of a taste that they will go and do some of their own research. This story first appeared in the South Carolina Daily Gazette, a member with the Phoenix in the nonprofit States Newsroom. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting the United States on Monday, a visit analysts expect will focus on celebrating Israel and the USs self-anointed victory against Iran and discussing a proposal for a ceasefire in Israels war on Gaza. This is the third time this year Netanyahu will be meeting US President Donald Trump, who claims the US and Israel obliterated Irans nuclear programme during a 12-day war and that he would resume bombing Iran if it restarts nuclear activities. Last week, Trump said Israel had agreed to conditions for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, which would allow all parties to work towards an end to Israels 21-month-long war on the besieged enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 4, Hamas gave a positive response to Qatari and Egyptian mediators about the latest ceasefire proposal. Is a ceasefire realistic? On Friday, after Hamass response to the proposal, Trump said there could be a deal next week and promised to be very firm with Netanyahu to ensure a ceasefire. Israel has since said that Hamas has requested changes to the proposal that it found unacceptable, but that Israeli negotiators would be going to Qatar on Sunday to discuss the proposal. According to a leaked copy of the deal obtained by Al Jazeera, the ceasefire entails a 60-day pause in hostilities and a phased release of some of the 58 Israeli captives held in Gaza since a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels war on Gaza has killed at least 57,000 people, mostly women and children, in what United Nations experts, legal scholars and human rights groups describe as a genocide against Palestinians. Many experts told Al Jazeera that they are not optimistic a temporary ceasefire will lead to a permanent end to the war. The way [the ceasefire talks] are being framed leaves me sceptical, said Omar Rahman, an expert on Israel-Palestine with the Middle East Council for Global Affairs. Rahman added that he believes Trump was focused on getting the Israeli captives released, but not on ending the war and the suffering of the people of Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump previously promised an end to the war after pushing for a ceasefire just days before he became president in January. However, two months later, Trump did nothing when Israel unilaterally resumed its attacks on Gaza, killing thousands more people. Mairav Zonszein, an expert on Israel-Palestine for the International Crisis Group, said that could happen again. Relatives of Palestinians killed in the Israeli attack on Khan Younis receive the bodies from Nasser Hospital for funerals, in Gaza City, July 4, 2025 [Abdallah F.s. Alattar/Anadolu Agency] It all rests on Trump and the US to sustain real pressure [on Netanyahu], but that is highly doubtful, she told Al Jazeera. Im optimistic there could be some kind of ceasefire, but longevity and the terms are highly questionable, Zonszein said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also possible we could see a ceasefire that does not last because Israel still every so often just bombs something without repercussions [in Gaza], she added. Yaser al-Banna, a Palestinian journalist in Gaza, said many in the Strip are divided over whether a ceasefire will end the war. While everyone prays it will, some people cannot imagine Netanyahu sticking to a deal. Netanyahu insists that the war will not end without a total victory over Hamas, a concept he has not defined. About half the people in Gaza are very pessimistic The other half believes this time could be different due to shared interests among Israel, the Palestinians, Arab states and the US to end this war, he said. Glory and pragmatism Many analysts believe that Trump is driven by his desire to strike grandiose deals in order to boast about his achievements in global affairs. On Monday, he is likely to take credit for ostensibly dismantling Irans nuclear programme even though that may not be true and express his desire to retrieve the rest of the Israeli captives in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also wants to get the Gaza issue out of the way to pursue more normalisation deals between Israel and neighbouring Arab states, said Khaled Elgindy, an expert on Israel-Palestine and a professor of Arab Studies at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Trump wants to be able to say that he got back the Israeli hostages and got a Palestinian state Then he can call himself master of the universe, but getting those things is much harder than he thinks, Elgindy told Al Jazeera. Its unclear whether Netanyahus political calculations align with Trumps ambitions. Israels next parliamentary elections have to take place before October 2026, and Netanyahu could go to the polls sooner, riding on a likely wave of popularity if he succeeds in returning the remaining captives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Trump, he would also tout what he terms a stunning victory against Iran to the Israeli public. Those considerations are important because it is likely that Netanyahus frail far-right coalition, held together by pressure to prolong the war on Gaza, would collapse if a permanent ceasefire is reached, said Hugh Lovatt, an expert on Israel-Palestine with the European Council on Foreign Relations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends his trial on corruption charges at the district court in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 12, 2025 [ Yair Sagi/ Reuters] At the end of [the possible] 60-day ceasefire, [Netanyahu] could go to elections by committing to a full end to the war and collapse his coalition; or he could go back to war to keep his [far-right] coalition together should he judge the time not right for elections, he told Al Jazeera. A possible, nearly unfathomable, outcome Staying in office is particularly important for Israels longest-serving prime minister, who faces several domestic legal charges of fraud and bribery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his much-anticipated meeting with Trump, experts expect them to discuss Netanyahus trial, which many believe plays a large role in dictating his political calculations. Netanyahus position as prime minister has enabled him to undermine the Israeli judicial system by appointing loyalists to high courts and delaying court hearings an influence he would lose if his coalition unravels. Trump is acutely aware of Netanyahus dilemma. On June 25, he called on Israel to drop the charges against Netanyahu, referring to the trial as a witch hunt.Trumps comments suggest that he is trying to pressure Netanyahus opponents to issue a pardon in exchange for ending the war on Gaza, said Georgetowns Elgindy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elgindy referenced Trumps recent social media post where he alluded to suspending military aid to Israel unless charges against Netanyahu were dropped. The United States of America spends Billions of Dollars a year, far more than any other Nation, protecting and supporting Israel. We are not going to stand for this, Trump wrote on June 28. That would be a major almost unfathomable decision to emerge out of the meeting between Trump and Netanyahu, said Elgindy. I dont see him following through, but this is a typical [threat] that Trump would make, he told Al Jazeera. His [modus operandi] is to blackmail and coerce. That is his version of diplomacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elgindy added that it was distressing that Trump would threaten to cut military aid to Israel to protect Netanyahu and not beleaguered, starving Palestinians in Gaza. The decision to pardon Netanyahu lies with Israels President Isaac Herzog, but such a move would be unprecedented, and the president has not indicated that he plans to do so. Analysts believe Herzog may be willing to pardon Netanyahu if he agrees to exit political life, but not simply to secure a ceasefire. Zonszein, from Crisis Group, adds that there are lawyers and justices in Israel who have warned for years that it is in the publics interest to reach a plea bargain with Netanyahu due to the power he holds over the country. Their only condition is for Netanyahu to agree to leave politics. I dont think that is something Netanyahu is considering. If he was willing to leave political life, then he could have already negotiated a plea bargain, she told Al Jazeera. Summer classes and programs are still underway in South Florida and the countys school zone cameras are still active, just waiting to mail you a ticket for disobeying the speed zone. But for how long? And where are the school zone cameras set up? Heres what you need to know as Miami-Dade and Broward counties have summer schools in session: When are schools open this summer in Miami-Dade county? Drivers should follow school zone signs during the summer from June 20 to July 25. There are 63 schools in the county that will be open during the summer. Which schools have speed zone cameras? There are speed zone cameras at 11 schools in Miami-Dade County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goulds Elementary School - 23555 SW 112th Avenue, Miami, FL 33032 Hammocks Middle School - 9889 Hammocks Boulevard, Miami, FL 33196 Madie Ives K-8 Center - 20770 NE 14th Avenue, Miami, FL 33179 Redland Middle School - 16001 SW 248 Street, Miami, FL 33031 Devon Aire K-8 Center - 10501 SW 122 Avenue, Miami, FL 33186 Highland Oaks Middle School - 2375 NE 203rd Street, Miami, FL 33180 W.F. Stirrup Elementary School - 330 NW 97th Avenue, Miami, FL 33172 Ruben Dario Middle School - 350 NW 97th Avenue, Miami, FL 33172 American Senior High School - 18350 NW 67 Avenue, Miami, FL 33015 Charles R Drew K-8 Center - 1775 NW 60th Street, Miami, FL 33142 Robert Russa Moton Elementary School - 18050 Homestead Avenue, Miami, FL 33157 What is the penalty if you are caught by a speed zone camera? Drivers who caught going 10 mph or more over the speed limit will receive a $100 ticket if they get caught by a speed zone camera. What hours are school speed zones enforced? The hours that school speed zones are active differ per grade. Elementary/ K-8 schools are in session from 8:30 a.m to 1:50 p.m. Middle schools will be running from 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. High schools will be running from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Speed zones are active 30 minutes before classes begin and 30 minutes after classes are done for the day. Do school speed zones apply to all schools that are open for the summer? No, only schools offering summer classes will have enforceable speed zones. Those with summer camps or sporting events will not have school zone enforcement. What about Broward? The active school zones should be followed during the summer from June 23 to July 17. There are 36 schools and zones that would be active for summer programs, and school zone speed limits are in effect when students are present. Summer programs take place between 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The school zones are active 30 minutes before schools start and 30 minutes after ending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Significant errors: Sheriff suspends Miami school districts bus camera program Miami-Dade schools to audit bus camera program after investigation reveals issues The law that helped Miami schools make millions off bus camera tickets may change Chinese scientists studying mitten crabs have found microplastics inside of them. What's happening? A 21-day analysis of the crustaceans discovered that low pH levels are "aggravating" toxicity of microplastics in a synergistic scenario that's causing stress, immune system suppression, and altered gut microbiota function, according to experts from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai, and other government programs. Microplastics are microscopic particles that slough off plastic waste as it breaks down over hundreds of years. They have been found in soil, the deep ocean, and even the human body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese experts linked worsening planet overheating, economic development, and urbanization to increased plastic waste and ocean acidification. The conditions along with seawater erosion, UV radiation, and microbes seem to be expediting plastic pollution degradation, resulting in the troubling, tiny particles. Decreasing ocean pH associated with rising carbon dioxide is a contributor to the problem, per the news release. What's more, the experts found that water acidification made the crab microplastic impact worse in what was described as "immune-metabolic crosstalk." "These dual stressors present unprecedented threats to aquatic ecosystems," study lead author Zhigang Yang said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crabs live in fresh water, but need salt water to reproduce, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The species has become invasive there, burrowing in dikes and stream banks, causing erosion. Why are the crab findings important? The creature is an embodiment of multiple planetary pollution problems. The Center for Biological Diversity reported that by 2050, ocean plastic waste will outweigh all fish in the sea if current pollution levels remain. Air pollution is harming our waters as well as the atmosphere. The ocean is storing 91% of the excess heat, which is impacting marine life in multiple ways, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Scientists are studying how microplastics impact people and animals. Research into how the pollution interacts with pig nervous and digestive systems, which are similar to humans', found that it could trigger inflammation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Studies regarding human health repercussions are ongoing. Harvard Medicine reported that experts fear microplastics could carry antibiotic-resistant pathogens into the body, among other problems. The Great Barrier Reef is turning white, or bleaching, as a sign of stress, for example. What's being done to help? The team encouraged more research, which can help provide greater insight into how microplastics are impacting our world. Nature could also provide a solution. Mealworm larvae in Kenya have shown an ability to eat certain types of plastic. A fish gill-inspired washing machine filter developed in Germany catches the pollution when it falls off clothes during cycles. And a greater effort to limit air pollution and plastic waste can help reduce the problem, too. Switching to an electric vehicle is one way to cut thousands of pounds of tailpipe exhaust annually while saving about $1,500 a year on gas and maintenance. Certain EVs are also eligible for steep tax breaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An easy, crustacean-friendly move is to ditch throwaway water bottles. You can save money with a better H2O carrier and avoid loads of plastic trash. 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. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reignited his feud with Elon Musk on Sunday during an interview with CNN, where the Cabinet secretary also quibbled with a host over whether the president had made the 90 deals in 90 days he had promised the American public. Bessents comments come as the administration is set to hit many U.S. trading partners this month with reciprocal tariffs following the end of a 90-day pause. During that period, the White House discussed the types of trade agreements Donald Trump and his team were set to negotiate with China, the U.K., Canada, and dozens of other countries, which the president has accused of engaging in unfair trade practices. The majority of those deals did not materialize, except for a handful of exceptions. Many issues continue to divide U.S. and Chinese officials, but some export controls instituted by Beijing were lifted after an agreement was inked in late June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Bessent echoed a familiar line from the administration: the insistence that the tariffs Trump was imposing in the absence of formal agreements with foreign governments constituted the deals promised by the White House. The president has a reputation, a self-described dealmaker, so why haven't we seen the kind of deals that he promised in the last 90 days? asked CNNs Dana Bash. Scott Bessent said he wouldn't 'give away the playbook' but gave no indication that Trump's tariff pause would be extended on Sunday (CNN) "Again, he didn't promise this, countered Bessent. In reality, it was Trumps trade adviser, Peter Navarro, who set this goal during a Fox Business interview. And when we send out the 100 letters to these countries, that will set their tariff rate. So we're going to have 100 done in the next few days, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bash responded: But that's not a deal. That's a threat. No, that's the level, said the Treasury secretary. That's the deal. President Trump's going to be sending letters to some of our trading partners saying that if you don't move things along, then on August 1st, you will boomerang back to your April 2nd tariff level. The White House initially announced a slate of Liberation Day tariffs in early April, setting individualized tariff rates for dozens of U.S. trading partners, including some as high as 50 percent. Markets immediately engaged in a sell-off, prompting panic and a reversal by the president. Trump announced his controversial Liberation Day in April (AFP/Getty) But the end of Trumps 90-day pause is fast approaching, with the official deadline on Wednesday, July 9. So far, administration officials have not indicated that another pause is likely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Administration officials are currently negotiating with the EU, which is among the U.S. trading partners still seeking to avert a massive tariff hike. Before the president was re-elected, the average tariff on goods from the EU imported to the U.S. was just 2 percent. Trump has threatened to mark up tariffs as high as 50 percent. Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Germanys Berenberg bank, said the most likely outcome of the trade talks is that the US will agree to deals in which it takes back its worst threats of retaliatory tariffs well beyond 10 percent. Bessents support of tariffs was one of several issues that led to his conflict with Elon Musk, the Tesla CEO and former DOGE overlord who joined the administration as a temporary appointee in January. The two argued frequently and even had one physical confrontation, according to news reports, and emerged as sharp personal rivals in addition to being political foes. On Sunday, the Treasury secretary made it clear that there was no love lost between the two men after Musk, who left the administration in May, publicly blew up at the president in a series of Twitter posts about a legislative package Trump had endorsed the big, beautiful bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk was, and still is, a furious critic of the bills deficit spending, which is projected to add trillions to the national debt over 10 years, and threatened last week to fund primary challenges against Republicans who voted for the legislation. His threats did not work, and it passed with only a few Republicans dissenting. The principles of DOGE were very popular. I think, if you looked at the polling, Elon was not, Bessent told CNN. He went on to speculate that Teslas board of directors would not react positively to the news that Musk was getting behind an effort to form a new political party, the America Party. Archie Mitchell contributed reporting. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on Sunday expressed reservations over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being carried out by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Bihar, saying that her party has moved to Supreme Court against the voter list revision. "We are against this (SIR) and filed a case in the Supreme Court," Moitra told ANI. She said that the situation would be such that citizens would have to prove their citizenship repeatedly due to these rules, asserting that the next target would be Bengal. "The main goal of the Election Commission's new amendment rules brought ahead of the Bihar assembly elections is the 2026 Bengal assembly elections... The citizens of India will have to prove their citizenship once again through the rules in this election," the TMC MP said. She also flagged the issue that the names of migrant workers would be deleted from the voter list if they failed to submit the correct documents within the prescribed time, which would lead to their disenfranchisement. "Aadhaar card is not acceptable. Not only the person's birth certificate but also the birth certificates of their mother and father will have to be submitted. Additionally, suppose migrant workers are unable to come and submit the correct documents to the voter list within two to three months. In that case, their names will be removed from the voter list, and they will not be given the opportunity for a final hearing. They will have to apply again and get their names included in the voter list," Moitra said. Meanwhile, RJD MP Manoj Jha has also moved the Supreme Court to challenge the Election Commission of India's exercise to revise the voter list across Bihar. The SIR in Bihar is being implemented smoothly at the ground level with the active cooperation of the electors, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said on Sunday. "The initial phase of SIR, during which Enumeration forms were to be printed and distributed, is almost complete, with the forms having been made available to all the electors who were available," read a statement from the poll panel. ECI also reiterated that SIR is being conducted as per the SIR instructions dated June 24, 2025, and there is no change in the instructions. As per instructions, draft electoral rolls that will be issued on 1 August 2025 will contain the names of persons whose enumeration forms have been received. (ANI) NEW YORK (AP) Sean Diddy Combs got a standing ovation from fellow inmates when the music mogul returned to jail after winning acquittals on potential life-in-prison charges, providing what his lawyer says might have been the best thing he could do for incarcerated Black men in America. They all said: We never get to see anyone who beats the government, attorney Marc Agnifilo told The Associated Press in a weekend interview days after a jury acquitted Combs of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges. Combs, 55, remains jailed at a federal lockup in Brooklyn after his conviction Wednesday on prostitution-related charges, which could put him in prison for several more years. Any sentence will include credit for time already served. So far that's almost 10 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After federal agents raided Combs homes in Los Angeles and the Miami area in March 2024, Agnifilo said he told the I'll Be Missing You singer to expect to be arrested on sex trafficking charges. I said: Maybe its your fate in life to be the guy who wins, he recalled during a telephone interview briefly interrupted by a jailhouse call from Combs. They need to see that someone can win. I think he took that to heart. Blunt trial strategy works The verdict in Manhattan federal court came after a veteran team of eight defense lawyers led by Agnifilo executed a trial strategy that resonated with jurors. Combs passed lawyers notes during effective cross-examinations of nearly three dozen witnesses over two months, including Combs' ex-employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawyers told jurors Combs was a jealous domestic abuser with a drug problem who participated in the swinger lifestyle through threesomes involving Combs, his girlfriends and another man. You may think to yourself, wow, he is a really bad boyfriend, Combs lawyer Teny Geragos told jurors in her May opening statement. But that, she said, is simply not sex trafficking. Agnifilo said the blunt talk was a no brainer." The violence was so clear and up front and we knew the government was going to try to confuse the jury into thinking it was part of a sex trafficking effort. So we had to tell the jury what it was so they wouldnt think it was something it wasn't, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs and his lawyers seemed deflated Tuesday when jurors said they were deadlocked on the racketeering count but had reached a verdict on sex trafficking and lesser prostitution-related charges. A judge ordered them back to deliberate Wednesday. No one knows what to think, Agnifilo said. Then he slept on it. Morning surprise awakes lawyer I wake up at three in the morning and I text Teny and say: We have to get a bail application together," he recalled. Its going to be a good verdict for us but I think he went down on the prostitution counts so lets try to get him out. He said he kind of whipped everybody into feeling better after concluding jurors would have convicted him of racketeering if they had convicted him of sex trafficking because trafficking was an alleged component of racketeering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agnifilo met with Combs before court and Combs entered the courtroom rejuvenated. Smiling, the onetime Catholic schoolboy prayed with family. In less than an hour, the jury matched Agnifilo's prediction. The seemingly chastened Combs mouthed thank you to jurors and smiled as family and supporters applauded. After he was escorted from the room, spectators cheered the defense team, a few chanting: Dream Team! Dream Team! Several lawyers, including Geragos, cried. This was a major victory for the defense and a major loss for the prosecution, said Mitchell Epner, a lawyer who worked with Agnifilo as a federal prosecutor in New Jersey over two decades ago. He credited a dream team of defense lawyers against prosecutors who almost always win. Agnifilo showcased what would become his trial strategy belittling the charges and mocking the investigation that led to them last September in arguing unsuccessfully for bail. The case against Combs was what happens when the federal government comes into our bedrooms, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers gently questioned most witnesses During an eight-week trial, Combs lawyers picked apart the prosecution case with mostly gentle but firm cross-examinations. Combs never testified and his lawyers called no witnesses. Sarah Krissoff, a federal prosecutor in Manhattan from 2008 to 2021, said Combs' defense team had a narrative from the beginning and they did all of it without putting on any witnesses. Thats masterful. Ironically, Agnifilo expanded the use of racketeering laws as a federal prosecutor on an organized crime task force in New Jersey two decades ago, using them often to indict street gangs in violence-torn cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I knew the weak points in the statute, he said. The statute is very mechanical. If you know how the car works, you know where the fail points are. He said prosecutors had dozens of fail points. They didnt have a conspiracy, they just didn't, he said. They basically had Combs' personal life and tried to build racketeering around personal assistants. Some personal assistants, even after viewing videos of Combs beating his longtime girlfriend, Casandra Cassie Ventura, had glowing things to say about Combs on cross examination. Once freed, Combs likely to reenter domestic abusers program Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Combs, Agnifilo sees a long road ahead once he is freed and resumes work on personal demons, likely reentering a program for domestic batterers that he had just started before his arrest. Hes doing OK, said Agnifilo, who speaks with him four or five times daily. He said Combs genuinely desires improvement and realizes he has flaws like everyone else that he never worked on. He burns hot in all matters. I think what he has come to see is that he has these flaws and theres no amount of fame and no amount of fortune that can erase them," he said. You cant cover them up." For Agnifilo, a final surprise awaited him after Combs' bail was rejected when a man collapsed into violent seizures at the elevators outside the courtroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm like: What the hell?' recalled the lawyer, who has experience in treating seizures. Agnifilo straddled him, pulling him onto his side and using a foot to prevent him from rolling backward while a law partner, Jacob Kaplan, put a backpack under the man's head and Agnifilo's daughter took his pulse. We made sure he didn't choke on vomit. It was crazy. I was worried about him, he said. The man was eventually taken away conscious by rescue workers, leaving Agnifilo to ponder a tumultuous day. It was like I was getting punked by God, he said. KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) Families sifted through waterlogged debris Sunday and stepped inside empty cabins at Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp ripped apart by flash floods that washed homes off their foundations and killed at least 82 people in central Texas. Rescuers maneuvering through challenging terrain, high waters and snakes including water moccasins continued their desperate search for the missing, including 10 girls and a counselor from the camp. For the first time since the storms began pounding Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott said there were 41 people confirmed to be unaccounted for across the state and more could be missing. In Kerr County, home to Camp Mystic and other youth camps in the Texas Hill Country, searchers have found the bodies of 68 people, including 28 children, Sheriff Larry Leitha said in the afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pledged to keep searching until everybody is found from Friday's flash floods. Ten other deaths were reported in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green and Williamson counties, according to local officials. The death toll is certain to rise over the next few days, said Col. Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety. The governor warned that additional rounds of heavy rains lasting into Tuesday could produce more life-threatening flooding, especially in places already saturated. As he spoke at a news conference in Austin, emergency alerts lit up mobile phones in Kerr County that warned of High confidence of river flooding" and a loudspeaker near Camp Mystic urged people to leave. Minutes later, however, authorities on the scene said there was no risk. Families were allowed to look around the camp beginning Sunday morning. One girl walked out of a building carrying a large bell. A man, who said his daughter was rescued from a cabin on the highest point in the camp, walked a riverbank, looking in clumps of trees and under big rocks. A woman and a teenage girl, both wearing rubber waders, briefly went inside one of the cabins, which stood next to a pile of soaked mattresses, a storage trunk and clothes. At one point, the pair doubled over, sobbing before they embraced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One family left with a blue footlocker. A teenage girl had tears running down her face looking out the open window, gazing at the wreckage as they slowly drove away. Searching the disaster zone While the families saw the devastation for the first time, nearby crews operating heavy equipment pulled tree trunks and tangled branches from the water as they searched the river. With each passing hour, the outlook of finding more survivors became even more bleak. Volunteers and some families of the missing who drove to the disaster zone searched the riverbanks despite being asked not to do so. Authorities faced growing questions about whether enough warnings were issued in an area long vulnerable to flooding and whether enough preparations were made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration Sunday for Kerr County, activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency to Texas. The president said he would likely visit Friday. I would have done it today, but wed just be in their way, he told reporters before boarding Air Force One back to Washington after spending the weekend at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Its a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible. The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet (8 meters) on the river in only 45 minutes before daybreak Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. The danger was not over as flash flood watches remained in effect and more rain fell in central Texas on Sunday. Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue people stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads. Officials said more than 850 people were rescued in the first 36 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prayers in Texas and from the Vatican Gov. Greg Abbott vowed that authorities will work around the clock and said new areas were being searched as the water receded. He declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state. "I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines, he said in a statement. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered special prayers for those touched by the disaster. Historys first American pope spoke in English at the end of his Sunday noon blessing, I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were in summer camp, in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States. We pray for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hills along the Guadalupe River are dotted with century-old youth camps and campgrounds where generations of families have come to swim and enjoy the outdoors. The area is especially popular around the Independence Day holiday, making it more difficult to know how many are missing. Harrowing escapes from floodwaters Survivors shared terrifying stories of being swept away and clinging to trees as rampaging floodwaters carried trees and cars past them. Others fled to attics inside their homes, praying the water wouldnt reach them. At Camp Mystic, a cabin full of girls held onto a rope strung by rescuers as they walked across a bridge with water whipping around their legs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those confirmed dead were an 8-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was at Camp Mystic, and the director of another camp up the road. Two school-age sisters from Dallas were missing after their cabin was swept away. Their parents were staying in a different cabin and were safe, but the girls grandparents were unaccounted for. Locals know the Hill Country as flash flood alley but the flooding in the middle of the night caught many campers and residents by surprise even though there were warnings. Warnings came before the disaster The National Weather Service on Thursday advised of potential flooding and then sent out a series of flash flood warnings in the early hours of Friday before issuing flash flood emergencies a rare alert notifying of imminent danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the Mo-Ranch Camp in the community of Hunt, officials had been monitoring the weather and opted to move several hundred campers and attendees at a church youth conference to higher ground. At nearby Camps Rio Vista and Sierra Vista, organizers also had mentioned on social media that they were watching the weather the day before ending their second summer session Thursday. Authorities and elected officials have said they did not expect such an intense downpour, the equivalent of months worth of rain for the area. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said authorities are committed to a full review of the emergency response, including how the public was alerted to the storm threat. Trump, asked whether he was still planning to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said that was something we can talk about later, but right now we are busy working. He has previously said he wants to overhaul if not completely eliminate FEMA and has been sharply critical of its performance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also was asked whether he planned to rehire any of the federal meteorologists who were fired this year as part of widespread government spending reductions. I would think not. This was a thing that happened in seconds. Nobody expected it. Nobody saw it. Very talented people there, and they didnt see it, the president said. ___ Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio. Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Christopher Weber in Los Angeles; Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee; Cedar Attanasio in New York; Sophia Tareen in Chicago; Michelle Price in Morristown, N.J.; and Nicole Winfield in Rome. The Brief Nicole "Nikki" Anderson went missing from her Randolph Township home on July 6, 2024. A year later, the Dakota County Sheriff issued a plea for answers in the case. A $50,000 reward is being offered for information that helps authorities solve the case. RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, Minn. (FOX 9) - Sunday marks one year since a Dakota County woman disappeared when she went out to check her mail. Search for Nikki Anderson What we know Nicole "Nikki" Anderson was last seen alive on July 6, 2024, when she left her home to walk down the driveway and check the mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, her family says she was only wearing her house slippers, and she had left all her personal items behind. "She would never leave without her dog. Without her cell phone. Without her wallet. She would not do that," Andersons brother, Troy Haro, told FOX 9 previously. Local perspective Deputies conducted extensive searches around Anderson's home. In the days after Anderson's disappearance, authorities also searched property belonging to Anderson's ex-boyfriend who police said was a "person of interest" in the case. Deputies spent ten hours searching the property, using drones and canines. Despite those efforts, no arrests have been made in the case. What they're saying "Everybody has theories, but you know how theories get far [out]," neighbor Chad Felton told FOX 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The county was out, search groups have been out. They had dogs out, they had cadaver people searching the area," Felton said. "People have cameras on this road, people watch who comes up and down this road now [more] than they did in the past," Felton continued. "I feel bad for the family. I wish they could get closure. I wish theyd find something," Felton said. "Someone knows something.. $50K reward offered for information on disappearance What they're saying In a post on Sunday, the Dakota County Sheriff's Office put out a plea for information in Anderson's case. It reads: "Over the past year, investigators from the Dakota County Sheriffs Office in collaboration with federal, state, and local partners have worked tirelessly to locate Nikki. Our commitment remains unwavering. We will not rest until we find her and bring answers to her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. If you know something, say something." What you can do If you have any information that can help investigators find Nikki, you are asked to call 651-564-9097 or submit a tip online. Authorities say tipsters can remain anonymous. A $50,000 reward is being offered for a tip that leads to the location of Anderson or the prosecution of someone in her disappearance. The Source This story uses information shared by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office and past FOX 9 reporting. By Rich McKay and Tim Reid HUNT, Texas (Reuters) -The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas reached at least 78 on Sunday, including 28 children, as the search for girls missing from a summer camp continued and fears of more flooding prompted evacuations of volunteer responders. Larry Leitha, sheriff of Kerr County in Texas Hill Country, said 68 people had died in flooding in his county, the epicenter of the flooding, among them 28 children. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, said another 10 had died elsewhere in Texas and confirmed 41 were missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump sent his condolences to the victims and said he would probably visit the area on Friday. His administration had been in touch with Abbott, he added. "It's a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible. So we say, God bless all of the people that have gone through so much, and God bless, God bless the state of Texas," he told reporters as he left New Jersey. Among the most devastating impacts of the flooding occurred at Camp Mystic summer camp, a nearly century-old Christian girls camp where 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor were still missing, according to Leitha. "It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through," said Abbott, who noted he toured the area on Saturday and pledged to continue efforts to locate the missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flooding occurred after the nearby Guadalupe River broke its banks after torrential rain fell in the central Texas area on Friday, the U.S. Independence Day holiday. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd said the destruction killed three people in Burnet County, one in Tom Green County, five in Travis County and one in Williamson County. "You will see the death toll rise today and tomorrow," said Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, also speaking on Sunday. Officials said on Saturday that more than 850 people had been rescued, including some clinging to trees, after a sudden storm dumped up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain across the region, about 85 miles (140 km) northwest of San Antonio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kidd said he was receiving unconfirmed reports of "an additional wall of water" flowing down some of the creeks in the Guadalupe Rivershed, as rain continued to fall on soil in the region already saturated from Friday's rains. "Were evacuating parts of the river right now because we are worried about another wall of river coming down in those areas," he said, referencing volunteers from outside the area seeking to help locate victims. The Federal Emergency Management Agency was activated on Sunday and is deploying resources to first responders in Texas after Trump issued a major disaster declaration, the Department of Homeland Security said. U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and planes were aiding search and rescue efforts. SCALING BACK FEDERAL DISASTER RESPONSE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has previously outlined plans to scale back the federal government's role in responding to natural disasters, leaving states to shoulder more of the burden themselves. Some experts questioned whether cuts to the federal workforce by the Trump administration, including to the agency that oversees the National Weather Service, led to a failure by officials to accurately predict the severity of the floods and issue appropriate warnings ahead of the storm. Trump's administration has overseen thousands of job cuts from the National Weather Service's parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, leaving many weather offices understaffed, former NOAA director Rick Spinrad said. Spinrad said he did not know if those staff cuts factored into the lack of advance warning for the extreme Texas flooding, but that they would inevitably degrade the agency's ability to deliver accurate and timely forecasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump pushed back when asked on Sunday if federal government cuts hobbled the disaster response or left key job vacancies at the National Weather Service under Trump's oversight. "That water situation, that all is, and that was really the Biden setup," he said referencing his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden. "But I wouldn't blame Biden for it, either. I would just say this is 100-year catastrophe." He declined to answer a question about FEMA, saying only "They're busy working, so we'll leave it at that," Trump said. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees FEMA and NOAA, said a "moderate" flood watch issued on Thursday by the National Weather Service had not accurately predicted the extreme rainfall and said the Trump administration was working to upgrade the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joaquin Castro, a Democratic U.S. congressman from Texas, told CNN's "State of the Union" program that fewer personnel at the weather service could be dangerous. "When you have flash flooding, there's a risk that if you don't have the personnel ... to do that analysis, do the predictions in the best way, it could lead to tragedy," Castro said. 'COMPLETE DEVASTATION' Katharine Somerville, a counselor on the Cypress Lake side of Camp Mystic, on higher ground than the Guadalupe River side, said her 13-year-old campers were scared as their cabins sustained damage and lost power in the middle of the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our cabins at the tippity top of hills were completely flooded with water. I mean, y'all have seen the complete devastation, we never even imagined that this could happen," Somerville said in an interview on Fox News on Sunday. Somerville said the campers in her care were put on military trucks and evacuated, and that all were safe. The disaster unfolded rapidly on Friday morning as heavier-than-forecast rain drove river waters rapidly to as high as 29 feet (9 meters). A day after the disaster struck, the summer camp, where 700 girls were in residence at the time of the flooding, was a scene of devastation. Inside one cabin, mud lines indicating how high the water had risen were at least six feet (1.83 m) from the floor. Bed frames, mattresses and personal belongings caked with mud were scattered inside. Some buildings had broken windows, one had a missing wall. (Reporting by Sergio Flores in Hunt, Texas and Rich McKay in Atlanta; Additional reporting by Marco Bello and Sandra Stojanovic in Comfort, Texas; Nathan Howard in Morristown, New Jersey; Deborah Gembara in Washington; Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Ryan Jones and Bhargav Acharya in Toronto; Brendan O'Brien in Chicago; and Nathan Layne in New York; Writing by Tim Reid and Alexandra Alper; Editing by Bill Berkrot, Will Dunham and Diane Craft and Stephen Coates) The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. China isnt ready to be the worlds next superpower: Thats one thing the exchange of fire between Israel and Iran in June made abundantly clear. The country that was perhaps Tehrans most important diplomatic and economic partner wound up playing virtually no role when Iran and Israel came to blows. This, despite the fact that Beijing has actively sought stronger relations with many countries in the Middle Eastnot just Iran but also Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emiratesand despite Chinas evident stake in promoting stability in a region that supplies more than half of its oil imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So why didnt China step up? Beijing did make some effort to assert its influence. In mid-June, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a four-point plan, calling for a cease-fire and negotiations to contend with Irans nuclear program, and offering to play a constructive role in restoring peace. But Xis proposal went nowhere. He couldnt bring the belligerents to the tableespecially not Israel. [Read: The Iran-China-Russia axis crumbles when it matters] The two countries have never been particularly close, and Beijing deeply offended the Israeli leadership by taking a pro-Hamas position after the groups October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israeli civilians. But amid Israels recent military successes, Beijing has tried to soften its approach. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has opened a dialogue with his Israeli counterparts and in a phone call in October stated that China is ready to resume exchanges in all aspects as soon as possible, according to an official summary of his comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Israels leaders are likely to remain cautious, given Chinas relationship with Tehran. In the recent past, Beijing has helped the Iranians circumvent Washington-led sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Alongside Russia and India, China has welcomed Iran into two important forums: the BRICS group of emerging economies and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, an association of countries connected to Central Asia. And China purchases nearly all of Irans oil exports, providing vital resources to its moribund economy. Given these links, Chinese leaders might be expected to wield influence over Tehran. Theyve done so in the past: In 2015, China encouraged Irans leadership to join the Obama administrations nuclear deal, and in 2023, it brokered a detente between Tehran and its regional rival, Saudi Arabia. But if China and Iran are too close for Israels comfort, they are still not as close as they appear to be. Iran certainly has reason to question whether China is fully committed to the relationship. In 2021, China promised to invest $400 billion in Iran over 25 years as part of an enhanced strategic partnership, but progress toward that goal has been slow. Chinese cumulative direct investment in Iran reached only $3.9 billion at the end of 2023. And Chinese companies have been wary of doing business with Iran due to U.S. sanctionsa risk made clear when Meng Wanzhou, now deputy chair of the telecom giant Huawei, was detained in Canada in 2018 at Washingtons request on sanctions-related charges. China also takes advantage of Irans vulnerability by purchasing its oil at steep discounts. As a result, Tehran has tried to balance Chinese influence by maintaining strong ties to India, Beijings chief rival within the developing world. The Iranians also undoubtedly know that China cant ultimately protect them from the United States and Israel. Trade with China cannot fully substitute for real relief from Western sanctions. Beijing isnt likely to pressure Washington into lifting them, either. And although China has been steadily upgrading its armed forces, it still cant project military power all the way to the Middle East. Beijing probably wouldnt want to do so anyway: It tends to eschew the sorts of close alliances and mutual-defense arrangements that Washington routinely forges with other governments. China is not trying to be the security provider in the Middle East, and honestly, no one has asked China to, Yun Sun, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center who specializes in Chinese foreign policy, told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: Why isnt Russia defending Iran?] Beijings response to the Israel-Iran conflict reflected all of these limitations. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has offered his Iranian counterpart little beyond diplomatic support. As a security partner, China is not there for Iran, Mohammed Baharoon, the director general of the Dubai Public Policy Research Center, told me. If we are talking about a security situation, like the war, Russia has a closer relationship with Iran than China. For many in the Middle East, Chinas standoffishness doesnt seem like the worst thing: Beijing isnt doing anything to escalate the Israel-Iran conflict, either. But then, China is also in no position to challenge or provide a counterweight to the United States in the region. The Gulf states have cultivated ever more trade and investment with Chinabut they still crave close diplomatic and economic relations with Washington above all. President Donald Trumps May visit, during which the Gulf royals lavishly feted him,is proof that the U.S. is the most important partner for these countries, Jonathan Fulton, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council who monitors Chinese policy in the Middle East from Abu Dhabi, told me. Within the region, China is not seen as leading political, strategic, diplomatic, and economic issues. Right now, there is really only one country that does all of that, and thats the U.S. The same is true on a global scale. Xi attempted to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, and to promote his own peace proposal, after Moscows invasion in 2022. But his all-too-obvious favor for Russia undercut his credibility as a broker. Efforts to intervene in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza in 2023 fell flat due to Beijings overt pro-Palestinian bias. Wang Yi repeatedly called for a cease-fire, but the U.S. engaged in the consistent diplomacy that eventually produced one. In both cases, Xi exploited the crises to further Chinese interestsdeepening ties to a desperate and isolated Russian President Vladimir Putin, and scoring propaganda points in the global South by criticizing Washingtons support for Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas actions in these crises are indicative of its true role in global affairs. The so-called axis of authoritarianismChina, Russia, Iran, and North Koreais not a tightly coordinated cabal. And Chinas economic heft is not translating into political and military power as quickly as it could be. Chinese leaders just havent marshaled the diplomatic and military musclestill less the political willto usurp Americas position as the worlds premier power. To get there, Chinese leaders will need not just more resources and experience but also a new vision for their role in the world. Article originally published at The Atlantic WOOSTER, Ohio (WJW) Security footage captured a black bear taking a leisurely stroll through Wooster, prompting local authorities to remind homeowners about safety and bear sightings. The Wooster Police Department shared the video on Facebook Saturday which shows the bear walking through what appears to be an outdoor patio. 1 in custody as Tallmadge police investigate fatal shooting Wooster police wrote in the post that theyve already been in contact with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). (Credit: Wooster Police Dept.) Its most likely a young male just wandering long distances (PA.) looking for females as May July is their typical mating season, the post reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police also shared some tips from the Ohio Division of Wildlife for bear-proofing your property. Tips include keeping trash in the garage or a secured container, removing bird feeders, keeping pet food inside and cleaning off grease from outdoor grills. Wooster police said there are no plans to attempt to catch of relocate the bear as ODNR believes it will likely move out of the area on its own. Crash sends 3 to the hospital in Huron County (Credit: Wooster Police Dept.) Additionally, if you spot a black bear in Ohio, youre asked to report it to the Ohio Division of Wildlife to help biologists track and monitor the states growing black bear population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To report a sighing, click HERE. If there is a concerning issue, you can call 911 or (330) 287-5702 for a non-emergency issue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. They have a venomous stinger on one end, pincers on the other and a segmented body with eight legs and a bunch of eyes in the middle. They're spiders' even more frightening arachnid cousins. And as they crawl out of caves, rocks and crevices to escape wicked heat waves, they might be coming to a basement near you this summer: Scorpions. Cue the ewwwwww. But maybe these creaters are not the mini-monsters people often think they are. Here are some facts about scorpions, including some that may be surprising. Poisonous predators? Not here. Jacob Gorneau, a researcher with California Academy of Sciences who specializes in biodiversity and conservation, studies arachnids including spiders and scorpions. He said scorpions found in the United States aren't generally dangerous to humans. Advertisement Advertisement Scorpions are generally associated with the desert Southwest places such as Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Southern California and Texas. Gorneau said they can actually be found in arid regions like that, but also along the East Coast as far north as Virginia and along West Coast as far as Southern Canada. According to Orkin, the pest control company, scorpions come indoors in search of food. Sometimes, they seek a cooler, shaded place like our homes to escape extreme temperatures like those that have recently blanketed parts of the U.S. They skitter under the gaps in doors, pipes and plumbing and can even cool off in pools and ponds, submerging for as long as 48 hours. Want to know more?: Do scorpions have 12 eyes? Can a scorpion regrow its stinger? Fun facts about AZ scorpions Advertisement Advertisement Gorneau, who lives in the Bay Area of California, said he's in a very "outdoorsy" region and people are often surprised to hear there are scorpions there. "They are fine in hot, tropical environments like rain forests, but they are also pretty hearty," Gorneau said. "They'll live under something and burrow so they can regulate their environment." A scorpion is pictured at the Scorpion Kingdom laboratory and farm in Egypt's Western Desert near Dakhla on Feb. 4, 2021. Even in environments where snow falls, scorpions can be found. Or not, since they tend to avoid people. While there are about 2,800 species of scorpions, there is only one in the U.S. that's dangerous to humans, according to the University of Arizona Health Sciences: the Arizona bark scorpion. Gorneau said most scorpions in the U.S. have a sting about as painful as a bee sting. Scorpions are 'quite shy' Gorneau said people in the U.S. needn't be fearful of scorpions. While they are carnivorous, they don't see us as prey, but as predators, so they'll generally avoid us. Advertisement Advertisement On the rare occasions when a scorpion stings a person, he said, it's usually accidental: "Someone might step on one while wearing flip flops," and scorpions here can't usually pierce most shoes. "They're very unwilling to strike unless they feel like their life is in danger," Gorneau explained. "They're generally quite shy and engage in gatekeeping," waiting at the head of their burrow for prey to come. They can hear people approaching or feel the vibrations of our footfalls, recognizing us by our size as something to fear, and then will usually retreat back into the burrow. "I've probably handled several hundred (scorpions) to a few thousand," said Gorneau, who admitted he was afraid of spiders and arachnids until he began studying entomology as an undergraduate at Cornell University. "I've only been stung maybe twice, and both times it was definitely my fault," as he wasn't handling them with the appropriate care. Egyptian pharmacist Nahla Abdel-Hameed catches a scorpion at the Scorpion Kingdom laboratory and farm in Egypt's Western Desert on Feb. 4, 2021. Scorpions haven't changed much through the years Gorneau said scorpions are "remarkable" creatures that haven't changed much over millions of years of evolutionary history. Advertisement Advertisement Scorpions can be found in fossils going back 400 million years, he said, "and they look very similar to the way they look today." "Their habits and their bodies have served them well," he added. While they might be found in extreme climates, they insulate themselves from hot, cold and arid conditions by burrowing deeply enough to have their own microenvironment not too hot, not too cold, not too dry or too wet. "They're like Goldilocks," Gorneau said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: More scorpions seem to be out this summer. Are they dangerous? Homeless bureaucracy Key Sacramento homeless nonprofits say CA senators bill blindsided them, (sacbee.com, June 27) Rather than being blindsided by Sen. Angelique Ashbys bill, nonprofits like Sacramento Steps Forward, which has been administering homeless services since 2011, should welcome and embrace a streamlined process that will likely produce results. As quoted in this article, Sen. Ashby opined, We cannot have the people of Sacramento having to deal with eight different boards of individuals for five different agencies, all working at counter purposes. With regard to the homeless situation locally, have truer words ever been spoken? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, one nonprofit leader expressed concern about losing expertise if one of the groups is dissolved. This so-called expertise has created a situation where the homeless bureaucracy thrives, while the core problem continues to grow. Bill Motmans Sacramento Masked agents from past and present Recent ICE raids expose just how vulnerable our location data is | Opinion, (sacbee.com, June 26) As a child in Marietta, Georgia, my wife remembers looking out her window and seeing a cross burning. She remembers seeing her dad confront hooded riders. Now, our current Republican administration says federal agents, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, cover their faces for protection. When was the last time you saw a police officer or California Highway Patrol officer cover their face? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What President Donald Trump is doing is taking a stick to a hornets nest riling up areas of our country while he bulldozes through existing federal government departments. Dean Olson Nevada City Not caving Gavin Newsom hurts city of Sacramento by caving on his return-to-work order | Opinion, (sacbee.com, June 23) The State Employee Relations Act requires that the employers (the State of California) meet and confer with all representative unions on changes to the conditions of employment. This prevents unilateral changes mandated by decree of the employer or governor. Meeting the requirements of the law is not caving, it is acting appropriately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bob Losik Fair Oaks Sacramento shelter too small Sacramentos Front Street shelter called a doggy dungeon due to old design, overcrowding, (sacbee.com, March 19) The city shelter is way too small for a city the size of Sacramento. All but one of the dogs for adoption when I was there were pit bulls. Bless the staff for making every effort to adopt out the pets they have and for keeping Angel for as long as they did. We are meeting her new family in Salt Lake City so they can transport her home to Colorado. Carol McElheney Elk Grove Why I turned to activism Trumps troop deployment to Los Angeles faces legal test, (modbee.com, June 12) Violence and revenge are raining down on American citizens. In the last several weeks, the Trump administration arrested or forcefully detained judges and elected officials, including Sen. Alex Padilla and New York City Comptroller Brad Landers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was these evil and unlawful acts plus many others that led me to activism.. I was so mad that I went to my first protest and was hooked. I joined Indivisible Stanislaus and my world changed. The groups kind and caring members helped me channel my angst into activism. This culminated in the No Kings event on June 14, where I found over 4,000 others whove had enough, too. All of this begs the question: Is this kind of activism worth it? Thank goodness we have people like Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and Martin Luther King Jr. who have shown that peaceful protest can create a shift in public opinion, making for a kinder and just world. Drusilla Clough Modesto Jul. 5Half of the homeless people in Spokane aren't from here and should be given bus tickets home, more strictly enforced by police and cut off from long-term services, according to a recent report released by the Spokane Business Association, a prominent political advocacy group funded by businessman Larry Stone. A week after the report's release, the association proposed an amendment to the city's charter, which if approved by voters would reshape the city's homelessness laws and force Spokane to shift funding away from affordable housing, firefighting equipment and other priorities to fund emergency shelters, more visible police patrols and other policies recommended in the report. Critics in City Hall have dismissed the report as unscientific, unhelpful and politically motivated ahead of the November elections, when several seats currently or recently occupied by progressives are being challenged by candidates more in line with the Spokane Business Association's policy goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the report's author and the organization sponsoring the survey argue the data is concrete proof that Spokane's homelessness policies aren't only not helping people get off the streets, they're attracting people from elsewhere who are drawn to the city by lax law enforcement. Just over 50% of the roughly 230 homeless people surveyed for the association said they moved to the city after becoming homeless. This contradicts the federally mandated "point-in-time" counts, annual standardized surveys that try to reach every homeless person living on the streets or in a shelter. The point-in-time counts have their own flaws, as the authors of Spokane County's 2024 report readily acknowledged. But of the 2,021 people surveyed in last year's point-in-time count, roughly 80% said they lived in Spokane County before becoming homeless. Robert Marbut, President Donald Trump's "homeless czar" from 2019 to 2021 and the consultant contracted to conduct the survey, argues his data is more accurate because he also asked where people were born, went to high school and whether they have family in Spokane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not clear why these additional questions would sway the data by 30 points, but Marbut's recommendations for dealing with this influx are clearer, and consistent with the "Velvet Hammer" approach he has pitched cities across the country for at least a decade: Spokane has to get tougher with the homeless, pressuring them into treatment or departure. Gavin Cooley, an executive of the Spokane Business Association, argued Marbut's expertise lent the report more authority than it lost from a lack of cited sources, and dismissed as "deeply political" a recent article from Range Media that turned to an expert in homeless research to pick apart the report's methodology and conclusions. Cooley believes the media and politicians are overly focused on attacking the data and not paying enough attention to the conclusions Marbut reaches with that data. "You can certainly note the deficiencies as you see them ... but I think it'd be a pity to miss the higher level order of what's being recommended," Cooley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every effort should be made to send people back where they came from, particularly if they've been in Spokane for less than 90 days, according to the report. Those who stay should be cut off from long-term services, which should be reserved only for those with longstanding ties to Spokane. For those who are from Spokane, the report recommends mandatory treatment services in order to receive housing, which city officials claim would violate state and federal law. Marbut has spoken out for at least a decade against policies he believes are "enabling" the homeless with "goodies," including Housing First policies that have been the national standard since 2013, in which homeless people are given stable housing upfront to enable them to then address addiction, mental health and social reintegration. Attempts to relocate the homeless en masse are even older. The phrase "Greyhound therapy" has been used to describe the practice since the 1970s and has been criticized by researchers for just as long for redistributing the social costs of homelessness rather than improving them. Many of America's largest cities have, at one point or another, attempted similar policies; between 2011 and 2017, the Guardian tracked over 20,000 homeless people given bus tickets out of and sometimes between 16 U.S. cities. Proponents, including the Spokane Business Association, argue that such programs reconnect people to families and friends and can lead to a long-term improvement in their situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokane's homeless service providers have engaged in the practice for years, however. If a homeless person requests a bus ticket, and a friend or family member declares they can take them in, they will be provided a ticket. Julie Garcia, who runs the homeless services organization Jewels Helping Hands, which manages several of the city's homeless shelters, estimated her organization hands out around 250 tickets a year. There appears to be little academic research into whether these programs lead to long-term reductions of homelessness or just move it elsewhere. The Guardian reported that, of the thousands being bused from San Francisco through the Homeward Bound program between 2010 and 2015, the city had records of following up with only three people after they reached their destinations. But the Spokane Business Association report goes further to suggest that the city should cut off people who decline these tickets from long-term homeless services and even emergency shelters after 21 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While much of the study copies nearly verbatim a similar report on King County that Marbut was commissioned to write for the Discovery Institute, Marbut claims that Spokane is unusual in one regard: Homeless people aren't coming to Spokane for its quality services, but for its lax enforcement. "What we got on the street was generally, they treat me nice here, they don't hassle me," Marbut said. "It wasn't that they came here because of the services many communities I go to, it's, 'Oh, they have great services' but here it was, 'They sort of let me be.' " This picture notably doesn't match what many homeless people on Spokane's streets have told The Spokesman-Review in recent years, who described being pushed from place to place throughout the day by law enforcement, security guards and business owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We literally don't get to sit down like this," said Amber, a 32-year-old homeless woman interviewed under an overpass in August. "We are moving constantly. ... So many people have cracked feet and heels." Cooley dismissed this type of enforcement as an "occasional blow of the horn," and wants to see tougher laws and stricter enforcement not because he wants them to go to jail, which he says would be ineffective and expensive but to force people to change their lives. Cooley acknowledged that Washington's involuntary treatment laws are not extensive enough to force a homeless person into drug or mental health treatment. Instead, he argued, the city should use its tougher homelessness laws to offer them a choice: either go to jail, or enter "voluntary" treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or they could leave, Cooley noted. "If you find that a great number of people have no connection to Spokane at all, and you suddenly begin to say you cannot use fentanyl in this community unfettered ... how many of those folks will stick around?" Cooley asked. In an interview, Mayor Lisa Brown dismissed the report as misinformed, arguing many of the report's claims about the city's policies were untrue and some of its recommendations were already standard practice. "I believe this is really about the political campaigns in November," Brown said, noting Stone's longstanding funding of candidates opposing progressive policies and production of high-dollar videos to encourage tougher homelessness policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I also believe that, with the resources they are apparently able to mobilize, it would be great if, as a show of good faith, they put them into an actual solution, rather than a propaganda campaign against the city and the majority on the city council," Brown added. But Cooley believes the evidence was clear, regardless of the survey's findings, that what the city is doing is failing to have a significant impact on the city's visible homeless population or its soaring overdose deaths. "I know Seattle really damn well, and I can't believe the rapid turnaround as it relates to enforcement," Cooley said. "And what I don't know is where those people are ... but I know they've made a visible turn in on-street homelessness." The report has started to leak into the broader public conversation on Spokane's homelessness policies. Wendy Fishburne, vice president of the East Spokane Business Association, appeared to quote parts of it verbatim Monday before the Spokane City Council voted to reform its homelessness laws. "Research shows that people do better recovering from addiction when they're surrounded by their families of origin," Fishburne said. "Find out where people actually come from and compassionately send them home ... so that our resources could be used for our folks." Services for former mayor Jack Selden, 96, are set to be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 11, at First Presbyterian with Pastor Jordan Byrd officiating. Selden, a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, will receive military honors during his services. Selden passed away Thursday, June 26. Selden was born in 1928 and received his early education in Palestine, graduating from Palestine High School in 1946. He attended the University of Chicago earning a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Selden enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952. As a 2nd Lieutenant and served as a navigator in the Korean War. During his career, Selden was second in command of all supply operations in Vietnam for a year. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1971. Upon returning to Palestine, he served two terms as mayor, 1983-1988. In addition, he served 15 years with the law office of Parsons and Thorn. He married Gloria Ann McCracken of Palestine in 1952. They had one child, Cynthia Ann, who gave them two granddaughters, Margaret Elizabeth Betsy and Lucinda Ellen Herrington. He married Rhonda Herrington in 2018. Selden wrote numerous scholarly articles for historical and professional journals and three books: Texas Justice, The Life and Times of the Third District Court of Texas; Seven Score and Ten, One Hundred Years of the Presbyterian Church in Palestine, Texas; and the Return, The Parker Story. He also created a combined index of 32 publications about Palestine and Anderson County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Selden became a much sought-after speaker and master of ceremonies, wrote and conducted the Telling of the Tales, the annual celebration of the Parker Family staged at the Pilgrim Church in Elkhart. In his lifetime, he served on numerous boards and committees, and was a member of the Rotary Club of Palestine for 53 years. Selden was honored by the Palestine Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year and was also recipient of the Chambers Lifetime Achievement Award. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Chief Spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq, on the occasion of Ashura, said that the message of Karbala continues to inspire even after 1,400 years. He said that following the values of Imam Hussain helps in fighting evil and building a better society. Speaking to ANI, Tanvir Sadiq said, "The message of Karbala is observed even to this day...Even after 1,400 years, the message is the same, if you want to end evil, inculcate the message of Imam Hussain and Karbala in your heart, in your life. So that we form a good society." "Innocent people in Palestine are fighting for their rights. Iran showed the entire world that those who walk the path of the Almighty will never weaken," Sadiq said. Notably, for the first time in over three decades, restored in 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir government permitted a Muharram procession in Srinagar, it was banned over 35 years after the eruption of militancy in Kashmir as authorities were apprehensive that separatists might misuse the large gathering for ulterior motives. The permission for the Muharram procession in Srinagar after a long ban is a significant milestone, signifying progress towards religious freedom in the region. It emphasized the need to respect the religious sentiments of the people and uphold the values of inclusivity and unity among different communities in the valley. Muharram commemorates the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the son of Hazrat Ali and the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. It signifies an expression of sorrow over the killing of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala that took place over 14 centuries ago. Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, reaches a crescendo on the 10th day of Muharram, the day when Imam Hussain Ibn Ali and his followers were martyred in 61 Hijri or 680 CE at Karbala, in present-day Iraq. The tenth day of Muharram is the Day of Ashura, which, to Shia Muslims, is part of the mourning of Muharram. Sunni Muslims fast on this day. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that the sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) emphasise his commitment to righteousness. He inspired people to uphold truth in the face of adversity, the PM added. "The sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) emphasise his commitment to righteousness. He inspires people to uphold truth in the face of adversity," PM Modi posted on X. (ANI) NEW YORK (PIX11) Lifeguards at Rockaway Beach, Queens, sprang into action on the Fourth of July, blowing whistles and keeping a close watch after two sharks were spotted swimming near beachgoers. The sightings led to a brief closure of the beach as safety crews responded and swimmers were cleared from the water. More Local News It is scary. I mean, all takes is one bite and thats it, said Lisa Mangen, who was at the beach with her two daughters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mangen described the moment lifeguards moved quickly. We heard down on 34th Street that there was a shark sighting and, but its funny that they pulled everybody out of the water up here because its so far. New York City Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry posted on X, These sightings were very close to beachgoers. But thanks to drone tech, lifeguards, and the dedicated professionals at NYC Emergency Management, were keeping everyone safe as they enjoy the holiday. Other beachgoers praised the lifeguards for their quick response. Why are you whistling at everybody, enough already. She said because you cant go swimming today, theres a shark sighting, said one visitor. She gave me valuable information, she kept me safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some swimmers chose to stay extra cautious. Im just going to go a little more shallow, wont go deep, just get my toes wet. Mangen was impressed by the citys use of technology, They have the drones out looking for the sharks. Im impressed. In August 2023, a 65-year-old woman was bitten by a shark at the same beach, marking the first confirmed shark attack in the city in decades. Meanwhile, beachgoers remain cautious and keep a watchful eye on the waves, as they hope to enjoy the rest of the summer without any more close encounters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) Shiite pilgrims from Syria and abroad used to flock to the Sayyida Zeinab shrine outside of Damascus every year to commemorate Ashoura, a solemn day marking the 7th-century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammads grandson. In the days leading up to Ashoura, the streets would be lined with black and red mourning banners and funeral tents. On the day of the commemoration, black-clad mourners would process through the streets, while in gathering halls known as husseiniyas, the faithful would listen and weep as clerics recounted the death of Imam Hussein and his 72 companions in the battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq. Protecting the shrine dedicated to Sayyida Zeinab, the Prophet Muhammads granddaughter and sister to Hussein, from Sunni extremists became a rallying cry for Shiite fighters during Syrias 14-year civil war. It was often pointed to as justification for the intervention of militants from Iran, Lebanon and Iraq in the Syrian conflict in support of former President Bashar Assad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, after Assads ouster in a lightning rebel offensive led by Sunni Islamist insurgents, the Shiite neighborhoods of Damascus were subdued. The hotels that were once brimming with religious tourists were empty. There were no banners or processions. The faithful continued to observe their rituals inside the shrine and prayer halls, but quietly and with strict security measures. Violence takes its toll Syrian Shiites already felt they were in a precarious position after Assads ouster. Their fears increased after a suicide bomber blew himself up in a church outside of Damascus last month, killing 25 people and wounding dozens more. Government officials blamed the attack on a cell of the Islamic State group and said they had thwarted plans by the same cell to attack Sayyida Zeinab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Damascus' Zain al Abdeed neighborhood, mourners entered gathering halls after going through a search and screening with metal detectors. Qassem Soleiman, head of a body that coordinates between the Shiite community and the new government, said Shiite leaders had agreed with the state that they would hold their Ashoura rituals but would cut back on certain things outside of the halls in order for no one to get hurt and for there not to be problems. The attack on the Mar Elias Church in Dweila put us into a state of great fear and anxiety, he said. So we tried as much as possible to do our commemorations and rituals and ceremonies for Ashoura inside the halls. Jafaar Mashhadiyia, an attendant at one of the gathering halls, echoed similar fears. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The security situation is still not stable there are not a lot of preventive measures being taken in the streets, he said. The groups that are trying to carry out terrorist attacks have negative views of Shiites, so there is a fear of security incidents. Worry affects the economy The absence of pilgrims coming from abroad has been an economic hit to the area. There are no visitors, said a hotel owner in the Sayyida Zeinab area near the shrine, who asked to be identified only by his nickname, Abu Mohammad, because of security concerns. During the lead-up to Ashoura, the hotels should be 100% full, he said. The Iraqis normally fill up the area. But this year, they didn't come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His economic woes predate Assads fall. In the months before the rebel offensive in Syria, a low-level conflict between Israel and the Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah escalated into a full-scale war in Lebanon. Hundreds of thousands fled from Lebanon across the border into Syria to escape the bombardment, with many of them staying in the hotels in Sayyida Zeinab at discounted rates, Abu Mohammad said. A guard at a checkpoint in Sayyida Zeinab, who gave only his nickname, Abu Omar, in accordance with regulations, said he had seen no security issues in the area since the fall of Assad. There are attempts to sow discord and sectarianism by corrupt people who were with the former regime and want to play on the string of sectarianism and destroy the country and create issues between us, he said, describing them as individual efforts. Abu Omar pointed to a group of local men sitting in chairs on the sidewalk nearby smoking hookah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they didnt feel safe here next to us, next to a security checkpoint, they wouldnt come and sit here. Soleiman said he hopes that next year, the foreign pilgrims will be back and Shiites will be able to openly commemorate Ashoura, with Syrians from other groups coming to see the rituals as they did in the past. We hope that next year things will return to how they were previously, and that is a call to the state and a call to the General Security agency and all the political figures, he said. We are one of the components in building this state. ___ 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. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Crew members aboard a Liberian-flagged ship set ablaze by a series of attacks in the Red Sea abandoned the vessel Sunday night as it took on water, marking the first serious assault in the vital corridor for trade after a monthslong campaign by Yemen's Houthi rebels there. Suspicion for the attack on the Greek-owned bulk carrier Magic Seas immediately fell on the Houthis, particularly as a security firm said it appeared bomb-carrying drone boats hit the ship after it was targeted by small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. The rebels' media reported on the attack but did not claim it. It can take them hours or even days before they acknowledge an assault. A renewed Houthi campaign against shipping could again draw in U.S. and Western forces to the area, particularly after President Donald Trump targeted the rebels in a major airstrike campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before midnight in Yemen, Israels military issued a warning for three Houthi-held ports and said airstrikes would begin shortly in Hodeidah, Ras Isa and Salif along with at the Ras al-Khatib power station. Attack comes at a delicate time The ship attack comes at a sensitive moment in the Middle East, as a possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war hangs in the balance and as Iran weighs whether to restart negotiations over its nuclear program following American airstrikes targeting its most-sensitive atomic sites amid an Israeli war against the Islamic Republic. It likely serves as a message that the Houthis continue to possess the capability and willingness to strike at strategic maritime targets regardless of diplomatic developments, wrote Mohammad al-Basha, a Yemen analyst at the Basha Report risk advisory firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center first said that an armed security team on the unidentified vessel had returned fire against an initial attack and that the situation is ongoing. It described the attack as happening some 100 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of Hodeida, Yemen, which is held by the country's Houthi rebels. Authorities are investigating, it said. It later said the ship was on fire after being struck by unknown projectiles." Possibly a major escalation Ambrey, a private maritime security firm, issued an alert saying that a merchant ship had been attacked by eight skiffs while transiting northbound in the Red Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ambrey later said the ship also had been attacked by bomb-carrying drone boats, which could mark a major escalation. It said two drone boats struck the ship, while another two had been destroyed by the armed guards on board. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said the ship was taking on water and its crew had abandoned the vessel. The U.S. Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet referred questions to the military's Central Command, which said it was aware of the incident without elaborating. Moammar al-Eryani, the information minister for Yemens exiled government opposing the Houthis, identified the vessel attacked as the Magic Seas and blamed the rebels for the attack. The ship had been broadcasting it had an armed security team on board in the vicinity the attack took place and had been heading north. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack also proves once again that the Houthis are merely a front for an Iranian scheme using Yemen as a platform to undermine regional and global stability, at a time when Tehran continues to arm the militia and provide it with military technology, including missiles, aircraft, drones, and sea mines, al-Eryani wrote on the social platform X. The Magic Seas' owners did not respond to a request for comment. Houthi attacks came over Israel-Hamas war The Houthi rebels have been launching missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the region in what the groups leadership has described as an effort to end Israels offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group's al-Masirah satellite news channel acknowledged the attack occurred, but offered no other comment on it as it aired a speech by its secretive leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. However, Ambrey said the vessel targeted met the established Houthi target profile," without elaborating. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two of them and killing four sailors. That has greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually. The Houthis paused attacks in a self-imposed ceasefire until the U.S. launched a broad assault against the rebels in mid-March. That ended weeks later and the Houthis haven't attacked a vessel, though they have continued occasional missile attacks targeting Israel. On Sunday, the group claimed launching a missile at Israel which the Israeli military said it intercepted. Shipping through the Red Sea, while still lower than normal, has increased in recent weeks. Meanwhile, a wider, decadelong war in Yemen between the Houthis and the countrys exiled government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, remains in a stalemate. The Yemeni Coast Guard, which is loyal to the exiled government, has engaged in a firefight with at least one vessel in the Red Sea in the past as well. Pirates from Somalia also have operated in the region, though typically they've sought to capture vessels either to rob or ransom their crews. But neither the Yemeni Coast Guard nor the pirates have been known to use drone boats in their attacks. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr. announced that several firefighters have been tapped to assist Louisiana Task Force 2 (LATF-2) in emergency response operations in Kerrville County, Texas, following severe flooding in the area. As of tonight, at least 47 deaths have been confirmed due to severe flooding in the south-central region of Texas. According to the news release, the Shreveport Fire Department and LATF-2 will be a part of an elite swift water rescue team, highly trained personnel specialized in complex technical rescue operations and are equipped to respond to life-threatening flood emergencies. Their mission: to locate and rescue individuals trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations affected by this natural disaster. SFD Advance rescue boat (Photo credit: KTAL/KMSS Marcus Stroud) (Photo credit: Marcus Stroud). (Photo credit: Marcus Stroud). SFD Advance Rescue Boat (Photo credit: Marcus Stroud). (Photo credit: Marcus Stroud). (Photo credit: Marcus Stroud). As always, our firefighters are committed to serving wherever they are needed, said Fire Chief Clarence Reese, Jr. I am extremely proud of these brave men for stepping forward on short notice to aid our neighbors in Texas. Their dedication, skill, and training in swift water rescue make them an essential asset in this lifesaving mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters rescue multiple dogs, newborn kittens from house fire The Shreveport Fire Department will integrate with LATF-2, bringing advanced rescue boats, life-saving equipment, and extensive frontline experience. We are seeing the true spirit of public service in action, Chief Reese added. This is what it means to wear the badgenot just protecting our city, but being there for anyone in need, no matter where they are. Our thoughts and prayers are with all emergency responders risking their lives to protect others, and we wish for the continued safety of our firefighters throughout this operation. Fire Chief Reese estimates that they will be in Texas for about 10 to 14 days. However, he notes that this duration may change due to ongoing recovery and rescue operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Reese confirms four members of the SFD will be departing for Austin, Texas, on Saturday, July 5, at 6:30 p.m. SFD says they will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates via their website and social media platforms. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. Editors Note: This story has been updated to correct misreported information. We do regret the error. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) While the 249th birthday of the United States of America was commemorated on July 4, some people in Sioux City celebrated one womans 102nd birthday. On Friday, the oldest patient at the Heritage at Northern Hills celebrated her birthday with her friends and family. Leah Shearon was born on July 4, 1923. She has been a cherished member at the senior living facility for four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caretakers from The Heritage at Northern Hills said her remarkable longevity and vibrant spirit are an inspiration to all who know her. Story continues below Well, I think its very nice. We like to get her going, make her laugh, make her happy, and shes always a good sport, so its not really anything different, said Erika Portillo, a caretaker at The Heritage at Northern Hills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody at KCAU 9 would like to wish Leah a Happy 102nd Birthday! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. The IDF announced that the missile was intercepted. Sirens sounded in the Dead Sea and parts of the West Bank as a ballistic missile was fired toward Israel from Yemen on Saturday night. The IDF announced that the missile was intercepted. Houthis vowed to continue firing at Israel The Houthis claimed to have targeted central Israel with their "Palestine 2" hypersonic missile last Tuesday night, but there is no evidence that it was hypersonic. Hypersonic weapons usually refer to missiles that maneuver at hypersonic speeds over Mach 5. While ballistic missiles may reach hypersonic speeds, they follow a known trajectory rather than maneuvering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis' Al-Masirah media said, "In an official statement, the [Houthi] forces confirmed that the operation [Tuesday night] accurately achieved its objective, causing widespread panic among Zionist settlers, with millions fleeing to shelters and airport operations coming to a complete halt." Houthi supporters hold a banner showing images of Iranian officials killed in Israeli airstrikes, during a protest in Sanaa, Yemen, June 13. (credit: REUTERS/Adel Al Khader) The Houthis also released a statement that "emphasized that these operations come as part of Yemen's continued support for the Palestinian people and its rejection of the ongoing genocide being committed against them. It reaffirmed the Yemeni people's determination to fulfill their national and religious duties toward the Palestinian cause." The Houthis said they will continue to back Hamas, continuing to use their "hypersonic and ballistic missiles," and that they will target Ben-Gurion Airport, as well as Eilat. They also said they're proud of their broader regional confrontation" with Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These operations included disrupting air traffic at Lod airport [Ben-Gurion] and preventing Israeli ships from navigating the Red Sea toward the port of Umm al-Rashrash [Eilat] in southern occupied Palestine. The report also said that since the October 7 Hamas massacre, the Houthis have not only issued statements of solidarity but have also taken direct action. These actions have ranged from missile strikes targeting critical military installations in occupied territories to high-impact naval operations that have disrupted Israeli-linked shipping through the Red Sea, it said. Seth J. Frantzman contributed to this report. The brother of a woman who was killed on 7/7 says he cannot forgive those behind the bomb attacks, two decades on. On 7 July 2005, 29-year-old Laura Webb was on her way to work in central London when she was killed - one of 52 people who died in coordinated attacks on the city that day. More than 700 people were also injured, as suicide bombers detonated explosives on three Tube trains and a bus. Speaking to BBC News ahead of the 20th anniversary of the attacks, Rob Webb, Laura's older brother, said 7/7 was "an attack on all of us" and something that should never be forgotten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laura Webb's mother told the 7/7 inquests her daughter had a "sunny nature" and "could always see the best in people" [Family handout] "I remain angry," said Rob, who lives in Pentyrch near Cardiff. "Laura was denied the opportunity of a life that me and my brother have been lucky enough to have - somebody decided to take that away from her. "The pain never goes away - I think of her every day." Rob Webb says he will light a candle and remember his sister Laura on the 20th anniversary of her death [Rob Webb] Rob said he still recalled how the day Laura died had begun like any other, but became an "extraordinary day for all the wrong reasons". At around 08:50 BST, three deadly explosions went off underground. Mohammed Sadiq Khan detonated his device on a Tube train near Edgware Road, Shehzad Tawnier at Aldgate and Germaine Lindsay at Russell Square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were the first suicide attacks on UK soil but that would not become clear until much later. The chaos and confusion of the initial moments saw the blasts incorrectly reported as power surges by officials and the transport system went into gridlock. The BBC News channel reported a "station blast" at 09:35 but information was unclear for some time [BBC] At a time without breaking news alerts, Dr Andrew Dearden, then a GP in Cardiff, was completely unaware of what was happening as he attended a meeting at the British Medical Association (BMA) headquarters at Tavistock Square in London. But at 09:50 a fourth bomb was detonated by Hasib Hussain - this time on a bus - just outside the building Dr Dearden was sat in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The large sound was something Dr Dearden said he could never forget, but he had no idea what he would face as he ran out of the building. "As I came down the stairs, I looked towards my right about 50 yards (45m) and saw the bus," he said. "The back of the bus looked like someone had actually stepped on it - it had been crushed down and the roof was almost gone." The number 30 bus at Tavistock Square following the explosion [Dylan Martinez/Reuters/Pool/PA] "I ran across the road, and as I was running I noticed the spread of the debris, how far it had gone from the bus," said Dr Dearden. "And then I saw a lady's purse and then I saw a dismembered limb, some distance from the bus, and it was then that I kind of realised it wasn't a normal event." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Dearden remembers the lack of sound in the time that followed. "You would kind of expect the sound of terror, fear, anxiety, yet they didn't seem to be there," he recalled. A group of doctors, including Dr Dearden, began to assess the injured and stabilise patients. At one point, he recalled concerns that there could be another bomb in the area, but he said "nobody moved" and the work continued. 'Six months of A&E in three hours' Dr Dearden said treating the injured at the scene was like seeing "six months of A&E in about three hours" - overwhelming for even the most experienced of medics. "It was partly the sheer number of people involved, it was the degree of injuries we were dealing with but also recognising that some people were injured to the extent that we wouldn't be able to help them, even if we had them in a high-tech A&E department." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 10:21, the Metropolitan Police had confirmed "multiple explosions". Rob was trying desperately to contact his sister Laura, who was a PA based in Paddington, but she never replied. He travelled to London alongside family and friends to begin a frantic search. Taken the day after 7/7, Laura's other brother David holds a picture of her as the family desperately searched for information on her whereabouts [PA] "Part of you is trying to remain optimistic, part of you is trying to be really pragmatic and part of you is reflecting - why the hell is this happening to us?" Rob recalled. "But there was always that hope and for the first few days I don't think that was unrealistic - 20 years ago, things were very different." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be a whole week before they had confirmation that Laura had been killed that morning. The wreckage of the train at Aldgate station where seven people were killed [Metropolitan Police] Laura was one of six people who died at Edgware Road, alongside seven at Aldgate, 26 at Russell Square and 13 at Tavistock Square. 770 people were injured, many in life-changing ways. "It was an attack on us all - even if you weren't directly involved, it was as much an attack on you, as it was on us," said Rob, who said he had struggled to forgive, despite his Christian upbringing. "We are called upon to forgive and I have not been able to forgive, not just the man who killed my sister but any of the other bombers." Rob Webb says the events of 7/7 should not be forgotten [BBC] To mark the 20th anniversary of 7/7 there will be a service of commemoration at St Paul's Cathedral and Rob plans to be in London with his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was, in many respects, a long time ago but in other ways, it wasn't a long time ago and we as a society are still having to deal with that particular strand of terrorism," he said. "It is important to understand what happens and the human cost - how we as a society respond and, how we as a society hopefully can become more vigilant in the future and prevent this kind of this thing from happening." Dr Andrew Dearden says he is "grateful" for the good he saw as people responded to the bombings [BBC] Dr Dearden has now retired as a GP but said he still remembered the people from that day - those that he treated and those who went "above and beyond" to help. "There were a lot of people who put themselves at risk," he said, becoming emotional as he recalled the efforts of his BMA colleagues and emergency workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's vital we remember the good and what people did in response - there was a lot of good that happened on that day which could get lost if we only remember the bad." Six people were injured two critically in a fiery crash in Queens when a BMW struck a highway median and vaulted over the barrier, striking two vehicles in oncoming traffic, cops said. The 24-year-old driver of the white 2015 BMW was headed east on the Belt Parkway at Exit 17 near Cross Bay Boulevard when he lost control, hit the concrete barrier and launched over it around 6 a.m. Saturday, police said. The BMW then smacked into a 2016 Honda CRV and a red 2022 Hyundai and caught fire, authorities said. Six people were injured two criticall in a crash on the Belt Parkway in Queens, cops said. Diego Luzuriaga/FreedomNewsTV Photos show victims being rushed to a waiting ambulance after the 6 a.m. crash. Diego Luzuriaga/FreedomNewsTV The driver of the BMW and a female passenger were rushed to Brookdale Hospital in critical condition, a police spokesman said. The females age was unknown, according to cops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 34-year-old woman who was driving the Hyundai was also taken to the hospital in stable condition, cops said. The cars in the three-vehicle collision were badly damaged. Diego Luzuriaga/FreedomNewsTV The man who was driving and a female, whose age was unknown, were critically injured in the BMW, cops said. Diego Luzuriaga/FreedomNewsTV The white BMWs hood appears to have been peeled back from the impact. Dramatic photos showed victims being rushed to an ambulance, while others were treated by emergency responders at the scene. A 21-year-old woman and two 25-year-old men in the BMW were taken to a hospital in stable condition, cops said. The red Hundai was struck by the BMW, which launched over the medium, cops said. Diego Luzuriaga/FreedomNewsTV Diego Luzuriaga/FreedomNewsTV Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was unclear what caused the driver to lose control but police said speed may have been an issue. Diego Luzuriaga/FreedomNewsTV One photogrph shows a baby seat at the scene, but police said they had no information about minors being injured in the crash. The NYPDs Collision Investigation Squad was probing the wreck, cops said. (Reuters) -Russian air defence units shot down eight Ukrainian drones headed for Moscow late on Sunday, from a total of 90 overnight over Russian territory, the Black Sea and the Crimean peninsula, the defence ministry said. Most came down over regions near Ukraine, but three were also destroyed over the Leningrad area, home to Russia's second-largest city of St Petersburg, the ministry said on the Telegram messaging app on Monday. The ministry reports only the numbers of drones destroyed, not the numbers launched by Ukraine. Also, it does not report possible damage, but regional governors said the attacks caused no substantial damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia reported temporary airport closures in the two cities and other regional centres, as well as delays to dozens of flights. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly; Editing by Will Dunham and Clarence Fernandez) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday paid homage to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary. Meanwhile, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Virendraa Sachdeva, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other party leaders also paid floral tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of Jana Sangh, on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, was a multifaceted personality - patriot, educationist, parliamentarian, statesman, and humanitarian. He inherited a legacy of erudition and nationalism from his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, an esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and Judge of the Calcutta High Court. This upbringing instilled in him a deep respect for India's cultural heritage and a keen interest in modern scientific thought. Mookerjee's academic brilliance was evident from an early age. After excelling at the Presidency College, he earned degrees in law and literature, including a D.Litt. and LL.D. His tenure as the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University (1934) allowed him to implement his progressive vision for education. He played a pivotal role in promoting Indian languages and fostering intellectual growth, inviting luminaries like Rabindranath Tagore to inspire students. He later joined the Hindu Mahasabha and, in 1937, united non-Congress forces to form a Progressive Coalition government under the leadership of Fazal-ul-Haq, with himself as the Finance Minister. In 1940, he became the acting President of the Hindu Mahasabha and declared complete independence for India as its political goal. Mookerjee resigned from the Bengal Cabinet in November 1942, protesting against the Governor's interference in administration and criticising provincial autonomy as ineffective. His humanitarian efforts during the Bengal famine of 1943, including relief initiatives, highlighted his commitment to serving society. Post-independence, he joined the interim government under Jawaharlal Nehru as Minister for Industry and Supply, where he laid the foundation for India's industrial growth by establishing iconic institutions such as the Chittaranjan Locomotive Factory, Sindri Fertiliser Corporation, and Hindustan. However, ideological differences led to his resignation, after which he founded the All-India Bharatiya Jan Sangh (1951) to champion nationalist ideals. According to the BJP's official website, on the issue of the Delhi pact with Likayat Ali Khan, Mookerjee resigned from the Cabinet on April 6, 1950. Later on October 21, 1951, Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in Delhi and became its first president. Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953 and was arrested on May 11. He died under detention on June 23, 1953. (ANI) A 35-year-old married father of two has pleaded guilty in a sophisticated romance scam that targeted women in Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Kansas. They all met and fell in love with the same man online, who purported to be working on an oil rig. The women sent him millions of dollars to cover medical bills after he claimed to be injured in a fire. A Massachusetts woman believed she was in a committed relationship with Williams Moore. So did a New Jersey woman, who fell head over heels for her boyfriend, Manuel Sykes. A Florida woman met Edward Nowak online and believed him when he told her worked in Cyprus. Turns out, they were all dating the same mana married father of two young boys in Nigeria who worked in real estate and had a background in network marketing and sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His real name? Charles Uchenna Nwadavid. He pleaded guilty in Boston in June, admitting to charges of mail fraud, aiding and abetting money laundering, and money laundering. According to court documents, Nwadavid was running a romance scam, in which criminals love-bomb lonelyoften elderlypeople on dating apps and social media to quickly gain their affections. The targets are often vulnerable women. Romance scams boomed during the pandemic and have since continued to haunt people over 60. According to the FBI, there were nearly 18,000 complaints about romance fraud in 2024, and some 7,600 victims were over age 60. The losses attributed to that age cohort totaled $389 million last year, with total losses among all age groups approximately $672 million. A 66-year-old Montana woman involved in a different romance scam named Rita told authorities she lost more than $90,000 over nearly five months in 2024 after she fell for a celebrity who started asking her for money. She said she was vulnerable as she went through a divorce and became almost addicted to the texts she would get from her purported romantic partner. For me, these texts were like a drug, she said. Like, I needed them to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, they make her sick and she said she feels like she lost her heart and soul by being scammed in the fake relationship. Hindsight is always 20-20, Rita told the FBI, according to a June video. But I wasnt thinking with my brain, I was thinking with my heart. In addition to Nwadavid, authorities in June sentenced five people for running a $17 million romance and investment scam ring. Similarly, a Missouri woman admitted last month to aiding a Nigerian romance scam that netted $1 million and involved at least one victim in her early 70s. Like in the other romance frauds, Nwadavid never met any of the six women involved in the romance scam in person, only communicating with them through email and text. As part of the scheme and to keep himself concealed, authorities said Nwadavid tricked his first victim, one of three women from Massachusetts, into opening a crypto account at Bitcoin of America. (Bitcoin of America was a crypto exchange headquartered in Chicago that has since ceased its operations.) Nwadavid then accessed her account and transferred the funds to Bitcoin wallets he controlled, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From there, Nwadavid used the Massachusetts woman as a money mule to collect illicit funds from other unsuspecting women. From Jan. 2019 to June 2019, the New Jersey woman sent $896,000 to the money mule on behalf of her boyfriend, Manuel Sykes. The Florida woman sent $235,000; another Massachusetts woman sent about $276,000. A fifth woman sent $230,000 and the sixth sent $239,100. Five of the women were told their boyfriend had been seriously injured in an oil rig fire and needed Bitcoin to pay his medical bills. The sixth woman, who lived in Great Bend, Kansas, believed her boyfriend Clarence Manning had inherited $2 million from his father but needed to travel to Spain to collect it. He then claimed to be hospitalized overseas. At that point, Nwadavid allegedly tricked the first woman, his money mule, into transferring the $2.5 million she had collected from the other five women into her crypto account. Nwadavid then allegedly traversed 210 Bitcoin from her account through intermediary accounts and into two other accounts of his. A lawyer for Nwadavid did not respond to Fortunes request for comment. Authorities declined to comment given the case is still pending. His sentencing is scheduled for September. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4) Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd has announced new leadership changes for the department. In an email sent on July 3, Chief Redd announced that three people will be departing their roles from SLC Police: Deputy Chief Victor Siebeneck, Deputy Chief Andrew Wright and Communications Administrative Director Brent Weisberg. Both Wright and Siebeneck were appointed to their positions by then-chief Mike Brown in 2023. Redd announced three new people outside of SLCPD to take over these positions: Alex Garcia, Brandon Christiansen and Glen Mills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia will take over one of the Deputy Chief positions and most recently served as the Chief of Utah Adult Probation and Parole, having 22 years in law enforcement and previously served as interim and deputy director at Utah Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). Redd says his broad experience and proven leadership make him a strong asset for the department. Christansen is an 18-year veteran of the West Valley City Police Department and currently serves as Deputy Chief over the Patrol and Administrative Services Bureau, which includes K9, SWAT, Internal Affairs, Intelligence and Records. Christansen will also be assuming a deputy chief role with SLCPD. Glen Mills will be taking over as Communications Director and Chief of Staff. Mills currently serves as the Director of Communications and Government Relations for the Utah Department of Corrections. Prior to this, he served a decade here at ABC4 as Chief Political Correspondent and host of Inside Utah Politics. Additionally, Lt. Bill Manzanares will be promoted within the department to deputy chief as well. Manzanares has worked with SLCPD for 18 years in numerous roles, including SWAT Team Leader, Narcotics Sergeant and Patrol Division Commander. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manzanares began his new role immediately, while Garcia, Christansen and Mills are expected to start in their positions near the end of July or beginning of August. These individuals bring exceptional leadership, experience, and a fresh perspective to our department, Redd said. Im confident their contributions will strengthen our ability to serve and support both our personnel and the community. Again, I would like to thank Deputy Chief Victor Siebeneck, Deputy Chief Wright and Director Weisberg for all they have done for the department. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) The Taste of Buffalo, one of the areas most anticipated summer festivals offering food from 40 different eateries kicks off next weekend. On July 12 and 13, Niagara Square to Chippewa Street will be filled with restaurants serving up their best dishes. WIVB News 4 spoke with some participating businesses, who gave a sneak peek into this years eats. Being part of this is straight up Buffalo, said Jack Adly, the owner of Venus Greek & Mediterranean. If youre not part of this, youre missing out on so much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venus Greek & Mediterranean plans to serve up around 400 pounds of french fries alone. Its exciting. We prepare so we make sure that everybody has a chance to grab some of our items that day, Adly said. We dont like to run out. Weve been there for almost eight years, so we have an idea of how much were selling. The Greek restaurant will also offer bites of its homemade Dubai chocolate and Greek twist on poutine. That day were going to be bringing two new products. Itll be easier for you to try it out and its smaller portions, so youll be able to try this out and every other place, Adly said. I highly recommend stopping by, checking out our poutine fries and the Dubai chocolate so you dont have to make a trip to one of the locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those looking for a cool treat, Sweet Melodys is offering a number of flavors of gelato and sorbet. One pan is probably five liters of gelato and we probably go through about 150 pans of it, minimum, said Rachel Incorvia, the owner of Sweet Melodys. The business has had sweet success at the Taste of Buffalo, even winning various awards. We get a lot of people that say, Oh, I saw you at the Taste of Buffalo and I had this, can I get this at my wedding? Or we do corporate events, birthday parties, everything like that, Incorvia said. Click here for more information on the Taste of Buffalo. Latest Local News Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Sun Herald readers weigh in on local and national topics. Climate change What makes you think the climate will never change? It always has, a little at a time. People adapt and overcome. The hysteria about it has an agenda to scam you into panic and unnecessary effort to stop it, which isnt possible. Your climate change is all a scam based on computer models. Garbage in, garbage out. It has rained hard enough to close roads in the past; it will again in the future. Rand Paul Has anyone noticed that trump has not threatened to primary Sen. Rand Paul? Wonder why. Elon Musk Why is Elon Musk such a large part of our countrys political process? Check out his Wikipedia entry. He has no record of any elected position. He seems to be an emotionally and morally erratic smart person whose past political affiliations are all over the place. Iran President Obama brokered a deal with Iran in 2015 to reduce 97% of its nuclear site in exchange for the removal of sanctions against Iran. Other nations were involved with us in this deal. Part of the deal was that these nations and us would have international monitoring of Irans nuclear site. It was a great deal. The international monitoring was in place. We knew that Iran was following the deal because we were monitoring the site. When Trump first became president, he was out to get revenge on Obama. Trump lied and said that the Iran deal was a bad one, and that no one was monitoring Iran. It was another lie of his where he kept repeating it until his base accepted it. Trump then scrapped the deal with the blessing of his base. Iran immediately returned to making nuclear weapons. Now, we have a problem. His words A quote from Trump on July 1st, DOGE is gonna look at Musk and if DOGE looks at Musk, were gonna save a fortune. It begs a question: why didnt DOGE save that fortune when Musk was running DOGE? Trumps childish rant exposes the corruption within his administration. Its out in the open for all to see if they listen to what he says. Sad Mississippi ranks last nationally in average teacher pay and falls far behind nearby states like Georgia and Alabama. While the state covers health premiums for the employee alone, teachers must pay the full cost for dependents up to $926 per month which can slash take-home pay by more than 20% Big and beautiful Thrilled to see whats going on with President Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill. Whether you like it or not, we are getting what we voted for. Revenge Attorney General Pam Bondi has fired three Jan. 6 prosecutors. In the meantime, the attackers have been pardoned. This is blatantly an injustice. Alligator Alcatraz Kudos to Florida governor Ron DeSantis. We should find more inhospitable land and put prisons there. Nice stunt Look, another stunt from Sen. Hakeem Jeffries. Thats apparently what the Democrats have been reduced to talking to temporarily stall a bill that everyone knows is going to pass. Ready for the truth Honestly, I dont know who to believe, as far as the alleged cuts to Medicaid. Guess Ill just have to wait and see what happens. Great work So, in the dead of night, Trump Republicans stripped millions of Americans of their health care, took support away from families trying to put food on the table and gave a whole bunch of money to their billionaire donors. Lunacy The latest mental midgets to comment on their hate for all things Trump are Charlize Theron and John Cusack. Awards or no awards, they are simply not very bright. Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The family of a South Bay man, who is a longtime green card holder, is calling for his release after he was recently detained and put into ICE custody. My dad has been separated from us and there could be a possibility of him completely being removed from us, said Alejandra Sanchez, whose father was detained last week. Raul Sanchezs family described him as a loving father and husband, a hard-worker and a man of faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Wednesday, hes been at an ICE detention facility in Otay Mesa following his arrest while driving to an immigration appointment in San Ysidro, not far from his home. His daughter Alejandra said the situation started unraveling in April after her parents returned from a trip to Europe. Upon arriving at LAX he was pulled to the side by secondary and immigration, then held him in a holding cell. They removed his green card and his Mexican passport, she said. Alejandra said her dad was brought to the U.S. from Mexico when he was two years old and has been a permanent resident since. When he was in his 20s, the now 50-year-old served time behind bars for a nonviolent drug offense in 2001. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration attorney Saman Nasseri told FOX 5/KUSI that cases which werent enforcement priorities under the previous administration are now. \ I have about a dozen or so cases from 12-13 years ago that are now getting reopened with the court too, Nasseri said. He explained that once immigration proceedings begin some of those cases do go our way, especially when they look at how long ago was the conviction and then what other equities now and what relief they might qualify for. Meanwhile, back in the Sanchez home, its tough for Alejandra to walk past her dads work station without getting choked up. She recalled being able to go to a Padres game or to the fair which unfortunately he wasnt able to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, she said they are staying positive even in the uncertainty. We have a huge community rallying around him and a lot of people aware of whats going on, Alejandra said. FOX 5/KUSI reached out to ICE and CBP for comment but did not hear back in time for this report. Meanwhile, the Sanchez family said friends and family have written letters of support and started a fundraiser for Raul ahead of his court hearing on Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. A Waycross man is facing multiple charges after shooting at police officers. On Monday, June 30, at about 9:30 p.m., Waycross police officers in an unmarked car were near Ketterer Street and N. Crawford Street in Waycross, Georgia, when a white Chevrolet Equinox passed them. Officers saw a person in a ski mask shoot at the Equinox. Officers stepped out of their unmarked car and chased after the shooter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the chase, the officers exchanged gunfire with the masked person as he escaped into the woods. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As police searched for the shooter, agents located the SUV and Devonte Deshawn Williams, 28, was identified as the shooter. Police said the people in the Equinox, which included a 2-year-old child, played no part in the incident. Williams was later found at his home and was arrested. When police found him, he was suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He was evaluated at Waycross Memorial Hospital, and upon release was booked into the Ware County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams is charged with three counts of aggravated assault against law enforcement officers, three counts of aggravated assault, one count of cruelty to children in the first degree, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and six counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is continuing its investigation. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Southwest Airlines' CEO Bob Jordan is doubling down on the company's controversial changes ending unassigned seating and free bags for most customers. Both policy changes caused controversy among passengers as they were perks Southwest offered for years. Jordan has repeatedly defended the changes and he did so again in a new interview with the New York Times on July 6. The Times asked Jordan how it has felt "hearing from customers who don't like the changes to bad fees or seating processes," and he defended it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I know that we have some that are not happy - and we have many, many, many that are happy," he said. "You have to keep talking because sometimes people don't understand you're doing. What I find is that once folks know where we're headed, they're very excited. I think you just have to play through this period of change because change is hard." Jordan then claimed to the Times that "our employees are excited about the changes." He said the previous open-seat boarding could be difficult for flight attendants to manage. "Change is hard, and change is emotional," Jordan told the Times. It's not the first time that Jordan has spoken out about the changes. He's been on a PR blitz on the topic and other major changes at Southwest, in a sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He's also opened up about layoffs at Southwest. Jordan made the comments about layoffs on June 26 to author David Novak on the How Leaders Lead podcast. As we processed the layoff, I had a lot of times where I was sitting in my office crying, to be honest, crying about the decision, Jordan said. Not crying as in making that decision, but just the difficulty it was going to be for our people. Jordan also defended the move to assigned seating at the Bernstein 41st Annual Strategic Decisions Conference on May 29, 2025, according to a transcript posted by Seeking Alpha. After bringing up assigned seating, he said, "It isn't a set of initiatives that are sort of crazy things that Southwest is doing that are unique to the industry. These are really things that the industry is doing. So I look at that and I see number one: low risk of implementation." Related: Southwest Airlines' CEO Cried Over Major Change Southwest Airlines' CEO Doubles Down on Checked Bag, Seating Changes first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 6, 2025 Bob Jordan revealed his own flying habits, including where he likes to sit and what he prefers wearing, and talked further about Southwests recent decisions to upend its seating and checked-bags policies. Jordan also recalled when he started working at the airline in 1988, saying he met cofounder Herb Kelleher on his first day. Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan tends not to wear suits when flying so he can give the flight crew a hand. In a wide-ranging interview with the New York Times, he revealed his own flying habits, talked about Southwests recent decision to end long-standing policies, and shared advice he got from legendary cofounder Herb Kelleher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan said he prefers the window seat, but sits in the aisle when flying for business so he can get up, talk to the flight attendants, and move about the cabin. I serve snacks. I pick up trash. Then I go sit in the cockpit and talk to our pilots, he told the Times. I dont want to be crawling over people, so I tend to sit on the aisle so I can get out and do stuff. In fact, he seldom wears a suit when flying and usually wears a vest or polo shirt because he wants to work with the crew. Suits are typically reserved for visits to Washington, D.C., and meetings with lawmakers or other officials. Jordan even suggested his helpful habits extend to the ground crew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to go downstairs and unload bags. Its super hard to unload bags and get in the belly of the aircraft with a suit on, he said. The CEO also discussed reactions to Southwests decision last year to end its famous open-seating policy and begin charging for premium seating as well as its pivot earlier this year to sharply scale back its bags fly free policy. I know we have some that are not happyand we have many, many, many that are happy, Jordan said. You have to keep talking because sometimes people dont understand what youre doing. What I find is that once folks know where were headed, theyre very excited. I think you just have to play through this period of change because change is hard. He acknowledged that Southwest has to play a bit of catch-up with other airlines by transitioning to the new policies in a matter of months and not years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he denied the changes were driven by activist shareholder Elliott Investment Management, which sought a shakeup at the airline. The airline revamped its board last year but kept Jordan as CEO. Jordan was also reminded that he started at Southwest in 1988, when Kelleher was the CEO, and said they met on his first day. When asked what Kelleher, who passed away in 2019, would think of the big changes going on at Southwest today, he answered with some advice he got from the airlines cofounder. One of the No. 1 Herb quotes was, If you dont change, you die,' Jordan recalled. Herb didnt build the airline to be about open seating and plastic boarding cards. That was an outgrowth of wanting to be efficient. Herb built the airline around being different from a service perspective. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The job of Space Force officer in charge of overseeing each launch on the Space Coast has changed hands. Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen handed off some of her duties including the roles of commander for Space Launch Delta 45 and director of the Eastern Range to Space Force Col. Brian Chatman. The change of command ceremony took place on June 26 with Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, the head of Space Systems Command, overseeing the traditional passing of the guidon, a symbolic pennant, that ended Panzenhagens run as the leader of Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She came to the Space Coast in June 2023 while also taking on the roles of executive officer for the Space Forces Assured Access to Space program and director of launch and range operations for Space Systems Command out of Patrick SFB. She filled the boots of Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy who had been in those roles from 2021-2023 including leading the two facilities transition from the Air Force to the Space Force. Panzenhagen finished up overseeing 2023s record launch year of 72 mission only to top that with the 93 flown in 2024. Through July 2, the Space Coast has seen 58 launches from either Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, on track to break 100 before the end of the year. At the beginning of the year, Panzenhagen said the Space Force was prepped to support 13 launches a month if need be, or 156 for the year, although that pace was not realized. Chatmans most recent posting has been that of deputy director for the Space Systems Engineering Directorate for the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the SLD 45 commander, he runs the worlds busiest spaceport and is responsible for delivering infrastructure, operations, and support for all Eastern Range launch and test missions, reads his official Space Force bio. As Director of the Eastern Range, he is responsible for the safety of launch and test operations across a 15-million-square-mile area. He received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. His primary duties have included special operations intelligence, aircraft and space systems acquisition program management, space operations, and as an operational liaison between the intelligence community, the special operations community, and Air Force and Space Force acquisition communities, his bio reads. His experience includes assignments with the National Reconnaissance Office, Space Systems Center, and the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, where he ran a $1.2 billion program of 15 top national priority classified programs and directed more than 500 government and contractor personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also previously served as the deputy commander of the 30th Operations Group at Vandenberg Air Force Base, which included space operations on the Western Range. The Space Force has not announced who will be the new executive officer for the Assured Access to Space program, nor what Panzenhagens new assignment will be. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) This week on The Spectrum: Ohios $60 billion state budget has been signed into law, but Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine used his veto pen to remove 67 items. We walk you through what did and did not make the cut, including a controversial overhaul of the State Teachers Retirement System board. Not one Democrat voted in favor of the budget bill. Hear from new House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn about why he said the policies within the bill are bad for Ohio and his game plan for an important election year ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lively debate about school choice is underway as a legal fight over Ohios voucher system begins. At the all-star roundtable, hear from those on both sides of the lawsuit that seeks to stop millions of tax dollars from sending students to private schools. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. The heavy downpour in Himachal Pradesh has wreaked havoc, with the state reporting 23 flash floods, followed by 19 cloud burst incidents and 16 landslides till today. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning for "Extremely Heavy Rain, Thunderstorm & Lightning, Squall" for July 6. For tomorrow, the IMD forecasts "Very Heavy Rain, Thunderstorm & Lightning, Squall". The weather department has predicted heavy rains for July 8 and 9. According to a report issued by the Himachal Pradesh government, at least 78 people have lost their lives in Himachal Pradesh since the onset of the monsoon on June 20. According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), of these, 50 deaths were caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, while 28 fatalities were reported in road accidents. "The cumulative toll due to various monsoon-related disasters in Himachal Pradesh has reached 78 as of July 6," the State Disaster Management Authority stated. The rain-induced tragedies include 14 deaths from flash floods, eight due to drowning, eight from electrocution and accidental falls, and smaller numbers in landslides, lightning strikes, and snake bites. Mandi district reported the highest number of rain-related deaths at 17, followed by Kangra with 11. Other severely affected districts include Kullu (3 deaths), Chamba (3), and Shimla (3), the report further said. The road accidents, which claimed 28 lives, were recorded across various districts, with Chamba reporting the highest at six, followed by Bilaspur, Kullu, and Kangra. Beyond casualties, the state has also suffered widespread infrastructural and economic damage. According to SDMA data, 269 roads have been blocked, 285 power transformers have been affected, and 278 water supply schemes have been impacted. The total loss to public and private property has been estimated at over Rs 57 crore. Monsoon-triggered incidents have also resulted in crop losses, damage to homes and cowsheds, and disruptions to health and education infrastructure. Authorities have deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams across critical regions. Search and rescue operations are still underway, especially in parts of Mandi and Kullu, where missing persons have been reported. The SDMA continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain alert as rainfall activity remains active across the state. Mandi district has emerged as the worst-hit region, with the highest number of infrastructure damages reported. A total of 181 roads remain blocked in Mandi alone, while 278 water supply schemes have been rendered non-functional across the state. Key subdivisions in the districts of Seraj, Karsog, Thalout, and Dharampur have reported extensive damage to public utilities, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed ANI. Agnihotri stated that the state had suffered a massive loss due to floods and heavy rainfall. "Monsoon has just begun, and already Himachal is witnessing extensive damage. Several lives have been lost so far. The epicentre of the destruction is Mandi district," he said. Agnihotri added that the state machinery has been fully mobilised to restore essential services such as water, electricity, and roads. He added, "Large-scale restoration work is underway. Water supply schemes and roads are being repaired, and major electricity infrastructure has been damaged. In Siraj constituency alone, 20 transformers are missing, and power lines are down across several kilometres." Himachal Deputy CM raised concerns over the unusual intensity of rainfall in the early days of the monsoon. "In the initial phase itself, we've seen cloudbursts. In some areas, up to 10 cloudbursts occurred simultaneously. An alert remains in effect, and our top priority is to save lives. Every possible effort is being made," he added. Despite some improvements, public utility services remain severely affected in Himachal Pradesh amid the ongoing monsoon season, with 243 roads still blocked, 241 electricity transformers disrupted, and 278 water supply schemes non-functional as of Sunday evening, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Himachal Pradesh. "The state has witnessed substantial infrastructural disruptions due to incessant rainfall, especially in districts like Mandi, Kullu, and Kangra," the State Disaster Management Authority said in its evening bulletin on July 6. The impact of the monsoon this year has been deadly. Between June 20 and July 6, a total of 78 people lost their lives, with 50 of these deaths directly attributed to rain-related disasters such as flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides, and electrocutions. An additional 28 people died in road accidents. Mandi district remains the worst affected, accounting for over 180 road blockages and 278 disrupted water supply schemes. Heavy rainfall was cited as the primary reason behind infrastructure failure in most of the severely hit subdivisions, such as Seraj, Thalout, and Karsog. Other significant disruptions include: 36 road blockages in Kullu, primarily in Banjar and Nirmand. Twelve roads are blocked in Kangra, particularly in Palampur and Shahpur. 41 electricity transformers were disrupted in the Una district. Seventeen water supply schemes in Chamba are affected. Officials from multiple departments are on the ground conducting restoration work while the SDMA continues to issue alerts in vulnerable areas. The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, on Sunday, flagged off three trucks loaded with relief material from the Raj Bhavan in Shimla to the flood-affected Thunag area in Mandi district. The relief consignment included 540 blankets, triple-layered tents, shoes, socks, buckets, candles, and matchboxes, with the Governor stating that more supplies will be sent if needed. Speaking after the flag-off ceremony, the Governor told ANI, "I have not gone there personally yet as security officials advised me that conditions are still not safe. But I will visit later. For now, we have sent three vehicles with relief material, and we will continue to assist people in the affected areas as needed." The Governor also raised serious concerns over the recurring natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh, attributing the scale of damage to unchecked tree felling and illegal mining. Referring to his recent visit to the remote Dodra Kwar region. (ANI) UPDATE: Martha has been located. View the original story below: SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Springfield detectives are asking for the publics help in locating a missing woman. DCR Summer Nights offers youth programming throughout Mass. The Springfield Police Department stated that 80-year-old Martha Bruce, who also goes by Mama, was last seen at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Sunday in the Springfield Plaza area. Martha was wearing a white t-shirt and tan pants, with her hair tied in a loose ponytail. (Springfield Police Department) (Springfield Police Department) Martha may also be in Chicopee. If you see her or have any information on where she may be, you are urged to contact Springfield Detectives at 413-787-6360 or the non-emergency line at 413-787-6300. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. A student draws with chalk on an outdoor court at Yung Wing School P.S. 124 on March 7, 2022, in New York City. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) The U.S. Department of Educations decision last week to hold back $6.8 billion in federal K-12 funds next year has triggered alarm among state education officials, school leaders and advocacy groups nationwide over how the lack of funds will affect their after-school, enrichment and language-learning services. The Trump administrations decision to freeze the funding has put states in triage mode as they scramble to decide what programs may be cut without that funding, said Mary Kusler, senior director for the Center for Advocacy at the National Education Association. The money was approved by Congress to support education for English language learners, migrants, low-income children and adults learning to read, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of July 1, school systems are unable to draw down funding, jeopardizing summer programs, hiring and early-year planning for the 202526 school year. The funding freeze affects several core programs: Title II-A (educator training and recruitment), Title III-A (English learner support), Title IV-A (student enrichment and after-school), as well as migrant education and adult education and literacy grants. Trump has proposed eliminating all those programs in his proposed budget for next fiscal year, but that proposal hasnt gone through Congress. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX State superintendents sent out missives to school districts early this week and now are scrambling to make choices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not about political philosophy, this is about reliability and consistency, Alabama state Superintendent Eric Mackey said to Politico this week. None of us were worrying about this. The administration says it is reviewing the programs. The Department remains committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the Presidents priorities and the Departments statutory responsibilities, the U.S. Department of Education wrote to states in its announcement Monday. Historically, the department releases allocations by July 1 to ensure schools can budget and plan effectively for the coming school year. Withholding the money could result in canceled programs, hiring freezes and the loss of essential support for English learners, migrant children and other high-need populations, education and state officials told Stateline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americas public school leaders run district budgets that are dependent on a complex partnership between federal, state, and local funding, said David R. Schuler, executive director of the School Superintendents Association in a statement. For decades, school districts have relied on timely confirmation of their federal allocations ahead of the July 1 start of the fiscal year ensuring stability, allowing for responsible planning, and supporting uninterrupted educational services for students. The states facing the largest withheld amounts include California ($810.7 million), Texas ($660.9 million), and New York ($411.7 million), according to data from the NEA and the Learning Policy Institute, an education think tank. For 17 states and territories, the freeze affects over 15% of their total federal K-12 allocations, according to the Learning Policy Institute. For smaller jurisdictions such as the District of Columbia and Vermont, the disruption hits even harder: More than 20% of their federal K-12 budgets remain inaccessible. Colorado Education Commissioner Susan Cordova urged school districts to begin contingency planning in case funds are not released before the federal fiscal year ends on Sept. 30. California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond hinted at possible legal action, which has become a trend as states fight the second Trump administrations funding revocations or delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California will continue to pursue all available legal remedies to the Trump Administrations unlawful withholding of federal funds appropriated by Congress, Thurmond said in a statement. The NEA and the NAACP have filed for a preliminary injunction, calling the administrations delay an illegal impoundment a violation of the federal Impoundment Control Act, which bars the executive branch from withholding appropriated funds without congressional approval. Education advocates warn the recent decision by the Trump administration to withhold funding reflects a broader pattern of federal disengagement from public education. Community nonprofits said the withholding could devastate their programming too. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America could have to close more than 900 centers bringing the loss of 5,900 jobs and affecting more than 220,000 children, said President and CEO Jim Clark in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1974 Impoundment Control Act lets the president propose canceling funds approved by Congress. Lawmakers have 45 days to approve the request; if they dont, its denied. Meanwhile, agencies can be directed not to spend the funds during that time. A White House statement shared with States Newsroom this week said initial findings have shown that many of these grant programs have been grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda. Kids, educators, and working families are the ones losing, said Kusler, of the NEA. We need governors and communities to step up now. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@stateline.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A student draws with chalk on an outdoor court at Yung Wing School P.S. 124 on March 7, 2022, in New York City. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. President Donald Trump reported $10 million in income from various merchandise he sold in 2024. And, foreign billionaires are enjoying unprecedented access to the White House thanks to Trumps crypto coin. President Barack Obamas ethics czar, Norm Eisen, joins The Weekend to discuss. A Sterling man was arrested in conjunction with a bank robbery in Morrison. According to a release from the Morrison Police Department, police responded to a report of a bank robbery at Community State Bank on July 5 at 10:47 a.m. According to police records, a suspect handed a note to a teller and demanded money. The teller gave him money, and the suspect escaped before officers arrived. Ryan Hicks (Whiteside County Jail) After investigating the robbery, Morrison Police arrested Ryan Hicks, 37. Hicks was arrested for aggravated robbery, Class 1 felony, and burglary, Class 2 felony. Hicks was taken to the Whiteside County Jail. Hicks may have additional charges pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Morrison Police Department was assisted by the Whiteside County Sheriffs Office, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services and the Sterling Police Department. No one was injured in the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Storm chances are returning to New Mexico after a dry Fourth of July. Temperatures will continue to heat up through next week. Storms Saturday afternoon over the Sangre de Cristo mountains moved off to the east/southeast into this evening. Some of these storms turned strong to severe. A few spotty showers have also developed over Catron County, but little of the rain is making it to the ground. It is hot across New Mexico as well, with high temperatures a few degrees hotter than on the Fourth of July. There are still some storms in eastern New Mexico tonight, but they will be ending in the next couple of hours. The storms will send more moisture into the air all the way to western New Mexico by Sunday morning. Forecast Continues Below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More showers and thunderstorms will develop Sunday. Storms will first develop across the mountain peaks and ranges early in the afternoon, then drift to the east and southeast. Heavy rainfall is likely over the Ruidoso area burn scars by 12 PM tomorrow, bringing a threat of flash flooding there. Storms will also develop over the Gila and in western New Mexico Sunday afternoon. These storms will again end late Sunday night. It will also be another very hot day across the state, but some places will get a quick cool down with the rain and thunderstorms. Monday will be a very similar day to Sunday, but with drier air moving back into western and central New Mexico. High pressure will start setting up over the state after Monday, bringing in drier conditions. A few isolated afternoon showers and storms will still develop each afternoon next week, but the best chances will be over the mountain peaks and mountain ranges, along with nearby areas. Temperatures will be heating up next week as well. The hottest temperatures by likely Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. This article was originally published in Civil Beat. Droplets of blood red algae dance in a bubbling beaker in a Waianae High School classroom, as Leihoku Elementary schoolchildren huddle around. Recent Waianae graduate Hyrum Tom and teacher Tyson Arasato tell the visiting children all about the algae, limu kohu, a popular edible species native to Hawaii. The algae population is declining in the wild, so the school is trying to grow it in captivity to feed the community and help the wild limu recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By next year, Arasato said, the school hopes to scale up from beakers to large tanks full of algae for the community to consume. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Instead of them having to go out and pick it, where its not found as much, well let it restore outside in the wild, Arasato said. Then we can actually supply people with the food that they need thats the goal of aquaculture. The Marine Science Learning Center is the only dedicated high school aquaculture center in the state, and its been expanding its operations in recent years to give students more hands-on experience cultivating and caring for species many believe could become the lifeblood of Hawaiis food system and economy. Waianae High School Marine Science Learning Center senior Hyrum Tom weighs limu while their tanks are cleaned, which is a weekly requirement for the students. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025) The states aquaculture industry is expected to boom from a $90 million a year industry to $600 million a year in the next decade according to the Department of Agriculture and researchers say it will soon face a dearth of workers, which needs to be addressed if the industry is going to reach its full potential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its something of a Catch-22: despite predictions of workforce shortages and future growth, few of the students who have gone through the Waianae center have found jobs in the field. Part of the challenge is that many of the existing jobs require college degrees, something that less than one-third of Waianae students pursue following graduation. A bigger issue is that jobs at any level of experience are limited at the moment. The big bottleneck is not that we cant do workforce training, said Maria Haws, an aquaculture professor at the University of Hawaii Hilo. Its that we need to grow the industry. But the state has done little to invest in the industry in recent years and lawmakers have yet to heed calls from local industry leaders and researchers to encourage growth through regulatory reform or investments in infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, as a major aquaculture producer shutters on the Big Island and another sues the state for crippling its business, concerns are growing over whether Hawaii can actually achieve its potential. Despite the uncertainty, leaders and students at the Marine Science Learning Center are continuing to build upon the centers decades of research. The school is now using grant funding to expand its footprint with new tanks, as part of its ultimate bid to boost Leeward Oahus food security and establish a hatchery for native fish to reestablish throughout the state. Those species include Waianaes namesake anae native mullet. Restoring mullets place on the Westside is intended to help students connect with their heritage and sense of place, but also as a way to boost food self-sufficiency and address the regions food insecurity, which is among the worst on Oahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to get our fishponds functional again, learning center coordinator Dana Hoppe said. You want to talk about food security? Thats food security right there. Addressing Industry Challenges Industry leaders have long said aquaculture is the most promising sector of agriculture for Hawaii, a claim in line with global trends that show production and demand for farmed fish and other marine species is accelerating. Hawaii, they said, has a key role to play in the U.S. and global aquaculture industries but the state has to address multiple obstacles for that to happen, according to a 2024 state report. In addition to building a workforce pipeline, the state needs to simplify the regulatory landscape, to attract entrepreneurs and encourage more private and public investments in the sector. Waianae High School senior Diamond Holbron Kealoha spreads limu in a freshly-cleaned tank, which will play host to the algae as it grows, to eventually feed the community. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025) The assessment, completed by an international aquaculture consultant group hired by the state, noted that the state needs to invest more in infrastructure to help foster that development, such as land and processing facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the workforce was a key issue, one nearly every aquaculture business surveyed noted. They struggled to find well-qualified candidates within the state, while also finding it difficult to attract out-of-state talent. Without fixing the apparent workforce deficit, the report said, the states aquaculture outlook would only worsen. But the state has yet to show substantial support for the aquaculture industry and workforce development, according to Sen. Glenn Wakai, a longtime proponent for aquaculture in the Legislature. The industrys potential to grow to $600 million a year by 2034 requires dual efforts, happening simultaneously, to ensure jobs are there for young graduates, Wakai said. One idea is to build spaces for budding aquaculture entrepreneurs and businesses, like agricultural parks, while also attracting established businesses to conduct research in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the model for such an effort Hawaii Oceanic Science and Technology Park in Kona has run into problems with water supply and tenants are suing the state for damages related to water quality. Without the park, or more like it, graduates and the workforce will have nowhere to go but outside Hawaii, Waikai said. Kudos to Waianae, Wakai said. But when the kids all want to go to college, what kind of job opportunities will be here for them? Teaching Rigorous Skills Hoppe and learning center staff, including former students, recently picked up a shipment of speckled and colorful tilapia for a senior capstone project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tilapia will continue to grow in their tanks as students adjust the level of salt in their water tanks, to gain a better understanding of how water salinity affects flavor. Hoppe said shes hopeful that fish raised at the school will soon follow the path of ogo, a seaweed the school provides about 250 pounds per month to the communitys elderly through the Elepaio Social Services Program. Students learn to monitor water quality, salinity, fish health and a long list of complex tasks as part of their work. And they also pass on their knowledge to visiting school groups, Hoppe said. We make sure that the curriculum is rigorous science, Hoppe said. But the skills are universal: Trying to teach them how to think critically, trying to teach them how to be responsible, trying to teach them values. Hoppe said the practical experience helps show students their own potential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while students at Waianae may not all make their way into the aquaculture industry, the education is not wasted, Hoppe said, nor does their final career destination matter that much. The skills are universal, she said. Waianae High Schools work has found support from lawmakers and state agencies, which fund many of the centers projects, including the upcoming expansion. The center is poised to begin work Thursday, installing new tanks and increasing the centers footprint on campus, which will allow for more research in coming years. Past students have investigated everything from raising shrimp, mullet and tilapia within one system, to an upcoming project focused on how salt levels in water influence the flavor of tilapia. The school is also part of a research collaboration with Big Island biotechnology firm Symbrosia on raising limu kohu. Waipahu High School Food Systems Pathway student Ednice Julaton, left, and Hawaii Fish Companys Mikia Weidenbach identify the sex of tilapia earlier this month, as fellow students Tiare Keaunui-Akana and Pablo Sabug watch. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025) Waianae High Schools center is already unique from every other school in the state, with the only secondary learning center dedicated to aquaculture, uniquely positioning the roughly two dozen students enrolled each year to learn highly technical aspects of fish and algae farming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to Waianae, four other schools statewide have learning centers focused more broadly on food and agriculture. Waipahu High School is one of those schools, with brand new facilities dedicated to natural resources and agricultural education. Aquaculture is part of that, led in part by former shrimp farmer and Waipahu teacher Jeff Garvey. Waipahu High School Food System Pathway students visited Ron Weidenbach of Hawaii Fish Company, where they learned about how catfish waste can help grow fruit, vegetables and catfish all at once. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025) Garvey has developed a workforce program to help build interest in aquaculture, alongside the University of Hawaii Hilo, which is the only college in the state to offer a full, four-year bachelors degree specializing in the subject. But even with a new fancy and chic $29 million facility at Waipahu High School, Garvey said, it can be difficult to attract students to the field. For many students, attaining a college degree is out of reach, according to marine center coordinator Hoppe. So getting a job in an industry that wants certain qualifications is difficult, despite their years of experience, making jobs in the trades more attractive and attainable. But even college graduates are suffering. Some are forced to take other work due to a lack of opportunity within the industry, according to Maria Haws, a UH aquaculture professor and director of the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center. One recent college graduate has just become a firefighter, Haws said, planning on saving money to later start her own farm due to the cost of getting started in Hawaii. If we cannot set up farms, and if families and small businesses cant set up farms because of regulatory inhibitions, whats the point of producing a bunch of well-trained students that will just go somewhere else and get paid a lot more? Haws said. Theres not enough business here to absorb them. And while some students end up in research roles or as educators, Haws said, the federal governments squeeze on academic funding may also compromise that pipeline, too. Haws said she hopes more lawmakers step up to address the shortcomings in the industry, in light of climate change, movements at the federal level and for the benefit of the state in general. If we have to import 80% of our seafood, yet we consume almost twice as much per capita as other states, Haws said, what the heck are we really doing? Hawaii Grown is funded in part by grants from the Stupski Foundation, Ulupono Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation and the Frost Family Foundation. Let freedom fly! A photographer who doubles as a pilot was the highest in the Manhattan sky on July 4th and The Post obtained his breathtaking aerial photographs of the 49th Annual Macys 4th of July Fireworks show taken from a staggering altitude of 7,500 to 8,000 feet. Filip Wolak captured the stunning spectacle as 80,000 shells launched from four barges on the East River from above the controlled airspace, which is at 7,000 feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What makes it special was I was the only guy out there. I got the best seat, Wolak, a native of Poland, told The Post Saturday. An aerial view of the Macys July 4th fireworks show on the East River. Filip Wolak for NY Post The stunning fireworks show captured in aerial view. Filip Wolak for NY Post The astounding images reveal the brightly colored plumes of pyrotechnics forth from the river, surrounded by the panorama of the city. Ive always been fascinated by the fireworks and of course, theyre the best here. And I dont necessarily like crowds, so I find a way of watching from that point of view. A dazzling view of the Eat River and a lit up New York City on July 4, 2025. Filip Wolak for NY Post Filip Wolak, who has been an aerial photographer for 15 years, captured the fireworks from up to 8,000 feet in the air. Filip Wolak for NY Post Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While fireworks themselves are quite challenging to photograph, especially while flying a plane, he does have someone seated beside him to watch for traffic and altitude, he said. Its a high level of stress, but its a good stress, he said. The fireworks show was held on the night of Friday, July 4, 2025. Filip Wolak for NY Post And when I take photographs from the sky, I slow down the airplane to the minimum flyable speed which allows me to capture images that are not blurry. Wolak snaps the Independence Day pyrotechnics every year, but thought he wouldnt be able to this time around because airspace in the tristate area had been closed at 10:30 p.m. when President Trump visited the area. The Macys 4th of July Fireworks show featured 80,000 shells launched from four barges on the East River. Filip Wolak for NY Post I thought there was a chance I would not make it because the president came to town last night and they basically shut down the whole airspace, he said. Richard "Dick" Eastland, a father of four and the owner of Camp Mystic the girls' camp on the Guadalupe River which was hit by catastrophic flooding in Texas on the Fourth of July is among those who have died, according to Texas Public Radio, The New York Times and other reports. "[H]is last act of kindness and sacrifice was working to save the lives of campers," a friend, Paige W. Sumner, wrote in a tribute to him in the local Kerrville Daily Times. Eastland and his wife, Tweety Eastland, directors of the private Christian camp, had been with the camp since 1974 and were third-generation managers of the facility, which has been in their family since 1939, according to the Camp Mystic website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tweety Eastland reportedly survived the devastating floods, spurred by nearly unprecedented rainfall. Tributes to Dick have poured in online, praising him as a caring surrogate dad and grandpa, enthusiastic fishing teacher and smiling and warm presence on the campgrounds. 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. AP Photo/Julio Cortez Camp Mystic in Texas Camp Mystic in Texas "Generations of girls have been and will continue to be positively affected by him," Natalie Hayes Dunning posted on Facebook. "There aren't a lot of people that I know that are going straight to heaven, but Dick Eastland is one of them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former camper Rachel Thornton recounted Dick's encouragement while she tried to learn to fish. "On the last day of class, he came up to me and said, 'As long as Ive been here, I've never had a girl not catch a fish. Youre catching one today,'" she wrote in a Facebook post. "Dick did not leave my side the entire class until I (mostly Dick) reeled one in, a tiny little perch." Thornton wrote that despite the fish's size, Dick lavished her with praise. "I remember someone saying perch were the smallest fish and Dick looked at me smiling and said, "Well it's the biggest perch Ive ever seen anyone catch!" she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Dick and Tweety Eastland attended the University of Texas in Austin, according to a camp biography. The Eastlands were parents of four boys. One son, James, died in 2015, according to the camp's website. Read the original article on People Herzog reiterated that he "does not take the potential costs" of a hostage deal lightly and understands the concerns, but he is confident that the cabinet and establishment will deal with challenges. President Isaac Herzog met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the prime minister's departure to Washington on Sunday, expressing his hopes for a hostage deal and the expansion of the Abraham Accords. Herzog emphasized the importance of the trip as a significant step in advancing a hostage deal and said he hoped the diplomatic effort could serve as an opening for other regional developments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu and Herzog discussed the opportunity to develop US President Donald Trump's Abraham Accords initiative. The president reiterated that he "does not take the potential costs" of a hostage deal lightly and understands the concerns, but he is confident that the cabinet and security establishment will know how to deal with the challenges. "The prime minister's trip to Washington is an important mission aimed at advancing a deal that will bring all our kidnapped brothers and sisters back home; this is a supreme moral duty. I offer full support to these efforts even when it involves difficult, complex, and painful decisions." Demonstrators protest for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip, outside Hakirya Base in Tel Aviv, July 2, 2025. (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90) "It is our collective duty to remember that the price is not simple, but I am confident that the cabinet and the security establishment will succeed in dealing with the challenges, as they have done so far." Herzog thanks Trump for combating Iran's nuclear program "I would like to thank US President Donald Trump for his support in combating Iran's nuclear program and for his unwavering support of Israel. I call on the world leaders and international partners to use all their influence to bring about a breakthrough. This is a humanitarian, moral, and national mission, and we have no time to waste." "I congratulate the negotiation delegation that will be heading to Doha and wish the Prime Minister great success in his important mission. A united nation follows, hopes, and prays to see all the kidnapped return as quickly as possible," Herzog concluded. PARAMARIBO (Reuters) -Suriname's parliament backed Jennifer Simons as the South American country's first woman president on Sunday, setting the doctor and former parliamentary speaker on course to helm a nation on the cusp of a predicted oil boom. Surinamese lawmakers backed Simons as president six weeks after the ruling party and its top opposition nearly tied in the race for legislative seats, leading to a coalition deal to install Simons as president. Simons' opposition National Democratic Party won 18 seats and current President Chan Santokhi's Progressive Reform Party won 17 seats in the May 25 parliamentary election. Smaller parties won the remaining 16 seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suriname's president is elected indirectly. Following the general election, members of the National Assembly vote for the president, and a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to win the office. "I come into this office to serve, and I will use all my knowledge, strength and insight to make our wealth available to all of our people," Simons, 71, said in a brief speech after lawmakers approved her appointment with a round of applause. Simons vowed to pay special attention to young people and those who have not yet had the best opportunities. "I am very aware of the responsibility now placed on our shoulders, a responsibility compounded for me by the fact that I am the first woman to hold this office," she added. "I do not need many words. My thanks and we will get to work." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Incumbent President Chan Santokhi, a 66-year-old former police commissioner who stood for re-election, had faced criticism over a lack of protections for the poorer and more vulnerable sectors of society. Santokhi congratulated Simons on her election and told lawmakers he took responsibility for his shortcomings and hoped he would be remembered for his commitment. He said he would continue to serve the country after the transition as a member of parliament. A COMING BOOM Suriname, a former Dutch colony independent since 1975, is expected to see a surge in revenues from the nation's first big offshore energy development, an oil and gas project led by TotalEnergies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gran Morgu project is set to begin production in 2028. Discovered reserves may allow Suriname to compete with neighboring Guyana, whose economy grew 43.6% last year, as a prominent producer. However, campaigning featured little debate about what the next government, which will hold power until 2030, should do with the income. Simons' election was agreed in a six-party deal two days after the parliamentary contest, but was not made official until Sunday's vote. Her inauguration is scheduled for July 16. Suriname's parliament backed Simons for the post by acclamation, alongside National Party of Suriname (NPS) leader Gregory Rusland as her vice president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simons served as parliamentary speaker for a decade until 2020. She was second in vote tallies behind Santokhi, winning more than 41,700 votes. She is the head of the NDP, founded by former President Desi Bouterse, who dominated Surinamese politics for decades but died a fugitive last year. NDP founder Bouterse left office in 2020, the year after he was convicted in the 1982 murders of 15 government critics. When the conviction was upheld in 2023, Bouterse went into hiding, dying at the age of 79 at an unknown location on Christmas Eve. (Reporting by Ank Kuipers; Writing by Sarah Morland and Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Will Dunham and Lisa Shumaker) A team of Crime Branch cracked down illegal trade of Chinese Manjha and nabbed three with huge consignment in three separate operations, huge Consignment of 1226 Rolls of banned 'Chinese Manjha' recovered with first action on June 26 at Kamla Market, second action on 27 June at Jeevan Park, Uttam Nagar, Delhi and third action on July 5 at Sangam Vihar, Wazirabad, Delhi, police said on Sunday. Police said that three separate FIRs were registered by the Crime Branch, and three accused have been arrested. With Independence Day (15th August) and Raksha Bandhan approaching, the Delhi Police has launched a special drive to curb the sale and use of hazardous Chinese Manjha -- a nylon-based kite string that has caused numerous injuries and fatalities involving people, birds, and animals. Based on specific intelligence, a team from the Crime Branch apprehended an accused, Raju Chauras ia (S/o Jeewanlal Chaurasia, age 51), and recovered 922 rolls of banned Chinese Manjha from a godown/shop in Jeewan Park, Uttam Nagar, Delhi. The premises are owned by the accused. A case was registered under FIR No. 160/2025, U/S 223 (B) BNS & 5/15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, at PS Crime Branch, Delhi. A trap was laid in Jeewan Park, Uttam Nagar, and Raju Chaurasia was apprehended. Although he initially attempted to mislead the police, a thorough search of his premises led to the recovery of 922 rolls of Chinese Manjha. Preliminary investigation revealed that he was selling the banned string offline to known shopkeepers and online via social media platforms like Facebook. He was drawn into the trade by the high profit margins. 922 rolls of banned Chinese Manjha were recovered. The accused has been identified as Raju Chaurasia (51). A team from the Central Range, Crime Branch, Delhi, apprehended Areeb Khan (resident of Daryaganj, Delhi, age (22) while he was attempting to sell banned Chinese Manjha in Central Delhi. Following a string of fatal incidents caused by Chinese Manjha, Crime Branch teams were tasked with closely monitoring its illegal sale across Delhi NCR. Specific information was received by SI Birpal Singh regarding the illegal sale/purchase of nylon-based Chinese Manjha in Central Delhi. Based on this input, a raid was planned and executed by a team. A trap was laid in Kamla Market, where Areeb Khan was apprehended carrying 4 large cartons containing 248 rolls of Chinese Manjha, police said. In another case, 248 Rolls of Banned Chinese Manjha. The accused has been identified as Areeb Khan. In the third case, the accused has been identified as Danish. Following a string of fatal incidents caused by Chinese Manjha, Crime Branch teams were tasked with closely monitoring its illegal sale across Delhi NCR. Further investigation is underway. (ANI) As temperatures soar across much of the U.S., one creature is crawling into the spotlight, and sometimes, into homes. Scorpions, the desert-dwelling arachnids armed with pincers and venomous tails, are showing up more frequently in residential areas. But experts say the fear might be overblown. While they look like something straight out of a horror movie, most scorpions in the U.S. arent dangerous to humans. According to Jacob Gorneau, a researcher at the California Academy of Sciences, these creatures are shy predators that typically sting only when threatened, usually by accident, USA Today reported. Theyre very unwilling to strike unless they feel like their life is in danger, Gorneau said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scorpions are most often associated with the desert SouthwestArizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Texasbut theyve also been spotted as far north as Virginia on the East Coast and southern Canada on the West. And while some scorpions can handle hot, tropical environments, Gorneau explained that many are surprisingly adaptable. Even in places where it snows, theyll burrow deep enough to create a microenvironment that suits them, he said. Whats driving them into homes? Heat. Extreme temperatures push scorpions to seek cooler, shaded spaces, like basements, bathrooms, or anywhere they can sneak in through pipes, cracks, or under doors. Theyre also on the hunt for food and moisture, which makes homes an accidental oasis. Though there are nearly 3,000 known species of scorpions, only one in the U.S., the Arizona bark scorpion, is considered truly dangerous. The rest? Their stings usually hurt about as much as a bee sting, if that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, its not exactly comforting to find one in your shoe. Prevention tips include sealing entry points, clearing clutter, and keeping your yard trimmed. And if you do come face to face with a scorpion, know that its probably more afraid of you. Theyve been around for hundreds of millions of years, Gorneau said. They havent changed much because they havent had to. Their bodies and habits just work. So before you reach for the nearest shoe, remember: the surprising truth is that these creepy crawlers are more Goldilocks than gladiator. Related: Experts Sound the Alarm on New Invasion Threatening Christmas Tree Farms Surprising Truth About the Scorpions Creeping Into Your Home first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 5, 2025 Barry Morphew, a longtime suspect in his wife's disappearance and murder, was arrested in Arizona on June 20, 2025, two days after he was indicted on a first-degree murder charge in the case of his wife Suzanne Morphew's death. This was the second time Barry Morphew has been arrested and charged in her death. The initial charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning authorities reserved the right to charge him again. Barry Morphew in a southern Colorado courtroom on July 1, 2025. / Credit: CBS The latest grand jury indictment alleges new details that are surprising even to those who've been following the case since Suzanne Morphew disappeared on Mother's Day, 2020. Barry Morphew has long stated he had nothing to do with his wife's murder, and the couple's two adult daughters have stood by their father. After the initial charges against Barry Morphew were dismissed, authorities continued to search for her body and on September 22, 2023, Suzanne Morphew's remains were found in and around a "shallow, clandestine grave less than an hour south of the Morphew residence," according to the indictment. In 2023, more than three years after she was reported missing, investigators discovered Suzanne Morphew's skeletal remains in a shallow grave during an unrelated search. The location a remote area known as "The majority of her bones were recovered," the indictment states, and a board-certified anthropologist, a botanist, and an entomologist were brought in to analyze the remains and concluded that "it was unlikely Suzanne decomposed from a fresh body to a skeleton at this location." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dan "Dan R" Ridenour, who lives in the Salida area of Colorado where the Morphews lived when Suzanne Morphew went missing, is the news director and operations manager of the Heart of the Rockies Radio. He told "48 Hours" that it was hard to make sense of the indictment's allegations against Barry Morphew. "Why would he do that?" Ridenour asked. "Why would he move the body?" For one thing, Ridenour noted that Barry Morphew has been under heavy scrutiny since Suzanne Morphew was reported missing. "There is not a more recognizable face in Salida than Barry Morphew," Ridenour said. "He's going to take that chance and drive 70 miles to the south and dig a shallow grave? There are too many questions." But the indictment is unequivocal: Suzanne Morphew's bones were moved to that location after her body had decomposed elsewhere, meaning it had to have been moved at least twice after her murder. "She was not initially killed in the San Luis Valley," Ridenour said. "She was moved there. That was not her first grave." In addition, tests revealed that in Suzanne Morphew's bone marrow, the chief toxicologist found a mixture of three chemicals known as BAM. The compound is used to tranquilize wildlife and, the indictment noted, that Barry Morphew has admitted using those drugs to tranquilize deer. He had even admitted to authorities that, one month before Suzanne Morphew disappeared, he had used those chemicals to tranquilize a deer near the breezeway of the Morphew residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chemical compound takes several minutes to cause "sedation" the indictment states and tests found "that [Suzanne's] death was not immediate following BAM exposure because Suzanne Morphew's body had begun to metabolize the drug before she died." File photo of Barry and Suzanne Morphew / Credit: CBS Authorities have long suspected that Barry Morphew chased Suzanne Morphew around their house after somehow injecting her with the BAM compound. According to texts, Suzanne Morphew had told Barry Morphew she wanted to divorce "civilly" and it was later revealed she was having a two-year affair with a former schoolmate. The indictment links Barry Morphew to purchases of the BAM compound which is a highly controlled drug. It concludes: "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." "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant updates the case in "The Suzanne Morphew Case: Nothing is What It Seems," now streaming on Paramount+. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This case is incredibly unique," says Aya Gruber, now a law professor at the University of Southern California School of Law. "When you started to dig a little bit deeper, nothing is what it seems." Gruber studied thousands of pages of public documents from the prosecutor, investigators and defense attorneys. Suzanne Morphew was reported missing on May 10, 2020. She'd been alone that day because her daughters, Macy, 16, and Mallory, 20, were off on a church-sponsored camping trip and planned to return home later that Mother's Day. After Suzanne Morphew was officially reported missing by a neighbor, investigators began to examine Barry Morphew's story. Friends and relatives told investigators that the marriage was troubled, and agents found a deleted text from Suzanne to Barry on his phone that read: "I'm done. I could care less what you're up to and have been for years. We just need to figure this out civilly." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But 10 days after Suzanne Morphew disappeared, agents were pulled in a different direction when they found a so-called spy pen belonging to Suzanne. The spy pen has a long battery life and is designed to look and write like an ordinary pen. But it has one extra feature: it is voice-activated and records conversations. Suzanne Morphew had acquired it, she told a friend, because she suspected Barry Morphew was having an affair and she hoped to use the pen to gather evidence. But the plan backfired. Investigators listened to what the pen had recorded and, although there was no evidence of Barry Morphew having an affair, they say they heard "intimate" conversations between Suzanne Morphew and someone named Jeff. It was another twist in a case filled with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without knowing who Jeff was or his location when Suzanne Morphew went missing, they could not eliminate him as a person or interest. It took FBI agents six months before they uncovered his identity: Jeff Libler, a man both Suzanne and Barry Morphew knew from their Alexandria, Indiana, high school. Libler and Suzanne Morphew had had a one-time fling after graduation, and she'd reached out to him in 2018 after the Morphews moved to Colorado with a Facebook message that read simply: "Howdy stranger." "And from that moment they had talked almost every single day nonstop," said Ashley Franco, a former reporter for KKTV, the CBS affiliate in Colorado Springs, who has covered the story from the beginning. That was enough to ignite a nearly two-year love affair. Libler had a wife and six children. He lived in Michigan and claimed to be there with his family on the day Suzanne Morphew vanished. Agents eventually discovered the lovers had spoken to each other for dozens of hours, often communicating via secret accounts on WhatsApp and LinkedIn. Libler also admitted that they met for romantic rendezvous in New Orleans, Florida, Texas, Michigan and Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Suzanne Morphew disappeared in May 2020, Libler did not contact authorities. Instead, agents say, he deleted the accounts where he had communicated with Suzanne Morphew. "What he did was delete all his social media accounts that he had used to communicate with Suzanne," said Gruber. "He's got a lot to lose if revelations of this affair come out." Libler reportedly told agents he did not want to tarnish Suzanne Morphew's memory, but he also told them he worried that he'd lose his wife, children and job. He also worried he might be considered a suspect. "He asks the agents, 'Am I a target?'" said Gruber. After agents confronted him, he did cooperate, providing a sample of his DNA and passwords to the deleted accounts. Investigators eventually were able to retrace the couple's steps and recovered texts by tapping into the iCloud accounts of Libler and Suzanne Morphew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libler was able to provide receipts for a home goods store he'd visited in Michigan on the day Suzanne vanished and he was eventually cleared. Investigators still had their suspicions about Barry Morphew. They never uncovered any evidence that he was having an affair, but investigators found his actions on that Mother's Day weekend to be suspicious. Cellphone records appear to show Barry Morphew's phone pinging all around the house on May 9. When asked about this unusual phone activity, Barry Morphew told investigators he was running around the property shooting chipmunks, which he says were a constant nuisance. / Credit: Chaffee County District Court They asked Barry Morphew why his phone seemed to be pinging all around his house on the day before Mother's Day and he told them he must have been out shooting chipmunks, which he said were a constant nuisance at the house. It was perhaps the world's first chipmunk alibi, but Barry Morphew stood by it, saying he'd shot 85 chipmunks in the two years he owned that Colorado house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And then that confession to shooting chipmunks becomes a major piece of incriminating evidence against him," said Gruber. Van Sant asked why. "Because [agents are] saying, 'Well, you know, now he's admitting to having run around the house. And this is a ridiculous explanation, so it must be the explanation of a guilty person,'" Gruber replied. What's more, there was no evidence of any chipmunk shootings around the house and neighbors did not recall hearing any type of disturbance during that period of time. Cases sometimes turn on the smallest of things and, in this case, agents seized upon just such a small item. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agents had found a small clear plastic cap in the family's dryer that they believed was from a syringe used to inject chemicals into a tranquilizer dart. Barry Morphew acknowledged he knew how to inject chemicals into a dart and that he'd shot many deer for trophies and so he could get their antlers. His garage was filled with deer heads and a pile of antlers. However, there was no working tranquilizer gun found in the home and authorities say Barry's DNA was not on that plastic cap. Even so, investigators developed a theory that Barry Morphew had shot Suzanne Morphew with a tranquilizer gun and then chased her around the house before she passed out. They found a door frame that was broken and suspected there had been a confrontation. Agents also tapped into a new investigative tool called digital vehicle forensics. They pulled data from his Ford truck's many computers and got the truck to "talk" to them. They learned that when Barry Morphew said he was sleeping, the truck's doors were opening and closing. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and other crimes in May 2021. Barry eventually pleaded not guilty. 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 Before the closure, Switzerlands intelligence service said that Iranian espionage posed a growing threat to Swiss diplomats. Switzerland, which also represents US interests in Iran, has reopened its embassy in Tehran after a closure due to the air war between Israel and Iran, the Swiss foreign ministry said on Sunday. "Ambassador Nadine Olivieri Lozano and a small team returned to Tehran yesterday overland via Azerbaijan. The embassy will gradually resume operations," the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. It had been closed since June 20. Growing concern of Iranian espionage Switzerlands intelligence service said Wednesday that Iranian espionage posed a growing threat to Swiss diplomats, hours after a Swiss public television investigation cast new doubt on a series of mysterious deaths involving Swiss citizens in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federal Intelligence Service (FIS), in its annual Security Switzerland 2025 assessment, listed Iran alongside Russia, China, and North Korea as states that have intensified intelligence activity against the Alpine nation. The report noted that Switzerlands unique role as Washingtons protecting power in Tehran increases the visibility of Swiss personnel to hostile services. A cordon tape is seen at the garden in front of the tower, where the body of the Swiss embassy's first secretary was found after falling from a building, in Tehran, Iran May 4, 2021. (credit: Naser Safarzadeh/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS) The warning followed a joint investigation by Swiss public broadcasters SRF and RTS that aired late Tuesday. In the broadcast, a man who identified himself as a former officer in Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) alleged that Swiss diplomat Sylvie Brunner was pushed from the 17th-floor balcony of her Tehran residence in May 2021 after an IRGC surveillance operation went awry. Iranian authorities ruled the death a suicide but have refused to share full investigative files with Bern. Political fallout in Bern Several opposition lawmakers said they would raise the Tehran deaths at the next meeting of parliaments foreign-affairs committee, though no formal inquiry has been scheduled. Green Party legislator Balthasar Glattli told SRF the repeated obstructions by Iranian authorities were no longer acceptable and called for a transparent international investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 1980, Switzerland has represented US interests in Iran, handling consular affairs and passing messages between Washington and Tehran. Former Swiss intelligence officials interviewed by SRF said that role makes Swiss diplomats prime targets for IRGC surveillance, especially amid escalating Israeli-Iranian tensions. The new FIS assessment warned that regional conflict had increased the risk of direct pressure on Swiss personnel abroad and urged tighter security measures at the embassy in Tehran. Syrian authorities said some 100 square kilometres (40 square miles) of forest had "turned to ash" in wildfires as firefighters from neighbouring Jordan arrived Sunday to battle a fourth day of blazes in the province of Latakia. Syrian emergency workers have faced tough conditions including high temperatures, strong winds, rugged mountainous terrain in the coastal province and the danger of explosive war remnants, in a country worn down by years of conflict and economic crisis. An AFP correspondent in Latakia's Rabiaa region saw emergency workers battling a blaze near homes, while vast swathes of forest and olive groves were burnt and smoke filled the air over a long distance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordanian civil defence teams crossed into Syria on Sunday morning, the Syrian ministry for emergencies and disaster management said, after Turkey sent assistance a day earlier. Minister Raed al-Saleh said on X that "hundreds of thousands of forest trees over an estimated area of around 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) in 28 locations have turned to ash". He later decried "a real environmental disaster" at a press conference in the province. More than 80 teams including civil defence personnel have been helping battle the blaze, he said, noting local organisations and residents were also providing assistance, in addition to teams and firefighting aircraft from neighbouring Jordan and Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saleh said it would take days to declare the blazes completely extinguished once the fire was brought under control, calling them "catastrophic". - More assistance needed - Syria's defence ministry said the air force was assisting, publishing images of a helicopter collecting and dropping water. Jordan's public security directorate said in a statement that the "specialised firefighting teams from the civil defence... have been provided with all the modern equipment and machinery necessary to carry out their duties to the fullest extent". Swathes of forested area and farmland have burnt and some villages evacuated as the fires raged including near the Turkish border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations deputy envoy to Syria Najat Rochdi said in a statement Sunday on X that Damascus "needs more international assistance" to face the fires. A statement from the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula said that "UN teams are on the ground conducting urgent assessments to determine the scale of the disaster and to identify the most immediate humanitarian needs". Nearly seven months after the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, Syria is still reeling from more than a decade of civil war that ravaged the country's economy, infrastructure and public services. With man-made climate change increasing the likelihood and intensity of droughts and wildfires worldwide, Syria has also been battered by heatwaves and low rainfall. In June, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation told AFP that Syria had "not seen such bad climate conditions in 60 years". mam-str-lg/dcp LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Recent Supreme Court decisions and the passing of the Big Beautiful Bill have been the focus in Washington D.C. this past week. Talk Business & Politics host Roby Brock met with Arkansas Democrat-Gazette columnist John Brummett to discuss the conventional wisdom in recent political happenings. Roby then talks with Alice Walton School of Medicine Executive Vice Dean Dr. Yogi Hernandez Suarez, to discuss this new innovative medical college in Bentonville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talk Business & Politics airs on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on FOX 16. For more coverage, head to TalkBusiness.net. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com. Terrorists inside British prisons are teaching organised criminals how to make bombs, according to a study. In return, extremist inmates are learning from gang members how to launder money, use the dark web and obtain weapons that could be used in terror attacks. It comes amid increasing warnings about the rising threat of Islamist gangs following attacks on prison officers in jails. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said: Extremists and career criminals now operate with near impunity inside some of this countrys highest-security prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is a complete failure of leadership and a dangerous abdication of one of the states core duties: maintaining order behind bars. When Islamist terrorists and organised crime figures are left to forge alliances, we arent just witnessing a security lapse were watching a national threat incubate in plain sight. This cannot be allowed to continue. Prisons have often been thought of as operating like universities of crime, with inmates learning how to become more accomplished thieves, fraudsters and even drug dealers. But according to a new report, that knowledge exchange is starting to take place between ordinary criminals and terrorist inmates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Described as the prison crime-terror nexus, a study has found terrorists are learning illegal financial techniques to better fund their operations, while gang members and organised criminals are discovering how to assemble devastating new weapons to use against their rivals Drawing on interviews with prison officers, former governors, counter terror officials and prisoners, the research suggests divisions that may have once existed between terrorists and other inmates are beginning to break down. Dr Hannah Bennett, author of the study, said: Some prisoners are coming out knowing how to make a bomb. Others are learning how to use the dark web or commit financial crime. For many, its about protection but its also about opportunity. The study warns that a failure to identify and disrupt these exchanges risks allowing violent alliances to flourish both inside and beyond the prison walls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, released prisoners have continued hybrid activity either joining gangs with ideological leanings or aiding terror networks in evading surveillance. The report points out how the terrorists behind the devastating 2004 Madrid bombings financed the operation through drug dealing while al-Qaeda operatives have also been known to raise money through sophisticated credit card fraud operations. Dr Bennett warned that the most fertile institutions for such a crossover are maximum security prisons where there is evidence of corruption, violence and a lack of oversight. She described these prisons as black hole environments, adding: Where you have violent, chaotic prisons with no consistent regime and inmates who are co-located without proper oversight, the risk is exponentially higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One inmate who was interviewed for the study said the authorities seemed oblivious to what was going on. He said: We are blind to it. There are prisoners coming out more radicalised, more connected and more capable and no ones clocking it. Prof Ian Acheson, a former prison governor who also served in the Home Office as the director of community safety, said: We have several black hole prisons where a combination of weak authority, inexperience and poor leadership means the state has effectively surrendered the environment to prisoners. The Chief Inspector of Prisons keeps identifying these places and it is extremely concerning to see some of our high-security prisons are in that number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here, ideologically inspired offenders and organised crime leaders can mix freely. Where you have such lethal capacity cheek by jowl with people with the capability to obtain weapons and help escapes there is an enduring risk to national security. Its a perfectly rational partnership for those whose only interest is profit. And it can happen in prisons where ferocious violence and staff retreat is becoming the norm. The findings come after several high-profile attacks on prison officers and reports of drones delivering drugs into prisons. Hashem Abedi, the Manchester Arena terrorist, left three prison officers in hospital after attacking them with hot oil and makeshift knives - GMP/PA In April, Hashem Abedi, the Manchester Arena bomber, who is serving life for 22 murders, attacked three officers in a separation unit at the high security HMP Frankland, in Co Durham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in May, Axel Rudakubana, the Southport killer, allegedly threw boiling water from his kettle over an officer at HMP Belmarsh. Dr Bennetts report calls for urgent reform of prison intelligence strategy, including improved staff training, a clear operational definition of the prison nexus threat, and a structured assessment tool to identify high-risk jails. She concluded: The risk is not just ideological or criminal its both. If we continue to treat them in silos, were going to miss whats happening in the overlap. Ministers must pay attention to this insight into how terrorists and criminals work together in prisons By Prof Ian Acheson Prisons are traditionally places where alliances are made between criminals who see incarceration as an occupational hazard. Criminologists find this opportunistic behaviour, if distasteful, perfectly rational. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I worked in the prison service in the 1990s, an inordinate amount of my time was spent trying to disrupt and deter organised criminals and paedophiles from networking to extend their power on either side of the prison walls. This cosy old paradigm has been changed forever by the inclusion in the prison population of increasing numbers of terrorist offenders. People who kill for ideas are very different from those after money or sexual deviants. But the idea they cannot cooperate is dangerously naive and woefully under researched. This is why newly released research into the Prison Crime Terror Nexus by Dr Hannah Bennett is so significant. Dr Bennett is one of those rare researchers who combines theoretical and operational experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We met at the University of Staffordshire and I have supported her work which I am glad to see published. Ministers should pay great attention to this study. Todays prison environment is poisoned by drugs and extreme violence. Terrorists attacks on prison staff have avoided death by millimetres and seconds. The potential for those with the capability to give support to those with the capacity for terrorism is not an abstract idea, it is a real and present danger. Dr Bennett has offered an insight into how terrorists and criminals work together in the prison environment for mutual benefit. Her findings are the result of multiple interviews with prisoners and prison professionals, many detailing a chilling degree of mutual cooperation and a high degree of dysfunction in intelligence collection and dissemination from the front line to the HQ boardrooms. In part this breakdown reflects the different objectives of the prison service and policing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know from personal experience just how difficult it is to get senior officials at the headquarters level to understand their primary role in protecting national security. Too many prison professionals at senior levels subscribe to a kind of reclamation theology that puts saving souls ahead of hard nosed threat management. This cultural blindness contributes to what Dr Bennett calls with rather more delicacy than I am capable as the intelligence capability gap. This lack of appetite to join the dots and do something about it is most apparent in how Dr Bennett adopts and extends the theory of black hole prisons. These places are akin to failed states where rampant instability, weak or absent authority, corruption, poor leadership and a rampant drugs economy create voids of power quickly filled an exploited by stronger forces such as gangs and extremists. Dr Bennett has taken this theory and applied it to identify the meeting points of organised crime and terrorism in some of our allegedly most secure prisons. These are places like HMPs Belmarsh, Long Lartin, Whitemoor and Frankland that hold the majority of our terrorist offenders in close proximity to crime family bosses and postcode gang leaders. These are not places where it possible to say the state is fully in control. Cooperation between these groups is likely when shared opportunities and goals transcend ideological differences or any adverse consequences. This is not an altogether new phenomenon. In 1994 at Whitemoor prison, shortly after it opened, IRA terrorists escaped the prison briefly with a London gangster Andy Russell. Russell was serving a sentence for hijacking a helicopter to spring two prisoners from HMP Gartree some years before. All had been held in the special security unit (SSU) a supposedly escape proof prison within a prison. Staff there had been so intimidated the gang was able to smuggle in weapons and explosives. In some of the high-security prisons I have listed today, cell window drone deliveries make it at least theoretically possible that the drugs payload they have controlled by organised criminals could have weapons and ammunition included. We are closer to ths reality than any official is prepared to admit. Dr Bennett has offered a framework for prison bosses to identify where this nexus is likely to emerge. Prisoners are in control When I worked in prison order and control at a national level, our preoccupation was identifying the characteristics of prisoners who would cause riots and ensuring that there was a balanced mix across all establishments to prevent disorder. It is somewhat paradoxical that the threat or widespread disorder has receded today in large part because prisoners are in control of an environment where drugs are easily available and authority is in retreat. This Faustian pact will not hold where ideologically motivated prisoners are located. For many, not all of these terrorist offenders, the war against the state goes on and the targets have merely changed from civilians to the men and women in uniform looking after them. It is vital that meticulous research like Dr Bennetts is seen and considered by ministers and not through the lens of bureaucrats who have allowed this nexus to flourish. Terrorists and organised criminals have worked together before and will do so again. The stakes are very high. Prof Ian Acheson is a former senior official with the Home Office and a volunteer police officer 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. One Texas family helped save a woman's life who was clinging to a tree for hours as deadly flash flooding struck Kerr County over the weekend. The woman, who was swept 20 miles downriver, caught the Jeter family's attention when she saw Carl and began to "scream for help" while he was outside on his deck. "She spotted me, and she started to scream for help," Carl told "Fox & Friends Weekend" on Sunday. "At first, I couldn't locate her. I thought she was in the river itself going downstream, and I was like, Oh my gosh, and then I finally was able to look across the river at the end of the tree and I spotted her, so I began to call out to her and tell her that I see her I got you. We're going to get you some help. It's going to be okay. Just hang on.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas River Flood Leaves Dozens Dead As Emergency Crews Race To Find Others Missing; Kids Camp Evacuated The family was able to call for help and ultimately, Texas troopers rescued the woman from the tree after an hours-long nightmare. "There were multiple teams that showed up," Josh said. "There was a Swiftwater Rescue from Boerne, Texas, team that showed, and then there were some Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens that showed with boats as well. We were able to help launch those boats by hand into the water for them to get in and rescue her." Read On The Fox News App "It was just kind of you didn't think about it. You just did what you needed to do to help them get into the water to save this young lady that's clinging to life in a tree." Boerne Search and Rescue teams navigate upstream in an inflatable boat on the flooded Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025 in Comfort, Texas. Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas with multiple fatalities reported. The Jeters invited the woman into their home after the harrowing rescue. Carl said she was in "shock." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She was cut and bruised and banged up from the trek and cold," he said. "So we wrapped her in blankets and towels and got her into the house, the dry spot because it was raining outside at the time, pretty good." "She was just extremely upset, concerned, worried, and what have you." More than 50 people have been confirmed dead in Central Texas since the flash flooding began on Friday, and authorities are still frantically searching for more still missing. There are more than 27 young girls who remain missing in Kerr County who were staying at Camp Mystic, an all-girls private Christian retreat in Hunt, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five young girls who were staying at that camp have been confirmed dead. Authorities said about 850 people have been rescued so far. Fox News' Stephen Sorace contributed to this report. Original article source: Texas family helps rescue woman clinging to tree after being swept 20 miles downriver As officials continue to confirm deaths and search for those missing after the Texas Hill Country floods on Friday, locals have started to share stories of incredible acts of bravery and heroism amid a weekend of anguish. Julian Ryan and his fiance Christina Wilson were at their home in Ingram, when water began rushing through the doors. As the water was quickly rising, Ryan, 27, punched through a window to get Wilson, their children, and his mother out of the flooded house, according to Houston outlet Khou-11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas River Flood Leaves Dozens Dead As Emergency Crews Race To Find Others Missing; Kids Camp Evacuated People climb over debris on a bridge atop the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. Wilson told the outlet the glass cut one of Ryan's arteries and his arm was badly injured. Calls to 911 went unanswered. "By 6 (a.m.), he looked at me and the kids and my mother-in-law and said, Im sorry, Im not going to make it. I love yall," Wilson told KHOU-11. Read On The Fox News App Ryan is being remembered as a "true hero," who was dedicated to his family, according to a GoFundMe created for the family. Boerne Search and Rescue teams navigate upstream in an inflatable boat on the flooded Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025, in Comfort, Texas. Texans Pledge $500,000 To Communities Affected By Devastating Flood: 'We Are Heartbroken' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erin Burgess, who lives in Ingram, told FOX 29 San Antonio she wouldn't have survived if it weren't for her teenage son. Burgess said water poured into her home within minutes, forcing her family to seek refuge outside. They hung onto a tree for an hour before water fell low enough for her to hike to a neighbor's house, the outlet reported. She credited her 19-year-old son, who is more than 6 feet tall, with saving her life. "That's the only thing that saved me, was hanging on to him," Burgess said. Emma Foltz helped evacuate 14 of her campers to safety amid floods in Texas, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry praised Emma Foltz, a resident of Alexandria, Louisiana, and a senior at Louisiana Tech University, who has worked as a camp counselor at Camp Mystic in Texas for three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She played an instrumental role in helping evacuate 14 of her campers to safety," Landry wrote in a Facebook post. "Please join me in thanking Emma for all her hard work and bravery under immense pressure. "We continue to pray for all those affected by this travesty," he added. "Louisiana is here to help!" Officials comb through the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. Parents Desperately Seeking Answers On Missing Campers After Texas Flood Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Saturday issued a proclamation declaring Sunday a "day of prayer," in response to the floods. "Texans are known for their faith, strength, and resilience," Abbott wrote in a statement. "Even as floodwaters raged, neighbors rushed in to rescue, comfort, and bring hope. In times of loss, we turn to God for comfort, healing and strength. I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sundayfor the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some of those still missing, as of Saturday night. Greta Toranzo's mother, Ellen Toranzo, told Fox News Digital her daughter is still missing after being lost in the floods at Camp Mystic. As of Saturday afternoon, Ellen said she had not received word of her daughter's whereabouts. The photo her mother provided was taken at the camp just a few days before the flood. Carrie Hanna told Fox News Digital that her daughter, Hadley, remains missing after the floods at Camp Mystic. The photo Carrie provided to Fox News Digital was taken shortly before Hadley left for camp, on her last day of school. Grandparents Mike and Charlene Harber (left) remain missing after their granddaughters, Brooke and Blaire Harber (middle), were found dead. Grandparents Mike Harber, 76, and Charlene Harber, 74, are missing after the Texas floods, according to a report from affiliate FOX 4 Dallas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple's granddaughters, Brooke and Blaire Harber, were visiting them at the time and have been found dead. Robert and Joni Brake, of Abilene, Texas, were reportedly staying at the HTR Campground in Kerr County and are missing following the floods, according to FOX 4. A helicopter flies over the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. Rob and Melissa Kamin, from the Houston area, have also been reported missing after staying at the HTR Campground in Kerr County during the floods, FOX 4 reported. Original article source: Texas flood survivors share harrowing stories, search continues for those still missing The Brief Heavy rains caused flash flooding Friday in Texas, with meteorologists saying several months worth of rain fell in just hours. More than 43 people were reported dead Saturday in the Kerryville area of Central Texas, including 15 children. Four people in the immediate Austin area were reported dead Saturday. Emergency crews in Texas are still responding to heavy rains and flash flooding Saturday, with dozens of people still reported missing hours after unusually high rains swept through the middle of the state. What happened in Texas? Big picture view Unusually heavy rains quickly turned into flash flooding Friday in Central Texas and the Austin area, with heavy rains and some flooding risks carrying into Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flooding killed dozens of people, and dozens more are still unaccounted for. Hundreds more needed to be rescued. Weather perspective The heavy rain came from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, FOX 4 Dallas meteorologist Dylan Federico explained. By the numbers Over four months worth of rain fell in just a matter of hours in the Kerrville area, Federico said, which led to a 27-foot wall of water that went down that Guadalupe River. FILE - Comfort resident Reagan Arnold observes rising water levels near his home along the Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025 in Comfort, Texas. Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas with multiple fatalities reported. (Photo by Eric Vryn/Getty Images) For perspective Three trillion gallons of water went down the river, which is equal to: The amount of water used in one year in the U.S. 1.5 million Olympic-sized pools 1.5 months of water flow at Niagara Falls Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I just want people to have a little bit of perspective of how much water went down this river in just a matter of minutes," Federico said. THE LATEST: At least 32 people are dead, search continues for missing in Kerr Co. Camp Mystic deaths Big picture view The Kerryville area mentioned earlier in Central Texas is where floods rushed through a Christian summer camp early Friday morning along the Guadalupe River, Camp Mystic. At least 43 people, including 15 children, are dead and at least 27 female campers were unaccounted for. Many more are still missing, and authorities said about 850 people had been rescued so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Texas flooding: How you can help people in Kerrville Austin-area deaths Big picture view At least four people in the immediate Austin area have been reported dead, and at least 12 others are missing. Two deaths were reported in Travis County, and two others were reported in Burnet County. Water rescues were under way Saturday, and many roads were impassable in Burnet, Williamson and northwest Travis counties. RELATED: Videos, photos show widespread damage amid deadly Austin-area flooding Trump reaction to Texas flooding What they're saying President Trump called the flooding and its casualties "terrible" and "shocking" and said he is working with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for federal aid. The Source Information in this article was taken from a weather report on July 5, 2025, from FOX 5 KDFW meteorologist Dylan Federico. Background information on the flooding throughout Texas was taken from previous KDFW and FOX 7 KTBC reportings. The Brief Gov. Abbott declares July 6 as "Day of Prayer" amid deadly flooding in Central Texas At least 43 people are dead in Kerr County with more than 800 people being rescued In the Austin area, at least four people are dead AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott has declared July 6 as a "Day of Prayer" amid the devastating floods impacting Central Texas. "Texans are known for their faith, strength, and resilience," said Governor Abbott. "Even as floodwaters raged, neighbors rushed in to rescue, comfort, and bring hope. In times of loss, we turn to God for comfort, healing, and strength. I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sundayfor the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Governor Abbott encourages all Texans to pause in reflection and prayer this Sunday, July 6, and to seek God's wisdom, peace, and mercy in this time of need for so many Texas families," he added. For the Governor's full proclamation, click here. Deadly flooding in Central Texas The backstory Kerr County officials said at least 43 people are dead and several others are still missing. Among those killed, 28 were adults and 15 were children. So far, more than 850 people have been rescued. In the Austin area, four people are dead. The Source Information from Governor Greg Abbott and previous coverage Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for comparing the Pahalgam terror attack to incidents of violence in Maharashtra amid the ongoing language controversy, and said that the ruling party holds "a lot of poison" in its mind towards the state. He further questioned the ruling BJP in the centre over the delay in arresting the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack. "There is a lot of poison in the BJP's mind when it comes to Maharashtra. Today, the BJP has compared Maharashtra to the terrorists in the Pahalgam incident - the terrorists whom the BJP could not catch or stop. It has been three months since the Pahalgam incident, but where did those terrorists go? Nobody knows if they fled to Pakistan or joined the BJP. But comparing them to Maharashtra shows the malice and poison that the BJP has for the state," Thackeray told reporters here. Amid the political sparring over Hindi imposition charge by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar on Sunday compared the agony of the Pahalgam terror attack, where Hindus were killed in the name of religion, and those getting "beaten up" in the name of language. He said that these incidents were distressing for him. "All these incidents cause pain, suffering, and mental distress. In Pahalgam, they shot them after asking about their religion. And here, they beat up the innocent Hindus just because of the language they speak. Such cases create a disturbance," Shelar said. His remarks come after some incidents of violence and vandalism were reported in the state amid the ongoing Hindi-Marathi controversy. Five workers of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) were arrested in connection with the vandalism at entrepreneur Sushil Kedia's office in Worli, police said on Saturday. A case has been registered against them under Sections 223, 189(2), 189(3), 190, 191(2), 191(3), and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Kedia, who found himself in the middle of the language row in Maharashtra over his recent remarks against MNS and its chief Raj Thackeray, stated that he made these comments in haste and has now realised his mistake. In another incident, as per a viral video, a group of men allegedly associated with a regional party beat up a shop owner for not speaking in Marathi. The incident occurred in the Mira-Bhayandar area near Mumbai. On Friday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned of strict legal action against those engaging in "hooliganism" in the name of Marathi. He said that the Mahayuti government will not tolerate violence against commoners. Although 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, the political controversy over the same has brought together long-time estranged Thackeray cousins after nearly two decades. Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday shared the stage together at the Worli Dome in Mumbai as they held a joint rally in protest against the "Hindi imposition". (ANI) The Brief A Humble ISD teacher, Jeff Wilson, was among the at least 43 people killed in devastating Central Texas flooding on Friday in Kerr County. Wilson worked for Humble ISD for 30 years. His wife, Amber, and son, Shiloh, are still considered missing. Jeff Wilson, a Humble ISD teacher, is among those killed in the flooding in Central Texas on Friday. At least 68 people are dead and several others are missing in Kerr County due to the flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: LIVE UPDATES: At least 68 dead in Kerr Co. flooding as rescue efforts continue Kingwood Park High School teacher killed in flooding What we know Humble ISD posted on Saturday night that Kingwood Park High School teacher Jeff Wilson was among those killed in Kerrville. The district says that Wilson worked in Humble ISD for 30 years at both Humble High School and Kingwood Park High School. Wilson's wife Amber and son Shiloh are still considered missing at this time, according to family members. Tonight our #HumbleISDFamily is grieving the devastating loss of @HumbleISD_KPHS teacher Jeff Wilson, who passed away due to the catastrophic flooding in Kerrville. Jeff worked in #HumbleISD for 30 years at both Humble High School and Kingwood Park High School. He was a beloved pic.twitter.com/0lwPzsbSBH Humble ISD (@HumbleISD) July 6, 2025 Hundreds came together for a vigil in Wilson's honor at Kingwood Town Center. Students remembered Wilson as a selfless person who students could talk to and trust with their issues. What they're saying "He was a beloved teacher and co-worker to many and will be deeply missed," the district wrote in a post on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He is the reason that I became a painter and love what I do every single day. He's my number one inspiration for everything and painting is one of the things I love to do because of him. He's a great man. He will be very missed," said one former student. "He meant a lot to me and, yeah, he's going to be missed. It just hurts. This hurts, but I love you Mr. Wilson," said another. The Source Information in this article comes from Humble ISD. Some of the countrys most powerful Republicans are getting blasted for their limp response to the deadly floods which ravaged Texas on Friday. Asked what Congress is doing to help disaster victims during Fox News Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said, In a moment like this, we feel just as helpless as everyone else does ... all we know to do at this moment is pray. Vice President JD Vancehad a similar message in a Saturday morning post on X, writing, Our nations heart breaks for the victims in Texas and their families. Just an incomprehensible tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sending the nearly 70 people killed in the floods the prayers of my family, and of millions of Americans, he quoted an invocation that said, Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Mike Johnson on Texas floods: "In a moment like this, we feel just as helpless as everyone else does ... all we know to do at this moment is pray." pic.twitter.com/f6fP3V7MMg Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 6, 2025 Our nation's heart breaks for the victims in Texas and their families. Just an incomprehensible tragedy. I hope everyone affected knows they're in the prayers of my family, and of millions of Americans. ***Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine JD Vance (@JDVance) July 5, 2025 Heidi and I continue to lift up in prayer the families of the victims. It is imperative that all Texans heed the warnings and guidance of law enforcement. Please stay safe. https://t.co/a51mp4K5j2 Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) July 5, 2025 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) also turned to X, writing that he and wife Heidi Cruz are continuing to lift up in prayer the families of the victims. It is imperative that all Texans heed the warnings and guidance of law enforcement, his post continued. Please stay safe. Online, many people slammed the men for only offering hopes and prayers after gutting government agencies tasked with warning citizens about severe weather and responding to natural disasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of staffers working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration were fired earlier this year, leaving the agency severely understaffed and weather forecasting services without many senior meteorologists. Tom Fahy, legislative director of the National Weather Services Employees Organization, told NBC News that while forecasting offices had adequate staffing and resources as they issued timely forecasts and warnings leading up to the storm, vacant leadership positions were clearly a concern. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, meanwhile, is set to lose $664 million of funding from the Republican partys so-called big, beautiful bill which passed on Thursday after President Donald Trump previously announced he was planning to wean off FEMA after this years hurricane season ends. Though Trump announced he had signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, Texas, Sunday on Truth Social, many worry that the agency will be strapped for resources during future recovery efforts. Related... Flash floods in the state of Texas killed at least 78 people and left dozens more missing, officials said Sunday. Four months worth of rain 1.8 trillion gallons fell in just hours on Friday. Authorities are unsure how many people remain unaccounted for, but they include 10 children who were at a summer camp. The tragedy has brought scrutiny on the National Weather Service: The agencys central Texas offices have several critical vacancies. While some openings may predate the current administration, the number has roughly doubled since US President Donald Trump returned to office, The New York Times reported. That means there are fewer people able to coordinate with local authorities, possibly hampering the emergency response, experts said. Officials in Texas have confirmed that at least 21 children died when severe flash floods hit the US state early on Friday. Local authorities said on Sunday they were still searching for missing children from a Christian summer camp. Located near the Guadalupe River, the camp was accommodating more than 750 children when the floods struck after heavy rainfall. "It, and the river running beside it, were horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I've seen in any natural disaster," Texas Governor Greg Abbott wrote on X after visiting the aftermath at Camp Mystic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, 38 adults died state-wide in the flash floods, bringing the total death toll to at least 59, with some bodies yet to be identified, US officials said on Sunday. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said earlier that the river had risen by almost 8 metres in a very short span of time in the early hours of the morning, while many victims were still asleep. US President Donald Trump has issued a disaster declaration to enable additional federal aid for the affected area. Officials in Texas have confirmed that at least 21 children died when severe flash floods hit the US state early on Friday. Local authorities said on Sunday they were still searching for missing children from a Christian summer camp. Located near the Guadalupe River, the camp was accommodating more than 750 children when the floods struck after heavy rainfall. "It, and the river running beside it, were horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I've seen in any natural disaster," Texas Governor Greg Abbott wrote on X after visiting the aftermath at Camp Mystic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, 38 adults died state-wide in the flash floods, bringing the total death toll to at least 59, with some bodies yet to be identified, US officials said on Sunday. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said earlier that the river had risen by almost 8 metres in a very short span of time in the early hours of the morning, while many victims were still asleep. US President Donald Trump has issued a disaster declaration to enable additional federal aid for the affected area. Local officials say more than 850 people were rescued unharmed from the area near the summer camp, while eight people were injured. Some people climbed trees to save themselves from being swept away by the floods, state authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the weekend, surrounding areas were left without electricity and internet. Footage on US media showed cars being swept away, trees uprooted and houses under water. Some bodies were found in cars that had been washed away. The heavy flooding since Friday morning took many people by surprise, as holidaymakers were using local rural areas to camp out by rivers over the July 4 long weekend. Local authorities say it is not unusual for rivers to burst their banks in the area, which is popular for summer camps. However, the scale of these floods was exceptional. The Guadalupe River is a confluence of two headwater streams, the Kerrville city manager, Dalton Rice, explained at a press conference on Saturday evening. It had rained heavily on both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Kerrville, the waters then merged in the Guadalupe River, which led to the rapid rise in water levels. Extreme rainfall has increased in Texas in recent decades due to climate change, Kristina Dahl, vice president of science at the non-profit US organization Climate Central, told CNN. "As our climate warms, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, which makes it more likely to experience extreme rains like this that are occurring in these short periods of time," Dahl told the broadcaster. The many deaths in Texas now underline "how unprepared we are as a nation for disasters of this scale," she said. More than 80 people are dead after catastrophic flooding hit central Texas, with many more missing. Local authorities say consumer drones are interfering with search and rescue efforts. Such drones disrupted emergency response in past disasters such as the LA wildfires early this year. Search and rescue operations continue in central Texas, where catastrophic flooding on Friday has killed more than 80 people. Dozens are still missing. During a Sunday press conference, after the usual updates, officials made what has become a familiar request during recent natural disasters: Don't fly your personal drones over the disaster area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We know that people want to volunteer, but what we are starting to see is personal drones flying," Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice told reporters. "These personal drones flying is a danger to aircraft, which then risks further operations." The Kerrville Police Department echoed Rice's remarks on Sunday. "Media-operated drones are interfering with official search and rescue drones. There is a no-fly zone in Kerr County for private drones," the department said on its Facebook page. "We need cooperation in this matter. Let our first responders do their job." During a press conference hosted by Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday, Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Suelzer of the Texas National Guard said the department had launched an MQ-9 Reaper drone to perform assessment operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's truly an eye in the sky for our search and rescue people," Suelzer said. Though drones are now commonly used in military and law enforcement operations, they are also popular among civilians, mostly for photography and shooting video but also for those looking to help search after disasters. During several recent disasters, however, officials have said those civilian drone operators have hindered rescue operations. The Dixie fire Flames from the Dixie fire consumed a home in Northern California in 2021. AP Photo/Noah Berger In 2021, the Dixie fire spread across Northern California. The flames ripped through communities, displacing residents and burning nearly a million acres of land. That July, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said an unauthorized drone had impeded emergency operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yesterday, aircraft assigned to the #DixieFire were forced to land due to an unauthorized drone flying over the fire traffic area," the agency said on its official Facebook page. "Drones restrict firefighters' ability to protect lives, property, and natural resources. Remember, if you fly, we can't!" Hurricane Helene Hurricane Helene battered the southeastern US in late 2024. After making landfall in Florida, it traveled up the coast through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding demolished homes and submerged vehicles. Amid the search and rescue efforts, the US Department of Transportation shared an X post asking consumer drone operators to stay clear. At the time, the Federal Aviation Administration had issued a temporary flight restriction in certain areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Do not fly your drone near or around rescue and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene," the agency said. "Interfering with emergency response operations impacts search and rescue operations on the ground." The FAADroneZone, the agency's site for drone services, said in a separate X post that "interfering with emergency response efforts may result in fines or criminal prosecution." Hurricane Helene hit several states, including North Carolina, in 2024. Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images At the time, some online observers thought volunteer drone operators were being barred from assisting in relief efforts, which sparked a backlash. The DOT later clarified that the FAA didn't ban consumer drones from providing assistance and relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These restrictions occur at the request of local authorities or law enforcement. FAA does not put these into place without requests," a spokesperson told Fox News. The agency added that "anyone looking to use a drone or other aircraft to assist in Hurricane Helene disaster relief and recovery efforts should coordinate with first responders and law enforcement on scene to ensure they do not disrupt life-saving operations." Los Angeles wildfires In January, a series of wildfires erupted across the Los Angeles region, causing widespread damage and forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate their homes. In addition to emergency firefighting efforts on the ground, officials deployed two Super Scoopers, which are amphibious aircraft that collect water to drop on wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An unauthorized civilian drone struck one Super Scooper, forcing it out of service. "We would like to remind everyone that flying a drone in the midst of firefighting efforts is a federal crime and punishable by up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $75,000," a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson said at the time. Firefighters responding to the Palisades fire in January. Apu Gomes/Getty Images The incident prompted an investigation by the FAA, which said in a statement that "flying a drone near a wildfire is dangerous and can cost lives." The Department of Justice said the drone operator agreed to plead guilty to one count of unsafe operation of an uncrewed aircraft. The plea agreement included the drone operator paying full restitution to the Government of Quebec, which supplied the aircraft, and completing 150 hours of community service. Read the original article on Business Insider (The Center Square) As foreign espionage threats continue in the U.S. and in Texas, a new bill becomes law Sept. 1 that prohibits foreign ownership of Texas land. SB 17, filed by state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, passed the Texas legislature with bipartisan support and was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott. The Adversarial Land Ownership Act initially passed the Senate in March by a vote of 24-7. A watered-down version passed the House in May by a vote of 75-47 with Republicans and Democrats voting against it. Differences in the bill were ironed out in conference committee and each chamber voted to pass the bill with bipartisan support. Abbott signed the bill into law last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For three years, Ive worked to pass a bill to protect our land, homes, commercial buildings, water, timber, oil and gas and rare earth materials from being bought up by foreign adversarial nations like China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, Kolkhorst said, adding that the final bill sent to the governor is the strongest national security bill in the nation. Texas is not for sale to our enemy countries. As of Sept. 1, the new law will prohibit foreign governmental entities, companies, and individuals from purchasing private property in Texas if they are from or connected to countries listed in the latest Annual Threat Assessment report published by the Director of National Intelligence. To date, countries on the list are China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. Prohibitions for real property includes agricultural land, commercial or industrial property, water rights, rare earth materials, groundwater, timber, and oil and natural gas. The law gives the Office of Attorney General enforcement authority to investigate potential violations and initiate divestment proceedings against prohibited entities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prohibition is a matter of national security, Kolkhorst said, adding that during the interim session, her office proposed a stronger bill than in the last session, incorporating measures from a Florida bill that became law in 2023. Once Kolkhorsts bill becomes law, Texas will join 22 states that already enacted similar legislation. Between January 2023 and July 2024, at least 22 states enacted legislation regulating foreign ownership of real property, according to a Congressional Research Service analysis. Some states enacted multiple laws. They include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. The bill becoming law this year was the culmination of multiple years of dedication by Kolkhorst, including meeting with constituents, holding hearings, and surviving a wave of attacks during two legislative sessions by opponents claiming she and the bill were racist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the last legislative session, a coordinated effort to kill the bill used a social media platform with direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party, The Center Square exclusively reported. One of the anti-Kolkhorst groups posted an article published by The Center Square about her bill that Abbott posted on social media on a WeChat platform. The platform was used by opponents of her bill who targeted Chinese Americans labeling them as Chinese traitors and spies, according to a Johns Hopkins expert on China who uncovered an alleged CCP-campaign on social media targeting her bill. In 2023, her bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support but never made it out of the House State Affairs Committee chaired by state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi. Last year, Abbott issued multiple executive orders and directives to state agencies to increase security measures related to China, The Center Square reported. This year, the legislature passed bills incorporating those provisions related to cybersecurity, infrastructure and other public safety issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Congress, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Houston, introduced a bill to protect military installations and training areas from Americas adversaries, including China, Iran, North Korea and Russia, as well as protecting energy projects, The Center Square reported. The bills were filed after the Texas legislature unanimously passed the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act in 2021, banning Texas governmental entities and businesses from entering into contracts with companies owned or controlled by hostile foreign nations to gain access to Texas critical infrastructure. They did so after learning that a Chinese billionaire and former Chinese Peoples Liberation Army general bought over 130,000 acres of land just miles from Laughlin Air Force base in Val Verde County, the largest air force pilot training base in the U.S., The Center Square reported. The bills were also filed as Chinese espionage threats continue nationwide, including CCP-secret police stations reportedly operating in Houston, Chinese spies being arrested in Houston, and the greatest number of Chinese nationals illegally entering the U.S. in recorded history under the Biden administration, more than 176,000, The Center Square exclusively reported. The Brief Two Texas lawmakers are challenging their fellow representatives to donate to Central Texas relief efforts. Reps. Jared Patterson and Joe Moody called on House members to donate $1,000 each. Flooding in Central Texas has killed at least 49 people in three counties since Friday. KERR COUNTY, Texas - A pair of Texas lawmakers are challenging their fellow House members to support relief efforts in Central Texas through a bipartisan campaign to raise funds after devastating flooding killed dozens over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort is fronted by Republican Rep. Jared Patterson and Democratic Rep. Joe Moody. In a post on X Saturday, Patterson called for every House member to donate $1,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country or a similar cause with the goal of reaching $150,000. As Texas grieves unimaginable loss from the July 4th flood in the Texas Hill Country, Speaker @moodyforelpaso and I are leading a bipartisan effort to raise funds for the relief efforts. We ask every House Member join us in contributing $1,000 to the Community Foundation of the https://t.co/UL6Xbe0HdKpic.twitter.com/sBgSMIc0I7 Rep. Jared Patterson (@JaredLPatterson) July 6, 2025 What they're saying "Tragedy isn't partisan & neither is helping our fellow Texans," Moody said in his post. "There are hurts that money can't fix, but this is one part of easing what burdens we can." READ MORE: Texas flooding: How you can help people in Kerrville On Sunday morning, other lawmakers were starting to rise to the challenge put down by Patterson and Moody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Glad to join this effort spearheaded by @JaredLPatterson & @moodyforelpaso," Rep. Jeff Leach wrote on X. "The absolute least we can do" Done. Texans helping Texans. Thank you @JaredLPatterson and @moodyforelpaso for starting this bipartisan effort in the Texas House to help those devastated by this horrific flood. #txlegehttps://t.co/PwbtRVkyx6 Lacey Hull (@LaceyHullTx) July 6, 2025 "Done. Texans helping Texans," Houston Rep. Lacey Hull wrote. Kerr County flooding At least 43 people were killed in Kerr County as rapidly rising river levels along the Guadalupe River swept away homes and vehicles Friday. Kerr County officials said Saturday that 28 adults and 15 children have been recovered. While they have not given an estimate on the number of people believed to be missing, 27 girls are known to be missing from Camp Mystic, a girls' Christian camp located along the banks of the river in Hunt, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescue efforts have been around the clock since Friday, with officials saying more than 850 people have been rescued. Central Texas was hit with another round of heavy rains and flooding on Saturday in Travis and Burnet counties. Officials in Travis County said at least four people were dead as a result of flooding there and at least two people were killed in Burnet County, according to officials. The Source Information in this article comes from posts made on social media by Jared Patterson and Joe Moody. Other comments come from their respective social media accounts. Information on flooding in Central Texas comes from officials in Kerr, Travis and Burnet counties and previous FOX 7 reporting. Texan communities are dealing with the impact of the deadly flash floods along the Guadalupe River, which have killed at least 95 people so far, including 27 (mostly children) from the all-girls Camp Mystic summer camp, which Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said was "horrendously ravaged by the flood waters. As authorities and locals assembled to deal with the initial impact on Friday, some Texas officials raised concerns about the warnings they received from the National Weather Service (NWS), saying the predictions had underestimated the incoming rainfall and did not adequately prepare local authorities for what was to come. Meanwhile, meteorologists have said that the NWS did all it could have done prior to the floods. On Monday, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York wrote a letter to Roderick Anderson, the Commerce Departments acting inspector general, requesting that he open an investigation into the scope, breadth, and ramifications of whether staffing shortages at key local National Weather Service (NWS) stations contributed to the catastrophic loss of life and property during the deadly flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which houses the NWS, is among the agencies that have experienced mass layoffs under the Trump Administration, with firings of probationary employees starting just weeks after Trump returned to the White House. In May, the former directors of the NWS published an open letter to the American people, warning that Trumps cuts leave the nations official weather forecasting entity at a significant deficitdown more than 10% of its staffingjust as we head into the busiest time for severe storm predictions like tornadoes and hurricanes. The authors of the letter highlighted their fears, saying: Our worst nightmare is that weather forecast offices will be so understaffed that there will be needless loss of life. We know thats a nightmare shared by those on the forecasting front linesand by the people who depend on their efforts. On Sunday, Trump was asked by a reporter if, in light of the Texas floods, the federal government needs to hire back any of the meteorologists that were fired in the last few months. I wouldnt know that. I really wouldnt. I would think not. This was a thing that happened in seconds, nobody expected it, nobody saw it. Very talented people are there and they didnt see it, Trump said, adding that people are trying to assign blame, but "its just a horrible thing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this stance on Monday, saying that "the National Weather Service did its job despite unprecedented rainfall," referring to the floods as a "once in a generation natural disaster." She went on to refer to questions raised by Schumer and others as "falsehoods." Rick Spinrad, the former administrator of NOAA, has addressed the concerns, saying that while many of the weather forecast offices are not currently operating with a full staff, it's too soon to tell if that impacted how the floods were forecast and dealt with. "A lot of the weather forecast offices now are not operating at full complement of staff, which means that you're really putting an extra burden on these folks. I don't know how much that was a factor in what happened in Texas this weekend," he said on Saturday. "Without research, without staff to do the work, we can assume that the predictions and not just hurricanestornadoes, floods, drought, wildfires, tsunamis, for that matterare undoubtedly going to degrade. And that means that people's ability to prepare for these storms will be compromised." Texas Division of Emergency Management chief Nim Kidd told reporters at a press conference on Friday that NWS advisories and forecasts did not predict the amount of rain we saw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the severity of the warnings he did see, Kidd said: The original forecast that we received Wednesday from the National Weather Service predicted 3-6 inches of rain in the Concho Valley and 4-8 inches in the Hill Country. The amount of rain that fell at this specific location was never in any of those forecasts. Kidd was not the only Texas official to call into question the weather notices. Dalton Rice, the city manager for Kerrville, said it dumped more rain than what was forecast. Kerr County judge Rob Kelly told reporters: We didnt know this flood was coming. Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming. We have floods all the time when it rains, we get water. We had no reason to believe that this was going to be anything like whats happened here. None whatsoever. Kelly also said he did not know what kind of warning, if any, the leaders at Camp Mystic would have received ahead of the flash floods. Read More: Rescuers Search for Girls From Texas Camp as Flooding Death Toll Rises Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NWS San Antonio office on Tuesday predicted a potential for downpours and heavy rain, which then escalated to a forecast of up to 7 inches of rainfall in isolated areas. On Thursday, the office issued a broad flood watch for parts of south-central Texas, including Kerr County, though the most severe warnings started when the NWS issued a life-threatening flash flooding warning in Kerrville at 1:14 a.m. local time on Friday. The alert triggered the Emergency Alert System, which would have sounded the alarm on cell phones throughout the area, providing people had service and had not turned off their emergency alerts. The alert was issued roughly three hours before the first reports of flooding came in. Meteorologists have said the NWS did all it could in regards to the forecasts issued prior to the floods. On Saturday, meteorologist John Morales took to social media to defend the NWS, stating that the local officials blaming NWS are wrong. I don't see any evidence that cuts to NOAA/NWS caused any degradation in the anticipatory weather warnings ahead of this Texas tragedy, Morales said, sharing data from the NWS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morales later said that while nothing more could have been done prior to the flooding, he is of the opinion that unfilled positions at the NWS San Antonio stationsome impacted by DOGE-driven cuts and others pre-dating Trumps second termcould have affected the NWS ability to effectively coordinate with local officials after the floods struck. The relationship between emergency managers, media, and [the] NWS is cultivated over years. It is a three-legged stool that can age well as long as it's maintained with good comms and practice, Morales said. Having NWS managersMeteorologist in Charge, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, and Science Operations Officermissing would break the stool, but slowly. TIME has reached out to the National Weather Service for comment. Read More: Mass Layoffs at NOAA Spark Concerns Over Weather, Climate Research Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other meteorologists have also spoken out. CBS Austin's Avery Tomasco said: "The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Kerr County more than 12 hours ahead of the catastrophic flood. A flash flood warning was issued for Hunt and Ingram three hours before the Guadalupe started to climb. They did their job and they did it well." Meteorologist Chris Vagasky told Wired that it is incredibly difficult for a meteorologist to actually say how much rainfall will occur. The signal was out there that this is going to be a heavy, significant rainfall event, Vagasky said. But pinpointing exactly where thats going to fall? You cant do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While meteorologists sensed a weather event of some sort was on the horizon, the timing of the flash flood alerts seemingly left some with little time to act. When Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined Gov. Abbott at a press conference over the weekend, she said Trump is currently overseeing an upgrade of the technology used to deliver weather alerts to the public. We know everybody wants more warning time and thats why were working to update the technology that has been neglected for far too long, she explained. On Sunday morning, Kerrville City manager Rice was asked about why summer camps were not evacuated, despite the warning days earlier that a storm could occur. In response, he said: That, that is a great question, but again, we want to make sure that we continue to focus. We still have 11 missing children that we want to get reunited with our families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement J. Marshall Shepherd, director of the atmospheric department at the University of Georgia and former president of the American Meteorological Society tells TIME there were ample weather warnings of a high impact rain event in the area, but the challenges lie more in how to message such warnings, particularly in the case of an overnight incident like the Texas floods. Theres a reasonable question about if we need a more advanced warning system, Shepherd says, pointing to Europes early warning dissemination systems for climate hazards. He also notes that as weather disasters become more serious in the years to come, experts need to get the public used to new benchmarks. People may believe they are used to floods in their areas, Shepherd says, but they likely are not used to the severity of those floodsor other disastersthat we're beginning to witness in real-time. Contact us at letters@time.com. The shooting of a Texas police officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility and the firing of shots at federal officers over the weekend was a "planned ambush" on the building, resulting in 11 people being charged, authorities said Monday. An Alvarado, Texas, police officer was shot Friday night near the Prairieland Detention Facility, authorities said. "This was an egregious attack on federal and local law enforcement officers and it is part of an increasing trend of violence against them," said Nancy Larson, acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dhs: Assaults On Ice Now Up Nearly 700% Over Same Time Last Year President Donald Trump and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche have said there will be zero tolerance for attacks on law enforcement and property. Authorities said 10 to 12 people in black military-style clothing began shooting fireworks at the facility, Fox Dallas reported. One or two others broke off from the group and began to damage vehicles and spray graffiti. Officials said the graffiti read "ICE pig," "traitor" and profanity. Officials believe the activity was meant to draw ICE detention officers out of the building. Ten people were arrested and charged with three counts of attempted murder of a federal officer. Read On The Fox News App The Prairieland Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas where a police officer was shot in the neck and several ICE officers were shot at on Friday. They were identified as: Cameron Arnold of Dallas, Savanna Batten of Fort Worth, Nathan Baumann of College Station, Zachary Evetts of Waxahatchie, Joy Gibson of Dallas, Bradford Morris of Dallas, Maricela Rueda of Fort Worth, Seth Sikes of Kennedale, Elizabeth Soto of Fort Worth and Ines Sotoalso, a Fort Worth resident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another person was charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly attempting to conceal and destroy evidence. At the time of the shooting, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department has "zero tolerance" for assaults on federal officers or property and that offenders will feel the full weight of the DOJ when caught and prosecuted. Blue City Joins La Chaos As Anti-ice Agitators Injure Officers In Violent Riots The Alvarado police officer was shot at around 11 p.m. while responding to reports of a suspicious person, FOX Dallas reported. When the officer tried making contact with the person, shots were fired from a nearby wooded area, and the officer was struck in the neck. Another person across the street then shot 20 to 30 rounds at unarmed ICE detention officers, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The injured officer was flown to a Fort Worth hospital for treatment and was later released. An AR-style rifle was found at the scene. The alleged attackers fled from the scene. The Johnson County Sheriff's Office stopped a vehicle with a single driver inside. Inside the vehicle, they found two guns and a Kevlar vest. Sheriff's deputies stopped another seven individuals in another area. Some were allegedly wearing body armor. Some were covered in mud, and some were armed, according to officials. Twelve sets of body armor, flyers, spray paint and a flag saying "Resist Fascism. Fight Oligarchy" were eventually found, the news outlet reported. In addition, authorities found masks, goggles, gloves, weapons, fireworks and more. Original article source: Planned ambush at Texas ICE facility leaves officer shot, as 10 charged with attempted murder, authorities say Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said the state currently has 10 per cent forest cover, and the aim of the government is to have 16 per cent of forest cover in the state. "The campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' that we started in alignment with the Prime Minister's vision on World Environment Day - June 5, 2025, is achieving new heights of success. On June 29, this campaign moved ahead, and on July 9, it will achieve a new height when 37 crore saplings will be planted across Uttar Pradesh... I am happy that the 210 crore tree plantation programs were successfully completed in 8 years. We now have 10% forest cover. We should aim for 16% of forest cover in Uttar Pradesh, which will equal the country's 16% population living in the state," CM Yogi Adityanath said. He further said that PM Modi has decided that India will achieve the target of Net Zero in Carbon Emissions, and the government has made several transformations in this regard. In 2017, when we had to conduct a plantation drive, we could hardly obtain five crore saplings from the nurseries of the forest department. In 2025, we have 52 crore saplings - and are not of Eucalyptus or Popular but neem, mango, peepal," he said. "I am happy that PM Modi's campaign to protect the environment by planting saplings - under 'Ek ped maa ke naam' campaign has been successful and to give it a newer heights, on July 9, a record number of saplings - over 37 crore will be planted in a single day," he added. Earlier, CM Yogi paid floral tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary. Addressing the event in Lucknow, CM Yogi remembered Mookerjee's contributions as an educationist and his service during the Bengal famine in 1943."It is the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee today. On behalf of the people of the state, I pay tribute to him today. Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee was born on 6th July 1901. At the age of 33, he became the youngest Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University. He was a great educationist and freedom fighter. The country remembers the service he did during the Bengal famine," CM Yogi said. (ANI) An unnamed Texas woman, age 22, was rescued over the weekend after the devastating Guadalupe River floods swept her 20 miles over four hours before she eventually clung to a tree and cried for help. A Texas family saw her and helped initiate the rescue, Fox News reported Sunday, with what the network touted as unbelievable video of the moment caught on tape. The Jeter family spoke to the news organization about the experience, which began while they were evacuating their own home. We had not totally evacuated our home as right on the river but were 25 foot near and floodwaters were rising, patriarch Carl Jeter told Fox News. I had gone about a half a block down the street where I could still watch, but was on dry land. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the news segment on the womans rescue via Fox News below: As soon as the water stopped rising and began to recede a little bit, I waded in, went up on my deck. And as I did, she spotted me, and she started to scream for help, he continued. At first I couldnt locate her I thought she was in the river itself going downstream and then I finally was able to look across the river into the tree and I spotted her. So I began to call out to her and tell her that I see her. I got you, were going to get you some help. Its going to be OK, just hang on. The woman told the outlet that she was separated from her family, who were still missing at the time of the report. Refrigerators and other debris in the water nearly took her under before she was saved. The rescue effort involved multiple teams, Josh Jeter said. There was a Swift Water Rescue from Bernie, Texas team that showed up, and then there were some Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens that showed up with boats as well. We were able to help launch those boats by hand into the water for them to get in and rescue her, he added. It was just you didnt think about it, you just did what you needed to do to help them get into the water to save this young lady thats clinging to life in a tree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 80 people, including dozens of young girls attending a summer camp in the area, died during the flash flood. Ten girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic are still unaccounted for. Gov. Greg Abbott has also warned the states residents that more flash flooding is on the way. Questions surrounding emergency readiness have been raised following the devastation. CNN reported officials in Kerr County previously debated installing flood warning sirens nine years ago (and again as recently as 2021) but failed to realize the plan. We do not have a warning system, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said at a news conference Friday. Watch Fox News interview with the Jeter family in the video above. The post Texas Womans Flood Rescue Caught on Camera After Waters Swept Her 20 Miles | Video appeared first on TheWrap. Thanks to senators and representatives A heartfelt thank-you to Idahos Republican senators and representatives for backing the Big Beautiful Bill a bold, selfless act to ensure millionaires and billionaires finally get the financial relief they so desperately need. While some complain the bill slashes healthcare, food aid, and education to funnel wealth upward, they miss the bigger picture: pleasing our Dear Leader Donald Trump and the oligarchs who fund the GOP. Thats what really matters. Sure, some working families might struggle more. But if it puts another private jet in the hangar or helps a hedge fund manager buy a sixth vacation home, isnt that a worthy sacrifice? The rich have been job creators in theory for decades now any day now those jobs and wealth will trickle down, were told. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets not let fairness or economic reality get in the way of loyalty to billionaires. Idahos delegation understands that the path to prosperity begins with gold-plated tax loopholes and ends with thoughts and prayers for the rest of us. So heres to you, brave defenders of the ultra-wealthy. The yacht class salutes you. The rest of us will just try to keep the lights on. Sincerely, A Grateful Peasant Ron Nichols, Boise Trump just raised your taxes For all you MAGA supporters, how does it feel to have your taxes raised without the approval of Congress? Trump just bragged about his trade deal with Vietnam, that was the trade deal where we consumers get to pay an extra 20 to 40% more due to his tariffa. But Vietnam doesnt have to pay anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How about the price of gas are you happy with that? Are you happy about a lot of the farmers in the Midwest being bankrupt? How about the drop in prices on groceries? Wait, they havent dropped, have they? Arent you also glad that with that big, beautiful budget, you will probably have to raise property taxes to pay for the schools now Trump has cut billions from education. Are you also going to be happy seeing children go hungry and others with no health insurance? Yes, all of you must feel proud that you supported a criminal who was a failure in his first term and now is to the point of completely destroying the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jerry Johnson, Payette Simpson shills for Trump Rep. Mike Simpson just sent out his talking points for President Trumps big bill. They are quite remarkable: Lowers taxes? Yes, for billionaires, at the cost of lost benefits for the poorest and most disadvantaged. Secures the border? Without addressing the mechanisms for legalizing undocumented workers or even dealing with the need for more immigration judges. Cuts red tape? Creates red tape for the poor and disadvantaged, cynically intended to reduce their participation in Medicaid and SNAP benefits. Reduces government spending? In a bizarre choice of areas that invested in Americas future, while increasing spending in useless, poorly considered and counterproductive border security initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Invests in Americas defense? In the one area (Ukraine) that really matters most to Western security, Trump withholds support, while kowtowing to Russian interests. Restores American energy dominance? By trying to cripple our growing solar and wind industries that produce low cost energy, are quick to bring on line and provide American jobs while propping up dirty, increasingly expensive fossil fuels. It is time for our representatives to lay off the Kool-Aid and stand up for Idahos interests. Tom Menten, McCall Enforce bike speed limits While there does not appear to be much speed enforcement of bicycles (primarily e-bikes) on the Greenbelt, one approach that might work is to install radar speed signs on the Greenbelt, also known as driver feedback signs, which are used on some high-traffic streets in Boise. It uses radar technology to display a drivers speed as they approach it. These signs are designed to alert drivers to their speed with the speed limit posted above and encourage them to slow down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They do not issue tickets; their primary function is to provide visual feedback to drivers. The city could install the driver feedback speed signs in high traffic areas on the Greenbelt, and they run off solar power so installation would be relatively simple. Chris Dresden, Boise What are we willing to accept? What began as a promise to deport dangerous criminals has shifted to the detention of innocent people some U.S. citizens by masked, unidentified agents. People are being held without charges in for-profit detention centers and in secrecy. As of June 14, ICE has detained 204,297 people, with 65% having no criminal convictions (Cato Institute). Families are torn apart by mass detentions while others live in constant fear of going to work, picking their kids up from school or answering the door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We as taxpayers are funding this nightmare, while businesses benefiting from undocumented labor remain silent. E-Verify, a system to confirm legal work status, is underused. Employers often avoid it, not because its difficult. Its easier not to ask. While E-Verify needs work, its failure isnt an excuse to abandon it its a reason to fix it. In states where its required, undocumented worker issues ease. The bipartisan Border Act of 2024 made E-Verify mandatory, but despite Senate support, the House let it die. So here we are. We have a choice. As business owners, lawmakers, and citizens, we can push for a fair, functional and humane system or we can allow injustice to continue in our name. Georgia Smith, Boise Thom Tillis not running for re-election is a gift to North Carolina. Our senator has proven to be everything voters here dont want. He quickly became part of the establishment and their self-serving agenda and policies. The fact Donald Trump won NC three elections in a row, Tillis ignored the obvious. I was excited to hear he was going to be primaried as a result. Choosing not to run again right after being told that only confirms his weaknesses. Floyd Prophet, Kannapolis Tillis respect Thom Tillis never earned my vote, but he has earned my respect. His courage to stand in opposition to Trumps Big Beautiful Bill on behalf of his North Carolina constituents is to be applauded. He will leave Congress with his head held high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, North Carolinas junior senator, Ted Budd, is a Trump lap dog who votes against the best interests of his constituents. As he runs for re-election in 2028, I hope voters across the state remember Budd has been MIA and vote him out of office. Thank you Sen. Tillis for your service to North Carolina. Martha Hadaway, Charlotte Council goof Charlotte city council goofed big time. By charging a license fee to street vendors and denying food vendors with state inspection cards, the soul has been ripped out of NoDa. The other active street scenes in Charlotte, such as South End, Plaza Midwood, and Fourth Ward do not have the same vibrancy and soul as NoDa. Also, the city council is discriminating against NoDa by banning food vendors when they are allowed in uptown Charlotte. Additionally, the council is denying many of the street vendors livelihoods as many of them cannot afford the license. My wife and I have been going to NoDa when it was an inexpensive place to live for struggling artists and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area had a louche feel to it. Now, the area has become upscale, but the active and vibrant street life remains as do the restaurants. Thankfully Brooks Sandwich House remains, unless the city council forces it out-of-business. Augie Beasley, Charlotte Iran support In reference to Protesters gathered in uptown Charlotte to oppose Trump bombing of Iran sites Lost in the reasonable loathing of Trump, progressives have ended up rallying for Iran, a very unprogressive regime that is fanatically anti-Western. It treats women and minorities with no respect or basic rights at all. Iran has been an enemy of the both the U.S. and Israel since 1979. Its rather self-erasing to call oneself a progressive by supporting one of the most regressive systems in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warren Steinmuller, Cornelius Abortion In 2017, during a routine anatomy scan, my husband and I learned our baby had a rare neural tube defect. Facing a grim prognosis and an impending 20-week abortion ban, we made the compassionate decision to end the pregnancy to spare my baby the possibility of knowing only a short life outside my body filled with pain. Im grateful abortion care was available to us. Today, South Carolinas 6-week ban and North Carolinas 12-week ban mean families in similar situations no longer have those options. If they have the means, they may travel out of state, but access to essential healthcare should not depend on your zip code or income. In the wake of the third anniversary of the Dobbs decision, it is clearer than ever that we need lawmakers who understand that abortion is healthcare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lacey Layne, Fort Mill Climate denial The June 28 op ed Twisting the Truth: Extreme Weather and the Climate Narrative comes from an organization that denies the reality of climate change in principle with scientific support from a meteorologist who is the executive director of an organization that is founded on denying climate change. It is the journalistic equivalent of offering a snowball as evidence that climate change doesnt exist, as Senator Inhofe did in the U.S. Senate. Pandering to both sides of issues in an attempt to please readers across the political spectrum further erodes the publics trust in journalism. Gary Walker, Charlotte Pahlavi launched the campaign on June 29, following the announcement of a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran War. Nearly 20,000 people have joined the secure communication channel for members of Iran's military, security personnel, and others seeking to work against the Islamic Republic regime, Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi claimed in a post on X/Twitter on Saturday. Pahlavi launched the campaign on June 29, following the announcement of a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I thank those who have joined the National Collaboration campaign, and I invite those who haven't yet to join as soon as possible," Pahlavi wrote. Other anti-regime comments Pahlavi has made over the past month Pahlavi, on June 18, said that plans are in place for a 100-day transitional period if the Islamic Republic regime falls. On June 23, he called for regime change in Iran and announced that he would be forming an opposition front. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Shah of Iran, attends a press conference about the situation in Iran and the need to support Iranians, in Paris, France, June 23, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Abdul Saboor) Pahlavi condemned the Islamic Republic for its continual oppression of the Iranian people. He warned the international community against providing the Islamic Republic with a lifeline, saying that only a democratic Iran would stop the development of its nuclear program. Pahlavi on Wednesday announced that he will convene a summit of national cooperation on Iran sometime in the coming weeks. Yuval Barnea contributed to this report. WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Three juveniles and two adults were arrested after allegedly crashing a stolen vehicle near Exit 10 in West Springfield. Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan shared that at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, a sergeant observed a vehicle that was reported stolen out of West Springfield in the area of Westfield Road and Whitings Farm Road. The vehicle drove into the parking lot of the Holyoke Mall, and the sergeant attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The car then sped off, crashing into two wooden barriers in a construction zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roads closed as crews work to put out fire on Dwight Street in Chicopee The car then continued onto I-91 South, during which time it struck a vehicle in the area of Exit 10 in West Springfield. When police arrived in the area, all five occupants had exited the vehicle and attempted to run away. Holyoke police located two suspects, an 18-year-old Chicopee man and a 17-year-old Holyoke boy, on Morgan Road. The 17-year-old was arrested on a warrant, and the 18-year-old was brought to Baystate Medical Center to be treated for injuries sustained in the crash. Police said that he will receive a criminal complaint for receiving a stolen motor vehicle. Officers also located a 15-year-old girl and a 24-year-old woman from Springfield and a 14-year-old girl from Pittsfield on Apple Ridge Road. The two juveniles were arrested, and the adult woman was brought to Baystate to be evaluated for injuries. She will also receive a criminal complaint for receiving a stolen motor vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police stated that the juveniles all reportedly refused medical attention. Further investigation revealed that the 17-year-old boy from Holyoke was the alleged driver during the incident. The investigation was assisted by members of the West Springfield Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, and the State Police Air Wing. The names of the juveniles will not be released due to their ages. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Jul. 6WASHINGTON, D.C. Three small northeast North Dakota airports have received funding for projects from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration. Among seven other North Dakota airports, the Langdon Municipal Airport Authority, Lakota Airport Authority and Cavalier Municipal Airport Authority all received funding. In total, airports across the state were given a combined $3,493,701, a press release said. The Langdon airport received $584,324 for the construction of a new taxiway. The taxiway will be 1,739 feet and bring the airport to conformity with current standards, the release said. The project will also expand the airport's east apron by 1,352 square yards. The grant was given to fund the final phase of the project, which includes constructing 328 feet of the runway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lakota airport received $415,285 for the rehabilitation of 738 feet of paved taxiway. The rehabilitation is to maintain the pavement's structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris, the release said. The Cavalier airport received $333,500 for the rehabilitation of 3,300 feet of paved runway. It will maintain the pavement's structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris, the release said. The grant was given to fund the final phase of the project, which includes 347 feet of runway rehabilitation, as well as site grading and construction engineering. TikToks staff is reportedly building a new version of the app for American users dubbed M2 for a September release ahead of an expected sale, The Information reported this week. Any potential deal will still have to be approved by the Chinese government. The news comes amid suggestions from the Trump administration that a group of non-Chinese investors are pursuing the app. The group is said to include Oracle. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late June, The White House said keeping TikTok available to the American public is the presidents main priority. The press secretary added that Trump wants to accomplish his goal while protecting [Americans] privacy and security. On June 29, Trump then told Fox News a group of very wealthy people were clamoring to buy the app. I think President Xi will probably do it, he said. The app was initially set to be banned on Jan. 19 after President Biden signed a law in 2024 requiring ByteDance, TikToks parent company, to sell TikToks American operations. Lawmakers were concerned that ByteDance could use the platform to spy on citizens for Chinas government. On Jan. 20, Trump gave the app a 75-day extension, a decision he re-upped in April. That deadline extension will expire on Sept. 17. The post TikTok Is Building a New Version of the App for September Release | Report appeared first on TheWrap. Steps already taken regarding the future of Mittineague Elementary School: - 2023: External consultant gives assessment of school buildings. The advice is to decommission Mittineague Elementary School. - January 2024: School Committee follows consultants advice, votes to close Mittineague. - January/February, 2024: Parents and others canvas the city to get approximately 2,500 signatures on a petition calling for the School Committee to reverse its decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - February 2024: School Committee rescinds its decision to close Mittineague. - September 2024: First graders in the Mittineague neighborhood are sent to Philip G. Coburn Elementary School. - January 2025: An Enrollment Advisory Committee is formed to study the elementary school issue in West Springfield. - September 2025: First- and second-graders in the Mittineague neighborhood will go to other city elementary schools. Read the original article on MassLive. DHARAMSHALA, India (AP) The Dalai Lama turned 90 on Sunday surrounded by thousands of followers, who thronged the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, where the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has been living in exile since fleeing Chinese rule in Tibet in 1959. Sitting before a packed audience that included hundreds of red-robed monks and nuns who braved incessant rain to see him, he said: When I look back on my life, I see that I have not wasted it at all. I live my life in the service of other sentient beings, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dressed in a traditional robe and a flowing yellow wrap, the Dalai Lama was escorted to the temple courtyard by a group of monks, as Tibetan artists beat drums and played bagpipes while senior lamas struck cymbals in his honor. The head of the democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile, Penpa Tsering, raised the Tibetan flag as the musicians played the Tibetan anthem. Recognized worldwide in his red robes and wide smile, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. But millions of Tibetan Buddhists worship him as living manifestations of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion. Celebration capped a week of birthday events The birthday party capped a week of celebrations, during which the Nobel Peace Prize winner said he plans to reincarnate after his death, ending years of speculation that he might be the last person to hold the role. He also said that the next Dalai Lama should be and recognized as per past Buddhist traditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, the Dalai Lama said he hoped to live until the age of 130. In the past, the Dalai Lama has said his successor will be born in the free world outside China. Many exiled Tibetans, however, fear China will name its own successor to the Dalai Lama to bolster control over Tibet, a territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since. China, which views the Dalai Lama as a separatist, has repeatedly said that it alone has the authority to approve the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. It also says it will reject anyone chosen without Beijings consent. World leaders and celebrities sent wishes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dignitaries including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sent their wishes to the Tibetan leader. Modi said the Dalai Lama has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline, while Rubio said the Buddhist spiritual leader continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace and compassion. The celebration was also attended by hundreds of followers from around the world including Hollywood movie star Richard Gere. "He is the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet," said Gere, as the crowd broke into a rapturous applause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a birthday message on his website on Saturday, the Dalai Lama reiterated that he was just a simple Buddhist monk and that he will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values religious harmony. Celebrations were also held in Kathmandu, Nepal, where hundreds of Tibetan refugees, monks and foreign diplomats marked the day with Buddhist prayers, chanting and dances. The Dalai Lama was thrust onto the Tibetan throne in 1937. Soon after, Chinese troops swept into his homeland in the 1950s and crushed a failed uprising, forcing him to escape with thousands of his followers to India where he established a government in exile. Since then, he has spent more than seven decades in exile and sustained a nation in exile by managing to build a community thats kept the Tibetan culture and identity alive. The Dalai Lama has also 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. NEED TO KNOW More than a century after the Titanic sank, a full-scale exhibition in Las Vegas brings its grandeur and tragedy to life through immersive recreations and over 350 recovered artifacts RMS Titanic, Inc. is racing to conserve delicate items from the wreck some retrieved decades ago, others still on the seafloor as the ship rapidly deteriorates due to saltwater corrosion and deep-sea conditions The ongoing preservation effort is as much about honoring the passengers stories as it is about salvaging history, with each object offering a tangible link to lives that might otherwise be forgotten Its April 15, and Im sitting on the landing of the Titanics Grand Staircase. With its polished English oak paneling and wrought-iron balustrades presided over by a torch-wielding cherub, it's remembered by historians as both the main thoroughfare and architectural centerpiece of the legendary liner. Its also familiar to moviegoers as the spot where a tuxedoed Leonardo DiCaprio invites Kate Winslet to a real party in James Camerons 1997 blockbuster. When most people picture the Titanic, they picture this room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those of us whove been captivated by the Titanic saga since first learning to read, the Grand Staircase feels almost sacred imagined so often and so vividly that standing here feels strangely natural. But on April 15, 1912, it was the last place you wanted to be. As the ship made its final downward plunge, a tidal wave crashed through the glass-domed ceiling, sending tons of icy seawater cascading onto the doomed souls trapped inside and halting the hands of the famous wood-carved clock at 2:15 a.m. Minutes later, the ship vanished beneath the Atlantic. Obviously, this particular Grand Staircase isnt submerged two and a half miles underwater. Its located in the middle of the Nevada desert, inside a full-scale recreation of an Egyptian pyramid. Experimental Media Group The replica of the Titanic's Grand Staircase inside the Luxor Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The replica of the Titanic's Grand Staircase inside the Luxor Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The meticulously constructed staircase is a highlight of Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Since opening in 2008, more than 22 million visitors have passed through the 25,000-square-foot showcase, which tells the story of the ship from turn-of-the-century construction to turn-of-the-millennium conservation through immersive environments, most notably the painstaking replicas of Titanics most iconic interiors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These installations are impressive, but its the 350 artifacts recovered from the wreck site that anchor the exhibit in sobering reality. Theyre a study in extremes the large and the small, the mechanical and the personal, the ravaged and the pristine. Gilded chandeliers are twisted beyond recognition, a reminder of both the tremendous violence of the sinking, which tore the ships steel hull like paper, and the immense pressure bearing down at such depths. Yet fragile objects like china, crystal and actual paper escaped the devastation entirely. Heavy metal pots are corroded almost to the point of disintegration, while nearby playing cards the four of hearts, ace of spades and nine of diamonds appear untouched. A waiters notepad is still legible. A champagne bottle remains sealed, its cork intact and its vintage contents still (theoretically) drinkable. Some artifacts cufflinks, coins, jewelry, a single wooden die are barely the size of a fingernail. That they survived a century-long round trip journey to the ocean floor and back borders on unbelievable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then theres The Big Piece, a feat of recovery that feels miraculous for entirely different reasons. As the name suggests, the colossal 15-ton segment of the ships starboard hull is the largest artifact ever raised from the Titanic, stretching more than 26 feet across. Recovered in 1998, it includes riveted plating and several portholes that once looked out from first-class cabins C-79 and C-81. Suspended in a dimly lit gallery, visitors can circle the massive steel slab and peer through the portholes from behind, taking the identical perspective of a passenger looking out to sea. Unlike the exhibits recreated spaces, The Big Piece is no replica. For a brief, uncanny moment, you're standing inside the Titanic. Experimental Media Group The Titanic fragment known as "The Big Piece." The Titanic fragment known as "The Big Piece." The experience is curated by RMS Titanic, Inc., the court-recognized salvor-in-possession of the wreck since 1994. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of seven expeditions between 1987 and 2004, theyve recovered more than 5,500 artifacts. Roughly a quarter are on display at two permanent exhibitions their original museum in Orlando and their Las Vegas flagship as well as five traveling shows circling the globe. The rest are stored in a massive warehouse at an undisclosed location not far from their offices outside Atlanta. Im joined in the Grand Staircase by Tomasina Ray, President and Director of Collections for RMS Titanic, Inc. Shes here to oversee the unveiling of an artifact making its public debut: a Kilroy stoking transmitter from Titanics engine room. Described as the ships heartbeat, the transmitter relayed crucial signals to the engine crew, dictating how frequently each of the vessels 29 boilers needed to be fed with shovelfuls of coal. It was such an important piece of keeping everything running, Ray explains. It speaks not only to the ships technological advancements, but also to the incredible physical labor of the hundreds of stokers who powered her journey and gave those on board the best chance for rescue during the disaster. In an analog age, human hands were required to keep the engines going, even as seawater poured in. Without them, the tragedy would have been significantly worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The engine powered the telegraph system that sent out messages to the rescue ships. It powered the lights which allowed the passengers to navigate the ship as it was sinking, and it ran the pumps," Ray says. Evidence on the wreck indicates that the boilers were still running and still being fed up to the moment the ship split in two. Of the 323 engineering crew who remained at their posts until the very end, only 77 survived. Experimental Media Group The unveiling of the Kilroy Stoking Indicator. The unveiling of the Kilroy Stoking Indicator. The Kilroy stoking transmitter was first recovered in 1994. That its taken more than three decades to become sufficiently stabilized for public display speaks to the extraordinarily delicate and complex process of conservation. Few human-made objects have been retrieved from such extreme conditions: more than 75 years submerged in saltwater hovering just above freezing, 12,500 feet below the surface, in near-total darkness, with more than 6,000 lbs. per square inch of crushing pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One expert associated with RMS Titanic, Inc. remarked that outer space was more hospitable and easier to reach. Once recovered, the artifacts face a new set of threats. Many are saturated with chloride ions from the saltwater. If not carefully desalinated, these salts can cause internal corrosion that accelerates upon exposure to air. In other words, they can undergo more damage in seven days than in the previous seven decades. Organic materials like wood, leather, and fabric which often remain remarkably preserved in the cold, low-oxygen depths can begin to warp, crumble or disintegrate as dormant bacteria and fungi reactivate. Even oxygen itself can be destructive: some iron artifacts, such as mechanical tools, have fragmented or exploded upon surfacing, triggered by accelerated oxidation or salt crystallization from dried seawater. Conservationists must often reintroduce air slowly, using sealed chambers or chemical buffers to avoid sudden reactions. Many items also arrive encased in dense concretions hard layers of rust, minerals, and marine growth which must be painstakingly removed under a microscope, sometimes over the course of months or years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then theres the matter of transporting these priceless items to museums via fine art handlers, and the construction of climate-controlled environments where they can be monitored full-time. Most artifacts never make it that far, remaining permanently in the archival warehouse for safekeeping. Many pieces are just too fragile, Ray explains. "We have several stained glass windows at the lab from the First Class Smoking Room and Lounge that will never be able to travel. The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! This exhaustive scientific work is complicated by ongoing legal and ethical concerns. The Titanic is not just a shipwreck its widely regarded as a maritime grave, and some view any disturbance as a form of desecration. Among the most vocal critics is Dr. Robert Ballard, the legendary oceanographer who discovered the wreck in 1985. He has long opposed artifact recovery, often summing up his stance with a pointed refrain: You don't go to Gettysburg with a shovel; you don't take belt buckles off the Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement International agreements, including the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, aim to regulate how and when artifacts can be salvaged. These efforts have resulted in a carefully negotiated middle-ground. To date, all items raised from the Titanic have been recovered from within a 15-square-mile debris field a vast underwater scatter zone formed when the ship broke apart during its final descent. As the bow and stern sections tore free from one another, the ships contents were ejected and rained down across the ocean floor, dispersing everything from luggage and dinnerware to engine parts and personal belongings. Anything from within the ship itself has remained strictly off-limits. This is something Ray and the team at RMS Titanic, Inc. are hoping to change. After more than a century beneath the surface, the wreck has suffered devastating damage from corrosive saltwater and metal-eating bacteria, and is now deteriorating at an alarming rate. Iconic areas like the captains quarters have already collapsed, and large portions of the hull are visibly weakening. According to marine archaeologists, the structural integrity of the wreck is approaching a critical tipping point. Within the next few decades, much of what remains could collapse and eventually vanish entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That urgency was underscored in 2022, when the deep-sea mapping company Magellan Ltd. completed the most detailed digital scan of the Titanic ever attempted. Using remotely operated submersibles, they captured more than 700,000 high-resolution images of the site creating a full 3D reconstruction accurate to the millimeter. The data revealed that the rate of deterioration is accelerating faster than previously thought. For Ray and her team, this so-called "digital twin" has strengthened their resolve to carefully recover select artifacts from within the wreck itself items that may otherwise be lost forever. The ongoing debate intensified in 2020, when a District Court in Virginia granted RMS Titanic, Inc. permission to access the wreck and recover the Marconi wireless telegraph the device used to send distress signals on the night of the disaster. Lifeboats aside, its arguably the object most responsible for saving lives that night. Now resting in a partially collapsed section of the ships bow, the Marconi equipment is rapidly deteriorating. Salvage supporters argue its a race against time not for profit, but for preservation. Judge Rebecca Beach Smith agreed, ruling that its recovery will contribute to the legacy left by the indelible loss of the Titanic, those who survived, and those who gave their lives in the sinking. These objects offer more than just a glimpse into a bygone age they help us connect with the people who might otherwise have been lost to history. The artifacts speak for them, if you know how to listen. "The 1,496 people who died are mostly anonymous, Ray adds. People [familiar with the Titanic story] know a few key names, but there are so many who are just a statistic. With the passengers whose luggage we have, you can learn about their personality or who they were. She points to the story of Marian Meanwell, a 63-year-old Irish milliner traveling third class to help her recently widowed daughter in the United States. She was one of the 1,496 victims. For years, the only details we had about her were dry facts gleaned from public records. That changed when her alligator-skin purse was recovered from the ocean floor. Inside were the fragments of a life interrupted mid-journey: a faded photograph (one of only a handful recovered from the wreck site) believed to be of her mother, immigration papers and a handwritten reference letter from her London landlord, vouching for her as a a good tenant, prompt with payment. There were even strings to a musical instrument, thought to be a banjo. One detail on a water-stained travel document stands out with heartbreaking clarity: her original passage was booked on another liner, the Majestic. But that ship never sailed. Majestic is crossed out and replaced with a single word: Titanic. Experimental Media Group Dishes on display, as they were discovered on the sea floor with their wooden shelf eaten away Dishes on display, as they were discovered on the sea floor with their wooden shelf eaten away Throughout its history, RMS Titanic Inc has welcomed the involvement of survivors and families of victims. It's a precedent set by the organization's founding president, George Tulloch. In 1991, he presented survivor Edith Brown Haisman with the pocket watch belonging to her father, Thomas, which theyd discovered during the inaugural artifact expedition. She last saw it on April 15, 1912, as she waved goodbye to her father from a lifeboat. It was the last time she saw him, too. Though RMST has a policy against formally giving artifacts away, certain concessions are sometimes made. In Haismans case, her fathers watch was loaned to her for life. She died in 1997 at the age of 100. With the death of the final survivor in 2009 Millvina Dean, who was just two months old when she sailed the Titanic crossed the threshold from living history into the realm of myth, memory, and museum artifact. Its no longer a story anyone could personally recall, only one to preserve and interpret. Last summer, RMS Titanic, Inc. launched its first expedition to the wreck site in 14 years. One of the main goals of the three-week mission was to create a comprehensive digital map of the debris field using deep-sea robotics. Once processed, the digitized map will be crucial in helping the team prioritize which artifacts to target during future expeditions. Though the timeline for the next dive remains uncertain especially in the wake of 2023s Titan submersible tragedy Ray already has a few items on her wish list. At the top? A piece of railing from the ships iconic prow, which has recently fallen off the wreck. Shes also eyeing a box of rocket flares that the ships crew fired to signal distress to nearby vessels. 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 Discussions of decay, documentation, and conservation have brought the future of the Titanic into stark focus, yet Im still left with one question: What is it about the Titanic that captures the imagination so completely? So much that people have risked and lost their lives to go there. An oft-repeated claim, included in the recent Netflix documentary on the Titan disaster, is that Titanic is one of the three most recognizable words in the world, alongside God and Coca-Cola. There are plenty of shipwrecks, plenty of disasters, and plenty of historical events (many with lavish big-screen adaptations), but none come close to that kind of stat. After more than 30 years of enthusiastic amateur study, Im no closer to figuring out why that is. Tomasina Ray has a theory. Titanic is the perfect confluence of events, she says. You've got fascinating characters, you've got all the classes and all the nationalities. They all underwent the same fate, at the same time, in different ways. I think anyone can find themselves in the story." "Whether you care about the technology, the people, the archeology, the fashion, the science, or just putting the puzzle together," she adds. "The entry points are endless. Read the original article on People The Genocide of Assyrian in the Khabur, Syria The Khabur Genocide remains one of the darkest and most tragic chapters in the recent history of the Syriac--Assyrian community. This extensive report, meticulously compiled by the Khabur Committee, seeks to document in comprehensive detail the events, experiences, and enduring impacts of the genocide perpetrated by the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2015 that took place along the Khabur River Valley. Through survivor testimonies, verified data, and rigorous analysis, this report aims to preserve the memory of the victims, expose the atrocities committed, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the sociopolitical dynamics that enabled such a tragedy. This report will be published weekly in a series of detailed installments. Readers will be guided through a thorough examination of the genocide's origins, execution, and aftermath. This structured approach allows for careful reflection and the amplification of voices that have long been silenced. By shedding light on these atrocities, the Khabur Committee honors the resilience of the affected communities and reaffirms its commitment to justice, recognition, and the preservation of cultural heritage. We invite our readers to engage with these accounts with the seriousness and empathy they deserve, recognizing the importance of bearing witness to history in order to build a more just and informed future. The Syriac--Assyrian People The Syriac--Assyrian people are among the oldest indigenous communities of Syria and Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia). Descendants of a rich and deep-rooted culture, the Syriacs--Assyrians emerged as a people who developed their language and cultural values as early as the fourth millennium BC. This indigenous population has lived in this geography throughout its history, making it an integral part of the region's heritage, possessing a rich and enduring legacy that distinguishes it from other regional communities. The ancestors of the Syriacs--Assyrians -- namely the Assyrians, Arameans, and Chaldeans -- laid the foundations for cultural, religious, and civilizational advancements, excelling in governance, architecture, economy, science, art, and music. They also played a pivotal role in the development of global civilization, exemplified by the great empires they established. The Akkadian Empire, the first and oldest state in recorded history, was founded in 2350 BC, followed by the Chaldean and Assyrian empires in Babylon and Nineveh, which lasted until 539 BC. The legacy of these empires extended across the known world at the time, leaving a profound cultural imprint on all aspects of human life. This heritage persists to this day, reflected in a vibrant and fertile culture that has withstood challenges and oppression over millennia. Indeed, the enduring culture of the Syriacs--Assyrians has maintained its linguistic and societal essence for over 6,000 years, influencing history and global politics under various names (Akkad, Assyria, Babylon, Chaldea, etc.). Due to their long and rich history, and their interactions across empires, religions, and sects, from Christianity to Islam, the Syriac--Assyrian people have been known by various names, such as Assyrians, Arameans, Chaldeans, Syriacs, Maronites, Melkites, Nestorians, Jacobites, and Mhalamis. These names have been used in political and religious literature to define and document specific historical periods and events experienced by different Syriac--Assyrian groups. Names like Maronite, Melkite, Nestorian, and Jacobite were often employed to clarify particular eras in Syriac--Assyrian history. However, it is crucial to note that the names Assyrian, Aramean, Chaldean, and Syriac all trace back to the same people and culture, sharing the same historical and cultural roots. Consequently, these names are considered national identifiers for one unified people. The name "Syriac" became universally accepted around 300 BC and has been used to represent the collective identity of the people in literature and documentation. Despite belonging to different religions and sects, the Syriac--Assyrian people have exhibited remarkable tolerance -- a cornerstone of their social unity, binding together various communities across Beth Nahrin. This region was among the earliest areas inhabited by the Syriacs--Assyrians, who established multiple civilizations throughout its historical phases. Their cultural imprint remains visible through archaeological sites and the names of cities and villages still in use today in the Syriac language. Beth Nahrin holds immense geopolitical and strategic significance, rich in resources such as water, oil, gas, and fertile agricultural lands. Its location has made it a focal point of conflicts in the Middle East, as well as a gateway between East and West. Historically and in contemporary times, Beth Nahrin has been intersected by vital trade routes, including the Spice Route and the Silk Road, as well as pipelines transporting oil and gas. Present-Day Status of the Syriac-Assyrian People Today, the Syriac--Assyrian people continue to preserve their culture across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, central and northern Iraq, the Urmia region in Iran, and southeastern Turkey. However, a large portion of this population has emigrated to Europe, the Americas, Australia, and other parts of the world due to systemic denial of their existence, oppression, persecution, exclusionary policies, forced assimilation, and various pressures they have endured in their ancestral homeland. Syriac--Assyrian Presence in Khabur Before the Syrian Crisis The settlement of Syriacs--Assyrians in Khabur is a direct consequence of previous genocides they faced in their homeland, such as those in the Hakkari Mountains, Urmia, and later Semele. Their distinct ethnic identity and aspiration for self-governance were met with oppressive regimes, leading to a series of atrocities against them. This drove them to seek refuge in Khabur in 1933 under French protection. The Syriacs--Assyrians began to establish settlements along the Khabur River, which they initially referred to as "camps." These settlements flourished with the founding of modern Syria, as they developed the area, planting trees and utilizing the flowing waters of the river to create a sustainable community. By 2011, with the introduction of public infrastructure, the region had been transformed significantly. The Syriacs--Assyrians in Khabur engaged primarily in agriculture, cultivating wheat, barley, and fruit-bearing trees such as grapes and pomegranates, alongside livestock farming. Prior to the Syrian crisis, Syriacs--Assyrians lived in 36 villages along the banks of the Khabur River, extending some 30 kilometers. The population of Khabur was estimated to be between 30,000 and 35,000, with the tightly knit communities becoming cultural and religious hubs. Churches and schools doubled as cultural centers, fostering literacy and education in Eastern Syriac. These villages distinguished themselves from larger urban areas by their unique cultural identity. By the late 1990s, Turkey's water policies played a significant role in the environmental degradation of the river, reducing it to a trickle. These actions were linked to large-scale dam projects along regional rivers, which significantly reduced water flow. Additionally, unregulated groundwater well drilling near the river's source further decreased water levels and redirected its course. The neglect of the regime of Bashar al-Assad compounded the problem, leaving the region suffering from severe water scarcity. With the onset of the Syrian Civil War, these areas faced repeated attacks by successive extremist groups, resulting in a mass exodus of Syriacs--Assyrians. Many fled to other parts of Syria or emigrated abroad, drastically reducing their numbers in the region. By 2012, the population of these villages had dropped to between 20,000 and 25,000. As a result of the war, security vacuums, and ongoing conflicts in Syria, several villages were subjected to indiscriminate shelling. Around midday on 14 November 2012, Syrian regime aircraft bombed the village of Tel Nasri, causing significant destruction and claiming the life of 16-year-old Ninos. Syriacs--Assyrians also suffered from forced displacement and repeated kidnappings, often for ransom, as well as the confiscation of their properties due to emigration. With escalating violence and instability, thousands of Syriacs--Assyrians fled to Lebanon and Iraq, and later to Australia, Europe, and the Americas, leaving behind their families, properties, and lands. This mass emigration significantly reduced their population in the region, severely impacting their cultural and demographic presence. ISIS Invasion of Khabur One of the darkest periods of persecution faced by Syriacs--Assyrians in the 21st century occurred during the control of the ISIS terrorist organization over large parts of Syria and Iraq between 2014 and 2017. This included areas such as Sadad in the Hmoth (Homs) countryside, Hasakah, Khabur, Raqqa, Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor), and other occupied regions. Like other communities, Syriacs--Assyrians were subjected to widespread attacks by ISIS. On the night of 23 February 2015, the terrorist organization ISIS launched a violent attack targeting the villages of Khabur, targeting 36 Syriac--Assyrian villages. The group seized control of villages such as Tel Shamiram, Tel Jazira, Tel Tal, Tel Hermiz, Qabr Shamieh, Tel Baz, and others situated on the southern bank of the Khabur River. Due to the rising and flowing waters of the Khabur River that same night, ISIS detained large numbers of peaceful Syriacs--Assyrians civilians who could not cross the river to safety. The attack left several Syriacs--Assyrians killed and injured, with 259 individuals abducted, including dozens of women, children, and the elderly. The families of the abducted were forced to pay large ransoms to secure their release. Churches and religious landmarks in the area were also destroyed under the pretext that they were "infidels" and non-Muslim communities, The ongoing battles led to the displacement of Syriac--Assyrian villagers from the northern banks of the Khabur to the cities of Hasakah and Beth Zalin (Qamishli), with the number of displaced families estimated to exceed 1,380. The 2015 attack exacerbated the displacement and emigration of Syriacs--Assyrians. This mass exodus has had a profound impact on the demographic composition of the region. The population of Syriacs--Assyrians declined drastically, leading to the loss of most of their properties and homes, which were either abandoned or occupied by individuals displaced by military operations elsewhere in the country. These homes and the surrounding countryside were altered, turning once-thriving villages into desolate areas. Many religious and cultural landmarks, which are integral to the Syriac-Assyrian heritage, were destroyed or threatened. ISIS and other extremist groups targeted numerous churches, aiming to erase the cultural and religious identity of the Syriac-Assyrian people. These attacks were seen as deliberate attempts to obliterate their historical and cultural legacy. The attacks that targeted the Syriac-Assyrian people, victims and Slavery On the night of February 23, 2015, the terrorist organization ISIS launched a violent attack targeting the villages of Khabur, located west of the city of Hasakah. The group seized control of villages such as Tel Shamiram, Tel Jazira, Tel Tal, Tel Hermiz, Qabr Shamieh, Tel Baz, and others situated on the southern bank of the Khabur River. Due to the rising and flowing waters of the Khabur River that same night, ISIS detained large numbers of peaceful Assyrian civilians. The attack resulted in casualties among the Assyrians, with several killed and injured, and 259 individuals were abducted, including dozens of women, children, and elderly residents from the aforementioned southern villages. The ongoing battles led to the displacement of Syriac villagers from northern Khabur to the cities of Hasakah and Qamishli, with the number of displaced families estimated to exceed 1,380. After Khabur was liberated from ISIS control, the group executed three Assyrian Christians and released a video showing the execution of three Assyrian hostages by shooting them in the head. The victims were identified as: Abdulmasih Azaria Noya, 36 years old, from Tel Jazira; Ashur Abraham, from Tel Jazira; and Bassam Issa Michael, 39 years old, from Tel Shamiram. The video also depicted three other hostages pleading for their release, with ISIS demanding a large ransom for their freedom and threatening that all hostages would face the same fate if the ransom was not paid. The church, through its members abroad, contributed to raising the ransom, and the terrorist organization released the hostages in several batches. The violations against churches During ISIS's invasion of the Syriac-Assyrian villages, the group carried out acts of killing and displacement, in addition to burning villages, desecrating churches, and destroying them. A total of 11 churches were either completely or partially destroyed, beginning on Easter Day, April 1, 2015, with the bombing of the Church of the Virgin Mary in Tel Nasri. This act was a clear message that Syriac-Assyrian Christians were considered infidels and polytheists by the group. The psychological damages to the Syriac-Assyrian people The psychological damage inflicted on the Syriac-Assyrian people has been profound due to a series of criminal acts, including kidnappings, killings, and identity-based displacement. These violations have deeply affected their collective identity and individual psyche, embedding fear into their subconscious. Many have retreated into isolation from society as a result of widespread abuses such as torture, enslavement, rape, forced marriages of minors, and the assassination of intellectuals and prominent figures within the community. This has led to feelings of anxiety, stress, sadness, self-doubt, shame, personality disorders, and reliance on sedatives and alcohol as coping mechanisms. The security, financial, social, and livelihood challenges In addition to threats from extremist groups, the Syriac-Assyrians have faced challenges stemming from Turkish military operations targeting northern and eastern Syria indiscriminately. Living alongside Kurds and Arabs on the frontlines of military operations has made their region perpetually vulnerable, especially after Turkey's "Operation Peace Spring" in 2019. Increased attacks have resulted in violations against churches, cemeteries, and homes, turning these areas into theaters of military operations. This has exacerbated the suffering of residents, forcing them to flee and displace once again from villages and areas near Turkish forces and their allied factions. The current state of these villages is no better than the frontlines, as they suffer from destroyed infrastructure, including water, electricity, and sewage networks. Some villages have been closed off, converted into military barracks, or used as shelters for displaced individuals who have encroached upon properties and homes, further exploiting the region. Like other communities in Syria, the Syriac-Assyrians have endured the economic and social crises caused by the war. Damaged and destroyed infrastructure, poverty, and resource shortages have made it difficult for them to rebuild their lives in their native areas. Recommendations: Given the various forms of persecution faced by the Syriac-Assyrians of Khabur--one of the oldest peoples deeply rooted in history--it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive and strategic study of their situation, as they are now at risk of extinction, which contradicts fundamental human values. It is of utmost importance for the new Syrian state to recognize and acknowledge the genocide they endured, enshrine their rights in the constitution, and take steps to prevent future genocides. Emergency and strategic solutions should be adopted to address the consequences of the genocide against this ancient ethnic group. International entities must enforce a cessation of military operations across Syria, particularly in the Khabur region, neutralize the area, and entrust its protection to its Syriac-Assyrian inhabitants in collaboration with relevant authorities. The region should be cleared of displaced individuals, violations should be rectified, and infrastructure such as electricity, potable water, sewage systems, and other essential services should be restored. Churches should be rebuilt, roads reopened to all villages, and bridges constructed between northern and southern villages by the government responsible for the area. Efforts should be made to encourage the return of expatriates and compensate them for the material and emotional damages they suffered, while holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes. Finally, it is the responsibility of governments, international human rights organizations, and nations committed to protecting human rights to support efforts to safeguard these communities and ensure they live in a safe and stable environment, free from conflict. As a significant example of rapid infrastructural progress, the newly constructed flyover connecting Rukminigaon Road and Bormotoria Link Road at Downtown Point in Guwahati was inaugurated on Sunday by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Completed in just nine months - half the originally sanctioned period of eighteen months - this Rs. 112 crore, 660-metre-long, four-lane structure was officially designated as Bhagadatta Flyover-2 in honour of King Bhagadatta of Kamarupa. Additionally, the flyover located in the Super Market area of the city would henceforth be known as Bhagadatta Flyover-1. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Sarma stated that the new flyover forms part of the state government's broader initiative to improve Guwahati's urban transport infrastructure and alleviate persistent traffic congestion in the area. He highlighted that the entire construction team comprised young professionals from Assam and that the project represents only the second instance in the country of a flyover constructed using advanced composite structure technology by the Government of India's agency, RITES India Limited. He added that provisions have also been made for vehicle parking beneath the structure to support local commercial establishments. The Chief Minister noted that the current administration is committed to development rooted in both technological advancement and cultural heritage. The naming of the flyovers after King Bhagadatta, he explained, is intended to familiarise younger generations with the ancient legacy of Kamrup and Guwahati. He outlined several upcoming infrastructure initiatives, including a ramp addition to the Ganeshguri flyover, new flyovers at Arya Nagar, Maligaon, and Radha Govinda Baruah Road, and an elevated corridor at Bharalumukh. "Flyovers at the Cycle Factory area and Bharalumukh are scheduled for inauguration in February next year, while the Noonmati-Chandmari flyover is expected to open by April. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to lay the foundation stone for the proposed Narengi-Kurua bridge and the Guwahati Ring Road in September. The bridge linking Guwahati and North Guwahati is set to be opened in January next year. Additionally, a new terminal building at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport would be inaugurated in November, alongside the commencement of an elevated corridor connecting the airport to Jalukbari, to be implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways within the current year," the Chief Minister said. CM Sarma stated that Guwahati is emerging as a major centre of employment, not only for Assam but for the broader North Eastern region. Livelihood opportunities for approximately 10 lakh individuals have been created in the city, reiterating the government's commitment to reducing outward migration for employment among the state's youth, he said. The Narengi-Kurua and Guwahati-North Guwahati bridges, he noted, are expected to expand the city's spatial footprint while simultaneously enhancing job availability. "Several multinational firms have reportedly expressed interest in establishing call centres in Guwahati. In parallel, infrastructure development efforts are underway in other cities, including Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tezpur, and Silchar. Two flyovers have already been completed in Dibrugarh and Jorhat, and a third project in Jorhat is scheduled to begin next year," he said. The Chief Minister concluded by stating that Assam is progressing economically as a result of the present administration's development agenda, noting that the Reserve Bank of India recognised Assam last year as the third most economically progressive state in the country. At the event, he also felicitated the engineers and representatives of the construction agency responsible for Bhagadatta Flyover-2. (ANI) Lynton Town Hall is celebrating its 125th anniversary in spectacular style. To mark the milestone, the community of Lynton and Lynmouth, in north Devon, has transformed the town hall with a breathtaking display of handcrafted decorations. Thousands of knitted, crocheted and sewn flowers, leaves, animals and insects now adorn the building, recreating its original Victorian charm. Most of the intricate pieces were made by members of the community with contributions also arriving from across the UK and abroad, said organisers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They estimate that more than 7,000 individual elements make up the display which also includes hidden surprises for children to discover. The project, which will be on display throughout July and August, was made possible with the help of Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council, the Community Bookshop and countless volunteers who contributed ideas, materials and time. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. More on this story LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP) As Fourth of July trips come to an end, travelers are planning other trips for the rest of the summer. For the Fourth of July, Christopher Baker of Lowell took a trip to his familys summer house in Tolland, Massachusetts. We had a perfect Fourth of July, Baker said. The weather was great, we could do our little kayaking on the pond they had out there, witnessed and saw a show, and now were going home early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families enjoy fairground fun and fireworks in South Hadley Christopher is one of many drivers who are hitting the roads early to get back home. With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, some travelers are driving home from a long weekend or even an entire week full of celebrations. This years domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year, and 7 million more than in 2019. So far, this week has been good for the travel plans, Baker said. Although Fourth of July trips are coming to a close for some travelers, others are already planning their next trips this summer. Travelers from as far as New York are starting those trips now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to hit the beach as soon as we can, said Nicole Flouton of New York. We go with our family every year, so we have a great time enjoying with them. For any upcoming trips, longtime drivers say to be prepared for traffic, potential severe weather, construction delays, or crashes along the way. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. The fact that the Sons of Iraq or the leaders of Jordan and Iraq emerged under US and British support, illustrate that these tribal structures often require outside support. A recent article at The Jerusalem Post speaks about meeting with the top Hebron sheikh who wants to pull out of Palestinian Authority. The article claims that Sheikh Wadee al-Jaabari is the leader of Hebrons most influential clan. Now and four other leading Hebron sheikhs have signed a letter pledging peace and full recognition of Israel as a Jewish state. A letter has even been drafted. Jaabari has reached out to Israeli officials, the report says. Eight sheikhs are believed to lead 204,000 local residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is an enduring allure of sheikhs and clans being able to offer a new initiative in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In Gaza there has been talk since October 7 that clans and tribes might emerge to challenge Hamas. So far they have not emerged. In their place a few militias apparently have been backed by Israel. Arab tribes in the Arab revolt What is interesting about the narrative of sheikhs, tribes and clans being able to rise up as peace partners is that this narrative still exists in 2025. More than 100 years ago the British allied with Arab tribes during the Arab revolt against the Ottomans. Sheikh Wadee' al-Jaabari. (credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT) At the time the British officer T.E Lawrence had journeyed from Egypt to meet with Sharif Hussein bin Ali, a leader of a tribe and also the Sharif and Emir of Mecca. With his sons, Ali, Abdullah and Faisal, the Sharif led a revolt against the Ottomans with British help. We know what became of this revolt and its mixed legacy. Abdullah became the king of what is now Jordan and his descendants still rule the country. However, Abdullahs decision to intervene in 1948 during the Israeli war of independence eventually led to his assassination in Jerusalem in 1951 at the hands of a Palestinian Arab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ali became the king of the Hejaz but was expelled by the Saudis in the 1920s and he died in Iraq. Faisal briefly sought to become king of Syria in 1920 but he was expelled by the French and ended up in Iraq. He ruled as king of Iraq from 1921 until his death in 1933. His grandson was overthrown and killed in 1958. The false hope of sheikhs and clans can be seen in the mixed legacy of the Arab revolt. This was not just a group of sheikhs, tribes or clans. It was an important group with a long legacy and powerful history. However, even with this historic Islamic ties and their base of support in the Hejaz, they didnt fare that well when they tried to move outside their realm. They survived in Jordan primarily because the Kingdom of Jordan in the 1920s was partly a tribal society. They were able to balance that with British military support even when the Kingdom became home to large numbers of people fleeing the 1948 war. As such, Jordan became demographically more Palestinian than Jordanian over time. Is it correct to call Jordan a successful tribal state run by sheikhs and clans. There is no doubt that was the initial binding element, but it survives because the king was able to move beyond that. The Kingdom worked with Circassian minorities, Christians, Palestinians and the clans of northern Jordan to create a state. It faced huge challenges, including the possibility of a Nasser inspired rebellion, a civil war in the 1970s and even plots from Syria and Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The end of the other tribal initiatives that grew out of the Arab Revolt illustrate how tribes and sheikhs cannot generally govern successfully in larger states that are urbanized. This doesnt mean they can never succeed. People point to the Gulf states as examples of tribal and sheikh success. However, those states are relatively small and they began primarily as British protectorates. The local sheikhs were able to first receive a stable small state and then grow it over time. They never had to rule over other urban elites, as they grew their state around a tribal structure. Another place that people point to the success of clans and sheikhs is in the Arab Awakening movement in Iraq, also known as the Sons of Iraq or Sahwah. This group of Sunni tribal leaders emerged for only a short period of time between 2006 and 2008 mostly, to help secure a part of Iraq during a time of uncertainty and insurgency against US rule in the country. However, what was the legacy of this initiative? It had no real staying power and didnt really govern or project stability. In essence, it was a short success during a period of chaos. Tribes, clans can only be counted on to provide limited stability in small regions There are many other examples people will point to in order to show how tribes, clans and sheikhs are part of the fabric of the region, and a type of structure that might be relied on. However, evidence shows that generally the tribes and clans in the region can only be counted on to provide limited stability in small regions, usually when government institutions break down. The Shammar tribe in Iraq and Syria, for instance, may be a large tribal structure and it may be important. However, its relevance doesnt extend to running either country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some people make a simplistic argument that the Middle East is basically a collection of tribes and that there are no real states. They argue that the weaker and failed states all exist because they do not reflect the underlying tribes. In this narrative, the current successful Arab countries of the Gulf are successfuly because they are rooted in tribes; and the apparent weakness of Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and other countries is because the tribes have not been invested in enough. This understanding of the region lacks a real appreciation of the diversity of the Middle East. While it may be true that tribal structures are important in some areas, the fact is that the modern urbanized Middle East has had the same affect that urbanization has had on people all over the world; reducing clan and tribal structures and moving people in masses to cities. When people become educated and there are institutions, tribal structures begin to fray. Arab nationalism, for instance, weakened these structures. No one can seriously argue that Egypt, a state rooted in the power of the people of the Nile valley, is really a tribal state. It exists in opposition largely to tribes. Lebanon, because it is such a diverse state, is not best divided into tribes. Syria is also a diverse state and is not best seen as a tribal state. One may argue that many parts of Iraq have strong tribal elements. There are Kurdish tribes, Yazidi tribes, and Sunni tribes. However, the power of these various groups within larger groups has largely persisted because Iraq has been in such chaos over the years; from the Saddam era to the insurgency and the ISIS war. Now, lets return to the Palestinian Arabs and the false hope of tribes. The growth of Fatah in the 1960s and 1970s and then Hamas in the 1980s is largely in opposition to tradition tribal or clan elements in society. After the 1948 war the collapse of Palestinian Arab society, due to massive movement of refugees and displaced people, meant that traditional village and beduin sheikh rule broke down; along with the traditional urban elites and effendis. There was a brief period where traditional rulers re-emerged in the 1950s. Nationalism pushed them to the side, as did Arab socialism and communism and eventually the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood. Why would tribal and clan structures re-emerge after so many decades of being weakened? They might be tapped on a very local level, but the idea that they might command the allegiance of hundreds of thousands appears mistaken. Tribal sheikhs cant run schools or institutions, they dont run universities, or hospitals. If an emirate emerges in Hebron what land will it control. Will it be armed? Who will administer education and universities and colleges in the area? Who will build wells and pave roads? The Gulf states only work because the traditional tribal structure took on the responsibility of governance. However, theres no evidence that this is happening among clans in Hebron or Gaza. The fact that the Sons of Iraq or the leaders of Jordan and Iraq emerged under US and British support, illustrate that these tribal structures often require outside support. They feed off weak states but they rarely replace states, especially when they are foised on existing urban and rural structures. A high-speed chase through four towns on Route 101 Friday evening ended with the arrest of a man wanted on a warrant for burglary in New York City, State Police said. Anthony G. Finelli, 44, of the Bronx, New York, was arrested and charged with being a fugitive from justice around 5:30 p.m. in Auburn, State Police said in a news release Sunday. Epping Police began pursuit of a 2017 Hyundai Elantra driven by Finelli on Route 101 west. State troopers took over the pursuit when Finelli crossed into Raymond. The chase continued through Candia and into Auburn at a high rate of speed, State Police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finelli drove over deflation devices deployed by Candia Police but continued to flee at slower speeds, State Police said. Auburn Police then deployed tire deflation devices near Exit 2 and the Hyundais tires finally ran out of air as Finelli turned onto Hooksett Road and stopped in a parking lot of a local business. Troopers took Finelli into custody. In addition to being charged as a fugitive from justice, Finelli faces two counts of reckless conduct, one count of disobeying an officer and one count of obstructing government administration. He was held at the Rockingham County jail pending an arraignment on Monday in Candia District Court. Tropical Storm Chantal moved onshore in the Carolinas early Sunday, and is expected to dump as much as 5 inches of rain on the region as it moves inland through the day on Monday. Photo courtesy of the National Weather Service July 6 (UPI) -- Tropical Storm Chantal dumped heavy rain on South Carolina early Sunday before weakening to a depression as it came ashore. The third named storm of the year, Chantal came ashore near Litchfield, S.C., about 3 a.m. before being downgraded. The National Weather Service said the center of the storm was hard to determine as it began to diffuse after arriving onshore. Winds peaked at 60 mph before coming ashore, the National Hurricane Center said. The storm had moved inland about 80 miles west of Wilmington, N.C., moving north at about 9 mph. Its sustained winds, however, had fallen off to about 35 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flash flooding remained a concern and prompted local areas to take precautions as forecasters predicted that as much as four inches of rain could drench the region into the day Monday. "1-3 inches of rain has already fallen in isolated locations across Eastern NC," the Newport/Morehead City office of the NWS said in a social media post. "Expect 1-1.5 additional inches through Monday, with locally higher amounts of 3+ possible. This could lead to localized flash flooding." Heavy rain forced the closure of some lanes of Interstate 95 as it moved inland, forcing travelers to take alternate routes to reach their destinations. The storm prompted isolated tornado threats, but the storm was not expected to threaten North Carolina's popular Outer Banks area. The risk is, however, high for a dangerous rip current across eastern North Carolina through Sunday night. Experts are warning of dangerous conditions hitting the Carolinas as Tropical Storm Chantal moves inland from the Atlantic Ocean. Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin tonight. Portions of Charleston, S.C., and Wilmington, N.C., will be hit with winds ranging from 45 to 75 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center. The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline, the center wrote in a Saturday advisory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Water is expected to reach one to two feet in the indicated areas between Edisto Beach, S.C., to Surf City, N.C. Rainfall could exceed four inches in both states, threatening residents with flash flooding and inundated roads. Chantal is expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to portions of the coast from northeastern Florida to the Mid-Atlantic states during the next day or so, the center warned. Authorities are urging citizens to develop an evacuation plan pending harsh weather in the region. Tropical Storm warnings are emerging months after Hurricanes Milton and Helene swept through the two states earlier this year. Both storms destructive nature caused more than 250 deaths, power outages and crippled building structures in its path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers in North Carolina and South Carolina are continuing to seek federal funds to help support rebuilding efforts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Donald Trumps former communications chief is among the growing number of public figures who have shown interest in Elon Musks America Party. As Trump celebrated the passage of the Big, Beautiful Bill this week, Musk asked his followers on X, Should we create the America Party? The next day, Musk announced he had launched a third party to compete with Democrats and Republicans. The move has attracted the support of Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly served as White House director of communications during Trumps first stint in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would like to meet to discuss. My DMs are open, Scaramucci wrote on X Saturday. I would like to meet to discuss. My DMs are open. https://t.co/5Cljhy7FU6 Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) July 5, 2025 Scaramucci has been a staunch critic of Trump since departing the White House in 2017, endorsing former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race. He also had choice words for Musk, telling CNN earlier this year that the tech broligarch would do well to lay off the gas on politics and stick to business. Anthony Scaramucci was Donald Trump's White House communications director for just 10 days. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Musks party has also attracted interest from billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, who, like Scaramucci, backed Harris last year. Cuban shared Musks announcement on X Saturday, adding a slew of flame and firework emojis. He followed up with a post saying hed be willing to work with Musk to help him get on ballots. Mark Cuban walks off the court after the Dallas Mavericks lost to the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center on October 31, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. / Richard Rodriguez / Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images Cuban has previously assailed Musk as thin-skinned and said he is his own worst enemy for turning X into a cesspool of hate. I work with @voterchoice . They will help you get on ballots. That is their mission. https://t.co/o4ERVGwQNH Mark Cuban (@mcuban) July 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other political figures who have expressed enthusiasm for the SpaceX founders proposed new party include former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and Justin Amash, a former Republican representative from Michigan. A viable political party must follow the Constitution & be fiscally responsible, Amash wrote on X. It should promote a small set of popular American principlestransparency, accountability, citizen privacy, sound money, freedom to innovate, freedom of expressionand leave the rest to candidates." Tech investor Tyler Palmer also chimed in with his support, asking, Where do we send our donations? Musks relationship with Trump blew up in June after the Tesla CEO departed the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency and criticized the presidents spending bill, which he said would balloon the deficit and undermine the changes hed made at DOGE. Musk threatened to fund primary challenges against any GOP officials backing Trumps bill and alleged that Trump had not released the files on alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein because the president appears in them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair later backed down from the feud, with Musk apologizing and Trump saying he had no hard feelings toward the Tesla CEO. The Daily Beast has reached out to Musk, Scaramucci, and Cuban for comment. This article was originally published in Chalkbeat. Parking permits. Desk space. Access cards. Ordered to bring back roughly 1,300 laid-off workers, the U.S. Department of Education instead has spent weeks ostensibly working on the logistics. Meanwhile, the Trump administration wants the U.S. Supreme Court to decide they dont have to restore those jobs after all. The legal argument over the job status of Education Department workers is testing the extent to which President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon can reshape the federal bureaucracy without congressional approval. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The employees, meanwhile, remain in limbo, getting paid for jobs they arent allowed to perform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An analysis done by the union representing Education Department employees estimates the government is spending about $7 million a month for workers not to work. That figure does not include supervisors who are not part of the American Federation of Government Employee Local 252. It is terribly inefficient, said Brittany Coleman, chief steward for AFGE Local 252 and an attorney in the Office for Civil Rights. The American people are not getting what they need because we cant do our jobs. McMahon announced the layoffs in March, a week after she was confirmed by the Senate, and described them as a first step toward dismantling the Education Department. A few days later, Trump signed an executive order directing McMahon to do everything in her legal authority to shut down the department. The Somerville and Easthampton school districts in Massachusetts, along with the American Federation of Teachers, other education groups, and 21 Democratic attorneys general sued McMahon over the cuts. They argued the layoffs were so extensive that the Education Department would not be able to perform its duties under the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The layoffs hit the Office for Civil Rights, Federal Student Aid, and the Institute of Education Sciences particularly hard. These agencies are responsible for federally mandated work within the Education Department. By law, only Congress can get rid of the Education Department. U.S. District Court Judge Myong Joun agreed, issuing a sweeping preliminary injunction in May that ordered the Education Department to bring laid off employees back to work and blocked any further effort to dismantle or substantively restructure the department. The Trump administration sought a stay of that order, and the case is on the emergency docket of the Supreme Court, where a decision could come any day. In the administrations request to the Supreme Court, Solicitor General John Sauer argued that the harms the various plaintiffs had described were largely hypothetical, that they had not shown the department wasnt fulfilling its duties, and that they didnt have standing to sue because layoffs primarily affect department employees, not states, school districts, and education organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sauer further argued that the injunction violates the separation of powers, putting the judicial branch in charge of employment decisions that are the purview of the executive branch. The injunction rests on the untenable assumption that every terminated employee is necessary to perform the Department of Educations statutory functions, Sauer wrote in a court filing. That injunction effectively appoints the district court to a Cabinet role and bars the Executive Branch from terminating anyone. The Supreme Court, with a conservative 6-3 majority, has been friendlier to the administrations arguments than lower court judges. Already the court has allowed cuts to teacher training grants to go through while a lawsuit works its way through the courts. And it has halted the reinstatement of fired probationary workers. The Education Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Joun issued a separate order telling the Education Department that it must reinstate employees in the Office for Civil Rights. The Victims Rights Law Center and other groups had described thousands of cases left in limbo, with children suffering severe bullying or unable to safely return to school. Meanwhile, the Education Department continues to file weekly updates with Joun about the complexities of reinstating the laid-off employees. In these court filings, Chief of Staff Rachel Oglesby said an ad hoc committee of senior leadership is meeting weekly to figure out where employees might park and where they should report to work. Since the layoffs, the department has closed regional offices, consolidated offices in three Washington, D.C. buildings into one, reduced its contracts for parking space, and discontinued an interoffice shuttle. In the most recent filing, Oglesby said the department is working on a reintegration plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coleman said she finds these updates laughable. If you are really willing to do what the court is telling you to do, then your working group would have figured out a way to get us our laptops, she said. This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters. At least five times in recent weeks, federal judges have forcefully rejected President Donald Trumps efforts to deport pro-Palestinian student activists, issuing one stinging ruling after another to declare the efforts unconstitutional with one judge comparing the deportation drive to the Red Scare. The five foreign-born academics, Mahmoud Khalil, Mohsen Mahdawi, Yunseo Chung, Rumeysa Ozturk and Badar Khan Suri, were all targeted by the Trump administration after Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared their presence in the United States detrimental to U.S. foreign policy goals. But in every case, judges found the determination to be a flagrant attack on free speech; all were protected or freed from immigration detention by the courts. Now, the entire policy undergirding those attempted deportations will be on trial after academic groups brought a broad lawsuit challenging the effort. The venue: a federal courtroom in Boston, where U.S. District Judge William Young a Reagan-appointee with a sharp-elbowed wit is set to preside Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case marks the first significant trial of Trump 2.0, a challenge to the presidents agenda before a judge who has made no secret of his alarm over the administrations immigration tactics and who recently rebuked the administrations efforts to slash grant funding on the basis of race and gender. Young, an 84-year-old jurist confirmed to the federal bench four decades ago, has set aside two weeks for the trial. Trials in civil lawsuits challenging federal government policies are relatively rare. Typically, judges resolve the cases based on filings submitted by both sides. However, Young is known to prefer live testimony and the interplay between attorneys. While there wont be a jury, Young is expected to hear testimony from more than 20 witnesses before ultimately ruling on whether the administrations targeted deportations violate the First Amendment. The spate of arrests of pro-Palestinian activists is part of the Trump administrations crackdown on foreign academics who are studying and living in the U.S. legally. Rubio earlier this year invoked a rarely used provision of immigration law to seek to deport those students by declaring their presence in the U.S. in conflict with American foreign policy interests. The lawsuit, filed in March by the American Association of University Professors, its Harvard, New York University and Rutgers chapters and the Middle East Studies Association, argues that the deportation campaign targeting academics is interfering with the rights of U.S. citizens to engage in a free exchange of ideas with foreign-born colleagues who depend on student visas or green cards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the lawyers pressing the lawsuit said the recent court rulings in favor of particular students and academics help address their cases, but dont address the more systemic concerns the case going to trial this week is aimed at. The arrests have created a climate of fear on university campuses around the country, with foreign students and faculty alike afraid that ICE agents might arrest them at any moment for their legitimate political speech, Jameel Jaffer of the Knight First Amendment Institute said. Broader relief is appropriate and necessary because the threat of arrest and deportation on the basis of political speech has a profound chilling effect on the willingness of foreign students and faculty to engage in constitutionally protected expression and association. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security disputed the central premise of the lawsuit. We dont deport people based on ideology, spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents of Trumps policies have 10 witnesses lined up to testify, including Nadje Al-Ali, an anthropology and Middle East studies professor at Brown; Bernhard Nickel, a philosophy professor at Harvard; Nadia Abu El-Haj, an anthropology professor at Barnard; and John Armstrong, the acting head of the State Departments Bureau of Consular Affairs. The Trump administration is set to call a dozen witnesses, including several officials from local and national Homeland Security Investigations offices, as well as the State Department. Among the government witnesses is Andre Watson, a Homeland Security official who oversaw DHSs aborted drive to cancel the registrations of foreign students who had encounters with police, some of them exceedingly minor in nature. The effort, which threatened the students legal status, resulted in Watson being summoned to testify in court and led to numerous judges reversing the deregistrations before the program was abandoned by the administration. Both sides in the ideological deportation case have been conducting depositions and exchanging documents, so the trial could contain some surprises. Just last week, the Justice Department offered to provide Young with copies of recently located email correspondence about enforcement actions against specific non-party individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOJ lawyer Ethan Kanter offered few specifics in a public court filing, but did say the records contain sensitive law-enforcement information. These documents have not been filed in any other proceedings or otherwise shared with the specific non-party individuals discussed therein, Kanter wrote. In a 2017 interview with POLITICO, Young lamented the fact that many young lawyers and even some young judges have little experience with trials. Judges today talk about, Im gearing up for a trial, Young said then. I say, What do you mean youre gearing up for it? Thats what we do.... But thats no longer true today There is a lack of trial experience, in part, because there is a lack of trials. President Donald Trump boasted about the newly turbocharged Immigration and Customs Enforcement after the Big Beautiful bill funded his immigration crackdown to the tune of $170 billion. One of the most exciting parts of the ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT is that it includes ALL of the Funding and Resources that ICE needs to carry out the Largest Mass Deportation Operation in History, Trump wrote on Truth Social Saturday. Our Brave ICE Officers, who are under daily violent assault, will finally have the tools and support that they need, the president added. We will not let America become a Third World Country filled with Crime, failing Schools, collapsing Hospitals, and total Social Dysfunction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, which Trump signed into law on the Fourth of July, sets aside $30 billion for ICEs operations, $45 billion for detention centers, and nearly $50 billion to build a wall at the southern border. Trump was able to push the sprawling, controversial piece of legislation through Congress despite concerns from Republicans and Democrats alike. It is projected to add more than $3 trillion to the national debt. After the bill passed Congress, Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sounded the alarm about the extent to which it would boost Trumps anti-immigrant crusade. I dont think anyone is prepared for what they just did w/ ICE, she wrote on social media Thursday. This is not a simple budget increase. It is an explosionmaking ICE bigger than the FBI, US Bureau of Prisons, DEA,& others combined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is setting up to make whats happening now look like childs play, Ocasio-Cortez added. Trumps immigration crackdown sparked anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. / David McNew/Getty Images Under Trump, the number of ICE arrests has skyrocketed, with the number of people held in immigration detention centers jumping 25 percent. The crackdown has sparked blowback, such as the anti-ICE protests that have raged in Los Angeles over the last month. As he signed the bill into law Friday, Trump mocked his critics for raising concerns about its effects, saying: Oh, its dangerous. Oh, everybodys going to die. Its actually just the opposite, he continued. Everybody is going to live. This is just the opposite. Karnataka's Rambapuri seer Rajadeshikendra Shivacharya on Sunday praised the efforts of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to strengthen the party and the state and said that the Deputy Chief Minister deserved a higher position after the last elections. Speaking at an event organised to inaugurate the steps at the Siddeshwaraswamy hills in Kanakapura taluk, he said, "He should have got a higher position after the last elections. May he get a higher position in the days to come." "The people of Karnataka are aware of his hard work in securing a sweeping majority for the party in the state. The agreement among national leaders, CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar, is only known to them. Political leaders will be respected if they respect the arrangement they had before the national leaders," he said. "We are witnessing many Congress leaders talking about leadership in the state. If the national leaders clear the air, it would settle the issue for the people as well as satisfy D K Shivakumar. Asking him to relinquish the KPCC presidency until he becomes the CM is not a very principled approach by the senior leaders," he added. Urging party leaders to "clear the air" about leadership in the party amid the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "There is no doubt that he would do so if they hold their end of the bargain. It is important that the national leaders clear the air, there is no point of other leaders making statements about it. People must keep their word in politics. We all have seen what happened with the BJP in the past," he said. "When he did not get what he deserved after the last election, D K Shivakumar gracefully accepted the DCM's position and is doing a good job. The Congress leaders in the state and in the Centre must give the opportunity to him as per the agreement. Then, only his hard work and contributions to the party will have meaning. May he work for the welfare of the people of the state," he added. Talking about certain politicians creating rifts between castes and religion, he called for Shivakumar to take strict action against them. He said, "There are some politicians who are creating rift between castes and religions. I hope that a leader like DK Shivakumar will take stringent action on such things." (ANI) In Barrio Obrero, a predominantly Dominican neighborhood in Puerto Rico, the chilling effect of unprecedented immigration raids in the U.S. territory has been paralyzing. With homes and businesses desolate, a truck with speakers has been cruising through the streets of the working-class neighborhood with a message. Suddenly, in that darkness, they heard: Immigrants, you have rights, Ariadna Godreau, a human rights lawyer in Puerto Rico, told NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legal nonprofit she leads, Ayuda Legal Puerto Rico, hired the truck, known as a tumba coco, to make people aware of their rights and announce the launch of a new hotline, the first in Puerto Rico providing legal support to immigrants, Godreau said. Over 300 families have already called the hotline and spoken with attorneys free of charge as they figure out their legal options in the face of a changing immigration landscape, Godreau said. Residents in Puerto Rico now fear that President Donald Trumps efforts to carry out mass deportations will fundamentally change how immigration policies are enforced in a U.S. territory that had long been perceived as a sanctuary for immigrants. That perception was first shattered on Jan. 27, the same week Trump took office. Immigration authorities raided Barrio Obrero and arrested more than 40 people. Witnesses told Telemundo Puerto Rico, NBCs sister station on the island, that they saw agents break down the doors of several homes and businesses. Detainees were handcuffed, placed in vans and taken away, they said. The Barrio Obrero neighborhood of San Juan. (Carlos Berrios Polanco / Sipa USA via AP file) In his 40 years living in Puerto Rico, Ramon Munoz, a Dominican immigrant, had seen authorities sporadically detain undocumented people but never with the aggressiveness displayed during that raid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Complicating matters for immigrants in Puerto Rico, those detained are transferred to the mainland U.S. an ocean away from their families and attorneys managing their immigration cases because there are no permanent detention centers on the island that can hold detainees for prolonged periods, according to Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in San Juan. A 'nightmare' amid racial profiling concerns Aracely Terrero, one of the at least 732 immigrants arrested by federal immigration authorities in Puerto Rico so far this year, spent a month being bounced around three different detention centers in the States before she was released last week after an immigration judge determined she should have never been detained in the first place. A local police officer in the coastal town of Cabo Rojo alerted federal immigration authorities about Terrero after the officer found her selling ice cream at the beach without business permits, Telemundo Puerto Rico reported. Terrero had a visa and was in the process of obtaining a green card when she was taken into immigration custody, her attorney Angel Robles and Annette Martinez, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Puerto Rico, told NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local policies in Puerto Rico limit coordination between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, Martinez said. Yet the ACLU in Puerto Rico is seeing more cases in which local police are suspected of racially profiling Dominican immigrants with the purposes of alerting federal immigration authorities, reigniting concerns about the revival of discriminatory policing practices that led to police reforms in Puerto Rico a decade ago, Martinez said. Terreros case also spotlighted how difficult it is for families and attorneys to keep track of detainees once they are sent to the States, Martinez added. It was a nightmare, Terrero told Telemundo Puerto Rico following her release. It was a very difficult journey because Id never been arrested in my life. Id never seen myself like this, with handcuffs, like a criminal. A raid changes everything Gonzalez-Ramos, the HSI special agent, said in a local radio interview last week that her office had been preparing to ramp up immigration enforcement efforts in Puerto Rico since November. She said they started reorganizing resources and shifting priorities after Trumps win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the big raid on Jan. 27 came as a surprise to most people. Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon had reassured immigrants in an interview with Telemundo Puerto Rico that same week that Trump was only focused on whats happening in Mexico and in the United States, on that border. It helped create a false sense of security, Godreau said. These consecutive raids then begin in areas historically inhabited by the Dominican population. As immigration authorities escalate their efforts in Puerto Rico by raiding hotels, construction sites and neighborhoods, more than 500 of the immigrants arrested so far are from the Dominican Republic. Dominicans make up the biggest share of Puerto Ricos immigrant population. Over 100,000 Dominicans are estimated to live in Puerto Rico. About a third are thought to be undocumented. Many of them are business owners or work hospitality, construction and elder care jobs, the last two being industries grappling with labor shortages, Godreau and Martinez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonzalez-Ramos had said her office would be detaining people illegally present in Puerto Rico, specifically those whose criminal records pose a threat to our communities and national security. But only 13% of the 732 immigrants arrested this year have a criminal record, according to data from Homeland Security Investigations in San Juan. Following a subpoena from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the administration of Gonzalez-Colon, a Republican who supports Trump, recently handed over the names and addresses of 6,000 people who got drivers licenses under an immigrant-friendly law from 2013 that allowed people without legal immigration status to get them. Gonzalez-Colon has said she wont challenge Trumps immigration policies so as not to risk losing federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors attitudes and expressions have been quite misleading, Martinez said, adding that local jurisdictions frequently challenge and oppose federal policies in an effort to protect local residents. Nowhere to be detained A spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations in San Juan told NBC News that Gonzalez-Ramos was not available for an interview this week. But in her local radio interview last week, Gonzalez-Ramos said immigration agents periodically carry out daily interventions in an effort to find over 1,200 people who have final deportation orders that we must execute. Everyone arrested in raids, regardless of whether they have final orders of deportation or not, must be detained, no matter what, Gonzalez-Ramos said in Spanish. Right now, those are the instructions. The ACLUs Martinez said that in Puerto Rico, immigration arrests have an aggravating factor: Those immigrants arrested are put on a plane and sent away to detention centers in the mainland U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than a decade, the island has lacked a working immigration detention center that can permanently house detainees. As immigration arrests ramp up, temporary detention centers have sprouted across Puerto Rico, according to Gonzalez-Ramos. A protester holds a sign reading "ICE melts" during the "No Kings" demonstration in San Juan on June 14. (Ricardo Arduengo / AFP via Getty Images) One of them is in a federal General Services Administration building in Guaynabo. Equipped with almost 20 beds, its been nicknamed la neverita, or the icebox, by immigrants who have spent time there before being transferred to the U.S. An old ICE facility in Aguadilla that shuttered in 2012 was recently reopened to temporarily hold detainees, according to Godreau and Martinez, who have heard from immigrants taken there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before its closure over a decade ago, complaints were made at the time about the inhumane and inadequate conditions in which detainees in that center were held, Martinez said in Spanish. Mayor Julio Roldan approved an ordinance Thursday to declare Aguadilla a sanctuary city for immigrants in response to escalated enforcement efforts in the area. When at least two dozen detainees are at the temporary holding facilities, ICE planes come to Puerto Rico to transport them to permanent detention centers in different states, according to Gonzalez-Ramos. Many of them are placed in immigration detention centers in Florida and Texas. But detainees from Puerto Rico have also been found in facilities in Louisiana and New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were seeing a pattern of disappearances, Martinez said, pointing out that in Terreros case, it took the ACLU and her attorney weeks to find out where she was being held. The situation raises concerns over multiple violations of human rights and civil rights, Martinez said, adding that the ACLU is continuing to monitor these cases and call for changes in local policies to ensure immigrants rights are protected. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com President Trump said the United States has "pretty much" reached a deal for a company to acquire the U.S. assets of TikTok and plans to begin talks with China this week. "I think we're going to start Monday or Tuesday ... talking to China, perhaps President Xi or one of his representatives, but we would, we pretty much have a deal," Trump told reporters on Air Force One on his way to his home in Bedminster, New Jersey, Friday. The deal would likely need to be approved by China, Trump said, adding he believes the agreement would benefit both countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump Extends The Tiktok Ban Deadline By Another 90 Days President Donald Trump said the United States has "pretty much" reached a deal for an American company to purchase the U.S. assets of TikTok and plans to begin talks with China this coming week. "President Xi and I have a great relationship, and I think it's good for them," he said. "I think the deal is good for China, and it's good for us." 'Tiktok Is Back': Trump Teases Future Of Social Media App Read On The Fox Business App During an interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" last week, the president similarly signaled he had found American buyers for the social media app, describing them as "very wealthy people." "We have a buyer for TikTok, by the way," Trump said. "I think I'll need probably China's approval. I think President Xi will probably do it." President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One after departing Joint Base Andrews, Md., on his way to Bedminster, N.J., July 4, 2025. Last month, Trump extended the deadline for the third time for ByteDance, the Chinese company that developed TikTok, to divest U.S. assets of the video-sharing app. ByteDance has until Sept. 17 to find an American buyer, according to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apple And Google Restore Ability To Download Tiktok App The U.S. came close earlier this year to making a deal with Chinese-owned TikTok to spin off its U.S. operations into a new company owned by U.S. investors, but the Chinese government said it wouldnt agree to it, citing the Trump administrations tariffs, according to a report. Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump attend a welcoming ceremony Nov. 9, 2017, in Beijing, China. TikTok, which has around 170 million active monthly users in the U.S., was previously required to stop operating by Jan. 19. Trump signed an executive order at the time extending the deadline for TikTok for another 90 days. A second extension was issued in April and a third was signed in June. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, passed by Congress in April 2024 with wide bipartisan support, gave TikTok nine months to either separate from ByteDance or be removed from U.S.-based app stores and hosting services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In passing the law, Congress cited concerns over the app's Chinese ownership, which members said meant the app had the potential to be weaponized or used to amass vast amounts of user data. The White House and TikTok did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment. Original article source: Trump says US 'pretty much' has deal for TikTok, talks with China to begin President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he "signed a Major Disaster Declaration" for relief for Kerr County in Texas, as the region deals with heavy rains and extreme flooding that have killed dozens. "These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing," Trump wrote Sunday on Truth Social. "The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State." Coast Guard officials and Texas first responders had saved over 850 people from the floodwaters, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's disaster declaration comes as the White House has faced blowback for its cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which Democrats worry are imperiling efforts to prepare for dangerous weather events. At least 67 people, including at least 59 in Kerr County, have died in the flooding. Camp Mystic, a Christian, all-girls summer camp that sits near the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, has captured particular national attention during the weekend's rescue efforts. Eleven children and one counselor from the camp are still missing, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said in a news conference Sunday. Keith Kellogg, the US Presidents special envoy for Ukraine, has commented on the telephone conversation between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Source: Kellogg on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Kellogg commented on the conversation between Trump and Zelenskyy, which took place on 4 July and which the Ukrainian president called "the best of all time". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Okay. This is classic Donald Trump. Always willing to engage," he wrote. Trumps special representative also thanked Zelenskyy for his condolences on the terrible loss of life during the flood in Texas, especially among young people. "Both Presidents recognise the pain of the loss of the young in peace and war. Compassion is a key part of leadership," he added. Background: Zelenskyy said publicly that he and the American president had discussed the situation at the front and the supply of air defence equipment, as well as joint defence production. US President Donald Trump said he was satisfied with his conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Also, during a conversation with journalists, when asked about the supply of American weapons to Ukraine, the US president said that "weve been helping them and well continue to help them." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Tucker Carlson announced that he did the interview despite the expected backlash so that the American people have access "to all of the information they can gather about matters that affect them." Tucker Carlson conducted an interview with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Carlson announced in a video posted on social media on Saturday night. In the video, he stated that he is aware he will be criticized for conducting the interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We did because we were just at war with Iran ten days ago, and maybe again, and so our view that has remained consistent over time is that American citizens have the constitutional right and the god given right to all of the information they can gather about matters that affect them," he insisted. "If their country is doing something with their money in their name, they have a right, an absolute right to know as much about it as they can. And that would include hearing from the people they are fighting," he stated. He went on to address the question of whether or not a person could believe anything that Pezeshkian said in the interview. Carlson said, "Probably not. But that's not the point. The point is you should be able to decide for yourself whether you believe it or not. And keep in mind that anyone who seeks to deny you that right is not your ally but your enemy." He then went on to comment how he had reached out to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to request an interview multiple times over the last few months, and he hopes that the prime minister will accept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlson describes his interview with Pezeshkian as limited by many factors due to the fact that it was remote and "done via a translator, that's always awkward, for another, I don't speak Persian." Carlson knew many questions would not get an honest answer He continued by saying how there were many questions he did not ask the Iranian president because he knew it would be impossible for him to get an honest answer, such as questions pertaining to the current capabilities of Iran's nuclear facilities after Operation Midnight Hammer. Carlson said, "There's no chance, he's going to answer that question honestly, I didn't bother to ask it." "The purpose of this was not to get to the absolute truth that's impossible, in an interview like this, the purpose of the interview, was to add to the corpus of knowledge from which Americans can derive their own opinion, learn everything you can and then you decide, that's the promise of America, and we hope that this interview does a small part to making that promise real," he concluded. Carlson said the interview will be uploaded as soon as editing is completed, which is expected to be done within the next day or two. Former Fox News star Tucker Carlson has dropped a teaser for an upcoming interview with Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian. As the MAGA fallout from the American bombing of Iranian nuclear sites continues, Carlson claims he has gone straight to the source for answers on some of the most basic questions. Acknowledging that airing the views of one of Americas top adversaries is controversial, Carlson stated that the purpose of his interview with Pezeshkian is to add to the corpus of knowledge from which Americans can derive their own opinion. Our interview with the president of Iran. Watch it first at https://t.co/sLkXnGLauL. pic.twitter.com/SY4KvgA1lb Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) July 5, 2025 In addition, Carlson notes the more routine nature of his upcoming dialogue which, he says, is not the hard-line grilling that viewers might expect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt ask the president of Iran questions I knew I could not get an honest answer, Carlson said. Specifically, he apparently didnt think asking whether the American bombings on the three military sites targeted on June 22 were successful in destroying Irans nuclear program would be useful. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on Oct. 11, 2024. / Alexander Scherbak / via REUTERS Instead, the interview will address more rudimentary questions like What is your goal? Do you seek war with the United States? Do you seek war with Israel? The former host of CNNs Crossfire has a history of interviewing Americas adversaries. Last year, he interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin in a special that was widely criticized for giving free rein to the man who ordered the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Some responses to the announcement, posted to X, express fear that Pezeshkian is likely to barrel through Carlsons admittedly softball interview without challengejust as Putin did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So much for America First. For you Tucker, it seems to be Iran First! wrote human rights lawyer and CEO of The International Legal Forum, Arsen Ostrovsky. Can you believe everything you hear from the President of Iran? Probably not, Carlson conceded. The head of the Tucker Carlson Network has made headlines recently for a toe-curling interview with Sen. Ted Cruz, in which Cruz was savaged for failing to know the population of Iran. Carlson has previously stated that he believes warmongers within the Republican Party are behind the recent escalation of military action against Iran. The real goal of the GOPs recent focus on Irans potential to build nuclear weapons is regime change, Carlson believes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are scary people. Pray that Donald Trump ignores them, Carlson wrote on June 5, prior to the American bombing of Iran. Before the attack, Pezeshkian stated that Iran has no intention of building nuclear weapons but does intend to continue its pursuit of nuclear energy and research. Carlson also announced that has submitted a third interview request for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting the U.S. next week to meet with Trump. Carlson hopes" to be able to balance the upcoming Iranian interview with that one. The interview with Pezeshkian is slated for release as soon as Carlsons production team is done editing it, he said. That should be in a day or two. Turkey has recorded 761 fires over the last 10 days, around a quarter of all blazes this year, government figures showed on Sunday. As of Sunday, all of them have been extinguished or brought under control, the Turkish Communications Directorate wrote on X. These included 20 major fires in the provinces of Izmir, Sakarya, Hatay, Bilecik, Manisa, Istanbul and Bursa. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said at least 228 homes have been severely damages in the fires in Izmir alone, where the full extent of the damage is still being determined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who have lost their homes will be temporarily housed in containers, he said. The fires have wreaked widespread destruction, burning three villages to the ground in Izmir and killing an 81-year-old bedridden man and two rescue workers. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated in other parts of the country in recent days. Turkey has 27 firefighting planes and 105 firefighting helicopters at its disposal, according to official figures. ISTANBUL (AP) Five Turkish soldiers have died after exposure to methane gas on Sunday while searching a cave in northern Iraq for the remains of a fellow soldier killed by Kurdish militants in 2022, the Turkish Defense Ministry said. Soldiers were searching a mountain cave when 19 of them were exposed to the gas, which is colorless, odorless, flammable and can cause asphyxiation in sufficient concentration. They were immediately transported to the hospital (but) despite all interventions, five heroic personnel were martyred, the ministry said in a statement. Rescue operations in the area continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry did not give a specific location for the incident other than the Claw-Lock Operation region, a reference to an operation launched against the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, in north Iraq in April 2022. The Turkish unit affected by methane gas was searching for the remains of an infantry officer killed by terrorist gunfire during a search-and-clear operation in May 2022, the ministry said. For the last three years, teams have been hunting for his remains. The cave was at an altitude of 852 meters (2,795 foot) and was known to have been used as a hospital by the PKK in the past, although it had since been cleared by Turkish soldiers. The office of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the soldiers were exposed to a high concentration of accumulated methane gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey and the PKK have waged a 40-year conflict which has often spilled over into Iraq and Syria. Turkey has set up a series of bases in northern Iraq, where the PKK has been established for decades. The PKK, which is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey and most of the West, announced in May that it would disband and renounce armed conflict as part of a new peace initiative with Turkey. Its fighters are expected to begin handing over their weapons over the next few days in the first concrete move toward disarmament. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Two people were airlifted after a two-vehicle serious injury crash in Shelby County on Saturday. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrols Piqua Post, the crash happened on July 5, at approximately 4:40 p.m., on I-75 near milepost 91 in Clinton Twp. The initial investigation found a 2016 Hyundai Sonata, driven by a 30-year-old man from Bowling Green, stopped in traffic due to a crash in the construction zone. A 2015 Harley-Davidson, driven by a 60-year-old man from Detroit, Michigan, didnt stop and hit the back of the stopped Hyundai. Both vehicles came to rest in the left lane after the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two people hospitalized after Marathon Ave. shooting early Sunday morning All the people in the Hyundai were not injured. Including the passengers, a 31-year-old woman and an 8-month-old infant. Officials said the motorcyclist and his passenger, a woman, suffered serious, life-threatening injuries. They were taken by a medic to Wilson Memorial and then airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital. The Piqua Post is actively investigating the crash. 2 NEWS will update this article when more information is available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Officials with the Little Rock Police Department said that two have been arrested following a deadly Friday night shooting. According to a post on social media, 40-year-old Al-Malik Diamond and 46-year-old Anna Rodgers were arrested on Saturday and police said they are each facing a charge of capital murder. Little Rock police investigating deadly Friday night shooting Police said officers responded to a call about a shooting at 9:42 p.m. at a home on Karon Ct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers said when they arrived at the home, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but the man died at the scene. Police did not release the name of the person that died. This is a developing story, please 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 KARK. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said that the government is preparing a new, stricter law to address the problem of duplicate fertilisers and seeds. He stated that the current law imposes only a small fine of around Rs 500, allowing offenders to escape easily. Speaking to the reporters, Chouhan said, "...We are working on bringing a new law to tackle the issue of duplicate fertilisers, seeds... The law will be strict as the present law is not that strict, but just about a compensation of around Rs 500, and hence those who commit this get released easily." Earlier, Chouhan described Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee as an "ardent" nationalist leader and noted that the tricolour is now "flying high" in Kashmir. "We pay our respects at the feet of the ardent nationalist leader and founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee. It was Dr Mukherjee who established Bharatiya Jana Sangh as a new political party based on Indian culture, values, and traditions, as an alternative to Congress," Chouhan said in Bhopal in his tribute to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee on the occasion of his birthday. Recalling Mookerjee's protest against Article 370, Chouhan said, "The Jana Sangh proclaimed that there cannot be two flags, two constitutions, and two heads in one country... He made the supreme sacrifice, and today, by paying our respects at his feet, we feel satisfied that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, his resolve has been fulfilled. The tricolour is now flying high in Kashmir." Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, he was a multifaceted personality - patriot, educationist, parliamentarian, statesman, and humanitarian. He inherited a legacy of erudition and nationalism from his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, an esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and Judge of the Calcutta High Court. (ANI) GREENWOOD COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Two people have died and one person has been arrested in connection to a boating collision on Lake Greenwood. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, on Sunday officers and investigators were called to the lake after an Alumacraft boat carrying five people was struck from behind by a Yamaha boat with two people on board. Two people in the Alumacraft vehicle were taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries and two others died as a result of the collision, according to SCDNR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operator of the Yamaha boat was arrested and charged with two counts of felony boating under the influence. This is a developing story. We will provide updates as they become available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Two people have died and two more were injured in a boat crash on Lake Greenwood. The South Carolina Department of Natural resources said in a release on social media platform X that officers responded on Sunday, July 6 after two vessels collided on the lake, which is about 70 miles northwest of Columbia. Officials said an Alumacraft boat carrying five people was struck from behind by a Yamaha boat with two people on board. SCDNR said in its post that two occupants from the Alumacraft boat were killed, and two others were taken to an area hospital with injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operator of the Yamaha boat who was not named in the release was arrested and charged with two counts of felony boating under the influence. The names of the deceased had not been released as of late Sunday morning. The Department of Natural Resources said the crash remains under investigation. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, SCDNR said in its release. OLYPHANT Standing in front of a pit on Lackawanna Avenue where he hopes to invest nearly $2 million into storefronts and apartments, developer John Wilkens lamented the impact of a longtime flood zone designation covering much of downtown Olyphant and hindering development. This issue stops any new development dead in its tracks, he said. Wilkens, a New Jersey-based developer working with local developer Adam Guiffrida on multiple projects in Olyphant, acquired the former Sullums Bridals at 129-131 Lackawanna Ave. in 2023 for $210,000 with plans to tear down the dilapidated building and construct a new three-story, mixed-use property in its place consisting of two first-floor retail shops and 12 apartments on the second and third floors. However, despite the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers building Olyphant a $23.5 million levee system along the Lackawanna River on the towns northern end less than 20 years ago, the levee is not recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Without accreditation from FEMA, the levee effectively didnt exist when the agency calculated Olyphants risk of a 100-year flood and designated its downtown as a Special Flood Hazard Area, or SFHA, meaning the agency considers downtown Olyphant to have a 1% chance of flooding in any given year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lackawanna River flows near the lot of the former Atlantic Veal and Lamb slaughterhouse in Olyphant Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) That designation means home and business owners with structures in the high-risk areas who hold mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders are required to buy flood insurance and adhere to floodplain management regulations, according to FEMA. For Wilkens, those regulations quintuple the cost to build a foundation for his building. When you go from budgeting about $150,000 for a foundation, and it takes you nine months to a year to get two or three bids in for what would be needed to satisfy all requirements, and it comes in at $760,000 as the best price, that, right there, just doesnt make it possible, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fence keeps pedestrians from accessing the property at W. Lackawanna Ave. in Olyphant Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) With a background in the insurance industry, Wilkens said his rates could range from about $6,000 on a preferred rate to about $14,500 annually. If Olyphant were reduced to a moderate flood hazard area, the figure would fall to about $3,000, he said. Olyphant was trying to seek a FEMA grant aimed at working with local governments to reduce hazard risks, but in April, President Donald Trumps administration, under Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, canceled the program, calling it wasteful and politicized. Similarly, several miles to the north in Mayfield, Mayor Al Chelik was unsure about the status of the boroughs $2.34 million in federal funding to bolster its nearly 60-year-old levee as a step toward removing its downtown from the same high-risk flood zone designation. Although the $2.34 million would address the levee itself by effectively raising it several feet, the borough would still potentially need millions of dollars more to address the infrastructure at two of its bridges crossing the Lackawanna River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its devastating The Army Corps of Engineers finished a levee outlining Olyphants northernmost section in 2006 for $23.5 million, but shortly after it was built, FEMA calculated the levee could not handle the Lackawanna River during a major flood event. In the wake of Hurricane Katrinas devastation in August 2005, FEMA conducted a nationwide push to evaluate flood vulnerability and determined that a flood would likely bring 20% more water through Olyphant than previously estimated, which the agency determined Olyphants then-newly built levee couldnt handle. The decision came shortly after the corps had turned over the levee to Olyphant. A FEMA flood zone encompasses much of downtown Olyphant. (SCREENSHOT VIA FEMAS NATIONAL FLOOD HAZARD LAYER VIEWER) Plans for the mile-long levee in the borough began in the mid-1980s after a Lackawanna River flood swept through the northernmost end of the town. The Army Corps of Engineers agreed to build the levee in 1998, and construction began in 2002. Olyphant contributed about $3 million toward the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lackawanna River flows between Blakely, left, and Olyphant boroughs Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) The borough had hoped for funding through FEMAs Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, but that was killed, council President Jimmy Baldan said. That was one avenue, and now we stand at trying to find new ways to help the situation, he said. We were doing the application process and follow-ups, and then it just stopped. In a May 30 email provided by Wilkens from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency as he sought remedies from the flood zone, a state official said the BRIC program was concluded, and the borough did not complete a Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program application due to National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP, requirements in the grant program. The FMA is a competitive program that provides funding to state, territory and local governments and federally recognized Tribal Nations for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the NFIP, according to FEMA. The NFIP is a FEMA-managed program that provides flood insurance to property owners, renters and businesses, as well as working with communities that are required to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations that help mitigate flooding effects, according to FEMA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olyphant is now in the process of sending a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers to find out what it needs to do to get its levee accredited, Baldan said. If we have any possible avenue to be able to get that accredited, what that will do for our residents that live down by the river their whole lives, is that they would be taken out of that floodplain, he said. We are working toward finding a way to take that worry away. Wilkens commended Olyphant officials for their work with FEMA and PEMA to look for funding opportunities to get the levee accredited. So, FEMA, were at a time frame where were not too optimistic that theyre going to be the ones that can help us out, Wilkens said. Were really hopeful that we can just gain as much attention as possible to the situation and get both local and state representation our elected officials involved to become aware of what the residents and business owners are facing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An aerial view shows the former Sullums Bridals property as empty lot on W. Lackawanna Ave. in Olyphant Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) With the right attention, Wilkens believes Olyphant could be lifted out of the flood zone. Here we are, 20 years later, and were hoping to bring some attention to this issue, he said. Get the right politicians involved, or whoever can step up and shed some light on it. He was aware of the levee when he acquired the property, but knowing about the nearly $24 million investment into the levee, Wilkens said he was optimistic that it was on the radar of officials, or that something was already in the works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fence keeps pedestrians from accessing the property at W. Lackawanna Ave. in Olyphant Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) If it werent for the increased costs of building in the flood zone, Wilkens said his building, a projected $1.7 million investment, would be pretty much completed. Its devastating, he said. Once youre told, Well, heres the roadblock that were running into all of a sudden, it takes your breath away. A mess In Mayfield, Chelik is waiting to hear the status of a $2.34 million federal grant secured by former U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright to improve their levee, which was built in 1968. The grant required a 10% match, and Mayfield secured about $229,000 from another grant to cover that cost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont know the status of that grant now with the Trump administration, he said. The levee runs parallel to Penn Avenue along the Lackawanna River, Powderly Creek and Hosey Creek. Like Olyphant, Mayfields levee is not accredited. The Lackawanna River flows through Mayfield Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) The mayor hopes levee improvements could remove his boroughs downtown from its flood zone designation that went into effect in August 2020. We have not had a flood in Mayfield since the levee was built, Chelik said. Weve never come really close, but they are going on this 100-year flood analysis, and they said our levee doesnt meet that standard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are 264 residences within Mayfields flood zone that are required to pay for flood insurance with their mortgages, with rates ranging from around $500 to a couple thousand dollars a year, Chelik said. A FEMA flood zone spans a stretch of Mayfield along the Lackawanna River. (SCREENSHOT VIA FEMAS NATIONAL FLOOD HAZARD LAYER VIEWER) The grant is supposed to cover the cost of raising the height of their levee several feet by adding metal walls, he said. The borough cant use additional dirt or gravel to build up the levee because they cant build laterally, so instead they would use the metal walls, he said. A guage to measure the water level of the Lackawanna River is placed near the Chestnut St. Bridge in Mayfield Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) However, even with those upgrades, based on the boroughs calculations with a study funded through a $51,948 grant, simply improving the levee still wont save residents from having to pay flood insurance due to the Chestnut and Poplar street bridges, Chelik said. In 2005, the state Department of Environmental Protection spent $463,500 to improve the system at Hosey Creek and to put in a flood wall system at the Chestnut Street bridge, including installing a trench across the road to mount the walls in the event of a flood and an accompanying shed to store them when not in use. If the town raises the height of the levee, it would need new flood walls with a new trench, he said. If that trench cost, say it was $350,000 in 2005, you could quadruple that now just for us to put a new trench in with new panels, Chelik said. * A vehicle drives across the Chestnut St. bridge, over the Lackawanna River, in Mayfield Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * A vehicle drives across the Chestnut St. bridge, over the Lackawanna River, in Mayfield Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Show Caption 1 of 2 A vehicle drives across the Chestnut St. bridge, over the Lackawanna River, in Mayfield Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Expand Less than half a mile downstream on the Lackawanna River, the Poplar Street bridge presents an entirely different scenario, he said. The borough has concrete walls going north and south of the bridge extending for about a block, he said. What do we do with those? Do we have to raise those? How are we going to raise those? Chelik said. Were in a mess. Chelik hopes to use the $2.34 million in federal funds to address the levee and then seek additional money for the bridges. We havent heard from PEMA in awhile, so were getting a little nervous, he said. By removing the flood zone designation, Chelik believes it could spur new investment into Mayfield, which has two large lots zoned for commercial use at Penn Avenue and Poplar Street. He envisioned a commercial use or apartments. Nobody is going to touch those two lots, he said. Its prohibitive for anyone to try to do anything in downtown Mayfield. Two adults were found fatally shot in what Fort Thomas police say is an apparent domestic-related murder-suicide. Police said in a Facebook post that while responding to a report of a domestic dispute on Shawnee Avenue at about 11:30 p.m. on July 4, officers received an additional report of gunshots in the area of the Northern Kentucky city. Once officers arrived at the scene, they located two adult males with apparent gunshot wounds. One of the men was pronounced dead on the scene due to what police said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar: NKY couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide The second man was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. He was later pronounced dead. Police said in the post that preliminary investigations have led them to believe the deaths are a result of a domestic-related murder-suicide. Police have not yet released the names of the men out of respect for their families. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Two men killed in Fort Thomas murder-suicide, police say When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images/Max Mumby/Indigo Kate Middleton and Prince William have a busy week ahead. On July 8, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, will travel to Windsor for a State Visit. The Prince and Princess of Wales will be assisted by two unexpected senior members of the Royal Family, who have been given a more prominent role while hosting the French visitors. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester "will accompany the French couple to a Guildhall banquet hosted by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation on the evening of Wednesday, July 9," GB News reported. The Duke of Gloucester is Queen Elizabeth II's cousin, making him perfectly placed to carry out official engagements on behalf of the Royal Family. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at the Order of the Garter service on June 16, 2025. | Credit: Zak Hussein - Pool/ Mark Cuthbert/ UK Press via Getty Images According to the Royal Family's official website, "The Duchess of Gloucester is a full-time working member of the Royal Family" who "takes great pride in the work which she undertakes for her many charities and organizations." Her husband, the Duke of Gloucester, "attends national and international events in support of The King and his duties as Head of State, as well as undertaking extensive public duties and engagements." The Gloucesters will accompany the Macrons to a banquet. | Credit: Chesnot Per a press release, the Macrons will stay at Windsor Castle during their State Visit. While the Gloucesters will handle certain duties on behalf of the Royal Family, Princess Kate and Prince William are also set to take on important roles for King Charles. In fact, Kate and William "are scheduled to take part in a carriage ride featuring Macron and his wife Brigitte through the streets of Windsor" on July 8, People reported. King Charles and Queen Camilla will lead the procession, with the Prince and Princess of Wales following behind with the Macrons. Uganda's long-serving president, Yoweri Museveni, 80, has been declared the governing party's candidate in next year's presidential election, opening the way for him to seek to extend his nearly 40 years in power. In his acceptance speech, Museveni said that he had responded to the call and, if elected, would press ahead with his mission to turn Uganda into a "high middle income country". Museveni's critics say he has ruled with an iron hand since he seized power as a rebel leader in 1986. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has won every election held since then, and the constitution has been amended twice to remove age and term limits to allow him remain in office. Pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine is expected to be Museveni's main challenger in the election scheduled for next January. Wine told the BBC in April that he would run against Museveni if he was nominated by his party, the National Unity Platform, but it was getting "tougher" to be in opposition because of growing state repression. "Being in the opposition in Uganda means being labelled a terrorist," he said. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, lost the last election in 2021 to Museveni by 35% to 59% in a poll marred by allegations of rigging and a crackdown on the opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another prominent opposition politician, Kizza Besigye, has been in detention since November after being accused of treason. He denies the allegation, saying his arrest is political. In his acceptance speech at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) conference on Saturday, Museveni said that he had brought about stability and progress in Uganda. He said it was crucial that Uganda did not "miss the bus of history as happened in the past when Europe transformed and Africa stagnated and was enslaved". Museveni added that he wanted Uganda to take a "qualitative leap", and become a "high upper middle income country". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Other countries in Asia with less natural resources, did it. We can do it," he added. You may also be interested in: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Susan C. Hirano took life by the horns, whether it was in her successful career in real estate or later when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. During her battle with cancer, she had a vision of a program at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center to help patients holistically, with emotional, mental and social support, and not just through the physical and medical aspects of the disease. It would empower patients while also supporting their families and caregivers throughout their journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new endowment will help ensure the Susan C. Hirano Cancer C.A.R.E. Community will continue the legacy of its namesake, who died April 18. The UH Cancer Center in Kakaako today announced the endowment, with an initial amount of nearly $250, 000, thanks to contributions from her husband, Peter Hirano, along with Tsuha Hawai i Aloha, the Servco Foundation, and family and friends. The endowment is really a way to keep this program alive and thriving, Peter Hirano said. Its there for the community and for the people that need it, and it s all built on her experience and ultimately, its her gift to the community. He said the launch of the program was a dream come true after more than a year and a half of efforts working with the UH Cancer Center staff and faculty to make it happen. The initials in Cancer C.A.R.E. Community stand for Community, Awareness, Research and Emotional Well-being, and the programs aim is to offer a network, along with quarterly workshops and other resources, to uplift cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the April 5 celebration of its launch, UH surprised Susan Hirano by announcing it would be named in her honor as its founder. More than 100 gathered for the celebration, which included a performance by the centers hula halau of cancer survivors, followed by small-group discussions to brainstorm ideas for the program. She shared her story at the event and was overjoyed to see her mission become a reality that day, her husband said, as she was so determined to see it through. I told her on the way home this is a legacy, he said. This is something your children, our sons children and his grandchildren would be able to look back and say, That was my grandmother or great-grandmother that did that. Thirteen days later, she died peacefully at home in Honolulu. She was 57 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A real estate agent for most of her adult life with a successful home-staging business, Hiranos cancer diagnosis in October 2021 seemed to surface out of the blue, with no indication it was coming. It was really gut-wrenching, Peter Hirano said. She had been healthy before then, exercised often and enjoyed spending time at the beach with their dogs. Once she came to terms with the Stage 4 diagnosis, however, she dove in, he said. She retired from real state and began reading up on the latest cancer research, exploring alternative therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, mindfulness and reiki to supplement traditional treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hirano preferred to call herself a cancer thriver as opposed to a cancer survivor. She became a hope ambassador at the UH Cancer Center providing outreach and education, and a patient advocate for others struggling with cancer as the program became her purpose. She saw a vision for how it could help impact peoples lives, her husband said. She had a vision for it while going through it herself, and it was informed by her own journey. Its a welcome addition to the UH Cancer Center, according to director Dr. Naoto Ueno, himself is a two-time cancer survivor. Ueno said the center, which is preparing to welcome patients into its Ho ola Early Phase Clinical Research Center next year, embraces social-emotional support as an important component of the journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social-emotional support can improve quality of life at any stage of cancer, Ueno said in a statement. It has shown potential for improving health outcomes and survivorship for patients, and enhancing experiences for caregivers as well. So the UH Cancer Center is extremely proud of and excited for the growth of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer C.A.R.E. Community. He added, Susan was a beloved friend to many at our center, and her legacy will continue to touch many in our community through this program and this endowment. Family support is important during this time, he said, recalling his own experiences with cancer that eventually led to a stem cell transplant. Patient empowerment is also essential, as every patient navigates their way through potentially difficult choices. Every year, an average of 7, 000 Hawaii residents are diagnosed with invasive cancer, according to the UH Cancer Center, and about 2, 400 die from the disease. Hawaii is home to more than 65, 000 cancer survivors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though he did not know it at the time, Peter Hirano said his wife upon diagnosis was given six months to a year to live. She survived the late-stage cancer for another 3-1 /2 years, defying expectations. During that time, she embraced her spiritual and holistic self and found a purpose. As much as I miss her every day, I have this other side of me that says we had some really good times with her and we did a lot, he said. We created some great memories. His hope is that the endowment will grow and the program expand along with it to have a lasting impact for cancer patients in perpetuity. The UH Cancer Center welcomes additional contributions through the University of Hawaii Foundation. Hirano is also survived by son Trevor, stepson Tyler, mother Jean Stine and brother Dan Stine. Legacy of caring Syrias state media noted, during the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance cooperation were discussed, in addition to regional and international development." Syrias new government took another step forward this weekend as it hosted UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Damascus. He met with Syrias President Ahmed al-Sharaa and also with Syrias Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. Shaibani is Lammys counterpart in Syria. This comes at an important time for Syria as the country has launched a new visual identity, changing key symbols of the state. The country has also revitalized its airports and is working to do outreach to key figures in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lammy is the latest important figure to visit Syria. Syrias state media noted that during the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance cooperation were discussed, in addition to regional and international developments. The BBC noted that the UK is providing a support package for Syria to help with humanitarian aid and long-term recovery for the country. Lammy told the BBC the purpose of his meeting was to promote inclusivity, transparency, and accountability with the new government, the BBC noted. SYRIAS INTERIM President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends a celebration marking Syrias liberation, in Aleppo, in May. This is not a man seeking peace, the writer warns. (credit: Khalil Ashawi/Reuters) "It's important that the UK leans in to ensure that the balance is tipped in the right direction, a balance towards accountability, transparency, inclusivity for all of the communities that make up this country, a prosperous one and a peaceful one, Lammy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm here to speak to this new government, to urge them to continue to be inclusive, to ensure that there's transparency and accountability in the way that they governBut [also] to stand by the Syrian people and Syria as it makes this peaceful transition over the coming months." At the same time, the grand mufti of Lebanon, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, also affirmed that any positive developments in Syria would have a beneficial impact on Lebanon, a report at Syrian state media said. Derian attended a meeting in Beirut with various local officials. If Syria is well, we in Lebanon are well If our beloved sister Syria is well, then we in Lebanon are well. He added, We can only remain loyal to our people, our communities, and our surroundings. This came as a delegation of Lebanons religious group Dar al-Fatwa met with President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the Peoples Palace in Damascus. During the meeting, President al-Sharaa was awarded the gilded Dar al-Fatwa Medal by the Grand Mufti. Derian presented the medal in recognition of the presidents Arab nationalist stances, his efforts, and his sacrifices in service of Syria, SANA noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Syrians are celebrating a new visual identity. This includes changing key aspects of state symbols, such as the eagle and stars, and other symbols that form how Syria is presented in official documents. These are symbols many people take for granted on government seals or on passports. Most people rarely consider the small details. However, Syria has been through a long trauma of the Assad regime and is now emerging as a new government with a new hope. Alongside that, there is a need to change all elements associated with the old regime. The new symbols are supposed to unite people and symbolize the unity of Syrias regions and groups. CAIRO/ATHENS (Reuters) -The crew of a Greek-operated bulk carrier hit by gunfire, drones and missiles in the Red Sea on Sunday were forced to abandon the vessel and were rescued by a passing ship, maritime security firms said, in an attack they said resembles that of Houthi militants. The assault, off the southwest coast of Yemen, on the Liberian-flagged vessel Magic Seas, was the first such incident reported in the vital shipping corridor since mid-April. The ship was first targeted by gunfire and self-propelled grenades launched from eight small boats, with armed security on the ship returning fire, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and British security firm Ambrey said in advisories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials at maritime security company Diaplous and Ambrey, in a separate advisory, said the ship was later attacked by four Unmanned Surface Vehicles and targeted with missiles. "Two of the USVs impacted the port side of the vessel, damaging the vessel's cargo," Ambrey added. UKMTO said the attack resulted in a fire onboard. The boat had taken on water and its crew were forced to abandon it, maritime security sources said. The operator, Stem Shipping, confirmed the information to Reuters. All crew were safe after being rescued by a passing merchant vessel, UKMTO said. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but Ambrey assessed the vessel as meeting "the established Houthi target profile". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday's attack occurred 51 nautical miles southwest of Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, the UKMTO and Ambrey said. Tensions in the Middle East remain high over the war in Gaza and after the 12-day Israel-Iran war and airstrikes by the United States on Iranian nuclear sites in June. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis launched more than 100 attacks targeting shipping from November 2023, saying they were acting in solidarity with Palestinians over Israel's war with Hamas. During that period, the group sank two ships, seized another and killed at least four seafarers in an offensive that disrupted global shipping, forcing firms to reroute, prompting the U.S. to intensify attacks on the group this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would stop bombing the Houthis in Yemen, saying that the group had agreed to stop interrupting important shipping lanes in the Middle East. (Reporting by Muhammad Al Gebaly, Jaidaa Taha, Hatem Maher, Yannis Souliotis and Renee Maltezou in Athens; Editing by Alison Williams, Emelia Sithole-Matarise, Alex Richardson, Diane Craft and Lincoln Feast.) Ukraine on July 6 imposed sanctions aimed at countering Russian financial schemes, including those involving cryptocurrency, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in his evening address. Restrictions were imposed on 60 legal entities and 73 Russian citizens. The latest sanctions package includes Ukrainian-led initiatives and must also align with restrictions imposed by international partners, according to Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine will continue working with its partners to coordinate sanctions across different jurisdictions in the future, he added. Zelensky also announced that the Ukrainian government is set to unveil new measures next week, aimed in part at aligning with European Union sanctions against Russia. "All European packages against Russia should be implemented in the Ukrainian jurisdiction. Just like Ukrainian sanctions in the European Union," Zelensky said. At the end of June, Zelensky imposed sanctions on 52 Russian citizens, 34 Russian companies, and one Chinese entity involved in the production of Shahed drones and chip manufacturing machinery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drones have become one of the defining tools of the full-scale war, used extensively by both Ukraine and Russia for surveillance, long-range strikes, and tactical battlefield advantage. Read also: Ukraines artillery braces for shell shortage as US halts aid Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid floral tributes to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee on his birth anniversary on Sunday at his official residence, remembering him as a visionary educationist, scholar, and nationalist leader who laid the foundation of Bharatiya Jana Sangh. CM Dhami stated that Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, an educationist, thinker, and founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, was a skilled politician, scholar, and outspoken leader. "His invaluable contribution to nation-building is unforgettable. The thoughts of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee will always inspire us to serve the nation." Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, was a multifaceted personality - patriot, educationist, parliamentarian, statesman, and humanitarian. He inherited a legacy of erudition and nationalism from his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, an esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and Judge of the Calcutta High Court. This upbringing instilled in him a deep respect for India's cultural heritage and a keen interest in modern scientific thought. Mookerjee's academic brilliance was evident from an early age. After excelling at the Presidency College, he earned degrees in law and literature, including a D.Litt. and LL.D. His tenure as the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University (1934) allowed him to implement his progressive vision for education. He played a pivotal role in promoting Indian languages and fostering intellectual growth, inviting luminaries like Rabindranath Tagore to inspire students. He later joined the Hindu Mahasabha and, in 1937, united non-Congress forces to form a Progressive Coalition government under the leadership of Fazal-ul-Haq, with himself as the Finance Minister. In 1940, he became the acting President of the Hindu Mahasabha and declared complete independence for India as its political goal. Mookerjee resigned from the Bengal Cabinet in November 1942, protesting against the Governor's interference in administration and criticising provincial autonomy as ineffective. His humanitarian efforts during the Bengal famine of 1943, including relief initiatives, highlighted his commitment to serving society. Post-independence, he joined the interim government under Jawaharlal Nehru as Minister for Industry and Supply, where he laid the foundation for India's industrial growth by establishing iconic institutions such as the Chittaranjan Locomotive Factory, Sindri Fertiliser Corporation, and Hindustan. However, ideological differences led to his resignation, after which he founded the All-India Bharatiya Jan Sangh (1951) to champion nationalist ideals. According to the BJP's official website, on the issue of the Delhi pact with Likayat Ali Khan, Mookerjee resigned from the Cabinet on April 6, 1950. Later on October 21, 1951, Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in Delhi and became its first president. Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953 and was arrested on May 11. He died under detention on June 23, 1953. (ANI) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree introducing sanctions against individuals and legal entities that have helped Russia withdraw assets through cryptocurrency. Source: decree published on the website of the Office of the President Details: Sanctions were introduced against 60 companies, 55 of which are residents of the Russian Federation. According to Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Zelenskyys Commissioner for Sanctions Policy: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 19 of the sanctioned entities are major cryptocurrency miners involved in schemes to bypass sanctions; 17 are operators of information systems for issuing digital financial assets, some of which are already under US sanctions; 19 are part of Russia's financial infrastructure: manufacturers of payment equipment, organisers of blocked asset exchanges and intermediaries for international payments under sanctions; 5 are crypto exchange operators involved in sanctions evasion. The list also includes five companies that are not residents of the Russian Federation but are involved in helping it evade restrictions, some of which are already subject to US sanctions. TOKENTRUST HOLDINGS LIMITED (Cyprus) under US sanctions since 25 March 2024; EXMO RBC LTD (Kazakhstan) operator of the EXMO.me crypto exchange, active in the markets of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan and involved in sanctions circumvention; AWX Solutions FZ-LLC (UAE) operates the crypto exchange AWX.pro (formerly AWEX), under US sanctions; Crypto Explorer DMCC (UAE) under US sanctions, operates the AWEX exchange and facilitates the conversion of cryptocurrencies, roubles and dirhams in the UAE; Bitpapa IC FZC LLC (UAE) a peer-to-peer crypto exchange aimed at Russian users, under US sanctions. Sanctions were also introduced against 73 individuals who are managers and owners of sanctioned companies and officials of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A full list is available in the sanctions register of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council. The restrictions provide for asset freezes and a ban on economic activity in Ukraine. Quote from Zelenskyy: "This is both a synchronisation with our partners and our own initiative. Just through one single company [LLC A7 ed.], now included in the sanctions list, and only since the beginning of this year, that is, prior to the sanctions being imposed, the Russians funnelled several billion dollars, primarily for the needs of their military-industrial complex. Of course, we will shut down all such schemes. Right now, with many of Russias traditional financial channels blocked, they are increasingly shifting to cryptocurrency transactions." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the signing of an agreement with European partners on the supply of energy resources in preparation for the heating season. Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address on 6 July Quote from Zelenskyy: "We have a list of clear goals in preparation for the upcoming heating season. There are issues I raised personally with European leaders at the highest political level." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Energy and Naftogaz of Ukraine, the agreements are being prepared for implementation. Zelenskyy announced the signing of agreements with partners next week (7-13 July) and a conference on the recovery of Ukraine in Rome. Background: One of the worlds largest investment companies, BlackRock Inc. stopped looking for investors for the Ukraine Recovery Fund, which was supposed to be presented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in early 2025 after Donald Trumps victory in the US presidential election. In Ukraine, there is currently no high risk of introducing power outage schedules even during peak consumption on hot days. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Key developments on July 5-6: Drones reportedly attack Russia's Black Sea fleet Pipelines supplying Russian military explode in Russia's Far East, HUR source says Ukrainian drone strike on Russian airfield hits bomb depot, aircraft Ukraine hits Russian electronic warfare facility making Shahed, Iskander components, General Staff says Ukraine's army chief warns of new Russian offensives in northeast as he visits Kharkiv Oblast front Drones attacked Russia's Black Sea Fleet at the port of Novorossiysk in Krasnodar Krai overnight on July 6, the Russian media outlet Astra reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has not officially commented on the reported strikes, and the Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the claims. An air alert was sounded in the city for several hours, and air defense was active. The consequences of the attack are still being determined, according to Astra. The media outlet also published footage purportedly showing a burning maritime drone that was allegedly shot down during the attack. Krasnodar Krai is located east of Crimea, with the Kerch Strait separating them at their closest point. Ukraine regularly strikes military targets within Russia as Moscow continues to wage its war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Neither side wasted time Ukraines economy minister on minerals deal negotiations with Trumps business-oriented administration Pipelines supplying Russian military explode in Russia's Far East, HUR source says Explosions in Russia's Vladivostok damaged a gas pipeline and destroyed a water pipeline that supplied military facilities in the area, a source in Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent on July 5. A fire followed the explosions and destroyed sections of the Vladivostok gas pipeline along the Sea of Japan, the source said. The blasts occurred early on July 5, between 1-2 a.m., with Russian special services and repair teams arriving shortly after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The damaged pipeline provides gas to several Russian military facilities on the coast of the Sea of Japan, including the 155th Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Armed Forces, the source told the Kyiv Independent. The water pipeline destroyed in the explosion provided drinking water to military garrisons in the area. "In order to hide information from the local population... local special services turned off mobile Internet and communications in the area," the source added. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the claims. Ukrainian drone strike on Russian airfield hits bomb depot, aircraft Ukraine targeted the Borisoglebsk airfield in Russia's Voronezh Oblast overnight on July 5, damaging a warehouse with guided bombs, aircraft, and other military assets, Ukraine's General Staff reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airfield hosts Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM jets thatRussia regularly uses in air strikes against Ukraine, according to the military. The strike may have destroyed a training and combat aircraft, with further assessments underway. The NASA Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) detected a fire near the Borisoglebsk military airfield shortly after the strike. Residents in the area reported 810 powerful explosions around 2 a.m. local time, according to Russian independent outlet Astra. The strike was part of a broader overnight drone campaign across Russia, with explosions and fires reported in at least six regions. The Russian Defense Ministry said 42 drones were intercepted within a three-hour period, most of them over Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk oblasts, which border Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leningrad Oblast Governor Alexander Drozdenko said two drones were downed south of St. Petersburg, prompting a temporary suspension of flights at Pulkovo airport. No casualties or damage were reported. The governor of Smolensk Oblast in western Russia said anti-aircraft units downed three drones without casualties or damage. The governor of Voronezh Oblast, bordering Ukraine, also confirmed the destruction of several drones. Explosions were also heard overnight in Cheboksary, the capital of the Chuvash Republic, where video footage shared online showed a fire reportedly at a local industrial site. Additionally, explosions were heard during the night in Engels, Saratov Oblast, with some Telegram channels suggesting a military airfield was likely targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attacks come as Russia escalates aerial assaults on Ukraine, prompting Kyiv to increase long-range drone strikes on Russian military targets. Ukrainian officials say these drone operations aim to undermine Russia's strike capabilities and bring the war closer to those enabling the Kremlin's campaign. Read also: China may ask Russia to attack NATO if Taiwan is invaded, Rutte says Ukraine's army chief warns of new Russian offensives in northeast as he visits Kharkiv Oblast front Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, said on July 5 that he had visited the front line in Kharkiv Oblast, warning of a growing threat of renewed Russian offensives in northeastern Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Syrskyi, Russian troops are ramping up attacks in the sector using large numbers of personnel. Over the past week, Ukrainian troops have repelled more than 60 Russian assaults in the area, with "about a dozen battles continuing to rage every day," Syrskyi said. "Russian forces are trying to overwhelm us with quantity, but we must be vigilant and apply effective tactical and technological solutions to prevent the invaders from advancing," he said in a Telegram post. Syrskyi said he had reviewed battlefield situation in the area, identifying unit needs, and issuing updated tactical orders. Syrskyi said he was coordinating closely with Joint Forces Commander Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kharkiv Oblast, located in northeastern Ukraine, borders Russia and includes the country's second-largest city. It has been a frequent target of Russian assaults and missile attacks since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Since Ukraine's successful counteroffensive in the northeast in the fall of 2022, Russia has occupied less than 5% of Kharkiv Oblast, along the region's eastern edge. In spring 2024, Russian forces opened a new front in the north of Kharkiv Oblast, near the town of Vovchansk, but were pushed back by Ukrainian troops. The Ukrainian battlefield monitoring platform DeepState reported on July 4 that Russian forces had advanced up to 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) into Kharkiv Oblast near the border village of Milove, opening yet another front in the northeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Kremlins war economy shows cracks as military spending boom fades Ukraine hits Russian electronic warfare facility making Shahed, Iskander components, General Staff says Ukraine struck a critical Russian military-industrial site overnight on July 5 that produces components for high-precision weapons used by Moscow to attack Ukraine, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported. The site in question is JSC VNIIR-Progress, a Russian state institute that specializes in developing electronic warfare (EW) systems, including the Kometa antenna arrays, used to jam satellite, radio, and radar signals. The institute is located in Cheboksary, Chuvash Republic, about 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) away from the Ukrainian border. The Kometa antenna is used in Shahed-type drones, Iskander-K cruise missiles, and guided aerial bomb modules all high-precision weapons used by Russia to strike civilian and military targets across Ukraine. The General Staff confirmed that Ukrainian weapons reached the target area but said final damage assessments were still underway. The VNIIR-Progress institute has been sanctioned by both the United States and the European Union for its role in supporting Russia's war effort. The Iskander-K is a precision-guided cruise missile with a range of up to 500 kilometers (311 miles), frequently used by Russia to target civilian areas. Shahed drones have become a central part of Moscow's airstrike tactics since late 2022 due to their low cost and high payload. Located on the Volga River, Cheboksary is the capital of the Chuvash Republic and lies deep inside Russian territory. Astra and local Russian Telegram channels earlier reported explosions in the city overnight. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down two drones over the region. This marks the second known Ukrainian drone strike on VNIIR-Progress. On June 9, explosions and fires were also reported at the facility following another drone attack. 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. Read also: Death of top Russian oil executive fuels fresh scrutiny of elites window falls Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided further details about an accident involving a Ukrainian bus carrying children that occurred in Hungary on Sunday 6 July. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; European Pravda Details: According to the update, there were 77 people on the bus at the time of the accident, including two drivers, members of a childrens ensemble, and the adults accompanying them. The group was travelling from Lviv to the Hungarian city of Ohrid for a dance festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early reports suggest that the driver lost control and veered off the road into a ditch. As a result of the accident, 21 people were injured. Four Ukrainian citizens aged 71, 67, 18 and 14 sustained serious injuries. Four other children sustained moderate injuries and will be discharged into the care of their accompanying adults. Together with the others who suffered minor injuries, they will be taken to the town of Kunszentmarton, where most of the group are currently staying. The carrier is taking measures to provide additional buses. Diplomatic and consular staff from the Ukrainian Embassy in Hungary, together with the ambassador, are monitoring the situation at the scene of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 6 July, an accident involving a Ukrainian-registered bus occurred between the towns of Kunszentmarton and Tiszafoldvar in Hungary. Initially, 19 people were reported to have been injured, including 17 minors. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Russian Federation has claimed they downed 120 Ukrainian drones during the night of 5-6 July. Source: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation; Russian Federal Air Transport Agency Rosaviatsia; Kremlin-aligned news agency TASS; Nastoyashcheye Vremya (Current Time), a Russian-language TV channel set up by Radio Liberty and VOA Details: Some flights at Russian airports were cancelled on 5 July due to the danger of drone attacks. As a result, all schedules are being adjusted, causing airport congestion and further delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, due to the danger of UAVs at Sheremetyevo airport, 174 flights were cancelled and another 47 were delayed, causing crowds to gather in the airport building. Restrictions on arrivals and departures of aircraft were introduced at Kaluga airport on the afternoon of 5 July, and were only lifted the following morning. A Kovyor (Carpet) plan has been in effect at Nizhniy Novgorods Strigino airport for a day. Passengers spent the night on the floor in the waiting room. At least 12 flights were cancelled there. [A Kovyor plan is an airport operational safety procedure for airport services and personnel when an unidentified object appears in the sky ed.] More than 30 flights were delayed at St Petersburgs Pulkovo airport due to the threat of UAVs. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! CUMBERLAND An unattended charcoal grill sparked a Friday fire that damaged a Virginia Avenue home, Cumberland Fire Marshal Chris Ratliff said. No one was injured in the fire that started about 1:40 p.m. at 204 Virginia. Ratliff said one occupant escaped the home before the fire department arrived. He had been sleeping inside and was alerted to the fire by good Samaritans knocking on the door. Ratliff said the grill was located on a covered patio. There were no working fire alarms in the residence, which was insured, Ratliff said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of firefighters battled the two-alarm blaze for more than three hours. In addition to the city department, firefighters from LaVale, Bedford Road, Corriganville, Bowling Green, Cresaptown, Shaft, Rawlings, Ridgeley and Wiley Ford responded, as did the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services and LaVale Rescue Squad. Eastern Garrett Volunteer Fire Company set up a rehabilitation unit to assist the responding firefighters and ambulance personnel. The last fire units cleared the area about 5:10 p.m. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A new construction project is beginning this week to replace about a mile of sewer line along Isleta Blvd. Work crews do not expect to close any roads, but there will be intermittent traffic delays. Construction begins on project in downtown Albuquerque Construction begins on Tuesday and lasts until August 8. They are warning nearby residents and businesses that unpleasant odors may be present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The US has deported eight people to South Sudan following a legal battle that saw them diverted to Djibouti for several weeks. The men - convicted of crimes including murder, sexual assault and robbery - had either completed or were near the end of their prison sentences. Only one of the eight is from South Sudan. The rest are nationals of Myanmar, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos and Mexico. US officials said most of their home countries had refused to accept them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is working to expand its deportations to third countries. It has deported people to El Salvador and Costa Rica. Rwanda has confirmed discussions and Benin, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini and Moldova have been named in media reports as potential recipient countries. A photo provided by the department of homeland security to CBS News, the BBC's US partner, showed the men on the plane, their hands and feet shackled. Officials did not say whether the South Sudanese government had detained them or what their fate would be. Edmund Yakani, who runs a civil society organisation in South Sudan, told the BBC World Service he was allowed to briefly see the eight people, but did not get a chance to speak to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eight were in a civilian facility in the capital Juba under the watch of police and the national security service, Mr Yakani said, adding they were not in handcuffs and appeared to be in good condition. The status of the group was still unclear and he hopes the government provides clarity on Monday, he added. South Sudan remains unstable and is on the brink of civil war, with the US State Department warning against travel because of "crime, kidnapping and armed conflict". The eight had initially been flown out of the US in May, but their plane was diverted to Djibouti after US district judge Brian Murphy in Massachusetts blocked the deportation. He had ruled that migrants being deported to third countries must be given notice and a chance to speak with an asylum officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But last week, the Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration and overturned Judge Murphy's ruling. On Thursday, the Supreme Court confirmed that the judge could no longer require due process hearings, allowing the deportations to proceed. Lawyers then asked another judge to intervene but he ultimately ruled only Judge Murphy had jurisdiction. Judge Murphy then said he had no authority to stop the removals due to the Supreme Court's "binding" decision. Tricia McLaughlin from the US Department of Homeland Security called the South Sudan deportation a victory over "activist judges". Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked all visas for South Sudanese passport holders, citing the country's past refusal to accept deported nationals. Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. U.S. security experts have reportedly uncovered undocumented communication devices inside Chinese-made solar power inverters hardware thats widely used to support renewable energy infrastructure. According to a Reuters report, citing sources familiar with the matter, rogue communication devices that are not listed in product documents have been found in some inverters and batteries supplied by multiple Chinese manufacturers. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Power inverters are used to connect solar panels to electricity grids. Though inverters are designed to allow remote access for maintenance purposes, utility companies typically install firewalls to block unapproved access. But experts warned Reuters that using the rogue components to circumvent those protections and remotely shut down inverters or change their settings could potentially destabilize power grids, damage energy infrastructure and trigger widespread blackouts. That effectively means there is a built-in way to physically destroy the grid, one source told Reuters. A spokesperson for Chinas embassy in Washington told the news service: We oppose the generalisation of the concept of national security, distorting and smearing China's infrastructure achievements. Reuters says the U.S. Department of Energy acknowledged there were challenges with manufacturers disclosing and documenting functionalities of emerging technologies. A spokesperson also noted, while this functionality may not have malicious intent, it is critical for those procuring to have a full understanding of the capabilities of the products received. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news service says both sources declined to name the manufacturers of the inverters and batteries with the extra components, and would not say how many they had found. The idea that a foreign-made component quietly embedded in clean energy infrastructure could one day be used to disrupt the U.S. power grid may sound like science fiction. But it can be a real threat to security experts. Individuals may be left wondering what they can do to prepare. Here are a few practical steps. Find a backup power source The best way to minimize the impact of a power outage is to have a backup power source, such as a generator. You probably wont be able to power the entire house on a backup generator, but it should allow you to run some essential appliances such as a fridge when the grid is down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, generators are big-ticket items and not every household is willing to invest in one. If you just want to charge electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, you can get a power bank. Power banks store energy and come in different capacities. The bigger the capacity, the more charges it can provide. Build a blackout-ready supply stash The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has previously recommended gathering enough essentials to sustain your household for at least 72 hours. That includes food, water, flashlights, batteries and any necessary medications. Without electricity, your refrigerator wont keep food cold for long. Freezers can preserve food a bit longer, but in a prolonged blackout, spoilage is likely. To stay prepared, stock your pantry with non-perishable items that require little to no preparation. Canned goods like beans, vegetables and soup are reliable staples. Dried fruits, nuts, crackers, powdered milk and cereal also tend to have a reasonably long shelf life. You may want to get some bottled water, too, just in case something happens with the water supply during the power outage. Is your portfolio prepared? Being ready for a blackout isnt just about flashlights and canned goods its also about financial resilience. Geopolitical risks remain elevated, and markets have been anything but steady, with repeated shocks sending investors scrambling for cover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why some investors have turned to assets deemed shockproof investments that can hold their value, or even gain, during times of uncertainty. Ray Dalio, founder of the worlds largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, recently highlighted the role of one time-tested asset in a resilient portfolio. People don't have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio, Dalio told CNBC in February. When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier. Long viewed as the ultimate safe haven, gold isnt tied to any single country, currency or economy. It cant be printed out of thin air like fiat money, and in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, investors tend to pile in driving up its value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past 12 months, gold prices have surged by more than 35%. One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals. Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties. To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan works every single time to kill debt, get rich in America and that anyone can do it Real estate is another popular choice for investors looking to diversify. High-quality, income-generating properties can provide a steady stream of rental income even when markets swing wildly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, being a landlord comes with its own challenges. Managing tenants, maintenance and repairs can quickly add up in both time and cost. But today, you dont need to buy an entire property or fix a single leaky faucet to invest in real estate. One way to invest in real estate is by purchasing rental properties and becoming a landlord. But for the average American who wants to avoid the need for a hefty down payment or the burden of property management, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived make it easier to slice yourself up a piece of that pie. Backed by world class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants. The process is simple: Browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares youd like to purchase, and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another option is Homeshares, which gives accredited investors access to the $35 trillion U.S. home equity market a space thats historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors. With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property. With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets. First National Realty Partners (FNRP) which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns. Simply answer a few questions including how much you would like to invest to start browsing their full list of available properties. 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. A building at a strip mall in Herriman, Utah, exploded late Saturday after police said a vehicle crashed into the structure, causing the fire and subsequent explosion. The explosion sent the building's blazing roof into the sky and prompted temporary evacuations nearby because of gas leak concerns. Several people were reportedly injured by the fire and explosion in the Salt Lake City suburb, Fox 13 reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Powerful House Explosion Caught On Camera In Missouri Kills 1 Person, 1 Dog A building exploded in Utah, blowing the roof apart on Saturday. The Herriman Police Department said a vehicle crashed into a business, causing the structure fire and explosion. "We are working jointly with Unified Fire and Riverton PD. 13400 S will be closed in both directions until further notice," the department wrote on X. Read On The Fox News App Video footage posted online shows what appears to be an area of the strip mall with a Jimmy Johns and a Dominos Pizza before the roof of one of the businesses burst into flames and shot into the sky. Truck Explosion Caught On Camera In Suburban Chicago Neighborhood As Leaking Propane To Blame: Officials The roof of a building in Utah came apart after an explosion on Saturday. The news outlet said a reported gas leak prompted those within a one-mile radius of the strip mall's address to evacuate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Residents on Terra Cruz Lane and Parasol Lane should evacuate to a safe location due to concerns for a gas leak," the police department wrote on social media. "Residents outside of that immediate area do not need to evacuate at this time but should remain ready to evacuate if necessary." The order was lifted just after 1 a.m. local time. Original article source: Utah building explodes into the sky after vehicle crashes into business, causes fire Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new terminal of Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, and a 6-lane road, with both the projects set to be completed in November, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday. "We are constructing a new airport (terminal). It will be the most beautiful airport in the country, and the PM will inaugurate it in November along with a 6-lane road," Sarma told reporters here. Named after the first Chief Minister of Assam, Gopinath Bordoloi, the airport serves as a crucial gateway to the northeastern states of India and connects the region to major domestic and international destinations. It is managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, the flagship company of Adani Group. The passenger traffic at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI) in Guwahati increased 7.67 per cent to 6.57 million in the just-concluded financial year 2024-25, according to a statement from the airport on Wednesday. Works for a new airport terminal are at an advanced stage. Once inaugurated, it will significantly add to Guwahati Airport's existing capacity. Earlier today, Sarma also inaugurated the newly constructed Down Town Flyover, making it the 14th flyover in Guwahati. The flyover connects the Narangi area to Kurua. Meanwhile, while preparing for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, Sarma said that a "new wave of welfare schemes" will be starting from August 16 and will go on till February. "As we are starting a new wave of welfare schemes from August, which will continue until February, the results can be any number given the unprecedented welfare schemes that we are rolling out from August 16th. I can feel the vibes, the result will be unprecedented, and the NDA will be somewhere in the sky," Sarma said. Earlier today, CM Sarma inaugurated 'Bodoland Speaks: From Vision to Action', an initiative of the Bodoland Territorial Council under the Bodoland Happiness Mission at a programme held at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati. CM Sarma, on the occasion, also conferred the Bodoland Lifetime Achievers Award on 18 personalities who contributed immensely to the enrichment of folk cultures in the BTR. The Chief Minister hailed the Bodoland Happiness Mission and said that the mission is an excellent effort to strengthen the peace and stability that the people of BTR achieved over the last five years. He said that the Bodoland Happiness Mission launched in the BTR has been hugely successful in forging happiness in the BTR areas. Giving a contrasting situation that has existed in the Bodoland areas since 1968, which witnessed violence, turmoil and more, CM Sarma said that the demand for self-determination of the Bodo people and the associated fear psychosis generated among the people belonging to other communities living in the areas made Bodoland one of the most disturbed areas. (ANI) WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4) Four teenagers were rushed to the hospital early Saturday morning after a serious car crash in West Valley City. At approximately 4:30 a.m. Saturday, an Audi sedan traveling eastbound ran a red light at the intersection of 3500 South and Mountain View Corridor, striking a northbound-traveling pickup truck, according to the West Valley City Police Department. The Audi, which had six teenagers inside, rolled over, seriously injuring four of them. All four of them are expected to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traffic at the intersection was shut down until about 1 p.m. Saturday as crews worked to clear the wreckage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sheriffs deputies in Volusia County fatally shot a suspect in Daytona Beach after he charged at them with a knife during a multiple stabbing incident on Saturday night. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. at 1402 Derbyshire Road, where deputies responded to reports of a stabbing and found two victims with multiple stab wounds. When deputies arrived, they found the suspect inside the residence and suspected there might be another victim inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the team moved through the house, the suspect suddenly charged out of a bedroom door, screaming with a large knife raised above his head, prompting law enforcement to shoot him multiple times.The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The stabbing victims, a 16-year-old male and a 39-year-old male, were transported to the hospital and are in stable condition. The incident was attended by the Volusia Sheriffs Office, Daytona Beach Police Department, Ormond Beach Police Department, and Holly Hill Police Department. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is examining the incident, and the deputies involved have been put on administrative leave, as is customary after a fatal shooting. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Two young men who were housed at the Green Hill School juvenile detention center in Chehalis claim they were left to urinate in plastic receptacles in their cells amid overcrowding. The petitioners complaints were detailed in a case heard in late May before the Division 1 Court of Appeals in Seattle. Their legal team argued in the personal restraint petition that conditions at the facility which is run by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) violate Washington state law and the U.S. Constitution. Kate Benward with the King County Department of Public Defense told the three-judge panel that the youth were often confined to their cramped cells without being given regular bathroom access. They were forced to urinate in plastic receptacles and use plastic bags, while also being deprived of social and educational programming, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the young men alleged in court documents that Green Hill residents are routinely supplied plastic urinal jugs and told to use them in their cells because of how long it takes to be let out for bathroom breaks. It is dehumanizing to urinate in a plastic container in my small cell in front of a cell mate, he said in a declaration. It makes me feel like an animal when I am forced to do this, or even less than an animal, since people at least let animals out of their cage to use the bathroom. State law allows young people sentenced in adult court for crimes committed before their 18th birthday to remain in juvenile rehabilitation (JR) until they turn 25. One petitioner, whose 25th birthday is in July, has been transferred to the Department of Corrections (DOC) to participate in graduated reentry, a DOC spokesperson said via email, referring to a program that helps incarcerated people transition back to the community. The second petitioner escaped DCYF custody in March, court documents show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As such, lawyers for the state contend that the case is moot because neither of those young men currently reside at Green Hill. They also say theres no probability that theyll return to the facility and the conditions alleged. But the petitioners legal team disagrees. If the runaway were found and arrested, the argument goes, then hed get shipped back to Green Hill and face the same conditions. Were asking this court to prohibit his return until this court ensures that DCYF is actually complying with state law and the Constitution, Benward said. DCYF did not dispute at the hearing that it failed to provide hourly access to the bathroom in these cases in violation of state statute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A DCYF spokesperson told McClatchy via email that the department is unable to comment on pending litigation. Green Hill has announced a safe operational capacity of 180 youth but has reportedly grappled with overcrowding since mid-2023. In late April the facility counted an institutional population of 230, according to a department weekly snapshot. Speaking on behalf of DCYF at the hearing, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Valore said many of the petitioners allegations are nearly a year old. And in that years time, the department has made significant steps to mitigate this process, Valore said. For one, it just received legislative funding to open a new facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new Harbor Heights juvenile detention center opened earlier this year on the grounds of an adult prison near Aberdeen. Eight Green Hill residents were transferred there to begin, according to the Washington State Standard. Its expected to reach full capacity of 46 by the end of fall. Failed juvenile-reform bills Following a key legislative deadline in mid-April, more than two dozen Democrats in the state House of Representatives signed a letter addressed to constituents, community-justice advocates and the youth incarcerated at Green Hill. The lawmakers bemoaned the Houses failure to advance a bill aimed at preventing young people from getting ensnared in the system. For the young people trapped in a system that prioritizes incarceration over rehabilitation, this is more than a missed opportunity its a moral failure, the lawmakers wrote. Senate Minority Leader John Braun, sponsor of another juvenile-reform bill that didnt make it to the governors desk, said that House Democrats fumbled a critical opportunity to alleviate dangerous overcrowding in Washingtons juvenile-justice facilities, leaving both residents and staff members in crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Centralia Republican said in a news release that his bill would have given Green Hill and other facilities the necessary tools to relieve overcrowding. He said problems at Green Hill have included riots, drug smuggling, assaults and overdoses, and that the environment also endangers staff. Braun said hell offer the bill again next session, noting that it attracted unanimous support in the Senate. He said he hopes House Democratic leaders will pass the legislation so that serious adult criminals can be removed from Green Hill School, allowing those who remain to get the treatment and training the law requires so they can improve their lives. They owe it to those in our care and they owe it to the staff who must work in dangerous and volatile conditions, he said. HAMLIN, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) The Hamlin Police Department is seeking a man on a felony warrant for Aggravated Assault. Police are searching for Darius Jaleel Daniels. They say if you see Daniels, do not approach or try to apprehend. Instead, call the Hamlin Police Department immediately by calling the Jones County Dispatch at (325) 823-3201. If you have any information about Dariuss whereabouts or if someone is harboring or hiding him, please report it to us. Anyone found hindering this investigation will be prosecuted, police shared online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Intimate partner violence is a pervasive issue in the U.S. and it can be difficult to know what to do and how to get help if you or a loved one is experiencing it. Family and domestic violence affects an estimated 10 million people nationwide every year, with as many as a quarter of women being subjected to such abuse at some point in their lifetime, studies show. The abuse can be difficult to identify and often is not reported to authorities or healthcare professionals, experts say. Such violence includes economic, physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While intimate partner violence is a widespread problem throughout the U.S., it is particularly prevalent in Kentucky, which has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the country. Heres what experts in the state have to say about red flags that intimate partner violence might turn deadly and about helping victims of abuse. Warning signs of violence turning deadly It's really important to understand there's no way to know exactly when intimate partner violence might become intimate partner homicide, said Allison Brown, senior program specialist with ZeroV, an organization that advocates for survivors of abuse in Kentucky. Brown said the goal of intimate partner violence is always for the abusive partner to maintain control over their significant other, and once that control starts to slip away, the abusive behavior may escalate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, she said intimate partner violence doesnt always follow a linear progression. Unfortunately, when people use violence as a tool to maintain that power and control, it could become a homicide at any point, Brown said. Christy Burch, CEO of the Ion Center for Violence Prevention, said that the most dangerous time for someone subjected to intimate partner violence is when they try to leave their abuser. Christy Burch, CEO of the ION Center for Violence Prevention, stands in her office in ION Center for Violence Prevention in Covington, Ky. Burch said that if the violence escalates over time, that could be a sign that the situation is becoming deadly. A severe warning sign that an abusive partner might kill their significant other is strangulation, according to Burch. Research shows that strangulation is associated with a seven-fold increase in the likelihood of a homicide occurring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cannot predict who might decide to murder someone, Burch said. However, we can recognize signs of lethality. What does helping a victim of intimate partner violence look like? Burch said an important part of helping someone experiencing intimate partner violence is to give them back their sense of power and control. While talking about abuse can be embarrassing, she said, the Ion Center is there to give people a place they can talk confidentially and without judgment. The center will also work with survivors to get what they need, whether that be clothes and housing, or even documents like drivers licenses and social security cards. That's why we exist, Burch said. I don't want folks to walk this journey alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burch said that perpetrators of intimate partner violence try to isolate their significant others from family and friends. She added that its difficult for someone to separate themselves from an abusive partner, given the danger associated with leaving. So, what we don't want to do as family is get frustrated that someone stays in a relationship because there are reasons why they're staying, Burch said. She said to normalize check-ins and to offer support to those facing abuse, as ultimatums can cause further isolation. A view of the ION Center conference room at the ION Center for Violence Prevention in Covington, Ky. Brown said there isnt a one-size-fits-all response to intimate partner violence, as each situation is different. She said advocates should work with survivors to discern their needs and short-term goals, help create a safety plan, and achieve those goals. She said there are many ways people can step in and offer support to someone facing abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think one of the most important things is just starting that conversation, Brown said, adding that its essential to listen without judgment. She said its also good to encourage survivors to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline or offer to go with them to get a protective order or visit a service provider. Violence isn't okay and everybody needs to do something about it, Burch said. To reach the hotline, call 1-800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Experts talk red flags of intimate partner violence turning deadly MEMPHIS, Tenn. A warrant has been issued for the suspect accused of firing shots at Memphis Police officers in downtown Memphis. Memphis Police say a warrant has been issued for the arrest of 22-year-old Victor Peeler. According to Memphis Police, shots were fired at officers as they responded to a call about an armed person on Rufus Thomas Boulevard and Peabody Place on Friday morning. Police say the Downtown Command Center observed the incident in real-time using surveillance cameras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were looking obviously for those individuals, said Deputy Chief Samuel Hines. We have good video. Memphis Police say the vehicle used in the incident, a black Nissan Juke, was last seen heading east on Peabody Place. Police allege that the passenger in the vehicle fired several shots at the officers. None of the officers were injured as they all ducked for cover. That passenger was later identified as Victor Peeler. Shots fired at Memphis Police officers downtown: MPD Two days later, the search for Peeler continues. Peeler is facing 12 counts of attempted murder and one count of reckless endangerment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this happened just before 2 a.m. Me and the guys will come down here, but we know to be off Beale Street before one oclock, Jalen Betts said. Yeah, one oclock is like the deadline that we got to get up out of here. Those visiting the downtown area said this is why they remain vigilant at all times. Thats why we try to stay early. When the Suns out, we out, Reign Erdy said. When the Sun goes down, we out. Others said theyre not going to allow anyone to spoil their fun. Once you get out here and participate in going forward out here, you can see it aint too much to be afraid of, Mason Cole said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on Victor Peelers whereabouts is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (901) 528-CASH. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The second and final day of the 2025 Waterfront Blues Festival brought throngs of people to downtown Portland under sun-drenched skies to hear a number of bands in a great setting. Over the years, organizers with the Waterfront Blues Festival said theyve raised over $10 million for local community partners. This year, there is a $5 raffle, with proceeds going to Meals on Wheels and the Jeremy Wilson Foundation to support musicians. Among the prizes are two round-trip airline tickets. People can even enter the raffle even if theyre not at the Blues Fest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PHOTOS: Thousands gather for final day of Waterfront Blues Festival 2025 I think its been one of the most important events of the year for us, Jeremy Wilson told KOIN 6 News. And really getting the word out about that. Theres an organization in Oregon that helps and is a safety net for musicians and their dependents when they are experiencing health emergencies. The Blues Fest will run until about 11 p.m. Saturday. If youre coming down, bring your ticket, a valid ID, a low lawn chair and sunscreen. Dont bring wagons, oversized blankets or coolers. KOIN 6 News will have more information later in the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KOIN 6 and Portlands CW are media partners for the Waterfront Blues Festival. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. The discovery of a 101-year-old Radio Times in a church stool and the death of a much-loved gibbon at a rescue centre were among our most read stories this week. We have picked five articles from the past seven days in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Berkshire and Oxfordshire to keep you up to date. Century-old Radio Times hidden inside church stool Steve Hopkins found the newspapers amongst the padding inside a church stool [Caty Mills] A 101-year-old copy of the Radio Times has been discovered in a church stool that was being refurbished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furniture restorer Steve Hopkins found the well-preserved edition after removing the cover on the kneeling stool at his workshop in Wimborne, Dorset. Mr Hopkins, who runs Middle Barn Vintage store, said: "I took the cover off and in amongst the wadding were all these newspapers from early 1924, all in really good condition." He said the newspaper adverts of the era were a particular eye-opener, including "cigarettes that will make you healthier if smoke 60 a day". School bans smartphones in favour of 'brick' phones Head teacher Louise Cowley introduced the ban amid concerns smartphones were too disruptive [BBC] A secondary school in Oxfordshire has banned smartphones for Year 7 to 11 pupils and will only allow basic "brick" phones from September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oxford Spires Academy's head teacher said the move would create a "calmer, more focused environment". Several schools in the south of England are bringing in similar measures for younger pupils to prevent them from accessing the internet, apps or cameras. The Department for Education said about 97% of schools were restricting phone use in some way, with many head teachers now exercising their right to implement complete bans. Champion jockey Murphy fined 70k for drink driving Oisin Murphy appeared at Reading Magistrates' Court [PA Media] Champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been fined 70,000 for drink driving after crashing his car into a tree. Murphy was arrested after his Mercedes A Class left the road in Hermitage, Berkshire, at about 00:05 BST on 27 April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates' Court on Thursday to driving a motor vehicle while over the prescribed limit of alcohol. The 29-year-old was charged by postal requisition on 19 June - the day he rode two winners at Royal Ascot. Couple to tear down log cabin after local uproar The owners agreed to remove the building after an outcry [East Hampshire District Council] A couple have been forced to tear down a log cabin after local residents were "appalled" by the impact it had on a national park's landscape. Owners Andrew and Deborah Melbourne, built the fully insulated structure on their land, west of Lovedean Lane in Waterlooville. East Hampshire District Council investigated the build on behalf of the South Downs National Park Authority and found it had broken planning rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local councillor Sara Schillemore said residents would be "thrilled" after the Melbournes agreed to remove the building. Charity 'heartbroken' after death of 'beloved' ape The gibbon was recovering after he suffered a stroke in 2023 [Monkey Haven] A primate rescue centre has said it is "utterly heartbroken" in a tribute to a "beloved" ape which has died aged 28. Xhabu was one of the first animals to be saved by Monkey Haven in Newport on the Isle of Wight 19 years ago. "Xhabu was more than just an animal in our care - he was family," said Don Walser, the charity's founder, who expressed how much he would be missed. The gibbon bravely battled to recover from a stroke, but the strain on his body finally became too much, the centre said in a social media tribute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram. More on this story Texas skies are about to get crowded, but not with birds or drones. Instead, millions of sterilized flies are being released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a high-stakes battle against one of the most dangerous parasites to livestock: flesh-eating maggots. The USDAs target is the screwworm fly, a parasitic insect whose larvae burrow into open wounds of warm-blooded animals, feeding on flesh and potentially killing their hosts if left untreated, according to the Independent. Once widespread across the southern U.S., screwworms were declared eradicated in 1982 after an aggressive multi-decade campaign. But that fight isnt over. To keep the pest from returning, the USDA continues to release sterile screwworm flies along the southern border, particularly over Texas. These specially bred male flies are irradiated to render them infertile, then dropped from planes in massive quantitiesabout 25 million per week. The idea is simple: When sterile males mate with wild females, no offspring are produced, collapsing the population over time. This technique, known as the sterile insect technique, has been one of the most successful biological control efforts in U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a quiet operation that few Americans know about, but it plays a critical role in protecting the nations multi-billion-dollar livestock industry. A single outbreak could devastate cattle, deer, and other animals, especially in a state like Texas, where ranching is a way of life. The USDA partners with Mexico to create a buffer zone south of the border, releasing the sterile flies in coordination to stop re-infestation before it crosses into U.S. territory. Without the program, the economic and animal welfare impacts would be catastrophic. It may sound like science fiction, but dumping millions of lab-raised flies from the sky is a vital part of keeping flesh-eating maggots from returning to Texas pastures, and its working. Related: Surprising Truth About the Scorpions Creeping Into Your Home Weird Way USDA Combats Flesh-Eating Maggots in Texas first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 6, 2025 A group of women whose pilgrimage to Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque was disrupted by the recent IranIsrael conflict have returned home safely. The women, from Bradford, described how their spiritual journey to the Middle East quickly became overshadowed by missile alerts, heightened security measures and fears for their safety. The group eventually fled to nearby Jordan and, after multiple flight delays and cancellations, said they flew home after paying thousands of pounds in additional costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bana Gora, CEO of the Muslim Women's Council which organised the trip, said: "We prayed on the hotel rooftop, under the open sky, not knowing if we would ever return again." Temple Mount in East Jerusalem, home of the Al Aqsa mosque, is part of a site which is sacred for three major world religions [Reuters] The Al-Aqsa Mosque sits in East Jerusalem and is part of a site considered sacred by Muslims, Jews and Christians worldwide. The area was captured and occupied in 1967 by Israeli forces. Under international law, East Jerusalem is considered part of the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). The Bradford group's visit, alongside a larger party of 45, coincided with a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, which began on 13 June four days after the group flew out when Israel carried out airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. Iran responded with large-scale missile and drone attacks before a US-brokered ceasefire was declared on 24 June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bradford group, speaking at a homecoming event, said they had been aware of pre-existing tensions in the wider region. However, they had not anticipated they were walking into a "war zone", with the conflict in Gaza focussed 40 miles away. Despite the experience, they say they have no regrets, with many in the group saying they would travel again to the sacred site. Saadia Mushtaq said: "Naturally, we are human and it's something that we have never experienced before, being British. We've never experienced missiles going off above our heads. "But the way I look at it is that the difficulties were nothing compared to what the Palestinians go through on a daily basis." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking about why such trips remain important despite the risks, she added: "It's important to bear witness. A lot of people within our group had never been there before, so it was to help them understand the importance of that holy place and the fact that it is important for all of the Abrahamic religions - Christianity, Judaism and Islam." Bana Gora, chief executive of Bradford-based Muslim Women's Council [Aisha Iqbal/BBC] Another participant, Mariam Nisa, said: "I feel so relieved. I think we haven't really processed everything that's happened yet. It feels surreal." She added: "The mosque is a holy place that is mentioned multiple times in our scriptures. So we know that it's a duty of ours to try to visit if we are able to, and we are the lucky ones who are able to do that. "The actual Palestinians and people who live in Jerusalem are not actually able to enter the compound. We want to try to go and visit because we're very lucky to do so." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the timing of their departure, she said: "No regrets. I am so grateful for the journey." Ms Gora added: "This visit was a gift but also a wake-up call. Al-Aqsa Mosque is not just ours to admire, it's ours to protect in faith, in memory and in action." Foreign Office (FCDO) advice to British nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has relaxed since the conflict. It no longer advises against all travel or all but essential travel to some areas of Israel and the West Bank, but continues to advise against all travel or all but essential travel to other areas of Israel and the OPTs. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office previously told BBC Yorkshire: "This is a distressing time for British nationals in the region, their safety and security is our top priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Foreign Office is working around the clock to... support British nationals affected." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. More on this story Tel Aviv [Israel] July 6 (ANI/TPS): Israeli media report that an official in Jerusalem confirmed tonight that Israel has indeed received the response document from Hamas through the mediators, and that "its details are being studied." No further statement was made. Earlier, Hamas announced that it has given what it described as "a response characterized by a positive approach" to the mediators. According to a written statement by the terror group, Hamaw "has completed internal consultations and consultations with Palestinian factions regarding the mediators' latest proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza." Hamas, the announcement adds, "is ready to immediately enter a round of negotiations on the implementation mechanism of the agreement." (ANI/TPS) "We found three suspected victims of modern day slavery hidden in a lorry," said Det Ch Insp James Ansell, describing the moment his officers entered the vehicle near a stretch of the M25 known by police as a "hotspot" for finding trafficking victims. "One of them was a man who was strapped into a concealed compartment and we had to cut him free." Three men were recently jailed for their part in trafficking the victims from Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The section of the motorway near Cobham is one of the most common areas for officers to pick up migrants and trafficked people in Surrey - which they describe as a "transit county" for gangs arriving from the Channel ports. BBC South East recently revealed how there had been an increase in the last year in detections of people attempting to board UK-bound vehicles at the ports in France. This recent case illustrated how a tip-off at a service station led to a swift police response and the recovery of trafficking victims. Strapped and concealed Det Ch Insp Ansell, from the anti-corruption unit at Surrey Police, told BBC Radio Surrey: "We had a report of two lorries with multiple people being taken from the lorries and placed into other vans and taken away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We found one of the lorries still parked up. When they [officers] entered the cab, they found a man and a woman inside, hiding in the back, and then a second man, was found strapped into the top compartment, behind the cab in the interior, wedged in, behind items to conceal him. "The straps were so tight he actually had to be cut out by officers. "They'd been kept in there for a week and were purely surviving on bread and water. "By their appearance I've got no doubt they weren't eating or drinking much in those last few days or few weeks." Between January 2023 and January 2025, Surrey Police said they recorded 26 cases of people being found in a lorry, or confirmed to be involved in a "lorry drop". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The most usual place we find these happening is at Cobham or Clacket Lane services," Det Ch Insp Ansell said. "They do remain a hotspot for the South East for people exiting lorries, or being dropped off here, or being put into other transport. "The main reason being, it's the main arterial route from the ports, and Surrey is a transit county. "They've come into the country and they may stop here to get into another vehicle, or to refuel." Roadchef, which runs Clacket Lane services on the M25 in Surrey, said it had "zero tolerance" for any criminal or illegal activity on its sites and would "work closely with relevant authorities" when required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson added: "The welfare, safety, and security of our customers, staff, and visitors is our highest priority. "All our sites are monitored by CCTV and thermal imaging to help maintain a safe environment. " Nam was trafficked to the UK by lorry [BBC] Nam, not his real name, from Ha Tinh, in Vietnam, was smuggled into the UK in a lorry and forced to work on a cannabis farm. He recently told BBC South East how he was beaten, and forced to work 19 hours each day and had no chance of escape. But he is not alone. Official figures show more than 3,000 people who arrived from Vietnam last year were referred to agencies as suspected slaves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charity Unseen, which runs a modern slavery helpline, said it was still getting many calls every year about potential victims. Justine Carter, the charity's executive director, said: "Demand for the helpline continues to grow, with nearly 1,000 calls and contacts per month." Last year 3,030 people were identified in the UK as potential modern slavery victims, following calls to the helpline. The government said it was ramping up immigration enforcement to tackle the criminal gangs behind modern slavery. Hauliers found to be carrying an illegal migrant can face a fine of up to 10,000 for each "clandestine entrant". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security had been stepped up at the ports in France over the last 10 years to deter smuggling and trafficking in freight, the government said. But a recent report by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration said the threat from smuggling gangs "remains high and is unrelenting". A Home Office spokesperson said the government was introducing new legislation to crack down on trafficking. They said: "Border Force officers have discovered inhumane cases of migrants being crammed into the backs of lorries or heavy-goods vehicles for many years." Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Related stories Related internet links SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) As the City of San Angelo begins its recovery from the devastating flood on July 4, officials are working to assess the damage, coordinate volunteer efforts, and organize resources for residents impacted by the flood. The recovery process is expected to take several weeks, and local authorities are calling on the community to help in various ways. Assessment and Recovery Efforts Continue City officials are working with a debris management company to begin cleanup, but residents are urged to wait about 7-10 days before starting to move debris to the curb. This will allow homeowners time to safely retrieve their belongings before the pickup process begins. Public Works staff, alongside other city departments, are actively assessing the extent of the damage throughout San Angelo. Theres substantial damage in many areas, and were still in the assessment period, said Shane Kelton, City of San Angelo Executive Director of Public Works. This process will take time, and we are asking residents to be patient as we continue to evaluate and organize our response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Structural assessments are also underway. The citys fire marshals office and building officials are inspecting homes in the hardest-hit areas to determine whether they are safe for residents to return. An orange X will be placed on homes that are deemed unsafe to enter. Donations and Volunteer Coordination For those looking to donate, officials are directing all financial contributions to the San Angelo Area Foundation (SAAF), a local organization with experience managing disaster relief funds. As residents begin to clean up, the city is coordinating donations and volunteer efforts. We are directing all local monetary donations to the San Angelo Area Foundation, said Mayor Tom Thompson. This organization has experience managing funds for local disasters, and they work closely with other nonprofits to ensure donations are used effectively. Residents and businesses can visit the SAAF website (www.saafound.org) to make donations. The foundation is coordinating with other local organizations and nonprofits to ensure that all funds are directed toward those in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Way of the Concho Valley is also coordinating volunteer efforts but is advising against the self-deployment of cleanup teams. Volunteers are asked to first check in with United Way at 949-3716 for proper documentation and organization. Stand with San Angelo flood victims: how to help those impacted Structural Safety and Road Closures As floodwaters recede, road conditions remain a concern. Several streets are still barricaded, particularly in areas where water drains slowly, such as Lake View. Drivers are urged to obey all road closures to avoid potentially dangerous road conditions. Please do not drive through the barricades, said Shane Kelton, City of San Angelo Executive Director of Public Works. Weve seen significant road damage, and we dont know what the road conditions are under the water. There could also be further risks, such as undercutting or other compromised issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities expect some areas to remain barricaded for the next two to three days as floodwaters recede. Lake View, which drains slowly, is particularly impacted, with water still crossing several roads. The public is also being asked to report any road damage, sewer manholes that may have been displaced by swift water, or debris on roads. Residents can report these hazards through the citys website at SanAngelo.gov/July4, where a link is provided to report damage to city assets. We want to make sure were getting the right resources to the right places, Kelton added. We ask residents to help by reporting any issues they see. Together, we can ensure everyones safety. San Angelo officials will continue to monitor road conditions and keep the public updated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Search ends tragically: missing San Angelo woman found after historic flood Guidelines for Contractors and Safety Protocols A key area of focus is the permitting and planning process, which has been a topic of discussion following the floods impact. The mayor emphasized that efforts to rebuild will move quickly, particularly for residents looking to replace damaged homes. We will fast-track anything related to disaster recovery, said Mayor Thompson. Its been less than 48 hours since the flood, and were already working to get the city back on its feet. If youre replacing an existing structure with the same footprint, were not going to slow things down, the mayor stated. Our goal is to make sure the process is as fast as possible, while still ensuring that we follow the necessary guidelines to protect both current and future homeowners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also stressed the importance of maintaining safety and compliance in rebuilding efforts. Permits and planning exist to protect not just the current owner but the future owners of these properties, the mayor continued. Were making a concerted effort to go as fast as we can while ensuring that everything from water and sewer systems to structural integrity is functioning properly. The city is working diligently to balance speed with safety, and the mayor assured residents that any delays will be minimized. We are doubling down on our efforts and working within last years budget to ensure that we meet the needs of our community. In addition to local efforts, the mayor provided an update on the federal response. Congressman August Pfluger has pledged to work toward securing a disaster declaration for San Angelo. Hes confident well get the necessary federal support, said the mayor. Were pushing to fast-track these funds and help residents as quickly as possible. Next Steps for Recovery Officials are focused on providing aid to residents, especially those without flood insurance, many of whom make up the majority of affected homeowners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For individuals without flood insurance, which will be the vast majority in this area, documentation is critical, said Lane Carter, Tom Green County Judge. This is where the iSTAT and pSTAT systems come into play. By meeting the required thresholds, we can hopefully activate FEMA assistance and secure federal funds for long-term recovery efforts. The citys efforts to assist flood victims are being supported by the San Angelo Area Foundation (SAAF), which is playing a pivotal role in coordinating monetary donations. For those needing financial support, the SAAF website provides a link to apply for assistance. However, officials warned that clear documentation will be essential to access these funds. FEMA assistance will be a major source of support for homeowners, but to qualify, residents must meet specific documentation requirements. Judge Carter stressed that time is of the essence when it comes to applying for aid. The faster people submit their information, the better, the judge stated. We dont have a firm cutoff, but the sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While FEMA assistance is expected to play a key role in helping homeowners rebuild, the San Angelo Area Foundation also offers crucial local support, with applications available through their website. For those seeking guidance or assistance with the application process, representatives from the Area Foundation, United Way, and other nonprofits are available to provide help. With recovery expected to take several weeks, officials urge flood victims to remain patient and to stay informed by visiting the citys disaster recovery website. Animal Shelter Assistance For pet owners needing temporary housing for their cats and dogs (livestock is not included), the Concho Valley Paws program, funded by a national organization, is offering boarding assistance. If an impacted household wishes to retain ownership of their pets but requires help housing them, we encourage them to reach out to Jenie Wilson at 325-656-3950, said Mayor Thompson Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Private boarding facilities in the area are expected to have room for immediate care starting Monday. For those who prefer to keep their pets but need extra support, the city shelter can impound animals or provide crates and leashes to allow owners to maintain custody and rely on friends and family for temporary care. Were working closely with Texas AgriLife to explore options for livestock care, Mayor Thompson added. However, many of the fairgrounds facilities have been flooded, and currently, they are not in suitable condition to house animals due to mud floors and access issues. Residents looking for additional information or resources related to animal sheltering and care during this time can visit the citys website at SanAngelo.gov/July4. How to Donate and Volunteer Monetary Donations: Go to San Angelo Area Foundation (www.saafound.org) Volunteer Coordination: Contact United Way of the Concho Valley at 949-3716 Report Damage: Visit SanAngelo.gov/July4 to report road damage or other concerns Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of now, there are no new press conferences scheduled. However, officials are expected to provide further updates on Monday regarding the recovery process and any new resources available for the community. For further information, visit: SanAngelo.gov Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. NEED TO KNOW Lori Isenberg is a mother and grandmother who was married to Larry Isenberg In February 2018, they were riding their boat together when Larry vanished At the time, Lori claimed that he fell, but she was later charged with his murder Laurcene Lori Isenberg appeared to have an ordinary life with her husband, Larry Isenberg. However, that all changed on Feb. 13, 2018, when Larry fell overboard and died during a sunrise boat ride on an Idaho lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was in shock, Larry's son Dean told PEOPLE in April 2020. I just couldnt believe he fell overboard. Lori initially called police and claimed that he slipped and fell into the water while trying to reach the boat's motor, subsequently vanishing. At the time, Lori alleged that she tried looking for him, according to The Coeur dAlene Press. However, around the same time that Larry went missing, Lori was facing her own legal troubles. On Feb. 27, 2018, she was charged with 40 counts of forgery and one count of grand theft, per The Coeur d'Alene Press. An investigation later revealed that she had embezzled over $500,000 from the North Idaho Housing Coalition, a nonprofit that she was the executive director of, per the District of Idaho. A few days later on March 1, 2018, Larry's body washed ashore, and a coroner determined that he had actually died as a result of a drug overdose not drowning, per The Coeur dAlene Press. The coroner specifically pointed to diphenhydramine toxicity, the main ingredient in the over-the-counter drug Benadryl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities began taking a closer look at Lori as a potential suspect after learning about her legal problems. In February 2020, Lori was charged with first degree murder, per NBC News. So where is Lori Isenberg now? Heres everything to know about the events that unfolded leading to Larry Isenbergs death and what she has said in her defense. Who is Lori Isenberg? Lori and Larry Isenberg. Lori is a mother and grandmother from Idaho. Before marrying Larry, Lori was in a marriage with her high school sweetheart, Steve, according to Oxygen. The former couple had six daughters together. We had the perfect little family, you know? their daughter Amber Barnes said on a 2024 episode of Dateline, per Oxygen. We went to church every Sunday, we were taught to live right, make good choices, get good grades, do your chores, you know, the whole nine yards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lori and Steve divorced in 1996, before she wed Larry in 2004, per Oxygen. The couple were married for 14 years at the time of Larry's death. "He always looked at her with eyes of just admiration and he would always just tell us just how amazing she was, her daughter Chrislyn Woolston told Dateline. Lori also served as the executive director at the North Idaho Housing Coalition, a nonprofit organization that renovated homes to rent or sell to low-income families. Who was Lori Isenbergs husband, Larry Isenberg? Courtesy Dean Isenberg Dean and Larry Isenberg. Larry was also previously married and had two kids, Dean Isenberg and Jessica McPherson, with his first wife. Larry was close with both of his children, with Dean telling KHQ in February 2020, "My dad was my world." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody loved my dad, Dean told PEOPLE in April 2020. Hed always show up with a smile on his face ... to him it was just like, Every day is the greatest day Ive ever had.' " Dean further shared that his dad loved to hunt, fish and spend time with his dog, Echo, whom he described as his "pride and joy." She misses him a lot, he said of Echo. We drove by the entrance to the road that would go back to Dads house. And Echo got really, really, really excited and she keeps waiting for me to go see Dad. Dean also shared that he was unaware of Lori and Larry having any marital problems, calling their relationship "perfect." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For all intents and purposes, Lori and Dad had an absolutely perfect marriage, Dean told PEOPLE. If you believe in soulmates, they were soulmates. At the time of his death, Larry had retired. He was 68 years old. What happened to Larry Isenberg? Dean Isenberg/Facebook Larry Isenberg with son Dean Isenberg. Larry Isenberg with son Dean Isenberg. On the morning of Feb. 13, 2018, Lori and Larry took a sunrise cruise on their boat in Lake Coeur dAlene. They planned on traveling from a spot known as Sun-Up Bay and later getting breakfast at a resort, per The Coeur dAlene Press. However, around 10 a.m. that morning, Lori called 911 and told authorities that her husband fell overboard while trying to fix a problem with the boat's motor, according to The Coeur d'Alene Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im on the lake, but I dont know where, Lori told the dispatcher, per Oxygen. My husband has he had a stroke, and he fell over. Later that same day, The Coeur dAlene Press reported that Lori was fired from the North Idaho Housing Coalition. Further, an internal financial audit was being conducted in search of "accounting irregularities." On Feb. 26, 2018, Lori was arrested and charged with 40 counts of forgery and one count of grand theft, per The Coeur d'Alene Press. She pleaded not guilty. Less than one week later on March 1, 2018, Larry's body was found. A subsequent toxicology report revealed that he had died from an overdose of Benadryl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Lori was initially a suspect in the case, authorities conducted a full investigation for two years. They later confirmed that Lori was aware that the local paper was going to publish her offenses and her life would fall apart. From the very beginning, I say a week or two after the embezzlement was discovered, I knew my life was over and I had two options. Death or life in prison, Lori later said, per East Idaho News. Detectives later determined that Lori laced a bottle of juice with a lethal amount of Benadryl, and he drank the concoction. Police officially arrested Lori on Feb. 24, 2020, charging her with first degree murder. What was Lori Isenberg charged with? Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Lori Isenberg. Before Lori was charged with her husband's death, she had to face her financial crimes. In November 2018, Lori pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud and one count of federal program theft, per the District of Idaho. She was sentenced to five years in prison and was also ordered to pay over $570,000 that she stole in restitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four of her six daughters admitted to some involvement in the scheme as well. Both Tracy Tesch and April Barnes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit program theft, while Amber Hosking and Jessica Barnes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit federal program fraud, according to the DOI. Two years after Larry died, Lori was officially charged with first degree murder in February 2020. She pleaded not guilty while serving her five-year sentence for embezzlement. However, by February 2021, she changed her plea and took an Alford plea, which meant she didn't fully confess guilt but pleaded guilty because there was enough evidence to convict her. In exchange for her guilty plea, her charge was reduced from first degree to second degree murder. In May 2021, she was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison, per The Coeur d'Alene Press. During her sentencing, Lori spoke for nearly an hour about what she claimed happened on that February morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to state emphatically that I am responsible for Larrys death, absolutely. Im so sorry for everything I did, starting with the embezzlement that resulted in the lies and deceit and ultimate betrayal of the love and the trust of the people I love, especially Larry, she said in court, per East Idaho News. Lori alleged that after learning about her embezzlement scandal surfacing, she made a drink laced with Benadryl and planned to drink it herself. However, she claimed that Larry drank it instead. It was a shock of horror and confusion, Lori said. "After Larrys death on the boat, I told him, Im going to join you, but it cant be right now because I cant leave the family in a mess like this.' The thought did come to me to just jump over the boat and join him. Where is Lori Isenberg now? KREM Lori Isenberg in court on May 24, 2021. Lori Isenberg in court on May 24, 2021. Before she was charged with Larry's death, Lori was serving her five-year sentence at a federal facility in Seattle. However, after she was sentenced to 30 years behind bars, she was transferred to Pocatello Women's Correctional in Pocatello, Idaho, according to the Idaho Department of Corrections. She will become eligible for parole in 2050. Lori still appears to be estranged from some of her daughters and Larry's children. I wanted her to know and the world to know, no, we loved Larry too. And she took him from us too and we do not support her. We do not stand by her, her daughter Amber told Dateline. Meanwhile, Larry's daughter Jessica told The Coeur dAlene Press that the Alford plea, which allowed Lori to not totally admit guilt, felt like a "slap in the face." The loss of my father has left a hole in my soul, she said. We will never get the justice we deserve. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW Skylar Neese was a teenage girl from West Virginia who was friends with Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf Skylar met up with Sheila and Rachel in July 2012, after which she disappeared Sheila and Rachel later pleaded guilty to murdering Skylar and are serving time When Skylar Neese sneaked out of her familys apartment one summer night, she had no idea her best friends were secretly planning to kill her. The 16-year-old high schooler from West Virginia was a straight-A student, had a part-time job at a local fast food restaurant and had dreams of going to law school. All of that was cut short when her friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf, stabbed her to death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skylar had been friends with Shelia for years, but Rachel was a new addition to their friend group. Over several months, things grew tense between the trio, who often aired out their frustrations on social media. It all culminated in the early hours of July 6, 2012, when Shelia and Rachel murdered Skylar during a late-night outing to smoke marijuana. In the cover of a wooded area, the pair attacked Skylar, stabbing her over 50 times with kitchen knives, according to ABCs 20/20. In the months that followed, Shelia and Rachel lied to authorities and denied any knowledge of Skylar's whereabouts, claiming they had dropped her off near her familys apartment before she went missing. Eventually, after they were caught in their lies, Rachel confessed to the crime, and Shelia was incriminated by DNA evidence shortly after. So where are Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf now? Heres everything to know about their involvement in Skylar Neese's murder and when they will be up for parole. Who was Skylar Neese? AP Photo/Vicki Smith, pool A memorial for 16-year-old Skylar Neese, of Star City, West Virginia. A memorial for 16-year-old Skylar Neese, of Star City, West Virginia. Skylar was a typical teenager in the small suburban community of Star City, W. Va. She was raised by her father, Dave Neese, an employee at Walmart, and her mother, Mary Neese, who worked at a local doctors office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I spoiled her beyond rotten. Skylar was a very bubbly person. She had a smile thatd light the room up. She was also very loyal to her friends, and she was all those things wrapped into one, Dave said on 20/20. Mary added, She loved the Disney Channel. And every Friday night, they would have a new Disney movie. Wed curl up on the couch to watch a new Disney movie. And she just loved that. Skylar attended the nearby University High School, where she had a 4.0 grade point average. In the evenings and on the weekends, she had a part-time job at a fast food restaurant, but had dreams of going to law school one day, per MetroNews. Who are Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf? AP Photo/The Dominion Post-Ron Rittenhouse Shelia Eddy on January 24, 2014 at Monongalia County Circuit Court in Morghantown, West Virginia. Shelia Eddy on January 24, 2014 at Monongalia County Circuit Court in Morghantown, West Virginia. Shelia and Rachel were two of Skylar's best friends. Skylar had known Shelia since the second grade when they met in an after-school program, per 20/20. The pair were fast friends, and while they lived in different towns, they kept in touch. In 2010, Shelia's family moved closer to Skylar, and she also began attending University High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they werent together, they were on the phone together, and thats literally 24 hours a day, Skylar's father shared on 20/20. Meanwhile, Rachel was a newer addition to the friend group. Having previously attended a private Catholic school, she met Shelia and Skylar when she enrolled at University High School during her freshman year. The trio was inseparable both inside and outside of school, but as time passed, there were signs that trouble was bubbling beneath the surface. On social media, Skylar often posted angry messages seemingly directed at her friends. Shortly after she disappeared, Skylar posted on X, writing, You doing s--- like that is why I will never completely trust you. What happened on the night that Skylar Neese went missing? AP Photo/Vicki Smith, pool A memorial erected by the family of 16-year-old Skylar Neese. A memorial erected by the family of 16-year-old Skylar Neese. On the evening of July 5, 2012, Skylar worked a shift at her job at the fast food restaurant. She returned home as expected and greeted her family before heading to her room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skylar came home from work and walked through the door, and she went over and petted her dog and said, Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. She walked out and she said, I love you, Daddy. Its the last time I ever heard her, her father recalled on 20/20. Just after midnight, Skylar snuck out of her familys apartment through her bedroom window and was picked up by Shelia and Rachel in a waiting vehicle. Skylar believed they were driving somewhere to smoke marijuana and had no idea her friends had ulterior motives. Shelia and Rachel had brought kitchen knives, a shovel, cleaning products and fresh clothes. They soon arrived at their destination in Brave, Penn., a wooded area where they had previously smoked together. Just before they were about to light up, Shelia claimed her lighter was not working. Skylar headed back to the car to find another, and with her back turned, Shelia and Rachel attacked, the latter recalled to authorities. Although Skylar put up a fight and even managed to wrangle Rachel's knife from her and cut her leg, Shelia persisted. Skylar was stabbed over 50 times, until the girls no longer heard any noise. They then attempted to dig a hole to bury her, but couldnt break through the rocky soil. Instead, they covered Neeses body with leaves and drove away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That morning, Skylar's father went to wake up his daughter, only to discover that she was not there and her bed had not been slept in. It began a painful, months-long investigation into Skylar's disappearance. What happened during the investigation into Skylar Neeses disappearance? Skylar's parents attempted to find their daughter by calling friends and family, but came up empty-handed. When she didnt show up to her scheduled work shift, they knew they had to contact the authorities. During the initial investigation, Shelia and Rachel claimed to have seen Skylar shortly before she disappeared, per 20/20. They explained that they had picked her up for a joyride around 11 p.m. but returned her home about half an hour later a story that investigators would later question. All along, they played the roles of devastated friends, handing out missing flyers and posting tributes on social media. Detectives sifted through years of social media posts, noticing the growing tension between Skylar and her friends. They even came across a video of Skylar playing a game of Would You Rather? with Shelia and Rachel, where Shelia asked ominous questions about how theyd rather die. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, investigators turned their attention back to Shelia and Rachel, realizing there was a hole in their story, per 20/20. While the girls had said they picked up Skylar around 11 p.m. and dropped her back off about 30 minutes later, the timeline on security footage from Skylar's apartment didnt add up. In the grainy footage, Skylar can be seen heading to a car outside the complex around 12:30 a.m. While Shelia and Rachel claimed not to know who the vehicle belonged to, gas station security footage soon revealed that it was, in fact, Shelia's Toyota Camry. On top of that, cell phone records showed a ping near Skylar's apartment complex at that same time. The next was around 4 a.m. in Blacksville, a town on the border of West Virginia and Pennsylvania, long after Shelia and Rachel alleged to be at home and in bed and in the opposite direction to which they said they had traveled, West Virginia State Police trooper Chris Berry recalled on 20/20. How were Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf caught? AP Photo/The Dominion-Post, Ron Rittenhouse Rachel Shoaf speaks during her sentencing hearing on February 26, 2014 at Monongalia County Circuit Court in Morghantown, West Virginia. Rachel Shoaf speaks during her sentencing hearing on February 26, 2014 at Monongalia County Circuit Court in Morghantown, West Virginia. Shelia and Rachel were again interviewed by police, this time sharing a slightly different story and changed demeanors, according to 20/20. The girls claimed that they had picked up Skylar later than they had previously shared and had driven to Blacksville to smoke marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two girls were different, like night and day. Rachel was more nervous. She seemed to be distracted. She would not look at us when she was talking. When we had talked to Sheila, she would look right at you in your eyes. She did not appear to be nervous. She was calm. She was collected, Berry shared. In December 2012, Sheila and Rachel agreed to take a lie detector test, even though investigators knew results were not admissible in court. Shelia failed the test, which included questions about the night Skylar went missing, but she wasn't directly asked if she had murdered Skylar. Meanwhile, Rachel's mental health had been deteriorating. With growing suspicions around her and Shelia, she was beginning to crack. On the way to her lie detector test, she jumped out of her fathers moving car and ran to Shelia's home. Shortly after, she experienced a nervous breakdown and was checked into a psychiatric hospital. Upon her release in January 2013, Rachel requested a meeting with her attorney. In front of a police officer and an FBI agent, Rachel confessed to Skylar's murder. When asked why they did it, she replied that they didnt like Skylar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first words out of her mouth were, We stabbed her, Corporal Ronnie Gaskins recounted on 20/20. [It was a] complete surprise. Rachel was arrested after her confession and led authorities to the site of the murder. However, they could not reach the area without potentially damaging evidence because of the snowy conditions. Since they weren't able to collect evidence to corroborate Rachel's story, she was sent home. Shortly after, authorities attempted to get Shelia to incriminate herself by having Rachel wear a wire during a meeting between the two girls. The plan failed. Meanwhile, Rachel's car was collected as evidence and was examined by the FBI. Weeks later, investigators returned to the crime scene when the snow began to melt. With the help of cadaver dogs, Skylar's body was found, a little over six months after her disappearance. Around the same time, the FBI discovered Skylar's DNA in the trunk of Shelia's car, officially incriminating her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early May 2013, Rachel turned herself in as part of a pre-arranged plea deal. Shelia was later arrested in the middle of a Cracker Barrel parking lot. Did Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf plead guilty to murder? AP Photo/The Dominion Post, Bob Gay Shelia Eddy in Monongalia County Circuit Court on October 15, 2013 in Morgantown, West Virginia. Shelia Eddy in Monongalia County Circuit Court on October 15, 2013 in Morgantown, West Virginia. Following Shelia's arrest, she was held in jail without bail, per MetroNews. After she was indicted on charges of kidnapping, first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, according to the Observer-Reporter, she pleaded not guilty. Her case was set to go to trial on Jan. 20, 2014, but at her pre-trial hearing, she accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty, according to WBOY. Under the terms of the deal, Shelia was protected from federal charges, and the state of Pennsylvania agreed not to prosecute Shelia for hiding Skylar's body. The state of West Virginia also dropped the conspiracy and kidnapping charges. Shelia was then sentenced to life behind bars with mercy, a West Virginia law which grants juvenile offenders the possibility of parole after 15 years. Meanwhile, Rachel, who had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in May 2013, was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with the eligibility for parole after 10 years behind bars, according to West Virginia Press. During her sentencing, she issued an apology to Skylar's family. Im so sorry. I dont know if theres a proper way to make this apology, because there are not even words to describe the guilt and remorse that I feel each day for what Ive done. The person that did that was not the real me, not the person I am, not what Im made of and not what I believe, Rachel said in front of the court, as seen in 20/20. Where are Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf now? Lakin Correctional Facility (2) Rachel Shoaf ; Shelia Eddy. Rachel Shoaf ; Shelia Eddy. Shelia and Rachel have spent the last decade behind bars at the Lakin Correctional Center in West Columbia, W. Va. While being held in the same facility, the pair reportedly are not as close as they once were. It doesnt seem like they are confidants because Rachel ratted Shelia out. Without Rachels confession, they probably wouldve gotten away with it. They see each other, I would say, on a daily basis, Three co-host and award-winning journalist Justine Harman told PEOPLE in February 2024. Since beginning their sentences, Rachel has been up for parole on two occasions and denied both times. She and Shelia will be up for parole in 2028. Read the original article on People QUIET DELL Amateur radio operators have a solid history of coordinating with the National Weather Service in the event of a disaster, now both groups appear to be strengthening that relationship. The weather service is often reaching out to ham radio operators to train them on how to spot storms and then, in turn, report storm data to either the agencys Pittsburgh or Charleston office. Marion County is covered by the NWS Pittsburgh office, while Taylor County is covered by the NWS Charleston office. With trained allies on the ground, the weather service can cover rural areas across the country using visual observation. So, the radar in this area isnt really able to see anything below 8,000 feet, because of how far the radar sites are in Pittsburgh and Charleston, so they really rely on on the ground truth, that were able to report, Amateur Radio Emergency Services Coordinator for Marion County Jason Hatfield said. Its the same thing that weather spotters do, storm chasers do out west. Because a lot of this area is so rural, a lot of these things go unnoticed and unreported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weekend of June 28-29, members of the Mountaineer Area Radio Association, hosted their annual Ham Radio Field Day on the Marion County side of Quiet Dell on top of a hill off East Grafton Road where they store their equipment. This year, two officials from the National Weather Service office in Charleston attended the event. Yeah, theyre interested in what we do and how we can provide, you know, storm spotting for them, because, like said, were on the edge of their radar Pittsburgh, in Charleston, MARA President Steve Wilson said. The event featured three stations ham operators could use to make contacts during Field Day. One station focused on Morse Code, a second was centered around the emerging digital communication and the third focused on voice, which is also referred to as side band. And then this tent down here is a get on the air station for new hams that havent operated a lot and want to practice, Wilson said. Its called a get on the air station. And any people interested with the ham operator there can operate or can learn how to operate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hatfield, who is 31 and serves as a lieutenant at the Winfield District Volunteer Fire Department, offered a lot of excitement for the older ham radio operators who have for years tried to usher in the next generation or radio operators to the hobby. Hatfield, who has done ham radio since he was 13, convinced about 30 guest volunteer firefighters to attend the event. He said the June 15 floods that hit Fairmont were a harsh reminder of how important amateur radio communications are in the event of a disaster. On that day, Hatfield wore at least two hats he was taking part in the National Weather Services Skywarn Activation and then made reports via ham radio. There was actually a time that my reports were actually going through amateur radio because of the lack of service with public safety[that day], Hatfield said. That really helped out too. But I was able to, with my handheld on fire calls, I was able to talk on this repeater and also relay the reports to the National Weather Service. According to the National Weather Service, A Skywarn activation occurs when the National Weather Service asks its trained volunteer weather spotters to report severe weather observations. This usually happens when a severe weather watch is upgraded to a warning. Spotters relay information through various channels like telephone, amateur radio, or online storm report forms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hatfield said he wants to make sure everyone knows the important role ham radio plays during a disaster. He said the hobby got a lot of national attention in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene when the storm struck rural North Carolina. For a long period, amateur radio was the only form of communication in that region that suffered washed out roads, destroyed homes and other forms of destruction. A lot of people think ham radio is a thing of the past, but after the events in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee with Hurricane Helene, you know, that was the only communications that was reliable for weeks, honestly, in some places, he said. We saw events like that coming, you know, especially in this area which is no different than Western North Carolina as far as terrain goes, and, you know, the lack of cell phone service in a lot of our counties, its very similar. And so theres a lot of people thats, you know, this club, and a lot of amateur radio clubs are really trying to amp up, you know, our preparedness to be ready for an event. The group reported 859 Morse code contacts, 741 voice contacts and 207 digital contacts during the events 24-hour period. For more information on how to become a ham radio operator, go to the MARA website www.w8sp.org. It started as a dream. Over a decade later, its still just a dream. Perhaps no project is closer to the heart of Gig Harbor than its Commercial Fishing Homeport, a public dock that would provide dedicated moorage for commercial fishing vessels at Ancich Waterfront Park. Those vessels and the people and families who operate them have long been regarded as core to Gig Harbors maritime heritage. Many of the citys earliest commercial-fishing families were Croatian immigrants who moved to the area in the early 20th century, building docks as well as netsheds to store their nets and fishing gear, according to the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and the citys website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seventeen of those netsheds still stand, several as working netsheds and several converted to other uses such as a waterfront restaurant and an educational tour site. In 2013, the city started planning what would become the homeport project. Since then, the dock has yet to materialize, though the city has completed a feasibility study, chosen a concept design from that study and submitted its third version of a mitigation plan to show federal agencies how the city will limit the projects impact on the marine environment. With no permit in hand, the city cant put the project out to bid, which City Administrator Katrina Knutson told The News Tribune in an email officials had hoped to do in the spring and begin construction this summer. Standing on Ancich Pier, from which the homeport would extend, Gig Harbor public works director Jeff Langhelm gestured to the site of the project hes spent nearly half of his career with the city working on. The city began to restore the aging Ancich Pier and Netshed in 2017, and Langhelm remembers how the project came together with the homeport in mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One corner of the pier is supposed to accommodate a crane to help fishermen load and unload equipment, he explained. Underfoot, part of the pier is made of metal grating to let light through to the water below, while another part is made of wood so that it wont catch on nets while fishermen are mending them. If you look over the edge, there are two metal pieces where the gangway is supposed to connect. Each piece is a visible reminder of the citys vision, just out of reach. The proposed location of the Commercial Fishing Homeport, which would allow 17 commercial fishing vessels to dock. Photographed on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Gig Harbor. Citys environmental plan doesnt meet federal standards Progress has been stymied in the federal review process evaluating the new docks impact on the marine environment. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for issuing a permit the city needs to start building the homeport, based on biological opinions from federal agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service. Gig Harbor is critical habitat for salmon and several other species managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said Shelia Fourman, Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fourman said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been working with the city since 2022 on the homeport project. Its not uncommon for consultations with the federal services to take two years, though the duration for each project differs on a case-by-case basis, she said. Langhelm explained that when the city started engaging with the federal agencies responsible for issuing a biological opinion on the projects impacts, the agencies wanted the city to focus on treating stormwater runoff. Then, the city learned there was kelp growing near the existing pier that it needed to address. Most recently, a letter from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says that the mitigation plan doesnt meet the requirements for protecting two species listed under the Endangered Species Act, the bull trout and marbled murrelet, a type of seabird. The mitigation that the federal agencies will allow has changed, Langhelm said. ... so we just dont know what is acceptable mitigation. And its not (the federal agencies) job to tell us what acceptable mitigation will be. Its our job to propose it. He said that a mitigation calculator was introduced some time ago, requiring the city to shift its approach. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service letter mentions the calculator, saying that the city needs to obtain a certain number of credits based on the calculators findings. The National Marine Fisheries Service introduced the calculator in 2020 to determine the amount of mitigation needed to minimize habitat loss for salmon from shoreline development, per the agencys news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In previous city overwater projects, Langhelm said he remembers mitigation as a simpler process involving the removal of over-water structures, debris from the seabed and pilings. And it was pretty quick and easy, he said. But they didnt get into the level of detail that the calculator does today. The calculator works by representing the negative impact a project will have on a habitat as debits, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service website. Developers can cancel out those debits by obtaining an equal number of credits, which are improvements to the affected habitat or to another comparable habitat in the Puget Sound area. Providers including the Puget Sound Partnership offer credits to developers for sale. Langhelm said he was surprised by the number of credits that the city needs for the homeport project approximately 503, according to the letter from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, the City Council voted to leave an old, dilapidated structure at the neighboring Jerkovich Pier site standing, though its visibly crumbling, because the state Department of Fish and Wildlife said the city might be able to apply the credits gained from removing the old pier to the mitigation required for the homeport. It turns out that removing that pier would only give the city a fraction of the credits it needs, Langhelm now says. Meanwhile, the project as a whole keeps getting more expensive. Every time we have to redo our mitigation plan were in version three now we have to pay the consultant more money, Langhelm said. We only scoped to have one mitigation plan. He also noted the rising cost of construction materials and mitigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email, Langhelm wrote that the city has spent $230,466 on consultant contracts since 2022 and expects to spend at least another $3.5 million on construction of the facility. The 2025-2026 city budget fully funds construction of the homeport. Funding sources include $1.13 million from Hospital Benefit Zone funding, $150,000 from a Port of Tacoma grant, a $200,000 donation from the Gig Harbor Commercial Fishermens Civic Club and $2 million from real estate excise tax revenue. Ancich Waterfront Park on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Gig Harbor. Commercial fisherman Guy Hoppen grew up on the waterfront and has been a long-time advocate for the homeport, which will be the citys only public moorage space for commercial fishing vessels upon completion. Like many other commercial fishermen in the area, Hoppen currently moors his vessel at a privately-owned dock. His son also has a commercial fishing vessel but moors it in Seattle because of the lack of space in the harbor, he told The News Tribune. The issue of limited space for commercial fishing vessels isnt unique to Gig Harbor, and rising property values make it challenging for everyone, not just commercial fishermen, to buy property on the waterfront, according to Hoppen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were the last place that I know of on the west coast of the United States that relies on private property for moorage of a fleet this size, Hoppen said. He added that the homeport would have multiple outcomes for the community. The plan is for the homeport to be accessible to the public, including the floats and the moorage area, along with the fixed pier and Ancich Netshed, so that people could watch fishermen at work and mending their nets. He also emphasized the economic value that commercial-fishing vessels add to local communities and said the homeport would help the city retain the occupational tradition of commercial fishing that defines Gig Harbor. Hoppen estimated that theres about 20 commercial fishing vessels that moor in Gig Harbor, though some come and go. Up to 17 commercial fishing vessels would be able to moor at the homeport under the current design, the citys website says. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A 2-year-old boy has died after being hospitalized with severe injuries earlier this week, and his stepfather has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder. Wichita police were first called to Wesley Medical Center on Thursday after the child was brought in with injuries reportedly sustained from a fall. But investigators say the explanation given by the adult caregiver at the time the boys stepfather did not match the nature of the injuries. Wichita man dies after beating, police arrest suspect Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to the severity and suspicious circumstances, detectives from the Wichita Police Departments Exploited and Missing Childrens Unit and Homicide Unit took over the investigation. That same day, officers arrested the 33-year-old stepfather on charges of alleged aggravated battery and child abuse. Police said the boy identified as John Landon Delano died from his injuries on Saturday morning. Following the childs death, police said the stepfather was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorneys Office for formal charging. Police said no additional information is being released at this time due to the nature of the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Massive wildfires have torn through Syrias coastal mountain region of Jabal Turkman since Thursday, destroying thousands of hectares of forest and overwhelming emergency services. Abdel Kafi Kayyal, director of civil defense in Lattakia province, said efforts to control the fires have been hampered by strong winds, rugged terrain and the danger of landmines left behind from years of war. The fires come as Syrias new government tries to drive the countrys recovery after more than a decade of war and crippling sanctions, with basic services non-existent in many parts of the country. Syrian firefighters battle wildfires sweeping through the forests of Latakia, Syria, on Saturday. - Moawia Atrash/picture-alliance/dpa/AP The fires have burned along a line of 20-kilometers (12 miles), cutting off roads and forcing thousands to flee their homes. They have also left some areas without power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drone video showed fires advancing along a broad front in rugged territory, occasionally flaring up as they encounter tinder-dry woodland. This fire is extremely difficult, Kayyal told CNN on Saturday, adding that reinforcements have been called in from across the country. The fires have now spread into parts of Tartous province, despite the efforts of more than 60 firefighting units. Syrian authorities have appealed for international assistance. Turkey has sent two helicopters and 11 firefighting vehicles, and on Sunday Jordanian civil defense teams crossed the border to join efforts to contain the fires. Smoke billowing from a forest fire in the coastal Syrian province of Latakia on Saturday. - Omar Haj Kadour/AFP/Getty Images Satellite data from NASAs FIRMS service indicates the burned area now exceeds 180 square kilometers, an area larger than the capital, Damascus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Syrian government figures from 2023, the countrys forest cover stands at around 5,270 square kilometers, suggesting that these fires have consumed more than 3% of the countrys total forested land in just three days. The country is also in the grip of a long-running drought. The Carnegie Endowment Middle East program reported last year that the entire Euphrates Basin region, particularly the southern and eastern desert areas of Syria, had suffered from low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures for four years. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A woman has died almost a week after she was critically injured in a two-vehicle crash in Airdrie. Police Scotland said a black Audi A4 and a blue BMW M2 were involved in a collision on the A89 Clark Street, near to its junction with Springwells Avenue. The incident happened at about 16.45 on 28 June. The 68-year-old, who was a passenger in the Audi, was taken to University Hospital Wishaw for treatment but died from her injuries on 4 July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the Audi, a 67-year-old man, was taken to University Hospital Monklands and was later discharged. Officers said the occupants of the BMW were assessed by paramedics at the scene. Sgt Ross Allison said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who has died. "Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident and I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened to contact us." He also encouraged anyone with dash cam footage that may assist the investigation to come forward. A young woman died in NYPD custody at a Bronx precinct station house Saturday after police officers attempts to revive her failed, cops said. The 18-year-old became unconscious while in custody at the 41 Precinct station on Longwood Ave. in Hunts Point around 12:30 a.m., cops said. Police called for an ambulance and attempted to revive her, officials said. The woman was being held at the 41 Precinct station house for unknown reasons. Marie Pohl/ NY Post Multiple officers performed CPR while awaiting EMS response, cops said in an official release about the womans death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EMS rushed the woman to Lincoln Hospital, but she couldnt be saved, police said. Police attempted to revive the 18-year-old woman with CPR, cops said. sakhorn38 stock.adobe.com Her identity wasnt immediately released. Police declined to say why the woman was in custody and cited an ongoing invesigation being done by the NYPDs Force Invesigation Division. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Brazil on a four-day visit during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a State Visit. On the fourth leg of his five-nation tour, PM Modi landed at the Galeo International Airport here on Saturday evening (local time). During the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit (July 6-7), Prime Minister Modi will exchange views on key global issues, including peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. According to the official statement, the Prime Minister is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. For the State Visit to Brazil, the Prime Minister will travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula on the broadening of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health and people to people linkages. Members of the Indian Diaspora, who are waiting to meet PM Modi, expressed their enthusiasm over his visit, calling it a privilege to welcome the PM. "I am from Gujarat... I have been living in Brazil for a long time. We are very excited and feel privileged and honoured to welcome our Prime Minister today," Vijay Solanki, a member of the Indian diaspora, said. Pooja, another member of the Indian diaspora, expressed enthusiasm and said, "I am from Gujarat, and I have been living in Brazil for the last three years. I am very excited to meet him." "We are very excited to welcome PM Modi... We want India-Brazil to be strengthened further," Kartik, a member of Indian diaspora, said. Additionally, Jyoti Kiran, Director of a centre of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR ), also expressed tremendous enthusiasm. "There is a tremendous enthusiasm for the arrival of the Prime Minister... This centre of ICCR works hard to strengthen the connect between India and Brazil. Apart from yoga and Odissi dance classes, cooking classes, and other sub-cultural activities are also conducted. We have three innovative projects: the Campus Connect Program, Experience India Day, and the most important program, 'India in your library'. Through all these projects, we try to connect the cultures of India and Brazil through people-to-people connect," she said. PM Modi arrived in Brazil after concluding his visit to Argentina, where he held a bilateral meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei. After Brazil, PM Modi will head to Namibia on July 9 and also address its parliament. PM Modi began his five-nation, eight-day tour (July 2 till July 9) on Wednesday from Ghana. From Ghana, the prime minister went to the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, and then to Argentina. (ANI) Police are searching for a woman who was behind the wheel of a Porsche involved in a deadly hit-and-run in the Vermont Vista neighborhood of L.A. on Saturday night. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the collision occurred around 9:15 p.m. as the Porsche was driving southbound on Figueroa Street at 91st Street and the second vehicle, which appears to be a Honda sedan, northbound on Figueroa. A Los Angeles Fire Department alert indicated the decedent became entrapped in the vehicle after the crash and died at the scene. Police are searching for a woman who was behind the wheel of a Porsche after she fled the scene of a deadly crash in the Vermont Vista neighborhood of L.A. on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Citizen App) Police are searching for a woman who was behind the wheel of a Porsche after she fled the scene of a deadly crash in the Vermont Vista neighborhood of L.A. on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Citizen App) Police are searching for a woman who was behind the wheel of a Porsche after she fled the scene of a deadly crash in the Vermont Vista neighborhood of L.A. on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Citizen App) Police are searching for a woman who was behind the wheel of a Porsche after she fled the scene of a deadly crash in the Vermont Vista neighborhood of L.A. on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Citizen App) LAPD officials said that the decedent is a 25-year-old Hispanic man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, described by police as a Black female in her 30s, was said to have fled on foot. The Porsche she was driving was left abandoned in the middle of the road. Video from the scene posted to the Citizen App shows the immediate aftermath of the collision, with more than a dozen bystanders rushing to the crash site to try and extricate the male victim, although they were unsuccessful. Police are searching for a woman who was behind the wheel of a Porsche after she fled the scene of a deadly crash in the Vermont Vista neighborhood of L.A. on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Citizen App) The damaged Porsche was towed as evidence, the LAPD spokesperson said. The exact circumstances surrounding what led up to the crash, including whether impairment played a role, were not immediately disclosed by the LAPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on the fatal collision is asked to contact Los Angeles police. Sofia Pop Perez 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. (FOX40.COM) A woman was shot in the arm in South Sacramento on Saturday night. Video above: How to report a public safety threat According to the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a shooting at the 6600 block of Sunnyslope Drive with one adult female who was shot in the arm. Yolo County officials find the remains of seven bodies near Esparto warehouse fire SCSO said that based on the information from the victim, the suspect could be inside one of the apartments. The female was transported to the local hospital to be treated for her injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 10:45 p.m., deputies have K9 and a Bearcat at the scene. At this time, deputies are working to learn more. This is a developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. NEED TO KNOW A woman was attacked and injured severely by a lion at Darling Downs Zoo on July 5 The victim, who is reportedly in her 50s, is currently "in stable condition" at a local hospital Darling Downs Zoo said the animal involved would "definitely not be put down or punished in any way" A woman was severely injured after she was attacked by a lion at a popular zoo. The incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, July 5, when the woman was visiting the carnivore precinct at Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland, Australia, according to a news release shared on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This morning, a much-loved member of our family was watching keepers working in the carnivore precinct, Darling Downs Zoo wrote, adding that the woman had been at the precinct many, many times and was well-versed in safety protocols around potentially dangerous animals." The animal reportedly involved in the attack was a lion, the Daily Mail reported. According to the zoo, the animal grabbed the womans arm, causing severe damage. She was airlifted to Princess Alexandria Hospital in Brisbane for surgery and is currently "in stable condition." Lifeflight A woman was airlifted to a hospital after being attacked by an animal at Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland, Australia, on July 5 A woman was airlifted to a hospital after being attacked by an animal at Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland, Australia, on July 5 At no stage did this animal leave its enclosure, and there was no risk at all to staff members or members of the public, added Darling Downs Zoo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman is believed to be in her 50s, The Guardian reported, citing Queensland Ambulance. According to the Daily Mail, the woman's injuries resulted in her losing her arm. Darling Downs Zoo said in its statement that "police and Workplace Health and Safety personnel are investigating this incident and have been onsite all morning." "The zoo is working with them to establish how this incident occurred, but the full details will not be known until our family member can be interviewed," they added. The zoo clarified in a later update shared on Facebook that the woman was not one of our immediate family nor a keeper. They said the animal involved would "definitely not be put down or punished in any way." Google maps Darling Downs Zoo. Darling Downs Zoo. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. We are extremely grateful to the QAS, QPS and LifeFlight for their prompt attendance and to all of the people and organizations who have rallied round us with messages of support, added Darling Downs Zoo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Australia-based attraction will remain closed following the incident until Tuesday, July 8. Queensland Ambulance and Darling Downs Zoo did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Sunday, July 6. Read the original article on People The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Welcome back to The Dailys Sunday culture edition, in which one Atlantic writer or editor reveals whats keeping them entertained. Todays special guest is Ashley Parker, a staff writer who has covered the decline and fall of Elon Musk, interviewed President Donald Trump for The Atlantics June cover story, and written about miscarriage and motherhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ashley is a fan of anything by Ann Patchett, recommends watching The Studio for a comedy break, and considers Wonder Boys the rare movie that surpasses the book. The Culture Survey: Ashley Parker An author I will read anything by: Ann Patchett. I came to her late, and the first book I read was Bel Canto, but then I was hooked. I went back and read everything else shed written, and I now read everything she writes, as soon as it comes out. My dirty secret is that Im basically a modern-fiction speed-reader and very little I read stays with me, but Patchett has a way of creating entire worlds and characters that linger. (I actually met her at the Marthas Vineyard Book Festival a few years ago, when we were both panelists, though it was far more exciting for me than it was for her, alas.) For literary mysteries, I am also obsessed with Tana French, and because I have to wait for each new book to come out, I have since discovered the Maeve Kerrigan series, by Jane Casey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The television show Im most enjoying right now: My husband and I just binged The Survivors in a single nightme because I found it addictive, and him because he claims he wanted to get it over with. Weve since moved on to The Studio with Seth Rogen, which is consistently funny and well done. My favorite art movie: Wonder Boys. And this is not a question you asked, but Im going to offer up anyhow that this is the rareperhaps only!instance where the movie is better than the book. (No offense, Michael Chabon.) Its got an amazing cast (Michael Douglas, Robert Downey Jr., Frances McDormand, plus Katie Holmes in red cowboy boots) and an age-appropriate, middle-age romance. Enough said. An actor I would watch in anything: Michael Cera and Jesse Eisenbergtheir essences are somehow endearingly familiar to me. Specifically: They both remind me of my dorky high-school guy friends, and Ive always loved the movies they end up choosing. I recently watched Eisenbergs A Real Pain, which did not disappoint. And though I feel like Im familiar even with Ceras more obscure work (see: Paper Heart), my all-time-favorite movie of his is probably Juno. Best work of nonfiction Ive recently read: Invisible Child, by Andrea Elliott. On principle, I read almost zero nonfiction unless I have to for work, but I loved her series of stories for The New York Times on Dasani Coates, a young girl who comes of age in Brooklyns homeless shelters. The book is similarly cinematic, and absolutely gripping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, for workbecause I am interviewing the authors (separately) at Politics and Prose this monthI just read Empire of the Elite, by Michael Grynbaum, and 2024, by Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf. They are very different books: Grynbaums is an inside look at the golden years of Conde Nast and how it shaped our culture, and 2024 is an inside account of Donald Trumps, Joe Bidens, and Kamala Harriss 2024 campaigns. But theyre both engaging, fantastic reads, and Im glad I had an excuse to get early copies and violate my no-nonfiction rule. And on the topic of campaign books: I am wildly biased, but Id be remiss if I didnt also mention my husbands 2020-Trump-campaign book, Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost, which I read a bajillion timeschapter by chapter, often out of orderas he was writing it. It remains the best Trump-campaign book Ive read, in part because, in addition to having a slew of scoops, it explains the Trump phenomenon and what motivates the MAGA base, including Trumps now-famous Front Row Joe uber-loyalists. A musical artist who means a lot to me: Billy Joel. Long story, but the first cassette tape I ever discovered was my dads copy of Billy Joels Greatest HitsVolume I & Volume II, and for a year or two in elementary school, I absolutely refused to listen to anything elseor to allow my family to listen to anything else. The last museum or gallery show that I loved: Yayoi Kusamas Infinity Mirrors, when it came to the Hirshhorn a few years ago. I like that shes basically a hipster nonagenarian, and that her work is very accessible and fun, because Im a philistine. Visiting the exhibit was also one of the first dates my now-husband and I went on, and on our honeymoon in Japan, we ended up seeing more of her work, so her show has a nice full-circle quality for me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Something I recently revisited: I keep meaning to reread The Secret History, by Donna Tartt, which my first boss, Maureen Dowd, introduced to me one day in an airport bookstore and correctly predicted that Id love. A favorite story Ive read in The Atlantic: I will read anything by Caitlin Flanagan; in fact, she is the reason I finally subscribed to The Atlantic several years ago. But the specific article that still stays with me, now more than a decade later, is Scott Stossels Surviving Anxiety. The writing is so vivid and honest, and as someone who has dealt with various phobias of my own, I found it imminently relatable. Something delightful introduced to me by a kid in my life: Kuk Sool Won, a Korean form of martial arts that my 6-year-old is currently obsessed with. We discovered it randomly, when I signed her up for a Kuk Sool after-care club, and she instantly fell in love. She is now a yellow-striped belt and takes it so seriously. Nothing brings me more joy than watching her bark out Korean words I dont understand and practice her various forms, her mouth set in a line of grim determination. A poem, or line of poetry, that I return to: These words, from Joan Didions The Year of Magical Thinking, arent technically poetry, but they might as well be. Now that Im a mom and in my 40s, I find them regularly drifting through my thoughts, unbidden: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Life changes in the instant. The ordinary instant. Here are three Sunday reads from The Atlantic: The Week Ahead Superman, a superhero movie starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan (in theaters Friday) Too Much, a comedy series co-created by Lena Dunham about a workaholic who moves to London to find love (premieres Thursday on Netflix) Vera, or Faith, a novel by Gary Shteyngart about the eccentric family of a precocious 10-year-old (out Tuesday) Essay The Christian Rocker at the Center of MAGA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Ali Breland After wildfires erupted in Los Angeles County earlier this year, a team from the Department of Housing and Urban Development descended on the wreckage. Led by HUD Secretary Scott Turner, the entourage walked through the rubble in Altadena, reassuring victims that the Trump administration had their back. At Turners request, a Christian-nationalist musician named Sean Feucht tagged along. I cant overemphasize how amazing this opportunity is, Feucht had posted on Instagram the day before. Im bringing my guitar. Were going to worship. Were going to pray. Read the full article. More in Culture Catch Up on The Atlantic Photo Album Women look on as a man stands in a fountain on a hot summer day, in Berlin, Germany. (Lisi Niesner / Reuters) Take a look at these photos of people across Europe doing whatever they can to keep cool during days of oppressive heat. Play our daily crossword. Explore all of our newsletters. When you buy a book using a link in this newsletter, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic. Article originally published at The Atlantic Jul. 5New research published by Washington State University reveals disparities within the state's LGBTQ+ community. WSU, in partnership with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, surveyed almost 7,000 members of the community across Washington. Of those participating, 35.6% reside in King County, while 8.6% live in Spokane County home, and 20.1% live in rural areas. Traci Gillig, assistant professor of communication at WSU's Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, led the project. For Gillig and her team, creating a balanced, diversified cohort of respondents was important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We really prioritized outreach and engaging with groups such as queer seniors," she said. The survey was meant to "illustrate" the experiences of as many people as possible, which means one "limitation of the survey" is that it's not a probability sample, Gillig added. Results were released last month. The findings were vast and varied, with topics including mental health diagnoses, healthcare discrimination and hate crime victimization. Regarding these questions, researchers found 26.8% considered death by suicide this past year, 31.4% encountered obstacles when accessing care and 22% had experienced a hate crime, according to the research. Research like this guides Gillig and the commission as they determine how the community can be best represented at the local and legislative levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She credits lawmakers for making "this state a safe place for queer folks, but we're obviously seeing that not all queer folks are having the same experiences." She hopes, though, "when they're thinking about where to use and to dedicate public funds, that they look at the communities within the queer community experiencing the most challenges." It's not just legislative matters Gillig wishes to address. "A lot of the reason that queer folks struggle is because of negative attitudes and discrimination toward the community," she said. "Changing peoples' attitudes is one way of making spaces in general safer and potentially opening up more opportunities for queer people." Everett Maroon, of Walla Walla County, is the co-chair of the state's LGBTQ Commission. He said an additional goal "was to begin a multi-year exploration of how things are going for people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question he feels should guide research like this is, "What is the diversity of response that we can see or observe from a survey if we attempt to carefully engage people in that community over a long time period of time?" Maroon said he hopes to develop "a really robust relationship between the people the state is trying to serve and the highest offices in the state." Gillig or Maroon said they were not surprised by responses to the medical questions. Gillig believes that the discomfort many respondents expressed with medical care might likely is due to providers. Providers can have negative attitudes or they don't understand the identity that a patient represents, whether related to gender or sexual orientation, Gillig said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, LGBTQ+ patients "struggle with navigating insurance and getting coverage," she added. Maroon said while provider attitudes are never wholly to blame for the statistics, there are "real systemic problems throughout our medical care system." The mental health insights, while worrisome, were expected, according to Maroon. He was prepared "to see high levels of suicidal ideation," he said. "In the last 20 years, we've seen really high rates of that." "If anything surprised me," Maroon said, "it was how well the state is perceived at doing for people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maroon is optimistic. The research shows progress and where growth is needed, so not all findings are meant to indicate active hostilities, he said. "I hate to see such horrible rhetoric thrown our way all the time, but we do also have a loving, joyous community underneath all of this noise and attacks." Caroline Saint James' 's reporting was funded by Comma's First Amendment Club. CHEYENNE Wyoming officials say the Cowboy State stands to lose more than $24.5 million after the Trump administration withheld more than $6 billion in funds supporting various education programs earlier this week. Kim Amen, president of the Wyoming Education Association, said she was blindsided by the decision, and now Wyoming K-12 public school districts, as well as her organization, are in a scramble to determine budgets before school begins across the state in just a few weeks. Nationally and in Wyoming, the funds withheld support professional development for teachers, support for English learners, offer student support and academic enrichment grants, and support after-school and summer enrichment programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This all comes back to our students, and theyre the ones that are going to suffer, Amen said. ... Everything we do in our schools is to support our students. She said Wyomings public school districts will now face tough decisions about where to put their money. There is potential for teachers or paraprofessionals to lose their jobs, or other services may be cut for some school districts to continue after-school programs or professional development, if they choose to do so, Amen said. This scramble may be more pronounced in rural areas of Wyoming, as many may not have access to other services for after-school care like a YMCA and typically rely more heavily on the type of federal funds withheld by the Trump administration in this move, Amen said. The Wyoming Department of Education is encouraging school districts to not obligate any funds beyond existing carryover funds for Title II-A, Title III and 21st Century Community Learning Centers, a federal program under Title IV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder commented on the decision in a written statement to the WTE. We are constantly in contact with our partners at the federal level, and while we do not yet know the details of this review of funds, President Trumps education priorities are Wyomings priorities, and I continue to support his leadership, she wrote. The WDE provided the following figures that will not be allocated to the state if the funds are not distributed: Title II-A, professional development for teachers $10,835,611 Title III, support for English learners $500,000 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Title IV-A, student support and academic enrichment grants $6,659,535 (the state was actually given allocation figures for this grant in May, but they rescinded that while they review) Title IV-B (21st Century Community Learning Centers), after-school and summer enrichment programs $6,515,398 Total: $24,510,544 For Amen, she said she could see the burden falling on the state, and Wyoming taxpayers, to continue to fund services provided by Wyomings public schools. We were told by some people in leadership in this state that the gutting of the (U.S.) Department of Education was actually a good thing for the state of Wyoming because it would mean that all the money would come back to the states and that we would get to decide how that money was spent. And we are seeing that that is not the case, she said. NEW DELHI (Reuters) -The Reuters News account on X was restored in India on Sunday, a day after the social media platform suspended it, citing a legal demand. "At this time, we are no longer withholding access in INDIA to your account," X said in an email to the Reuters social media team, without elaborating. Representatives for X, Reuters and the Indian government did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the restoration of the account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier on Sunday, a spokesperson for the Indian government's Press Information Bureau told Reuters that no Indian government agency had required withholding the Reuters handle, adding that officials were working with X to resolve the problem. A Reuters spokesperson had said the agency was working with X to resolve this matter and get the Reuters account reinstated in India as soon as possible. Reuters World, another X account operated by the news agency which was blocked in India, was also restored late Sunday night. The main Reuters account, which has more than 25 million followers globally, had been blocked in India since Saturday night. A notice told X users that "@Reuters has been withheld in IN (India) in response to a legal demand". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email to the Reuters social media team on May 16, X said: "It is our policy to notify account holders if we receive a legal request from an authorized entity (such as law enforcement or a government agency) to remove content from their account." "In order to comply with X obligations under India's local laws, we have withheld your X account in India under the country's Information Technology Act, 2000; the content remains available elsewhere". Reuters could not ascertain if the May 16 email was linked to Saturday's account suspension nor could it determine what specific content the demand referred to, why its removal was sought or the entity that had lodged the complaint. While the email did not specify which entity had made the request or what content they sought to remove, it said X had been advised that in such cases, a user could contact the secretary of India's Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The secretary, Sanjay Jaju, did not respond to requests seeking comment. The 2000 law allows designated government officials to demand the takedown of content from social media platforms they deem to violate local laws, including on the grounds of national security or if a post threatens public order. X has long been at odds with India's government over content-removal requests. In March, the company sued the federal government over a new government website the company says expands takedown powers to "countless" government officials. The case is continuing. India has said X wrongly labelled an official website a "censorship portal", as the website only allows tech companies to be notified about harmful online content. (Reporting by Aftab Ahmed in New Delhi and Munsif Vengattil in Bengaluru; Editing by Aditya Kalra, William Mallard and Lisa Shumaker) Armenia's Foreign Ministry on July 5 denied claims by Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) that Russia was intensifying its military presence at the country's Gyumri base to exert greater influence in the South Caucasus, the media outlet News Armenia reported. The news comes amid a major deterioration in Russian-Azerbaijani relations after a deadly June 27 operation in Russia's Yekaterinburg, where Russian security forces killed two Azerbaijani nationals and injured several others in a raid linked to a 2001 murder case. HUR claimed on July 5 that Russia was increasing its military presence in Gyumri and recruiting new troops for the base. Ukraine's military intelligence argued that the alleged move was aimed at "destabilizing the global security situation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ani Badalyan, the Armenian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson, rejected the report. "In response to the fictitious information that appeared in the press, the Republic of Armenia reaffirms its principled position that the territory of the Republic of Armenia cannot be used by third states to carry out military actions against any of its neighboring states," she said, as cited by News Armenia. Armenia has had a historically close relationship with Russia but the relations between Yerevan and Moscow have recently deteriorated. Russia's leverage over both Baku and Yerevan has diminished dramatically since Azerbaijani troops captured Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian-controlled region in Azerbaijan, in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian peacekeepers later withdraw from the region, and now Baku and Yerevan are negotiating a permanent peace deal. Armenia, which has lambasted Moscow for failing to help it during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, is drifting closer to the West. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has suspended the country's membership in a Russian-led military alliance and announced plans to join the European Union. Recently there has also been a crackdown on the pro-Russian opposition in Armenia. Read also: Arrests, raids, beaten and bloodied suspects how Russia-Azerbaijan relations have unravelled Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Florida just made it easier for churches, synagogues and other religious organizations to build affordable housing on their land, even if local zoning rules would normally prohibit it. Supporters say the new Yes in Gods Backyard law, which went into effect July 1, opens the door to more housing in a state where rents remain sky-high and working families are struggling to stay put. But some faith leaders and housing advocates warn that legal permission alone wont solve the problem, and may shift too much responsibility onto institutions that arent equipped to do it all themselves. Heres what the new law actually does, how it could affect housing in Florida, and what renters should keep in mind as cities and faith groups figure out what comes next. Don't miss What the law allows The legislation, formally known as SB1730, gives religious institutions across Florida the right to develop affordable housing on their property, even if that land is currently zoned for something else. They no longer have to seek local zoning changes or special use permits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ensuring that religious organizations who have land on their property where their houses of worship are, that they too can bring together their resources to provide affordable housing, said state Rep. Vicki Lopez (RMiami), who presented the bill earlier this year. The idea is to reduce barriers for churches that already want to help solve the housing crisis but have been blocked by red tape. With hundreds of churches and synagogues owning land across Florida, often in central, well-connected neighborhoods, that could mean new housing opportunities in areas where construction has lagged. For renters, the benefits could be real but not immediate For now, the law doesnt mean construction will begin overnight. It simply clears a path for churches to build. If they have the money, the expertise and the capacity to do so. The law doesnt include state funding, tax credits, or guidance for navigating development. That leaves religious organizations on their own to secure financing, hire builders, manage timelines, and handle legal and regulatory details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why housing advocates and some pastors say the policy, while helpful, isnt a silver bullet for affordability. 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 What faith leaders are saying In St. Petersburg, Bishop Manuel Sykes of Bethel Community Baptist Church has long dreamed of building affordable senior housing on church-owned land. For years, zoning laws stood in the way. With the new law in place, he says the door is open, but the project is still a long way off. This is for people who have been here for generations, who are being driven out or basically dying out because of the current housing situation, he told Tampas 10News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Sykes cautions against putting the burden of solving the crisis on churches alone. We can help, he said. But when you have a city with all kinds of resources, hundreds of millions of dollars and nearly 100 acres, [St. Petersburg] can do a lot more, so don't push the envelope my way and make it seem like the churches are not fulfilling their roles. Sykes is part of Faith and Action for Strength Together (FAST), a coalition of dozens of local churches that has publicly pressed St. Petersburg leaders for faster and broader action on housing. In response, Mayor Ken Welch, who initially faced criticism from the group, said he would support Yes in Gods Backyard-style legislation. Now that its law, hes calling on churches to join a faith-based housing initiative to make use of it. The city did not respond to 10News further requests for comment. How this affects Florida renters The new law wont bring immediate price drops. However, it may increase the pipeline of affordable housing in areas where its desperately needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In cities like St. Petersburg, rents have climbed more than 30% for multilple years, according to Zillow data. Many long-time residents, especially seniors and fixed-income families, are being priced out of neighborhoods theyve lived in for decades. If religious institutions can successfully develop housing, it could help stabilize those communities. But without public funding or city partnerships, some churches may find the process too difficult to tackle on their own. What to watch for next Now that the law is in place, expect to see conversations shift to financing and implementation. Churches that want to build may need to partner with developers or housing nonprofits. Cities may be asked to support infrastructure or offer incentives to help projects succeed. In the meantime, renters hoping for relief should remain engaged, especially as local governments decide how much support theyre willing to provide alongside the new legal framework. What to read next Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Australian student Maisy Whitehead, now attending the University of York in the U.K., has created a new biopolymer from natural ingredients that is intended to fully replace polluting plastic packaging, the university reported. The 20-year-old entrepreneur's company, VegoPak, is intended to provide a fully sustainable plastic alternative. It's nontoxic, made from sustainable materials instead of dirty fossil fuels, and it breaks down naturally in the environment instead of polluting the water and soil with microplastics. Furthermore, VegoPak's quality standards are so high that the product can be used for health and hygiene products, as well as car parts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our goal at VegoPak is simple: to empower companies to meet their Corporate Social Responsibility aims by offering a truly sustainable bio-polymer that can seamlessly replace traditional plastics across many industries," said Whitehead, per the University of York. "We see cutting-edge innovation in materials as the best way to combat the growing global plastic crisis, and we're really excited to be launching a product that could be a game-changer in this crucial shift," she added. Whitehead credited the university itself with many of the skills she used for the project. "Setting up the business has enabled me to put the skills I am learning through my BSc in Business and Management into practice," she said. "I also used the University's Green Chemistry plant to test my product and verify its chemical structure and was impressed by the thorough service and rapid turnaround times." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If successful, her project could greatly reduce plastic pollution. Given how easily microplastics end up in our food and water, plastic pollution threatens human health. "I am deeply committed to finding a real solution to the pervasive plastic waste problem," Whitehead told the University of York. "With estimates indicating that around [440 million tons] of plastic waste are generated annually, the urgency for effective solutions has never been greater," she added. "My ultimate aim is for my bio-polymer to completely replace all traditional plastics. Its non-toxic nature, full biodegradability, and potential for mass production make it a really unique product." Do you think we use too much plastic in America? Definitely Only some people Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. 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. In a pointed remark aimed at China, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasised the distinct identity of the Dalai Lama's institution, Gaden Phodrang Trust, saying that "China has nothing to do with the institution", it is rooted in Tibet and revered by the people of the Himalayan belt. Arunachal Pradesh CM is in Dharamshala, attending the Dalai Lama's birthday eve celebrations Speaking to ANI, "China doesn't have a field to comment on His Holiness' institution, because obviously I believe that Buddhism is there in China, but the Dalai Lama institution is not there, that is in Tibet, and all the residents of the Himalayan belt recognise it." He further emphasised that China's connection to the Dalai Lama's institution is non-existent, stating, "China has nothing to do with the institution of the Dalai Lama, because it was not there in China. It is near Tibet and its people, and the people who follow it in the Himalayan belt, it is theirs." During the event, Khandu expressed his honor in being part of the historic occasion, saying, "It is an honour for us to celebrate the 90th birthday (of the Dalai Lama), and I came here to represent especially my people of Arunachal Pradesh, to be in this historic process." Earlier, the 14th Dalai Lama shared a birthday message on X, expressing his appreciation for the celebrations being held in his honour by urging people to focus on cultivating compassion and peace of mind. In a post on X, the Dalai Lama wrote, "On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism." He humbly referred to himself as "just a simple Buddhist monk" and noted that he doesn't normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, he wished to share some thoughts on the occasion. "While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place," the Tibetan leader affirmed. Celebrations are underway in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, ahead of the 90th birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama. According to the Gregorian calendar, the Dalai Lama's birthday is officially observed on July 6. The occasion is being marked with festive spirit and devotion by Tibetan communities and followers across the region. On July 2, 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. (ANI) Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, has been leading campaigns to supplant three top officials in the Ukrainian government, the Economist reported on July 6, citing multiple anonymous officials. The story follows a corruption probe into Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov, the highest-ranking official in Ukrainian history to face such charges while still in office. According to the Economist's sources, Yermak was a driving force behind the investigation. Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky's close friend and chief adviser, spurred on the Chernyshov probe while also renewing attempts to replace Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) , and Prime Ministery Denys Shmyhal, three unnamed officials told the Economist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no evidence that Yermak ordered an investigation into Chernyshov, the Economist reports, but officials told the outlet that he influenced the case by allowing it to progress while freezing other investigations. Chernyshov ran afoul of Yermak by offering himself as an alternative liaison to Washington, the officials claimed. His removal would also reportedly clear the way for Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, a Yermak protege, to assume the role of Prime Minister in the event of Shmyhal's dismissal. Rumors of a government reshuffle unseating Shmyhal have circulated for months. Ukrainian media reported last summer that Zelensky was considering replacing the prime minister with Svyrydenko. While several key officials were replaced in a reshuffle in September 2024, Shmyhal kept his post. Chernyshov, too, has said he will not step down from his role as deputy prime minister despite the ongoing corruption probe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports of imminent dismissal have also periodically surrounded Budanov, Ukraine's spy chief. Budanov has rejected such rumors as "Russian propaganda" in the past. Sources told the Economist that Yermak was leading another effort to oust Budanov in June 2025. According to the outlet, warnings from the White House not to fire Budanov may have helped secure his position. Politico reported in June that U.S. officials, particularly those working in the Trump administration, found Yermak's diplomatic style abrasive and off-putting, potentially risking U.S.-Ukrainian relations at a critical time. Read also: Ukraine imposes sanctions on Russian financial, cryptocurrency schemes Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported that most of the "hundreds of people" who returned home during prisoner exchanges with Russia in June had been in captivity since 2022. Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram Quote: "Our young people, the defenders of Mariupol, those who held the line in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv and Kyiv oblasts. People who were wounded and seriously ill. Some had been considered missing in action. Most of them had been in captivity since 2022." Details: Zelenskyy also mentioned that civilians returned home as well as military personnel. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Sweden has decided to provide Ukraine with a new package of defence assistance. Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address on 5 July Quote: "I also want to praise Sweden today: there is a decision on a new defence support package. Thank you, Sweden!" Details: Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine is actively working with Germany to accelerate decisions on strengthening air defence and expressed gratitude to Latvia for its recently provided defence package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 1 July 2025, the Latvian government approved the transfer of 42 Patria 6x6 armoured personnel carriers and other military equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces to support their defence against Russian aggression. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that he had a "very important and productive" phone call with President Donald Trump. The two leaders discussed how Ukrainian air defenses might be strengthened, possible joint weapons production between the U.S. and Ukraine, and broader U.S-led efforts to end the war with Russia, according to a statement by Zelenskyy. "I had a very important and fruitful conversation with @POTUS," Zelenskyy wrote on X. "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 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." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy said he and Trump "discussed the current situation, including Russian airstrikes and the broader frontline developments." Trump Shares Sympathetic Exchange With Ukrainian Journalist Whose Husband Is Fighting In War "President Trump is very well informed, and I thank him for his attention to Ukraine," he continued. "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. 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. 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." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked by reporters aboard Air Force One late Friday, Trump said he and Zelenskyy had "a very good call, I think a very strategic call." "Well, we've been helping them, and we'll continue to help them," Trump said of the Ukrainians. "It's a pretty tough situation. We'll see what happens. I told you I was very unhappy with my call with President Putin. And it just seems like he wants to go all the way and just keep killing people. No good. It's not good. I was unhappy with him." When asked if the U.S. would sell more Patriot missiles to Ukraine, Trump said, "Yeah, we might. We're looking at it." "They need them for defense. I don't want to see people killed. They're going to need them for defense. They're amazingly effective," Trump said. "They're going to need something because they're being hit pretty hard." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if he threatened Putin with sanctions personally, Trump said, "We talk about sanctions a lot, yeah." "I would say he's not thrilled with it," Trump said. "He's been able to handle sanctions, but these are pretty biting sanctions. No, we talk about sanctions a lot. And he understands that it may be coming, and, you, know, he's a professional." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds a press conference at Marselisborg Castle on July 3, 2025, in Aarhus, Denmark. Zelenskyy Pointedly Thanks Trump, America For Ukraine Support Months After Vance's Jab About Lack Of Gratitude The U.S. has paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defense missiles, out of concern for U.S. stockpiles following the Israel-Iran conflict. Ukraines main European backers are considering how they can help pick up the slack. Zelenskyy says plans are afoot to build up Ukraines domestic arms industry, but scaling up will take time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he had also discussed Ukraine's request for Patriot missiles with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, but they have not yet made a decision. "No, we did talk about it, though, and he feels, you know, they have to be protected. He's a strong guy, and smart, very smart man," Trump said of Merz. Trump had said early Friday that he was "very disappointed" by his phone call with Putin, adding: "I don't think he's looking to stop, and that's too bad." Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting on the development of "new regions" annexed from Ukraine, at the Kremlin, on June 30, 2025, in Moscow. Putin's aide, Yuri Ushakov, released a summary of what he said was a nearly hour-long conversation between Trump and Russia's leader. It said Putin told Trump that Russia would "not back down from its goals" regarding the Ukraine war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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," Moscow's readout said. "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." Russia has been stepping up its long-range attacks on Ukraine. Waves of drones and missiles targeted Kyiv overnight Thursday into Friday in the largest aerial assault since Russias invasion of Ukraine began. Ukraine said it struck a Russian air base on Saturday, while Russia's stepped-up bombing campaign has dashed hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the more than three-year-old war. Ukraines military General Staff said that Ukrainian forces had struck the Borisoglebsk air base in Russias Voronezh region, describing it as the home base of Russias Su-34, Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox News' Sarah Tobianski, Lucas Tomlinson and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Zelenskyy touts 'fruitful' Trump call after US president was 'disappointed' by Putin talk President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that next week will be crucial for Ukraine, with new agreements on defence and recovery expected with its partners. Source: Zelenskyy in his address on the evening of Sunday 6 July, as reported by European Pravda Quote from Zelenskyy: "We are preparing new solutions and new agreements with partners that will make Ukraine stronger. Both in defence and in recovery." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Ukrainian leader added that decisions to restore justice are expected. "Next week will be largely devoted to Ukraines recovery, to new agreements with partners, and largely to the restoration of justice," he said. Background: Next week, on 10-11 July, a conference on Ukraine's recovery will be held in Rome. On 9 July, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is set to deliver its ruling in the case of Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia on 9 July. The case concerns serious human rights violations committed in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas and during Russias war against Ukraine. Additionally, during the British-French summit on 10 July, a meeting of the coalition of the willing will be held, with President Zelenskyy joining online from Rome. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Jul. 5Central New Mexico Community College will be welcoming its first-ever quantum boot camp in a new training lab come fall. CNM partnered with Sandia National Laboratories to start providing a twice-a-year quantum technician boot camp, launching around October. Students will leave the 10-week course with an academic certificate recognized by employers. One of the goals of the boot camp is to churn out a quantum technician workforce as New Mexico strives to brand itself as a quantum hub. The state has already attracted major companies like Colorado-based Quantinuum and has a place in the regional initiative Elevate Quantum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Those skills will prepare them for jobs that are here today," CNM Professor Brian Rashap said. He'll be one of the instructors of the boot camp. The CNM course also makes learning about quantum systems more accessible, which quantum physicist and CNM technical staffer Megan Ivory said are complex, expensive and difficult to maintain. The program doesn't require previous math or science knowledge or prerequisites, since it's independent of a college degree track. "The idea here was, let's create something where students can come (and) maybe they don't have a fully operating quantum computer, but they have a lot of the components that go into it," Ivory said, "so that they have those base skills for when they go into graduate school or a job." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The course will accept up to 12 students to ensure everyone can do hands-on work, Rashap said. The course will cover math and science education, equipment training such as with ultra-high vacuum or diamond quantum sensing systems and possibly the assembly of a full quantum system. "It won't be a computer," Rashap said, "but it'll be something that is quantum-ish." The program falls under CNM's Deep Dive umbrella, an initiative at the college that offers various project-based technology boot camps. Nearly all of CNM's Deep Dive students are on scholarships, Rashap said, and the quantum program is eligible for tuition aid through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. Funding for the quantum technician course and its equipment is coming from Elevate Quantum, the state's national labs, Intel Corp. and the U.S. Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lab that CNM created for the boot camp called the Quantum Learning Lab, or QuLL (pronounced "cool") could also be available for other uses in the summer when the program isn't running. Rashap proposed letting students studying fields like engineering at other schools use the lab and its equipment. Applications will open for the quantum technician boot camp in July, though anyone interested in getting more information can sign an online interest form at deepdivecoding.com/quantum/. Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome from the Indian community upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro for a four-day visit to Brazil during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a State Visit. The members of the Indian diaspora performed traditional dances and folk songs to welcome the Indian PM in Rio de Janeiro. Most notably, a dance performance based on the theme of Operation Sindoor with 'ye desh nhi mitne dunga' echoing in the venue. A Brazilian music group also performed devotional music, showcasing India's rich cultural and spiritual values. PM Modi has arrived in Brazil on a four-day visit during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a State Visit. During the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit (July 6-7), Prime Minister Modi will exchange views on key global issues, including peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. According to the official statement, the Prime Minister is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. For the State Visit to Brazil, the Prime Minister will travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula on the broadening of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health and people to people linkages. Earlier, Members of the Indian Diaspora, who were waiting to meet PM Modi, expressed their enthusiasm over his visit, calling it a privilege to welcome the PM. "I am from Gujarat... I have been living in Brazil for a long time. We are very excited and feel privileged and honoured to welcome our Prime Minister today," Vijay Solanki, a member of the Indian diaspora, said. Pooja, another member of the Indian diaspora, expressed enthusiasm and said, "I am from Gujarat, and I have been living in Brazil for the last three years. I am very excited to meet him." PM Modi arrived in Brazil after concluding his visit to Argentina, where he held a bilateral meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei. After Brazil, PM Modi will head to Namibia on July 9 and also address its parliament.PM Modi began his five-nation, eight-day tour (July 2 till July 9) on Wednesday from Ghana. From Ghana, the prime minister went to the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, and then to Argentina. (ANI) New Delhi: Marking his 40th birthday with a bang, Ranveer Singh dropped the much-anticipated first look of his upcoming film Dhurandharand the internet cant keep calm. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the teaser showcases Ranveer in a never-before-seen ruthless and intense avatar, marking a thunderous return after a year-long break from the big screen. The over two-minute teaser opens with Ranveer in an unrecognisable, menacing look, unleashing raw energy and intensity that instantly sets the tone for this gritty action drama. His transformation has left fans stunned and has reignited the buzz around his stature as one of the most powerful performers in the country. Ranveer Singh is back and how, exclaimed one user on X, echoing the sentiment of countless others. The phrase beast mode is trending, as fans are in awe of the actors fierce screen presence and magnetic energy. Joining Ranveer in Dhurandhar is a stellar ensemble cast featuring Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna. Their intriguing appearances in the teaser hint at a gripping narrative fuelled by powerful performances. The film also introduces rising star Sara Arjun as the female lead opposite Ranveer, adding a fresh dynamic to the story. Social media platforms lit up shortly after the teasers release, with fans and celebrities alike hailing Ranveers return as a gift to Indian cinema. Here's how the internet is reacting: RANVEER SINGH IN BEAST MODE! The #Dhurandhar First Look is HERE and its #RRR: Raw. Real. Rugged. #RanveerSingh like youve NEVER seen before intense, unstoppable, and in full-on BEAST MODE. Directed by #AdityaDhar (of #URI fame) Hitting cinemas on 5th pic.twitter.com/NcYXpVoOFz Choudhary kapil (@Kapilmalik3011) July 6, 2025 With Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh seems all set to reclaim his throne as the undisputed showman of Indian cinema. The explosive first look has not only reignited excitement among his fans but has also set the stage for one of the most talked-about releases of the year. The Shia Muslim community observed the commemoration of Imam Hussains martyrdom in the Battle of Karbala. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha participated in the procession and distributed water among mourners. Amid tight security, the 10th of Muharram, also known as Ashura, was observed in Srinagar with deep religious reverence, particularly by the Shia Muslim community. This day commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The Jammu and Kashmir administration permitted the traditional Ashura procession along the historic route from Bota Kadal to Imambara Zadibal, under strict guidelines to maintain communal harmony and public order. Thousands of mourners participated in the procession, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha joining at Bota Kadal. He distributed water and refreshments and offered a ceremonial Chaddar to the Zuljanah, symbolising solidarity and goodwill. Security arrangements were stringent, with police and civil administration ensuring safety and traffic management. The District Magistrate imposed specific conditions banning anti-national slogans, provocative symbols, or actions that could disrupt communal harmony. This marked the third consecutive year that the 10th Muharram procession was allowed in Srinagar after a 35-year ban was lifted in 2023, reflecting a broader move towards peace and normalcy in the region. The entire route of the procession was declared traffic-free and was guarded by armed personnel from the police and the CRPF. Despite a reported violation during the earlier 8th Muharram procession where legal action was taken against individuals for provocative acts. The 10th Muharram procession remained peaceful. Apart from a picture of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, no flags of any other country or organisation were seen in the procession. The large procession began from Bota Kadal in downtown Srinagar and concluded at the Imambara in Zadibal. The highlight of the procession was Zuljanah, the symbolic horse of Imam Hussain. Zuljanah holds profound significance in the Shia Muslim community as the loyal horse of Imam Hussain, who is believed to have remained faithful until the Imam's martyrdom. It is a central focus of the 10th Muharram observance in Shia Islam, representing resistance against tyranny and oppression. During Muharramparticularly on the 10th dayShia communities worldwide honor Zuljanah through processions featuring a decorated, riderless horse or its replica, symbolizing Imam Hussains martyrdom and the horses role in the battle. Zuljanah is revered as the Imams final companion when human allies had forsaken him. Shia mourners express deep affection by touching, kissing, or feeding the horse or its replica. Many also pass their children under the horse, viewing it as a means of connecting with Imam Hussains sacrifice. According to historical narratives, during the Battle of Karbala, Zuljanah shielded Imam Hussain from enemy attacks, taking arrows meant for him. After the Imams martyrdom, the bloodied and wounded horse returned to the camp to alert his family, an act symbolising unwavering devotion and sacrifice. This underscores the Shia emphasis on loyalty to the Prophets family and the importance of standing firm against injustice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday for a four-day official visit to attend the 17th BRICS Summit. Upon his arrival, the Indian diaspora warmly welcomed him with a cultural dance performance themed Operation Sindoor, paying tribute to the valour of the Indian Armed Forces. The dance, themed on Operation Sindoor, was performed to the patriotic song 'Saugandh Mujhe Iss Mitti Ki', as PM Modi stood watching, visibly moved by the tribute. Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The precision strike was carried out to avenge the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. #WATCH | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | People of the Indian diaspora perform a special cultural dance based on the theme of Operation Sindoor as they welcome PM Modi (Source: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/5fbCTBEucB ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2025 A Brazilian music group also performed devotional music, showcasing India's rich cultural and spiritual values. PM Modi also interacted with the members of the Indian diaspora as he received a grand welcome from the people of the Indian Community. BRICS Summit During the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit, which is scheduled to take place on July 6 and 7, Prime Minister Modi will exchange views on key global issues. It could include discussions on international peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. ANI reported, citing an official statement, that PM Modi is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit 2025. PM Modi In Brazil The Prime Minister will travel to Brasilia, where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula on the broadening of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people linkages. Earlier, Members of the Indian Diaspora, who were waiting to meet PM Modi, expressed their enthusiasm over his visit, calling it a privilege to welcome the PM. Speaking to ANI, Vijay Solanki, a member of the Indian diaspora, said, "I am from Gujarat... I have been living in Brazil for a long time. We are very excited and feel privileged and honoured to welcome our Prime Minister today." Pooja, another member of the Indian diaspora, expressed enthusiasm and said, "I am from Gujarat, and I have been living in Brazil for the last three years. I am very excited to meet him." PM Modi's Foreign Visit Prime Minister Modi arrived in Brazil after concluding his visit to Argentina, where he held a bilateral meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei. After Brazil, he will head to Namibia on July 9. PM Modi began his five-nation, eight-day tour on Wednesday from Ghana. From there, the Prime Minister went to the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, and then to Argentina. (with ANI inputs) The British F-35 fighter jet, which had been stranded at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram airport for several weeks due to technical problems, has been towed to a hangar, as per media reports. Meanwhile, a team of approximately 25 technical experts from the British Royal Air Force arrived in Kerala on Sunday aboard an A400M Atlas military transport aircraft to inspect the fighter jet, ANI reported, quoting sources. The team will evaluate the jet's condition to decide if it can be repaired on-site or if it must be dismantled and shipped back to the United Kingdom. Since its unscheduled landing nearly three weeks ago, the presence of the advanced stealth fighter has generated considerable public curiosity and turned into a quirky marketing trend in the state. The Kerala Tourism Department was the first to share an image of the aircraft on social media, accompanied by a humorous caption, and this was quickly followed by similar posts from Milma (Kerala's dairy cooperative), the Kerala Police, the State AIDS Control Society, and several private organizations. The British Royal Navy's F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, valued at over $110 million, has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, since June 14, 2025. The aircraft made an emergency landing due to low fuel and adverse weather conditions while operating from the UK's HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific region. 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. "A Royal Navy F-35B fighter recovered off an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of 14 June 25. Operating from a UK Aircraft Carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, it was undertaking routine flying outside Indian ADIZ with Thiruvananthapuram earmarked as the emergency recovery airfield," the Indian Air Force (IAF) said in a post on X. The IAF further stated, "On having declared a diversion off an emergency, the F-35 B was detected and identified by the IAF's IACCS network and cleared for the recovery. IAF is providing all necessary support for the rectification and subsequent return of the aircraft." Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales initially assessed the situation and determined that additional technical expertise and equipment from the UK were required. The aircraft will be moved to a maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar at the airport once the specialist equipment and the UK-based engineering team arrive. (With ANI Inputs) Torrential rains which resulted in sudden flash floods in parts of central Texas has resulted in the deaths of more than 50 people, as reported by CNN. In the backdrop to the disaster, Secretary Kristi Noem of Homeland Security assured of speedy action to rescue people. Governor of Texas signed a proclamation declaring Sunday as the Day of Prayer in Texas in response to the floods. According to CNN, in Kerr County, more than 20 girls are missing from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp located along a river that rose more than 20 feet in less than two hours. Throughout Kerr County, hundreds of people have been rescued or evacuated so far, many by helicopter, authorities said. Some areas saw a month's worth of rain in just a few hours overnight into Friday. In a post on X, late on Saturday night (local time) Noem shared that the US Coast Guard has 'saved or assisted' in saving lives of 223 people. https://x.com/Sec_Noem/status/1941564026917695526 "The number one priority right now is people- making sure we are finding them as fast as possible and are returning them to their families and throughout the process we will get into what damage was done to public infrastructure", Noem said in a video message shared on her official X account. She wrote on X, "Our hearts are with those impacted by the Central Texas floods. I thank Gov. Abbott, state officials, and the U.S. Coast Guard for their swift, heroic response." She noted that the US President is committed to deploying all federal resources to unify families, rescue the missing, and return recovered loved ones promptly. "DHS remains fully engaged, and I am in constant contact with the President -- working around the clock and providing him with real-time updates. God bless Texas", Noem wrote in her post. https://x.com/Sec_Noem/status/1941615054853456249 Sharing the spirit of resilience of Texans, Governor Greg Abbott wrote on X that the responders would continue working until every missing person is found. He also declared Sunday, July 6, as a 'Day of Prayer' in Texas in response to the floods. In a post on X, he said, "Declared this Sunday, July 6th, as a Day of Prayer in Texas in response to the floods in the Hill Country. I invite Texans to join me in prayer for the communities affected by this disaster." https://x.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1941662751601897729 https://x.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1941634638675366315 As per CNN, the Trump administration will honour a federal disaster declaration signed by Abbott to help direct relief to Texas. According to CNN, Texas Governor, Greg Abbott on Saturday signed an expanded disaster declaration, including Travis County. The county is about 130 miles northeast of hard-hit Kerr County. (ANI) As directed by a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court last week, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the probe into the murder of three BJP workers in 2019 at Sandeshkhali in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district after filing an FIR. One of the main accused in the case is now suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, who is the principal accused in the case of assault of Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel in front of his residence in January 2024. On June 30, the single-judge bench of Justice Jay Sengupta directed the CBI probe into the murder of three BJP workers, namely Pradip Mondal, Debdas Mondal and Sukanta Mondal in June 2019 and also directed the central investigating agency to start the probe after forming a special investigation team. Besides the assault of the ED officer and CAPF personnel, there are other charges against Shahjahan, including involvement in the multi-crore ration distribution case in West Bengal, sexual harassment of women, and illegal land grabbing at Sandeshkhali. He is currently in judicial custody. CBI is already probing these three cases, of assault of ED offers, sexual harassment of women, and illegal land-grabbing at Sandeshkhali. In the case of the murder of three BJP workers, Shahajahans name was in the initial charge sheet when the investigation was being carried out by the North 24 Parganas district police. However, after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the state police took over the probe, his name was removed from the charge sheet. A case was filed at the Calcutta High Court accusing the state police of shielding Shahjahan in the case and demanding a CBI probe. Finally, on June 30, the bench of Justice Sengupta ordered a CBI probe into the matter. A Delhi Metro passenger recounted a bizarre encounter at Rajiv Chowk Metro station, sharing the details of the incident on Reddit. The would-be scammer attempted to swindle him out of Rs. 570, citing bank server issues, but the passenger's vigilance foiled the plan. Although the amount was relatively small, falling prey to the scam could have had more serious consequences. In the Reddit post titled "Got approached by a scammer at Rajiv Chowk metro Station", the Delhi man explained the incident. While he was waiting for the metro at Rajiv Chowk station, a man who claimed to be a Capgemini employee walked up to him and asked for help, and explained that his bank's server was down and he needed Rs. 570 and promised to return the money. "So, something weird happened today while I was waiting for the metro at Rajiv Chowk. A guy in a kurta and jeans walked up to me, claiming he worked at Capgemini, Chennai. The first thing he did was ask if I knew English. I said yes, and then he showed me his PhonePe screen, saying his banks server was down and he urgently needed Rs. 570. He promised to return the money as soon as the server was back up," the post read. How Did Delhi Man Save Himself From Scam? The metro rider said that while he was processing the information, certain details set off his alarm. "While I was processing all this, I noticed his nails were overgrown and not cleandefinitely not the look of a typical corporate employee. That set off my alarm bells," he added in the post. "I told him I also had an account in the same bank and would check if my server was working (spoiler: I dont have an account there). He started insisting that his branch was in Chennai, but I pointed out that bank servers are centralized, so that shouldnt matter," he continued. The post explained that the potential scammer's ID card, the one he was wearing, had no mention of any companyjust his name, a photo, and some random numbers. After noticing all this, the Reddit user walked away and told the man that he could not help him. "Be careful of people who approach you with urgent money requests and elaborate stories. Scammers are getting creative and can look convincing at first glance," he concluded the post. A Reddit user commenting on the post took a humorous approach to the matter and wrote in Hindi, "Well, what we learned in school about keeping our nails short and clean came in handy somewhere." While this highlights the Delhi Metro rider's presence of mind, it is also a cautionary tale for all. An elderly couple was killed in a suspected hit-and-run accident on the Pune-Solapur Highway near Bhigwan in Pune district on Sunday morning, a police official from Pune Rural Police said. According to the police, the deceased have been identified as Malhari Pawar (57) and Pankhabai Pawar (50), both residents of Ahilyanagar district. The couple was reportedly returning from Pandharpur after participating in the Ashadi Ekadashi pilgrimage when the accident occurred. The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. when the couple was riding their motorcycle on the highway. A speeding oil tanker allegedly rammed into their two-wheeler from behind. Malhari Pawar died on the spot, while pillion rider Pankhabai Pawar succumbed to her injuries during treatment at a private hospital. Police further stated that the tanker driver did not stop after the collision and fled the scene immediately. Local authorities and passersby rushed the injured woman to the hospital, but she could not be saved. The entire incident was also captured on CCTV footage. According to Vinod Mahangade, Assistant Police Inspector posted at Bhigwan Police Station, "A case has been registered at the Bhigwan Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act against the unidentified tanker driver. Police teams are working to trace the vehicle involved in the incident." Further investigation is underway. National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah participated in the Muharram procession in Srinagar on the 10th of Muharram, joined by his grandsons, Zamir and Zahir Abdullah. The family took part in the Zadibal procession, where they distributed water to mourners as a mark of respect and solidarity. Abdullah expressed solidarity with the Shia community, emphasising the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (AS) and the values of peace, brotherhood, and gratitude taught by Islam. He also highlighted the message of Karbala as a stand against tyranny and evil. In a strong message of unity, Dr. Abdullah said, "Message of solidarity with Islamic world, Palestine, and Iran for the Islamic war they are fighting Muslims should unite against all evil that's the only way world will see peace. Islam teaches peace brotherhood and thats the message which is carried. Thats what imam Hussain gave the message to fight against tyranny and evil that's what Karbala is about. Karbala gave hope that we will stand against all odds and nothing will beat Islam Dr. Abdullah's call for unity is rooted in the belief that Islam inherently promotes peace and brotherhood, and that collective resistance to injustice is essential for achieving global harmony. The Goa Lokayukta, the state's anti-corruption ombudsman, has been rendered non-functional for the past six months, leaving approximately 20 anti-corruption cases in limbo. The key institution has been without a chief since the tenure of Justice (retd) Ambadas Joshi concluded in December 2024, resulting in significant delays in addressing public grievances. Despite the Directorate of Vigilance writing to the Chief Secretary in February to initiate the shortlisting of retired high court judges for the position, sources indicate that no concrete progress has been made. "The Vigilance Department has not got any communication from the government on the appointment of new Lokayukta. The government has to shortlist the candidates, based on which concurrence of the High Court is sought," informed sources close to the development. The appointment process requires a three-member committee, comprising the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, to finalize the selection once a suitable candidate is identified. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao confirmed the stagnation, stating, "There is no development on it so far. Will be raising the matter with the Chief Minister shortly." The @BJP4Goa, which gave a 'mantra' of zero tolerance to corruption, appears to be deliberately delaying the appointment of a new Lokayukta following the end of Justice (Retd) Ambadas Joshi's tenure in December 2024. Notably, Justice Joshi's appointment came after a six-month gap pic.twitter.com/vKqXJfisGy Yuri Alemao (@Yurialemao9) June 27, 2025 While the Lokayukta office continues to accept corruption-related complaints from citizens, it is currently unable to proceed with investigations or actions due to the absence of an appointed Lokayukta. This is not the first instance of a prolonged delay in appointing the head of the anti-corruption body in Goa. Justice Joshi himself was appointed in April 2021, succeeding Justice (retd) P.K. Misra, whose term ended in September 2020, leaving 75 cases pending at that time. Before Joshi's appointment, Justice (retd) U.V. Bakre had initially been shortlisted but withdrew his consent in March 2021 citing personal reasons. Most of the currently pending cases reportedly involve corruption in illegal constructions and the issuance of various permissions. Before the end of his term, Justice Misra had highlighted the perceived weaknesses in Goa's Lokayukta Act, noting that it lacked the robust powers enjoyed by its counterparts in states like Karnataka and Kerala. Goa's first Lokayukta, Justice (retd) Sudershan Reddy, had also resigned within seven months of his 2013 appointment, citing personal reasons, leading to a nearly three-year vacancy before Justice Misra's appointment in April 2016. To facilitate appointments, the State government had amended the Lokayukta Act in 2021, allowing for the appointment of retired high court judges after facing difficulties in securing retired Supreme Court judges or High Court chief justices for the post. Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Sunday strongly criticised the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar following the murder of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna's upscale Gandhi Maidan area. "If such an incident happens in a posh locality of Patna, then we can only imagine what is happening in villages," Chirag Paswan, who is part of the NDA government, said. It is worrying to see such incidents occur under a government that was known for good governance; then the opposition will have a chance to speak up. Strict action needs to be taken to set a precedent so that such a thing is not repeated, Paswan said, Hindustan Times reported. Earlier, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly alleged that hundreds of businessmen are being killed in Bihar, but we can't call it "Jungle Raj". "Hundreds of businessmen are being murdered in Bihar every month, but we can't call it jungle raj? Because this is what the scriptures call media management, perception management, and image management", Tejashwi Yadav wrote on 'X' in Hindi. Earlier today, RJD leader Mrtiyunjay Tiwari slammed the Bihar government over the murder of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna, alleging that the state has "descended into lawlessness" under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership. The RJD leader stated that Nitish Kumar is no longer fit to remain the Chief Minister of Bihar. "Nitish Kumar is no longer fit to remain on the Chief Minister's chair even for a moment. Bihar has descended into a state of lawlessness... Only the departure of this government will bring good to Bihar", Mrityunjay Tiwari, ANI said. Meanwhile, the Bihar Police have set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the murder case. Patna Central SP will head the SIT. (With ANI inputs) As the X handle of the international news agency Reuters is currently inaccessible to Indian users, the Centre has denied any role in the same and said that there has been no requirement from the Indian Government and that work is going on with the social media platform owned by Elon Musk to resolve the issue. ANI quoted an official spokesperson of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology as saying, "There is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold the Reuters handle. We are continuously working with 'X' to resolve the problem." "There is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold the Reuters handle. We are continuously working with 'X' to resolve the problem," says the Official Spokesperson, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2025 This clarification by the Indian government comes after the official handle of the organisation was withheld in India. The page of Reuters on the social media platform currently shows 'Account Withheld'. Users who attempted to access the Reuters account in India encountered the message, @ Reuters has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand. The X handles of Turkiye's TRT, China's Global Times also encountered the same Account Withheld message. IANS reported, citing officials familiar with the matter, that the only request for blocking Reuters' X account was issued on May 7, during the Indian Armed Forces Operation Sindoor that was launched against Pakistan following the massacre of 26 Indian tourists in Pahalgam. Although several accounts were blocked due to national security reasons, no action was implemented to block the Reuters handle on X despite the government order, the official added. It appears that X may have mistakenly enforced the outdated order. What Is Account Withheld? On its help centre page, the X explains that such messages about country withheld content mean that X was compelled to withhold the entire account specified or posts in response to a valid legal demand, such as a court order or local laws. If you see the above message, it means X withheld content based on local law(s) in response to a report filed through specific support intake channels, the social media platform explained. Reportedly, Reuters had earlier confirmed the development, saying it was seeking more information on why its handle was blocked in India. However, after the Centres clarification on the matter, the agency has not issued any statement yet. Despite the block on Reuters' main and Reuters World handles, several affiliated accounts, including Reuters Tech News, Reuters Fact Check, Reuters Asia, and Reuters China, remain accessible within India. (with ANI inputs) Bageshwar Dham Sarkar Acharya Dhirendra Krishna Shastri on Sunday said that his only dream is to see 'Bhagwa-e-Hind' (Saffron India). He said he would defend his religion if attacked, as he is a Hindu and supports Hindutva. He said he has no problem with any religion, including Islam and Christianity, but is concerned about Hindus who create divisions based on caste. Addressing the people at Sanatan Mahakumbh, Dhirendra Shastri said, "My only dream is Bhagwa-e-Hind. If my religion is attacked, I will retaliate, as I am Hindu and I talk only about Hindutva. I have no problem with any religion, be it Muslims or Christians, but we have issues with those Hindus who divide us on caste, ANI quoted. He also clarified that he is not in Bihar for the elections. I will do a pad yatra in Bihar post legislative elections for those who think that I am here for any party or election. But, I belong to every party that has Hindus," ANI quoted Shastri as saying. The Election Commission of India has not yet announced the official dates. The 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election for all 243 constituencies is expected to be held in October or November 2025. In a related development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday said that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar is being implemented smoothly at the ground level with the active cooperation of the electors. "The initial phase of SIR, during which Enumeration forms were to be printed and distributed, is almost complete with the forms having been made available to all the electors who were available," read a statement from the poll panel. ECI also reiterated that SIR is being conducted as per the SIR instructions dated June 24, 2025 and there is no change in the instructions. As per instructions, draft electoral rolls that will be issued on 1 August 2025 will contain the names of persons whose enumeration forms are received. "The electors can submit their documents any time before July 25, 2025. After publication of draft Electoral Rolls, if any document is deficient, EROs can obtain such documents, from the electors whose name appears in the draft Electoral Rolls, during scrutiny in the Claims and Objection period," read the statement. Notably, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar underlined the importance of carrying out a revision of the electoral rolls, saying that the poll panel has constantly held meetings with thousands of representatives of political parties, who had expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the electoral rolls. (With ANI Inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said there should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists, asserting that victims of terrorism and its supporters cannot be equated. PM Modi added that silent support or approval of terrorism for personal or political gains should be considered unacceptable. There must be absolutely no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. We cannot weigh victims of terrorism and its supporters on the same scale. Any silent support or approval to terrorism for personal or political interests must be unacceptable, PM Modi said. PM Modi was speaking at the Session on Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance during the BRICS Summit. Describing terrorism as one of the most serious threats to humanity, Prime Minister Modi referred to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam as inhuman and cowardly. He also called the attack an assault on all of humanity. Terrorism is among the most serious challenges facing humanity. Recently, India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. This was an attack on all of humanity, PM Modi said. On April 22, Pakistan-backed terrorists carried out a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, killing 26 innocent tourists. During the Summit, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's commitment to the values of peace and brotherhood. At the Session on Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance during the BRICS Summit, reiterated Indias commitment to the values of peace and brotherhood. Afterall, world peace and security are the foundations of our shared interests and future, PM Modi said. Prime Minister Modi added that no matter how difficult the circumstances, the path of peace is the best option for the welfare of humanity and India will make every possible effort in this direction. India, being the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha believes that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, the path of peace is the best option for the welfare of humanity. And, India will do everything possible in this direction, PM Modi said. Prime Minister Modi reached Brazil earlier today as part of the fourth stop on his five-country tour, following the conclusion of a landmark visit to Argentina on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived here in Brazil on a four-day visit, during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a state visit. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at the Galeao International Airport on Saturday evening (local time). The Prime Minister's visit came at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva. This is the fourth leg of his five-nation visit. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said: "Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I will take part in the BRICS Summit and later go to their capital, Brasilia, for a state visit on the invitation of President Lula. Hoping for a productive round of meetings and interactions during this visit." "Committed to BRICS partnership! PM @narendramodi lands in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit. #BRICS2025," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. PM Modi arrived in Brazil from Argentina, where he held wide-ranging talks with President Javier Milei and agreed to diversify two-way trade and ramp up cooperation in defence, critical minerals, pharmaceutical, energy and mining sectors. During his visit, PM Modi will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7, followed by a state visit, for which he will travel to Brasilia. It will be the first bilateral visit to the country by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. The BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been expanded to include five additional members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, making it one of the most influential alliances of emerging economies worldwide. This is PM Modi's fourth visit to Brazil. The Prime Minister is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. For the State Visit to Brazil, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula da Silva on the broadening of the strategic partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health and people-to-people linkages. In a statement before leaving for the five-nation tour, PM Modi said that as a founding member of BRICS, India is committed to the bloc as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. "Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order," he said. Prior to Brazil, Prime Minister Modi visited Ghana on July 2-3 at the invitation of President John Dramani Mahama, where he also addressed the country's Parliament. On July 3-4, he travelled to Trinidad and Tobago, meeting President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Argentina was his next destination, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 57 years. The last leg of PM Modi's five-nation tour will be to Namibia. Assyrian Organizations in Wiesbaden Hold Vigil to Honor Victims of Syria Church Bombing Wiesbaden, Germany -- Members of the Syriac (Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian) community in Germany gathered on Saturday for a vigil in Wiesbaden's central square to honor the martyrs of the June 22 terrorist attack that targeted the Mar Elias Greek (Rum) Orthodox Church in the Douileh neighborhood of Daramsuq (Damascus), Syria. The vigil, held at 6:00 p.m., brought together representatives of churches, political parties, and community organizations. Attendees lit candles and offered prayers for the souls of the martyrs. During the event, several community figures -- including Rita Massoud, Moriel Thomas, Ibrahim Kizilgoz, Sabri Alkan, Tony Bahho, and Mina Ghattas -- delivered speeches on behalf of their respective organizations. They condemned the attack as a heinous crime clearly aimed at the Christian presence in Syria and described it as a terrorist assault on peaceful worshippers. Amid rising hostility toward Christians in Syria, participants called for concrete measures to ensure the safety of Christians and other minorities, as well as the protection of their places of worship. They urged authorities to take serious action to halt ongoing terrorist attacks and organized crimes threatening their existence in the country. Parallel demonstrations and religious services were also held in Syria -- particularly in Daramsuq (Damascus) and Latakia -- where Syriac communities, along with patriarchs, church leaders, and religious figures from diverse Syrian backgrounds, demanded accountability for the attack and prayed for the victims' souls. Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) P Kumaran, in a special briefing on Saturday (local time) said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the President of Argentina, Javier Milei for their support to India during the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Kumaran said that this visit is expected to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the nations. "The prime minister thanked President Milei for extending strong support following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam in India's Jammu and Kashmir and appreciated Argentina's solidarity during this difficult time," he said. Kumaran said that the visit will help explore new avenues of cooperation across a wide range of sectors. "It is expected that the visit will further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Argentina and allow us to explore new avenues of cooperation across a wide range of sectors. These particularly include trade and investment, health and pharmaceuticals, defence and security, infrastructure, mining and mineral resources, agriculture and food security, green energy, information and communication technologies, digital innovation, disaster management, science and technology, education, and people-to-people linkages," he said. He further said that Milei hosted Prime Minister Modi for lunch and held talks on wide-ranging issues. "Just before we came in, President Milei hosted a lunch for the prime minister, and they had a chance to have a freewheeling discussion on a number of issues that were discussed between the two delegations. Let me try and briefly give a sense of what the conversation touched upon," he said. "The prime minister emphasised that India and Argentina share democratic values and therefore they are natural partners and that we should use that to expand our cooperation to greater heights in the future," he added. President Milei thanked Prime Minister Modi for his historic visit to Argentina. The Prime Minister invited President Milei to visit India at a mutually convenient time. PM Modi met Milei on Saturday (local time). (ANI) Ahead of the Bihar Assembly election, Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha on Sunday challenged the Election Commission of India's (ECI) move of immediate implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Supreme Court, ANI reported. On behalf of RJD, its MP Manoj Jha has challenged the Election Commission of India's (ECI) move in the Supreme Court few months ahead of election. Earlier, on Sunday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said that Special Intensive Revision in Bihar is being implemented smoothly at the ground level with the active cooperation of the electors. "The initial phase of SIR, during which Enumeration forms were to be printed and distributed, is almost complete with the forms having been made available to all the electors who were available," read a statement from the poll panel. ECI also repeated that SIR is being conducted as per the SIR instructions dated June 24, 2025 and there is no change in the instructions. According to the instructions, draft electoral rolls that will be issued on 1 August 2025 will contain the names of persons whose enumeration forms have been received. "The electors can submit their documents any time before July 25, 2025. After publication of draft Electoral Rolls, if any document is deficient, EROs can obtain such documents, from the electors whose name appears in the draft Electoral Rolls, during scrutiny in the Claims and Objection period," read the statement. New Delhi: A 19-year-old man has been arrested in Mumbai following the alleged murder of his 16-year-old former partner, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the city. Police say the incident stems from a same-sex teenage relationship that ended in tragedy, with the younger teen reportedly poisoned after consuming a cold drink laced with a harmful substance. According to an NDTV report, the victims father filed a police complaint stating that his son left home for a walk on June 29 and did not return. After a night of searching, a friend revealed that the boy had been seen at the residence of the 19-year-old accused. The family rushed to the accuseds home, where they found the minor lying unresponsive in bed, with the accused sitting beside him. When efforts to wake the boy failed, a doctor was called in and declared him dead. The family then approached local authorities, leading to a formal investigation. According to investigators, the accused had allegedly offered a cold drink to the victim, after which the teenager began vomiting and died shortly after. The exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed, pending the results of a forensic examination, NDTV reported. Preliminary findings suggest a motive linked to emotional distress. Police sources claim that the two had previously traveled to Nagpur together without the knowledge or consent of the victims parents. Upon return, the parents intervened and warned their son to end all contact with the accused. Following this, the victim reportedly cut off communication. Investigators now believe the accused, upset over the breakup and emotional rejection, may have planned the murder. He is suspected of luring the minor to his home under the pretext of reconciliation and then administering the poisoned drink. The accused has been arrested and remains in police custody. Authorities are awaiting the forensic report to establish the exact sequence of events and determine the next legal steps. A day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin extended support to Uddhav and Raj Thackeray in their fight against Hindi imposition, Uddhav Sena MP Sanjay Raut clarified that the Thackeray brothers' stance is only against Hindi imposition in primary schools. "The Southern states have been fighting for this issue for years. Their stand against the imposition of Hindi means they will not speak Hindi and neither let anyone speak Hindi. But that is not our stand in Maharashtra. We speak Hindi... Our stand is that the strictness for Hindi in primary schools will not be tolerated. Our fight is limited to this, ANI quoted Raut as saying. Raut said Uddhav Senas stance on language policy is different from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalins, as the party is only opposed to the imposition of Hindi in primary education. MK Stalin has congratulated us on this win of ours and said that he will learn from this. We wish him the best. But we haven't stopped anyone from speaking in Hindi because we have Hindi movies, Hindi theatre, and Hindi music here... Our fight is only against imposition of Hindi in primary education... Yes, the two brothers have come together for politics, but what have they come together for?" ANI quoted Raut as saying. On Saturday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin welcomed the reunion of estranged cousins Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray over the Maharashtra governments withdrawal of orders implementing the three-language policy. Stalin's remarks came after Uddhav and Raj Thackeray appeared together in public for the first time in 20 years to celebrate the move. The cousins shared the stage, embraced, and declared that the "distance" between them was now gone. In a post on X, Stalin said, The language rights struggle, waged generation after generation by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the people of Tamil Nadu to defeat Hindi imposition, has now transcended state boundaries and is swirling like a storm of protest in Maharashtra. Praising Uddhav Thackeray, Chief Minister Stalin said, "The enthusiasm and powerful oratory of the victory rally held today in Mumbai under the leadership of brother #UddhavThackeray against Hindi imposition fills us with immense excitement," Stalin said in the post. Dharamshala: 'Norman' fame actor Richard Gere attended the 90th birthday celebrations of the Tibetan spiritual leader, 14th Dalai Lama, at Dharamshala on Sunday. On this occasion, the Hollywood actor Richard Gere, who is also a practising Buddhist, met the 14th Dalai Lama and received blessings from the Tibetan spiritual leader. He kissed the Dalai Lama's hand in admiration and respect as he bowed down to the Tibetan spiritual leader. The actor was seen sitting behind the Dalai Lama. Gere was joined by other dignitaries for the birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama. The guests were entertained by a traditional dance by the Tibetan community and the followers of the Dalai Lama. The dance marked a joyous celebration of the 14th Dalai Lama's birthday. Meanwhile, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati on Sunday morning to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The occasion was marked by solemn rituals, long-life prayers, and symbolic offerings led by a young boy monk, Nawang Tashi Rapten, recognised as the reincarnation of the Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. The boy monk also cut a ceremonial cake as part of the celebrations, offering prayers for the spiritual leader's long life. Speaking to ANI on the significance of the day, Tibetan Buddhist monk Kunga Lama expressed both joy and reverence. "As a Tibetan Buddhist, I would say this celebration of the birthday of the Dalai Lama is not only a celebration, but also he is the identity of the Tibetan community, Tibetan unity, monks, and the leader of the whole culture of peace and compassion," Kunga Lama said. "It is our responsibility to carry out what he says as Buddhists. As I already said, he is the identity of the Tibetan community. Another thing I would like to say is that he has always been a guide to the world with compassion and love. Most of us follow his way, what he preaches," he added. He continued, "We are offering prayers here for the long life of the Dalai Lama and also for those who are suffering in the whole of Himachal due to flooding, and also those suffering all around the world. We are trying to follow the Dalai Lama's path. Definitely, it's not only important for me; the Dalai Lama has to continue the lineage not just for me but for the whole world." "The little boy monk here is not only an ordinary monk; he is the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, who will be the head of the Nyingma school in the future. He just offered prayers and cut the cake for the long life of the Dalai Lama. On one hand, it is a happy moment for us; on the other, I cannot fully express it, as he is growing old, but we depend on hope," The Buddhist monk added further. The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso. The term "Dalai Lama" is Mongolian, meaning "Ocean of Wisdom". In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion. For over six decades, His Holiness has been a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, continuing to inspire millions worldwide. Celebrations were held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, with many also expressing hope that the Dalai Lama's lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the future. We know about the brutality that took place in Jallianwala Bagh, but just 62 years before this incident, another massacre was committed by the British. The facts of which are also slowly coming to the fore. Watch what happened to 282 Indian warriors at Ajnala in Amritsar. PM Modi arrived in Brazil, where he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a state visit. The BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been expanded to include five additional members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The Prime Minister is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. Russia Vs Ukraine War Update: In the midst of the Russia-Ukraine war, there has once again been news of a missile attack on Ukraine. Russia has done a missile attack in the Kostiantynivka area of Ukraine. About 17 people have died in this attack and many have been reported injured. There have been several instances when people who died unnaturally left behind cryptic posts. Whether they were aware of their fate or what prompted them to post such stuff online remains a mystery. In fact, investigations in these cases have not yielded any concrete results. In one such instance, a hiker who died by falling from a cliff had sent a heartbreaking message to a relative at the start of the trip. The Brazilian hiker died in Indonesia while trekking on an active volcano. Identified as Juliana Marins, the hiker was trekking with a group on June 21. She remained trapped for four days before rescuers discovered her dead. According to A New York Post report, she was a publicist and pole dancer from Brazil. The hiker's journey to the Philippines began with a heartfelt message to her mother, telling her she loved her and expressing the heartbreak she felt after their goodbye. "Mami, I love you so much. I was heartbroken when we said goodbye. In fact, that's the only thing that worries me: letting you, papi or my sister be disappointed. Other than that, I'm not afraid of much, much less trouble," she wrote. A 26-year-old hiker tragically fell 490 feet down a cliff on an Indonesian volcano, according to local officials. The incident occurred around 6:30 AM. Despite initial screams for help, drone footage confirmed she was still alive after the fall, The New York Post reported. However, thick fog and other challenging conditions hampered rescue efforts. Officials noted that the hiker was stuck in soft terrain, which made a rope rescue attempt incredibly difficult. "After four days of work, hindered by unfavorable weather, terrain, and visibility conditions in the area, teams from Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency found the body of the Brazilian tourist," the Brazilian government stated. The volcano, standing over 12,000 feet tall on Indonesia's Lombok island, is a popular spot for tourists in Southeast Asia. Sadly, it has been the site of previous fatalities, including a Malaysian visitor just last month. New Delhi: A banquet lit up Tehran. It was the last night of 1977. Lights, laughter and toasts. The then U.S. President Jimmy Carter raised his glass. His words painted a picture. Iran, he said, stood like an island calm in chaos and stable in fire. Mohammad Reza Shah smiled. But behind that smile, fires smouldered. The man sitting on Irans throne had not earned it in a simple way. His son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was handed power when Allied forces pushed the elder Shah aside during the Second World War. Nazi ties had made the old man a threat. Oil mattered more than loyalty. British and Soviet boots sealed the decision. The young Shah lived like a prince from the West. Swiss schools. Fancy cars. Lavish weekends. But his country held a treasure oil. And the West wanted it badly. The Shah played along. He proposed a split let Iran keep half the profits. But the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company refused. They did not see a partner. They saw property. Then came Mossadegh. A new face. A deep voice. He spoke of dignity. He spoke of justice. And when he took office as prime minister, he did what the Shah never dared. He took the oil back and nationalised it. Iran cheered. The West panicked. In London and Washington, phones rang. Orders were passed. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) stepped in. Money changed hands. Stories got planted. Crowds got hired. And the Shah? He had already fled. Within months, Mossadegh was out. Military officers stormed in. A new government rose. The Shah came home. This time, with a promise to make Iran rich, strong and modern. The United States stood by his side. For a while, it worked. Cities gleamed. Women walked free. Western music played in parks. But under the lights, something cracked. The wealth stayed in cities. The poor stayed poor. Projects ran wild. Costs soared. Prices jumped. Dreams dried up. In silence, the divide grew. In the countryside, old voices stirred. Religion had not gone. It had only waited. By the late 1970s, protests swept the streets. Students marched. Shops shut. Mullahs whispered louder. The Shah looked smaller. Crowds grew. Shots fired. More deaths. More marches. In January 1979, the Shah boarded a plane. He left behind a crown, a broken promise and a nation on fire. The next flight came from Paris. A different man sat inside. Black robes. White beard. Eyes like steel. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini had returned. After 16 years of exile, he came back to a country that now bowed to him. Millions lined the roads. The monarchy had ended. Iran, now, belonged to God. He was bestowed on the title of Supreme Leader. He took the power, too. The new state obeyed Islamic law. And its two enemies stood clear the United States and Israel. Soon, a group of students stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran. Dozens of Americans were taken hostage. The Ayatollah did not flinch. He called the United States the Great Satan. He called Israel a thief of sacred land. The revolution had its face. Then Saddam Hussein saw an opening. Iraq attacked. Iran fought back. The war dragged on. Eight years. Hundreds of thousands dead. Cities ruined. But the regime stood firm. The Ayatollah never gave in. Yet inside Iran, doubts grew. Some saw the mirror. They thought they had removed a king. But in his place stood another wrapped in religion and unbending in rule. By 1989, Khomeinis health failed. The question rose who next? His first choice stepped aside. In his place rose Ali Khamenei a man with less scholarly weight but firm loyalty. He took the top seat. The Constitution bent to make it fit. Power changed hands. The ideology did not. But the years ahead were not simple. Iran bled. Sanctions hit hard. Its nuclear ambitions brought global heat. Protests kept surfacing. Women asked for voice. Youth asked for jobs. People asked for food. Still, Khamenei tightened the circle. New guards rose The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij. Military muscle grew. Dissent shrank. The system became a fortress. And the outside world watched puzzled. Iran showed two faces fiercely anti-West, yet open to deals when pressure pinched. Once, after 9/11, Iran surprised the world. Candles lit up in Tehran. Crowds walked in silence. They mourned American lives. That night, even old enemies whispered condolences. But winds shift fast. By the early 2000s, conservatives took back control. Khatami, the reformist, lost ground. Ahmadinejad came in with fire. Defiance returned. Enrichment continued. Israel stayed the villain. So did America. Even now, cracks show. Young Iranians scroll social feeds. They study abroad. They speak many tongues. But their future feels trapped. Many want change. But no one leads them. Not clearly. Not loudly. Not yet. Some look to the past. Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah, speaks online. He calls for unity. For resistance. For a new Iran. But his links to the West raise eyebrows. Many remember the old throne. Few want it back. Irans story has not ended. From emperors to clerics, oil deals to digital rage and veils to slogans. The road winds on. And somewhere, deep in its heart, Iran keeps walking torn between memory, hope and the weight of its own making. New Delhi: Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, appeared in public for the first time in weeks on Saturday, taking part in a major religious ceremony in Tehran as tensions with Israel continue to rise. His appearance follows widespread reports that Khamenei had been staying in a secure location since the onset of a 12-day aerial conflict with Israel, which claimed the lives of several high-ranking Iranian officials, including military commanders and nuclear scientists. According to media reports, Iranian state television broadcast footage of Khamenei entering a ceremonial hall in Tehran where a large crowd had gathered to mark Ashura, the holiest day in the Shiite Muslim calendar. Dressed in traditional black robes, Khamenei walked into the venue, often used for major state and religious events, while attendees chanted in unison. This marks Khameneis first confirmed public appearance since hostilities with Israel began on June 13. In the early days of the conflict, he refrained from attending public events, opting instead to deliver pre-recorded speeches, including his annual address during key religious observances. His absence had fueled speculation about his whereabouts and health, particularly as security concerns mounted. Iranian authorities later stated that the decision to limit his public visibility was a precautionary measure due to the intensifying regional conflict. The confrontation between Iran and Israel, characterized by targeted airstrikes and covert operations, has raised fears of broader regional escalation. Despite the ongoing threats and retaliatory actions, Irans leadership has sought to project resilience in the face of growing international scrutiny. Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed unique cultural performances upon his arrival in Brazil. Brazil is the fourth country in his five-nation visit. Upon arrival PM Modi was greeted by a jubilant diaspora. Members of the Indian community held a traditional dance performance on the theme of Operation Sindoor while they welcomed PM Modi. Operation Sindoor emerged as a calibrated military response to an evolving pattern of asymmetric warfare, one that increasingly targets unarmed civilians along with military personnel. The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025 served as a grim reminder of this shift. India's response was deliberate, precise, and strategic. Without crossing the Line of Control or international boundary, Indian forces struck terrorist infrastructure and eliminated multiple threats, the government in a release stated. Earlier upon landing in Brazil, PM Modi had expressed optimism towards looking forward to a set of productive meetings and interactions. He wrote on X, "Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I will participate in the BRICS Summit and then head to its capital, Brasilia, for a State visit at the invitation of President Lula. Looking forward to a productive round of meetings and interactions during this visit." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1941636062222115177 PM Modi has arrived in Brazil on a four-day visit during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a State Visit. During the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit (July 6-7), Prime Minister Modi will exchange views on key global issues, including peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. According to the official statement, the Prime Minister is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. For the State Visit to Brazil, the Prime Minister will travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula on the broadening of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health and people to people linkages. PM Modi arrived in Brazil after concluding his visit to Argentina, where he held a bilateral meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei. After Brazil, PM Modi will head to Namibia on July 9 and also address its parliament. PM Modi began his five-nation, eight-day tour (July 2 till July 9) on Wednesday from Ghana. From Ghana, the prime minister went to the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, and then to Argentina. (ANI) Israeli forces struck around 130 terror targets in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, as the military intensified its operations against Hamas and other terror groups, the Israel Defense Forces said on Sunday. Ground forces conducted raids and strikes throughout the Gaza Strip. In southern Gaza, combat teams uncovered weapons and equipment in Khan Yunis and destroyed terror tunnels in Rafah's Jenina neighborhood. In Gaza City in the northern area of the Strip, soldiers eliminated terrorists and dismantled observation posts and terror installations. Forces also destroyed an explosives depot, hit several Hamas buildings, and engaged terrorists in the areas of Jabaliya and Daraj-Tuffah. The IDF said the air force, with support from ground troops, carried out airstrikes on command centers, weapons storage sites, rocket launchers, and terrorist squads. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu and the US blamed Hamas for a grenade attack that wounded two American aid workers in southern Gaza on Saturday. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said the explosives, packed with ball bearings, were thrown at a distribution site, calling it a Hamas-led assault. Netanyahu condemned the incident as a terror attack, while Washington cited it as proof of Hamas's depravity. At least 1,180 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 50 remaining hostages, around 30 are believed to be dead. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva upon his arrival at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday to attend the 17th BRICS Leaders Summit. The two leaders exchanged handshakes and hugs ahead of the summit. Prime Minister Modi reached Brazil earlier today as part of the fourth stop on his five-country tour, following the conclusion of a landmark visit to Argentina on Saturday. This is Prime Minister Modi's fourth visit to Brazil and he is scheduled to undertake a State Visit to Brasilia following the two-day Summit. Prime Minister Modi is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. "As a founding member, India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order. On the sidelines of the Summit, I will also meet several world leaders," said PM Modi, earlier this week. "I will travel to Brasilia for a bilateral State Visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen our close partnership with Brazil, and work with my friend, President H.E. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on advancing the priorities of the Global South," he added. In the last BRICS Summit, held under Russia's chairship in Kazan in October 2024, PM Modi noted that the event was taking place at a time when the world is undergoing several uncertainties and challenges, including conflicts, adverse climatic impacts, and cyber threats, placing greater expectations upon BRICS. The Summit holds a major significance for New Delhi as India will assume the BRICS Chairship next year. India last held the BRICS Chairship in 2021, which coincided with the 15th anniversary of the grouping. India also remains committed to strengthening the voice of the Global South and championing the cause of developing countries on the global stage, including forums like BRICS. The theme of the Rio Summit is Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance. Sunday's first agenda item would be the reform of the Global Governance, where only the full members will participate. After wrapping up discussions on two more agenda items - peace and security, the strengthening of multilateralism, economic and financial affairs, and Artificial intelligence - the leaders will be participating in an official reception hosted by President Lula. On Monday, discussions will be held on the fourth item of the agenda - environment, COP30, and Global health. (With IANS Inputs) Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has officially entered the political arena, announcing the launch of his own political faction, the 'America Party' on Sunday. The move comes just a day after he teased the idea on X, the social media platform he owns. Elon Musks bold step marks the emergence of a potential third force in US politics and coincides with his escalating feud with former President Donald Trump, signaling a significant shake-up within the conservative landscape. In a post on X on Friday, July 4, which is also celebrated as America's Independence Day, Musk hinted at the idea of the America Party's creation. "Independence Day is the perfect time to ask if you want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system!" he posted. Announcing the result of the July 4 social media poll, the tech entrepreneur announced, "By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!" "Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom," Musk added. By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it! When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom. https://t.co/9K8AD04QQN Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 5, 2025 Musk-Trump Feud The Tesla CEO attended the President's Cabinet meetings and was also present during Trumps inauguration. He was also appointed chief of the DOGE department and campaigned actively for Donald Trump. However, that alliance and friendship appear to have fractured. Once close political partners, the relationship between Trump and Musk has recently taken a turn. Musk resigned from the DOGE department and has since been criticising Trump. In one striking post, he asserted, "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate Such ingratitude." President Trump also responded sharply, threatening to revoke subsidies and government contracts awarded to Musk's companies. As per IANS, acknowledging their rift publicly for the first time, President Trump said during an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, "Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore. I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot." (with IANS inputs) New Delhi: Torrential rains, which resulted in sudden flash floods in parts of central Texas, have resulted in the deaths of more than 50 people, as reported by CNN. Against the backdrop of the disaster, Secretary Kristi Noem of Homeland Security assured of speedy action to rescue people. The Governor of Texas signed a proclamation declaring Sunday as the Day of Prayer in Texas in response to the floods. According to CNN, in Kerr County, more than 20 girls are missing from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp located along a river that rose more than 20 feet in less than two hours. Throughout Kerr County, hundreds of people have been rescued or evacuated so far, many by helicopter, authorities said. Some areas saw a month's worth of rain in just a few hours overnight into Friday. In a post on X, late on Saturday night (local time), Noem shared that the US Coast Guard has 'saved or assisted' in saving the lives of 223 people. "The number one priority right now is people- making sure we are finding them as fast as possible and are returning them to their families and throughout the process we will get into what damage was done to public infrastructure", Noem said in a video message shared on her official X account. She wrote on X, "Our hearts are with those impacted by the Central Texas floods. I thank Gov. Abbott, state officials, and the U.S. Coast Guard for their swift, heroic response." She noted that the US President is committed to deploying all federal resources to unify families, rescue the missing, and return recovered loved ones promptly. "DHS remains fully engaged, and I am in constant contact with the President -- working around the clock and providing him with real-time updates. God bless Texas", Noem wrote in her post. Sharing the spirit of resilience of Texans, Governor Greg Abbott wrote on X that the responders would continue working until every missing person is found. He also declared Sunday, July 6, as a 'Day of Prayer' in Texas in response to the floods. In a post on X, he said, "Declared this Sunday, July 6th, as a Day of Prayer in Texas in response to the floods in the Hill Country. I invite Texans to join me in prayer for the communities affected by this disaster." As per CNN, the Trump administration will honour a federal disaster declaration signed by Abbott to help direct relief to Texas. According to CNN, Texas Governor, Greg Abbott on Saturday signed an expanded disaster declaration, including Travis County. The county is about 130 miles northeast of hard-hit Kerr County. Kyiv: Serhii Melnyk pulls a bloodstained metal shard from his pocket, wrapped loosely in worn paper. It is rusted, dull and rough around the edges. He holds it up to the light. This sliced my kidney. Almost reached my lungs. Came close to the heart, he says, with his eyes steady. The fragment tore into his body while he was fighting in eastern Ukraine. It came from a Russian drone blast one of the many that now rain shrapnel across the war zone. At first, Serhii did not notice. He kept fighting and thought the tightness in his chest was his flak jacket. Later, he could not breathe. Surgeons performed a surgery on him and pulled this out. Drone warfare has changed everything. Bombs are not the only threat anymore. It is the tiny pieces hot metal, jagged and flying like knives that kill slowly or suddenly. Military doctors in Ukraine say these fragments are now behind 80% of battlefield injuries. If Serhii had not been treated quickly, he would not have made it. This was like a blade. They told me I was lucky, he says. But luck had help. It came in the shape of a pen-sized device with a magnetic tip. It is called the magnetic extractor. A Small Tool, A Silent Revolution Cardiac surgeon Serhii Maksymenko keeps footage of that surgery. In the video, a magnet pulls the metal fragment out of a still-beating heart. No large cuts. No mess. I made a small incision. Just enough for the magnet to slide in and grab it, he says. His team has performed 70 such operations in one year alone. The device has changed everything from battlefield trauma to survival odds. Earlier, extracting fragments meant complex surgeries larger wounds, more blood loss and higher risk. But soldiers did not have time. Field doctors did not have the resources. The war needed faster solutions. That is when a former lawyer stepped in. The Man Behind the Magnet Oleh Baikov spent years volunteering for Ukraines military. He was not a doctor, but he listened. Frontline medics told him what they needed something fast, precise and portable. Something to find and remove deadly fragments lodged inside soldiers. He worked with engineers, spoke to field doctors and tested prototypes. Together, they built the magnetic extractor. The idea was not new. Magnets were used in surgeries as far back as the Crimean War. But this version was different smaller, sharper and smarter. For abdominal injuries, they made flexible models. For bones, they reinforced the tool with stronger alloys. For narrow wounds, they crafted micro-variants. Oleh carries one with him. It looks like a stylus. But it can lift a hammer. Doctors now use it like a wand, sweeping it gently over wounds. Once a fragment sticks, they make a tiny cut. In seconds, it is out. Former military surgeon Dr David Nott calls it genius. Wars force people to invent what peace never demands, he says. The Needle in the Battlefield In war, speed matters and so does simplicity. Fragments are nearly invisible to the naked eye. Searching for them inside a wounded soldier is like chasing a shadow. Finding them is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Often, it delays treatment for everyone else, he says. And when the search involves large incisions, blood loss rises and so does the risk of infection. This tool makes it faster, cleaner and safer, he adds. Across Ukraine, it is now standard in frontline medical kits. Doctors like Andrii Elban work under shellfire, in bunkers, in makeshift clinics and sometimes without anesthesia. He has received 3,000 of these extractors for teams like his. My job is to stop bleeding, close wounds and pull soldiers back to life, he says. No Papers, Just Results The device is not certified by Ukraines health authorities. It did not go through formal trials. It could not. In war, bureaucracy waits. Soldiers cant. The Health Ministry admits it has not cleared the extractor for regular use. But in emergency zones, the rules bend. Under martial law, the battlefield decides what counts. Oleh knows the risk. If this is a crime, he laughs, I will take the blame. Jail me, but jail the doctors too. They are saving lives with it every day. Dr Nott agrees, saying, Certifications can wait but survival cannot. He believes the tool could work in other war zones too like Gaza or Sudan. In war, you do what keeps people alive. That is it, he says. A Soldier Comes Home In Lviv, Serhiis wife Yuliia holds the metal piece in her hand. Her eyes fill. This thing almost killed him. And now it sits on our shelf, she whispers. She pauses. I do not know who made that magnet. But I thank them with everything I have. Because of them, my husband came back, she says. Sometimes, miracles do not wear capes. They hide in a surgeons hand or rest in a soldiers shirt pocket cold, sharp, rusted and quietly defeated. New Delhi: Ask anyone who built the first airplane, and they will tell you the Wright brothers. But dig a little deeper; the story is not so straightforward. There has been an unspoken, and often physically violent, war over the past one hundred years between continents, cultures and claims. In the United States, the conquest and flight of Orville and Wilbur Wright, self-taught architects and bicycle mechanics, in their aircraft in 1903 is held with great pride. But in Brazil, one name often comes up Alberto Santos-Dumont. Santos-Dumont is a member of a surrounding coffee-farming family. In 1906, he piloted his machine (14-Bis) in front of a crowd of Parisians and got an international recognition by the International Aeronautics Federation. This is where the story divides. Flying Before the Worlds Eyes The early 1900s were full of dreamers racing to build a machine that could fly not with balloons, but powered engines and wings. Paris became the heart of that dream. Engineers, investors and inventors flocked to the French capital. The city had money, metal, minds and momentum. Santos-Dumont soared right into this moment. On November 12, 1906, he flew 220 metres before hundreds of witnesses. No tricks. No launch rails. Just a man, a machine and a moment. A year later, he introduced another aircraft the Demoiselle. It was light, quick and one of the first planes built for mass production. The Wright Brothers Late Claim In 1908, the Wright brothers stepped forward and claimed they had flown five years earlier on a quiet December morning in 1903 near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Few had seen it. Just five people. The evidence? A telegraph, a few blurry photographs and Orvilles diary. French aviation circles were stunned. They had never heard of the Wrights making any public flight before this. Letters between American and European flying clubs had been regular, but there had been no word of a breakthrough from the Wrights for years. The brothers explained they were waiting on a patent. They feared theft. But by then, doubt had crept in. In Kitty Hawk, the wind reportedly blew at 40 kilometre per hour that day strong enough to lift a glider without an engine. Supporters of the Wrights disagreed. By 1904 and 1905, they argued, the brothers had already developed far superior flyers. Their machines could bank, turn and sustain long flights capabilities no one else had achieved. Tom Crouch, a historian who has spent a lifetime studying the brothers, puts it plainly the Wrights knew, on that cold morning in 1903, that they had solved the riddle of powered flight. But they chose secrecy. They kept improving, away from the public eye, until 1908 when they finally stepped onto the European stage. And when they did, it changed everything. They flew before packed crowds. In France and Italy, they made over 200 flights. In one demonstration, Wilbur flew 124 kilometres without landing. European royalty lined up for a chance to fly with them. At that point, even French aviation pioneers like Ferdinand Ferber admitted that these were not flukes. This level of control did not happen overnight. The Catapult Controversy But there remained a controversial issue. The Wrights launched the flyers on a catapult, essentially a mechanism that flung the plane into the air. European critics said this meant that the plane lacked the power to take off. Supporters countered that the catapult was just a tool, not a crutch. Still, Santos-Dumont needed no such help. His plane took off from wheels in front of a live crowd and on its own power. And the debate deepened. The Forgotten Flyers Lost in this duel were the many others who may have flown before or at least tried. It is claimed by some that a German who lived in the United States, Gustav Weikopf (or Whitehead), flew as early as 1901. While some point to Richard Pearse in New Zealand with an October 1903 flight or an earlier March 1903 flight. Even earlier, in 1871, John Goodman, a South African, reportedly made the first manned glider flight decades before Kitty Hawk. Even earlier, in 1871, a South African man named John Goodman reportedly launched the first manned glider flight decades before Kitty Hawk. A memorial still stands in Howick near the site. That is why many aviation historians refuse to crown any single inventor. Paul Jackson, who edited Janes All the Worlds Aircraft for 25 years, says the race to the skies was not won by a lone genius. It was the result of tireless and collective effort. No one just woke up one day, sketched a plane and flew. It took hundreds of minds, dozens of failures and years of determination, he says. Recognition, or Lack of It Jackson believes Santos-Dumont, Whitehead, and others never got their due. He doe not mince words, In the end, it is the ones with the best lawyers who get remembered. History, he argues, often rewards the wrong people. He points to Alexander Graham Bell who is famous for inventing the telephone. But in 2002, the US Congress acknowledged that the true inventor may have been Antonio Meucci a poor Italian who shared a workshop with Bell. Marcia Cummings, a descendant of aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, runs a blog uncovering buried truths of early flight. The Wrights once dragged Curtiss into court for patent infringement in 1909. She believes the Wrights tried to erase rivals like Curtiss from the story. But Amanda Wright Lane, great-grandniece of Orville and Wilbur, does not buy that. She has spent years preserving their legacy and says the brothers only wanted credit for what they achieved nothing more, nothing less. I knew Orville. I do not believe he wanted to take anything from anyone. He just wanted the truth of their work to survive, she says. And the Truth? The truth may never land on one runway. The airplane was not born in a single place. It took shape over decades in barns, backyards and crowded labs across continents. The sky, after all, has room for many stories. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his historic visit to Argentina, discussed with South American President Javier Milei avenues of cooperation in newer areas such as drone technology, according to details provided by External Affairs Secretary (East), P Kumaran. Addressing a press briefing after the bilateral meeting between the two leaders, Kumaran said that the conversation between PM Modi and Milei "significantly dealt with the use of drones and multiple purposes for which they can be put into." "There was discussion about using it to tackle IUU fishing- illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, especially encroaching fishermen into exclusive economic zones of Argentina. There was also talk about using drones for cattle management, increasing agricultural productivity for border surveillance and the Argentinian side also talked about how drones could help in the surveillance of high tension power transmission lines using drones instead of the traditional reliance on helicopters which is much more expensive," he said. In another novel area of cooperation, Kumaran said that PM Modi invited Argentina to join the International Big Cat Alliance. "The two leaders discussed cooperation under an initiative that India drives called the International Big Cat Alliance, which protects and promotes cooperation between the member states of the IBCA in protecting some six identified big cats- lions, tigers, and jaguars and so on, six of them. The Prime Minister welcomed Argentina to join the International Big Cat Alliance and to work with us on sharing experiences and capacity building in terms of conservation of the big cats." As per the Ministry of External Affairs, the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was launched by PM Modi in 2023. It primarily aims for conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma, with objectives like facilitation of collaboration and synergy amongst the concerned stakeholders, consolidation of successful conservation practices and expertise to achieve conservation of big cats around the globe and underscores India's leadership and commitment to global wildlife conservation. In a recap of the visit of PM Modi, the MEA Secretary said, "The Prime Minister last visited Argentina in 2018 for the G20 Summit. However, this is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years, making it a historical visit." He noted that PM had begun his engagements by laying a wreath at the bust of General San Martin, the revered Argentinian freedom fighter. "The tribute acknowledged his enduring legacy and pivotal role in Argentina's independence movement. Following the tribute, the Prime Minister was received at Casa Rosada by President Javier Milei, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Subsequently, the two leaders had a brief tet-a-tet, followed by delegation-level talks, during which they reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations." The MEA Secretary said that PM Modi thanked President Milei for extending warm hospitality to him and his delegation, and also appreciated the gracious welcome. Prime Minister Modi's engagements in Buenos Aires not only reflected India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Argentina but also showcased the enduring spirit of the Indian diaspora. Their heartfelt reception, marked by cultural performances and chants, underscored the deep bonds that connect Indian communities across the world with their roots. (ANI) The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement-United States (PTM-USA) has launched a sweeping nationwide mobilization to mark the first anniversary of Gilaman Wazir, the revolutionary poet and activist whose life and death have come to symbolize the Pashtun struggle for dignity, justice, and human rights. In a virtual meeting convened by the PTM-USA Central Committee, along with the Central Discipline Committee and State Chapter Coordinators, organizers outlined a unified plan for coordinated events across all state chapters. The gathering marked the beginning of what PTM-USA described as a "coast-to-coast remembrance," aimed not only at honouring Gilaman's legacy but also at reigniting a national movement rooted in nonviolent resistance and democratic ideals. "Shaheed Gilaman was more than a voice -- he was a flame that lit the conscience of a nation," PTM-USA posted on X. It added, "This anniversary is not only about remembering the past; it is a call to action -- to stand firm in the face of tyranny and to carry forward the ideals he sacrificed his life for." Each state chapter will host commemorative gatherings, including poetry readings, seminars, and candlelight vigils. These events are intended to reflect on Gilaman's contributions to the Pashtun cause and to mobilize wider support for the ongoing struggle for truth, justice, and national awakening. Organizers emphasised that the commemorations will highlight Gilaman's powerful message of nonviolent resistance and cultural pride, drawing participation from diaspora communities, students, academics, and human rights defenders. Gilaman Wazir, also a PTM member, rose to prominence as a fearless poet and activist who gave voice to the voiceless and challenged systemic repression. His unwavering commitment to justice ultimately cost him his life -- but in death, he became a symbol of courage and resilience for Pashtuns worldwide. The 32-year-old poet and activist died on July 7, 2024, after sustaining fatal injuries in a targeted attack in Islamabad. The assault -- allegedly carried out by a rival group under directives from Pakistani authorities -- occurred amid ongoing surveillance and harassment. Gilaman had previously been extradited from Bahrain in March 2020 after being detained on an Interpol Red Notice issued by Pakistan. Following his return, he was subjected to severe torture while in custody. Despite receiving treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Gilaman succumbed to critical head injuries -- marking the tragic end of a life devoted to truth, resistance, and the empowerment of his people. (ANI) Members of the Indian diaspora in Brazil expressed great enthusiasm and optimism over the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in the country to attend the 17th BRICS Summit. The diaspora members hoped that the discussions would bring positive outcomes for India. Pankaj Agarwal, a member of the Indian diaspora, told ANI, "India has left a fantastic stamp on the world in the last 10 years in all aspects, be it economically, politically, or in defence." Indian diaspora Ashwini Rai said, "It felt excellent meeting PM Modi... I hope that the discussions held here (at the BRICS Summit) are beneficial for our country." On PM Modi's Brazil visit, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Director Jyoti Kiran said, "There is a tremendous enthusiasm for the arrival of the Prime Minister... This centre of ICCR works hard to strengthen the connect between India and Brazil. Apart from yoga and Odissi, dance classes, cooking classes, and other sub-cultural activities are also conducted. We have three innovative projects: the Campus Connect Program, Experience India Day, and the most important program, 'India in your library'. Through all these projects, we try to connect the cultures of India and Brazil through people-to-people connect..." Prime Minister Modi took to X to express his delight upon seeing how the diaspora continues its connection with India. "Members of Brazil's Indian community gave a very vibrant welcome in Rio de Janeiro. It's amazing how they remain connected with Indian culture and are also very passionate about India's development! Here are some glimpses from the welcome," PM Modi wrote on X. PM Modi has arrived in Brazil on a four-day visit during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a State Visit. During the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit (July 6-7), Prime Minister Modi will exchange views on key global issues, including peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. (ANI) On Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's birthday, heartfelt messages poured in from world leaders, politicians, lawmakers and artists in a video compiled by Tibet TV, run by the Tibetan government-in-exile, CNN reported. The wishes included those from former US Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Obama wished a "very happy birthday to the youngest 90-year-old I know," and thanked the Dalai Lama for his friendship, CNN reported. "You've shown generations what it means to practice compassion and speak up for freedom and dignity. Not bad for someone who describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk," he added. Former US President Bill Clinton described the Dalai Lama as "one of the world's greatest voices for peace, for dialogue, for understanding" whose teachings have "inspired millions to follow in your footsteps," as per CNN. He added: "In a time when we see the forces of division tearing at the fabric of our common humanity, we need your wisdom more than ever to remind us that what we share is more important than our interesting differences." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement extended "best" wishes to the Dalai Lama on his 90th Birthday and noted that he continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace, and compassion. "The United States extends best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. The Dalai Lama continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace, and compassion," the statement read. https://x.com/SecRubio/status/1941511164258906597 "The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans. We support efforts to preserve Tibetans' distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference," Rubio said in a statement. The 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama was held at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh and other dignitaries were in attendance. Monks, devotees, and international guests gathered for the celebration to honour the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama, who is widely regarded as a global symbol of compassion, non-violence and interfaith harmony. Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati this morning to mark the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. (ANI) The members of the Tibetan Refugee Camp in Lalitpur on Sunday are celebrating the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama singing, dancing and cutting the cake. Attended by members of diplomatic community representing various missions in Nepal, a parade with a cut-out of His holiness Dalai Lama was installed in a ceremonial throne where various offering and respect was paid to him. During the function, the Tibetan and Nepali national anthems were played by the younger generation of the Tibetan community in exile. Monks, devotees, and international guests gathered for the celebration to honour the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama, who is widely regarded as a global symbol of compassion, non-violence and interfaith harmony. "We are very much delighted. Nothing matches our happiness. He has reached the age of 90, this year we all have gathered here together and celebrating," Chhiring, one of the members of the Tibetan Refugee Camp in Lalitpur told ANI. The occasion was marked by solemn rituals, long-life prayers, and symbolic offerings led by monks and Rinpoche. The Rinpoche also cut a ceremonial cake as part of the celebrations, offering prayers for the spiritual leader's long life. The secretariat of Tibetan Refugees in Nepal also read out the message released by His holiness Dalai Lama last week in Dharmashala about this successor. The Dalai Lama, born Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso. "It's the 90th Birthday of His Holiness Dalai Lama. It is very special for us. We are celebrating it," Palmung, another member of the Tibetan Refugee Camp told ANI. "We pray for his long life; may he live for more years to come, we have been praying for him today," Palmung added. The term "Dalai Lama" is Mongolian, meaning "Ocean of Wisdom". In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion. For over six decades, His Holiness has been a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, continuing to inspire millions worldwide. Celebrations were held across Tibetan settlements all across the world, with many also expressing hope that the Dalai Lama's lineage will continue through a recognized reincarnation in the future. According to the Gregorian calendar, the Dalai Lama's birthday is officially observed on July 6. The occasion is being marked with festive spirit and devotion by Tibetan communities and followers across the region. (ANI) Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in Dharamshala on Sunday with an address focusing on the values of compassion, service, and the Bodhichitta way of life. Speaking before a gathering at the Tsuglagkhang temple, he reflected on his spiritual journey and urged everyone to follow a path of kindness and selflessness. Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, along with other dignitaries and well-wishers, attended the celebration. https://x.com/DalaiLama/status/1941507604175335789 In his speech, the Dalai Lama spoke about the importance of love, unity and service to others. "As far as I am concerned, I have a human life. As humans, it is natural for us to have love in our heart for one another and to help one another. Since we came from a country where Buddhist religion and spirituality has spread, there is a strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood amongst us. The main practice is as said in Bodhisattva way of life -- considering all beings as my friends and relatives, and I always think of serving beings with the best of my abilities," he said. He thanked the gathering for attending the celebration with joy and warmth. "Today, my dear Dharma friends, and to all my friends I wish to say that it is my 90th birthday celebration and you have happily and with great excitement gathered here and with joy in our heart. I would like to thank you for that. So on this 90th birthday celebration of me, you have come here with great joy in your heart. So thank you," he said. The Dalai Lama spoke about Bodhichitta, the spirit of enlightenment, and how it has guided his life. He said that admiration should not come from selfish desire, but through service to others. "The more people gather and the more joy expressed from their heart, I also feel inspired because I practice Bodhichittwa -- the spirit of enlightenment. Many people admire me. Instead of that, if I had to focus on selfish goal to get people's admiration, I focused on serving others, holding others dearer than myself really helps me to gather people around me and to have their admiration," he said. He also talked about the daily practice of Bodhichitta and the view of emptiness as central to his spiritual path. "So Bodhichittwa is a really powerful practice. To complement it, I practice the view of emptiness. Combining these two on a daily basis, I am establishing the foundation for my full enlightenment -- Buddhahood with these two principles. So, in front of the Jowo Shakyamuni statue in Jokhang Temple, the main image of Buddha, I had taken bhikshu vows with my tutors. I practice my bhikshu vows with the Bodhichitta. So when I practice Bodhichitta well, I will not have to regret during my death. Rather, I will die peacefully," he said. The Tibetan spiritual leader said he feels fulfilled and has no regrets when he reflects on his life. "I am now 90, and so far, I have practiced Bodhichitta and I have also reflected on the Shamata and Vipassana as well as I can. So when I reflect my life, I see I have not wasted my life at all. I have no pride or arrogance. So as a follower of the Buddha, to serve people -- the public and to serve the teaching of Buddha -- are my practices," he said. He thanked the people who had come out of respect and joy, not obligation, and encouraged them to walk the path of compassion and awareness. "I live my life in the service of other beings. In this spirit, the more I do this, the greater there is positive response from others. So in this programme, they have not come from obligation, but out of a sense of respect and joy to me. So I thank you. The more you admire and love me, the more I appeal to you to make Bodhichitta and the view of emptiness your practice," he said. (ANI) On the 16th anniversary of the July 5th Urumchi Massacre, Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) honoured the victims of one of the most brutal state-led crackdowns in modern Chinese history, renewing calls for justice and international accountability. The organization marked the day with a renewed demand that the world remember the innocent Uyghur lives lost and confront the Chinese Communist Party's escalating crimes against humanity. In response to the peaceful demonstrations, the Chinese government executed a violent crackdown, deploying armed police who resorted to brutal and lethal tactics against unarmed protesters. In the subsequent days, thousands of Uyghurs were arrested, went missing, or lost their lives. State media initiated a propaganda campaign attributing the unrest to external "separatist" forces and obscuring the events of the Shaoguan massacre. Sixteen years later, the actual casualty count remains uncertain, and the CCP continues to suppress information, silence survivors, and utilize the massacre as a pretext for heightened repression in East Turkistan. "As we mark the 16th anniversary of the Urumchi Massacre, we honour the lives stolen by a regime that fears truth and justice," stated Rushan Abbas, Executive Director of CFU. "The Chinese Communist Party's use of violence to silence peaceful protestors in 2009 paved the way for today's genocide. The world failed to respond to the CCP's brutal bloodshed then and continuously turned a blind eye to today's genocide in pursuit of economic interests and business ties with Beijing. We urge the international community to confront this history, demand transparency for today's atrocities, and hold the CCP accountable for its crimes against humanity." The Urumchi Massacre on July 5th continues to be a pivotal moment in the Chinese regime's violent campaign against the Uyghur population, which has since escalated into an ongoing genocide characterised by mass internment, forced labour, and the systematic eradication of Uyghur identity. Campaign for Uyghurs urges democratic nations, multilateral organisations, and human rights defenders around the globe to address this legacy of state violence and support the Uyghur people in demanding the truth, accountability, and enduring justice. As we honour the victims of July 5, we reaffirm our pledge to elevate Uyghur voices and expose the CCP's atrocities on the international stage. (ANI) The initiative gained momentum with a USD 5 million gift from the Boston-based Frieze Family Foundation to establish a Center for Shared Society. The university aims to transform crisis into long-term resilience through research-driven recovery, regional partnerships, and coexistence-building programs that address the emotional, economic, and social toll of continued conflict. (ANI/TPS) Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is seen at the opening ceremony of a Chinese-built highway section in southwestern Serbia's Lucani municipality, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua) LUCANI, Serbia, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Saturday inaugurated the final segment of the E-763 "Milos Veliki" highway between Pakovrace and Pozega, completing the entire 30.9-km Preljina-Pozega section. The opening ceremony took place at the entrance of the Munjino Brdo tunnel in southwestern Serbia's Lucani municipality. It was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming, senior Serbian government officials, representatives of Chinese and Serbian infrastructure companies, and hundreds of local residents. "This is one of the most important infrastructure projects in our country. Together with our Chinese friends, using their technology and our determination, we overcame all challenges," said Vucic at the event, highlighting the contribution of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). The newly opened 19.56-kilometer stretch includes Serbia's two longest road tunnels -- Laz (2,858 meters) and Munjino Brdo (2,861 meters) -- constructed to international standards using advanced engineering technologies. Vucic said the project reflects Serbia's transformation into a strong and modern state with safe, high-quality highways. Traversing challenging mountainous terrain, the section required extensive tunneling and bridge-building work. Vucic emphasized its strategic role in linking central and western Serbia and eventually connecting the country to Montenegro and the Adriatic Sea. He also announced plans to extend the highway with two new branches from Pozega, aimed at improving transport links across western Serbia. The E-763 corridor is a key regional transport route that strengthens connectivity between Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, and Italy. With a total investment exceeding 520 million U.S. dollars, the Preljina-Pozega segment ranks among Serbia's largest infrastructure undertakings. The first part, between Preljina and Pakovrace, was opened in 2022. Li described the E-763 highway as a crucial transport artery linking Belgrade with the Montenegrin port of Bar, as well as with western and northern parts of Serbia. He noted that the newly completed section not only connects northern and western Serbia, but also strengthens people-to-people ties, improves traffic flow, boosts economic development, and enhances quality of life. Li said the successful completion of the project reflects the expertise and dedication of all involved, and stands as a testament to the ironclad friendship between China and Serbia. Passenger traffic on the new highway section will open at noon on Sunday. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic attends the opening ceremony of a Chinese-built highway section in southwestern Serbia's Lucani municipality, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua) Local residents attend the opening ceremony of a Chinese-built highway section in southwestern Serbia's Lucani municipality, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua) Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (L) and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming attend the opening ceremony of a Chinese-built highway section in southwestern Serbia's Lucani municipality, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua) Tel Aviv [Israel], July 6 (ANI/TPS): Israeli Border Police forces arrested 357 illegal Palestinian residents across Israel in a coordinated crackdown during the previous week, the Border Police announced on Sunday. The operation also resulted in the arrest of 51 suspects accused of aiding with transport, housing, and employment. In the Jerusalem area alone, 184 illegal residents and 28 accomplices were detained. An additional 173 individuals were arrested in other regions of the country. (ANI/TPS) Israel Defense Forces International Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said that the Hamas was sabotaging the distribution of aid in the region. Shoshani said that the terrorists threw two grenades at Rafah while the civilians were still there. In a post on X, he said, "The Hamas terrorist organization and other terrorist groups in Gaza continue efforts to sabotage and fail the distribution of humanitarian aid at the distribution sites and on the way to them. Just this morning, terrorists threw two grenades into an aid distribution site in Rafah, while civilians were still present at the site. As a result of the explosion of one of the grenades, two Americans Gaza Humanitarian Foundation personnel were injured. IDF troops facilitated a safe evacuation for further medical treatment. The Hamas terrorist organization and other terrorist groups in Gaza continue to harm the Gazan civilians." https://x.com/LTC_Shoshani/status/1941525442961232199 Meanwhile, Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich clashed with IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, accusing the military of failing to manage the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, The Times of Israel reported. It is unclear if Smotrich's comments refer to ongoing looting of aid by Hamas or chaos at aid sites run by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. "The army is not ready to manage humanitarian aid. You have failed enormously on this matter," The Times of Israel quoted Smotrich as telling Zamir. "You have criticism for everything... You weaken the reservists. You weaken the morale of the soldiers. You are against the IDF. You are against everything and say we aren't doing this and aren't doing that," Zamir is quoted as hitting back. "Your problem is that you don't know how to take criticism. I congratulate the successes, but on the humanitarian matter, you failed greatly," Smotrich reportedly responded. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is quoted as rapping both sides for speaking in an "unreasonable" way and asking them to calm down. Smotrich then was quoted as claiming Zamir will brief the press against him, to which the IDF chief responded: "I don't brief anything," The Times of Israel reported. "Let's do a polygraph," Smotrich reportedly responded. (ANI) Mir Bashir Ahmed, the father of Sabiha Baloch, a senior leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), was forcibly taken on April 5, 2025, after being summoned by Syed Fazal Bukhari, the SP of Hub, The Balochistan Post reported. Despite his disappearance nearly three months ago, Sabiha Baloch has vowed to continue her political struggle, refusing to bow to pressure or threats. In a recent statement posted on the social media platform X, Sabiha Baloch revealed that her father complied with the summons without hesitation, believing he had nothing to hide. However, upon arrival, he was allegedly told he would not be released unless she resigned from her role in the BYC or surrendered herself. "He went without hesitation because he is not a criminal," she wrote, describing the act as "unlawful, immoral, and inhumane," The Balochistan Post reported. She further accused the police officer involved of acting "not as an officer of the law, but as an agent of abduction." Marking the day of Ashura, she stated, "I pray that those who orchestrate and enable such cruelty meet justice, not only in this world but in the hereafter." According to The Balochistan Post, Sahiba Baloch denounced the pressure tactics used against her family and emphasised that the struggle for Baloch rights is rooted in moral values that cannot be suppressed through coercion. "No matter how powerful the oppressor may seem, their greed becomes their weakness," she added. The Balochistan Post also reported that UN Special Rapporteurs issued a joint statement in April expressing grave concern over the enforced disappearance of Mir Bashir Ahmed and the threats facing Sabiha Baloch herself. The experts called on Pakistani authorities to stop the retaliation and ensure her safety. As of now, Mir Bashir's whereabouts remain unknown, and his family continues to demand his immediate and unconditional release. (ANI) According to police, the collision occurred near the Langar Sarai area. The deceased include two men, two women, and two children, as per ARY News. The passenger bus was en route from Jhang to Ali Pur when the accident happened. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police confirmed that the bus driver also lost his life in the crash. Such incidents are not uncommon in Pakistan as earlier on July 4, at least six people died, including five women, after a tourist vehicle plunged into the Neelum River, ARY News reported. According to Deputy Commissioner Neelum, Nadeem Janjua, the incident occurred in Neelum Valley's Chilhana area where the vehicle fell into the river, resulting in the loss of lives. The DC stated that a child remains missing following the incident, and authorities have launched a search operation to locate the missing person, as per ARY News. Rescue efforts were being hampered by the challenging terrain and the depth of the ravine where the vehicle landed. On June 24, at least five passengers were killed and seven others injured on Tuesday after a collision between a bus and a rickshaw carrying petrol drums near Maghribi Bypass in Quetta, ARY News reported. According to police, the incident occurred in the Kali Raisani area when a loader rickshaw laden with petrol drums crashed into the rear of a local passenger bus, causing the bus to burst into flames. The fire spread rapidly, trapping many passengers inside, as per ARY News. Rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene after receiving reports of the incident and transported the deceased and injured to a nearby hospital. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and registered an FIR. (ANI) Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday said he had a productive phone call with US President Donald Trump and that he appreciated the readiness of the US to assist Ukraine. In a post on X, he said, "As per drones, we've also reached an agreement with one of the leading American companies to significantly increase our joint efforts. We had an extremely fruitful conversation with the President of the United States yesterday, during which we discussed air defense. I'm grateful for the readiness to assist. Patriot systems are the key to defending against ballistic threats." https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1941573714157461977 Meanwhile, Ukraine's military claimed an attack on the Borisoglebsk airbase in Russia's Voronezh region, hitting a depot containing glide bombs and training aircraft. Russian officials did not immediately comment on the attack, Al Jazeera reported. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defences shot down four Ukrainian drones headed for the Russian capital, forcing one of Moscow's main airports to temporarily halt outgoing flights. This came as Russia's Ministry of Defence said its air defences had intercepted 48 Ukrainian drones in a period of just over five hours into Saturday evening, and 45 more during the day. Earlier, the ministry said that 94 drones had been destroyed over Russia overnight, as per Al Jazeera. In Ukraine, the Air Force said Russia fired 322 drones and decoys into the country overnight into Saturday. Of these, 157 were shot down and 135 were lost, likely having been electronically jammed. After speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, United States President Donald Trump said Ukraine would need Patriot missiles for its defence. Trump also voiced frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin's failure to end the fighting. Trump told reporters he was "very unhappy" about his earlier call with Putin. "It just seems like he wants to go all the way and just keep killing people... It's not good. I wasn't happy with it," he said, as per Al Jazeera. (ANI) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has strongly urged China to engage in immediate talks over its unilateral launch of the W121 flight corridor, an extension of the contested M503 route, according to Focus Taiwan. MAC officials say Beijing's latest move not only undermines prior cross-strait consensus and public opinion in Taiwan but significantly destabilises air safety in the Taiwan Strait and the surrounding Asia-Pacific region. Under International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations, any route adjustments must involve coordination with all affected airspace authorities, coordination that Taiwan says did not occur. China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson, Chen Binhua, defended the W121 route, claiming its objective was to "benefit people on both sides of the strait" by reducing flight congestion, improving safety, and protecting travellers. However, the MAC countered that Beijing's international flight volumes have yet to recover to pre-COVID levels, and W121 does not serve any cross-strait destinations, Focus Taiwan reported. Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration echoed the MAC's concerns in a statement, calling China's unilateral move "regrettable" and committing to close monitoring to secure flight safety. Officials warned that any aircraft encroaching on Taiwan's Flight Information Region would be intercepted or rerouted, in line with ICAO guidelines and recent national security protocols. The W121 link extends the controversial M503 route, originally introduced in 2015 and previously rerouted following bilateral talks, to a point dangerously close to Taiwan's airspace. Despite a prior westward shift in 2015 to appease Taiwanese concerns, China reversed course in February 2024, pushing the corridor eastward toward the median line. The addition of W121, following W122 and W123, echoes China's pattern of asserting control over international airspace without formal negotiation, raising alarm about Beijing's strategic intentions, Focus Taiwan reported. Citing both civil and military implications, Taiwan's MAC described China's manoeuvre as a politically motivated provocation designed to alter the strait's status quo. It emphasized that such unilateral measures not only threaten aviation safety but inflate regional tensions. The MAC, in conclusion, appealed once more to Beijing: halt unilateral actions, participate in talks through established cross-strait aviation channels, and ensure all flight routes comply with international safety and diplomatic norms. Only genuine dialogue can prevent this escalation from precipitating insecurity in the region, the MAC said. (ANI) Jamil Maqsood, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) and currently living in exile in Belgium, has issued a scathing critique of the judicial and administrative structure in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). In a comprehensive legal paper titled "The Incapability of the Judicial System in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir Under Pakistani Administrative Control: A Constitutional and Legal Critique", Maqsood exposed what he describes as a facade of autonomy and a systematically weakened judiciary under the tight control of Islamabad. Maqsood argued that although Pakistan claims PoJK as a self-governed region, the ground reality is one of total subjugation, enabled by the 1974 Interim Constitution, a legal instrument that he said was imposed to strip PoJK of its autonomy. He highlights that 53 out of 56 critical administrative and policy subjects are directly controlled by Pakistan, leaving the local government and judiciary virtually powerless. "The judiciary in PoJK is a showpiece. It cannot act independently, interpret the constitution freely, or hold the military and intelligence agencies accountable," Maqsood states in the paper. He also criticised the practice of appointing lent officers from Pakistan, including top bureaucrats, judges, and police officials, who are not answerable to the people of PoJK but instead follow the directives of Islamabad. The paper pointed to Article 257 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which states that the future of Jammu and Kashmir must be decided in accordance with the wishes of its people. Maqsood asserted that by overriding local institutions and installing unelected officials, Pakistan is itself in violation of its constitutional commitments. In his concluding recommendations, Maqsood called for urgent and concrete measures to restore judicial and political autonomy in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of all lent officers from Pakistan who currently hold key administrative and judicial positions in the region. He further urged the repeal or substantial revision of the 1974 Interim Constitution, which he argued serves as the primary instrument of Islamabad's control. Additionally, he advocated for the establishment of an independent judicial commission in PoJK to ensure merit-based appointments and uphold the rule of law. Finally, Maqsood emphasised the need for Pakistan to comply with both Article 257 of its own Constitution and relevant United Nations resolutions to respect the political will and self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He called for the restoration of genuine autonomy, warning that the existing system undermines the credibility of Pakistan internationally and robs the people of PoJK of justice, dignity, and political agency. Jamil Maqsood has long been an outspoken voice from exile, consistently highlighting issues of human rights violations, press censorship, and political repression in PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. His latest paper adds legal weight to growing international concerns about Islamabad's policies in these regions. Observers say such criticism from within the diaspora is gaining ground as local media in PoJK remains under tight surveillance and judicial independence continues to erode. (ANI) The chairman of the inspection team investigating the recent Swat tragedy told the Peshawar High Court (PHC) that multiple government departments displayed negligence in the incident, Geo News reported. During a court hearing on Thursday, officials appeared before the PHC to update the ongoing inquiry into the drowning of tourists in the Swat River. The inspection chairman stated that "departmental negligence had emerged," prompting PHC Chief Justice Mohammad Ibrahim Khan to order swift identification of all responsible individuals, Geo News reported. The tragedy unfolded on Friday when 17 members of a Sialkot family were swept away by a sudden surge while picnicking along the Swat Riverbank. Dramatic videos circulating online showed the family stranded on a shrinking island for nearly an hour, calling for help with no rescue in sight. To date, 12 bodies have been recovered, Geo News noted. Justice Khan questioned the Commissioner of Hazara, Fayaz Ali Shah, on the safety measures implemented in tourist areas and medical preparedness. Commissioner Shah highlighted that Section 144 had been enforced in tourist zones, anti-encroachment operations were underway, and additional staff had been deployed at Nathia Gali hospital, according to Geo News. When asked about new emergency measures post-Swat tragedy, Justice Khan pressed whether drones could be used in future crises. Commissioner Shah confirmed that drones capable of delivering life jackets had been procured. The court directed immediate testing of these drones, along with drills to evaluate response times, Geo News reported. Chief Justice Khan emphasised that tourists must be ensured a safe environment. The RPO Hazara assured the court of enhanced coordination between police and rescue agencies in tourist regions, Geo News reported. The court also ordered both the Hazara and Malakand commissioners to submit detailed reports, including the full investigation into the Swat tragedy. Separately, the Director General of Rescue 1122 KP, Shah Fahad, appeared before the inquiry committee. He was questioned on his whereabouts during the incident and the rescue timeline. Fahad responded that he was in Peshawar at the time and detailed that the emergency call came in at 9:45 am. An ambulance was dispatched, though initial reports didn't indicate a flood emergency. Rescue teams, including divers and boats, were then deployed, and three tourists were saved near Mingora Bypass Road, Geo News reported. Fahad also confirmed that several rescue personnel involved in the response had been suspended pending an internal inquiry. The court's actions signal a heightened push for accountability and improved safety protocols in Pakistan's northern tourist regions to prevent similar tragedies. (ANI) On the 16th anniversary of the Urumchi Massacre, dozens of Uyghurs, East Turkistanis, and American allies gathered outside the White House to demand US action against what they described as China's ongoing genocide in Occupied East Turkistan. The rally, organised by the East Turkistan Government in Exile, the East Turkistan National Movement (ETNM), the Parliament in Exile, and the East Turkistan National Fund, was marked by impassioned speeches and a clear call: Recognise East Turkistan and end all cooperation with the Chinese regime. According to the East Turkistan National Movement's press release, the demonstration opened with both the US and East Turkistan national anthems, symbolising solidarity and the struggle for freedom. Salih Hudayar, Foreign and Security Minister of the East Turkistan Government in Exile and leader of the ETNM called the 2009 massacre "the precursor to today's systematic genocide." "In 2025, the Uyghur genocide is not history, it is a nightmare still unfolding," said Hudayar. He condemned recent meetings between US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and Chinese officials accused of complicity in genocide. "Framing such contact as 'law enforcement cooperation' is nothing short of appeasement," he said. Hudayar also exposed horrific allegations, stating, "Between 25,000 to 50,000 Uyghur youth are killed every year for their organs. This is state-run, industrialised murder for profit." Retired US China strategist Major Ben Lowsen echoed these concerns, warning that "China was always willing to kill Uyghurs by the thousands, tens of thousands. And that's unimaginable in a free society like ours. And we can't be naive. China's threat is not only to Uyghurs and other Turkic people. China's threat is on our doorstep. It's terrorising our citizens and our residents." He further urged the free world to prepare to fight the CCP: "The free world must be ready to fight. We must fight the Chinese Communist Party and their plot. We must fight and be ready to fight the Chinese military around the world." He ended with a direct appeal to the United States and the free world: "Learn this name: East Turkistan. Understand this truth: it is a nation, it always has been, and it will be again." Amanisa Mukhlis, Director of Family and Women's Affairs at ETNM highlighted atrocities against women and children: "Forced sterilizations, abortions, rape, these are not isolated cases but a systematic war on Uyghur identity," she said. Tursunay Ziyawudun, a concentration camp survivor, urged the global Uyghur diaspora to take action: "We must not stay silent. We must fight for those who cannot speak." As per the East Turkistan National Movement's statement, the rally ended with chants urging the US government to apply the Captive Nations Law, recognize East Turkistan as an occupied country, and end China's genocide. The movement's demands remain firm: end all US-China law enforcement ties, impose sanctions on complicit CCP officials, fully enforce the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act, and support East Turkistan's independence. (ANI) Taiwan's President Lai Ching-Te on Sunday extended his wishes to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, appreciating his dedication to peace and human rights. Lai said Dalai Lama's values resonates in Taiwan. In a post on social media platform X, he said, "Heartfelt wishes for Your Holiness the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. On this special occasion, we extend our great appreciation for your dedication to peace and human rights--values that resonate deeply in Taiwan. May you continue to illuminate the world with compassion and wisdom." https://x.com/ChingteLai/status/1941707632080977952 Meanwhile, the Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong said that the Dalai Lama has no authority to decide whether the reincarnation system shall continue or be abolished and that the reincarnation of Dalai Lamas neither began from him nor will end due to him. In a post on X, he said, "Facts You Must Know about Dalai Lama Reincarnation: The 14th Dalai Lama has affirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue. In fact, as a unique succession method of Tibetan Buddhism, the practice of Living Buddha reincarnation has continued over 700 years. Currently, there are over 1000 reincarnation systems of Living Buddhas in Xizang and Tibetan-inhabited prefectures/counties of Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu and Qinghai provinces. The 14th Dalai Lama is part of this long-standing historical tradition and religious succession, not otherwise. The reincarnation of Dalai Lamas neither began from him nor will end due to him. He has no authority to decide whether the reincarnation system shall continue or be abolished." https://x.com/China_Amb_India/status/1941762671298347355 Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs took a neutral stance on the issue, stating that India upheld the freedom of religion. In a post on X, the MEA said, "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." Beijing has repeatedly accused Taiwan's leaders of seeking "independence," and views Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te as a "separatist," launching large-scale drills days after Lai's inauguration last year as reported by CNN. Lai, who has long been a champion of Taiwan's sovereignty, has called on China to cease its intimidation, but he has also spoken frequently of the importance of maintaining "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." CNN reported that polls consistently show people in Taiwan, a thriving and outspoken democracy, have no desire to be ruled by China, an authoritarian one-party state. (ANI) Rescue teams in Pakistan worked in searing heat and humidity on Saturday to recover residents trapped under the rubble of a building that collapsed, killing 16 people. Authorities said the building had been declared unsafe and eviction notices were sent to occupants over three years, but landlords and some residents told AFP they had not received them. Residents reported hearing cracking sounds shortly before the apartment block crumbled around 10:00 am on Friday in Karachi's impoverished Lyari neighbourhood, which was once plagued by gang violence and considered one of the most dangerous areas in Pakistan. The death toll stood at 16 on Saturday, with 13 injured, according to Summiaya Syed, a police surgeon for the provincial health department. "My daughter is under the rubble," 54-year-old Dev Raj told AFP at the scene. "She was my beloved daughter. She was so sensitive but is under the burden of debris. She got married just 6 months ago." Rescue teams worked throughout the night, and families said that at least eight people were still believed to be trapped as temperatures climbed to 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday morning. A senior district government official, Javed Nabi Khoso, said that notices had been served in 2022, 2023 and 2024 to occupants. "We don't want to impose our orders by force. We work in phases and send them notices to leave the building. They didn't take the notices seriously," he told AFP. But Imran Khaskheli, an owner and resident watching the rescue operation on Saturday, denied receiving notices. "Do you think we are out of our senses to stay in an unsafe building with our families?" he said. He told AFP he had seen cracks in the pillars of the building early on Friday morning. "I knocked on all the doors and asked families to leave immediately," he said, adding that around 40 families lived in the building but that many did not heed his warning. More than 50 buildings in the district have been declared unsafe, with six evacuated since yesterday, according to Khoso. Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh, leading the government's 1122 rescue service at the scene, told AFP the operation was expected to continue into Saturday evening. Many of the victims are believed to be women, who are more likely to be at home during the day. All six members of 70-year-old Jumho Maheshwari's family were in their first-floor apartment when he left for work early in the morning. "Nothing is left for me now -- my family is all trapped and all I can do is pray for their safe recovery," he said on Friday. Another resident, Maya Sham Jee, told AFP her brother's family was also trapped under the rubble. "It's a tragedy for us. The world has been changed for our family," she said. "We are helpless and just looking at the rescue workers to bring our loved ones back safely." Shankar Kamho, a 30-year-old resident, was out at the time when his wife called to say the building was cracking. "I told her to get out immediately," he told AFP. "She went to warn the neighbours, but one woman told her 'this building will stand for at least 10 more years'," he said. "Still, my wife took our daughter and left. About 20 minutes later, the building collapsed." Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made a rare public appearance after several weeks, attending a religious gathering in Tehran on Saturday, CNN reported, citing the Iranian state media outlet Press TV. This marks his first public sighting since the country was embroiled in a 12-day conflict with Israel, which began on June 13, when Israel unilaterally bombed Iranian military and nuclear sites. The US later joined in, bombing three key Iranian nuclear sites before US President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire on June 24. According to state media, Khamenei waved to a crowd of worshippers during a ceremony marking the eve of Ashura, a significant day in the Shia Muslim calendar. Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, and is a day of mourning for Shia Muslims. The crowd greeted Khamenei with cheers and chants. Khamenei, the longest-ruling leader in the Middle East, reportedly spent the 12-day conflict with Israel and the US hiding in a bunker with little access to outside communications. During the conflict, both Israeli politicians and Trump openly discussed overthrowing Khamenei's government and deposing him by force, as per CNN. After reportedly rejecting an Israeli plan to kill Khamenei, Trump stated in late June that the cleric was an "easy target." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not rule out targeting Khamenei either, saying that his death would "not ... escalate the conflict" but rather "end" it. According to CNN, in a recorded statement posted from an undisclosed location days after the ceasefire began, Khamenei was defiant, declaring victory over both Israel and the US. Khamenei took time to respond directly to Trump, who had called for Iran's "unconditional surrender" shortly before ordering US airstrikes. "This (conflict) is not about our nuclear program," Khamenei said. "This is about Iran surrendering ... in his statement, (Trump) revealed the truth, he showed his hand. The Americans have had a fundamental issue with Islamic Iran since our revolution." "And it will never happen," Khamenei said of Trump's demand. Notably, Israel's initial strikes were unprecedented in their depth, killing some of the country's top military leadership on day one. Khamenei's new public appearance comes a day after Trump's statement that the US won't allow Iran to restart its nuclear program. Trump said, "If they did start, there'd be a problem. We wouldn't allow that to happen," Trump told reporters on Friday. Trump stated that he would discuss the previous strikes with Netanyahu, who is due to visit Washington on Monday. Meanwhile, Trump claims Iran wants to engage in talks with the US, but Iranian officials have consistently denied this. The Trump administration has discussed possibly helping Iran access as much as USD 30 billion to build a nuclear program for civilian energy production, easing sanctions, and freeing up billions of dollars in restricted Iranian funds - all part of an intensifying attempt to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table, four sources familiar with the matter said. (ANI) Dozens of Uyghurs, East Turkistanis, and American allies held a demonstration outside the White House on Saturday to mark the 16th anniversary of the July 5, 2009 Urumchi Massacre, where thousands of peaceful Uyghur demonstrators were killed or disappeared by Chinese forces in Urumchi, the capital of occupied East Turkistan. The event was organised by the East Turkistan Government in Exile, the East Turkistan National Movement, the East Turkistan Parliament in Exile, and the East Turkistan National Fund. The rally began with the United States National Anthem, honouring America's 249th Independence Day, followed by the East Turkistan National Anthem, symbolising the ongoing struggle for independence and freedom from Chinese occupation, as per the East Turkistan National Movement's official statement. Salih Hudayar, ETGE Foreign and Security Minister and leader of the ETNM, opened the demonstration with a powerful statement, saying, "The Urumchi Massacre set the stage for the systemic genocide we witness today, a genocide that continues to devastate our people. Today, in 2025, the Uyghur Genocide is not a memory; it is a living nightmare that continues to claim lives, tear families apart, and destroy an entire nation." Hudayar condemned US Ambassador to China David Perdue's meetings with Chinese officials complicit in genocide and other crimes, the statement added. "That meeting, framed as 'law enforcement cooperation,' is not diplomacy; it is appeasement of a genocidal regime. It is a betrayal of American values and those facing genocide in the 21st century," he said. According to East Turkistan National Movement, he warned of horrific crimes continuing under occupation and stated, "An estimated 25,000 to 50,000 Uyghurs and other Turkic youth are killed each year so their organs can be sold to wealthy Chinese and international buyers. This is industrialised, state-run murder for profit." He closed with a call to action, saying that "the restoration of East Turkistan's full independence is not just a moral obligation--it is the only solution to ending China's ongoing genocide. Our resistance is just. Our cause is righteous. And our goal is clear: the full restoration of East Turkistan's independence." Major Ben Lowsen (Ret.), A US-China strategist and sinologist spoke next and affirmed that "China was always willing to kill Uyghurs by the thousands, tens of thousands. And that's unimaginable in a free society like ours. And we can't be naive. China's threat is not only to Uyghurs and other Turkic people. China's threat is on our doorstep. It's terrorising our citizens and our residents." He further urged the free world to prepare to fight the CCP and noted that "the free world must be ready to fight. We must fight the Chinese Communist Party and their plot. We must fight and be ready to fight the Chinese military around the world." He ended with a direct appeal to the United States and the free world. "Learn this name--East Turkistan. Understand this truth: it is a nation, it always has been, and it will be again." Amannisa Mukhlis, director of Family and Women's Affairs at ETNM, gave an emotional address about China's war on women and children, saying, "East Turkistani women are being raped, forcibly sterilized, made to undergo abortions, and locked up in concentration camps. These so-called 'marriages' are not unions--they are state-sponsored mass rape." On the regime's campaign against Uyghur identity, she stated, "More than 1 million East Turkistani children have been stolen from their families and sent to Chinese boarding schools. They are forbidden from speaking their language, practising their faith, or remembering their identity." Her conclusion was clear "Without independence, our children have no future. That is why we say clearly: East Turkistan must be free and independent." Tursunay Ziyawudun, a survivor of China's concentration camps, delivered remarks in Uyghur, calling on Uyghurs worldwide to step up. "We who live in freedom must not stay silent. We must speak out louder. We must fight for those who cannot speak," she said. The demonstration concluded with chants calling on the United States to act. Participants raised their voices with, Urumchi to genocide -- Never forget!; East Turkistan is not China -- it never was, it never will be!; President DonaldTrump, act now to stop imperialist China! Apply the Captive Nations Law now! Recognise East Turkistan!; America, don't delay, end China's genocide today!. (ANI) Iran has ordered millions of Afghan refugees and migrants to leave the country or risk being arrested as a government-imposed deadline expires, as reported by Al Jazeera. Tehran set the deadline date for July 6 for the Afghans who were in the country and left Afghanistan to escape the war, poverty, or Taliban rule after the organisation came back to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. As per Al Jazeera, the enforcement comes amid heightened tensions and security fears following a 12-day war with Israel, during which the US also targeted Iran's nuclear sites on June 21-22 under "Operation Midnight Hammer". Humanitarian groups have raised concerns, warning that mass deportations could further destabilise Afghanistan, already one of the poorest nations in the world. Iran currently hosts around 4 million Afghans, many of whom have lived there for years. In 2023, the Iranian government began a crackdown on undocumented foreigners. In March 2025, authorities gave Afghans without legal residency until early July to leave voluntarily or face expulsion, as reported by Al Jazeera. Since then, over 700,000 Afghans have left, including more than 230,000 in June alone, Al Jazeera reported, citing the United Nations' International Organisation for Migration. Hundreds of thousands more remain at risk of being deported. As per Al Jazeera, citing UNHCR, Iran ramped up deportations during the conflict with Israel, sending back more than 30,000 Afghans per day--up sharply from the previous daily average of 2,000. Iranian officials insist they are not singling out Afghans and say the actions are based on national security concerns. "We have always striven to be good hosts, but national security is a priority, and naturally, illegal nationals must return," Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Tuesday, as quoted by Al Jazeera. By late June, more than half of the 1.2 million Afghans who had returned to the country in 2025 had come from Iran. UNHCR official in Afghanistan, Arafat Jamal, described chaotic scenes at the border, with Afghan families arriving in buses, confused, exhausted, and hungry. "They are coming in buses, and sometimes, five buses arrive at one time with families and others, and the people are let out of the bus, and they are simply bewildered, disoriented and tired and hungry as well," Jamal said as quoted by Al Jazeera. Though some Afghans returned voluntarily, many were forcibly removed, part of what UNHCR called a broader pattern of returns from Iran. (ANI) The total death toll from the collapse of a five-storey building in the Lyari area of Pakistan's Karachi has climbed to 27, with rescue teams still searching for survivors under the debris, as reported by the Dawn on Sunday, citing officials. As per the Dawn, citing South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso, the rescue efforts continued through Friday night at the site on Fida Husain Shaikha Road near Lea Market in Karachi and by Saturday, approximately 80 per cent of the operation had been completed. Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaanul Haseeb Khan told Dawn that it would take another five to six hours to complete the operation. While several people remain unaccounted for, Khan stated that they could not provide an exact number as the search continues. As per the Edhi Rescue Service, five people, including three women, were injured and so far, 27 bodies have been recovered, including nine women, 15 men, and three children aged 13, 10, and one, Dawn reported. All victims were transported to Civil Hospital Karachi. Ten of the injured have been treated and discharged. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said emergency rescue operations began immediately to locate trapped individuals and confirmed the deceased have been returned to their families and echoed estimates that the rescue would wrap up later in the day. He promised a full investigation into the collapse, noting that committees had already been formed. Shah also revealed that more than 480 buildings in Karachi's old city areas--mostly in District South--have been labelled as dangerous, Dawn reported. He also pledged government assistance for displaced residents seeking new housing. The chief minister noted that the collapsed structure was only recently constructed and appeared to lack proper approvals. He vowed strict action against those responsible for unauthorised construction and urged citizens to verify buildings' clearance from the Building Control Authority before purchasing or renting. Shah acknowledged the economic hardship many face, which forces them to live in unsafe conditions, but stressed the importance of taking firm measures to protect public safety. (ANI) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday condemned the latest large-scale Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, reiterating his call for an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire as a critical step towards achieving a "just, comprehensive & sustainable peace" in the region. As per Al Jazeera, citing Ukrainian authorities, Moscow launched over 500 drones and 11 missiles at Kyiv overnight into Friday (local time), resulting in the death of one person, injuries to at least 23 others, and widespread damage to buildings across the capital. Air raid sirens, the buzz of kamikaze drones, and loud explosions echoed through the city until sunrise. In a post on X, the UN Chief stated that the attacks, which disrupted the power supply to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, underscored the ongoing risks to nuclear safety, prompting the urgency of halting hostilities in line with the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions. "I strongly condemn the latest series of large-scale drone & missile attacks on Ukraine by Russia. The power supply to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was disrupted - once again underlining the ongoing risks to nuclear safety. I reiterate my call for a full, immediate & unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine as a first step towards a just, comprehensive & sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law & relevant UN resolutions," Guterres stated. Following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the day as a "rocky start" but noted significant defensive successes. "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. Interceptor drones demonstrated important performance today, and we are scaling this up to the hilt," Zelenskyy said in a post on X. Zelenskyy also announced a landmark development in Ukraine's defence strategy in the same post, as Kyiv made an agreement with Denmark on weapons productions. "Today marks an important decision in Europe -- in Denmark -- our first agreement on weapons production for Ukraine in Europe. Coproduction between Ukraine and Denmark. This is paramount both in terms of security and investment," he added. The deal will allow Ukrainian companies to begin joint weapons production on Danish territory, as reported by New York Post. This is the first instance of Ukraine establishing military manufacturing operations abroad, as the country seeks to counter intensifying Russian attacks during the conflict. As per the New York Post, citing Ukraine's Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin, Denmark is contributing USD 5 million to the initiative, which is designed to support Ukrainian defence startups. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], July 6 (ANI/TPS): Israeli soldiers eliminated Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh, commander of Hamas' Naval Force in the northern Gaza Strip, who was killed in an airstrike in Gaza City, the Israel Defence Forces said on Sunday. "Saleh was a significant source of knowledge in the Hamas terrorist organisation, and in recent weeks was involved in planning and advancing maritime terrorist attacks against IDF troops operating in the Gaza Strip." Also killed with Saleh were Hisham Ayman Atiya Mansour, Deputy Head of Hamas' mortar shell array cell, and Nissim Muhammad Suleiman Abu Sabha, who operated within Hamas' mortar shell array. The IDF stressed that steps were taken ahead of the strike to mitigate the risk to civilians, including aerial surveillance, precise munitions and other measures. The army's announcement came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to depart for Washington, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday Media reports indicate the ceasefire will last 60 days and include the phased release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies. In exchange, Israel will release an unspecified number of Palestinian security prisoners. The deal includes mechanisms for humanitarian aid and a gradual redeployment of Israeli forces in the Strip. Hamas is expected to provide information on the remaining hostages, and Israel will disclose data on Palestinians detained or killed since October 7. The US, Egypt, and Qatar will act as guarantors. Netanyahu's July 7 trip will be his third meeting with Trump since the US President returned to office in January. The Prime Minister will also meet with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defence Pete Hasegawa, Congressional leaders, and other senior Trump administration officials. Trump has intensified his push for a Gaza deal. However, talks remain stalled, with Hamas demanding a permanent end to the war and Israel insisting on a temporary truce that preserves its right to resume fighting. Netanyahu's discussions are also expected to focus on the next steps with Iran, thawing Israeli-Syrian relations, and finalising elements of a US-Israel trade agreement. At least 1,180 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 50 remaining hostages, around 30 are believed to be dead. (ANI/TPS) PM Modi arrived at the Museum of Modern Art for the 17th BRICS Summit. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1941852341579206881 "Grateful to President Lula for hosting this year's BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. BRICS remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global good," PM Modi wrote on X. Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a warm and vibrant welcome from the Indian community in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PM Modi also witnessed a musical performance of traditional prayer songs. Members of the Indian community held a traditional dance performance on the theme of 'Operation Sindoor' while welcoming PM Modi. Operation Sindoor emerged as a calibrated military response to an evolving pattern of asymmetric warfare, one that increasingly targets unarmed civilians along with military personnel. The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025 served as a grim reminder of this shift. Sharing his sentiments on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi said he was amazed by the Indian diaspora's enduring connection to Indian culture. "Members of Brazil's Indian community gave a very vibrant welcome in Rio de Janeiro. It's amazing how they remain connected with Indian culture and are also very passionate about India's development! Here are some glimpses from the welcome," PM Modi wrote on X. After landing in Brazil, PM shared a post on X, he said, "Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I will take part in the BRICS Summit and later go to their capital, Brasilia, for a state visit on the invitation of President Lula. Hoping for a productive round of meetings and interactions during this visit." During the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit (July 6-7), Prime Minister Modi will exchange views on key global issues, including peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. Brazil is the fourth country in its five-nation visit. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], July 6 (ANI/TPS): Israel arrested four Palestinians trying to smuggle around 100 protected songbirds into the country from Jordan, the Israel Police announced on Sunday. The four suspects were caught at the Allenby Bridge border crossing on Friday. The birds -- brutally concealed on the suspects' bodies -- had their feet glued to clothing. Authorities said the birds, belonging to the pheasant species, are protected under Israeli law and require special permits. Officials warned that illegal animal imports risk spreading disease and damaging local ecosystems. (ANI/TPS) The Kalchakra Monastery at Salugara in West Bengal's Siliguri became a focal point for global celebrations on Sunday as the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Organisation marked the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama with grandeur and reverence. Chief Secretary Sanam Lama of the organisation highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating, "Every year we do this, but this is his 90th birthday; that is why we are grandly celebrating his birthday." The festivities, which began on Saturday, included a free eye check-up camp, emphasising the blend of spiritual and humanitarian activities during the celebrations. "There are many programmes in this celebration. Yesterday, we opened a free eye check-up camp... We have celebrated his birthday by doing traditional rituals with all the monks coming here," Lama said. The Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala today with an address focusing on the values of compassion, service, and the Bodhichitta way of life. Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, along with other dignitaries and well-wishers, attended the celebration there. The Chief Secretary, Sanam Lama, also addressed the global resonance of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday and expressed delight at his expected announcement on his reincarnation. "Not only are we, people from across the world, celebrating his birthday with great enthusiasm... It is a happy moment for us as he announced his reincarnation and how the process will be going," he stated. Earlier on Wednesday, the Tibetan Spiritual Leader 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. The Chief Secretary also stated that China was "unhappy" with the spiritual leader's decision; however, he noted that this was their tradition and that no one can "change" it. "China might be unhappy, but this is our tradition that has been in place for the past 1,000 years, and no one can change it. Every Buddhist organisation around the world is supporting his decision," Lama asserted. On Wednesday, as the Dalai Lama left the decision of his successor to the Gaden Phodrang, leaving no role for the Chinese, Penpa Tsering Sikyong, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, said that the Tibetan people will never accept China's usage of reincarnation for political gain. Sikyong said the Chinese government is systematically working to erase Tibetan identity by targeting its language and religion, core pillars of its cultural heritage. Earlier today, the Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in Dharamshala with an address focusing on the values of compassion, service, and the Bodhichitta way of life. Speaking before a gathering at the Tsuglagkhang temple, he reflected on his spiritual journey and urged everyone to follow a path of kindness and selflessness. (ANI) The family photo marked a significant moment of unity and collaboration among the countries that the grouping represents. The photo showed Brazilian President Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa along with leaders and representatives of seven other member countries with Prime Minister Modi. The Prime Minister stated that the moment reaffirmed the leaders' commitment to closer cooperation and shared growth as the grouping holds immense potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable global future. "With fellow BRICS leaders at the Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reaffirming our commitment to closer cooperation and shared growth. BRICS holds immense potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable global future," PM Modi said in a post on X. The Ministry of External Affairs also took to X, noting the collective commitment of the group. "A collective commitment to addressing global challenges & promoting common values. PM Narendra Modi joined the Leaders from the BRICS countries for the family photo at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil," MEA stated in the post on X. The summit, hosted by Brazil from July 7 to July 9, saw leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia coming together during the event. Ahead of the family photo, PM Modi also had a catch-up with South African President Ramaphosa. "Good catching up with my friend, President Ramaphosa of South Africa!" PM Modi stated in another post on X. Earlier, PM Modi shook hands and shared a hug with Brazilian President Lula as he arrived for the 17th BRICS Summit. "Grateful to President Lula for hosting this year's BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. BRICS remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global good," PM Modi wrote on X. During the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit, Prime Minister Modi will exchange views on key global issues, including peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. (ANI) News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. The Chinese government has reiterated its stance on the reincarnation of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, with Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong stating that the process is inherently an internal affair of China, adding that "no interference by any external forces will be allowed." https://x.com/China_Amb_India/status/1941860724541722938 In a post on X, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong wrote, "It has been noted that some Indian officials recently made some remarks regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama." The Chinese envoy further highlighted that the government "opposes any attempts by overseas organisations or individuals to interfere in or dictate the reincarnation process." He also emphasised that Xizang is an "inalienable part" of China's territory. "Tibetan Buddhism traces its origins to China's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The primary regions where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced are within China. The lineage of the Dalai Lamas took shape and evolved within China's Tibet region," he wrote on X. The envoy also cleared the government's stance, asserting that the "conferment of their religious status and titles is the prerogative of the central government of China." Xu Feihong also stated that the Chinese government upholds the principle of independence and self-governance in religious affairs. He also emphasised that "no interference by any external forces will be allowed." "The reincarnation and succession of the Dalai Lama is inherently an internal affair of China. The Chinese government upholds the principle of independence and self-governance in religious affairs and administers the reincarnation of Living Buddhas, including that of the Dalai Lama, in accordance with the law. No interference by any external forces will be allowed," the envoy wrote on X. The Tibetan community in exile celebrated the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama with traditional fervour and devotion at the Sambhota Tibetan School in Chhota Shimla on Sunday. The event was marked by vibrant cultural performances, prayers, and speeches from dignitaries, including the Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mukesh Agnihotri, who was present as the chief guest. The event was marked by vibrant cultural performances, prayers, and speeches from dignitaries, including the Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mukesh Agnihotri, who was present as the chief guest. Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, along with other dignitaries and well-wishers, attended the celebration. Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in Dharamshala on Sunday with an address focusing on the values of compassion, service, and the Bodhichitta way of life. Speaking before a gathering at the Tsuglagkhang temple, he reflected on his spiritual journey and urged everyone to follow a path of kindness and selflessness. In his speech, the Dalai Lama spoke about the importance of love, unity and service to others. "As far as I am concerned, I have a human life. As humans, it is natural for us to have love in our hearts for one another and to help one another. Since we came from a country where the Buddhist religion and spirituality have spread, there is a strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood amongst us. The main practice is, as said in the Bodhisattva way of life -- considering all beings as my friends and relatives, and I always think of serving beings with the best of my abilities," he said. He thanked the gathering for attending the celebration with joy and warmth. "Today, my dear Dharma friends, and to all my friends, I wish to say that it is my 90th birthday celebration, and you have happily and with great excitement gathered here and with joy in our hearts. I would like to thank you for that. So, on this 90th birthday celebration of mine, you have come here with great joy in your heart. So thank you," he said. On the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's birthday, heartfelt messages poured in from world leaders, politicians, lawmakers, and artists in a video compiled by Tibet TV, which is run by the Tibetan government-in-exile, CNN reported. (ANI) Dubai [UAE], July 6 (ANI/WAM): Under the umbrella of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Suqia UAE has contributed to the second edition of the humanitarian community campaign "Al Freej Fridge" by providing 700,000 bottles of cold water to be distributed to workers at their job sites across various areas of Dubai. The initiative aims to ease the impact of summer heat on workers, support their wellbeing, and promote values of compassion and solidarity within the Dubai community. This contribution is part of Suqia UAE's partnership with the Al Freej Fridge campaign, launched by Ferjan Dubai, with the support of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and in collaboration with the UAE Food Bank. The campaign seeks to distribute 2 million bottles of water, juices, and frozen treats to workers across Dubai by 23rd August. The campaign targets cleaning and construction workers, delivery drivers, and roadside and landscaping workers, helping reduce health risks associated with extreme heat, such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. Mohammed Abdulkareem Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director of Suqia UAE, said, "We are pleased to support the second edition of the 'Al Freej Fridge' humanitarian community campaign by providing nearly 700,000 bottles of water. We value the vital role of this impactful initiative, which directly touches the lives of workers and helps reduce the health risks they face due to summer heat. It also reflects the authentic values that define the community of the United Arab Emirates. In the Year of the Community, Suqia UAE reaffirms its commitment to working alongside local and global partners to implement meaningful, sustainable projects and initiatives that enhance people's quality of life." Ibrahim Al Balooshi, Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at MBRGI, expressed his gratitude to Suqia UAE for its generous support and provision of 700,000 bottles of cold water for the Al Freej Fridge campaign. He emphasised that this support is a key pillar in achieving the campaign's goals and expanding its ability to reach as many workers as possible across Dubai. Al Balooshi noted that Suqia UAE's contribution is part of the campaign's broad participation from both government entities and private companies. This reflects their strong commitment to fulfilling their social responsibility and continuously supporting workers who make tireless efforts across job sites. It also represents a heartfelt gesture of appreciation and recognition for workers who play a direct role in sustaining Dubai's growth and prosperity. The water bottles provided by Suqia UAE play an essential role in the success of the Al Freej Fridge campaign. They are distributed through refrigerated vehicles that move throughout Dubai and are also used to stock fixed fridges in workers' accommodations--significantly boosting the campaign's reach and impact. Suqia UAE's support for the Al Freej Fridge campaign underscores its leading role in backing humanitarian and community-driven initiatives. The foundation's goals align closely with the campaign's mission of fostering social solidarity and protecting vulnerable groups exposed to high temperatures. The first edition of the Al Freej Fridge campaign, organised by Ferjan Dubai in summer 2024, was a major success, having distributed 1 million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats to workers in Dubai, and received wide support from both public and private sector entities. Ferjan Dubai is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering local communities in Dubai's residential neighborhoods. It aims to strengthen communication and trust between these communities and public and private institutions by promoting volunteerism and civic engagement--creating a dynamic social movement that enhances quality of life and encourages positive behaviors and values in society. Suqia UAE is a non-profit organisation operating under Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. It is primarily focused on researching and developing solutions to water scarcity and providing safe drinking water to communities suffering from water shortage and contamination. Beyond securing water for those in need, Suqia UAE is committed to integrating innovative and sustainable technologies as part of a broader solution to the global water crisis. (ANI/WAM) Team Sea Sakthi from Kumaraguru College of Technology in India has been awarded the Communication Prize at the 12th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, making a significant impression at one of the world's most prestigious maritime sustainability competitions, according to the Yatch Club De Monaco statement. The team's recognition comes as part of a remarkable international showcase that brought together 42 teams from 20 nationalities, involving more than 1,000 students in the pursuit of cleaner marine propulsion technologies. The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, organised by Yacht Club de Monaco with support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW, and SBM Offshore, has established itself as the premier event for testing and developing sustainable maritime innovations, as per Yatch Club De Monaco. This year's competition was dominated by UniBoAT - University of Bologna Argonauts Team from Italy, who were crowned the overall 2025 MEBC Champion for the fourth time, having previously won in 2021, 2022, and 2023. According to Yatch Club De Monaco, the competition featured four distinct categories: AI Class for autonomous boats, Energy Class for standardised hulls testing different technologies, SeaLab Class focusing on hydrogen projects, and Open Sea Class for zero-emission prototypes up to 25 meters that can accommodate at least three people. For half of Team Sea Sakthi's members, the Monaco competition represented their first international travel experience, yet they distinguished themselves not only through their technical prowess but also through their collaborative spirit. The Indian team exemplified the event's philosophy of knowledge sharing when they provided assistance to the French team Nereides in the paddocks, demonstrating the international cooperation that defines the competition's culture of open-source expertise exchange. The Communication Prize recognises teams that excel in presenting their innovations and engaging with the broader maritime community about sustainable technologies. Team Sea Sakthi's achievement highlights India's growing presence in the global conversation about maritime sustainability and clean energy solutions. Their success comes at a time when the competition has reached new milestones, with technological advances showing battery storage capacity nearly doubling over four years while improving safety standards. Team Sea Sakthi's victory adds to India's expanding footprint in international maritime innovation, representing not just their institution but the country's commitment to developing sustainable marine technologies. Their recognition alongside winners from Italy, Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Austria, France, and Hungary demonstrates the truly global nature of the push toward cleaner maritime solutions, with the next generation of engineers leading the charge toward a more sustainable future for the boating industry. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 17th BRICS Summit on Sunday, underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in global institutions to address the marginalisation of the Global South as well as the challenges of the 21st century, noting that the Global South has often been a victim of "double standards". During his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the systemic inequalities and inefficiencies that the Global South faced, noting that the interests of the region have never been "prioritised". "The Global South has often been a victim of double standards. Whether it is development, distribution of resources, or security-related issues, the interests of the Global South have not been prioritised. On issues like climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access, the Global South has often received nothing but token gestures," he stated. Pointing to the historical neglect of two-thirds of humanity in 20th-century-formed institutions, PM Modi argued that countries with significant contributions to the global economy remain under-represented at decision-making tables, undermining the credibility and effectiveness of these bodies. "Two-thirds of humanity has not been adequately represented in the global institutions formed in the 20th century. Countries that have a major contribution to today's global economy have not been given a place at the decision-making table. This is not just a question of representation but also of credibility and effectiveness. Without the Global South, these institutions seem like a mobile with a SIM card but no network. These institutions are unable to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. Whether it is the ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world, the pandemic, the economic crisis, or newly emerging challenges in cyber and space, these institutions have no solutions," he stated. PM Modi's address called for a radical overhaul, not merely symbolic changes, but tangible reforms in governance structures, voting rights, and leadership positions, calling for a "multipolar and inclusive world order," advocating for a paradigm shift in how global institutions operate. "Today the world needs a new multipolar and inclusive world order. This will have to start with comprehensive reforms in global institutions. Reforms should not be merely symbolic, but their real impact should also be visible. There should be changes in governance structures, voting rights and leadership positions. The challenges of the countries of the Global South should be given priority in policy-making," the PM noted. The Prime Minister also drew a parallel to technological obsolescence, noting, "In the age of AI, where technology is updated every week, it is not acceptable for a global institution not to be updated even once in eighty years. 21st-century software cannot be run by 20th-century typewriters." This metaphor underscored the urgency of modernising institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO, and Multilateral Development Banks to reflect contemporary realities and address emerging challenges effectively. The Prime Minister also highlighted the expansion of BRICS as a model for adaptability and reform, welcoming Indonesia's recent inclusion and acknowledging the bloc's evolving role. "The expansion of BRICS, the joining of new friends, is proof that BRICS is an organisation that has the ability to change itself according to time. Now we will have to show the same willpower for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO, and Multilateral Development Banks... On behalf of India, I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to my friend, President Prabowo, on Indonesia joining the BRICS family," he said. Expressing India's commitment to global welfare, Modi stated, "India has always considered it its responsibility to work in the interest of humanity, rising above its own interests. We are fully committed to making constructive contributions on all subjects, along with the BRICS countries." He also praised Brazil's Presidency under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for infusing "new momentum and energy" into BRICS cooperation, likening it to a "double espresso shot", and extended appreciation for Lula's vision and commitment. Earlier, PM Modi, along with other leaders, participated in the traditional family photo session at the 17th BRICS Summit held at the Museum of Modern Art in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro. The family photo marked a significant moment of unity and collaboration among the countries that the grouping represents. The photo showed Brazilian President Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa along with leaders and representatives of seven other member countries with Prime Minister Modi. The Prime Minister stated that the moment reaffirmed the leaders' commitment to closer cooperation and shared growth as the grouping holds immense potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable global future. "With fellow BRICS leaders at the Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reaffirming our commitment to closer cooperation and shared growth. BRICS holds immense potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable global future," PM Modi said in a post on X. The Ministry of External Affairs also took to X, noting the collective commitment of the group. "A collective commitment to addressing global challenges & promoting common values. PM Narendra Modi joined the Leaders from the BRICS countries for the family photo at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil," MEA stated in the post on X. The summit, hosted by Brazil from July 7 to July 9, saw leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia coming together during the event. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], July 6 (ANI/TPS): Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's departure for Washington was delayed Sunday as tensions escalated with his Haredi Orthodox coalition partners over the contentious military draft law. Shas and United Torah Judaism threatened to boycott Monday's Knesset session unless they received a preliminary draft of the proposed legislation, forcing an 11th-hour scramble in Jerusalem. Reports suggested that the delayed departure would be brief. Under pressure, Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein presented the core points of the draft to Shas MK Ariel Atias. Though not a finalised bill, Edelstein's associates stressed that the version shared reflects the law's current trajectory. The move came amid threats by the Haredi factions to paralyse the coalition, a dramatic escalation from their earlier position to only boycott private member bills. "If Yuli Edelstein, under pressure from Netanyahu, presents the law to the ultra-Orthodox before presenting it to soldiers and reservists, this sums up the whole story of the evasion law," said opposition leader Yair Lapid. Opposition members serving on the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee echoed Lapid's criticism, accusing Edelstein of surrendering to coalition pressure and sidestepping proper legislative procedure. They claimed the bill was being shaped in closed-door talks and would be handed to the committee as a fait accompli. The draft legislation has been at the heart of intense coalition infighting, especially since a crisis erupted last month over disagreements on enforcement. On June 12, Edelstein and Haredi leaders reached a compromise: the inclusion of immediate personal sanctions on draft evaders in exchange for the softening of certain financial penalties. For example, Edelstein had pushed to raise the Haredi draft quota from 70 per cent to 75 per cent, but agreed to reduce the impact on early childhood subsidies in order to avoid undermining Haredi employment. If passed, the law will impose immediate personal sanctions on draft evaders, including denial of a driver's license, travel restrictions, and revocation of academic subsidies and affirmative action benefits in the public sector. If draft targets are not met within six months, further penalties such as the removal of dormitory and transit subsidies will kick in. After one year, partial National Insurance payments will be revoked, and after two years, daycare subsidies and housing aid will also be cut. Despite the tough sanctions, the law will begin with modest targets: no Haredi conscripts in the first year, 5,700 in the second, and a gradual increase to 50 per cent of the eligible Haredi cohort by 2030. The proposed outline allows for a 95 per cent compliance rate to be considered full fulfilment, with the draft age set between 18 and 26. The military began making plans to draft yeshiva students after Israel's High Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that exemptions for the Haredi community were illegal. The army told lawmakers it faces a critical manpower shortage, needing approximately 12,000 new recruits, including 7,000 combat soldiers and seeks to recruit 4,800 Haredi men annually, a figure expected to rise over time. Military service is compulsory for all Israeli citizens. However, Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, and the country's leading rabbis agreed to a status quo that deferred military service for Haredi men studying in yeshivot, or religious institutions. At the time, no more than several hundred men were studying in yeshivot. However, the Orthodox community has grown significantly since Israel's founding. In January 2023, the Central Bureau of Statistics reported that Haredim are Israel's fastest-growing community and projected it would constitute 16 per cent of the population by the end of the decade. According to the Israel Democracy Institute, the number of yeshiva students exceeded 138,000 in 2021. Netanyahu was due to depart for Washington on Sunday afternoon, where he is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. Trump has intensified his push for a Gaza deal. However, talks remain stalled, with Hamas demanding a permanent end to the war and Israel insisting on a temporary truce that preserves its right to resume fighting. Netanyahu's discussions are also expected to focus on the next steps with Iran, thawing Israeli-Syrian relations, and finalising elements of a US-Israel trade agreement. (ANI/TPS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 17th BRICS Summit on Sunday, asserted that condemning terrorism must be a "principle" rather than a matter of "convenience", describing it as the "most serious challenge" for humanity in the current global scenario. Addressing the BRICS Session on Peace and Security, the Prime Minister highlighted the recent terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 as a stark reminder of terrorism's threat to global peace and called for unwavering international solidarity. He stated that the attack was a blow to the "soul, identity, and dignity" of India, acknowledging the international support that the nation received in solidarity. "Terrorism has become the most serious challenge for humanity today. Recently India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack. On 22 April, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a direct attack on the soul, identity, and dignity of India. This attack was a blow not only to India but to the entire humanity. In this hour of grief, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the friendly countries who stood with us, who expressed support and condolences," the PM stated. "Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just a 'convenience'. If we first see in which country the attack took place and against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity," he added. He further emphasised the need for decisive action, calling for sanctions against such acts. He further noted that words and actions regarding terrorism should be the same. "There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. The victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale. For personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism and supporting terror or terrorists should not be acceptable under any circumstances. There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism. If we cannot do this, then the question naturally arises: are we serious about the fight against terrorism or not?" he noted. The Prime Minister's address also situated the fight against terrorism within a broader global context, noting the pervasive threats from West Asia to Europe and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "From West Asia to Europe, today the world is surrounded by disputes and tensions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a cause of great concern. India firmly believes that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, the path of peace is the only option for the welfare of humanity," he said while reaffirming India's commitment to peace rooted in its cultural heritage and positioning the country as a proponent of peaceful resolution. "India is the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. There is no place for war and violence for us. India supports every effort that takes the world away from division and conflict and leads it towards dialogue, cooperation, and coordination and increases solidarity and trust," he added. PM Modi also highlighted the role of BRICS in fostering global peace and security, stating, "Global peace and security is not just an ideal; it is the foundation of our common interests and future. The development of humanity is possible only in a peaceful and secure environment. BRICS has a very important role in fulfilling this objective. We have to unite and make collective efforts to face our common challenges. We have to move forward together." The Prime Minister concluded with an invitation to BRICS leaders to visit India for the next summit under India's chairmanship in 2026, further underscoring the alliance's potential to drive global stability. The summit, hosted by Brazil from July 7 to July 9, saw leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia coming together during the event. (ANI) Condemning the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in the "strongest terms," leaders of BRICS nations reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the "cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens." In a joint declaration at the 17th BRICS summit, the leaders described terrorism as "criminal and unjustifiable", regardless of the motive, and called for ensuring "zero tolerance" for terrorism, rejecting "double standards" in countering terror. The declaration stated, "We express strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured. We reaffirm ourcommitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including thecross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens." BRICS leaders reiterated that terrorism should not be linked with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group. "We reiterate that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be heldaccountable and brought to justice in accordance with relevant national and internationallaw. We urge to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards incountering terrorism," it added. The leaders of BRICS nations welcomed the activities of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five Subgroups, based on the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan, and the CTWG position paper. The joint declaration stated, "We emphasize the primary responsibility of States in combatingterrorism and that global efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must fully complywith their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the UnitedNations, in particular the purposes and principles thereof, and relevant internationalconventions and protocols, in particular international human rights law, internationalrefugee law and international humanitarian law, as applicable." "We welcome the activities of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five Subgroups based upon the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan and the CTWG position paper. We look forward to further deepening counter-terrorism cooperation. We call for an expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework. We call for concerted actions against all UN-designated terrorists and terrorist entities," it added. In the joint declaration, leaders of BRICS nations also condemned the attacks against bridges and railway infrastructure deliberately targeting civilians in the Bryansk, Kursk and Voronezh regions of Russia on May 31, June 1 and 5, resulting in multiple civilian casualties, including children. The leaders of the BRICS nations reiterated their commitment to preventing and combating illicit financial flows, including money laundering and the financing of terrorism, extremism and proliferation, as well as other forms of transnational organized crime, such as drug trafficking,cybercrimes, crimes that impact the environment, illicit trafficking of firearms, traffickingin persons, corruption and the use of new technologies, including cryptocurrencies, forillegal, in particular terrorist purposes. The joint declaration stated, "In this regard, we underscore the importance of enhancing capacity-building and technical assistance, particularly for developing countries, to support the implementation of relevant international obligations. We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of technical and non-politicized nature of international anti-criminal cooperation, including for the purpose of prevention and of financial investigations." "We note the need to further strengthen such cooperation, including through relevant existing BRICS working groups, meetings of the BRICS countries competent authorities and other forms of cooperation based on the documents adopted in BRICS, as well as the relevant international legal instruments to which BRICS countries are parties. We emphasize the importance of creating conditions for the safe development of the younger generation, reducing the risk of their involvement in illegal activities, and welcomed the development of relevant international projects with the participation of young people," it added. The BRICS summit, hosted by Brazil, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, as well as new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, held a meeting on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. In a statement shared on X, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India @DrSJaishankar hold a meeting on the sidelines of the XVII #BRICS Summit. Rio de Janeiro, July 6." The two leaders had earlier met in Johannesburg in February this year, where they had discussed the ongoing progress of bilateral cooperation between India and Russia. https://x.com/mfa_russia/status/1941933531325747377 The BRICS summit, hosted by Brazil, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, as well as new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. During the BRICS Summit on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that condemning terrorism must be a "principle" rather than a matter of "convenience", describing it as the "most serious challenge" for humanity in the current global scenario. Addressing the BRICS Session on Peace and Security, the Prime Minister highlighted the recent terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 as a stark reminder of terrorism's threat to global peace and called for unwavering international solidarity. He stated that the attack was a blow to the "soul, identity, and dignity" of India, acknowledging the international support that the nation received in solidarity. "Terrorism has become the most serious challenge for humanity today. Recently India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack. On 22 April, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a direct attack on the soul, identity, and dignity of India. This attack was a blow not only to India but to the entire humanity. In this hour of grief, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the friendly countries who stood with us, who expressed support and condolences," the PM stated. "Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just a 'convenience'. If we first see in which country the attack took place and against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity," he added. In a statement shared on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "PM @narendramodi delivered his address at the session on 'Peace & Security' during the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PM stated that terrorism was a grave threat to humanity and called upon BRICS to strengthen the global fight against the menace. Thanking countries for strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and expressing solidarity for India, he urged zero tolerance for terrorism. He reaffirmed that India stands for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts and achieve global peace." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1941909632886431755 During the BRICS Summit on 'Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance', PM Modi stressed the urgent need to reform outdated global institutions to reflect the realities of the 20th century. He highlighted the systemic inequalities and inefficiencies that the Global South faced, noting that the interests of the region have never been "prioritised". The Prime Minister also highlighted the expansion of BRICS as a model for adaptability and reform, welcoming Indonesia's recent inclusion and acknowledging the bloc's evolving role. "PM @narendramodi addressed the session on 'Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance' at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. PM underscored the urgent need to reform outdated global institutions to reflect the realities of the 20th century. He called for strengthening multipolarity for an inclusive world that amplifies the voice of the Global South," Jaiswal posted on X. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro on Sunday (local time). PM Modi also met Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The two leaders warmly greeted each other before they began their talks. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials were present during the meeting. The BRICS summit, hosted by Brazil, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, as well as new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. Brazil assumed the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2025, with the theme 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance'. India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026. Meanwhile, addressing the 17th BRICS Summit on Sunday, PM Modi underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in global institutions to address the marginalisation of the Global South as well as the challenges of the 21st century, noting that the Global South has often been a victim of "double standards". During his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the systemic inequalities and inefficiencies that the Global South faced, noting that the interests of the region have never been "prioritised". "The Global South has often been a victim of double standards. Whether it is development, distribution of resources, or security-related issues, the interests of the Global South have not been prioritised. On issues like climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access, the Global South has often received nothing but token gestures," he stated. Pointing to the historical neglect of two-thirds of humanity in 20th-century-formed institutions, PM Modi argued that countries with significant contributions to the global economy remain under-represented at decision-making tables, undermining the credibility and effectiveness of these bodies. "Two-thirds of humanity has not been adequately represented in the global institutions formed in the 20th century. Countries that have a major contribution to today's global economy have not been given a place at the decision-making table. This is not just a question of representation but also of credibility and effectiveness. Without the Global South, these institutions seem like a mobile with a SIM card but no network. These institutions are unable to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. Whether it is the ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world, the pandemic, the economic crisis, or newly emerging challenges in cyber and space, these institutions have no solutions," he stated. Earlier, PM Modi, along with other leaders, participated in the traditional BRICS family photo session held at the Museum of Modern Art in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro. The photo showed Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with leaders and representatives of other member countries, with Prime Minister Modi. (ANI) Leaders of BRICS nations reiterated support for "comprehensive reform" of the United Nations, including its Security Council, for making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient. In a joint declaration at the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, China and Russia, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, reiterated their support for the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater role in the UN, including its Security Council. The joint declaration stated, "Recognizing the 2023 Johannesburg-II Leaders' Declaration, we reiterate our support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council's memberships so that it canadequately respond to prevailing global challenges and support the legitimate aspirationsof emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including BRICS countries, to play a greater role in international affairs, in particular in the United Nations, including its Security Council. We recognize the legitimate aspirations of African countries, as reflected in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration." "We stress that the United Nations Security Council reform is to lead to the amplified voice of the Global South. Recalling the 2022 Beijing and 2023 Johannesburg-II Leaders' Declarations, China and Russia, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, reiterate their support to the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater rolein the United Nations, including its Security Council," it added. Notably, India has long sought a permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC) to better represent the interests of the developing world. The UNSC is composed of 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. In the joint declaration, the leaders of the BRICS nations expressed serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures, which distort trade and are inconsistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. They reiterated their support for the rules-based, open, transparent, fair, inclusive, equitable, non-discriminatory, consensus-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, with special and differential treatment (S&DT) for its developing members. The joint declaration stated, "The multilateral trading system has long been at a crossroads. The proliferation of trade-restrictive actions, whether in the form of indiscriminate rising of tariffs and nontariff measures, or protectionism under the guise of environmental objectives, threatens to further reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty intointernational economic and trade activities, potentially exacerbating existing economic disparities and affecting prospects for global economic development. We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules." "In this context, we reiterate our support for the rulesbased, open, transparent, fair, inclusive, equitable, non-discriminatory, consensus-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, with special and differential treatment (S&DT) for its developing members. We emphasize that the WTO, at its 30th anniversary, remains the only multilateral institution with the necessary mandate, expertise, universal reach and capacity to lead on the multiple dimensions of international trade discussions, including the negotiation of new trade rules," it added. The leaders of BRICS nations recalled the commitment made at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference and reaffirmed at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference to work towards a necessary reform of the Organization to ensure its relevance and restore the credibility of the multilateral trading system. They expressed commitment to the urgent restoration of an accessible, effective, fully-functioning, two-tier binding WTO dispute settlement system. They expressed support for Ethiopia and Iran's bid for accession to the WTO. They welcomed the BRICS Declaration on WTO Reform and Strengthening of the Multilateral Trading System, adopted by the Ministers of Trade. The joint declaration stated, "We condemn the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law, and reiterate that such measures, inter alia in the form of unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions, have far-reaching negative implications for the human rights, including the rights to development, health and food security, of the general population of targeted states, disproportionally affecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations, deepening the digital divide and exacerbating environmental challenges." "We call for the elimination of such unlawful measures, which undermine international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. We reaffirm that BRICS member states do not impose or support non-UN Security Council authorized sanctions that are contrary to international law," it added. Leaders of BRICS nations also expressed concern about ongoing conflicts in many parts of the world and the current state of polarisation and fragmentation in the international order. They expressed alarm at the current trend, which has seen a critical increase in global military spending to the detriment of adequate financing for development in developing countries. They advocated for a multilateral approach that respects diverse national viewpoints and positions on crucial global issues, including sustainable development, the eradication of hunger and poverty and contributing to the global response to climate change, while expressing deep concern over attempts to link security with the climate change agenda. The joint declaration statement stated, "We note the current global context of polarization and distrust and encourage global action to strengthen international peace and security. We call on the international community to respond to these challenges and associated security threats through politico-diplomatic measures to lower conflict potential and stress the need to engage in conflict prevention efforts, including through addressing their root causes." The BRICS summit, hosted by Brazil, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as well as new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. Brazil assumed the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2025, with the theme 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance'. 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They landed at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, located outside the capital Ulaanbaatar, at around 4 p.m. Japan time on July 6th. This marks their first visit to Mongolia in their current roles. Upon descending the aircraft stairs, the Emperor and Empress were offered traditional welcome sweets and received a bouquet of flowers. They exchanged greetings with the Mongolian foreign minister before proceeding past an honor guard. The couple then traveled by car to their hotel in Ulaanbaatar, where they will be staying during the visit. On July 7th, the Emperor is scheduled to visit local facilities, including the municipal waterworks supported by Japanese aid. On July 8th, the Emperor and Empress will attend an official state welcome ceremony together. A 2025 Legal Guide to Identity Change, Second Citizenship, and Clean Beginnings VANCOUVER, British Columbia Starting over is no longer a concept reserved for novels or witness protection programs. In an era marked by digital surveillance, financial blocklisting, and reputational ruin, thousands of people around the globe are exploring legal ways to reset their lives. Whether they are escaping abusive relationships, political persecution, data leaks, or online defamation, one reality is apparent: it is possible to start over legally, without committing fraud, identity theft, or passport forgery. Amicus International Consulting, a world leader in legal identity transformation, outlines a clear roadmap to help individuals reset their lives across borders while staying compliant with international law. From court-approved name changes and second citizenships to financial re-registration and digital privacy measures, the modern tools for disappearing and rebuilding are both legal and practical. Why People Are Choosing Legal Resets in 2025 There is a rising demand for lawful identity change services globally. Motivations vary: A business executive falsely accused in a media scandal A political dissident exposed by leaked surveillance footage A domestic violence survivor looking to escape an abusers reach A former criminal seeking legitimate reintegration after serving time A cybersecurity expert being tracked across networks These are not criminals fleeing justicethey are individuals seeking lawful separation from a past that is no longer safe or sustainable. For them, legality is critical. Every step must be documented, traceable, and internationally recognized, said a compliance officer at Amicus. The goal is not to disappear illegallyits to start over within the legal structures of international law. Understanding What Makes a Legal Reset Possible Legal identity resets rely on three core frameworks: Court-Approved Name Changes Many jurisdictions, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and several Caribbean and Latin American countries, allow for name changes through official petitions. Once approved, the new name becomes legally binding on all civil documentation, including passports, tax IDs, and financial records. Second Citizenship Through Lawful Means Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs in countries such as Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Vanuatu allow individuals to acquire legal citizenship through investment. These programs issue fully valid passports under the applicants new or updated identity. New Tax and Financial Residency Establishing a new residency and taxpayer status is essential to maintaining financial legitimacy. Countries like Panama, Paraguay, and Georgia offer favourable tax codes for new residents and accept valid identification documents for name changes. Case Study 1: From Corporate Collapse to Caribbean Citizenship In 2022, a 44-year-old French executive was wrongly implicated in a corporate bribery scandal that destroyed her career. Though never charged, the media frenzy followed her for years. Working with Amicus, she changed her name through a legal process in Dominica, applied for CBI, and received a new passport. She now owns a digital marketing agency in Grenada, pays taxes locally, and lives free from reputational baggage. It wasnt about hiding, she said. It was about survivingand doing it right. The Legal Process: Step-by-Step Identity Reset Amicus outlines a typical pathway to resetting ones life: Step 1: Initial Consultation and Risk Screening Clients are vetted through Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) to ensure that no active criminal investigations, international warrants, or financial crimes are associated with them. Those who pass are eligible for legal transformation services. Step 2: Jurisdiction Selection and Strategy Amicus assists clients in selecting a country based on their risk profile, legal history, desired level of privacy, and financial capacity. Jurisdictions are carefully screened for rule-of-law protections, privacy legislation, and provisions allowing for legal name changes. Step 3: Document Acquisition and Legal Filings Through official legal channels, Amicus assists clients in filing name change petitions, residency or citizenship applications, and obtaining new passports, national IDs, and civil records. All filings are processed through licensed attorneys. Step 4: Financial Reset and Compliance Setup Clients are assisted in opening new bank accounts, obtaining new tax IDs, and establishing financial footprints under their new identities. Offshore trusts and holding companies may be used to protect assets legally. Step 5: Digital Hygiene and Anonymity Tools Digital safety is paramount. Amicus trains clients on eliminating data trails, resetting device identifiers, securing communications, and avoiding biometric tracking. Expert Interview: Legal Counsel Julia Navarro on Identity Reset Laws Q: Is it legal to disappear and start over? Navarro: Its legal if its done correctly. Name changes, second citizenship, and tax re-registration are all protected under local and international laws. The problem is when people fake documents or hide their histories. Q: How do countries respond to this practice? Navarro: Jurisdictions offering these services are extremely strict about who they let in. Thats why Amicus screens clients upfront. If youre clean and follow the rules, governments are very cooperative. Q: What are the most significant risks people face? Navarro: The biggest mistake is trying to cut corners. Buying fake documents, lying on CBI applications, or using VPNs to spoof locations during legal processes are all red flags. Transparency with legal counsel is everything. Case Study 2: Escaping Domestic Abuse and Digital Stalking A 36-year-old woman in the U.S. sought help after enduring years of abuse. Her ex-partner tracked her online, hacked her accounts, and used public records to locate her repeatedly. Amicus facilitated a name change, arranged for residency in Belize, and helped her open secure accounts under her new identity. She now lives near San Ignacio, works remotely, and has rebuilt her life safely and legally. Where Its Legal to Reset Your Life in 2025 Amicus has vetted the following jurisdictions for their combination of privacy, legal compliance, and accessibility for lawful identity transformation: Dominica Efficient name change processes and strong CBI program Antigua and Barbuda Recognized by over 130 countries; legal anonymity possible Panama Friendly residency program with robust tax advantages Paraguay Popular for long-term low-cost naturalization Vanuatu Fast-track passport issuance, especially for digital entrepreneurs Uruguay Low corruption and stable residency-to-citizenship pathway Georgia Easy documentation processing for those seeking financial reinvention Case Study 3: The Wrongfully Convicted Man Who Rebuilt in Panama A 50-year-old man was exonerated after serving eight years for a crime he didnt commit. Though his conviction was overturned, he couldnt escape the stigma. With Amicus help, he applied for legal residency in Panama, changed his name through a court order, and started a bilingual tutoring business. Panama gave me a life after injustice, he said. It wasnt about hidingit was about healing. Avoiding Illegal Mistakes in the Disappearance Process While the legal path is clear, many fall prey to misinformation or illegal offers. Amicus flags common red flags that can destroy your chance of starting over legally: Fake passports or black market documents Consultants offering backdoor CBI approvals Forged court name change documents Using anonymous networks to hide while filing legal documents Amicus clients succeed because they follow the law at every step, said a team member. We dont promise invisibility. We provide legal freedom. Resetting Financial Life: Banking, Tax IDs, and Economic Stability Banking and taxation are essential to a legal reset. After a new identity is approved, Amicus assists clients with: Opening bank accounts under their new name and nationality Registering new tax identification numbers Complying with FATCA and CRS reporting obligations Creating offshore holding companies for businesses Converting and transferring funds within compliance thresholds All financial transactions are structured to ensure legality and minimize the risk of flags during audits or cross-border inquiries. Digital Reinvention: Staying Secure After the Reset In todays digital-first world, legal documents alone arent enough. Amicus works with cybersecurity consultants to ensure clients can navigate their new lives safely. Services include: Scrubbing old data from people-search websites Changing all device identifiers and browser fingerprints Using encrypted email, file storage, and communication apps Avoiding biometric login systems tied to previous identities Final Checklist for Starting Over Legally The following list summarizes the essential steps to ensure a lawful and successful reset: Undergo due diligence and pass legal background checks Select a jurisdiction that offers legal name changes or citizenship Work with licensed attorneys to file official documentation Acquire valid passports, birth certificates, and IDs Set up new bank accounts and financial structures Register with the appropriate tax authority Adopt secure digital practices to protect privacy Avoid shortcuts or fraudulent schemes Conclusion: A Legal Life Reset Is PossibleIf You Follow the Rules In 2025, more people are realizing that the law is not their enemyits their pathway to freedom. Through the right combination of legal identity tools, professional consulting, and international cooperation, it is possible to leave a harmful past behind and begin again. Amicus International Consulting stands at the forefront of this global transformation. With expertise across jurisdictions and decades of experience in legal compliance, they ensure that their clients not only survive but also emerge stronger, safer, and compliant. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: info@amicusint.ca Website: www.amicusint.ca Follow Us: LinkedIn Twitter/X Facebook Instagram About Amicus International Consulting Amicus International Consulting assists individuals worldwide in legally redefining their identities. Specializing in name change law, second citizenship, financial compliance, and privacy consulting, Amicus offers tailored strategies for those seeking freedom, safety, and legitimacy in their new lives. A 2025 Legal Blueprint for Severing Social, Digital, and Civil Links to Begin a New Life VANCOUVER, British Columbia In 2025, social disconnection is no longer just about leaving your hometown or deleting your Facebook account. For those seeking a complete identity transformationwhether due to safety, reputation, privacy, or traumacutting ties with the past must happen at every level: legal, social, digital, and psychological. Amicus International Consulting, a global leader in lawful identity resets, has seen a rising number of clients requesting total social disconnection strategies. From international relocation to name changes, from deregistering in public systems to disappearing from digital platforms, the modern path to starting fresh is both complex and deeply personal. This press release examines the legal, emotional, and logistical aspects of disengaging from society and provides guidance on how to do so without violating the law. Why People Choose Total Disconnection While the term disappearing may evoke images of fugitives or fiction, the reality is different. Today, the people choosing total disconnection are often professionals, survivors, and digital privacy advocates. Amicus has assisted: A domestic violence survivor whose abuser tracked her via social media and financial apps A former public figure dealing with harassment, media scrutiny, and defamation A cybersecurity expert targeted by state-sponsored hackers A corporate whistleblower at risk of industry blocklisting A digital rights activist seeking anonymity after receiving threats In each case, the goal was not to evade the lawbut to reassert privacy, autonomy, and control through legal means. The Legal Framework of Social Disconnection True disconnection is not simply an emotional or symbolic actits legal. Amicus structures the process into four stages: Legal Identity Reset This involves changing ones name, nationality, or legal documentation. Depending on the clients country of origin, this can be achieved through court name changes, citizenship-by-investment , or long-term residency with naturalization in privacy-respecting jurisdictions. Deregistration from Former Civil Systems In many countries, individuals continue to be active in government systems even after relocation. Amicus helps clients remove themselves from voter rolls, tax agencies, national IDs, and healthcare registrieslawfully. Financial Re-identification Amicus collaborates with international banks to ensure that accounts, tax records, and digital payment systems accurately reflect the new identity. This step is crucial to prevent triggers such as banking mismatches or compliance violations. Digital and Social Media Disconnection Social media accounts are deactivated or scrubbed, email providers are replaced with encrypted platforms, and device identifiers are changed to avoid cross-platform tracking. Case Study 1: A Tech Influencer Erased Her Online Footprint In 2023, a San Francisco-based cybersecurity influencer was targeted for exposing a government surveillance contract. Doxxed online, she faced harassment and threats. With Amicus help, she legally changed her name in Canada, deregistered from California DMV and voter rolls, and relocated to Saint Lucia under a new passport. All her digital accounts were deleted or anonymized using secure protocols. I needed a reset. Now I own my life again, she said. Psychological Impact: The Emotional Challenge of Cutting Ties Starting over doesnt only require legal documentsit demands emotional resilience. Severing family, friends, and personal history can be painful, even when necessary. Amicus offers access to psychologists who are familiar with identity transformation, helping clients process their loss and reframe their identity. Topics addressed include: Coping with grief after Social Exit Navigating guilt from leaving behind dependents or parents Reconstructing self-image after abandoning career, status, or fame Establishing new relationships under a new identity In many cases, social disconnection isnt abandonmentits a form of survival. The Five-Step Strategy to Legal Disconnection Amicus follows a proven process to help clients disconnect fully while staying within legal boundaries: Step 1: Legal Name and Identity Change Clients begin by petitioning courts for a legal name change or applying for a second citizenship through investment or naturalization. This becomes the legal anchor for the new life. Step 2: Civil Deregistration and Record Severance Clients are withdrawn from public databases, including: Taxpayer registries (IRS, CRA, HMRC, etc.) Voter rolls and political donation records State and municipal health systems Educational transcripts and licensing databases Local court and real estate registries (if applicable) Step 3: Financial Migration All financial accounts are closed, moved offshore, or converted to new accounts under the lawful identity. This includes: Bank accounts Investment portfolios PayPal, Stripe, and financial tech services Business ownership records and beneficiary documents Step 4: Social and Digital Exit Clients shut down or erase: Social media platforms Email tied to the old name Public-facing websites and blogs App Store and Cloud backups Biometric logins and linked devices Step 5: Relocation and Reestablishment Abroad Most clients relocate to new countries where their new identity is registered with immigration, banking, and civil systems. This includes establishing housing, employment, or self-employment, as well as digital access, within the new life structure. Expert Interview: Therapist Dr. Mia Colburn on Disconnection Psychology Q: What drives people to disengage socially at this level? Colburn: Theyre often escaping ongoing trauma or systemic exposure. The digital world is intrusivesocial disconnection is often an act of psychological self-defence. Q: Is it possible to rebuild after total disconnection? Colburn: Absolutely. Many of my clients go on to build new families, careers, and friendships. But theres a necessary mourning processtheyre grieving their past. Q: How should someone prepare mentally for this transition? Colburn: Therapy is vital. Youre not just changing your nameyoure severing history. That must be honoured, understood, and metabolized. Case Study 2: The Businesswoman Who Walked Away from Her Brand A 55-year-old fashion entrepreneur from Los Angeles faced intense scrutiny after her brand was wrongly linked to unethical labour practices overseas. Her image became the focal point of protests, online smear campaigns, and boycotts. Amicus helped her legally change her name in Uruguay, sell her company shares to a holding trust, and move her finances offshore. Her new identity was established through a citizenship-by-investment program. I was never charged. But I lost everythinguntil I got a second chance, she said. Avoiding Illegal Methods of Social Disconnection While disconnection is legal when done right, many individuals fall into traps by attempting shortcuts. Amicus highlights red flags that can jeopardize the process: Using fraudulent identity documents Faking death certificates Claiming political asylum without a basis Failing to pay taxes before disappearing Illegally erasing data or violating privacy laws Every piece must be documented and defensible, said an Amicus legal advisor. We dont make you invisible. We make you untouchablelegally. Where Legal Disconnection Is Most Viable in 2025 Amicus recommends the following jurisdictions for complete legal disconnection based on cooperation with identity change requests, minimal public record sharing, and strong privacy protections: Uruguay : Ideal for name changes and residency St. Kitts and Nevis : Fast second citizenship, anonymous real estate ownership Belize : Offers long-term residency and privacy-focused banking Panama : Legal trusts, banking secrecy, and flexible immigration Georgia : Friendly to digital nomads and identity reset professionals Paraguay : Residency within 90 days and minimal bureaucratic tracking Each destination is vetted for legal stability, record suppression, and integration pathways. Case Study 3: Escaping a Cult and Rebuilding in Paraguay A 29-year-old woman fled a religious cult in rural Missouri. After testifying against the group, she feared retaliation and harassment. Amicus guided her through a name change, deregistration from Missouri voter rolls and federal tax systems, and relocation to Paraguay. There, she registered as a self-employed English teacher and now works remotely. I disappeared with purpose, she said. I left behind the story that imprisoned me. Digital Hygiene: Final Steps to Disconnection Once the legal and social ties are cut, the digital layer must be addressed. Amicus recommends: Scrubbing data from people search engines Deleting Apple, Google, and Microsoft cloud histories Using encrypted browsers and VPNs with jurisdictional obfuscation Replacing smart devices that collect location or biometric data Creating new digital identities that align with the new legal one Digital traces can undo even the most thorough disconnections. Amicus provides training in digital disappearance, surveillance evasion, and reputation shielding. Checklist: How to Disconnect and Start Over Legally File for a court-approved name change or second citizenship Deregister from all government systems tied to your old name Close or reassign financial accounts under legal protocols Erase or deactivate digital profiles, devices, and histories Relocate to a jurisdiction that supports your new legal identity Seek emotional counselling for loss, identity reconstruction, and reintegration Avoid illegal methods such as document forgery or asylum abuse Rebuild slowly and intentionally under a new civil and digital structure Conclusion: Social Disconnection Is Not EscapeIts Reinvention The modern world leaves little room for reinvention unless its meticulously planned. Social disconnection, when done legally and thoroughly, can offer survivors, dissidents, and wronged individuals a second life without risk. Amicus International Consulting has helped hundreds start overon paper, online, and emotionally. The key is not to vanish but to reappear somewhere else, better protected and legally redefined. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: info@amicusint.ca Website: www.amicusint.ca Follow Us: LinkedIn Twitter/X Facebook Instagram About Amicus International Consulting Amicus International Consulting is the leading global provider of legal identity transformation, civil deregistration, second citizenship procurement, and digital disappearance services. With operations across five continents, Amicus provides lawful, confidential pathways for those who need to start over safely, effectively, and permanently. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) said it is working with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Nigerias EbonyLife Media to study the feasibility of launching a pan-African investment vehicle targeting the continents film sector. The initiative aims to unlock fresh private and institutional capital to help African producers create and distribute stories for global audiences, IFC said, according to ecofin agency. EbonyLife Media, led by Mo Abudu, specializes in producing films and series centered on African narratives. The company has several agreements with international studios such as Sony Pictures Television, Starz, Macro Film Studios, Westbrook Studios, and 22 Summers (co-founded by Idris Elba). It plays a strategic role in this project, bringing its local expertise and global partnerships to the table. This has taken time. We are defining and building an ecosystem designed to unlock new possibilities and provide critical capital for African filmmakers, said Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife. According to UNESCO, Africas film industry generates about $5 billion a year and employs around 5 million people. But with stronger regulation and investment, it could reach $20 billion and create 20 million jobs. Despite steady growth, the sector faces chronic obstacles including limited financing, weak intellectual property protection and high piracy losses estimated to wipe out up to 50% of revenues. Other challenges include a shortage of specialized technical skills, underdeveloped infrastructure, and fragmented regulatory frameworks. The project builds on IFCs broader strategy to support Africas creative industries. In 2023, the IFC signed an agreement with Sony Group to explore investments in creative startups spanning film, gaming, music and cultural technology. Africas creative industries currently generate an estimated $4.2 billion annually, accounting for less than 1% of the continents GDP, according to IFC. Nollywood, the worlds second-largest film industry by volume, produces roughly 2,500 movies each year and contributes 2.2% of Nigerias GDP. Other countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Senegal and Ghana, are also expanding their audiovisual sectors through public and private partnerships. Moroccos tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented growth and is expected to surpass the milestone of 20 million tourist arrivals this year, tourism minister Fatima Zahra Ammor said. With 7.2 million visitors recorded during the first five months of 2025, a 22% increase compared to the same period last year, the performance of the tourism sector shows the country firmly on track to meet its target of 26 million tourists by 2030, the minister told Medias24. The government is implementing a strategic roadmap for transforming Morocco into one of the worlds top 15 tourist destinations, she recalled. The strategy relies, among others, on air connectivity as a key lever. Between 2019 and 2026, Morocco is set to double its airline seat capacity, she said, noting that in 2024 alone, the country secured over 11 million seats, 25% more than in 2023, and launched 120 new international routes, including to North America and Eastern Europe. The government has also deepened partnerships with major carriers. Ryanair, for example, has opened 47 new international routes, 11 domestic ones, and a new base in Tangier. A memorandum of understanding was signed to connect Dakhla to international destinations. In parallel, Morocco is reforming its hospitality sector. The recent enactment of Law 80-14 introduces new standards for the management of tourist establishments, aimed at improving service quality and competitiveness across the hotel industry. A detachment the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) took part in the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the independence of the Union of the Comoros, following an invitation extended to Morocco. The FAR detachment participated in the celebration at the instructions of the King, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the FAR. A platoon from the 2nd Parachute Infantry Brigade thus took part in the military parade commemorating the Independence Day in the capital Moroni on Sunday, alongside the Comorian Armed Forces, the FAR General Staff said in a press release. The FARs participation in these festivities testifies to the strong and excellent relations of friendship and fraternity that bind the two countries, particularly in the military area. The Kingdom, as part of its policy of solidarity with African countries, participates in supporting them, but also wishes to share their joy on the occasion of significant commemorations, the press release said. The Trump Administration has increased pressure on the Iranian regime, just weeks after striking Tehrans nuclear facilities. Trumps so-called maximum pressure sanctions have been stepped up, with Washington announcing new designations covering more than 30 tankers, entities, and individuals. Once again, Irans shadow fleet is in the crosshairs of U.S. sanctions, with no relief in sight for the regime in Tehran. As indicated by Trump and his advisors, Iran must return to the negotiating table to discuss its futureotherwise, as Trump and Steve Witkoff have stated, sanctions relief is off the table. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, As President Trump has made clear, Irans behavior has left it decimated. He added that Treasury will continue to target Tehrans revenue sources and intensify economic pressure to disrupt the regimes access to the financial resources that fuel its destabilizing activities. On Thursday, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said the targeted networks move billions of dollars worth of Iranian oil. OFACs designations include a list of companies linked to UK and Iraqi national Salim Ahmed Said, who is accused of selling Iranian oil falsely declared as Iraqi oil since at least 2020. The designations address Iraq-based operations blending Iranian with Iraqi oil and selling it as Iraqi or Emirati crude. One target is the VS Oil Terminal at Iraqs Khor Al Zubair Port, owned by Said and featuring six oil tanks. OFAC also noted ship-to-ship transfers occurring near this terminal. Lloyds List has previously reported that forged documents and manipulated data are routinely used to disguise Iranian oil. Other designations include UAE-based VS Tankers FZE, the Marshall Islands-flagged VLCC Dijilah, and 11 other tankers used for Iranian oil and LPG shipments. Some vessels were involved in sales for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force. Also named were India-based ship manager Sai Saburi Consulting Services (linked to sanctioned Pakistan-based trader Alliance Energy) and Singapores Trans Arctic Global Marine Services. These sanctions are based on Executive Order (E.O.) 13902, targeting Irans energy sector, and E.O. 13224 (as amended), addressing terrorism support. For Iraq, the implications are significant. As Baghdad seeks deeper investment and cooperation with the West, U.S. sanctions involving Iraqi-linked operators could deter international oil, gas, and port investments. Baghdad also needs more natural gas. The broader U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and Washingtons bid to roll back Iranian influence in Iraq are adding to political and economic instability. Irans grip in Iraq has weakened, but pro-Iranian Shia militias remain active. Internally, Baghdad is also in a dispute with the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) over oil contracts and revenue-sharing. Kurdish media report growing instability, with drone strikes hitting Kurdish cities and airports in Garminyan, Duhok, Erbil, and Kirkukmany occurring after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Kurdish forces have confirmed drone attacks since early June. Washingtons involvement in Iran-Iraq dynamics is deepening. Trumps strategy appears to be twofold: pressure Tehran to negotiate and pull Iraq into the Western orbit, countering China and Russias growing regional roles. Still, the effectiveness of these sanctions remains unclear. Iran has increased crude and gas output, and oil exports to Asia continue. Trumps mixed approachimposing sanctions while allowing Chinese and Indian imports of Iranian crudeundermines the message. Harsher measures targeting buyers, rather than just Tehrans networks, would likely be more effective in halting Irans oil trade. For now, the shadow fleet sails on. By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: As countries worldwide experience more regular extreme weather events, insurers have become more reluctant to cover properties in high-risk areas. However, without insurance, it is impossible for many people to gain access to mortgage financing. We are seeing an insurance crisis in the United States, as insurers are becoming less likely to offer coverage for homes in certain areas, particularly those that have experienced natural disasters, such as flooding and wildfire, in recent years. Between 2018 and December 2024, over 1.9 million home insurance contracts were nonrenewed, meaning they came to an end. The nonrenewal rate tripled or more in over 200 U.S. counties, according to a congressional report. These figures became clear following an investigation spurred by the Senate Budget Committee, which demanded in November 2023 that the largest U.S. insurance companies provide the number of nonrenewals by county and year. Some states and cities are seeing greater nonrenewal rates than others, particularly those at greater risk of fire, flood, hurricanes and other severe weather events. Although there is still a lack of information on the reason behind the nonrenewals, the countrywide map of nonrenewals strongly reflects the climate crisis as it is being seen across the U.S. Some of the areas most affected include California, Florida, and North Carolina. Following the publication of the report, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said, The climate crisis that is coming our way is not just about polar bears, and its not just about green jobs. Whitehouse added, It actually is coming through your mail slot, in the form of insurance cancellations, insurance nonrenewals and dramatic increases in insurance costs. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in 2024, there were 27 individual weather and climate disasters, coming only behind the record-setting 28 events in 2023. Last year was the fourth-costliest year on record in terms of these types of events, with a total cost of approximately $182.7 billion, coming after 2017 ($395.9 billion), 2005 ($268.5 billion), and 2022 ($183.6 billion). The 2024 weather events included storms, wildfires, droughts, flooding, tornadoes, tropical cyclones and other types of extreme weather. In addition to considering which areas are high risk, insurers also assess the building materials used for construction. Many mobile or manufactured homes are not covered by insurers. Companies may also impose restrictions on houses constructed out of wood and other fire-prone materials. However, even states with strict building codes are seeing more coverage denials. In California, which has strict building codes to mitigate wildfire risk, insurers have been increasingly rejecting requests for coverage. In certain counties, nonrenewal rates have risen by over 500 percent since 2018. The government has started to respond to the problem in some areas of the country. For example, in December, officials announced that they would make it easier for insurers to increase rates, but in exchange, they must agree to continue insuring consumers in fire-prone areas. Other state and local governments are carrying out prescribed burns in residential areas, as well as clearing vegetation close to houses, to reduce the risk of wildfire spread in these areas. Some companies have halted new insurance policies in certain parts of the country, such as AllState. In 2022, AllState paused the sale of new home and condo insurance policies in California. A spokesperson for the firm stated, Our payments to help California residents recover from accidents and disasters have increased significantly in recent years due to higher repair costs and more frequent and severe weather We continue to offer coverage to most existing home insurance customers. State Farm, one of the biggest insurance providers in the U.S., followed suit in 2023 by halting the sale of new housing insurance products in California. In Florida, by the spring of 2024, at least 12 insurance companieshad stopped selling housing insurance in the state. Farmers Insurance stated upon withdrawing from Florida, This business decision was necessary to effectively manage risk exposure. A 2024 report by the non-profit First Street Foundation, showed that 23.9 million properties in the U.S. were at risk from damaging winds, 4.4 million properties were at risk from wildfire, and a further 12 million properties were at significant risk of flooding in addition to properties in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema)'s Special Flood Hazard Areas. The report stated, Private insurance companies are effectively labelling areas as uninsurable. The result of the withdrawal of insurance companies from certain parts of the country is the inability for consumers to get a mortgage, meaning fewer people can buy a house. As houses sit empty, it drives down property prices in the area and leads to less tax revenue being collected to invest in services. Many communities are facing these consequences and feel left behind. If the U.S. government does not take action to mitigate the risk of the impact of extreme weather events in these areas or encourage insurers to continue covering high-risk areas, this will happen to a greater number of communities across the country. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: DeSoto held such bright prospects. We thought that with such an excellent steamboat landing and quantities of timber in the vicinity, De Soto had as good a chance as Omaha to become the metropolis, pioneer Thomas Carter wrote. A ghost town was its fate, its town site since covered by the Omaha Public Power Districts shut-down nuclear power plant in Washington County. While it was alive, DeSoto had a glow other river towns envied. Three banks opened in 1857. The county seat was gained the next year. At its peak, DeSotos population was between 500 and 700. It was so bustling that an offer of $1,500 for a corner lot in the center of town was rejected. Soon after Nebraska Territory was opened in 1854, New York-born lawyer Potter C. Sullivan made his way to Omaha. He met up with William Clancy, the proprietor of the Big 6 saloon. They, along with Zeri Remington, J.B. Robinson, Dr. John Glover, E.P. Stout, Thomas Giddings and others, platted DeSoto in fall 1854. The 199 city blocks had spaces for a park, two market squares and a public square. Ohio Street was 19 blocks long, Broadway 12 blocks leading from the river landing. Was a settlement already there? The first territorial census in 1854 shows Giddings and Remington, Dr. Alex Phinney, Thomas Truyner and Cade Crawley living in Young America, population 17, in the first settlement north of Fort Calhoun. DeSoto was incorporated on March 7, 1855. It was shortly before Thomas Carter traveled from Ohio by steamboat, stage, horseback and on foot to reach Omaha in four weeks. At St. Mary we met Peter A. Sarpy, Carter wrote. He greeted us all warmly and invited all to get out of the stage and have a drink at his expense. As an inducement to settle in Omaha, we were each offered a lot anywhere on the town site, if we would build on it, but we had started for De Soto and no ordinary offer could induce us to change our purpose. We reached De Soto May 14, 1855, and found one log house finished and another underway. Zaremba Jackson and Dr. Finney (sic) occupied the log cabin and we boarded with them until we had located a claim. DeSotos first legal action was to make it a dry community. On March 18, 1855, We, the undersigned citizens of DeSoto, knowing and feeling the importance of establishing and maintaining the character for sobriety in said town hereby form ourselves into a corporate body for the purpose of tearing down, destroying, demolishing the business and premises of any person who comes to said town or vicinity, and commences the sale of intoxicating liquors. Jackson, Phinney, Giddings, Robinson and Stout were among the 17 signers in the fledgling colony of French and Swiss settlers. Later that year, a DeSoto Minute men brigade formed and a Block House erected in the wake of two settlers at Fontanelle killed by Sioux warriors. Jackson wrote in 1895 that he was the first actual inhabitant of DeSoto, moving in the spring of 1855 into a log house built by Phinney on the corner of Main and Broadway. Jackson built a brick house on Ohio Street in 1857 about the time he took over publishing the first newspaper, The Pilot, from John Parrish. Mail service started with I.B. Robertson the towns first postmaster in 1855. Harrison Crites and Sullivan, in order, were the next two in 1856. Sullivan was the first mayor. DeSotos business district in 1857 included O. Colestocks Squatters Store, Charles Seltzs grocery, the DeSoto House hotel run by Potter Sullivan, T.J. McGittigens lumberyard, R.N. Daniels meat market at Main and Broadway, a brick yard and steam sawmill. Harrison Johnson of Omaha was running a stage line through the river towns. The Waubeek Bank (1857-1859) was first to open in DeSoto, followed by the Bank of DeSoto (1857-1858). The third bank was the Western Land and Exchange (1858-1863), renamed Corn Exchange Bank. Only the Bank of DeSoto was state-chartered. All three issued their own paper money. It took three attempts to start ferry service. The one that took was a flat-ferry by Isaac Parrish in May 1857. Jacob Adriance was the first regular Methodist pastor assigned to DeSoto. He was a circuit rider, Cuming City, Tekamah and Decatur being his other towns. Isaac Collins was another circuit rider. One night while he spoke, ruffians threw a dead dog through a window hitting the minister in the back, knocking over the candles and leaving us in darkness. According to Thomas Carter, Collins straightened up and declared, The devil isnt dead in DeSoto yet. Saloons were said to outnumber stores. When the steamer E.A. Ogden unloaded multiple crates of liquor marked to R.H. Brooks in September, Jackson wrote, By this it appears we are to have another dealer in liquors among us. Wed rather have more to eat and less to drink. A one-woman temperance movement tore up a saloon, breaking glassware and bottles. How DeSoto was the county seat from 1858 until 1866, when Fort Calhoun regained it in an election, has its lore. In the winter of 1858, a crowd of De Soto citizens organized and with arms went to Fort Calhoun to take the county-seat by force. Fort Calhoun citizens barricaded themselves in the log courthouse and held off the De Soto band until the afternoon of the second day, when by compromise, the county-seat was turned over to De Soto, wrote Frank McNeely. One man was killed in this contest, in which I was a participant. The official act of relocation by the Nebraska legislature was in November 1858. The Colorado gold rush caught up some DeSoto men, including Jackson. He lived in Denver from 1859 until 1862, when he returned to DeSoto and enlisted with the Second Nebraska Cavalry for service on the frontier. After his discharge, he left DeSoto for Kansas in 1865. Much of DeSotos emigrant traffic crossed Iowa on a straight line from Des Moines the shortest route to the Missouri River as Iowa followed a century later when it built its share of Interstate 80 and didnt want to connect with Nebraskas portion at Omaha. It played into DeSoto catching railroad fever. Union Pacific vice president Thomas Durant in 1864 ordered a survey for a new line from the Missouri River at DeSoto. He also owned the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad that was to cross Iowa. The new survey was only a ruse, to inflate the stock price of the M&M and enrich Durant and his cronies. But a railroad had to connect the two states. DeSoto believed it was destined to be the crossing point for the westbound railroad in Iowa controlled by New Jersey rail magnate John I. Blair. Businessmen paid for five miles of track leading northwest of town, which in had five stores, a milliners store, a drug store and a saw mill. No train ever ran on the DeSoto line. John Blair routed his line due west from Missouri Valley, Iowa, crossing north of DeSoto. The new settlement at the crossing point was named for Blair. DeSoto was on its way to ghost town status. In 1876, Charles Seltz, now the postmaster, moved his store and post office to his farm to the old DeSoto Mill area 1 miles south. The Chicago and Northwestern followed by building Mill Station. Wrote W.W. Grand-dad Woods, an early-20th century Washington County historian, There were dreams like summer breezes that inspired some people to think the old DeSoto was to be resurrected on new grounds. We still must explain often DeSoto is now Mill Station christened or foster child of the old dead town. All that commemorates DeSotos existence are a state historical marker at the entrance to the OPPD plant and an abandoned cemetery last cleaned up in 1961. Gone, too, is DeSotos most famous native son, Seymour Smith. Learn about one of Omahas renowned raconteur attorneys next week. Former Oregon governor, Kate Brown, and the Willamette Falls Trust dont appear to be big on public disclosure. By William MacKenzie, On June 4, 2024, the Willamette Falls Trust announced Brown had been selected as the groups new president. She occupied her new position on May 28, taking over from Andrew Mason, who led the trusts work for more than six years. Willamette Falls Trust, created in 2015, is based in Oregon City. Made up of local, regional and tribal leaders, it is a non-profit working to promote and preserve public access to the Falls. Its likely Browns appointment was based, in part, on an assumption she could secure state funding for the Trust. That bet paid off. As the Legislatures 2025 session ended, it approved giving $45 million to the Trust. The money will go toward the purchase of 60 acres of property on the West Linn side of the waterfall. But the appropriation was not without controversy. Willamette Week reported that the Grand Ronde Tribe, which has historic treaty rights at Willamette Falls, had urged Gov. Tina Kotek not to give money to the trust. Grand Ronde tribal chairwoman Cheryle Kennedy panned the appropriation. Any state investment in land at Willamette Falls must center the voices and rights of Tribal nations with ancestral ties to this sacred site, not a private nonprofit, Grand Ronde tribal chairwoman Cheryle Kennedy told Willamette Week. Going forward, youd think the Trust would want to be transparent and straightforward about its operations in order to secure public support for its mission, but from the start it has been tight-lipped about what its paying Brown. I e-mailed Brown asking her directly what total compensation she received from the Trust in 2024 and what her projected total compensation is for 2025. David Perry, Vice President of Internal Operations at the Trust, responded, saying Brown asked him to reply.Unfortunately, all personnel matters, including employee compensation, are considered confidential so I cannot provide the answers to your questions directly, he said. He noted, however, that Browns 2024 compensation will be noted in annual report the Trust and all other Oregon non-profits are required to file annually with the Internal Revenue Service and the Oregon Department of Justice. Those 2024 reports will be filed no later than November 15, 2025. Financial information for 2025 will go through a similar review and filing process, so will not be available until late 2026, he said. As the conservative commentator John Stossel often says, Give me a break!. The Trust, which is in line to receive an infusion of $45 million in taxpayer funds, wants to hide Kate Browns 2024 compensation until mid-November 2025 and her 2025 compensation until November 2026. Why? This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The National Weather Service warned of more heavy rain to come on Saturday. Rescuers searched through the night early Sunday for 27 girls missing from a riverside summer camp in Texas, after torrential rains caused devastating floods that killed at least 50 people in the US state. Multiple flash flood warnings remained in place across central Texas after water surged through communities, with the Guadalupe River rising by 26 feet (eight meters) in just 45 minutes. The Kerr County summer camp where hundreds were staying was left in disarray, with blankets, teddy bears and other belongings caked in mud. "We have recovered 43 deceased individuals in Kerr County. Among these who are deceased we have 28 adults and 15 children," said Larry Leitha, the sheriff of the flood-ravaged region. Multiple victims were also found in other counties, bringing the death toll to 50 so far. There was better news for Congressman August Pfluger, who said Saturday his two young daughters were safely evacuated from Camp Mystic in flooded Kerr County, where the windows of cabins were shattered, apparently by the force of the water. "The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors," the Texas Republican wrote on X. It was unclear if the two girls were among the 27 that authorities said were still missing as of Saturday. Department of Homeland Security head Kristi Noem said the US Coast Guard was "punching through storms" to evacuate stranded residents. Camp Mystic, the site of where multiple girls went missing after flash flooding in Texas. "We will fly throughout the night and as long as possible," she said in a post on X. Texas Department of Emergency Management chief Nim Kidd said air, ground and water-based crews were scouring the length of the Guadalupe River for survivors and the bodies of the dead. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said keeping the search going throughout the night was essential as "every hour counts". The flooding began Fridaythe start of the Fourth of July holiday weekendas months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that more rain was forecast, and that "excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations." In Kerrville on Saturday, the usually calm Guadalupe was flowing fast, its murky waters filled with debris. "The water reached the top of the trees. About 10 meters or so," said resident Gerardo Martinez, 61. "Cars, whole houses were going down the river." Flash floods, which occur when the ground is unable to absorb torrential rainfall, are not unusual. But scientists say that in recent years human-driven climate change has made extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heat waves more frequent and more intense. In addition to the fatalities, the flash floods caused extensive damage in central Texas, destroying homes and businesses and damaging roads and bridges. Devastation at Camp Mystic On Saturday, Sheriff Leitha said 27 children from Camp Mystic were still missing. Around 750 girls were attending Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe at the time of the flood. The owner and director of Camp Mystic was also dead, according to the Kerrville website, as was the manager of another nearby summer camp. Elsewhere in Texas, four people were confirmed dead in Travis County, northeast of Kerr, and 13 people were missing, public information office director Hector Nieto told AFP. A 62-year-old woman's body was found in the city of San Angelo in Tom Green County, along the Concho River, police said. Two more people died in Burnet County, the area's emergency management coordinator Derek Marchio told AFP, bringing the state-wide death toll to 50. 'Catastrophic' Noem earlier said Trump wanted to "upgrade the technologies" at the weather service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Cabins at Camp Mystic in Texas were ravaged by rushing waters when the Guadalupe River flooded. "We need to renew this ancient system," Noem told a press conference. Scientists and disaster management agencies have criticized Trump for cutting funding and staffing at the NOAA, in charge of weather forecasts and preparedness, and the NWS. When asked about claims that residents were given insufficient warning, Noem said she would "carry your concerns back to the federal government." Officials and residents alike were shocked by the speed and intensity of the flooding. "We didn't know this flood was coming," Kerr County official Rob Kelly said Friday. The rain was "double of what was anticipated," Kerrville city official Dalton Rice said. Soila Reyna, 55, a Kerrville resident who works at a church helping people who lost their belongings, witnessed the devastation unfold. "Nothing like as catastrophic as this, where it involved children, people and just the loss of people's houses," Reyna said. "It's just crazy." 2025 AFP HAMMONTON While the point of protests is to effectively express opposition, they can also foster a sense of community, said demonstrators displaying pro-democracy messages on the 8th Street overpass of the Atlantic City Expressway on Sunday. A lot of people are looking for somewhere to go, and when you need hope like that, finding community with like-minded people is definitely a reassurance, said Jasmine Johnson, founder of Fight Against Fascism Organization (FAFO), which promotes veteran protections and democratic values. The demonstration was one of various coordinated efforts that took place Sunday along the East Coast, Johnson said. More than two dozen people took part in the Hammonton event. The demonstration follows President Donald Trumps passage of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill into law Friday. The bill is characterized by tax breaks, spending cuts to affordable healthcare and food assistance programs, and increased investment in military, defense and deportation efforts, according to the Associated Press. Protesters brought signs with messages in response to what FAFOs website describes as unchecked executive overreach, cuts to federal departments and programs and attacks on migrant communities under the Trump administration. Demonstrators traded in an afternoon on what would have been a nice beach day on a holiday weekend to overlook the expressway and show their message to the thousands of cars heading to and from popular shore points. One of the goals of a protest is empowering others to join, Johnson said. If a little gesture of coming together and holding a sign can maybe make more people feel a little bit more encouraged to do similar actions in their neighborhood, then thats what we would really like, Johnson said. Johnson said her fiance, stepfather and grandfather are all veterans, and as a civilian she feels called upon to be a patriot. Patriotism doesnt mean that youre loud and proud and out on a boat getting drunk Im not saying that you cant, thats great but being a patriotic individual means that you are helping your neighbor, you are making sure that your community is safe, Johnson said. Sharon Bybee, 46, Mays Landing, said the Hammonton display was her 41st protest since April 5. I need to do this for myself and my mental well-being, I need to do this for the people who cant come out and I need to do this to raise awareness, Bybee said. Jose Rodriguez, 41, of Camden, a veteran, said political awareness is a democratic responsibility. I just want to show other vets, which is why I wear this, Rodriguez said, gesturing to his uniform, that we dont have to follow along, that we can fight against this. Hannah Gettings, 25, of Mays Landing, said the high visibility is important for makings sure protesters messages reach as many people as possible. Some people are like, Oh, whats the point? or Youre not accomplishing anything, Gettings said. But theyre trying to silence us at every turn, so were going to keep showing up, even if it feels like its pointless. Gettings held a handmade sign that read, First they came for the immigrants, a reference to an anti-Nazi quote from a German pastor that emphasizes the need to speak out against the suffering of others. Our message today specifically is resisting fascism, just the idea of rejecting the administration, trying to make things as hard for them as possible even if it feels like were outnumbered in the fight, Gettings said. Johnson worked with Jenifer Tofts, a representative for the Womens March feminist organization, and Kimberly Greiser, who leads Atlantic County Indivisible, to organize the demonstration. Tofts, 50, of Hammonton, said the isolation and anxiety she feels amid the current political climate is relieved by being with others. Getting together and basically forming a community of like-minded folks that dont like whats going on, that want some sort of (connection) to other like-minded folks, I feel thats fun, Tofts said. Tofts grew up in a liberal household, and her father, Jeffrey Tofts, was the president of the Haddon Heights Democratic Club. Her family inspires her civic engagement, she said. I will go home and I will have a high from just hearing the honking, and I think a lot of these folks are going to go home and say to their friends, Lets do the next one, and Lets do this together, Tofts said. Luxury log homes sprouting up along the trail to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs? Real estate developments crowding in along the ski runs at Lost Trail and Lookout Pass ski areas? Probably unlikely, but the popular day-trip destinations for Missoula-area residents are among the public federal lands eligible to be sold under a proposal working through the U.S. Senate. The upper chamber is expected to vote this week on its version of its massive spending and tax-cuts bill the Big Beautiful Bill Act that currently includes language to sell off federal lands solely for development of housing or to address associated community needs." The Republican proposal would require the sale of up to 3.3 million acres of public federal land in the next five years. Montana is the only state in the Rockies that would be off-limits under the current bill language, but it leaves open the possibility that public lands managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management across the state line could open up to residential development. Ineligible, according to the bill text, are lands within national parks, monuments or recreation areas; wilderness areas; national preserves and wildlife refuges and a host of other federally designated sites. It also excludes lands subject to valid existing rights like oil leases and mining claims. Using that bill language, the Wilderness Society last week published a map that identifies 258 million acres of Forest Service and BLM lands that would presumably be eligible for sale under the proposal. But the bill also requires the federal agencies to prioritize lands near other developments, that have access to existing infrastructure and are deemed suitable for residential housing. That might rule out For Sale signs on Forest Service lands adjacent to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, or those underlying Lookout Pass Ski Area and the Idaho portion of Lost Trail ski hill. Sen. Mike Lee, the Utah Republican who has pushed to include the land-sale provision in the Senates version of the bill, has emphasized those caveats in his responses to criticisms of the proposal. We exempt 15 categories of land, including land where people have valid existing rights, he wrote on social media over the weekend. And even then, it's less than ONE PERCENT of federal land. This is to help American families afford a home. But in Montana, where proposals to sell or transfer public lands have met bipartisan opposition, federal representatives have been less enthusiastic about the idea. On a rainy Monday morning outside the downtown Missoula office of Sen. Steve Daines, Wild Montanas federal legislative director, Zach Angstead, was quick to note the conservation group wasnt holding a protest. The group's staff and supporters were instead showing support for the Montana Republicans past statements opposing large-scale public land sales, he said, and urging the senator to keep his word. About a dozen volunteers and supporters stood outside, slowly adding to the more than 1,000 post-it notes the group had collected from across the state in recent days that urged Daines to vote against the proposal. Montanas senior senator sits on the Senate Natural Resources Committee with Sen. Lee, and had previously met with his Utah colleague in an attempt to limit the scope of land sales, E&E News reported prior to Montana being exempted from the bill language. John Foley, a retired insurance industry worker, said he hopes Daines refuses to vote for any version of the bill that includes the sale of federal lands. Anytime you start selling off public land in other states, it opens up the door down the road, he said. It sets a precedent. Having grown up in Big Timber and Butte, Foley added that he wants his nieces and nephews to have the same opportunities to hunt and fish federal lands that he did. Jennifer Watson, a retired federal employee who worked for the Lolo National Forest, as well as the BLM and National Park Service, said she worries that under the proposal, insufficient public involvement will cause important public access points to be sold off. Existing law allows the Forest Service to sell small tracts of land for specific, community-focused purposes, she noted, but even then there was of course a public process that people went through. That process under Sen. Lees proposal includes no robust public involvement, although it does require notice to state, local and tribal governments. In a statement Monday, Daines appeared to leave open the door to voting for the reconciliation bill, calling it "a necessity," although spokesperson Gabby Wiggins wrote that he is "opposed to Senator Lee's proposal." "It advances President Trumps America First agenda by preventing the largest tax increase in U.S. history, cutting spending, funding border security, strengthening the military, and unleashing American energy," he stated through a spokesperson. "Im proud to support it, and Ill continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that Montana priorities are included. Sen. Tim Sheehy likewise declined to commit to voting against a bill containing the provision, but stated through a spokesperson he is aligned with his fellow Montana Republican. Republicans are using the reconciliation process to pass the spending and tax cut bill, allowing them to get it through the Senate on a party-line vote. Republican leaders are aiming to get the bill to President Donald Trumps desk by the Fourth of July. But with slim majorities, they can only afford to lose a handful of votes in either chamber. In the House, western Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke reiterated last week he would not support a bill that sells public lands. Rep. Troy Downing, representing the states eastern district, hasnt publicly ruled out voting for the provision, but called the Senates version discouraging. Kathmandu, Nepal: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli must seek a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives within 30 days after the Nagarik Unmukti Party withdrawn its support to the government. The party submitted a letter to the Federal Parliament Secretariat on Sunday announcing that it has withdrawn support to the government. The party holds four seats in the parliament. The letter registered in the secretariate of the parliament is signed by the partys parliamentary leader Gangaram Chaudhary. Arun Chaudhary is in the government representing the party as State Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. Before he became the latest casualty in MAGAs war on antiracism, University of Virginia president Jim Ryan used the Richmond region as an example of why diversity in education matters. His 2010 book, Five Miles Away, A World Apart, contrasted Richmonds Thomas Jefferson High and Henrico Countys Douglas S. Freeman High TeeJays enrollment, predominantly Black and largely poor; Freemans, mostly white and middle class. Freeman opened in 1954, the same year that the Supreme Court decided Brown v. Board of Education. But the pivotal Supreme Court outcome in Ryans book is its May 1973 deadlock that quashed the consolidation of the Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield County school districts as ordered by federal Judge Robert Merhige. The truth is that separating the poor and politically powerless in their own schools and districts is antithetical to the idea of equal education opportunity, wrote Ryan, then a professor at UVa law school. In the end, there may not be much that can be done to alter the current pattern of separation, although it is still too early to reach this conclusion. But one should never pretend that this separation is not a problem simply because there are no easy or obvious solutions. Indeed, in the field of education law and policy, it was the problem of the last half century, and it remains the central problem of the 21st century. As the nations 249th birthday comes and goes, its worth noting another anniversary: 75 years ago, Gregory Hayes Swanson of Danville became the first Black student to attend UVa. Represented by Thurgood Marshall, Oliver Hill and other NAACP lawyers, Swanson sued to gain admissions four years before the Brown decision ruled school segregation unconstitutional. In this setting, MAGA would roll back the clock, ignoring what remains a central problem. Our history of exclusion far exceeds our brief and imperiled period of inclusion. The history embodied by Swanson and examined by Ryan is unwelcome by MAGA. And political leaders in the birthplace of Massive Resistance, in a sad display of hubris, have arrogantly concluded that any racial redress and progress is too much. Ryan is being forced out by the Trump administrations Department of Justice, whose officials accused him of slow-walking the dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion programs at UVa. Wed like our leaders to show more fight in the face of such blatant overreach. But the fulcrums of power Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Attorney General Jason Miyares, a UVa Board of Visitors packed with Youngkin appointees and hostile UVa alumni were aligned against Ryan. The fate of this university rests in the hands of its stakeholders: its faculty, staff, students and people who dont wish to see it debased. Trumps legally dubious executive orders banning DEI are farcical, designed to chill and prohibit lawful efforts to advance equal opportunity through misinformation and distortion, according to The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. These actions are not only at odds with the Civil Rights Act of 1964; they turn its context on its head in centering of white grievance and attacking Black progress. Its a dog whistle as public policy. In targeting UVa, Trumps Justice Department returned to the scene of a crime the August 2017 rally of Nazis, Ku Klux Klan members and other white nationalists that culminated in the murder of Heather Heyer by a Nazi who plowed his car into a group of counterprotesters following a rally organized by UVa graduate Jason Kessler to protest Charlottesvilles planned removal of its Robert E. Lee statue. The Trump administration did not launch an investigation of antisemitism after those torch-bearing folks, some carrying flags bearing swastikas, marched across the UVa campus chanting Jews will not replace us. Trump assessed the tragic event and saw some very fine people on both sides. Eight years later, the idea of UVa furtively practicing diversity, equity and inclusion has created a sense of urgency unseen by this administration in attacking anti-Black racism. The Justice Departments Civil Rights Division which abides the kidnapping of immigrants without due process fired off seven letters to UVa officials between April 11 and June 17, according to documents obtained by The Cavalier Daily through a Freedom of Information Act request. This level of harassment mirrors or exceeds that of bill collectors and indeed, the Trump administration is using economic coercion to bend colleges to its will. It should be clear by now that Youngkin, in service of his ambitions, is a wholly owned subsidiary of MAGA Inc. And one of Miyares first acts after taking office was to fire then-UVa legal counsel Tim Heaphy, whod served as the lead investigative counsel for the House January 6th Committee probing a pro-Trump insurrection whose participants the president has since pardoned. Ryans resignation on a platter is a way for them to burnish their MAGA bona fides while handing the Trump administration control of the states flagship university. Whether the intent is to turn UVa into the secular Hillsdale College of the South or to launch the sort of right-wing makeover administered to New College of Florida remains an open question. A larger question is why MAGA would seek to diminish prestigious brands such as UVa, Harvard, Columbia and other U.S. institutions of higher learning, which attract a premium-paying global clientele who often decide to stay and enrich us by plying their skills here. For once, we should take him at his word. Ryan and UVa, meanwhile, deserve better. Kim Bridges, an associate professor of educational leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University, wrote to Ryan about Five Miles Away, A World Apart when she was a member of the Richmond School Board. He graciously invited me to his office for a lengthy discussion of the book. That was my first experience with how authentically helpful a scholar could be to real world policymakers, she said in a text. A few years later, she was at the Harvard Graduate School of Education for her doctorate degree when Ryan was dean there. I got to serve as his teaching fellow for a course he taught. I got to see how he advanced student learning with an amazing combination of high expectations, incredible legal knowledge and insights, and caring. Then, I was parent of a UVa student when he stepped into the presidency, she said. I followed his work from afar and was delighted but not surprised to learn from my daughter that the students affectionately called him PJR. They loved him and his authenticity. As someone who studies and teaches leadership, I can say without a doubt that he is one of the best if not the best leaders I have ever seen in action. Ryan was not universally beloved nor easily pigeonholed the police crackdown of peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters on his watch is an example. The notion of him as a leftist social engineer doesnt hold up under scrutiny; he was, after all, a law clerk to Chief Justice William Rehnquist, a Nixon appointee. His writing on race and education comes off as measured and considered. But American conservatism under MAGA has become so radicalized that moderation has been rendered unrecognizable. On the eve of Americas 250th birthday, this rollback of the Civil Rights Movement, in the ever-disingenuous guise of colorblindness, is a race-based initiative being carried out against the people it was enacted to help. Were a year away and a universe apart. SIOUX CITY The Sioux City Council will be asked Monday to accept a development group's proposal to purchase the Wetmore Building and former Sioux City Auditorium property and redevelop the entire quarter block. The proposal represents a capital investment of $5.7 million. If the project is approved, it would be completed by Dec. 31, 2027, according to city documents. Steve Nelson, a managing member of Tri-State Real Estate Development LLC, plans to restore the Wetmore Building, at 615 Douglas St., by renovating the first floor into commercial space and the upper two floors into 18 apartment units. Nelson transformed the Benson Building, a six-story brick-and-terracotta structure at the corner of Seventh and Douglas streets, into luxury apartments and commercial spaces. The documents stated that the vacant lot at 625 Douglas St., the former auditorium site, will also be redeveloped into greenspace that can be used by the public, an outdoor patio for the commercial tenant and a minimal amount of parking to accommodate residents and the tenant. Design of the greenspace, outdoor patio and parking would be approved by the city. Additional improvements would also be made to the vacated alley to be used in conjunction with the development. To assist with the redevelopment of the property, city staff is working to finalize a development and minimum assessment agreement with Tri-State Real Estate Development LLC, according to the documents. City staff is working to finalize a development agreement and minimum assessment agreement with Tri-State Real Estate Development LLC, according to the documents. Under the terms of the proposed agreements, the city would convey 615 Douglas St., 625 Douglas St. and the vacated portion of the adjacent north/south alley for $1. The city would also provide 100% property tax rebates for seven years. The final agreements would be brought to the council for approval in the near future. In January 2024, Nelson asked the council to take action on the former auditorium, even if it meant tearing down the historic building, which is across the street from the Benson Building. The vacant lot at 625 Douglas St. will also be redeveloped into greenspace that can be utilized by the public, an outdoor patio for the commercial tenant, as well as a minimal amount of parking to accommodate the residents and commercial tenant. On Jan. 14, the city manager and city engineer signed a "Finding of Necessity" as a result of the immediate need for emergency repairs to preserve the health and safety of the public. This formal declaration allowed the city manager to accept, enter into and make payment under a contract for emergency repairs without holding a public hearing and advertising for bids. Crews arrived at the former auditorium -- which most recently housed TV station KCAU's studios -- around midday on Feb. 4 and began knocking it down. Hours later, demolition was halted for two weeks, after Sioux City businessman Dave Bernstein led a group to City Hall in a bid to save part of the old auditorium and the Wetmore Building. Bernstein covered a $60,000 cost associated with the two-week project delay. Demolition resumed on Feb. 20. Hebert Construction successfully completed demolition of 625 Douglas St. on May 12. In April 2024, the City Council voted to terminate a development agreement with Lamb Arts for the renovation of the old auditorium and forgive a $350,000 loan the city gave the group nearly seven years ago. Lamb purchased the auditorium in 2017 with plans to renovate it into a regional theater. The auditorium, which was built in 1909, had been red-tagged since June 2022. The roof began leaking in the fall of 2022 and gradually collapsed on the brick structure's west side. According to the Sioux City Assessor's website, the city purchased the Wetmore Building from HCI Real Estate Company in January for $250,000. Homeless court The council will also be asked to approve a $25,000 consulting services agreement with The American Bar Association, of Chicago, in an amount not to exceed $25,000 for the Homeless Court Technical Assistance Project. On June 2, the council accepted a $25,000 Emergency and Innovative Housing Fund Grant Agreement between the city and the Iowa Finance Authority to develop and launch a homeless court program. The program is designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness resolve legal barriers that prevent them from securing stable housing and employment. The Homeless Court Program brings together courts, local shelters, service agencies, prosecutors and public defenders to provide a community-based alternative to the traditional courtroom. Participants are allowed to resolve outstanding misdemeanor offenses, infractions and warrants by working with a case manager from a local supportive services agency. The case manager develops an individualized self-sufficiency plan and secures supportive services specific to participants' needs. The agreement with The American Bar Association would be in place for one year, according to city documents. "Since 2001, the American Bar Association Commission on Homelessness and Poverty (ABA) has helped establish similar programs in more than 70 jurisdictions nationwide," the documents stated. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Polio? What polio? Uncle Lloyd doesnt remember his sister Pat having polio. As for him, hes walked with a cane all his life, and did he have polio? No one in his family says so. He took up sailing as a sport at Princetonso what. He winks. See, here are the family pictures, he says. Everyone straight as string. Pats resume doesnt suggest a polio survivor. One of the first women hired by CBS Radio, Pat Lochridge was the only female journalist to cover both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters of World War II. She interviewed Hermann Goring twice, climbed to Hitlers redoubt at Eagles Nest in snow up to her waist, was the first woman reporter to participate in a landingat Iwo Jimaand was appointed mayor of postwar Berchtesgaden. Looking at the family photos, I see three girls in laced-up shoes, wearing knee-high white socks, no one on crutches. But later I find a photo of Pat, my mother-in-law, as a 9- or 10-year-old standing at the front of a line of girls, her half-paralyzed face much in evidence. She, like her brother, a very successful Austin lawyer, must have contracted a mild form of the disease. I telephoned the next generation of Lloyds, and Pats nephew said no one talked about his fathers limp, and all he ever heard about his aunt was her conquests. Advertisement Pat herself admitted shed had polio in interviews about her adventures during WWII. Later, I find a newspaper clipping about Pats stint as mayor of Berchtesgaden, about how frail Pat wasa victim of polio when she was a child, for years she was unable to walk. A 1943 interview in the San Francisco Chronicle with the same reporter is titled Handicaps, Threats Didnt Stop Her: Patricia Lochridge Is a Correspondent. This piece observes that 27-year-old Pat suffered infantile paralysis in her childhood and achieved a top spot in her profession despite the tenet that no reporter is better than his legs. Its her family that wont affirm her having polio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sixty years earlier, during Texas pioneer days, any sign of weakness meant that the family and its wagon had to be left behind. Pat, a descendant of those pioneers, could have inherited the instinct to show no pain or impairmentor was it a more basic drive of preservation? Dogs are set upon by other dogs if they whimper. In the 1950s, the last time polio was a scourge in the U.S., families considered contracting the disease shameful. In order to catch it, you must have associated with the wrong people or gone slumming. The irony is that polio actually becomes dangerous when sanitation is good. People living in poorer neighborhoods develop antibodies, since you can gain immunity by ingesting the virus in small doses. But if you caught the disease and became disabled, wealthy or not, you were considered damaged and treated with less respect. Disabled family members were often put into asylums back then and left there for the rest of their lives. Advertisement Pat shrewdly used the diagnosis to her advantage. In her 1995 interview for Nancy Sorels The Women Who Wrote the War, she says that the fact that she had come down with polio when young had cemented her friendship with FDR. Pats great personal friend, as she refers to FDR, also worked hard to obscure his disability. He devised a method of walking, using a cane and the arm of his son or adviser for balance, and maneuvered his hips and swung his legs forward in a swaying motion. Overcompensating, he would sometimes make seven speeches a day on the campaign trail but requested that the press never photograph him walking, maneuvering, or being transferred from his car. The press took great pains to obey him. At the now-demolished Philadelphia Municipal Stadium in 1936, after he was nominated for a second term, his braces slipped as he was moved behind the speakers platform. He fell into the mud, and pages of his speech scattered. While his aides collected the papers and helped him to stand, Pats CBS colleague Robert Trout, who was providing on-the-spot radio reporting, said not a word. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politically, FDR couldnt be seen with a disabilityonly two of the 35,000 photographs in the Roosevelt Presidential Library at Hyde Park show him in a wheelchairbut its not as if nobody knew about it. How he coped became a powerful symbol of an individuals persistence in managing with an impairment. He was, in part, defined by how he dealt with his disability, admired and remembered for it. Every time I hear your voice on the radio and read about your attitude toward physical handicaps I am strengthened and my courage is renewed, wrote one of his constituents. Roosevelt bought Georgias Warm Springs resort to relieve his symptoms and occasionally led therapy sessions himself, where patients called him Uncle Rosey. To support the polio clinic, he organized Birthday Balls all across the country, using his date of birth as an occasion to raise money to combat the disease, the first time philanthropy was open to everyone. Radio commentator Walter Winchell provided the catchy slogan: Dance so that a child might walk. Six thousand balls were held in 1934, and Roosevelt raised over $1 million, nearly $20 million in todays money, laying the groundwork for the March of Dimes, its mailbags soon full of the dimes that poured into the foundations office to help fund the vaccine. Eventually, FDRs face appeared on the dime itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the other hand, FDRs outrageous cousin Alice Roosevelt Longworth had polio in childhood, but the family did not disclose it. Her stepmother had insisted she wear special leg braces and shoes as a child and forced her to do physical therapy to strengthen her legs. This regimen did not endear her stepmother to Alice, and although Alice was able to walk without braces as an adult, perhaps their discord was why all mention of her polio was buried. Alice also apparently connected the humiliations of disability with social class, stating that she felt like a tenement child deformed with my legs. Advertisement Advertisement Ten years after FDRs death, his foundation helped launch the nationwide inoculation program that ended the polio epidemic. Early supporter Winchell almost stopped the program. He warned that Jonas Salks cure may be a killer, suggesting on TV, on the radio, and in the newspaper that the vaccine contained live virus. He could have been extra cautious with regard to the lives of children, but his words mirrored those of the anti-vaccine movement, popularized by the Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Legion, and other right-wing organizations, that persists today, having gained new steam during COVID-19 and now being cemented into the federal government by the second Trump administration. Only in this one instance was Winchell right. A single batch was indeed not properly inactivated, and 79 children contracted polio out of 1.8 million. Advertisement Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new secretary of Health and Human Services, was born in 1954, the year before the polio vaccine was government-approved. One of his uncles, President John Kennedy, signed the Vaccination Assistance Act of 1962 into law, expanding the use of the few childhood vaccines available at the time. There is no longer any reason why American children should suffer from polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, or tetanus, Kennedy told Congress. RFK Jr. spread much misinformation about vaccines prior to his appointment, and a lawyer who helped him build a list of federal officials to nominate for the department once petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to revoke approval of the polio vaccine. RFK Jr. has no medical trainingwhich means that, unlike doctors, hes never sworn to do no harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the efficacy of the polio vaccine has been known for over 70 years, new HHS policy around testing may (its not clear yet) require the older vaccine, or new variations on it that are now being developed, to be tested using placebo trials. This is an outcome thats still far from coming to pass, but just imagine if it did happen. There would be children assigned to the placebo group exposed to the virus; 1 in 200 in a given group of infected children would be affected to the point of irreversible paralysis, and 5 to 10 percent of that smaller subset would die. Yes, some victims do recover from mild infections well enough to sing and perform, to take up the practice of law, to report during wartime, but some do actually die. Since 80 percent of those who contract polio are children under the age of 5, those in the trial wont have any say about their participation, signed up by parents who most likely have been vaccinated themselves. Advertisement Related From Slate The Supreme Court Just Handed RFK Jr. New and Extraordinarily Frightening Power Read More Out of the nearly 2 million children who received the vaccine in 1955, only one died. Every corner of the U.S. had victims before the vaccine. Even my tiny grade school of 100 children in 1950s Nebraska had two polio victims, one of them known as Skippy for his gait with braces, and both dragged themselves around while the rest of us screamed and chased each other on the playground. Persuading teenagers, those near immortals, to get vaccinated was the biggest challenge. To sway them, Elvis Presley was given his shot live on Ed Sullivans TV program. Parents of the boomer generation rushed to get the oral vaccine for themselves and their children. The boomers, having schoolmates or friends with the disease, vaccinated their own children. Few of the next generation have seen the disease for themselves or felt its threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But imagine that your child is one of those who contracts polio during these new trials, if they do happen. They will also be susceptible to post-polio syndrome, which affects 15 to 80 percent of older adults who, years after the initial bout, have to suffer the disease all over again. Joni Mitchell, who didnt have a choice whether to take the vaccine because it didnt exist when she was exposed, contracted polio at age 9. She writes: If [polio] eats the muscles of the heart, it kills you; if it eats the muscles that control the flexing of your lungs, you end up in an iron lung; if it eats the muscle of your leg, it withers. She began to sing and write songs while in the hospital for polio in her spine. Mitchell has had post-polio syndrome for the past 30 years. Thats a long time to suffer for a decision somebody else made for you. Advertisement These days, celebrities whove had polio dont hide their ordeal. Like Mitchell, Mia Farrow has long been involved in polio campaigns around the world, having endured being in an iron lung for eight months and had all her belongings burned. Director Francis Ford Coppola was stricken at the age of 9: There were gurneys piled up three and four high in the hallways because there were so many more kids than there were beds in the hospital. I remember the kids in the iron lungs who you could see their faces on mirrors, and they were all crying for their parents. They didnt understand why they were suddenly in these steel cabinets. Violinist Itzhak Perlman has always worn leg braces and crutches that force him to perform seated. I never wanted people to say, Well, you know, for somebody who cant walk, he plays very well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is yet another hidden affliction that polio survivors suffer, which is emotional. In an essay in the Washington Post, Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson writes about her polio-stricken mother who, as a child, spent a year in the hospital with the disease. She recovered so well she danced the ballet and became a poster child for the March of Dimes. Her mother told a reporter that she was determined to live her life so that no one would notice shed ever been sick, perfectly reflecting Pats practice. But she never really fully recovered, writes her daughter, as polio paralyzed more than her body. Dickinson believed that the early experience of isolation and abandonmenther parents were allowed to visit only on Sundaysseverely affected her psyche. Her mother rarely hugged her, or held hands, or kissed her, a state of affairs that my husband remembers only too well with regard to his mother. Advertisement Like FDR, Pat excelled in the outside world, and perhaps, like him, as a result of her disability. She prioritized strength over truth and fabricated her wellness. Her parents wanted to put her and her brothers strengths ahead of their disabilities, until they could decide for themselves what to tell people. The irony was that she was driven to report the truth of what she saw as a reporter, but her family felt obliged to cover up the truth of her body. Never did she talk about having polio in the 19 years I knew her as my mother-in-law. Was she hospitalized as a young child, torn from her family, and mocked when she returned to school for her half-frozen face? Did she have post-polio syndrome in old age? She did not complain. When families minimize the effects of polio, it makes it harder for the rest of us to fight off the anti-vaxxers. July 6, 2025: Russian Aerospace forces currently have about 3,600 aircraft. Most of these aircraft are obsolete or no longer manufactured. The enormous Russian Defense production complex has been busy supporting Russian ground forces in Ukraine. As NATO supplied Ukraine with large quantities of modern air defense systems, Russia found that these weapons worked all too well. Since 2023 Ukraine has become a no go zone for Russian tactical aviation. Russia still uses their heavy bombers to launch cruise missiles at Ukrainian targets. Recently Ukraine launched a daring, audacious and successful attack on Russian bombers stationed deep inside Russia. This operation was a success and a quarter of those bombers were destroyed while a currently unknown number were damaged. Russia had to rethink its tactics for using its remaining heavy bombers. Russia has already rethought the use of its tactical aircraft. Its fighters and fighter bombers rarely go near the Russian border. Europeans sent Ukraine F-16s and French Mirage while Ukraine continued to use its Cold War era Russian MiG-29 fighters and Su-24/25/27 attack aircraft modified to use NATO supplied bombs and missiles. Most NATO and some non-NATO nations contributed Russian helicopters and transports. The sanctions on Russia made it difficult for most nations using Russian aircraft to get spare parts and other support. Western aircraft sales reps were showing up with offers of new or used models of more modern aircraft. Among the now unwanted Russian warplanes there was one model still in use, the MiG-31, developed and built as the successor to the Cold War era MiG-25 interceptor/reconnaissance aircraft. The MiG-25 was a 1960s design that entered service in 1970 and by the 21st century nearly all had been withdrawn from active service. While age was the major factor, another was the surprising success of its successor, the MiG-31. Entering service in 1981, 519 were manufactured by 1994, when production ceased. Russia expects its Mig-31s to remain in service into the 2030s. The MiG-31 has been heavily used in the current Ukraine War. Not as a fighter, but as an attack aircraft. Each MiG-31 aircraft can carry a 4.3 ton Kinzhal high-speed ballistic missile. Russia considered the Kinzhal a wonder weapon that could not be intercepted. With a max range of 2,000 kilometers and top speed of 3.4 kilometers a second there was consternation when the Ukrainian developed ways to intercept Kinzhals on a regular basis. The Kinzhal was based on the ground launched Iskander missile, which was also regularly intercepted by Patriot and other Western air defense systems. One reason for this was that the Kinzhal moved at about a third of its advertised speed. That, and the innovations developed by Ukrainian air defense operators, meant that most Kinzhals were intercepted and the MiG-31 lost its only mission. The only nation MiG-31s were exported to was the 50 sent to Kazakhstan. These were retired in 2023. At least one was purchased by the United States for evaluation. These reports were passed on to Ukraine. The remaining Russian MiG-31s have been reclassified as attack aircraft. The new Su-57 is supposed to regain fighter status for Russian warplanes, but that remains to be seen. The MiG-31 was an excellent design for an era that no longer needed a new jet fighter. After spending the past three seasons racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Alabama Hannah is currently finding the Empire State to her liking. The five-year-old Huntsville mare has shifted her base of operations back to the environs of owner Jeffrey Nanna, with Tioga Downs her current location. Under the guidance, of Mike Deters, Alabama Hannah now has back-to-back wins with the most recent coming in a $17,568 Winners Over Pace for fillies and mares on Saturday, July 5. Elegant A (Tyler Miller) controlled all the early fractions in this contest. She was first to the quarter in :26.4, she led to the half in :55.4, and to three-quarters in 1:23.4. Jim Pantaleano popped Alabama Hannah ($4.80) out of the pocket and the duo came flying down the lane to steal the win in 1:51.3 just missing her lifetime mark by one-fifth of a second. Elegant A had to settle for second best. Fox Valley Leah (Todd Warren) finished third. Picking up her fourth win of 2025, Alabama Hannah now boasts 15 career victories and $236,556 in earnings. City Of Hope ($9.20) captured the co-featured $17,568 trot. The five-year-old son of Mets Hall is owned by Phillip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst. Ridge Warren guided the gelding to his fifth win this season, and has now reached the winners circle 28 times in his career. Tyler Miller and Pantaleano had driving triples. Jenny Melander had a training triple. Tioga Downs returns to live harness racing on Sunday, July 6 with a first post time of 1 p.m. (Standardbred Canada; with files from Tioga Downs) Each year, Oregon Trail Days event has generated a reputation as a haven for crafters and artisans, both locally and around the Midwest. Two of the craft-centric events taking place this year, the Panhandle Quilt Guild Regional Quilt Show and Oregon Trail Days Craft Fair, will showcase crafters creations and allow attendees to purchase their handcrafted goods. The quilt show will take place from noon to 5 p.m. July 11-12 and from noon to 4 p.m. July 13 at Gering Junior High School. According to Sharon Armstrong, the events organizer, the quilt show has been a popular annual event since shortly after the guilds inception in 1991. We usually have about 100-130 quilts, give or take, Armstrong said. You have hand quilted, modern machine quilted, machine embroidery. We have a challenge category every year, Bling it Up!, where there will be small quilts and the makers form of bling, whatever that means to them. Along with allowing guild members and non-members alike to display their quilting craftsmanship, there will also be opportunities to purchase or win handcrafted quilts and supplies. We also have a mini market where quilted items and various quilting-related items are available for sale, Armstrong said. And we have our raffle quilt that we offer every year. Its usually a queen- or king-size quilt, and this year its Stars over the Platte. Its a member-made quilt, and we offer that up. Its one of our major fundraisers for our quilt guild every year, so thats always a fun thing that gets raffled off on Sunday afternoon. The quilt guild also offers quilting classes, information for which will be available at the Quilt Show. Another event, the 33rd annual Oregon Trail Days Craft Fair, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 13 at Legion Park in Gering. While the quilt show functions as more of a talent showcase, the craft fair acts primarily as a marketplace for handmade goods. The fairs organizer, Peggy Segelke, said she is hoping to continue the momentum of last years craft fair with a new two-day format. We have over 125 booths so far, and it is growing as we speak, Segelke said. I wouldnt be a bit surprised if we got another 25 in before the show starts. This event was bigger than it ever was last year, and were anticipating it to be about the same this year. This is the first year that the craft fair will be held for two days, allowing vendors more time to showcase their wares and attendees more time to consider their purchases. In previous years, crafts for sale have included jewelry, goat milk soaps, honey, yarn art and wood furniture. Some of the crafters and artisans will be traveling across state lines, a point of pride for Segelke. I just had one person send an application in from Iowa, and weve got several from Wyoming and South Dakota, Segelke said. Ive got a gal coming from Colorado with baked goods that are absolutely out of this world. For some crafters, this event is an annual opportunity to advertise their small businesses and generate buzz. For others, however, its simply a chance to turn a profit on a creative at-home hobby. Youre going to see home-based businesses, but a lot of them, this is something that people do in their spare time and theyre just trying to make some extra money, Segelke said. We had an amazing turnout last year, and were hoping to have just the same this year, Segelke said. Its one of the biggest craft shows in the area, if not the biggest. The Vera Dulaney Memorial Art Show will also feature artists from throughout the Midwest. The event, in its 42nd year, now bears the name of longtime organizer Vera Dulaney. Dulaneys daughter and art show organizer Kathy Welfl told the Star-Herald last year that her mother was adamant about this notion: Everyone should own original art. She said, If you have a collection of art, its always good to have at least one piece that is an original. Welfl said when she was growing up, Dulaney filled the house with many oils and watercolors. Jerry Greens wooden works were among her mothers favorites, she recalls. She just appreciated all art, Welfl said. Just as much as she adored art, Dulaney had an affinity for the artists, as well, watching many who exhibited at the Oregon Trail Days art show go on to have highly successful careers. The show is a juried art show, with a committee selecting the artists and extending invitations to participate. Almost all of the work is for sale and most pieces are original. Art show organizer Kathy Welfl said her mother, Vera Dulaney, was adamant about this notion: Everyone should own original art. She said, If you have a collection of art, its always good to have at least one piece that is an original. Welfl said the event started more than 40 years ago when her mother, who served for decades as the Scotts Bluff County clerk, and Jim Long, artist and brand inspector from Bridgeport, teamed up to kick the event off in 1983. Its a juried show, Welfl said. So theres a committee. If youve already been in the show, youre typically invited back. If you want to be in the show, you have to submit works for review. A total of 22 artists will display their creations at this years art show, which opens to the public, free of charge at 7 p.m. July 11. And almost all the work is for sale, Welfl said. Most of it is original. There are some prints. Most artists are on site for the entire show. Oregon Trail Days has a very eclectic line-up of activities, Welfl said. They make it very diverse, so that it appeals to a very large audience Its for everybody, I mean, art enthusiasts love to come and people who arent, who just like to look or buy art come. Price points of the artwork ranges from notecards for as little as $6 a notecard, all the way up to some original pieces selling for several thousand dollars, Welfl said. It really depends on if you are buying a print or an original. Welfl said when she was growing up, Dulaney filled the house with many oils and watercolors. Jerry Greens wooden works were among her mothers favorites, she recalls. She just appreciated all art, Welfl said. Just as much as she adored art, Dulaney had an affinity for the artists, as well, watching many who exhibited at the Oregon Trail Days art show go on to have highly successful careers. The show begins on Thursday, July 10, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Gering Civic Center. People can also enjoy the show Friday, July 11, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Russia has increased its sabotage and destabilization efforts against the NATO nations that support Ukraine in its resistance to the Russian invaders. Successes have been few and disappointments many. The invasion caused formerly neutral Sweden and Finland to join NATO. Now Russia faces a wall of NATO nations from the Arctic to the Mediterranean. Russias only allies are threadbare North Korea and a smoldering Iran. Russia expected to obtain more missiles from Iran, but now what missiles Iran has left are being fired, without much effect, at Israel. This came about when Israel recently launched a 200 aircraft attack on Iran to devastate the Iranian nuclear weapons program. The Americans joined in on that one, agreeing that Iranian nuclear weapons were bad for business and the world economy. China might quibble about that because they get most of their oil from Iran. For that reason the Iranian oil operations were largely unaffected. Meanwhile Russia, unable to subdue Ukraine with military force, concluded that the most vulnerable aspect of the Ukrainian war effort was the support received from NATO countries. For over a year Russia has been attacking NATO nations clandestinely with disinformation and sabotage using a combination of specialized diplomats and sleeper agents who have long been living in Europe. The sleeper agents usually dont carry out the sabotage themselves but hire criminal networks in Europe to do it. European police and security agencies were aware of these plans and, when these sabotage activities were detected, the criminals were sought, and some were arrested. Some of these men confirmed the Russian source of these attacks. With these Russian efforts no longer secret, Russian recruiting efforts were crippled, but not halted, because of fears that anyone who worked for Russia would be quickly identified and arrested. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, public opinion in Europe has been hostile to Russia. Undeterred, the Russian sleepers faded deeper into the background and used one or more levels of intermediaries to identify criminal groups who were willing to carry out the sabotage if the financial rewards were high enough. Russia now depends more on legitimate channels like its embassy personnel and overseas members of the Russian Orthodox Church to assist, often involuntarily, to help Mother Russia complete its mission to self-destruct by 2027. Thats not an official mission, but the one Russia has earned. The economic sanctions and continued resistance by Ukrainian forces have crippled the Russian military and led their economy on a path that eventually leads to collapse. Undeterred, Russia continues its sabotage and destabilization efforts in NATO Europe. There have been a few railway accidents that upon reexamination turned out to be Russian sponsored acts of sabotage. Another favorite is jamming of GPS signals; this continues to be a problem in several European countries. There was also a thwarted plot to assassinate the head of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. Russia denies any involvement, but the evidence of Russian complicity grows with each incident. In this respect Russia is at war with European nations and these attacks have led to economic sanctions. Russia sees this as an attack on their economy and their coordinated sabotage campaign in Western Europe is their response. Russia had sleeper agents in Ukraine since the 1990s, after Ukraine became an independent state in 1991. The sleepers were not fully activated until Russia realized their 2022 invasion was faltering. There was no public announcement of this but by 2024 the Ukrainian security service, or SSU, detected several Russian agents operating in Kherson, which is near the Black Sea northwest of Crimea. Three Russian spies were arrested and apparently none of these men admitted to being sleepers or knowing anything about sleepers. That was not unusual, as sleepers and the agents they hire locally know that as long as they disclose nothing, Russia will do whatever they can to free these loyal agents. Each of the arrested men appeared to be operating independently, without knowledge of other agents. This was true, but these men also knew the sleeper network existed and said nothing about it. The Russian sleepers and spies were working jobs, like driving a cab, that allowed them to get around without raising suspicions. Interrogators did discover that the Russian agents were currently seeking locations and status of Ukrainian air defense systems and other military targets, especially those difficult to identify using aerial reconnaissance. Earlier SSU had disrupted an espionage network seeking location of Ukrainian HIMARS missile launcher vehicles. These are kept hidden because the Russians fear these mobile missile launchers, and the damage they do to Russian artillery units and supply storage sites. Eastern Ukraine always had a large Russian population because during the 1930s Russians were brought into eastern Ukraine to replace all the Ukrainians who died during the Holodomor or Great Famine. The famine was caused by the Soviet government exporting nearly all grain produced in that part of the country for several years. This was part of a Soviet plan to raise additional foreign currency to pay for importing Western machinery needed to industrialize Russia. This plan worked, and leader Josef Stalin saw the dead Ukrainians as necessary to enable Russia to build factories for producing commercial and military products, including tanks and the new multiple cell rocket launchers they had recently invented. Now, nearly a century later, there is another war because Russian forces invaded independent Ukraine in 2022. Stalin would have seen this as a civil war, but times have changed. Some things going on today Stalin would see as familiar. For example the post 1991 Russian government lost most of its destabilization skills. A century ago, the new communist government in Russia came to power because of the communists ability to subvert their opponents and eliminate opposition without a lot of bloodshed. A more recent destabilization effort involved an effort to destabilize countries in Africa to distract attention mass media paid to the Russian campaign in Ukraine. Russian mercenaries and spies are busy trying to cause as much distracting chaos as possible in the rest of the world. This includes covert operations in Europe, mercenaries operating throughout Africa, and establishing links with Moslem organizations in Central Asia and Europe and blowing up Western airliners. Russia believes that conventional warfare waged in Ukraine and the unconventional warfare carried out worldwide complement each other. Russian efforts to destabilize Africa are supposed to divert attention and resources headed to Ukraine. To make this happen, Russian spies, assassins, and propagandists continue their efforts. Revolution and subversion efforts worldwide have long been used by the Soviet Union and later Russia to exploit whatever opportunities were available to disrupt and diminish support for groups hostile to Russia, while encouraging local leaders that support Russian objectives. For example, in 2016, Russian operatives recruited criminal gangs to cause trouble in the tiny Balkan state of Montenegro and disrupt efforts by that country to join NATO. That attempt failed when several foreign agents and pro-coup Montenegrin politicians were detected, arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned. In February 2022, Russian agents tried to organize widespread protests that would justify Russian military intervention, aided by pro-Russian factions in the Ukrainian government. These factions were supposed to make it possible for pro-Russian groups belonging to the Ukrainian parliament and government to seize power. That effort failed because the Russians overestimated the number of pro-Russian officials in the Ukrainian government and the Russian invasion did not immediately succeed, as the Russians expected. There were too many Ukrainians willing and able to fight and defeat the Russian invaders. The Russian FSB is the post-Soviet version of the KGB but has demonstrated a shortage of skills and ability to match the performance of the KGB in its prime. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was made possible, in part, because the KGB had also lost its ability to get things done. By the end of 2022, the military failures in Ukraine gave the FSB more political and financial support to move forward with spending more time, money and effort on their sleepers program. The FSB had to call on retired agents who had served during the pre-1991 Soviet Union era. Many Russian sleepers were exposed in the 1990s because Soviet archives were open to foreign historians , some of them secretly working for Western intelligence agencies. Many Russian sleepers were identified and arrested. That put an end to Western researchers studying KGB archives. Russia considers arresting their sleepers in Europe and North Americans a hostile act. The Russians quietly began rebuilding and expanding their sleeper network. Meanwhile the Russians arrested innocent Western visitors to Russia and kept them in prison until they could be exchanged for arrested Russian sleepers. Western intelligence agencies now spend a lot of time trying to identify sleepers and pay more attention to acts of sabotage. These acts are often disguised as accidents of the result of a local feud. For the last two years, sleepers have become prime suspects. When pursuing whoever was responsible for acts of sabotage, sleepers are often at the top of the list of possible perpetrators. General Alexus Grynkewich struck a confident tone as he took command of NATOs military operations, declaring that todays threats are no match for the alliance. But for all the military posturing, his comments betray a deeper misconception: military might alone wont preserve NATO economic unity and strategic coherence will. And both are visibly fraying. This is the uncomfortable truth: NATO is not united, certainly not economically. President Trump, who appointed General Grynkewich, has spent years berating NATO members for not spending enough yet simultaneously pummeled European allies with tariffs and now threatens further trade friction. An alliance that projects unity on the battlefield but fractures in the boardroom cannot be counted on in the long run. If Trump really valued NATOs strategic cohesion, he would have spared key allies from his economic crusades. But his rhetoric and policy suggest that economic cooperation is conditional and disposable even among allies. This is not how a serious alliance functions. Meanwhile, NATOs adversaries arent just competing militarily theyre winning economically. China, for example, has extended its global influence not by tanks or fighter jets, but through the Belt and Road Initiative, rare earths dominance, strategic port investments, and control of key supply chains. Theyre playing a long game NATO doesnt seem ready for. And lets not forget that Russias war in Ukraine despite immense Western financial and military support has not collapsed its economy. Quite the opposite: sanctions have forced Russia into deeper alignment with non-Western economies, creating a multipolar economic bloc that NATO, as a military entity, isnt designed to handle. Even the announcement of a new 5% GDP defence spending target shows where the thinking is stuck. Yes, deterrence matters. But throwing more money at weapons while your allies are alienated economically and politically misses the forest for the trees. As long as NATO thinks military power can substitute for economic resilience and political unity, its just rearranging the deckchairs. The world is moving into an era where economic warfare sanctions, supply chains, trade routes, energy control will shape the outcomes of global conflicts as much as or more than missiles. NATO cannot afford to ignore this reality. General Grynkewich may lead the alliance into its dangerous future, but unless that future includes a serious rethink of NATOs political and economic strategies, even the strongest army wont be enough. Bad publicity is still publicity, and that made the ICEBlock app the most popular free app on the Apple App Store as of writing, topping the charts thanks to the United States government. It is known that after the app was featured by news publications, several US government officials have expressed their distaste for the said app, which points out the location of immigration officers. The app has since helped Los Angeles residents in spotting US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers roaming around the county and searching for foreign individuals who may or may not have the proper documentation on their stay in the country. ICEBlock Tops Apple App Store Free Chart ICEBlock app is now the number one app on the Apple App Store's Top Charts of Free Apps in the United States, with thousands of users downloading it and joining the movement. This app was developed by Joshua Aaron, who launched the app last April to help Los Angeles citizens, particularly immigrants living in the area, avoid ICE officers. The app is best known as a social networking app that offers alerts on the geographical locations of ICE officers spotted in the area, with the platform heavily focused on Los Angeles, California. Read Also: Canada Removes Digital Services Tax on Big Tech After Trump Threatened to End Trade Talks US Gov't Officials Oppose ICEBlock App The rise of ICEBlock's popularity came after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called out CNN for their feature article on the app and its creator, calling it an "incitement of further violence" on ICE officers, as per Engadget's report. CNN's story chronicled how the app started out as a way to help Los Angeles citizens spot and avoid ICE officers roaming around the county, seeing as many as 20,000 users during the piece's release. Since the story was published, the ICEBlock app saw a rise in downloads and user base, leading to topping the App Store charts. Other US government officials also slammed the app and its creator for endangering ICE officers, giving users location tags of the federal staffers. Immigration and ICE in the Trump Era President Donald Trump is known for increasing border security and heightening the restrictions against immigration in the country, focusing on a "greater America" that is composed of legitimate" citizens. Despite tight border restrictions, it was reported that Elon Musk's DOGE previously launched a "Golden Immigration Program" that is only available for the ultra-wealthy foreigners. The tighter borders of the US were heavily criticized by different sectors in the country, especially as it cracked down on people who are already in America but are still working on their immigration papers. That being said, it was also seen by several analysts as a "gift" to countries like China and more who are willing to accept immigrants, particularly the professional and skilled workers that could help build their technological advancements to oppose the US. As a result, there have been several protests and movements against the significant immigration blockade that the United States government has implemented since President Trump stepped into office. 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. For close to three decades, the Foundation for Heritage Preservation and Legacy Creation has been dedicated to preserving Indigenous heritage, promoting eco-cultural education, and fostering sustainable community development focusing on areas including environment and wildlife, education, community support, and animal care and rescue. However, the Foundation is facing its biggest challenge, as it needs consistent funding to support its programmes. Added to that, further setbacks emerged when the Foundations co-founder, Aleeyah Amanda Ali, was stricken with health issues. 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 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. The Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund raises money so children from low-income households and active military families in Southern Arizona can attend summer camp on scholarships funded by Star readers. We send local kids to weeklong YMCA, Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts) and Girl Scout overnight camps, as well as overnight camping at Camp Tatiyee for school-age children with special needs. Our goal is to raise $225,000 to send at least 500 kids to overnight camp. So far, weve received 884 donations totaling $204,414.89 or just over 90% of our goal. Since 1947, the Sportsmens Fund has helped pay for 44,391 children to go to camp. Were one of the oldest 501(c )(3) charities in Arizona and one of the most efficient, with 97 cents from every dollar going to send kids to camp. Your contribution to the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund Send a Kid to Camp Fund qualifies for the Arizona tax credit for donations to qualifying charitable organizations. Our code is 20450. Joint Arizona filers can donate up to $987 for 2025 taxes, and other Arizona filers can donate up to $495 for 2025. Credit-card donations and details on the camps we sponsor: azsendakidtocamp.org Send checks, payable to Sportsmens Fund, to: Send a Kid to Camp, P.O. Box 16141, Tucson, AZ 85732-6141 For more information: Debbie Kornmiller at 520-954-3139 or info@azsendakidtocamp.org Donations are welcome throughout the year. Recent donations include: Holly Abeles, in memory of Kymberly Tayleur. God bless you for organizing kids to camp!, $100. Mr. and Mrs. John Beardslee, $25. Earl L. Hamilton, in memory of Margaret Barringer, $200. Maura Mack, keep up the great work, $200. Diane Mitchell, $400. Napier family, in loving memory of Marvin Napier, $200. Connie L. Nine, in memory of Norma Lewis, $200. Robert Ornelas, in honor of all moms, $25. George and Carol Peabody, $300. Richard Portman, $500. Nan Rollings, $100. Alan and Angela Stein, $200. Susan Stockton, in memory of husband, Bill Stockton, and many dear friends, $100. Tucson Conquistadors grant, $750. Richard Zecchin, $100. Two anonymous donations totaling $1,050. Gail Kocourek can be found on the Arizona side of the border wall two to three times a week, her arms waving high as she yells Somos amigos, meaning We are friends. Kocourek starts her travels about 7 a.m. in Tucson, first stocking up on food, water and first-aid essentials before making a two-hour drive to the near-abandoned border town of Sasabe. Shell often stop and walk across the checkpoint to feed the dogs at the US-Mexico border before continuing her mission to find migrants who need humanitarian aid. Kocourek has worked for the Tucson Samaritans, a volunteer-run humanitarian aid group, for about 12 years. The group provides water, food, first aid and other essential items to migrants who cross the border into the Arizona desert. The Samaritans goal is to alleviate the suffering of people who are making the arduous journey to a better life across the harsh Sonoran desert, according to the groups website. The most dangerous land crossing is probably the Sonoran Desert, especially this time of year, Kocourek said. You cant carry enough water to get across the desert, its impossible. Between 2000 and May 2025, the remains of 4,384 migrants have been found in the desert that surrounds Tucson, according to the Pima County Medical Examiners Office. Summer temperatures can exceed 120 degrees, and the mountainous terrain can require climbing over rocks that are even hotter. Since 1994, the US has tried to stop unauthorized border crossings through a strategy called Prevention Through Deterrence. It primarily tries to deter illegal border crossing by making them more dangerous. It doesnt work, the Samaritans say, and has instead led to an increase in deaths. They (Border Patrol agents) go out every morning and look for cuts through their $18 billion wall, Kocourek said. It doesnt keep people away. After more than 20 years of giving humanitarian aid in the desert, the Tucson Samaritans, along with the Green Valley/Sahuarita Samaritans, are being featured in an upcoming documentary by Arizona filmmaker David Damian Figueroa. The documentary, titled The Samaritans: Compassion Knows No Borders, tells the stories of what Figueroa calls extreme volunteering. Its a little bit different than what most volunteers do, because they are challenged with all kinds of the elements of the desert the climate, the vigilantes and all the things they are subjected to in order to do this work and try to deter deaths in the desert, Figueroa said. Thats what the story is about, its very simple. Its not political, it just talks about how incredible these humanitarians are in the desert. The film will be part of a project called The Truth About Migrants and The Border: Stories of Humanity and Hope. Some of the stories in the documentary are already being brought to film festivals and college campuses across the U.S., including Stanford University, Fordham University and the University of Arizona, as short films for lectures. One of these short films, Shura, was released last year. Im doing this like once a week, Figueroa said. Im trying to get people to spread the message about why migrants cross and that theyre human beings. Figueroa grew up doing farm work in cities across Arizona, from Yuma and Buckeye to Gila Bend and parts of Phoenix. It is what shaped his thoughts on migrants. The borderlands were very different back in the day. My grandparents were here when it was a territory, Figueroa said. My parents and my grandparents have a lot of pride that we grew up as farmworkers. Figueroa sang and performed throughout high school and was later a grand finalist on Buscando Estrellas, or International Star Search, where he made it to the finals in the male vocalist category. From there, he got involved with social justice campaigns and became a publicist for celebrities in Los Angeles, which is what generated his interest in show production. Eva Longoria is the one who got me into film. The first film we did together was The Harvest (La Cosecha), which was about migrant child farmworkers, and the second was Food Chains, he said. Both films are on YouTube and Food Chains is available on Netflix. Figueroa met the Green Valley Samaritans in 2014 when he went on a trip with Shura Wallin, one of the founders. He said her dedication to the work she does was so inspiring to him that he told her hed someday make a film about her. I kept saying I wanted to do this film on the Samaritans, which is how I got into this now, Figueroa said. Theres people like myself who have moved here because of Shura, I mean its just an honor. Figueroa said his goal for the film is to be able to show another side to the dangers of crossing the border. I want to be able to get people to think alternatively, that migrant lives are worth saving, he said. The work that were doing is a form of resistance. ... Marching and protesting is very, very important, but thats there one day and gone the next. The Samaritans have shown almost 25 years of consistency. Figueroa plans to have the film completed in August before bringing it to college campuses and film festivals, including Sundance, South by Southwest and the Arizona International Film Festival, across the country. He hopes to have it available on a streaming service in early 2026 and get it Oscar-qualified shortly after. I just wish there were more people with understanding, Kocourek said. I wish more people had empathy and compassion. As of May, remains have been found in the desert of 11 migrants who had died within eight months of being discovered, according to the Medical Examiners Office. The number is slightly less than it was about this time last year, which counted 16 similar deaths, even though there has been a massive crackdown on border security on both sides. If theres one person crossing, we look for them, Kocourek said. If we help one person that comes through, were a success, because to that one person you could have been everything. Volunteer information for the Tucson Samaritans can be found on their website. While most members are 55+, the organization accepts volunteers of all ages. Photos: Lochiel border station in 1970s-80s Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing Lochiel, Ariz. border crossing The University of Arizona has launched an initiative exploring how artificial intelligence can be used in public health by using tools that allow researchers to collect digital data from multiple sources and analyze it quickly. Were training the next generation of public health professionals to use AI ethically and effectively to benefit all communities, said Dr. Iman Hakim, dean of the UAs Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, in a news release. Our college is already using AI in research and programs, giving students hands-on experience. Were providing the tools, the experience and the space to explore how AI can help us do what we do best protect and improve lives. The College of Public Health launched the AI for Public Health initiative with new courses and research projects. Its part of the UAs $20 million investment in strategic research areas including enhancing biomedical discoveries and health care outcomes with artificial intelligence and machine learning, according to a UA news release. As part of its focus on AI in public health, the UA also brought in an internationally recognized AI and data science expert, David Ebert, as the universitys first chief AI and data science officer. The initiative a collaborative effort with the UAs global health and data science institute also includes an inaugural Public Health and AI Summer School training program with four days of workshops to explore how AI can be used in public health with available tools. The training program had UA experts including Onicio Leal Neto, Dr. Marvin Slepian, and Nirav Merchant introduce the basics of AI and discuss topics such as ethical and legal considerations of AI use, use of Machine Learning in patient care, and its challenges in government use. Industry leaders, county and state officials also spoke at the program. The idea was for participants to understand AIs relevance and its applications for public health practice, including surveillance, forecasting, risk prediction and administrative tasks. The theme throughout the workshop week was that AI can be very useful, but also requires transparency, and responsible, safe, effective and equitable use with informed consent and human oversight. We are entering an environment which is highly nonpoliced, said Slepian, a Regents Professor of medicine, medical imaging and surgery at UAs College of Medicine Tucson and of biomedical engineering at the College of Engineering. The onus is on us to put the regulatory upfront. We need the law upfront, so we dont have hassles later. Slepian, who runs the Arizona Center for Accelerated Biomedical Innovation and is also a member of UAs BIO5 Institute, said AI is the buzzword for 2025 and that its not going anywhere. The summer program was the brainchild of Neto, an assistant research professor of digital epidemiology at the public health college. The interest in the program, which attracted over 3,100 people internationally from different disciplines to the registration website, excited Neto. The program ended up having 52 attendees and a waiting list, although it was initially supposed to be capped at 25. Neto said he expects to create additional AI summer programs and also hopes to hold an international summit on the topic. We are doing our best to get our students in a better position to be in the job market as soon as they get out of our programs. Take a long gaze and youll see a disturbing paradox playing out across the American landscape. The federal government, under the direction of an increasingly autocratic president, is hurriedly trying to de-Latinize the United States. Immigration agents are seizing Latino landscapers, day workers and housekeepers in Los Angeles and other cities. These detentions and deportations have accelerated and will likely be turbocharged by the passage of the reconciliation bill last week. It triples spending on Immigration and Customs Enforcement, surges more border-security funding and creates a massive immigration detention industry. Construction crews are back at work on the Mexican border, building more wall again to literally barricade us against Latin America. Its a region I love, having spent long stretches in six countries from Mexico to Chile. And I notice that as we expel people and build walls, the USA becomes more Latin American in our politics and economics. Its not something Trumps advisers would like to admit. Stephen Miller has expressed antipathy toward Latinos since he was in middle school and high school, and now hes the architect of the presidents immigration policies. Another presidential friend and adviser, Laura Loomer, has been calling indirectly on social media for all Hispanics to be deported, or killed as the case may be. Repeatedly in recent days, she has claimed there are 65 million illegal aliens in the United States. Probably not coincidentally, there are 65 million people of Hispanic or Latin American origin in the United States. Referencing the new immigration detention camp in the Everglades surrounded by alligator-filled waters, Loomer wrote on X, Alligators are guaranteed at least 65 million good meals if we get started now. Loomers version of the message is extreme, but the administrations basic idea could hardly be more clear. People of Latin American descent, not just those with criminal records, will be detained and deported on any justification. The fact that millions of Latinos descend from families native to whats now the United States makes little difference some Latino U.S. citizens have been arrested in the sweeps, some citizen children have been deported with their undocumented parents. Its paradoxical when you consider how President Trump is changing the way the federal government operates. The U.S. administration is embracing some of the worst traditions of Latin American politics even as he tries to get rid of millions of Latin Americans. The masked men seizing people from the streets. The browbeating and threats against judges. The targeting of critical news outlets The companies, law firms, and universities forced to bow and pay tribute or face punishment. The leader using his power to enrich himself and his family. The cult of personality that dominates our politics. Its like something you would see in a Latin American country under a traditional strongmans grip. Far from being a model of governance for Latin America to emulate, the United States is becoming a really big El Salvador, with our own President Nayib Bukele named Donald Trump. The caudillo model In Latin American history, such strongman leaders have been called caudillos. They emerged in the 19th century in the power vacuums after independence from Spain, but this tradition persisted and evolved into the 20th and 21st centuries. I asked Teresa Meade, a professor emerita of Latin America history at Union College, who has studied the regions caudillos, which strongman Trump reminds her of. She said via email, The caudillo who most comes to my mind is Rafael Trujillo (1891-1961) in the Dominican Republic. Trujillo was a dictator who ruled by force, erected statues of himself, and enriched himself through his position over three decades. Trujillo had the delusions of grandeur, even fixation with beauty pageants, that Trump has, Meade said. And he was similarly profoundly racist. In fact, in 1937, Trujillo infamously ordered the massacre of hundreds of black Haitians living near the Dominican border. There are also echoes of other Latin American strongmen think, for example, of Hugo Chavez, Manuel Noriega and especially the present-day Salvadoran leader, Bukele. He has made his name by suspending the constitution, undermining judicial independence, imprisoning more than 100,000 people, including political dissidents, and embracing cryptocurrency. Of course, not all strongmen are Latin American. A wave of them has come to power across the globe, including Viktor Orban in Hungary, Narendra Modi in India, Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel, and Vladimir Putin in Russia. Theyre all leaders whom Trump has admired. And theres a whole other tradition in Latin American governance. In fact, the inspiration for this column came from hearing Yale University historian Greg Grandin give interviews and from reading his new book, America, America: A New History of the New World. The book is a history of Anglo America and Latin America in interaction with each other. It emphasizes a tradition of humanism, egalitarianism and pluralism that threads through Latin American history, from the critical priest Bartolome de las Casas in the 1500s to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the current president of Brazil. In Latin America, that strongman tradition is very strong, but so is a kind of social-democratic tradition, Grandin told me in an interview. For every Bukele, you have a Petro (Colombias president Gustavo Petro), or a Lula. Convergence with Latin America Grandin won the Pulitzer Prize for his last book, The End of the Myth: From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America. He noted in our interview that the United States and Mexico especially have been increasingly integrated, economically, for decades. He argues that the economic program of neoliberalism deregulation of business, free trade for multinational corporations, destruction of the social safety net are what have created the similar circumstances from the United States southward. There is a convergence between the United States and Latin America, Grandin said. You can make that argument for convergence that avoids the cultural or moral argument and understand the way that economic restructuring was imposed on Latin America but also imposed on the United States. Trump is a consequence of the same kind of economic restructuring that the United States, before the Cold War and coming out of the Cold War, imposed on the world. In fact, Grandin notes in his new book that Idahos U.S. Sen. Frank Church warned in the 1970s of the Latin Americanization of America, an awkward phrase for those who see America as encompassing the whole western hemisphere, but a penetrating idea. Church wasnt talking about immigration from Latin America to the United States. He was talking about an economic order in which multinational corporations and oligarchical rulers extract resources, spur wealth inequality, and create societies of haves and have-nots, instead of the remarkable, broadly educated middle-class country the USA had built. What he feared was that corporatist conservatives, if given free rein, would turn our standard of living into what you find in Latin America, journalist David Neiwert, who interviewed Church in 1979, wrote in 2023. Churchs fear was that working Americans would one day be reduced to the level of near-serfdom that is the common way of life for millions of Latinos. Slashing the safety net Standards of living have improved for many Latin Americans since that era, but wages for the vast majority in the USA have been relatively stagnant, while the rich have grown fabulously wealthy and used that wealth to dominate our politics, much as they have traditionally in Latin America. The bill signed into law on Friday will only extend the USAs tendencies toward this type of Latin Americanization. Most importantly, it slashes the social safety net a key pillar of neoliberal economics and transfers wealth from lower-income Americans to wealthier Americans. The cuts in spending on Medicaid and food aid are equivalent in size, about $1.1 trillion over 10 years, to the value of the tax cuts for people making $500,000 per year or more, also about $1.1 trillion. Its a direct, upward wealth transfer. And its happening simultaneous to the seizure of near-total power by our own American strongman. It seems Frank Church was shortsighted only in seeing how multifaceted our systems Latin Americanization would be. Developers of the proposed Project Blue data-center complex on Tucsons far southeast side are considering proposing and building two more data-center complexes in the metro area, after the first site gets final approvals from the Tucson City Council. And while Project Blue officials have said their first complex will ultimately rely on non-drinking water for its operations, it will need to use drinking water for the projects first two or three years. Thats how long it will take for the projects developer to build an 18-mile pipeline to transmit what it calls renewable water from the regional wastewater treatment plant on the northwest side to the data center complex. The possibility of a larger data center network and the likelihood of the first centers extended use of drinking water were reported to the Arizona Daily Star this week by Ed Hendel, a member of a city water advisory committee. Both points were confirmed Tuesday by Keri Silvyn, attorney for Project Blues developers. Hendels information came from a meeting Friday when he and Tucson City Councilman Kevin Dahl met with officials of the data center development company, Beale Infrastructure Group, and Silvyn. Project Blue is one of three data center complexes another one in Tucson, another in the Marana area. The other two are in the very preliminary planning stages, said Hendel, a Citizens Water Advisory Committee member and an environmentalist who has spoken out against the currently proposed data center complex. If the current Project Blue site is actually just a prelude to two more more data centers, its shocking, said Hendel, who is alarmed by how much water and electricity they will use. The first complex alone is expected to have eight to 10 large warehouse-sized buildings. Hendel also told the Star that Beale Infrastructure officials said last Friday the reclaimed water headed for Project Blue will be blended with treated, long-contaminated water pumped from the decades-old Superfund site on Tucsons south side. The final product will be called renewable water, he said. That water is now pumped to a treatment plant in that area run by the city that removes TCE, 1,4-dioxane and PFAS compounds before the water is ultimately delivered to the reclaimed water system. But now, Beale officials said the Superfund site water will also get additional treatment, including an antiscalant compound to reduce the waters hardness, Hendel said. On Tuesday, Silvyn told the Star the company is exploring the feasibility of other sites in the overall Tucson area. At the time we are maybe a little bit further along and have more information, we definitely will share more information. Until now, public discussion of future Project Blue data center sites has been very limited, and details about how much water would be used have been kept secret the latter due to a non-disclosure agreement signed by developers and city and county officials. At the June 17 Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting at which Project Blue won several key approvals for its plans, Silvyn testified, Beale Infrastructure is looking at some other sites, but theyre not before us today and theyre still in exploration. In the past week, in addition to Hendel, several other sources familiar with the data center issue have told the Star theyve heard that Project Blue will have one or two other sites. One source, who asked that their name not be used because they are concerned about professional retribution for speaking out, said the second Project Blue site would lie adjacent or very near to the first one, which is near the Pima County Fairgrounds. But at Fridays meeting, Hendel reported, all Project Blue officials said about the second site is that it would be in the city of Tucson, and that a third site would likely be in the Marana area. Two other sources have also told the Star that the third site would likely be in the Marana area. One source recounted hearing that the second site would house 16 data center buildings. Silvyn said she hadnt heard that number being planned; thats not accurate. I dont know what Project Blues timing is for developing a second and third site, Silvyn said. Were not prepared to answer that. Theres a lot of different moving parts to this and our focus is on this project, said Silvyn. Were not being catty about it. The answers to the kind of questions youre asking are not available. Silvyn also confirmed that the southeast-side data center complex will rely on potable water for two to three years before reclaimed water arrives. The idea is that significant infrastructure, fully made, is going to take place simultaneously with construction of Phase 1 of the (data center) project, Silvyn said. Thats a timing issue were going to be working on with the city. A firm timetable for when the developers can commit to convert from drinkable to reclaimed water will be made when the developer and city officials sign off on a formal development agreement, she said. That agreement will come out before the Tucson City Council votes on whether to annex the Project Blue site into the city. Speaking of the companys plans for blending the water, Silvyn said her understanding is that it is a combination of a couple of different water sources that could increase the (water supply) capacity to the Tucson area its all in discussions with Tucson Water. She did not immediately provide more details. The reports of possible additional data centers and a prolonged timetable before the currently planned one receives non-drinking water come as public controversy has dogged Project Blue since its existence was first disclosed in late May. The Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 in June to first sell the 290 acres planned for the center to a purchaser representing Project Blue, then to approve zoning changes needed to allow the project to proceed. Annexation of the site into the city is now scheduled to be considered by the City Council in August. The county boards approval came over the objections of dozens of speakers from the general public, who argued that the project would use too much water and too much electricity. While city and county officials said the citys reclaimed water system had more than enough capacity to serve Project Blue, they also refused to say how much water the project will use, due to the non-disclosure agreement that city officials have signed with Project Blue developers. Backers of the project have noted that its developers have promised to create 180 long-term, high paying jobs at the first site, although the Board of Supervisors approval only requires the company to provide 75 jobs at an average $75,000 annual salary. Water has been a major concern driving Hendels opposition to Project Blue. Hes particularly outraged at the unwillingness of the company and city and county officials to release specifics about water use. The developers have said the project will be water positive, meaning they plan to recharge more water into the aquifer in recharge projects than they use in their operations. But theyve declined to say how they plan to do that, although a map they presented at the Board of Supervisors meeting when their plans were approved showed two recharge basins at a separate location from where their data center complex is planned. Hendel said Beale Infrastructure officials said at Fridays meeting that theyll release more specifics on water use before the council votes on annexation. At the meeting, Hendel said he chided Beales chief development officer, Michael Nudelman, about the lack of information, and said, If you are going to make it water positive, that would be an incredible accomplishment. You should be touting it from the rooftops. Why are you keeping it secret? He (Nudelman) said, I just want to correct your statement. Its not a secret. It just hasnt been disclosed yet, Hendel told the Star. Nudelman didnt return a text message from the Star asking if Hendels account was accurate. Tuesday afternoon, Silvyn asked that the Star route that question through her but she hadnt yet replied to the question. She did tell the Star that more specifics about the projects water use, including how it will be water positive, will be included in the forthcoming development agreement. Hendel is president of an AI company called Sky Island AI. It recently posted a dashboard outlining its projected estimates of the first Project Blue sites water and energy use. My best guess is that this will use 1% to 5% of Tucsons water supply and 11% to 43% of TEPs electricity supply, he said. If you multiply that electricity use by all three data centers, that could use more power than TEPs entire supply, Hendel said. I think the U.S needs more data centers, because of the rising influence of AI. But putting them in the desert when we are already low on water is reckless. Putting three of them in is even more reckless, Hendel said. Replying, Silvyn said she personally appreciated the concerns Hendel and others have expressed about the data centers water use. But I also need to point out that ... we have a water provider in the city of Tucson that has significantly stewarded our water in a phenomenal way, Silvyn said. Thats partly what attracted that developer to our region. They shared our desire for stewardship in the industry. She said TEPs goals for renewable energy, in which it plans to have net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, align in a pretty profound way with Beales sustainability goals. I would ask that everybody wait and hear and try to understand what this project is standing for before passing judgment, she said. A newly signed bill giving developers the ability to buy and retire farmland in favor of subdivisions has been hailed by supporters as the single biggest improvement in state water law since the landmark Arizona Groundwater Management Act passed 45 years ago. Its been promoted as a ticket to water savings, since homes typically use significantly less water than cotton fields. Its also seen as a path to more affordable housing in the Phoenix area and Pinal County, where the law would have an impact. There, homebuilders say existing state restrictions on building new homes using groundwater have reduced housing supplies and triggered a spike in home prices. Whats more, the new law went through the Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support. But whats called the Ag to Urban law comes with a big question mark that centers on the often downplayed concept of groundwater replenishment. The law will significantly increase the amount of water that must be recharged into the aquifer to compensate for groundwater pumped by new homes that are built on retired farmland. As of now, its not clear where that extra water will come from. Several possibilities exist, but many are expensive, controversial or both. The question looms particularly large now because of the strong possibility if not certainty that Arizona will have less Colorado River water after 2026, when the seven Colorado River Basin states hope to approve a new plan to manage the river and reduce its chronic supply-demand deficit. The Ag to Urban law will allow up to hundreds of thousands of new homes to be built over the coming decades homes that will use farms former groundwater. The water could be used on the former farmland or on other lands within a mile of that land. But under the existing state groundwater law, every drop that is pumped to serve those homes must be replenished by putting into the aquifer renewable water supplies such as Central Arizona Project water from the Colorado River. The agency that must do the recharge is the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District, a three-county water agency that buys and recharges CAP and other renewable supplies in the Tucson, Phoenix and Pinal County areas. The district is part of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, which operates the CAPs canal system that pumps water uphill from the Colorado River 336 miles to Tucson. The districts estimate is that the new law gives it a legal obligation to find and replenish another 15,000 to 20,000 acre-feet of renewable water supplies by 2044, to replace the groundwater that will be pumped for the new subdivisions allowed. Thats 22% to 29% of the amount the agency already has said it will need to replenish by 2044 to serve development already planned across all three counties. The district supported the Ag to Urban bill in the Legislature, with its officials saying they successfully requested language in the bill to help mitigate, and help them deal with, the impacts of the projected increased replenishment obligation. One change inserted in the bill, for instance, puts the state on record as supporting the districts goals to get renewable water from other sources. Those include buying Colorado River supplies owned by farmers operating along the river; and persuading Congress to spend up to $1 billion to elevate Bartlett Dam along the Verde River so it can store more water for delivery into Phoenix. We believe the bill helps set the stage for continued bipartisan work on water issues, the replenishment district said in a statement to the Star. Critics worry obligations cant be met But none of the changes in the bill achieved by the district actually guarantee provision of new water supplies in the near future. Critics of the bill say it could eventually saddle the district with obligations to recharge water that it cant meet. If that were to happen, the district could no longer get its 20-year operating plans approved by the state, and housing development in those areas that rely on groundwater would have to stop. Worse, from the critics standpoint, the districts new obligation comes as its long-term plans have been challenged by the state because some of the supplies it has previously counted on evaporated. The district was told earlier this year by the Arizona Department of Water Resources that it could no longer count on receiving a certain class of CAP water for recharge known as NIA water. Thats short for non-Indian agricultural water, which used to go to farmers but was long ago transferred to urban areas and tribes. The district had proposed in its draft plan of operations to get more than half of the 68,000 acre-feet of replenishment supplies it needs by 2044 from the NIA water. But last February, the district was ordered by ADWR Director Tom Buschatzke to remove NIA water from that draft plan, which will cover the period from 2025 to 2044. ADWR has already said for some time that with Colorado River supplies dwindling, it doesnt expect to get much if any NIA water in the near to foreseeable future. The district revised its plan of operations in the spring to remove the NIA water from its supplies. But in his letter, Buschatzke cautioned that if an ag-to-urban bill passed while this plan is under review by ADWR, the plan may require additional revisions to deal with the bills new replenishment obligations. Given the uncertainties about the districts supplies even now, state Rep. Chris Mathis, a Tucson Democrat, said in opposing the bill that it relies heavily on a groundwater accounting system that I believe is already fully subscribed, if not oversubscribed, and, thus, easily structurally compromised. He cast one of 20 no House votes on the bill, compared to 35 yes votes. The Senate voted 26-4 in favor. Everybody is competing for groundwater The idea we can keep adding to replenishment obligations in a world where the Colorado is drying up and everybody is competing for existing groundwater supplies is nuts, said Kathleen Ferris, a former ADWR director and an Arizona State University water researcher who has co-authored two highly critical reports on the replenishment district. Both of those reports, the latest of which came out in May, questioned the replenishment districts ability to support future growth with replenishment supplies for the long term, in part because of the likelihood of continued diminishing Colorado River supplies. The reports came from ASUs Kyl Center for Water Policy. We are past the point where we can keep growing on groundwater with the assumption that we will replenish that groundwater through CAGRD, said Ferris, using an acronym for the district. There arent going to be the water supplies. Our report demonstrates this. Their plan of operations demonstrates this. In its statement to the Star, however, the district noted that for two decades, it has successfully met its mission to replenish groundwater for its Maricopa, Pima and Pinal County members, and the legislation passed last week will allow that to continue. CAGRD is continually looking for new supplies for its portfolio. This includes a potential water acquisition partnership with the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) to assist with the increased replenishment obligation, the district said. In a recent joint news release, the district and Gila tribal leaders said theyre negotiating towards an agreement in which the Gilas would provide the district with additional water to meet its replenishment obligation. The news release didnt say whether the district would buy or lease water rights from the Gilas or how much water would be made available. Other sources, however, said the district may get 7,500 acre-feet from the Gilas, or about one-third to one-half its replenishment need. The Gilas cut a water-leasing deal with the district in 2019 to help with the efforts to draw up a drought management plan for the Lower Colorado River Basin, which includes Arizona. This time we are working to help address replenishment concerns related to Ag to Urban by negotiating to deploy our water resources in a manner that helps all of Arizona, said the Gila Communitys governor, Stephen Roe Lewis, in the news release. He said hes been authorized to negotiate an agreement with the district that will provide a significant supply of new water to help offset the replenishment needs of this Ag to Urban program. During the legislative debates on the bill, even some Democrats who voted for it acknowledged the replenishment issue remained unresolved. Tucson Democratic Rep. Stephanie Stahl-Hamilton, in voting for the bill, said it is amazing what we are going to get in groundwater savings. But I have a little bit of heartburn dealing with replenishment. We need to pay attention to water going back into the aquifer. How grateful I am that the Gila River Indian Community is stepping up to help us with the replenishment issue but we are not there yet, she said. New water supplies difficult to get The districts proposed plan of operations lays out a number of new supplies that it says are potentially available for it to acquire for replenishment over the next 20 to 100 years. The district is required to guarantee replenishment supplies only for the next 20 years, but must provide information in its plan showing potential supplies for 100 years. Besides raising the Bartlett Dam and acquiring on-river supplies, other supplies the replenishment district plans to pursue are acquiring treated sewage effluent thats now being discharged into rivers and streams, desalinated water and long-term storage credits. The credits represent water supplies that the district and other parties have already artificially recharged into the aquifer for storage. When the district draws upon those credits, its replenishment obligation is reduced by the amount of credits it uses up. That recharged water thereby never leaves the aquifer where it was placed. Unused Central Arizona Project supplies and groundwater imported to Phoenix and Tucson from several rural basins west of Phoenix represent other potential supplies, the districts proposed operating plan says. In its request to the Legislature to express support for its efforts to buy or lease these supplies, the district said, Placing additional obligation on CAGRD will increase competition on the acquisition of renewable water supplies, which are already becoming increasingly scarce. This will ultimately place additional pressure on acquiring new supplies. Since the district will have to take on the additional replenishment obligations under the ag to urban program, it will need state support to acquire supplies that may be increasingly expensive and/or controversial, the district said. Ferris, a former ADWR director during the 1980s, is openly skeptical, if not disdainful, of the notion that these supplies can help the district at least in the short term. Acquiring any of these new supplies faces substantial obstacles, she and other Kyl Center researchers wrote in their May paper on the replenishment district. Raising Bartlett Dam will take congressional approval and probably a decade or more for planning and construction, the report said. Any transfers of water from the river to urban areas will require the Interior secretarys approval, Ferris said. So far, most efforts to transfer on-river supplies to Central Arizona have been stymied by opposition from riverfront residents who say such action will drain life from their local economies. The report also noted that while three Phoenix suburbs have already purchased groundwater supplies from rural basins, the ADWR hasnt yet approved transferring any of that water, and the costs of treating and transporting it to urban areas will be high. In 2022, the Kyl Center report noted a governors advisory committee acknowledged the quantity and accessibility of renewable supplies in the future are as uncertain for the replenishment district as for other users. Fewer available water supplies will likely lead to increased competition involving the district, industrial users and private and municipal water utilities, the 2022 governors committee report said. As for buying water from farmers along the Colorado, the governors committee said opposition from water users along the river and increasing costs could prove problematic for the district. That warning is even more relevant today, the Kyl Center report said. For Tucson migrant advocate Dora Rodriguez, humanitarian work is the path to healing from tragedy, and a way to honor the friends who died beside her 45 years ago in the Southern Arizona desert, in a horrific border-crossing incident that galvanized Tucsons Sanctuary Movement in the 1980s. I heal in honor of my friends, Rodriguez writes in her new memoir, Dora: A Daughter of Unforgiving Terrain, released Saturday. I heal because, for some reason, I was chosen to live. Rodriguez recounts, in harrowing detail, the brutal days of walking unprepared through the Arizona desert, misled by smugglers about the length and difficulty of the journey. They carried just 18 jugs of water for the 26 Salvadoran asylum seekers and four smugglers, which quickly ran out. Rodriguez was one of the 13 asylum seekers who survived. Rodriguez scheduled her book release for July 5, the 45-year anniversary of the day she was rescued by border agents and other law enforcement, likely minutes from death, nurses later told her. Much of Rodriguezs memoir focuses on her childhood in El Salvador, and the escalating civil war that forced her, as a 19-year-old community organizer, to leave behind her tight-knit family in 1980 and flee to the U.S. Rodriguezs story culminates in her present-day devotion to humanitarian-aid work, including in immigration detention centers and the borderlands of Sonora and Arizona, where shes become a beloved humanitarian leader. Dora is one example of how Central Americans have led some of the most important movements for social justice in the U.S. in recent years, said Liz Oglesby, associate professor of Latin American Studies at the University of Arizona. She is a beacon of compassion in southern Arizona. It wasnt until 2015, amid rampant dehumanizing rhetoric about immigrants from then-candidate Donald Trump and his supporters, that Rodriguez said she felt safe enough, and outraged enough, to speak publicly about her near-death experience and the terror that prompted her to flee her home, an account that shed never even shared with her five children. Four decades later, Rodriguezs eyes still fill with tears when she describes leaving her mother and three younger siblings, after it became clear Rodriguez was in immediate danger and could bring risk to her family, too. Its like leaving your soul behind, Rodriguez said Wednesday, at Mercado San Agustin on Tucsons west side. In the late 1970s, El Salvadors military was targeting anyone suspected of supporting the left-wing resistance, especially young people. Masked men with rifles marched through her neighborhood, part of a growing army of death squads who disappeared and killed suspected revolutionaries on behalf of the conservative government, which was backed by the United States, she said. Suddenly, Rodriguezs involvement in a social-justice youth group, and her high school sweethearts membership in a teachers union, were dangerous affiliations. Three of her friends were executed for their work as health educators. In March 1980, Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated at the altar, one day after he gave a sermon imploring military members to stop killing civilians. Civilian deaths numbered 75,000 over the course of the 12-year civil war. Rodriguez wants readers to understand the reality of forced migration, and the pain of leaving everything one has known. I didnt want to leave, but I also didnt want to die, she writes in her memoir. I didnt see any other path forward. Dont die on me Rodriguezs memoir begins in 2024, with one of her annual visits to the site where her friends died, in a wash east of Arizona 85 in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The site is now marked by 13 crosses, crafted by Tucson artist Alvaro Enciso, in honor of those who didnt make it. There, Dora spoke to visiting college students about three young sisters, at ages 12, 14 and 16, who died that day in 1980. The younger girls had become like little sisters to Rodriguez over the course of their journey from El Salvador. But she was powerless to save them at the end, she told the college students. In her memoir, Rodriguez describes lying under the spindly branches of a palo verde tree before losing consciousness. She awoke to a uniformed man yelling in her face, Dont die on me! amid a flurry of rescue vehicles and law enforcement officers. Rodriguez said the only reason she and her fellow survivors werent deported back to El Salvador which almost certainly would have meant death for having fled the right-wing government was because they could testify against the surviving smugglers who had led the group to the desert, before abandoning them. The survivors were seen as threats to the Salvadoran regime, because they spoke of the reality facing the Salvadoran people under the repressive government, which was supported by the U.S. in the name of fighting communism, Rodriguez said. In reality, that war was solely for poor people fighting for their rights and for their land, she said. The U.S. wouldnt offer asylum to refugees from Central America because it would have forced the U.S. to acknowledge its direct role in supporting the violent regimes from which people were fleeing, said Rodriguez, who eventually gained citizenship through marriage. When she was still hospitalized after her rescue, the Salvadoran Consul General came and treated me like I was an enemy of my country, Rodriguez writes. The publicity we were receiving for leaving the country and many of us dying was a national embarrassment to our government. Rodriguez hopes her memoir could become part of college curricula, helping educate and inspire a new generation of humanitarians. The root causes of migration are too-often overlooked, as is the role of the U.S. policies in destabilizing migrants countries of origin, said Abbey Carpenter, a migrant advocate and former higher-education administrator, who co-wrote Rodriguezs memoir. Ideally this book can be used by young people in educational setting to study whats led people to have to make these choices, and what can we to do help in the future to help them not have to make that deadly choice, she said. Humanitarian work Within moments of sitting down in Mercado San Agustin on Wednesday, Rodriguez was approached by a smiling young man and the two joyfully embraced. Isac was an asylum seeker from Mexico and a former detainee at the La Palma detention facility in Eloy, when he was 19. Hes one of the many asylum seekers for whom Rodriguez has helped secure bond money, and she acted as his sponsor so he could be released in 2019. The serendipitous reunion is nothing unusual for Rodriguez, who stays in touch with countless people whom shes aided over the years. Shes especially proud of Isac, who is now bilingual and works in migrant aid, Rodriguez told the Star. Hes an example of how, if you give someone a chance, you will see the beauty in this human being, she said. Before we are migrants or asylum seekers or refugees, we are a person. Helping others became a way for Rodriguez to heal from the trauma she experienced herself, she said. After years of hosting asylum-seeking families in her home, Rodriguez threw herself into migrant-aid work. She helped raise bond money for detained asylum seekers and regularly visited detention centers to hear their stories, which she passed on to immigration lawyers. Rodriguez eventually took over and expanded an existing program of the El Salvador consulate in Tucson, turning it into the nonprofit Salvavision, which continues to aid asylum seekers and deportees today. In 2021, in partnership with Tucson Samaritan Gail Kocourek, Rodriguez established the Casa de la Esperanza resource center in Sasabe, Sonora, a tiny town that was overwhelmed by migrants who were being immediately expelled from the U.S. under the Title 42 protocols, without an opportunity to request asylum. Rev. John Fife, now pastor emeritus at Southside Presbyterian Church, told the Star that Rodriguezs efforts in Sasabe, coordinating with local residents and officials, was miraculous. Its the most amazing job of organizing Ive seen on that border, Fife said. Rodriguezs memoir highlights Fifes role as one of the leaders of the Sanctuary Movement in Tucson in the 1980s, in its early days at the time of the tragedy in Organ Pipe. Modeled after the Underground Railroad, the Sanctuary Movement helped shelter, and protect from deportation, thousands of Central Americans who were increasingly fleeing to the U.S., which refused to offer them asylum protection. Fife recalled first meeting Rodriguez when she was freed from jail after her rescue. Fife had helped raise money for her bond and then reconnected with her decades later, as she started volunteering with the Tucson Samaritans, Humane Borders and No More Deaths. He praised her commitment to continue to help refugees and migrants in every way she can, and with a passion drawn out from her own experience in Organ Pipe Cactus Monument, he said. Rodriguezs philosophy at the heart of her memoir encourages every-day people to take whatever small actions they can to help others, including those fleeing war and violence. That can mean volunteering, donating or something as simple as offering to pick up groceries for a family too scared to leave home, due to heightened immigration enforcement, she said. In times of despair, its incredible how that can give you some peace, Rodriguez said. The message is a profound one for co-writer Carpenter, a volunteer with Battalion Search and Rescue, which searches for distressed migrants and human remains in the borderlands. Like many, Carpenter said she can struggle with hopelessness, especially in todays overwhelming poltiical climate. Rodriguezs constant forward motion, and focus on solutions, is a guiding force, Carpenter said. She doesnt seem to give up hope, she said. I get so frustrated when I look at the big picture of what has to be changed and I think, I cant. But I can do this: I can search in the desert. I can do humanitarian work. ... Find what you can do, and do it. Dora is a role model for that. Later in her memoir, Rodriguez returns to her 2024 visit to Organ Pipe, where she speaks to the college students, some of whom were by then in tears. Its hard to give back when you think you have nothing left, she told them. But youll be amazed by how much you can give once you realize that giving can heal you. Thats been my salvation. How to help Support Dora Rodriguez's humanitarian work through Salvavision by visiting salvavision.org. Dora's memoir can be purchased through her website, dorarodriguez.org/memoir. 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But Gov. Katie Hobbs on Tuesday vetoed legislation designed to help Arizona expedite results. The governor said she could not accept a provision she said could penalize some voters who wait until the last minute to cast their ballots. Her rejection of SB 1001 was in the last batch of bills sent to her before the Legislature adjourned for the year on Friday. For the session, she now has notched 178 rejections. Among those last-minute rejections was the governors decision to quash a proposal by Sen. Wendy Rogers to outlaw the use of photo enforcement to catch speeders and red light runners. The Flagstaff Republican has sided with those who contend such automated enforcement ignores individual circumstances that an on-site police officer could take into account before deciding whether to issue a citation. And some foes say that the system really is just a way for communities that still use it many others, like Tucson, have scrapped the idea to generate revenues. Hobbs, who vetoed an identical measure two years ago, has had no change of heart. This bill attempts to remove the ability of local law enforcement to keep our streets safe by eliminating a tool used to enhance roadway safety, she wrote in her veto message. Rogers, anticipating a veto, already had crafted a parallel measure to bypass the governor and put the issue directly to voters. But that plan faltered when, due to the absence of some state representatives, she could not get the votes in the last day of the session to make that happen. The state does not allow photo enforcement on its highways after then-Gov. Jan Brewer moved in 2010 to have them removed from any state-controlled road. More controversial, in some ways, has been the question of how to deal with the fact that Arizona has developed a reputation of being among the last states in the nation if not the last to have final election returns. It occurred in 2022 when it took days to confirm that Hobbs had beaten Republican challenger Kari Lake. And the situation repeated itself last year when delays in processing ballots left many wondering whether Kamala Harris could make up her vote deficit against Donald Trump. The problem, according to Rep. J.D. Mesnard, is that Arizona law allows people to request mail-in ballots but, rather than dropping them in the mail box, wait until Election Day to drop them off in person at a polling place. The problem is that ballots cannot be tabulated until the signatures on the envelopes are verified. And that verification process for those late-early ballots cannot begin until after Election Day. Thats not a problem when there are just a few. But in the 2024 general election, there were about 265,000 of these ballots, including more than 210,000 in Maricopa County. Senate President Warren Petersen sought to deal with the problem by repealing the ability of voters to drop off their early ballots at polling places on Election Day. That, however, proved to be a non-starter. So Mesnard came up with an alternate plan. It would still allow ballot drop-offs but with the option of on-site verification. That would mean getting photo identification from those dropping off their ballots after Friday night, a move that would eliminate the need for the kind of signature verification of late-early ballots that otherwise could not start until days after Election Day. His legislation still would allow people to simply drop a ballot and leave. And those ballots still would be counted. But there was a price of sorts to be paid for forcing that after-election signature verification: That voter would be removed from the active early voting list, meaning they would not automatically get another ballot by mail ahead of the next election. Hobbs pronounced that a non-starter. She said there are voters who depend on family members or caregivers to drop off their early ballots, meaning they could not appear in person to have their identification checked. And that, said the governor, presents them with the choice of either losing the option to complete their ballots on Election Day an option that exists for everyone else or being removed from that active early voter list. Im certain that we all agree that every eligible vote should count, and no American should be deprived of this right, Hobbs wrote. Mesnard, for his part, was unapologetic for offering the measure. First, he noted, anyone removed from the active early voter list can get back on it simply by submitting a new request. Mesnard said nothing in his bill would have interfered with anyones right to vote. Instead, he said, it simply would have installed parameters that ensure that were not bogging down the system and delaying results of elections by days or weeks. The idea that that is disenfranchising is confusing the right to vote with the convenience weve extended people, he said. We in no way undermine a persons right to vote, whatsoever. Hobbs said she remains interested in possible changes. We must balance the speed of counting votes with accessibility, accuracy and security, she said, promising to work with any legislator next year to improve voting and vote counting in Arizona. Hobbs did pen her approval to a measure on Tuesday, including legislation to stop the governments of foreign adversaries like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea from owning land in Arizona. Mount Lemmon is a hikers paradise. With cooler temperatures, and over 1,000 miles of trails in Coronado National Forest to explore, theres so many recreation options for backpackers, cyclists, and day hikers to choose from even in the middle of the Arizona summer. Hiking can be intimidating, but it helps to know what to expect on the trail ahead of time. Luckily, weve done the work for you. Whether youre new to Tucson, new to hiking, or just looking for some inspiration or new trails to try, weve compiled a beginners' guide to four of the best hiking destinations on the mountain, so you can get out in nature and make the most of your summer. Before you head out, do note that Coronado National Forest has an $8 per vehicle day-use fee at each of these recreation areas and trailheads. Meadow Trail: The Meadow Trail is probably the most well known and popular trail on Mount Lemmon, and for good reason. Located at Mount Lemmon Recreation Area, near the top of the mountain, this short, easy route is perfect for families with younger children, beginning hikers, or even experienced hikers wanting to take it easy and enjoy the stunning vistas. The trail winds through pine woodlands covered with dense ferns, and offers expansive views of the Catalina range, and the Tucson basin far below. You can turn around at the viewpoint, or if youre feeling adventurous continue down the trail, following a small series of switchbacks to where it ends at a junction with the Mount Lemmon Trail. Following the Mount Lemmon Trail back to the Mount Lemmon Recreation Area makes a 1.8-mile loop that includes 400 feet of elevation gain, and an equal 400 feet elevation loss. Kathryn Salm was one of several hikers enjoying the well-used path on a recent Thursday, accompanied by her dog, Benson. She said the Meadow Trail was a personal favorite route of hers. I like to do it, because this is the top, Salm said. If you really want to cool off, this is where I come. Beyond the temperate weather, it is the scenic beauty found along the trail that Salm loves the most. For more advanced hikers, the Mount Lemmon Trail connects with other trails in the upper reaches of the Catalina range, including the Lemmon Rock Lookout Trail, the Southerland Trail and the Wilderness of Rocks Trail. The trailhead is fairly easy to find. From Catalina Highway, turn right onto Ski Run Road, passing through Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, then continue uphill for 1.7 miles to the parking area and the Mount Lemmon Recreation Area trailhead. Marshall Gulch and Aspen Trails: If youre looking to escape the sun and the heat, Marshall Gulch offers the perfect oasis, with a shady picnic area and cool, tree covered trails. Register for more free articles. Log in Sign up The Marshall Gulch Trail follows a creekbed and sometimes trickling stream just over a mile through the pine, fir and maple forest at the base of Marshall Peak. The hike is relatively easy, and you can enjoy the colorful wildflowers and wildlife along the trail. For a more moderate hike, you can follow the 3.7-mile loop route made up of the Marshall Gulch and Aspen trails. The Aspen Trail section of the hike will take you along the top section of Marshall Peak with panoramic views of the Catalinas. Youll hike through groves of aspen and oak trees, high mountain grassland, and areas of burned pine forest from previous wildfires. From the connected junction, you can also access the Wilderness of Rocks Trail and the Mint Spring Trail, or if youre an experienced hiker, follow the Aspen trail to the top of Mount Lemmon. To reach the gulch area, follow the Catalina Highway to Summerhaven. Continue through Summerhaven on North Sabino Canyon Park for about a mile to the parking areas in the gulch. Butterfly Trail: This moderate to challenging 5.7-mile trail is aptly named. Youll see no shortage of moths and butterflies along the trail, as they gather nectar from the plants and wildflowers on the ridgeline. Walking along the northern side of the mountain, youll have beautiful views of the ridges around you, as well as the valley below. The trail descends, traveling through ponderosa pines, and carpets of ferns, before eventually climbing up Mount Bigelow. Along the trail you can see Novio Falls, and the crash site of an F-86 aircraft. You can also access the Crystal Spring Trail, the Davis Spring Trail, and the Kellogg Trail from trail junctions. If youre not looking for an intense hike, the first bit of the trail from the Upper Butterfly Trailhead is a great place to stroll and take in the views. Tucsonan Bill Scott was enjoying a snack at a shady picnic table near the trailhead on a recent morning. He said he frequents the trails on Mount Lemmon during the summer. We come up Mount Lemmon quite a bit, but not necessarily the Butterfly Trail. Although weve been on it many times, Scott said. Its a nice trail. Before the fire, it used to be a lot shadier, but its still pretty nice." For this through hike, start at the Upper Butterfly Trailhead, located just before Soldiers Camp Road, just off Catalina Highway. The trail ends at the Growing Pains pull-out, near the Palisades Visitor Center, so you might want to bring a hiking buddy and an extra car. Safety and comfort tips When youre out on the trails, remember to always practice safe hiking procedures. Check the difficulty level of the hike before leaving to ensure it matches your abilities, make sure to carry extra water in case you are out on the trail for longer than planned, and check the weather conditions regularly. Storms can roll in quickly, and Mount Lemmon is about 25 degrees cooler than the valley, so dress accordingly. Most importantly, have fun, and happy hiking. Michael Dekker Tulsa World Business Reporter Follow Michael Dekker 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 A Tulsa developer who established a $250 million multi-use area in Oklahoma City wants to bring the same to Tulsa possibly to transform Utica Square. Utica Square is where Im headed if given the opportunity, said Ryan McNeill, founder of Veritas Development. McNeill is the developer of OAK, a nearly 1 million-square-foot area near Penn Square Mall in Oklahoma City. It includes a hotel, apartments, several retailers and restaurants, office space, and a newly opened RH (formerly Restoration Hardware), which looks more like a mansion than a store. The RH store alone is about 45,000 square feet and has an upscale rooftop restaurant. OAK also includes an interior common area and $2 million in outside sculptures and art. McNeill grew up in Oklahoma City and has lived with his family in Tulsa since 2007. He said it took years to conceptualize and establish OAK, along with financial backers, as well as to find the right location. Theres nothing quite like this in Oklahoma, he told the Tulsa World. It would be a dream for me to do something like this in Tulsa. It has to be in the right location. Given the recent announcement that Utica Square is for sale by Tulsa-based energy company Helmerich & Payne, McNeil said hed jump at the opportunity to turn it into something like OAK. Asked if his next development would be at Utica Square, he said, It would be premature and presumptuous for me to say that. But he added, Id love the opportunity, and that will be a process that well be working through this summer, I think. McNeill graduated from high school in Oklahoma City but said hes always had an affinity for Tulsa and Utica Square. Growing up in Oklahoma City in the 1980s and 1990s, he said: Tulsa always had the moxie over Oklahoma City. I think that Utica (Square) has a special place in Oklahoma and in Tulsa as a true amenity to Tulsa and to Tulsans. The 20-acre OAK development, he said, is newer and different. But Ive always thought of Utica (Square) as the belle of the ball when it comes to best-in-class retail in Oklahoma, he said. And that goes back to thinking about that as I grew up in Oklahoma City and looking up to Tulsa from there. Helmerich & Payne, which has owned Utica Square since 1964, announced that it has retained a national commercial brokerage firm to explore a partnership or sale. How OAK was developed, new urbanist and RH McNeill moved to California after high school and worked in the restaurant business for a few years before transitioning into site development. That happened after the restaurant he worked for in Sacramento, California, wanted to move to a new location but was essentially denied that option by a neighborhood group because of a drive-through car lane, he said. He was 25 years old and found that he was the only person signed up to speak during the public neighborhood meeting of about 50 people. And for three hours, its just they tear me open from end to end, he said. The restaurants plans were scrapped after that. He said the concept of new urbanist and OAK originated when he was in Sacramento after that restaurant experience and seeing creative mixed-used developments going on in California. He and his family eventually moved back to Oklahoma. The idea for OAK began in 2009, McNeill said, during Oklahoma Citys revitalization after the Oklahoma City bombing, and endured many delays, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project finally got off the ground in 2022. The real magic in a project like this is youre trying to bring almost a European streetscape into this high-density new urbanist environment, he said. And you have to make sure that you balance all of the needs and requirements of the different use types like retail, hospitality, office without any of them really sacrificing anything that serves their individual constituent. Thats really difficult. For example, he said, parking for retail, residential and a hotel may conflict with parking for a common space for live music, Oklahoma City Thunder watch parties and childrens play. We went through 300 different site plan iterations to come up with the one we settled on to make sure that each of the use types were harmonious with the other. And thats how the magic gets created, McNeill said of OAK. He initially contacted RH in August 2018. The lease was signed about six years later. RH built an entirely new prototype at OAK in what he said RH calls a large gallery concept found only in major U.S. cities such as Chicago, Dallas, New York and San Francisco and European cities such as Brussels and Madrid. Smaller RH stores such as the one at Utica Square, are about one-quarter the size of the one at OAK and are in more than 100 locations across dozens of states in the United States. Retail kind of has to lead the show with this style of development. You have to check all of the boxes for retail; they form the bell cow or the engine of the train, he said. When youre just starting and creating the vision, you kind of have to take it out to the street and go and solicit those tenants and try to recruit them. OAK has plans to expand, McNeill said. He declined to say the cost of the entire development but said, Its not uncommon for a project like this to exceed $250 million in capital. Andrea Eger Tulsa World Projects Reporter Follow Andrea Eger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Whatever happened to that Oklahoma Teacher of the Year who penned the state a Dear John letter and left for a higher-paying job in Texas? Hes still gone and wishes it wasnt still necessary. In 2017, Shawn Sheehan and his wife left teaching jobs in Norman for the Lewisville district in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Because he was just coming off a high-profile year as 2016 state Teacher of the Year and a finalist for National Teacher of the Year, Sheehan chose to make his familys reluctant breakup with their home state public and his message went viral. Teaching in Oklahoma is a dysfunctional relationship, Sheehan said at the time, citing $20,000-a-year pay increases he and his wife would be receiving from the move south of the Red River. By fall of 2017, Sheehan decided to drive the point home further for the benefit of Oklahoma policymakers, as well as his detractors. Again, he took to the internet and published a side-by-side comparison of his and his wifes earnings as educators in Norman versus Lewisville, as well as their cost of living in the two locales. Sheehan recently made a quick trip to Norman for the states annual awards banquet, where Melissa Evon of Elgin was named 2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. So the Tulsa World caught up with him to ask for his reflections on his decision to leave and to remain gone. Do we think about going back? I would say yes, because its hard to be so far away from family in Owasso grandparents, aunts and uncles, and they have a cousin now, Sheehan said of his 8-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son with wife Kaysi. We are still confident in the decision we have made. Teacher compensation is still much better down here, so ... were still checking that box. Sheehans wife is still a classroom teacher, but Sheehan is now an assistant principal working on his doctorate through Texas Tech University. In Lewisville, where the Sheehans remain, the starting salary for a teacher in 2024-25 was $60,850, compared to $44,375 in Norman Public Schools, where they taught previously. And for 2025-26, the starting salary in Lewisville will be $62,525. This is despite several significant increases in Oklahomas investment in public education in recent years, beginning with the one prompted by a statewide teacher walkout in April 2018. Recent state-by-state comparisons revealed that Oklahomas per-pupil spending is dead last among surrounding states and that the average teacher compensation in public schools has slipped to 38th in the nation, lagging the regional average by nearly $2,300. In June, Texas finalized the largest public school funding increase in state history, allocating $8.5 billion in new funding. Almost half of that is designated for permanent pay raises for most teachers and non-administrative staff, while an additional $500 million is earmarked for raises for entry-level teachers and support workers. Sheehan noted that housing price increases have been sharper where they live now and the overall average salary gap between Oklahoma and Texas has narrowed slightly since he left, but there is still a noteworthy draw to Texas for many, many new teachers from Oklahoma. A brand new teacher would make $16,000 to $20,000 more here, and some districts, like Dallas, participate in merit pay where you can make six figures pretty quickly. I feel confident that if I had been in the same shoes in Dallas, being teacher of the year, working with special needs kids, teaching a core class of math in a teacher shortage area, I am confident I would make six figures there, Sheehan said. Without prompting, Sheehan said he also believes Texas teachers are working in a more favorable political climate compared to the one created by State Superintendent Ryan Walters, whom he got to know personally when Walters was a fellow finalist for 2016 state Teacher of the Year. In terms of the states educational leadership, we dont see with our education Commissioner Mike Morath the same messaging that we see with Superintendent Walters, Sheehan said. The things I see from him and from the Department of Education on social media theyre taking such a hardline stance on some issues that arent really relevant to public educators. Im grateful to be in Texas, where our commissioner doesnt really play into that. I think he (Walters) is just detached from whats really going on in schools. While only anecdotal, Sheehan said another observation of his feels like maybe thats evidence that, you know, we made the right decision. There are a handful of teachers that we have become acquainted with (in Texas) that are products of the University of Oklahoma, he said, one of which also left a job at Norman High School. Now hes about 10 minutes away from me in Denton, and theyre thriving. I dont know anybody thats gone back, actually. Then Sheehan added: Its still difficult. When I reflect on our decision to leave nearly 10 years ago, its still difficult. I still weigh how different things wouldve been if we had stayed and fought for public education. Deja vu as Neighbours winds down, but with love and gratitude. At their home of 4 decades there is a feeling of Groundhog Day as Australia's longest running drama accepts the end of production. EXCLUSIVE: Neighbours will wrap production this Friday, July 11, and finish on air on Thursday December 11 in Australia and the UK. Its the second time in three years the team based at Nunawading will say goodbye, and despite the pleas and petitions by fans, there is no imminent lifeline. But Executive Producer Jason Herbison is still hopeful of a return some day, if conceding it wont be in this form. Its a mix of emotions, he admits. It is Groundhog Day here, it does feel very much like deja vu. We have been through this before. Im sad, but its a different feeling to how it was, for me anyway, in 2022. But more than anything, I think we all just feel a sense of gratitude that we got another 460 episodes. Not many shows make it to 100 episodes. We just made another 460 on top of the 9000+ we made before. So I think we all just feel very grateful that weve had this extra chapter, and we got to tell these extra stories. Lots of people have had their their their foot in the door in the last two and a half years, theyve started their careers, and theyve had that opportunity, as I did, 25 years ago. Theres no big network send-off this time around, but cast and crew will share Friday away from the gaze of media. Neighbours will still go out as Australias longest-running drama, if somewhat disrupted, until it presumably gets superceded by its longtime serial challenger, Home & Away. Last time it was terribly, terribly sad, Herbison recalls. Wed been going for so long, and there were people that had been here continuously for so long that it was a lot to deal with emotionally. Not that it isnt this time and I cant speak for everyone, because it is different for everyone. But for those of us that did go through it in 2022 you just cant go through the same thing twice, its gonna feel different. In February Amazon Prime announced it would no longer fund the series after its two year run, having folded the Freevee platform. That left Fremantle with no broadcast partner to join 10, despite its ongoing love from British soap fans. The show is not ending because its not still popular. We do still have a very loyal audience. Thats valuable. That means something, you cant buy that kind of loyalty and brand awareness, he explains. It was known a year ago that Amazon Freevee was going to be winding up, so we knew that could impact us. When you know the landscape is changing, you start to wonder what the future means.. we werent completely blindsided. We knew there were some challenges and we were able to communicate that to everyone as well. Jason Herbison So how has he faced plotting the next farewell? I absolutely didnt want to compete with our last finale. That was amazing. Im very proud of it. I dont think I could top that. But I am leaving the show on another hopeful, optimistic note, he reveals. Its different to the previous finale, but there are some thematic similarities here and there. When we get to the last three months of the show there are some big stories that start to dovetail into each other, and they do lead to a certain point for all the residents. There are some interesting possibilities that come out of that. Dont expect another cavalcade of returning faces this time around, with Herbison describing the finale as a farewell to the Amazon era (2023 2025). When it comes to the actual finale youre going to see a bit of a focus on people from this particular era, but that could include people that were on the show before, because theyve come back. It is very much open ended as to how it might come back one day. There is absolutely that possibility, and thatll make more sense when we get there, as to why Ive gone the way Ive gone. But there are definite ways that the show could return in the future. Just what is he hoping for? Sequels, prequels, telemovies, Christmas specials, road movies, podcasts and YouTube clips? It could be anything. It really could. Obviously, when we ended in 2022 and Amazon picked us up, we basically came back pretty much the same, although the new model was airing 4, weve still been making 5 episodes a week, he continues. The narrative and the storyline, and I guess the overall tone and model of the show, was pretty much the same. All Im really saying is, it doesnt have to be. IBut dont want to make Neighbours like a student film. I think the brand is too important to do that. But there are other ways to go about it. Maybe it is less episodes, maybe it is a shorter run, maybe it is shorter seasons, maybe it is telemovies. origin stories. All of these things are things that we talk about, but obviously, right now we are focused on winding up this chapter in a fulfilling way. Winding up, in practical terms also means tough decisions on cast contracts, sets, props, costumes and leasing of the Nunawading studio. We are winding the site up, and we are packing up. That doesnt mean we cant come back at some point. As far as Im aware, the landlord NEP is still very keen to keep it as a functioning studio. Its an amazing studio site. Weve invested a lot and made a lot of improvements to it. In terms of carrying the whole site by ourselves, as we have for decades now, thats not something thats feasible for us going forward, he confirms. Well definitely be storing some things. Some things might be repurposed. Were developing other projects, other things are coming up. .Ill be able to talk to you about that very soon, he teases. Lastly, what is Herbisons message to fans? I just want to say we appreciate all of you. It is incredible when news like this gets out and and you do see that fan response. Of course, we get letters and emails and all that sort of thing too. Im just always touched time and time again. People say to me, This show means so much to me, you dont realise and Im like, I think I do realise, now. Took me a little while, but I think I do realise how much it means to you, and Im sorry that were not continuing at the moment. Again, I think when you see the way Im ending the show, there is hope for for the future, whatever that could look like. Neighbours screens 4pm Monday Thursday on 10 / Prime Video. Password sharing isnt something that is a concern for us here at BritBox Other SVODs are cracking down on password sharing, but BritBox is very relaxed, thanks. While many SVOD services are combatting password sharing, its not a concern to BritBox it seems. Despite Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Max globally cracking down on password sharing, in Australia BritBoxs predominantly older subscriber base isnt creating those headaches. Moira Hogan, Executive VP of International Markets and GM of BritBox Australia, recently told TV Tonight, Password sharing isnt something that is a concern for us here at BritBox, and were not seeing it. Were really a very sort of simple service for our audience group, and that hasnt been raised as an issue for us. Hogan didnt specifically say she is relaxed about password sharing, only that it isnt rampant amongst Australian subscribers. Meanwhile, there are also no plans to commission any local titles, or as Aussie-UK co-productions. We have had some BritBox Originals come through the pipeline, and we will continue to have a few of those. We are what we say on the tin, were aiming to be the best curators of British Television, and we think theres still a lot of headroom in there. Were not currently looking at any local commissioning. In July BritBox premieres Outrageous, The Bay S5, The Cleaner S3, The Secret Life of Bees, The Arctic 66.5 Degrees North. Former Labour leader Lord Neil Kinnock has called for a wealth tax in the UK - but how well has it worked elsewhere in Europe? Protesters gather in London in June over the government's proposed benefits cuts. (Getty Images) The government has refused to rule out imposing a wealth tax after a former Labour leader called for a new charge on the richest in the UK. On Sunday, Lord Neil Kinnock suggested that prime minister Sir Keir Starmer should implement a 2% wealth tax on assets above 10m. He told Sky Newss Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme there are things the government could do that would commend themselves to the great majority of the general public and they include asset taxes. He said: By going for an imposition of 2% on asset values above 10m, say, which is a very big fortune, the government would be in a position to collect 10bn or 11bn. ADVERTISEMENT On Monday, early education minister Stephen Morgan said any wealth tax was a matter for chancellor Rachel Reeves, telling LBC Radio that tax "will be assessed in the round in the autumn budget". In April, Reeves said: "We're not interested in a wealth tax." However, there is speculation that Reeves will introduce some new tax increases following the Labour revolt that severely diluted the government's controversial welfare reform bill last week. Later, the prime minister's official spokesman refused to rule out a wealth tax in the next budget, saying the government does not comment on tax policy outside of fiscal events. He said the government's position remains that "those with the broadest shoulders carry the greatest burden". One common argument against wealth taxes is that they drive wealthy people to other countries, meaning less tax collected, but how true is this? ADVERTISEMENT Here, Yahoo News takes a look at other countries in Europe with forms of a wealth tax to see what the impact has been. Norway Norway has a net wealth tax, which is defined by American non-profit the Tax Foundation as "taxes on an individual's or familys net assets levied on an annual basis". In 2023, the Guardian reported that a record number of super-rich Norwegians were leaving the country after the maximum wealth tax was increased to 1.1%. A Norwegian flag hangs over a yacht in Bergen. (Alamy) Ole Gjems-Onstad, a professor emeritus at the Norwegian Business School, told the newspaper he estimated that those who left the country had a combined fortune of at least NOK 600bn (43.6bn). In 2025, Alex Recouso, co-founder and chief executive of CitizenX, a private platform helping people find and fund places that will accept them as citizens, put the number at around 39.5bn. He told Australia's Daily Telegraph that this had resulted in a lost 435 million in yearly wealth tax revenue. ADVERTISEMENT Norway's municipal wealth tax rate is 0.525% and is calculated based on global assets exceeding a net threshold of NOK 1,760,000 (around 128,000) for single/not married taxpayers and NOK 3,520,000 (around 256,000) for spouses, according to PwC. The state wealth tax rate is 0.475% and is calculated based on assets exceeding a net capital tax basis of NOK 1,760,000 (around 128,035) for single/not married taxpayers and NOK 3,520,000 (around 256,000) for spouses. For net wealth in excess of NOK 20,700,000 (around 1.5 million), the rate is 0.575%. These levies combined brings the maximum wealth tax rate to 1.1%. Switzerland A sign of Swiss bank Credit Suisse is seen near a Swiss national flag in Zurich. (Getty Images) While many rich Norwegians were reported to have moved to Switzerland, the Alpine country has a wealth tax system of its own. Its tax is levied annually at a regional level and accounts for around 3.8% of the state's annual income, according to the Financial Times. ADVERTISEMENT However, the newspaper points out that on the whole, tax in Switzerland is low, varying from canton-to-canton, with the top federal rate at just 11.5%. There is also no inheritance tax at a federal level, although some cantons have their own. This could explain why Switzerland has not had the same exodus of the super-rich as Norway. Spain Spain taxes its residents on its worldwide assets valued at over 700,000 (around 604,000), according to Sublime Spain, a company that helps support people's work and life in the Mediterranean country. However, some autonomous regions including Catalonia have a lower level of 500,000, while some don't have any wealth tax. Percentages vary depending on how much you have in assets, but generally, the wealth tax in Spain is between 0.2% and 2.5%. Gains from Spain's wealth taxes appear to be modest, but there is limited evidence of rich people leaving the country because of it. (Getty Images) Spain's central government also introduced a nationwide "solidarity wealth tax" in recent years, ranging from 1.7% to 3.5% on people with net assets exceeding 3 million (around 2.6 million). The Tax Justice Network, a British advocacy group, holds up Spain as a shining example of how wealth taxes can work. It suggests that other countries can raise $2.1 trillion a year by following the example of Spain's "featherlight" wealth tax on the richest 0.5% of households. Using the Spanish structure as a model for its study, the group suggests a tax rate of 1.7% is applied on wealth above the 0.5% threshold; a rate of 2.1% is applied wealth above the 0.1% threshold; and a rate of 3.5% is applied to wealth above the 0.05% threshold. But how well has Spain's wealth tax worked? A review by the Tax Foundation found that in 2022, wealth taxes represented 0.19% of GDP in Spain, compared to 1.19% of Switzerland's. They accounted for 0.51% of the former's total tax revenues and 4.35% of the latter's. In 2023, the new solidarity tax was reported to have raised 632 million in the year, the Budget Ministry said, compared to 1.8 billion raised from all taxes on large fortunes. While these figures are not to be sniffed at, they are a small proportion of the 280.5 billion in total tax revenue raised by Spain that year, according to Ceic Data. Read more Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Ghana woman died, buried during Hajj 2025 returns home alive Natives in Madina a suburb near Ghana capital Accra, have been left with mixed emotions after a local female pilgrim declared dead and buried during this years Hajj returned home alive Sunday July 6, 2025 9:58 PM , ummid.com News Network [Around 20,000 Muslims from Ghana performed Hajj this year alongside close to 1.7 million pilgrims from different parts of the world. (Inset: Fatima Kassim)] Accra: Natives in Madina a suburb near Ghana capital Accra, have been left with mixed emotions after a local female pilgrim declared dead and buried during this years Hajj returned home alive. The story of Fatima Kassim, who belongs to Madina UN community, travelled to Makkah to perform Hajj this year. She was declared dead, and her relatives had even performed her funeral following the confirmation received from Ghana Consulate in Saudi Arabia. Fatima Kassim, however, returned home on July 03, 2025 alive and healthy. Her surprise return was unbelievable for her relatives. Some of them, although happy and pleased, flee the locality thinking they had seen a ghost. A Case of Mistaken Identity Later investigations found Fatima Kassim to be a victim of mistaken identity. According to Alhaji Iddi Sumaila, Director of Administration of the Hajj Taskforce, the mix-up happened at a Saudi hospital where two women were receiving treatment. "One had a tourist visa, and the other was part of our Hajj group. At the time their passports were not with them. This is why we mistakenly assigned the tourists identity to the pilgrim", he said. "Usually, when such things happen, it is the Embassy that takes a call. So they issued the death certificate. We thought the one with our group had passed and the other with tourist visa was admitted", he explained. Happy and in Shock - Family's Mixed Feeling Talking to Citi News Umaru Sanda Amadu at their Madina residence, a visibly shaken relative shared the familys emotional turmoil. I feel happy and sad because we are still confused about the situation. This is like a wonder, she said. Around 20,000 Muslims from Ghana performed Hajj this year alongside close to 1.7 million pilgrims from different parts of the world. Reporting the Fatima's case, myjoyonline.com said the rare but serious mistake should prompt a comprehensive review of the identification and verification procedures for Ghanaian pilgrims, particularly in cases involving medical emergencies abroad. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. By Luong Thu Huong Nguyen Huu Thien An, a baker based in Ho Chi Minh City, has a sweet ambition that goes beyond crafting delectable and beautiful cakes: he aims to share the essence of Vietnamese identity with the world through the art of cake-making. Each of Ans artworks made from colourful fondant cakes reflects a piece of Vietnamese culture from traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) trays of food or hat boi (classical drama) to a portrait of his grandmother. An was studying hot kitchen techniques at the Saigontourist School of Tourism and Hotel Management in 2017 when, one day, he stumbled upon a fondant cake workshop. The aroma of butter and cream, along with the beauty of the colourful, soft candy wrap, awakened a special emotion within him. When I learned about fondant through television programmes and social media a material that can be transformed into countless different shapes I felt like I had found my creative path, An told Viet Nam News. Fondant is a pliable candy mixture made from powdered sugar, capable of being shaped into various forms like modelling clay. However, unlike traditional cakes or mousses, fondant cakes require advanced techniques and creativity from sketching designs and kneading to colouring, assembling and ensuring the cake structure and filling are not only visually appealing but also enjoyable to eat. For An, a fondant cake must do more than just catch the eye; it should tell a story and evoke emotions in those who see it. Vietnamese culture is incredibly diverse and rich, and I want to incorporate those familiar beauties into fondant creations as a way to preserve and promote Vietnamese traditions in a modern form," the 26-year-old said. I want international friends to be wowed by the beauty of Vietnamese art, just as we admire the stunning works from around the world. This pioneering choice has been recognised through a series of domestic and international awards. An picked up a gold medal in the wedding cake category at the Hong Kong International Culinary Classic 2025; a gold for artistic display and a silver team medal at the Guangzhou Culinary Challenge 2024; and was judged to have the best dessert and best showpiece at the Vietnam Bakery Cup. An also achieved a double win with a gold medal for a modern wedding cake and a silver medal for artistic display at the Battle of the Chefs Malaysia 2024. An has also received multiple awards in professional competitions in Viet Nam. After all these competitions, what I truly hope for is that my works can touch the hearts of viewers, evoke emotions and convey the message I want to share," he said. "Additionally, I strive for absolute satisfaction from myself. The feeling of looking back at my work, knowing I gave my all and have no regrets, is invaluable." Personal satisfaction and the empathy from the audience are the greatest and most meaningful rewards for An. When international judges and friends see my creations and exclaim, Here is Viet Nam, I feel a sense of success in the path Ive chosen," he said. Intricate cultural artworks One of An's most impressive creations is a wedding cake titled Hy Su Hat Boi. Inspired by the traditional art of hat boi, an ancient theatrical form, the cake embodies a fusion of love and identity, blending tradition with modern creativity. It was this masterpiece that earned him gold at the Hong Kong event earlier this year. The first layer of the cake is shaped like a hat boi drama drum, symbolising new beginnings, much like the drumbeat that opens a performance. Interwoven with this are images of red succulents, representing enduring love silent yet intense. The middle layer features a hexagon, symbolising harmony and balance between the old and the new, reflecting the union of two people entering married life. The top layer showcases the bride and groom as hat boi characters -- a dignified general and a clever woman, reminding us of their roles and the connection in their marital journey. Although in their narrative they stand on opposite sides of a battlefield, in life, they are partners, holding hands to face all challenges together. An revealed there are many steps involved in creating such impressive 'fondant artworks', starting with brainstorming ideas, which takes him a considerable amount of time. Next, he adjusts the sizes to ensure that each detail fits harmoniously within the overall piece. He then focuses on detailing each small element, visualising and observing the image or object he intends to replicate. To give the cake life and realism, I must identify its distinctive features, such as whether the surface is smooth or textured. If its textured, I consider whether its cracked or rough," he explained. This requires careful observation and a lot of time to refine every detail. Each piece I create, whether it's a portrait or a depiction of a Lunar New Year meal, is a way for me to reflect on my memories, those of my loved ones or traditional cultural stories I've heard and felt. I strive to transform what seems like remnants of nostalgia in my mind into something tangible, vibrant and accessible." The young baker is nurturing a project to expand a creative space dedicated to 'fondant art' a place to not only showcase his creative cake baking but also to share techniques, and inspire those who love this craft. He also hopes to establish specialised courses that combine modern baking techniques with the beauty of traditional Vietnamese culture. My goal is to spread the spirit of creativity, preserve cultural identity and help each individual tell their own story through every fondant cake, An said. VNS A NANG The host team, Z121 Vina Pyrotech, and Jiangxi Yangfeng, one of China's leading fireworks teams, will meet in the final of the a Nang International Fireworks Festival 2025 on July 12. The events organisers said the two finalists won the jurys board selection in overall assessment and evaluation in terms of innovation, diversity, light effects and colour intensity. They also demonstrated a synchrony of music and fireworks and featured outstanding breakthrough performances in line with the festivals theme: a Nang -The New Rising Era. Z121 Vina Pyrotech, one of two Vietnamese teams representing Viet Nam, has 50 years of experience producing fireworks in the country. The Jiangxi Yangfeng team performed impressively with their own designed and manufactured fireworks. The team from China hope to go on better than last year in the final, when they finished runners up at DIFF2024. This year's winning team will receive a cash-prize of US$20,000, while the runner-up will get $10,000. The festival, which has been organised in a Nang City since 2008, featured two Vietnamese teams alongside teams from Finland, Poland, Canada, China, Portugal, the UK, Italy and newcomers from South Korea. VNS A Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Justice Nguyen Thanh Tinh, will attend a dialogue session on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Implementation at the 144th session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva, Switzerland. The deputy minister speaks to the press about the important event. When did Viet Nam join the ICCPR? ICCPR is an important multilateral international treaty with a large number of participating countries (173 countries). Its content stipulates the peoples rights from birth to the end of life, including the right to life, the right to security, personal safety, freedom of speech, the right to association, the right to belief, religion and the right to participate in social management. Some rights in the ICCPR were later developed by the United Nations (UN) into separate international treaties, such as the right not to be tortured and the right to gender equality. Viet Nam joined the ICCPR on September 24, 1982. At the third dialogue session between Viet Nam and the UN Human Rights Committee on the ICCPR realisation, which took place on March 11-12, 2019, in Geneva, Switzerland, Viet Nam presented its third report on the field. The UN Human Rights Committee made recommendations after the dialogue session, and Viet Nam has made efforts to implement these recommendations, while continuing to improve its legal framework and practices for civil and political rights. What is the significance of implementing this major policy in protecting and promoting human rights? Ensuring and promoting human rights is a consistent and pervasive viewpoint of the Party and the State. The 13th National Party Congress said: The people are the centre of the Fatherland renovation, construction and protection. All guidelines and policies must truly originate from the peoples lives, aspirations, rights and legitimate interests, taking the peoples happiness and prosperity as the goal to strive for, and The Party and the State promulgate guidelines, policies and laws to create a political and legal foundation, respect, ensure and protect the people's right to mastery. Regarding the judicial agencies activities, the 13th National Party Congress determined: "Continue to build a Vietnamese judicial system that is professional, fair, strict, honest, serving the Fatherland and the people. Judicial activities must have the responsibility to protect justice, human rights, civil rights, the socialist regime, the States interests, the legitimate and legal rights of organisations and individuals." A law State is essentially a State in which the law plays a supreme role. Therefore, our Party and State carry out the policy of building a law State to ensure human rights, individual freedom and ensure fairness and equality in society. From that perspective, in building and perfecting the legal system, organising law enforcement and judicial reform, the Party has issued many resolutions and conclusions to promote and protect human rights. I cite Resolution No 27-NQ/TW issued on November 9, 2022, of the 13th Party Central Committees sixth conference on building and perfecting the socialist rule-of-law state of Viet Nam in the new period. The resolution requires continued institutionalisation, timely and complete concretisation of the Party's viewpoints and policies and the Constitutions provisions on human rights, citizens basic rights and obligations, internalisation of international treaties on human rights to which Viet Nam has participated. The resolution clearly defines the State agencies responsibility in respecting, ensuring and protecting human rights and civil rights. It is necessary to properly implement the principle that citizens are allowed to do everything that is not prohibited by laws; civil rights are inseparable from civil obligations; civil rights must not infringe upon national interests, the legitimate rights and interests of organisations and individuals. The Politburos Resolution No 66-NQ/TW promulgated on April 30 this year on innovation in law-making and enforcement to meet the national development requirements in the new era also has very clear messages about perfecting the legal system, such as "seizing every opportunity, paving the way, unleashing every resource, turning institutions and laws into competitive advantages, solid foundations and strong driving forces for development, creating room to promote double-digit economic growth and improving people's lives" as well as "substantially ensuring the right to freedom of business, property ownership rights and freedom of contract, equality between enterprises of all economic sectors; the private economy is the most important driving force of the national economy". These contents are all aimed at promoting social development, ensuring freedom, equality, happiness and prosperity for everyone, that is, better ensuring human rights. How have the Party's policies on respecting, ensuring and protecting human rights and civil rights been institutionalised? The viewpoint that identifies people as the centre, most important resource and goal of development has been fully institutionalised in the Constitution and laws of Viet Nam. The Constitution 2013 recognised the rule: In the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, human rights and citizens' rights in the political, civil, economic, cultural and social fields are recognised, respected, protected and guaranteed in accordance with the Constitution and the law. At the same time, it also clearly stipulates that everyone has the obligation to respect others rights, and the exercise of human rights and citizens' rights must not infringe upon national and ethnic interests, or the others legitimate rights and interests. In recent years, Viet Nam has passed many laws and resolutions of the National Assembly related to human rights and citizen rights; thereby contributing to concretising the Constitution 2013 as well as international treaties on human rights to which Viet Nam is a member. Along with that, the order and procedures for promulgating legal documents have also been improved with regulations on principles, order and procedures for collecting public opinions to ensure the rights of the affected subjects, also ensuring human rights and citizen rights. At the same time, increasing the participation of people and society in law-making work to ensure that legal regulations are soon put into practice, meeting the requirements. Acts of violating human rights are prevented through improving the legal framework for handling these acts. Regulations to ensure social order, security and safety, thereby better protecting people's rights, are increasingly improved. In addition, Viet Nam is actively improving the concerned legal framework to create conditions for individuals to enjoy their rights to the highest possible extent. We are also constantly bettering the legal framework on the State apparatus organisation, improving law enforcement effectiveness, promoting administrative reform, aiming at the highest goal of better serving the needs of people, businesses and society. A series of national target programmes, plans and action programmes have been issued to create resources to enhance socio-economic development, and then improve the peoples material and spiritual life in all aspects. Thanks to that, Viet Nam has reached many achievements in ensuring and promoting human rights, which have been recognised by the international community. How did the Vietnamese delegation prepare for the dialogue session? In preparation for the report on realising the ICCPR in Viet Nam, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) established a drafting committee to develop the report with the participation of ministries and sectors directly related to the conventions contents. The draft report was consulted with relevant agencies and organisations in accordance with the Human Rights Committees guidance. On March 22, 2023, Viet Nam submitted its report to the Human Rights Committee. Based on Viet Nam's national report, according to the procedures of the UN Human Rights Committee, on May 28 last year, the UN Human Rights Committee issued a List of Issues of Concern for Viet Nam's fourth ICCPR Report. Based on the list, the MoJ coordinated with relevant ministries and branches to develop a report in response and the report was submitted by Viet Nam on December 19 last year to the UN Human Rights Committee. Besides, in preparation for the dialogue, the MoJ has submitted to the Prime Minister for approval a plan to defend the fourth ICCPR report. Based on the PM's approval, the MoJ founded an interdisciplinary working group with the participation of representatives from nine relevant ministries. They are units with many contents related to the ICCPR specific provisions, including difficult and complicated contents. The MoJ and relevant ministries have reviewed the List of Issues of Concern in 2024, the 2019 recommendations of the Human Rights Committee and more than 50 reports of non-governmental organisations on the convention implementation in Viet Nam to proactively prepare the content for the dialogue with the UN Human Rights Committee. What are the goals and plans of the Vietnamese delegation at the dialogue session? We consider the dialogue as an opportunity for Viet Nam to report on its efforts and achievements in implementing the ICCPR. Therefore, the Vietnamese delegation will participate in the dialogue in an open, sincere, cooperative and constructive spirit. During the dialogue, we will focus on messages such as Viet Nam is focusing on carrying out many revolutionary breakthroughs to bring Viet Nam into a new era of development, including innovating law building and enforcing, continuing to build a socialist rule-of-law State of the people, by the people and for the people. Expanding democracy and creating conditions for people to participate in State management are increasingly focused on, ensuring and better protecting the civil and political rights of the people. Affirming that Viet Nam always pays attention and prioritises the best possible resources and will conduct synchronous measures to promote, protect and better ensure civil and political rights. The information and evidence presented in the report as well as the dialogue session, will be a clear answer, refuting incorrect information about the human rights situation in Viet Nam. Regarding issues that are mentioned but are not accurate about the human rights situation in Viet Nam, we are determined to have a frank dialogue, not to avoid them. For the clear contents, we will inform immediately, and for the issues that are not yet fully informed, we will request information to be provided for checking and responding later. We also determined to join the dialogue session with openness and receptiveness to promote the contents that we have implemented well. At the same time, we also have an appropriate approach to push up the ICCOR implementation more effectively. VNS RIO DE JANEIRO Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse laid flowers at the plaque in commemoration of President Ho Chi Minh on July 5 in Brazils Rio de Janeiro City, where the late leader once stayed during his journey seeking ways for national salvation. The event was part of PM Chinh's ongoing trip to the Latin American nation to attend the expanded BRICS Summit and engage in bilateral activities. The PM expressed deep appreciation for the affection the Brazilian people and nation have extended to President Ho Chi Minh and Viet Nam. Chinh noted his belief that building on the strong ties between Viet Nam and Brazil, the present and future generations of both countries would continue to carry forward the values and legacy left by President Ho Chi Minh and previous generations. He also hoped for shared determination to elevate the bilateral relations to new heights, for peace and development cooperation, aiming to bring prosperity and happiness to the people of each country and region, and the world at large, as envisioned by President Ho Chi Minh. In November 2024, PM Chinh attended the inauguration of the plaque as part of his trip to Brazil for the G20 Summit and bilateral activities. In 1912, during his journey in search of a path to national salvation, President Ho Chi Minh worked aboard a French ship and fell ill, prompting him to disembark at the port of Rio de Janeiro for medical treatment. While there, President Ho Chi Minh established close ties with the workers movement of the Porto trade union, laying the foundation for friendship and cooperation between the two nations at the beginning of the 20th century. PM Chinh, his spouse, and the delegation of Viet Nam set foot at Galeao Airport in Rio de Janeiro City earlier on the day. Representing Viet Nam at the BRICS Summit 2025 as a partner country the 10th partner country of BRICS, PM Chinh is scheduled to attend and speak at the summit's high-level sessions on topics such as strengthening multilateralism, economic and financial issues, artificial intelligence, environment, climate change, global health. On this occasion, he will have bilateral meetings with leaders of the participating countries and organisations, thereby affirming Viet Nam's role, wish, and responsible contributions to this multilateral mechanism while further deepening Viet Nams cooperation with BRICS members and international organisations. This is also the third time in three consecutive years that PM Chinh has come to Brazil. Aside from the expanded BRICS Summit, he will also engage in bilateral activities in Brazil, aiming to promote multifaceted cooperation, especially in economic affairs. VNA/VNS RIO DE JANEIRO Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Brazilian Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Carlos Favaro in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday afternoon (local time), on the occasion of his trip to the South American country to attend the expanded BRICS summit and bilateral activities. The two countries hold strong potential for agricultural cooperation, supported by large markets, complementary strengths, and the prospect of soon being linked through free trade agreements. PM Chinh said he believed that the results of this visit would open up a new era for agricultural cooperation between the two countries, making agriculture a breakthrough area of bilateral cooperation. The PM suggested that the two ministries of agriculture establish a Joint Working Group to closely coordinate to realise high-level commitments, including further opening the market for each other's agricultural products and promoting on-site agricultural investment. The two ministries were also recommended to establish a partnership in coffee production and consumption, a joint Viet Nam-Brazil coffee brand, and a partnership in food security, where Viet Nam supplies rice, contributing to food security in Brazil. Favaro expressed his deep affection for Viet Nam, admiration for the ideals and vision of President Ho Chi Minh, and his honour of visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum when he accompanied President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to Viet Nam in March 2025. The minister highly appreciated Viet Nams tradition of attaching importance to agriculture and the growing strength of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international arena. He expressed his wish to deepen bilateral agricultural cooperation, a pillar of the newly established Strategic Partnership. Agreeing with the PMs proposals, Favaro affirmed his determination to effectively implement the commitments and directions of the two countries' senior leaders, turning friendship and cooperation potential into concrete results. He expressed his willingness to exchange a list of key products to work with Viet Nam to determine a roadmap for opening the market for agricultural products of both sides. The minister also wished to connect Vietnamese and Brazilian agricultural enterprises, build a partnership in trade and investment in the direction of linking and complementing each other in the agricultural production chain, exchanging and transferring machinery, equipment and technologies for agricultural production and processing, helping to increase the output and quality of agricultural products of both countries. The two sides agreed to promptly implement the committed steps, meeting the potential and expectations of both sides in agricultural cooperation, contributing to the Viet Nam-Brazil Strategic Partnership. On this occasion, PM Chinh and Minister Favaro witnessed the export of the first container of Brazilian beef to Viet Nam. The PM affirmed that this event, along with the first export shipment of tra-basa fish and tilapia from Viet Nam to Brazil on this occasion, was a testament to the close, trustworthy and mutually beneficial agricultural cooperation between the two countries, creating momentum to strengthen cooperation in the coming time. VNA/VNS BUENOS AIRES Brazilian newspapers have given wide coverage of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Rio de Janeiro during his visit to the South American nation to attend the expanded BRICS summit. According to the Brazilian government-run Planalto news site, during their talks on Saturday (local time), PM Chinh and President Lula da Silva celebrated the excellent status of the bilateral relations as well as the progress made since the latters state visit to Ha Noi last April. The report noted that both leaders welcomed the first Brazilian shipment of beef to Viet Nam and Viet Nams inaugural export of tilapia to Brazil. PM Chinh highlighted the importance of Brazilian investments in Viet Nam, particularly in the area of animal protein-originated food processing. The two leaders also underscored the potential for cooperation in the fields of agriculture, defence, sports, mining, biofuels, and environment. President Lula da Silva reaffirmed the desire of Brazil in its capacity as Chair of MERCOSUR to launch negotiations for a free trade agreement with Viet Nam. Both sides emphasised the importance of integration and complementarity between the two economies, and committed to promptly sending business delegations to expand bilateral trade and investment opportunities. The meeting also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. PM Chinh wished Brazil success in hosting COP30 and confirmed Viet Nams participation in the event in Belem, Para, in November. The same day, major Brazilian newspapers, including Diplomacia Business, Poder360, Intertelas, Conexato, and several online platforms also carried extensive coverage of the meeting between the Vietnamese PM and the Brazilian President. Multilateral diplomacy Brazils INVERTA news site on Saturday published an article in Portuguese on Viet Nams multilateral diplomacy, highlighting the significance of the Vietnamese PMs attendance at the expanded BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro and his official bilateral activities in Brazil. The article stressed that the summit, taking place on July 6-7, offers Viet Nam, which is now the 10th official BRICS partner, a valuable opportunity to affirm its role as a proactive contributor to global peace, equity, and sustainable development. With a vibrant economy, a population nearing 100 million, and deep integration into global supply chains, Viet Nam brings to Brazil the story of a nation that has evolved from isolation to becoming a trusted and active participant in shaping multilateral frameworks. Viet Nams presence at BRICS 2025, the author noted, is not only about strengthening ties with emerging economies, but also a statement of responsibility in addressing shared global challenges, including sustainable development and climate action. For Brazil, it is an opportunity to witness a dynamic Viet Nam that is committed to collaboration for common interests and shared prosperity. INVERTA also highlighted Viet Nams long-standing commitment to multilateralism since the countrys President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, declaring the birth of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam on September 2, 1945. Multilateral diplomacy has accompanied every stage of Viet Nams development, from its past struggle for independence to its current process of national construction and defence, the article wrote. Since the oi moi (Renewal) process was launched in 1986, it has been a central pillar of Viet Nams foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations, and proactive international integration. Viet Nams formal admission as the 10th BRICS partner in June this year marked a significant milestone in this diplomatic journey, said INVERTA. With its fast-growing economy, Viet Nam is described by the news site as an important player in Asia and a like-minded partner in BRICS mission to build a fairer, more representative global order. On the same occasion, INVERTA Radio also aired a commentary praising PM Chinhs visit to Rio de Janeiro. It said Viet Nams presence at the summit not only affirms the countrys international position, but also helps deepen ties with Brazil a strategic partner that shares common values and interests. The broadcaster added that both nations are dynamic developing economies, and united in their aspiration to build a prosperous, peaceful, and multipolar world. VNA/VNS HA NOI The State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (SCOV) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised a legal dissemination and consultation session on Sunday in a hybrid format for Vietnamese citizens living, working, and studying in the East Asian. The event was held in coordination with the Embassy of Viet Nam in the Republic of Korea (RoK) and the Ha Noi Bar Association. In his opening remarks, SCOV Chairman Nguyen Trung Kien emphasised that caring for the Vietnamese community abroad had always been one of the key focuses of Viet Nam's foreign affairs and national solidarity efforts. This priority had received close attention and guidance from the Party and State through a series of major policies over the past decades. The legal dissemination and consultation activity for Vietnamese citizens living, working, and studying in the RoK is not only aimed at strengthening the dissemination and education of Vietnamese laws to overseas Vietnamese but also at providing them with information on the legal systems of other countries around the world, according to Kien. This is expected to help raise legal awareness among the overseas Vietnamese community, assist them in integrating and securing a solid legal status in their host country. There are currently around 350,000 Vietnamese people living, studying, and working in various provinces and cities across the East Asian country. This young community, which is quickly growing, and integrating into the host society, had actively participated in various fields and professions while maintaining a strong attachment to the homeland, Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Vu Ho said. Therefore, helping them gain accurate and comprehensive information about both Vietnamese and Korean laws, especially regulations related to investment in Viet Nam and foreign labour in the RoK, would play a very important role. As part of the programme, lawyers from the Ha Noi Bar Association, the Gyeonggi Central Bar Association of the RoK, and representatives from the Vietnamese embassy introduced the legal regulations of both countries. They also addressed 12 groups of questions raised by the overseas Vietnamese community, with a focus on issues of particular concern to the community, such as labour standards, labour contract signing, wage policies, allowances, insurance, marriage with foreigners, property ownership, and investment regulations in Viet Nam. Special attention was given to new provisions of the amended Law on Nationality and the procedures for applying for or reclaiming the Vietnamese nationality. After the programme, overseas Vietnamese who require additional information can continue to contact the Vietnamese embassy in the RoK or the SCOV for further support. VNA/VNS By Alex Reeves - @afreeves23 It always comes back to pho. Its the sustenance that fuels the busy drive of the Vietnamese, from farm to boardroom. Its the cure. Feeling under the weather? A few too many shandies last night? A bowl of the good stuff will bring you back around in no time. Top of the must-eat list for every tourist. Its a symbol of pride, locally, nationally and now on the world stage. Like ramen, it is the iconic broth of a nation. While many abroad certainly have a harder time pronouncing it than enjoying it, they never mistake its origin. Eternally associated with modern mentions of Viet Nam, this dish alone has gone a long way towards introducing the world to Vietnamese food, opening the door to what is now one of the most respected cuisines on the ever-spinning galactic rock we call home. Pho is many things, but its never simple. Within the balance of flavours simmering away in the broth are conversations, even debates, that surround its flavour, profile and origins. God knows, Ive known it was a tricky topic since my first-ever review for Viet Nam News, covering the famous Pho Thin at 13 Lo uc Street. Despite its enduring popularity, local friends told me that it wasnt really pho and that it ought to be considered a separate dish. Others dismissed this as snobbery or traditionalism. Im still none the wiser. Theres the North vs South debate, and while theres little argument over which end of the country the dish belongs to, there is a conversation to be had about whose is tastier. The southern: sweeter, aromatic and most internationally available, accompanied by sriracha and hoisin, exported to foreign taste buds through the Vietnamese diaspora. The northern: more savoury, umami version lets the broth do the work, leaving seasoning to individual preference. Ive since had the pleasure of sitting down with food and travel writer David Farley during his most recent visit to Viet Nam to conduct field research for an upcoming piece on the origins of the countrys best-known broth. The plot thickened with controversy as China was thrown into the mix. Without elaborating further for fear of becoming Nam inhs public enemy number one and facing the potential retribution of pho-fuelled patriots in the comment section, I recommend keeping an eye out for Mr Farleys piece. I anticipate he will be much braver with the pen than I. So, when reading with a furrowed brow a post referencing a pho/poutine combination, considering everything I knew about this sacred broth, my first thought was, Why would you mess with this? Knowing how much pho means here, who is out there straddling the line between bravery and madness with the nation's most beloved dish? I was unsure whether this foray into fusion upon which Id stumbled would spark a culinary culture war or was an East-meets-West inspiration. Either way, I was heading to HCM City. The first thing you will notice about this noodle shop down an unassuming side street in Binh Thanh District (now Binh Thanh Ward) is that it is yellow, very yellow. Yellow enough for you to ask the question, why is this place so yellow? The answer sums up the heart- and belly-warming reality of Pho Chao. Im told that the colour reminds staff and customers alike of the rays of sunshine that the restaurant's matriarch, Mama Dung, brings into their lives. My question of who would be brave enough to experiment so confidently with such a classic was soon answered. Mama Dung has faced up to a lot more than just culinary scepticism. Her first shop opened up north back in 1986, serving original Nam inh-style pho, with a family recipe passed down through generations, but sadly a cancer diagnosis brought about its closure in 2016. She subsequently moved to HCM City, focusing on the best care and recovery with her loved ones, her broth slinging days seemingly behind her. Five years later, in better health, her daughter Linh insisted that people should taste her mothers food. So, with the same love and support that helped her through tough times, Pho Chao was born, and to add a real fairytale element to things, Michelin was impressed enough to award them a Bib Gourmand in 2023, which they have since retained. I couldnt hide a smile when learning the family had genuinely thought it a prank when receiving their invitation to the inaugural Vietnamese ceremony via airmail from Hong Kong. Pride, adversity, recognition. Thematically, this is a truly wonderful story, of that there is no doubt. But how about the food? The service? A good story does not a Michelin award win. Attention and acknowledgment from the worlds best known food guide isnt awarded on narrative, but on merit. The beauty of the Bib Gourmand is that it cuts through a layer of pretension, freeing those selected to focus on their specialities instead of getting lost in the mission to over-innovate. Credit must also be given for the fact Mama has not passed on the impact of Michelin attention to her customers, with prices remaining static thus far. Im pleased to report no sting in the tail here, no unhappy ending. Having visited with a native Nam Dinher who was more than satisfied with the clarity of the broth, we both noted a pleasant lack of the oiliness that can occasionally be found in lesser-quality bowls. The flavour was rich without being overpowering, and we were equally pleased with the impact of the chilli and hoisin sauces alongside, which Im told are made entirely in-house, with strictly no Cholimex found on the premises. The same applies to the three-day beef-bone stock, with no MSG or artificial sweeteners involved whatsoever, as true connoisseurs will notice. That, however, is not why I visited. I was there for the cheese curd/fries/beef soup. Yes, I may have been charmed by the homely, quirky decor, influenced by the eccentric Papa Chao and his broad collection of vintage keepsakes on display. Impressed by the bright and bubbly staff that, thankfully, didnt hover to ask us how everything was. But I was there to find out how Canada and Viet Nam could possibly have a culinary love child that wasnt being hidden away in the attic. It turns out that the secret to getting something that sounds so forbidden to work so well, is actually quite simple: reduction. The signature Pho-Tine getting the attention here came about from Linhs travels in Canada. After enjoying poutine, she asked her mother if there was a way to combine the homely flavours of pho with her new favourite. After reducing their famous broth into a rich gravy and smothering it over a portion of chunky fries, melted mature cheddar, herbs, vegetables and generous slices of beef, they developed a warming new take on these classics. My fears of a gimmick were quickly dispelled as I found two things I love dearly merged into one. The flavours of pho are present through the gravy, herbs and beef, which when combined with a body of potatoes and cheese, satisfied an almost primal craving for my northern British palate. With a second branch fully underway in Phu Quoc and groundwork being laid to take things international, the future seems bright for Pho Chao. Their signature dish is as hangover-curing to me as their traditional pho for someone from these shores, and I sincerely wish they would make it up to Ha Noi before winter. Far from the blasphemous bowl I thought I would be tasting, this isnt really pho at all, more a stew of biblical proportions, and the pitchforks can most certainly be put away for now. This is a proper 'mom-and-pop store' done good, showcasing a familys spirit and willingness to experiment, and Im here for it. VNS Pho Chao Address: 52 Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Binh Thanh, HCM City Tel: 0902701208 Price: Pho-Tine VND90,000-140,000; Pho Bo/Ga VND50,000-70,000 Top Tip: Bring friends and share to enjoy Mamas signature wings and the Ragu-Tine. HOHHOT China has completed a major ecological project to curb desertification in the country's north, finishing a 1,856-kilometre green barrier along the southeastern edge of the Badain Jaran Desert in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, local forestry authorities said Sunday. The final section of straw checkerboard sand barriers was laid Sunday morning in the Yabulai Jiukeshu area, effectively sealing off the advancing edges of three major deserts in Alshaa League: the Badain Jaran, Tengger, and Ulan Buh. Officials called the project a significant step in halting the spread of mobile sand dunes in the region. Authorities in Alshaa League plan to build on the progress by combining biological sand control, photovoltaic sand stabilisation, and engineering measures. The region also aims to develop sustainable industries tied to the desert environment, including ecological agriculture, desert tourism, and renewable energy projects such as solar and wind. The initiative is expected to strengthen the region's ecological resilience and protect key areas, including the Hexi Corridor, the Ningxia Plain, and the Hetao Plain from desertification, according to local officials. 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With the cost and demand for courtroom interpreters climbing annually in Wisconsin, the proposal is billed as an opportunity for county courts to capture the cost savings and efficiencies offered by artificial intelligence and machine-learning programs that seek to bridge language gaps. But AI and legal experts said they have serious concerns that the rapidly advancing technology is still years from being able to replace the skill and expertise of a certified court interpreter. Florencia Russ, CEO of Transcend Translations and a certified translator with the American Translators Association, said the risks for mistranslations or errors in court proceedings where individuals may be facing a jail sentence or offering crucial testimony are far too high to incorporate unproven technology into a system built on the right to due process. I dont recommend using AI in place of humans at this point at all, Russ said. There needs to be a human in the loop anytime AI is used. Even if it translates things correctly, theres context, theres nuance, theres words that have multiple meanings and its just not possible yet to have results that are accurate enough to be used in a court setting safely, legally or ethically, in my opinion. The proposal, co-authored by Sen. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, and Rep. Dave Maxey, R-New Berlin, would allow county courts to permit the use of AI or other machine-assisted translation tools as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, human interpreters in civil or criminal proceedings, certain municipal proceedings, and administrative contested case proceedings. The measure also allows an interpreter to provide services via telephone or online link for criminal trials, which currently require in-person interpretation services. Many courts already allow for remote interpretation in other proceedings, such as hearings or civil cases. Importantly, counties that prefer to continue using human interpreters would retain the full authority to do so this bill simply offers a flexible choice, the bills co-authors wrote in a memo seeking cosponsors. This legislation is essential for modernizing our court system and reducing the financial burden on counties. Kapenga said the proposal seeks to capitalize on the rapid evolution taking place in artificial intelligence and see if specific programs geared toward language translation can be incorporated into the states court system. I fully expect this will be a nationwide thing that everybody goes to, Kapenga said, adding that he envisions the bill to be the first step in implementing a pilot program that can be tested and refined as needed. The proposal does not identify a specific translation program, and would make the use of artificial intelligence in the courtroom optional. People will test them and theyll get comfort levels with the different platforms, Kapenga said. Thats why were leaving it more wide open. Rising costs State statute requires that all individuals with limited English proficiency are entitled to a qualified interpreter during court proceedings. The Americans with Disabilities Act also guarantees those who are deaf or hard of hearing the right to an interpreter. More than 167,000 Wisconsin residents, or nearly 3% of the state population, identified as speaking English less than very well in the U.S. Census Bureaus 2023 American Community Survey. Courtroom interpreters must pass a multi-step testing process in order to be certified in Wisconsin. The process includes an orientation, an oral proficiency review and oral and written tests. The state currently has 135 certified court interpreters on its roster, including 71 certified in Spanish and 64 certified in other languages. Forty-one of the Spanish interpreters live in the state. The specialized nature of the field, paired with rising demand nationwide, means counties are spending more each year for qualified courtroom interpreters sometimes contracting with individuals from across the country, who either travel to Wisconsin to provide in-person interpretation or provide services remotely. The bulk of those costs are absorbed by individual counties, with the state providing a partial reimbursement. All told, county courts spent more than $3.7 million on interpreter services in 2023, according to the bills co-authors. The beauty is that were now in a day and age when AI is able to help us with these things, and why not take advantage of that cost savings? Maxey said. Waukesha County, for example, spent more than $182,000 on court interpreters last year, compared with just $50,000 spent in 2014. While Waukesha has seen an increase in demand for Spanish and other language interpreters, there has also been a sharp decrease in the number of local, in-state interpreters available to attend the proceedings in-person, Monica Paz, Waukesha County clerk of circuit court, said in an email. Dane is currently the only county court in the state with on-staff interpreters one full-time and two half-time staffers. The county also contracts with interpreters from across the country for various language needs. The Dane County court system spent more than $171,000 on courtroom interpreters in 2014. Last year, the county spent more than $408,000 to hire more than 90 different interpreters. This year is on pace to surpass that, with nearly $118,000 spent in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Its certainly a significant issue, so I think in that sense we really appreciate the Legislature looking at this in any sense to try to be forward-thinking, Dane County Clerk of Courts Jeff Okazaki said of rising interpreter costs. Accuracy over efficiency But Okazaki also raised concerns about replacing highly skilled interpreters with artificial intelligence in an area where proper translation could play a crucial role in a cases outcome. Legal jargon is dense and complicated, the meaning or use of specific words can vary based on region, and some languages like Spanish are gendered, meaning all nouns are classified as masculine or feminine. All those factors create challenges for artificial intelligence programs built to translate language. The whole idea behind interpretation is that they are interpreting meaning and not just translating words, Okazaki said. Thats the most important piece, and the software does not yet have the ability to do that. Such translation tools continue to become more common. Maxey recalled a recent ride-along with a police officer in which Google Translate was used to communicate with a motorist. But Maxey also underscored the importance of providing an accurate translation. It doesnt matter if theyre there for a simple speeding ticket or youre on trial for your life, Maxey said. It needs to be accurate, and thats where I think that being able to look at what you said on the screen and know thats what it actually translated. Mark Lemley, a lawyer and professor at Stanford Law School, said AI translation is quick and cost effective, but such programs still make mistakes. If the alternative is not having a translator, its clearly an improvement, Lemley said. But if the idea is to replace existing human translators, I worry that we will see inaccurate translations with no easy way to question them, and that judges and government officials will think they are more reliable than they are. Annette Zimmerman, a professor in UW-Madisons department of philosophy and co-lead of the universitys Uncertainty and AI Group, described the human review process for AI interpretation in the courtroom as crucial for accuracy because the technology does not yet guarantee perfect outcomes. In high-stakes courtroom decisions, a human interpreters expertise and human judgment is essential for disambiguating potentially confusing claims, she added. Human review and guardrails are incredibly important in a high stakes domain like criminal justice, where even one small error can have life-altering unjust consequences, Zimmermann said in an email. I dont think that the fact that counties would be able to choose not to use AI plausibly counts as a meaningful guardrail, by the way. We need a regulatory framework in place that isnt up to counties to opt in and out of. Human input is also critical to the nature of courtroom proceedings because those involved in the judicial system ethically owe it to that person to engage with them on an individual human level to provide the justification for that sentence. Taking shortcuts and trying to save costs no matter what risks undermine the deeper purpose of the criminal justice process, Zimmermann said. Efficiency in our public institutions is an important policy goal, but considerations of efficiency shouldnt outweigh our important individual rights and freedoms. If Wisconsin courtrooms begin using artificial intelligence for interpreting purposes, Kapenga said constitutionality and due process will be a part of that discussion. The court system will always err on the side of the person whose rights are potentially being infringed on, Kapenga said. Borrowing against Wrexhams social housing falls by 9 million Borrowing against Wrexhams social housing has fallen by 9 million as the local authority renewed its commitment to improving the standard of existing stock. But there is still no indication from Welsh Government that there will be any further financial assistance to help Wrexham County Borough Council bring existing stock up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by 2035. A corporate finance report set to be presented to Wrexham Councils Executive Board on Tuesday will give councillors a detailed financial breakdown of the authoritys performance for quarter one and the projections for the rest of the year. One key achievement is the reduction in the amount of money the council has borrowed against its housing stock. In 2024/25 it maxed out its borrowing, leaving it unable to put any additional money towards maintenance and improvement of its stock. Now through efficiencies it has created 9m of headroom which it could use if needed to increase its 40m maintenance and improvement programme. The borrowing has been reduced from 26m to 17m, said lead member for housing and climate change Cllr Dave Bithell. Weve done that through efficiencies and tightening our belts really. The last few years have been difficult with the interest rises a few years ago. Chief Officer for Housing Julie Francis and her team have done a great job there to reduce borrowing and ensure that everything we are doing is right and making us more efficient. But that comes nowhere close to the half a billion the council needs to ensure its housing stock achieves the WHQS. The current WHQS requires councils across Wales to improve the energy efficiency of their housing stock to an EPC rating of A by 2035. Wrexham, with over 11,000 properties in its housing revenue account the second-largest social landlord in Wales the cost of works is estimated to be 500m. I met Jayne Bryant MS, the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, with other North Wales members, he said. I told her clearly we are not going to have enough money to meet the aspirations of the WHQS. We will meet it eventually, but it will be over a period of time. We have a roadmap to get there but Im not sure were going to reach it by 2035. Well do our best. Each year we will make strides. It would be good if we could have more money from Welsh Government because the standards are quite high. Cllr Bithell confirmed however that no offer of additional funding had been indicated by Welsh Government. Theyve not indicated any additional funding but also theyve not said they will fine us if we miss the target, he said. The message to be fair is to do our best and thats what we are doing, but doing your best isnt good enough if you want to reach your decarbonisation goals. Wrexham Council said it remains fully committed to continuing its programme of not only improving and upgrading social housing, but increasing its stock to meet local need. New homes potentially in the pipeline include plans for 53 new properties in Rhosddu which are due to be considered by the planning committee. We should be proud of our focus on providing high-quality housing for the people of Wrexham, said interim chief executive of Wrexham Council Alwyn Jones. If you look at councils across Wales there is a different mix. Rather than spending time transferring housing out to registered social landlords we have kept it within the council and committed to improving the standards of housing for residents. By Alec Doyle BBC Local Democracy Reporter Theatr Clwyd reopens after 50m redevelopment Theatr Clwyd has reopened following a 50 million redevelopment, with local politicians and community groups celebrating the transformation of Wales largest producing theatre. The project, funded partly by 26.5 million from the Welsh Government, has completely renovated the two theatres and cinema, and added new facilities including a first-floor terrace and restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Bryn Williams, a ground-floor cafe and shop, and indoor and outdoor play areas for children. The redevelopment is expected to create 100 permanent jobs and contribute around 20 million annually to the North East Wales economy. At a celebration event on Saturday, Member of the Senedd for Alyn and Deeside Jack Sargeant, who is also the Welsh Government Minister for Culture, joined other representatives including Hannah Blythyn MS, Carolyn Thomas MS, Mark Tami MP, and Becky Gittins MP. Around 300 local community groups were invited to tour the upgraded venue. In a joint statement, the politicians said the investment had delivered a world class facility for everyone to enjoy, securing the theatre for future generations and benefiting people of all ages and abilities. Carolyn Thomas, MS for North Wales, highlighted the theatres personal significance to many local families, recalling her own familys memories and their sponsorship of seats in memory of her late son Benjamin Thomas, who performed at Theatr Clwyd. Wales Future Generations Commissioner to speak on international peace at Llangollen Eisteddfod At a time of unprecedented global tensions, Wales has a unique opportunity to champion the cause of international peace. That is the powerful message Derek Walker, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, will have for an audience on the second day of this years Llangollen International Eisteddfod. He will deliver the Academi Heddwch Peace Lecture taking place on Wednesday July 9 at 1.15pm in the famous Llangollen Pavilion. The event coincides with two major milestones the 10th anniversary of Waless Well-being of Future Generations Act and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. During his speech Derek Walker is expected to explore the role that Wales has played and can continue to play in promoting peace, sustainability, and international cooperation. He will stress that at a time when conflict, inequality, and climate instability dominate headlines, there has never been a more important moment to reflect on and renew our commitment to peace. And he will share his thoughts on how we can build on the ambitious vision of Waless seven well-being goals to become a global beacon for peace, ensuring a fairer and more sustainable world for generations to come. Wales was the first country in the world to legislate for the well-being of future generations, setting out a bold vision of a fairer, greener, and more peaceful world, explained Derek Walker. As we mark this important anniversary, I look forward to reflecting on how Cymru can lead by example championing peace not just in our communities, but internationally, for generations to come. Professor Chris Adams, Eisteddfod Trustee with responsibility for heritage and peace, added: The Llangollen Eisteddfod was founded in the at the end of World War II as an event where ordinary people from round the world could meet and get to know each other better, to understand each others cultures, as a contribution to promoting better international relations. a. Hosting this conversation with Derek Walker not only honours our founding values, but challenges us to look forward to help Wales become an exemplar of a society where peace, culture, and collaboration flourish together. This talk is also part of a wider programme of events including a Peace Tent throughout the week. The Peace Tent is a welcoming space for dialogue, reflection, and activism, bringing together voices from around the world to explore what peace means today. Featuring workshops and panel discussions, the tent celebrates the Eisteddfods founding ethos of international understanding through culture and conversation. Update (7/7/2025, 9:45 p.m.): Containment has grown on two wildfires burning near Winnemucca, with neither fire growing in size. The Barber Canyon Fire is now 75 percent contained and is holding steady at 17,583 acres burned. Meanwhile, the Bartlett Fire is also 75 percent contained, and the area it has burned remains at 6,169 acres. --- Update (7/7/2025, 8:30 a.m.): Two wildfires burning near Winnemucca are both increasing in size and containment. The BLM says the lightning-sparked Barber Fire near Imlay is now 17,583 acres and 50% contained. It's expected to be fully contained sometime on Tuesday after starting last Thursday. Resources on scene, including several engines and aircraft, will continue to improve and harden fire lines. Meanwhile, the Bartlett Fire, northwest of Winnemucca, is now 6,169 acres and also 50% contained. Several engines are on scene working this fire. The BLM says resources mopping up the perimeter and continue to harden fire lines. This fire, also lightning-sparked is expected to be fully contained sometime on Monday after it started on Friday. Update (7/6/2025, 2:55 p.m.): There are a small handful of wildfires still burning near Winnemucca, and the Bureau of Land Management has provided some updates. The Barber Canyon Fire has reached 17,088 acres in size and is 25% contained. BLM says multiple resources are on scene and building and hardening fire lines. They're also monitoring for hot spots. has reached 17,088 acres in size and is 25% contained. BLM says multiple resources are on scene and building and hardening fire lines. They're also monitoring for hot spots. The Bartlett Fire, which we first reported on yesterday, is currently around 5,000 acres and is 20% contained. Multiple resources are dispatched to this as well, fully engaged in suppression efforts. Update (7/5/2025, 3:30 p.m.): The Bureau of Land Management has provided updates on the recently-sparked wildfires in the Winnemucca area this weekend. The Barber Canyon Fire burned actively through July 4 and made runs off of the East Range towards Grass Valley, repeatedly threatening homes and infrastructure, and prompting an evacuation for a short time on Friday night. The fire is estimated to be around 10,000 acres and is 10% contained as of this update. BLM is working closely with the Pershing County Sheriff's Office and the Grass Valley Volunteer Fire Department. burned actively through July 4 and made runs off of the East Range towards Grass Valley, repeatedly threatening homes and infrastructure, and prompting an evacuation for a short time on Friday night. The fire is estimated to be around 10,000 acres and is 10% contained as of this update. BLM is working closely with the Pershing County Sheriff's Office and the Grass Valley Volunteer Fire Department. The Bartlett Fire was detected around noon on Saturday, July 5. A lightning strike ignited the fire about one mile south of Bartlett Peak. Two engines, one dozer and one helicopter are on scene, along with smokejumpers. The fire is threatening Sage Grouse and Lahontan Cutthroat Trout habitats and a major gas pipeline. was detected around noon on Saturday, July 5. A lightning strike ignited the fire about one mile south of Bartlett Peak. Two engines, one dozer and one helicopter are on scene, along with smokejumpers. The fire is threatening Sage Grouse and Lahontan Cutthroat Trout habitats and a major gas pipeline. The Bloody Fire, west of US 95 near Sand Pass Road, is 100% contained as of 8:03 p.m. on July 4. The fire reached a size of 1,780 acres. Mop-up is continuing today. Update (7/4/2025, 6:25 p.m.): The Bureau of Land Management has recently provided an update on Facebook that the Pershing County Sheriff's Department has lifted the evacuation orders for Grass Valley homes in Pershing County. Update (7/4/2025, 2:45 p.m.): The Bureau of Land Management is advising people in Pershing County that an evacuation order has been announced in the area. The map, provided by Perimeter Maps, shows the area in Pershing County where the Barber Canyon Fire is currently threatening structures. Update (7/4/2025, 1:00 p.m.): The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) has provided an update on the Barber Canyon Fire. Deputies with the HCSO say that the fire is still several miles from Humboldt County, and isn't currently threatening any homes or residents. They are not evacuating any properties in Humboldt County at this time. Officials are aware of intermittent power outages, and say that NV Energy is handling them as they come; please do not contact the HCSO dispatch regarding utility issues. Original Story (7/4/2025, 11:41 a.m.): The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the Winnemucca District has shared details of a handful of lightning-ignited fires that sparked Thursday night. According to the BLM, on Thursday night July 3 around 8:30 p.m., several dry lightning cells passed near Winnemucca, igniting several fires: The Bloody Fire ignited west of US95 near Sand Pass Road. The fire is currently around 1,500 acres in size. Six engines, two dozers and one water tender are working in unified command with Winnemucca Rural Volunteer Fire Department. ignited west of US95 near Sand Pass Road. The fire is currently around 1,500 acres in size. Six engines, two dozers and one water tender are working in unified command with Winnemucca Rural Volunteer Fire Department. The Cottonwood Fire burned west of US95 and a few miles north of the Bloody Fire. Forward progress was stopped on this fire at around 146 acres, with a full containment line set up. A major pipeline and compressor station were threatened. One division supervisor, two engines, one dozer and one water tender responded. burned west of US95 and a few miles north of the Bloody Fire. Forward progress was stopped on this fire at around 146 acres, with a full containment line set up. A major pipeline and compressor station were threatened. One division supervisor, two engines, one dozer and one water tender responded. The Asa Fire was also west of US95, and two miles north of the Cottonwood Fire. Four engines and one dozer managed this fire in unified command with Paradise Hill Volunteer Fire Department. At around 9:50 p.m., they say another round of fires ignited: The Barber Canyon Fire was reported near the Imlay-Barber Canyon area. This fire remains active and is estimated to be just over 4,200 acres. The fire is burning on the East Range, and officials say it has crested the top to the east and started into the Grass Valley area. Homes in the Mill City and Grass Valley area are threatened. BLM crews are in suppression mode, with assistance from Imlay Volunteer Fire Department and Grass Valley Volunteer Fire Department. was reported near the Imlay-Barber Canyon area. This fire remains active and is estimated to be just over 4,200 acres. The fire is burning on the East Range, and officials say it has crested the top to the east and started into the Grass Valley area. Homes in the Mill City and Grass Valley area are threatened. BLM crews are in suppression mode, with assistance from Imlay Volunteer Fire Department and Grass Valley Volunteer Fire Department. The Spring Fire was reported later last night at around 10:45 p.m., on the east side of US95 near mile marker 28 on the west slope bench of the Santa Rosas. Forward progress has been stopped, and the fire size is estimated at 2.5 acres. For more information or to see real-time fire maps and cameras, visit the Nevada Fire Info website. It may not be a holiday weekend but theres still plenty to celebrate, like Bastille Day at French bistro Chapeau, National Ice Cream Month with milkshakes from PLS on Post, and anniversary parties at the Ferry Building, Alameda Brewing, and Pebble Beach. In perpetual recognition of the artists and people who bring the Bay Area to life, dont miss the SF Art Book Fair, makers markets at The Box SF, and nighttime festivities in the Excelsior and on Valencia Street. Jump ahead to this week's top events: Pour through prints at the SF Art Book Fair. Take to the street for Valencia Live! Hike, sip, and stargaze with the Chabot Space and Science Center. Wish the Ferry Building a happy 127th birthday at Ferry Fest. Have a good one. Go all out for National Ice Cream Month with over-the-top indulgent milkshakes that pack in brownies, funfetti cake, and adult spirits; through July 31. // PLS on Post, 545 Post St. (TenderNob); reservations at zhotelssf.com Be the first to try Singlethreads new private-label wine. Partnering with Bricoleur Vineyards, Sonomas three-Michelin-starred restaurant's exclusive new Kick Ranch Viognier is on the list. // Singlethread, 131 North St. (Healdsburg); reservations at opentable.com Fill up your Passport to Peru. Eat your way through 22 Bay Area Peruvian hotspots and collect stamps that could win you a trip to Lima; Monday through Sunday, July 27. // Details at lamarcebicheria.com Enjoy concerts, movies, and more in the heart of Wine Country. Festival Napa Valley is in full swing with 60 events that celebrate the power of music; through Sunday, July 20. // Tickets and schedule at festivalnapavalley.org See what Kim Alter is up to. Her weekly prix-fixe menus at Nightbird celebrate seasonal Bay Area produce with quiet elegance. For an extra warm welcome, join 7x7 Social Club and you'll get a complimentary sparkling cocktail upon arrival; Wednesdays through Saturdays. // Nightbird, 330 Gough St. (Hayes Valley); reservations at nightbirdrestaurant.com Greet the future head on with Adventures in AI at the Exploratorium. Play with artificial intelligence through music, art, and moreand get your hands on more than 700 other exhibits; through September 14. // Exploratorium, Pier 15 (Embarcadero); tickets at exploratorium.edu Thank you to our partners at the Exploratorium. Load up on pho and other Vietnamese favorites. Steven Phams Turtle Tower is back with a new downtown location and classic flavorsplus a free tea, Vietnamese coffee, or lemonade with a meal for 7x7 Social Club members. // Turtle Tower, 220 California St. (FiDi); turtletowersf.com Witness the genre-bending string trio Time for Three when they join conductor Robert Moody and the SF Symphony for a heart-pounding performance that closes with Leonard Bernsteins "Symphonic Dances" from West Side Story; Wednesday, July 23 at 7:30pm. // Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. (Civic Center) tickets at sfsymphony.org Thank you to our partners at the San Francisco Symphony. Pour through prints at the SF Art Book Fair. Join more than 150 independent publishers, artists, and designers from around the world for four days of programs, exhibitions, events, and plenty of printed material; Thursday through Sunday. // Minnesota Street Project, 1275 Minnesota St. (Dogpatch); details at sfartbookfair.com Take to the street for Valencia Live! featuring live music and open doors for a night of dancing, dining, and drinking; Thursday, 5pm to 10pm. // Valencia St. between 16th St. and 19th St. (Mission); RSVP at eventbrite.com Attend a climate talk with a side of pickles (and oysters and hot sauce). Hog Island oysters and Golden State Pickle Works will be part of a tasty talk on sustainable food practices with KQED; Thursday at 7pm. // SF Ferry Building, 1 Ferry Building (Embarcadero); tickets at kqed.org Celebrate a new season of SFDanceworks. Their dynamic program includes three stunning shows that include hypnotic premieres and classical and folk dance fusion; Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm. // Z Space, 450 Florida St. (Mission); tickets at zspace.org (Psst: the best seats in the house are 20 percent off for 7x7 Social Club members) with an anniversary celebration at Pebble Beachs Peppoli, featuring of food and wine pairings and a visit from wine legend Piero Antinori; Friday, 6pm to 9pm. // Pebble Beach Resorts 1700 17 Mile Dr. (Pebble Beach); tickets at pebblebeach.com Enjoy an extrasensory night with Animalis, a ballet performance and dinner under the stars from JAD Experience and former SF Ballet principal, Julia Adam; Friday through Sunday at 5:30pm. // Tara Firma Farms, 3796 I St. (Petaluma); tickets at juliaadamdance.com Head out on an adventure, sans-planning. Yosemite, Point Reyes, LassenOutdoor Adventure Club is your key to low-stress trips around the Bay and beyond. 7x7 Social Club members get $50 off rock climbing and backpacking trips. // Reservations at outdooradventureclub.com Get away for some inner peace. Tahoes Wild Lotus Yoga Festival offers three days of mountainside yoga, meditation, and music; Friday through Sunday. // Palisades Tahoe, 1960 Olympic Valley Rd. (Olympic Valley); tickets at wildlotusyogafestival.com Close your eyes and travel back in time. Audium, the worlds only 176-speaker sound theater, is bringing back an original, immersive, all-in-the-dark experience blending vintage tape recordings, archival installations, and sonic texture; Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. // Audium, 1616 Bush St. (Pacific Heights); tickets at audium.org Pop a tab with Alameda Brewing for their weekend-long anniversary party. Enjoy cold brews, live performances, goofy games, and debut collabs; Friday through Sunday. // Alameda Brewing, 1716 Park St. (Alameda); tickets at alamedabrewing.co Kick off your tomato girl summer at an afternoon with Veso aperitifs and Wildseed. Expect plant-based bites, tomato cocktails, and live beats; Friday, 3pm to 6pm. // Wildseed, 2000 Union St. (Cow Hollow); tickets at eventbrite.com Check out the Excelsiors new night market for some free lucha libre, Brazilian beats, and good local eats; Friday, 5pm to 10pm. // Norton St. Parking Lot, Mission St. and Norton St. (Excelsior); RSVP at eventbrite.com Get out and stay up for Daybreaker, the daytime party thats high on vibes and made for moving; Saturday, 10am to 1pm. // Saint Josephs Arts Society, 1401 Howard St. (SoMa); tickets at daybreaker.com Meet and support local makers at a bonafide mercantile. The Box SFs artist and makers fair brings vendors together in its historic space for a weekend of creativity and community; Saturday, 11am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm. // The Box SF, 1069 Howard St. (SoMa); RSVP at eventbrite.com Celebrate Bastille Day with a Parisian fete at Chapeau. The neighborhood bistro is serving up a prix-fixe menu of French delights like escargots, French onion soup, duck cassoulet, and more; Saturday and Sunday, 5pm to 9pm. // Chapeau, 126 Clement St. (Inner Richmond); reservations at opentable.com Hike, sip, and stargaze with the Chabot Space and Science Center. A nighttime guided hike through the redwoods ends with drinks, charcuterie, and telescope peeks on their observation deck; Saturday, 6pm and 7:30pm. // Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd. (Oakland); tickets at chabotspace.org Let loose on the lawn for Motown Getdown, Dry Creek Vineyards wine-friendly outdoor concert. Grab some War Pigs BBQ, a glass (or bottle) of your favorite blend, and, well, get down! Saturday at 1pm. // Dry Creek Vineyard, 3770 Lambert Bridge Rd. (Healdsburg); tickets at drycreekvineyard.com (Join the 7x7 Social Club for $25 off) Wish the Ferry Building a happy 127th birthday at Ferry Fest. Stop by for live local music, along with waterfront shopping and family-friendly fun; Sunday, 11am to 6:30pm. // Ferry Building, 1 Ferry Building (Embarcadero); RSVP at noisepop.com Level up brunch with some live jazz and RnB with the Mission Bowling Club and local favorite Uncle Los; Sunday, 1pm to 3:30pm. // Mission Bowling Club, 3176 17th St. (Mission); tickets at eventbrite.com Sit back and take a ride at a screening of the hit animated film How to Train Your Dragon with a live symphony score; Saturday July 26 at 7:30pm, and Sunday July 27 at 2pm. // Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. (Civic Center) tickets at sfsymphony.org Thank you to our partners at the San Francisco Symphony. A new pool club and camp resort is bringing an intoxicating wave of energy to the Russian River Valley this summer. I can feel it pulsing in the obscure early-90s pop tunes on the stereo system, in the parakeet-green loungers under circus-striped umbrellas, in the redwoods that shiver in the warm West Sonoma wind. Theres a reason they call it The River Electric. A little over a month old, the property is in peak form. There are two poolsa 60-foot family-friendly circular pool and a smaller rectangular one just for adults. On the lawn, the soft, grassy kind that begs you to go barefoot, cabanas are spread at respectable distances, each with two daybeds and a dedicated server for your food and beverage needs. The patio houses the Pool Bar, a breezy, mid-century-modern-meets-boho space with communal wooden tables and corner lounges. The Pool Bar (Bess Friday) On a Tuesday at noon, the place is jumping with families taking advantage of locals day, a weekly event where anyone living in a handful of nearby ZIP codes can play for the day for just $5 a pop. Making sure Russian River residents felt welcome at The River Electric was one of the priorities of its owners, the West Sonoma-based team behind the itinerant event company Shelter Co. For those coming from farther afield, theres the resorts camp hotel, a riverside corridor outfitted with a few dozen canvas glamping tents, each with either king-sized beds or two doubles made with luxury bedding, lounge furnishings, electricity, and outdoor seating. A bathhouse located between the main pool and the tent neighborhood has a minimalist design with private outdoor showers, single-stall restrooms, and a dedicated area for primping and preening with bulbous mirror lighting and striped curtains that deliver a carnival-like touch. At the Pool Bar, I meet Maggie Wilson and Kelsey Sheofsky, two of the four-friend-strong leadership team and the effortlessly cool duo responsible for The Get Out , a styley outdoor brand for camp and picnic gear (some of which are available in the reception area/shop on-site). The opening of this laid-back day-to-night resort was a long time coming, they tell me. A tent with a king-sized bed (Bess Friday) The site was bought back in 2018when it was still a defunct amusement parkwith the intention of developing it into a more permanent version of Shelter Co.s pop-up events. It ended up taking seven years to buildand not just because Covid messed up the world. Located on what was once a 100-year floodplain, today the land can end up completely submerged at least twice a year (as it was this past winter). That means that not only can the property welcome guests for just a part of the year, from April to October, everything on it had to be made either ultra flood-proof or removable. The eco-resilient features took time to sort out and, although the architectural plan they ended up with is nothing like the one they originally devised, its about as sustainable as they come: a place thats likely to stand the test of a changing climate. The resorts precarious ecological situation also made it impossible for the team to build an on-site kitchen. Instead, they built a kitchen on wheels inside a 26-foot trailer that lives on the property in the summer and will be moved off-site in the fall. It's from there that The River Electric produces all the food for the Pool Bar: healthy snacks like seasonal veggie crudites with green goddess dressing and not-so-healthy snacks like River Rat fries loaded with pimento cheese, electric sauce, creme fraiche, and a potato chip crumble; salads and bowls like a nicoise with salmon confit and a soft -boiled egg; and sandos like the high-low hot dog (a wiener with or without caviar fixins) and the sleeper hit vegan gyro. Snacks of all sorts can be ordered from the Pool Bar. (Bess Friday) Conveniently, cocktails are made right at the bar, drinks like the Green Mary (a spicy Bloody made with celery juice instead of tomato), a classic margarita, and the non-alcoholic On The Fence made with blackberry, lime, and ginger beer. Theyve also got several wine options and beer both on draft and in cans, as well as their own River Electric canned white courtesy of local natural wine stars Ruth Lewandowski (who, incidentally, will be opening a tasting room in nearby Forestville on August 1st). Its unclear whether the root beer floatmade with a shot of bourbon when desiredfalls to the chefs in the kitchen or the mixologists behind the bar. For events, The River Electric can dial things up to 11 in several different ways. Theres a huge tent on the grassy knoll overlooking the pool area, and the adult pool can be rented out privately. Down in the redwoods, on one side of the tent village, theres a sort of natural chapel with a boardwalk aisle and wooden pews. On the other, theres a broad patio dining area. Thats where I see Wilson and Sheofsky again that evening at a 20-person table decked out with rustic beauty and a whole lot of wine. For dinners here, they bring in local chefs without brick-and-mortar spaces, like Lee Derosiers, who is cooking up his New York-famous Hell Chicken"along with half a dozen other seasonally inspired dishesover an open flame. Pop-up dinners that are open to the public are one of the (many) schemes the team is considering implementing in the months to come. Perhaps my favorite idea, though, is already in position: an old-school phone booth erected on one side of the deck and injected with fun surprises. The 60-ft diameter Main Pool (Bess Friday) After a final tipple around the communal firepit up on the lawn, its off to bed. Snuggled down in the cozy mattress, blankets heaped against the cool night air, I drift off to sleep and dont wake again until morning, when the choir of songbirds outside begins its daily performance. The River Electric is aware that sleeping in a tenteven a fancy one with a bedisnt for everyone. Those that prefer their bathroom en suite can get day passes that last from 11am to 8pm for a little more than $35/person (add a chaise lounge for an extra $20); its less than a five-minute walk to the luxe Stavrand and just a few minutes farther across the footbridge to downtown Guernevilles other stays, restaurants, shops, and bars. But whatever current youre operating on, The River Electric is the place to be this summer. Theyll keep it plugged in, turned on, and vibrating with life in Guerneville all season long. // 16101 Neeley Rd. (Guerneville), theriverelectric.com The former Parker Towing Company property on Three Mile Creek in Mobile was sold for $5 million to an out-of-town corporation, according to The Weavil Company, which represented Parker Towing and assisted the buyer in the transaction. The 30-acre site at 1920 Bay Bridge Cutoff Road is one of the last undeveloped industrial properties on the port. The property has 1,375 front feet on Three Mile Creek. The transaction was one of several of note in coastal Alabama in recent days. Additionally: A man has been arrested for a fatal shooting in New Market early Sunday morning. WAFF reports that Xavier Turner, 31, has been arrested as a suspect in the shooting of Evan Mayomi, 23, in a home in New Market Sunday. Law enforcement arrived at the home on Bent Creek Lane at about 1:15 a.m. Sunday after getting a call about a shooting, according to WAFF. They found Mayomi, of Birmingham, with a gunshot wound to the chest. Mayomi was pronounced dead at the scene. Turner is being held in the Madison County Jail without bond, according to WAFF. An investigation is underway. Officials search on the grounds of 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) AP Update: Death toll in Texas flash floods rises to 82, with 10 campers remaining missing By Jim Vertuno, Julio Cortez and John Seewer, The Associated Press KERRVILLE, Texas The death toll from flash floods that rampaged through Central Texas rose to at least 67 on Sunday as rescuers maneuvering through challenging terrain found more bodies and continued their desperate search for many others, including 11 missing girls from a summer camp. Searchers in Kerr County have found 16 bodies since Saturday afternoon, bringing the total number of dead there to 59, said Sheriff Larry Leitha. The dead included 21 children, he said. He pledged to keep searching in that Hill Country region until everybody is found from Fridays flash floods. Four deaths also were reported in Travis County, three in Burnet and 1 in Kendall. Rescuers dealt with broken trees, overturned cars and muck-filled debris in the difficult task to find survivors. Authorities still have not said how many people were missing beyond the 11 children and a camp counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp. Families were allowed to look around the camp Sunday morning while nearby crews operating heavy equipment pulled tree trunks and tangled branches out of the water as they searched along a riverbank. Thunder rumbled from a new storm. A woman and a teenage girl, both wearing rubber waders, briefly went inside one of the cabins, which stood next to a pile of soaked mattresses, a storage trunk and clothes. At one point, the pair doubled over, sobbing before they embraced. With each passing hour, the outlook of finding more survivors became even more bleak. Volunteers and some families of the missing who drove to the disaster zone searched the riverbanks despite being asked not to do so. First responders from College Station Fire Department search along the banks of the Guadalupe River, as rescue efforts continue following extreme flooding, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez) AP Authorities faced growing questions about whether enough warnings were issued in area long vulnerable to flooding and whether enough preparations were made. The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet (8 meters) on the river in only 45 minutes before daybreak Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. The danger was not over as flash flood watches remained in effect and more rain fell in central Texas on Sunday. Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue people stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads. Officials said more than 850 people were rescued in the first 36 hours. Prayers in Texas and from the Vatican Gov. Greg Abbott vowed that authorities will work around the clock and said new areas were being searched as the water receded. He declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state. I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines, he said in a statement. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered special prayers for those touched by the disaster. Historys first American pope spoke in English at the end of his Sunday noon blessing, I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were in summer camp, in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States. We pray for them. The hills along the Guadalupe River are dotted with century-old youth camps and campgrounds where generations of families have come to swim and enjoy the outdoors. The area is especially popular around the Independence Day holiday, making it more difficult to know how many are missing. We dont even want to begin to estimate at this time, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said on Saturday. Harrowing escapes from floodwaters Survivors shared terrifying stories of being swept away and clinging to trees as rampaging floodwaters carried trees and cars past them. Others fled to attics inside their homes, praying the water wouldnt reach them. At Camp Mystic, a cabin full of girls held onto a rope strung by rescuers as they walked across a bridge with water whipping around their legs. Among those confirmed dead were an 8-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was at Camp Mystic, and the director of another camp up the road. Locals know the area as flash flood alley but the flooding in the middle of the night caught many campers and residents by surprise even though there were warnings. Warnings came before the disaster The National Weather Service on Thursday advised of potential flooding and then sent out a series of flash flood warnings in the early hours of Friday before issuing flash flood emergencies a rare alert notifying of imminent danger. At the Mo-Ranch Camp in the community of Hunt, officials had been monitoring the weather and opted to move several hundred campers and attendees at a church youth conference to higher ground. At nearby Camps Rio Vista and Sierra Vista, organizers also had mentioned on social media that they were watching the weather the day before ending their second summer session Thursday. Authorities and elected officials have said they did not expect such an intense downpour, the equivalent of months worth of rain for the area. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, whose district includes the ravaged area, acknowledged that there would be second-guessing and finger-pointing as people look for someone to blame. Cortez reported from Hunt, Texas, and Seewer from Toledo, Ohio. Associated Press writers Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut, Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed. The Rev. Robin Wilson will become senior pastor of Tuscaloosa First United Methodist Church on July 1, 2025. UMC The United Methodist Church in North Alabama has moved around many of its clergy who will preach their first sermons in their new churches today. The Rev. Robin Crews Wilson became senior pastor of Tuscaloosa First United Methodist Church effective July 1 and will preach her first sermon today at the 11 a.m. service. Wilson has been serving since July 1, 2024, as executive director of stakeholder relationships for the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship. A native of Prattville, Alabama, Wilson has a bachelors degree from Vanderbilt University and a master of divinity degree from Duke University. An ordained elder, Wilson has been pastor of congregations in Mobile, Dothan, Opelika and Phenix City. She has also served as director of the Healthy Clergy and Congregations Initiative. She is the author of the 2016 devotional, God is With Us: An Advent Study Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, published by Abingdon Press. She will succeed the Rev. Clinton Hubbard Jr., who became the first Black pastor of Tuscaloosa First United Methodist Church in 2019. Hubbard will be district superintendent of the East District in the North Alabama Conference, effective July 1. The Rev. Kevin Thomas, pastor of Forest Lake United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa became the new senior pastor of First United Methodist of Birmingham effective July 1. Hell preach his first sermon today as pastor at First Birmingham. Thomas has a bachelors degree from the University of Alabama and earned a master of divinity degree from Memphis Theological Seminary and a doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He has been in pastoral ministry for 30 years, the last decade at Forest Lake. The Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, the first woman senior pastor at First United Methodist Church of Birmingham, stepped down from that role in February to take a CEO-level post at a denominational agency. Arnold, who had been on staff at First United Methodist since 2010 and senior pastor since 2018, accepted a job as general secretary of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women of the United Methodist Church, effective March 1. Here are some other clergy who are moving to new pulpits today: The Rev. Andy Curtis is the new senior pastor at Jacksonville First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Mike Butler is the new senior pastor at Red Ridge United Methodist Church. The Rev. Earl Freeman is the new senior pastor at Sylacauga First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Chris Cone is the new senior pastor at Centre First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Elizabeth Crosby is the new senior pastor of Long Memorial United Methodist Church. The Rev. Andy Yarnell is the new pastor of Mosaic Church in Gadsden and in charge of junior college ministry. The Rev. Don Barnett is the new senior pastor at Red Bay United Methodist Church. The Rev. Megan Morris-Barber is the new senior pastor at Section/Dutton/Upper Sand Mountain parish, with the Rev. Stephen Barber as associate pastor. The Rev. Arthur Harrison is the new senior pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. The Rev. Brittany Camp is the new senior pastor at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. The Rev. Dale Capron is the new senior pastor at Tanner/Green Hill. The Rev. Belinda Freeman is the new senior pastor at Columbiana United Methodist Church. The Rev. Belinda Rives is the new senior pastor at Forest Lake United Methodist Church. The Rev. Joe DeWitte is the new senior pastor at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. The full list of new appointments can be found here. President Donald Trump listens during a briefing with the media, Friday, June 27, 2025, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) AP President Donald Trump was mocked on social media after he apparently forgot the name of a world leader and referred to them as Mr. Japan during an interview. Trump made the remark while talking about the end of his 90-day deadline to hash out deals with other countries to avoid harsh tariffs. Im going to send letters, thats the end of the trade deal. I could send one to Japan, Trump told Fox News Maria Bartiromo during an interview on Sunday Morning Futures that was taped Friday and aired Sunday. Dear Mr. Japan, heres the story: youre going to pay a 25% tariff on your cars, you know? So we give Japan no cars. They wont take our cars, Trump told Bartiromo. Trump: I'm going to send letters, that's the end of the trade deal. I could send one to Japan. Dear Mr. Japan, here's the story. You're going to pay a 25% tariff on your cars, you know? So we give Japan no cars. They won't take our cars. pic.twitter.com/EUkysEFykV Acyn (@Acyn) June 29, 2025 Trump had played down the deadline at a White House news conference Friday by noting how difficult it would be to work out separate deals with each nation. The administration had set a goal of reaching 90 trade deals in 90 days, the Associated Press reported. Negotiations continue, but theres 200 countries, you cant talk to all of them, he said in the interview. Trump was ridiculed for apparently not knowing the name of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Dear Mr Japan? Trump doesnt know what or who he is talking about, tweeted Barbara Comstock, a former Republican congresswoman from Virginia who has been critical of the president. Dear Mr Japan? Trump doesnt know what or who he is talking about https://t.co/F1cloDNDEk Barbara Comstock (@BarbaraComstock) June 29, 2025 Another X user added the rolling on the floor laughing and clown emojis to mock Trumps remarks. Dear Mr Japan Trumps mind has completely gone. Time to get him committed, the user wrote. Another commented with other Trumpisms: Dear Mr Japan, Everythings Computer. Covfefe, Donald Trump https://t.co/y2xTU6V4pC josh diamond (@josh_diamond) June 30, 2025 A fourth said Trumps gaffe was dangerously embarrassing: Dear Mr. Japan Trump thinks global trade runs on postcards and tantrums. This isnt The Apprentice. Its diplomacy and hes writing it like a kids birthday invite. Embarrassing. Dangerously embarrassing. AnatolijUkraine (@AnatoliUkraine) June 29, 2025 A fifth X account said that Trump did not just display ignorance of foreign affairs, but car manufacturing as well. This truly demonstrates trumps ignorance, the account wrote. First, there is not a Mr. Japan. Next the majority of the Japanese cars, for American consumption are made in America. The Associated Press contributed to this report. WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 21: The U.S. Capitol Building, where conservative and not so conservative representatives and senators run the government, is seen as the sun sets on June 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images) Getty Images This is an opinion column In my experience, citizens want to do the right thing at the ballot box but too often fail because it is difficult to find accurate data. Voters basic question is, Are our values represented in Congress by those we vote for? Here are some tips on how to be better informed. Be skeptical Do not rely on the veracity of the news releases of senators or congress members when you vote. If you do, odds are you have been duped. Thats not to say politicians lie (although they sometimes do). It is to say their news releases are one-sided to induce citizens to vote for them regardless of a public officials real and complete record. Get more balanced information elsewhere! Scorecards by entities that dont profit from votes I avoid performance evaluations by special interests that profit (at public expense) from politicians doing what special interests demand. Instead, I use evaluations by entities that value the foundational principles that have combined to make America the greatest nation in world history. Be aware that senators and congressmen often vote on different bills, so comparing a senators score to a congressmans score is like comparing apples to oranges. It just doesnt work. Similarly, different sessions of Congress yield different scores because votes are cast on different bills. Be cognizant of that difference. Some examples of reputable conservative scorecards are: Heritage Action for America Heritage Action is the Heritage Foundations political wing, whose mission is to formulate and promote public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. Its 2023-24 scorecard states: Heritage Action score For perspective, my life-time Heritage Action score was 88% and 2021-2022 score was 94%. Council for Citizens Against Government Waste CAGWs mission is to eliminate waste, mismanagement, and inefficiency in government. Its 2023 scorecard states: CAGW For perspective, my life-time CAGW score was 88% and 2019 score was 100%. National Taxpayers Union The NTU Score measures the strength of support for reducing wasteful government spending, opposing higher taxes, and often opposing burdensome regulations that can stifle U.S. economic growth. NTUs 2023 scorecard states: National Taxpayers Union My life-time National Taxpayers Union score was 81% and 2019 score was 89%. Institute for Legislative Analysis The Institute for Legislative Analysis asserts it evaluates based on adherence to the limited government principles of the U.S. Constitution. ILAs 2024 scorecard states: Institute for Legislative Analysis My Institute for Legislative Analysis 2022 score was 91% and District Grade was an A. ILAs District Grade system is weighted and compares an elected officials voting record to how conservative the voters in their district are. If an elected official votes more liberal than the citizens represented, then a lower letter grade results. That is why the Institute for Legislative Analysis gave Fs to Rogers, Aderholt and Britt. Per ILA, each voted much more liberally than the preferences of voters who sent them to Congress. What it all means My #1 concern is deficit, debt and Americas risk of suffering a very dangerous and debilitating national insolvency and bankruptcy. I also focus on border security versus open borders, free enterprise versus socialism, moral versus immoral values, threats to individual liberties, and the like. Based on their four scorecard results, Alabamas best and most conservative Top 3 Washington politicians in 2023-2024 were Barry Moore, Tommy Tuberville, and Gary Palmer. With one exception, these three consistently scored in Alabamas Top Three. If you prefer a conservative philosophy of government, these three are likely for you. Next, Alabama sent a middling duo of Dale Strong and Jerry Carl to Congress. With one exception, these two consistently ranked 4 or 5 on all four scorecards. If you prefer middling, establishment Republicans, these two are more likely for you. With one exception, Katie Britt, Robert Aderholt and Mike Rogers ranked at the bottom of Alabamas GOP DC delegation. Britt, Aderholt and Rogers not only refuse to do what it takes to prevent a debilitating national insolvency and bankruptcy of a nation our ancestors sacrificed so much to make great, their big spending ways actively make Americas financial condition worse by spending money we dont have, have to borrow to get, and cant afford to pay back. If you, as a voter, care deeply about Americas solvency, then you should never vote for Britt, Aderholt or Rogers unless they dramatically change their debt-junkie, big spending habits. And I mean dramatically change, not the masquerade change so many politicians are renowned for and get away with. I conclude with Terri Sewell. Sewell averages a 6% conservative vote. Conversely, that means Sewell votes liberal or socialist 94% of the time. If you are a liberal or socialist, Sewell is definitely your choice. One caveat Alabamas GOP politicians in Congress tout a common theme. If it is a Democrat debt bill, it is bad. If it is a GOP debt bill, it is good. Think about it. Is it easier to pay back Republican debts? Nope. Creditors dont care about which party borrows money so long as American taxpayers pay it back, with interest, of course. In 2025, Alabamas entire GOP DC delegation voted to increase Americas debt by $7.5 trillion during Trumps 4-year term and $19.4 trillion debt over the next in ten years! Thats horrifying. Alabamas GOP DC delegation must learn from Terri Sewell and fight for Alabamas conservative values as hard and consistently as Sewell fights for bigger government, bigger spending, higher taxes, open borders, and the like. If Alabamas GOP DC delegation does that, America will be a better place. Mo Brooks served on the House Armed Services Committee for 12 years and the Foreign Affairs Committee for 6 years. Brooks graduated from Duke University in 3 years with a double major in political science and economics (highest honors in economics). Its been roughly five years since George Floyds death, which led to prosecutions that sent Derek Chauvin and his fellow officers to prison for alleged homicide and civil rights violations related to that deathand five years is always a good time for a retrospective when hindsight is aided by information revealed during that time. In my opinion, as a career emergency physician, based on the videos showing events leading to Floyds death and the autopsy report, Floyds death was not a homicide. Instead, he died suddenly while resisting arrest because he had a cardiac arrest, just as would happen to a man with a bad heart exerting himself while shoveling snow. Andrew Baker, Hennepin Countys medical examiner, wrote in the original autopsy report that Floyd showed no life threatening injuries. In almost all cases, a sudden death with no injuries means a cardiac arrest, as any pathologist knows. Given that the autopsy also showed severe heart disease, it was always suspicious that Baker referred to neck compression and failed to declare the cause of death that was most reasonable based on the autopsy results. George Floyd mural in Berlin by Leonhard Lenz. Public domain. Many conservatives argued that Floyd died from the fentanyl and methamphetamine in his system, but the blood levels of 11 and 19 nanograms, respectively, his fentanyl habit makes the fentanyl level too low to support death from an overdose, and his behavior also contradicts a fentanyl overdose. Those who die from fentanyl fall asleep and stop breathing. He was active and awake. Meth is a stimulant and can increase the risk of cardiac irritation and arrest, but deaths due to meth overdoses are in the hundreds or thousands of nanograms. Ignoring Floyds heart disease, his wild exertions, and even the drugs (whatever effect they may have had), the coroner included in the title to the autopsy neck compression and never stated a cause of death that was most likely--heart rhythm lethal disturbance from exertion and a bad heart. Alpha News used the five-year anniversary of Floyds death to look at the many flaws in the cases made against the arresting officers, and it provides some helpful information in that regard, all casting doubt on the validity of the officers prosecutions. The first video notes that representatives of the Minneapolis police department testified under oath during Chauvins trial that the police department did not sanction the restraint he used. In fact, as this movie and this book compellingly prove, Chauvin complied precisely with police department training. Police officers, their unions, and their defense attorneys knew this to be true but kept silent. I knew immediately that Chauvins actions could not have led to Floyds death because I knew the vital structures of the neck are the trachea (windpipe) and two major carotid arteries on both sides of the trachea. Neck pressure from the back does not compress and obstruct them. Instead, as the training Chauvin and his colleagues received implicitly acknowledged, the restraint was safe and appropriate, both for the suspect and the police. To prove this point, I created an experiment showing two corrections officers who matched Chauvins and Floyds sizes, replicating the hold Chauvin used on Floyd. That hold could have lasted indefinitely without any harm to the prone volunteer, as confirmed by constant monitoring with a pulse oximeter. However, when I offered my services to defense counsel Eric Nelson, he would not respond to my offers. Later, when I spoke to Chauvin after he was imprisoned, he told me that he pleaded with Nelson to demonstrate the restraint, but Nelson refused. In December 2023 and February 2024, I repeated the demonstration, but I exaggerated the conditions to emphasize my point. I had an experienced 64, 220-pound police officer restrain me (59 160 lbs) for 10 minutes. The pulse oximeter showed that my oxygen level never dropped below the normal 95 % saturation, In late 2024, Minneapolis Police Department training supervisor Katie Blackwell, who had testified at trial that Chauvin and the other officers used a restraint not approved by the MPD. sued Alpha News, Liz Collins, and Dr. J.C. Chaix, who produced the film Fall of Minneapolis, for defamation. Defense counsel Chris Madel recruited 30 present or former Minneapolis police officers to testify or sign affidavits that the restraint Chauvin used was consistent with department policy and training. The court dismissed the lawsuit, finding in relevant part that the defendants were making substantially true statements when they said: ...it doesnt seem like Inspector Blackwell knows how MPD officers are trainedor maybe she was lying. With that in mind, it doesnt seem like Blackwell, Arradondo, Mercil, and other so-called expert witnesses were telling the truth. It seems more like they were lying by omission, if not lying outright. As regards each statement, the court held that the statements were not actionable because (1) they accurately reflect the gist of the available record; (2) they are supported by MPD policies, training materials, and sworn officer declarations; and (3) they use qualifying, rhetorical language that marks them as opinions or interpretationsnot provable falsehoods. These findings should serve as the basis for reversing the judgments against all four officers. Its been years now since the officers were convicted, and some (not Chauvin, whose sentence is 20-plus years) are completing their prison terms, so the appeals process is pretty much a dead-end, but there is always hope. Ben Shapiro and others are pushing for Derek Chauvin to receive a federal pardon from Donald Trump. What really needs to be done, though, is for the Department of Justice to review the entire case and indict everyone involved at every level who knowingly participated in denying the four police officers their due process rights. That action might serve to force Chauvins case to be reopened, getting him out of prison, and clearing the records of all of the officersand of course, entitling them to vast compensation for their suffering. Meanwhile, if youd like to help, Derek Chauvins mother has set up a GiveSendGo account for his legal fees. John Dale Dunn is a 50-year emergency physician and 40-year attorney. What a week! The 2016 and 2020 plots against Trump are now confirmed, the Supreme Court is finally acting to restore judicial integrity, and the ballooning welfare state is finally punctured. Dirty Deeds Done Down Low The perfidious acts of then-CIA Director John Brennan, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, and FBI Director James Comey could not be hidden forever, and, this week, much more was detailed in a CIA review released by its director John Ratcliffe and in a congressional hearing. A bombshell new CIA review of the Obama administrations spy agencies assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Donald Trump was deliberately corrupted by then-CIA Director John Brennan, FBI Director James Comey and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, who were excessively involved in its drafting, and rushed its completion in a chaotic, atypical and markedly unconventional process that raised questions of a potential political motive. Further, Brennans decision to include the discredited Steele dossier, over the objections of the CIAs most senior Russia experts, undermined the credibility of the assessment. The Tradecraft Review of the 2016 Intelligence Community Assessment [ICA] on Russian Election Interference was conducted by career professionals at the CIAs Directorate of Analysis and was commissioned by CIA Director John Ratcliffe in May. Rasmussen polls confirm that the Trump Collusion concoction fabricated by Obamas functionaries benefited the Democrats in the 2018 midterms. If that didn't sufficiently discredit Obamas minions, the story about the FBIs covering up Chinese efforts to interfere with the 2020 election should place the role of the then-heads of these agencies in the sociopathic hall of fame. The FBI had uncovered a Chinese conspiracy to influence the election in favor of then-President Joe Biden, including the creation of false drivers licenses. Wray denied that such efforts were occurring and the FBI reportedly proceeded to effectively bury the report. Agents had found that the Chinese manufactured fake drivers licenses and shipped them to the U.S. in a scheme to help Biden. That not only contradicted the narrative of the election, but Wrays testimony. Wray testified before Congress that the FBI had not seen any coordinated voter fraud ahead of the 2020 election: We have not seen historically any kind of coordinated national voter fraud effort in a major election, whether it is by mail or otherwise. That does not appear to be true, however, the FBI recalled the reporting after his testimony in order to re-interview the source. It also directed recipients of the original report to destroy all copies of the original report and remove the original report from all computer holdings. In a letter to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R, Iowa), Assistant FBI Director Marshall Yates stated that Although the source was reengaged and provided additional context to support the initial IIR, FBI Headquarters maintained its position not to republish the report. The damaging role these people played was magnified by a reliable handmaid, the Washington Post. The newly released CIA document confirming the fraudulent nature of the Intelligence Community Assessment notes that on December 9, 2016, the Washington Post claimed to know the outcome of the assessment before the work had even begun. But thats only half the story. Around noon that day, the Washington Post published a routine article announcing that the Intelligence Community Assessment was just getting underway. A few hours later, without notice, they quietly edited not just the headline but the entire article, including the bylines. Suddenly, the revised piece asserted as fact that Vladimir Putin had orchestrated Trumps election. It is almost certain that corrupt intelligence officials were dissatisfied with the original reporting which wasn't tailored to the narrative. They needed to preemptively sabotage Trumps presidency, so they told the Washington Post to publish a version that reflected the Intelligence Communitys preferred narrative. To this day, no one has been held accountable for this fraud -- neither at the Washington Post, which later won Pulitzers for their lies, nor within the Intelligence Community, which orchestrated the deception. Judicial Ping Pong There are so many judicial balls in the air, litigation designed to impede the exercise of presidential powers, that I honestly cant keep track of them all. Luckily, Professor Margot Cleveland of the Federalist can, and you can check with her on X to find out the status and number of these cases. One case, however, signals that the Supreme Court has yanked the reins on this judicial overreaching. Legal Insurrection and Shipwreckedcrew discuss in depth a case that most resembles a ping-pong match and incidentally reveals that Justices Sotomayor and Jackson have earned the low regard of all seven of their colleagues. Immigration law allows the DHS to send deported individuals whose home countries deny their return to any third country willing to take them. In recent years, the government has not availed itself of that option and simply allowed them to remain here. Thats the nub of the case. The underlying facts are these: A district court judge in Massachusetts decided that removal proceedings werent enough and issued a preliminary injunction demanding yet another immigration court hearing for eight men. These are all bad people, for all have violent criminal histories and served prison time in the U.S. -- murder, rape, child sex abuse etc. Each had received final orders of removal and was being shipped to South Sudan. When the men were already in transit, the plane was halted in Djibouti to comply with the court order that they be kept in custody until they received that hearing or were returned to the U.S. The Supreme Court stayed that order over the violent objection of Sotomayor. After the government filed its appeal, but before the Supreme Court acted, the district court judge ruled that as to six of the men, the government had violated his injunction. (His order, by the way, applied to any illegal alien being removed to any third country -- it was universal.) How outrageous was the D.C. District Courts sloppy obstructive effort? This outrageous: The only authority it cited was the [Sotomayor] dissent from the stay order [of the Supreme Court]. The Supreme Court stay should have ended the matter, but the judge remained undaunted and issued a new order, claiming that it differed from the one the Supreme Court had stayed. DHS sought clarification from the Supreme Court, and the court made clear the lower court was in serious error. In part, it held: Assuming as we do that the District Court will now conform its order to our previous stay and cease enforcing the April 18 injunction through the May 21 remedial order, we have no occasion to reach the Governments other requests for relief If the Government wishes to seek additional relief in aid of the execution of our mandate, it may do so through mandamus. (Mandamus is an extraordinary writ compelling a government official to perform or cease a particular act.) The Court was very specific, and Sotomayor dissented, joined only by Jackson this time. Kagan abandoned the two of them this round. Our June 23 order stayed the April 18 preliminary injunction in full. The May 21 remedial order cannot now be used to enforce an injunction that our stay rendered unenforceable. Despite the dissents provocative language, see post, at 6 (opinion of SOTOMAYOR, J.), a claim that a lower court has failed to give effect to an order of this Court is properly addressed here. SCOTUS: We expect the district court will NOW obey us but if not then use mandamus. Still, that was not the end of the matter. Under a different theory, the plaintiffs sought relief -- this time in the District Court for the District of Columbia. After granting an administrative delay to allow the government to respond, that court transferred the case back to the original judge Brian Murphy, who on July 4th held: Phan et al v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security et al 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 Big Beautiful Bill The Bill was signed into law on July 4 with military planes overflying the White House and a justifiably triumphant Commander-in-Chief. As Jeff Childers details, it deconstructs the welfare state. His is a very well-constructed analysis that I can only summarize. Its worth reading in its entirety: And its political genius, because the states must now shoulder the blame for cuts. The biggest reason nobody ever cut federal Medicaid before was to avoid being blamed. In other words, Trump offloaded the political cost. The feds pulled back the money hose, but left the governors holding the empty bucket. Governors now have to decide exactly what programs to cut. [snip] In reality, he detonated a $1 trillion cut to federal transfer payments. [snip] The OBBBA piles on top of cuts the Administration was already making without needing a law change. [snip] Since the affected programs include Medicaid subsidies, states must decide whether they want to cut coverage, cut provider reimbursement rates, or backfill the shortfall with new taxes raised from their own overtaxed citizens. The cuts are so steep, so foundational, that key progressive figures arent just objecting to the pain -- theyre mourning it as though it were a philosophical defeat. Whats happening in Washington, D.C., is undermining everything weve been working on, grieved Governor Laura Kelly (D-Kansas). Governor Andy Beshear (D-Ky.) called it the worst piece of legislation Ive seen in my lifetime. Adding insult to injury, the OBBBA smartly shifts the burden of administering the modified programs onto the states, so that the new OBBBA provisions didnt add any federal costs to the law. For example, food stamps (SNAP) now have a work requirement, but the states must enforce the new federal requirement, or lose subsidies. Same with the Obamacare exchanges; states must take over more of the paperwork and begin enforcing new eligibility criteria. [snip] First of all, and most deeply encouraging, the bill would expand the tax on endowments. Finally! These university hedge funds-with-classrooms have been hoarding tens of billions in tax-sheltered wealth, while jacking up tuition and peddling cheap Chinese grievance studies. The OBBBA flips the board. It tells Harvard and Stanford: fine, if you want to operate like a hedge fund, well tax you like one. [snip] But zoom out further. Theres a deeper pattern emerging: the OBBBA systematically cuts funding pipelines to key progressive power centers, like state welfare transfers, universities, climate lobbies, and left-leaning nonprofits masquerading as energy startups. These sectors werent just bloated -- they were financial laundromats, funneling taxpayer money into ideological projects and washing part of it right back into Democrat coffers via consulting fees, campaign donations, and cushy board seats. The OBBBA doesnt just cut spending -- it cuts the hose. And right in time to start the 2026 midterms fundraising cycle. Weve been promised more reconciliation bills and a rescission bill. The latter would cancel previously authorized spending. Coming up, Highlights of the week: ITEM 6: next, the Rescissions Act. It will need 60 votes to clear the Senate. My money is on Trump pulling it off. Id put my money on that, too. It was never just ignorance. It was never just a few radicalized students shouting slogans in Harvard Yard. And despite the platitudes, it was never only about dialogue. Harvards problem with antisemitism is systemicwoven through bureaucracy, educrat-speak, and the cowardice of a once-prestigious institution that chose progressive ideology over integrity. We no longer need to speculate. Harvard has admitted as muchreluctantly and only under pressure. On April 29, 2025, Harvard released the final report of its Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Biasa panel formed in the wake of Hamass October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel, the pro-Hamas demonstrations that erupted on campus, and the institutional collapse that followed. The report is damningnot for its tone, which remains bureaucratically restrainedbut for its substance. What it reveals, quietly and plainly, is a pattern of institutional antisemitism: enabled by DEI dogma, sustained through administrative evasion, and tolerated by a university leadership more interested in optics than accountability. This was not Harvards first response. In late 2023, it hastily formed an Antisemitism Advisory Groupa gesture that proved to be hollow. What followed was more process, more delay, and finally, a formal task force that confirmed what Jewish students and faculty already knew: antisemitism at Harvard isnt incidental. Its entrenched. Structural. Institutional. And in some quarters, unrepentant. Seeking balanceor at least the appearance of itHarvard launched two parallel efforts in 2024: the Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias and the Presidential Task Force on Combating Anti-Muslim, Anti-Arab, and Anti-Palestinian Bias. The goal was symmetryan equal and opposite response to every constituency; however, when both reports were released on the same day, that symmetry was disrupted. Only one prompted federal enforcement. The Department of Education issued a Notice of Violation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Actnot based on politics but on documented civil rights violations: a hostile environment, widespread discrimination, administrative inaction, and a climate of fear for Jewish students. Still, Harvard continues to present both panels as matching reformsequal in weight, urgency, and outcome. But moral clarity cannot be reduced to matching acronyms and choreographed press releases. Harvard, in short, is guilty on its own terms. The final report on antisemitism makes that unmistakable and unassailable. What began as a flawed exercise in reputational damage control became an institutional confession. The findings are quantitative, categorical, and appalling. Harvards Own Report Confirms the Following: A February 2024 antisemitic cartoon shared by Harvard-affiliated groups depicted a white hand with a Star of David and dollar sign, noosing a Black man and an Arab manan image once denounced by civil rights leaders as deeply antisemitic. During the 2024 University Commencement, keynote speaker Maria Ressa abandoned her scripted remarks and invoked antisemitic tropes while praising protestors, reinforcing how anti-Israel rhetoric often devolves into hostility toward Jews. At the 2024 Affinity Celebration Honoring Black Graduates, faculty speaker Sunn MCheaux accused Israel of genocide, apartheid, and starving Falastini infants under the control of Zionist overlordswithout contemporaneous rebuke or media scrutiny. After October 7, 2023, Jewish students faced a hostile climate marked by verbal abuse, social exclusion, and bullying in classrooms and residences; Israeli students were particularly targeted, and administrative responses were vague, slow, or dismissive. Classes were disrupted, hostage posters vandalized, and swastika stickers appeared near Harvard Hillel; antisemitic images and slogans circulated among student and faculty-linked networks. 40% of Jewish students said they didnt feel at home at Harvard; over 25% feared for their physical safety, and nearly half felt psychologically unsupported. 73% of Jewish students felt silenced on political matters; 60% experienced discrimination over current-event views, with only 25% believing they could speak freely without academic risk. Jewish students concealed their identities in classrooms and dormitories to avoid harassment; faculty anti-Israel rhetoric frequently bled into antisemitic narratives. DEI offices ignored or excluded Jewish concerns, and disciplinary enforcement was inconsistently applied. Jewish and even anti-Zionist students reported ostracism in class; support for Israel became taboo, creating an environment of ideological coercion. Pro-Palestinian groups disrupted Israeli and Jewish events, organized boycotts, and staged protests meant to intimidate dissenting voices. Activists targeted Israeli-linked products in dining halls: SodaStream labels were removed, and PSC-affixed stickers on Sabra hummus accused its parent company of supporting the IDF. Rabbi Jonah Steinberg noted a double standard: anti-Israel materials remained untouched while pro-Israel posters were torn down and defaced. A senior thesis based on interviews found 69% of Jewish students had self-censored, over 80% experienced anti-Zionist slurs, and a third feared social penalties for expressing views on Israel. One Jewish graduate student remarked: Jews are now being treated like Republicans were when I was in college, underscoring the deliberate social exclusion and ideological conformity on campus. In May 2024, Harvard withheld diplomas from 13 pro-Palestinian encampment protestors, but after a commencement walkout, 11 had their degrees reinstated by July. Most sanctions were softened or reversed. Harvards administration later described the process as ineffective, overly deferential (to student protesters), and too autonomous. What began as a working group to ease campus tensions has become Harvards own indictmentits clearest admission of institutional failure. But the rot runs deeper still. Now, the federal government has taken noticeand this time, there are consequences. On April 11, 2025, the United States Department of Education demanded corrective action: dismantle Harvards discriminatory DEI apparatus, safeguard Jewish civil rights, and restore equal access and merit-based standards. Harvard refused. Within weeks, the Trump administration issued a formal Notice of Violation under Title VI, citing Harvards failure to prevent and address race- and religion-based discrimination. One senior federal official put it bluntly: Harvard had become one of the most prominent and visible breeding grounds for race discrimination in American higher education. Federal funding is not a birthright. And Harvarddespite its pedigree and endowmentmust not be exempt. No amount of curated branding, legacy donors, or wine-soaked administrator retreats can shield it from the law. Cornered by its findings, Harvard points to the very task force that exposed it, as if disclosure alone were sufficient to absolve it. Yes, President Claudine Gay resigned amid mounting scandal. But beyond that? There have been no broader resignations, no meaningful reforms, a refusal to cooperate with the federal governmentjust more bureaucracy and the hope that headlines fade faster than subpoenas arrive. That strategy may no longer work. The pattern is too visible. The public is too aware. For years, Harvard preached inclusion while practicing exclusion, treating Jewish students not as equals but as liabilities to be marginalized or cast aside. Indeed, intifadafrom the Arabic for to shake offis a dehumanizing term, implying that the Jewish people of Israel are an infestation to be cast aside. All too often, it seems the prevailing culture at Harvard shared the sentiment. The reckoning has arrived. Harvard isnt merely accusedit has indicted itself. If it still refuses responsibility, then the question is no longer whether Harvard should lead. Its whether it should be funded. Charlton Allen is an attorney and former chief executive officer and chief judicial officer of the North Carolina Industrial Commission. He is the founder of the Madison Center for Law & Liberty, Inc., editor of The American Salient, and host of the Modern Federalist podcast. His commentary has been featured in American Thinker and linked across multiple RealClear platforms, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearWorld, RealClearDefense, RealClearHistory, and RealClearPolicy. X: @CharltonAllenNC Image created by Andrea Widburg. I question whether we will survive as a nation or are even worth saving. If nothing else, our refusal to recognize Islam for what it is seems to presage our demise. Putting aside the damage leftism does to American culture, we are also at risk from Islam, about which we still remain appallingly ignorant 24 years after 9/11. Instead, we have adopted the myth of Moderate Muslims. Before elaborating on Moderate Muslims, we must ask, What other groups get to use the prefix moderate? During WWII, were there moderate Nazi members of Congress who claimed to only believe in the good parts of Mein Kampf, such as free health care. Were there moderate members of the KKK who only went out occasionally lynching, burning, and raping? And where are the moderate wife beaters who avoid hitting the face and who dont leave visible bruising? Image created using AI, Moderate Muslims adopt a cafeteria approach to Islam, ignoring those they dislike or that play badly in the West, all while clinging to the core message: A worldwide caliphate, free of all other faiths, except those that are useful to their Islamic overlords. The current image of a Moderate Muslim is Ilhan Omar. That begins with how she dresses. Although Muslim women are required to be completely covered, except the eyes or one eye to see the way, Omar wears Western clothing, often with a turban. Her eyebrows look carefully groomed, but in Islam removing eyebrow hair is forbidden because you cannot alter what the Islamic god created (here, here, and here). Conversely, pubic and armpit hair must be removed, and there is the female genital mutilation exception to altering what the Islamic god created. Omar is also wears nail polish, which theoretically needs to be removed before washing for each of her five daily prayers, and pants, even though Muhammad cursed women who dressed in a masculine manner. Her speech and lifestyle also deviate from Islam. She has used obscenities to refer to colleagues. Muhammad condemned the use of vulgarity, saying that one of the reasons women are overrepresented in hell is that they swear a great deal. Lastly, Omar appeared to be in a relationship with her current spouse while one or both were still married. The penalty for adultery is 80 lashes, after which the adulterer is stoned to death. Islam also forbids a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim man. Theres also the alleged marriage to her brother. Islam forbids sibling marriages, and the penalty is death. Muhammad also disliked women in politics because they are deficient in intelligence. Is Omar a Muslim or a Moderate Muslim? Muhammad recognized that there were cafeteria or moderate Muslims. He called them hypocrites, for saying with their tongues what is not in their hearts. They were not to be forgiven for their hypocrisy, and he foresaw a hell for them that was worse than that for non-Muslims. For Muhammad, hypocrites were the vilest of the vile, the worst of the worst. The Islamic god curses hypocrites. The Islamic god knows the truth and promises them the fire of hell as a lasting torment. So, Omar is either a hypocrite, who will go to hell, or a planned distraction from the reality of Islam. The reality is that Islam believes in global domination with the forced conversion, death, or enslavement of non-Muslims. And that reality is what we ignore, whether willfully or through ignorance. The Koran, sharia, and hadith all shine a light on Islams hostility to Western values. Muhammad had numerous wives and sex slaves, but seemingly disliked women, seeing in them evil omens, which he also saw in horses and houses. To him, women were no more than domestic animals, and he said he hadnt left anything more harmful to men than women. In Islam, if a woman passes in front of a praying man, the prayer is nullified, as they are if a dog or donkey passes in front of a praying man. A husband to beat an emboldened wife, and women who are ungrateful to their husbands go to hell. If a husband is displeased with his wife, so is the Islamic god. It is legal to rape non-Muslim women (here, here, and here). For grooming, only red or yellow hair dye is allowed. Women may wear earrings, but men may not because it is unlawful for men to imitate women. Other body piercings, including tattoos, are forbidden since it is unlawful to change the Islamic gods creation. Clothing that shows nakedness is forbidden. The Islamic god hates effeminate men and masculine women, including those wearing the opposite sexs clothing. Those in same sex relationships will be killed, preferably by being stoned. Literature is out. A few years after Muhammads death, Muslims conquered Alexandria and burned the worlds greatest library. The reason was that if the librarys contents duplicated the Koran, the library wasnt needed. If it wasnt in the Koran, it was heresy and needed to be destroyed. Leftists who want to destroy Shakespeare and Aristotle for challenging their shibboleths may agree, even if Heather has Two Trans-Mommies will also be destroyed. Other cultural prohibitions include chess and backgammon, singing, which produces hypocrisy of the heart; most musical instruments, which are tools of Satan, that will turn musicians into monkeys and pigs; most poetry, which can have wisdom wisdom, but its still better to fill your body with pus than poetry; art, for hells worst punishment is reserved for those who make pictures; comedy because excessive laughing kills the heart, while jokes may cause hurt to others; and drinking alcohol requires flogging 40 to 80 times, and death, after three to four offenses. Men are superior to women, and men are destroyed if they obey women. Wives are obligated to have sex with their husbands on demand, if they can physically endure it. The maximum waiting period is three days. Angels curse wives who dont have sex on demand. Apostasy is a capital crime encompassing leaving Islam, as well as denying the Islamic gods existence, reviling Muhammad, or denying any verse in the Koran. Muslims who kill non-Muslims are not punished, nor are parents who kill their children or grandchildren. Solo masturbation is unlawful, and babies born of doggy-style sex will be squint-eyed. A couple must be covered during sex, and sex must be directed at a fruitful end, not vain delight. There is no talking during sex. Muslims say prayers because no one likes to be praised more than the Islamic god. Humans were only created so they could worship the Islamic god. Exposing Islams evil is complex because it has splintered into many branches and schools, each of which accepts its version of the Quran, school of sharia, and specific hadith. According to Muhammad, Islam would splinter into 73 sects, only one of which would go to paradise, so the right choice matters. In his last speech in Mecca, Muhammad said that if Muslims looked to and followed his behavior and words, they would never go wrong, and reiterated the necessity of a jihad until there a global Islamic conquest. His own behavior in Medina showed that he meant it. The Arabs were forcibly converted. The ancient Jewish tribes ere slaughtered, enslaved, and expelled. Islam is following Muhammads behavior and words. Moderate Muslims are either apostates going to hell or engaged in Taqiyya, which forgives their sins. Those hoping for reformation within Islam will be disappointed because Islam forbids religious innovation, partly because Muhammad said he had perfected Islam, and why would anyone change perfection? Also, the Koran is an absolute truth with certainty about which there can be no doubt. It cannot be reinterpreted. Unless America recognizes Islams reality, it may well be doomed. The author taught at the university level for 50 years, during which he observed the once proud discipline of sociology transform into a cesspool of liberal lies, indoctrination, and propaganda. Consequently, he is now in a recovery program for sociologists, which, unlike programs with a defined number of steps, is a never-ending walk of shame. Fortunately, the program includes wine. In addition to several articles, the author has written books on gerontology, running, Inuit art, and Islam. He is currently completing a book titled Islam: The Evil Among Us. We heard markedly different Independence Day messages from various public figures this past Friday, each one reflecting their divergent perspectives on the state of the nation. Most prominent among them were Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, and President Donald Trump, each of whom used the occasion to express his or her views on America, revealing deep ideological divides. Their messages ranged from somber warnings to celebratory optimism, highlighting their contrasting visions for the countrys present and future. Image by ChatGPT. Obamas Fourth of July message emphasized collective ownership of America and criticized President Trump. In a post on X, Obama stated, Independence Day is a reminder that America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word We. We the People. We Shall Overcome. Yes We Can. America is owned by no one. It belongs to all citizens. He went on to say, ...when core democratic principles seem to be continuously under attack, when too many people around the world have become cynical and disengagednow is precisely the time to ask ourselves tough questions about how we can build our democracies and make them work in meaningful and practical ways for ordinary people. Independence Day is a reminder that America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word We. We The People. We Shall Overcome. Yes We Can. America is owned by no one. It belongs to all citizens. And at this moment in Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 4, 2025 Thus, we were once again subjected to one of Obamas political lectures rather than anything celebrating national pride. No mention of the blessings of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Obama views America as a collective project that is currently under strain. Perhaps hes forgotten how he weaponized the IRS against conservatives, and is unaware of how President Trumps policies are benefitting American workers. In her Independence Day post, Kamala Harris struck a grave tone, writing, This Fourth of July, I am taking a moment to reflect. Things are hard right now. They are probably going to get worse before they get better. But I love our country and when you love something, you fight for it. This Fourth of July, I am taking a moment to reflect. Things are hard right now. They are probably going to get worse before they get better. But I love our country and when you love something, you fight for it. Together, we will continue to fight for the ideals of our nation. pic.twitter.com/pYxJVw0fiD Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 4, 2025 Her message, accompanied by a photo that cropped out Joe and Jill Biden, drew criticism for its pessimism and perceived slight against the former president. Harriss view of America is one of struggle tied to Trumps policies. The backlash, particularly from Conservatives, highlighted her messages failure to capture the celebratory spirit of the holiday, with some mocking her electoral loss in 2024. Republican National Committee spokeswoman Kiersten Pels responded, Feeling grateful we didnt end up with a President who posts things are gonna get worse on the 4th of July. Feeling grateful we didnt end up with a President who posts things are gonna get worse on the 4th of July https://t.co/phlA3YwoMV kiersten pels (@KierstenPels) July 4, 2025 Whoever wrote Joe Bidens message managed to make him sound reflective and traditional. After nearly losing a battle with a beach chair in Malibu, his comments focused on the meaning of Independence Day, emphasizing unity and democratic values, though his message was overshadowed by Harriss controversial post and Trumps high-profile celebrations. The irony of his comments centering on restoring faith in institutions and collective progress is not lost on conservatives. Today is about freedom. Its about liberty. Its about who we are. Were the United States of America, and nothing like it exists in the world. As we celebrate our nations independence, we must also remember that democracy is never guaranteedevery generation must fight to pic.twitter.com/sWmdc7N0a1 Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 4, 2025 Randi Weingarten, president of the teachers union deleted her first few Independence Day posts, tried again and still got it wrong. This post on X encapsulates everything thats wrong with American public education. Despite all that, at least she conveyed some patriotic enthusiasm. BREAKING: Randi Weingarten deleted the last post and still managed to get it wrong. Peeking* 4th* She is the president of the teachers union. pic.twitter.com/WMUsixMCgy Corey A. DeAngelis, school choice evangelist (@DeAngelisCorey) July 4, 2025 In contrast, Donald Trumps Independence Day message was exuberant and self-focused, aligning with his broader narrative of personal and national triumph. At a rally in Iowa, Trump celebrated his One Big Beautiful Bill Act, declaring it the best birthday present for America. His events, including a White House picnic honoring military personnel, emphasized strength, victory, and his administrations achievements, such as immigration enforcement and economic restoration. Trumps America is one of bold, unapologetic success, where his leadership drives national greatness, though critics noted his tendency to make the holiday about himself, overshadowing bipartisan unity. These messages reveal a polarized America: Obama and Harris see a nation at risk, urging collective action to protect our democracy, while Trump celebrates a triumphant, self-driven America. Bidens quieter reflection suggests a longing for unity. Each perspective, shaped by political ideology, underscores the ongoing battle over Americas identity as it nears its 250th anniversary. In an interview with Tucker Carlson, ex-CBS reporter Liz Collin reported that TV journalists were mandated against interviewing white people during the 2020 George Floyd riots by Black Lives Matter. Reporters were also instructed not to use the term riots at all in their reporting. Liz was a reporter and anchor at WCCO-TV, a CBS-owned affiliate in Minneapolis. All mandates came directly from CBS, she says. She also says she was forced out of her job because she was married to the president of the policemens union. The full interview with Carlson can be found here. Does everyone understand the implications of this? Local law enforcement has the right and duty to declare when a mostly peaceful protest has turned into a riot. That declaration enables police to use riot gear, deploy tactical vehicles, issue advisories to motorists to avoid affected areas, impose curfews, and ask the governor to call out the National Guard. In big-city jurisdictions, particularly the ones that are so blue theyre ultraviolet, police cannot do any of those things unless they declare a riot. The Democrats laws prohibit them from doing any of that. Democrats, whenever and wherever they control both the Executive and Legislative Branches, have been very, very thorough about telling police what they can and cannot do and when they can do it. Telling them not to cooperate with ICE is only one symptom of this woke disease. There are many, many more, afflicting all politicians with a (D) after their names. If your local news station is prohibited (by a network-wide mandate) from telling you theres a riot downtown, how are you going to find out? Are you expected to scan the horizon for columns of smoke during every daily commute? Woke is indeed a disease, and the propaganda bureaus of the Democrat party Deep State (DPDS) are terminally ill. They will never recover. Their viewers need to just put them all out of their misery, like horses with broken legs. Unfortunately, enough airport lounges, bars, and nursing homes are permanently tuned in to MSNBC or CNN that those networks probably survive on life support for decades. Ive written previously that my earliest memory was the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Both my parents were loyal Democrats, active in the union. Id just been taught that the president is like a daddy, but hes a daddy for everybody. Then I watched him get shot in the head. JFK was the loudest voice in a political party that was truly great at that moment. It seemed they were finally turning their backs on their racist past. Our positions on all the most important issues werent that far apart. House and Senate members developed friendships across the aisle and respected each other. Using lawfare against a political opponent, or impeaching him when he hadnt even earned a parking ticket, was not only unheard of; it probably hadnt even occurred to anyone. Today, the loudest voice in that party is Zohran Mamdani. He admits that he lied on his application to Columbia, presumably because black Americans were getting preference in admissions. He admits hes a socialist, so hes probably a communist. He admits that he supports Hamas, so hes probably antisemitic. And hes about to become the mayor of New York City, which has the largest Jewish community outside Israel. There are prominent Jewish Democrats in New York, such as Chuck Schumer, who actually support this man like chickens voting for Colonel Sanders. How the mighty have fallen. The Democrat party will never achieve the greatness it once enjoyed. Perhaps AOC and her Jihad Squad can salvage something on the national level, but the party is rapidly limiting itself to a bundle of special interest groups that hate one anothers guts, united only by their hatred for Trump. Unless there is some catastrophe in the Republican Party, Im skeptical about ever seeing a president with a (D) after his or her (or their or its) name in my lifetime. Most Republicans may rejoice at that prospect, but Im deeply saddened. We need a genuinely multi-party system. Time and time again, throughout history, whenever one party gains total control and keeps it, that party goes off the deep end. Jim Davis is an I.T. specialist and paralegal, with degrees in political science and statistical analysis the underpinning of all science. His work has appeared in Newsmax and Daily Caller. You can find him as RealProfessor219 on Rumble. Image: Chris Dodds via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Does anyone think this picture is supposed to make voters want President Trump to change course on immigration enforcement and allow Los Angeles's millions of illegals to stay? Hundreds rally on July 4 against immigration raids, budget bill in downtown L.A. https://t.co/p0IK8Sqik2 pic.twitter.com/g6KgW2Yti0 Los Angeles Times (@latimes) July 5, 2025 I don't see how even a Democrat could support this, let alone the average voter. It's a far cry from what the more constructive pro-immigrant-amnesty activists are doing, such as the United Farm Workers, who have put out a campaign explaining how hard illegal migrants work. You can agree with it or not, but there is an effort to persuade, to find common ground and a win-win outcome. These guys? Not in the least. With Congress's Big Beautiful Bill magnifying the Department of Homeland Security's bestudget by about fourfold, there is little doubt that enforcement on illegal immigration is going forward. They can't stop this juggernaut. But here we are, the open-borders protestors back at it, trying to "fight" the Trump administration in a war they surely are already losing. Other provocative acts were here: A shirtless protester was doing push ups, apparently to taunt US Marines in Los Angeles.pic.twitter.com/cNAY3zj700 Thomas Sowell Quotes (@ThomasSowell) July 5, 2025 BREAKING: An unlawful assembly has been declared in Los Angeles as rioters clash with National Guard and DHS outside the federal building Here we go again JUST ARREST EVERY FREAKING ONE OF THEM! pic.twitter.com/aKkFMWDMVN Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 5, 2025 Los Angeles Open-border activists and leftist anti-Trump protesters have gathered at the federal building to scream at the Marines protecting the property on July 4. Video by: @Julio_Rosas11pic.twitter.com/nuMSDBrXQy Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) July 4, 2025 They won't win with this behavior. They must know the war on Trump is lost. All they have left now is to offend, to be as noxious as flatulence to the voters they will never persuade, as contemptuous of the U.S. and its state as they possibly can be. Persuasion is out, being offensive is in. That is the direction of today's left. Image: Screen shot from X video One of the fascinating things about following leftists on social media is that they are lemmings. The order goes out that all must put up a specific meme and, suddenly, all do. Thats why my long-ago high school classmates (99% of whom are leftists), suddenly started posting a variation of a meme insisting that Leviticusa part of the Bible that is so dear to conservative heartsmandates accepting illegal aliens. Naturally, these leftists, who wouldnt recognize the Bible if it bit them, are completely wrong. The most popular version of this meme, the one with almost 6 million views, came from Devin Duke: A Bible lesson for MAGA: pic.twitter.com/drbEnHfzeu Devin Duke (@sirDukeDevin) July 1, 2025 Faced with this tweet, the X-poster who goes under the name @amuse wrote an essay explaining to Duke and anyone else who cares to become actually informed to explain that Moses, in relaying Gods strictures, was not mandating the end of borders, with the entire world flooding Americas welfare and DEI state. Im not going to waste my time explaining to my old high school classmates how the Bible works because I know Ill just get irrelevancies in return. If I checkmate them on immigration, theyll strike back with racism; if I challenge racism and they have no response, Ill be flooded with climate change arguments. You know what I mean because Im sure youve been there, too. However, in case you find yourself in conversation with people who are genuinely interested in learning, heres some of what @amuse has to say about how the Democrats, playing the part of the Devil in this drama, are quoting scripture to their own ends. (And no, just as Trump was not being antisemitic when he used the expression shylock to refer to a moneylender, something mindlessly common in his youth, Im not being antisemitic when I use a phrase lobbed at Shylock himself in The Merchant of Venice.) These verses instruct the Israelites on how to treat gerim, or sojourners, resident aliens who, crucially, accepted the laws of Israel and lived peaceably among the people. These were not foreign invaders, illegal squatters, or enemies of the covenant. They were, to borrow a modern analogy, lawful immigrants or refugees under the jurisdiction of Mosaic law. Leviticus 24:22 reinforces this distinction: You shall have the same law for the foreigner and for the native-born. In other words, the ger was held to the same moral and legal standards as the Israelite. The key point is that these foreigners, living in a time before modern immigration laws, still had to follow immigration rules: They needed permission to be on the land and had to abide by Jewish moral and legal rules. Those who sought to upend Jewish values were subject to a very different type of mandate from God: Exodus 23:33 is unambiguous: They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against Me. The context here is conquest and settlement. God commands Israel to drive out the Canaanite nations to prevent idolatry and moral corruption. This is not mere xenophobia, it is covenantal protection. Numbers 33:55 continues the theme: If you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land... those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. The biblical model is not integration without conditions but separation when values and loyalties conflict. Deuteronomy 17:15 explicitly prohibits appointing a foreigner as king: You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. This is theocratic nationalism, not globalism. It is the recognition that self-governance requires a shared moral and cultural framework. Deuteronomy 28 goes further, warning that disobedience to God will result in foreigners rising in power over the Israelites: The foreigner who resides among you will rise higher and higher, but you will sink lower and lower... they will be the head, and you will be the tail. Foreign rule is not a blessing; it is a curse. Whats fundamentally important here is that the Bible makes it clear that welcoming foreigners into ones land must not be a suicide pact. Old Testament-era immigrants are welcome only to the extent that the Jewish nation thrives. Thats the same way that conservatives, including those who take the Bible very seriously, feel about immigration to America: Its not a suicide pact. Just as God told the Israelites that sojourners were to be treated well if they were not a threat to the institutions, we conservatives accept legal immigration, which, when properly applied, ensures that America is not conquered. Thus, legal immigration means that were not swarmed by 10 million unvetted people in four years. It means we dont give student visas and green cards to people open about their loathing for America and their loyalty to other nations and values. And it most certainly means that we dont give people like Zohran Mamdani citizenship. Criminals, freeloaders, communists, caliphate-seeking Islamists, etc. all threaten our values and national security and today, as was the case approximately 3,400 years ago, they need to leave. Read all of @amuses essay, because its very good, covering both the New Testament and rabbinical law. But the key point is that, as always, Democrats are wrong, and conservative immigration policies are entirely consistent with Biblical mandates. Image created using ChatGPT. Among the provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill that President Trump symbolically signed on July 4 is the removal of taxes on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and AOWAny Other Weapon. Because its a reconciliation bill, the provisions of the 1934 National Firearms Act that require regulation of such items, including onerous registration, background checks, fingerprinting, and other regulations, could not likewise be ended. Currently, automatic weapons are essentially banned, rifles and shotguns must have overall lengths of at least 26. Rifle barrels must be at least 16 long, and shotgun barrels must be at least 18 long. Why not 15 or 17? Good question. These measures were enacted during Prohibition ostensibly to control crime, but criminals always ignored the law. The overall effect has been to inconvenience, harass, and sometimes prosecute the law-abiding. Short-barreled shotguns and rifles certainly reduce long-range accuracy and effectiveness and produce louder reports and greater muzzle blast. However, such weapons are generally more effective than handguns and are much handier for use than full-length rifles and shotguns for home defense and the kinds of close-quarters battle police and our military encounter. They also reduce the weight and favorably change the balance of many rifles and shotguns. Why should the law-abiding be denied the weapons in common use by our police? The NFA and additional laws like the Gun Control Act of 1986, and regulations made up by the ATF, have resulted in never-ending lawsuits. Pistolsessentially short-barreled riflesfitted with forearm braces are in common use. They certainly allow the disabled to fire weapons that would otherwise be impossible for them, but the ATF has recently, and largely unsuccessfully, tried to ban them as short-barreled rifles. Their forearm braces are for virtually everyone, too short to be proper stocks, yet this issue alone has resulted in substantial legal turmoil. The passage of the BBB relating to these guns and suppressors wont take effect until January 1, 2026. Until then, Americans will still have to pay a $200 dollar, non-transferrable tax, and those items will remain illegal without the rest of the registration requirements. In the meantime, a group of pro-liberty/gun organizations is working toward abolishing the NFA: Graphic: X Post As long as Republicans control both houses of Congress and Donald Trump is in office, that goal, for the first time in decades, is potentially achievable. While the president is expected to sign the OBBB tomorrow, the language that zeroes out the taxes on most NFA items won't take effect until January 1, which has some industry officials concerned about a large slowdown in business in the coming months while customers wait for the cost of suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns to come down by a couple hundred bucks. Delisting suppressors and short-barreled and shotguns will also greatly increase their manufacture, which will in turn create well-paying jobs and reduce the prices at the wholesale and retail levels. Everyone will be a winner. But what about crime? Wont these guns be more easily concealed, and wont criminals adopt them? Theres no reason to expect that. Long guns of all kinds are seldom used in crime. Removing a foot or so in length will not appreciably reduce the bulk and weight of such weapons. Handguns remain by far the primary choice of criminals because theyre far more easily carried and concealed. Likewise, criminals tend not to buy their guns in gun stores. But wont eliminating registration requirements help criminals? In all my years in police work, I never used a trace on a gun recovered during a crime to solve that crime, nor was I aware of anyone who did. Even if a trace revealed the name and address of the original owner, the police still must place that gun in a specific persons hand at the date, time, and place it was illegally used, and guns tend to be poor at retaining readable fingerprints. Ending the NFA wont end background check requirements or Form 4473, the form everyone fills out when buying a new or used gun from a dealer. But what about machine guns? Even if the NFA is repealed, I doubt machine guns will ever be entirely deregulated. To even allow private ownership again would require the repeal of at least part of the 1986 law. That would likely require a larger and more courageous Republican majority in both houses and a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. The sooner this can be accomplished the better for individual liberty, and the harder it will be for an eventual Democrat Administration to reinstate. On a different subject, if you are not already a subscriber, you may not know that weve implemented something new: A weekly newsletter with unique content from our editors for subscribers only. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Cenk Uygur is a progressive figure, the host of the Young Turks news commentary show, who occasionally has posted nice posts on X.com about listening respectfully to the conservative point of view. But recently, he posted this: You know which prophet returns to save humanity in Islam? Not Mohamed. Jesus. Muslims view the Koran as the third book. They believe Jesus was taken to heaven and will return in end times. How many Americans know that? Almost none. Why? US media had to get you to hate Muslims. Cenk Uygur (@cenkuygur) July 2, 2025 On its face, this post seems reasonable, even a laudable effort to bring together people of faith in mutual respect. However, either Cenk is an uninformed secular Muslim who knows almost nothing of his own religion, or he is relying on Americans to be completely uninformed about Islam. Either way, Cenk is leaving out an important part: what must happen prior to Jesuss glorious return to Earth. Now, I could find the Koranic and Hadithic selections (they are all there) that underlie this apocalyptic story, but I will relay the story instead, as told to me by several devout Sunni Arab Muslims. First, Muslims will rise up and will slaughter the Jews throughout the world. Even the trees will call out, There is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him! Once Muslims and Christians have cooperated in ridding the world of Judaism, Muslims will fight Christians until they are no more. All will submit to Islam. Then, gloriously, Jesus will return, and the world will end! How many Americans know that? Id say not so many Americans know that Muslims believe that Jesus did not die on the cross, but instead was taken up into heaven (thus making a lie of Christianity) and will return at the end of the world after the genocide of the Jews and the final defeat of all Christians. According to Cenk, the U.S. media are solely responsible for any thoughts that Islam has elements of hatred or disrespect toward other religions. If only we were better informed by the U.S. media about Islam and its record of peacefulness throughout the centuries, we would have no trepidation about electing a Muslim mayor of New York City. Cenks post is literally a laugh out loud level of argumentation, worthy only of ridicule. Image: Robert Couse-Baker via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. The saga of TikToks future in the United States has been a long-running drama. That said, recent reports suggest a significant breakthrough is finally on the horizon. Despite a divest-or-ban law officially in effect since January, TikTok has remarkably only experienced a single day of service interruption in the US. Now, it appears that the end of the US TikTok ban could be near thanks to a comprehensive agreement that will satisfy legal requirements. According to a fresh report from The Information, a potential sale is close. But not only that, as the deal would also involve a brand-new app. A saleand a new appcould help end the TikTok US ban soon For years, US authorities have expressed national security concerns about TikToks ownership by China-based ByteDance. They focused on user data privacy and potential foreign influence. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act aimed to force a change, pushing TikTok to either divest its US operations or face a ban. Now, according to The Information, the Trump administration indicates it is nearing a deal for a sale to a group of non-Chinese investors. The list includes such prominent names as tech giant Oracle. Crucially, current owner ByteDance would reportedly maintain only a minority stake. This structure will allow TikTok to meet the stipulations of the Act. Such a complex deal, however, still hinges on approval from the Chinese government. A new TikTok app already in development for the US Adding another layer to this situation is the development of a completely separate version of the app. Internally dubbed M2 (while the current app is M), TikTok staff are reportedly working diligently to launch this new iteration in app stores by September 5th. This new app could effectively replace the original TikTok in the US. The original TikTok app would leave app stores upon M2s launch. However, it will remain functional until March 2026. This strategic separation appears to be key to addressing data security concerns. It could take advantage of partnerships like Oracles recently announced federal government agreement for cloud infrastructure. The latest extensions to the ban deadline will expire in mid-September. Now, this potential dual approach of a sale combined with a re-engineered app offers a clearer path forward to a definitive end to the TikTok ban in the US. Undoubtedly, this reported maneuver is complex. After all, the Chinese government will also have to be involved in the decision. However, the deal could finally allow the wildly popular platform to continue its operations, securing user data and satisfying government demands, without facing an outright ban. Plus, ByteDance would continue to hold part of the shares in the US branch. Nigel Farage. Composite: Guardian Design / Shutterstock Nigel Farage has had one of the best years of his political career after voters finally elected him to parliament at the eighth time of asking. He is odds on to be the UKs next prime minister, vying with Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting, with Kemi Badenoch trailing behind. Here are the key facts and numbers behind his first year in the House of Commons. Topping the polls Farage has been flying high in the polls, leading the pack in terms of popularity and outstripping Keir Starmer in some areas although opinion is still divided. One achievement, aided by Starmer, is that the public is now more likely to see Farage as the main opposition rather than Badenoch, according to the pollster Ipsos. Although many people have no confidence in any party, the pollster found they are more likely to be confident in Reform UK (37%) compared with Labour (32%). Just a quarter (24%) chose the Conservatives. Missing votes Farage has taken a relaxed view to being present in the House of Commons, telling a press conference this month that his vote doesnt make any difference much of the time. We are stuck in a very funny parliament. Occasionally youll get a vote like on assisted dying. Everything else the government wins by 180 to 200, he said, when quizzed on why he was absent for the debate on decriminalising late-term abortion. He has voted about 95 times over the course of the year out of about 250 divisions a similar record to Badenoch, the Conservative party leader, but less than the Lib Dem leader, Ed Davey, or the Green party leaders Adrian Ramsay and Carla Denyer (who had one of the highest voting records at 209). Speaking in the house Data compiled by campaign group Hope Not Hate found that Farage had also spoken less in parliament than other comparable party leaders just 45 times, against 226 for Badenoch (who has more opportunities as leader of the opposition), 97 for Davey and 182 and 86 respectively for Denyer and Ramsay. Visibility Farage is one of the most vocal and prominent party leaders on broadcast channels. He recorded dozens of episodes of his midweek 7pm GB News show and had prime time appearances on Question Time, Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday, ITV This Morning and ITVs Peston. One of the main ways in which Farage has outstripped the other party leaders is on social media. He has 2.2 million followers on X more than the prime minister who has 1.9 million. On TikTok he has 1.3 million followers, reaching a younger audience, whereas few other politicians even have accounts partly for security reasons. Money Farage is the highest paid MP of this parliament by a long way. He earned at least 970,000 from outside employment ranging from speeches to bringing in 280,000 as brand ambassador for a gold company. In April, he got a 10th job, making 25,000 (AU$52,000) as a commentator for the Rupert Murdoch-backed Sky News Australia, with the MP telling the channel that Britain was going downhill. The portfolio of gigs on top of his role as an MP also includes a 4,000-a-month column for the Daily Telegraph and presenting for GB News, which has paid him more than 330,000 since July. Trips abroad Farage has made at least nine trips abroad, including eight to the US, since he was elected MP for Clacton in Essex last July, with many of them either funded by donors or undertaken for paid employment such as speeches. These include fundraisers for Donald Trump and the Republican party, celebrating Trumps inauguration, and a visit to meet Elon Musk which preceded the fall out between the pair over Farages decision to distance Reform from far-right agitator Tommy Robinson. Domestically, he has found time for trips to Ascot and Cheltenham to watch horse racing while the Commons was sitting. And he also took a week-long break in May to an unknown location during parliament term time. Clacton Farage has embedded himself quickly as MP for Clacton and is there many Fridays doing events. However, he has said he is not doing surgeries for safety reasons although he had to backtrack on a claim that he was advised not to by parliamentary security advisers. He has also not been turning up to the Clacton town board despite being invited. A Clacton Labour spokesperson said: Nigel Farage claimed he cared that hed put Clacton on the map. Yet while we face real challenges here, hes been jetting o around the world, leaving our voices unheard. Hes here so little, he probably needs that map. Gov.uk brand guidance to use the dot If you go down to the gov.uk website today, youre sure of a small surprise. Trying to identify it is a bit like trying to solve one of those old-fashioned childhood puzzles where you had to find the differences between two similar pictures. Look hard, then harder. Still cant see it? Well, the gov.uk logo, once chastely black and white, has blossomed into colour. The background is now a limpid sky-blue, and instead of lurking shyly at the foot of the lettering, the full stop has turned an ethereal shade of Cambridge blue and hovers halfway up the type. This cost of this momentous change part of a brand refresh of the gov.uk site undertaken by the communications agency M&C Saatchi is reported to be more than 500,000. And if that seems a bit steep for a spot of colouring-in with blue crayons, it comes with a hefty explanatory dossier, written in that curious argot used by officials hoping to deflect comparisons between their latest brilliant wheeze and the Emperors New Clothes. The functions that the cerulean blob is intended to undertake are as multifarious as they are baffling. The dot can take on different roles guiding users through content, journeys and experiences across gov.uk channels, the guidance explains, adding it should always serve a clear purpose. If only the same could be said of the dossier, which suggests that the dot should act as the bridge between government and the UK, and a guiding hand for life. If the dot is starting to sound like the changeling child of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the Hand of the King from Game of Thrones, there is more to come. The dossier also suggests that the dot could depict a coin being saved into a piggy bank, or a text bubble in a guide on how to vote. But there is a stern warning for larky civil servants thinking of busting out into a full-scale homage to the dotty artist, Yayoi Kusama. They are not to use the dot in a decorative way or distort or skew the dot. All this may evoke an episode of the Radio 4 comedy, The Consultants, in which Chesney fixes the leaky e that has developed in the alphabet. The annals of consultant-led branding are littered with tragi-comic disasters, from Consignia to Abrdn (the meme-haunted rebrand of Aberdeen Asset Management). But the satire isnt quite as hilarious when it is hard-pressed taxpayers who have coughed up for the journey, or wild goose chase, on which the blue dot is to lead us. If only the corridors of power were populated by classicists rather than PPE graduates, someone might have twigged that Aristophanes of Byzantium, the grammarian, editor of Homer and head librarian of the library of Alexandria, could have delivered a similar dot for free. A couple of millennia ago, the great scholar devised a system of placing a dot, or punctus, at various heights in a text to denote rhetorical divisions in speech. Were he currently working in Whitehall, he would instantly recognise the fabulously pricey new dot, hovering at the midpoint of the surrounding type, as his very own stigma mese a dot placed midway up the surrounding type waiting patiently since 200BC to guide the public on a journey through the promised land of gov.uk channels. The report will be a wake-up call for ministers about the persistent threat of Iran and its ability to act within the UK - Abedin Taherkenareh/Shutterstock Iran is still trying to assassinate dissidents on British soil, a parliamentary report based on classified intelligence is set to warn. A study by Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee will also show the damage caused by Tehran through cyber attacks aimed at UK companies. The Telegraph understands the findings will conclude that Iran remains one of the biggest state-based threats to the UK, in the same bracket as China and Russia. Continued attempts by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has been crippled by Israeli assassinations in recent months, to meddle with the UK will also be laid bare. The report is more than 100 pages long and the result of two years of work. It has been compiled with interviews with Iranian experts at British intelligence services and access to classified documents. Starmer signed off the study Those familiar with the reports contents expect it to be a wake-up call for ministers about the persistent threat of Iran and its ability to act within the UK. Sir Keir Starmer has personally seen the report before publication. Unlike other parliamentary committees, the groups work is so sensitive the Prime Minister gets prior sight of conclusions. It comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East following military action between Iran and Israel, and the US bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities. Tehran had issued veiled threats that UK military bases in the Middle East could be targeted if there was British support for the Israeli air strikes that preceded the US bombing. The Prime Minister ended up not fully endorsing Donald Trumps military strike, refusing to admit whether it was legal or the right course of action. In January 2024, the UK Government imposed sanctions on Iranian officials it said were involved in threats to kill journalists. Last year Ken McCallum, the director-general of MI5, also used a rare public speech to reveal the scale of potential attacks being thwarted by the security services. Mr McCallum said over the last two years Iran had been behind plot after plot in the UK, organised with an unprecedented pace and scale. He added: Since January 2022, with police partners, we have responded to 20 Iran-backed plots presenting potentially lethal threats to British citizens and UK residents. As events unfold in the Middle East, we will give our fullest attention to the risk of an increase in or a broadening of Iranian state aggression in the UK. Like the Russian services, Iranian state actors make extensive use of criminals as proxies from international drug traffickers to low-level crooks. The Intelligence and Security Committee is expected to conclude in its report that Iran is continuing to make plots against people living in the UK. Dissidents of the regime on British soil will be singled out as being at risk. Threats of reprisal attacks on the European continent will also be flagged. The reports will also detail the IRGCs reach in Britain. The IRGC was founded as an ideological custodian of Irans 1979 revolution but has since morphed into a major military, political and economic force in the country. There has been a long public debate about whether the IRGC should be formally declared a terrorist group and banned under a proscription process. Critics of the move, including those inside the Government, argue that it would limit the UKs ability to talk to and therefore influence senior Iranian political and military figures. The Intelligence and Security Committee is unlike other parliamentary committees in that all nine members are cleared to read confidential intelligence to help scrutinise the agencies. Its hearings are held in private. Reports with findings and recommendations are pulled together over a much longer timescale than other committees, with direct involvement from intelligence figures. In the sandstone cliffs of Bear Gulch more than 3,000 pictographs line the rock walls. Now, for the first time, a visitor center solidifies the sites Blackfeet history as a central part of the experience, thanks to a partnership between Blackfeet geologist Souta Calling Last and landowner Macie Ahlgren, whose family has owned the canyon since the early 1900s. On the last Saturday in June, just east of Lewistown, Blackfeet Nation citizens, rock and mineral enthusiasts, friends, family and neighbors gathered amid the sweeping canyon views and wide-open sky for a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the newly erected building, celebrating a shared dream that brought Ahlgren and Calling Last together. I'm still trying to process how historic this moment is, Calling Last said. It couldn't be celebrated better than with Macie and the visitor center and the effort that we're putting into trying to tell these stories. Years ago, Calling Last began developing a culturally grounded watershed and habitat assessment model, recognizing the urgency of preserving her tribes ancient history before it was lost with the elders who carry it. As part of that work, she mapped significant Blackfeet sites often guided by the recurring Blackfeet shield icon found throughout the tribes pictographs. Bear Gulch is the epicenter of all the heavy shields that I've found so far in the country, Calling Last said. Its the center of all of it. Calling Last stumbled upon an article about the Bear Gulch Pictographs in her research, and immediately picked up the phone to call Ahlgren. Just days later, Calling Last visited the ranch, where Ahlgren led her on a tour of the pictographs some easily visible along the canyon trails, others tucked behind brush and into the crevices of the rock walls. Crawling through the undergrowth together, sharing their distinct and deeply rooted love for the site, the two forged a lasting and meaningful friendship. If Montana had a thousand more Macies, we would have peace in the plains, Calling Last said. As the fourth-generation owner of the land, Ahlgren and her family have been hosting guided tours for more than two decades. While all visitors are valued guests, Ahlgren said the bond she shares with Calling Last and her extended Blackfeet family holds a special place in her heart. It just feels meant to be, Ahlgren said. Cowboys and Indians working together for once The visitor center also represents the mission of Indigenous Vision, an educational nonprofit founded by Calling Last that celebrated its 10-year anniversary in the same month as the ribbon cutting ceremony. Aiming to foster Indigenous revitalization and education, Indigenous Vision has hosted more than 300 events, including conservation initiatives, water quality programs, cultural humility workshops, youth empowerment and an annual wellness retreat addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives. While all of our programs seem unrelated, theyre all related to each other and work in a cyclical motion, Calling Last said. To celebrate the opening of the visitors center, Melissa Spence, MMIWG2S director and cultural humility trainer for Indigenous Vision who also co-hosts the "Indigenous Vision" podcast with Calling Last, made her first trip to Montana to celebrate the milestone. Weve been talking about this for months, Spence said. Ive tried to envision it but being here in person is totally surreal. During the Allotment Era, when policies like the 1887 Dawes Act allowed non-Native families to purchase land carved from tribal territories, there were no regulations to protect culturally significant Indigenous sites. As a result, many ranchers and landowners today still hold legal title to sites that were sacred to the tribes who lived there long before European settlement. Theres chiefs buried on peoples private property, Spence said. Rarely are such landowners as receptive as Ahlgrens family something that Spence hopes might inspire others. This can be an example of how people can collaborate, Spence said. Have cowboys and Indians working together for once. Originally from the Lake Manitoba First Nation in Canada, Spence said there are several pictographs near her home. But rarely are they shown the level of cultural respect and reverence that the addition of the Blackfeet history within the new visitor center brings to Bear Gulch. The pictographs where I come from get destroyed, Spence said. People add things to them. Echoing this point, attendee Dean George said he was pleasantly surprised at the preservation hes seen on previous tours of the Bear Gulch Pictographs. Ive been to quite a few of these in Wyoming, and they have bullet holes, George said, adding that no such damage has been done to the Bear Gulch Pictographs. Thats Blackfeet style After the ribbon-cutting, a tour of the visitor center, and a barbecue dinner, Ahlgrens granddaughter Seana Gallagher who now works as a tour guide led attendees on a hike into the canyon to view the accessible pictographs. Having grown up exploring her grandmothers land, Gallagher said shes been helping with tours for as long as she can remember and noted that Ahlgren enforces a strict policy against guests defacing the site. My grandma has caught one guy (writing on the cliffs), Gallagher said. He never came back. Walking along a stone path, recently installed by Ahlgrens son to make the hike more accessible, Gallagher explained that most of the pictographs were painted with red paste made from iron-rich soil. As the group surveyed the various pictographs including at least 50 shielded warriors, five handprints, several animals and the only depiction of an active birthing scene in the Northern Plains Arlan Edwards, a Blackfeet Nation citizen and cultural expert, pointed out a distinct and previously unnoticed feature on one of the figures. That straight up and down war bonnet, thats Blackfeet style, Edwards said, pointing out a pictograph that appears to portray a dancing man. While Gallagher said it has not been definitively determined whether all the pictographs have Blackfeet origins, Calling Last emphasized the disparity she has noticed throughout her career between anthropological hypotheses accepted in academia and the traditional knowledge and record-keeping passed down through generations of her tribe. A lot of sources in Montana say that the Blackfoot are recent arrivals to the prairies and are about 200 years old, Calling Last said. But my grandma's campsite is older than that. She added that Blackfeet oral histories tell of a rich tradition of long-distance travel, trade, and seasonal movement stories of emissaries and societies setting out on extended journeys and returning with goods, gifts, and knowledge reflecting a more fluid and expansive view of territory than the static, war-ridden portrayals often found in academic narratives. I feel like it's a crime to humanity what's happening right now, Calling Last said. Academia and some anthropological sources are erasing us and disconnecting us from our stories. Recent discoveries suggest Western science is finally confirming what many tribal histories have long maintained. In 2009, researchers uncovered fossilized human footprints at White Sands National Park in New Mexico and, in 2021, they were dated to between 21,000 and 23,000 years ago. If that date range is correct, it's far earlier than the long-accepted timeline that placed the first human presence in North America around 13,000 to 14,000 years ago. The findings suggest that humans were present on this continent during the Last Glacial Maximum, challenging long-held academic theories and supporting Indigenous accounts of a much deeper history. But as the academic world catches up, Calling Last said that precious knowledge is being lost to time. Because anthropology and academia are perpetuating the narrative they are, there's no funding for me to capture and digitize (Indigenous knowledge), Calling Last said. The urgency is not there because they're asserting that they know. But it's completely different from what we know. Shared, sacred ground Having secured a $15,000 Economic Impact and Destination Event from the Montana Department of Commerce, as well as two private donations totaling $2,000, Indigenous Vision also raffled off a Dream Tipi package including a 16-foot tipi, fire pit, Pendleton blanket, and other items to help support the visitor centers educational programming. Due to what Gallagher described as a scam by the contractor initially hired to complete the interior, the visitors center still needs drywall and insulation installed. But, in the meantime, guests can still enjoy an array of artifacts, informational displays and exhibits centered around Blackfeet history inside. The way I look at it, education is a tool everyone can use but its also a gift, Gallagher said. As Ahlgren and her family welcomed Calling Last and other Blackfeet people to reconnect with the historic site, the friendship proved mutually beneficial. Gallagher said Calling Last has helped them secure grants and install signage to guide visitors to the remote location. Shes like my auntie at this point, Gallagher said. Shes done so much for us. Once, this land bore witness to attempted genocide taken by settlers as Indigenous people were forced from it. But as the sun set over Bear Gulch, their descendants stood side by side on shared, sacred ground not to rewrite the past, but to walk forward as an unexpected family, bound by reverence, relationship and the stories still etched in stone. Smoke rises after a large fire broke out following Israeli army strikes on an apartment building in Gaza City. The attacks caused heavy damage to surrounding homes and businesses. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images In Gaza City on Sunday morning, there was only one topic of conversation: the possibility of peace. In the half-ruined town, as across the entire territory, few took their eyes off their phones, a television or better-informed relatives or friends for more than a few minutes. Um Fadi Marouf, from the now destroyed town of Beit Lahiya in the far north of Gaza, said she was encouraged by the positive response from Hamas to the most recent US-sponsored proposal of terms for a deal. I think this means it will happen. I really hope it goes through because this situation has exhausted us, said the 50-year-old, who has been forced to move nine times during the conflict. Israel has so far rejected Hamass demands for changes to a 14-point draft agreement circulated last week but on Sunday despatched a negotiating team to Qatar for indirect talks. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, is scheduled to meet Donald Trump, who is thought to hope to announce a ceasefire himself, in Washington on Monday evening local time. In Gaza City, the mood was tense and subdued. In the early morning, barefoot children with torn clothes and dirty faces walked the cracked streets carrying pots in search of food or scavenged for rubbish that could be used as fuel. Later, many of those living in stifling tents headed to the coast in search of respite from soaring temperatures. From time to time, we hear airstrikes, but they are very far away and barely audible, one Gaza City resident told the Guardian. We havent seen any planes but a warship came very close to the shore but caused no trouble. It didnt open fire. There have been two previous ceasefires in Gaza, one in November 2023, and a second this year which came into effect in January but collapsed in March when Israel reneged on a promise to move to a second phase that might have led to a definitive end to the conflict. A new Israeli offensive followed and an 11-week total blockade that led to almost the entire population facing the threat of famine. Related: Theyre skin and bones: doctors in Gaza warn babies at risk of death from lack of formula The near 21-month war was triggered by a Hamas raid into Israel in October 2023 in which militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 250 hostages. Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, of whom more than half are thought to be dead. The ensuing Israeli offensive has reduced much of Gaza to rubble, displaced almost the entire 2.3 million population multiple times and killed more than 57,000, mostly civilians. Marouf said: During the last truce, I never expected the war to return. When it did, it was a tragic feeling indescribable. I lost my sister in this war, along with around 20 other members of my extended family. My greatest fear is losing someone else from my family one of my children, my siblings, or close relatives. Nineteen-year-old Shahd Ashour, whose sisters fiance was killed just before the last ceasefire was announced, said she too was remaining cautious. My biggest fear now is that the news of the ceasefire turns out to be false just rumours and the war and killings continue. I still have hope, but only a little, she said. Many children share such fears. Lama al-Mubayyed, 12, said she was scared of being torn apart, killed, paralysed or losing a limb. I was so happy during the last ceasefire. We felt a bit safe. But when the war returned, I cried a lot because it meant going back to the suffering of tents, the summer heat, and repeated displacement, Lama said. Aid officials in Gaza said on Saturday that supplies of fuel, essential to run the generators that are the primary source of power in the territory, are close to being exhausted. Without fresh deliveries, they said, humanitarian operations would collapse, the few remaining hospitals would be unable to function and communications would be cut off. We are hopeful about a ceasefire of course, but we need to know how much aid is going to get in and how fast, and who will be able to distribute it. There are a lot of questions that are unanswered, one humanitarian official in Deir al-Balah said. In recent weeks the flow of aid into Gaza has varied, though it has been little more than a fraction of what is needed, UN officials said. Hundreds have died seeking food from looted trucks or a small number of distribution hubs. Prices for the limited basics available in the few markets vary wildly from day to day, though remain far too high for almost all in the territory to afford. On Sunday, a kilo of flour was selling for the equivalent of $10, a kilo of lentils for $12 and a kilo of rice or pasta for $14. The greatest hardship were facing now myself and everyone in Gaza is finding food and water each day, said Adel Sharaf, 18, who is from Beit Lahia but is living in a tent after his home was destroyed. Many in Gaza are bracing themselves for bad news. Ahmad, from the al-Shujaiya neighbourhood that has been almost entirely destroyed in repeated Israeli military operations, said he was pessimistic because everyone was lying. Every week they hear about a possible ceasefire, and then it falls apart. This is always what happens, just like in previous times, the 35-year-old said. Abu Adham Abu Amro, 55, said he was afraid to hope because he had already lost 25 family members in the conflict. We pray to God that the ceasefire succeeds this time. Our days are full of hardship struggling to access water and food, dealing with a shortage of resources, and the rise in prices, Abu Amro, who is from Gaza City, said. Right now, I have no fears other than the possibility that the ceasefire wont happen this time. Get No Reassurance by Charlotte Johnson-Wahl Ask. The late mother of Boris Johnson will have her work on show. Photograph: Bethlem Museum of the Mind The vivid dream that vanishes on waking but fragments of which remain tantalisingly out of reach all day. Powerful emotions tears, terror, ecstasy, despair caused not by real events, but by the brains activity between sleeping and waking. Dreams and nightmares have long been studied by psychologists. Now they are the subject of a new exhibition featuring several artists that were patients at the worlds oldest psychiatric hospital, Bethlem (sometimes known as Bedlam), and its sister institution, the Maudsley hospital. It includes paintings by Charlotte Johnson Wahl, the late mother of Boris Johnson, who spent eight months as a patient at the Maudsley after a breakdown when her four children were aged between two and nine. She created dozens of paintings while there, and held her first exhibition which sold out. I couldnt talk about my problems, but I could paint them, she said later. Rachel Johnson, her daughter, said in an interview earlier this year that her mothers stay at the Maudsley gave her relief from domesticity, and time to paint. We always accepted that painting was like oxygen to her. But when she returned to us, we could see she was still very ill. Two of Johnson Wahls paintings are included in the exhibition, Between Sleeping and Waking: Hospital Dreams and Visions, which opens at the Bethlem Museum of the Mind in August. The centrepiece of the show is a huge installation, Night Tides, by contemporary artist Kate McDonnell. She uses swathes of bedding woven with disordered words to evoke the restlessness and clashing thoughts of insomnia. According to Caroline Horton, professor of sleep and cognition and director of DrEAMSLab at Bishop Grosseteste university in Lincoln, dreaming occurs during sleep, and sleep is essential for all aspects of mental and physical health. We all dream each night, even if we dont remember those experiences. This exhibition captures the intrigue of our night-time experiences, both positive and negative, while showcasing their intricate relationship with our mental health. Among other works featured in the exhibition is Londons Overthrow by Jonathan Martin, an arsonist held in the criminal lunatic department of Bethlem hospital from 1829 until his death in 1838. In 2012, the Guardian described it as a mad pen-and-ink depiction of the capitals destruction due to godlessness. In 1828, Martin, who was driven to expose corruption within the church, had delivered warnings to clergy in York, urging them to repent of the bottles of wine, and roast beef and plum pudding. When they failed to respond, he set fire to York minster. At his trial, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity. An illustrated poem, Epitaph, of my poor Jack, Squirrel, by James Hadfield, one of Bethlems most notorious patients, who spent 41 years in the hospital, will be on display for the first time. Experiencing delusions about the end of the world, Hadfield became convinced that he must sacrifice himself to save humankind. He decided to engineer a situation where his life would be taken by others an attempt to kill King George III. He was arrested and his lawyer successfully argued at his trial that he was incurably insane, and he was sent to a cell in Bethlem rather than prison. At the hospital, he was allowed pets, including squirrels, and he sold pictures of them to visitors. His autopsy revealed severe brain injuries dating back to his years as a young soldier. The dream diaries of a Maudsley psychiatrist, Edward Hare, will also be on display for the first time. Over half a century, from the 1940s to the 1990s, Hare recorded his impressions on waking of his dreams from the mundane to the fantastical. Colin Gale, director of the Bethlem Museum of the Mind, said the artwork in its collections reflected an entire spectrum of dreams identified by sleep researchers. Israel struck Houthi targets at three Yemeni ports and a power plant overnight, in the countrys first attack on Yemen since the Israel-Iran ceasefire. The strikes on the Hodeidah, Ras Isa and Salif ports, and the Ras Qantib power plant, which took place early on Monday morning, were in retaliation to repeated Houthi attacks on Israel, Israels military said. Israel also attacked the Galaxy Leader ship in Ras Isa port, which was seized by the Iran-aligned Houthis in late 2023, the military added. The Houthi terrorist regimes forces installed a radar system on the ship, and are using it to track vessels in international maritime space, in order to promote the Houthi terrorist regimes activities, the military said. Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported that Israel struck the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah shortly after the Israeli military warned people to evacuate the three ports. The Houthi military spokesperson said that air defences confronted the Israeli attack by using a large number of domestically produced surface-to-air missiles. Residents said the strikes on Hodeidah left the main power station out of service, causing a blackout in the city. The attack comes after Houthi rebels allegedly carried out an assault on a merchant vessel in the Red Sea using small attack craft, rocket-propelled grenades and locally produced drone boats. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi addresses a Yemen crowd via teleconference on July 6 - Anadolu An unidentified ship came under fire in the early hours of Sunday morning, the UKs Maritime Trade Operations centre reported, adding that an armed security team on board had returned fire. The organisation later said the ship was ablaze after being struck with unknown projectiles. The Houthi militia had yet to claim responsibility on Sunday night, but the group has carried out a wave of attacks around the Strait of Hormuz since launching a maritime blockade in 2023 over Israels war in Gaza. Ambrey, a private maritime security firm, said eight skiffs had attacked the ship around 100 kilometres (62 miles) south of Hodeidah, the port city controlled by the Houthis. It added that two drone boats struck the ship, while two more were destroyed by the vessels armed guards. Houthi target profile In 2024, the Houthis unveiled the Toufan-1 drone boat, which it said carried a 150kg warhead and could travel at 35 nautical miles per hour. The group recently released footage of drone boats slaloming through a course of buoys in the open ocean. Since the Houthis maritime blockade began, on the orders of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader, at least 174 attacks have been launched against the US Navy and 145 attacks on global shipping, according to the US State Department. The strikes have sunk two merchant vessels and killed four sailors, vastly reducing the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor which typically sees $1 trillion (732.6 billion) of goods pass through it annually. It was unclear last night which flag the attacked ship was flying but Ambrey said the vessel met the established Houthi target profile, without elaborating. While the Houthis gave assurances that US-linked vessels would not be targeted following a ceasefire announced with Washington in May, the militia has continued to fire missiles at Israel and target global shipping. Israels military said it had intercepted a rocket fired by the group on Sunday. The vessel attack came after Khamenei made his first public appearance since Israels brief war with Iran, during which US bombers struck nuclear facilities within the country. On Saturday, the 86-year-old appeared at a religious ceremony to mark Ashura, a time of mourning in Shia Islam. He had been in hiding since Israels surprise attack on June 13, which triggered a 12-day war between the two arch enemies before a ceasefire was brokered by the US. Right-wing demonstrators gather for a rally in support of Benjamin Netanyahus government - MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP Benjamin Netanyahu was in favour. So, too, was Ehud Barak, his defence minister at the time in 2011. But Israels top generals and intelligence chiefs were aghast. An attack on Irans nuclear facilities, they feared, could result in tens of thousands of Israeli civilian deaths. Months after retiring as Mossad chief that year, Meir Dagan one of Israels most revered spymasters even went as far as to call the idea the stupidest Ive ever heard. Yet 14 years later, despite widespread opposition at home and abroad, Mr Netanyahus boldest gamble appears to have paid off. In just 12 days, he humbled Iran at a cost much lower than even Israels most optimistic military planners would have dared hope. Benjamin Netanyahu and Ehud Barak, then Israeli defence minister, discussed an attack on Irans nuclear facilities in 2011 - Ahmed al-Jabari/Getty When he walks into the White House on Monday, the Israeli prime ministers meeting with Donald Trump will therefore have the feel of a Roman triumph. Both men will portray their battlefield success as vindication over the wishy-washiness of their critics. But they are also thinking beyond victory laps. Mr Trump hopes to burnish his peacemaking credentials by brokering another ceasefire in Gaza. His guest will aim higher still, arguing that he has helped birth a new regional order one that could mark the dawn of a golden era for Israel. Since the horrors of Oct 7 2023, Israel has made a Herculean effort to sever the limbs of the Iranian Hydra Hamas and Hezbollah before going for the head itself as it launched its first direct war with a foreign state since 1973. Mr Netanyahu now believes a legacy-defining peace dividend is within reach: new alliances with Arab states, containment of Iran and the isolation perhaps even the marginalisation of the Palestinians. Several Arab states are seriously considering the Abraham Accords, says Gen Yossi Kuperwasser, former director-general of Israels Ministry of Strategic Affairs, referring to the 2020 deal that normalised relations with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Sudan. There is a golden opportunity, he said. Iran is weakened. The Iranian threat feared by many countries in the Middle East is much decreased. We are even talking about countries like Syria and Lebanon hopefully joining the Abraham Accords. Who would ever have dreamed that? But while Mr Netanyahu may have won the war, there is scepticism over whether he is the man to win the peace. Much depends on whether he can reverse Carl von Clausewitzs famous dictum and pursue diplomacy as the continuation of war by other means, says Col Eran Lerman, a former deputy national security adviser. That Mr Netanyahu is even in a position to consider reshaping the Middle East would once have seemed miraculous. In 2010 and again in 2012, as he edged towards war with Iran, senior military and intelligence officials were so anxious they took to privately briefing The Telegraph and other Western media on the risks. Irans Lebanese proxy Hezbollah had amassed such a vast missile arsenal they estimated retaliatory strikes could kill up to 50,000 people. Entire neighbourhoods of Tel Aviv would be reduced to rubble. The political cost a possible rupture with Barack Obama, then US president was also deemed too great. In hindsight, Israel may have overestimated the potency of Irans proxies. By 2024, Israeli missile defences and battlefield intelligence had dramatically improved, allowing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to defeat Hezbollah in eight weeks last year and Iran itself in under a fortnight. But this was not simply a 12-day campaign of air strikes and covert hits. It was the culmination of 46 years of hostility, dating back to 1979, when Israel made peace with Egypt, formerly its greatest foe, and lost Iran once its closest regional ally to revolution. From the outset, the Islamic Republic waged an undeclared war on Israel, pledging its destruction and founding Hezbollah to fight Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. But for years Israeli strategists focused more on Palestinian militants than the Iranian threat so much so that during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, Israel secretly sold arms to Tehran through the Iran-Contra Affair. After the first Lebanon war, Israel redoubled its efforts to penetrate Hezbollah. But in 2006, when Israeli troops re-entered southern Lebanon, the results were sobering. The 34-day war ended in stalemate. Gen Assaf Orion, the IDFs former head of strategic planning, calls it not the brightest campaign weve run. Few understood that better than Gen Mickey Edelstein, then commander of the Nahal Brigade, who recalls how unprepared his troops were. Accustomed to small operations against Palestinian groups, they struggled with full-scale warfare. Tactical goals were vague. Air support was inconsistent. Orders were sometimes contradictory. My brigade was shifted between three different divisions over the war, he recalled. We would go into Lebanon, be pulled back into Israel and sent out again with a different division. A lot of mistakes were made. After the war, senior commanders privately acknowledged failures in planning, command and intelligence and lessons were learnt. Soldiers were retrained for major warfare. When Gen Edelstein returned to battle in Gaza in 2014, the forces he led were significantly more capable. Intelligence also underwent wholesale reform, said Col Lerman. Intelligence in 2006 was clearly insufficient for the conduct of successful operations. After the war, there was serious self-questioning about how well intelligence was collected and how well it was distributed to forces on the ground. Amos Yadlin, then head of military intelligence, led sweeping changes that continue to shape Israeli warfare. From 2006 on, Israel grasped the full extent of the Iran-Hezbollah nexus. Of the 121 Israeli soldiers killed in 2006, many died from Iranian-made weapons some fired by Iranian troops embedded with Hezbollah, according to Israeli officials. In the following years, Iran poured resources into Hezbollah, providing cash, training and ever more sophisticated rockets, missiles and drones. The goal was clear: build a deterrent so fearsome it would stop Israel from ever striking Irans nuclear programme. But that scale became a vulnerability. From a nimble guerrilla organisation, it became an established army, requiring greater management, said Gen Orion. And with that came the exposures and weaknesses of larger organisations. Israeli intelligence infiltrated Hezbollah deeply. It even sold the group the explosive-laden pagers and walkie-talkies that maimed thousands of Hezbollah operatives over two days last September. Most of Hezbollahs senior leadership, including its overall commander Hassan Nasrallah, was also assassinated thanks to what Col Lerman describes as a deeply penetrating, co-ordinated effort stretching back decades. It wasnt just personnel. Israeli planners had mapped Hezbollah and Iranian missile sites with such precision that they destroyed most launch capabilities before the first volleys were fired. As a result, Israel was able to strike Iran, kill much of its leadership and damage its nuclear programme and face far more muted retaliation than once feared. Although 28 Israelis were killed and 15,000 lost their homes, neither Hezbollah nor Hamas launched a single rocket in Irans defence. Really the most dramatic aspect of all this is that the organisation exclusively built for one purpose to punish Israel horrendously if it dared attack Iran did not fire a single shot during 12 days of war, said Col Lerman. How should Israel use its dominance? Israel has therefore emerged as the dominant military force in the region, with Mr Netanyahus allies believing they can dictate a new dispensation for the region. Yet how the Israeli prime minister uses that dominance is now a central question. Since a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in November, Israel has killed some 300 members of its fighters in targeted strikes reportedly with the tacit consent of parts of the Lebanese government, which may now be looking to disarm the group entirely. Covert action in Iran is also expected to continue. Military action beyond Israels borders aside, however, what kind of future Mr Netanyahu envisions is up for debate. There are three possible paths, says Eran Etzion, a former deputy head of Israels National Security Council and a critic of Mr Netanyahu. One is to live by the sword, fighting a forever war, a view, he said, preferred by elements on the Right of Mr Netanyahus coalition, who argue Israel will never be accepted in the region. Another is conflict management continuing low-intensity fighting with Hamas, expanding West Bank settlements and perhaps trying to remove Palestinians from Gaza even while seeking friendship with Arab states. Its a vision of perpetual war with the Palestinians while striking normalisation agreements with other Arab countries, says Mr Etzion, who believes this is the strategy Mr Netanyahu is most likely to adopt. Peace is off the table The third option long-term peace-building is, in Mr Etzions view, off the table under the present government. Critics warn that Mr Netanyahus vision of victory risks being both fragile and short-lived if it depends solely on violence. The idea that Israel can indefinitely deter aggression without addressing Palestinian aspirations may prove illusory. Saudi Arabia, the biggest prize of all, insists that any Abraham Accords-style agreement requires progress towards a two-state solution. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is thought to be eager for a deal, but without movement on a Palestinian state, his hands may be tied by public opinion, inflamed by the devastation inflicted on Gaza. Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday made his first public appearance since the war with Israel - GETTY IMAGES Lebanon and Syria may also see advantage in rapprochement with Israel. But public sentiment remains volatile in both countries, too. Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syrias new president, appears conducive to the idea of better ties, particularly as he seeks to rebuild relations with the West. But many members of his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), are deeply hostile to Israel. A splinter faction recently claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in a Damascus church that killed 25 people last month. Mr Sharaa may fear pushing his hardliners too far. Israel, for all its strengths, may overreach. It is still numerically and materially inferior to the sum of all its potential enemies, said Gen Orion. Which is why it must retain its qualitative military edge and creative diplomacy. Meanwhile, unless a robust diplomatic agreement emerges, Iran is likely to attempt to rebuild the triad of threats that once made it so formidable: its nuclear programme, ballistic missile arsenal and regional proxy network. The regional landscape is shifting dramatically, said Shai Agmon, a fellow at New College, Oxford and academic director of Molad, a liberal Israeli think tank. Israel can reshape it to serve its own security interests and create a thriving regional order or it can squander it. Israel is the strongest force around for now. But in the absence of a stable diplomatic resolution, Iran and its proxies will regroup and try to escalate the situation again. And unless the government is willing to consider a path towards regional peace which necessarily entails some form of two-state solution, an idea it has so far refused even to entertain it is hard to see how lasting stability will be achieved. Bridget Phillipson repeatedly refused to rule out scrapping education, health and care plans - BBC/Jeff Overs Ministers are poised to scrap the system which ensures pupils with special needs such as autism and ADHD get personalised support at school. The Government is considering ditching bespoke-education plans for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) under a wholesale review of the current model. On Sunday, Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, repeatedly refused to rule out scrapping education, health and care plans (EHCPs) legally binding documents that spell out Send childrens individual teaching requirements. She said the Government would make sure that every child gets the support maintained that they need but three times declined to say whether she would axe the EHCPs when asked by the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg. Ministers are concerned the state-funded support packages are hoovering up much of the 11 billion annual special-needs budget without delivering better outcomes for vulnerable children. Councils are legally bound to pay for additional help stated on the tailored care plans, which sometimes demand pupils are sent to private Send schools with fees of up to 100,000. However, autism and ADHD charities voiced concerns they could be prioritised for cuts to extra support after figures showed ballooning EHCPs for children with those conditions. A record 639,000 children in England currently hold an EHCP following an 11 per cent rise in the year to January, with the figure almost doubling over the past six years. There are fears that the figure could be pushed even higher by private school families priced out by Labours 20 per cent VAT on fees, which came into force in January. Around one in five private school pupils or 100,000 have some form of Send, with private school parents claiming they have flocked to the sector after giving up in the battle for an EHCP. The recent increase in EHCPs has largely been driven by three types of need: autistic spectrum disorder; speech, language and communication needs; and social, emotional and mental health needs, which include ADHD. That trio now accounts for almost three-quarters of all EHCPs, while severe learning difficulties and physical disabilities make up just four per cent respectively. But Tim Nicholls, assistant policy director at the National Autistic Society, warned that scrapping the plans would rip up the main legal mechanism for those children to obtain extra support. EHCPs have those two crucial aspects theyre the only place that brings together planning across education, health and care, and also provide that legal accountability to give children the assurance that they are going to get what they have a right to, he told The Telegraph. That needs to be enshrined. Everyones really concerned that they might disappear, either from them or from the system. No doubt EHCP system could be better Others said they feared scrapping EHCPs could prove a backdoor for the Government to slash support after Sir Keir Starmer last week was forced to reverse cuts to benefits and personal independence payment (PIP). Henry Shelford, the chief executive of ADHD UK, said: Theres no doubt that the EHCP system could be better. But I think following whats happened with PIP and seeing whats happened with ADHD and the NHS, its very hard to trust that the Government is going to actually put something in thats better, and not use any change as an excuse to withdraw support so that it can cut costs. Dozens of campaigners and special needs charities have signed a letter, published by The Guardian, urging the Government to retain EHCPs. They warned that without the documents in mainstream schools many thousands of children risk being denied vital provision, or losing access to education altogether. Signatories to the letter include Jane Asher, the president of the National Autistic Society, Carrie Grant, the broadcaster and a Send parent, and Chris Packham, the broadcaster and neurodiversity campaigner. In the letter they said that every sign from the Government suggested that the right to an education, health and care plan is to be removed from children attending mainstream schools. They said: For more than 40 years, children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities have had a statutory right to an education that meets their needs. Set alongside catastrophic plans to cut benefits for disabled people, this raises the question of who we are as a country and the kind of society in which we want to live. Whatever the Send systems problems, the answer is not to remove the rights of children and young people. Families cannot afford to lose these precious legal protections. A government source said the Send review would aim to slash the costly bureaucracy of drawing up EHCPs and plug the savings into extra support in mainstream schools. Ms Phillipson has described the current system as broken, with a White Paper outlining the reforms expected to be published this autumn. It means Labour is expected to face a fresh battle with Left-wing MPs and special-needs charities over potential cuts after the summer recess. Ms Phillipson told the BBC: What I can say very clearly is that we will strengthen and put in place better support for children but I do just need to put this in the wider context of where we are at the moment. Government working with parents and experts A government source said: There will always be a legal right to the additional support that children with Send need and we will protect it. This Government is prepared to grasp the nettle and reform a broken system set up by the Conservatives that they themselves described as lose, lose, lose. We will ensure that every child in this country gets the opportunity to achieve and thrive at school, and get on in life. A Department for Education spokesperson said: The evidence is clear that this Government inherited a Send system left on its knees which is why we are looking at changes to improve support for children and stop parents having to fight for help. We have been clear that there are no plans to abolish Send tribunals, or to remove funding or support from children, families and schools. This Government is actively working with parents and experts on the solutions, including more early intervention to prevent needs from escalating and 740 million to encourage councils to create more specialist places in mainstream schools. As part of our plan for change, we will restore the confidence of families up and down the country and deliver the improvement they are crying out for so every child can achieve and thrive. The Tories have finished apologising to the public and must now look to the future, one of Kemi Badenochs aides has said in a leaked tape. Baroness Maclean, one of the party leaders closest political allies, told supporters that the Conservatives had done the mea culpas and the party now needed to earn back the trust of voters. In a leaked tape of her comments to the Conservative Womens Organisation on June 18, obtained by The Telegraph, she said the previous government had a tendency to make announcements without thinking through how they would be delivered. But she added that the Tories were now ready to move forward with a new policy platform that Mrs Badenoch was building. Weve done the mea culpas, weve done the apologies, weve done all that, she said. Now we want to look to the future and have something to give people hope, because we do strongly believe that we are the only party with a coherent set of plans, and we want to rebuild our reputation for competence and trust, and we think that comes from doing this very difficult work now. Her comments are at odds with the opinion of many Conservative MPs, who believe that it will take at least two years for the public to forget the mistakes of previous Tory administrations. The latest polling shows that the Conservatives have the support of just 17 per cent of voters seven points behind Labour and 11 points behind Reform UK. Earlier this week, Mrs Badenoch issued an apology to business leaders, telling City AM that the Conservatives were the natural party of business and she was sorry if at any time over the last 14 years we did not seem like that. There are also frustrations among Conservative backbenchers about the work of some members of the shadow Cabinet. Lady Maclean served as a minister in the Johnson, Truss and Sunak governments, and was given a life peerage in February of this year. She previously ran Mrs Badenochs leadership campaign, and was appointed as the director of strategy at Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) after she won the contest in November. Lady Maclean was given a life peerage in February - DAVID WOOLFALL Earlier this week, it was reported that she had been replaced by Lord McInnes as the director of CCHQ. She will instead work on the Renewal 2030 policy plans. In the tape, the Tory peer told party supporters: Kemis leadership has been very much about making sure that we have a plan to deliver the things that voters want, because we all know that disenchantment and disillusionment sets in, and it has set in. We see that now with the electorate, because we were not able to deliver so many of our promises. Her comments suggest the party no longer believes it should account for the failures of previous Tory administrations, and work instead on policy development. Other Conservative shadow ministers, including Chris Philp and Mel Stride, have declined to apologise for some Tory policies, including Liz Trusss mini-budget. Labour has focused its campaigning efforts on Reform in recent months, but argues that 14 years of Tory failure should permanently damage the Conservative brand. However, the latest donation figures reported to the Electoral Commission suggest that some business figures are returning to the party. Last months data show the Tories outperformed Labour in political donations by a ratio of six to one, excluding contributions by trade unions. Ellie Reeves, chairman of the Labour Party, said Lady Macleans comments showed just how out of touch the Tories are. The Conservatives crashed the economy and left working people picking up the tab with sky-high mortgages and rocketing bills. Yet they havent apologised even once for their dismal record, she said. Responding to the suggestion that the Conservatives had finished their apologies, Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, said: Oh no they havent. They must never be forgiven for what they have done to our country. Daisy Cooper, deputy leader of the Lib Dems, said: Kemi Badenoch should urgently confirm whether she agrees with her own senior official on this, or if she will properly apologise to all those who suffered due to years of Conservative chaos under the government in which she served. The row comes after Boris Johnson told the Tories that the best strategy to counter Nigel Farage was 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. He added: I think Conservatives need to focus on the economy and making life better for people and giving people opportunity. Composite: Guardian Design/AFP/Getty Images Labour supporters have told the Guardian of their dissatisfaction with the partys first year in government, as Keir Starmer marks 12 months since becoming the first Labour prime minister since Gordon Brown. Members and voters said initial optimism had given away to unhappiness about the governments record, although many were keen to state the positives they felt had been forgotten under the weight of recent events. Jan, a former Labour member from Manchester said she was disillusioned, disappointed and despairing with Starmers tenure so far. She recalled the strategy often attributed to the Labour leader in the run-up to the election last year, and said: I kept telling myself that really Keir Starmer was a man with a Ming vase on a polished floor, and that somehow after they were in power that things would really start to change and we would have an alternative to the Tory government that left the complete mess were in at the moment. She said she had resigned her membership over the last year as a result of her unhappiness with the partys policies on the war in Gaza and wider changes to welfare. She said: Im more sad than I am angry, and thats [a] very difficult place to be, to feel so let down, betrayed and disappointed. In south London, Desanka, a social housing tenant and worker, said Labours housing policy would not sufficiently cut local authority waiting lists. What we need is genuinely affordable housing. Without housing, without good safe housing, you cant have healthy people, and you cant get an education, she said. I think until they address that, if they were to do that, and to have a genuine response to allow councils to build more, and put money in it, and bring back affordable housing grants that used to be. I know times are hard, but you have to make choices. She was keen to credit the government for attempting to rebalance the country, but said she wouldnt back the party again at the ballot box. She cited disagreement with the partys policy on asylum seekers on small boats not being able to apply for citizenship. Kennedy was another who believed Labour was not getting recognition for the positives so far. Giving the party a B grade for its first year, he said he was a supporter of the family farms tax policy and introducing VAT on private school fees. He said Starmer and his cabinet had stabilised the country, but disputed how stereotypically Labour the governments policies had been. They need to be hitting the rich more than hitting the poor, he said. So again, the welfare bill, again, that was another political suicide. Where do they think theyre going? And why are they hitting the most vulnerable sectors in society? They need to be hitting the super-wealthy, the super-rich, big business, big corporations. Laura, an NHS worker and lifelong Labour member, said she was overwhelmingly disappointed with the partys performance. She said she was unhappy with policies she thought had targeted the poorest in society. I remember driving to work and feeling a sense of optimism and hope for the future for the first time in a very long time, she said. That hope and optimism has now vanished and I feel despair, disappointment and quite often guilt and regret at having voted for this government. Ive lost trust in these politicians in whom I initially had so much hope. Sympathy was the overarching feeling for Hazel Lamb, who said the government was dealing with a much worse situation than they anticipated. What I love is the fact that the government is honest, she said. I think that people have integrity and are trying their best. I dont have a sense that theres self-interest going on here, I have a sense that people are actually trying to do something about all the difficult situations that weve got. Lily Raper, who has spent most of her life under Conservative-led governments, said her excitement was replaced with dismay at Labours foreign policy, and its policies on trans rights. I hoped for a solid stance from the Labour government in halting the arms sales to Israel, in preventing the genocide occurring in Palestine, she said. Obviously weve not seen that, and Ive seen Labour effectively throwing trans women under the bus. Disappointment is too light a word. Barney Duff said the initial successes of Labours first 100 days had been forgotten. He referred to the creation of Great British Railways, and changes to renters rights that are still going through parliament, but said things had since gone awry. Its just been a bit of a train wreck, he said. I thought they were going to pivot when they got in charge. I was hopeful that theyd return to their manifesto that won the leadership, but I was quite naive in being hopeful. Government officials say they are aware of the problems reforms could cause and have begun to engage backbenchers early to gauge their views. Photograph: Roger Askew/Alamy Downing Street is facing another bruising battle following last weeks humiliating retreat on welfare reforms, as MPs, campaigners and parents voice concern at its overhaul of special needs education for children in England. A letter to the Guardian, signed by dozens of special needs and disability charities and campaigners including the broadcaster Chris Packham, actor Sally Phillips and Jane Asher, actor and president of the National Autistic Society says parents fear the reforms may restrict or abolish the vital education, health and care plans (EHCPs) that more than 600,000 children and young people rely on for individual support. The letter, with more than 100 signatories backing the newly formed Save Our Childrens Rights campaign, is calling for EHCPs to be retained, now and in the future, or risk seeing thousands of children denied vital provision, or losing access to education altogether. Related: Schools in England need complex changes to take more pupils with special needs Labour MPs who spoke to the Guardian are worried that ministers are unable to explain key details of the special educational needs (SEN) shake-up being considered in the schools white paper to be published in October. Several MPs warned that issues in the white paper such as the future of EHCPs could eventually cause another rebellion, similar to that which forced the government to gut its welfare bill after a major backlash from backbenchers. One MP said: This could be a massive problem. We are hoping there will be proper engagement around it, but we are worried about some of the signals we are picking up. Another said: People are really, really worried about this. It is one of the things that is going to make people feel very, very uncomfortable. The letter published in the Guardian is evidence of growing public concern, despite reassurances from the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, that no decisions have yet been taken about the fate of EHCPs. Signatories to the letter include academics studying disability and neurodiversity such as Prof Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the University of Cambridges autism research centre, and campaigners including Rosa Monckton, as well as parent-led group Special Needs Jungle. As new education reforms loom, every sign from the government suggests the right to an education, health and care plan (EHCP) is to be removed from children attending mainstream schools. Local authorities want EHCPs drastically reduced, or removed altogether, to relieve them of duties they often find costly and troublesome, the letter states. Without statutory support, underpinned by necessary extra resources for schools, its extremely unlikely that ministers will achieve their aim of more children with Send thriving, or even surviving, in mainstream education. A reduction or complete snatching-away of EHCPs in mainstream education wouldnt mean their needs magically vanish. It would, instead, increase applications for already overcrowded special schools or mean they would be forced out of school altogether. Related: The right to an education, health and care plan must be retained Although ministers contend that policies are still being developed, discussions are said to include the phasing out of EHCPs over a number of years, or restricting them to the most profound level of need. Fears about the fate of EHCPs were raised in May when Dame Christine Lenehan, the governments strategic adviser on special educational needs and disabilities, said EHCPs would probably change because there were questions if they were the right vehicle. One Labour backbencher said several MPs had requested meetings with Phillipson and Catherine McKinnell, the school standards minister, to question them on the plans. The MP added that the meetings so far had been unsatisfactory because ministers told them only that no decision over EHCPs had yet been made. Marie Tidball, the Labour MP who gave an emotional Commons speech against the welfare bill last week, said the Send reforms were now a major focus for many of her fellow backbenchers. Speaking on a live edition of the Guardians Politics Weekly podcast at the Crossed Wires festival in Sheffield, Tidball said: Theres going to be lots of work done over the summer on this, and I know that colleagues will be very keen to involve backbenchers whove got huge amounts of experience on that issue. Asked by the BBC on Sunday whether she could rule out getting rid of EHRCs, Phillipson said: What I can say very clearly is that we will strengthen and put in place better support for children. Saying that details would be set out in the autumn in the schools white paper, Phillipson said she fully understood that having access to that EHCP, and what that brings, is incredibly important. More funding alone was not the answer, she added, saying there was also a need to just take a step back and think about, how do we build a better system. A DfE spokesperson said: The evidence is clear that this government inherited a Send [special educational needs and disabilities] system left on its knees which is why we are looking at changes to improve support for children and stop parents having to fight for help. It is totally inaccurate to suggest that children, families and schools might experience any loss of funding or support. This government is actively working with parents and experts on the solutions, including more early intervention to prevent needs from escalating and 740m to encourage councils to create more specialist places in mainstream schools. One supportive MP said Phillipson and her team had done a lot of outreach to MPs to try to prevent a repeat of last weeks dramatic Commons scenes. Related: Councils face millions in extra Send costs as overhaul delayed The education team are doing a really, really good job of engaging with people, the person said. There will be a consultation and a proper process. But they added that many Labour MPs were concerned because of the amount of mail that was being generated by anxious parents. Parents of Send kids are climbing up the walls right now, they said. Our job is to get them down from those walls. EHCPs were introduced in 2014, and give statutory force to plans agreed by parents and local authorities about the additional support for children and young people up to the age of 25 with assessed special needs or disabilities. But as the number of EHCPs has rocketed above 600,000, in part because of increasing assessments of autism, ADHD and speech and language difficulties, the strain on local authority high needs budgets, as well as related transport costs, has pushed many councils in England towards insolvency. Shabana Mahmood is set to receive a recommendation to give certain defendants the right to request a judge-only trial - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images High-profile suspects in sex cases that have shocked the nation could get the right to seek a trial without a jury under plans to be considered by ministers. A review commissioned by Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, is expected this week to recommend defendants should get the right to ask for a judge-only trial as part of once-in-a-generation reforms to tackle chronic court backlogs. Sir Brian Leveson, the reviews author and a former Appeal Court judge, has suggested that this could include suspects whose crimes have garnered so much public opprobrium that they might feel the suspect would be unlikely to get an objective trial by jury. In a previous review, he indicated this reform could include defendants charged with sexual or sadistically violent offences, or suspects from minorities or sects who might consider a judge to be more objective than a jury. The move to give a right to opt for a judge-only trial would replicate similar systems in the US and Canada, where defendants in all Crown Court trials have the right to refuse a jury. An alternative model in New Zealand limits the option to less serious offences carrying maximum sentences below 14 years in jail. Sir Brian signalled the approach last month in a speech to legal experts, although he stressed a judge would require the discretion to reject any request. Im also going to talk about the extent to which a defendant should be allowed to elect to be tried by a judge alone, as happens in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, he said. His review aims to tackle the record Crown Court backlog of 77,000 cases, which forces some victims to wait until 2029 for a suspect to be brought before a court. Sir Brian warned criminal justice was at risk of collapse and gave defendants the chance to exploit the delays to plead not guilty in the hope their victims give up or forget vital evidence. As previously revealed by The Telegraph, he will propose a new intermediate court made up of a judge and two magistrates to hear cases that would have previously gone before a jury in the Crown Court. He will recommend complex cases that may last a year or more such as fraud and cyber crime should be considered only by a judge. Magistrates will be given more powers to hear more offences where previously a defendant could have elected a jury trial. At present, they can only try offences with a maximum sentence of one year but this could be increased to two years. Ministers are expected to draw the boundaries on which offences will be heard in the three courts later this year but Sir Brian is understood to have argued for a radical approach that would even see defendants who are charged with assault causing actual bodily harm denied a jury trial. Simpler, speedier and cheaper The reform would mean thousands of suspects would no longer have the right to put their case to a jury of their peers in offences such as assault of a police officer while resisting arrest, racially aggravated criminal damage, dangerous driving and possessing a class-C drug like cannabis. Sir Brian previously floated the idea of allowing defendants to request a judge-only trial in an efficiency review in 2015 where he said it would be simpler, speedier and cheaper than a jury hearing. He said it could be an attractive option to defendants who are charged with offences that attract particular public opprobrium, such as sexual/sadistic violence, or from minorities or sects who may consider the judge to be a more objective tribunal than a jury. The proposed reform could also appeal to defendants in factually or legally extremely complex cases, or where there was publicity adverse to the defence, or where defendants cases turned on alleged confessions or identification in which judges could be more rigorous in the weight afforded to such evidence than juries. Speaking last month, Sir Brian said the right to opt out of a jury trial would have to be considered on a case-by-case basis with judges given discretion to decide. There are some cases, which I would not consider appropriate for a judge to try alone, and I would give the judge a discretion. So a defendant may say, I would like to be tried by a judge alone, and the judge would be perfectly entitled to say, I think not, he said. I can also see lots of examples. I can see defendants, perhaps charged with cases that attract public opprobrium being concerned about a jury coming in from their daily lives to face that trial. Equally, I can see if its that much public opprobrium why a judge may say, Im not sure about that. So there is a balance to be done, but judges make judicial decisions all the time. On board the Britannic Explorer are three grand suites and 15 standard suites The maiden voyage of a sleeper train that cost 16,000 a ticket has been cancelled. The weekend tour to Cornwall was cut after the Britannic Explorer needed maintenance the day it was due to depart. Instead of making the journey from London Victoria to Penzance on Friday, the Belmond operated train was diverted for repairs near Southampton. It is understood some passengers paid more than 50,000 for a three-night stay in one of the trains three grand suites. The urgent repairs mean that the July 11 journey to the Lake District has also been cancelled. The train has fine-dining cars, 18 sleeper-cabin suites and onboard spa treatments. Among its cabins are three grand suites and 15 standard suites. Its dining experience has been designed by Simon Rogan, the award-winning restaurateur. The Britannic Explorer remained stuck at the station rather than travelling down to Cornwall on Friday - Christopher Jasper The company said passengers were offered a full refund including associated travel costs. The cancellation came just a day after guests had celebrated the trains launch with a three-hour party hosted by Keira Knightley at London Euston station. Belmond, which also operates the Oriental Express through Singapore and Malaysia, says its lavish service will now depart London for mid-Wales on July 21. Keira Knightley hosted a party to celebrate the launch of the train the night before its aborted first journey - Dave Benett A company spokesman said: The adjustment to the schedule was due to final refinements being made to ensure the train operates at the highest possible standard. Our team is committed to delivering an exceptional experience. In November 2024, Belmond announced it would debut the unapologetically British, effortlessly elegant service in mid-2025. A spokesman said it would offer three-night journeys through the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, The Lake District and Wales. Hendrik Huebner, the general manager of the Britannic Explorer, said: Its a reimagining of what travel in Britain can be. Were creating moments of wonder between iconic stops slow, soulful, sensory travel thats very much in tune with what luxury travellers are seeking now. Speaking about the food on board Mr Rogan last November said he hoped every passenger not only enjoys the flavours but also feels a connection between the dishes and the journey, making their time on board truly memorable. A trip on the Britannic Explorer in a double cabin starts from 11,000, including a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and other alcoholic beverages on board, rising to 16,000 for a suite and a double bed. At 16,000, the cost of an excursion on the Britannic Explorer is enough to fund a 75-day cruise for two around South America and the Caribbean. A journey on the Britannic Explorer does not come cheap, the three-night trip can set you back as much as 16,000 It is also significantly more expensive than the firms Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, where berths are priced from 3,885 per person for the two-day journey from Paris. Belmond had previously said cabins were already 70 per cent booked for this year, with the company highlighting one guest who has made reservations for all three Britannic Explorer itineraries back-to-back. There are still 8,500 tickets available for its three-day journey to Cornwall on Sept 19. Belmond, which was acquired by French luxury goods giant LVMH for 2.34 billion in 2019, was contacted for comment. I filed a Statement of Claim in the Court of Kings Bench because the Defendant the villages municipal office abused its authority to harass me personally and destroy my business. As the only Asian person in this village, I believe I was targeted with discrimination and political abuse by the mayor and the municipal staff. The mayor told me directly in my bar that he was the king of this village and that his words were the rules I must follow. He demanded I keep my bar open late whenever he and his friends were drinking there, even past 3:00 a.m. which would have caused me to lose my liquor license and face fines. When I refused to break the law, he began a campaign of harassment. This harassment included: Illegally dumping street snow onto my hotel and residential properties. Forcing me to apply for a development permit unnecessarily when I renovated my patio, then denying the permit after I applied, and sending inspectors to my property repeatedly. Spreading rumors about my business and food quality even though the food inspector cleared my kitchen. Convincing others in town to open competing businesses, offering them favorable leases to undermine me, and encouraging my tenants to break their rental agreements. Blocking my hotel from being listed as a historical site despite previous promises. Excluding my business from the villages official tourism website, even though I paid the fees. Coordinating the opening of a new bar-lounge owned by the deputy mayor near my business, removing my business from village advertising, and excluding me from major town events like the centennial celebration. The village also refused to apply the agreed historical designation for my hotel, spread false information to inspectors, and threatened my customers and suppliers. At one point, someone dumped a mobile home on my property without my permission; the village immediately issued orders and fines against me, charging me for removal and daily penalties. These illegal charges accumulated over time to $29,000. In 2019, the village tried to hide these charges in my annual property tax bill. I refused to pay, telling them they needed to sue me in court if they wanted to collect. Instead, they threatened to auction my hotel if I continued to refuse payment which they did in violation of the Municipal Government Act (specifically, Municipal Act 610). Meanwhile, from 2018 onward, the Defendant expanded the towns arena, allowing the deputy mayor to operate a new bar-lounge in direct competition with mine. They removed my business from local advertising, continued inspections meant to harass me, and interfered with my insurance claim after robbers damaged my property. I hired a lawyer to stop the illegal auction, but the village claimed my lawyer didnt respond to an email on April 16, 2020, and scheduled the auction anyway. I then hired another lawyer who promised to stop the auction without court proceedings. I paid him $5,000 upfront as appreciation, but he soon disappeared. Under constant harassment, I experienced severe depression and suicidal thoughts. I filed complaints with the Alberta Human Rights Commission and the provincial Ombudsman. I reported the harassment to the RCMP, but they told me they could not act against the municipality and could only be witnesses in civil court. When the Defendant illegally seized my vending machine (which I had used to block the entrance during repairs), the RCMP again said they could do nothing, causing me to lose a $10,000 insurance claim. My complaint to the Human Rights Commission (AHRC) was delayed because my lawyer disappeared, and the AHRC officer could not organize a necessary meeting with him. The officer extended deadlines twice before eventually submitting my complaint then resigned from his position. The Defendant responded to the AHRC complaint with a settlement offer. My lawyer at the time pressured me to accept any offer, refused to prepare a counteroffer, and broke his promise to sue the Defendant for damages. I fired him and began representing myself. When my affidavit was filed, the court scheduled a pre-trial conference. During the pre-trial, the judge reviewed my affidavit and evidence but immediately stated he found no evidence of discrimination. He ordered me to pay $1,900 in costs to the Defendant, even granting them legal expenses after closing the court file. Since it was only a pre-trial conference, I refused to sign any agreement, but the court clerk told me the judge had issued no further instructions, so the case was considered closed. I filed a new Statement of Claim. However, the Defendants lawyer used the pre-trial judgment to seize my hotel land through the Alberta Law Society. The Defendant then changed lawyers, and the new lawyer told me I could no longer contact the Defendant directly everything must go through her. She communicated only by email, and I was unable to deliver legal documents in person because her office doors were always closed. Suffering from major depression, I became too anxious to answer phone calls, open mail, or check emails because every communication brought more bad news. The Defendant claimed I failed to respond to emails and used this to convince a judge to strike my case without a hearing. When I appealed, I testified that I was a victim of discrimination and political abuse by the Defendant, forced to abandon my hotel and home. My emergency doctor recommended I leave the hostile environment immediately for my safety, and I was relocated to senior housing in Calgary with help from social workers and community resources. I explained that my delay in appeal procedures was because I was self-represented, lacked legal knowledge, and was struggling with severe depression and anxiety. Additionally, English is not my first language, and I taught myself English after coming to Canada. The judge interrupted, saying English was not her first language either, and she believed I was capable of proceeding in court. I explained that I filed my Notice of Appeal and affidavit with the Calgary Court of Appeal but then traveled to China for four months for medical treatment following a car accident and due to depression caused by the Defendants abuse. When I returned, I found my appeal closed for procedural delay. The court clerk advised me to write to the Chief Justices chambers, which I did. After technical problems with my CAMS account prevented me from e-filing, the case manager assigned a clerk to help resolve the errors, and I filed an application to restore my appeal. With my application, I submitted a medical statement from my doctor explaining that my delays were due to major depression and anxiety linked directly to the Defendants abuse. I also informed the court that my complete medical chart was available for review. However, the judge relied solely on procedural delay rules. Although she claimed she reviewed my medical statement, she still struck out my case, letting the Defendant avoid accountability. Following the courts instructions, I paid the $100 required fee and filed an application for reconsideration, but the Court of Appeal rejected my application. What Are Your Next Options? Heres what you realistically can consider now: 1) Apply to the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) for leave to appeal The SCC only hears appeals raising legal questions of national importance or cases showing a serious miscarriage of justice. You need to apply within 60 days of the Court of Appeals final decision. of the Court of Appeals final decision. Youll need to show how your case raises an important issue (e.g., whether procedural rules were unfairly applied against self-represented, marginalized individuals). If you can, consult a lawyer who practices at the SCC. 2) File a judicial misconduct complaint If you believe the judge acted unfairly, ignored evidence, or was biased, you can complain to the Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) if the judge is federally appointed. if the judge is federally appointed. Be aware the CJC cannot reverse decisions; they only discipline judges if misconduct is found. 3) Explore a new civil lawsuit If you are still within Albertas limitation period (generally two years from when you discovered the harm), you could start a new lawsuit alleging abuse of power, misfeasance in public office, or discrimination. Speak to a lawyer to see if you can file a fresh claim. 4) Seek support from human rights or legal advocacy organizations Organizations like the Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC), Calgary Legal Guidance, or other legal clinics may help review your case. They may also connect you with pro bono lawyers or assist you with administrative complaints. 5) Contact your MLA If you believe this was systemic abuse or corruption in the village, your MLA can advocate for an investigation or raise your case with provincial authorities. Key Point: Your story shows consistent efforts to seek help and pursue justice. While your legal options are narrowing, you still have potential avenues: a Supreme Court application, a judicial complaint, or starting a new claim (if not time-barred). Act quickly: each option has strict deadlines. Would you like help drafting a summary for a lawyer, an application for leave to the SCC, or a complaint to the Judicial Council? Spice Girl Melanie Brown married Rory McPhee at St Pauls Cathedral on Saturday July 5 2025 - PA Saturday was a special day for Mel B, aka Scary Spice, as she married hairdresser Rory McPhee in a lavish ceremony at St Pauls Cathedral. But if what Mel B wants, what she really, really wants, is her former bandmates showing their support, she must be feeling sorely disappointed: three of the other four Spice Girls snubbed her wedding. Mel B, who had permission to wed in St Pauls thanks to receiving an MBE for charity work, was tying the knot for the third time; she was previously married to backing dancer Jimmy Gulzar and film producer Stephen Belafonte. She also has a child with actor Eddie Murphy. She told Hello! in 2022 that her bandmates endorsed her latest match, saying: Its really special to me that they like Rory so much, because theyve never liked any of my boyfriends and theyve been quite clear about that. Yet apparently their approval didnt extend to watching her walk down the aisle, nor attending the subsequent 28,000 party at Shangri-La in The Shard. Mel B was awarded an MBE for charity work in 2022 - Geoff Pugh One no-show, Victoria Beckham, did at least acknowledge the event. She posted a picture of her and Mel B to Instagram on Saturday with the message Sending love to you @officialmelb! @rorymcphee is a very lucky man! xx. She then posted a black-and-white video of the band all together, and congratulated the happy couple. However, the fashion mogul was out of the country due to her hectic work schedule, according to a source, for the ceremony itself. But Victoria wasnt the only one putting a lie to the famous Spice Girls lyric friendship never ends. Geri Halliwell also skipped the wedding: reportedly to support husband Christian Horner, the principal of Formula 1 team Red Bull, at the British Grand Prix although one imagines he could have managed without her. Mel C had the more concrete excuse of a tour date in Stockholm, however she did make it back to the UK the previous weekend for Glastonbury. That meant Emma Bunton was the only one present at the wedding, dressed in an on-brand, Baby Spice-hued pink mini dress with a matching fascinator. Emma Bunton, aka Baby Spice, was the only member of the girl band to attend Mel Bs wedding on Saturday - Paul Grover None of the bandmates were part of Mel Bs extravagant hen do in Tunisia. She posted a video to Instagram last week showing a dancing group, all wearing bikinis in her signature leopard print, soundtracked by the Spice Girls song Say Youll Be There a pointed dig at absent friends, perhaps. Is this a sign that the rift between the band has deepened even further, scuppering hopes of a possible reunion? Friendship never ends?: The Spice Girls at the Brit Awards in 1995 - Getty Earlier this year, it sounded like a major announcement was imminent about plans for 2026 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Spice Girls breakout hit Wannabe whether a one-off concert or full-scale comeback. In February Mel C said on Apple Music 1: Were now getting together because we know if were going to do anything, we have to start planning things to get things right. That chimed with Mel Bs comments. In 2024 she told The Telegraph: Im planning on reuniting with the Spice Girls but theres no announcement yet. The Spice Girls is one of my priorities in life. The band even teased us with a mini-reunion at Victorias 50th birthday party in 2024, dancing to their hit song Stop: a delighted David Beckham shared the video on Instagram. But relations between the women, which have always been fractious, seem to have broken down again. Instead of repeating that group solidarity at Mel Bs 50th birthday in Leeds in May, Victoria and Geri failed to appear a snub they compounded by missing her wedding yesterday. Given the bands history of toxic spats, its hardly surprising. Geri and Mel B have a particularly fraught dynamic. Speaking on a podcast in 2024, Mel B made an explosive claim, saying: No one knows how old Geri is. No ones seen her passport. I know weve travelled the world, but I still dont know how old she is. That followed an even more shocking revelation in 2019. Mel B told presenter Piers Morgan that she and Geri had had a secret tryst. [Geri] is going to hate me for this because she is all posh with her country house and her husband, but its a fact. But it wasnt a thing, it just happened and we just giggled at it. Mel B then added, of her ginger bandmate: She is going to kill me. Mel B appeared on Piers Morgans Life Stories in 2019 and revealed that she and Geri Halliwell had been romantically linked - ITV Geris representative responded with a statement that included: What has been reported recently is simply not true and has been very hurtful to her family. In 2022, Mel B branded Geri really f---king annoying, while Geri allegedly told a friend that she cant bear to share the stage with Mel B. Mel C has also spoken about backstage drama, saying that she felt bullied into doing their 2007 tour and would be made the villain if she refused. Alleged diva behaviour on tour included New Age convert Geri halting video shoots to meditate, and Victoria demonstrating her fashionista status by taking phone calls from celebrities like Donatella Versace. When Victoria refused to join the bands 2019 reunion shows, a livid Mel B dressed up as her for Halloween with a sign saying No I am not going on tour. Mel B dressed up as Victoria Beckham for Heidi Klums 2018 Halloween party. She held a sign that said No I am not going on tour - Getty It was Geri who first quit the group, in 1998. The last time the full band performed together was the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony. It sounds like Mel B is the most eager to reform: she admitted in 2024 that she had been kicked out of the Spice Girls group chat for badgering them, and colourfully described her bandmates as d---heads. Part of the disparity may well be financial. The enormously successful Beckhams have a joint net worth of 500 million thanks to their numerous enterprises, while Geri and her husband are estimated to be worth 440 million. In contrast, Emma and husband Jade Jones have a net worth of 24 million, as does Mel C, while Mel Bs fortune decimated during her marriage and ruinous divorce from Belafonte is around 4.7 million. When a judge ordered her to pay 270,000 in legal fees and more than 3,000 a month in child payments, she was forced to sell her Hollywood mansion and move back home to Leeds. Geri Horner, Mel C, Emma Bunton and Mel B announced a six-date UK tour in 2019 A big Spice Girls payday would make all the difference. The group were reportedly close to signing a 1 million a-piece Netflix deal and agreeing a multi-date anniversary tour before their feuds reignited. There is still one solution that could cement their legacy without them having to spend much time together: recording a hologram-style show like Londons astonishing Abba Voyage, which features the Swedish band as digital avatars. That would only require a few weeks together, and then the show could run without them for years. Weve also seen the impossible happen this past week: the warring Gallagher brothers reunite for a triumphant Oasis tour. But if the Spice Girls cant even come together for Mel Bs wedding, it doesnt bode well for their ability or desire to prioritise future plans for the band, even if they could prove incredibly lucrative. Sadly, it seems there is a limit to girl power. Lieutenant Willward Alexander Peter Sandys-Clarke was killed in battle on St Georges Day 1943 - Spink & Son/BNPS The Victoria Cross of a disabled Second World War officer who single-handedly turned the tide of a battle is to be auctioned for the first time. In April 1943, Lt Willward Alexander Sandys-Clarke, whose family called him Peter, cleared three German machine-gun posts and an anti-tank pit, capturing numerous German soldiers in the process. When his platoon came under fire from two enemy snipers, the 23-year-old advanced towards them alone only to be shot and killed. Robin, his only son, was born just over a week later. Irene Deakin, Clarkes widow, went to Buckingham Palace to meet King George VI to collect the posthumous Victoria Cross (VC) Britains highest award for gallantry in his honour. Irene Deakin gave birth to Lt Willward Alexander Sandys-Clarkes son a week after his death - Spink & Son/BNPS Eighty-two years later, his medals and other prized mementos are estimated to sell for 300,000 to 500,000 at London-based auctioneers Spink and Son. The auctioneers said the family had decided now is the right time to part with Clarkes belongings as they want to bring his story to a wider audience. Alongside the VC is an letter penned by Lt Edward Deakin, his brother-in-law, informing his sister of her husbands death. Lt Deakin, who served alongside Clarke in the 1st Battalion, The Loyals, during the North African campaign, wrote: Peter was killed in action at about noon yesterday, Friday, April 23, towards the end of one of the most gallant and courageous actions, led by himself, which I am ever likely to see. He added: All I know is that I, and we all, have lost one of the finest and bravest of us all, and that he died as he always lived, in the highest interpretation of courage and honour. A fierce counter-attack Lt Clarke was born in Southport, Lancashire, in 1919. A motorcycle accident in September 1940 left him deaf in his left ear and partially blind in one eye, with total numbness on the left side of his face. But he refused an honourable discharge and against the surgeons advice landed with the 1st Battalion in North Africa. The Loyals were tasked to take Gueriat-el-Atach in Tunisia, one of the strongest points in the line of German defences on the route to Tunis and a key proponent of Operation Vulcan. The battalion launched a 2am offensive, only to be met with a fierce German counter-attack that left Clarke as the only officer standing in B Company. He was wounded in the neck and head by shell splinters but immediately returned to the battlefield to form a composite platoon to recapture the ridge that controlled the line of advance. Lieutant Willward Alexander Sandys-Clarke was the fifth member of his family to receive the Victoria Cross - Wioletta Madaj/Spink & Son His VC citation states: Without hesitating, Lieutenant Clarke advanced single-handed to clear the opposition, but was killed outright within a few feet of the enemy. This officers quick grasp of the situation and his brilliant leadership undoubtedly restored the situation, whilst his outstanding personal bravery and tenacious devotion to duty were an inspiration to his company and were beyond praise. Clarke, who was the fifth member of the his family to receive the VC, was laid to rest in Massicault War Cemetery, near Tunis. Marcus Budgen, the head of the medals department at Spink and Son, said: This is without a doubt one of the most important Victoria Crosses to come to market for the past decade, it is certainly the most poignant story I have ever told in my career. Having single-handedly turned the tide of battle in Tunisia on St Georges Day 1943, Sandys-Clarke was killed at the point of victory... It is a simply breathtaking and tear-jerking story that should inspire us all. The sale takes place on July 24. An artists impression of the fat factory run by Neanderthals in Germany - Scherjon, Leiza-Monrepos Neanderthals living 125,000 years ago may have mass-produced grease from animal bones in factories, a study has found. They may have been rendering fat from crushed animal bones in the Neumark-Nord region in central Germany, according to archaeological research, published in Science Advances. While many bones that contained less marrow were spread out across the archaeological site, researchers observed that many of the marrow-rich bones were located in clusters sites they call fat factories. The process required careful planning, specialised tools and detailed knowledge of nutrition. Its use challenges long-held assumptions about Neanderthal capabilities, the study, commissioned at Leiden University in The Netherlands, found. Prof Wil Roebroeks, the studys co-author said: This attitude that Neanderthals were dumb this is another data point that proves otherwise. Dr Lutz Kindler, the studys first author, added: Neanderthals were clearly managing resources with precision planning hunts, transporting carcasses and rendering fat in a task-specific area. Prior to this finding, the earliest evidence of this kind of fat rendering dated back to only 28,000 years ago, thousands of years after Neanderthals disappeared from the fossil record. Findings in central Germany suggest that 125,000 years ago Neanderthals employed an advanced method of food preparation - Kindler, Leiza-Monrepos The Neumark-Nord 2/2B site was excavated through year-round campaigns from 2004 to 2009. Researchers found more than 118,000 bone fragments alongside 16,500 flint tools, hammerstones and abundant signs of fire use. Two thirds of the bone material measured smaller than 3cm the tiny fragments used for grease extraction. Like humans, fat was a crucial survival resource for Neanderthals particularly for hunter-gatherers dependent on animal foods, and bone grease provided a calorie-dense solution during periods when other fat sources became scarce. Analysis also found that they had built fires, with evidence of heating bones, stones and charcoal from controlled fires. The Neanderthals had positioned themselves on the edge of a lake, which would have given them direct access to water, the study found. Long-held assumptions about Neanderthal capabilities are being challenged - Goroden Koff Researchers have also proposed that Neanderthals may have operated sophisticated caching systems. Caching was essential for northern latitude hunter-gatherers, who could not survive without stored foods. The concentration of 172 large mammals in such a small area suggests bones were stored across the landscape and later transported to the processing site during intensive rendering periods. Prof Sabine Gaudzinksi-Windheuser, the co-author of the study, said: Indeed, bone grease production requires a certain volume of bones to make this labour-intensive processing worthwhile and hence the more bones assembled, the more profitable it becomes. The study found that the Neumark-Nord lakes could have facilitated pond storage a method where carcasses were submerged in cold water for preservation. Prof Roebroeks said: What makes Neumark-Nord so exceptional is the preservation of an entire landscape, not just a single site. We see Neanderthals hunting and minimally butchering deer in one area, processing elephants intensively in another, and as this study shows rendering fat from hundreds of mammal skeletons in a centralised location. About 150 people were reportedly evicted from the event in June - SWNS A gender reveal in a cul-de-sac turned into a 150-strong Project X-style house party, an Airbnb owner has revealed. Matt Genesis, 33, said he agreed to rent his 10-bed 635,000 house in the village of Norden, Greater Manchester, to a group of eight people who booked it through Instagram for an event. But photographs show the moment over a hundred people crowded into the home, with the party spilling out onto the street as attendees parked on neighbours driveways. Neighbours complained to Mr Genesis on June 25, but when he tried to log on to the propertys external security cameras, he found they had been disconnected. Police in riot vans had to disperse party-goers from the 450 a night rental, which is regularly rented out via Airbnb, some of whom had travelled from as far as London. Mr Genesis, the director of Fairway Building and Remedial Contractors, which owns the property, said he found 150 people when he arrived at the house at 9.30pm. Mr Genesis said: Whilst we were there, minibus after minibus was turning up Id say one every 15 minutes, a minibus full of six to eight people walking in. It was out of control police turned up. We called them, obviously neighbours had called them. It was out of our control. Even the guy who booked it, it was out of his control on his behalf he said he didnt expect anywhere near the amount of people, but its been passed around group and groups. Matt Genesis, the director of the company that owns the property, said he arrived at the property to find 150 people - SWNS He added: Usually if guests are checking in we have cameras on the property, but as soon as they entered they turned the Wi-Fi off. That disabled the cameras, so we werent able to deal with it any sooner than they could. It was very much Project X. Project X is a 2012 teen movie based on real life events when a house party attracts hundreds of unexpected revellers after details are posted on social media. 2k in losses Mr Genesis was forced to apologise to neighbours and cancel his next booking as he worked to fix the 2,000 worth of damage caused. The property, which previously underwent a 200,000 renovation and includes a hot tub and pool tables, took three staff 12 hours to clean after the party. The only money Mr Genesis received in return is the 450 a night charge, plus a 250 damage deposit. He said: It was so structured, before we emptied the house out the people who were there said, Where do we go? Guests had travelled from as far as London for it, so it was very, very calculated. It hit us we seem like the bad guys, but at the same time it did ultimately hit us as well in the pocket. James Gartside, 80, and Jane Gartside, 84, have lived next door to the home for more than 50 years and remembered when it was previously owned by an older couple who had passed away. Mrs Gartside said she was asked if a visitor could park in their driveway, adding: I think I knew it was going to be quite busy, you just got that feeling quite quickly. Nine oclock, one of the owners arrived and said, Im sorry, this is whats happening, and said the police had been sent for. They got everybody out. It was just that night was out of control, when the police came. They calmed it all down there was no fighting or anything like that. We had a meeting, we went around, they invited us all around and everybody felt very upset. They were very apologetic. Mike Law, who lives on the other side of the property, said: They did very well to disperse them, in my opinion. In a way it was a problem at the time, but its not lasted. There were certainly more than 200 people, I would say, it was a nuisance but we can be a nuisance to our next door neighbours. I didnt know how they were going to fit in there. Before the big masses came I did offer our drive to park on, but I think the owners learnt a lesson on it and will obviously improve it. Airbnb said it had looked into the situation and found the booking had been made through a third party, with no reservations made for the property on its platform. Greater Manchester Police was contacted for comment. Terrorists inside British prisons are teaching organised criminals how to make bombs, a study has revealed. In return, extremist inmates are learning from gang members how to launder money, use the dark web and obtain weapons that could be used in terror attacks. The study comes amid concerns over the rise of Islamist gangs following attacks on prison officers in jails. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said: Extremists and career criminals now operate with near impunity inside some of this countrys highest-security prisons. That is a complete failure of leadership and a dangerous abdication of one of the states core duties: maintaining order behind bars. When Islamist terrorists and organised crime figures are left to forge alliances, we arent just witnessing a security lapse were watching a national threat incubate in plain sight. This cannot be allowed to continue. Prisons have often been thought of as operating like universities of crime, with inmates learning how to become more accomplished thieves, fraudsters and even drug dealers. But according to the report, that knowledge exchange is starting to take place between ordinary criminals and terrorist inmates. Described as the prison crime-terror nexus, the study found terrorists were learning illegal financial techniques to better fund their operations, while gang members and organised criminals are discovering how to assemble devastating new weapons to use against their rivals Drawing on interviews with prison officers, former governors, counter terror officials and prisoners, the research suggests divisions that may have once existed between terrorists and other inmates are beginning to break down. Dr Hannah Bennett, the author of the study, said: Some prisoners are coming out knowing how to make a bomb. Others are learning how to use the dark web or commit financial crime. For many, its about protection but its also about opportunity. The study warns that a failure to identify and disrupt these exchanges risks allowing violent alliances to flourish both inside and beyond the prison walls. In some cases, released prisoners have continued hybrid activity either joining gangs with ideological leanings or aiding terror networks in evading surveillance. The report points out how the terrorists behind the devastating 2004 Madrid bombings financed the operation through drug dealing while al-Qaeda operatives have also been known to raise money through sophisticated credit card fraud operations. Dr Bennett warned that the most fertile institutions for such a crossover are maximum security prisons where there is evidence of corruption, violence and a lack of oversight. She described these prisons as black hole environments, adding: Where you have violent, chaotic prisons with no consistent regime and inmates who are co-located without proper oversight, the risk is exponentially higher. One inmate who was interviewed for the study said the authorities seemed oblivious to what was going on. He said: We are blind to it. There are prisoners coming out more radicalised, more connected and more capable and no ones clocking it. Prof Ian Acheson, a former prison governor who also served in the Home Office as the director of community safety, said: We have several black hole prisons where a combination of weak authority, inexperience and poor leadership means the state has effectively surrendered the environment to prisoners. The Chief Inspector of Prisons keeps identifying these places and it is extremely concerning to see some of our high-security prisons are in that number. Here, ideologically inspired offenders and organised crime leaders can mix freely. Where you have such lethal capacity cheek by jowl with people with the capability to obtain weapons and help escapes there is an enduring risk to national security. Its a perfectly rational partnership for those whose only interest is profit. And it can happen in prisons where ferocious violence and staff retreat is becoming the norm. The findings come after several high-profile attacks on prison officers and reports of drones delivering drugs into prisons. In April, Hashem Abedi, the Manchester Arena bomber, who is serving life for 22 murders, attacked three officers in a separation unit at the high security HMP Frankland, in Co Durham. Hashem Abedi, the Manchester Arena terrorist, left three prison officers in hospital after attacking them with hot oil and makeshift knives - GMP/PA A month later, Axel Rudakubana, the Southport killer, allegedly threw boiling water from his kettle over an officer at HMP Belmarsh. Dr Bennetts report calls for urgent reform of prison intelligence strategy, including improved staff training, a clear operational definition of the prison nexus threat, and a structured assessment tool to identify high-risk jails. She concluded: The risk is not just ideological or criminal its both. If we continue to treat them in silos, were going to miss whats happening in the overlap. Ministers must pay attention to how terrorists and criminals work together By Prof Ian Acheson Prisons are traditionally places where alliances are made between criminals who see incarceration as an occupational hazard. Criminologists find this opportunistic behaviour, if distasteful, perfectly rational. When I worked in the prison service in the 1990s, an inordinate amount of my time was spent trying to disrupt and deter organised criminals and paedophiles from networking to extend their power on either side of the prison walls. This cosy old paradigm has been changed forever by the inclusion in the prison population of increasing numbers of terrorist offenders. People who kill for ideas are very different from those after money or sexual deviants. But the idea they cannot co-operate is dangerously naive and woefully under researched. This is why newly released research into the Prison Crime Terror Nexus by Dr Hannah Bennett is so significant. Dr Bennett is one of those rare researchers who combines theoretical and operational experience. We met at the University of Staffordshire and I have supported her work, which I am glad to see published. Ministers should pay great attention to this study. Todays prison environment is poisoned by drugs and extreme violence. Terrorists attacks on prison staff have avoided death by millimetres and seconds. The potential for those with the capability to give support to those with the capacity for terrorism is not an abstract idea, it is a real and present danger. Dr Bennett has offered an insight into how terrorists and criminals work together in the prison environment for mutual benefit. Her findings are the result of multiple interviews with prisoners and prison professionals, many detailing a chilling degree of mutual cooperation and a high degree of dysfunction in intelligence collection and dissemination from the front line to the HQ boardrooms. In part this breakdown reflects the different objectives of the prison service and policing. I know from personal experience just how difficult it is to get senior officials at the headquarters level to understand their primary role in protecting national security. Too many prison professionals at senior levels subscribe to a kind of reclamation theology that puts saving souls ahead of hard nosed threat management. This cultural blindness contributes to what Dr Bennett calls with rather more delicacy than I am capable as the intelligence capability gap. This lack of appetite to join the dots and do something about it is most apparent in how Dr Bennett adopts and extends the theory of black hole prisons. These places are akin to failed states where rampant instability, weak or absent authority, corruption, poor leadership and a rampant drugs economy create voids of power quickly filled an exploited by stronger forces such as gangs and extremists. Dr Bennett has taken this theory and applied it to identify the meeting points of organised crime and terrorism in some of our allegedly most secure prisons. These are places like HMPs Belmarsh, Long Lartin, Whitemoor and Frankland that hold the majority of our terrorist offenders in close proximity to crime family bosses and postcode gang leaders. These are not places where it possible to say the state is fully in control. Co-operation between these groups is likely when shared opportunities and goals transcend ideological differences or any adverse consequences. This is not an altogether new phenomenon. In 1994 at Whitemoor prison, shortly after it opened, IRA terrorists escaped the prison briefly with a London gangster Andy Russell. Russell was serving a sentence for hijacking a helicopter to spring two prisoners from HMP Gartree some years before. All had been held in the special security unit (SSU) a supposedly escape proof prison within a prison. Staff there had been so intimidated the gang was able to smuggle in weapons and explosives. In some of the high-security prisons I have listed today, cell window drone deliveries make it at least theoretically possible that the drugs payload they have controlled by organised criminals could have weapons and ammunition included. We are closer to ths reality than any official is prepared to admit. Dr Bennett has offered a framework for prison bosses to identify where this nexus is likely to emerge. When I worked in prison order and control at a national level, our preoccupation was identifying the characteristics of prisoners who would cause riots and ensuring that there was a balanced mix across all establishments to prevent disorder. It is somewhat paradoxical that the threat or widespread disorder has receded today in large part because prisoners are in control of an environment where drugs are easily available and authority is in retreat. This Faustian pact will not hold where ideologically motivated prisoners are located. For many, not all of these terrorist offenders, the war against the state goes on and the targets have merely changed from civilians to the men and women in uniform looking after them. It is vital that meticulous research like Dr Bennetts is seen and considered by ministers and not through the lens of bureaucrats who have allowed this nexus to flourish. Terrorists and organised criminals have worked together before and will do so again. The stakes are very high. Prof Ian Acheson is a former senior official with the Home Office and a volunteer police officer Three works created by Northern Ireland theatre, dance and arts organisations will be spotlighted as part of an event at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer. The Spotlight On Theatre And Dance From Northern Ireland initiative on August 19 is delivered by Theatre and Dance NI (TDNI), in collaboration with Belfast International Arts Festival, and supported by British Council Northern Ireland and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Now in its seventh year, the event aims to shine a light on work created by artists and arts organisations from Northern Ireland. The exposure of being part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe gives an opportunity for the artists to connect and network with international arts industry figures with a view to having their work tour internationally. Pictured launching the spotlight are (L-R) Seon Simpson, Fergus Wachala-Kelly, Colm McCready, Karis Kelly and Simon Sweeney (Arts Council NI/PA) The three productions from Northern Ireland being profiled in 2025 are Anthem For Dissatisfaction by Gina Donnelly with SkelpieLimmer Productions, Consumed by Karis Kelly, a Paines Plough, Belgrade Theatre, Sheffield Theatres and Womens Prize for Playwriting production in association with the Lyric Belfast and Shame Show by Colm McCready and Fergus Wachala-Kelly with SkelpieLimmer Productions. In addition, four Northern Ireland artists will travel to Edinburgh as part of the Fellowship Programme, designed to support artists, directors, and producers who are exploring future opportunities at the Fringe. This years fellows are Carley Magee, Ronan McManus, Gemma Mae Halligan and Lisa May. Niamh Flanagan, executive director of Theatre and Dance NI said: Over the past seven years, Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe has demonstrated the strong national and international appetite for theatre and dance from Northern Ireland. The festival has created invaluable opportunitiesdrawing attention from national and international programmers leading to touring, collaboration, and other opportunities both at home and abroad. This recognition continues to elevate Northern Irelands reputation on the global cultural stage. The Spotlight programme now extends beyond Edinburgh, providing support to artists and companies as part of both the Belfast International Arts Festival and Belfast Childrens Festival. She added: We are delighted to present three exceptional artists as part of this years Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe programme. Their work exemplifies the innovation, ambition, and artistic excellence that define Northern Irelands creative sector. Were thrilled to support them in showcasing their talent at the worlds largest arts festival and marketplace. Richard Wakely, artistic director and chief executive of the Belfast International Arts Festival said: The Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe programme continues to celebrate Northern Ireland artists who are working across performance disciplines and wish to create deep and sustainable international partnerships and collaborations. Jonathan Stewart, director of the British Council Northern Ireland said: Providing Northern Ireland artists and companies with opportunities to showcase their work on international stages not only broadens their reach but also strengthens our local creative community. This exposure helps fuel a vibrant, thriving creative economy in Northern Ireland, benefiting artists, companies and audiences alike. Siobhan Molloy, festivals, venues and international arts development officer at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: The Arts Council is proud to help spotlight the incredible theatre and dance work being made in Northern Ireland at this years Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and funding from The National Lottery has been a game changer in helping us achieve that. It is vital that these works are seen, and so it is really exciting that a huge potential market is opened up to these theatre makers by attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Chancellor Rachel Reeves crying as Keir Starmer speaks during Prime Minister's Questions The pattern for life under Labour has been set. Ministers, hopelessly out of their depth, try to save money, fail, reverse, ending up spending more, and yet the Left calls them closet-Tories and swans off to Jeremy Corbyn. The excess of lefty MPs in the Commons hasnt brought order to Labour but, like an experiment involving overbred mice in a cage, theyve started to eat each other. No 10 will try to make a virtue of this. They will say: Keir Starmer is where the public is. He is trying to fix the mess left by the Tories in a fair way balance the books, control the borders and opposition from both Corbyn and Reform proves he is the non-ideological man we need. Hes the human version of the BBC. Everyone hates it, so it must be good. Except no one watches the BBC anymore, just as dwindling numbers vote Labour, and the vision of Starmer as a man patrolling the middle-ground doesnt ring true. Its more accurate of Rachel Reeves. For all her sins, shes been saying the same things for over a decade (loudly, through a fixed smile). As shadow work and pensions minister, she promised to be tougher on benefits than George Osborne. She did not serve under Corbyn. She called for immigration to be curbed after Brexit. By contrast, Starmers career is built on a series of U-turns he believes it is our patriotic duty to forget. Forget that he was a militant Remainer, that he knelt for Black Lives Matter or that he won the Labour leadership calling Corbyns manifesto our foundational document stuffed with radicalism and hope. Starmer, who said the free market has failed, stood for a moral socialism that opposes austerity. Left-wing activists had spent the 2010s alleging that welfare reform amounted to murder; John McDonnell quoted someone saying they wished to lynch Esther McVey. Starmers Labour might have turned on the Corbynites, but it drew from the same pool of assumptions and resentments. Torsten Bell called the two-child benefit cap immoral. David Lammy said his constituents were ruined by austerity, left hungry by Universal Credit. Angela Rayner apologised for calling Conservatives homophobic, racist, misogynistic scum. Starmer ran ads that suggested Rishi Sunak was soft on paedophiles and his wife was a tax dodger. He called Boris pathetic, a man who had no principles, no integrity (I loathed him, he later said). Having abandoned a coherent critique of Tory economics which, to be fair, had no coherence anyway Starmer reframed politics from Left v Right to Good v Evil, and this is what a new generation of MPs presumably believed when they won in 2024. Everything the Tories had done was wicked and unnecessary, a choice born of greed. So, what happened when Reeves took over the Treasury, found Rishi had in fact spent too much money, and announced that Dickensian choices had morphed into Labour necessities? Hurt and panic. Akin to a Puritan discovering their mother is a lush and daddy frequents a drag bar. And so the children rebelled and we should have no sympathy for the adults who once claimed to be back in charge. Why? Because their moral tone before entering office implied that any effort to limit the state was class violence. Another example from Torsten Bell (there are many): in 2021 he wrote that revising the Covid-era uplift to Universal Credit, worth 20 a week, might damage not only family finances but peoples mental health.Tory policy could drive you mad. Of course, the Left has well established in the popular mind that mental health is as serious as physical, so must get PIPs; that Britain is a nation of immigrants and human rights, so we cant deport lawbreakers; and the Earth is on fire, so we cant use new sources of fossil fuel. Many of the problems Labour inherited are the by-products of assumptions Labour has helped embed within British institutions (including within the Tory Party, which is why it did little to reverse the trend). Why was Starmer shouted at when he laid a wreath for the victims of the Southport killer last year? Why has Reeves been derided for crying in the Commons? Because most voters do not see Labour as a change agent with Fairy-soft clean hands, but rather as the latest iteration of a grubby establishment that has run this country for decades, and which shares as much blame as the Conservatives for where we are arguably, more. New Labour bound Westminster with legal restraints, such as the Human Rights Act or the Climate Change Act, while empowering quangos that operate as watchdogs against elected officials. Whoever you vote for, policy options are narrowed so far that we can really only travel in one direction. Thus the economy is in constant crisis because spending is axiomatic, frugality penalised and alternatives for growth shut off (ask Liz Truss). Reeves, in her first year, found herself testing what this political system would tolerate with her modest mix of tax hikes and savings. Last weeks welfare rebellion rules out further cuts, while her fiscal rules render it harder to borrow, leaving only taxes on the table, which will kill the growth that grows the pie that makes progressive government feasible. Changing course will be difficult. Starmer and Corbyn have profound differences, but they share the psychological defect of seeing themselves as Very Good People a condition that makes it easy to give criticism but hard to take it. Good People cannot accept they are wrong because their rightness, or righteousness, is the rock upon which they construct a life. Sitting in Westminster, its fun to hear Labour MPs bitch about each other. The Starmerites truly loathe the Corbynites; they are professional activists who harm the people theyre meant to help. The Corbynites say the Starmerites will never fix a capitalist system they dont understand, and thus havent learnt to hate. Out of power, this conflict was barely worth a column in the Morning Star, but as we enter Year Two of the revolution, journalists must study every nuance, unpack every conference motion, to see where this civil war is taking us. If you want a vision of the future, Winston, it is pro-Gaza activists glueing themselves to a truck at Londons Pride parade on Saturday. Black flags v rainbow flags. A family row with consequence, because the entire country is stuck in the traffic behind, pumping the horn, waving our fists, but going nowhere. Bread and dipping potato sourdough with gravy, as served at London restaurant Town. Photograph: Tonic Studio Pub roasts, grannies, Sunday lunch, Ah! Bisto!: gravy triggers nostalgic food memories for Britons like little else. But unlike complex French sauces, for example, gravy is brown and plain, not gastronomic alchemy. Its homely bedfellows potatoes and pies have had fancy makeovers, but gravys potential hasnt been much exploited on the modern menu. Until now. The nostalgic wave sweeping Britains food scene is reviving this ancient staple, but with a twist: gravy is going gourmet. It is appearing as a dip for burgers in London at the upmarket chain Burger & Beyond and at Nanny Bills. It is served with brioche and black pudding at Tom Cencis modern British restaurant Nessa in Soho, and even does a turn at Shaun Rankins Michelin-starred Grantley Hall in Yorkshire, where it is styled as beef tea and served with bread, bone marrow butter and dripping. More radically, Hackney Gelato and KFC collaborated on gravy gelato recently and it sold out in days. It features rich notes of peppercorn and, of course, chicken, its creators wrote. It stinks is it for cats? a TikTok reviewer responded, revolted by the combination of sweet cream and meat. Regardless of where you stand on chickeny ice-cream, there is no doubt that gravy is undergoing a gastronomic reawakening, says Gurdeep Loyal, a food writer. Good gravy is a vehicle to amplify rather than dilute so its gone from an everyday sauce to something that can take a dish to the next level. He adds: Gravy should taste more of the meat than the meat itself. Thats the magic of it; its an intensification. Rankin agrees: Previously chefs have been focused on sauces with no fat, but now its all about strong flavours and you only get that with natural fats. He has created a dish called Bread, Butter, Dripping, Beef Tea, which is based, he says, around my childhood memories of Sunday lunch at home where my mum would lift the roast beef out of the oven, then give me a slice of bread to dip into the juices. I brought all those flavours together for this bread course. As the title of Loyals new book Flavour Heroes: 15 Modern Pantry Ingredients to Amplify Your Cooking suggests, it is all about amplification. Like custard, potatoes and pies, gravy taps into nostalgia, but also has the potential to transform texture and enhance taste. For ages people were obsessed with making everything crispy and crunchy: pangrattato crispy breadcrumbs and so on, says Loyal. Now were after the antithesis: drowning. The celebration of the soggy! Your taste buds are concentrated on the sides and the tip of your tongue, so youll get more taste from something drowned. Gravy is not jus. It is not a glaze. It is gravy, says chef Stevie Parle, in the matter-of-fact manner of a Birmingham man known and loved for his unfussy approach to cooking. At the chefs latest opening, Town in central London, gravy is served with a hunk of potato sourdough as a snack. It is rich, brown and laced with meaty bits. I dont know that I am elevating it, he says. Im just making a really, really good one. Theres nothing nicer then meat left over from a roast, made into sandwiches and dipped in gravy, says Craig Povoas, co-founder of Burger & Beyond. The dips there include a pot of bone marrow gravy, and it is also selling posh sandwiches with dips, such as the British French Dip, a baguette filled with rump steak, gruyere cheese and caramelised onions with beef gravy on the side. Its inspired by the French dip sandwich which is popular in the United States, Povoas says an invention that is French only insofar as a baguette is generally the vehicle for the generous pot of gravy that comes with it. Related: Squash them flat, pile them high: the rise and rise of the smash burger Gravy is evolving, says Zoe Simons, senior brand development chef at Waitrose, which has recently seen a big push towards using broths and stocks to create more sophisticated gravies at home. Even the culinary director of Claridges, Simon Attridge, a man you would expect to stick to the script as far as tradition is concerned, is partial to dipping french fries into a mix of mayonnaise and red wine gravy. One of his favourite gravy dishes is a rich madeira-based chicken gravy, infused into butter with crispy chicken skin and served with soft milk bread. There is a thrill in taking something golden and crisp like yorkshire pudding and drowning it in gravy, but theres a cultural dimension, too, to the nostalgia and to the rebellious streak in gravy. Though almost every other British food is not British at all, gravy is something the British have proudly made up, all by ourselves, the food historian Pen Vogler writes in her book Scoff: A History of Food and Class in Britain. Even the word itself is believed to have derived from a mistranscription of the old French for ingredient, grane. That is as French as gravy has ever been, Vogler says. Where French sauces are skilfully conceived in a pot with vegetables and quality meat, gravy is the stuff that comes out of the meat as it roasts, and the sticky bits left in the pan. It is what gave us an international reputation for dry meat, which is perhaps why gravy became a little declasse, something demanded by the sort of diner who has not been educated in the highest flights of French gastronomy to despise overdone meat, says Vogler. The more the joint was squeezed for gravy, the drier the meat, the more gravy was necessary, creating a culinary vicious circle that left cooks scrambling for increasingly inventive ways to make enough gravy to lubricate their meal. Before the invention of Bisto and the Oxo cube in the early 20th century, gravy was firmly in the bung it in and see school of culinary thought. Vogler lists caramel, salt, pickles as examples of supplements for gravy to which my grandma would add leftover veg, any dregs of cream or fat she had saved in the fridge, and a splash of raw batter from the yorkshire puddings. Thats a very Yorkshire thing, Rankin says. My mum also used part of the pudding mix as a thickening agent, adding a splash to the tray the beef had roasted in, where all the juices were. Povoas says: Everyone has their own take, whether its Bisto or elevated. Unlike with French sauces, there are no definitive gravy recipes. Vogler points out that recipes for anything like gravy in French, Italian, Spanish or other cookbooks are notable by their absence. The food historian Alan Davidson described gravy as a term comprehensible to those who use it, but something of a mystery in the rest of the world. In the past, this placed it beneath the regard of British chefs intent on proving themselves and their meat worthy of gastronomic consideration. But now nostalgia, quality produce and the trumping of fat and flavour over pared-back sophistication have made gravy a go-to item for chefs wanting to celebrate Britains culinary heritage and have some fun. Its not cheffy in the way that chefs like to refine and refine, says Parle. Its about scraping all those tasty bits in the pan. Its about getting down and dirty. The bone marrow gravy at Burger & Beyond may taste better than the one you grew up with, says Povoas, but its still gravy. Its just one of those British things that everyone loves. Theres an insouciance to this sauce, which steals flavour from the meat only to return it tenfold, covering everything in an umami wash of brown. I dont know what makes gravy, gravy, Parle says with a shrug, but I do know that if someone says: Its all gravy, it means they are having a good time. The exact length of time to be given to people who lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks will be specified later. Photograph: Peter Cade/Getty Images Parents in Britain will be granted the right to bereavement leave after suffering a miscarriage as part of Labours changes to workers rights, it has been confirmed. In a change to the law made via amendments to the employment rights bill, mothers and their partners will be given the legal right to at least one weeks bereavement leave if they have suffered a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks gestation. The deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, has said that the change would give people time away from work to grieve. Parents are already entitled to up to two weeks of bereavement leave if they experience a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy or a child dies before they turn 18. The exact length of time off to be given to people who lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks will be specified in later legislation after a consultation. The chief executive of the Miscarriage Association, Vicki Robinson, welcomed the announcement. She said it was a hugely important step that acknowledges the often very significant impact of pre-24 week loss, not only for those experiencing the physical loss, but for their partners too. The decision to extend the right to couples marks a victory for the Labour MP Sarah Owen, who has campaigned for the change. The women and equalities select committee, which Owen chairs, concluded in a report in January that the case for it was overwhelming. A number of employers already offer the leave as an extra benefit, but the committee said it should become a universal right given the physical and emotional impacts of baby loss. About 250,000 expectant mothers in the UK suffer a miscarriage every year. Between 10% and 20% of pregnancies end in an early miscarriage within the first 12 weeks of gestation. Ministers have announced they will review the entire system of parental leave, declaring that it is not working for families. They plan to investigate support for new parents, including maternity leave, paternity leave and shared arrangements. The bereavement leave changes are part of the employment rights bill, Labours flagship changes to workers rights in England, Wales and Scotland, which is entering its final stages in the House of Lords. Many of the measures it entails, including lowering the earnings limit for statutory sick pay, will come into effect from April next year, but the bereavement leave entitlement is part of a final set of measures scheduled for introduction in 2027. Anne Hidalgo posed with dancers at the Tropical Carnival in Paris on Sunday - Teresa Suarez/Shutterstock Pariss socialist mayor has come under fire for approving funding for a guinea pig cuddling project for children in a wave of wasteful subsidies. Anne Hidalgos town hall earmarked 2,500 (2,158) for the association Pat a Pas (Paw by Step), which says its mission is to promote wellbeing, fulfilment and self-sufficiency through contact with nature, notably animal-assisted therapy. The project includes hundreds of hours of sessions with children to feed, brush and cuddle guinea pigs. Such animals are allies and facilitators who accept humans for who they are, not who they should be, it says on its website. Children are invited to reconnect with the rhythms of nature to rediscover our senses, the essence and meaning of our presence to ourselves, to others, to the world and to our future. The organisation also conducts workshops in retirement homes and with the homeless. Detrimental to Parisians But the Citizens Transparency, an association fighting against corruption and the misuse of public funds in France, said it was appalled by the often opaque and ideological funding choices that are detrimental to the real needs of Parisians. The town hall is set to spend 300 million (259 million) on such initiatives in 2025. In a thread posted on X, the association drew up a list of daft projects approved in the latest municipal council meeting last week, which included 5,000 for a radio [station] that only broadcasts in Eritrea. While this independent radio is not without merit, should Parisians be the ones paying for a radio they cannot listen to? the transparency group asked. A further 1,500 was set aside for gymnastics classes tailored to LGBTQI+ seniors so that these remain affordable. It also took issue with handing 2,000 to Action Justice Climate, a social environmentalist organisation, which the association accused of being hard-Left group for which ecology is the least of their concerns. Their real fight is anti-fascism, pension reform, and promoting the New Popular Front [a Left-wing parliamentary alliance]. Parisians, this is what youre funding, the group in an online post. These subsidies highlight a glaring lack of rigour and transparency in the management of public funds. While Parisians face unprecedented economic pressures, elected officials must be held accountable for these choices. The post generated lots of reactions online. Among them, Bruno Tertrais, the head of the Foundation for Strategic Research, an influential international security and defence think tank, wrote: [This] or 100 days of meals for a homeless person, but its up to you. Others suggested there was a more productive and satisfying way of spending the money on the cuddly pets. In Ecuador, its much cheaper! I took a course to learn how to cook them, and it cost me the equivalent of 8 [6.91]. Plus, it was a delight; I discovered that the pleasure of the taste buds is true therapy, wrote one user on X. But some users were more supportive of the scheme. Everyone knows that animals help you feel calmer, more confident, etc. This project is far from daft, one wrote. The association launched a petition, which has more than 700 signatures so far, calling for an immediate review of the criteria for awarding subsidies, giving priority to projects of proven public interest. The petition demands full transparency on the use of funds, with public and verifiable reports, as well as an end to subsidies for ideological projects that contradict the principle of public service neutrality or have no measurable impact on citizens. Public funds must serve all Parisians, not militant political agendas. Paris town hall last week approved 11.5 billion in spending, including 1.75 billion in investment. During heated debates, Ms Hidalgo blasted the government for imposing 275 million in extra levies in a bid to reduce the state deficit. But the Right-wing opposition responded that this was a fig leaf for the mayors catastrophic management, which it said would see the capitals debt explode to hit a cumulative total of 9.3 billion in 2025. How this content was made Auto-dubbed Follow along using the transcript. Transcript Search in video Intro 0:15 were you trying to translate that in 0:16 your head just now word by word that's 0:19 exactly why you're still struggling with 0:21 French look if you've been studying for 0:24 months or even years but freeze up the 0:26 moment the French person starts speaking 0:29 it's not because you don't know enough 0:30 French it's because your brain is stuck 0:33 in the translation trap today I'm going 0:36 to show you how to flip the mental 0:38 switch that makes French finally click 0:40 in your brain this is one of the fluency 0:42 secrets but it's what separates those 0:44 who speak French from those who just Problem Definition 0:47 study it 0:52 let me show you what's really happening 0:54 in your brain right now when you 0:56 translate you're creating a mental 0:58 traffic jam you have an idea you 1:01 translate it to French you search for 1:03 grammar rules you check for exceptions 1:06 and finally you speak by then the 1:09 conversation has already moved on every 1:11 day that you practice French for 1:13 translating is reinforcing the wrong 1:15 neural pathways you've literally trained 1:18 your brain to be slow at French think 1:21 about how you speak your native language 1:23 do you consciously think about grammar 1:25 rules of course not you simply express 1:28 your thoughts that's what you need to 1:30 achieve with French Why French Requires Different Thinking 1:33 [Music] 1:36 here is another problem with translation 1:38 many French expressions make absolutely 1:41 no sense when translated directly let me 1:44 show you 1:48 this literally means to have the 1:51 cockroach 1:52 cockroach that's what you say but it 1:55 means feeling down or feeling blue 2:00 means since he left I've been feeling 2:02 down 2:06 it literally means to fall into the 2:09 apples but it means to faint for example 2:19 When she saw the blood she fainted 2:22 another one 2:28 it literally means to have a lightning 2:30 strike but it actually means love at 2:33 first sight for example 2:45 It was love at first sight when I first 2:47 saw him a fourth one 2:53 do you know this one it means to have 2:56 the peach literally but it means to feel 2:58 energetic for example 3:02 this morning I'm feeling energetic 3:06 laes your brain needs to connect these 3:10 expressions directly to their meaning 3:12 not through English when a French person 3:15 says jilapes they're not thinking about 3:17 fruit French Immersion Method 3:22 so how do we break the translation habit 3:25 and start thinking directly in French 3:28 the answer is surprisingly simple fake 3:31 it till you make it 3:33 why is your native language so 3:35 effortless because your entire world was 3:38 built in that language every thought 3:41 feeling and expression was directly 3:43 connected to those words to achieve this 3:46 with French you need to start living 3:48 like a French speaker not just studying 3:51 like a French student native speakers 3:54 wake up to phones set in French listen 3:57 to French radio making breakfast write 3:59 shopping lists in French express 4:02 emotions in French and even dream in 4:05 French everything in their life happens 4:08 in French because their brains are wired 4:10 to think in French this isn't about 4:14 studying harder it's about creating a 4:16 French mental environment Practical Implementation 4:20 here 4:23 is where most French courses fail you 4:26 they concentrate on grammar rules and 4:28 vocabulary lists instead of rewiring 4:31 your brain to process French directly 4:35 you don't need more French you need to 4:38 use the French you already know 4:40 differently it's not about creating 4:42 extra time in your day it's about 4:45 upgrading the French moments you already 4:47 have instead of studying French for 30 4:50 minutes leave in French for 30 minutes 4:54 here are 10 powerful ways to implement 4:56 this in your daily life talk to yourself 4:59 in French while doing routine activities 5:03 i'm brushing my teeth 5:07 i'm making my coffee you can also label 5:10 items around your house in French you 5:13 can put sticky notes on objects with 5:15 their French names and gender lump 5:19 you can also create a French corner in 5:21 your home a dedicated space where you 5:25 can only think and speak in French 5:28 another idea is to keep a small French 5:31 journal you can write like three 5:33 sentences every day about what you did 5:36 for example 5:42 you can also convert your daily routines 5:44 to French for example shopping lists 5:51 don't forget to put the articles so you 5:53 learn them too your to-do lists 6:00 you can also listen to French during 6:02 dead time walking the dog commuting 6:06 cooking cleaning 6:08 another idea is to think in simple 6:11 French sentences instead of I'm hungry 6:16 instead of it's cold today 6:21 another idea is to narrate what you see 6:24 while you're driving or walking in the 6:26 street for example 6:30 I see a red car 6:34 this woman is wearing a black coat want 6:38 another idea express your feelings in 6:41 French for example 6:44 for I'm tired 6:47 for that annoys me or 6:51 I'm looking forward to and at last this 6:54 is not easy but you can try to change 6:57 your inner monologue to French when 6:59 you're making decisions you can try 7:02 thinking 7:05 instead of what do I want to eat you 7:08 know the biggest challenge when learning 7:10 French is not knowing your exact level 7:12 and what you should be practicing next 7:14 without a clear structure you might end 7:17 up stuck translating in your head 7:19 instead of thinking directly in French 7:22 that's why I created the weekly practice 7:24 plan with this free resource you will 7:26 get a clear assessment of your current 7:28 level and specific exercises tailored to 7:31 your needs you'll find exactly what to 7:34 practice each day of the week how to 7:37 overcome common obstacles and a simple 7:39 method to track your improvement join 7:42 over 30,000 French learners who've 7:44 already downloaded this free resource 7:46 click the link in the description and 7:48 start your structured French practice 7:50 today let's continue 7-Day French Thinking Challenge 7:55 here is your 7-day challenge with 7:57 specific tasks for each day day one is 8:01 French morning change your phone 8:03 language to French name 10 objects you 8:06 see when you wake up in French fill in 8:08 the blank and say this out loud 8:21 name all the foods and drinks in French 8:24 during the day you can also practice 8:26 these phrases at meals for example 8:29 for I'm hungry 8:32 for it's delicious 8:36 for I would like a bit more day three is 8:39 all about French emotions you can 8:42 express your feelings in French 8:43 throughout the day you can also practice 8:46 these emotional phrases for example 8:50 That makes me happy 8:54 it annoys me when 8:59 I'm stressed because of ready for day 9:02 four day four is about French decisions 9:06 make small decisions in French you can 9:10 practice these decision phrases for 9:11 example 9:14 I prefer this one 9:19 i should do this now 9:23 i wonder if day five is all about French 9:27 descriptions for example describe five 9:30 people you see during the day in French 9:33 you can use phrases like 9:37 this person is wearing 9:40 or 9:41 he or she looks 9:46 he or she is in the process of on day 9:49 six you can start planning in French you 9:53 can plan your weekend in French for 9:54 example you can also use future 9:57 expressions for this for example 10:01 I am going to or weekend 10:05 this weekend I will do or even 10:09 I feel like and on day seven you can 10:12 concentrate on French self-t talk you 10:15 can have a full twominut conversation 10:17 with yourself in French you can record 10:20 yourself and listen back to this these 10:23 are connecting phrases you can use 10:26 first I'm going to 10:29 for then 10:31 for finally Listen & Repeat 10:36 let's do a bit of a listen and repeat 10:38 exercise repeat these everyday phrases 10:41 after me and connect them directly to 10:44 situations not to English translations 10:48 seagraph seagraph is really useful when 10:50 you spill something or make a minor 10:53 mistake for example you drop your keys 10:56 instead of thinking it's not a big deal 10:59 try to think 11:01 repeat after me 11:07 one last time 11:11 good now on 11:15 is for when you're ready to leave 11:17 somewhere for example you're getting up 11:20 from a restaurant table and you say 11:21 "Oniva." Repeat after me 11:29 a third time 11:33 good 11:37 is when someone suggests something that 11:39 you like for example a friend suggests a 11:43 movie 11:45 repeat after me 11:49 good and when you cut the in it will be 11:55 one last time 11:58 good 12:00 this is for when you're shocked or 12:02 surprised for example you're seeing an 12:05 unexpected price 12:08 repeat after me 12:13 one more time 12:16 and you might already know that in 12:18 everyday spoken French we tend to cut 12:20 the in the middle of 12:23 so we would say 12:26 "Okay that was a bit more difficult." 12:30 Samar is for when you're agreeing to a 12:32 plan for example you're confirming a 12:35 meeting time 12:38 repeat after me 12:46 good 12:48 is very useful it's for when you're 12:50 excited for something in the future 12:52 something you can't wait to do for 12:55 example there is a really fun event 12:56 tomorrow night at your local Alian Franc 12:59 you can say 13:08 good 13:10 toy is for when you're accepting a 13:13 disappointment for example the store is 13:16 out of your favorite item 13:26 when you will see someone later in the 13:28 same day you can say 13:31 for example you're leaving for a short 13:33 time you can say see you later in French 13:41 don't forget between to and 13:47 good when you stop translating and start 13:50 thinking in French something magical 13:52 happens it's like suddenly taking the 13:54 training wheels off your bike you 13:57 realize you've been making it harder 13:58 than it needed to be all along this 14:01 isn't something that happens overnight 14:03 you need to practice consistently for 14:05 several weeks or maybe months but each 14:08 time you catch yourself translating and 14:10 redirecting your brain to thinking 14:12 directly in French you're building new 14:14 neural pathways the breathing analogy 14:17 really explains it all most of the time 14:19 you don't consciously think about 14:21 breathing it happens automatically in 14:23 the background when you translate French 14:26 becomes like breathing with a stuffy 14:28 nose it's all that you can focus on but 14:32 when you think directly in French the 14:34 language itself fades into the 14:36 background and your ideas flow naturally 14:39 that's what true fluency feels like it's 14:41 not perfection it's freedom the freedom 14:44 to express yourself without being 14:46 trapped in translation don't forget to 14:49 download your free personalized weekly 14:51 action plan a step-by-step road map with 14:54 daily activities tailored for your level 14:57 progress tracking tools and proven 14:59 strategy to overcome common French 15:01 challenges if you found this approach 15:04 eyeopening you'll love my video on the 15:07 real French that no textbook teaches you 15:10 it shows why schools teach the wrong 15:12 kind of French and how to learn what 15:14 actually matters to you click here to 15:17 watch it next abento Polish border guard check a vehicle at Polish-German border, as Poland start controls on borders with Germany - REUTERS/Lisi Niesner Poland will deploy 5,000 soldiers to its borders to stop Germany from sending back failed asylum seekers. Warsaws general staff said the units would be stationed at the borders of Germany and Lithuania from Monday to check vehicles for refugees. Surveillance drones operated by the Polish air force may also monitor the area. Tensions have flared between the two countries over how to deal with refugees trying to cross from Poland to Germany. Berlin says refugees cannot be granted asylum if they have also made applications to other countries, but Poland says the pushbacks are unjust. Donald Tusk, Polands prime minister, said: We consider the temporary restoration of controls at the Polish-German border necessary to limit and reduce to a minimum the uncontrolled flows of migrants back and forth. The German interior minister responded to Polands announcement by suggesting the two countries could collaborate on joint border control, but this was swiftly rejected by Warsaw. Waldemar Kosiniak-Kamysz, the defence minister, told broadcaster TVN24: The minister from Germany will not tell us what to do in Poland. With sympathy, with respect, but we will protect Polish borders ourselves. Poland and Germany are among a growing number of countries in Europe who are bringing back border controls to quell a public backlash over undocumented migration, which has strained the EUs Schengen passport-free travel zone. Mr Tusks liberal government has been accused by nationalist and far-Right opposition parties of accepting numerous illegal migrants being sent back from Germany. The government had argued that the numbers were limited. A banner that says No Immigration hangs on the Polish side of the border - Patrick Pleul / Avalon Germany first started border controls with Poland in October 2023, but when Friedrich Merz became chancellor earlier this year, he made reducing immigration a top priority. As well as ending the family reunification policy for refugees, Germany has started the so-called pushbacks. The move has apparently proved effective, with the number of refugees arriving in Germany falling by 60 per cent in a year, the lowest since the Covid-19 lockdowns. Mr Tusk, who has previously called on Berlin to do more to help its neighbours protect the EUs external border, criticised Germanys approach to migrants at its own frontier, saying it placed excessive pressure on Poland. Polands patient position after Germany formally introduced unilateral border controls is wearing out, he said. That impatience has been reflected in border towns where protesters aligned with hard-right groups have formed citizen patrols to forcibly stop refugees from being returned from Germany. In one case, protesters from the Movement for the Protection of the Borders group forced an Afghan male, 18, back across the border to Germany twice after he was ejected by German border police, with Polish border police refusing to intervene. The young man was taken to another border crossing where no vigilantes were present and able to cross. In Poland, protesters aligned with hard-Right groups have carried out protests at the border while self-styled citizen patrols have forcibly stopped refugees from being returned. The protesters were condemned by Mr Tusk, who told them their actions were illegal and they should go home. The more the Polish state regains control at the borders, the more strongly it is attacked by [right-wing opposition parties] Law and Justice, the Confederation and their militias, said the Polish prime minister. They are trying to paralyse our border guard. We will not allow this. Mr Tusks government was thrown into turmoil after their candidate for president was narrowly defeated by Karol Nawrocki, the Law and Justice party-backed candidate, in May. Mr Nawrocki has thanked one of the leaders of the border patrols for what he called a citizen-led control of the borders, blaming Mr Tusk for conflict between the groups and border guards. After early success with ties, Patrick Dudley-Williams branched out with his Reef Knots brand. In late 2012, Patrick Dudley-Williams was three months away from being a director at Morgan Stanley (MS) and two days from his wife giving birth to twins when he was made redundant. One year later he was standing in his former employers canteen selling ties at a gift fair. My wife looked at me bizarrely when I said I was going to start a tie company, muses Dudley-Williams, founder of mens lifestyle brand Reef Knots. Even if he had a business with the most unpopular clothing item of all time", he recalls meetings in nondescript offices and remembering peoples names who had standout ties. Colourful character clearly goes a long way and with his headstrong mantra that consumers have more ties than jeans in their wardrobe, the former stock broker turned entrepreneur also knew he would be operating in an uncompetitive British market. Read More: 'Our 30m success is due to mums making sure our children's food looked great' Thus, Dudley-Williams stood behind a table at gift fairs for nearly three years to get the business up and running. It helps that it hasn't been all plain sailing, he admits. There was a phase when I first started, you turn on your website and hope people will come and it will all happen. Very quickly you realise that no one cares and you will have to generate interest, create a great product and persuade a consumer to spend 70 with you and not with every other brand in the world. Its a hyper competitive industry but people will always revert to who they know and that they will get value for money and quality. Dudley-Willams sold more than 50 ties and made 4k over two days at one of his first gift fairs. Production started with a UK manufacturer before unforeseen issues saw a move to the tie mecca of Como, Italy handmade from screen-printed silk and where Reef Knots remains to this day. His first website sale outside of family and friends came via human interaction when Dudley-Williams plucked up the courage to go up to a Hermes tie wearer in a pub with his business card. It reminded me that if you tell people about it they will come, he says. The next morning he purchased three ties. Eighteen months after launching and a desire to keep selling after the gift fair season, Dudley-Williams teamed up with a business partner who made socks after a pop-up shop success in Putney. Following a 20,000 crowdfund, the pair found an old launderette with a bell on the door in Leadenhall Market. Online stock was kept in the basement while his office had a low roof where sitting down was the only option. When COVID hit, Reef Knots business was 40% ties while 30% came from its London shop. The subsequent 70% revenue decline accounted for a traumatic period but accelerated Reef Knots pivot into a wider menswear brand. Read More: Meet Britain's 'king of billboards' who sold his business for 1bn I realised the creative side should come out of one brain and it isnt the vast majority of my year, he says. It was part of the process of learning the business from scratch, a second degree via YouTube, packaging and Google (GOOG) advertising. Despite the change from the City to the risk of a tie venture, entrepreneurship has been etched into his family's DNA and he figured that the corporate world would never be his final calling. While working in finance 20 years ago, Dudley-Williams had looked into buying some mirrored aviator sunglasses. He was soon earning more than his monthly salary after finding a distributor in China and selling via eBay. Other sellers soon latched on and he called it a day. Reef Knots founder turned redundancy into an opportunity with his handmade printed silk ties venture. When I was working in finance I travelled to the US a lot and saw how ties were branded differently, he says. In the UK, it was a symbol of the corporate grind, heritage and stuffy brand messaging. I felt we could do something fresh and fun. In 2014, ocean-inspired Reef Knots partnered with the Blue Marine Foundation which, says Dudley-Williams, has opened doors for the sustainability brand. With early tie designs featuring fish and sailing boats, the likes of Prince Harry and Richard Branson, the latter briefly to support the brand, have been seen wearing Reef Knots ties, while its swim shorts are made using recycled ocean plastic. A board member for seven years at the UK Fashion & Textile Association, Dudley-Williams says Reef Knots has sometimes been accused of not being a British brand, with its lifestyle products also made in Portugal. Read More: 'Why we set up a sustainable mobile operator to save people money' People could look a little closer at independents and realise the jobs they do for the economy in the UK, he argues. The reality is that we dont have the developed manufacturing industry that we require to make things as British as we would like them. We always do things right and try to put the customer first and I will put our product in front of almost anyone in terms of quality and the way it is produced." Today, Reef Knots has one store in Salcombe, headquarters in Chippenham and a staff of six. From revenues of around 350,000 in 2015, Reef Knots is currently a mid seven figure business. Reef Knots produces sustainably-focused fabrics. We run a lean ship, he adds. I sometimes look at these businesses and I dont know what these people do. We make products, we have operations and marketing. If you have good people with enthusiasm to learn you can get an awful lot done. After 12 years, Dudley-Williams has also packed a lot in to survive and thrive as an independent clothing firm, a world away from having three children under the age of three and walking back to his old office to sell ties to former colleagues. I said to myself that if this was what I was going to do for a living then I cant be embarrassed to go back, he says. There were moments where I asked myself if I had done the right thing. But I had to be all in on it. Tips from the top Managing cash flow We are never surprised by pitfalls. Investors we speak to have been surprised at the level of detail in our cash flow numbers. The clothing business is a difficult game to manage with upfront costs for stock and cash flow is the number one thing to make you grow, as well as the returning customer base. Powering up growth I spent three hours looking at our Google Ads campaigns recently. I have used many agencies over the years, all have promised to turn water into wine and none have. To grow the fastest there are certain things as a founder that I need to master and understanding what drives our growth is a key part. Telling our story For a long time on social media we've had models walking in slow motion with their tops off. There is a place for that for a certain customer, but people also want to know whats behind the company. The best performing ads are ones where I am discussing our journey and challenges. It has been really valuable. Consumer promise Our job is to always over deliver for customers. We tell people our returns are processed in a week but we make sure its done in a day. That way we are always beating customer expectations and thats how they become loyal. Ultimately thats what we are creating as a business. Read more: Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Androi Benjamin Netanyahu visiting the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot on 20 June after it was hit by Iran. Israels premier scientific centre had been the object of keen Iranian interest. Photograph: Jack Guez/UPI/Shutterstock Before Israel launched its war on Iran last month, its security service uncovered an extensive network of its own citizens spying for Tehran on a scale that has taken the country by surprise. Since Irans first missile barrage on Israel in April 2024, more than 30 Israelis have been charged with collaboration with Iranian intelligence. In many cases, the contacts began with anonymous messages offering money for information or for small tasks. The payments were then ratcheted up in line with ever more dangerous demands. Judging by court documents, the surge in Iranian espionage efforts over the past year achieved little, falling short of Tehrans aspirations of carrying out high-level assassinations of Israeli officials. However, so many Israelis were prepared to carry out modest missions that the spying campaign may have been successful as a way of crowdsourcing data on strategically important sites that would later become targets of Iranian ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, Israel spied on Iran to devastating effect, allowing the Mossad to locate and assassinate much of Irans high command and its nuclear scientists in a single instant in the early hours of Friday 13 June, among many other targets. Since the war began, the Iranian regime has arrested more than 700 people accused of spying for Israel, according to the Fars news agency. But the trials have been secret, and in at least six cases led to summary executions, making it impossible to judge how much of the alleged network is real and how much a figment of official hysteria. By contrast, in the case of the Israelis accused of spying for Iran, the prosecution has filed detailed indictments. Though there has only been one conviction so far from the recent wave of arrests, leaving individual guilt to be assessed, a clear picture has emerged from court documents of how Iran set about casting a wide net for potential agents. It typically began with a text message from an anonymous sender. One such message, from the sender news agency, asked: Do you have any information about the war? We are ready to buy it. Another, sent by Tehran-Quds (Tehran-Jerusalem) to a Palestinian Israeli citizen, was more overt, saying: A free Jerusalem unites Muslims. Send us information about the war. The message included a link to the Telegram app, where a new dialogue would begin, sometimes with someone using an Israeli name, with an offer of money for apparently simple errands. If the recipient expressed interest, they would be advised by their new mystery contacts to set up PayPal and an app for receiving funds in cryptocurrencies. In the case of one suspect arrested on 29 September, the first task was to go to a park and check if a black bag had been buried in a certain spot, for a payment of nearly US$1,000 (730). There was no bag, and the recruit sent a video to prove it. He was later assigned other jobs that involved handing out leaflets, hanging up posters or spraying graffiti, most with slogans denigrating Benjamin Netanyahu, such as We are all together against Bibi (Netanyahus nickname) or Bibi brought Hezbollah here or Bibi = Hitler. The next stage entailed taking photos. An Israeli of Azeri heritage was hired to photograph sensitive facilities around the country and seems to have turned it into a family business, getting his relatives to take shots of the port facilities in Haifa (which later would be hit by Iranian missiles in this months 12-day war), the Nevatim airbase in the Negev (struck in a salvo in October), as well as Iron Dome missile defence batteries across the country, and the Glilot military intelligence headquarters north of Tel Aviv. The same recruit who went to look for the black bag was asked to photograph the home of a nuclear scientist working at the Weizmann Institute. Israels premier scientific centre was the object of keen Iranian interest. Over the 15 years leading up to the war this month, five Iranian nuclear scientists were killed, almost certainly by the Mossad. In a long struggle over whether Israel would maintain its monopoly over nuclear weapons in the Middle East, Tehran wanted to strike back. Iran struck the Weizmann Institute with ballistic missiles in the 12-day war, and it seems likely that the photos taken by its agents helped with targeting. The attempt to kill its scientists was a failure, however. In fact, neither Irans ministry of intelligence and security nor its Revolutionary Guards appear to have succeeded in assassinating any of their targets in the long shadow war. While the Mossad relied on infiltrating a cadre of highly trained operatives into Iran, the approach taken by Iranian intelligence was to test how far their green recruits would be prepared to go. Yossi Melman, an Israeli intelligence expert, quoted a Shin Bet official as describing it as a spray-and-pray approach, which seeks to develop a handful of high-quality recruits by making low-stakes investments in many others. Once they had carried out simple tasks such as putting up posters and taking pictures, the recruits were asked to do more for more money. Having photographed the home of a nuclear scientist from the Weizmann Institute, one recruit was offered $60,000 to kill the scientist and his family and burn down their house. According to the indictment, the agent accepted and went about hiring four local toughs, all Palestinian Israeli citizens. On the night of 15 September, this would-be hit squad turned up at the gates of the Weizmann Institute, but they did not get past the security guard and meekly drove away. The day after that fiasco, the Iranian handlers told the recruit to go back to the Weizmann and take more photos. With the advantage of being an Israeli Jew arriving in daylight, he managed to talk his way past the security guards and filmed the scientists car. He was paid $709 and asked if he would attach a GPS device to the car. He refused. This would be a pattern that repeats again and again in the indictments. Though the Iranian recruiters proved effective at finding plenty of Israelis ready to take photographs and distribute leaflets for Iranian money, the handlers in Tehran seem to have been in too much of a hurry to cultivate long-term agents. Several were abruptly asked, only a few days after completing their first tasks, whether they would try to assassinate high officials. The Azeri group were asked to find a hitman but refused. The same recruit who refused to place a GPS tracker on a scientists car was asked days later if he might consider throwing a petrol bomb at Netanyahus vehicle. Only one of the suspects has so far been convicted and jailed, after confessing to the charges against him. Million-dollar demand When Mordechai Moti Maman, 72, was approached by Iranian intelligence in spring last year, he was recently married to a much younger Belarusian woman, and in need of funds after the failure of several business ventures. Maman had spent some years in Samandag, in southern Turkey, and in April, he contacted two businessmen brothers he knew there to see if they had any money-making ideas. The brothers said they had a lucrative business partnership with an Iranian acquaintance named Eddie importing dried fruit and spices and suggested Maman should meet him. In April, Maman flew to Samandag via Cyprus, but Eddie sent two colleagues in his place, claiming he was not able to leave Iran for bureaucratic reasons. The next month, the Israeli was invited back to Turkey, to the town of Yuksekova in the far south-east, where he stayed in a hotel room paid for by Eddie. Once more, Eddie said he was unable to cross into Turkey, but he told Maman there was a way to smuggle the Israeli into Iran. He agreed and on 5 May he made the crossing concealed in a truck. Eddie and a second Iranian official met Maman in a luxury hotel inside Iran and made him an offer of thousands of dollars for three tasks. He was to leave money or guns at designated locations in Israel; he was to take photos of crowded places; and he was to pass on threats to other agents, specifically Israeli Palestinians, who had received funds from Iran for carrying out hostile missions, but had not actually carried out their missions. Maman said he would think about it and was smuggled back into Turkey. Back in Yuksekova, he was handed $1,300 in cash as partial payment for making the trip. In August, Maman was back in Turkey and was once more smuggled over the border to meet Eddie and his associate. This time the tasks were more daunting. The Iranians offered $150,000 for killing any of Netanyahu, Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet, or Yoav Gallant, then the defence minister. According to the prosecution, Maman said he had underworld connections who might be able to get the job done, but he wanted $1m. That was too high for the Iranians who suggested a lesser target, the former prime minister Naftali Bennett, for $400,000. Maman allegedly stuck to his million-dollar demand and the talks adjourned without agreement. He was paid $5,000 and flew back to Cyprus and then, on 29 August, on to Tel Aviv, where Shin Bet officers were waiting for him. On 29 April, Maman was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of contact with a foreign agent and unauthorised entry into an enemy state. His lawyer, Eyal Besserglick, described the sentence as excessive and has appealed. Besserglick said Maman believed until the last moment that Eddie was no more than an Iranian businessman dealing in raisins and spices, and he was unaware when he was being smuggled onboard a truck that he was being taken into Iran. He denies Maman asked for $1m, arguing that his client ultimately had to appear to go along with the Iranian plots, out of fear that a sudden refusal would get him killed. What would have been better? If he had been kidnapped in a van or maybe been murdered? Besserglick told the Guardian. He said Maman had been beaten up in prison and kept in a filthy cell with excrement smeared on the walls. The mistake he made is serious, the lawyer said. But he should not die for that mistake, because in the end there will be no one to punish. Bayan Rabee contributed reporting to this article This article was amended on 6 July 2025. An earlier version referred to Friday 13 July when Friday 13 June was meant. Many nonviolent undocumented migrants in the US have been detained by Ice during Trumps second term. Photograph: Patrick T Fallon/AFP/Getty Images The family of a Canadian national who supported Donald Trumps plans for mass deportations of immigrants say they are feeling betrayed after federal agents recently detained the woman in California while she interviewed for permanent US residency and began working to expel her from the country. We feel totally blindsided, Cynthia Oliveras husband US citizen and self-identified Trump voter Francisco Olivera told the California news station KGTV. I want my vote back. Cynthia Olivera, a 45-year-old mother of three US-born children, thus joined a growing list of examples contradicting the Trump administrations claims that the immigration crackdown it has spearheaded since the presidents return to the Oval Office in January has prioritized targeting dangerous criminals. Related: US judge clears path for eight immigrants to be deported to South Sudan Being in the US without legal status is generally a civil infraction rather than a criminal violation. Nonetheless, despite its claim that the immigration crackdown is mainly meant to rid the US of violent criminals, the White House has maintained that anyone in the US who lacks legal status is a criminal subject to deportation. Olivera was unwittingly thrust under the weight of those policies after Trump spent his successful 2024 presidential campaign promising to pursue them, earning her husbands vote along the way, according to what he told KGTV. She was just 10 when her parents brought her to the US from Toronto without permission, she said to the station. By 1999, when she was about 19, US immigration officials at the Buffalo border crossing had determined Olivera was living in the country without legal status and obtained an expedited order to deport her. But, after being removed, she was able to return to the US by driving to San Diego from Mexico within a few months. They didnt ask me for my citizenship they didnt do nothing, Olivera would later say to KGTV. They just waved me in. She recounted spending the next 25 years working in Los Angeles, paying taxes and providing for her family. KGTV reported that its investigative team scoured California and federal court databases, but the unit found no criminal charges under Cynthia Oliveras name. In 2024, toward the end of his presidency, Joe Bidens administration granted her a permit allowing her to work legally in the US. She had also been navigating the process to obtain legal permanent US residency, colloquially referred to as a green card, for years. Nonetheless, instead of supporting the candidate Biden endorsed to succeed him, then vice-president Kamala Harris, Oliveras husband supported Trump in last Novembers White House election. He told KGTV that Trumps promises to deport criminals en masse despite his own May 2024 conviction of felony falsification of business records appealed to both Francisco and Cynthia. And, echoing other mixed immigration status families who have had members affected by Trumps policies, the Oliveras did not believe she would be hurt by her lack of legal US residency. They learned she would in fact be affected by her immigration status when she went for a green card interview in Chatsworth, California, on 13 June. She was detained there by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) agents, according to a change.org petition pleading for compassion on behalf of Cynthia. Olivera has since been transferred to an Ice detention center in El Paso, Texas, to await being deported. Speaking to KGTV over a video call from the El Paso facility, Olivera suggested her treatment was undeserved. The US is my country, Olivera remarked to the station in an interview published on 3 July. Thats where I met my husband. Thats where I went to high school, junior high, elementary [school]. Thats where I had my kids. But the Trump administration had little sympathy for Olivera, despite her husbands support of the president, with a spokesperson saying in a statement that Cynthia was an illegal alien from Canada. Olivera had been previously deported and chose to ignore our law and again illegally entered the country, said the spokespersons statement, as reported by Newsweek. The statement noted that re-entering the US without permission after being deported is a felony, and it said Olivera would remain in Ices custody pending removal to Canada. Canadas government commented to KGTV that it was aware of Oliveras detention but could not intervene on her behalf because every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. Francisco Olivera, for his part, summed up his and his wifes disillusion by saying: My wife up until [a couple of weeks] ago, was a strong believer in what was going to happen the next four years. Cynthia Olivera, meanwhile, said she has told officials she and her husband are willing to pay for her to fly to Canada, where she plans to stay in Mississauga with a cousin. Yet there had been no immediate indication when she may be able to travel to Canada. As she fought back tears, Olivera said to KGTV: The only crime I committed is to love this country and to work hard and to provide for my kids. Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner continued on their semi-final collision course with routine wins at Wimbledon on Saturday. Attention turns back to British hopes on Sunday, with Sonay Kartal and Cameron Norrie both targeting a quarter-final berth. Here, the PA news agency looks back at Saturdayss action and previews day seven of the Championships. Djokovics ton Novak Djokovic brought up a big milestone on Centre Court (Mike Egerton/PA) Novak Djokovic brought up a century of Wimbledon wins as he moved smoothly into the fourth round. The 38-year-old eased past fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3 6-0 6-4 on Centre Court. Djokovic is now just five wins behind Wimbledons only other male centurion, his great rival Roger Federer on 105 match victories. Very historic, it sounds very nice, he said. Wimbledon is a favourite tournament, not just for myself but for most players. Any history I make at my favourite tournament, Im blessed. Sinner sails through Jannik Sinner has barely broken a sweat in SW19 (Mike Egerton/PA) Jannik Sinner continued to navigate a serene course through the choppy waters of Wimbledon with another straight-sets win. Pedro Martinez was his latest victim, the Spanish world number 52 who was carrying a shoulder injury winning just five games in a 6-1 6-3 6-1 defeat on Centre Court. In reaching the fourth round, the 23-year-old Italian has dropped only 17 games from his three matches. Roger Federer previously held the record for the least games lost in the first three rounds at Wimbledon, 19 in 2004. Brit watch Sonay Kartal is in high spirits ahead of her first appearance in the last 16 of a grand slam (Mike Egerton/PA) The last home singles players standing are the British number threes. Sonay Kartals best grand slam result has already been secured and she will now look to become the first home female player to reach the last eight since Johanna Konta in 2019 and only the second since 1984 when she takes on Russian veteran Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Cameron Norrie has been here before and the 2022 semi-finalist faces Chilean qualifier Nicolas Jarry on Court One where Norrie enjoys an 8-1 record. Match of the day Carlos Alcaraz has not been at his best so far (John Walton/PA) Carlos Alcaraz has not looked at his imperious best on his way to the last 16. But the defending champion will have to find a higher level on Sunday against the dangerous Russian Andrey Rublev. Rublev has won one of their previous three meetings on the clay in Madrid last year and has powered his way through to the fourth round at Wimbledon for the third time. Alcaraz could be in for a tricky evening on Centre Court. Order of play Centre Court (from 1.30pm) Sonay Kartal v Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova Aryna Sabalenka (1) v Elise Mertens (24) Carlos Alcaraz (2) v Andrey Rublev (14) Court One (from 1pm) Taylor Fritz (5) v Jordan Thompson Cameron Norrie v Nicolas Jarry (Q) Amanda Anisimova (13) v Linda Noskova (30) Weather Cloudy changing to light showers by late morning, with a maximum temperature of 24C, according to the Met Office. Poll tax protest, Trafalgar Square, London, 31 March 1990. All photographs: David Hoffman Photo Library Photograph: David Hoffman Photo Library Duncan Campbell on the power of protest From the suffragettes at the start of the last century to Reclaim the Night in the 1970s; from the battle of Cable Street against the British Union of Fascists in 1936 to the Anti-Nazi League marches four decades later; from the million marchers against the Iraq war in 2003 in London to the massive turnouts across the country two decades later against the war in Gaza, protest has been a vital and constant part of the fabric of British society. Most protests pass unnoticed, whether they are the picket lines during strikes in almost every corner of the UK or small demonstrations outside parliament. But behind almost all of them is a desire to alert the public to what is perceived as an injustice. Some including those involved in combating racism, sexism and homophobia have achieved many of their aims, either swiftly or after many years, and in doing so have changed the lives of millions. Others have been fruitless. Key to the success of many of them has been the coverage in the media, much of it dependent on the sort of images taken by David Hoffman, often at some risk to the photographer himself The sort of coverage protests receive depended, and still depends to a great extent, on the political inclinations of the relevant newspaper or broadcaster. When David and I first met, at Time Out magazine in the late 1970s, it was still a radical publication; marches and demonstrations were listed weekly in its Agitprop section and covered by its reporters and photographers a tradition carried on by City Limits magazine in the 1980s. But by the turn of the century, information about most protests had moved predominantly online. While the Mirror carried news of the suffragettes in their early days, its owner, Alfred Harmsworth, soon felt enough was enough. Sorry to see the outburst of suffragette pictures again, he complained to Alexander Kenealy, editor of the Mirror, in 1912. I thought you had finished with them. Except in an extreme case, print no more. The policing of protest has varied spectacularly. Demonstrators have frequently been thwarted, arrested, beaten up, kettled and, increasingly, jailed. Some have suffered worse fates: Kevin Gately, a 20-year-old student from the University of Warwick, died in 1974 in Red Lion Square, central London, in a protest against the National Front; the death of Blair Peach in 1979, in an anti-racist protest in Southall, west London, led to many more marches in his memory. But whatever laws may change, whatever responses the authorities and media take to marches and pickets and rallies and camps and road closures and hunger strikes and paint-spraying and occupations, protest as demonstrated so graphically here will survive. Former Guardian reporter Duncan Campbell died in May this year. * * * As I grabbed this photograph, the police tried to grab my camera. That set the tone for the next four decades Kicking off with this image from the last night of the 1979 Notting Hill carnival, David Hoffman recalls the start of his career In 1963, at the end of my last term at Kingston College of Further Education, I organised a rag week stunt with some female fellow students, who chained themselves to the railings outside the Houses of Parliament to protest that their vote was meaningless. They were all quickly arrested, as was I when I went to ask about them but I did have a photo of one of the arrests. A journalist from (I think) the Daily Mail borrowed the film. The photo was published the next day and, more surprisingly, the paper returned my film and even paid me. Just 17 and I already had an arrest, a criminal record and a protest photo in a national paper: a perfect launch pad for my career. But I didnt spot the path that life was laying down for me. I had been given a chemistry set at age 10 and had science A-levels, so when parental pressure forced university on me, I chose chemistry out of inertia and ignorance. A decade of loose living and truck driving followed, until 1973, when I ended up in a squat in Whitechapel, east London, with a Nikon F. I didnt set out to photograph protests. My aim was to record the constrained world of poverty and slum housing I found myself in. I was young and perhaps believed documenting these issues might help change them. My photos of poor housing, unemployment and racism were published by Time Out, New Society, Housing Today and the Voice. But when demonstrations led to arrests, it was the national press and TV that took notice. These images were the ones most widely seen, the ones I became known for. Related: It felt like history itself 48 protest photographs that changed the world Protesting has never been easy, but over my career I have watched laws steadily tighten, step by boiled frog step. Now, every detail seems to fall under police control. The pace of a march, slogans on placards, what can be chanted, whats printed on a T-shirt . New laws govern how loud a protest can be, how big it grows and whether it includes music, puppets, effigies or anything else that makes a strong photograph. Bit by bit, regulations have chipped away at our freedom to protest. Yet protest is like a balloon: squeeze it here and it pops up there. The more its squeezed, the louder the bang when it bursts. Technology may be a tool of oppression, but it can also be a weapon of resistance. Activists are already using encrypted communications, decentralised organising and creative direct action to stay ahead. People have always risen to meet new challenges. Even under surveillance and repression, we have seen moments of extraordinary courage in the streets, on social media or in quiet, everyday acts of defiance that keep movements alive. The future of protest may look different, but the spirit driving it will remain. This is an edited extract from Protest! by David Hoffman, published by Image & Reality at 28. * * * Mudchute city farm protest, London, September 1977 The Greater London Council bought the popular farm on the Isle of Dogs intending to build a motorway. After locals marching with their animals campaigned to save it, the plan was quietly dropped. * * * Notting Hill carnival, London, 27 August 1979 In the 1970s, when I first began to document social change, I saw tensions ramped up by racist and oppressive policing dominating the communities it pretended to serve. Combined with discrimination in jobs and housing, policing tactics turned lively, optimistic youth into angry subcultures. Black youth in particular were targeted, with clubbing and street culture used as an excuse for busts and surveillance. On bank holiday Monday night, as the carnival drew to a close, police would change from friendly bobbies into pumped-up riot police as they tried to clear the streets. Moving along Ladbroke Grove, they attacked isolated groups of late-night revellers, which sparked counter-attacks and, predictably, led to the sort of retaliation pictured here. * * * Brixton uprising, 11 April 1981 When the crowds in the street grew too large and hostile for shield police to disperse, vans were driven at them at high speed. * * * Womens peace camp, Greenham Common, 12 December 1982 It was the singing that always got me. Hundreds of women, peaceful and determined, would be roughly grabbed and dragged away like sacks, still calling for peace, undeterred by insults, arrests and violence. It always seemed to be dark, overcast and rainy. The camps were dotted along the perimeter fences and much of my time was spent running in mud-heavy wellies from one gate to another, chasing tales of fence cuttings or missile movements that rarely materialised. * * * Protest at the shooting of Colin Roach, London, 12 February 1983 Suspicions of foul play over the death of 21-year-old Colin Roach who was shot inside Stoke Newington police station, in what officers claimed was suicide came against a background of racist and oppressive policing in Hackney which led to many protesters feeling the need to cover their faces when marching. The polices version of events quickly unravelled: Roachs fingerprints werent found on the gun and the forensic evidence didnt match the scene officers described. While the local MP spoke out about a breakdown of faith and credibility in the police, the Commission for Racial Equality called for an investigation. * * * Poll tax protest, Trafalgar Square, London, 31 March 1990 The poll tax had been a festering sore for what felt like an age, David Hoffman writes, and while earlier demos had been crushed by police action, this one had really kicked off, with 100,000 people marching. After repeated charges by mounted police, riots erupted, shops were looted, police vehicles and government offices attacked, and buildings burned. The eventual cost: hundreds of millions of pounds, and the end of Margaret Thatchers government. * * * Joy Gardner protest, Hornsey, London, 7 August 1993 Jamaican-born mature student Joy Gardner died after a brutal immigration raid on her home in which police handcuffed her, bound her with leather straps and gagged her with a 13-foot length of adhesive tape wrapped tightly around her head. Unable to breathe, she collapsed, suffering catastrophic brain damage from asphyxia. She was placed on life support but died four days later. In 1995, three of the officers involved were tried for manslaughter but were acquitted. * * * March for Social Justice, London, 12 April 1997 As Reclaim the Streets marchers made their way into Trafalgar Square for speeches in support of sacked Liverpool dockers, thousands danced to sound systems but the carnival atmosphere didnt last long. Confrontations began in Whitehall and an orange smoke bomb thrown into Downing Street triggered charges by riot police on foot and on horseback, their shields sprayed with paint from protesters squeezy bottles. A police helicopter hovered noisily above and more than a thousand officers in black boiler suits, steel toe-capped boots and face masks blocked the exits. Once the square had been sealed, mounted police charged. * * * Church homophobia protest, Canterbury Cathedral, 12 April 1998 Gay rights activists from Outrage!, led by Peter Tatchell (in blue shirt), stormed the pulpit of the cathedral on Easter Sunday, using archbishop George Careys mic to denounce the churchs homophobia and hypocrisy. Tatchell was injured and arrested. The protester in glasses to his right turned out to be an undercover police officer (or Spycop). * * * Anti-war protest, London, 15 March 2008 On the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, the Stop the War Coalition, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the British Muslim Initiative joined in a national demonstration as part of the worldwide day of protest against George W Bushs wars. * * * Student protest, Whitehall, 24 November 2010 While an estimated 50,000 turned out to vent their anger at government plans, a bus shelter on Whitehall a few hundred sensible yards away from the turmoil made a more enjoyable platform to protest against tuition fee increases and maintenance grant cuts. * * * Slutwalk, London, 11 June 2011 Around 5,000 women and men marched to Trafalgar Square in protest against rape and sexual violence. They were part of a global movement that was triggered by a Toronto policemans comment that women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimised. * * * Photographer under arrest Having spent half my life photographing others being arrested, I decided it was only fair to document my own arrests . At a Tower Hamlets town hall occupation on 27 April 1987, Daniele Lamarche took this picture of my arrest for refusing to stop taking photographs, then gave me her film as she was working for the council and was worried that it might affect her job. Amid violent scenes following anti-Satanic Verses protests in London on 27 May 1989, missiles were thrown at poorly prepared police by angry youths. A cop Id photographed dragged me off to Southwark nick. I took this selfie to illustrate the concept of justice turned upside down. At a Greenpeace anti-whaling demonstration at Norways tourist office in London on 26 July 1993, I was the only one whose arms werent chained, so the inspector, looking for someone he could actually arrest, chose me essentially for being portable. Dogs werent always waiting by the door for snack time. Long ago, their hearing played a crucial role in survival. Dogs are designed to hear significantly higher frequencies, up to 44,000 Hz, than humans, who can detect sounds between 20 and 20,000 Hz. That edge helps them notice even the quietest of sounds long before it reaches human ears. Plus, dogs can hear at nearly four times the distance. A footstep heard by a person at 20 feet might be caught by a dog from 80 feet away. No wonder theyre often the first to know when someones outside. What Makes Dogs Hear So Well? Dogs didnt stumble into amazing hearing by luck. Back when every meal was a chase, being able to hear the smallest movements meant the difference between hunger and survival. Their ears, powered by 18 tiny muscles, move independently and capture sound from multiple directions like a living surround sound system. Even after moving into homes, dogs kept those keen hearing skills. Now, they put them to use detecting packages dropped at the door, the crinkle of a food bag, or even something a lot more subtle. Dog tilts ears to hear sound Pexels | Paul Groom Photography Bristol | Dogs use their sharp hearing and sound memory to notice things people never detect. Besides sharp hearing, dogs rank high in sound recognition. Border collies and German shepherds, for example, can understand over 200 words or sounds. So, if your dog seems to be barking at "nothing," it's likely a reaction to something you can't hear. Dogs live in a world full of frequencies humans simply miss. These five unusual sound sources show just how finely tuned a dogs ears really are. 1. Ultrasonic Rodent Squeaks Rodents like mice and rats use squeaks far above the human hearing range to communicate. These ultrasonic calls signal courtship, warnings, and more. Dogs easily catch these high-pitched conversationsa skill likely passed down from their wolf ancestors. Some dogs also react to bat sounds. Ultrasonic frequencies are emitted by vampire bats, which are known to cause problems for cattle in Central and South America. While people hear nothing, dogs can track them. 2. High-Frequency Pest Deterrents Sometimes, changes in behavior come from unexpected sources. One dog suddenly grew anxious indoors but acted normal outside. The cause? A newly installed ultrasonic pest device. These repellents give off high-frequency tones to drive away bugs or rodents. Since humans cant hear them, owners often miss the connection. But for dogs, these sounds are clear and irritating. This is why experts now recommend checking for ultrasonic devices if a dog seems distressed at home. 3. Anti-Bark Tools Several bark deterrents also rely on ultrasonic sound. Though people might hear only a faint click or nothing at all, dogs detect a sharp tone each time they bark. Some products come as collars, while others work remotely or from mounted devices in the yard. These can reach up to 50 meters and are sometimes triggered by passing joggers, mail carriers, or neighbors. While these tools may reduce barking, they can lead to fear, confusion, and even long-term stress in dogs if used too frequently. 4. Not-So-Silent Whistles The silent dog whistle, invented in 1876, is anything but silent to dogs. Though it sounds like a faint hiss to humans, dogs hear it as a strong tone. Trainers use these whistles to give commands without shouting. The sound travels farther and cuts through background noise, making it great for long-distance recall training. These whistles show the divide between what people think is silence and what dogs truly hear. 5. Electronics With Hidden Sounds Many household gadgets quietly hum at ultrasonic frequencies. TVs, chargers, and even LED lights may emit high-pitched sounds undetectable to people. Smoke detectors, in particular, are a major issue. Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Katherine Houpt notes that chirping battery alerts often send dogs into a panic. Research in Frontiers in Veterinary Science confirms that sudden high-pitched sounds tend to trigger anxiety more than low, continuous ones. Dogs also react to other warning systems that people rarely notice. This could explain why some dogs start barking seemingly out of nowhere. Ultrasound Hearing Range Dog listens to quiet hidden sounds Freepik | ArtPhoto_studio on freepik | Dogs react to quiet sounds in the air that people walk past without even knowing. 1. Human Hearing: up to 20,000 Hz 2. Dog Hearing: up to 45,000 Hz 3. Cat Hearing: up to 64,000 Hz This data highlights how dogs can detect sound far beyond human hearing. Those frequencies often explain their unexpected reactionsones humans sometimes mistake for paranoia or confusion. Dogs live in an audio world filled with hidden frequencies. While people might stroll through a quiet room, dogs hear layers of soundeach one triggering a reaction. Whether it's a silent whistle, a rodent squeak, or the chirp of a dying smoke detector battery, these sounds shape how dogs act and respond. Next time a dog barks at nothing, it might not be nothing at all. Theres likely a frequency, a signal, or a cue in the airjust one humans were never meant to hear. Their reactions dont come from nowhere. Dogs hear what others missand often, that awareness keeps them one step ahead. Food & Wine / Costco Wholesale / Getty Images Its no secret: Costco is a favorite stop for professional chefs and food lovers across the country. The bulk retailer is a treasure trove of pantry staples and hidden gems including a well-stocked cheese case. All that abundance can be overwhelming, though. Related: 10 Chef-Favorite Ingredients You Didnt Know You Could Buy at Costco, From Maldon Salt to Caviar I would approach shopping at bulk retailers the same way you would with other grocery stores stocking up on everyday essentials that are used frequently and purchasing more specialty items for larger gatherings, says certified cheese professional Kyra James. Cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romano may be used more often and therefore are worth regularly picking up in bulk. We tapped James and two other experts to share their favorite Costco cheeses, from classics to lesser-known picks. Kirkland Parmigiano Reggiano Food & Wine / Costco Wholesale Costcos take on a classic Parmigiano Reggiano, aged for 24 or 36 months, is a no-brainer for Cheese Sex Death author and former cheesemonger Erika Kubick. Its available in one-pound wedges but she reassures us that this this go-to cheese is versatile and crowd-pleasing enough to work through quickly. James seconds this pick, noting its high quality at an affordable price point. Try it shaved over grilled vegetables for a brilliant summer dinner. Meredith Dairy Marinated Goat Cheese Food & Wine / Costco Wholesale Kubick describes this spreadable Australian goat cheese marinated in extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and herbs as unbelievably delicious and unique. Very few cheeses are made on the continent, she notes. Spread it on crackers, or take a page from Kubick and reserve its marinade for eggs and dressings. While Costco offers a nearly 20-ounce jar, you can snag a smaller one at local grocers. Kirkland Signature Isigny Ste Mere Imported French Brie Food & Wine / Costco Wholesale Created in the French region of Normandy by famed producer Isigny Ste-Mere, this double-cream brie is also unmissable. James says it brings a bright, oceanic funk that offers excellent value for the size and price. (Its typically offered around $12 per package.) She recommends picking this one up this one for gaps in a charcuterie board or serving it as a gooey baked appetizer. Kirkland Coastal Cheddar Food & Wine / Costco Wholesale Matured by Ford Farm Dairy on the British coast for up to 15 months, this nutty cheese develops a noticeable crystallization and crunch thanks to calcium lactate that develops through the maturation process. Lucia Palm, a sommelier who often shares her Costco favorites on social media, says this one is a must-have for any warehouse run. Use it to round out charcuterie boards or snack plates. Garcia Baquero Spanish Cheese Selection Food & Wine / Costco Wholesale If you dont want to commit to full blocks of unfamiliar cheese, add this sampler spread to your cart. On a recent Costco excursion, James says she tried this bundle of three Spanish cheeses (Manchego, Queso de Cabra, and mixed-milk Iberico), and was pleased with the texture and variety. Set it out ahead of your next party to offer guests a little bit of everything. Read the original article on Food & Wine Laurey W. Glenn If youve ever been to Round Top, Texas famed Marburger Farm Antique Show, you know that some antiques lovers arent afraid to run for their treasures. The second the tape is cut, the shoppers are off to the races, like something out of the Kentucky Derby. While that thrill-of-the-hunt energy is welcomedand even celebratedat such a show, where hundreds of vendors set up shop to peddle wares from all over the globe, whats considered good behavior is a bit different at estate sales. Take note of these expert-approved estate sale etiquette tips before you go to the next one. Meet the Expert Charlene Blanton is the owner of Caring Transitions of Myrtle Beach, a company that specializes in senior relocation, downsizing, and estate sales in South Carolina. What to Do Before an Estate Sale Familiarize Yourself with the Rules Sometimes, a little research ahead of time can save you from an embarrassingand likely unintentionaletiquette faux pas. Its best to educate yourself on the nuances of that sale and company. Not all estate sale companies run their sales the same way, says Blanton. You should also make note of any specifics surrounding the sale, like where to park, the preferred methods of payment, and what time the doors open. Call Ahead with Questions If anything isnt immediately clear in the sale posting, dont be afraid to reach out to the company. I really appreciate people who read the information and terms that are in the listing, or call and ask questions for clarification, says Blanton. Rather than waiting until the day of the sale, when 100 people are in line and staff is busy running the estate sale, shoppers should call ahead to ask how things work. Depending on the company, you may also be able to garner more specifics on sale items that are pictured and posted online. That way, youll know ahead of time if the item pictured is something youre actually interested in purchasing. Proper Estate Sale Etiquette Arrive Early, But Dont Expect to Shop Early While its customary to line up well before an estate sale begins (companies will often hand out numbers to acknowledge your place in line), dont expect that premature arrival to get you in the door a second before the sale officially opens. Our staff is there working to get ready for the sale, and continual knocks and requests to come in early only hurt the family we are trying to help, warns Blanton. Show Some Respect Remember that shopping at an estate sale is very different than shopping at an antiques fair or thrift store. Rather than perusing tents or booths set up expressly for your delight, at an estate sale, youre browsing the once-cherished belongings of a late (or recently moved) homeowner. I appreciate people who are respectful of the house, the family, the estate sale company, and follow the rules, notes Blanton. Her model customers are those who understand that this is a difficult time for a family and that they are most likely dealing with a loss. And What Not to Do at An Estate Sale Forget Common Courtesy While you may be motivated by a deal, this is not the time to neglect your manners. Some behaviors that land on Blantons no-fly list: Parking in the yard, blocking the neighbors driveway, fighting with other customers, and taking items off the on-hold table. Ask Insensitive Questions This is one time to keep your morbid curiosity to yourself. Says Blanton, you should never, ever lob intrusive queries like, Did this person die here? or similar. Read the original article on Southern Living TommL/Getty Images Families queue for admission to Reichstag in Berlin, Germany. Key Points Long lines can drain precious vacation time, but there are smart ways to skip the wait at popular attractions. Booking tickets online ahead of time and opting for early or late visits are simple and budget-friendly tips that can make a big difference. If you want to splurge, consider booking an exclusive tour or skip-the-line tickets. Patience may be a virtue. But when youre on vacation, every second is sacred, and waiting in lines can be annoying at best and agonizing at worst. Ive lived in New York City, Paris, and Romethree of the worlds most visited citiesso Im very familiar with lines that wrap around the block, twice. One time, I waited so long outside the Louvre, which I needed to visit for a homework assignment, that my classmates almost reported me as a missing person. And in Rome, I once spent so much time waiting in line at St. Peters Basilica that I nearly got third-degree burns from the sun. With the warmer months being peak travel season pretty much everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, you, too, can expect to encounter a queue soon. But that doesnt mean you have to suffer. Below are seven ways to avoid long lines at popular tourist attractions this summer. Go with a private guide. If you can afford it, the foolproof way to get in and out without spending time in a line is to go with a private guide on a tour that offers VIP access. For example, last month I visited the Giraffe Centre, Nairobis second most popular tourist attraction according to TripAdvisor. Most travelers spent more time waiting in the ticket line and giraffe food line than they did interacting with the centers majestic and endangered Rothschild giraffes. But because I was visiting on a day trip with Micato Safaris, a 10-time Travel + Leisure Worlds Best Award winner, the moment I stepped out of the van, I was whisked inside, and within five minutes, I had a 20-foot-tall giraffe eating out of my hand. Meanwhile in London, if you have around $3,000 and you book at least six weeks in advance, you can spend 90 minutes admiring the crown jewels at the Tower of London without having to spend a single minute waiting in line. At The Edge, one of New York Citys newest attractions, you can get escorted to the top in a New York minute if you opt for priority access. At $88, its about 2.5 times as expensive as general admission ($34). Buy tickets online, in advance. Most of the time I travel, I cant afford to upgrade to a private guide. That said, I can take advantage of online tickets and purchase my admission in advance. This means I dont have to wait in line at the ticket window. Instead, I can go straight to the security line. Note: Some attractions charge more to purchase tickets online (they usually call it a convenience fee). And be wary of copycat websites; make sure youre purchasing tickets from the attractions official website, not the first one that shows up in the Google results. Ive been scammed before, and its a big bummer, not to mention embarrassing. Splurge for skip-the-line tickets. While skip-the-line tickets dont allow you to skip security (youll still have to be screened if they have security measures in place), they do allow you to bypass other lines. Most of the time, you have to purchase these online and in advance, and they usually cost more than the standard tickets you can also purchase online. Often, theyre add-ons. For example, a one-day Disney California Adventure Park adult general admission ticket, purchased online, starts around $104 and stretches north of $200. Before you get to the checkout page, youll be asked if you want to add a Lightning Lane Multi Pass for an additional $32. This pass allows you to use the Lightning Lanes inside the park for some attractions. Youll still have to wait in line at rides, but its usually a shorter line. Opt for a multi-attraction pass. If you plan on seeing more than one attraction in the same city or destination, look for a multi-attraction pass that includes entry to all the sites on your list. Not only do these one-and-done passes often save you money, but they sometimes come with perks like access to a priority lane and discounts at attraction gift shops. Go at odd hours. Did you know they offer nighttime tours of the Colosseum? Not only are after-hours a more pleasant time to visit temperature-wise, but theyre often less crowded. And Chadi Lotfi, front office manager at Fauchon L'Hotel Paris, tells me that early birds have the best time in the City of Light. Visit Butte Montmartre at sunrise to enjoy a magnificent spectacle and see the Sacre-Cur Basilica without the crowds on the steps. Pariss most visited church after Notre Dame, the Sacre-Cur, opens at 6:30 a.m. This is long before the pickpockets are out on the prowl. Generally speaking, odd hours are super early, super late, or maybe even at lunch time. That said, keep in mind that some destinations, such as Spain, celebrate their daily siesta, so midday may be a no-go. Find the less-used entrances. You know that analogy about going through a window instead of the front door? It applies here, too. For example, when Lotfis guests ask about visiting the Louvre Museum, he recommends they avoid the main entrance, the iconic glass pyramid. Instead, try to enter via the Carrousel entrance or Richelieu entrance on Rue de Rivoli. While these entrances are less Insta-worthy, they often have shorter lines. Regardless of the attraction, just make sure to check online in advance to make sure any alternative entrances are open and if they have special restrictions. Some entrances are only for groups, and other entrances only operate during peak hours. See if theres a webcam you can monitor. Im still waiting for a quality app that will show me how many people are waiting in line, in real time. Until then, I always check to see if the attraction has a live webcam that shows the current line status, so I can see if its a good time to go. For example, if youre visiting the Grand Canyons South Rim, you can check out the South Entrance Station webcam which refreshes every five minutes. Theres also a webcam at Yellowstones West Entrance, Glacier National Parks West Entrance, and the entrance to Arches National Park. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure It can be argued that the strategic ambition of Regional Great Powers, like Russia, is to prevent the emergence of a global hegemon by promoting global nonalignment. And yet, its own identity is in many ways tied to dominating in its own sphere of interest. Can a self-professed civilization-state, such as Russia or any other, define its sphere of interests in a way that is not threatening to others? Part of the answer may lie in how Lesser Regional Powers, like Ukraine, view neutrality. When they turn to neutrality as a security strategy, such states face a stark choice. Passive neutrality allows them to serve as a buffer zone, where rival powers can disengage, at least temporarily. Or, they could adopt an assertive neutrality and play rival powers against each other by constantly shifting allegiance. Both strategies strengthen national political autonomy, an essential attribute of sovereignty. But is neutrality, either passive or assertive, compatible with Western alliance structures like NATO and the EU? As we have seen in the case of Hungary, Slovakia, and Turkey, many see neutrality as being at odds with the values of the alliance, and therefore a potential threat to them. Thus, neutrality poses a conundrum. On the one hand, the ability to pursue policies that reflect the distinctive cultural and political values of the nation are an essential aspect of national sovereignty. But, too much independence could weaken the security shield offered by the alliance, and make them more vulnerable to threats from aggressive neighbors. As a result, since 2022 NATO and the EU have taken unprecedented steps to restrict the ability of member states to act independently, insisting on the enforcement of an overarching values consensus in the interests of collective security. Sometimes the criticism leveled at dissidents in Hungary, Turkey, and Slovakia is simply that their disloyalty undermines the security of the alliance. But this, in turn, rests on the idea that NATO reflects a distinctive civilizational identity, and that the security benefits that derive from membership obliges states to accept this specific, liberal civilizational identity. This liberal civilizational identity is no longer limited to the cultural confines of Europe. It is assumed to extend globally, which makes the expansion of NATO to include Japan, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, and any other democratic country that, like Argentina, expresses a wish to join, as suggested in a recent open letter signed by more than a hundred former and current political and military officials, the re-incarnation of what Francis Fukuyama once termed "the end of history."[1] Meanwhile, the BRICS+ countries are promoting a very different view of the relationship between sovereignty and security, one that offers more space for both political and values neutrality. Whereas NATO presumes that the cultural and political ideals of states must conform, lest global security be undermined, the BRICS alliance is premised on the idea that it is political and cultural diversity, rather than unanimity, that enhances global security. We can now grasp why the struggle between Russia and the West over Ukraine has global significance. It is a conflict of visions. NATO assume that its outcome will determine the fate of its core ideologythe belief that the expansion of liberal values will lead to global peace and prosperity. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, this has become NATO's defining belief and core mission. BRICS also assumes that the outcome of this war will determine the fate of its core ideologythe belief that cultural and political diversity are key to global peace and prosperity. Its defining belief and core mission increasingly lie in the institutionalization of civilizational multipolarity. I argue that Civilizational Multipolaritywhich I call the BRICS ideologyis more sophisticated than most analysts assume, since it borrows much from the concept of Sovereign Democracy that Russia has pursued domestically since the early 2000s. At first there was no foreign policy component to sovereign democracy, since Russia was at that point committed to integrating into the West. The hope that sovereign democracy might serve as a means of anchoring Russia in the West survived for a decade, but when it was abandoned, it was the emphasis on sovereignty that allowed Russia to transition smoothly from a pro-western foreign policy, to a policy of civilizational multipolarity. Since 2022, Russia has, in addition, begun to define itself as a civilization-state.[2] The meaning of this term is still evolving, but one scholar who has thought deeply about the relationship between civilizations, multipolarity, and security is Moscow State University Professor, Boris Mezhuev. Mezhuev makes the case that Liberal internationalism is philosophically at odds with foreign policy Realism, and that this incompatibility is preventing the resolution of many conflicts around the globe. The challenge facing world leaders is how to prevent this tension from escalating into a conflict that consumes the entire globe. Mezhuev suggests that there is a framework within which this conflict need not become existential. He calls this framework Civilizational Realism. Civilizational Realists believe that the current international system will not survive the clash between a Liberalism that justifies the use of force to make states submit to a universal moral framework, and a Realism that justifies the use of force to ensure the survival of every individual states. Both of these visions lead to conflicts that persist, deepen, and eventually cross national borders. Liberalism should therefore re-conceive itself as but one voice among many, rather than as the sole legitimate voice for all of humanity. Relinquishing liberalism's claim to universal moral authority is the key to global stability and peace, because liberal imperialism has become intertwined with efforts to establish Western hegemony in military, politics, and economics, all of which rest on the claim of moral superiority for Western liberal values. Realism must likewise be re-conceived, so that sovereignty and power no longer serve as absolute moral justifications for state actions. Instead, a newly conceived state system should adopt the philosophical premise of multipolarity, in which values neutrality is the summum bonum, and thus even countries with incompatible value systems, must learn to co-exist. How plausible is such a transformation? Mezhuev is cautious, saying only that it would be "a major upheaval in the system of international relations." But there is historical precedent for it. In the 17th century Europe, leaders exhausted by a century of incessant warfare, chose to reduce the role of religious values in international affairs. I believe that what Civilizational Realists are calling for is, in effect, a new Treaty of Westphalia that, like its predecessor, would put an end to the proliferation of values based warfare. The point of Civilizational Realism, says Mezhuev, is to make multipolarity functional, to institutionalize it as the representation of diverse civilizational poles, each one with its own cultural and political sphere of influence. To get there, he says, we must "replace the dominant political language" of IR. This may seem rather farfetched, until one recalls that it is also the prescription of one of the Wests most prominent school of IRsocial constructivism, which argues that new political opportunities can emerge from the elites choice of a new political language. "Replacing the dominant political language" could begin by diagnosing our global malaise as due to fragmentation, and suggesting new political discourse that envisions a global society rooted in common ideals, shared identity, and meanings, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of Liberalism and Realism, both of which lead to binary thinking. Any Social Constructivist solution, however, will take generations to implement, and the world may not have that long. I would therefore like to see it paired with the common sense diplomatic wisdom of the English School, and neutrality. Unlike Realism, ES acknowledges that values are fundamental to societies and must be taken into account when formulating policy; unlike Liberalism, however, it acknowledges that such values vary from country to country. Like Civilizational Realism, the English School affirm the importance of values diversity. This diversity requires that nations strengthen Global Society, defined as the arena of interaction where national interests overlap. Effort to isolate any nation are considered irresponsible and dangerous, because they tear at the fabric of our Global Society. The proper task of diplomats can therefore best be likened to that of a marriage counselor where divorce is simply not an option. How does Neutrality fit into the picture? I believe that neutrality, especially with respect to values, fits nicely into the framework of Civilization Realism. As I suggested earlier, neutrality is problematic concept. To the extent that it promotes distinctive national cultural and political values, it can potentially make the nation less secure. Political and values sovereignty (de factoindependence) are thus always in tension with national security. But, as the English School likes to point out, the modern nation-state system owes much to the idea that, in a healthy society, religious values should not only be kept separate from politics, but also rival them in importance. The ancient notion, that our deepest values do not derive from politics, but transcend politics, is what ultimately allowed leaders to embrace neutrality with respect to values, even religious values, rather than fight to the death over them. This eventually led to the Peace of Westphalia, the end of the Thirty Years Wars, and the subsequent emergence of Europe as a global powerhouse for the next three centuries. We sorely need to recapture this type of neutrality today, if we wish to avoid another global confrontation over values, one that would dwarf the devastation caused by the religious wars in Europe. [1] Open letter: President Biden, this is how you can uphold your legacy by supporting Ukraine, The Kyiv Independent, October 8, 2024. https://kyivindependent.com/open-letter-president-biden-this-is-how-you-can-uphold-your-legacy-by-supporting-ukraine/ [2] https://mid.ru/en/nota-bene/1854841/ Theres something magnetic about the presence of cats on the streetthose curious eyes peeking from under cafe tables, curled tails on sun-warmed stone steps, and soft purrs that echo through marketplaces. A new book, Street Cats & Where to Find Them by Jeff Bogle, offers travelers more than just destinationsit provides a roadmap for connecting with cats across five continents. While most travelers learn how to ask for directions or the nearest restroom in a new language, Bogle makes sure he learns one specific wordcat. From Arabic to Japanese, his linguistic arsenal includes feline-friendly vocabulary. That one word has helped him discover hidden alleyways, parks, and plazas where local cats make their presence known. This isnt a new obsession for Bogle. Hes spent years letting his curiosity guide him through the winding streets of Morocco, seaside villages in Italy, and Tokyos back cornersall to meet cats with personality, presence, and just the right amount of attitude. Instagram | owtk | Jeff Bogle's "Street Cats & Where to Find Them" guides travelers to connect with cats across five continents. His new book captures over 20 global destinationsfrom the flower-filled Miraflores in Lima to the timeless ruins of Matera, Italy, where street cats are part of the scenery and, sometimes, the stars of the show. In Istanbul, known by many as Catstanbul, cats roam freely through cafes and cobblestone lanes. Bogle returned from his trip there with thousands of cat photos and the idea that turned into this guide. His experience in the city sparked not just a book but a deeper appreciation for places where animals are treated as part of the community. Some destinations shine for their abundance of cats and how naturally they interact with humans. In Limas Parque Kennedy, cats lounge in flowerbeds and scale trees and nap in laps. Old San Juan in Puerto Rico offers a similar vibe, where cats move like locals between tourists and historic buildings. Bogle ranks both citiesalongside Istanbulwith a perfect five toe beans on his personal cat cuddle scale. Not every location is picture-perfect. Tokyos Yanaka Ginza, once dubbed Cat Town, now feels more like a themed marketplace. Souvenir shops outnumber actual cats, a change due to urban development and efforts to manage stray populations. Bogle includes it in his book as a gentle reminder that cultures and experiences evolveand so do the animals that live within them. In Matera, Italy, cats appear less often and keep their distance. Still, the citys rich history and foodlike its distinctive pane di Matera breadearned it a spot. Even Cairo, where the ancient reverence for cats has faded, holds moments of connection. Bogle recalls spotting sick kittens and underfed mothersa painful but honest glimpse into the lives of street cats in less nurturing environments. Feral cats have roamed the streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Instagram | @nytimes | Istanbul welcomes travelers with friendly cats and unforgettable feline charm. Bogle shares simple advice for travelers hoping to meet cats abroad. Get loweither in a crouch or sitting cross-leggedand let cats approach on their own terms. Avoid sudden movements, and dont try to pick them up. Pack dry treats to offer in friendly areas, but follow the rules in cat cafes where food and behavior are usually guided by staff. Spots like Taiwans Houtong Cat Village and Cypruss Old Town Paphos even have volunteer-supported feeding stations. The book offers location-specific tips on how to help: contact local rescue groups, offer food or support TNR (trap-neuter-return) efforts, and avoid interrupting a cats day unless invited. In one touching moment, Bogle remembers meeting a tabby he named Saffron in San Juan. She curled up with his wife during a cruise stop, but they couldnt take her home. That imagehuman and cat quietly connectedcaptures the spirit of his travels. Stopping to connect with a local cat does something subtleit shifts the rhythm of your day. Instead of rushing from one landmark to the next, you start to notice whats actually unfolding around you. A cat curled up in the sun doesnt just mirror the citys moodit pulls you into it, however briefly. Frank Harwood; John Morrison. (Coeur d'Alene Fire Department) Joshua Hoston, an 18-year veteran of Idahos Coeur dAlene Fire Department, remembers the moment a routine wildfire call turned into a deadly ambush that killed two fellow firefighters and wounded a third. We dropped everything we had, hopped back in the truck, and went racing back up to the mountain, Hoston said. What initially seemed like an ordinary report of a wildfire in the northwest Idaho city quickly devolved into chaos as first responders came under fire an attack that has shaken the close-knit firefighting community. Hoston said he was called to Canfield Mountain on Sunday, June 29, and was assisting with retrieving a UTV, a four-wheeled vehicle used to access tight terrain, when a call crackled over the radio: shots fired. The way it sounded, we knew it wasnt a joke, he said. What he and others didnt know at the time was that a man now identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley had allegedly set the fire intentionally to ambush responding firefighters. Hoston said a captain with the Northern Lakes Fire District quickly ordered crews to stay at a staging area, away from the gunfire. He said he felt helpless not being able to rush to his colleagues to help, but acknowledged the decision likely saved more lives. If we all had been up there, wed have been trapped, he said. It would have been a stack of bodies. Battalion Chiefs John Morrison and Frank J. Harwood were killed in the attack. Firefighter David Tysdal was wounded and remains hospitalized in stable condition after undergoing multiple surgeries. Its been the worst imaginable 56 hours, Coeur dAlene firefighter and captain Jeff Fletcher told NBC News. A procession from Kootenai Health heads to the medical examiner's office in Spokane, Wash., after two firefighters were killed on June 29. (Bill Buley / AP) Fletcher was off duty that day and mountain biking in nearby Sandpoint when he began receiving urgent calls. He was told two of my best friends had been shot. He rushed to the Coeur dAlene fire station, then to the hospital, where he and another firefighter set up a command post. Just to see the smoke plume from the wildland fire really brought realities to what we were about to undertake, he said in a phone call on Thursday. I think everybody initially was like, How can this be happening? How can it be in our community? Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said the firefighters did not have a chance after Roley allegedly opened fire. Norris said they received reports that Roley who, according to his family, once dreamed of becoming a firefighter fired at responders from a tree. Roley was found dead on the mountain last Sunday from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said. A flint starter and shotgun were also recovered at the scene. 'The most amazing person' Fletcher said the days since the attack have been chaotic, leaving little time to process the tragedy. Id say that a lot of us, were still in the trenches, he said. Were also trying to balance grieving for John and Frank and supporting Dave, and then also pulling shifts and going on calls and trying to maintain our composure. Fletcher grew emotional recalling his 23-year friendship with Morrison, the battalion chief, and firefighter Tysdal, which began on his first day on the job. Dave is just the most amazing person, he said through tears. In the winter, Tysdal runs a Christmas tree farm. He included everybody in anything he was doing, Fletcher said. Hes the most generous, nicest person Ive ever met. Officials said in an update on Wednesday that Tysdal underwent a third surgery. He was taken off a ventilator and was speaking, despite suffering severe chest and spinal trauma. Morrison embodied leadership on the fire ground that can never be replaced, Fletcher said. In his position, when you show up to big incidents, hes basically calling the shots. There was never second-guessing what his strategy was, he said. When you got back to the firehouse, he was the nicest, friendliest and funniest guy youd ever meet. Idaho Gov. Brad Little said he was heartbroken, calling the attack a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. Hundreds of people gathered for a procession Tuesday honoring Morrison and Harwood. A motive in the shooting remains unclear. Authorities said no manifesto has been found and they still do not know why Roley was in the area. Norris, the sheriff, said it appeared he had been living out of his car. The fire has burned about 23 acres and was 100% contained as of Friday morning, the Idaho Department of Lands said in a Facebook post. Roleys family could not be reached for comment. They released a statement Monday through their attorney, Justin P. Whittenton, saying that they do not understand why this happened or how this came about. Since the attack, support for the victims and local fire community has poured in, said Ricky Walsh, vice president of the International Association of Fire Fighters District 7. We are our sisters and brothers keepers, and we are going to lean on each other and get through this event, he said. Tracy Rohr, 52, of Coeur dAlene, said watching the community come together has been heartwarming but tragically sad. For me personally, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride for the way our community has come together, she said. But also, I definitely feel like were all at a loss. Its tragic. Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on Texas flooding for Sunday, July 6. For the latest news on the Texas floods, read USA TODAY's coverage for Monday, July 7. Authorities on Sunday were in a desperate search to find those still missing after historic flash floods swept across central Texas including 10 children from a beloved all-girls camp as the death toll rose and forecasters warned of more rain. State and local authorities said at least 81 people have died in flooding triggered by unrelenting rain Thursday night into Friday. As of Sunday afternoon, Sheriff Larry Leitha of Kerr County, where the worst of the flooding occurred, said authorities had recovered the bodies of 40 adults and 28 children. Among those still missing were 10 children and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp at the edge of the Guadalupe River, which surged over 26 feet in less than an hour as storms dumped six months' worth of rain over the Texas Hill Country. It's unclear how many people were missing in the communities along the Guadalupe, where local officials say thousands of people came from out of town to celebrate Independence Day weekend. Forecasters expect several more inches of rain on Sunday and warned of additional flooding and a worsening of conditions on the ground. At least 41 people were known to be missing across the state and areas affected by the flooding, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said at a news conference on Sunday afternoon. The governor noted that search and rescue efforts were still underway. "There were so many people who were just camping out not children in camps but adults camping out near the river, people in RVs and things like that," Abbott said. "There are people who are missing, who are not on the known, confirmed missing because we don't yet know who they are." For days, crews have been working around the clock to find the missing, traversing swollen waterways and scouring riverbanks littered with mangled trees and rubble. Rescuers have pulled residents from rooftops and found survivors clinging to trees. As of Sunday, about 650 people have been rescued, officials said. "We will continue our search efforts until everybody is found," Leitha vowed. What Texas cities flooded? Here's where the most rain fell this weekend Trump deflects on FEMA's future After raising the prospect of abolishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency earlier this year, President Donald Trump deflected when asked if he wants to phase out the agency. "FEMA is something we can talk about later," Trump told reporters. "But right now theyre busy working so well leave it at that." FEMA was activated in Texas after Trump declared a major disaster area in Kerr County following devastating flooding. The president said he plans to visit Texas later this week. While touring flood damage in North Carolina in January, Trump commented that "I think were going to recommend that FEMA go away." In Los Angeles, which was devastated by wildfires, Trump added: "I say you don't need FEMA, you need a good state government." Cameron Hamilton, Trumps former acting FEMA administrator, said during a congressional hearing in May that he opposed abolishing the agency. The Department of Homeland Security later announced that Hamilton was being replaced as the head of FEMA. Zac Anderson Report: Granddaughters of ex-Detroit Free Press publisher among killed The twin granddaughters of David Lawrence Jr., the former publisher of the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, were among the dozens killed during massive flooding in Central Texas, he told the Miami Herald. The girls, both 8 years old, and their sister, 14, attended Camp Mystic in Kerr County, the newspaper reported Sunday. Officials said earlier in the day that ten campers and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp at the edge of the Guadalupe River, remain unaccounted for. "It has been an unimaginable time for all of us," Lawrence told the Herald. "Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents, John and Lacy, and sister, Harper, and all in our family, so much joy. They and that joy can never be forgotten." Charles A. Ventura Residents urged to remain vigilant amid ongoing risk of flooding The Williamson County Office of Emergency Management urged residents to remain vigilant amid the dangers of ongoing flooding. The agency said the county was under a flood watch through 10 p.m. local time on Sunday and advised motorists not to drive past barricades or through water flowing over a road. The county confirmed on Sunday that two people died due to flooding. The first victim, identified as 22-year-old Kaitlyn Swallow, was recovered late Saturday by the Williamson County Sheriffs Office. Following another day of searching, the county said the body of another person was recovered and one person was still missing. "My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones in the devastating floods over the holiday weekend," County Judge Steven Snell said in a statement. "We have a long way to go in this recovery phase, but I know Williamson County is a caring and resilient community. The outpouring of support from the public to those impacted is humbling. Trump plans Texas visit after flooding devastation Trump said he expects to visit Texas later this week after catastrophic flooding caused extensive death and destruction in the state. "Probably on Friday," Trump told reporters on Sunday when asked about visiting the state. "We wanted to leave a little time. I wouldve done it today, but wed just be in their way." Earlier on Sunday, Trump signed a major disaster declaration for hard-hit Kerr County. Zac Anderson Kerr County officials continue search and rescue operations The Kerr County Sheriff's Office said search and rescue operations continued on Sunday with a "full response from local, state, and national first responders." "We continue to have hundreds of officers, deputies, and support staff working every aspect of this emergency, along with air, water, K9, and other assets conducting search and rescue," the sheriff's office said in an update Sunday afternoon. The sheriff's office noted that there was additional rain in the upper Guadalupe basin, leading to a rise in Johnson Creek that may result in a rise of 1 to 2 feet downstream when it enters the Guadalupe River in the small city of Ingram. As of 1:30 p.m. local time, the sheriff's office said authorities recovered 68 bodies in Kerr County, including 40 adults and 28 children. Eighteen adults and 10 children are pending identification. "We continue to offer our condolences to those affected, and we are working tirelessly to reunite families," the sheriff's office said. "We know there are many people concerned and affected by this tragic situation." Gov. Abbott warns of dangers for the next 24 to 48 hours Abbott and other state emergency officials held Sunday's news conference in the city of Austin due to the deadly storms that have swept across central Texas and more expected storms that will "pose life-threatening danger over the next 24 to 48 hours." The governor advised the public to remain "extraordinarily" cautious and follow safety guidelines as heavy rainfall and additional flash flooding were expected across the Concho Valley and near Kerrville. If youre in any of those regions, you need to realize, for one, youre in an area that is already saturated with water, he added. "But for another, when more water comes down, it could lead to rapid flash flooding events. Now, there's nothing expected at this time to the magnitude of what was seen in Kerrville. That said flash flooding can occur at lower levels of water than what happened in Kerrville." Authorities search for missing people Texas officials urged the public and residents to contact local authorities to provide name identification and other information about a person who is suspected to be missing. The missing included two people each in Williamson and Burnet counties, near Austin, according to Texas Department of Public Safety Director Freeman Martin. The two people missing in Burnet County were identified as Michael Phillips, chief of the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department, and a 17-year-old girl. Major General Thomas Suelzer, with the Texas Military Department, said the department conducted a total of 525 rescues or evacuations, including 366 by air and 159 by ground, as of Sunday afternoon. A community ravaged: In Texas Hill Country, deluge leaves a heartbreaking toll Warnings for deadly Texas flash flooding came with little time to act For the meteorologists and hydrologists tracking the weather patterns that led to the deadly Independence Day floods in the Texas Hill Country, the most urgent advisories werent deployed until it was almost too late, according to interviews and advisories. Forecasters said they pushed out warnings as fast as they got the data. But the hilly terrain and the trickiness of predicting flash floods made forecasting and alerting communities along the Guadalupe River in real time particularly challenging. "This is a problem that we are constantly trying to work on: how to better communicate," Greg Waller, a hydrologist at the National Weather Services West Gulf River Forecast Center in Fort Worth, told USA TODAY. "We can issue the best forecast in the world, but if it's not put in the hands of the individuals so they can make the best decision, that forecast has little value." Read more here. Rick Jervis Flood survivor: 'I could see the water coming in' Keri Patton awoke to the sound of water crashing through her San Angelo home. Seemingly without warning, 18 feet of floodwater quickly enveloped her house on the morning of July Fourth after the Lake View area saw a record-breaking 14 inches of rainfall in only a few hours. "I could see the water coming in, gushing from every direction," Patton told the San Angelo Standard-Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. I was like, 'I gotta get out.' Everything was underwater. And when I left, I couldnt get the gate open from the water. When we finally got my truck out, (water) was up to the bottom of the doors." Before Patton escaped, she called her sister Laura Debusk, who lives in Clovis, New Mexico. She found shelter at a nearby friends house while Debusk made the five-hour drive to San Angelo. When Debusk arrived at Pattons house, the water level had reached its maximum height. The house was partially submerged in 4 to 5 feet of water. "Ive helped her build her dream house, and this is what it is," Debusk said. "This is her life, and Im doing everything I can to give it back to her." Paul Witwer, San Angelo Standard-Times FEMA offers disaster assistance to Texas flood victims The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced disaster assistance for those whove been impacted by flooding in Kerr County. The federal agency said assistance includes grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans, among other programs. The announcement came after President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, the epicenter of the violent flash floods. Trump said in June that he plans to phase out FEMA after the hurricane season and floated eliminating the agency. He has criticized the agency as being ineffective and said he wants it to "give out less money" to states responding to natural disasters. George W. Bush says he's 'heartbroken' over deadly Texas floods Former President George W. Bush said he and his wife, Laura, are "heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling." "Those who have lost their precious children are facing a grief no parents should ever know," Bush, a former Texas governor, said in a statement. "We are grateful to the first responders and volunteers who are working to find the missing and comfort the grieving at Camp Mystic and along the Guadalupe. We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will." Former first lady Laura Bush reportedly worked as a counselor at Camp Mystic while she was a student at Southern Methodist University, according to Texas Monthly. Flash flood advisories and warnings abound as Texas faces more rain Millions in central Texas were under flash flood advisories as forecasters warned of several more inches of rain, including in hard-hit parts of the state. The weather alerts stretched from San Antonio to the Fort Worth area. Forecasters with the National Weather Service said flood watches have been extended until 10 p.m. local time in parts of Hill Country and the I-35 corridor as they anticipate widespread rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches. The agency warned that excessive runoff may result in dangerous flash flooding of low-lying areas, rivers, creeks, and low water crossings. The weather service in Austin and San Antonio advised the public to have multiple methods to receive warnings. Earlier on Sunday afternoon, the agency said scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms were expected with the heaviest activity located over the Hill Country. The agency said in an update at 8 p.m. that thunderstorms with very heavy rainfall continued to push across the I-35 corridor. Congressman says his granddaughters' cousin died in Camp Mystic flood U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Georgia, said his granddaughters cousin died in the flooding that tore through Camp Mystic over the weekend. Carter said in a post on X that his granddaughters were at the popular all-girls summer camp when the nearby Guadalupe River rose nearly 30 feet on Friday. His granddaughters managed to escape, but their cousin, Janie, did not survive, Carter said. "My granddaughters lost their cousin, Janie, and many other families are grieving loved ones," he said. "Please join me in prayers for Texas. We must ensure that they have the resources they need to find those still missing and save lives." How many people have died in the Texas flooding? Below are the latest numbers of reported fatalities from state and local officials across central Texas. Kerr County 68 deaths Travis County 5 deaths Burnet County 3 deaths Kendall County 2 deaths Williamson County - 2 deaths Tom Green County 1 death Trump signs disaster declaration for Kerr County after deadly floods Trump said in a statement Sunday that he signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, unlocking federal funding that the president says will ensure first responders "immediately have the resources they need." "These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing," Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social. "The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders." He also praised the U.S. Coast Guard, which, together with state first responders, has rescued more than 850 people in central Texas since the disastrous flooding began. "GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!" Trump said. Beloved soccer coach, wife among dead; their children remain missing Reece Zunker, the coach of a high school boys soccer team in Kerrville, and his wife, Paula, are among the dozens killed in the flooding that has ravaged central Texas. Their two children are reportedly missing. The Tivy High School soccer team said in a statement that it was heartbroken with the loss of our leader and inspiration. Coach Reece Zunker was not just a soccer coach, he was a mentor, teacher and a role model for our Kerrville kids, the statement said, crediting him with rebuilding the schools soccer program. His passion for his players, students, co-workers, community and his family will never be forgotten. Multiple local news outlets reported that the familys two children are still missing. The family was spending Independence Day weekend at a house on the Guadalupe River between Camp La Junta and Camp Mystic, according to the Kerrville Daily Times. San Angelo resident recalls waking up to record-breaking flooding Luis Maldonado heard rain around midnight Friday in San Angelo and thought nothing of it. But around 4 a.m., the father of three woke up and realized water was seeping through the familys new carpet. "I turn on the light, and I just hear a squishing as I keep stepping," Luis told the San Angelo Standard-Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. "I turn on more lights, and I just see water all over the ground." Luis immediately woke up his wife. Then he opened his front door and saw a wall of water rushing through the neighborhood. Maldonado, whose truck and minivan were also flooded in the deluge, was one of many people filling out relief paperwork at a church in the west-central Texas city of San Angelo. Local officials said over 12,000 homes have been damaged in the flooding, and one death in San Angelo has been tied to the storm. Ronald W. Erdrich and Trish Choate, San Angelo Standard-Times Luis Maldonado balances a clipboard in one hand as his 1-year-old daughter, Gabriella, sleeps on his shoulder in San Angelo on July 5, 2025. His family had come to PaulAnn Church to register for assistance after floodwaters had forced them from their homes. Pope Leo XIV offers condolences to families of flood victims Pope Leo XIV issued a statement on social media offering his condolences to the families of those killed in the historic Texas flooding. "I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp, in the disaster caused by flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States," the pope wrote on X. "We pray for them." Leo, who was elected as the head of the Roman Catholic Church in May, is the first U.S.-born pontiff. Abbott visits 'ravaged' Camp Mystic, vows to find missing children Abbott said on X that he visited Camp Mystic and the nearby Guadalupe River and was stunned by the devastation. The girls' camp was "horrendously ravaged in ways unlike Ive seen in any natural disaster," the governor said late Saturday, adding: "The height the rushing water reached to the top of cabins was shocking." Abbott, who issued a disaster declaration for nearly two dozen Texas counties, said: "We wont stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins." A destroyed SUV draped in a Texas State flag sits next to the road after flash flooding swept through the area on July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas. New bouts of rain could worsen deluge, trigger new flooding More rain was expected to fall Sunday across the Texas Hill Country, threatening to trigger new floods and worsen the deluge in the devastated, rain-soaked region. The National Weather Service in Austin and San Antonio said flood watches were extended into Sunday when 2 to 4 inches of rain were expected to fall across parts of the region. Some isolated areas could see as much as 10 inches of rain. "Any additional heavy rain will lead to flash flooding where it occurs and downstream," the weather service said. Rescue crews focus on missing campers Rescue crews worked feverishly at the site of Camp Mystic. The camp had 700 girls in residence at the time of the flood, according to Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Nick Sorter, a member of the volunteer rescue group United Cajun Navy, told CNN that "there was nowhere for these kids to go. The buildings were washed out, just carved out from the inside." Elinor Lester, 13, told the Associated Press the camp "was completely destroyed. A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary. Where is Texas Hill Country? A rolling grassland with history of floods The National Weather Service in San Antonio said the risk of flash flooding remains in Hill Country, a low-lying and flood-sensitive area of west-central Texas. The region stretches over 11 million acres across 18 counties in central Texas, according to the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network. It includes the cities of San Antonio and Austin, as well as extensive rural areas such as the site of the July Fourth flooding in Kerr County. The cities of Sonora, Fredericksburg, San Marcos, Bandera, and New Braunfels are also located within the region. Texas Hill Country mainly sits atop the Edwards Plateau and is named for the areas grassy rolling hills. Three rivers the Colorado, Nueces, and Guadalupe run through the area. Fridays devastating flash floods engorged the banks of the Guadalupe. The area is known for being especially vulnerable to floods, earning it the nickname "flash flood alley," and it has experienced several major flood events in the past two decades. Kathryn Palmer 'It wasn't slowing': Witness recalls a torrent of water Tonia Fucci, a Pennsylvania resident visiting her grandmother for the Independence Day weekend, woke early Friday to the sound of heavy rain "coming down in buckets." She heard something more ominous: loud, startling cracking noises. "It's indescribable, the sounds, of how loud they were, which turned out to be ... the massive cypress trees that came down along the river," she told Reuters. Fucci, who was staying near the Guadalupe River, filmed on her phone a torrent of muddy water flooding the road to her grandmother's house. She said she received National Weather alerts on her phone hours after the flood had already hit. She recalled residents running to their neighbors to help before rescue teams arrived. "Something I've never seen before. You knew it was tragedy," Fucci said. "It wasn't slowing, it wasn't slowing. And debris and furniture and RVs were coming down the river." Heartbreaking photos of devastation at camp Photos inside the nearly century-old Camp Mystic revealed a horrifying picture of the devastation that unfolded. Campers' bunkbeds were caked in mud; bed sheets, clothing, and suitcases were jumbled about the rooms. One wall of a camp building had been ripped from the foundation. One Camp Mystic camper, 8-year-old Sarah Marsh of Alabama, was confirmed among the dead, according to Mountain Brook, Alabama, Mayor Stewart Welch. Janie Hunt, 9, was also among the dead, The New York Times and CNN both reported. Other campers were also reported dead by news outlets. A beloved camp among Texas families Generations of Texas families sent their daughters to Camp Mystic, a place where they formed lifelong friendships, former camper Clair Cannon told USA TODAY. Cannon's mother and daughter both also attended. Summer after summer, they'd take Highway 39 as it winds along the Guadalupe River until arriving at the grounds on the riverbank. What that area is like when its in its prime when its not devastated like this is probably one of the most serene and peaceful places that Ive ever seen in my life, said Cannon, a commercial and residential real estate agent in Dallas. Another girls' camp a few miles away from Mystic, Heart O' the Hills, said on its website that co-owner Jane Ragsdale had died in the flood. The camp was not in session when the flooding hit, and officials said everyone else had been accounted for. A search and rescue worker looks through debris for any survivors or remains of people swept up in the flash flooding on July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. Why is Texas flooding so bad? Texas Hill Country is no stranger to extreme flooding. In the rugged, rolling terrain its known for, heavy rains collect quickly in its shallow streams and rivers that can burst into torrents like the deadly flood wave that swept along the Guadalupe River on July Fourth. The Guadalupe has flooded more than a dozen times since 1978, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, but the Independence Day flood is among the worst in its history. Several factors came together at once in one of the worst possible locations to create the horrifying scenario that dropped up to 16 inches of rainfall in the larger region over July 3 to July 5, said Alan Gerard, a recently retired storm specialist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Read more here. Dinah Voyles Pulver How many people are still missing? The sheriff's office in Kerr County said more than 800 people had been evacuated or rescued from the region as floodwaters receded over the weekend. Rice said "hundreds" have been rescued, but the number of missing is still a question mark. Right now were kind of looking at this in two ways, Rice said. Call it the known missing, which is the 27 camp kids that are missing. We will not put a number on the other side because we just dont know. Patrick also said up to 500 rescue workers were searching for an unknown number of missing people, including some who had come to the area for an Independence Day celebration along the river. We don't know how many people were in tents on the side, in small trailers by the side, in rented homes by the side because it was going to be the Fourth of July holiday," he said on Fox & Friends Weekend. A view inside of a cabin at Camp Mystic, the site of where campers went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas, on July 5, 2025. San Angelo also swamped with floodwaters The devastation extended beyond Kerrville. About 150 miles away, the community of San Angelo and surrounding Tom Green County were hit with a record-breaking 14 inches of rain. Police discovered the body of Tanya Burwick, 62, on Saturday, several blocks from her SUV, which was engulfed in 12 feet of water during Friday's flood, San Angelo police said. "Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Burwicks family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," police said in the media release. "The San Angelo Police Department stands with the entire community in mourning this tragic loss." Trish Choate Were there any warnings before the flooding? The extreme flooding struck before dawn with little or no warning, Rice said, precluding authorities from issuing advance evacuation orders. State emergency management officials had warned as early as Thursday that west and central Texas faced heavy rains and flash flood threats, citing National Weather Service forecasts ahead of the holiday weekend. The forecasts, however, "did not predict the amount of rain that we saw," W. Nim Kidd, director of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, told a news conference Friday night. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci; Mike Snider; James Powel; Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas flooding live updates: Death toll at 81 as more rain on the way Ben Symons/Peacock Love Island USA star Austin Shepard is clearing the air after returning home from the Fiji villa. Austin, 26, answered a series of fan-submitted questions on his Instagram Stories on Friday, July 14, including one from a social media user who asked whether he was a racist bigot. Im going to give this attention only one time because this is, like, crazy, Austin said in a Friday video. Are you f***ing dumb? Like, honestly, are you dumb? Do you not think? Austin appeared to deny the accusations, citing one of his tattoos as further proof. Ariana Madix Explains How Love Island USA Stars Should Weather Public Backlash After Season 7 Ends I have a Black woman tatted on my side, he quipped. Use your head. Austin was one of the OG Islanders on season 7 of Peacocks Love Island USA. He was dumped earlier this week alongside contestants Andreina Santos, TJ Palma, Gracyn Blackmore and Jaden Duggar. Courtesy of Austin Shepard/Instagram Earlier this season, cast member Yulissa Escober was removed from the villa when past racially insensitive posts she made resurfaced online. (Yulissa, 27, has since apologized for her comments.) I wasnt dragged out in the dark. I walked out in broad daylight head high, lashes on, Yulissa said in a Thursday, July 3, TikTok video. I did not wake up in the middle of the night. They didnt drag my ass out of bed. I was actually just getting comfortable and just coming out of my shell because initially I was kind of timid and shy. I was upset that I got pulled out on that day because I was like, Damn, I was just starting to have fun. According to Yulissa, a producer later asked to speak off-camera. I had gotten called to the front and then I met one of the producers and they asked me to take my mic off. I figured something serious was kind of happening, she recalled. I honestly got scared. I thought something happened with a family member or something. They didnt really tell me anything. They just said that a video resurfaced on the internet and its not looking too good. I didnt really know what video or what I was saying or what I did. Love Island USA Contestant Yulissa Escobar Removed After Racist Podcast Clips Surface Yulissas exit was subtly addressed by narrator Iain Stirling, who briefly mentioned that she had left the villa but did not further explain the situation. Cast members also werent given full details. They personally never told me anything. They never told us in the villa, Jeremiah Brown said during a Monday, June 30, episode of the Speedy Morman podcast. They said she left for personal reasons I can say that. I found out later after getting my phone back that it was because of whatever happened. Love Island USA airs daily, except for Wednesdays, on Peacock. Ramsey show hosts speak with a man worried about his girlfriend's money management. Its not all that uncommon to focus on full-time studies while attending college. After all, many college students are often fresh out of high school and are still teenagers when their college studies begin. Focusing on work and building a career isnt exactly something these students need to prioritize, at least not for a few years. But unfortunately for Derek from Salt Lake City, his girlfriend is not one of these students. Don't miss Derek recently called into The Ramsey Show to talk about his girlfriend, whos 26 years old and has been in college for eight years completing her bachelors degree. Dereks girlfriend has an interesting arrangement with her parents where they pay for her living expenses as long as shes in school. This, as you might imagine, has Derek very concerned. When your partner refuses to grow up Ramsey Show co-hosts George Kamel and Rachel Cruze told Derek he has every right to be concerned about his relationship, given his girlfriend's apparent reluctance to get out into the real world and hold down a job. Not only do the girlfriend's parents pay all of her bills, they also have the same deal with her two older brothers, who are 29 and 31 years old and still in school. Derek recently learned that the brothers have never worked, which is what drove him to call in asking for help. Derek's been with his girlfriend for about a year and they're starting to talk about marriage and finances, but he doesn't have high hopes given her attitude toward working. When Kamel heard about the girlfriend's arrangement with her parents, he was shocked. "Hey parents, let this be your memo: don't do this, ever," he said. Meanwhile, Cruze asked Derek point blank, "does she feel like a winner to you?" Derek had no choice but to admit to his worries that his girlfriend will stay in school indefinitely so her parents can continue to cover her lifestyle, and that she won't be willing to work once they're married. Derek, meanwhile, works full-time, has a stable job and is debt-free, so he's presumably in a good place financially. He did ask his girlfriend to get a part-time job to see if she was willing to put in some effort, but it didn't seem like she was. "There's no initiative at all in who she is," said Cruze in response. "It's not a lot of attractive qualities." Kamel, on the other hand, was still shocked by what he was hearing from Derek. "I don't even know how you drag out a bachelor's degree for eight years," said Kamel. In the end, both Kamel and Cruze told Derek to consider ending the relationship if his girlfriend refuses to grow up. "There's a level of resilience you want in a partner," said Cruze. Derek said he's willing to give his girlfriend one final opportunity to get a job. If she's willing, the relationship may be salvageable. Otherwise, hell likely seek to end the relationship. Read more: You dont have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 heres how Financial incompatibility A 2023 survey by Bread Financial found that 44% of coupled respondents wish they had more similar mindsets on financial matters as their partners. Meanwhile, a more recent Lending Tree survey found that 23% of people have ended a relationship due to being financially incompatible with their partners. At its core, financial incompatibility is when you and your partner see money differently. It could be that one of you is a spender and one is a saver. Or, it could mean that you're both spenders but have different priorities. For example, it may be that one of you values spending money on things, like nice cars, while the other values spending money on experiences, like vacations. In Derek's case, it's clear that he believes in working for your money, whereas his girlfriend has no problem letting others pay for her lifestyle. With this in mind, it's easy to see why this relationship likely won't work out for Derek in the long run. He's done a good job of covering his expenses and avoiding debt thus far. If he were to marry his girlfriend, who knows what sort of debt she might rack up. She clearly feels entitled to have someone pay for her lifestyle, and that person could easily be Derek. Even if she doesn't land both of them in debt, chances are Derek will feel resentful of having to fund her lifestyle when she's completely capable of working. All told, being in a relationship with someone you're not financially compatible with could lead to disaster. Financial problems are the driver of 20-40% of all divorces, according to the Jimenez Law Firm. The Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, meanwhile, cites money issues as the primary reason behind 22% of divorces. For Derek's relationship to be saved, he needs to have an honest conversation with his girlfriend and set some ground rules. For example, he could suggest that she hold down a job unless theres a reason not to, like caring for children. If those rules don't work for her, the two may be better off splitting up. If you're in a similar boat, it's important to have an open discussion about how you view money, what your financial goals are, and what your expectations entail. It may be that your partner wants to work until you have children and then become a stay-at-home parent. That's a very different thing from not wanting to work, period. Talk to your partner and, if you think it'll be helpful, consider getting a counselor involved who can serve as a neutral third party to get you two on the same page. But if you and your partner can't find a way to see eye to eye on financial matters, you may be better off parting ways as amicably as possible before taking the plunge into marriage. 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. Bishop Manuel Sykes along with the bill Florida just made it easier for churches, synagogues and other religious organizations to build affordable housing on their land, even if local zoning rules would normally prohibit it. Supporters say the new Yes in Gods Backyard law, which went into effect July 1, opens the door to more housing in a state where rents remain sky-high and working families are struggling to stay put. But some faith leaders and housing advocates warn that legal permission alone wont solve the problem, and may shift too much responsibility onto institutions that arent equipped to do it all themselves. Heres what the new law actually does, how it could affect housing in Florida, and what renters should keep in mind as cities and faith groups figure out what comes next. Don't miss What the law allows The legislation, formally known as SB1730, gives religious institutions across Florida the right to develop affordable housing on their property, even if that land is currently zoned for something else. They no longer have to seek local zoning changes or special use permits. Ensuring that religious organizations who have land on their property where their houses of worship are, that they too can bring together their resources to provide affordable housing, said state Rep. Vicki Lopez (RMiami), who presented the bill earlier this year. The idea is to reduce barriers for churches that already want to help solve the housing crisis but have been blocked by red tape. With hundreds of churches and synagogues owning land across Florida, often in central, well-connected neighborhoods, that could mean new housing opportunities in areas where construction has lagged. For renters, the benefits could be real but not immediate For now, the law doesnt mean construction will begin overnight. It simply clears a path for churches to build. If they have the money, the expertise and the capacity to do so. The law doesnt include state funding, tax credits, or guidance for navigating development. That leaves religious organizations on their own to secure financing, hire builders, manage timelines, and handle legal and regulatory details. Thats why housing advocates and some pastors say the policy, while helpful, isnt a silver bullet for affordability. Read more: You dont have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 heres how What faith leaders are saying In St. Petersburg, Bishop Manuel Sykes of Bethel Community Baptist Church has long dreamed of building affordable senior housing on church-owned land. For years, zoning laws stood in the way. With the new law in place, he says the door is open, but the project is still a long way off. This is for people who have been here for generations, who are being driven out or basically dying out because of the current housing situation, he told Tampas 10News. Still, Sykes cautions against putting the burden of solving the crisis on churches alone. We can help, he said. But when you have a city with all kinds of resources, hundreds of millions of dollars and nearly 100 acres, [St. Petersburg] can do a lot more, so don't push the envelope my way and make it seem like the churches are not fulfilling their roles. Sykes is part of Faith and Action for Strength Together (FAST), a coalition of dozens of local churches that has publicly pressed St. Petersburg leaders for faster and broader action on housing. In response, Mayor Ken Welch, who initially faced criticism from the group, said he would support Yes in Gods Backyard-style legislation. Now that its law, hes calling on churches to join a faith-based housing initiative to make use of it. The city did not respond to 10News further requests for comment. How this affects Florida renters The new law wont bring immediate price drops. However, it may increase the pipeline of affordable housing in areas where its desperately needed. In cities like St. Petersburg, rents have climbed more than 30% for multilple years, according to Zillow data. Many long-time residents, especially seniors and fixed-income families, are being priced out of neighborhoods theyve lived in for decades. If religious institutions can successfully develop housing, it could help stabilize those communities. But without public funding or city partnerships, some churches may find the process too difficult to tackle on their own. What to watch for next Now that the law is in place, expect to see conversations shift to financing and implementation. Churches that want to build may need to partner with developers or housing nonprofits. Cities may be asked to support infrastructure or offer incentives to help projects succeed. In the meantime, renters hoping for relief should remain engaged, especially as local governments decide how much support theyre willing to provide alongside the new legal framework. 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. Over 600 miles away from Salida, Colorado, where Suzanne Morphew vanished on Mother's Day in 2020, Barry Morphew found an escape from the state where prosecutors initially tried, but failed, to convict him of killing his wife. Barry Morphew was indicted by a grand jury on charges of murder in the first degree after deliberation on June 20 in relation to the death of his wife, 49-year-old Suzanne Morphew, who was also the mother to two daughters. Barry Morphew was arrested in Goodyear, Arizona, almost 11 hours from where his wife went missing. Barry Morphew settled down in Cave Creek, Arizona, after prosecutors dropped murder charges in 2022 relating to his wife's disappearance. The charges were dropped after alleged prosecutorial misconduct and failure to comply with discovery rules, resulting in the judge barring several state witnesses from testifying. One restaurant employee in Cave Creek, Arizona told Fox News Digital he didn't know Barry Morphew by his first name and thought he was an entirely different person. Charlie Loots, bar manager at Harold's Cave Creek Corral, told Fox News Digital that Barry Morphew went by the name "Bruce." Barry Morphew To Appear In Court After Grand Jury Indictment Charging Him With Wife's Murder Barry Morphew (R) in a June 30 booking picture at the Alamosa County Jail next to a picture of Suzanne Morphew (L) Loots didn't know Barry Morphew's real name until June 20, when news reports began to surface about murder charges relating to Suzanne Morphew's death. Read On The Fox News App "I was shocked that, again, I mean, I was very caught off guard about all of it," Loots said. "I spent, honestly, as soon as I found about it, I spent like two hours reading articles about it. I was like, I was so intrigued, because I was, like, this s--- doesn't happen," he said. Loots said he began seeing Barry Morphew, or Bruce, as he knew the murder suspect, after the Coronavirus pandemic. He said Barry Morphew's go-to drink was beer, often switching between Miller Lite and Coors Light, adding that he was at the bar on June 13, exactly one week before his arrest. Barry Morphew "always was approached by other women" at the bar, Loots said, adding that he would frequently approach other women and flirted with them. Barry Morphew Extradited To Colorado To Face Murder Charges In Wife's 2020 Disappearance Libby Spruill told Fox News Digital she was one of the women Barry Morphew flirted with at Harold's Cave Creek Corral. Spruill said she was at Harold's Cave Creek Corral in March 2024 when he asked if she wanted to dance. "He walked out to me and he said, hi. He's like, Do you want to dance? And I said, 'You're Barry Morphew,'" Spruill said. At the time, according to Spruill, Barry Morphew said "no, no, I think you have the wrong person." A bit later, Spruill said an individual approached them and introduced Barry Morphew as "Lee" from Indiana. Barry Morphew Accused Of Wife Suzannes Murder: See How The 5-Year Colorado Murder Mystery Unraveled Libby Spruill said Barry Morphew flirted with him when they were at Harold's Cave Creek Corral in 2024. According to the June 20 grand jury indictment, Barry Morphew went by the alias "Lee Moore." A local gas station clerk told Fox News Digital he knew Barry Morphew by the name "Lee." Public records indicate Barry Morphew paid property taxes at the Stardust Trailer park and was self-employed. In Colorado, he was a landscaper and independent contractor, but he didn't hold any professional license to do either in Arizona. 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 use of two aliases is uncommon. "That's weird," McCallin said. "I mean, that certainly is evidence that this is a person who does not want to be known by his true name, maybe even, know, a little reckless with the use of those aliases." "It's clear he did not want to be known by Barry," he said, adding its possible Barry Morphew was trying to live a double life in Cave Creek, Arizona. Prosecutors wrote in a June 20 indictment that the chemicals butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine were found in Suzanne Morphew's bone marrow. They alleged that Barry Morphew used "BAM" deer tranquilizer to sedate and transport deer on his farm when he lived in Indiana. Barry Morphew (R) and Suzanne Morphew (L) Barry Morphew was also the only person with a prescription for the deer tranquilizer within the area of the state he lived in, prosecutors said. The only two other entities with access to the BAM compound within the surrounding counties were Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the National Park Service, officials said. "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. Morphew's attorney, David Beller, previously told Fox News Digital 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." Barry Morphews lawyer declined to comment. Original article source: Inside Barry Morphew's secretive life 600 miles away from epicenter of murder investigation into wife's death Getty NEED TO KNOW Vlado Taneski wrote about a string of murders in Kicevo, Macedonia Police say his stories, which included unreleased crime scene details, aroused their suspicions He was arrested in 2008 and found dead in his cell the next day from an apparent suicide Veteran Macedonian reporter Vlado Taneski spent years covering a series of gruesome murders in the small town of Kicevo. His articles stood out for their vivid detail so vivid, in fact, that investigators realized he was including crime-scene information the police had never made public. It was these details, according to authorities, that ultimately gave him away. Between 2005 and 2008, at least three women all cleaners in their 50s and 60s were found murdered in nearly identical fashion: raped, strangled with telephone cables, and dumped naked in plastic bags, per reporting by The Guardian, The New York Times and Croatian publication Index.hr. Before the killings, Taneski was a general assignment reporter for more than 20 years, covering small-town topics like education, municipal affairs and community news. But after the first killing in what became a string of them, Taneski covered each case for local papers Nova Makedonija and Utrinski Vesnik. In early 2008, police noticed that his reporting included specifics only the killer or police would know such as the type of cord used and the state in which the bodies were found, per the outlets. "We read his stories and it made us suspicious," police spokesman Ivo Kotevski told the Times. "He knew too much." We have very strong evidence that Taneski was responsible for all three, Kotevski told The Guardian. All these women were raped, molested and murdered in the most terrible way. Kotevski confirmed that the victims had been strangled and wrapped in plastic facts Taneski had described in print before any official confirmation. Colleagues at Nova Makedonija recalled how Taneski would often call just hours after a murder to pitch the story. On May 18, just after the gruesome murder of Zivana Temelkoska, he called and pitched the story to us, one journalist told The Guardian. His articles were published as exclusives and in hindsight, police say, they read like confessions. In June 2008, DNA from semen at one of the crime scenes matched Taneskis. Police searched his home and summer cottage, recovering telephone cords, pornographic material and personal items believed to belong to the victims, Croatian outlet Index.hr reported. Taneski was arrested on June 22, 2008, and charged with the murders of Zivana Temelkoska, Ljubica Licoska, and Mitra Simjanoska. Police were also investigating his possible connection to a fourth case the 2003 disappearance of a 78-year-old cleaner. The next morning, June 23, Taneski was found dead in a cell he shared with two other men at Tetovo prison, his head submerged in a bucket of water. Authorities ruled it a suicide; he reportedly left a note denying responsibility for the killings. The case shocked the country and even Taneskis estranged wife of 31 years. She told Macedonian broadcaster Kanal 5 that theirs had been an ideal marriage. She described Taneski as quiet and gentle, saying she had never seen signs of aggression. Their only arguments, she said, were about his parents when they lived with them early in their marriage, per The Guardian. Likewise, Utrinski Vesnik editor Ljupco Popovski described Taneski as an exceptionally quiet man. I would never believe that he is capable of doing something like that, he told The Associated Press. 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. "He was a nice and educated guy who seemed completely normal," Ognen Cancarevik, another reporter at Nova Makedonija who collaborated with Taneski on the articles about the killings, told the Times. "When the police rang me to say, 'Your reporter is the murderer,' I could barely believe my ears." Police and psychiatrists later suggested Taneski may have been acting out unresolved anger toward his late mother, who had also worked as a cleaner. Cancarevik told the Times that she and Taneski had a strained relationship, particularly after his father died by suicide in 1990. According to the Times, each of the slain women knew Taneski's mother. Dr. Antoni Novotni, head of a psychiatric clinic in Skopje, said Taneski may have subconsciously wanted to be caught. He might have wanted to be caught by letting slip what he did in his articles, Novotni told The Guardian. Read the original article on People Getty The Gist Kendall Jenner posed in a red and white striped bikini during her trip to Saint-Tropez. She and her sister, Kylie, were recently spotted taking a dip in their clothes during the same trip. They've come to the French Riviera following their stop in Venice for the Sanchez-Bezos wedding. The Jenner sisters' European tour is still going strong. Following their trip to Venice for the star-studded three-day wedding extravaganza of Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos, Kylie and Kendall Jenner spent a few days soaking up the Italian sun in Tuscany, before making their way to the Saint-Tropez on the south coast of France for some laid-back time on the beach. In a new Instagram Story, Kendall shared a peek at one of her bikinisand, naturally, it was the perfect option for a sunny summer on the French Riviera. Jenner's thong bikini, which she showed off in a mirror selfie in front of a window with a view of beautiful rolling hills, was a simple nautical number that served up French It girl vibes with its horizontal red stripes on a white background. Instagram/Kendall Jenner The perfect vacay bikini Kendall also shared a Story that gave fans a peek into how she and Kylie were spending their downtime in between trips to the beachby the looks of things, they're hooked on Love Island. "Just a girl," Kendall wrote across an image of them watching the reality show on an iPad. Instagram/Kendall Jenner Nothing says girls' getaway like Love Island on an iPad. A few days earlier, the sisters were spotted at Loulou's Bar in Saint-Tropez where they escaped the heat by taking a dip in the ocean with their clothes still on over their swimsuits. Kylie also shared a few recent snaps from their trip to Tuscany, including pictures of herself in a cheetah-print bikini and pictures of herself in a vintage polka dot Ralph Lauren bra-and-capris set. Kylie previously opted for polka dots when she twinned with her daughter Stormi in a polka dot bikini in Venice. Kendall has also been showing her penchant for a good polka dot during their European getaway. In Venice, for instance, she donned a vintage Guy LaRoche polka dot halter dress, while she wore a polka dot dress over her bikini during her impromptu dip in Saint-Tropez. As Kylie put it one Instagram post, it really is "a polka dot summer." Instagram/Kendall Jenner Venice > Tuscany > Saint-Tropez Instagram/Kylie Jenner "a polka dot summer" Read the original article on InStyle Jefferson County Idaho Sheriff's Office (2) Rachelle Leray Fischer and Allen Larand Fischer NEED TO KNOW A multistate, volunteer-based search for two Idaho teens has been called off due to new information regarding the case Allen Larand Fischer, 13, and Rachelle Leray Fischer, 15, were reported missing on June 22, and authorities suspect they were kidnapped by members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, the organization that was leading the ground search, said they believe the teens are currently being hidden by members of the church A multistate search for two missing Idaho teens, feared to have been kidnapped by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), has been called off. The Uvalde Foundation for Kids which has been actively involved in the search for Allen Larand Fischer, 13, and Rachelle Leray Fischer, 15 announced they had ended their volunteer-run search in a press release issued on July 3. The organization said that new information had been received in the case, and they now believe the teens are being actively hidden by members of the FLDS church. They further stated that their team of 48 volunteers logged more than 120 hours of search time, following leads throughout Idaho, Utah, Colorado and Arizona. Jefferson County police received a report of two teens missing from their home in Monteview, Idaho, on June 22, according to a June 23 press release from the Jefferson County Idaho Sheriff's Office. The sheriffs office believed the teens may have returned to the FLDS community in Trenton, Utah, where they previously lived. Don & Melinda Crawford/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Police vehicles in Idaho (stock image) Their mother was previously an FLDS member, Jennifer Fullmer, a public information officer with the sheriffs office, told PEOPLE at the time. She was exiled and had to leave the children there. And then when she finally got custody of them, she brought them back to her hometown of Monteview. We believe that [her children] wanted to go back to the FLDS lifestyle, she added. Authorities do not believe that the children simply walked off on their own, and instead suspect they were aided by members of their former church. There's no buses, Fullmer told PEOPLE. There's no trains. It's out in the middle of the desert. Mom's belief is that somebody from the FLDS picked up the children. 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 FLDS church is a polygamist sect run by Warren Jeffs, the self-proclaimed prophet and convicted pedophile. In 2011, Jeffs was convicted on two counts of child sexual abuse and sentenced to life in prison. Fullmer stated that authorities issued an Amber Alert on June 23 after learning of a 2022 revelation by Jeffs. What the information we got was about this revelation that the children are supposed to gather to assist in the building of Zion so that they can die and become pure and translated beings, she said. We don't have any concept of when [or] how quickly children should be gathered and brought back to the church so that they can die and become pure beings. PEOPLE reached out to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, as well as the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, for comment on Saturday, July 5, but did not receive an immediate response. Read the original article on People By Luis Jaime Acosta BOGOTA (Reuters) -Colombian police have captured a fugitive accused of planning last month's gun attack on Senator Miguel Uribe, a potential presidential candidate, the head of the country's national police said on Saturday, marking the fifth arrest in the case. Elder Jose Arteaga, known as El Costeno, was arrested on suspicion of organizing and coordinating the politician's shooting at a rally in Colombia's capital Bogota on June 7 to commit the crime, police said. This includes handing over the gun used in the attack to the 15-year-old charged with shooting Uribe, the police added. "We are going after the intellectual authors of this act," National Police Director Carlos Fernando Triana told a press conference," adding that Arteaga had a criminal history going back more than 20 years. Footage on social media showed armed officers cuffing the suspect during a morning raid on a house police said was in a western neighborhood of Bogota, a day after Triana announced that Interpol had issued a red notice for his arrest. Reuters was not immediately able to reach Arteaga, 41, for comment. Triana said in a post on social media on Friday that he was wanted for "aggravated attempted homicide; manufacture, trafficking and carrying of firearms or ammunition; and use of minors for the commission of crimes." On Saturday, Triana told reporters police were investigating several theories about who was intellectually responsible for the attack, without giving more details. There is reward of up to 3 billion pesos (over $750,000) for information leading to the identification and capture of those responsible, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a post on X. Sanchez added that the United States, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates were helping investigate the crime, which he said operated under a "model of criminal outsourcing." Uribe -- a 39-year-old presidential pre-candidate for the conservative opposition Democratic Center party -- was shot twice in the head and once in his left leg, according to state prosecutors. He has undergone several serious surgeries since the attack, which left him in critical condition. Four other suspects have since been arrested, including the 15-year-old alleged shooter who was detained minutes after the attack. In a video of event, independently verified by Reuters, he can be heard shouting that he had been hired by a local drug dealer. Uribe comes from a prominent political family. His grandfather, Julio Cesar Turbay, was president from 1978 to 1982, and his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in 1991 in a botched rescue attempt after being kidnapped by an armed group led by drug lord Pablo Escobar. (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta and Vivian Sequera; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Diane Craft and Alistair Bell) By Lisandra Paraguassu and Manuela Andreoni RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -President Donald Trump said the U.S. will impose an additional 10% tariff on any countries aligning themselves with the "Anti-American policies" of the BRICS group of developing nations, whose leaders kicked off a summit in Brazil on Sunday. With forums such as the G7 and G20 groups of major economies hamstrung by divisions and the disruptive "America First" approach of the U.S. president, BRICS is presenting itself as a haven for multilateral diplomacy amid violent conflicts and trade wars. In opening remarks to the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva drew a parallel with the Cold War's Non-Aligned Movement, a group of developing nations that resisted joining either side of a polarized global order. "BRICS is the heir to the Non-Aligned Movement," Lula told leaders. "With multilateralism under attack, our autonomy is in check once again." In a joint statement released on Sunday afternoon, the group warned the rise in tariffs threatened global trade, continuing its veiled criticism of Trump's tariff policies. Hours later, Trump warned he would punish countries seeking to join with the grouping. "Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Trump did not clarify or expand on the "Anti-American policies" reference in his post. Trump's administration is seeking to finalize dozens of trade deals with a wide range of countries before his July 9 deadline for the imposition of significant "retaliatory tariffs". Indias foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. BRICS nations now represent more than half the world's population and 40% of its economic output, Lula noted in remarks on Saturday to business leaders, warning of rising protectionism. The original BRICS group gathered leaders from Brazil, Russia, India and China at its first summit in 2009. The bloc later added South Africa and last year included Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as members. This is the first summit of leaders to include Indonesia. More than 30 nations have expressed interest in participating in the BRICS, either as full members or partners. GROWING CLOUT, COMPLEXITY Expansion of the bloc has added diplomatic weight to the gathering, which aspires to speak for developing nations across the Global South, strengthening calls for reforming global institutions such as the United Nations Security Council and the International Monetary Fund. "If international governance does not reflect the new multipolar reality of the 21st century, it is up to BRICS to help bring it up to date," Lula said in his remarks, which highlighted the failure of U.S.-led wars in the Middle East. Urging the BRICS to take the lead on reforms, Lula reflected on the G20 summit hosted in the same locale last November: "In a short period of time, the international scene has deteriorated to the point that some of the initiatives we approved then would no longer be possible now." Stealing some thunder from this year's summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping chose to send his premier in his place. Russian President Vladimir Putin is attending online due to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court related to his war in Ukraine. Still, several heads of state were gathered for discussions at Rio's Museum of Modern Art on Sunday and Monday, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. However, there are questions about the shared goals of an increasingly heterogeneous BRICS group, which has grown to include regional rivals along with major emerging economies. In the joint statement, the leaders called attacks against Iran's "civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities" a "violation of international law." The group expressed "grave concern" for the Palestinian people over Israeli attacks on Gaza, and condemned what the joint statement called a "terrorist attack" in India-administered Kashmir. The group voiced its support for Ethiopia and Iran to join the World Trade Organization, while calling to urgently restore its ability to resolve trade disputes. The leaders' joint statement backed plans to pilot a BRICS Multilateral Guarantees initiative within the group's New Development Bank to lower financing costs and boost investment in member states, as first reported by Reuters last week. In a separate statement following a discussion of artificial intelligence, the leaders called for protections against unauthorized use of AI to avoid excessive data collection and allow mechanisms for fair payment. Brazil, which also hosts the United Nations climate summit in November, has seized on both gatherings to highlight how seriously developing nations are tackling climate change, while Trump has slammed the brakes on U.S. climate initiatives. China and the UAE signaled in meetings with Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad in Rio that they plan to invest in a proposed Tropical Forests Forever Facility, according to two sources with knowledge of the discussions about funding conservation of endangered forests around the world. (Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu and Manuela Andreoni; Writing by Lincoln Feast; Editing by Brad Haynes, Bill Berkrot, Lisa Shumaker, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Stephen Coates) Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure A busy street in Paris, France. The first time culture, language, and localization expert Salvador Ordorica visited two of Paris most famous sights, the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe, he was overcome with an overwhelming sense of disappointment. It was about as crowded as Disneyland and offered very little of the charm that I would have first expected from Paris, Ordorica, the founder of global language translation company The Spanish Group, told Travel + Leisure. Long before Emily Cooper moved to Paris, the French capital has been a source of wanderlust for travelers the world over, who flock to the city for attractions such as the glittering Chateau de Versailles and the masterful Mona Lisa at the Louvre. But what happens when you arrive and feel deflation rather than inspiration when the City of Light (and Love) doesnt match the image you had painted in your mind? You wouldnt be alone. Theres even a name for itthe Paris Syndrome. The term is nothing new: it was first coined by a Japanese psychiatrist working in France, Hiroaki Ota, in the 1980s. He, and subsequent experts, focused on the experience of Japanese tourists in particular, who reported symptoms such as hallucinations, anxiety, and dizziness from the letdown of the city in real life. Browse Reddit and other forums today and youll quickly realize the term has become a global byword for the disappointment of not stepping into the #Paris hashtag on your Instagram feed. Paris is hyped up in movies, social media, and luxury branding and people build up a mental image of an idealized city filled with beauty and romance, said Ordorica, who studied at renowned Parisian university Sciences Po. When travelers set foot on its pavements and realize that, alongside the pockets of beauty, it is a real city with traffic, bad weather, and the occasional moody resident, it can create a sense of letdown. When people arrive expecting perfection and are met with the reality of everyday Paris, the contrast can be a real shock, he continued. Its worth remembering before you go that Paris is not just the leafy Ile Saint-Louis, where youll find Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral or the charming, music-filled cobbled streets of Montmartre; its also home to over two million people. Paris is chaotic and poetic, grumpy and generous. It is a regular city, just like any other. It has traffic, noise, political issues, rainy days, and its share of unpleasant people, Ordorica said. Yes, its stunning in many ways, full of beauty, amazing cuisine, and incredible architecture, but dont forget theres a real and imperfect side to it. This will help you enjoy your stay even more. Perhaps we should take inspiration from the youngest generation, those who have yet to own phones and have their view of the world colored social media platforms. Last year, my husband and I took our two young daughters to Paris for the first time. As we emerged from Gare de Montparnasse, they looked up to glimpse the Eiffel Tower soaring above the skyline. Ill never forget their gasps of wonder and awe at the sight. Nor, I doubt, will they. Having lived in France for over 15 years, I have visited Paris on countless occasions. But seeing the city through the eyes of my children was like discovering the marvels of the city all over again, imperfections and all. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Key Points The fintech business started as an e-wallet, but expanded into other use cases like bill payments, QR codes, and credit. The credit business is growing rapidly. Monee is riding on multiple tailwinds. Sea Limited (NYSE: SE) is best known for two things: Shopee, its e-commerce giant that dominates Southeast Asia, and Garena, the once high-flying gaming business that's showing signs of a comeback. But under the radar, Sea has been steadily nurturing a third business that could one day rival its other companies. That business is Monee (previously known as SeaMoney), Sea's fintech arm. While investors often focus on Shopee's market share or Garena's user trends, the fintech story unfolding within Sea deserves the attention of investors. Here's why. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue Person in cafe, looking at phone. Image source: Getty Images. From e-wallet to ecosystem Monee started as a digital wallet to support transactions on Garena and Shopee. It was a logical move: Reduce payment friction on the gaming and e-commerce platform and capture more value per transaction. But what began as a support function evolved into a stand-alone growth engine. Today, the fintech business spans mobile wallets, consumer lending, payment processing, and even insurance and financial services. Users can pay bills, top up phone credits, make offline purchases via QR codes, and increasingly access buy-now-pay-later or personal credit offerings -- all within the Sea ecosystem. In the first quarter of 2025, Sea's digital financial services segment generated $787 million in revenue, representing a 58% year -over-year increase. Just as impressively, adjusted EBITDA came in at $241 million, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of profitability -- a remarkable turnaround for a segment that was burning cash just two years ago. Monee's rapidly expanding finances were a result of its strategy of first capturing users with basic mobile wallet services -- which usually don't generate much revenue -- and then upselling other services, such as credit and insurance products. As Monee evolves into an ecosystem, it has the potential to offer a wide range of financial services beyond credit, which should open up new revenue streams. Digital lending: The elephant in the room One of the most compelling parts of Sea's fintech business is its digital lending, a space that remains underpenetrated across Southeast Asia. Millions of small businesses and consumers are underserved by traditional banks, creating a significant opportunity for platforms like Sea, which already possesses deep data, user trust, and distribution reach. To capitalize on the significant credit opportunity in this region, Sea actively pursued banking and digital lending licenses in each country. So far, it has set up digital banking arms in Indonesia and the Philippines (under the SeaBank brand) and in Singapore (under MariBank). Beyond these banking businesses, the fintech also offers basic credit products under SPayLater in multiple countries across Southeast Asia. Unsurprisingly, the fintech business delivered some solid performance recently. In the first quarter of 2025, loans outstanding surged 77% year over year to $5.8 billion, driven by rapid growth in borrowers. For perspective, Monee added more than 4 million first-time borrowers in that quarter, bringing the total number of active loan users to over 28 million. Better still, the solid growth did not come at the expense of risk management, as the 90+ days non-performing loan (NPL) ratio declined from 1.4% a year ago to 1.1%. If the company can maintain its risk management while growing its loan book, it will inevitably report better profits in the coming quarters. Favorable macro tailwinds Southeast Asia remains one of the most promising fintech markets globally. Consider this: The Temasek-Bain-Google report states that over 70% of adults in the region stay underbanked or unbanked. This low penetration sets the right environment for tech companies like Sea to capture these customers. To this end, the growing smartphone and internet penetration provides ample opportunity for the company to capture these users. Furthermore, governments are increasingly supportive of digital financial inclusion, with initiatives such as digital banking licenses in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Additionally, Monee's deep integration with Shopee provides a customer acquisition advantage, and its expanding suite of financial products enables it to increase lifetime value per user -- much like how Ant Group scaled alongside Alibaba. What it means for investors Sea Limited is no longer just a two-engine company. Shopee remains dominant, Garena is healing, and Monee may be the surprise that carries a significant upside in the coming years. If it continues to execute, this fintech engine could become the company's next most valuable asset. Long-term investors should keep a close eye on its continued progress. Should you invest $1,000 in Sea Limited right now? Before you buy stock in Sea Limited, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Sea Limited wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $699,558!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $976,677!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,060% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 180% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 30, 2025 Lawrence Nga has positions in Alibaba Group and Sea Limited. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Sea Limited. The Motley Fool recommends Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Wess Roley cultivated an image in middle and high school as an edgy, cool and funny kid who was interested in history, constantly talking about politics, and wanted to join the military, several former classmates told USA TODAY. But he also had a darker side. The young man accused of shooting and killing two firefighters in an attack in rural Idaho was obsessed with guns, the classmates said. He also had Nazi tendencies. Roleys former classmates said he drew swastikas and pictures of guns in school books. He would say things from time to time that were just unhinged, said Dieter Denen, who attended elementary, middle, and high schools with Roley. We all thought he was messing around. Authorities continue to search for a motive in the killing of firefighters called to a wildfire June 29 on Canfield Mountain, just outside Coeur DAlene. So far, there are no easy answers for why a 20-year-old son of a tree trimmer and archery enthusiast would suddenly turn on first responders. What is known, according to his friends, is Roley was part of a close-knit circle growing up before he landed in northwest Idaho, a region known for its embrace of independence, gun rights and stalwart conservatism. Five former schoolmates told USA TODAY they didnt keep in touch with him after high school but recounted what they knew of Roley growing up. Nancy Mertz holds flowers at a makeshift memorial at a fire station near the area where two firefighters were shot dead while responding to a fire, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on June 30, 2025. What turned an opinionated, gregarious teenager into a killer, they couldnt say. All five former classmates expressed surprise, anguish and sadness over Roleys violent fate, and they said Roley didnt fit the stereotype of other mass shooters. I would not say that he was a loner, said Elina Pinkhasova, who attended North Phoenix Preparatory Academy with Roley. We were all friends with him, and it was a group of like, 10 of us he was always hanging out with his guy friends. 'Just very involved in politics' Roleys childhood friends, some of whom attended multiple schools with him, said he was very political for his age and a Trump supporter not unusual at the time in Phoenix, where 48% voted for him in 2016. He was very hardcore Trump just very involved in politics, Pinkhasova said. He was always very defensive, always getting into it with people, which we thought was kind of weird because we were 14, 15 years old. Roleys old friends all said he was also obsessed with guns. Pinkhasova said she thought all the talk from Roley about guns was just part of his conservative ideology. The Wess we knew was very interested in joining the Army, said Pinkhasova. Like, I thought his love for weapons was coming from the fact that he wanted to be a law enforcer of some sort. Former classmates said he came to school one day with a buzz cut, and said he wanted to join ROTC. They said Roleys apparent fascination with Nazism was primarily a front a way to stand out and get attention. Again and again, his former friends used the same word: edgy. People called him out for it. Its not like people turned a blind eye, said Pinkhasova, who is Jewish. People were like: Bro! Cool it! What's wrong with you? They called him out, and he would laugh it off. Denen and others said they remember Roley left high school in the middle of sophomore year. Flags fly at half-staff at the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Station 4 a day after two firefighters were shot dead while responding to a fire and the body of a man was later found with a gun nearby in the Canfield Mountain area outside Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on June 30, 2025. An inauspicious landing place Thats when Roley moved to Idaho, where his father ran a tree-trimming service. It was an area with an inauspicious history. For decades, the white supremacist organization Aryan Nations was headquartered there until 2000, when a lawsuit by the Southern Poverty Law Center bankrupted the group. Although the groups compound was razed, the locals are still trying to shake the stigma. While Coeur dAlene, a city of over 57,000 has grown over the years and is also home to progressive residents, it sits in a conservative part of the state long associated with anti-government groups. In 2022, 31 members of a White-nationalist group were arrested in the city and charged with conspiring to riot during a Pride event. Although many were from other states, it didnt help efforts to distance the city from its past. This is not who we are as a community, Bruce Mattare, a Kootenai County commissioner, said at a press conference the day of the firefighters' shooting last month. And when you hear how others portray the people who live here on the news, it's not true. What happened here decades ago is not reflective of the fine people who live here today. Tony Stewart, who helped found the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations in the early 1980s in response to the Aryan Nations, said after the group left, he helped offer one of its vacated compound buildings to local firefighters for training purposes. From a controlled burn to a wildfire attack A few miles away and 24 years to the day after the remnants of the Aryan Nations compound were destroyed in a controlled burn firefighters were called to put out a grass fire. The call came in about 1:21 p.m. local time. About 20 minutes later, still examining the blaze whose smoke could be seen in the distance, they were suddenly scrambling to call for help as the bullets flew at them, a barrage of high-powered fire. Some could be heard on the radio pleading for help after two were hit. Hikers were still making it off the mountain as the gunfire continued. The shooter was concealed by heavy brush and seemed to be well prepared. Investigators believe the gunman set the fire. This was a total ambush, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said. The next day, authorities found Roleys body by tracking cell phone data. The haunting question: Why? After he moved to Idaho, Roley spent time working in the tree maintenance business. His father had recently remarried, moved to Idaho, and started a tree trimming and stump grinding business in the area, according to his social media posts and the companys website. Wess Roley attempted unsuccessfully to enlist in the U.S. Army in Idaho several times in the last several years, Chris Surridge, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army confirmed. He was deemed ineligible each time, but the Army declined to specify what disqualified him. The Army declines people for a variety of physical and mental health disqualifiers, as well as background based on education, crime or drug use. He had expressed interest in becoming a firefighter, too, Norris said. Roley appeared to be living in his car at some point, and had five run-ins with local law enforcement that were "very, very minor in nature," Norris said. "He cooperated on each one." His encounters with police mostly had to do with trespassing, Norris said. At one point, police had to ask him to leave a restaurant. Attorney Justin Whittenton, who represents Roleys family in Arizona, where his mother and stepfather live, issued a statement on their behalf that reads in part: There are no words that can suffice for this tragedy and the infinite losses suffered by those affected by this shooting. We do not understand why this happened or how this came about. Wess Roleys grandfather told reporters his grandson had appeared to be thriving in Idaho. He had a loving family, Dale Roley told CNN. He had his own apartment. He was doing good," he told ABC. But in recent months, he had become "kind of a loner," he said. The day after the shooting, his father, Jason Roley, who did not respond to requests for comment, posted an image dedicated to the deceased firefighters, reading IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR FALLEN HEROES, JUNE 29 2025. His caption under the image: I have no words. I'm so sorry for the family's. Contributing: Nick Penzenstadler This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Idaho shooter sketched swastikas, was obsessed with politics as teen This picture of Renee Smajstrla was taken at Camp Mystic on Thursday, her uncle wrote on Facebook [Camp Mystic] Young attendees and staff at summer camps are among the victims of flash floods in Texas - along with teachers, a football coach, and a "hero" father who smashed open a window to free his family amid rising water. Authorities say at least 104 people are known to have died - most of them in Kerr County. At least 27 girls and staff died at one location, Camp Mystic, alone. Many of the victims have been identified in the US media by their relatives. Here is what we know so far about those who have been named - many of whom were children. Renee Smajstrla Camp Mystic is a nearly century-old Christian summer camp for girls on the banks of the Guadalupe River near the community of Hunt. Operated by generations of the same family since the 1930s, the camp's website bills itself as a place for girls to grow "spiritually" in a "wholesome" Christian atmosphere "to develop outstanding personal qualities and self-esteem". Renee Smajstrla, 8, was at the camp when floodwaters swept through, her uncle said in a Facebook post. "Renee has been found and while not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly," wrote Shawn Salta. "We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday," he wrote. "She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic." Lila Bonner Nine-year-old Lila Bonner, a Dallas native, was found dead after flooding near Camp Mystic, according to NBC News. "In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time," her family told the news outlet. "We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly." Eloise Peck Eloise Peck, 8, was also confirmed dead after the deluge at Camp Mystic, according to CBS News Texas. US media reported that she was best friends with Lila Bonner. A sign posted outside Eloise Peck's home said "she lost her life in the tragic flooding", and asked for privacy for the family. Sarah Marsh [Camp Mystic] Sarah Marsh, a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary School in Alabama, would have entered third grade in August. She, too, was attending Camp Mystic and her grandmother, Debbie Ford Marsh, posted online to say that her granddaughter was among the girls killed. "We will always feel blessed to have had this beautiful spunky ray of light in our lives. She will live on in our hearts forever!" she wrote. In a post on Facebook, Alabama Senator Katie Britt said she was "heartbroken over the loss of Sarah Marsh, and we are keeping her family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time". Janie Hunt Nine-year-old Janie Hunt from Dallas, was attending the same camp and died in the floods. Her grandmother Margaret Hunt told The New York Times she went to Camp Mystic with six of her cousins, who were all safe. Margaret said Janie's parents had to visit a funeral home and identify their daughter. Janie was a great-granddaughter of the oil baron William Herbert Hunt. Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence Twin sisters Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, 8, also died after attending Mystic, their grandfather told the Miami Herald. "It has been an unimaginable time for all of us," grandfather David Lawrence Jr told the newspaper in a statement. "Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy and sister Harper, and all in our family, so much joy." David had earlier clarified that the twins' elder sister Harper was safe. Dick Eastland Richard "Dick" Eastland, the longtime co-owner and co-director of Camp Mystic, died while being flown to a Houston hospital. The news was confirmed by Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, who attended Bible study with Dick and described him as a pillar of the local community. Dick's wife, Tweety, was found safe at their riverside home, according to Texas Public Radio. The Eastlands had run Camp Mystic, a girls' summer camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River, since 1974, becoming the third generation of their family to do so. According to the Washington Post, the couple had 11 grandchildren and much of the extended family was involved in camp life. The couple's eldest son, Richard, manages the camp kitchen and their youngest, Edward, directs operations with his wife. Chloe Childress Chloe Childress, 18, was one of Mystic's camp counsellors. Her family said in a statement that she "lived a beautiful life that saturated those around her with contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith". "Returning as a counselor to the place she loved so dearly, Chloe was looking forward to dedicating her summer days to loving and mentoring young girls at Camp Mystic." The headteacher of Kinkaid School, where Ms Childress was a student, said: "Chloe made space for others to feel safe, valued, and brave. She understood what it meant to be part of a community, and more than that, she helped build one." She was due to start studies at the University of Texas in Austin later this year, ABC News reported. [BBC] Jane Ragsdale Jane Ragsdale was described as the "heart and soul" of Heart O' the Hills camp [Heart O' the Hills] Heart O' the Hills is another all-girls' camp that sits along the Guadalupe River, which was in the path of Friday's flood. Jane Ragsdale, described as the "heart and soul" of Heart O'Hills, "did not make it", a statement shared on the camp's official website said on Saturday. Ragsdale, who started off as a camper then a counsellor, became the director and co-owner of the camp in 1976. "We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives and was the definition of strong and powerful," the statement said. No campers were residing at the site when the floods hit and and most of those who were there have been accounted for, according to the statement. Julian Ryan As floodwaters tore through their trailer in Ingram, Texas, Julian Ryan turned to his fiancee Christina Wilson and said: "I'm sorry, I'm not going to make it. I love y'all" - Christina told Houston television station KHOU. His body wasn't recovered until hours later, after waters had receded. Julian had just finished a late dishwashing shift at a restaurant when the Guadalupe River overflowed early Friday. He and Christina woke to ankle-deep water that quickly rose to their waists. She told the station their bedroom door stuck shut and with water rushing in, Ryan punched through a window to get his family out. He severely cut his arm in the process. Their 13-month-old and 6-year-old sons and his mother survived by floating on a mattress until help could arrive. "He died a hero, and that will never go unnoticed," Connie Salas, Ryan's sister, told KHOU. Katheryn Eads Katheryn Eads, 52, was swept away by floodwaters in the Kerrville area of Texas, early on Friday morning after she and her husband, Brian, who told The New York Times, fled their campervan as rising water surged around them. Another camper had offered them a ride and they made it across the street before the vehicle stalled in the flood. Moments later, both were pulled into the current. Brian said he lost sight of his wife after being struck by debris. He survived by clinging onto a tree until he reached dry land. Katheryn's body was later recovered. "God has her now," her mother, Elizabeth Moss Grover, wrote on Facebook. Amy Hutchinson, director of Olive Branch Counselling in Texas, where Katheryn had worked, told The Washington Post she was "a hope and a light to all who knew her a stellar counsellor and professor." Jeff Wilson Teacher Jeff Wilson was also killed in Kerrville, according to the local school authority, which said he was a "beloved teacher and co-worker" who had served the district for more than 30 years. His wife and son were still missing, according to the post by the Humble Independent School District. The group were on a camping trip when flooding struck, CBS News Austin reported. Reece and Paula Zunker The death of another teacher, Reece Zunker, was announced by a second Texan schools authority. The football coach died alongside his wife Paula, according to Kerrville Independent School District. Their two children are still missing, the district's Facebook post added. "Reece was a passionate educator", the Facebook post said. Paula, a former teacher, also "left a lasting mark", the impact of which continued to be felt. Blair and Brooke Harber Two sisters from Dallas - 13-year-old Blair Harber and 11-year-old Brooke Harber - were staying with their grandparents along the Guadalupe River when their cabin was washed away, CBS News reported. The deaths were confirmed by St Rita Catholic Community, where Brooke was due to start sixth grade. Blair was preparing to enter eighth grade. "Please keep the Harber family in your prayers during this time of profound grief. May our faith, our love, and our St. Rita community be a source of strength and comfort in the days ahead," said Father Joshua J Whitfield in correspondence with church members. The girls' parents were in a separate cabin and were not harmed. Their grandparents are still unaccounted for. Bobby and Amanda Martin Husband and wife Bobby Martin, 46, and Amanda Martin, 44, also lost their lives, Mr Martin's father told the New York Times. They, too, were said to be staying near the river when their vehicle was swept away by rising flood waters. Bobby was described by a friend who spoke to the Houston Chronicle as a keen outdoorsman and attentive friend, and Amanda was the "same shining light". Tanya Burwick Walmart employee Tanya Burwick, 62, was driving to work in San Angelo when flood water hit early on Friday, family members said. Her empty vehicle and later her body were found the same day. "She lit up the room and had a laugh that made other people laugh," her daughter Lindsey Burwick was quoted as saying by the AP news agency. Sally Sample Graves Grandmother Sally Sample Graves was another victim of the flooding in Kerrville, according to her granddaughter, who posted a tribute on Facebook. A huge wave is said to have destroyed Sally's home. "Her unwavering dedication to family has left an indelible mark on our lives," Sarah Sample wrote. Her father survived the incident, she added. Kaitlyn Swallow The death of 22-year-old Kaitlyn Swallow in Williamson County was announced by county officials on Saturday. She was from the Liberty Hill area, and her body was recovered alongside the remains of another person. Officials did not give further information. Anna Margaret Bellows and Linnie McCown Family members confirmed to the Houston Chronicle that eight-year-old Anna Margaret Bellows was one of the Camp Mystic flood victims. Patricia Bellows, speaking to ABC News, praised the camp counsellors who tried to save the girls, including her daughter. "The main thing I have to say is unending gratitude for the brave camp counsellors who safely evacuated so many campers, and to the two camp counsellors who gave their lives trying to protect my baby," she said. Family also confirmed to the Austin American-Statesman newspaper that eight-year-old camper Linnie McCown was among the dead. "It's with the heaviest of hearts we must share that our sweet little Linnie is with the Lord in heaven," her father Michael posted on social media. Mandy Funk, 37, remembers when her body began to betray her. As a college junior, she began to have episodes in which her body would act as if it were aroused for no reason. Sometimes, she says, it felt like hot sauce had been slathered over her genital area. She had to give up tight-fitting clothes and horseback riding, her lifelong love. Often the pain was so intense that she couldn't sit down. Funk struggled for years to find a doctor who understood her symptoms. She eventually learned she had developed a condition called persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), which led to treatment. Funk, who, with her husband, owns an electrical contracting company in Goessel, Kansas, did eventually get her life, at least partly, back on track. Shes especially happy she can ride horses again with her children, although she still sometimes experiences flare-ups. Funk is fortunate to have gotten a diagnosis and help, experts say. Many doctors are unaware of the disorder, although there is some growing research. The condition started to come to light only in 2001, when researchers at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, New Jersey, described the experiences of five women with bouts of arousal symptoms that seemed to arise out of nothing. In the report, published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, the authors, Sandra Leiblum and Sharon Nathan, identified the key feature of the disorder as persistent physiological arousal in the absence of conscious feelings of sexual desire. Like many women with PGAD, Mandy Funk struggled for years to find a doctor who was familiar with her symptoms. (Courtesy Mandy Funk) The condition was initially called persistent sexual arousal syndrome, but then sexual was replaced with genital because it really had nothing to do with sex, said Dr. Irwin Goldstein, a urologist and director of San Diego Sexual Medicine. Not long after the 2001 report, Leiblum, then a professor of psychiatry at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, concluded that psychology alone wouldnt explain all the symptoms the five women were experiencing. Leiblum began sending patients to Goldstein, who at the time was a specialist in sexual dysfunction at Boston University. Its estimated that 1% to 4% of women may have symptoms of the disorder, although incidence could be significantly higher, said Caroline Pukall, a professor of psychology at Queens University in Canada. Many women arent comfortable discussing a topic they see as private, even with their doctors, she said. Another issue could be peoples difficulty imagining arousal could be a bad thing. Maybe its all the assumptions about how arousal is supposed to feel, Pukall said. Most experience body and mind working together in a really pleasurable way. So they have no framework to understand this in. Pukall said that may help explain why so few in the medical community are aware of PGAD, adding, Certainly, most primary care providers have not heard of it at all. To raise awareness, Goldstein and other experts including doctors who focus on sexual dysfunction, psychologists and physical therapists formed a panel to share what they had learned about PGAD. In 2021, the panel published a report in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, offering a road map to determining possible causes and treatments for the extremely distressing sexual health condition, which may be more prevalent than previously recognized, the authors wrote. They noted that symptoms might first appear in the vaginal region, the pelvic area or the spinal cord. According to Goldstein and colleagues, diagnosis of PGAD, at a minimum, would require that a woman had: Persistent or recurrent, unwanted or intrusive, distressing sensations of genital arousal. Symptoms that had lasted for three or more months. Sensations that couldnt be associated with any sexual interest, thoughts or fantasies. Buzzing, tingling, burning, twitching, itching or pain, along with a sensation of arousal. While the sensations would most commonly be felt in the clitoris, they could also be felt in the vulva, the vagina, the urethra, the bladder and other locations in the vicinity of the pelvis. The 2021 report included findings from a small functional MRI study that analyzed brain scans of three women with PGAD and 12 healthy volunteers. The healthy volunteers were asked to think about sex while in the machine, and those with PGAD were scanned when they were feeling symptoms of the condition. The area of the brain that lit up when the healthy volunteers were thinking about sex, the paracentral lobule, also shone much more brightly when the women with PGAD were symptomatic. PGAD is primarily a problem of too much unwanted, unrelenting sensation going to the brain, Goldstein said. While the paracentral lobule has other functions, in the context of PGAD, its a key sensory region of the brain involved in processing information from the urogenital areas, such as the clitoris, vulva and perineum; the pelvic organs, including the bladder, urethra, vagina, cervix and rectum; and the lower limbs, especially the toes, he said. More recently, a small study by German researchers using brain scans was published in Scientific Reports in February, with 26 patients diagnosed with PGAD and 26 healthy volunteers. Areas of the brain associated with the disorder were activated as expected, but the researchers said it was unclear whether specific symptoms were connected to the different pattern of brain activity. The findings gave potential areas of focus for future research, they wrote. Ultimately, the earlier scanning study may have been more telling. We know that irritated sensory nerves and nerve roots are associated with PGAD and excess brain activity in the paracentral lobule, Goldstein said. But thats still not enough, he said. Nerve irritation or nerve root irritation can be caused by a variety of factors, including injuries, compression, infections and inflammation, he said, adding that if the message from irritated nerves gets to the paracentral lobule, a woman might experience unwanted genital arousal. If doctors could better identify the exact pathway that led to unwanted arousal, more women could be helped, Goldstein said. Thats our job as sex detectives, he said. The good news is that we can now really help improve quality of life in about two-thirds of women. In general, specialists will treat the underlying problem that triggered the disorder to see whether the arousals resolve. What causes the disorder? PGAD can result from many conditions that irritate the nerves, from back injuries to changes in dosing of certain antidepressants. Dr. Sharon Parish, a professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, points to the first case she ever saw: that of a woman who had tripped at work and injured her hip a year earlier. By the time the patient was referred to Parish by her OB-GYN, she was struggling to find a position that didnt cause her pain. For Shari Stewart, 63, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, the bottom came when she went to a doctor for help with the pain she was experiencing. She had searched for her symptoms online for years and finally determined she must have PGAD. I told him I think I have PGAD, Stewart remembered. I have all these symptoms, and before I could show him the list, he said, God, I wish my wife had that. And then he chuckled. Stewart doesnt think the doctor ever took her seriously. Even after the 2021 consensus report, a very small percentage of doctors know about the disorder, especially in primary care or internal medicine, Goldstein said. I estimate only about 5% to 10% of all providers are aware of PGAD. Parish recommends that women who suspect theyve developed PGAD search the International Society for the Study of Womens Sexual Health website for a list of providers who are familiar with the condition and can offer treatments. Knowing just what went wrong is what helped April Patterson, 45, get her life back. Patterson, a physical therapist from Los Angeles, started having pain during intercourse when she was 21. It was like sciatic pain, she says. It would just shoot down my leg, during intercourse only. Then the pain started to arise more often and in more places. Everything felt like it was tingling, burning, buzzing, she said. After years of pain, one day, Patterson saw a flyer advertising a presentation on pelvic pain related to nerve issues. I thought, this is what I have, she said. I need to go to this meeting. That was when Patterson first heard Goldstein talk. After several X-rays and a brain scan, Pattersons symptoms and pain were traced to herniated discs in her lower spine. After she was treated with a nerve block, her pelvic symptoms were relieved. A spine surgeon repaired the damaged discs and widened the opening in the spinal canal where it was too narrow. The procedure completely fixed Pattersons PGAD and most of her pain. The experience made Patterson more aware of how much women keep to themselves. In questionnaires, she now asks her patients about unwanted persistent arousal, as well as pelvic pain and other related symptoms. And then we can get into the conversation, she said. Tropical depression Chantal moved over North Carolina late Sunday night, causing flash flooding in numerous counties and leading to dozens of water rescues, authorities said, before heading over Virginia. It's expected to keep moving northeast. Chantal had maximum sustained winds of 30 mph. There were no immediate reports of injuries. The system was downgraded to a tropical depression Sunday after making landfall in South Carolina as a tropical storm. It hit land near Litchfield Beach at about 4 a.m. ET Sunday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said. Lots of rain was forecast from Chantal through Monday. Tropical depression Chantal over North Carolina and Virginia early on July 7, 2025. / Credit: NOAA / National Hurricane center The hurricane center said it "will continue to produce heavy rainfall across portions of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania today. Storm total rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with local amounts up to 6 inches, is expected. An elevated risk for flash flooding will continue." Flood watches were posted for parts of south-central and eastern Virginia, southern and eastern Maryland, Delaware, southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania. The National Weather Service office in Raleigh, North Carolina said the Haw River was cresting at 32.5 feet and just under 21 feet at different points - both barely below record levels seen during Hurricane Fran in September 1996. Chapel Hill, N.C. officials reported more than 50 water rescues. The NWS Raleigh office said at about 1:30 a.m. that, "Conditions continue to gradually improve over Moore County with signs of improvement soon for Orange, Durham, and Alamance counties." Earlier, Orange County Emergency Services declared a state of emergency due to flash flooding and issued voluntary evacuation notices for many people downstream from the Lake Michael dam due to the possibility it could fail. Officials there reported "numerous water rescues and evacuations" in low-lying areas. Chatham County, North Carolina, said on its official X account that part of NC Highway 902 near Chatham Central Rd. had collapsed. "Over 100 roads across the county are flooded, and flooding is expected to continue through tonight and tomorroweven after the rain ends," the county said. Just before 8 a.m., almost 24,000 homes and businesses in North Carolina had now power, according to poweroutage.us. Forecasters said dangerous surf and rip currents at beaches from northeastern Florida to the mid-Atlantic states are expected to last for the next few days. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 until Nov. 30, with peak activity typically occurring between mid-August and mid-October. NOAA officials predicted a 60% chance of an "above-normal" Atlantic hurricane season, with between 13 to 19 named storms. Six to 10 of those are expected to strengthen into hurricanes, and three to five could become major hurricanes, forecasters said. Death toll rises as desperate search for Texas flash flood survivors continues Sabrina Carpenter on the biggest misperceptions about her How Lady Liberty became a beacon for immigrants A couple sits on a beach blanket near Katama Shores Inn in Martha's Vineyard, circa 1960. Eric Bard/Corbis/Getty Images Tourists have flocked to Martha's Vineyard for over 100 years for summer getaways. Originally settled by Native Americans, the island became a wealthy enclave by the 1830s. By the 1950s, Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard was a popular spot for Black families. Sandy toes, days spent lounging in the sun, and celebrity sightings: not much has changed on Martha's Vineyard since its heyday in the 1960s. First inhabited by the Wampanoag people, Martha's Vineyard later earned a reputation as a playground for the ultrawealthy. The New York Times reported that whaling captains began building impressive homes there between 1830 and 1845, transforming the Massachusetts island. By the early 1900s, the island was established as a resort destination for well-off New Englanders. By the 1950s, Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard had become a popular destination for Black families and residents to live and vacation. Here's a look at what it used to be like to vacation on Martha's Vineyard. Martha's Vineyard is located off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. An aerial view of Martha's Vineyard. JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images Martha's Vineyard is the sister island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, another playground for the rich and famous. However, "the Vineyard," as it is commonly named, is larger than Nantucket. Located 7 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard is the largest island on Massachusetts' southeastern coast, with a square-mile area of 96 miles, a local tourism website reported. The island grew as a popular beach destination in the 1950s. Martha's Vineyard in the 1950s. Jerry Cooke/Getty Images The Vineyard Gazette reported that in 1959, roughly 30,000 more cars were transported via the ferry from the mainland to the island compared to a decade earlier. Martha's Vineyard was, and still is, a popular beach destination. Martha's Vineyard in the 1950s. Jerry Cooke/Getty Images The island consists of six towns and many beaches, many of which are free and open to the public. There's a rich agricultural history on Martha's Vineyard, from farming to fishing. Martha's Vineyard in the 1950s. Jerry Cooke/Getty Images From the red clay Gay Head Cliffs to the rural towns of Aquinnah, Chilmark, and West Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard provided a respite for families looking to explore the island's natural charms. By the 1960s, Martha's Vineyard was a thriving tourist destination with expansive beaches and restaurants. A couple sits on a beach blanket near Katama Shores Inn in Martha's Vineyard, circa 1960. Eric Bard/Corbis/Getty Images The Vineyard also became a popular "hippie" destination during the Summer of Love and the years following it. Martha's Vineyard Magazine reported that while the Vineyard had already become a popular destination for summer visitors, many "hippie folks" who "washed ashore" a term given to mainlanders who move to one of the New England islands ended up staying long-term. "The hippie 'invasion' was one of the many mass movements onto the Island after the Europeans startled the Wampanoags," journalist Richard C. Skidmore wrote for Martha's Vineyard Magazine in 2008. Tourists mainly got to the island by ferry. Passengers arrive off the ferry in Martha's Vineyard in 1968. Ed Jenner/The Boston Globe/Getty Images The ferry is still a popular way to visit Martha's Vineyard, though you can also fly. Passengers can walk onto the ferry or pay to drive their cars aboard. In the 1970s, Martha's Vineyard boomed as a tourist destination for Black families. People lounge on the beach at Oak Bluffs in Martha's Vineyard in 1973. Donald C. Preston/The Boston Globe/Getty Images While Martha's Vineyard's overall population is predominantly white, the town of Oak Bluffs has been a popular destination for Black tourists for over 100 years. As reported by Ebony Magazine, Oak Bluffs rose to prominence as a Black tourist destination in 1912 with the opening of the Inn at Shearer Cottage. Owned by Charles Shearer, the son of an enslaved woman, the inn was one of the few options for Black tourists looking to take a summer vacation. The inn thrived, and people kept coming back year after year to Oak Bluffs. It soon grew into a place where lodging for Black families and individuals was plentiful, which was typically rare in major resort towns. By the mid-1950s, Oak Bluffs had become "a full-blown Black resort." A woman wearing a swimsuit knitting as she sits on a deckchair in Martha's Vineyard. Three Lions/Hulton Archive/Getty Images "The days were full. There were berries to pick, a morning's adventure. There were band concerts for an evening's stroll. There were invitations to lemonade and cookies and whist," author Jill Nelson wrote in "Finding Martha's Vineyard: African Americans at Home on an Island," according to Britannica. "The Vineyard was an ideal place to figure out who we really were underneath all the other stuff. Here, it was enough that you simply be yourself," Nelson continued. Martha's Vineyard was also a notable Hollywood destination in the 1970s. Susan Backlinie walks on the beach during the production of "Jaws" on Martha's Vineyard in July 1974. Pamela Schall/WWD/Penske Media/Getty Images The iconic cult-classic film "Jaws" was filmed on Martha's Vineyard in the summer of 1974. The Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce website reported that "Jaws" came to be after a writer, Peter Benchley, shared stories about nearby shark attacks with dinner guests at his Nantucket home. Steven Spielberg, who attended the dinner party, was so compelled by the stories that he bought the rights to Benchley's novel. Spielberg later chose Martha's Vineyard, the island next to Nantucket, as the film's primary shooting location. Martha's Vineyard also became a playground for the rich and famous. Jerry Mason, Carly Simon, and Peter Simon attend a party in the Hamptons in July 1973. Nick Machalaba/WWD/Penske Media/Getty Images While the Vineyard still attracted day-trippers and families, it grew into a celebrity locale in the 1970s, attracting the likes of Carly Simon and Peter Simon, her brother and photographer, who lived on the island for most of his life, according to his website. Jackie Kennedy also put Martha's Vineyard on the map when she purchased a 340-acre oceanfront property known as Red Gate Farm. Kennedy purchased the land for $1 million in 1979 and then spent another $3.1 million to build the house. The property was completed in 1981 and became a hangout for the Kennedys. In 2020, the property was listed for $65 million. In 2021, the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission purchased 32 acres of the expansive property for $10 million as part of a two-part sale that also included a $27 million land purchase the previous year, Martha's Vineyard Times reported. Martha's Vineyard remains a popular beach destination for people from all walks of life. Martha's Vineyard in the 1950s. Jerry Cooke/Getty Images From the wealthiest celebrities to the humblest day-trippers, Martha's Vineyard remains a place for people to gather, hit the beach, and grab an ice-cream cone though you'll need to contend with crowds and high rental prices if you want to stay overnight. Though some things change, summer in New England will likely always stay the same. Read the original article on Business Insider I visited two lagoons during trips to Iceland. Jamie Davis Smith During trips to Iceland, I visited both the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon was otherworldly, but the popular tourist attraction was very busy. The Sky Lagoon is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, but it felt very peaceful. In the past year, I've been to Iceland three times. There's so much I love about the country, but one of the highlights of each of my trips has been soaking in the lagoons that Iceland is known for. I've been to two different lagoons, but there's only one I want to visit again and again. The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most popular destinations. The Blue Lagoon was pretty crowded when I went. Jamie Davis Smith During my first trip to Iceland, I visited the Blue Lagoon, one of the country's most famous tourist attractions. With its milky-blue waters set in a black lava field, it's easy to see why it draws so many visitors the landscape truly feels otherworldly. Plus, it's close to Iceland's international airport, making it a convenient stop for travelers who need to kill time after landing or before departure. The cost of admission varies depending on the time of day and package booked, but it starts at about $124. My ticket came with a silica mud mask that I wore in the water. I was also interested in enhancing my experience by visiting the on-site spa, which includes a multistep wellness ritual. But full-day admission starts at more than $1,300 per couple, which was too pricey for my budget. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but I probably won't be going back. The Blue Lagoon offers a signature face mask. Jamie Davis Smith Though the lagoon is undeniably pretty, it's big and often crowded. In fact, I was left with the impression that the Blue Lagoon may be a victim of its own success. I still had a nice experience and can see why it's so popular. But after going to other lagoons and hot springs in Iceland, it isn't my first choice for a return visit. I also visited the Sky Lagoon, which has an upscale feel. Visiting the Sky Lagoon was a relaxing experience. Jamie Davis Smith The Sky Lagoon is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, so it was more convenient to access during my trip. Unlike at the Blue Lagoon, I immediately felt a sense of calm when I walked in. It has a serene atmosphere that I thought felt closer to a traditional spa, incorporating elements of Iceland's unique natural environment throughout. Basalt lava rocks and moss-covered hills surround the warm waters, and even the swim-up bar is camouflaged by natural elements. This spot has the feel of an infinity pool with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the beautiful, wild Icelandic landscape I flew across an ocean to experience. My admission to the Sky Lagoon felt like a great value. I'd definitely go back to the Sky Lagoon. Jamie Davis Smith I would've been happy just sitting back, enjoying the view, and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere at the Sky Lagoon. But admission (which starts at about $133) also comes with access to the Skjol ritual, which is a seven-step process that draws on Iceland's history of wellness practices. It includes a series of alternating hot and cold circuits, including a cool-mist rain shower and a sauna with stunning views. I don't usually enjoy saunas because the heat makes me feel lightheaded, but I pushed my limits and stayed to enjoy the view. I also really enjoyed the salt scrub. For me, the Sky Lagoon stands out as my favorite. I want to visit other similar spots, but for now, the Sky Lagoon is my favorite. Jamie Davis Smith For me, the one downside to visiting the Sky Lagoon is that children under 12 aren't allowed in. That means I couldn't go when I visited Iceland with my children. But the nearly adult-only atmosphere is a definite plus for many people and adds to the upscale environment that helps the Sky Lagoon stand out. I hope to one day visit some of Iceland's other lagoons, but for now, the Sky Lagoon is my top pick. Read the original article on Business Insider The Impact of Financial Factors on the Porn Industry Here's How Surprising Money Factors Impact the Porn You Watch Theres a famous saying when it comes to figuring out whos really responsible for things: Follow the money. Financial power, the thinking goes, is the prime mover of things in the world, and when it comes to pornography, the same concept applies. So if youre curious as to why the porn you watch is the way it is, well, its much more than just the scriptwriters, actors and directors making decisions. The entire financial structure of the porn industry also comes into play. Ever watch a faux-incest video? Theres a monetary aspect to that. Ever watch a pirated video for free on a major tube site like Pornhub? Theres a monetary aspect to that. Ever wonder why more genuine-seeming porn is harder to find? Theres a monetary aspect to that, too. What does that mean? The short answer is that major financial powers like banks and credit cards dont work with porn companies so they have to figure out alternate modes of getting paid. The long answer is a lot more complicated, but according to Cindy Gallop, sex-positive campaigner and the founder and CEO of MakeLoveNotPorn, it impacts almost every aspect of contemporary porn. Every single bank that refuses to bank with a legal adult company, every payment processor that will not process payments from a legal adult company, every business entity that refuses to partner with a legal adult company; they are directly responsible for all the bad things that happen in the adult industry, Gallop says. Gallop says only the large porn providers can afford such higher fees, and because they mostly peddle narrowly targeted predilections and tired porn tropes like MILFs, stepdaughters and facials, that's the main type of adult content that can afford to exist while smaller players trying to make alternative or ethical content struggle to survive. And because big porns content is mostly tailored to the cis male gaze, many think it may play an outsize role in how men think about sex everything from misrepresentations about what real sex looks like to female objectification and beyond. RELATED: Why Porn Is a Terrible Form of Sex Education So are Gallop and those who agree with her right? If high charges by merchant providers mean only big porn brands can survive, and big porns algorithmically driven content gives us such a narrow view of what filmed sex looks like, does that mean we can blame the finance industry for society's skewed sexuality? In order to better understand the tangled web of porn and money, AskMen spoke to a number of industry insiders. Heres what they had to say: The Current Porn Model The story of porn is inextricable from that of technology, so its no surprise that the industry has evolved significantly over the course of the 21st century. Pre-internet porn studios like Vivid and Wicked have been all-but eradicated by the internet and incredibly accessible cameras and microphones. Today, content creation is in the hands of anyone with a smartphone and a wi-fi connection. And its led to some great independent porn with expansive ideas about eroticism that arent tied to the narrow view of sexuality big porn seems to peddle sites like Gallops MakeLoveNotPorn and others like Cheex, Pink Label, Erika Lust, Lustery, Four Chambers, and Bellesa, to name but a few. But those are small fish in a big pond. Today, the major porn site players are platforms like PornHub and OnlyFans, which host and distribute content, both from individual creators and the few professional studios still holding on. In many ways, all roads lead to a company called Aylo. Previously known as Mindgeek, and before that Manwin, the Montreal-headquartered company owns almost every big name in content (Brazzers, Digital Playground, Reality Kings) and distribution (Pornhub, RedTube, YouPorn). Despite having its hands in these name-brand studios, Aylo makes a much larger slice of revenue from selling ad space, which means the platforms and the production are decoupled. "OnlyFans isn't a studio, it's a platform, says Kate Sinclaire. Same goes for Pornhub. It's not a studio, it's a tech company. Having made porn since 2006, Sinclaire wrote on Twitter/X in 2023 that her payment processing system doubled her fees overnight, lamenting how the financial structures have kept independent producers like her from marketing themselves effectively and 'fed the monopolies and their algorithms'. She says the business model today is based on advertising to traffic that was built off of uploaded videos at zero cost to the company. Which means that, as you may already know, piracy is a huge part of how contemporary porn functions. RELATED: Is It Time to Start Paying for Your Porn? One porn producer, who spoke with AskMen on condition of anonymity, describes a constant battle of finding their scenes or movies on tube sites for free, sending a DMCA notice (the legal mechanism to make a website remove copyright material), and seeing it immediately reappear with a different name and URL. Small adult companies have been bested, and we're stuck in this endless cycle of takedown notices, hoping we can promote the latest pieces that haven't been stolen to carve out our livelihood. Porn Payment System Complexities When Gallop talks about what she sees as discrimination by merchant services against the adult industry, particularly fees that are far higher than the industry standard, its eyebrow-raising. Why dont these major financial companies play nice with porn companies? Is it some kind of moral objection to adult content? And if so, do they have a leg to stand on? Visa and Mastercard are cleaning up by collecting higher fees, all while morally opposing porn, which I think is pretty rich," Sinclaire says. Banks make money off fossil fuels and war, she notes, so to claim that sex is immoral feels, well, hypocritical. And while higher fees impact everyone in porn from the big fish down to the indie studios, theres more than just the scent of sex negativity at play. One crucial aspect here that makes things harder for smaller players in the porn world: the concept of the bulk discount, also known as economies of scale. Its a crucial mechanism in the world of money bigger players get better rates in every industry across the planet. We don't know what percentages a platform like OnlyFans pays, but it's certainly lower than the small studios or creators, just like Walmart will pay a lot less than a mom-and-pop store, per unit, when they order 10 or 100 times more. Few merchant services (the businesses that collect payments and charge them to credit cards, like Stripe, Paypal and Square) deal with adult content, and if you're in need of one for porn, just one name matters CCBill, estimated to be 5-10 times the size of its nearest competitors, processing over $1 billion annually. RELATED: How to Overcome Porn 'Addiction' Specializing in 'high risk' industries, CCBill charges porn providers between 10.8 and 14.5 percent, according to Sinclaire, compared to around 1 to 3 percent for mainstream businesses. You dont need to be a savvy businessperson to know that when youre getting charged 5 to 10 times more than other businesses, that makes a difference in how viable yours can be. CCBill ignored multiple requests for comment, so we couldn't ask them what makes adult content high-risk, but the frequently cited reasons are factors like buyer's remorse (when customers regret buying and start disputes), porn being one of the most popular purchases made with stolen credit cards, and costs around age verification and anti money-laundering. Noelle Perdue agrees higher rates make it harder for small players to break through. A writer and artist who talks about aspects of the industry, from content moderation to AI porn and everything in between, Perdue describes herself as a porn historian, and as a former Mindgeek employee, she featured prominently in Netflix's 2023 documentary Money Shot: The Pornhub Story. High rates make it so smaller creators have to rely on larger platforms like OnlyFans, Pornhub or ManyVids to host their content, Perdue says. It doesn't let creators or studios be fully independent and in the case with OnlyFans puts them at risk of deplatforming and in some cases losing their income entirely, if the company decides it no longer wants to host adult content, as it threatened to several years ago. RELATED: Porn Sex vs. Real Sex Porn Stars Reveal the Differences Like Sinclaire, Perdue sees no small measure of hypocrisy in the field. The people making the most money off the adult industry are the least likely to align themselves with it, choosing instead to posture with the tech industry and distance themselves from the more politicized realities of working in porn," she says. So which is it? Do creators pay a premium to make the potential corporate embarrassment to credit card companies worth it, or are there really risks like higher-than-average chargebacks? To Sinclaire, it's a pure and simple economic monopoly. RELATED: Is Porn Bad for You? We Looked Into It [Porn] is a captive market with limited labor and human rights access and a rotten public narrative that keeps us marginalized, she says. People can't use banks to start porn businesses ... so you need to rely on other ways of handling your money, and there are plenty of people with less than great intentions willing to do that for you. The Impact on Porn Content So major banks wont touch porn, and unscrupulous financial services, combined with economies of scale, mean smaller producers are all but squeezed out of the market when compared to sites run by Aylo. What does that actually mean when it comes to the content itself? In short, its hard to say exactly. But its unlikely that theres zero impact and it may be significant. Since the vast majority of porn consumption is digital now, platforms like Pornhub have unbelievable amounts of data about what performs well and individual creators can also get a sense of winning strategies based on the views on their videos. So is contemporary porn just a case of the big platforms giving us what we want the most? The platforms have the technology behind the clicks down to a precision science, so aren't they just reflecting what we want back at us? Are the blondes, blowjobs and bukkake videos a pure representation of basic human sexuality? Ultimately, its not that simple. There are a lot of variables at play, and a whole lot of debate. Generally speaking there's a specific type of mainstream porn consumer the industry caters to specifically the cisheterosexual male because they're the most likely to purchase porn, Perdue says. Its a cyclical pattern, she notes: The industry caters to them, so they buy porn, so the industry caters to them, etc., etc. If the front page of Pornhub expected something closer to a 50/50 gender split from its users (to say nothing of sexuality), what would the videos being served to users look like? Porn screenwriter Maddy Barton agrees that as we watch content centered on certain styles or genres or kinks, it tells platforms' algorithms to make more of it. But that doesnt mean its inherently democratic. I've heard themes like faux-incest were algorithmically driven by a smaller group of high-volume consumers, she says. It slowly pushed it to the front pages of tube sites, and because more casual porn viewers rely heavily on the front page, they began clicking it, creating a feedback loop that drove the trend. Everyone Barton knows in the industry has been 'over' incest tropes for a long time, but they keep performing algorithmically, so the industry continues making them. If youre interested in making creative porn that explores new or unusual themes, well, good luck. RELATED: Faux Incest & Other Internet Porn Trends, Explained Data really drives the industry, and it's a shame because there are a lot of great artists in porn who are limited by the influence of the tech industry's obsession with it, Barton says. Creators arent just at the whims of the analytics they also have to abide by certain rules to make sure their content doesnt run afoul of the payment companies, either, not unlike the infamous Hayes code that used to dictate what could and couldnt be shown in Hollywood movies. I have to make sure to be very clear that characters aren't actually related; that everyones over 18, Barton says. There's no strict list so every company is doing their best to avoid being 'cut off,' so to speak. For some studios I need to state the characters are only step-siblings twice, for another it's three times. RELATED: Myths About Porn It's Time We Stopped Believing Like other forms of art, porn has always been a balance of business and art, but today, the balance is tilted pretty extremely away from the art portion. So if you feel like modern porn is, well, a little soulless thats why. Is There a Better Way Forward? As soon as she created MakeLoveNotPorn in 2009, the British-born Gallop found herself mired in the tangle of regulation and legislation around adult content payments. Fifteen years ago, I literally investigated starting my own bank," she says. "Its bloody impossible here in the U.S., but if you'd told me back then Id spend this much of my life talking to banks and payment processors, I wouldn't have believed you." Now, she wants to create what she calls the 'Stripe of sextech'. Gallop calls Stripe the quickest, easiest, most efficient way to process payments, but they're just one of many providers that won't service online porn. Her own system, called Blockfree, is currently in planning, and Gallop hopes theres an opportunity for lots of different investors interested in processing payments for what she calls 'restricted business' not just adult content, but also cannabis, psychedelics, crypto, etc. RELATED: Porn Slang Terms, Explained But in the ultimate vindication for sites that prioritize authentic and genuine emotion, desire and intimacy, providers actually experience fewer of the chargebacks higher merchant facility rates are imposed to combat. In her 2023 tweets, Sinclaire said the site she ran at the time had never attracted a single one. Statistics about how much lower chargebacks are for smaller, more ethical porn production companies are very hard to come by, but conventional wisdom points to the way they adhere to processes that make them more trustworthy transparent billing processes and detailed product information can prevent the misunderstandings or regret around buying that cause payment disputes. Mainstream providers (along with many other consumer sectors), by contrast, are known more for vague payment practices and content that doesn't match the description, thumbnails or trailer. All of which adds up to one thing: We live in a topsy-turvy world where platforms and websites that have sometimes been proven to be unscrupulous get the best merchant rates and flourish, while producers who want to make their content and run their businesses ethically are often left out in the cold. But if those smaller, more sex-positive producers had a louder voice and more influential content in the industry, might it really show kids in their formative years that respect and desire is a worthier goal than the distorted power dynamics, hazy standards of consent and objectification? We cant yet know for sure, of course. But it is worth thinking about, particularly in a world where many young people have watched untold hours of internet porn before they ever have sex with another human being. . You Might Also Dig: Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. The crowd led by members of Karapetians family, opposition lawmakers and senior clergymen chanted Samvel! and Freedom! as it gathered in a public park elsewhere in the city center and then headed to the National Security Service (NSS) headquarters which also houses the maximum-security prison. In a written appeal to the protesters read out by one of his lawyers outside the compound, Karapetian pledged to fight for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians resignation and urged Armenians to consolidate around a new force that will be set up for that purpose. He also thanked them for their support. With their attitude, the people are demonstrating that its the authorities, not me, that are in detention, he said. Organizers of the demonstration did not reveal their further steps. One of them, Karapetians nephew Narek, said only that it is beginning of a long journey. Karapetian had already issued about a dozen statements from his prison cell, lambasting Pashinian, predicting his imminent downfall and seemingly staking claim to power. He charged, in particular, that Pashinian has completely destroyed the country's external security, ruined its relations with Russia and is now shamefully begging the leaders of Azerbaijan and Turkey for peace. Karapetian was prosecuted hours after condemning on June 17 Pashinians attempts to depose the top clergy of the Armenian Church and vowing to defend it in our own way. His statement immediately provoked a series of furious social media posts by Pashinian. Now I will interfere with you in my own way, you scoundrel, the premier wrote before the tycoon was arrested and charged with calling for a violent overthrow of the Armenian government. Karapetians family and lawyers have laughed off the accusations. They have portrayed Pashinians posts as clear proof that law-enforcement authorities acted on his orders. Armenias leading opposition groups have also condemned the criminal case as politically motivated and linked it to Pashinians campaign against the clergy. They claim that the campaign is in turn aimed at neutralizing a major source of opposition to his further concessions to Azerbaijan and Turkey. Today Samvel Karapetian is under arrest because he defended the Armenian Apostolic Church, Anna Grigorian, a parliament deputy from the main opposition Hayastan alliance, said at the rally that preceded Fridays march. The man who issued that [arrest] order can now see that the thousands of people standing here also defend the church. Karapetian, 59, was born and raised in Armenia and moved to Russia in the early 1990s. He has financed many charity projects in Armenia as well as Nagorno-Karabakh and made lavish donations to the church after making a huge fortune there. The bulk of his business assets estimated by the Forbes magazine at $4 billion are located in Russia. Although some Russian officials have expressed concern at his arrest, Moscow has so far refrained from openly calling for his release. Nevertheless, Pashinians political allies have accused him of plotting to overthrow the Armenian government on the Kremlins orders. The tycoon remained defiant even after the government moved to seize his biggest business asset in Armenia: the national electric utility. The Armenian parliament approved a relevant bill on Wednesday as law-enforcement authorities raided the Yerevan offices of Karapetians Tashir Group conglomerate and arrested four company executives in what they called a criminal investigation into tax evasion and money laundering. In his message to his protesting supporters, Karapetian said the tiny clique ruling Armenia must not get away with attacking Catholicos Garegin II and other senior clergymen. We will not allow that in our own way, he said, essentially repeating the statement that landed him in jail. 6 July 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more The recent Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) summit held in Khankendi was far more than a routine diplomatic gathering. It was a bold and deliberate signal from Azerbaijan, a country once caught in the throes of protracted conflict, that it is not only open for business but is also taking firm ownership of its regional destiny. By hosting a high-level international summit in a city that symbolises post-conflict recovery, Azerbaijan has delivered a powerful message to the world: peace has arrived, investment is welcome, and opportunity is abundant. The symbolism of Khankendi cannot be overstated. Once considered the epicentre of the decades-long Garabagh conflict, the city is now poised to become a beacon of reconstruction, commerce, and cross-border cooperation. By selecting this location for the ECO Summit, Baku has flipped the narrative. Instead of being seen through the lens of instability, Garabagh is now being projected as a destination for development and integration. This shift carries tremendous implications, not just for Azerbaijan but for the broader South Caucasus region. At a time of fluctuating alliances and rising geopolitical competition, particularly amid cautious tensions with Russia, Azerbaijan is carving out an independent path anchored in pragmatism, economic vision, and diplomatic finesse. Rather than becoming entangled in zero-sum games, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a stabilising force and an indispensable bridge between East and West. A major pillar of this strategic outlook is economic diversification. Gone are the days when Azerbaijan was seen as merely an oil-exporting country. While hydrocarbon wealth remains a cornerstone of the national economy, the government in Baku is taking concrete steps to broaden the base. Azerbaijans GDP has shown healthy growth in recent years, and the non-oil sector now plays an increasingly vital role. Investments in transport, agriculture, renewable energy, ICT, and industrial parks underscore the country's commitment to sustainable economic development. One of the most promising sectors for diversification is tourism. With its unique blend of natural beauty, historical heritage, and modern infrastructure, Azerbaijan has the potential to become a top destination in the wider Eurasian region. From the Caspian coast to the Caucasus mountains, from the bustling streets of Baku to the serene landscapes of Shusha, the country offers diverse experiences for travellers. The tourism industry is not only a soft power tool but also a vital economic driver that creates jobs, attracts foreign investment, and promotes cultural diplomacy. In Garabagh specifically, tourism is set to play a transformative role. Cities like Shusha and Khankendi are already being earmarked for cultural tourism, wellness retreats, and ecological travel. With infrastructure development accelerating and security fully restored, these areas are quickly emerging as destinations for international visitors. Investors looking to enter a new and promising market would do well to consider Azerbaijans tourism sector, particularly in liberated territories where first-mover advantage is still available. Meanwhile, Azerbaijans corridor policy is rapidly redefining the countrys geopolitical relevance. As the Middle Corridorthe trans-Caspian trade route connecting China to Europe via Central Asia and the South Caucasusgains traction, Azerbaijan sits at its very heart. The development of the Zangazur Corridor, the upgrading of Baku's port facilities, and the expansion of rail and road connectivity are not merely national infrastructure projects. They are strategic instruments for economic integration, trade facilitation, and geopolitical balancing. Through these corridor initiatives, Azerbaijan is playing a central role in linking East and West, North and South. The country is no longer a peripheral player, but a key transit hub whose relevance will only grow as global supply chains shift and diversify. For investors, this translates into a stable and well-connected environment for logistics, manufacturing, and trade-based enterprises. Furthermore, Azerbaijans active engagement in regional platformssuch as the ECO, the Organisation of Turkic States, and various trilateral formatsdemonstrates its capacity for multilateral leadership. These forums are not just diplomatic exercises; they are vehicles for economic cooperation, energy coordination, and cultural solidarity. By hosting the ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan has not only showcased its diplomatic agility but also its ability to reshape narratives through action, not rhetoric. Of course, there are those who view Azerbaijans ascent with unease. Some international actors, as well as certain neighbouring lobbiesmost notably Armenian onesare keen to distort the picture. They attempt to sow suspicion, frame Bakus growing influence as destabilising, and question its post-conflict policies. However, these efforts are increasingly seen for what they are: the desperate manoeuvres of actors who find themselves sidelined by a changing regional reality. The truth is clear. Azerbaijan is not seeking dominance; it is seeking development. It is not isolating itself; it is integrating. And it is not fuelling conflict; it is consolidating peace. In doing so, Baku is offering the region a rare model: a post-conflict state that turns adversity into opportunity, and geography into strategy. The ECO Summit in Khankendi was more than a meetingit was a declaration. Azerbaijan has entered a new phase, one defined by confidence, competence, and a clear-eyed vision for the future. Investors, diplomats, and regional actors would do well to take note. 6 July 2025 16:49 (UTC+04:00) The launch of the "Khankendi" Business Center is expected to play a significant role in fostering a business-friendly environment, creating new jobs, and contributing to the overall development of Khankendi and the wider Garabagh region, Azernews reports. Speaking to AzerTag, the centers representative Najaf Badalov said that the four-storey complex spans more than 4,500 square meters. It includes 24 office spaces, 6 meeting rooms, and various service facilities. The center also features a restaurant named Zefir Cafe & Terrace that can host up to 120 guests, as well as services for stationery and printing supplies, dry cleaning, and laundry. As part of the large-scale reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories, the business center is designed to meet modern management standards and deliver high-quality services. It will offer a contemporary and convenient workspace for resident companies, catering to both entrepreneurs and corporate entities, while also contributing to employment in the region. In the initial phase, the center will employ 20 people, including 12 residents of Khankendi, Khojaly, Shusha, and other liberated areas, as well as one veteran of the Patriotic War. It should be noted that President Ilham Aliyev attended the official opening of the Khankendi Business Center, part of the Khankendi Hotel Complex, on July 3. 6 July 2025 17:08 (UTC+04:00) Sheki, one of Azerbaijans ancient cultural and artistic centers, celebrates City Day each year with vibrant festivities. On July 6, a celebration was held at the Yukhari Karvansaray hotel complex to mark Shekis 2713th anniversary. Azernews reports that he celebration coincided with the 14th International Silk Road Music Festival, further enriching the festive spirit for local residents. The event began with attendees viewing exhibitions of traditional handicrafts made by Shekis artisans. In his address, Elkhan Usubov, Head of Sheki City Executive Authority, congratulated residents on the significant occasion. He noted that Sheki, a city on the historic Great Silk Road, has held an important place in Azerbaijani history for centuries. The city is known for its unique historical architecture, caravanserais, mosques, minarets, traditional houses, fortress walls, and bridges, which reflect its ancient building styles. The region is home to 134 protected archaeological and architectural monuments, including the Albanian Church in Kish village and the Sheki Khans Palace, both of global significance. Today, Sheki is recognized as one of Azerbaijans key tourism hubs, attracting both domestic and international visitors with its historical architecture, natural beauty, traditional crafts, and rich culinary culture. It was highlighted that Shekis distinguished cultural and artisanal heritage earned it a place in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, and in 2019, the Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khans Palace was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 43rd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Sheki is also known as a city of festivals in Azerbaijan. The Silk Road International Music Festival, along with various other cultural events such as confectionery and theatre festivals, has played a major role in preserving the citys intangible heritage and promoting its international image and tourism potential. Usubov noted that the 14th Silk Road International Music Festival is currently underway in Sheki, offering memorable experiences to residents, visitors, and music lovers alike. At the end of the ceremony, a group of individuals who have made notable contributions to Shekis cultural and public life were presented with honorary diplomas. The festivities concluded with a concert program featuring well-known performers. 6 July 2025 11:00 (UTC+04:00) Improving road infrastructure is one of the priority areas of state policy in Azerbaijan. In line with the instructions and directives of the President, efforts to restore, reconstruct, and modernise the road network are continuing rapidly, including in the territories liberated from occupation. The road projects being implemented in these areas are of particular importance for improving the living conditions of returnees, strengthening economic ties, and ensuring a safe transport network. The Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway is one such project. Speaking to Azertag about the construction work, a representative of the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads, Ayyub Huseynov, said that the Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway originates from the Hajigabul-Horadiz-Aghbend-Zangezur corridor highway and connects the districts of Fuzuli, Khojavand, Khojaly, and Shusha, Azernews reports. The length of the existing road is 101 km, while the new road is 81.7 km, thus shortening the route by 19.3 km. The road, built to Category I technical standards, has six lanes over the first 48 km and four lanes over the remaining 33.7 km. Along the route, 1 junction, 11 bridges, 7 tunnels, 6 viaducts, underpasses, and other necessary infrastructure have been constructed. The total length of the newly built bridges is 1,557 metres. For some of the viaducts, horizontal sliding of formwork was applied for the first time in Azerbaijan during the concrete works. During construction, concrete and metal guardrails, as well as lighting systems, were installed along the road. According to Huseynov, the Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway project was declared the winner in the Innovative Construction Methodology category by the International Road Federation. The road was constructed in accordance with the First State Programme on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, approved by the decree of the President. Its implementation is significant in terms of diversifying the internal road network and improving transport links between the region and other districts of the country. Moreover, as part of the international transport corridors passing through Azerbaijan, the highway plays a vital role. It will also contribute greatly to the development of tourism and the enhancement of economic activity in the region. It should be noted that on 3 July, President Ilham Aliyev participated in the inauguration of the Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway. 6 July 2025 11:46 (UTC+04:00) A delegation led by Elchin Rzayev, Head of the Imishli District Executive Authority, participated as an honoured guest at the 64th International Flower Festival held in Uzbekistan. The visit took place at the official invitation of the Uzbek side. According to the District Executive Authority, during the trip, the delegation visited the park named after National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Tashkent and laid flowers at the statue of the national leader. The delegation later held a meeting with the Governor of Namangan Region, Shavkat Abdurazakov. During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects for cooperation in the economic, social, and cultural spheres. The talks highlighted the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, rooted in shared history, ethnic ties, and spiritual values, as a model of exemplary cooperation in the region. In this context, both sides emphasised the importance of strengthening the developing relationship between Imishli District and Namangan Region. During the meeting, the parties also reviewed the implementation status of an agreement signed on 12 July 2024 between the Imishli District Executive Authority and TST Textile Group LLC of Uzbekistan. Under this agreement, 5,826 hectares of agricultural land in Imishli were leased on a long-term basis to the company for the cultivation and processing of cotton, including the construction of a cottonseed oil plant. The two sides exchanged detailed views on the current work being carried out, the projects phased implementation, and opportunities for future cooperation. On the following day, the delegation took part in the 64th International Flower Festival in Namangan city. As part of the event, they viewed a wide range of striking floral displays, decorative art pieces, and cultural programs presented by various countries. The unique exhibitions and aesthetically curated floral arrangements left a strong impression on participants. It should be noted that the International Flower Festival serves not only as a platform for showcasing Namangan Regions cultural and tourism potential at the international level but also as a significant avenue for fostering interregional cooperation. The participation of the Imishli delegation in this prestigious event contributes meaningfully to the further strengthening of friendship, brotherhood, and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, supports deeper economic integration, and encourages mutual investment. The continuous economic partnership between the two brotherly nations, based on shared goals, contributes to the well-being of both peoples and to the consolidation of stability and prosperity in the region. As a battle over books rages in Ken-Ton, the district is ready to establish a new set of procedures that, for the first time, would allow formal objections to school library books. However, according to the proposal, the challenges would have a narrow focus based on how the books were selected and not on their content. If the district determines that Ken-Ton librarians stuck to proper procedure in selecting a book for their collection, it will remain on school shelves, officials said. So the whole point of that recommendation is to take out subjectivity and be very objective: Did it follow a process? Superintendent Sabatino Cimato said after Tuesdays School Board meeting. This fight over books in schools and school libraries is playing out in other districts in Western New York and across the country. In Ken-Ton, it all started when a parent in the fall lodged formal objections to 27 library books at Ken-Tons two high schools. She argued that the books feature explicit content that is utterly inappropriate for teenagers. A Buffalo News report on the book challenges, published in May, sparked a flurry of reaction, with much of the response calling for them to stay. Advocates for keeping the books spoke out at last months Ken-Ton School Board meeting, urging the board not to censor works that tackle important themes of race, gender and sexuality. Lets trust our educators, our librarians and our kids, Kenmore resident Eric Nagel said. If you dont like a book, dont read it. Pornographic books Data show book challenges in schools across the country are happening more frequently now. They are more common in states such as Florida and Ohio, but they are taking place in this region and throughout New York. The challenges are often brought by members of the conservative parents rights group Moms for Liberty. They complain that some sexually explicit content isnt suitable for teenagers, conflicts with their values and infringes on their rights as parents to decide what media their children consume. The Erie County chapter of Moms for Liberty has since 2022 conducted a Library 101 investigation into school library books. I am asking that you protect our youngest minds from inappropriate, graphic, pornographic material that would not be allowed outside of school, the chapter states in a letter posted to its website that parents can use as a template in writing to their own school district. Opponents of the book-banning efforts note that many of the authors at the center of these challenges are women, people of color or LGBTQ+, and their works feature characters from, and issues relevant to, those communities. These books are dealing with big and important and essential themes, and frequently the targeting of particular passages in those books is pretextual, really, Emma Hulse, an education counsel with the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in an earlier interview. Theres an interest in getting at these books because of the ideas they represent. A Ken-Ton mother wants 27 books pulled from school libraries over explicit sexual content Ken-Ton now will let parents challenge the content of library books. Officials said school-level staff will assess each book and could, based on that review, remove the title from circulation. District responds The mother who filed the objections with the Ken-Ton district, Sara Carozzolo, crafted her challenges with help from a website, BookLooks.org, linked to Moms for Liberty. The site, which shut down in March, had entries for more than 500 books it said were found in school libraries. For each title, BookLooks summarized the concerns, counted up how often certain expletives appeared, offered a 1-5 Not For Minors rating and quoted full passages deemed inappropriate by a reviewer. Carozzolo emailed objections to Ken-Ton officials over 27 total books, arguing they were too offensive for students and should be removed from circulation. Asked what parents should do if they wanted their children to access the books, Carozzolo said those parents can buy them from a bookstore or borrow them from a public library. Were talking about school libraries, she said in a previous interview. They shouldnt be there. They should have never been there. They should be taken out. District officials responded by forming a committee to review policies on book challenges in Ken-Ton and in other area districts. The panel included two parents one, Jeremiah Dabolt, was selected by Carozzolo and shares her concerns and two high school students. Until now, the district has had a structure for challenges to instructional, but not library, materials. Parents do have the ability to flag specific library books so that, if their children attempt to check one out, the librarian will see an alert and know not to let the child proceed. The committee recommended that the district do more to make parents aware they already have this ability. The district said another of the committees recommendations was creating a path for library book challenges that could potentially lead to books removed from shelves. While the panels work continued, The News on May 25 reported on Carozzolos book challenges, an article that prompted widespread reaction online and within the Ken-Ton school community. That same day, Cimato sent a note to Ken-Ton parents and other stakeholders stating that he needed to clarify the districts position on library book challenges, given the great deal of confusion in the community that followed the articles publication. Because these are not instructional materials, under no circumstances would books be reviewed based on personal opinions or political viewpoints, the superintendent wrote. This process will be guided by the library media specialist based on a well-defined selection criteria rubric. Culture wars shift to the school library, including in Western New York The national effort to shed a greater spotlight on what advocates believe is improper content available to children in school libraries has taken hold in the Buffalo Niagara region. Book backers speak Eight people spoke at the June 10 Ken-Ton School Board meeting, all in favor of keeping a range of books available to students, especially if the material is written from a different point of view. Kirk Laubenstein, a district resident and community activist, was joined at the microphone by his wife and children. We all need the freedom to read, and the freedom to read means that we have a community that honors diversity, he said. Laubensteins son also read a letter to the board opposing book bans. That night, Anne Martell, Ken-Tons director of K-12 education, reviewed the book-selection process that the district follows for its libraries, the committees work since late last year and the recommendations it made. Then, Cimato said, as he sees it, the district has two basic options for a new library book policy. First, it can simply restate, library books are not instructional materials and, therefore, not subject to challenge. Or it can say books are subject to challenge, but only on the question of how the book was selected. If a challenge came in, a librarian would be asked whether the book was added to a schools collection in a manner consistent with the American Library Associations selection criteria. If that is the case, the book stays, Cimato said. If theres a question about the selection say, the current librarian wasnt in that role at the time the book was added then the building principal would form a committee to review whether the book in question meets the criteria. If that was the case, then, and only then, would we form a committee. And that committee would simply answer this question: Does that book follow ALAs objective standard for selection? he said. If the answer is yes, its done. I do not suggest that we start getting into content conversations. The School Board didnt make a decision last month, and the matter returned for discussion at Tuesdays board meeting. Carozzolo attended that meeting, but did not speak and declined comment for this article. Board President Matthew Chimera then revived the discussion about the two library book options. I think its always good to have a review process, to always be able to look at what is going into our library. But on the other hand, I think we have to be very, very careful, trustee Fred Floss said. Trustee Paul Spors said the second option seems the most comprehensive process. The board voted to direct the superintendent to draft a new library book policy, built on the second option, that will return for an initial review at the next board meeting. Once the board approves the new policy, Cimato said later Tuesday, the district will address the 27 book challenges filed by Carozzolo. I think its fair that anything that has been submitted would then follow that procedure, he said. 6 July 2025 13:01 (UTC+04:00) After nearly thirty years of Armenian vandalism that turned it into ruins, Karabakh has entered a new era. Like other liberated territories, life is returning to the Aghdam district, thanks to the glorious victory of the Azerbaijani Army under the leadership of the victorious Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev. Large-scale construction and reconstruction works are underway in the district centre and surrounding villages, along with the implementation of vital infrastructure projects. One of the residential areas currently being built in Aghdam is the village of Khidirli. Leyla Sarabi, spokesperson for the Reconstruction, Construction, and Management Service in Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, told AZERTAC's regional correspondent that Khidirli village is located in the northwest of Aghdam city, about 3 kilometres from the district centre. President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the foundation-laying ceremony of the village in October 2022. The planned project area of the village exceeds 417 hectares. Within the first and second phases, nearly 6,000 people are expected to be resettled, and the construction of 1,498 individual houses is envisaged. The area planned for the first phase covers 170.44 hectares. During this phase, 719 familiestotalling 2,951 peopleare set to be relocated to the village. As part of this phase, 719 individual houses have been built: 263 two-room, 332 three-room, 121 four-room, and 3 five-room houses. In addition, the village has been equipped with essential modern social infrastructure, including administrative and service buildings. These include a multifunctional administrative building, a community club, a medical station, an emergency medical services unit, a guesthouse for temporary accommodation of education and healthcare workers, a public services facility, a workshop, a full secondary school, and a nursery-kindergarten. Approximately 20% of the village's territory is designated for green space. It should be noted that on July 3, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, attended the inauguration of the first phase of Khidirli village in the Aghdam district. 6 July 2025 13:52 (UTC+04:00) The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan has released a summary video based on the information shared over the past week. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 6 July 2025 18:33 (UTC+04:00) On July 6, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, arrived in the Republic of Azerbaijan for an official visit. Azernews reports that the Pakistani delegation was welcomed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, where the national flags of both countries were displayed. The guests were received by Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijans Parliament) Musa Gasimli, Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Interparliamentary Working Group Kamaladdin Gafarov, and other officials. It is noted that during his official visit, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq will hold several meetings and exchange views on further developing bilateral relations. 6 July 2025 19:47 (UTC+04:00) The 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has officially opened with bureau meetings at the organizations headquarters. Azernews reports via AzerTag that Azerbaijan is participating in the session. Running until July 16, the session will begin with the adoption of the agenda, followed by the review of the implementation of the World Heritage Fund for 20242025, the budget proposal for 20262027, and reports regarding COM 13concerning compliance with the decision to establish an advisory body. The session will also include presentations on the activities of the World Heritage Centre, the implementation of past decisions of the Committee, and a message from the 2025 World Heritage Young Professionals Forum. Key reports will also be reviewed on the World Heritage Strategy for Africa and on the progress of World Heritage initiatives for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) for 20232029. There will be discussions on the conservation status of World Heritage properties and updates to both the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger. The World Heritage Committee is one of the two governing bodies of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. It is composed of representatives from 21 countries elected from the 195 States Parties to the Convention. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Convention and evaluating new site nominations and conservation reports based on the analyses of its advisory bodies and UNESCOs Secretariat. UNESCO promotes the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage of outstanding value to humanity. This mission is embedded in the 1972 Convention, an international treaty adopted by UNESCO. World Heritage sites are considered a shared legacy of all peoples, regardless of their national location. What makes the Convention unique is its integration of natural and cultural heritage protection, its emphasis on the role of local communities, and its ability to respond to modern challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanization, mass tourism, and natural disasters, while contributing to sustainable socio-economic development. 6 July 2025 22:56 (UTC+04:00) On 34 July, the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was held in the city of Khankendi, Republic of Azerbaijan. During the summit, President Ilham Aliyev raised the issue of the return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Western Azerbaijan, and the matter was reflected in the final Khankendi Communique. According to Azernews, this was stated in a declaration by the Community of Western Azerbaijan. The statement emphasizes that the inclusion of the Western Azerbaijan issue in such a prestigious international format is of great importance in terms of strengthening international support for the peaceful, safe, and dignified return of Azerbaijanis to their historical lands. "The Community of Western Azerbaijan expresses its deep gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, for consistently and resolutely bringing the issue of return to the international agenda and for ensuring clear international support on this matter," the statement concludes. 6 July 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00) The agreement for the acquisition of the popular social media platform TikTok from Chinas ByteDance is reportedly close to being finalized, according to U.S. President Donald Trump, Azernews reports. Trump stated that Washington plans to begin discussions with Beijing on this matter around July 7 or 8. Our deal is almost ready. We will start talks with China on Monday or Tuesday. We think we will probably need permission from China. Its not certain, but its likely, he said. Earlier, on June 29, in an interview with Fox News, Trump mentioned that a group of very wealthy individuals is prepared to purchase TikTok from ByteDance. 6 July 2025 12:39 (UTC+04:00) Elon Musk announced on Saturday that he is launching a new political party in the United States, the "America Party", in an effort to challenge what he called the nations one-party system. The tech magnate and former ally of President Donald Trump, who was one of Trumps largest donors during the 2024 election, broke publicly with the president after a fallout over government spending and staffing cuts. Musk had previously led the Department of Government Efficiency, a role aimed at trimming the federal budget and workforce. In a post on X, the social media platform he owns, Musk declared: When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom. Musk cited results from a poll he conducted on Independence Day, asking Americans whether they wanted to move away from the long-standing two-party political structure. More than 1.2 million users responded, with a two-to-one majority in favour of a new political force. You want a new political party, and you shall have it, Musk wrote. The announcement follows a dramatic escalation in tensions between Musk and Trump, particularly after Trump pushed for the passage of a sweeping domestic spending package dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill". Musk harshly criticized the bill and its Republican supporters, accusing them of endorsing debt slavery and betraying their fiscal promises. After the bill passed and was signed into law projected to increase the national deficit by $3.4 trillion over the next decade Musk pledged to fight back by creating an alternative political movement. Trump responded with his own threat, suggesting he might consider deporting Musk, who was born in South Africa and became a U.S. citizen in 2002, and hinted at withdrawing federal funding from Musks companies such as SpaceX and Tesla. 6 July 2025 19:21 (UTC+04:00) The European Union is set to learn on Monday whether President Donald Trump will proceed with plans to impose steep tariffs on EU importsa move that could have significant economic consequences for businesses and consumers across both continents, according to Washingtontimes. Earlier this year, Trump announced a 20% tariff on all EU-made goods, citing trade imbalances. However, shortly after implementing the measure in early April, he temporarily reduced the rate to 10% and delayed full enforcement until July 9, in order to calm markets and allow room for negotiations. Frustrated with what he views as the EU's inflexible stance in ongoing trade talks, Trump has now threatened to raise tariffs to 50%, potentially affecting a wide range of European exportsincluding French cheeses, Italian leather, German electronics, and Spanish pharmaceuticalswith price hikes likely for U.S. consumers. The European Commission, which handles trade for the EUs 27 member states, expressed hopes for a last-minute deal with the U.S. government. If no agreement is reached, the EU says it is prepared to retaliate with counter-tariffs on American products such as beef, beer, car parts, and Boeing aircraft. The EU describes its trade relationship with the U.S. as the most important commercial relationship in the world. In 2024, transatlantic trade in goods and services reached 1.7 trillion ($2 trillion)an average of 4.6 billion per day, according to Eurostat. 6 July 2025 23:07 (UTC+04:00) A lion that escaped from the Land of Lions theme park near Antalya, Turkey, was shot dead on Sunday after attacking a man, according to a statement from the local governor and Turkish media reports. The animal, reportedly named Zeus, broke out of its enclosure in the early hours in Manavgat, approximately 60 km from Antalya. According to BirGun newspaper, the lion attacked Suleiman Kir, an agricultural worker who was sleeping in a pistachio field with his wife. Kir was reportedly injured during a brief struggle with the lion before it fled. His injuries were not life-threatening, and he was treated at a local hospital. Recalling the incident, Kir said he was lying under a blanket to shield himself from mosquitoes and was trying to get up when he felt something touch his foot. "At first, I thought it was a dog. But when I managed to stand, I realised it was something massive," he told the paper. In most fights, the final round trumps the preliminaries. In the race to become the next mayor of Buffalo, its the opposite. With the dust now settled on the all-important Democratic primary, the three remaining candidates on the ballot are beginning to look toward the Nov. 4 general election. State Sen. Sean Ryan defeated Mayor Christopher Scanlon, former Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield Jr., University District Council Member Rasheed Wyatt and community activist Anthony Tyson-Thompson to become the Democratic nominee in the general election last month. The Democratic line, plus a well-tuned fundraising machine built up during his 12 years in the State Legislature, give him a clear advantage over his opponents Michael Gainer, who is running on the independent Restore Buffalo party line, and James Gardner, who is running on the Republican and Conservative lines. With Ryan the primary winner, general election takes shape With state Sen. Ryan's victory in the Buffalo mayoral primary, at least four candidates will be competing in the general election: Ryan on the Democratic line; Mayor Christopher Scanlon on the Good Neighbors independent line; Michael Gainer, who has qualified for the Restore Buffalo party independent line; and Republican candidate James Gardner, who also has the Conservative line. Shawn Donahue, a political science professor at the University at Buffalo, closely watched the primary, one of the most hard-run and chaotic in decades, with five candidates and more than $2 million spent. He said that while anything can happen in politics, all of the signs point to Ryan as the front-runner. The fact that Mayor Scanlon is not going to try to go forward in the general election, I mean, it seems like it would be just nearly impossible for the other candidates, probably, to have a chance at beating Sen. Ryan, Donahue said. The enrollment numbers are stark. In the city, 96,616 people are registered Democrats, more than six times the 15,092 registered Republicans, according to enrollment numbers logged by the Erie County Board of Elections. The second-largest group of registered voters is independent voters at 33,343. In total, Democrats outnumber all other categories combined by nearly 2-to-1, a figure that also includes 1,203 Working Families Party members, another party that endorsed Ryan. Republicans have not run a candidate for mayor since 2013, when Sergio Rodriguez lost to former Mayor Byron Brown by 40 points, and a Republican has not held the office since Chester Kowal left City Hall in 1965. And after Scanlon removed his independent Good Neighbors party line from the general election ballot Scanlon was Ryans closest competitor, trailing him by nearly 3,000 votes, 11% of the vote total it is likely that some campaign contributors to Scanlons primary bid, particularly those who do business with the city, may be ready to put their political giving behind Ryan, seeing him as the likely winner. Donahue said that is not a reflection on Ryan as a candidate, but the normal course of business in political campaign contributions. A lot of folks give money, not because necessarily they really love the candidate, but want influence with the person in office, Donahue said. Despite those advantages, both Gainer and Gardner say theyre confident that they can win. With Democrats ruling city government for so long, people are more concerned with which candidate has solutions for their issues, Gardner said. I dont think they care so much about the party label anymore, because they dont really get that many options, he said. Gainer, who was knocked off the Democratic primary ballot through a lawsuit from the Ryan camp challenging the validity of his nominating petitions, said that while he acknowledges the advantages Ryan has in holding the Democratic line on the ballot and his proven fundraising track record, he believes that voters are receptive to messages that come from people outside the party politics establishment. He pointed to democratic socialist Zohran Mamdanis recent Democratic primary victory in the race for New York City mayor. If you believe that we are underachieving, that we have an immense capacity to do more, to strive for more, to accomplish more, then keep an open mind and consider a vote for me in the fall, he said. Ryan, in written statements, said that despite the advantages he holds, his campaign will continue to work to spread the same messaging that proved successful in the primary. Our campaign is about fixing the basics: filling the potholes, modernizing community centers, building new housing and working with the police to keep our community safe, Ryan said. I want to build a better Buffalo, and I welcome the support of anyone who wants to join us on this mission. Looking forward, Gardner said he plans to concentrate on the basics, including road maintenance and other quality-of-life issues. The Working Families party was not on the ballot in mayoral primaries. It won anyway. Those dually endorsed by the the Working Families Party clinched wins in Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany and New York City on June 24. And similarities abound among the campaigns. And he plans to push for better education options, including through expanded charter and school choice options, as a way to keep young families from moving to the suburbs, which will also help to grow the citys tax base, he said I plan on running unapologetically on a platform of school choice, of alternative education, Gardner said. Gainer said his focus for the summer is on connecting with constituents through a voter registration drive and other efforts. Ive been having a lot of one-on-one conversations with experts in the field in a variety of different areas, and really just trying to flesh out my different specific agenda and platform, he said. Still, according to UBs Donahue, the road will be tough for Gardner and Gainer, as many of the politicians who supported Scanlon in the primary are likely to now support Ryan. Im sure that youll probably see some of the folks that were endorsing Scanlon, if they havent already, probably shifting their support to Ryan for the general election, he said. Statistics all over Europe show that illegal alien migrant "asylum seekers" are much more likely to commit crimes ranging from robbery to rape than the native born population. That embarrasses the left which wants to be "tolerant" of illegal immigration. Now the French left has a solution to their migrant crime problem, legislation to suppress discussion of it in the media. Of course, some left leaning media will do that on their own for ideological reasons, but the left wants to silence everyone. The far left Green Party, joined by some from the far left France Unbowed have introduced a bill to limit discussion of migrant crime in the media. Marine LePen, leader of the populist nationalist anti-immigration right National Rally, and frontrunner in the polls for France's next president, strongly opposed the bill, responding "Political control and concealment of information are hallmarks of totalitarian ideologies" https://rmx.news/article/france-left-wing-mps-introduce-amendment-to-reduce-coverage-of-migrant-crime-stories-claim-right-wing-parties-create-a-moral-panic-around-immigration/ Meanwhile, an analysis of government figures by the UK's Conservative Party shows that illegal alien boat migrants are 24 times more likely to go to prison than native born Brits. https://www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/article/channel-migrants-prison-statistics-p7fpsgxvc Former DUP leader Arlene Foster has confirmed that she will be anchoring GB News coverage of the Twelfth in Northern Ireland this weekend. The broadcaster is focusing on the Coleraine demonstration this year. Mrs Foster has been a regular part of GB News Twelfth coverage. The channel stepped in three years ago after the BBC stopped its live coverage. Last year former Coronation Street actor Charlie Lawson teamed up with Mrs Foster for coverage from Carrickfergus. Commentators also included Trinity College Dublin historian Dr Gavin Hughes, along with GB presenter Dougie Beattie. Posting on X, Ms Foster said: One week to go until the big day. This year @GBNEWS will be bringing you The Twelfth live from Coleraine with all the usual gang. See you then. The former DUP leader moved into broadcasting after resigning her Assembly seat in October 2021, becoming a presenter on GB News. She was given her own programme The Briefing with Arlene Foster which was broadcast on Fridays and regularly appeared on the channels Sunday political magazine show The Political Correction. Last month, the former Stormont First Minister made her Sky News debut on Press Review. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The programme previews the following days newspapers every evening ahead of their publication the following morning. Bands and marchers will take to the streets at 18 locations across all six of Northern Irelands counties to mark the 335th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne. This year, Dundonald will host a Twelfth demonstration for the first time in more than 50 years. It will join 18 other venues across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Ballymena, Kesh, Coleraine, Keady, Coagh, Sixmilecross, Augher, Dromara, Dundrum, Kilkeel, Cullybackey, Rasharkin, Carnlough, Lisburn, Glengormley and Maghera. The Twelfth demonstrations in Northern Ireland follow the traditional Rossnowlagh parade held in Co Donegal which took place on Saturday. The BBC will broadcast its Twelfth highlights at 9pm on Saturday. Its hour-long programme will be presented by Helen Mark, with expert commentary from Dr David Hume and Mervyn Jess. The BBC controversially stopped its traditional live coverage of the parades in 2022. Police have condemned attacks on rescue workers at a bonfire site in Belfast, calling it irresponsible and unacceptable. The fire at East Bridge Street, close to the Albertbridge Road, has been the scene of rioting in the past when Belfast City Council removed wood. This is the first report of any disturbances this year at the bonfire site. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the attack and said while it was reported to police, no one was injured. Police say they received a report of anti-social behaviour in the East Bridge Street area of south Belfast on Saturday, July 5 just before 10pm. Sergeant Dennison said: Officers attended and spoke with Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service who had initially been called to the location to deal with a bonfire that had been lit. They reported on arrival that they had been hit with stones by a group of youths while trying to deal with the fire. On police arrival officers also faced the same. I need to emphasise how completely irresponsible and unacceptable this is, the emergency services are there to keep people safe and should not be faced with this type of behaviour. "I also urge parents and guardians to speak with their children about their behaviour. Some young people are behaving recklessly, dangerously and in some instances criminally with little regard for other members of the public and local residents. Firefighters attacked by youths at bonfire site Vigil takes place in Donaghadee for Sarah Montgomery We all have a responsibility to help make where we live safer for everyone. Ring us on 101, or 999 in an emergency, report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk. The arrested man was also charged with assaulting police officers (Niall Carson/PA) A 31-year-old man has been arrested following a reported stabbing in Londonderry on Sunday morning. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the suspect also assaulted police officers following his arrest. The PSNI said it was first alerted to the reported stabbing by the ambulance service after 9.30am. Officers responding to Faustina Terrace located a man aged in his 40s with a serious wound to his arm. He has been taken to hospital for treatment. Chief Inspector Cathal Pearce said: The suspect was found shortly afterwards in a nearby residential address and arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm. While being detained, he became aggressive with our officers and was further arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault on police. On arrival at custody, he was additionally arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and theft. Mr Pearce added: I want to reassure the local community that this matter was resolved quickly, and the suspect remains in custody. You will continue to see our officers in the area today, carrying out enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident. We would appeal to anyone with information, particularly, dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 487 of 06/07/25. Firefighters have rescued a man from a riverbank in Dunmurry A man has been transported to the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) after falling being rescued from a riverbank in Dunmurry. The NI Ambulance Service (NIAS) received a 999 call at 3:35pm following reports of a person requiring assistance in the Kingsway area of Dunmurry. NIAS despatched an Emergency Crew and a HART crew to the incident. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) was contacted by NIAS to provide assistance to a man who had fallen down a riverbank. One appliance was sent from Lisburn and a specialist rescue team. The man was then extricated from the riverbank by NIFRS and handed over to the care of NIAS. Firefighters have rescued a man from a riverbank in Dunmurry Vigil takes place in Donaghadee for Sarah Montgomery Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was transported to RVH. An Orange order member takes in the sea air as he makes his way towards the beach at Rossnowlagh on July 5, 2025 in Donegal, Ireland.. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Orangemen pictured on the beach for the annual parade in the Co Donegal seaside village of Rossnowlagh. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye An Orange order member gets his umbrella out at Rossnowlagh on July 5, 2025 in Donegal, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Marchers and spectators attending Twelfth events can expect warm weather with a lingering possibility of rain, according to the Met Office. The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has released full details for all parades taking place on the Twelfth of July this year across NI. Thousands of people will take part in parades, with many tens of thousands more spectating. Bands and marchers will take to the streets at 18 locations in Northern Irelands six counties to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne. This year Dundonald will host a Twelfth demonstration for the first time in more than 50 years. It will join other venues including Belfast, Ballymena, Kesh, Coleraine, Keady Coagh, Sixmilecross, Augher, Dromara, Dundrum, Kilkeel, Cullybackey, Rasharkin, Carnlough, Lisburn, Glengormley and Maghera. The Twelfth demonstrations follow the traditional Rossnowlagh parade held in Co Donegal on Saturday. Looking to The Twelfth, Senior Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office, Becky Mitchell, said: At the moment, Saturday is most likely to be dry, warm and sunny with light winds. Temperatures are most likely to be in the low to mid 20s. However there is currently a small chance that rain may start to move in from the west towards the end of the day. An Orange order member gets his umbrella out at Rossnowlagh on July 5, 2025 in Donegal, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) In terms of the overall forecast for the week, Ms Mitchell said: This coming week is expected to be largely dry, and increasingly sunny and warm across Northern Ireland. Monday will be dry and windy with plenty of sunny spells. The wind will make it feel rather cool with a top temperature of 19 Celsius. Tuesday and Wednesday may turn a little cloudier with a few spots of light rain, and temperatures slowly climbing into the low 20s. An Orange order member gets his umbrella out at Rossnowlagh on July 5, 2025 in Donegal, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Vigil takes place in Donaghadee for Sarah Montgomery Thursday, Friday and Saturday are expected to be dry and sunny as high pressure builds in. Temperatures are currently forecast to reach to low 20s in the sunshine, possibly getting close to the mid 20s for the start of the weekend. Sunday is currently uncertain dry and sunny weather may hang on, or we may start to see rain push in from the west. Police received a report that a property was on fire in the Moyglass Place area on Saturday at around 7.45pm.Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph Police are appealing for information after an arson attack on a property in Londonderry. Police received a report that a property was on fire in the Moyglass Place area on Saturday at around 7.45pm. Detective Sergeant Ballantine said: On attendance, along with colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service the cause of the fire has been deemed deliberate. It was reported that two men, possibly wearing red hats, both with their faces covered with scarves had been seen at the property shortly before the fire started and left the area in a silver van. Police received a report that a property was on fire in the Moyglass Place area on Saturday at around 7.45pm.Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph Pro Palestine Action support protest outside High Court No injuries have been reported. We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this or anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist enquiries to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 1244 05/07/25. Police firearms teams responded to an incident where a man was allegedly armed with a knife in west Belfast. Armed response teams alongside the police dog unit, fire service and ambulance service were called to the scene at Beechmount Street after 8pm. The PSNI said it received a report of a man armed with a blade in the Fallswater Street area shortly before 6.55pm on Saturday 5 July. It was reported that the man had made off into the street following an altercation inside a home. Local policing officers immediately attended the area alongside our armed response colleagues, in order to ensure public safety. Large crowds gathered in the area as the incident was ongoing. A police officer said: The suspect was located inside a residential property in the Beechmount Street area; however a prolonged containment and negotiation process followed. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service also attended, and we thank them for their invaluable assistance. The man, aged 22, was arrested just after 9.30pm, on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, two counts of common assault and three counts of criminal damage. He remains in custody at this time. Armed response unit at scene. Photo: Watchroom NI Vigil takes place in Donaghadee for Sarah Montgomery Our enquiries are ongoing, and we would ask that anyone with information, including CCTV , dashcam or other footage, make contact with us on 101. The reference number to quote is 1177 of 05/07/25. More to follow. Yvette Cooper said working with the French was vital to stop boats crossing in the first place (Gareth Fuller/PA) The Home Secretary has hailed the UKs co-operation with France after reports that authorities are using nets in the sea to try and prevent small boats crossing the Channel. The Sun On Sunday reported that French police have been laying nets in the water which could jam boat propellers, in an attempt to reduce the number of crossings. It comes after reports on Friday that French police officers had used knives to puncture a boat off the coast. The Government has repeatedly pushed for French authorities to do more to prevent boats leaving the shore, including changing existing rules to allow police officers to intervene when dinghies are in the water. The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said that no-one should be making these small boat journeys across the Channel, which undermine our border security and put lives at risk. She said that working with the French is vital to stop boats crossing in the first place, and added: Over the last few months we have been working together on new ways to crack down on the criminal gang operations, with the French now bringing in important new tactics to stop boats that are in the water. We need to stop at nothing to boost our border security and deliver our plan for change. There were no crossings on Saturday according to the Home Office, after more than 500 people made the journey on Friday. Earlier this week, the tally pushed past 20,000 for 2025, the earliest point this has happened in a calendar year since data started being recorded in 2018. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said small boat journeys across the Channel undermined the UKs border security and put lives at risk (Ben Whitley/PA) The total for 2025 currently sits at 21,117, according to PA news agency analysis of Home Office data. Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron are set to discuss immigration when they hold a summit later this week. The Prime Minister will meet Mr Macron when he travels to the UK for a state visit. The two leaders spoke on Saturday, and said they hoped to make good progress on the matter in their talks expected on Thursday. Issuing a readout of their conversation, a Downing Street spokesperson said: Turning to the UK-France summit on Thursday, they hoped to make good progress across a wide range of our joint priorities including migration, growth, defence and security. Dignitaries from across the world sent their wishes to the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism (Ashwini Bhatia/AP) The Dalai Lama turned 90 on Sunday, surrounded by thousands of followers. Worshippers thronged the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, where the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has been living in exile since fleeing Chinese rule in Tibet in 1959. Sitting before a packed audience that included hundreds of red-robed monks and nuns who braved incessant rain to see him, he said: When I look back on my life, I see that I have not wasted it at all. I live my life in the service of other sentient beings, he said. Actor Richard Gere, right, kisses the Dalai Lamas hand during the celebrations (Ashwini Bhatia/AP) Dressed in a traditional robe and a flowing yellow wrap, the Dalai Lama was escorted to the temple courtyard by a group of monks, as Tibetan artists beat drums and played bagpipes while senior lamas struck cymbals in his honour. The head of the democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile, Penpa Tsering, raised the Tibetan flag as the musicians played the Tibetan anthem. Recognised worldwide in his red robes and with his wide smile, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th dalai lama, describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. But millions of Tibetan Buddhists worship him as living manifestations of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion. The birthday party capped a week of celebrations, during which the Nobel Peace Prize winner said he plans to reincarnate after his death, ending years of speculation that he might be the last person to hold the role. He also said that the next dalai lama should be recognised as per past Buddhist traditions. Tibetan school children wait in the rain for the Dalai Lamas arrival (Ashwini Bhatia/AP) In the past, the Dalai Lama has said his successor will be born in the free world outside China. But many exiled Tibetans fear China will name its own successor to the Dalai Lama to bolster control over Tibet, a territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled since. China, which views the Dalai Lama as a separatist, has repeatedly said that it alone has the authority to approve the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. It also says it will reject anyone chosen without Beijings consent. Dignitaries including Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and US secretary of state Marco Rubio, sent their wishes to the Tibetan leader. Mr Modi said the Dalai Lama has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline, while Mr Rubio said the Buddhist spiritual leader continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace and compassion. The celebration was also attended by hundreds of followers from around the world including Hollywood movie star Richard Gere. A devotee in her traditional dress folds a ceremonial offering brought for the Tibetan spiritual leader (Ashwini Bhatia/AP) He is the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet, said Mr Gere, as the crowd broke into rapturous applause. In a birthday message on his website on Saturday, the Dalai Lama said he was just a simple Buddhist monk and that he would continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony. Celebrations were also held in Kathmandu, Nepal, where hundreds of Tibetan refugees, monks and foreign diplomats marked the day with Buddhist prayers, chanting and dances. The Dalai Lama was thrust onto the Tibetan throne in 1937. Soon after, Chinese troops swept into his homeland in the 1950s and crushed a failed uprising, forcing him to escape with thousands of his followers to India where he established a government in exile Officials search the grounds of Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River (Julio Cortez/AP) Families have sifted through waterlogged debris and stepped inside empty cabins at an all-girls summer camp ripped apart by flash floods that washed homes off their foundations and killed at least 79 people in central Texas. Rescuers operating in challenging terrain continued their desperate search for the missing, including 10 girls from Camp Mystic. For the first time since the storms began pounding Texas, Governor Greg Abbott said there were 41 people confirmed to be unaccounted for across the state and more could be missing. In Kerr County, home to Camp Mystic and other youth camps in the Texas Hill Country, searchers have found the bodies of 68 people, including 28 children, Sheriff Larry Leitha said on Sunday afternoon. He pledged to keep searching until everybody is found from Fridays flash floods. Four deaths were also reported in Travis County, three in Burnet, two in Kendall and one each in Tom Green and Williamson counties, according to local officials. The death toll is certain to rise over the next few days, said Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety. The governor warned on Sunday that additional rounds of heavy rains lasting into Tuesday could produce more life-threatening flooding, especially in places already saturated. Families were allowed to look around the camp on Sunday morning. One girl walked out of a building carrying a large bell. A man, who said his daughter was rescued from a cabin on the highest point in the camp, walked along the riverbank, looking in clumps of trees and under big rocks. A woman and a teenage girl, both wearing rubber waders, briefly went inside one of the cabins, which stood next to a pile of soaked mattresses, a storage trunk and clothes. At one point, the pair doubled over, sobbing before they embraced. While the families saw the devastation for the first time, nearby crews operating heavy equipment pulled tree trunks and tangled branches from the water as they searched the river. With each passing hour, the hope of finding more survivors became even more bleak. Volunteers and some families of the missing who drove to the disaster zone searched the riverbanks despite being asked not to do so. President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration on Sunday for Kerr County, activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency to Texas. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing, Mr Trump posted on social media. The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26ft on the river in only 45 minutes before daybreak Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue people stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads. Officials said more than 850 people were rescued in the first 36 hours. Debris on a bridge over the Guadalupe River after the flooding (Julio Cortez/AP) Mr Abbott vowed that authorities will work around the clock and said new areas were being searched as the water receded. He declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state. I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines, he said in a statement. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered special prayers for those touched by the disaster. Historys first American pope spoke in English at the end of his Sunday noon blessing, saying I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were in summer camp, in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States. We pray for them. The hills along the Guadalupe River are dotted with youth camps and campgrounds where generations of families have come to swim and enjoy the outdoors. The area is especially popular around the Independence Day holiday, making it more difficult to know how many are missing. We dont even want to begin to estimate at this time, Kerrville City manager Dalton Rice said on Saturday. Fast-moving waters rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, washing away homes and vehicles (Eric Gay/AP) Survivors shared terrifying stories of being swept away and clinging to trees as rampaging floodwaters carried trees and cars past them. Others fled to attics inside their homes, praying the water would not reach them. At Camp Mystic, a cabin full of girls held onto a rope strung by rescuers as they walked across a bridge with water whipping around their legs. Among those confirmed dead were an eight-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was at Camp Mystic, and the director of another camp up the road. Locals know the area as flash flood alley but the flooding in the middle of the night caught many campers and residents by surprise even though there were warnings. The National Weather Service on Thursday advised of potential flooding and then sent out a series of flash flood warnings in the early hours of Friday before issuing flash flood emergencies a rare alert notifying of imminent danger. Gigs this week: Witnessing Coheed and Cambria is an otherworldly experience US shapeshifting sci-fi rockers showcase new album with first gig here since 2008. Shows also from Lisa McHugh, 50 Cent, Camila Cabello and Leo Sayer Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria performs during the 2024 When We Were Young Music Festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on October 19, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada John McGurk Sun 6 Jul 2025 at 11:00 Boundary-pushing US prog rockers Coheed and Cambria are set to make their overdue return to Northern Ireland after a near two-decade-long absence. Dead man walking: Jailed Belfast gangster warned over his 250k debts to Kinahan cartel Cartels still expect payment otherwise Conal Hall will be killed, say underworld sources Conal Hall Sunday Life Investigations Sun 6 Jul 2025 at 08:04 Crime boss Conal Hall has been warned he is a dead man walking over huge six-figure debts to Dublin drugs gangs. From pampered life to porridge as prolific north Belfast cocaine dealer is caged Fast car-loving gangster supplied UDA having once been targeted by loyalists after teenagers death Patrick Auld Sunday Life Reporter Sun 6 Jul 2025 at 10:25 One of Northern Irelands biggest drug barons is back behind bars after admitting possessing cocaine with intent to supply. I owe my career as a music mogul to Gary Moore, reveals Sharon Osbourne Belfast guitar legend was first act she managed when he put trust in her after leaving Thin Lizzy David O'Dornan Sun 6 Jul 2025 at 10:01 Music mogul Sharon Osbourne has revealed her management career took off thanks to late Belfast-born guitar hero Gary Moore. Picture exclusive: Judge warns of last chance for killer sex worker Maggie Headbutt after shes caught with broken bottle We snap elusive criminal Maggie Headbutt for first time since being freed from jail Maggie Henderson outside Belfast Magistrates Court last week Christopher Woodhouse Sun 6 Jul 2025 at 09:48 There was no hiding place for killer prostitute Maggie Headbutt Henderson after a judge gave her one last chance to avoid a potential prison sentence for possessing an offensive weapon. Deep anger in north Belfast community over man who assaulted 18-year-old as she slept A rapist who sexually assaulted an 18-year-old while she slept before laughing in her face about the attack will not be able to return home once he is out of jail. 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. On the same day President Donald Trump signed 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 June 30, 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 percent but is more than $1 billion smaller than the version Healey filed in January, before the federal bill emerged. 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 percent 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 governor's biggest new plans to control state spending will need buy-in from the Legislature. 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 governor's power to trim spending midway through the year only to the executive branch, which according to Gorzkowicz makes up roughly 55 percent to 60 percent 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. Officials are still sifting through the federal megabill, which the U.S. House approved Thursday and Trump signed on 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 Healey's 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 Control's 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 Healey's 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. For every other annual budget since fiscal 2001, at least seven days elapsed between the final Senate enactment vote and the governor's 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. "I'm proud to sign a budget that is fiscally responsible and protects what makes Massachusetts special," Healey said in a statement. "I'm 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." "We are also signing this budget in a moment of great dysfunction in Washington," she added. "The President is poised to sign a bill that's 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. That's what we're focused on delivering." The fiscal 2026 budget increases state spending just shy of 5.4 percent 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. Healey vetoed a combined $130 million from 28 line items, less than the $248 million net spending she struck from last year's 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 Senate's point person for energy and climate policy and the chairman whose committee is reviewing Healey's 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. Barrett said the additional change hinders clean tech at a time when it is talked about as a cornerstone of the state's economy for decades to come and threatens the state's readiness for a post-Trump era. "I don't quite see how it all computes and I'm astounded. I feel that Massachusetts is sending a very weird signal out into the world," Barrett said. "We're not going to see any clean energy progress on the federal front and now we're doing something that would have the effect of doubling the federal assault." An official said Friday afternoon that the administration will use $10 million from an Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs trust fund to bring MassCEC funding to a combined $20 million after the veto. Lawmakers have the power to override any of the governor's 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. 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. 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 Legislature's 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 state's 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. Healey's 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 Senate's 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." BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Gardai have sought to correct a Freedom of Information response they issued, which stated that 76 trainees were rejected after first being admitted to the Garda College in the past year. Following a report on BreakingNews.ie on Sunday based on that FOI response, the Garda Press Office issued a statement on Monday evening which said that "due to an oversight, the response given to the FOI team in relation to a recent FOI query was incorrect." Advertisement It now states that 57 trainees failed to graduate since January 2024. It also said that none of these were for reasons related to the post-admission vetting of candidates. Changes to the vetting procedures were introduced amid growing complaints about backlogs from applicants. The changes allowed applicants to be admitted to the Garda College in Templemore while their vetting was ongoing. Prior to the change, some applicants had been left waiting months, or even years, to hear back regarding their vetting. Candidates from the 2022 and 2023 competitions who were left waiting months, and in some cases years, to find out if they were admitted have previously spoken to BreakingNews.ie about their experience. The Government has committed to recruiting 5,000 new gardai over the next five years. Speaking after new members of An Garda Siochana were sworn in in January, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said: "My focus is on ensuring Ireland is a safer place for everyone. Making sure that An Garda Siochana is at full strength is a core part of that. This Government has made a commitment, and we will recruit at least 5,000 new Gardai over the next five years." Any Irish person, or anyone in the general vicinity of an Irish granny, has most likely heard a random, puzzling superstition or a scientifically questionable cure for a common ailment. From burning ears meaning someone is talking about you, to saluting or waving to a magpie to prevent sorrow, the Irish are superstitious folk. Advertisement And even if you don't believe in these old notions, chances are you know a family member or friend who obeys them and will swerve while driving trying to wave to a singular magpie. So let's dive into some old Irish superstitions and cures, both the well-known ones and the more obscure tales. Broken mirrors, itchy palms, inside out clothes Some of the more well-known superstitions include a broken mirror meaning seven years of bad luck for the person who broke it, itchy palms meaning money, and putting your clothes on inside out being a sign of good luck. According to digitised records in UCD's Irish National Folklore Collection, Duchas, whether money is coming your way or not depends on which palm is itchy. Advertisement Sources from Garryhill, Co Carlow, claim that an itchy left palm means money/good fortune is coming your way, while it's generally thought that an itchy right palm means you will have to pay money out in the near future. There seems to be a pattern when it comes to good luck on the left, bad luck on the right, as a hot or burning left ear means someone is talking good about you, while a burning right ear means someone is talking bad about you. The superstition that putting your clothes on inside out is good luck may have roots in fairy folklore. One way to protect yourself from fairies when walking near a fairy fort was to turn your coat inside out when passing through. Advertisement The 'stray sod' phenomenon sees a person who is walking, usually at night, going astray and losing their sense of direction. This causes them to wander about aimlessly and, in most tales, this lasts until the sun comes up. Some say that it confuses them, and they become disorientated, while others say that it simply feels like they can keep walking and never come across anything. It feels like they never get any further. Poet Sandra Alcosser describes the patch of ground or grass classified as a stray sod as being "charmed by fairies". The victim will find that "the gate is gone and the path erased behind you". Advertisement The only way to get out of a stray sod trance is if someone gets you out of it. You can try and turn your jacket inside out, and walk with your head down, but this may not work. Some other old Irish superstitions include: To dream of a death is the sign of a birth; To dream of a wedding is the sign of a christening; You should wish and bow when you see the new moon for the first time; To dream you lost a tooth means you have lost a friend; To cry on your birthday means you will cry every day of the year; An itchy nose means you will fight with someone. When it comes to magpies, the old saying "one for sorrow, two for joy..." may run through your mind as you wave at one to send the bad luck away. One for sorrow, Advertisement Two for joy, Three for a girl, Four for a boy, Five for silver, Six for gold, Seven for a secret that will never be told. According to TheFadingYear, the rhyme itself was first published in 1780, although like many others it is believed to be much older. Old Irish cures and customs Perhaps the most common and well known old Irish cure is that of using a dock leaf for a nettle sting. Rubbing the affected skin with a dock leaf is said to relieve the pain of the sting. A cure for a sty in the eye, or an otherwise painful/itchy eye, is to rub the sty/eye with a gold wedding ring while saying: "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." Other variations of this method claim that blessing yourself before and after using the ring is enough to get the job done. If you find yourself plagued by a wart, an old Irish cure tells you to bury the head of an eel in the ground and expect your wart to fall off when the eel's head rots. If you're looking for an old, scientifically sketchy cure for jaundice, why not try boiling a worm in milk for nine mornings, then straining off the milk and drinking it. Doesn't sound too appetising, to be honest. Ireland Tales from Irish folklore: People 'carried' by fai... Read More Those suffering with hair loss can breathe a sigh of relief as apparently the cure is as simple as washing the bald parts of the head with sheep's milk. Worth a try! A cure for any physical wound lies in the water of any of the blessed wells across the country, which seems to be the most reasonable out of these cures. Old Irish cures are as fascinating as they are impractical. I would personally love to know how they came about, where they originated from, and whether the reason they are still floating around is due to a good success rate! I suppose there's only one way to find out. The closure of the countrys main prison for housing sex offenders has been recommended as a top priority by a group established to advise the Government on future prison capacity needs. A report by the group has called for the decommissioning of the prison at Arbour Hill in Dublin, which currently houses around 135 long-term prisoners, over the coming decade, although it accepted that it would require a suitable replacement facility. Advertisement It has also recommended that priority should also be given to returning Mountjoy Prison to single-cell occupancy which would require around 210 prisoners currently housed in shared cells to be accommodated elsewhere. Given problems with overcrowding across the countrys prison network, the group urged the Government to urgently explore opportunities to accelerate existing plans for large-scale capital projects and recommended fast-tracking such developments by seeking exemptions from normal funding timescales. It said consideration should be given to prioritising further development of Portlaoise Prison as well as the proposed expansion of the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise. The report noted that there was potential for new prison facilities at Thornton Hall in north Dublin and the redevelopment of the old Cork Prison site. Advertisement On Arbour Hill, the report said that despite its drug-free status and low level of assaults, the age of the prison and the fact that the majority of its buildings are protected structures meant the possibilities for future development were extremely limited. It noted that the prison has a mix of single and double occupancy cells and although in-cell toilet facilities have been provided, they are not partitioned. The report revealed that the countrys prisons were operating at 12 per cent above capacity at the start of 2025, despite some 300 extra prison spaces having been added in recent years. It also observed that the number of assaults on prisoners by other inmates rose by 31 per cent last year against a background of overcrowding in Irish prisons. Advertisement The highest number of people ever in prisons to date was reached on April 15th, 2025, when the prison population was recorded at 5,394 including 276 women. The official prison capacity at the end of 2024 was 4,531, while it is estimated the prison population is likely to exceed 6,000 by 2035. The report observed that some of the worst overcrowding is in the two female prisons with the Dochas Centre in Mountjoy operating at 32 per cent above capacity. However, the female prison in Limerick is the most overcrowded facility in the network of prisons at 48 per cent above capacity. Advertisement For that reason, it recommended that consideration be given to increasing capacity at the two female prisons together with tailored initiatives to support women in the community. The report acknowledged that overcrowding in prisons poses a variety or risks including increased violence and assaults on staff and other prisoners and higher levels of contraband as well as unstructured early releases. It said the Irish Prison Services current capital plan had the potential to accommodate 1,100 additional prisoners between 2024 and 2030 if fully funded with 230 expected to be available by the end of the current year. If fully implemented, it means the prison system will have capacity for 5,614 prisoners by 2030 if all existing prisons remain in use. Advertisement The group has also called for a pilot project to examine the possibility of housing being built on existing prison lands or close to prisons given the very significant challenges identified by released prisoners finding accommodation and the related impact on recidivism levels. Other recommendations include a call for further consideration to be given to the potential requirement for an additional remand facility given the numbers on remand have been rising at a faster rate than the general prison population and the limited capacity to increase numbers at the main remand facility at Cloverhill Prison in Dublin. The group also proposed the establishment of a dedicated medical unit in Mountjoy as well as examining the potential of Mountjoy to pilot a day prison model While the report acknowledged that work was already underway to create additional facilities for elderly prisoners and those with additional medical care needs, the group said it held the strong view that some prisoners should not be kept in a prisoner environment and should be moved to appropriate community facilities. Figures show the annual cost of housing a prisoner was just over 99,000 last year with each additional 100 prisoners estimated at approximately 10 million annually. The group was established in July 2024 by former Justice Minister, Helen McEntee to examine the infrastructural needs of Irelands prison system out to 2035. While the report said it was notoriously difficult to predict the size of prison populations, it noted that an increase in violent and drug-related crimes meant more prisoners require addictions and mental health support with the need for cross-departmental approaches to address such challenges. It stressed that putting people in prison is an expensive option and alternatives exist which are both more cost effective and provide better and more sustainable outcomes. Munster Technological University (MTU) president, Professor Maggie Cusack, has said extending access to third-level education is key to Ireland's positive performance in a new report. A recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report confirmed that Ireland is now the most educated country in the world ahead of Switzerland, Singapore, and Belgium. Advertisement In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Professor Maggie Cusack said: "I think it's a really important report. I think that's a fantastic finding, to say Ireland's the most educated country in the world. I think it's fundamentally important as technological universities and the advent of technological universities are a really exciting and important piece in the evolution of higher education in Ireland. "And we're really mindful of our regional provision and how we provide those skills and that education. We do it in a way where we link really closely with employers, with industries, to make sure that our graduates have the skills required for that evolution. "In the OECD report, it spoke about 54 per cent of the population with a bachelor's degree. You come to the younger part of the population, under 35, you go to 63/64 per cent. That's absolutely incredible. We think back in the history of that; I'm talking about an evolutionary process, you think about the introduction of free second-level education back in the 60s. I see everything that the technological universities are providing. And this real surge in third-level attainment is just a continuum of exactly that." She said regional provision and expanding access to education are two of the key goals of MTU. Advertisement Third-level access "That equality of opportunity is fundamentally important to us and as well as having mechanisms in place to enable members of the population to pursue third-level education, making sure that they're supported is something we're proud of. "We continue to challenge ourselves to say we have to do more and we have to make sure that we are supporting groups of the population who otherwise, traditionally, wouldn't have access to third-level education. "The mission of technological universities aligns with that national trajectory and that increase in third-level access, because we're passionate about the fact that education generally does transform lives. "It widens opportunities and it gives people opportunities for roles which are more highly paid and all of the positive impact that has on society and on the economy." Advertisement MTU is a public technological university consisting of six campuses located in Cork and Kerry. The university was established in January 2021, the result of a merger between two institutes of technology, Cork Institute of Technology and the Institute of Technology, Tralee. Prof Cusack has been president of MTU since it was founded, and she said her goal has been to keep it "student-centric" as the university and its campuses grow. 'Student-centric' "I have to say it's been really fast and there's lots of change still underway as we bring two organisations together, and with six campuses for MTU, that's 18,000 students, 2,000 staff with a really large, complex organisation. "Through all of the changes, it's all about being student-centric and making sure that we're making the best decisions for our learners while we're undergoing transition and transformation, all of the learning, the teaching, the assessment, the research, the links with industry and employers, the opportunities for students for innovation and entrepreneurship. Advertisement "All of those continue, and indeed grow as we become more established as a university, we're doing structural changes and bringing about five faculties across our six campuses and something we're really proud of is the the breadth of the offering, and by that I mean the subject based offering with an outright technological university. "This also includes different routes of access that are available. Sometimes when people think about universities, they may think it's solely related to the traditional school leaver who comes to university and does a four-year honours. Obviously, we have lots of our learners taking exactly that route. Ireland 'We need to become more AI literate', says Irish e... Read More "It's really important to us that we also have the apprenticeship route, which suits other learners and perhaps other subjects. We have Springboard for upskilling and reskilling, so it's about that breadth of subject base that we deliver." Prof Cusack emphasised the work her colleagues do in trying to connect students with employers and businesses while they pursue their education. Advertisement "I'll give you one example. We have what we call an innovation challenge. So different companies may have products or services that they want to modify and they bring the challenge to MTU. So multidisciplinary groups of students, these are mostly undergraduates, come together. "The engineers are working with the graphic designers or the social scientists, and they're coming together and they're pitching back to the companies to say 'here's the answer to your question', but the added value that our students bring out is just outstanding when the students are saying 'you could also do this to make it more sustainabl, and here's something else you could think about'. So those are undergraduates having that opportunity for innovation with live products that are out there on the market, and companies benefiting from that." Funeral Masses in the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore are no longer to be held on Sundays. Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan has issued a letter to all parishes detailing new guidelines due to the growing difficulty in managing the pastoral and liturgical demands of Sunday funerals. Advertisement This decision follows a recent meeting of the Senate of Priests, where clergy voiced their concerns. The main reasons cited for the change are the impact on regular Sunday Mass-goers, who may feel a funeral is being added to or overshadowing the normal liturgy. The difficulty of giving a homily that appropriately reflects both the Sunday readings and the funeral context. Overcrowding in churches and the risk of a family's bereavement being diminished within the larger Sunday celebration. The added strain on clergy already committed to multiple Sunday Masses and other sacraments and the current shortage of priests in the diocese. There were 1,176 funerals held by the Diocese last year and this underscores "the significant workload borne by parish clergyparticularly over weekends when Sunday Masses, baptisms, and other responsibilities are already scheduled, according to the Bishops letter. Bishop Cullinan noted that many parishes have already adopted a policy of not scheduling Sunday funerals. He expresses his hope that the faithful will "understand the pastoral and practical reasons behind this new diocesan norm. However, Bishop Cullinan outlined that in "exceptional pastoral circumstances," such as cemetery closures, flexibility around funerals may be needed. Myles Keogh, born in 1840 in Co Carlow, fought in three wars on two continents in his short life. According to the Dictionary of Irish Biography, Keogh was born on March 25th, 1840, at Orchard House, Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow. Advertisement He was the son of John Keogh, a farmer, and Margaret Keogh (nee Blanchfield). Keogh was educated at the local school in Leighlinbridge, and he may also have later attended St Patrick's College, Maynooth, before leaving Ireland in 1860 to serve in the papal army. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Irish battalion (August 1860) and served under Major Myles O'Reilly and fought with distinction at the siege of Ancona. After the war, with the reduction of the papal army, he managed to retain his commission and served in the company of Irish Zouaves. He left the papal service in February 1862 and was awarded the Medaglia di Pro Petri Sede and the Order of St Gregory the Great by Pope Pius IX for his war service. Advertisement The Dictionary of Irish Biography's David Murphy then recounts that Keogh travelled to America, where the civil war was raging, hoping to obtain a commission in the union army. Armed with letters of introduction from Irish-American friends, Keogh and several other Irish ex-papal officers petitioned officials at the war department. Keogh was commissioned as a captain in April of 1862 and he was made ADC to Dungannon-born James Shields. He subsequently served as an ADC to Generals McClellan, Buford, and Stoneman, and was present at over 80 engagements, including the battles of Port Republic, Cedar Run, Second Bull Run/Manassas, and Antietam/Sharpsburg. Advertisement He fought with Buford's 1st Cavalry Division, which made contact with, and delayed, the confederate army on the first day of the battle of Gettysburg (July 1st, 1863). Keogh was captured in July 1864 with Stoneman while on a raid to Atlanta and he was imprisoned in Charleston, South Carolina. He was later exchanged and served until the end of the war. Brevetted lieutenant-colonel in April 1866, he immediately found himself without a regimental position because of postwar reductions. He again lobbied friends and the war department, and eventually succeeded in gaining a regular army commission as a second lieutenant in the 4th US Cavalry. In July 1866, Keogh transferred into the newly formed 7th Cavalry with the rank of captain. This elite regiment, commanded by Gen. George Armstrong Custer, served in frontier stations throughout the late 1860s and early 1870s. Advertisement Brief return to Ireland Keogh fought in the 186667 campaign against the Oglala Sioux and returned to Ireland on leave (1869), staying with his brother Tom Keogh at Park House, Co Carlow. While there he sorted out financial arrangements for two unmarried sisters, giving them a property in Co Kilkenny that he had inherited in 1863. On his return to the regiment (March 1870) he was given command of I Troop. Keogh's career remains inextricably linked with that of Custer, and he served with him during his last campaign in the summer of 1876. He was with Custer's battalion at the Little Big Horn river in the Montana Territory on June 25th, 1876, and, as the second most senior officer with the detachment, commanded the right-wing column of three troops. Advertisement Death and legacy There has been much debate as to what occurred when Custer engaged the Native American forces just after 3pm that day and, as he and all his men were killed, some doubt must remain. The Dictionary of Irish Biography said modern research and archaeological evidence would suggest that Keogh and his men fought tenaciously and were killed while trying to reach Custer's final position after the right wing collapsed. On June 27th, 1876, members of Gen. Terry's column reached the Little Big Horn battlefield and began identifying bodies. Keogh was found with a small group of his men, surrounded by the evidence of a fierce fight. His was one of the few bodies that had not been mutilated by the Native American force, possibly because of a papal or religious medal that he wore about his neck. Irish-born Lt James Henry Nowlan, a close friend, found Keogh's horse Comanche standing near the body. Comanche, the only army survivor of the battle, was retired and kept with the regiment until his death in 1891; his body was stuffed and is on display at the University of Kansas. The Dictionary of Irish Biography reports that Keogh was apparently responsible for introducing the tune Garryowen to the 7th Cavalry; it is still used as a regimental march. Some Keogh letters and papers, covering the period 186175, are in the possession of the family. There is a stained-glass window in St Joseph's chapel, Tinryland, Co Carlow, commemorating Keogh, his brother Tom, and his sister-in-law Alice Keogh. He is also commemorated by a monument in Leighlinbridge and his name is inscribed on the Little Big Horn battlefield monument. Orchard House is still occupied by members of the Keogh family, and items relating to him, including a dress uniform, are on display in Carlow town museum. Keogh never married but at the time of his death was engaged to a Miss Martin, one of the Throop Martins of Auburn, New York. Initially buried on the battlefield, his remains were disinterred in October 1877 and buried with full military honours in the Throop Martin plot at Auburn cemetery. News / National by Staff reporter Geo Pomona Waste Management has acquired 62 brand-new refuse trucks from Sinotruk Qingdao Heavy Industry Co. Ltd in a major push to clean up Harare and improve waste collection in Zimbabwe's capital.Company partner Delish Nguwaya confirmed the purchase this week, saying the investment marks a significant step in the company's commitment to restore cleanliness and efficiency in the city's waste management system. The trucks were sourced from Sinotruk Qingdao, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China National Heavy Duty Truck Group Co. Ltd, one of China's largest state-owned truck manufacturers."We are on a mission to transform Harare into a clean, modern and well-managed city," said Nguwaya. "This is the first batch of a fleet that will be deployed across the capital as part of a massive clean-up operation. We are responding to the urgent need to clear garbage that has piled up in residential and commercial areas."The move comes amid rising public concern over Harare's deteriorating waste situation, with illegal dumping sites and uncollected refuse becoming a common sight. Geo Pomona, which signed a controversial waste-to-energy deal with the government last year, has pledged to overhaul Harare's sanitation infrastructure and introduce modern waste processing systems.Nguwaya said the trucks will be used not only for routine garbage collection but also to conduct targeted cleaning operations in high-density suburbs, central business districts, and illegal dumpsites.The trucks, equipped with modern refuse compaction technology, will be distributed to key collection points in coordination with city authorities. Training of operators and support staff is also underway.Geo Pomona's efforts have been met with both praise and criticism, with some residents welcoming the visible improvements, while others question the transparency and cost of the public-private partnership deal signed with the City of Harare.Nonetheless, Nguwaya maintains that the company is focused on delivery. "Let our work speak for itself," he said.The deployment of the trucks is expected to begin immediately, with the clean-up blitz targeting some of the city's worst-affected areas first. Scorching temperatures in mainland Europe are not deterring Irish tourists from travelling, travel agents nationwide have found. Temperatures have surged past 44C in parts of Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France. Portugal and Spain recorded their hottest June ever. Advertisement Scientists said the extreme temperatures in the region were related to a "heat dome" over continental Europe. A heat dome is an area of high-pressure air in the atmosphere which gets stuck in place over a region because atmospheric dynamics around it block it from moving. A heat dome results in clear, sunny days, and still conditions with little cooling wind. Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent, heating up at twice the global average according to meteorologists. Current seasonal forecasts for July, August and September indicate Europe is highly likely to experience a warmer than average summer, Dr Samantha Burgess, Strategic Lead for Climate at the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service, told Reuters news agency. Advertisement Mary Denton, chief executive of Sunway Travel, one of the country's largest travel agents, explained that they havent received any queries from customers asking to re-arrange their holiday dates or cancel due to the temperatures at their destination. Ms Denton added: We have a lot of people due to travel this weekend (and) most of our customers will be going to Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Morocco. People are paying attention to whats going around the world but it hasnt put a stop to holidays and it isnt dampening enthusiasm for summer holidays. Holiday resorts and hotels are well prepared and once customers are sensible and follow local advice they will enjoy their time away. Advertisement The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has calculated that Irish people took more than 12 million overnight trips abroad in 2023 - many of them over the summer months. Thomas Britton who owns Marble City Travel in Kilkenny revealed that people are just powering ahead with their planned holidays. They want heat on their bones. Bookings are solid. Mr Britton warned that there are cost implications in postponing or cancelling holidays due to hot temperatures. Travel insurance companies will not cover postponing holidays due to the heat dome across Europe. His remarks were reiterated by travel expert Eoghan Corry, who outlined that holidaymakers cant cancel trips due to the hot temperatures. Insurance will just not cover cancellations due to such temperatures. Unless they can show that the heat will seriously impact their heat with medical letters then insurance companies might consider cancellations or postponements. Crew members aboard a Liberian-flagged ship set ablaze by a series of attacks in the Red Sea have abandoned the vessel after it took on water. The attack marks the first serious assault in the vital corridor for trade after a months-long campaign by Yemens Houthi rebels there. Advertisement Suspicion for the attack on the Greek-owned bulk carrier Magic Seas immediately fell on the Houthis, particularly as a security firm said it appeared bomb-carrying drone boats hit the ship after it was targeted by small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. The rebels media reported on the attack but did not claim it. It can take them hours or even days before they acknowledge an assault. A renewed Houthi campaign against shipping could again draw in US and Western forces to the area, particularly after President Donald Trump targeted the rebels in a major air strike campaign. And it comes at a sensitive moment in the Middle East, as a possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war hangs in the balance and as Iran weighs whether to restart negotiations over its nuclear programme following US air strikes targeting its most-sensitive atomic sites amid an Israeli war against the Islamic Republic. Advertisement It likely serves as a message that the Houthis continue to possess the capability and willingness to strike at strategic maritime targets regardless of diplomatic developments, wrote Mohammad al-Basha, a Yemen analyst at the Basha Report risk advisory firm. The British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre first said that an armed security team on the unidentified vessel had returned fire against an initial attack and that the situation is ongoing. It described the attack as happening 60 miles south west of Hodeida, Yemen, which is held by the countrys Houthi rebels. Authorities are investigating, it said, later adding that the ship was on fire after being struck by unknown projectiles. Advertisement Ambrey, a private maritime security firm, issued an alert saying that a merchant ship had been attacked by eight skiffs while transiting northbound in the Red Sea. Ambrey later said the ship also had been attacked by bomb-carrying drone boats, which could mark a major escalation. It said two drone boats struck the ship while another two had been destroyed by the armed guards on board. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said the ship was taking on water and its crew were abandoning the vessel. The Houthi rebels have been launching missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the region in what the groups leadership has described as an effort to end Israels offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement The groups al-Masirah satellite news channel acknowledged the attack occurred, but offered no other comment on it as it aired a speech by its secretive leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. However, Ambrey said the vessel targeted met the established Houthi target profile. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two of them and killing four sailors. That has greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees 1 trillion dollars of goods move through it annually. US-led ceasefire efforts in Gaza appeared to gain momentum after nearly 21 months of war, as prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said Israel on Sunday will send a negotiating team to talks in Qatar. The statement also asserted that Hamas was seeking unacceptable changes to the proposal. Advertisement US President Donald Trump has pushed for an agreement and will host Mr Netanyahu at the White House on Monday to discuss a deal. Inside Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed 14 Palestinians and another 10 were killed while seeking food aid, hospital officials in the embattled enclave said. And two US aid workers with the Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation were injured in an attack at a food distribution site, which the organisation blamed on Hamas, without providing evidence. Weary Palestinians expressed cautious hope after Hamas gave a positive response late Friday to the latest US proposal for a 60-day truce but said further talks were needed on implementation. Advertisement We are tired. Enough starvation, enough closure of crossing points. We want to sleep in calm where we dont hear warplanes or drones or shelling, said Jamalat Wadi, one of Gazas hundreds of thousands of displaced people, speaking in Deir al-Balah. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Stoyan Nenov/AP) She squinted in the sun during a summer heat wave of over 30C. Hamas has sought guarantees that the initial truce would lead to a total end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Previous negotiations have stalled over Hamas demands of guarantees that further negotiations would lead to the wars end, while Mr Netanyahu has insisted Israel would resume fighting to ensure the militant groups destruction. Advertisement Send a delegation with a full mandate to bring a comprehensive agreement to end the war and bring everyone back. No one must be left behind, Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, told the weekly rally by relatives and supporters in Tel Aviv. Israeli airstrikes struck tents in the crowded Muwasi area on Gazas Mediterranean coast, killing seven people including a Palestinian doctor and his three children, according to Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis. Four others were killed in the town of Bani Suheila in southern Gaza. Three people were killed in three strikes in Khan Younis. Advertisement Israels army did not immediately comment. Separately, eight Palestinians were killed near a GHF aid distribution site in the southern city of Rafah, the hospital said. One Palestinian was killed near another GHF point in Rafah. It was not clear how far the Palestinians were from the sites. Advertisement GHF denied the killings happened near their sites. The organisation has said no one has been shot at its sites, which are guarded by private contractors and can be accessed only by passing Israeli military positions hundreds of metres away. The army had no immediate comment but has said it fires warning shots as a crowd-control measure and only aims at people when its troops are threatened. Another Palestinian was killed waiting in crowds for aid trucks in eastern Khan Younis, officials at Nasser Hospital said. The United Nations and other international organisations have been bringing in their own supplies of aid since the war began. The incident did not appear to be connected to GHF operations. Much of Gazas population of over two million now relies on international aid after the war has largely devastated agriculture and other food sources and left many people near famine. Crowds of Palestinians often wait for lorries and unload or loot their contents before they reach their destinations. The lorries must pass through areas under Israeli military control. Israels military did not immediately comment. The GHF said the two American aid workers were injured on Saturday morning when assailants threw grenades at a distribution site in Khan Younis. The foundation said the injuries were not life-threatening. Israels military said it evacuated the workers for medical treatment. The GHF, a US- and Israeli-backed initiative meant to bypass the UN, distributes aid from four sites that are surrounded by Israeli troops. Three sites are in Gazas far south. The UN and other humanitarian groups have rejected the GHF system, saying it allows Israel to use food as a weapon, violates humanitarian principles and is not effective. Israel says Hamas has siphoned off aid delivered by the UN, a claim the UN denies. Hamas has urged Palestinians not to cooperate with the GHF. GHF, registered in Delaware, began distributing food in May to Palestinians, who say Israeli troops open fire almost every day toward crowds on roads heading to the distribution points. Several hundred people have been killed and hundreds more wounded, according to Gazas Health Ministry and witnesses. The UN human rights office says it has recorded 613 Palestinians killed within a month in Gaza while trying to obtain aid, most of them while trying to reach GHF sites. The war began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Israel responded with an offensive that has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which is led by medical professionals employed by the Hamas government. It does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but the UN and other international organisations see its figures as the most reliable statistics on war casualties. At least 38 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in Israeli air strikes, hospital officials said, as Israels military said it had struck more than 100 targets in the embattled enclave in the past day. The strikes came as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was preparing to fly to Washington for talks at the White House aimed at pushing forward ceasefire efforts. Advertisement Separately, an Israeli official said the countrys security cabinet had, on Saturday night, approved sending aid into the northern part of Gaza, where civilians are suffering from acute food shortages. Meanwhile, in Yemen, a spokesperson for the Houthi rebel group announced in a pre-recorded message that the organisation had launched ballistic missiles targeting Ben Gurion airport overnight. The Israeli military said these had been intercepted. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was preparing to fly to Washington for talks at the White House aimed at pushing forward ceasefire efforts (Leo Correa/AP) US president Donald Trump has floated a plan for an initial 60-day ceasefire that would include a partial release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for an increase in humanitarian supplies allowed into Gaza. The proposed truce calls for talks on ending the 21-month war altogether. Some 20 people were killed and 25 wounded after Israeli strikes hit two houses in Gaza City, according to Mohammed Abu Selmia, the director of Shifa Hospital that services the area. Advertisement In southern Gaza, 18 Palestinians were killed by strikes in Muwasi, an area on Gazas Mediterranean where many displaced people live in tents, officials at Nasser Hospital in nearby Khan Younis told The Associated Press. Five of the dead belonged to the same family, according to the hospital. The Israeli military made no immediate comment on the individual strikes, but said it had struck 130 targets across the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours. It said the strikes targeted Hamas command and control structures, storage facilities, weapons and launchers, and that they had killed a number of militants in northern Gaza. The war began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Advertisement US president Donald Trump has floated a plan for an initial 60-day ceasefire (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Israel responded with an offensive that has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas health ministry. The ministry, which is under Gazas Hamas government, does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The UN and other international organisations see its figures as the most reliable statistics on war casualties. The strikes occur as efforts to reach a ceasefire deal appeared to gain momentum. Mr Netanyahus office said his government would send a negotiating team to Qatar on Sunday to conduct indirect talks, adding that Hamas was seeking unacceptable changes to the proposal. The planned talks in Qatar come ahead of Mr Netanyahus scheduled visit to Washington on Monday to meet Mr Trump to discuss the deal. It is unclear if an agreement will be reached ahead of the Israeli prime ministers White House meeting. Advertisement Hamas has sought guarantees that the initial truce would lead to a total end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Previous negotiations have stalled over Hamas demands of guarantees that further negotiations would lead to the wars end, while Mr Netanyahu has insisted Israel would resume fighting to ensure the militant groups destruction. Russia and Ukraine struck each other with hundreds of drones on Sunday, throwing Russian air travel into disarray days after Moscow launched its largest aerial assault in the three-year-old war. Photos circulating on social media showed crowds huddling at Russian airports including key international hubs in Moscow and St Petersburg, as hundreds of flights were delayed or cancelled due to Ukrainian drone strikes on Saturday and overnight, according to Russias Transport Ministry. Advertisement The flight disruption hit Moscows Sheremetyevo and St Petersburgs main Pulkovo airports. Other airports in western and central Russia also faced disruption. Russian air defences shot down 120 Ukrainian drones during the night-time attacks, and 39 more before 2pm local time on Sunday, Russias Defence Ministry said. It did not say how many had hit targets, or how many had been launched in total. Rescue workers clear the rubble around a house damaged by a Russian strike in Kyiv (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) Early on Sunday, Ukrainian drones injured two civilians in Russias Belgorod region near the border, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said. The Ukrainian attacks came just days after Russia pummelled Kyiv with waves of drones and missiles overnight into Friday, in what Ukrainian officials called the largest such strike since Moscows all-out invasion. Advertisement The seven-hour onslaught killed at least two civilians, wounded dozens more and caused widespread damage, Ukraine said, while Moscow ramped up its push to capture more of its neighbours land. In total, Russia launched 550 drones and missiles across Ukraine that night, according to the countrys air force. The barrages have coincided with a concerted Russian effort to break through parts of the roughly 620-mile front line, where Ukrainian troops are under severe pressure. Large-scale Russian drone strikes on Sunday injured three civilians in Kyiv and at least two in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city in the north east, officials said. A large Russian attack involving Shahed drones also targeted port infrastructure in Mykolaiv in central Ukraine, according to governor Vitaliy Kim. He reported warehouses and the ports power grid were damaged but there were no casualties. Advertisement Hours later, Russia launched a glide bomb and a drone at the front-line town of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine, killing four civilians and injuring a fifth, the prosecutors office said. The drone struck a car in which a married couple were travelling, killing the 39-year-old woman and 40-year-old man on the spot, it said. The proportion of HSC students choosing advanced English has fallen since 2019, leading to about 2000 more students taking standard English last year. A combination of peer pressure and misconceptions around scaling may have driven more students to take standard English instead of the Advanced option last year. About one in three English students (33.8 per cent) studied the advanced course in last years HSC, falling from 35.4 per cent in 2019. In comparison, the proportion of students studying standard English has increased up from 42.8 per cent in 2019 to 44.2 per cent in 2024. It is not just more students who are choosing to study standard English over the advanced course there has also been a large performance gap observed between the two. Thanks for joining us for our live coverage of news in Brisbane and beyond. Well be back tomorrow morning, so please join us. If youre just catching up, here are some of the stories making headlines today: Casino giant Star Entertainments bid to save a deal to sell its stake in Brisbanes Queens Wharf precinct has hit a standstill, with the embattled publicly listed company revealing on Monday it will be forced to cough up nearly $37 million if the sale falls through. The woman mauled by a lion at a south-east Queensland zoo has been described by the organisation as a much loved member of our family with 20 years experience observing keepers at the property. The man accused of a cash for demerit points scheme that police say started through social media in 2021 has been identified as Nicholas John Anforth, 28. He is now facing multiple charges, including fraud and attempting to pervert justice. The investigation into the murder of a Sydney man, whose final moments were captured on CCTV, has led police to a contract crew they allege buried a man alive south-west of Brisbane. A luxury Stretton home with its own cricket pitch and cinema has sold for nearly double its 2021 price after three families went into bat for the keys. And the LNP has doubled and tripled down on its decision to host Olympic rowing on Rockhamptons Fitzroy River, but there could be choppy waters ahead, as Cameron Atfield writes. News / National by Staff reporter Chimanimani, long known for its breathtaking natural wonders such as the majestic Bridal Veil Falls, the iconic Chimanimani Mountains, and the serene Hot Springs, has added a new gem to its portfolio of tourist attractions - Horoni Falls.Tucked away along the Biriiri River in Chinamira Ward, the little-known Horoni Falls has begun capturing the imagination of local visitors and religious groups alike. The waterfall, bearing a remarkable resemblance to the Bridal Veil Falls, is emerging as a favourite destination for spiritual retreats, picnics, and nature-based escapades.Local villager Mwahamba Ndikiyana, who has lived in the area for six decades, said the discovery of Horoni Falls' potential came as a surprise."I am now 60 years old, and I never thought this phenomenon in our ward could be a tourist attraction," he said."I only discovered the potential about five years ago when people, especially from the diaspora, started visiting the place. That's when I began to appreciate the value of these falls."The site's rising popularity has been driven in part by domestic travellers, especially youth groups from churches who find spiritual solace in the secluded location. One such visitor, Charity Dzingire from Bulawayo, described her experience during an Easter church camp as unforgettable."Standing before these hidden falls, I felt like I had stepped into a secret whispered only by nature," she said."These falls reminded me that the most powerful beauty often lives where few dare to look."Despite the growing attention, Horoni Falls remains largely undeveloped. There are no proper roads leading to the site, and basic amenities such as toilets and shelters are non-existent. Dzingire called on government departments and tourism players to step in and invest in the development of the area."With a little effort, this place could empower our communities and become a true tourist magnet," she said.Chimanimani district development coordinator Elisha Mushayavanhu expressed surprise when asked about Horoni Falls."Will check, not aware," he said in a brief response.Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, who has advocated for the promotion of heritage and community-based tourism since taking office in 2023, was unavailable for immediate comment, saying she was "very busy" and would respond "in good time."Her ministry has in recent months encouraged the discovery and promotion of hidden gems across Zimbabwe, crediting a 4% growth in tourism revenue between 2023 and 2024 to increased domestic travel and rural tourism development.As Zimbabwe pushes forward with plans to make tourism a key pillar in its economic transformation agenda, locations like Horoni Falls show that some of the country's greatest opportunities lie off the beaten path - waiting to be discovered, preserved, and shared with the world. Eva Osborne Myles Keogh, born in 1840 in Co Carlow, fought in three wars on two continents in his short life. According to the Dictionary of Irish Biography, Keogh was born on March 25th, 1840, at Orchard House, Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow. He was the son of John Keogh, a farmer, and Margaret Keogh (nee Blanchfield). Keogh was educated at the local school in Leighlinbridge, and he may also have later attended St Patrick's College, Maynooth, before leaving Ireland in 1860 to serve in the papal army. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Irish battalion (August 1860) and served under Major Myles O'Reilly and fought with distinction at the siege of Ancona. After the war, with the reduction of the papal army, he managed to retain his commission and served in the company of Irish Zouaves. He left the papal service in February 1862 and was awarded the Medaglia di Pro Petri Sede and the Order of St Gregory the Great by Pope Pius IX for his war service. The Dictionary of Irish Biography's David Murphy then recounts that Keogh travelled to America, where the civil war was raging, hoping to obtain a commission in the union army. Armed with letters of introduction from Irish-American friends, Keogh and several other Irish ex-papal officers petitioned officials at the war department. Keogh was commissioned as a captain in April of 1862 and he was made ADC to Dungannon-born James Shields. He subsequently served as an ADC to Generals McClellan, Buford, and Stoneman, and was present at over 80 engagements, including the battles of Port Republic, Cedar Run, Second Bull Run/Manassas, and Antietam/Sharpsburg. He fought with Buford's 1st Cavalry Division, which made contact with, and delayed, the confederate army on the first day of the battle of Gettysburg (July 1st, 1863). Keogh was captured in July 1864 with Stoneman while on a raid to Atlanta and he was imprisoned in Charleston, South Carolina. He was later exchanged and served until the end of the war. Brevetted lieutenant-colonel in April 1866, he immediately found himself without a regimental position because of postwar reductions. He again lobbied friends and the war department, and eventually succeeded in gaining a regular army commission as a second lieutenant in the 4th US Cavalry. In July 1866, Keogh transferred into the newly formed 7th Cavalry with the rank of captain. This elite regiment, commanded by Gen. George Armstrong Custer, served in frontier stations throughout the late 1860s and early 1870s. Brief return to Ireland Keogh fought in the 186667 campaign against the Oglala Sioux and returned to Ireland on leave (1869), staying with his brother Tom Keogh at Park House, Co Carlow. While there he sorted out financial arrangements for two unmarried sisters, giving them a property in Co Kilkenny that he had inherited in 1863. On his return to the regiment (March 1870) he was given command of I Troop. Keogh's career remains inextricably linked with that of Custer, and he served with him during his last campaign in the summer of 1876. He was with Custer's battalion at the Little Big Horn river in the Montana Territory on June 25th, 1876, and, as the second most senior officer with the detachment, commanded the right-wing column of three troops. Death and legacy There has been much debate as to what occurred when Custer engaged the Native American forces just after 3pm that day and, as he and all his men were killed, some doubt must remain. The Dictionary of Irish Biography said modern research and archaeological evidence would suggest that Keogh and his men fought tenaciously and were killed while trying to reach Custer's final position after the right wing collapsed. On June 27th, 1876, members of Gen. Terry's column reached the Little Big Horn battlefield and began identifying bodies. Keogh was found with a small group of his men, surrounded by the evidence of a fierce fight. His was one of the few bodies that had not been mutilated by the Native American force, possibly because of a papal or religious medal that he wore about his neck. Irish-born Lt James Henry Nowlan, a close friend, found Keogh's horse Comanche standing near the body. Comanche, the only army survivor of the battle, was retired and kept with the regiment until his death in 1891; his body was stuffed and is on display at the University of Kansas. The Dictionary of Irish Biography reports that Keogh was apparently responsible for introducing the tune Garryowen to the 7th Cavalry; it is still used as a regimental march. Some Keogh letters and papers, covering the period 186175, are in the possession of the family. There is a stained-glass window in St Joseph's chapel, Tinryland, Co Carlow, commemorating Keogh, his brother Tom, and his sister-in-law Alice Keogh. He is also commemorated by a monument in Leighlinbridge and his name is inscribed on the Little Big Horn battlefield monument. Orchard House is still occupied by members of the Keogh family, and items relating to him, including a dress uniform, are on display in Carlow town museum. Keogh never married but at the time of his death was engaged to a Miss Martin, one of the Throop Martins of Auburn, New York. Initially buried on the battlefield, his remains were disinterred in October 1877 and buried with full military honours in the Throop Martin plot at Auburn cemetery. News / National by Staff reporter Political activists and opposition leaders in Matabeleland have called on the government to immediately halt the ongoing Gukurahundi public hearings, citing concerns over their lack of transparency and the emotional trauma inflicted on survivors and families of victims.The hearings, spearheaded by traditional leaders as per a 2019 resolution following a meeting between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Matabeleland Collective, have drawn widespread criticism from civil society and opposition parties who argue that the process is flawed and excludes the voices of key stakeholders.Zapu leader Sibangilizwe Nkomo last week filed an urgent application at the Bulawayo High Court seeking to stop the hearings, but the case was dismissed for lack of urgency. In a further blow to his efforts, police reportedly barred Nkomo from addressing journalists outside the court.The hearings are meant to provide a platform for victims and their families to share testimonies from the early 1980s Gukurahundi massacres, when the late former president Robert Mugabe deployed the North Korea-trained 5 Brigade to suppress dissent in Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands. Human rights groups, including the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, estimate that over 20,000 people were killed during the campaign of terror, which Mugabe later referred to as "a moment of madness."Zapu deputy spokesperson Joakim Moyo described the current hearings as a "circus," accusing the government of abusing state resources and shielding perpetrators from accountability."The ranting by the Chiefs Council deputy president Fortune Charumbira makes the whole thing a circus, a way of abusing state funds on bloated ego intentions," Moyo said. "If the late vice president Joshua Nkomo were alive today, he would have rejected this process."Moyo said the government's failure to pursue justice and transparency amounted to a betrayal of the victims, adding that Zimbabwe remains trapped in a cycle of denial and political manipulation."We need open brains, tolerance, and truth. Only then will peace locate and find us," he said.United Movement for Devolution (UMD) leader Lovemore Moyo echoed the concerns, warning that the process is heavily politicised and fails to centre the voices of survivors."We submit that the resolution of the Gukurahundi genocide and its effects must be depoliticised and be inclusive of all stakeholders," said Moyo."Our well-considered opinion is that the views of the Gukurahundi victims must take precedence over those from the government. The wishes of the victims must guide the roadmap to resolution."President Mnangagwa, who served as State Security Minister during the Gukurahundi era, has previously pledged to address the atrocities and facilitate national healing. However, critics say his administration has made little meaningful progress, and accuse it of attempting to sanitise history through a tightly controlled process.Calls are now growing for the process to be reopened, restructured, and led by independent, neutral actors - with full involvement from affected communities, civil society, and international observers.For many in Matabeleland, the path to healing remains blocked by secrecy, political interests, and a deep mistrust of the state. THERE was a joyful and emotional day for the Ukrainian community in Carlow, marking the first anniversary of the Ukrainian Saturday School and the official opening of the Ukrainian educational and cultural centre, The Wings. Held each week at Carlow Methodist Church, the school supports Ukrainian children in preserving their language and staying connected to their culture and heritage. Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland Gerasko Larysa and Cynthia Ni Mhurchu MEP The celebration brought together students, parents, teachers, volunteers and members of the church community for a heartwarming day of unity and resilience. Among the honoured guests were Her Excellency Gerasko Larysa, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, cathaoirleach of Carlow Co Council Fergal Browne, mayor of Carlow Fintan Phelan, MEP Cynthia Ni Mhurchu, cllrs Andrea Dalton and Adrienne Wallace, and Rev Katherine Kehoe. The Flowers of Ukraine Choir from Baltinglass The event featured a vibrant concert where children performed Ukrainian songs, dances, poetry and music, while also showcasing their beautiful artwork. In a touching moment, ambassador Gerasko presented a certificate of appreciation to Carlow Methodist Church for its incredible support and hospitality towards Ukrainians displaced by war. Attendees at the first anniversary of the Ukrainian Saturday School and the official launch of the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Centre 'Wings' A highlight of the day was the presentation of end-of-year certificates of achievement to the children a proud and joyful moment for families and teachers alike. The celebration continued with performances by the Flowers of Ukraine choir from Baltinglass, whose traditional songs filled the hall with warmth. Guests then shared a traditional karavay cake a symbol of warmth, unity and welcome in Ukrainian culture. Baked with eggs, butter, raisins and love, it brought everyone together to close the event on a sweet and meaningful note. This special day was a reminder of community, culture and the strength to be found in togetherness. A MORAL compass offers direction informed by values. Christianity is a wonderful moral compass, based on Gospel values of faith, hope and love. I found recent majority votes regarding abortion up to 40 weeks and the proposed legalisation of euthanasia in the English parliament very depressing. Society without a moral compass quickly disregards the integrity of all human life, from the cradle to the grave, from the womb to the tomb. Humanity is a rich blessing, but must not be defined by productivity; rather its gift is the very essence of who we are: made in Gods image and likeness. Despite the secularisation of western culture, music, film, drama, poetry and literature draw from the wellsprings of spirituality and faith. An example are some of the best-known movies. The cinematic classic The Shawshank Redemption was released over 30 years ago. The film did not connect with filmgoers at the time of its release. However, it is now one of the most beloved films ever made. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of its release, Sean Rocks discussed the continued popularity and artistic merits of the movie with Stan Benedict on the Arena programme on RTE1 recently. It is one of my favourite movies; I have often reflected on the reason for its popularity. The film presents the hero as a Christ-figure and uses Gospel allegories throughout to explore the central theme. I find it intriguing in a culture so endemically secular that Christian spiritual/religious themes still resonate so profoundly with millions throughout the world. The storyline of the film, adapted from a Stephen King novel, is about a banker, Andy Dufresne, who, although innocent, is sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for murdering his wife and her lover. He is incarcerated in Shawshank State Prison, an oppressive high-walled complex; the grey granite walls symbolise the utter cruelty of, and the dehumanising system that is, Shawshank. The prison is a metaphor for a world with so much suffering and cruelty, a world where darkness threatens to destroy any hope of redemption. Andy Dufresne functions as a paradigmatic Christ or Redeemer figure. Though innocent, he is a victim of the sinfulness of others. Not long after Andys arrival at Shawshank, the film begins to portray his Christ-like features. After meeting Warden Norton, Andy stands naked in a cross pose as the guards hose him down. When reflected on in a Gospel light, this baptism signifies Andys rebirth; descending into the sinful, treacherous halls of the prison, his path as Christ begins. Warden Norton impresses upon Andy that life in prison is based on the Bible and discipline. The warden is truly corrupt, inhumane and callous. For many reasons, he represents Pharisee figures in the Gospel who are fixated on the law of God, on rules and regulations, and lack any compassion. Andys presence raises the spirits of his fellow prisoners. He serves as a beacon of hope, a role model able to fulfil what they can only dream of hope and redemption. Andy befriends a fellow prisoner called Red, a fixer who can get things. Andy asks him to smuggle in a small rock hammer, implying that he is a craftsman, just as Jesus was. He uses it to dig out a hole through the cell wall, which will ultimately enable him to escape. He hides the hammer in the Bible given to him by the warden. We become aware at the end of the film that the Bible where the hammer is concealed opens at the Book of Exodus, which features the liberation and redemption of Hebrew slaves by God. Through his financial expertise, Andy is able to secure funding from the state to improve the library and phonographic facilities for the inmates. He also secures some cold beers for fellow prisoners. The scene had a miraculous feel to it, suggesting or hinting at the miracle of loaves and fishes, where the disciples experienced healing, dignity restored and inclusion. One of the most powerful scenes in the film is one where Andy plays a recording of the famous duet from Mozarts opera The Marriage of Figaro over the prison PA system. The entire prison is captivated by the music; Red reflects: I have no idea to this day what those two Italian ladies were singing about. Truth is, I dont want to know. Some things are best left unsaid. Id like to think they were singing about something so beautiful, it cant be expressed in words and makes your heart ache because of it. I tell you, those voices soared higher and farther than anybody in a grey place dares to dream. It was like some beautiful bird flapped into our drab little cage and made those walls dissolve away and, for the briefest of moments, every last man in Shawshank felt free. It was a moment of transfiguration, reminiscent of the transfiguration scene in the Gospels where the disciples caught a glimpse of what Jesus was offering. The Gospel message, of course, pivots not just on the life of Jesus but on his death and resurrection. Andy suffers much in the prison, but the final crucifixion is two months in the isolation of the hell hole. Back in his cell that night, he escapes, going into the tomb of a long 500-yard sewage pipe and emerging in a new life (of resurrection) into waters of freedom, standing again in a cross pose but now bathed in light. His resurrection is completed through his ascension to the idyllic paradise of a small village on the wide expanse of the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Red later joins Andy to share in this new life of resurrection. They met on the shore just as the risen Jesus met with the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and invited them to continue his mission. Meanwhile, Andys disciples, bereft at the loss of their redeemer, continue to find solace and encouragement from the memory of what he achieved for them. They were writing their own gospel. The Shawshank Redemption proclaims a profound message of hope that obviously resonates deeply with so many people today. Maybe the film can also reassure Christians of the universal appeal of the Gospel message. A wonderful question is asked in the celebrated film: do we get busy living or get busy dying? I propose in these long summer days, when green things grow and summer blooms announce with great joy the gift of Gods creation, that we live our lives to the full. May we own and value our moral compass, and may our pathways be level and smooth. Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Annabel Podevyn U.K. lawmakers finalized the passage of the Terminally Ill (Adults) Bill on Friday, which will legalize assisted dying in England and Wales under specific conditions. During the third reading in the House of Commons, the bill received 314 votes in favor, 291 against, with 39 abstentions, passing with a narrow majority of only 23 MPs. It is expected to become law pending approval from the House of Lords. The legislation, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater and initially approved in December 2024, permits terminally ill adultsthose with a prognosis of six months or lessto request and receive assistance to end their lives, provided certain safeguards are met. The bill stipulates that a terminally ill person can make a decision to end their own life if they have the capacity, aged 18-plus, reside in England or Wales for at least 12 months, and are registered with a local doctor. Approvals from two doctors and a decision panel, which must include a senior attorney, psychiatrist and a social worker, are required. The Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) issued a statement lamenting the decision and calling Christians to remain anchored in the hope found in Jesus Christ. The spokesperson issued a press statement asserting, this week, our nation has walked across the Rubicon, lamenting not only the legalization of assisted dying but also referring to the decriminalization of abortion, according to Christian Daily International. He added, Each of these votes serves to unravel the cords that bind society to life, to truth, and to love. All peoplepeople made in the image of Godhave lost their right to the States protection of their life from the womb to their last natural breath. For our first nine months in utero, and in our last months and years of life, we will no longer share the same protection from intentional killing that, for generations, all of us have lived enjoying and expecting. The CMF also emphasized the importance of hope in Jesus Christ for Christian opponents of the bill, reflecting on this dark day for our nation and consider what comes next. The bill was previously examined by a cross-party committee with 23 MPs, and a number of amendments were made at the committee stage. During the second reading, it was further discussed in the House of Commons. The legislation specifies that the decision to request assisted dying can only be allowed if he or she has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life, and has made the decision that they wish to end their own life voluntarily and has not been coerced or pressured by any other person into making it. News / National by Staff reporter Retired Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officer Colonel Claudius William Makova has died. He passed away early this morning following a short illness.Makova had been receiving treatment at Hippo Valley Hospital, where he was recently discharged before his condition suddenly deteriorated. His death was confirmed by his nephew, Mr Mac Makova, who said the family was devastated by the loss."Yes, it is true. My uncle, Retired Colonel Claudius Makova, has passed on," said Mr Makova. "He had not been well and was admitted at Hippo Valley Hospital. He had just been discharged, but unfortunately, he passed away this morning."Retired Colonel Makova was a respected figure in the military, having served with distinction in the Zimbabwe National Army before his retirement. He was known for his discipline, patriotism, and commitment to service, although full details of his career are expected to be released by family and military colleagues in the coming days.Mourners are currently gathered at the family home in Chiredzi to pay their respects.Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised and will be announced in due course. Photo Credit: Unsplash/ David Restrepo Colombian authorities announced on Tuesday the discovery of a mass grave in a rural area of Calamar municipality, Guaviare department. The victims, residents of Arauca, were engaged in humanitarian and spiritual work in that region when they mysteriously disappeared. According to initial reports from the prosecutor's office, these leaders were summoned in April by FARC dissidents, specifically by the Armando Rios Front under orders from alias Ivan Mordisco. It is believed that the crime was an effort to prevent the emergence of an ELN cell, although there is no evidence linking the victims to the guerrilla group. The victims identified are James Caicedo, Oscar Garcia, Maryuri Hernandez, Maribel Silva, Isaid Gomez, Carlos Valero, Nixon Penaloza, and Jesus Valero. All of them are members of the Evangelical councils Alianza de Colombia and Cuadrangular. The investigation was enabled by the capture of a guerrilla in May, whose mobile phone contained photographs of the detained leaders and images of the crime, which led to the location and exhumation of the grave. In response to this atrocity, the Evangelical Confederation of Colombia (CEDECOL) issued a statement condemning the crime and expressing solidarity with the families and Christian communities mourning the loss. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the killings, calling them a serious violation of human rights, and urged for increased government presence and security in regions affected by conflict. A daughter of one of the victims told SEMANA, the call we make to the Petro government is to be present and to avoid this type of situation, because two armed groups are disputing the territory and the one that is in the middle is the peasantry and there is no response from the State. There is no protection from the State. In other words, here we are really alone in a war between two armed groups, he explained. Meanwhile, international organizations such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed concern that crimes like these silence essential voices and worsen the humanitarian crisis in rural areas. The situation of public order remains highly unstable, with threats from dissident groups extending even to local government officials. According to data from the Institute of Studies for Development and Peace (Indepaz), this case is considered the largest massacre in Colombia for 2025, with over 30 cases of multiple homicides recorded in rural areas, especially in regions plagued by territorial disputes between FARC and ELN dissidents. Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Jack Sharp A recent survey from the Pew Research Center reveals that while most Americans support allowing teachers to lead students in prayer to Jesus in schools, opinions on the issue vary significantly by state. The data, derived from responses collected between July 17, 2023, and March 4, 2024, from the 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study involving 36,908 U.S. adults. It shows that overall, 52% of Americans support allowing teachers to lead their classes in prayers that refer to Jesus, with 27% strongly in favor of this idea, whereas 46% of those surveyed oppose letting teachers lead their classes in such prayers, with 22% strongly opposing the idea. In a detailed analysis, Pew Research Associate Chip Rotolo noted, In 22 states, more adults say they favor allowing teachers to lead their classes in prayers that refer to Jesus than say they oppose it, while In 12 states and the District of Columbia, more adults say they oppose allowing teachers to lead their classes in prayers that refer to Jesus than say they favor it. Support for explicitly Christian prayer in schools was highest in Mississippi (81%), followed by Alabama (75%), Arkansas (75%), Louisiana (74%), and South Carolina (71%). Other states with a majority in favor included Kentucky (67%), Oklahoma (67%), West Virginia (67%), Tennessee (66%), South Dakota (65%), Georgia (63%), North Carolina (61%), North Dakota (61%), and Texas (61%). Smaller majorities supported such prayer in Indiana (58%), Kansas (58%), Missouri (57%), Florida (56%), Delaware (56%), Nebraska (56%), Wyoming (56%), Idaho (55%), New Mexico (54%), Arizona (53%), Michigan (53%), and Ohio (53%). Most states with a majority supporting Christian school prayer also voted overwhelmingly for Trump, with exceptions like Delaware and New Mexico, which backed Democrat Kamala Harris, along with Arizona and Michigan, which narrowly supported Trump. In states like Virginia, which narrowly supported Harris, 52% of those surveyed supported Christian school prayer, while 46% opposed it. In Iowa and Pennsylvania, where Trumps support was strong, 51% of adults expressed support for Christian school prayer, with 46% opposed. Maryland reporting that 50% of adults, a state that overwhelmingly backed Harris, supported Christian school prayer, while 48% took the opposite position. Similarly, in the swing state of Nevada and the blue state of Rhode Island, 50% of adults favored school prayer, with 49% respectively opposed. In Alaska, a red state, exactly one-half (50%) of respondents opposed Christian school prayer, while 49% supported it. In Hawaii, a blue state, support and opposition were split at 46% and 50%. Montana, a red state, and Wisconsin, classified as purple, had opposition levels at 51%, with support at 47%. Opposition to explicitly Christian school prayer was most pronounced in Washington, D.C., where 69% opposed it. Other areas with high opposition included Oregon (65%), Vermont (64%), Washington state (61%), Connecticut (60%), New Hampshire (60%), Minnesota (59%), Massachusetts (58%), Colorado (58%), California (56%), Maine (55%), Utah (54%), Illinois (54%), New Jersey (53%), and New York (53%). When the survey respondents were asked about supporting prayers that refer to God but are not tied to any specific religion, 57% expressed support for allowing public school teachers to lead such prayers. Support for generic school prayer was most prevalent in conservative states, with Mississippi showing 77% support, Arkansas 76%, Alabama 74%, Louisiana 74%, South Carolina 74%, and Tennessee 69%. Furthermore, with the exception of Georgia (68%), North Carolina (64%), where a supermajority favored the practice, and Delaware (60%), where a majority supported it, most states where a large number of adults supported generic school prayer also voted for Trump by double-digit margins. Also, Support for such prayer among adults was found in states including Arizona (59%), Kansas (59%), Idaho (58%), Missouri (58%), Michigan (57%), New Mexico (57%), Ohio (57%), Iowa (56%), Pennsylvania (56%), Virginia (56%), Nevada (55%), Rhode Island (55%), Utah (55%), Alaska (54%), and Maryland (54%). The 52nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (PCA) in America held in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on June 23 -27, 2025. | Screenshot: YouTube/ PCA The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) has voted to establish a committee to study the nature and influence of Christian nationalism within the denomination. During the business session on Thursday afternoon, a commissioner from the Central Florida Presbytery requested that all overtures from the committee be approved with 95 votes in favor. In response, several overtures, including two focused on studying Christian nationalism, were put to a vote and overwhelmingly approved with 1,708 in favor and only 28 opposed. Overture 3, titled Erect Ad Interim Committee on Christian Nationalism and originated from the Arizona Presbytery, called for the creation of a committee to study the relationship between Christian Nationalism, Theonomic Reconstructionism, and similar viewpoints deemed necessary by the committee. The overture also stated that further, the committee shall advise on whether these viewpoints and formulations are in conformity with the system of doctrine taught in the Westminster Standards or where they may diverge from the system of doctrine, and that the committee shall write a report that gives pastoral guidance when addressing congregations, new members, and future officers of the PCA. Overture 4, titled Erect Ad Interim Study Committee on Christian Nationalism and submitted by the South Texas Presbytery, addressed ongoing debate within the PCA about the relationship of church and state that has occurred under the broad term of Christian Nationalism. The overture explained that there has been disagreement and confusion regarding what these various viewpoints actually teach; these variations have caused confusion, division, and dissension among the congregants of PCA churches and disturbed PCA pastors and officers. It also included that further, the committee shall advise on whether these viewpoints and formulations are in conformity with the system of doctrine taught in the Westminster Standards or where they may diverge from the system of doctrine. A third overture, known as Overture 47 and originating from the Great Lakes Presbytery, which called for the formation of a study committee, was passed during the Thursday evening session with a vote of 1,008 in favor and 333 against. A prisoner being baptized during an outreach event led by Victory Christian Center at the John H. Lilley Correctional Center in Boley, Oklahoma, last week. | Photo Credit: Facebook/ Victory Church More than 700 inmates and prison staff gathered last week at the John H. Lilley Correctional Center in Boley, Oklahoma, for a large-scale outreach event led by Victory Christian Center. Organized by Pastor Paul Daugherty and a team of 32 volunteers, the event featured worship, preaching, baptisms, and the distribution of hot meals, Bibles, and Christian books. According to the church, 41 individuals were baptized, and over 400 men made profession of faith during the event. Today was a blessing beyond words," the church shared on Instagram afterward. "We were welcomed into an Oklahoma mens prison to share the hope of Jesus! God moved powerfully through salvations, baptisms, and life-changing moments of connection. His LOVE truly knows no walls or limits. The outreach served 1,000 hot meals, distributed 700 Bibles, handed out 620 copies of New Life, and 710 Words That Change the World booklets. Additionally, 100 gift bags were given to prison staff through a partnership with CityServe Oklahoma. Daugherty told CBN News that the idea for this outreach started just three months ago when he felt God prompting him to reach those behind bars. I was like, man, I really feel like there's a harvest of people in the prisons that we could reach with God's love that [only a few] churches in our city [are] really going after, he said. I really want[ed] to reach almost every prisoner we can in an outreach. A connection with Oklahoma Chief Operating Officer Brian Bobek, a Christian who had begun attending Victory Christian Center, opened the door to entering the prison system. On June 23, the team launched the outreach on a dry field inside the facility, where 751 inmates ultimately gathered to hear the Gospel. When I saw them getting out of their pods and walking towards the field ... I just started weeping, Daugherty recalled. This looks like a picture out of the Bible when Jesus saw that village of Samaritan people. He said the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. I saw all these [inmates] walking towards us like zombies ... literally coming out of [the prison with] depression and despair and discouragement and shame, he added. Despite some initial fear about standing in the middle of 751 prisoners with no handcuffs, Daugherty said he felt assured that he was where God wanted him. I just started hugging them and shaking their hands and praying for them, and then I did an altar call. Over 400 hands went up, he shared. Daugherty believes this outreach is just the beginning. Weve already lined up the prisons for the fall and the winter, he stated. Prisons started calling that they want [us] to come. Reflecting on the experience, he said, Theres a deep hunger for something real, both inside and outside of prison walls. I think people are really waking up to the reality that our world ... is so broken. Theres just so much shallowness. Jesus is that answer. Victory Christian Center aims to expand its prison outreach efforts in the coming months. According to DOJ statistics, approximately 1.8 million men and women are currently incarcerated in the U.S., and about 1.5 million children have an incarcerated parent. Home News Who were the Anabaptists? This year marks 500th anniversary of movement's founding 2025 is a year of anniversaries. From the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed to the 80th anniversary of VE Day, there are many milestones to reflect on. Another one is the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Anabaptist movement a chapter in Christian history that is not so well known. Who were the Anabaptists? The Anabaptists were radical reformers who emerged during the Protestant Reformation. Unlike other reformers who sought to revise the existing church structures, Anabaptists envisioned an entirely new kind of Christian community one rooted not in state power or tradition, but purely in the radical teachings of Jesus. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The term Anabaptist was a label imposed by their critics. It literally means re-baptiser and comes from the Greek words ana (again) and baptizein (to baptise). Anabaptists rejected infant baptism, arguing that baptism should only follow a personal and conscious profession of faith in Christ, which infants, they said, could not do. In their view, they were not re-baptizers but rather baptizing properly for the first time. How did the movement begin? The Anabaptist movement began in 1525 in Zurich, Switzerland, when reformers Conrad Grebel, Felix Manz, and George Blaurock (also known as Jorg vom Haus Jacob) broke away from the mainstream Protestant leaders like Ulrich Zwingli. Although all were part of the Protestant Reformation in Europe, this group felt the existing reforms had not gone far enough in restoring the New Testament church. Motivated by Scripture and a longing for authentic discipleship, they began holding secret Bible studies and challenging the legitimacy of state-aligned churches. On Jan. 21, 1525, Grebel baptised Blaurock upon his confession of faith the first adult baptism of the movement. That simple, radical act is now seen as the official beginning of Anabaptism. From that point forward, the Anabaptists grew quickly, but so did the backlash. Their refusal to baptise infants, swear loyalty oaths, or serve in the military was seen as threatening to both civil and religious authorities. Thus, Anabaptists faced persecution from all sides Protestants and Catholics alike. Many were imprisoned, exiled, or executed for heresy. Their stories of faithfulness and martyrdom are recorded in works like the Martyrs Mirror. What do Anabaptists believe? Although Anabaptist groups have developed in diverse ways over the centuries, they continue to share key theological and ethical convictions. Central to their faith is the believer's baptism, which is reserved for individuals who freely choose to follow Christ. They also emphasise discipleship as a way of life, calling for daily obedience to Jesus' teachings. Many Anabaptists are committed to non-violence, drawing inspiration from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) to embrace pacifism. They strongly advocate for the separation of church and state, maintaining that the church should remain independent of governmental control. Additionally, Anabaptist communities value community and simplicity, often prioritising shared life, economic cooperation, and modest living. Today, the Anabaptist tradition lives on in groups such as the Mennonites, Amish, Hutterites and Brethren in Christ. Some maintain traditional practices like plain dress and horse-drawn carriages, while others are deeply engaged in modern society while preserving core Anabaptist values. Around the world, Anabaptists are known for their contributions to humanitarian aid, peacebuilding and social justice. As part of this 500th anniversary, Anabaptist communities are engaging in events, reflections, and pilgrimages to remember their roots and recommit to the way of Jesus. Why does this anniversary matter? In an era where faith is often diluted or politicized, the Anabaptist movement offers a timeless challenge: what if we took Jesus seriously, not just in worship, but in every part of life? That was the radical question that sparked the movement 500 years ago, and it remains just as urgent now, even if not all answer it in the same way. The Anabaptist story is one of conviction, sacrifice, and courage. As we honour their legacy in this anniversary year, may we also be inspired to embody their message: to follow Christ, no matter the cost. This article was originally published at Christian Today Home News Hindu mob beat pastor unconscious, burn Bibles; churchgoers live in fear NEW DELHI Hindu extremists in central India ransacked a churchs worship building, burned Bibles and assaulted every member, causing one to lose consciousness, sources said. In Chhattisgarh states Dhamtari District, the Hindu nationalists attacked during the independent Penial Prayer Fellowships worship service in Borsi village, said Pastor Wakish Sahu, who leads the church along with his 57-year-old father, Mannohan Sahu. They forcibly entered the church, disrupted the worship service and were carrying wooden rods and shouting slogans like Jai Shri Ram [Hail lord Rama], Pastor Wakish Sahu told Morning Star News. 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 Threatening the Christians, the attackers told them to stop gathering for worship, he said. They broke all the chairs, fans and musical instruments, then collected all of the Christian literature along with the Bibles and burned them. Taking hold of Pastor Mannohan Sahu, they beat him with wooden rods, slapped his face repeatedly, struck his head with wooden sticks and kicked him, Pastor Wakish Sahu said. My father was being beaten up, and during this time, blows landed near his ear, and he lost his consciousness, he said. The assaulters, probably scared that he was dead or going to die from the beating, called for a glass of water and forced it in his mouth. Pastor Mannohan Sahu sustained injuries over all his body, especially on his head, ear, chest, hands and back. The assailants beat all 15 members present that day, including Pastor Wakish Sahus mother when she tried to intervene and save her husband; her hands and head were injured in the process. Two women and five men sustained severe injuries and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment, said Pastor Wakish Sahu. Only five to seven of the assailants were from the village, the others being outsiders, the pastor said he had never seen before. Pastor Wakish Sahu registered a detailed complaint at the Maganlodh police station, but officers did not register a formal complaint as they indicated they would investigate first. At the time of writing, however, no formal complaint has been registered. Since the attack, the believers have stopped coming for worship as they are too scared, and understandably so; but our family members, around 10 of us, still worship at the same time, Pastor Wakish Sahu said. We have decided that we will not give in to fear. Under the Hindu radar This was not the first time the church has been attacked. A mob of Hindu extremists in June 2024 attacked his church in a similar way, threatening all those present and telling them to stop attending worship services, the pastor said. Since then, our congregation of close to 50 people had reduced to 15, and since the latest attack, nobody [outside his family] is coming to church for fear of being assaulted, Pastor Wakish Sahu said. After the attack last year, Dhamtari Christian leaders had submitted a memorandum to authorities, including the District Collector of Dhamtari. Police have been patrolling every Sunday since last year, the pastor said. They usually come inside to check if any persons from nearby villages are in attendance, because they maintain that only people from our village should be present in our services. They have warned time and again that no one from other villages should be found in our midst. During police visits, after confirming attendance, they usually take photos before leaving, he added. Congregation members also stopped coming out of fear of being targeted by anti-Christian groups. Many of them have told us that they will attend worship in other churches in nearby areas or in the city, but are afraid of attending worship services at our church because of fear of violence and the police, the pastor said. However, they do not understand that even city churches have not been spared. On the morning of June 8, the patrolling police who visited the church again asked if anyone from outside the village was attending and left. When the ensuing assault was underway, officers arrived and told the assailants to leave. It was very surprising that the police just told them, It is enough, and they all just walked away, Pastor Wakish Sahu said. It appears that it was all in the knowledge of the police even before they attacked us. When he and other Christian leaders went to submit a formal complaint at the police station, the Hindu extremists were waiting outside to attack them again. The pastor requested police protection, and officers agreed to drop them halfway to their home. When the police were driving us back, the Hindu mob was following the police vehicle, he said. They came after us for a mile and then took a detour. He later learned the Hindu mob following them had gone to another Christian house in the area and vandalized and burned it, he said. Another congregation in Dhamtari, Elohim Church, was targeted by members of the Hindu nationalist Bajrang Dal on June 29, according to Pastor Alok Majumdar. The Hindu extremists entered the church while the service was going on and disrupted it by loudly singing Hindu religious hymns, Pastor Majumdar told Morning Star News. Subsequently, the police arrived and dispersed the Bajrang Dal members. Officers took an informal complaint, but it has not yet been formalized. No physical violence or vandalism was reported. The same day, Hindu extremists disrupted the worship service of another church in the district, located in Gopal Puri about 10 miles from Pastor Majumdars church. Its pastor, Thanu Ram, was unavailable to confirm the incident, but it was cited by both Pastor Majumdar and Pastor Wakish Sahu. Before attacking Pastor Majumdars church, the same day Hindu extremists went to Pastor Rekha Mahilanhs church on the way to Majumdars church. Extremists found a 21-year-old man outside the building who was attending church for the first time and assaulted him. They then searched for the church pastor. Pastor Mahilanh stepped forward and revealed that she was the pastor, and she and all other women of the church confronted the extremists. The Hindu extremists discreetly used some kind of a spray on some of the women, Pastor Mahilanh told Morning Star News. In the end, due to the womens determination, the extremists left and proceeded to Pastor Alok Majumdars church. Pastor Mahilanh did not report the matter to the police. Pastor Raju Verghese, also in Dhamtari District, Pastor Majumdar and the Rev. Diamond Phillius, president of the Dhamtari Christian Forum, submitted a memorandum to the collectors office on July 1, highlighting the rise in attacks against area churches and appealing for action. Pastor Verghese told Morning Star News that the district collector, Avinash Mishra, was busy in a meeting, so he received the memorandum from them and said that he would take it up with them later. Christian support organization Open Doors ranks India 11th on its 2025 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. India stood at 31st place in 2013 but has steadily declined in the rankings since Narendra Modi became prime minister. Religious rights advocates point to the hostile tone of the National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which they say has emboldened Hindu extremists in India since Modi took power in May 2014. This article was originally published at Morning Star News Home Opinion The biggest peace deal of Trumps term may be the one we all overlooked Get out! Get out! the rebels yelled, rounding up Christians, tying them together, and transporting them to a nearby church. Hours later, the grisly scene in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) defied imagination. There, in the nearby village of Kasanga, lay the bodies of dozens of men, women, and children all decapitated by the militants trademark machetes and long knives. The beheadings were just the latest in a long line of bloody horrors the world had barely acknowledged. We dont know what to do or how to pray, an elder of another church said in February. Weve had enough of massacres. May Gods will alone be done. While Americans attention has been on Israel, Iran, Ukraine, Russia, China, and our own borders, a vicious war has raged between Rwanda and the DRC, a systematic campaign of rape, terror, and butchery against the predominately Christian nation of the DRC. For months, that quiet invasion has only intensified, as a rebel force linked to Rwanda the M23 along with the Islamist Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) tried to seize key territories of the second largest country in Africa and control the mineral-rich land, said to be sitting on $24 trillion worth of natural resources. Nightmarish testimonies of looting, burning, sexual violence, and displacement started bubbling to the attention of the U.N. and Human Rights Watch, where stories of brutality began confirming what had become a legitimate humanitarian crisis. One after another, women and girls came forward after the situation grew dangerously worse. Some are pregnant with their attackers children, but with no idea which of the many rapists is the father. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe A 22-year-old described the armed soldiers, on a mission secretly sanctioned by Rwanda, overtaking her town. The M23 harassed people and looted houses. They took what they wanted and took men away. I dont know where they took them. ... After two weeks, they started raping women. They didnt care if we were married or not. They came to my house in the evening on February 20. They told my husband to leave. There were seven of them, and five raped me. My husband couldnt stand what happened to me and left me. I had to flee on my own, through the forest. Another mother and daughter were trying to flee, only to be robbed by a band of rebels. They wanted to rape us, she told Human Rights Watch investigators. My mother said no, so they shot a bullet into her chest, and she died on the spot. Then four of them raped me. As they were raping me, one said: Weve come from Rwanda to destroy you. Others described being gang raped until they lost consciousness or trying to bribe the men not to violate them. Some husbands were forced to watch, along with their crying children. They tore my clothes, one woman remembers emotionally. I was crying and begging them to kill me rather than rape me. They didnt listen. Her screams still haunt her husband. Thousands have been killed shot in cold blood, blown to pieces with shoulder-fired rockets, or caught up in the massive explosions since the conflict peaked earlier this year. Moise Ombeni was at church in Goma when he heard militants were moving in on the town. We were in a general panic, and we were wondering if we should stay or go, he said in French. In a harrowing account to Christianity Today, Ombeni says he managed to get home, lock the doors, and wait. He felt the house vibrate when stray bullets hit the roof and ricocheted into his courtyard. Outside, hundreds of civilians and soldiers died from gunfire and explosions. Unlike in previous conflicts, government forces fought directly with M23 in every part of the city, a decision that directly increased the number of civilian casualties and damaged buildings. Ombeni told reporter Morgan Lee that he began praying with his family and reciting all 16 verses of Psalm 91 to them. He reached out to his friends from church, and they prayed together on online platforms until their internet connection was cut off. At least 900 bodies were found strewn across the streets, the U.N. reported. Rwandan President Paul Kagame denied his countrys involvement, but the international community knew better. Armed with surveillance video and drone footage, NBC Newss investigation uncovered definitive proof that the Congolese were victims of a carefully concealed and high-tech operation by Rwandan forces to take over an area of land that was home to five million people. In just two months, more than 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence almost half against children as young as 10 have been documented (countless others were not). Until recently, the locals describe[d] a state of near lawlessness in city centers, where gangs of armed men, some escaped from local prisons, prey on civilians using weapons left behind by the Congolese army. This is the hellish situation that the Trump administration has been intensely negotiating behind the scenes to stop. They were going at it for many years, and with machetes, the president emphasized Friday. It is one of the worst wars that anyone has ever seen. And I just happened to have somebody that was able to get it settled, he explained, referring to his African envoy, Massad Boulos, the father-in-law of his daughter Tiffany. In an incredible development, the president celebrated a peace deal between the two nations, which could end the decades-long bloodshed that has ravaged the two bordering countries. We just ended a war that was going on for 30 years with six million people dead, Trump said, as the foreign ministers flanked him. No other president could do it. The ceasefire, which has been tragically overshadowed by the headlines swirling over the U.S. strike against Iran, Supreme Court rulings, and the Big Beautiful Bill, is one of the most consequential achievements of Trumps term. It was vicious, Trump reiterated at Fridays White House press conference. Peoples heads being chopped off. And I have a man whos very good in that part of the world, very smart, and put them together, and were signing a peace treaty today. First time in many years theyre going to have peace, and its a big deal. Then, acknowledging the other big news of the day, the president said, Its sort of sad, because were doing the signing at 3:00, and [these rulings] may very well dominate the signing of a big war that was going on and really affecting the entire continent of Africa. And while the announcement played second-fiddle to a lot of the domestic news last week, the achievement did not go unnoticed by longtime human rights advocates like Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), whos been holding a string of congressional hearings about the atrocities there. Six million deaths is staggering and intolerable, the New Jersey Republican insisted. The United States under President Trump is leading the way in promoting regional peace, real accountability, and transparent supply chains through principled diplomacy and smart solutions. This is, he underscored, a critical and long-overdue step toward ending the violence and suffering that has engulfed the region for far too long. Under the terms of the agreement, The Washington Post reports, the two sides agreed to halt aggression against each other and to cease support for armed groups on each others territory. They also pledged to try to cooperate economically, including on mining and processing materials and other resources that link both countries, in partnership, as appropriate, with the U.S. government and U.S. investors. Joel Kappa, a Fulbright alumnus, author, and now director of Ethical Servant Leadership Center, was educated in the U.S. and lives in the DRC, where hes watched the suffering of the Congolese people up close. He, like so many others, insists that he is deeply grateful to President Trumps administration and its commitment to end the war. As he emphasized to The Washington Stand, Conflict and violence can never create a peaceful society only love, justice, integrity, and compassion can. Im praying, Kappa continued, that God will continue to use President Trumps administration to end this long and meaningless conflict between DRC and Rwanda. Im convinced that the time for peace has come, and we must learn now to love and live together like brothers and sisters. Thats what God wants from us as His children, and Im happy to see that President Trump and his administration understand it clearly. The pact is so significant to the African continent that Rwandas Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe believes Trump should receive the worlds highest honors for helping to end the bloody war. This conflict in eastern DRC is one of the longest conflicts on the continent 30 years, Nduhungirehe told Breitbart News on Saturday afternoon. We have had a genocidal movement that has been destabilizing our country during this whole period. Anyone, including President Trump, who would help sizably to bring this conflict to an end deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Absolutely. While most Americans had no idea of the severity of the situation, theyre starting to get an inkling of just how significant last Fridays news is and will be to the millions of persecuted Congolese. May this peace agreement be the first step toward a secure, stable, and more prosperous future for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and all others in the region who desire peace, Family Research Councils Travis Weber told TWS. The Trump administration has laid the governmental groundwork for a pathway toward a more prosperous future. Now is the time to follow through and implement it, so that violence and bloodshed cease, he urged, so that the people of this region many of whom are Christian can live in peace and harmony. Hopefully, Weber underscored, this agreement can be a model for others in the region and can serve as the basis for true flourishing of the countries involved and their people and not merely enrich others from the outside at the expense of the people of the DRC and Rwanda. Originally published at The Washington Stand. Home News Auntie Annes founder on surviving sexual abuse at the hands of her pastor, the power of confession GRAPEVINE, Texas Before Anne Beiler was the founder of Auntie Annes, she was a barefoot girl growing up on an Amish farm, raised in a world of tradition, simplicity and work ethic. Her life, at first glance, appears to follow a classic American arc: from modest roots to building a global soft pretzel empire. But behind that journey lies a story of faith, survival, suffering and redemption. I grew up in an Old Order Amish home, which meant horse and buggy, no electricity, Beiler told The Christian Post. Eventually, my parents transitioned to the 'black car Amish,' which allowed for some modern conveniences. But the values remained the same: work hard, honor God, and dont expect handouts. 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 From her earliest days, Beiler learned that faith and family were paramount. Her parents, she said, taught faith through example, consistency and strength. Around the dinner table, which was a sacred, thrice-daily ritual, she absorbed a mantra that dictated much of her younger years: Life is good, and God is harsh. I wanted to be a good girl and obey all the Ten Commandments, she recalled. I lived with the fear that, if I did something bad, God would be displeased with me. In 1975, five years into her marriage with her high school sweetheart, Jonas, Beilers 19-month-old daughter Angela was killed in a tragic farming accident. That was only the beginning of my sorrows, she said. I knew where Angie went, but I made my descent into emotional and spiritual darkness. What followed was years of silent grief. Outwardly, she remained the same strong, faithful woman everyone expected her to be. Inwardly, she was unraveling. Everyone told me how strong I was. But I wasnt. I was dying a little bit every day, she said. The turning point came when her pastor invited her to his office, ostensibly to offer counseling. Instead, he sexually assaulted her, and the abuse continued for nearly seven years. I didnt understand what had happened. I just knew I wasnt allowed to tell anyone, she said. He told me no one would believe me. And I believed him. Beiler said that for years, she lived in a world of secrets, shame and spiritual confusion. The abuse tore through her marriage, her identity and her understanding of God. At her lowest point, she weighed just 90 pounds and felt completely alone. I was a bad wife, a bad mother. I felt unforgivable. I believed I had to pay for my sins, she recalled. But one morning, after years of praying for deliverance, something shifted. The Holy Spirit spoke to me: 'Get up off your knees and go tell Jonas,' she said. That moment, in 1982, changed everything. Through tears, she confessed her years of abuse and silence to her husband. His response, she said, was the first spark of healing. He said, If you feel like you have to go, Ill help you pack. But please dont leave in the middle of the night. And take the girls with you. They need their mother. Instead of leaving, they stayed. Together. The road to healing was long, Beiler recalled, and the couple sought help from a counselor who told Jonas: If you can find it in you to love like Jesus loves, there is hope for your marriage. That supernatural kind of love, Beiler said, saved them. Five years after that confession, in 1987, Anne and Jonas opened a soft pretzel stand in a Pennsylvania farmers' market. It was meant to be a modest business to support Jonass new counseling center, but the pretzels took off, and Auntie Annes was born. No capital, no business plan, no education beyond eighth grade, she said. But God had a plan. He saw who I really was. He taught me and led me every step of the way. Today, Auntie Annes is the largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise in the world with over 1,700 locations. The chain has locations in more than 25 countries, and most units are located in malls, airports and outlet centers, although the chains first drive-through location opened recently, according to the Franchise Times. Beiler believes her storys power lies not in her success but in her willingness to break the silence. Secrets will kill you. But confession, that breaks the stronghold, she said. She now travels the country sharing her testimony, empowering women to speak up, and helping others understand the transformative power of transparency, prayer, and grace. In 2018, she founded Broken Silence, a ministry focused on helping women live a lifestyle of confession and restoration. Her 2019 book, The Secret Lies Within, recounts the pain she endured and the redemption she found. I want others to know there is more to life than what they see right now. In our darkest days, we cant imagine that, she said. But God has more. Beiler previously served on the board of the Museum of the Bible and today continues to advocate for faith, healing and vulnerability. Her mission, she said, is to help others find the kind of freedom she foun through Christ. I know now the truth is that life is hard, but God is good, she said. I'm not confused about that anymore. Jesus said, In this world, you will have trouble, guaranteed, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world, and so you can, too. Jesus is not a partial redeemer, she said. He doesnt just hand you back pieces of what you lost. He offers full redemption. But we have to cooperate. That starts with confession. Home News DOJ announces record $14.6B in healthcare fraud, over 300 arrests The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that over 300 people have been arrested in connection with a record $14.6 billion in alleged healthcare fraud. In a press release on Monday, the DOJ detailed the results of its 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, which involved the coordination of state and federal law enforcement. According to the DOJ, criminal charges have been filed against 324 defendants, including nearly 100 licensed medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The operation was overseen by the Health Care Fraud Unit of the DOJ Criminal Divisions Fraud Section and included its core partners from U.S. Attorneys Offices, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Among those arrested, 29 were charged for their alleged involvement in transnational criminal organizations that submitted over $12 billion in fraudulent claims to health insurance programs in the United States. This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement provided to The Christian Post. Make no mistake this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities. Regarding the operation, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated in a post on X that the alleged fraud committed by the defendants was a crime against all of us. The investigation spanned 50 federal districts, and resulted in nearly 3 billion dollars in false claims with over 15 million illegal distributions of pills, Bongino tweeted. Results matter. Talk is cheap. And this is not even the beginning of the beginning. If youre stealing from the public, or violating your oath to serve, then were coming for you too. God bless America, and all those who defend Her. The charges stemmed from a wide variety of alleged unlawful behaviors. For example, 74 defendants were charged in 58 different cases with allegedly illegally diverting more than 15 million pills of prescription opioids and other controlled substances. Additionally, 49 defendants were charged in connection with allegedly submitting approximately $1.17 billion in fraudulent claims to Medicare via telemedicine and genetic testing fraud schemes. Another 170 defendants were charged with various fraud schemes involving over $1.84 billion in allegedly fraudulent and false claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies for diagnostic testing, medical visits, and medically unnecessary treatments, either provided in relation to bribes and kickbacks or not provided at all. According to the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, healthcare fraud drains an estimated $100 billion through fraudulent claims, waste and abuse, making it one of the most expensive financial leaks in the nation. Thats more than $300 annually for every American." Home News Victory Christian Center leads 700 inmates in worship, baptism during unprecedented prison outreach More than 700 inmates and prison staff gathered last week at the John H. Lilley Correctional Center in Boley, Oklahoma, for an outreach event led by Victory Christian Center, one of Tulsas largest churches. Organized by Pastor Paul Daugherty and a team of 32 volunteers, the outreach included worship, preaching, baptisms, and the distribution of hot meals, Bibles and Christian books. According to the church, 41 individuals were baptized and more than 400 men made professions of faith. "Today was a blessing beyond words," the church shared on Instagram following the event. "We were welcomed into an Oklahoma mens prison to share the hope of Jesus! God moved powerfully through salvations, baptisms, and life-changing moments of connection. His LOVE truly knows no walls or limits." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The team served 1,000 hot meals, distributed 700 Bibles, handed out 620 New Life books and 710 Words That Change the World booklets, and gave 100 gift bags to prison staff through a partnership with CityServe Oklahoma. Daugherty told CBN News the idea for the outreach began just three months ago when he felt God prompting him to reach those behind bars. "I was like, man, I really feel like there's a harvest of people in the prisons that we could reach with God's love that [only a few] churches in our city [are] really going after," he said. I really want[ed] to reach almost every prisoner we can in an outreach." A timely connection with Oklahoma Chief Operating Officer Brian Bobek, a Christian who began attending Victory Christian Center, opened the door to the prison system. Daugherty said Bobek encouraged him to plan something that would draw inmates out of their cells. "I said, 'I dont wanna just do a small service for 10 or 20 guys. ... I want to reach almost every prisoner we can,'" Daugherty said. On June 23, the team launched the outreach on a dry field inside the facility. Despite uncertainty about how many would attend, 751 inmates ultimately came to hear the Gospel. "When I saw them getting out of their pods and walking towards the field ... I just started weeping," Daugherty recalled. "This looks like a picture out of the Bible when Jesus saw that village of Samaritan people. He said the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." The pastor described seeing hardened men transformed by the love of Christ. I saw all these [inmates] walking towards us like zombies ... literally coming out of [the prison with] depression and despair and discouragement and shame, he said. Despite some initial fear about standing in the middle of 751 prisoners with no handcuffs, Daugherty said he knew he was where God wanted him to be. "I just started hugging them and shaking their hands and praying for them, and then I did an altar call, he said. Over 400 hands went up. He said many of the men were incarcerated for sexual crimes, violent offenses, or drug-related charges, ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s. One of the most memorable encounters for Daugherty was with an inmate who told him he had once been saved at Victory Christian Center when Daughertys father, Billy Joe Daugherty, was pastor in the 1990s. "He said, 'I was part of the choir and I sang in the worship [team]. I made some really bad choices and ... I got locked up in the year 2000, Daugherty said. The man recounted that before his death, Billy Joe Daugherty had visited him in prison and told him he loved him and that God forgave him. Now, decades later, the younger Daugherty was standing in the same prison, preaching to him once again. "He said, 'Here you are ... the son of my pastor that saved me, [now] ministering in my prison,'" Daugherty recalled. Im getting teary-eyed like, Man, God, what a story of grace. Daugherty believes the outreach is just the beginning. Weve already lined up the prisons for the fall and the winter, he said. Prisons started calling that they want [us] to come. Reflecting on the experience, Daugherty said theres a deep hunger for something real, both inside and outside of prison walls. "I think people are really waking up to the reality that our world ... is so broken, he said. Theres just so much shallowness. Jesus is that answer. Victory Christian Center hopes to continue expanding its prison outreach in the coming months. "Praise God. Let's keep doing this," Daugherty said. Approximately 1.8 million men and women in America are incarcerated, and approximately 1.5 million children have an incarcerated parent, according to DOJ statistics. However, recent data from the annual State of the Bible report found that only 40% of American Christians who actively and regularly engage with Scripture either agree or strongly agree that they value caring for incarcerated individuals. In a recent op-ed for The Christian Post, Cody Wilde, the senior vice president of correctional programs at Prison Fellowship, encouraged believers to get involved with prison ministry, emphasizing that we are called by God to love the guilty as well as the innocent. We are called to follow Jesus outside of our comfort zone, to follow Him toward those He loves. And the reward for doing so is nothing less than the joy of participating in Gods loving work here in our own communities, he wrote. The language here is important. Remembering in the Bible and particularly in Hebrews 13 isnt just recollection. Its beholding something. A call to remember the imprisoned is a call to look, to behold, to make them real to your senses, he added. In saying remember those in prison, the writer of Hebrews is asking us to behold the sacredness that exists in those who are forgotten. We are invited to participate in Gods work, to share in something He is already building, when we join any effort to minister to the incarcerated. Were coming alongside the work of Gods grace. News / National by Staff reporter A female Zimbabwean immigrant and newly graduated PhD holder, Dr. Fortune Gomo, has been stabbed to death in a shocking incident that has sparked outrage within the local African community in the United Kingdom.Dr. Gomo, believed to be in her 30s, was fatally attacked on Saturday evening while walking with her 10-year-old daughter along South Road in Dundee. Despite rapid response by emergency services, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.Police Scotland have confirmed the arrest of a 20-year-old man in connection with the killing. The suspect remains in custody as detectives continue with investigations.Dr. Gomo had recently earned her doctoral degree from the University of Dundee and was described by community members as a brilliant scholar with immense potential to contribute positively to society. Her death has left many shocked and angered, with strong condemnation coming from the Black and immigrant communities in Dundee and beyond.Viral footage from the scene shows distraught members of the public confronting police officers, expressing frustration over what they called a slow response by authorities and a lack of media coverage."You can take my picture or record meI don't care. I'm speaking boldly because I don't mind," one tearful woman says in a video that has been widely shared online."This is about that innocent woman who was murdered, someone who was going to support the Dundee community. She was a doctor, just graduated with a PhD from Dundee University. She had so much to offer, unlike the person who killed her. We're hardworking people The media should be talking to us, listening to us, and sharing our story, but they don't hear us."Scottish police, meanwhile, have vowed to leave no stone unturned."We understand the concern and distress this incident has caused in the local and wider community," said Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp, who is leading the investigation."We have a suspect in custody and are continuing to gather information to establish the full circumstances. We urge anyone who may have seen something or has relevant information to come forward."Tributes have poured in for Dr. Gomo on social media, with friends and former classmates praising her academic brilliance, humility, and dedication to uplifting others. The Zimbabwean diaspora is also mourning the loss, calling for stronger protection of immigrants and swift justice for the slain scholar.Further details, including funeral arrangements and statements from Dr. Gomo's family, are expected in the coming days. Home News Travel: Visiting Philadelphia as America prepares to turn 250 All eyes are on Philadelphia as the United States begins the yearlong countdown to her 250th birthday. Historically speaking, the semiquincentennial encompasses both the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. The commemoration began earlier this year though it arguably started with the 2023 anniversary of the Boston Tea Party and will run for more than a decade, culminating in the 2037 and 2038 anniversaries of the Constitution and the election of George Washington as the countrys first president. Most Americans, however, will associate Americas 250th with Philadelphia on Independence Day 2026. Though unfair to all the other places and events that played a role in the revolution and gradual creation of the nation, Philadelphia is unquestionably the birthplace of the U.S. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe To get a sense of what the next year in the City of Brotherly Love will be like, I spent the Fourth of July there. Founding Father and later President John Adams hoped future generations would commemorate American independence as a great anniversary festival. He surely would have been pleased with the concerts, parades, fireworks and neighborhood block parties that were put on. But it wasnt, to quote Adams, the pomp and parade that impressed me the most. Instead, it was the sheer weight of Philadelphias history. The whole city is hallowed ground for the American story. Even with three full days I struggled to see, do and grasp everything, particularly more obscure chapters of history, including the Quakers under William Penn, the namesake of Pennsylvania, who emigrated from England in 1682 in search of religious tolerance and the 1785 founding of the Episcopal Church by Anglicans who obviously couldnt continue as part of the Church of England. For the semiquincentennial, the center of everything is Independence National Historical Park. Though the park features numerous historic buildings surrounded by some hideous structures, the main draw is Independence Hall. Built to serve as Pennsylvanias colonial-era capitol, this was the meeting place for the Continental Congress that declared independence. While Independence Day is celebrated on July 4, the actual congressional vote for independence took place two days earlier: July 2, 1776. July 4 is only a holiday because that was the day the immortal words of Thomas Jeffersons Declaration of Independence were agreed to. Later, the hall was used by the 1787 Constitutional Convention and then for 10 years as the capitol building until Washington replaced Philadelphia as the national capital. A more recent addition is the Museum of the American Revolution, which opened in 2017. It offers a comprehensive look at the revolutionary era with a well-presented story that brings life to what could be dusty old history, though at times its unnecessarily woke. The 90-minute guided walking tour, offered daily at 10 a.m., is highly recommended. Last but certainly not least is Christ Church. Built in the early 1700s to a design in keeping with the great London churches of Sir Christopher Wren, the handsome brick church is both a functioning Episcopal parish church and a historic site. Unfortunately, this means that visitors outside of regular worship services are charged an admission fee. Not only did many of the Founding Fathers sit in the pews, but the church hosted the 1785 convention that established the Episcopal Church. If you go The five-star Four Seasons is Philadelphias finest hotel. Hyatts Bellevue Hotel, built at the turn of the last century, is a hidden gem and one of the better big-chain hotels. On the other hand, Marriotts options range from awful (the Marriott Old City) to average (the Ritz-Carlton). Next time Ill try to get a room at the Union League. The members-only club, situated in a stately postbellum Second Empire building, features 82 rooms and suites that members or their guests can book. I flew into Philadelphia International Airport and only occasionally used Uber or a local taxi to get around the city. Most of the time, I walked everywhere. If youre driving to Philadelphia or open to renting a car for the day, take a side trip to Valley Forge and the church dedicated to Washington. Of course, there are countless other relevant historical sites and attractions within driving distance. The Museum of Art and seemingly every other museum close most days at 5 p.m. That can make visiting difficult. Look for the silver communion set gifted to Christ Church by Queen Anne in 1708. Be sure to also see the incredible collection of medieval art and architectural elements from the era when the church was the great patron of the arts. While admission to most of Independence National Historical Park, including the Liberty Bell, is free, a $1 fee is charged to reserve a time slot to visit Independence Hall itself. Reservations can be booked online. Do this early as there wont be availability on popular days. The National Constitution Center, which is set to open two new galleries in 2026, is also worth a visit. Admission to several museums is included in the CityPass, which may make sense (or cents) for some visitors. Dennis Lennox writes a travel column for The Christian Post. Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. On Thursday, the New York Times published an article about Zohran Mamdani, the New York mayoral candidate, that relied on documents stolen in a hack of Columbia Universitys computer systems. Since then, the piece has sparked an uproar over sourcing, newsworthiness, and race. The article reported that in 2009, as part of a college application to Columbia, Mamdani had checked boxes indicating that he was both Asian and Black or African American. Mamdani, who is of Indian descent, was born in Uganda and lived in South Africa before moving to the United States when he was seven years old. He told the Times that he selected those boxes because the available options did not reflect the complexity of his background. (Mamdani was not admitted to the school.) The story, which was written by two reporters from the Metro desk and a freelancer who normally covers health, was overseen by a newsroom in transition: the longtime Metro editor, Nestor Ramos, is in the process of taking over the National desk. The focus on Mamdanis racial heritage and self-identification soon sparked an intense debate online. Many commenters suggested that the story failed to rise to the level of a scoop and instead treated a mundane matter of personal identification as a scandal. (I dont have a problem with how he self-identifies, Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate for mayor running against Mamdani, told Fox News on Friday.) Among journalists, the story also raised significant ethical concerns. As initially published, the article indicated that the hacked materials had been provided, under the condition of anonymity, by an intermediary known on Substack and X as Cremieux, who was described only as an academic and an opponent of affirmative action. But theres more to that source: as The Guardian reported in March, Cremieux is the social media alias of Jordan Lasker, a promoter of white supremacist views. The Times updated its article to note that Cremieux writes often about IQ and race. It seems a little disingenuous to play this game of We know something you dont know, Jane Kirtley, a media ethics professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, said, referring to how the paper originally characterized Cremieux. Why would you promise him anonymity and then play hide-the-ball with the readers? Kirtley added, My question is: Why would you have even made that promise to this individual in the first instance? I dont see the need. Some Times contributors took issue with the way the article was presented. Jamelle Bouie, a Times opinion columnist, posted on Bluesky, i think you should tell readers if your source is a nazi. He later deleted that and other posts criticizing the article, saying that they violated Times social media standards. Bouie did not respond to an email requesting comment, and the exact violation was not immediately clear. According to Times guidelines, journalists on staff must not express partisan opinions and must be especially mindful of appearing to take sides on issues that The Times is seeking to cover objectively. (I have a pending assignment with the Times Magazine.) So far, the Times has, publicly at least, struck a defiant tone. In response to a question about whether the news of the article merited granting Cremieux anonymity, Patrick Healy, the assistant managing editor for standards and trust at the Times, told CJR, Your question suggests that the ethical issue is based on whether the story was important and newsworthy enough to justify using this material. I would ask, important and newsworthy enough to whom? What is the basis on which these media critics decide whether a story about any particular politician is important? Mr. Mamdani confirmed it and spoke openly and thoughtfully about his experience on a subject that voters had not previously heard from him on. He added, What matters most here is whether the information was true and factualit was, confirmed by Mr. Mamdani; that it was independently confirmed; and that it is relevant to the public. In a series of posts on X on Friday, Healy did acknowledge that the response from readers seeking more information about Cremieux was fair feedback. Sign up for CJRs daily email Kelly McBride, the chair of the Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership at the Poynter Institute, said she was troubled that the Times did not provide more information about Cremieux up front. I can see why they felt compelled to report it, she said. But the information about the hack is pretty far down in the story, and I think its deeply relevant. Using stolen or hacked materials as the basis for reporting has been the subject of significant debate in media circles. Last summer, the Times was among a handful of outlets that declined to publish Trump campaign documents concerning JD Vance that were thought to have been stolen by Iranian-backed hackers. The Times acknowledged the existence of the documents, and reported that they included internal accounts of remarks casting aspersions on Mr. Trump, but did not release them. A Politico spokesman told CNN at the time that questions surrounding the origins of the documents were of more news interest than the documents themselvesand that informed its decision not to publish them. The Times is not unaccustomed to weathering intense criticism of its coverageand is taking a firm line to pushback. The newsroomas Joe Kahn, the executive editor of the Times, has put itis a space where youre being exposed to lots of journalism, some of which you are not going to like. And, as hes said, we need to create a culture where people feel incentivized to take on those stories even when they will sometimes engender a lot of scrutiny, some backlash. Late on Friday, the Times seemed to recognize the ferocity of the public outcry, closing comments on the Mamdani story and posting a survey about the college admissions process, which asked, Are You Frustrated by Census and Racial Categories? News / National by Staff reporter Gwanda North legislator Desire Nkala, a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has been accused of rape by a 37-year-old woman who claims he assaulted her at a lodge in Harare on May 8, 2025.The allegations were formally reported to Harare Central Police Station on July 5. According to a police internal memo seen by ZimLive, the woman told investigators that Nkala lured her to Harare under the pretext of thanking her for her efforts during his 2023 election campaign.The complainant alleged that Nkala contacted her by phone on May 5 and invited her to the capital, promising to take her shopping as a token of appreciation. The two reportedly met in Harare on May 8 and proceeded to an undisclosed lodge in the central business district."The accused person took the complainant and drove his motor vehicle to an unknown lodge in Harare CBD. On the same day, around 7PM after eating dinner, they went to bed and talked until 10PM," the memo reads.She alleges that Nkala began caressing her without consent, forcibly undressed her, and then put on a condom before raping her once. The woman says she resisted, but Nkala proceeded despite her objections.After the incident, the MP allegedly left her crying in the lodge and informed her he would be sleeping elsewhere. The woman says she boarded a bus back to Gwanda the following morning.Upon returning home, she confided in her sister, who then informed other family members. Following family discussions, the complainant travelled back to Harare and filed the police report. She was examined at Parirenyatwa Hospital on the same day she reported the alleged crime.As of the time of publishing, Nkala had not responded to requests for comment, and no official statement had been issued by the Citizens Coalition for Change.The Zimbabwe Republic Police have not yet confirmed whether the MP has been interviewed or taken into custody. The case is currently under investigation. News / National by Staff reporter Police have launched an investigation into the fatal stabbing of a 24-year-old man, Prince Ndlovu, whose body was discovered near a church in Njube suburb on Friday.The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident, describing it as a suspected murder. Ndlovu's body was found lying on an unnamed dust road adjacent to the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) Church.In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: "Police in Bulawayo are investigating a murder case in which the body of Prince Ndlovu (24) was found lying on an unnamed dust road near the AFM Church in Njube on July 4, 2025."Nyathi added that the body had three visible stab wounds - to the head, chest, and right shoulder - indicating a violent attack.The circumstances surrounding the killing remain unclear, and no arrests have been made so far. Police are appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or have any information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of the perpetrator(s) to come forward."Anyone with information that may assist in this case is urged to report to the nearest police station," Nyathi said.The murder has shocked residents in the usually quiet Njube area, where violent crimes of this nature are rare. Community leaders have urged residents to cooperate with police to ensure the suspect is brought to justice.As investigations continue, Ndlovu's family is left grieving the untimely loss of a young life, with funeral arrangements expected to be announced in the coming days. Elon Musk applaudes in the Oval Office as he attends a press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 30, 2025. Elon Musk said Saturday that he has formed a new political party, the "America Party," which he claims will give Americans "back your freedom." "By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!" Musk wrote on X, one day after he posted a poll on the platform asking his followers if they support creating the "America Party." Musk, the world's richest man, suggested Friday that the new party could focus "on just 2 or 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House districts." "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 said Friday. Musk did not say where the party may be registered. It did not appear to be registered with the Federal Election Committee. He also said that the party would caucus independently and that "legislative discussions would be had with both parties," according to a reply to a user on X. News / National by Staff reporter ZANU-PF Harare Provincial Chairman, Goodwills Masimirembwa, formally introduced prominent businessman and long-time party benefactor, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, to party supporters in Epworth, announcing the province's recommendation for his co-option into the ruling party's Central Committee.Speaking before a gathering of party members, Masimirembwa described Tagwirei as a "patriotic businessman" whose dedication to ZANU-PF spans decades, dating back to the era of the First Republic. He emphasized that Tagwirei has diligently served in the lower echelons of the party's structures in Borrowdale and has played a significant role in supporting the party through substantial donations over the years."The Harare Province has unanimously recommended Kuda Tagwirei for co-option into the Central Committee," Masimirembwa said. "We are now awaiting the necessary processes at higher levels of the party."The endorsement was met with strong backing from senior party officials, including Senator Hungwe, a member of the ZANU-PF Politburo, and Charles Tavengwa, the Minister for Harare Province and fellow Politburo member. Both leaders expressed confidence in Tagwirei's loyalty and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the party's strategic direction.Supporters at the event welcomed the announcement with chants of approval, signaling growing grassroots support for Tagwirei's elevation into one of ZANU-PF's top decision-making bodies.The move comes amid increased scrutiny and speculation surrounding internal alignments within the ruling party as it gears up for future leadership transitions and policy formulation.If approved, Tagwirei's co-option would mark a significant formal entry into top-tier politics for a figure long seen as influential behind the scenes. House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.) speaks alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) after the House passed budget reconciliation legislation at the U.S. Capitol on May 22, 2025. Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., announced his official resignation from Congress on Friday, a move that was expected but one that could, at least for now, shrink Republicans' already narrow majority in the House. "To my constituents across Tennessee's 7th Districtthank you. The trust you put in me is humbling. I will look back fondly on my years of serving as your voice in Washington," Green wrote in a post on X. With his resignation, Republicans are down to a 219-212 majority in the House, at least until his seat in the solidly red district is filled. His resignation will be effective July 20, Fox News reports from a letter Green sent to House Republican leadership. Green's resignation is a blow to House Speaker Mike Johnson's already narrow majority in the lower chamber, a fact that was on stark display this week as he was trying to pass President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill." Johnson struggled to coalesce his conference around the megabill, and the narrow majority gave him little wiggle room for defections. With Green's resignation, Johnson's could face an even more challenging road ahead. Green, who chairs the Homeland Security Committee, said he was returning to the private sector to start his own business, but did not provide details about the business. "While I cannot give the details here, I will be doing something specifically designed to help America compete against the CCP [Chinese Communist Party], but this time in business," Green said in a video on X. Green was elected to serve in Congress in 2018, succeeding Sen. Marsha Blackburn. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol as Republican lawmakers struggle to pass U.S. President Donald Trumps sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 27, 2025. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that tariffs announced back in April will take effect on Aug. 1 for countries that have not reached an agreement with President Donald Trump's administration. "President Trump's going to be sending letters to some of our trading partners saying that if you don't move things along, then on August 1, you will boomerang back to your April 2 tariff level," Bessent said on CNN's "State of the Union." Countries will "get a letter saying that if we have not reached an agreement, then you will go back to the April 2 level," he said. Bessent rejected the idea that Aug. 1 is yet another new tariff deadline, but the August date could still give trading partners more time to renegotiate tariff rates. "We are saying this is when it's happening, if you want to speed things up, have at it, if you want to go back to the old rate that's your choice," Bessent said. In April, Trump announced a 90-day pause on the steep tariffs he had unveiled just days prior on most major trading partners. That 90-day pause is due to expire on Wednesday, sparking concern among investors and U.S. trading partners. The White House did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on Bessent's remarks. China's finance ministry said on Sunday it was restricting government purchases of medical devices from the European Union that exceed 45 million yuan ($6.3 million) in value, in retaliation to Brussels' own curbs last month. Tensions between Beijing and Brussels have been rising, with the European Union imposing tariffs on China-built electric vehicles and Beijing slapping duties on imported brandy from the bloc. The European Union said last month it was barring Chinese companies from participating in EU public tenders for medical devices worth 60 billion euros ($70 billion) or more per year after concluding that EU firms were not given fair access in China. The measure announced by the European Commission was the first under the EU's International Procurement Instrument, which entered into force in 2022 and is designed to ensure reciprocal market access. China's countermeasures were expected after its commerce ministry flagged "necessary steps" against the EU move late last month. Expect bitcoin to reach fresh all-time highs in the second half of the year as corporate treasuries accelerate their bitcoin buying sprees and Congress gets closer to passing crypto legislation, investors say. The cryptocurrency climbed nearly 30% in the second quarter although, strangely, many investors have called it a period of consolidation, with returns declining each month and bitcoin's price remaining in the same narrow range for more than half the three months. It gained almost 15% in the first half of the year, compared to 45% in the same period a year ago. But Bitcoin is ready to fly higher in the second half, investors say, thanks to new cash earmarked for exchange-traded funds and corporate treasury inflows that have helped limit volatility and mostly kept the price above $100,000 since May 9. On Sunday, bitcoin was trading at about $108,000, or roughly 3% below its May record of $111,999, according to Coin Metrics. "There's still an acceleration coming here around ETF adoption, we're in the early days of these treasury strategies there's more money coming into those," said Devin Ryan, head of financial technology research at Citizens. "The mass adoption and interest of people moving from zero to something is still happening," Ryan added. "These massive barriers restricting ownership have been removed incrementally, but they're still being removed. We're moving closer to the end of the consolidation, and the path is higher from here." Bitcoin treasury companies are a new crop of publicly-traded companies that hold or, in many cases now, plan to hold bitcoin as the primary asset on their balance sheets. Some companies like Nakamoto, Twenty One and Strive Asset Management are merging with public companies to allow them to raise capital for bitcoin purchases using equity offerings. "They're waiting on SEC approval on the mergers, so there's way more money that's coming, that's trying to buy bitcoin but has not currently bought it," Steven Lubka, vice president of investor relations at Nakamoto, told CNBC. "So we have not yet seen the full impact of even just the money that's already lined up." While the adoption trend is likely to be the biggest driver of bitcoin performance the rest of the year, the macroeconomic picture is promising too, Lubka said, noting that the market is preparing to see more fiscal spending out of Washington while stocks have been hitting all-time highs and more gains are anticipated . "Bitcoin's maturity as an asset class intersects with a huge amount of capital coming in through new financialization vehicles" the bitcoin treasury companies at the same time as "you're going to see a ton of fiscal spending, and you also have an administration that's pro-bitcoin," Lubka said. "These four factors are going to intersect together to produce a pretty material bull market." U.S. policy and regulatory developments may also drive bitcoin in the third quarter, according to Geoff Kendrick, Standard Chartered's global head of digital assets research. If President Donald Trump names a replacement for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell , it could lead markets to price in earlier rate cuts and might boost investor confidence in the independence of the central bank. BTC.CM= YTD mountain Bitcoin year to date The stablecoin bill making its way through Congress, the GENIUS Act , is also likely to pass in the third quarter, which "could encourage more retail investors to make their first investments in digital assets, with bitcoin the prime beneficiary," Kendrick said in a note last Wednesday. Prices "could get choppy" around late September on fears about bitcoin's four-year cycle repeating, Kendrick added. In the typical cycle, starting from each Bitcoin halving , when the supply of new coins is cut in half, the price falls about 18 months later. The most recent took place in April 2024 . Nevertheless, Kendrick said he sees the bull case overriding those concerns and projects bitcoin will rise to $135,000 by the end of the third quarter and $200,000 by the end of the year. "Some market participants may be concerned that a similar pattern will play out this time, particularly if BTC prices are at or near all-time highs," Kendrick wrote. "The key this time will be whether increased ETF and bitcoin treasury flows are enough to offset any other selling by long-term holders . We think they will be." "Once market concerns about this have passed, we expect bitcoin to continue to rise to our end-Q4 forecast," he added. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed reporting. Flags of the European Union and the United States. Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images CNBC's assignment desk has a conundrum this week: how to approach July, 9. Why does this specific date matter? It's the deadline for trade negotiations between the U.S. and European Union before the tariffs axe (maybe) falls once again. But President Donald Trump's tendency to move deadlines makes it tricky to commit to a big coverage plan when the date could become redundant. However as we saw with the surprise framework agreed between the U.S. and China in Geneva back in April you also can't afford to underplay the deadlines' significance. What we do know is that a full trade deal is "impossible" before the deadline, in the words of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and that the best Brussels can hope for is an "agreement in principle." As CNBC anchor Silvia Amaro reported last week, the EU is banking on at least a bare-bones deal to show progress and avoid the 50% levy on products exported from the bloc. We should get some clues from Brussels on Tuesday and Wednesday, as European finance ministers gather for their regular meeting in Brussels. Cartel capital Another assignment that is much more definitive: the OPEC Seminar. The circus rolls back into Vienna as the oil producers' International Seminar takes place at the city's grand Hofburg Palace on Wednesday and Thursday. The meeting offers delegates two days of discussion and analysis on energy security and investment. It's a far cry from the days of the OPEC media scrum at the concrete headquarters on the other side of the Austrian capital. As a junior producer, I was lucky enough to cover OPEC with CNBC Anchor Steve Sedgwick. Before Covid, these manic biannual meetings saw journalists fight for soundbites from the world's most influential OPEC ministers. In those days, the scrum was affectionately known by a much less polite term OPEC+ members a wider group that includes non-OPEC oil producers, including Russia meet this weekend to decide on another (highly anticipated) output hike amid a volatile month for crude prices. watch now While the China technology story hasn't changed enough to warrant major changes to portfolios, local stock investors are now being encouraged to take a more conservative turn as they gear up for the second half. "We caution against a potential volatility surge in the next month or two," a team led by Morgan Stanley's chief China equity strategist Laura Wang said in a report Thursday. The analysts noted that sentiment toward mainland Chinese stocks, known as "A Shares," dropped in the past week as Chinese policymakers have so far failed to bolster growth, nor are they expected to in a Politburo meeting later this month. In addition, the deadline for U.S. trade deals with most countries looms on July 9, with the 90-day tariff truce with China set to expire in mid-August. Mainland China stocks rose slightly last week, while more globally connected and tech-dominated Hong Kong stocks fell. Dividend plays While continuing to endorse some AI names, Morgan Stanley's Wang on Thursday also recommended "maintaining some exposure to dividend yield plays." One of Morgan Stanley's favored picks for the near term is Hong Kong-listed Chinese insurer PICC P & C , which analyst Rick Zhao highlighted in June as offering a dividend yield of 4.5% and the potential to benefit from growth in auto insurance. The Wall Street investment bank swapped PICC for Pop Mart , the maker of Labubu toys, on its China-Hong Kong Focus List in mid-June. Other local Chinese analysts are also highlighting high dividend plays in their outlooks for the second half of the year. "Amid uncertainties, our focus is diving into fund flow structure and market style," UBS Securities China equity strategist Lei Meng said in a report last Monday. He noted that medium- and longer-term investors favor high-dividend stocks and banks, which are also supported by increased state-backed stock buying. For the second half of the year, Meng expects inflows into tech-related sectors to slow after strong allocations in the first six months. Foreign and domestic investor sentiment toward tech stocks improved earlier this year on the back of renewed optimism toward Chinese artificial intelligence , while the outlook for China's broader economic growth was more muted. Varied performance The contrast played out in the performance of individual stocks and leading market indexes. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index, dominated by tech stocks like Alibaba Group and Tencent Holdings , gained about 20% in the first half of the year, while mainland China's Shanghai Composite containing more state-owned financial and industrial companies rose by less than 3%. Also driving interest in high-yielding Chinese stocks is mainland China investors looking for higher returns than generally available domestically, a team led by J.P. Morgan's Wendy Liu said in a late June report. Their preferred high-yielding stocks include PetroChina , with a 7.3% dividend yield, and CR Power, with a 6.1% yield. Both are listed in Hong Kong. Increased interest from mainland Chinese investors comes at the same time as they face more restrictions in reaching the U.S. and other markets. In contrast, global institutional investors still largely see U.S. stocks as the lowest risk, and can look to Europe, China or emerging markets when they need to diversify, said Liqian Ren, head of quantitative investment at WisdomTree. For "investors outside China, the unglamorous stocks [such as utilities], it's not going to be where they park their cash," she said. Ren also noted that several leading Chinese AI companies, such as ByteDance, are not publicly traded. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a series of bilateral meetings, including with Russian and Chinese counterparts, and discussed issues of bilateral cooperation and interests.These meetings were held on the sidelines of the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Rio de Janeiro.During a meeting with Anton Siluanov, Finance Minister of Russia, Sitharaman expressed gratitude for the support extended by President Vladimir Putin after the Pahalgam terror attack, the finance ministry said in a post on X.The two leaders discussed India-Russia long-standing partnership.The finance minister observed that India and Russia enjoy exemplary levels of mutual trust and understanding and our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership remains resilient and steadfast, it said.The two sides also discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, including cooperation in the financial sector, along with matters related to NDB.In another bilateral meeting with her Chinese counterpart Lan Foan, both leaders discussed strengthening collaboration across a wide range of areas due to the common rich human capital, deep civilisational ties, and expanding economic influence.The two leaders recalled their last meeting in Samarkand in September 2024 on the sidelines of the AIIB Annual Meetings, another post by the finance ministry said.Sitharaman underlined that India and China are uniquely positioned to drive inclusive global growth and innovation as the two nations are the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world.The finance minister suggested that deeper engagement between the two countries can help amplify the voice of developing economies, and shape global narratives that reflect the priorities and aspirations of the global South, it said.During bilateral meeting with Thomas Djiwandono, Vice Finance Minister of Indonesia, Sitharaman said India looks forward to hosting the Indonesia Economic and Financial Dialogue soon.She also thanked Indonesia for their support in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, a separate post on X by the finance ministry said.The two leaders also discussed BRICS, UPI, and RuPay, G20, MDB Reforms, bilateral trade, tourism, FinTech and financial markets, it said.In the bilateral meeting with Finance Minister of Brazil Fernando Haddad, she discussed issues of bilateral interests.The two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest, including South-South cooperation, amplifying the voice of the Global South, COP30, and climate finance issues, and engagement in regional and global forums such as the United Nations, G20, BRICS, WTO and IBSA, the finance ministry said in another social media post.Appreciating the deep work by Brazil during its BRICS Chairship, including commitment to a multipolar world order, and expansion of BRICS, Sitharaman said India supports the agenda and priorities set by Brazil, and hopes to carry forward the outcome-oriented cooperation when India takes over the Chairship in January 2026.She said India and Brazil, as strategic partners, share warm and cordial ties spanning across multiple sectors, and are cooperating closely in multiple sectors to further strengthen strategic partnership. When state and federal officials told Virginia Commonwealth University to scrub DEI from every corner of campus, the universitys administrators went straight to work. They dissolved the universitys central office for diversity, equity and inclusion and started reviewing the work of DEI employees. They even hired a consultant to check their work. At the University of Virginia, however, things played out much differently. Its board voted to eliminate the universitys office for DEI, but what the schools administration did next is unclear. Weeks later, federal officials and conservative alumni accused UVa of making changes too slowly. UVa President Jim Ryan recently resigned under pressure from Trump administration officials, saying that if he stayed the federal government would slash UVas funding and wreak havoc on students and staff. The contrasting series of events reflects the differing politics that surround the universities and their presidents. The fact that both schools ultimately yielded to President Donald Trumps administration show the considerable role that each universitys board of visitors played and the power of threatening a schools federal funding, experts said. And the continuing argument over DEI highlights the fact that Republicans and Democrats still disagree over the role of DEI and whether it constitutes discrimination. It all started in January when Trump issued an executive order directing colleges to terminate all discriminatory and illegal preferences. The order accused universities of using DEI as a cover for making decisions based on race and sex. The federal Department of Education later wrote to universities, saying they had discriminated through admissions, scholarships, hiring, promotions, housing and other aspects of college life. Then in March, Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera told the boards of Virginias 15 public universities that they must address DEI by their next board meeting. VCU dissolved DEI office in contentious vote VCU responded that month by dissolving its Office of Inclusive Excellence and reassigned its chief diversity officer, Faye Belgrave. The university Board of Visitors approved the decision in a contentious 11-4 vote. School leaders said they would examine departments throughout the university to see how DEI was at play. In early May, administrators reported back to the board. VCU had eliminated 13 positions, revised a small number of scholarship requirements and discontinued a practice requiring prospective employees to write a diversity statement before they were hired. No employees were fired, the school said; nine took vacant jobs within the university, and four resigned. VCU is still reviewing the work of other employees. A representative for the university said he had no update to share last week. UVa, too, said it would eliminate its DEI office. In March, the university Board of Visitors voted unanimously to dissolve the office and move its permissible functions to other departments. Gov. Glenn Youngkin, in a moment of victory, proclaimed DEI is done at UVa. Robert Hardie, the head of UVas board at the time, later said the school would expand its scope and remove DEI from all pockets of the university. According to a 2023 report from Ryan, UVa had 55 employees primarily in DEI. What happened after the UVa board vote is unclear. Department of Justice officials and conservative alumni accused Ryan of failing to follow through with the boards instructions. A representative for the university did not respond to a question about these accusations. In late June, Ryan resigned, saying that if he stayed, Trump would have withheld hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, causing hundreds of UVa employees to lose their jobs and students to lose their financial aid or visas. President, board determine colleges direction Two significant factors determine the direction a university will go, education and political leaders said the president and each universitys board of visitors. Ryan faced criticism for months from a conservative group of alumni called the Jefferson Council, and he put himself in the crosshairs when he joined other college presidents signing a letter denouncing the Trump administrations government overreach. Further, Ryans primary opponents at the Department of Justice, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gregory W. Brown, are both UVa graduates. Because of the schools prestige, it can become a political target; for example, Youngkin celebrated UVas decision to end DEI but was silent when VCU took the same path. Michael Rao, president at VCU for 16 years, is among the states most tenured leaders in higher education and has developed alliances on both sides of the political aisle. He chooses his words carefully. When asked his opinion in March about the VCU boards decision to eliminate the schools DEI office, he said it was essential that VCU follow federal law but that VCU would not stop supporting all its students and employees. Our mission does not change, he said at the time. It appeared to be an effort to appeal to both sides. Even if a college president wanted to fight for DEI programs, he or she has to answer to their board of visitors a body whose members are appointed by the governor. Youngkin appointed or reappointed every member of the two boards, and U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, speculated that Ryan might not have had the support of the UVa board. University presidents almost have to acquiesce to the will of the board at this point, said Tyrone Nelson, who was a VCU board member until his term ended June 30. I dont see any university across this commonwealth who has Youngkin-appointed members pushing back on Donald Trump. Nelson was the loudest dissenting voice on VCUs board, saying DEI programs are necessary because after centuries of systematic oppression many Black people are still financially distressed and must work harder to succeed. No matter what some board members felt about the value of DEI programs, some determined that preserving federal funding was paramount. VCU depends on about $450 million each year in federal dollars for research grants, student loans and Pell grants, which pay a portion of tuition of low-income students. I believe you fight battles to win the war, C.J. Sailor, a member of VCUs board, said in March. Were not Harvard. We dont have Harvards budget. Added Todd Haymore, whose term as head of the VCU board ended last Monday, We were honoring our fiduciary responsibility to the university. Disagreement on whether DEI equals discrimination While the fight over DEI continues, Republicans and Democrats cant agree on what DEI programs actually do and whether they violate the law. Faculty at both colleges said the point of DEI programs is not to give minority applicants an advantage over White applicants. VCU has never had quotas for hiring specific races or genders, a school leader said. Belgrave, the former chief diversity officer, said in 27 years at VCU, she has never seen a minority applicant hired over a more qualified competitor. Black professors make up 8% of the VCU faculty, and most are in low-level contract positions, suggesting they arent given an unfair advantage, she said. Instead, she added, the point of DEI programs was to make everyone feel included. But Republicans often say that promoting equity results in discrimination and that keeping DEI programs amounts to violating a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that banned the use of affirmative action at colleges. Thats where its stuck, said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond. I dont think theres a clear answer to that. As the poet once said, cocaine is a hell of a drug. Its known mostly for being very expensive and making you think all of your bad ideas are actually super good, so its no surprise that its wildly popular in Hollywood. It was especially popular in the 70s and 80s, before all those politicians and D.A.R.E. officers started showing up to kill everyones buzz. Redditor Walmartmaster recently learned just how popular. I was talking with my dad, and we talked about how great Caddyshack was and how Harold Ramis spoke on the amount of cocaine consumed during production, as well as during Meatballs with Bill Murray, they told r/Movies. It got me and my dad wondering how many late 70s and 80s comedies can be attributed to cocaine usage? Please list as many as you can think of so I can watch them all. The best of that list is below Advertisement 23 The Blues Brothers Advertisement 22 Street Fighter 21 The Last Waltz 20 Blazing Saddles Advertisement Advertisement 19 Days of Thunder 18 Runaway Train Advertisement 17 No Holds Barred Advertisement 16 A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors Advertisement 15 Twins 14 The Crow Advertisement 13 Apocalypse Now Advertisement 12 Heat Advertisement 11 Popeye 10 1941 Advertisement Advertisement 9 Maximum Overdrive 8 The Rock Advertisement 7 Natural Born Killers Advertisement 6 Blow Advertisement 5 Cobra 4 Showgirls Advertisement Advertisement 3 Where the Buffalo Roam 2 Howard the Duck Advertisement For a show whose entire premise rests on the unique challenges of blended families in mid 20th-century America, the makers of The Brady Bunch werent too keen to discuss exactly what leads to those blended families. We learn in the first episode that Mike Bradys wife died, but we never find out how or even when. In fact, the way they talk about her I dont want you to forget your mother, Mike tells Bobby, and Your mother would be very proud of you she might just be on a secret mission from which she can never return. It was Vietnam, after all. Even weirder, the fate of Carol Bradys first husband is never mentioned at all. Creator Sherwood Schwartz wanted her to be divorced, but the same network that was all too happy to cash in on changing family dynamics was still scared to broadcast the D-word in 1969, so as a compromise, they just never addressed it. That meant never addressing the realities of divorce, however, such as custody arrangements. The Brady girls father completely vanished from their lives, so regardless of what Schwartz intended, he was either a real piece of shit or dead. 1996s A Very Brady Sequel suggests he was The Professor of Gilligans Island, but we dont have to stand for that. Whatever the case, no one ever mentions their piece of shit/dead dad, nor for that matter is Mike Bradys first wife ever mentioned again. Thats kind of weird, right? Whatever happened to Carols husband happened three years before the start of the series, but thats not the kind of trauma that tends to just go away for children or even spouses. Something is being forcibly suppressed, and one writer believes its because the Bradys wanted their spouses out of the picture. Don't Miss Writing for Slate in 2018, Craig Pittman argues that Mike and Carol, having met and fallen in love under unknown circumstances, did a Stranger on a Train on each others spouses. Perhaps, as an architect, Mike knew how to weaken a balcony railing or sabotage a staircase, making Carols husbands death look like an accident, while Carol may have staged a phony mugging outside Sams meat market, he suggests. After all, divorce was so taboo that you couldnt even talk about it on TV. If you wanted out of a marriage, it was either expulsion from society or murder. It seems like it would look pretty suspicious for these two to marry after both of their spouses bizarre and sudden deaths; after all, the whole point of Strangers on a Train was that they were completely unconnected to each other, so legally entwining their lives later would really throw a wrench into the plot. Pittman argues that they simply waited until the heat died down, and besides, Carol Brady actress Florence Hendersen herself is on board. Advertisement She always said I just got rid of him, she explained in 2015, joking that, I killed my husband. I was the original black widow! She definitely would have killed those bodysuits. As exam season ends across the UK, many parents expect their teens to come home breathing a sigh of relief, but for some students, the finish line brings a sense of exhaustion. According to Lindsey Wright, who is a child learning specialist and Senior Tutor at leading education platform Tutors Valley, this post-exam emotional slump is far more common than many parents realise and it has both biological and psychological roots. 'A lot of students feel totally lost when the pressure lifts,' Lindsey explains. 'They've been in survival mode for so long and, once it ends, they don't know what to do with themselves. Some even feel guilty for not feeling happier.' While it can be unsettling to see your child experience this emotional dip, the good news it there are things you can do to help them reset. Lindsey revealed parents can help comfort their teens with five easy steps, including letting them sleep in and encouraging them to do some exercise. Meanwhile the expert stressed how important it is to 'praise their efforts' instead of focusing too much on results. She explained: 'The first step is simply recognising and validating how they feel. Let them know it's normal to feel a bit lost or low after a major event like this.' Next, Lindsey warned to avoid rushing to 'fix' the mood or dismissing it with 'you should be happy now' messaging. Instead, listen and let them speak openly. Lindsey Wright, who is a child learning specialist and Senior Tutor at leading education platform Tutors Valley, claimed the post-exam emotional slump is far more common than many parents realise and it has both biological and psychological roots (stock image) As we know, exercise boosts serotonin, which helps regulate mood, energy and well-being and this can be used to their advantage if feeling low. She said: 'You don't have to send them to the gym. A walk, a bike ride, or even something like swimming can help release stress and improve their mood.' Meanwhile Lindsey revealed that exams often come with significant sleep debt, which can worsen mood, anxiety and cognition. She said: 'Let your teen catch up - but aim for a balanced routine. Short-term catch-up sleep, including naps, can help. But restoring a regular sleep pattern is better for long-term mental health.' Elsewhere she added that students should be encouraged to reconnect with things that brought them joy before revision took over; that might be an old hobby, a creative outlet, or time with friends. Lindsey said: 'Even a small environmental change, like rearranging their room or taking a family day trip can help to mark the transition and take them away from a space they've been associating with stress.' Finally, avoid focusing solely on future results and make sure to praise the effort and resilience they've shown, regardless of what the grades might be. She added: 'Students need to hear that their value isn't tied to exam grades. If they learn that now, it will help protect their mental health far beyond this exam season.' Post-exam blues are a well-documented phenomenon but they often catch students and parents off guard (stock image) A Sydney mum has shared the terrifying moment she woke up alone after being told she and her baby were going to die during labour. Ruby Nichols, 25, suffered a placental abruption while giving birth to her three-year-old son Kobi, and after being put to sleep while doctors rushed to save her life, she woke up alone, believing her baby had died. The single mum, who lives in Sutherland Shire, 26km southwest of Sydney's CBD, recalled her traumatic birth story to Daily Mail Australia. 'When I was 41 weeks and five days, I went into labour,' she said. 'I hadn't experienced any Braxton Hicks throughout my whole pregnancy so I wasn't sure if I was in labour at first. 'But within 20 minutes my contractions were a minute long and like five minutes apart. They were strong and fast.' Ms Nichols remembered asking herself: 'How am I going to survive this?' After getting to the hospital, the mum recalled holding onto the sink in the bathroom and swaying back and forth when the midwife came to check on her son's heartbeat. 'We could hear it was non-existent and my mum's face just went white, the midwife's face went white and she just hit the emergency buzzer,' she said. Ruby Nichols (pictured with her son Kobi) suffered a traumatic birth where she was told by a nurse that she and her baby would not survive Ms Nichols woke up in a room alone and the last thing she remembered before being put to sleep was the nurse's chilling words Ms Nichols suddenly felt an immense release of pressure and assumed her waters had broken, but when she looked down all she could see was blood. Doctors told Ms Nichols she needed a Caesarean and despite initially wanting a water birth, all she cared about was making sure she and her baby were safe. She explained her son's dad, who she is no longer in a relationship with, was getting ready to come into theatre while she was having her blood pressure measured and a cannula inserted into her arm. 'I was still having contractions at this point and I started feeling really dizzy and I couldn't see the room straight and my arm was burning,' she recalled. 'My arm was swollen and pulsating, and then I was told my blood pressure was dropping and they needed to move along quickly. 'I just wanted my partner and I kept asking, "Can I please have him, where is he?" And then this nurse turned to me and said, "You and your son are both going to die". Terrifyingly, this is the last thing Ms Nichols remembers before being put to sleep. Ms Nichols is grateful to the medical team that saved her life but wishes they had made sure her mum or her son's partner was in the room when she woke up The single mum suffered a placental abruption during labour 'The hardest thing for me was that I woke up in a room by myself, all I could remember was being told that my son and I were going to die, but obviously I woke up so I knew I was alive but I have there's no baby,' she said. The mum explained she struggled to speak when she first woke up as she had been given ketamine during the birth to sedate her. 'I was trying to scream, "Where is my baby?" but I couldn't vocalise anything,' she said. After 'what felt like 15 minutes' she 'started yelling' when she saw a nurse walk by asking, 'Is he dead?' Ms Nichols was told her baby was upstairs with his dad. 'I remember losing it and saying, "Take me to my baby right now",' the mum recalled, noting she was told she had to wait for a porter to collect her, but she refused to wait a second longer. 'I told her, "I will literally rip this catheter out of myself and walk up there by myself, take me to my baby right now". The single mum noted from the time her son was born to the time she met him was around four hours. Ms Nichols was advised to make an official complaint to the hospital by her midwife The Sydney hospital apologised to Ms Nichols 'The recovery nurses were incredible, they were really great and supportive, but the thing that always upset me the most was that I woke up by myself and they did not attempt to do any skin-to-skin, which is so important,' she added. She said she's 'forever grateful' to the medical team, but the 'trauma' and 'fear that I had woke up without him was so terrifying'. 'If a nurse is going to vocalise something as horrible as that or even the trauma in general then someone should've made sure when I woke up I had a familiar face with me,' Ms Nichols said. After sharing her story with her midwife in the months following the birth, Ms Nichols was encouraged to make a complaint to the hospital. 'I am fully aware that when you are in a state of emergency and it is life or death, you're not thinking how can I comfort this person? You're just trying to get them to live and their baby to live. 'The part that I was raising my concern with was the fact that I woke up by myself in a pitch-black room with no familiar face after I've been told we weren't going to make it.' The Sydney hospital reached out to Ms Nichols and apologised, adding that they have taken her concerns on board. A woman in a 23-year age-gap relationship has revealed the benefits of being with an older man. Influencer Ellie Hillary, nee Liptrot, 22, from North Wales, met her husband Mark Hillary, 45, after a night out in December 2021. In the three short years since, her relationship has led her to quit her dental nursing job, uproot to Cheshire, become a stepmother to Mark's two children, and give birth to their first child, Marco. It's a set of circumstances that Ellie couldn't be more pleased about, but when she shared their romance online at 18 while Mark was 41, thousands of followers looked on in disgust. 'At the beginning, I'd say the hate was 70 per cent of all comments,' Mark said in conversation with Femail, recalling how people would call him 'horrific' names, including terms like 'grandpa', daily. However, looking past the critical eyes of strangers on the internet was worth it for Ellie, who believes she's found her forever partner. And unlike most men her age, who are typically working first time jobs, Mark, a business owner, has afforded Ellie luxuries including holidays and a surprise wedding in Ibiza - and she 'barely even notices' their age-gap, she said. Ellie's list of benefits also extends to the bedroom because she values Mark as 'more thoughtful, caring, and considerate' lover compared to men her age. Ellie, 22, and Mark Hillary, 45, (pictured) have opened up on the reality of being in an age-gap relationship The pair, originally from North Wales, recently wed in Ibiza, Spain, after Mark surprised Ellie with a wedding Recalling the beginning of their love story, Ellie, then 19, explained how she was longing for food after a night out and asked her friend to get some in the early hours of the morning. As a 'prank', she said, that friend gave Ellie Mark's number, and so she ended up calling his phone late at night, requesting he drive them to get food. 'They rang me, and I ignored it first,' Mark recalled. 'Then, I was awake in the middle of the night at about 2am,' adding, 'I ended up ringing it back and it was Ellie.' Ellie, undeterred by Mark being a stranger, persisted in her pursuit of a late-night meal. Mark continued, 'She said, 'Can you take us for some food, and I want to go out.'' 'I was like, 'No, no, no'. But then in the end, they convinced me to go and do it. And then that was it. That's how we knew each other.' The relationship soon progressed, with Ellie and Mark spending more time together and with their mutual friends. By April the following year, Mark and Ellie officially became boyfriend and girlfriend, an event their friends and family saw coming, they said. When asked whether friends or family objected to their relationship, Ellie said, 'It wasn't a big shock, really, they knew that I'd go out with Mark.' Ellie, who used to work as a dental nurse, and Mark welcomed their son Marco into the world last month When Ellie learned that she was pregnant, it came as surprise, but she said she was 'very excited' The pair didn't tell friends or family that they had wed until their revealed the happy news on social media Ellie added that people 'don't necessarily notice' their age gap because she's 'very mature' for her age while Mark is 'young for his age'. However, two people who perhaps didn't have the foresight about Ellie and Mark's relationship were his two children, Izzie and Marcus. Mark said, 'They were a little bit late to know... They thought we were friends for a little bit longer than we were. 'We said we were friends [until we knew] it was going to go somewhere. Then we told them that we were in a relationship.' After Izzie and Marcus learned of their father's new girlfriend, Ellie began sharing clips of their family life online, contributing to their combined follower count of over 300 thousand. One of the first videos Ellie recalled creating was a TikTok trend that asks users to show an old picture of their partner before they met, besides one of themselves at that time. She shared a photograph of Mark in his twenties besides an image of a sperm to represent herself as a joke because she wasn't yet alive when Mark was that age. Many viewers couldn't find humour in Ellie's post and shared hateful comments regarding their relationship. In addition to her son Marco, Ellie is also a stepmother to Mark's two children from an earlier relationship - Izzie and Marcus (pictured) Mark said that when they first shared their relationship online, trolls would call him 'horrific' names 'I did a couple trends, and it blew up very, very quickly,' Ellie recalled. People didn't just troll her about her relationship, but also her role as stepmother. Ellie said, 'I remember the second or third video I posted of me and my stepson doing peace and pouts with middle fingers [up], and people were saying, 'How dare you let your stepson do a middle finger. 'Then we took off. I think that got a million views and had thousands of comments from people with opinions. 'I think from that point on, we were like, 'Wow, there's real interest in our lives', and we went with it.' The couple were able to look past the haters because of their 'thick skin', said Mark, with Ellie adding, '[Hate] wouldn't bother me to my face, never mind online. 'The people sitting behind the screen are nine times [out of ten] people that you know that are on fake accounts. [It's] embarrassing.' However, in recent times, Ellie and Mark have noticed a transformation in their comment section - people now share supportive messages rather than hate. They believe that, through showing their personalities and loving family home, they've transformed their viewers from hateful to supportive. 'As soon as people saw our personalities, it sort of brought up the following,' Mark said, adding, 'Now it's people just invested in our lives and what we get up to on a day-to-day basis. And in October last year, the couple had a major update to share with their followers - they were expecting their first child together. Thinking back to discovering she was pregnant, which was unexpected, Ellie recalled, 'I was very nervous but super excited. It was a shock.' Once the nerves settled, the pair and their stepchildren were over the moon to be welcoming a new child into the world together. The surprises didn't stop there, because Mark later shocked Ellie by preparing a surprise wedding in Ibiza. Mark treated Ellie to a luxury stay in Ibiza's Ushuaia beach hotel, where prices range from 420 to 8,100 per night, and branded the stay as a baby moon. While the pair had discussed marriage before, they never set plans in stone, and so Mark took it upon himself to plan the special day before their baby Marco was born. '[I chose] Ibiza because it's quite a big part of us because I used to live there and it was our first holiday,' Mark said, who also packed a veil and other items for Ellie. The nuptials took place a few short weeks before they welcomed Marco into the world, and Ellie had no idea she was going to come home a wife. Ellie said her 'baby brain' meant she overlooked glaring clues that Mark had something up his sleeve. The pair shared clips from their special day, which took place in a small Spanish church. After they said their vows, Ellie and Mark went back to their hotel to celebrate with bubbles in a hot tub on their balcony. They waited until they posted online to tell friends and family because, 'We kind of just want to enjoy it and keep it to ourselves,' Mark said. One month later, the couple welcomed their son Marco, whose name is inspired by Mark's. Ellie and Mark already have more children on the brain, with Ellie joking that she'd happily have her next soon, who Mark said might be called 'Mark junior'. The father-of-three said his experience as a parent means he can help Ellie help bring Marco up in areas that she's still learning. 'I even taught Ellie how to change Marco,' he said. Reflecting on her whirlwind past few years, Ellie said that despite all the hate, she wouldn't change a thing, and urges others in age-gap relationships not to be put off by others' opinions. 'At the end of the day, it's your life. You're in control of your life, and you shouldn't live your life pleasing others, because you need to live your life and make yourself happy. She concluded, 'What other people think, and what everyone may want for you is not always what is going to make you happy.' Following a secret trial and overwhelming fan demand, McGriddles have officially been added as breakfast menu item at McDonald's stores Australia-wide. FEMAIL can confirm that McGriddles will be available nationally on the fast food giant's breakfast menu from Wednesday, July 9. The range will see four new items introduced to the menu - all featuring the cult-favourite sweet and savoury maple infused breakfast pancakes. For the uninitiated, McGriddles are essentially a twist on a classic Macca's breakfast burger, whereby the English Muffin bun is replaced with two fluffy maple-infused sweet pancake buns, creating a delightful sweet and savoury contrast. The new range includes the Sausage and Cheese McGriddles, which sees a classic beef sausage patty paired with melty cheese and served in-between two soft, warm maple infused pancakes. Then, there's the Sausage, Egg and Cheese McGriddles, which includes all of the above with the addition of an egg omelette. Next, there's the Bacon, Egg and Cheese McGriddles, which includes a rasher bacon, egg omelette and a slice of cheese inside the pancake bun. The final option is to keep it simple with a serve of plain McGriddles. FEMAIL can exclusively confirm the McGriddles range is available nationally on the breakfast menu at McDonald's Australia stores from Wednesday 9 July Previously, the only way that Aussies could get their hands on the fast food giant's legendary McGriddles was while travelling abroad to countries like the US, Canada, Japan or Hong Kong. McDonald's Australia customers have subsequently lobbied the fast food brand for years to bring the iconic breakfast item down under. Earlier this year, Aussie fans got wind of a secret trial of McGriddles taking place in certain Maccas stores around Sydney. The result saw customers flocking to the select locations and willingly waiting for over an hour to to taste the hard-to-find brekkie item. Following the success of the trial, a McDonald's Australia spokesperson confirmed to FEMAIL that all Australians will now have the chance to taste the legendary McGriddles range. 'Our Aussie fans absolutely obsessed over the sweet and savoury flavours of McGriddles when we trialled it earlier this year,' Amanda Nakad, Marketing Director of Menu and Brand for McDonald's Australia, said. Rather than making it a limited time menu addition, Ms Nakad confirmed the popularity during the trial phase meant McGriddles had been promoted straight to the nationwide breakfast menu. 'Safe to say, we got the message and gave our iconic breakfast menu a glow up by adding it to the national menu,' she said. The McGriddles range will include four items, including a Sausage, Egg and Cheese McGriddles (left) and a Bacon, Egg and Cheese McGriddles (right) She confirmed that the McGriddles range will now feature alongside other Maccas breakfast staples, such as their hashbrowns, McMuffins and McCafe coffee. Customers should however note that McGriddles are part of the fast food store's breakfast menu, meaning they can only be purchased until 10.30am. Back in May during the trial period, Sydney foodie Adrian Wildjy was one of the first to alert his TikTok followers about McGriddles being quietly launched in select stores down under. Sharing a video to his over 381K followers, the Sydney food content creator raved that his favourite overseas Maccas breakfast food was now in his hometown city. 'Finally my prayer is answered. It's here in Australia. It's the McGriddles,' Adrian said in the video. 'I always have them when I'm in Japan or Hong Kong. Now it's here where I am in Sydney,' the online foodie continued. 'I just love the sweet savoury combo of the McGriddles,' Adrian said. 'I am so happy,' he concluded in the viral video, urging fellow McGriddles fans to 'run' to find them. Sydney foodie Adrian Wildjy was one of the first to spot the McDonald's McGriddles in Australia, sharing a video of the find to his TikTok account @adrianwidjy Sydney-foodie Adrian Wildjy excitedly shared that he'd tried two of the McGriddles breakfast burgers: Bacon Egg & Cheese and Sausage, Egg & Cheese During the previous trial period, the McGriddles breakfast burger alone was priced at $7.80 at the Haberfield McDonald's in Sydney. They could also be purchased as part of a breakfast meal. Customers could also purchase the McGriddles cakes alone during the trial and were at that time priced at $4.55 - with the option to add on a hot cake syrup for an additional $1.10. A man has spoken of how he lived with a serial killer as a roommate before he found out what he had done. Jesse Crosson shared the experience when he was staying at Nottoway Correctional Centre in the US state of Virginia. He explained he had gotten a job in the wood shop, and when he was moved into a new prison cell, he realised he was already occupied by an 'old little man'. He explained in a TikTok video: ' I remember the pop the door to the cell for me to go in and there was this old little man sitting in front of the TV drinking his coffee and I was like "This is a roommate I can deal with, he's not young and crazy, he's not going to be loud." 'It worked out great. Sometimes he worked night shift, and I worked day shift, so I got the cell to myself. He was quiet, we had good conversations, we watched Jeopardy. I really liked the guy. He even taught me how to shave because when I first got locked up, I couldn't grow a beard, so I never learned.' In the video, he goes on to explain, the roommate never received any mail from family or spoke to anyone on the phone, and as he knew he had previously been a decorated officer in Vietnam, he asked his stepmother if he could write him a letter. He said: 'And then my stepmum comes for a visit and she's like 'You know Jesse, your roommate is a serial killer.' 'I said 'okay...' Jesse Crosson shared the experience when he was staying at Nottoway Correctional Centre in the US state of Virginia. He explained he had gotten a job in the wood shop and when he was moved into a new prison cell he realised he was already occupied by an 'old little man' 'So she tells me this whole story and I got back to have this conversation like "Greg, remember how I said I was going to try to get my stepmum to write to you? Well, she doesn't really feel comfortable" and he says 'yeah, you did your homework' and he laughed and it scared the s**** out of me.' In the video, he went on to say that the roommate was 'connected to dozens of murders across the country ,but I didn't know that at first' He added: 'Finding out one day that I was living with a serial killer was uncomfortable and it didn't really mesh with the things I knew about him. 'He had been a decorated officer in Vietnam. He had served three tours and used to recite the names of every soldier he had lost. 'The man was helping me work on my vocabulary... He was really where I started to understand that one is just one thing.' In 2002, Crosson was originally sentenced to serve 32 years in jail just as he turned 18 after committing two separate and unrelated crimes: being caught in a robbery and a shooting. After spending 19 years behind bars, the 38-year-old shares his jail tales to his 1.2 million TikTok followers, revealing the fascinating facts of what life is really like in prison - and what it was like to readjust to life outside when he was released. In a recent clip, the former inmate shared the moment he was released from prison 'felt like a dream.' After spending 19 years behind bars, Jesse Crosson (pictured) is sharing insight into what life is like in prison via TikTok In 2002, Crosson was originally sentenced to serve 32 years in jail just he turned 18, after committing two separate and unrelated crimes; being caught in a robbery and shooting He recalled walking outside for the first time and getting into a car felt 'awkward and weird' - and he even had a 'breakdown' in Costco after shopping with his newfound freedom. 'I started to feel two things,' he recalled. 'One was a sense of grief for everything that I lost and beginning to realize all those years had passed, and the other was a sense of joy.' Crosson, who lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, recalled shifting his mindset from his life as a free man 'being a dream,' to it being 'waking up' from a bad one. 'It was back to reality for the first time,' the ex-convict explained. 'And it was where I belonged.' The motivational speaker, who has started the Second Chancer Foundation in 2022 to provide direct services for prisoners, admitted he suffered from a breakdown and PTSD, as well as struggling in different environments and relationships. Crosson has also recalled the moment he found out he was being released from prison - saying it had been a 'surprise' - and he woke up that day thinking he still had 10 years left on his prison sentence. However, he was called into the counselor's office who told him the good news - he was a free man. After being given 'ridiculous' release clothes - oversized khaki pants and a large khaki-colored shirt - he left the prison and was picked up by his mom, who he could finally embrace after spending 15 minutes filling out the final paperwork. Crosson admitted he had an aversion to dress clothes after getting out of prison, as he was arrested in them In one video, Crosson has also recalled the moment he found out he was being released from prison - saying it had been a 'surprise' Crosson, pictured in an unknown year in prison, was sentenced to double the recommended sentence 'I picked her up and I started swinging her around,' he reminisced. In a TikTok posted in June, Crosson explained he was arrested after he and his co-defendants had run out of money, and were trying to get a fix - making the decision to rob the home of a restaurant owner someone had worked for. Although they justified the crime by convincing themselves the restaurant owners weren't good people. However, someone ended up being home and it turned into a home invasion, which left Crosson paranoid and afraid they were after him. Wanting to defend himself, Crosson purchased a handgun from a friend - which turned out to be stolen - and was involved in a fight that ended in a car chase and him firing his gun. He was caught and sentenced to 32 years - double the recommended sentence. 'When I got arrested I looked absolutely insane,' the ex-criminal recalled, saying he was dressed like a gangster inspired by his friend's uncle, who legitimately was one. 'I had these hiking boots on but I had dress socks, I didn't have any boxers on cause we're so strung out, we can never get organized to do laundry but I was wearing dress clothes, [I] wanted to be just like him,' he said. 'I also had this long overcoat that my stepfather had given me and besides thinking it made me look like a gangster we had a strap on the AK, so I can put it over my shoulder with a regular clip in there, you couldn't even tell it was under the jacket,' he added. Crosson founded the Second Chancer Foundation last year to provide direct services for incarcerated people The ex-convict was sentenced to 32 years in prison in 2002, but was released after 19 years The free man said he was arrested in that outfit and had to wear it again when he was transferred from jail to the receiving center before starting his sentence. While he was being processed, he was given the options of sending the garments home or leaving them there. He instead opted to throw the clothes away. 'With limited money on the books, there was no way in the world I was gonna pay for the postage [when] I could buy food and hygiene instead,' he explained. 'Maybe that's why I was so hesitant to start wearing dress clothes again, because for about a year-and-a-half or almost two years all I wore was T-shirts and jeans. I was like no, I don't need that fancy stuff,' he added thoughtfully. In other videos, Crosson revealed more information from his time in prison - including his unusual mentor, who turned out to be a serial killer. 'I was surprised because I said you know I really like this guy,' he recalled in a clip posted to TikTok. 'I get along with him, he teaches me something every day, he helped me a lot in kind of seeing the world in a different way.' Although Crosson appears to be remorseful about his actions, he isn't remorseful about being arrested. 'I needed to be arrested,' he said in a video explaining why he was put behind bars. 'I was an active threat to other people.' 'In many ways being arrested, being pulled me out of the crazy lifestyle, the tail spins that I was in is what saved my life,' he added sincerely. Crosson also said with 'great love and support,' he was able to put his life back together in prison. 'I mentored other men, earned a Bachelor's degree, became a journeyman electrician, wrote articles for publication and found a way forward,' he said. An American mom who moved her family to Spain has lifted the lid on the shocking differences between the two countries. Marae and Roger Torrelier, 36 and 40, respectively, originally from the US, have spent years traveling the globe while working as full-time content creators. Over the course of their travels, they fell in love with the culture and lifestyle in Europe. While they often contemplated moving abroad, knowing that their relatives were in the US always stopped them from taking the plunge. But when their eldest daughter, now 5 years old, became almost school-age, they realized they did not want to send her to a school in America amidst all the shootings. So the couple decided to pack up their belongings and move to Malaga, Spain, with their toddler and 1-year-old baby. 'I didn't want to send [my daughter] to school and not have her come back,' Marae explained during an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail. 'I couldnt shake the thought of her learning gun drills at such a young age.' An American mom who moved her family to Spain has lifted a lid on the shocking differences between the two countries Marae, 36, and Roger Torrelier, 40, originally from the US, recently packed up their belongings and relocated to Malaga, Spain, with their daughters, 5 and 1 Marae soon discovered that life in Spain was very different than life in America. She gushed that the people there are much friendlier and 'look after' each other, while kids are welcome in all spaces, unlike in the US where there are a lot of rules about where they can hang out. 'Life in Spain is very different than where we lived in the US, but since its all new to us we are mostly excited to learn a new way of life,' she said. 'We love how families are treated and welcomed everywhere here. They just expect you to be with your kids and theres no warning needed. 'I feel like even in more family friendly areas in the US they have great dedicated kids areas, but the kids and the adults are separated. 'Here in Spain, you see seniors out and about, playing in parks and socializing with the kids that are throwing the ball around. 'Families chasing after their toddler and kids interacting and taking place in all areas of life. 'Our kids play in parks or plazas while we eat and everyone looks out for them. Its just a more community oriented society.' Marae gushed that the people there are much friendlier and 'look after' each other, while kids are 'welcomed everywhere' 'We spend more time with the girls, much more time outside, and even though we are new here we are more social,' added the mother of two In addition, she explained that the work-life balance is better, which means they get more quality time with their daughters. 'We spend more time with the girls, much more time outside, and even though we are new here, we are more social,' added the mother of two. She said they've been able to 'slow down' since making the move, and 'concentrate on soaking up the first years of the girls' lives.' She also revealed that things are 'way more affordable' in Spain, and pointed out that so many beautiful destinations in Europe are just a short flight away. But most importantly, she explained that she doesn't have to worry as much in Spain as she did in America. 'I feel like overall my children are safer here and therefore I feel more peace of mind,' Marae said. She said they've been able to 'slow down' since making the move, and 'concentrate on soaking up the first years of the girls' lives' But most importantly, she explained that she doesn't have to worry as much in Spain as she did in America. She said, 'I feel like overall my children are safer here' As for the downsides, she explained that it's slightly harder to get certain products and goods since there are fewer stores and no delivery services like DoorDash. 'We miss our family and miss some comforts like driving everywhere, and the availability of products... But its an easy trade off for the quality of life we have now - with much more peace of mind, and time together.' In the end, Marae said she hoped that sharing their story will encourage others to do the same. 'Moving abroad is not a simple or small decision... but if you dream of a slower lifestyle or one where you feel more aligned with where you live, I certainly think its worth looking into it,' she concluded. Tired of scrolling past yet another soggy salad on your feed? Swap the doomscroll for a forkful of inspiration at this summers National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival, returning to London with its biggest line-up yet. And thanks to MailOnlines exclusive flash sale, you can taste the world for less but only if you move fast. Save 40% how to claim From 8am on Monday 7 July until 11.59pm on Wednesday 9 July, MailOnline readers can save 40% on general admission tickets. Simply head to the festival booking page and enter the code that matches your preferred day at checkout: Day: Full price Flash-sale code Your price* Saturday 19 July 25 NGTSAT40 15 Sunday 20 July 25 NGTSUN40 15 *Discount applies to standard adult admission only. Offer strictly available during the flash sale window. Tickets are limited and once theyre gone, theyre gone so set a reminder, gather your fellow food lovers and lock in those savings before theyre gone. Star chefs you wont want to miss The 2025 festival welcomes an impressive roster of culinary talents: Yotam Ottolenghi makes his long-awaited festival debut on the Main Stage, promising vibrant Mediterranean flavours and plenty of crowd-pleasing tips. Andi Oliver, TV presenter and champion of Caribbean cuisine, returns for her fourth appearance to headline Sundays programme. Expect punchy spices, infectious energy and stories that will have you booking your next island escape. Asma Khan, renowned for her authentic Indian cuisine and storytelling through food, showcases recipes from her newest cookbook, Monsoon. Karan Gokani, founder of Hoppers, brings his unique blend of South Asian flavours inspired by India and Sri Lanka. Jose Pizarro, the king of Spanish food in the UK, shares his passion for Iberian cuisine and storytelling. Clodagh McKenna, Irish chef and TV favourite, brings seasonal recipes to life. Dina Macki, cookbook author and chef, celebrates Omani flavours with dishes like salmon, tamarind and aubergine curry. Jeremy Pang, wok master and crowd favourite from the School of Wok, offers a taste of Hong Kong with dishes like wonton braised noodles and dry-fried green beans with pork mince. Theyll be joined by a whos who of global gastronomy, including cookbook authors, wine experts and travel insiders. More than a tasting ticket Two flavour-packed days at the Business Design Centre will bring you: Live demos: Bag a front row seat as chefs plate up signature dishes, share trade secrets and take audience questions. Tasting workshops: Hone your palate at expert-led sessions covering everything from British farmhouse cheese to Georgian qvevri wines and Caribbean cocktails. Speakers Corner: Hear food writers, photographers and adventurers unpack the culture behind each bite. Marketplace & street food: Stock up on artisan goodies and graze your way around the globe without leaving N1. Photo clinics & masterclasses: Learn to capture edible works of art (before devouring them). Whether youre a seasoned supper-clubber, budding chef or just love a good free sample, theres something to satisfy every appetite. Plan your visit Venue: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, Islington just a five-minute walk from Angel Tube. Getting there: Victoria, Northern and Overground lines are all nearby; there are plenty of bus routes and cycle racks. Accessibility: Step-free access throughout; companion tickets available on request. Why book now? Secure your slot during the 48-hour 40% discount window and youll: Save 10 on every ticket. Beat the inevitable last-minute sell-out. Free up cash for an extra session truffle-tasting, anyone? How to redeem Visit the official ticket portal (link below). Enter NGTSAT40 or NGTSUN60 in the Promo Code box. Choose General Admission for your chosen day. Check out and start counting down the days until your food adventure. Book tickets here (codes valid 7-9 July only). MailOnline Reader Offers the small print MailOnline may earn commission on sales generated from this article, but this never influences our editorial independence. Prices and availability are correct at time of publication. Flash-sale discount applies to adult general-admission tickets purchased between 08:00 BST on 7 July 2025 and 23:59 BST on 9 July 2025. Tickets are sold subject to the festivals terms and conditions. For full FAQs, visit the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival website. Bags packed? Appetite primed? With a 40% saving, the hardest part will be waiting until the gates open on 19 July. See you at the Main Stage! President Trump and his wife Melania Trump's only son has been spoiled Barron Trump was spoiled with expensive tuition and lived in a home fit for a king during his lavish childhood. The 19-year-old student, who is the only child of President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump, was born on March 20, 2006, and has remained largely out of the spotlight. But as reports emerge that the teen has bagged himself his first ever girlfriend, Femail delves into Barron's luxurious upbringing, taking a particularly close look at the hundreds of thousands spent on his education. Barron was born and raised in New York City and spent much of his childhood living at his dad's extravagant penthouse apartment, Trump Tower, in Manhattan. The sprawling home, worth an estimated $65 million, boasts of breathtaking views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. According to reports, Barron has a floor of his own in the lavish residence, with the home located on the top three floors of Trump Tower. Barron attended school in New York City until 2017, when his dad took office for his first term in the White House. He then attended middle and high schools in different locations across the country. Barron Trump was spoiled with expensive tuition and lived in a home fit for a king during his lavish childhood The 19-year-old student is the only child of President Trump and his wife Melania Trump (pictured in 2015) For his primary education, Barron went to Manhattan's prestigious Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School. Tuition at the elite school is billed at $64,340 per year and increases by about $1,000 once you enter high school. Trump started his first term as president halfway through the school year in January 2017, so Barron remained with Melania in New York to finish up his time at Columbia. In September 2017, he started sixth grade at St. Andrew's Episcopal in Potomac, Maryland - just about a 45-minute car drive from Washington, D.C. The yearly middle school tuition at St. Andrew's cost $52,290. Once Trump's first term was up in 2020, Barron moved to Palm Beach, Florida and finished school there, at Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach. He graduated from Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, Florida, last May. Barron is currently a student at NYU and has just completed his freshman year. Barron was born on March 20, 2006, (Pictured at Trump Tower in 2009) Melania and Baron attend the annual playground party with New York families to support Central Park's playgrounds on May 30, 2007 For his primary education, Barron went to Manhattan's prestigious Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School Barron's parents forked out $64,340 per year for his primary school education In September 2017, Barron started sixth grade at St. Andrew's Episcopal in Potomac, Maryland (pictured at his father's inauguration in January 2017) He has returned to live at Trump Tower while he completes his college education. President Trump revealed last month his 'formula for good parenting.' 'I always said the same thing. I said: no drugs, no alcohol, no cigarettes. I also would say don't get tattoos, but I don't say it too strongly, because a lot of people have gotten tattoos, and that's what they choose to do,' he told The New York Post in a podcast interview. Many of the president's supporters at rallies sport tattoos as do some members of Trump's Cabinet, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president has made a point of not drinking, as his older brother, Fred Trump Jr., suffered from alcoholism and died young, at age 42. He boasted that his five children - Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany and Barron - were 'born smart.' 'Barron is great. He is very tall and good,' he added. When I became the main presenter on GMTV in January 1997 I felt like the luckiest woman alive. There was no way you could do that job without being totally alert. Every morning there was news breaking, directions being barked down my earpiece, guests going missing and all sorts of chaos, but I just had to keep on smiling and make it all look entirely effortless. I loved it. It did mean getting up at 3.30am though, and by the start of 2007 I'd been doing those pre-dawn starts for a decade. Our son Nat was still just eight, his brother Mackenzie five. For the entire time, I had been combining my role as a TV presenter with caring for my parents as best I could. My mother had Alzheimer's and until her death the previous year aged just 66 I'd looked after her every weekend. Not long afterwards we discovered my father had also fallen victim to the disease. I was running on empty. By then I was working three days a week on the show and packed my other days with work too. On top of my weekly newspaper column, I was also presenting a radio show, another TV programme and various one-off documentaries that came my way. Whenever work was offered, I felt a huge pressure to say 'Yes'. I was very aware of how TV bosses think I needed them to know other shows were interested in me so they wouldn't think I was a washed up old has-been. So I piled more and more pressure and work on myself. Then I'd dash home to pick the boys up from school, give them some tea and help with their homework before falling into bed and doing it all over again the next day. I never just sat down and relaxed or watched TV. Maybe I'd become a bit manic. I could be dead on my feet with exhaustion but still fretting that I needed to knock up a moussaka because there were two aubergines in the fridge that needed using up. Martin and I had the most horrendous rows. They'd blow up over something ridiculous like why couldn't he empty the dishwasher, then spiral up from there. Fiona Phillips became the main presenter on GMTV in January 1997 and 'felt like the luckiest woman alive' Fiona with fellow GMTV presenters Anthea Turner (left) and Eamonn Holmes (centre) 'I need more help around the place, Martin!' I'd yell. 'You expect me to do everything.' And then he'd come back at me: 'Well, what do you want me to do? Give up my job?' 'No, I just feel like it all comes down to me.' 'Well, let's get a live-in nanny then!' he'd yell. 'I don't want a live-in nanny taking over my house!' I'd shout back. I was caught up in so many conflicting emotions I knew the job was destroying me but it also gave me security and purpose. I knew I wasn't giving the boys the attention they needed but I didn't want to pay someone else to do that when I'd been brought up to believe that was my job. And I loved Martin and our family, so why couldn't I just stop yelling at everyone? Fiona and her husband Martin Frizell at the National Television Awards in 2002 Fiona admits she was 'running on empty' during her time as a GMTV presenter I think I was probably depressed too I could cry at the merest things and often I'd be crying when we had guests telling emotional stories at work. Then I'd go back to my dressing room and cry some more, because I just felt so disconnected from my life. So in summer 2008, when I got wind that senior management wanted to shake up the show and I wasn't part of their plans for what shook back down I'd lost my energy to fight it. I agreed a deal and left in December, almost 12 years after I'd first sat on that famous red sofa. MARTIN Soon after her mum's death in 2006, Fiona's dad Phil was diagnosed with the same condition so a lot of her attention transferred to worrying about him and caring for him. The rest of the time we were in that routine of life that most people have working, looking after the kids and going out or seeing our friends whenever we had any energy left. Then in 2008 Fiona left GMTV. Television can be a brutal world and things keep changing. If a new boss comes in and wants to shake up the format then that's what happens there's not really much a presenter can do about that. It was a massive knock to her pride and confidence. Fiona really doesn't have a big ego, unlike so many people in the world of TV, but it was still a jolt. During that time she spent a lot of time with her dad. She went down to see him every weekend and also during the week when she could. When Phil passed away, that was incredibly hard for her. The couple attend the National Television Awards ceremony together in 1998 New parents: Fiona and Martin walk through a park with a pram and their new child in 1999 FIONA Martin had been promoted to Editor of GMTV in 2000, but in 2010 ITV bought the breakfast show franchise which meant he and all the people he'd been working with lost their jobs. It came as a massive shock to him. After a couple of months of moping around he came up with the idea of using his redundancy money to buy a pub in Dorset, where a couple of years earlier we'd bought a little holiday home. Soon we were the proud owners of The Greyhound Inn, a gastropub with a few rooms upstairs. The plan was that at first Martin would commute a couple of times a week while I stayed in London with the boys. At first it worked really well. I would often go down at weekends with the boys and we'd have great times. But as the boys got older, with their own friends and activities, they were less enthusiastic about travelling to Dorset every weekend. I started to get fed up with it all a bit too. With Martin away most of the week it all just added to my sense that everything at home got left to me. He sold the pub in 2014 having lost every last penny of his redundancy payout but then his career got back on track. That year he took over at ITV's Loose Women and, after a spell sorting that out, became Editor of This Morning with Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby the following year. But my TV career didn't recover in the same way. Bits and pieces of work came in but I never felt completely right. Fiona and Martin attend Kate Garraway's wedding to Derek Draper in 2005 Fiona and Martin attend the Missing People Carol Service at St-Martin-In-The-Fields in 2012 My fight to get equal pay with Eamonn In 2005, Eamonn Holmes left GMTV, claiming it had become celebrity-obsessed. He was a good journalist but not always the easiest person to work with. After he left, I became the shows veteran host. It felt like a new opportunity for me. For years, if there was a big interview to be done with a politician, Eamonn would lead the conversation and I was supposed to chip in with a few questions near the end and I hated that. I also discovered that Eamonn had been paid significantly more than me. It seems incredible that well into this century, no one had batted an eyelid at a man being paid more than a woman for doing exactly the same job. Advertisement Was I worried that there might be something sinister lurking beneath the surface? That Alzheimer's could one day be coming for me too? On one level I did think I would get the disease, but there was also another part of me that was in a strange sort of denial about it all. 'This illness has devastated so much of my life already, surely it's not going to come for me too?' I'd tell friends. 'Lightning doesn't strike twice. Well, even if it does, it definitely doesn't strike three times.' Was that wishful thinking? Maybe, but there were times when I truly believed it. Meanwhile my marriage was coming under increasing strain. I'm sure the disease was at least partly responsible, but at the time neither of us could see it. I just became more and more disconnected from Martin and the boys. 'You've totally zoned out of our family and our marriage,' he would say to me. 'Don't be so bloody ridiculous!' I'd yell back. But, if I'm honest, I think he was right. I just didn't seem to have the energy for any of it any more. I didn't realise quite how seriously Martin felt about it all until one evening he announced he was moving out. 'Stop being so ridiculous!' I yelled. 'I'm just worn out. I'm tired of everything.' 'That's what you've been saying for years,' he replied. 'Maybe this our marriage is what's making you so tired.' Fiona was joined on the sofa with a new co-host - Martin - when Eamonn Holmes took a long weekend break in 1998 Martin and Fiona look glamorous as they attend ITV Summer Party in 2015 I didn't think for one moment my relationship with him was what was behind me feeling so down about everything. It was something else that I had no means of controlling, but I couldn't ever seem to explain that properly. I don't think I ever thought he would leave me completely. It felt much more like he was trying to shock me into behaving differently. And it worked. Even though we had been distant for months and months, I missed Martin. And if I thought about what a future might be like without him, it just seemed bewildering. A sort of nothingness. I did spend time thinking about how I'd behaved towards him, not just in the past few months but over the years when I'd been so preoccupied with my parents and work. Not that I regretted that for a moment, but clearly it had taken its toll on our marriage. By the third week of our separation, we had started texting each other and then we spoke on the phone. He wanted us to meet to talk everything through, so he booked a beautiful hotel in Hampshire for one Friday evening. Driving down, I felt nervous in a way that I hadn't for years. After three weeks, I desperately wanted my husband home. For all the arguments and the bickering and my moaning, I still loved him I always had done. Martin and Fiona take part in a celebrity special of the TV game show 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' Then Prime Minister Tony Blair talking to Fiona and Eamonn Holmes on the ITV breakfast show in 2001 Fiona and her dance partner Brendon Cole performing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 Strictly star Brendan left me in tears A couple of years ago, when there was all the talk about bullying behind the scenes at Strictly, rehearsal footage emerged where Brendan Cole, my professional partner when I appeared on the show in 2005, was seen shouting and swearing at the film crew. He could also be seen looking at my dancing and saying, Pathetic, its not good enough! Then Im begging him to stop shouting and worrying that I look completely ridiculous. Theres a clip where I say to the cameraman that Brendan is looking at me like hes stepped in something. I really dont remember much of that time now maybe I blocked it out because all I recall is the sense that it was incredibly traumatic. I was on the brink of tears most of the time and felt utterly exhausted. And it all seemed so pointless. Brendan would be swinging me around the dance floor for a paso doble and Id be thinking, Ive just put Mum in a care home, what on Earth am I doing dressed up to the nines in a dancing competition? I should probably have told the crew or even Brendan how much I was struggling, but I didnt. I just stumbled on. Literally. Fortunately (although I dont think Brendan saw it that way), we were voted out in week four. It was all over on Bonfire Night. What a relief! Advertisement I wanted him back, I wanted myself back. I just wasn't sure whether I could do it. That evening was difficult but great. 'You've been so distant for so long,' he told me. 'I just need to know is this going to work or not?' 'Well, I want it to work,' I said. 'And so do I,' he said. 'But things have got to change.' And I knew he was right. The only problem was I didn't know how to change things. In 2020 I decided that, having caught Covid earlier that year, I was now suffering from Long Covid. Or was I using that as another excuse to the world for why my behaviour had changed? I just don't know. Around then I also lost my confidence around driving. I'd been driving since I passed my test at 17. For years I'd nipped round London in my little Mini and then I did epic trips back and forth to my mum in Wales with two little kids in the back. But now just the thought of driving through the streets near our home made my palms sweat and I felt sick. The roads were all so busy and what if I forgot which pedal to press or which street to go down? Even popping to the shops, which I'd done a million times before, became terrifying. The anxiety attacks became more frequent until they were almost hourly. Around this time lots of women in the public eye, such as Davina McCall and Gabby Logan, were discussing the menopause in a way it had never previously been talked about. It felt like the pieces were falling into place why hadn't anyone told me before how debilitating the menopause could be? But I didn't have the hot flushes that a lot of women complain about. For me it was the sense of brain fog and a sense of anxiety that I could rarely shake off. The simplest thing, like going to the bank to ask about my account, would send me into a total panic, and there were mood swings too, which meant even I was finding my behaviour unpredictable. And yet, despite not wanting to be like that, I couldn't do anything about it. I felt I'd lost control over my life. During 2021, Dr Louise Newson had been appearing frequently on Martin's show, This Morning. She had become known as the UK's leading expert on menopause. Martin said that if the way I was feeling was down to menopause, then Dr Newson was the person to diagnose it. Mark stepped down as editor of ITV's This Morning in February 2025 to take care of his wife amid her diagnosis (pictured on his last day with Josie Gibson and Alison Hammond) Before her diagnosis: A smiling Fiona poses for a picture at home at her Dorset Cottage in 2015 Fiona, seen for the first time in over a year in May to promote her new book, Remember When: My life with Alzheimer's, amid her battle with the disease MARTIN By the start of 2022, I was pinning a lot of hope on Dr Newson. The previous 12 months had been incredibly difficult. It felt like Fiona was slipping further and further away from me, Nat and Mackenzie. You'll be wondering why, as bright, educated people, we didn't think this might be the beginning the start of Alzheimer's stealth attack on Fiona's mind. I honestly don't know. All I can say is, at the time, I really didn't think so. Things weren't great but life's not always great, is it? Dr Newson was lovely. She had a long chat with Fiona and took blood tests. She also put her on a course of hormone replacement therapy. If it was the menopause, then within a couple of months the brain fog and anxiety symptoms should start to ease. But when Fiona's condition failed to improve after a few months of the HRT treatment, I contacted Struggle: Fiona and husband Martin pictured last year as they attended the funeral of Derek Draper National spotlight: Fiona, right, with her fellow GMTV presenters Anthea Turner and Eamonn Holmes in 1996 Dr Newson and asked what we should do next. The doctor read through Fiona's notes again and then said the words I'd been hoping for so long never to hear: 'Look, I think this may be something more than menopause and Fiona needs to be properly assessed.' FIONA For my first hospital appointment, the consultant, Professor Jonathan Rohrer, gave me a series of tests. He started with questions like, 'Can you tell me what 86 minus 7 is?', and then it would be 79 minus 7, then 72 minus 7 all the way down. Then he pointed to the clock and asked me the time. It all felt a bit humiliating and silly. But it also felt quite difficult. Finally they produced a large piece of paper and pens and I had to draw two rectangles. Then I had to repeat the process, but this time the rectangles had to intersect. Later, Martin told me that people with Alzheimer's really struggle to make the rectangles intersect it's something to do with how the brain works that makes it particularly difficult. I felt quite chuffed I'd managed it. Surely if my rectangles were OK, my brain must be OK too? After the tests, I had an MRI. But the results were inconclusive, so I had to go back a few weeks later for a lumbar puncture where they extract spinal fluid which would, they said, give a definitive result. Fiona makes an appearance on Lorraine on June 6, 2018. At the time, she presented Shop Smart Save Money Martin and I sat next to each other across the desk from the consultant. We made some small talk about the weather as I scanned the desk for any stray reports or letters that might give a glimpse of what was coming my way. 'Yes, so your results are back,' he said slowly. 'And yes, I'm afraid to tell you that you do have early-onset Alzheimer's disease.' Martin and I stared at him. Neither of us said a word. We sat rigid, locked in suspended animation between everything our lives had been before this moment and everything they would become beyond it. I'd only turned 61 at the start of that year. And, while I suppose I had always thought I might get the disease one day, I'd hoped it might be when I was in my eighties or even nineties. We stood on the pavement outside the hospital in complete and utter shock. Then Martin said: 'Right, well, shall we go and have a drink?' 'Yes, let's,' I replied. 'I think I need a drink.' Fiona Phillips pictured in 1994 before she became a GMTV presenter Martin Frizzell and wife Fiona Phillips attend the reception of 8Rocks party from Lawrence Dallaglio's Foundation on November 12, 2010 We walked across the road to a little pub, both too shellshocked to speak much. Martin went to the bar for two large glasses of wine while I sat at a table, fiddling with a bar mat while my life continued to shatter into a million shards of pain. In those first few minutes after the devastating diagnosis, I was angry, too. Really f****** angry. I know you're not supposed to ask 'Why me?' and I've never been a moaner but seriously, this time, 'Why me?' What had I done so wrong to deserve this? It's not like I needed any more lessons in how awful this illness can be, I could write a whole book. In fact, I had written the book ten years earlier. If it wasn't so bloody awful, it would be funny. Martin brought the drinks over. He was so pale, so utterly shocked. Both of Fiona's parents died of Alzheimer's. Her father was diagnosed just weeks after her mother passed away 'What do we do now?' I asked. He probably hadn't any more idea than me but, despite years and years of independence and not feeling I needed anyone to cope, I really needed to cling to him at that moment. 'Well, the consultant told us to go home and live as 'normally' as we can,' Martin said flatly. 'How on earth do we live "normally"?' I asked. 'I'm not sure,' he replied. 'We'll just have to give it a go and see what treatments we can find. 'There must be something we can do. I'll talk to some experts and see what they say. 'There's so much work going on in this field nowadays, it really has progressed enormously since your mum was ill.' I knew Martin had flipped into journalist mode this wasn't the time to flap or fuss, we just had to get the job done. And I liked that. Because if anyone knew what to do in a crisis, it was Martin. I just felt floored. Like I'd taken one enormous sucker punch to my gut and I was never getting up. As for going home to live as 'normally as possible', nothing would ever be normal again. And yet as we sat there in that pub, it was entirely normal. The lovely landlady collected glasses and wiped tables, some office workers came in and had two pints of Guinness, the TV in the corner was showing the news. It felt like everything for everyone was just carrying on the same. Everyone except me. The much-loved broadcaster was 61 when she discovered she had early-onset Alzheimer's disease Martin shared a photo of Fiona from four years ago before she discovered that she had early on-set Alzheimer's disease on Mother's Day in a heartbreaking post The next morning Martin got up to go to work, just as he always did. I got up and made a coffee, then went for a walk, just as I always did. What else could we do? Lie on the floor, weeping and wailing? That wasn't going to change anything. I was determined to keep the diagnosis a tight secret. I hated the thought of becoming an object of gossip or even pity. I could imagine in the world of TV some of those people I used to work with saying, 'Oh, have you heard about poor Fiona? What a tragedy!' I'd worked so hard to be independent and judged on my merits, so the thought of people patronising me like that was too awful. That afternoon in the pub it had seemed extraordinary that we could continue to live life 'as normally as possible', but that's exactly what we did from that moment on. We drove down the road we had driven down a million times before, opened the door to the home where we had brought up our boys, then sat in the front room and watched TV. Nat was away in the Army, Mackenzie was out with his mates. Everything was normal. But, then, what was our alternative? There was no Plan B. This was my life now. Adapted from Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's, by Fiona Phillips (Macmillan, 22), to be published on July 17. Fiona Phillips, 2025. To order a copy for 18.70 (offer valid to 31/08/25; UK p&p free on orders over 25) go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. King Albert II of Belgium, the former monarch, is once more receiving preventative treatment for skin cancer. The recent surgery means that Albert, 91, has undergone cancer treatment at least six times in 11 years, the Belgium Palace confirmed to Dutch outlet Het Laatste Nieuws. The news outlet published pictures of the former King of the Belgians with a scar running from his nose to his upper lip. The royal palace confirmed that Albert had the procedure - but did not say when the surgery was performed, the outlet reported. The photos were taken when Albert, father of King Philippe of Belgium, 65, attended a reception in Brussels last week. It was the first time he had attended a public engagement in five months. Albert has previously been treated for cancer, with some medical professionals believing it is the result of sun exposure from the royal's regular trips abroad. In 2013, Albert was hospitalised with signs of dehydration. King Albert II, former monarch of Belgium, is pictured in February 2025. The Belgian palace confirmed that Albert has recently had a preventative surgery for skin cancer Albert (right), 91, is pictured with his son King Philippe of Belgium, 65, who became monarch in 2013 The ex-king, then 89, 'was admitted to hospital as a precautionary measure,' the spokesman, Xavier Vaert, told AFP at the time, confirming reports by state broadcasters VRT and RTBF. 'Examinations are being done. He is conscious,' Vaert said. Albert II, the father of Belgium's current King Philippe, was the third and youngest child of King Leopold III. He became monarch on August 9, 1993 at the age of 59, taking over after his brother Baudouin died without children. Albert II reigned until his abdication on July 21, 2013, handing the crown to Philippe, who today is aged 65. The former king and his wife, Queen Paola, 85, have spaced out their public appearances in recent years. King Philippe cancelled his planned engagement at the University of Ghent in order to visit his father in the hospital, according to People. Other relatives including Prince Laurent, King Albert's younger son, and Prince Emmanuel were reportedly spotted arriving at the Saint-Luc hospital in Brussels to be by his side. Speaking to the BBC at the time of his abdication, King Albert said: 'I realise that my age and my health are no longer allowing me to carry out my duties as I would like to. Prince Philippe is well prepared to succeed me.' Albert has previously been treated for skin cancer. According to Belgian media, he has undergone at least six procedures in 11 years At the time of his abdication his love child Princess Delphine launched a legal bid to be officially recognised as Albert's daughter - which she won in October 2020. After Princess Delphine was born in 1968, the King initially remained in frequent contact with his child and her mother. But when Delphine reached her 16th birthday, the King began to distance himself. Now she has the right to bear the royal name de Saxe-Cobourg and is formally recognised as a member of the Belgian royal family as are her two children Princess Josephine of Belgium, 19, and Prince Oscar of Belgium, 14, who she shares with partner James O'Hare. Speaking to Tatler in 2022, the princess, who is an artist, revealed her father's rejection when she was young still hurts, but added she doesn't blame him and holds no ill-will towards him. She argued that royal life is 'isolating' and she believed her father had been badly advised at the time. However, she said: 'You don't just have a child and kick it.' Reflecting on her seven-year legal battle, Delphine said the action she brought was not about money or status but 'principles'. Albert and wife Queen Paola are pictured on Belgium's National Day in 2000 Now Delphine has attended royal engagements and says her relationship with her father has healed after years of bitterness. When she launched her legal action in 2013, she told Belgian radio show Matin Premiere: 'I feel like I have a right to exist. Not to exist in the royal family but as me. 'My decision to call for help through the law, I feel today that it was the right thing to do... The judicial system said that I was right and that I had the right to exist.' Since the legal action has been settled, Princess Delphine has slowly become integrated in the Belgian royal family. She met her brother, King Philippe of Belgium - who is one of 20 Belgian royals she is related to - in 2020, where they posted a socially distanced picture to Facebook, describing it as a 'warm meeting.' Her other royal half-siblings are Princess Astrid and Prince Laurent. A woman who partied with Noel Gallagher in the 1990s and met him numerous times over 28 years has revealed what he's really like - as Oasis returns for the first time in 16 years. Lily Moayeri, from California has been a music journalist since 1992, interviewing some of the worlds most influential musicians at the start of their careers, including Oasis. She first met Noel during a night out in 1992, after she was invited to an after party by Manchester rock band Inspiral Carpets, who Noel was a roadie for. Since then, she has interviewed him many times over the course of his career. They developed a strong rapport, she wasnt afraid to ask the tough questions, and she could both take his banter and dish it right back. She described him as 'a show off' with a 'witty sense of humour', but she noticed a change in Noel around 1997. She claimed things were starting to feel 'different' as she noticed that Noel had stopped 'making eye contact with people' and by 2000 he was already talking about leaving the band. Speaking on the Pictures of Lily Podcast, she said: 'I first met Noel in 1992 when he was a roadie for the Inspiral Carpets, the Inspirals were apart of the Manchester craze which was happening at the start of that decade. 'My interview with their guitarist Graham Lambert was my second ever interview and they were my second favourite band at the time, so I was very excited. Lily Moayeri, from California , US, who partied with Noel Gallagher in the 1990s and met him numerous times over 28 years revealed how fame changed him 'After the Inspiral's show Graham and the band invited me and my friends to hang out at a nearby bar, it was here that we were first exposed to the entity that is Noel Gallagher. 'Noel was so loud, so talkative and such a show off, he was dominating the whole place, he was very very funny and he had us in stitches the whole time. 'He kept on saying loads of negative stuff about the Inspiral Carpets and he said he was going to have a band "a hundred times better" and he kept on telling us how much they were paying him to be a roadie.' The next time she met Noel was two years later at the Chemical Brothers Heavenly Sunday social, after the Oasis album Definitely Maybe had been released. She recalled: 'I hadn't listened to it, and I had made my mind up without hearing it that I was over it. 'I didn't realise at the time but they were playing Oasis's Live Forever and the whole place was singing at the top of their lungs and the whole place was soaking it up. 'I didn't place him but I knew I had met him before, and I was going over to ask him "where do I know you from?" but I decided against it because I was having a really good time and I didn't want to start a conversation with some random dude.' 'Later that year I was watching MTV News and they were doing a segment on Oasis and they mentioned that Noel used to be the Inspiral Carpets roadie and everything fell into place.' Lily has been a music journalist since 1992, interviewing some of the worlds most influential musicians at the start of their careers, including Oasis She described him as 'a show off' with a 'witty sense of humour', but she noticed a change in Noel around 1997 She first met Noel during a night out in 1992, after she was invited to an after party by Manchester rock band Inspiral Carpets (pictured) , who Noel was a roadie for A year later, after the release of What's the Story, Morning Glory, Lily got to meet Noel again, but this time for an interview. In 1995, they at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, Oasis were there to film the music video for Don't look Back in Anger. She said: 'I reminded Noel that we had met before and we had a super fun time during the interview. 'I was recording on cassette tape, I had another interview that week and I was running out of tape so I stopped the recording and Noel thought it was insane that I would stop just to save tape for someone else - in retrospect I see him point.' She said during the interview he went to buy cigarettes and she said they were cheaper down the road and he said "I don't care because I'm f***ing rich!" Noel said: 'I never thought we would get to this stage, I needed the money, well I made good money as a roadie but then I quit that.' In the interview, he claimed the songs Liam wrote were 's***', but he found it to be a 'a lot of pressure' as the main songwriter of the group. Noel wrote the vast majority of the band's songs, including many of their most iconic hits up until 2000. While Liam also wrote some songs for the band, such as Songbird and I'm Outta Time, Noel's songwriting was the foundation of Oasis's success. During Lily's 1995 interview with Noel he also opened up about his drug taking. During Lily's 1995 interview with Noel he also opened up about his drug taking Since then, she has interviewed him many times over the course of his career. They developed a strong rapport, she wasnt afraid to ask the tough questions, and she could both take his banter and dish it right back Elsewhere in the 1995 interview Noel said 'Oasis won't last forever' as he said he would do it until he no longer feels 'comfortable' He said: 'If we don't have an album or a single coming out the article is going to be about drug. I've never told a lie, if someone asks me a question, I give them a straight answer. 'It's not big and clever to take drugs, I'd rather be a healthy person but the culture I was brought up on in Manchester was about drugs and gangs, there is no getting away from it. 'I'd love to give up smoking, drinking and drugs but I'm not going to be a hypocritical, up my own a**, righteous f*****, telling people not to do it when I do it myself. 'Every does it anyway, and there is people who deny it and they lie to themselves, but I can't for the life of me see what the f**** it has to do with the music.' Elsewhere in the interview Noel said 'Oasis won't last forever' he added: 'It will last as it as it lasts, the next album might be the last one, but then we could go for another 10 albums, its as long as I feel comfortable.' The next time Lily saw Oasis was when they were opening up for U2 at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California in 1997. She claimed things were starting to feel 'different' as she noticed that Noel had stopped 'making eye contact with people'. In 2000, when she interviewed him again, Lily revealed it felt rushed and not as relaxed as it did in her earlier interviewers. The next time Lily saw Oasis was when they were opening up for U2 at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California in 1997 In the interview he claimed the songs Liam wrote were 's***', but he found it to be a 'a lot of pressure' as the main songwriter of the group Noel told her he had planned to leave the band because he 'had enough' and he 'didn't like the people' he had to work with. He said: 'I felt like we weren't going anywhere, it was useless. I felt my time would be better served as a solo artist so I gave up drug, rediscovered the writing bug, it was brilliant.' Nine years after that interview, Oasis officially announced their split days after their V Festival show on August 28, 2009. In her podcast, Lily said: 'The thing that I found with Noel is, he doesn't have deep seated loyalties, he has people who are loyal to him but he could drop his end of it without any explanation or reason instantly. 'There is always that fear surrounding him, I wasn't surprised when they other members of Oasis didn't follow him when the band broke up.' After 16 years, Noel and Liam Gallagher finally reunited onstage in Cardiff this weekend for the first two shows of their long-awaited Oasis tour (pictured) In another interview years later, Lily asked Noel if he wanted to have the same impact as Oasis had as a solo artist. He said: 'I didn't realise what had happened until it was all over, to be honest it' never going to happen again, it's never going to happen for me, it might not ever happen again in rock and roll. 'The music keeps on regenerating, it couldn't happen to me now what happened to Oasis then. I wouldn't be able to deal with that. Well, I would be able to deal with it but I wouldn't be able to enjoy it.' Lily revealed that Noel has a 'witty sense of humour' and said you can always count on him for a laugh. However she did find it 'a little weird' that he used to always bring up money, how much things cost, how much he was getting paid, how much people should be paying him for things. Emotional Oasis fans could not hold back their tears as they finally witnessed Noel and Liam Gallagher reunite on stage for the first time in 16 years. The brothers - whose infamous fallout meant the band disbanded - began their reunion tour with a series of shows at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff over the weekend. Fans of the iconic band were blown away after the reunion tour kicked off on Friday, as the brothers delivered an electrifying set, packed with energy and nostalgia. On Saturday night, Noel, 58, and Liam, 52, continued their display of unity as they walked out on stage holding hands again for night two. And it was clearly all too much for some fans, who sobbed as they made their great return - with fans dubbing it the 'dads version' of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. In videos that have racked up hundreds of thousands of views on social media, people shared footage of their boyfriends, fathers and fiances getting emotional. Filming the crowd, Anais Sykes wrote, in a video that has 500,000 views on TikTok: 'Pov, Oasis was worth it to see the Dads crying.' One concertgoer, wearing a black bucket hat, was struggling to hold it together during Champagne Supernova, while others lifted their arms in the air in elation. Emotional Oasis fans could not hold back their tears as they finally witnessed Noel and Liam Gallagher reunite on stage for the first time in 16 years Chantelle Lydia shared a video of her fiance crying on TikTok, writing: 'Pov: your stood next to my fiance at the Oasis reunion. 'I remember when he was crying at an Oasis tribute band three years ago, saying "this is the closest I'll ever get to seeing Oasis". Look at you now hons.' Meanwhile Amy Louise said she was 'crying on the floor', while @gamble.95 filmed every time her friend Taylor cried during their concert. On social media, people were moved, writing: 'This is the type of person who DESERVE oasis tickets not people who just go for the hype, people who genuinely appreciate them and it means a lot to them that theyre back together. 'I get everyone wants to experience their gig maybe but the amount of people who adore oasis like this that have missed out is insane.' Another added: 'I saw them last night. I cried my heart out. Oasis are the most important band to me for many of reasons and getting to see them live was such an overwhelming experience.' Meanwhile others said: 'Being a teenager in the 90s was amazing and this band was part of it'; 'No like I totally get it, when I saw Taylor Swift I cried when she came out bc its not only that youre seeing your fave but its all the build up and anticipation for this moment! Its an incredible feeling to be able to experience joy and emotion like this, hes very lucky!!'; Chantelle Lydia shared a video of her fiance crying on TikTok as his dream came true Meanwhile Amy Louise said she was 'crying on the floor' TikTok user @gamble.95 filmed every time her friend Taylor cried during their concert Anais Sykes filmed the highly emotional crowd - who had been waiting years for the Oasis return Fans of the iconic band were blown away after the reunion tour kicked off on Friday 'Buzzing for that generation of lads because there's never a band like them they cant be recreated.' However, some spectators were less convinced, telling everyone to 'grow up' as the band 'ain't gotta clue who you are.' Kicking off the show, Liam and Noel walked out with their arms around each other in a sweet display of unity, before they proudly gazed on at the crowds, who erupted into rounds of deafening applause. As the masses gathered on Friday, Liam said: 'Manchester vibes in the area,' before he kicked off the show with Hello, which served 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. Among the 75,000 cheering fans gathered at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Friday and Saturday, were a slew of famous faces, who descended upon the Welsh capital to take in what was described as a 'monumental' weekend for British music. Hollywood star Sienna Miller revealed she had bagged tickets to both of the Cardiff gigs, hailing Friday's as the 'greatest show I've ever seen'. Speaking to The Mirror on the Saturday, the actress joked the concert was 'alright', before confessing: 'It's the greatest show I've ever seen. The love and the nostalgia and the joy, it's like saving the world.' On TikTok, people were moved and shared that they'd also cried at the experience After 16 years, Noel and Liam Gallagher finally reunited onstage in Cardiff this weekend for the first two shows of their long-awaited Oasis tour (pictured) While House of the Dragon star Matt Smith was lucky enough to attend both night one and two, after being pictured mingling with Noel's daughter, Anais, on Friday and praising the show to the publication the following day as 'amazing'. Anya Taylor-Joy and her model pal Cara Delevingne looked to be having the time of their lives as they belted out the band's hits from their seats. Cara took to her Instagram Stories to share a video of the pair singing their hearts out to Don't Look Back In Anger, alongside Anya's husband Malcolm McRae. Vernon Kay admitted that the show had left him in tears, after attending the opening night with his and wife Tess Daly's daughter Amber, 15. The radio presenter shared a number of videos to his Instagram, showing his daughter dancing and singing along in joy to the band - who last performed together the year she was born in 2009. He was full of praise for the concert as well as both the Gallagher's performances, writing: 'One of THE BEST gigs Ive ever been to! Absolutely brilliant! '@liamgallagher on fine form! @themightyi (Noel) killing it in guitar!! Note perfect.It was actually like 95!!!!!' While he added: 'Spanning the generations!! @oasis @principalitysta in Cardiff was off the charts!! Liams voice was like the 90s Noel was brilliant!! Tears were shed4king outstanding!'. And among the 75,000 cheering fans gathered at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Friday and Saturday , were a slew of famous faces, who descended upon the Welsh capital to take in what was described as a 'monumental' weekend for British music (Anya Taylor-Joy seen) Vernon also shared a glimpse of him outside the stadium ahead of the show, proudly sporting an Oasis branded bucket hat, writing: 'As good as it was when its was as good as it was!! @oasis Absolutely SuperSonic!! Bravo @liamgallagher @themightyi 4 Mega! It comes after its been reported that Liam and Noel are taking extreme measures throughout the reunion tour, to avoid another rift. Although the boys have come back together and put on a united front after 16 years, it's claimed they are staying in separate hotels half an hour away from each other in order to ensure they keep the peace. The lead up to the gig 'has all been carefully orchestrated,' with a source saying 'they don't want to over-expose themselves to each other.' 'Having separate residences is the best option so they can relax in their own space,' they told The Sun. 'They stayed in separate locations outside the city around half an hour away from each other.' The brothers are 'happy families at the moment' and reportedly want to keep it that way. British rock band Oasis perform on stage at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on July 4, 2025 They have had a lifestyle overhaul, with Liam coming off the booze and 'sounding better.' It's claimed he wants 'eight hours of sleep every night' and they're avoiding partying completely to make it work. Meanwhile, fans and celebs alike are thrilled that the brothers are back, with David Beckham amongst the list of people who have left a comment of support to Liam and Noel. Under a photo Liam shared on his Instagram from Friday's night one show, David wrote: 'Good to have you back man' with three heart emojis. Taking to social media to share their reactions, many lauded it as 'greatest rock n roll show of all time' as they praised the 'momentous' occasion. Comments included: 'Liam and Noel walking out at Cardiff holding hands has made 2025 for me!'; 'Timeless. Absolutely f*****g incredible. You HAVE to go see them. Oasis are BACK'. Augusta County supervisors who shut down a Pride Month film screening and exposition last month say poor communication and planning were behind their decision. The library staff who planned the event, however, say its the supervisors who have not been communicating. Pride Day at the Augusta County Library in Fishersville was scheduled for June 16 and was slated to feature LGBTQ-owned organizations and businesses, board games, crafts, laser tag, a cookie swap and a screening of the 2024 film Love Lies Bleeding. Supervisors canceled the event just five days before it was set to take place. Our planned Pride Month program has been cancelled following direction by the Board of Supervisors, reads a post on the librarys Facebook page. Augusta County Library remains deeply committed to serving everyone in our community. We apologize for the inconvenience, and we will provide updates if our community partners make additional plans. Keith Bell, the Augusta County Librarys community resource librarian who organized the event, told The News Virginian he has had no contact with supervisors since Pride Day was canceled. Bell said that despite the conservative politics of much of the Shenandoah Valley, the library felt comfortable hosting a Pride event given that nearby Staunton and Waynesboro have hosted similar events. No one on the librarys board played any part in the decision to cancel Pride Day, Bell said. This decision was made and passed down to us by the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, NOT the Augusta County Library Board. No Augusta County Library staff member or board member had any role in the decision to cancel the event, Bell said in a Facebook post. While we are immensely disappointed in this decision and were/are in full cooperation in the answering of any questions, discussions, and addressing concerns, we respect the decision of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors. Two supervisors who spoke with The News Virginian said the decision came down to poor planning and communication on the librarys part. Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Butch Wells, a former Staunton police chief who ran as an independent, said the planning for the event was not conducted with experienced players. Neither the board nor the county administrator knew about it, Wells said. Board Chairman Gerald Garber, a Republican, specifically objected to the movie to be screened. Love Lies Bleeding, starring Kristen Stewart and Katy OBrian, is an R-rated film following the lesbian relationship between a reclusive gym manager and an ambitious bodybuilder. Garber said the critically acclaimed film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was named one of the top independent films of 2024 by the National Board of Review, was unacceptable. It was an absolute trigger, Garber said of the film. The movie contained graphic violence and drug use. It was not going to be shown at the library. Bell said that IDs would have been checked prior the screening, but his explanations have fallen on deaf ears. After hearing of the planned Pride Day, Garber contacted his fellow supervisors save Scott Seaton, who was on vacation and it was decided the event would be canceled. Bell said he has reached out to supervisors, but none have responded to him. Garber said the matter is closed as far as he is concerned. With Pride Day at the library canceled, much of what had been planned was moved to the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center in Staunton on the same day as the original event. The centers executive director, AnhThu Nguyen, took to Facebook to lambaste the Augusta County Board of Supervisors. The decision made by the Augusta County Board of Supervisors causes irreparable harm and is fundamentally misaligned with what I know and love about our local library systems, the post reads. Libraries are for everyone. This decision does a disservice to the entire community. Bell is still hopeful supervisors will entertain a dialogue. I was hoping all of us could work together, said Bell. June is nationally recognized as Pride Month, coinciding with the anniversaries of the Stonewall riots, which increased public awareness of gay and lesbian oppression, and the U.S. Supreme Courts landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognized gay marriages nationwide. While acceptance of gays and lesbians had been on the rise in the U.S., it has been diminishing in recent years. Last year, the Human Rights Campaign reported a 23% uptick in violent attacks against homosexuals. Also in 2024, the Trevor Project reported that 39% of LGTBQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide, nearly 20 percentage points higher than the national average. Its not the first Pride-themed event in the area to have its plans change in the past year. On the other side of Afton Mountain, the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library in Charlottesville retooled a 2024 Pride scavenger hunt after a complaint the books being hunted for were offensive. Donald Trump's glamorous aide, Margo Martin, gave an inside look at her busy life with the president in a new Instagram post. Martin, 29, has been a longtime aide to the president and serves as his Special Assistant and Communications Advisor. She was propelled into the spotlight when a reporter mistook her for Melania Trump at one of the president's Miami court hearings in 2023 and has been a staple in the president's entourage since he started his second term. Martin detailed her jam-packed schedule working for the president in a new video posted on Sunday. 'DAY IN THE LIFE! 5.30am-1.30am in 50 seconds,' she captioned the video that's paired with the song 'Walking on a Dream' by electronic duo Empire of the Sun. 'Thursday, July 3rd, President Trump met with Edan Alexander, American citizen held hostage by Hamas for 584 days. Welcomed the Boston Red Sox to the Oval Office. Traveled to Des Moines, Iowa to kick off a yearlong celebration of Americas 250th anniversary.' Martin started the day with a workout at the gym, wearing a black tank top and leggings paired with yellow trainers and her long blonde hair pulled back by a claw clip. She appeared to be drinking from a LIFEWTR Premium Purified Water Bottle, which sells for approximately $2.50, as she walked on the treadmill with her AirPods in. Martin, 29, has been a longtime aide to the president and serves as his Special Assistant and Communications Advisor - and posted a 'day in my life' on her social media She showed the behind-the-scenes life as someone who follows the president around the globe Glamorous Trump aide, Margo Martin, gave an inside look at her busy life starting with a 5.30am wake up to get in a workout before the day After the gym, Martin prepared herself a cup of coffee in her red Camp David mug using a white single-serve Keurig machine. She did her morning skincare while wearing an orange lobster and bows printed pajama set that retails for $86 on In My Sundays. Martin applied the Dior Backstage Blush to her cheeks, which cost $42 at Sephora and Ulta Beauty. She gave her hair some soft waves using a curling iron, then changed into a dress with a blue top and denim skirt before heading to the White House. The glamourous aide showed viewers around her office, including her desk and giant tumbler cup with the presidential seal. A framed copy Trump's mugshot on the front page of the New York Post was also on display. Martin then captured the president and first lady welcoming Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza, who was released in May, to the White House. Afterwards, Martin showed Trump meeting with the struggling Boston Red Sox before heading out on Air Force One. Martin got ready for the day while wearing an $86 orange lobster and bows printed pajama set and applied the $42 Dior Backstage Blush to her cheeks Martin gave a behind-the-scenes look at her office in the White House and showed Trump meeting with Edan Alexander (center), the last living American hostage in Gaza Martin sat next to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Air Force One and ate a salad for lunch She show Trump dancing on stage at the Iowa State Fairgrounds to kick off the 'America 250' celebration Martin treated herself to a lemonade from Campbell's Corn Dog stand before heading back to DC She propelled into the spotlight when a reporter mistook her for Melania Trump at one of the president's Miami court hearings in 2023 (Picture: Martin and Trump in 2023) She sat with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on the flight to Des Moines to promote his 'Big Beautiful Bill.' For lunch, Martin ate salad topped with steak, hard-boiled eggs, red onion, cucumbers, corn, olives, and a creamy dressing, as well as a fruit tart for dessert. She showed Trump dancing on stage at the Iowa State Fairgrounds to kick off the 'America 250' celebration. Martin treated herself to a lemonade from Campbell's Corn Dog stand before Trump and his team headed back to Air Force One. The team watched Fox News, and Martin dined on another dessert tart, a bowl of ice cream with one scoop of chocolate and one of vanilla, along with an arugula salad. A Liquid IV packet was also on Martin's plate. After landing back in Washington, DC, Martin showed Trump speaking to reporters along since DHS Secretary Kristi Noem before wrapping up their day. Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgeries have become one of the fastest-growing cosmetic procedures, thanks to the trend of wanting an hourglass figure. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a 90 percent increase in BBLs between 2015 to 2022, and a roster of celebrities, including Cardi B, Kim Kardashian, and Nene Leakes, are all rumored to have received butt-enhancing procedures. But while BBLs - which cost an average of around $8,600 - might look aesthetically pleasing, there is a less pleasant side effect: the 'BBL smell.' Dr Eric Anderson from Chicago-based Impressions Face + Body, told DailyMail.com that 'the BBL smell is real,' and it can be caused by a number of things, including tissue death and unhygienic practices. One complication of BBLs is 'fat necrosis,' which causes fatty tissue in the buttocks to die following surgery, 'an indicator that a patient was overfilled with fat during the procedure. 'When there is more fat in an area than the blood supply allows, the fat will die through a smelly process called fat necrosis, which can lead to infections that need antibiotics, hospitalizations, and even sepsis.' But the smell may also come from uncleanliness. In one viral video, TikToker @donpsoundsoff described the smell from one woman's BBL he went on a date with as an 'an assault of my nose'. And in another clip, a woman said she had to get her BBL reversed because it 'smelled like a dumpster.' Cardi B has expressed regret over getting injections in her hips and buttocks, saying the operation led to her butt having an odor Your browser does not support iframes. Another posted: When God created us, he gave us arms. All of our arms [are] made specifically for our body. You probably have a hard time wiping... properly because your body is a little bit wider than your arms are allowing you to reach in that area. Dr Roger Tsai, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, says reaching around to the larger buttock area after surgery might be difficult after using the bathroom, which can cause a foul-smelling odor. He explains: 'Wiping down there is going be a lot more difficult because there's more to reach around.' Offering his verdict on the matter, Dr. Eric W. Anderson from Chicago-based Impressions Face + Body, told DailyMail.com that 'the BBL smell is real' Plastic surgeons typically give their patients fair warning about difficulties in the bathroom following the procedure. Sitting is not allowed for about two months after undergoing a BBL, though sitting on the toilet for a relatively quick bathroom break is ok. Many physicians recommend bidets to wash the area thoroughly. New York-based plastic surgeon Dr Douglas Steinbrech adds that a foul smell following BBL surgery may not be something to worry about. He explains: 'It's actually pretty common for patients to notice some unusual or even unpleasant smells after a BBL procedure. 'I don't see it a lot in my practice but I have seen the conversation online. 'Most of the time, what they're smelling isn't anything dangerous - it's usually related to the healing process. 'After surgery, the body is draining fluids, and the patient is wearing tight compression garments that can trap sweat, moisture, and bacteria against the skin. 'That combination, especially in warm areas like the lower back or thighs, can definitely lead to some odor. 'If fat was removed from areas like the stomach or thighs, they might also notice some musty or sour smells coming from those donor sites while they're healing.' Plastic surgeons have previously told DailyMail.com they suspect Kim Kardashian has received enhancements for her buttocks That being said, Dr Steinbrech says if the smell is really strong, getting worse, or is accompanied along with redness, swelling, or discharge, it could be a sign of infection or fluid build-up. In this case, the patient should definitely reach out to the surgeon. But even if the surgery goes well, the physician says he has heard many patients say they're surprised by how long the smell sticks around, even with good hygiene. He reveals: 'Honestly, the BBL smell is just not something that always gets mentioned before surgery. 'The patient is not doing anything wrong, and they're not alone.' In a bid to keep the smell to a minimum, Dr Steinbrech advises keeping the area clean and dry and regularly changing compression garments. While BBLs have seen a meteoric rise in popularity, the procedure is considered one of the riskiest out there, with one in every 3,000 patients dying from complications. And because many women go overseas to get a discounted procedure, follow-up with the doctor who performed it is minimal or, in most cases, nonexistent. A BBL involves a surgeon harvesting fat from the hips, lower back, abdomen, thighs and other areas via liposuction. That fat is then reinjected in the buttocks. But it's hard for doctors to see where they are injecting it and could be mistakenly pumping fat into the gluteal muscle, which introduces fat particles into blood vessels. These particles travel through the bloodstream and block blood flow to organs including the heart, leading to a condition called fat embolism syndrome. This causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, and even respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. Nerve damage in the area where the fat was injected may also occur, leading to paralysis of the lower extremities and chronic pain. The risk of complications and potentially deadly after-effects have convinced some plastic surgeons to stop offering the service. Dr Lara Devgan, a New York-based plastic surgeon, said: 'This is my litmus test, my personal golden rule of plastic surgery: If you wouldn't let your mother or sister or brother have a procedure, you shouldn't let your patients either. 'The Brazilian butt lift is an operation that I do not perform any longer, because the mortality data speaks for itself. The risk-benefit calculus simply does not add up.' Dr Chris Funderburk of Neinstein Plastic Surgery in New York says the best way to avoid complications with BBLs is by doing research to find a certified surgeon and 'not pushing it too far'. He recommends patients to go for 'a more natural and elegant look rather than overfilled and exaggerated'. More than 100 leading NHS doctors have warned Health Secretary Wes Streeting that failing to honour his pre-Election commitment to urgently rollout screening clinics for osteoporosis risks causing thousands of preventable deaths. In a letter shared exclusively with The Mail on Sunday, the medics and healthcare workers say tens of thousands of people with the bone-thinning disease are 'slipping through the net' because of a postcode lottery of care and 2,500 may have needlessly died in the last 12 months alone because of a failure by the Government to prioritise tackling the crisis. Mr Streeting told this newspaper that one of his first acts in Government would be to publish a plan to rollout Fracture Liaison Services, or FLS, across all parts of the country. These vital services, which require no new equipment, represent a gold standard in the early diagnosis of the condition and would mean everyone over 50 who breaks a bone could be screened for the disease and given bone-preserving drugs potentially saving thousands of people from serious injury, disability and an early death. But a year on from that promise, the Government now says FLS will not be available everywhere until 2030. The Government reiterated its commitment to funding the clinics in its 10-Year Health Plan, published on Thursday, but the doctors say any further delay will cause 'harm' to patients and say officials have still failed to reveal how they plan to achieve the rollout. The doctors, part of the Royal Osteoporosis Society's clinical network who are backing the charity's campaign for universal FLS, wrote: 'Late diagnosis of osteoporosis leads to avoidable fractures, loss of independence, long-term disability and, in many cases, premature death. 'A properly functioning FLS catches patients after their first fracture, enabling early diagnosis and access to proven, cost-effective treatments. They are a classic example of driving the shift from sickness to prevention. More than 100 leading NHS doctors have warned Health Secretary Wes Streeting that failing to honour his pre-Election commitment to urgently rollout screening clinics for osteoporosis risks causing thousands of preventable deaths (stock image) Osteoporosis affects around 3.5million people in the UK and causes bones to thin and weaken, leading to fractures (stock image) 'However, the current postcode lottery for FLS provision means tens of thousands are slipping through the net. Each year that this remains unaddressed, an estimated 2,500 more people die following hip fractures that could have been prevented. 'Any delay in implementation of this important policy will cost lives.' Shadow Health Secretary Edward Argar also called on Mr Streeting to deliver his pledge 'right away, with no more delays'. Mr Argar said: 'I'm calling on the Health Secretary to set out an action plan with a clear timetable, starting now, for the roll-out of FLS to all areas, something which will not only help thousands of people with osteoporosis but will also be saving the NHS money within a few years.' Osteoporosis affects around 3.5million people in the UK and causes bones to thin and weaken, leading to fractures. Most people are only diagnosed after breaking several bones, but in hospitals which have FLS, patients attending with fractures can be screened for osteoporosis with a bone density test called a DEXA scan. Only half of NHS Trusts in England currently have FLS, and rolling it out is estimated to cost 30million. Wes Streeting (pictured) said one of his first acts in Government would be to publish a plan to rollout FLS, across all parts of the country but many feel disappointed Osteoporosis-related fractures have cost the British economy more than 142million since last July. The Mail on Sunday has been running a War on Osteoporosis campaign to make FLS universal. Craig Jones, chief executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said: 'This is a preventative model that's tried and tested, ready to go, and capable of delivering savings before the middle of this Parliament. 'We welcome inclusion in the 10 Year Plan and now call for a speedy implementation plan so we can protect patients and save lives.' Components manufacturer TT Electronics has seen sales slip in response to uncertainty over recently imposed US tariffs. The Woking-based firm's organic revenue shrank by 5.5 per cent in the five months ending May, with a 'strong performance' in Europe outweighed by headwinds in Asia and North America. Yet its book-to-bill ratio - a measure of orders received compared to units shipped and billed - totalled 101 per cent thanks to demand from the aerospace and defence industry in Europe. Any number above 100 means more orders are received than filled, indicating high demand. NATO members in Europe have vowed to increase military expenditure in the coming years amidst pressure from the United States, the Ukraine war, and China threatening to invade Taiwan. TT's defence industry customers have included BAE Systems and French firm Thales, which are set to be major beneficiaries of the surge in spending. Trading difficulties: Components manufacturer TT Electronics has reported lower turnover amid elevated uncertainty caused by recently imposed tariffs Eric Lakin, acting chief executive of TT, said: 'We remain resolutely focused on operational delivery of customer contracts, building the order book, continuous efficiency actions, and driving overall performance across the business to maximise shareholder value.' Lakin was TT's chief financial officer until he took over as CEO from Peter France in April, when the latter quit after just 18 months in charge. At the same time, TT warned that uncertainty resulting from US President Donald Trump's tariffs would dampen its profits this year. Trump has imposed a baseline 10 per cent levy on most US goods imports, as well as a 25 per cent tariff on many cars and vehicle parts, and a 30 per cent tax on Chinese-made products. The tariffs have heightened economic volatility worldwide, leaving many UK manufacturers heavily reliant on US sales seriously worried about their future. TT told investors on Monday that some Asian clients had deferred US orders because of tariff-related uncertainty. 'The aerospace and defence sector remains strong in the current climate,' it added. 'Elsewhere, the Board remains mindful of the uncertainty created by the continued challenging market backdrop.' TT also announced the closure of its site in Plano, Texas, which recorded a 5.7million operating loss last year, following a strategic review of its components business. Begun in 1867 as Tyzack Sons & Turner, TT Electronics makes components for a wide variety of sectors, including defence, aerospace, and healthcare. TT Electronics shares were 1.1 per cent down at 110p on late Monday afternoon, taking their losses over the past year to around a quarter. Struggling car manufacturer Nissan is cutting jobs at its Sunderland plant as it tries to improve 'efficiency'. The Japanese car maker, which posted a historic 3.8billion net loss in the last year, has confirmed to This is Money it will axe 250 of its 6,000 workforce at the North East vehicle factory. Despite the recent good news that production of the new Nissan Leaf and forthcoming Juke EV will save the Sunderland plant for being one of seven global factories shuttered to 1.3bn in operating costs, it has confirmed it will still lose hundreds of workers as part of a 'leaner' business strategy. A spokesperson said that manufacturing staff won't be affected. Instead the 'voluntary leave scheme' had been opened to on-site shop floor and office staff. In May, Nissan announced its poor 2024-25 financial results, with huge losses off the back of a crash in demand in its two largest markets, the US and China. As a result, new chief executive Ivan Espinosa simultaneously announced the 1.3bn 'Re:Nissan action-based recovery plan' to haul the company out of the red. The government subsequently stepped in, backing Nissan with a 1bn loan to safeguard workers at Sunderland - the home of Nissan vehicle manufacturing since 1984 and a major employer in the North East. Nissan has announced it has asked 250 staff at its Sunderland plant (the largest car plant in the UK) to 'voluntarily leave' in order to improve 'efficiency'. Manufacturing staff aren't affected A spokesperson for Nissan told us: 'In order to support future competitiveness, this week we are beginning discussions with some of our team in Sunderland about the opportunity to voluntarily leave Nissan, with support from the company. 'This will support the plants efficiency as we aim to become a leaner, more resilient business.' Nissan recently reaffirmed that the Sunderland plant 'remained at the forefront of Nissan's electrification strategy' and will provide European production for its new line-up of EVs arriving before 2026. During a conference last month, Nissan president and chief executive Espinosa said: 'In Europe, we will strengthen our presence by assembling more electric models in Sunderland.' Nissan is hoping to raise 5.2billion to stay afloat. Last year, 282,124 vehicles were built at Sunderland - the home of Nissan in Europe. Nissan posted a 3.1bn loss last year and is currently shutting seven plants worldwide to save 1.3bn. Sunderland isn't one of them The all-new Nissan Leaf will be built at Sunderland along with the new Juke EV. The Leaf marks the return of the first mass-market EV and Nissan is hoping it will rejuvenate its model line-up The new Leaf is coming later this year, a new EV Juke is arriving next year and the new e-POWER system is also coming to Qashqai soon. The all-new Leaf will be the first of Nissan's revised electric car offerings to be built at Sunderland. The completely overhauled version of the pioneering, first true mass-market EV is arguably Nissan's best bet at recapturing the electric car market now dominated by cheap Chinese EVs and some strong competition from Renault, Kia and Hyundai. The new Leaf - now a crossover rather than a conventional hatchback - goes on sale this autumn with first deliveries expected spring 2026 and is expected to cost from around 30,000. The fact that it's being made in the North East factory is a great vote of confidence for the future of Nissan in the UK, British jobs and the economy. In nine days, and after months of speculation, we should finally find out the damage that the Government wants to inflict on our tax-friendly Isas. I warn you, it isnt going to be pleasant. For those who prefer cash to shares, prudence to risk taking, Labour is going to leg you over something rotten. Prepare to be angry. Very angry. As part of her Mansion House speech in London a week on Tuesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is likely to confirm that, from next April, savers will no longer be able to put up to 20,000 a year into a trusty cash Isa. In future, savers will be treated as second-class Isa citizens, with first-class citizenship reserved for those who want to invest. While investors will still have access to the full 20,000 annual allowance, cash savers will be able to tuck away considerably less maybe as little as 4,000. This seismic change to Isas will be sold to the nation on the grounds of economic good. The pitch will go as follows: the more money that flows into shares (preferably UK shares), the better the stock market will perform, benefiting listed businesses, investors and the wider economy. Although some people in the City have swallowed this explanation hook, line and sinker, they are in a minority. Most professionals that have opined on this overhaul of Isas are singularly unimpressed. As part of her Mansion House speech in London a week on Tuesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is likely to confirm that, from next April, savers will no longer be able to put up to 20,000 a year into a trusty cash Isa Last week I chatted to Charlotte Ransom, chief executive of wealth manager Netwealth. She spoke for many in the City when she said that cash shouldnt be treated as a second-class asset. She added: Cash serves important roles. It preserves liquidity, provides a buffer against stock market volatility and supports shorter term financial goals. For some, cash will be the most suitable option for all or part of their Isa allowance. It shouldnt be denied them. She is dead right. Cash Isa savers should not be sacrificed at the altar of an all-out investment agenda. Two final thoughts. First, if the Government is really determined to go ahead with its investment focused Isa rebrand, it will surely have to look at whether the current rules are fit for purpose. If they stay as they are, there will be nothing to stop someone taking out a stocks and shares Isa and using it simply to shelter 20,000 in cash rather than investments. Isa providers, such as AJ Bell and Hargreaves Lansdown, pay half decent interest on such cash balances. Similarly, there would be nothing to stop someone transferring funds from an existing stocks and shares Isas into a cash Isa. Secondly, my view on this mad, bad Isa overhaul is that it is not just being driven by a Government desire to get us all investing in UK plc. It is part of a grand plan to cut the cost of Isas (more than 4billion of forgone tax a year) by forcing savers away from cash Isas and into savings accounts where interest earned is liable to income tax. TSB is in Santander's slippery hands Mike Regnier, chief executive of Santander From a business point of view, Santanders acquisition of TSB ticks many boxes. It will considerably scale up Santanders UK operations, making it the countrys third largest bank (based on personal account cash balances) with 28 million customers. Only Lloyds, which once owned TSB, and NatWest will be bigger. It will also allow the combined entity to strip out back-office costs (make staff redundant) and axe duplicate branches, generating savings of some 400 million a year and by implication fatter profits for Santander. Yet from a customer perspective, the positives are less clear cut. In theory, any administrative savings should in part flow through to keener financial deals for customers: lower mortgage rates, higher savings rates. Yet thats far from guaranteed it hasnt always happened in the past when banks have been smashed together. A larger high street network Santander currently has 349 branches while TSB has 175 should also give customers access to a wider choice of local branches. But that will only happen if the two banks products end up on a common IT system, allowing customers to pick and choose which branch they use. Such migrations do not always go swimmingly, as TSB knows all too well. Seven years ago it suffered a calamitous IT meltdown when customers accounts were being migrated from Lloyds to new owner Sabadell. We also do not know whether the TSB brand will remain on the high street or disappear. Mike Regnier, boss of Santander UK, says the deal will materially enhance competition in the banking industry. How has he arrived at this conclusion? You dont have to be an economist to understand that when you take out a business rival, it reduces rather than enhances competition. I asked the bank to quantify the number of overlapping branches that the two brands have. Its not a number we are sharing at the moment as it could be misleading, Santander said. A side-step of which the late great Welsh rugby international Barry John would have been proud. But my moles tell me there are 100 locations where Santander and TSB branches are near neighbours. Come this time next year, I would not be surprised if 524 branches had been slimmed down to south of 400. Customer friendly? H&M has become the latest retailer to give its UK staff body cameras as shops grapple with shoplifting and attacks on workers. The Swedish fashion giant told The Mail on Sunday it was conducting trials of the technology. It follows other household names Tesco, the Co-op and Lidl, which are providing staff with bodycams to protect them from abuse and assaults. High street firms say the move has been forced on them due to a police failure to act. Shoplifting was up one-fifth last year, with violent and abusive incidents running at 2,000 a day. Criminals often organised gangs increasingly steal goods in full view of staff and shoppers, safe in the knowledge that there will be no consequences. Workers are usually told not to intervene against thieves to avoid the risk of being attacked. Protection: H&M has become the latest retailer to give its UK staff body cameras as shops grapple with shoplifting and attacks on workers Staff have also reported being sworn at, being subjected to racial and sexual insults, physically threatened, spat on and being victims of physical violence. The H&M bodycam trials are taking place at a store in Edinburgh as well as shops in Wood Green and Beckton in London. A spokesman for the firm said: 'We're testing this new technology in a three-store pilot to assess what beneficial impact it may have, along with proper staff customer service training, on de-escalating and reducing incidents for the safety of both our colleagues and customers.' The cameras are clipped onto a worker's clothes and can record distressing situations to help provide evidence to the police. Companies are turning to a wide range of security measures as they face unprecedented levels of theft and violence against staff. Chains including Tesco, Morrisons, Boots, Primark and Greggs said last week they would start submitting CCTV and photos of prolific shoplifters into a new database to be shared with police. The hope is that the database, known as Auror and pioneered in New Zealand, will provide security guards with watchlists so they can bar entry to repeat offenders. More goods are now being locked in anti-theft devices, including basic foodstuffs such as honey-roast ham, pork, and mincemeat. Greggs announced in May that it had moved some products behind the counter to reduce theft. Shoplifting offences hit a record high in England and Wales last year, with 516,971 incidents recorded by police, up from 429,873 in 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics. And there were 2.2billion of recorded store losses from theft, up from 1.8billion the previous year. This was despite the industry investing 1.8billion into bolstering security, including the rollout of body cameras, panic buttons and CCTV. The number of violent and abusive incidents hit more than 2,000 a day in the year to April 2024, according to industry group the British Retail Consortium (BRC). In September 2023, Tesco boss Ken Murphy said every frontline worker at the supermarket chain would be offered a bodycam due to a rise in attacks. Labour has promised to make assaults on shop staff a specific offence in England and Wales, as it is in Scotland, in the Crime and Policing Bill currently making its way through Parliament. A clause states that anyone found guilty of assaulting a retail worker can be sentenced to up to six months in prison. The MoS has led calls for a crackdown with its End The Shoplifting Epidemic campaign. Graham Wynn, assistant director of regulatory affairs at the BRC, said: 'The police must get tougher on retail crime, ensuring that all incidents are attended to and followed up on, while the Government must ensure swift passage of the Bill to protect retail workers.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also said last week that more police officers will be deployed to hundreds of towns across Britain this summer to clamp down on crime and anti-social behaviour. Spirit makers have warned that family-run distilleries are under threat due to Labour's tax raid on their industry. The UK Spirits Alliance, which represents 300 large and small drinks producers and bars, said a British tradition of handing brands down through the generations could soon be a thing of the past as firms are being pushed to the brink by a barrage of cost increases. Duty on gin which is the UK's favourite spirit by volume sales increased by 3.65 per cent in February, after a 10.1 per cent increase in 2023, the trade body says. Nation's favourite: Duty on gin increased by 3.65 per cent in February, after a 10.1 per cent increase in 2023 Businesses are also under pressure after Labour's Budget last year, with firms hit by higher wages and National Insurance employer contributions. Karl Mason of Masons Gin in North Yorkshire said: 'We want to pass on a thriving business to our children and grandchildren. But as things stand, distillers are struggling to survive.' Marks & Spencer is launching an assault on traditional supermarkets by expanding its ranges targeted at families. In the latest move to convince more customers to do their weekly shop at M&S, it is increasing the number of products sold in larger pack sizes. The High Street retailer has traditionally been seen as a place to pick up certain items from picnic food to bakery treats rather than for basic grocery staples. But it is ramping up its appeal on this front by increasing its 'bigger pack, better value' range by a third, to more than 100 products, such as eggs and avocados. And it has separately released dozens of new cupboard essentials including painkillers, baby food and laundry pods. It comes as the business attempts to draw a line under a wounding cyber attack which disrupted its online operations for more than a month. More choice: Marks & Spencer is launching an assault on traditional supermarkets by expanding its ranges targeted at families Britain's biggest supermarkets, Tesco and Sainsbury's, have been going from strength to strength and boosting their market share in recent months. But M&S has also been growing its share for food. It was tied with fellow Middle England retailer Waitrose with a 3.7 per cent slice for the three months to June 15, according to the most recent figures from market research firm Nielsen IQ. Boss Stuart Machin last week set out plans to beef up the retailer's store estate, including an investment of more than 300m to open 16 shops and update 21 others this year. It is part of a strategy to have 180 department stores and 420 food halls by 2028. M&S has said it wants to be a 'shopping list' retailer a go-to destination for families looking to bulk buy staples. And it believes this approach has helped to increase shoppers' basket sizes. Alex Freudmann, managing director at M&S Food, said: 'When we talk about being a shopping list retailer, it means that customers can trust us to have what they need when they come shopping, in the right size and at the right price. 'As we always say at M&S, there's still lots of opportunity to go further and really cement M&S as the destination for families to get everything they need, at the quality you can only get from M&S.' Machin last week insisted its online operation will be 'fully on' by the end of the month as it recovers from the hack he predicted could cost the group around 300m. President Donald Trump will head to a NATO summit this week - as a poll found that more Americans think his administration is siding with Russia over Ukraine. A Ronald Reagan Institute survey of U.S. adults, conducted from late May to early June, showed 37 percent of respondents believe the Trump administration is favoring Russia when it comes to negotiating an end to the conflict. Just 14 percent said the Trump White House was favoring Ukraine. Another 36 percent said the Trump administration was taking a neutral approach - despite Ukraine being a longtime U.S. ally and Russian President Vladimir Putin launching the invasion in February 2022. The numbers, which were released Sunday, come after Newsweek reported that the U.S. was pressuring European allies to limit references to Ukraine in the final communique of the NATO summit, which will take place Tuesday and Wednesday in The Hague, Netherlands. A White House spokesperson wouldn't confirm Newsweek's reporting to the Daily Mail. If the U.S. is successful at containing a focus on Ukraine, it would be a departure from previous NATO summits during the tenure of former President Joe Biden that showed strong support for the besieged country, which is not a NATO member. Ahead of the summit, a senior U.S. official's statement didn't mention the Ukraine war - instead focusing on one of Trump's longtime goals for NATO. President Donald Trump will head to a NATO summit this week - as a poll found that more Americans think his administration is siding with Russia over Ukraine 'The president intends to secure a historic 5 percent defense spending pledge from NATO allies, which will strengthen the Alliance's combined military capabilities and ensure greater stability in Europe and the world,' the senior official said. 'This effort builds on the hundreds of billions of dollars in spending increases already achieved across the Alliance since 2017 thanks to President Trump's diplomacy in his first term,' the source added. The Reagan Institute Survey found that a majority of Americans still support defending a NATO ally even if they weren't spending enough on defense. Fifty-three percent expressed this view, while 30 percent said the U.S. should not come to that country's defense. A majority of Americans also opposed the U.S. pulling out of NATO - 55 percent to 33 percent - with respondents feeling more strongly about the U.S. staying in. Breaking down the numbers, 38 percent strongly opposed the U.S. pulling out of NATO - which was formed to deter the former Soviet Union - while just 15 percent supported the U.S. withdrawing from the compact. On several occasions, Trump has mulled pulling the U.S. out of NATO or threatened not to come to a country's aid if they don't pay up. During the 2024 campaign, Trump sparked controversy by recounting a conversation with a world leader in which he suggested he might not defend a NATO country that was 'delinquent' in its payments. 'I would encourage them [Russia] to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills,' the then-candidate said. Trump skipped a planned G7 meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left). He spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) on his birthday Seventy-one percent of U.S. adults said they supported the U.S. defending a NATO country if there was an attack. Just 17 percent weren't in favor of helping a NATO ally. A majority of Americans, 59 percent, also said they were in favor of increasing the U.S.'s military presence in Europe to counter Russian aggression. Trump said last Saturday that Putin called him on his birthday - but their discussion mainly focused on the war between Israel and Iran, rather than Russia's own conflict. 'Much less time was spent talking about Russia/Ukraine, but that will be for next week,' the president said in a Truth Social post. That was ahead of Trump's trip to Canada for the G7 - which he cut a day short - saying he needed to be back in Washington to tend to the war in the Middle East. He was supposed to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the day of the G7 that he missed. 'Finally, President Trump intends to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders, which will focus on issues of shared concern and reaffirm the United States strong ties with our allies and partners,' the senior official said Friday, not articulating who the president was sitting down with yet. It was unclear as of Friday if Zelensky still planned to travel to the Hague for the NATO Summit after Trump skipped their G7 meeting. In a message to mark the 20th anniversary of the attacks, Charles said comfort can be taken from the 'spirit of unity' in London and the country more broadly, which has allowed the nation to heal. In a message to mark the 20th anniversary of the attacks, Charles said comfort can be taken from the 'spirit of unity' in London and the country more broadly, which has allowed the nation to heal. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer (left) said 'those who tried to divide us failed' adding 'we stood together then, and we stand together now'. The Prime Minister and London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan laid wreaths at the July 7 memorial in Hyde Park at 8.50am on Monday, to coincide with the moment the first bomb went off. Also in attendance at the commemoration at St Paul's Cathedral was Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (right) and former PM Theresa May (inset, top). When Captain Edward Smith went down with the Titanic on that frigid morning of April 15, 1912, it seemed to confirm what many had already started to whisper: that the unsinkable ocean liner was, indeed, cursed. In the months and years that followed, reports swirled about a possible jinx. Were early mishaps a precursor to eventual disaster? Was the ship hexed by an Egyptian mummy's coffin lid stored in its hold? Psychics had warned passengers not to sail on the ship's maiden voyage across the Atlantic. And many of those fortunate enough to survive the sinking - which claimed more than 1,500 lives - died later of mysterious illnesses. Even more than a century later, in June 2023, the Titanic curse was said to have struck again with the catastrophic implosion of the OceanGate Titan submersible, a private expedition to view the wreck that claimed the lives of all five on board. Now a book - containing previously unpublished private letters and family photographs - reveals the true extent of the so-called curse on Edward Smith's family that haunted them long after his death. Helen 'Mel' Melville Smith, the captain's only child, was 14 when he died and the family was thrust into the spotlight. Initially, her father had been blamed for the sinking but she could not escape the dubious fame the doomed ship brought her even after his name was cleared. Helen Melville Smith (left) was just 14 when her father died and the family was thrust into the spotlight. She was the only child of Captain Edward Smith (right) In the months and years that followed the Titanic's sinking, reports swirled about a possible jinx Hers was a life surrounded by wealth, art and Russian spies, writes Dan Parkes in Titanic Legacy. Yet, by the time Mel was 49, she had not only lost her father but also her mother, husband, son, and daughter - each in unusual circumstances. Less than 10 years after she quietly married the dashing Sidney Russell Cooke on July 3, 1930, a maid discovered his body lying in a pool of blood in the couples upmarket home at 12 Kings Bench Walk, London. He had been shot through the stomach with a double-barreled hunting rifle. A stockbroker, author and would-be politician, Cooke had been living a secret double life - as an MI5 spy, sometimes described as a 'prototype James Bond', and as the erstwhile gay lover of economist John Maynard Keynes. Friends at the time described his death as an inexplicable mystery he had no personal financial worries. His domestic affairs were of the happiest. And a coroners inquest the day after the shooting ruled that Cookes tragic death had been the result of an accident while cleaning the gun. But suspicions still swirled. Could it have been suicide? In his 1997 film, writes Parkes of the Titanic blockbuster starring Kate Winslet as survivor Rose DeWitt Bukater, [the director] James Cameron included a reference to fictional villain Caledon Hockley shooting himself after financial ruin during the stock market crash.' A stockbroker, author and would-be politician, Cooke had also been living a secret double life - as an MI5 spy, and as the erstwhile gay lover of economist John Maynard Keynes Some commentators have drawn a connection between fictional villain Caledon Hockley (played by Billy Zane in James Cameron's film Titanic) and the death of Sidney Russell Cooke Cooke's mysterious death made front-page news at the time In the closing sequence, using a framing device set in the present day, the actress Gloria Stuart gives voice to an elderly Rose, recounting the story of the man she almost married: 'The Crash of 29 hit his interests hard, and he put a pistol in his mouth that year. Or so I read.' Some commentators have drawn a connection between that line of dialogue and the mysterious death of Sidney Russell Cooke, says Parkes. It was also revealed that Cook had been to lunch with his former lover, Keynes, the day before his death while Mel was recuperating from surgery at a nursing home. Had he shot himself in a lonely paroxysm of miserable regrets at married life? mused the historian Richard Davenport-Hines in his biography of Keynes. Or had it been murder? A cause that was never raised during the inquest, continues Parkes, except perhaps in hushed and unrecorded conversations, was that something far more sinister had occurred. It was not revealed in the press or coroners' reports - for rather obvious reasons - that Sidney worked for MI5 and the apartment in which he was found dead had been used as a safe house, along with reports of spies sending messages to 12 Kings Bench Walk requesting a revolver for self-defense. As a result, some believed he had been killed by the Russians. Cooke's funeral was rapidly arranged and, as the gossip died down, Mel found herself a wealthy woman. In his will, he left 120,098 - the modern equivalent of about $6.6million. However, he stipulated that if Mel re-married the estate would pass to their twins, who were seven years old at the time. For all her riches, her husband's death was just the beginning of a series of tragedies. Less than a year later, her mother, Eleanor, the Titanic captains partially blind widow, was struck by a taxicab outside her home, a few months shy of her 70th birthday. She had been holding an umbrella in the rain, which may have further obscured her already poor vision. Heartbroken, Mel escaped London and its memories, relocating to the Isle of Wight, a small island off the south coast of England. But fate followed. Her son Simon, a talented fighter pilot, was sent to attack an enemy shipping convoy off the coast of Norway in March 1944 when his plane was shot down. The mission was successful but Simon, aged 20, did not survive the crash. His body was never recovered. Despite being plagued by heartache, Mel lived her life more fully than most women of the day. and gained her pilots license in 1934 While she was unable to marry again because of the caveat in the will, she had her fill of romance, taking a string of lovers, including portraitist David Rolt, who was 18 years her junior Her son Simon (painted by David Rolt, left), was flying a plane that was shot down in March 1944. His twin Priscilla (right) succumbed to polio three years later Three years later, in 1947, her daughter Priscilla succumbed to polio a year after getting married. There is no record of how Mel responded to the loss of both her children, writes Parkes, other than a moment when she confided to one of her few intimate friends that she was afraid of forming close relationships because they seemed destined to end in tragedy. But, despite being plagued by heartache, Mel remained resilient, living life more fully than most women of the day - even gaining a pilots license in 1934. Most likely Mel was inspired by a crop of aviatrix pioneers of the 1930s, writes Parkes, such as the young Yorkshirewoman Amy Johnson who flew solo from England to Australia in May 1930 in a Gipsy Moth, taking 19 days. She was only 27. This was followed by New Zealander Jean Batten who also flew a Gipsy Moth from England to Australia single-handedly in 1934, taking just 15 days. She was just 25 and was known for her aviation achievements and her glamorous appearance. Pushing the limits of record-breaking technology is inherently risky. As with the infamous disappearance of Amelia Earhart in 1939, Amy Johnson likewise vanished without a trace when her plane crashed into the Thames Estuary in 1941. And, while Mel felt unable to marry again because of the caveat in the will, she had her fill of romance, taking a string of lovers, including her flying instructor, 32-year-old Flight Lieutenant Christopher Clarkson. Clarkson was three years younger than Mel, notes Parkes. And one of her more well-known love interests was even younger - 18 years younger. Mel met the celebrated portraitist David Rolt when he was in his early 20s, and their relationship, which survived both his marriage and divorce, lasted until her death. He painted her and the twins several times. She died in 1973, aged 75. With her, Captain Smiths family line ended - but not, if some can be believed, the curse that had clung to it for more than six decades. Titanic Legacy: The Captain, his Daughter and the Spy by Dan Parkes is published by Amberley Publishing A six-year-old girl has allegedly been forced to marry a 45-year-old man in Afghanistan after she was given away for money. The haunting photo of an older man and a little girl standing together horrified even the Taliban, who intervened with the union. The youngster had allegedly been exchanged by her father for money to a man who already has two wives, it was reported by Amu.tv. The marriage was allegedly set to take place on Friday in Helmand province but the Taliban stepped in and arrested both men involved. No charges were brought against them but they have forced the creep to wait until the girl is nine before he can take her home, local media said. UN Women reported last year that there has been a 25 per cent rise in child marriages in Afghanistan after the Taliban banned girls' education in 2021. They also said there has been a 45 per cent increase in child bearing across the country. In the same year as the Taliban came to power, after the US' heavily criticised exit, a nine-year-old girl who was sold by her father to a 55-year-old man as a child bride was rescued by a charity. Parwana Malik was sold for the equivalent of 1,600 in land, sheep and cash to a stranger named Qorban so her father Abdul Malik could pay for food. The haunting photo of an older man, 45, and a little girl, six, standing together horrified even the Taliban, who intervened on the union and insisted they would have to wait until the youngster was nine before she could be taken home Parwana Malik, a nine-year-old girl (pictured) who was sold by her father to a 55-year-old man as a child bride in Afghanistan was rescued by a charity Parwana, her small frame covered in a black head covering and a floral garland around her neck, hid her face from her family and new husband, who she fears will beat her and force her to work Parwana's buyer Qorban (right), who only has one name, arrived at the family's home with the payment to give her father Abdul (left) The little girl had cried day and night before her sale, begging her father instead to go to school to become a doctor. Parwana's buyer Qorban said at the time of his deal it was his 'second marriage' and insisted he would treat her well. Her father Abdul said he was 'broken' with guilt at the sale of his daughter and was unable to sleep at night. Only months before had Parwana's 12-year-old sister been sold to help the family survive. A US-based charity, Too Young to Wed, helped free the girl from the barbaric arrangement and her siblings and mother were moved from their camp to a safe house in Herat - the first time they had even been in a real home after living in tents. The horrific deal drew international outrage at the time with all 24 then-female senators in the US pushing President Joe Biden to take action to prevent child marriages in Afghanistan. Young boys have also fallen victim to the brutalities of the Taliban government, with many sexually exploited by older men and turned into sex slaves for the elite. Under the barbaric tradition of the 'Bacha Bazi', young boys and adolescents are adorned in makeup, dressed in brightly coloured women's clothing and sent before groups of powerful men to dance and entertain. The barbaric tradition, whose name translates directly to 'boy play',sees young boys adorned in makeup, dressed in brightly coloured women's clothing and sent before groups of powerful men to dance and entertain Bacha Bazi is 'frequently under reported due to stigma and fear, particularly when perpetrators are police', a recent report said Bacha Bazi, whose name translates to 'boy play', has persisted for centuries and, while Afghanistan's current Taliban leadership claim to oppose it, the practice continues as an open secret. A report released in November detailed how boys remain at high risk of commercial sexual exploitation through Bacha Bazi and 'are frequently underreported due to stigma and fear, particularly when perpetrators are police'. 'Despite the Talibans public stance against the practice, reports suggest it remains prevalent and largely unaddressed,' the UK government report said. Survivors who have escaped speak of beatings, rape, and psychological torment, only to be cast out once they grow facial hair and are no longer considered desirable. Many turn to prostitution, drug addiction, or suicide, unable to escape the trauma they have endured. Though some boys reportedly volunteer, many are sold into this life by their own impoverished families desperate to get by. Others are quite simply abducted, including by police officers - the very people supposed to prevent Bacha Bazi from resurging. Photographs and videos that have surfaced online show boys at these gatherings, forced to perform in front of groups of men who later pass them around as objects of pleasure. Once young boys are sold by their families or abducted, many are harangued into harems and flogged by pimps and traffickers Survivors who have escaped speak of beatings, rape, and psychological torment, only to be cast out once they grow facial hair and are no longer considered desirable A young Afghan Batcha Bazi (Dancing Boy) performs a dance in a private party on November 22, 2008 in a small city in the north of Afghanistan Once young boys are sold by their families or abducted, many are harangued into harems and flogged by pimps and traffickers. Some boys are kept effectively as personal property, with their owners wary of allowing other men to see the children for fear they would try to steal them away. Others, however, are traded willingly as a commodity. It is widely believed that every military commander has had a young companion as part of a sick game. In 2015, a New York Times investigation revealed that child rape by government-affiliated Afghan commanders was so common that it became an open secret among US troops. But the Taliban's own morality police - the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice - focus almost exclusively on policing women's behaviour, while crimes like Bacha Bazi continue in the shadows. The repeated crackdown on women's rights has snowballed in recent years, with girls banned from primary school, effectively denying all women from education across Afghanistan after it was made forbidden for them to attend secondary or higher education. The extremist government also said women could no longer teach, visit mosques, attend seminaries, funfairs, parks and gyms in a crackdown on women's rights. According to the UN, more than 70 decrees, directives, statements, and systematised practices have targeted what women can and can't do. Women have been banned from speaking loudly in their own homes, and are not allowed to be heard outside (Afghan burqa-clad women walk along a street in Kandahar) There has been a reported rise in female suicides and UNICEF said the education ban will create harrowing repercussions for generations to come. 'With fewer girls receiving an education, girls face a higher risk of child marriage with negative repercussions on their well-being and health,' the United Nations agency for children said. More than four million girls will be out of education if the ban continues until 2025. Most recently, women have been banned from speaking loudly in their own homes, and are not allowed to be heard outside, in the Taliban's latest bid to control and subjugate an entire gender. Any woman who dares to break the new rules will be arrested and sent to prison, the terror group said. Women are also ordered to cover their faces 'to avoid temptation and tempting others', and are banned from speaking if unfamiliar men who aren't husbands or close relatives, are present. The UN reported that nearly one in five women said they hadn't spoken to another woman outside of their immediate family in three months. Malala Yousafzai has since urged the world to do more to help women and girls who are forced to live under the Taliban's 'gender apartheid' in Afghanistan. 'When we look at the scale of the oppression that Afghan women are facing, there is no legal term. There is no internationally recognised crime that can explain the intensity of it,' she told The Times. There are now more foreign-born mothers than British mums in dozens of authorities, MailOnline can reveal. Nationwide in 2024, women hailing from outside the UK accounted for 33.9 per cent of live births up from just below a quarter in 2008. Yet the rate exceeded half per cent in 55 councils across England and Wales. This is twice as many as in 2013, according to an Office for National Statistics (ONS) report. Newcastle-under-Lyme recorded the biggest jump, MailOnline found, going from 5.8 per cent in 2013 to 18.6 per cent last year. Your browser does not support iframes. The share also tripled in Halton (from 4.2 per cent to 13.1 per cent) and Knowsley (4.5 per cent to 13.5 per cent). All but 24 of 305 councils saw rates increase, including 27 where the proportion has doubled at the very minimum. In Waltham Forest, 63.7 per cent of babies born in 2013 were to mothers hailing from outside the UK. This fell to 50.5 per cent in 2024. India (4.4 per cent of all live births) is the most common country of origin for non-UK born mothers. Pakistan (3.6 per cent), Nigeria (2.5 per cent), Romania (2 per cent) and Bangladesh (1.7 per cent) round out the top five. Eight of the ten areas with the highest rates of babies born to foreign mothers were in London. Harrow and Brent (both 77.1 per cent) topped the table, ahead of Newham, Ealing and Hounslow. Slough and Luton ranked eighth and ninth, respectively. The analysis comes after MailOnline revealed last month that British mothers are now outnumbered by foreign-born mums at nearly one in seven maternity units. At Northwick Park Hospital, in Harrow, 84.2 per cent of all live births in 2023 were to non-UK mothers. Your browser does not support iframes. When broken down into ages, UK-born mothers have the second-highest rate of births under 20 years old (2.9 per cent), behind Romanian mothers (4.8 per cent). Between 25-29 was the majority age group for Pakistani and Bangladeshi mothers, while for UK, Polish and Romanian mothers it was 30-34. Polish mothers have the highest rates of motherhood between 40-44 (10.2 per cent). The ONS data also showed that two-fifths of babies last year had at least one parent who was born in another country. In total, there were 594,677 live births in England and Wales in 2024. This represented the first overall increase since 2021. Births remain at historically low levels, however, with 2024 ranking as the third lowest total since 1977. Greg Ceely, ONS head of population health monitoring, said: 'In 2024, the annual number of births in England and Wales reverses the recent trend of declining births, recording the first increase seen since 2021. 'Despite this overall rise, the number of births to mothers under 30 fell, as people continue to put off having children until later in life. 'The largest decrease is seen amongst those under 20 years old, which fell by almost 5 per cent, while the number of mothers aged 35-39 grew the most. 'A couple of other long-term trends are continuing, such as seeing around half of live births within marriage or civil partnership, and an increase in births to non-UK-born mothers.' It comes after Keir Starmer unveiled a crackdown on immigration last month, warning that failure to control the system risked turning Britain into an 'island of strangers'. Downing Street was forced to deny angry comparisons from MPs that it was an echo of Enoch Powell's infamous 'Rivers of Blood' speech. Scrambling to blunt the threat of Reform, Sir Keir vowed to give Brits what they had 'asked for time and time again' as he announced a package to 'take back control of our borders'. Under Number 10's long-awaited blueprint to curb immigration, skills thresholds will be hiked and rules on fluency in English toughened. Migrants will also be required to wait 10 years for citizenship rather than the current five and face deportation for even lower-level crimes. Your browser does not support iframes. Policymakers estimate the government's package will bring down annual inflows by around 100,000. Yet official figures show immigration was already tumbling from record highs before Labour took power. Official figures showed net long-term inflows were 431,000 in the year to December, compared with 860,000 across 2023. The Tories said that the ONS data demonstrated their curbs were already having an impact although the level in 2024 was still roughly equivalent to the population of Leeds. Migrants arriving in Britain play a vital role in supporting key infrastructure, such as the services industry and the NHS. Experts say they also may play a role in bolstering the UK's freefalling birth rate. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Fertility rates have plunged to their lowest levels since records began in the 1930s. The stark drop has triggered doomsday warnings about population collapse, which demographers believe will devastate Western economies. If the downward spiral continues it may leave countries with too few younger people to work, pay tax and look after the elderly. Demographers claim the spiralling figures mean we may need to become reliant on immigration to prop up our economy. Women prioritising their education and careers, and couples waiting to have children until later in life have fuelled the trend. Rising costs, especially the price of childcare and housing, is another factor thought to be putting people off starting families. Fertility rate statistics were not provided by the ONS in the latest update as mid-year population estimates were not available. Ava Waller thought she had found companionship in her later years - what she got instead was a calculated con that robbed her of every penny she had. Ava, a 76-year-old grandmother from Harlow, Essex, has spoken of her heartbreak and humiliation after being duped out of 67,000 by a romance fraudster who reeled her in with sweet words and fake photos - before bleeding her dry. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, divorcee Ava bravely recounted how she fell victim to an elaborate catfishing plot orchestrated by a scammer in Nigeria, who posed as a charming American oil-rig worker named 'David West'. In reality, 'David' was using stolen photos of a real man whose image has often been used by scammers - Dr Mark Smith, a chiropractor in Indiana - while spinning tales of hardship, delayed flights and desperate emergencies that Ava felt compelled to help with. 'He told me he was in an oil rig in the middle of the sea somewhere,' she said. 'I've since learned that's a favourite job for these people to pretend they have.' What began as a harmless online friendship in 2018 - sparked when he complimented her photos on Facebook - soon turned into a daily lifeline. Ava, a mother of two with three grandchildren, divorced and grieving the loss of her mother, admitted the attention became a comfort. 'I think we'd been talking maybe six months and then he was coming home,' she recalled. 'And he told me he got stopped at the airport something to do with his drilling equipment - and needed money to sort himself out.' Desperate to help the man she believed was flying back to start a new life with her, Ava sent her first payment of 250. Ava Waller, 76, (pictured) a mother of two with three grandchildren was duped out of 67,000 by a romance fraudster who reeled her in with sweet words and fake photos Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, divorcee Ava bravely recounted how she fell victim to an elaborate catfishing plot orchestrated by a scammer in Nigeria , who posed as a charming American oil-rig worker named 'David West' Desperate to help the man she believed was flying back to start a new life with her, Ava sent her first payment of 250 Of course, it was only the beginning. 'The first problem he needed money for was to get his equipment off the rig. He told me he was coming home to America shortly. 'My mother had just died and left me her house, and for once I actually had some money in the bank. That was great timing for him, of course.' Soon, she was transferring thousands via the bank, after staff at her local Post Office in Harlow, Essex - worried about her visits - refused to process her payments. 'I was very upset about that,' Ava recalled. But she added that even though she was in denial, she knew there was something not right about the situation. 'I then started sending the money via banks, different ones so I wouldn't draw attention. My daughter is a bank manager but I never used her bank because I knew she would stop me. 'I was stupid. I probably knew in my heart of hearts that what the people at the Post Office suspected was true, but I wanted David to be real and for the fairytale to come true, I suppose. What a mug I was!' Unbeknownst to her, she was now deep inside a web of psychological manipulation - driven by a scammer who played expertly on her emotions. When her daughter-in-law did raise concerns, Ava confronted 'David'. But he was ready. 'They all say that' he told her. 'You'll get your money back.' 'He was clever, and he knew how to keep me dangling,' admitted Ava. 'He was good with words and there was always a really good excuse. 'His daughter had had an accident, for example. He couldn't afford to pay the medical bills, so would I pay?...' Ruefully, Ava admitted that the scam went on for two years, with the biggest single payment she made to her 'suitor' just over 3k. The couple even had a few conversations over Facebook messenger. 'I did think his accent sounded more African than American,' she recalled. 'But he had an answer for that too and told me he'd moved around a lot with his job.' At one point David even promised he would come to England and marry her and they would buy a 'nice big house' for the two of them with the vast sums he was always just a short time away from receiving. Drained of her inheritance nest-egg, Ava was even forced to take out an equity release mortgage on her home in order to buy a car. Divorcee Ava (pictured) fell victim to an elaborate catfishing plot orchestrated by a scammer in Nigeria, who posed as a charming American oil-rig worker named 'David West' 'He was clever, and he knew how to keep me dangling,' admitted Ava. 'He was good with words and there was always a really good excuse' The scam only came to light during a terrifying hospital dash in 2020, when Ava was admitted with life-threatening sepsis. Her son Steven, by her side in the resuscitation room, noticed her phone buzzing incessantly with messages. Opening her phone, he uncovered an avalanche of messages from 'David' -demanding updates about a package of money supposedly being delivered to Ava's home. Further digging revealed that Ava had received other such packages and made payments into various accounts, possibly unknowingly playing a role in a wider money laundering ring. 'It was all very embarrassing,' Ava recalled. 'I was in the hospital ward with everyone listening and my son was saying "you've been paying all this money to a bloke you've never met!" 'I was sitting there in tears as my pretend world was coming crashing down about my ears. 'My son called the police, and they took away the bundle of cash which had come in the post about 600 or so. At first the police thought they might be able to do something about it, but they couldn't because the money had gone abroad. 'David always asked for the money to go to "other people", depending on what situation he'd made up. One name was Oghogho Igbinuvia and another was Beverley Rojas.' Although she has deleted all the messages with David, Ava still has a painful reminder of her self-confessed 'stupidity' the receipts for all the moneygrams she sent him. Ava admitted that the scam went on for two years, with the biggest single payment she made to her 'suitor' just over 3k 'I just look at all these and wonder how I could have been so dumb?' she said. 'If I ever get any more messages from people on social media and believe me, I do I look back at these and remind myself of the lessons I've learned the hard way.' Now, she will check people out as best she can and has learned how to carry out reverse photo searches on Google Images. 'I would never ever send money to someone I didn't know,' she said, 'and if anyone's reading this, they should follow that one piece of advice. 'Once I stopped sending David the money, he became quite angry and abusive, so the mask fell away, which helped me see more clearly. 'He would be texting me to tell me to sell the car, or my house nothing would stop him. He even tried again about six months later, but I told him to shove off. 'By then, I'd built up quite a different image from the handsome chap he sent me probably an ugly old Nigerian bloke, sitting at home in a grotty flat with a list of things to say to his victims.' It's a town that displayed its rebellious spirit nearly 500 years ago when modern-minded manor owner Robert Kett led a rebellion against King Henry VII over workers' rights. And the defiance of idyllic medieval Norfolk market town Wymondham lives on today by welcoming second home owners and Airbnb investors who have faced a backlash elsewhere in the same county. Residents in a string of towns and villages in the East Anglian tourist hotspot have voted to introduce tough measures to stop 'outsiders' taking over properties they want for themselves. These include rules against newbuilds being snapped up by investors and imposing double council tax on those who already own investment homes. But Tory-run Wymondham's council continues to welcome them with open arms, stating it does not believe in 'tax for taxation's sake' and has no desire to punish people financially for aspiring to own a second home. Many business owners and residents support this bucking of the trend in Norfolk, arguing tourists bring extra footfall to shops, restaurants, bars and pubs as well as adding vibrancy to the community. Tom Boggan, 32, who runs the award-winning Farm Cafe, with partner Jessica Leeder, 33, said: 'As with any business, it's been a bit of a struggle [of late]. 'We've noticed recently that there are a lot of people visiting the area, whether to see family or on holiday. I'd say it's obviously of benefit from a business point of view I don't want to discourage it.' Wymondham has bucked the trend of cracking down on second home owners and Airbnb investors. Part of its charm is the magnificent Norman abbey, originally established in 1107 as part of a monastic foundation Another lure to outsiders is the market place, which has been running on Fridays since the 13th century The 22-ft-high war memorial was unveiled in 1921 in honour of the 142 men who gave their lives in the First World War Nicky O'Grady, who runs The Enchanted Willow florist, said: 'We have a lovely town and we certainly welcome people with second homes. They can afford to spend money and buy local produce. 'People do forget about us but there is so much to see and do here. We are thriving and the town is beautiful. Like anywhere else, the town just needs a little love. 'We get a lot of visitors who come to see the Abbey, the Mid Norfolk steam railway and our shops and art gallery. 'I am lucky because my business is supported by locals. But if people have the money for a second home, then good for them. They could do a lot worse than coming here.' Kyrena O'Brien, a sales negotiator at TW Gaze estate agents, said Wymondham's charm and its median house price of around 300,000 - just above the national average - made it an attractive option. She added: 'We get quite a few second home buyers. They often want to buy a place to rent out or use as an Airbnb. 'Wymondham is attractive to them because it is a beautiful old town with a lot of history to it. It has a rural feel but we are only 15 minutes' drive from Norwich. 'You can also get to the coast in half an hour or so. I am sure that the small businesses here do not care where people come from. Cafe owner Tom Boggan, 32, said second home owners were 'obviously of benefit from a business point of view I don't want to discourage it' Mr Boggan runs the award-winning Farm Cafe at canine business hub Centre Paws, a tourist magnet for owners of four-legged friends 'Second home buyers are certainly getting a better deal here by only having to pay half the council tax that they would pay in other parts of the county. 'The town is becoming more and more popular. It is an attractive place for short-term lets, as well as full time rentals. And there is no shortage of demand.' Aideen Summers, who runs The Lemon Tree Cafe, said: 'North Norfolk is full of second homes compared to round here. 'But this is a wonderful town and is a lovely place to visit. We benefit from visitors who stay here and pop in for a bite to eat.' Wymondham is 30 miles from the sea and is less flashy than many coastal villages in North Norfolk, where property prices have surged due to an influx of well-heeled Londoners. But the town has a series of charming medieval streets, an array of timber-framed buildings, independent shops, a historic Abbey and a cobbled Market Cross which hosts a weekly farmer's market, making it an attractive bolthole for city dwellers. Also tempting to outsiders is the decision not to implement new Government rules that allowed local councils to charge a 100 per cent premium on second homes from April 1 this year. An estimated 230 councils across the UK have introduced the levy, even though some, such as Sandwell Borough Council in the West Midlands, have as few as six second homes. Florist Nicky O'Grady, who runs The Enchanted Willow florist, said the town would 'welcome people with second homes' as they bring vital income to the area Kyrena O'Brien, a sales negotiator at TW Gaze estate agents, said Wymondham's charm and its median house price of around 300,000 - just above the national average - made it an attractive option. Another supporter is Aideen Summers, who said her Lemon Tree Cafe 'benefits from visitors who stay here' There are 667 second homes in the South Norfolk district, which is dwarfed in comparison to the 5,973 in North Norfolk. South Norfolk Council's decision to avoid the levy means a second-home owner in Wymondham is paying 2,258 for a Band D property in council tax. Across the border in Great Yarmouth, or North Norfolk, the same second home would attract a bill of more than 4,000. South Norfolk Council leader Daniel Elmer said: 'We decided not to introduce the council tax premium this year because we don't believe in tax for taxation's sake. 'Lots of people dream about having a place in the countryside and we want to support them having that aspiration and not punish them. 'Of course, places in North Norfolk close to the sea are very popular with second home owners but we can offer something slightly different. 'South Norfolk can offer bustling marking towns like Wymondham. People come here to became engaged members of the community and enjoy a bit of a busier lifestyle while having fantastic country walks nearly on their doorstep. 'Places like Wymondham and Harleston are still vibrant town centres but they are just a bit hidden away.' Gary Wootton, co-owner of the Elementals alternative gift shop in Wymondham, said he would never have a 'negative opinion about second home owners' - a strikingly different attitude to other communities in Norfolk Dominic Newman-Sanders, the sales manager at Warners estate agents, backed Mr Wootton, stating: 'There is absolutely no animosity to second home owners here' Mr Elmer admitted that his council was under pressure to introduce a council tax premium for second home owners next year due to 'reduced support from central government and the current financial situation'. But he insisted that it was only an option that the council had been forced to declare in advance and no final decision had yet been made. He added: 'If we did bring it in, it would only be to freeze council tax for our residents and not to punish second home owners.' Council chiefs in other parts of Norfolk have not been so charitable towards second home owners who have often faced anger from local people. Some have accused them of profiteering by renting out their homes, putting pressure on local services and helping to turn villages into 'ghost towns' during winter months when homes are often left empty. Much of the bad feeling is centred around the village of Burnham Market, known as Chelsea-on-Sea, where around one in four properties is a second home and the high street is packed with up-market restaurants and shops to cater for wealthy incomers. Gary Wootton, co-owner of the Elementals alternative gift shop in Wymondham said: 'Our customers are predominantly local but we promote ourselves a lot on social media to attract outsiders. Not everyone agreed, however. Tricia Hinton, owner of the Ebony lifestyle shop said homes were less affordable and those used as second homes often stood empty for large parts of the year 'We treat everyone the same when they step through the door. I don't have a negative opinion about second home owners because I wouldn't be able to recognise them.' Audio visual engineer Stephen French who regularly works in Wymondham, said: 'Anything that encourages more people to move here is going to be good for the local businesses. 'But whoever buys new homes here, it is important that there is enough infrastructure to go with it.' Dominic Newman-Sanders, the sales manager at Warners estate agents, said: 'There is absolutely no animosity to second home owners here. 'Some people do buy second homes in South Norfolk and buyers like Wymondham because it is commutable with good road and rail links. 'The fact that there is no premium on council tax is not really the main issue for them. What is having far more impact is the new rule where they have to pay extra 5 per cent stamp duty surcharge for a second home which went up from 3 per cent in the Autumn budget last year. 'It means that less people are buying properties to them let out which is having a massive affect on the availability of rentals.' Some locals do object to investors coming to the area, however. Wymondham's town sign depicts Robert Kett, leader of the 1549 Rebellion, and a wood-turner on the other side. The Arms of the town, a wooden spoon and a spigot, appear on both sides, as Wymondham was famous as a centre of the wood-turning industry Tricia Hinton, owner of the Ebony lifestyle shop which sells clothing, homeware and jewellery, said: 'When I came in 1979 homes were affordable but that is not the case now. More should be done to help people who live and work here all the time. 'In the street where I live, there must be four holiday lets and three or four houses that people have bought, yet they sit empty for maybe ten months a year. 'A lot of people have come here post-Covid from places like Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire. It means they can buy somewhere cheaper here and afford to retire.' Retired automotive engineer Takawira Masendu, 76, of nearby Hethersett, added: 'Second home owners need to be discouraged. 'My opinion is that it is more important for local people to be able to afford homes.' Robert Kett led the men of Wymondham in an uprising that began in July 1549 over the rights of poor workers, triggered by the enclosures of common lands. He refused a Royal amnesty and his band of rebels, said to have numbered 16,000, took possession of Norwich, only to be defeated in battle after a fierce battle. He was executed for treason in December the same year. When sorting through a dead relative's belongings, one Reddit user stumbled across something peculiar, and decided to take to the internet for answers. User Scopperil posted to the 'What is this thing' thread: 'Silver stick, 15.5cm, with bands and small holes in a flat faced end. Marked la mulata".' The utensil was found among a collection of silver items including jewelry, cutlery, and other kitchen items. But unlike the rest of the items in the box, the poster didn't recognize its use. It had a flat part on the end that resembled a spoon but it was perforated with dozens of little holes. The handle was long with silver band details. At first, they thought it might be a cocktail stirrer, but with so many tiny holes, that seemed impractical. 'Cocktail stirrer was first guess, but I worry it would get sticky and unpleasant behind the holes in the flattened bit,' they wrote. The original poster said the label, 'la matula,' seemed to be derivative of Cuban culture, but the original owner wasn't Cuban and never visited the country. Scopperil said: 'Ive searched for silverware, la mulata, cocktail stirrers, and descriptions. There seems to be a Cuba vibe to the results but I dont think the owner ever went there.' Reddit user Scopperil posted an oddly shaped item he found in a relative's silver collection, and took to the internet for answers The bombilla (pictured) filters tea from the leave in Yerba Mate Yerba Mate is a common drink from Latin or South American countries It turned out this was a common query for Reddit users and the answer is not what you may think. A few people guessed that it may be used for making matcha tea, while others noticed that the utensil was actually used for consumption, not creation. Reddit detectives said the item was used to consume a special kind of tea. The 'handle' was actually a hollow straw. One commenter explained: 'You'll want to look up "bombilla" to find this. Yerba mate is steeped with quite a lot of leaves. This straw filters the tea from the leaves as you drink, and then the leaves can be re-steeped.' According to May Clinic, yerba mate tea is a common drink from Latin and South American countries, perhaps explaining the Cuban label on the item. It's known to have a strong, earthy taste. It has been described as having a smokiness and tobacco-like flavor. The bombilla, as the commenter explained, is a drinking straw specially tailored for teas like mate which require more leaves for the flavor to come through. It was invented by native tribes in South America, according to Yerba Crew, and can be used for both sweet and bitter mate. Not only did the original poster get to the bottom of a mind-boggling mystery, but they stumbled upon the perfect excuse to indulge in some yerba mate tea. A British cocaine dealer who masterminded the brutal killing of a love rival tried to evade justice by fleeing 4,500 miles away to South America - only to end up in a hellhole jail after being was arrested by local police for drug offences. Days after murdering 38-year-old Thomas Campbell in his own home in Mossley, Greater Manchester on July 2, 2022, John Belfield, 31, travelled on a stolen passport to Anglesey and onwards through Dublin, Amsterdam, Spain and Brazil. He finally ended up in the former Dutch colony of Suriname, an untouched rainforest- covered melting pot which remains firmly off the tourist track. But rather than being attracted by its colonial architecture or nature reserves teeming with wildlife, among its key appeals was a lack of an extradition treaty with the UK. Additionally, its reputation as a tropical bolthole had already served as a magnet to Belfield's cocaine-dealing on-the-run gangster cousin Paul Cooper. 'It's not a very nice country to be honest,' Belfield confessed to Manchester Crown Court during a trial that ended on Thursday with a jury finding him guilty of murder. On Friday, he was jailed for life, serving at least 37 years behind bars before he is eligible for parole. Before the killing of gangster Thomas Campbell made him Manchester's most wanted, Belfield had forged an illicit living as a wholesale drug dealer. Hiding out on the other side of the Atlantic, he was to turn to the one occupation he knew and it would swiftly prove his downfall. John Belfield, 31, travelled on a stolen passport to Anglesey and onwards through Dublin, Amsterdam, Spain and Brazil He finally ended up in the former Dutch colony of Suriname, an untouched rainforest-covered melting pot which remains firmly off the tourist track Belfield went on to be arrested by police for drug offences and was kept in a grim jail. File photo In March 2023 just after his 'right-hand man' and driver had been convicted over their roles in the killing alongside Mr Campbell's ex-wife Coleen he was arrested on drug offences at a hotel in the capital, Paramaribo, and thrown into jail. Belfield was no stranger to the inside of a prison cell his previous convictions include theft and affray but he described conditions in Surinamese custody as 'pretty horrendous'. Cells are shared by as many as six inmates, no bedding is provided and shower facilities are communal. Belfield's cover story quickly aroused suspicion, and the Suriname authorities were able to establish his true identity by reading British newspaper appeals. They contacted Greater Manchester Police, enabling the manhunt to be called off. But the Suriname authorities were unwilling to give up the fugitive until he had faced justice there, leading to fears of a sentence measured in years before he could be brought back to Britain. Det Sgt Paul Davies, who led the investigation, said the initial reaction to Belfield being traced to Suriname was 'brilliant'. 'But I wanted to get him back and see him in court, not over there. I wanted him to be brought back here, face justice and in front of the family.' Finally in March last year Belfield was released into the custody of Surinamese police who handcuffed him during a commercial trans-Atlantic flight to Amsterdam before the short transfer to Manchester. Belfield's gaunt appearance on arrival was far removed from the well-built figure pictured on wanted posters and he had lost a lot of weight. Belfield murdered Thomas Campbell in his own home in Mossley, Greater Manchester on July 2, 2022 A picture of Belfield released by police when he was on the run. It was taken in December 2022 when he was likely already in Suriname Belfield was arrested by police in Suriname in March 2023 after being caught with drugs. He served a year in prison - while authorities alerted cops in Manchester they had found their man A gaunt John Belfield is marched into the back of a police van after being flown back to Britain Belfield's cocaine-dealing fugitive gangster cousin Paul Cooper had previously fled to Suriname An aerial photo of the country's capital, Paramaribo, where Belfield was arrested Looking 'pale, thin and dishevelled', he was arrested by Det Sgt Davies. Asked about his emotions that day, Det Sgt Davies said: 'Relief, but it's not the end, it's like now the hard work starts.' British police praised the co-operation they received from their South American counterparts, who demonstrated they had no wish to see their tiny country seen as a safe haven for European fugitives. Belfield who made no comment when he was arrested - was driven to prison to await trial over the murder of 38-year-old Mr Campbell. More than 12 months on, jurors at Manchester Crown Court saw another side of him, featuring a 'studious' new look with glasses, smart shirts and a calm, polite demeanour. However it was an act they quickly saw through. The career criminal now faces a sentence likely to be at least as long as accomplice Reece Steven, who is serving a minimum of 37 years, after being convicted of murder. Belfield was the key 'driving force' behind the carefully planned ambush and murder of Mr Campbell at his 350,000 townhouse in Mossley, Greater Manchester. Fuelled by a toxic combination of greed and jealousy, detectives are in no doubt that Belfield and his two henchmen one of whom remains untraced were determined to 'humiliate' their victim. Covered in tattoos and muscle-bound, Mr Campbell's appearance was a far cry from the tubby figure pictured during his marriage to Coleen. The nation is a former Dutch colony but has remained far off the tourist trail Coleen Campbell (pictured) shared crucial details about her former husband's movements with Belfield before his killing Mr Campbell during his marriage to Coleen - proof of his dramatically altered appearance The bitter ex was found guilty of manslaughter The couple, who lived in an extended house in the Clayton area of Manchester, had been investigated by police since 2014 over their role in the area's cocaine trade. Under suspicion due to their lavish lifestyle and garage of Mercedes and BMWs, in 2019 the couple both admitted money laundering. Thomas was jailed for two years and Coleen handed a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. The couple split, and by 2022 Thomas Campbell was in a relationship with Demi-Lee Driver a nursing assistant who, fatefully, was John Belfield's ex. In court, Belfield maintained he had moved on from her and had 'multiple' sexual partners however the savage crime which was to follow showed his true sense of betrayal. 'He was sending nasty, misogynistic messages to Demi Lee,' a source said. 'It was quite obvious that he saw her as his property. And he didn't like the fact that she was in the relationship with somebody else.' Born in Manchester, Belfield and his younger sister were raised in the eastern suburb of Openshaw by their NHS worker mother, who attended his trial daily. Contemporaries branded him an 'arrogant troublemaker' and it was not long before he embarked on a life of crime. From the age of 18 he was dealing drugs and involved with farming cannabis, although for a time he also made money legitimately through selling and repairing cars. Over the next decade he amassed a string of convictions including for burglary, criminal damage, affray, theft and possession of an offensive weapon. 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 Officers attended the property and discovered Campbell's body inside. Pictured, police at the scene However by his late 20s he had carved out a profitable role as a wholesaler of cocaine and cannabis. Detectives describe him as someone who was 'building a reputation' within organised crime. Belfield was earning up to 2,000-a-week by selling to street dealers enough to afford to run a white Porsche Boxster - while endeavouring to keep a sufficiently low profile to avoid police attention. Detectives believe he recruited hardman Reece Steven - and potentially the second, unknown attacker - as 'muscle'. 'There's no way John Belfield would have been able to tackle Tom Campbell alone,' one said. During his trial, Belfield maintained his sudden interest in Coleen Campbell who by now ran her own aesthetics business was due to being attracted to her. Meanwhile his ex, Ms Driver, was sending him videos of herself dancing naked and saying she wanted to sleep with him again, he claimed. But the grim reality was revealed by the 'sadistic' level of violence meted out on Mr Campbell after he was overpowered and bundled into the hallway of his home. Stripped naked but for a pair of socks and bound with extra-strength duct tape, his face was mutilated, while boiling hot liquid was poured over his genitals. Describing the catalogue of injuries as an effort at 'humiliation', Det Sgt Davies said the brutal violence meted out under Belfield's command was 'another level'. Campbell's bloodied and near-naked body was found in his hallway bound in extra-strength duct tape 'I think he wanted to show off a bit as well,' he added. After the gang left, a 999 call was made from his phone police believe one of his killers dialled the number before leaving the handset beside him, not intending him to die. Det Sgt Davies told Mail Online he believes 'they've panicked and rung 999 from his phone thinking that the ambulance would get there'. Instead, a harrowing recording shows that after the sound of panting and faint breathing from the critically injured victim, the operator ended the call. So it was not until more than nine hours later that neighbours investigated, alerted to the front door being left open, and found his bloodied body. Bizarrely, shortly after her ex-husband was killed, Coleen Campbell visited a psychic, later telling the dead man's mother that facial injuries had been done 'so other girls would not look at him'. The macabre detail was to prove crucial in arousing suspicion that she had prior knowledge of the plot. But it lends support to the theory that Mr Campbell was supposed to survive in order to live with his humiliation. Two tourists arrived in the Dominican Republic within weeks of one another, seeking sun, sand and escape. One washed up dead along the shore. The other still hasn't been found. On June 20, Dorian Christian MacDonald, 38, was found dead in the surf after taking a moonlit stroll along a resort beach in Puerto Plata. Three months earlier, American student Sudiksha Konanki, 20, vanished from a luxury resort in Punta Cana after going for a swim in the early hours of March 6. Her sandals were left behind on a sun lounger - but her body was never recovered. Two lives lost under eerily similar circumstances, just weeks and miles apart in what has become known as a vacation paradise. Now, as their families demand answers, renewed scrutiny is falling on the Dominican Republic - a destination that has long been haunted by a troubling pattern of sudden and unexplained tourist deaths. Dorian Christian MacDonald, 38, was found dead in the surf on a resort beach in Puerto Plata on June 20. Sudiksha Konanki, 20, vanished from a luxury resort in Punta Cana in March and still hasn't been found MacDonald reportedly took a brief late-night walk alone on a beach around 2am, stepping out from his solitary stay at a hotel in Puerto Plata on the island's north coast (pictured) MacDonald, of Nova Scotia, Canada, was last seen alive walking along a beach in the resort town of Maimon Bay at around 2am on June 20, about an hour before police were first alerted to his disappearance. His body was discovered floating in the water during high tide just after 4am. It is not yet known how MacDonald spent the final hours leading up to his fatal swim or how he came into difficulty in the water. An official cause of death has not been announced by local authorities, though a close friend shared in a GoFundMe that MacDonald is believed to have drowned. 'Dorian died suddenly in a drowning accident,' Tara McKenzie wrote on the crowd funding page. 'He was only 38 years old. And now, the world feels a lot quieter and a whole lot less vibrant just knowing he's no longer a part of it.' The fundraiser, which has been set up to help cover the repatriation of MacDonald's remains, has raised more than $40,000 CAD. 'We don't even get to even begin saying goodbye properly or grieve as we should until then,' McKenzie added. 'We just want him out of that cold system and back where he belongs - with us.' A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada confirmed that the department was aware of MacDonald's death but, citing 'privacy considerations', said no further information could be disclosed at this time. Requests from the Daily Mail for comment sent to local police and Civil Defense, a government agency that supports local law enforcement with naval operations, have gone unanswered. MacDonald's death is the latest to raise questions about tourist safety on the Caribbean island. MacDonald's cause of death has not been released by officials but a friend said he is believed to have drowned after venturing into the water during his solo holiday Sudiksha Konanki's story made headlines around the world when she vanished in the early hours of March 6 Konanki disappeared from the Riu Republica Resort on Punta Cana (pictured) Although the Dominican Republic is one of the region's most popular destinations, a number of foreigners have died or disappeared under mysterious circumstances in recent years, including drownings, suspected poisonings and unexplained collapses on its beaches and in resorts. Konanki's case made headlines around the world when she vanished in the early hours of March 6 at the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana after a night of drinking. The University of Pittsburgh student was captured on CCTV walking to the beach with Joshua Riibe, 22, a former Iowa high school wrestling champion, at 4.15am. Dominican officials were quick to rule her death a drowning but investigator Toby Braun - along with an oceanography expert - told the Daily Mail that if that were the case, her body would almost certainly have washed ashore. Riibe quickly became a central figure of suspicion in the investigation. His passport was confiscated and he was ordered to remain in the Dominican Republic under strict supervision. He reportedly gave various versions of his drunken night out with Konanki but provided more insight in a later interview with investigators before returning to the US. According to a transcript of that conversation, the former wrestler said he and Konanki were 'in waist-deep water, talking and kissing a little' when a wave crashed and whisked them both out to sea. In other reported versions, Riibe said that he had gone back to his hotel room or fell asleep on the beach. Riibe's family explained the conflicting accounts on poor translation, saying that different interpreters had been present at each of the three police interviews. In his last account, he told police that he had managed to bring Konanki back towards the shore: 'I kept trying to get her to breathe but that didn't allow me to breathe all the time, and I swallowed a lot of water.' Contrary to earlier statements, he said that she was still conscious and safe when they returned to dry land. 'When I finally reached the ground on the beach, I held her in front of me. She wasn't out of the water, she was knee-deep and walking at an angle out the water,' he told officers. Konanki's family has since made the heartbreaking decision to ask the investigation to be closed as a drowning, Fox 5 DC reported. Three European tourists were killed at the same beach where Konanki vanished two months earlier, after being swept away by a strong current on January 17. Only one of the bodies was recovered. A fourth person was hospitalized. However, Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman is urging Dominican Republic authorities to release all evidence related to the 20-year-old's case, citing key information that remains undisclosed, including the analysis of Riibe's cell phone and any text messages sent after Konanki's disappearance. Joshua Riibe, 22, was the only person with Konanki when she disappeared Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman is urging Dominican Republic authorities to release all evidence related to the 20-year-old's case, citing key information that remains undisclosed Chapman has since dispatched two of his own detectives to the Dominican Republic to conduct an independent investigation. Riibe, meanwhile, has continued to deny any wrongdoing. His aunt, Theresa Riibe, told the Daily Mail: 'He's a great kid. He wouldn't hurt a fly.' MacDonald and Konanki's cases are just the latest in a string of chilling incidents involving tourists who died or vanished in the Dominican Republic under puzzling circumstances. Between the summers of 2018 and 2019, the island was gripped by a spate of mysterious incidents that claimed the lives of more than 10 American tourists. Nathaniel Edward Holmes, 63, and Cynthia Ann Day, 49, were found dead in their hotel room at the Grand Bahia Principe La Romana resort on May 30, 2019, after missing their scheduled check-out time. According to autopsy reports, the couple suffered respiratory failure and fluid accumulation in their lungs. Day also suffered a cerebral edema, though the precise cause of the fatal episodes was not clear. Days earlier, Miranda Schaup-Werner, 41, of Pennsylvania, died at the same hotel shortly after checking into her room. Schaup-Werner had been celebrating a wedding anniversary and fell ill after having a drink from the minibar, her family said. She collapsed and died soon after. A preliminary autopsy cited by the Attorney General's Office of the Dominican Republic cited a heart attack, pulmonary edema and respiratory failure. Maryland couple Cynthia Day, 49, and Nathaniel Holmes, 63, were found dead in the Dominican Republic in 2019 Pennsylvania psychotherapist Miranda Schaup-Werner, 41, was on vacation in the Dominican Republic when she died in May 2019 They were staying at the all-inclusive Bahia Principe resort in La Romana At least eight other American tourists died in a similar, puzzling fashion over 12 months. Dominican authorities and the US State Department insisted that the deaths were isolated incidents, largely due to natural causes such as heart attacks and pulmonary edema. They emphasized that there had been no unusual spike in US tourist fatalities. Some victims' families were unconvinced, paying for independent autopsies to dispute natural cause rulings while calling for more transparency. In response to the public outcry and diplomatic pressure, the country introduced enhanced safety measures in 2019, including emergency phone lines in rooms, more resort inspections, increased security, and surveillance to stem the growing tide of concern. But troubling cases have continued in the years since. In December 2023, April Gougeon and her eight-year-old son Oliver died after eating from the buffet at Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham Resort. Her family filed a $10million lawsuit against the hotel in January, blaming the resort for their deaths. Indiana mother Stefanie Smith, 41, died suddenly on an American Airlines flight home from the Dominican Republic in March 2024. The night before her death, she had been sipping mojitos by the pool and enjoyed a steak dinner at the all-inclusive Iberostar Grand Bavaro in Punta Cana. In December 2023, April Gougeon and her son Oliver, 8, died after eating from the buffet at Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham Resort New Yorkers Portia Ravenelle, 52, and Orlando Moore, 40, died in strange circumstances in 2019 when they vanished while en route to the airport in a rental car Indiana mother Stefanie Smith, 41, died suddenly on an American Airlines flight home from the Dominican Republic in March 2024 Minutes into the flight, Smith started violently convulsing and was declared dead after the plane diverted to the Turks and Caicos Islands. An autopsy would later reveal that she had died from a carotid artery dissection in her neck, and no foul play was suspected in her death. Richard Jorene, a 67-year-old tourist, died by drowning in 2019 after being left behind during a snorkeling tour near Bavaro's 'Jellyfish Beach'. Several crew members were arrested for negligence. His death renewed scrutiny of safety standards for tourist boat operators. New Yorkers Portia Ravenelle, 52, and Orlando Moore, 40, died in strange circumstances the same year when they vanished while en route to the airport in a rental car. Somewhere along their journey, their vehicle plunged into the ocean. Portia was found critically injured and died in the hospital; Orlando's body was later recovered from the sea. Authorities ruled it an accident but no official crash report was filed, and details around the site and recovery remain unclear. Around 2.7 million Americans visit the Dominican Republic every year. Between 2008 and 2019, 19 to 32 nonnatural US citizen deaths were recorded in the Dominican Republic per year, with vehicle accidents the leading cause. Last month, the US State Department issued a Level 2 advisory for the Dominican Republic, warning American tourists to exercise increased caution when traveling to the island amid a rise in violent crime, including robberies, sexual assault and murder. The advisory, issued on June 18, was the second of its kind in under a year. Several advisers to Joe Biden will be quizzed by Republicans on Capitol Hill this month as part of the GOP's examination of a coverup of the former president's mental health. The witness list includes the most powerful figures in the Biden White House, such as aides with unfettered access to the residence where the president lived with Jill Biden, those who handled Biden's daily schedule and others close with the first lady. 'There were a lot of people behind him, like puppet masters,' Lindy Li, a former member of the Democratic National Committee, told Fox News. Oversight Chairman Rep. James Comer has summoned most of the Biden's inner circle to the Capitol for a grilling, using his subpoena power on those who refused to come voluntarily. And there could be more interviews to come. Comer sent letters to more aides last week, saying information was needed 'as part of our aggressive investigation into the cover-up of [Biden's] cognitive decline.' Among the Biden aides who received them were press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, White House counsel office spokesperson Ian Sams, senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates and chief of staff Jeff Zients. The Daily Mail breaks down the aides in Biden's inner circle who are under the most scrutiny: President Joe Biden walks to the White House with senior members of his staff: Bruce Reed, assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff; Mike Donilon, senior advisor; and Annie Tomasini, deputy chief of staff, in April 2024 President Joe Biden with Deputy White House Chief of Staff Annie Tomasini, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Deputy White House Chief of Staff Bruce Reed in April 2024 Dr. Kevin O'Connor on July 9 Dr. O'Connor is at the center of the coverup claims and was the first subpoenaed by House Republicans to answer questions about Biden's declining health. He was Biden's personal physician, traveling with him and signing off on his yearly physicals, giving the then-president a clean bill of health. But O'Connor notably didn't subject Biden to routine cognitive tests. Dr. Kevin O'Connor at the White House with President Joe Biden O'Connor, a retired US Army colonel, began his White House service in 2006 under the George W Bush administration as part of the White House Medical Unit (WHMU). In 2009, O'Connor was named physician to then-Vice President Biden. He was named as Biden's physician when he became president in 2021. Questions about Biden's cognitive state have been raised after the publication of 'Original Sin,' a book by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson that detailed an alleged cover-up among aides about the former president's capabilities. Additionally, after Biden announced that he had been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, further questions were raised about why it was not caught while he was in office. O'Connor, after his yearly physicals of Biden, would release a letter describing his findings on Biden's health, declaring him fit to serve as president - including in the months before his disastrous presidential debate with Donald Trump. Ahead of the June 2024 debate - which was followed by Biden's decision to step down as the Democratic presidential nominee - O'Connor signed off on Biden's health, writing he 'continues to be fit for duty.' Ashley Williams on July 11 Williams was Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations and had daily contact with Biden. Her duties included overseeing the president's personal schedule, private engagements, and day-to-day affairs. Ashley Williams helped run the Oval Office She is a longtime Biden staffer, going back to his time as vice presidency. At that time, she worked for Jill Biden as her senior assistant, earning the trust of the then-second lady. Williams worked on the 2020 campaign, was in the Biden White House during his term and stayed with Biden to work in his post-presidency office. She, along with Deputy Chief of Staff Annie Tomasini, ran Oval Office operations - no one was able to see President Biden without going through them first. Williams, along with Tomasini and Jill Biden's senior aide Anthony Bernal, were accused of forming a 'protective bubble' around President Biden. 'Annie, Ashley and Anthony create a protective bubble around POTUS. He's staffed so closely that he's lost all independence. POTUS relies on staff to nudge him with reminders of who he's meeting, including former staffers and advisers who Biden should easily remember without a reminder from Annie,' a Biden aide told Axios. Anthony Bernal on July 16 Bernal, the longtime Biden aide nicknamed Jill's 'work husband,' was slapped with a subpoena by Republicans after he missed his June 26 appearance date before the Oversight Committee. Chairman Comer demanded his presence on July 16. Anthony Bernal with Jill Biden Bernal has worked for the Bidens since Joe Biden served as vice president. In that time, he bonded with Jill Biden. The duo became close after splitting champagne and french fries on election night in 2008, Politico reported. He worked for the First Lady in the East Wing during her husband's presidency, where his title of 'advisor to the first lady' did not reflect his outsized influence over the Bidens and White House operations. 'No one spent more time, whether it was in the motorcade, on the plane, in the private residence at the White House, Camp David, and at both houses in Delaware, nobody spent more personal time around them and their family and the Biden family than Anthony,' Democratic strategist and Jill Biden's former press secretary Michael LaRosa previously told Fox News. During Biden's administration, Bernal had walk-in privileges for the Oval Office and the residence, the upper floors of the White House where the Bidens lived. Very few aides have access to the residence, with those privileges typically reserved for only the most-trusted. According to a 2021 Politico report, Bernal allegedly had a 'mean streak,' according to anonymous staffers and campaign aids who claimed he was 'berating' and 'toxic.' Though, they conceded his loyalty to Jill Biden is unmatched. Annie Tomasini, Director of Oval Office Operations, and Anthony Bernal, Advisor to the First Lady, were two of the most powerful aides in the Biden White House Annie Tomasini on July 18 In the Biden White House, it was said Bernal ran the East Wing and Tomasini ran the West Wing. President Joe Biden with Annie Tomasini, his Director of Oval Office Operations The two were the aides personally closest to the Bidens. During the 2020 campaign, when the Bidens campaigned from their Wilmington, Delaware, home at the height of the COVID pandemic, Tomasini and Bernal were the only staffers allowed inside. Both are considered to be 'family' by the first couple and had unfettered access to them. As deputy chief of staff, Tomasini ran Biden's schedule and much of his life. She was always seen at the president's side, whether it was at an event or riding next to him in the Beast. She also worked for the former president when he was a senator and, later, the vice president during the Obama administration. Ron Klain on July 24 Klain was Biden's first chief of staff. His government service dates back to the Bill Clinton and Barack Obama administrations and he had been in Biden's orbit since the 1980s during the former president's Senate days. President Joe Biden praising his out-going Chief of Staff Ron Klain He served as Biden's chief when Biden was vice president and kicked off his presidency started, but Klain left the Biden White House after two years. Despite leaving government service, he had an up close view of Biden in the final years of his presidency. He was among the aides who helped prepare Biden for the disastrous debate with Trump that resulted in Biden exiting the presidential race. Klain worked outside the White House at the time but ran 'debate camp' at Camp David and later said Biden looked tired during the prep sessions. Though, he clarified his remarks, later telling Politico that the then-president had been 'isolated from domestic politics' in order to be 'solely focused on foreign affairs.' Steve Ricchetti on July 30th Ricchetti has been a key person in Biden's life since joining his vice-presidential staff in 2012. Steve Ricchetti, counselor to President Joe Biden, walks across the South Lawn He was one of four aides with Biden as the then-president, sick with COVID, sat at his Rehoboth Beach house mulling wither to drop out of the 2024 presidential campaign. The others were Mike Donilon, Tomasini and Bernal. And Ricchetti, along with Donilon, was accused of coddling the president, keeping his sinking poll numbers and Democratic concerns about his health away from him. Ricchetti also has deep ties to Capitol Hill and was the person Biden dispatched to the Capitol to help pass legislation and keep lawmakers in line. He was also seen as a type of 'mob boss.' After George Clooney wrote an op-ed for The New York Times calling for Biden to exit the presidential race, Ricchetti is said to have threatened to 'shut Clooney down.' But his connection with Biden was personal too. Ricchetti was Biden's chief aide in 2013 when Biden's oldest son, Beau, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and all four of Ricchetti's children eventually took jobs in the Biden administration. From Left: White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients who later became chief of staff, Senior Adviser to President Biden Mike Donilon, White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain and Senior Adviser to President Biden Anita Dunn As President Joe Biden walks to Air Force One, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Annie Tomasini walks behind him with his granddaughter Finnegan Biden Mike Donilon on July 31st Donilon was the chief strategist of Biden's 2024 campaign and came under fire when authors Tapper and Thompson revealed in their book 'Original Sin' that he took the job for a cool $4 million. He was a 'true believer' who was deeply trusted by Biden. He was seen as Biden's 'alter-ego,' who could channel the president's voice. Mike Donilon was seen as Joe Biden's 'alter-ego,' who could channel Biden's voice 'The president valued Mike Donilon's advice so much that aides would later joke that if he wanted, he could get Biden to start a war,' Thompson and Tapper wrote. And Donilon was flippant with those who expressed concern about Biden's age, telling them: 'He's going to get elected again with people thinking he's too old.' But some accused him of having a blind spot to Biden's health issues, noting Donilon's future was tied to the president's. Bruce Reed on August 5th Known as Biden's 'AI whisperer,' Reed ran the Biden administration's policy planning. A centrist, Reed had infuriated liberals with his willingness to compromise with Republicans on their key issues. Bruce Reed was known as Joe Biden's whisperer and ran the policy shop He, Donilon and Ricchetti were dubbed the 'politburo,' and Reed was a regular at Camp David, helping prepare Biden for big moments like the annual State of the Union address. Reed brought his family into the administration: his daughter worked as Biden's day scheduler. Reed has a long career in government service. He was chief of staff when Biden was vice president and he worked for President Clinton. Anita Dunn on August 7th Anita Dunn took the hit for Biden's disastrous presidential debate Dunn, who was the communications director, took the hit for failing to prepare Biden for his debate with Trump. She was the one who pushed to have an historically early debate with the Republican nominee, which crushed Biden's dreams of a second term. Though, she disputed at the time that it was 'catastrophic' for his election outlook, per Politico. Married to attorney Bob Bauer, who is Biden's personal lawyer, the duo is seen as the ultimate political power couple. But Dunn and Bauer only became close to Biden in 2015, when he was mulling whether or not to make a presidential bid. Biden didn't run in 2016 but, when he threw his hat in the ring four years later, Dunn was an adviser on the campaign. She left the White House in July 2024 to work for a super-PAC promoting Kamala Harris' presidential bid. Locals opposed to a 'group home' in their NSW Central Coast neighbourhood are demanding answers about who will live there, as the developer suggests it might house recovering drug addicts and former prisoners. A $1.6million application to Central Coast Council, made by Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre through development firm ADW Johnson, plans to transform what was formerly the Lakes Anglican School site at Summerland Point on Lake Macquarie. It proposes to transform an existing seven-bedroom building into a permanent residence and add an additional eight bedrooms using moveable dwellings. In application documents, the developer described the project as a 'group home' for both transitional and permanent residents. It defined a group home as a dwelling that might house residents including people with a disability or social disadvantage, or those undergoing drug or alcohol rehabilitation. It might also provide halfway accommodation for people who formerly lived in institutions, or refuges for men, women or young people. But Summerland Point locals, who had lodged 900 objections to the proposal on Friday, say they have no idea who will actually be living in the home. They argue it will affect the safety, amenity and house values in their lakeside town, where the median house price is about $800,000. Max Collins, a retired local who has lived in Summerland Point for 10 years, said it was a lack of information that residents found concerning. The $1.6million application to Central Coast Council was made by Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre through development firm ADW Johnson (site pictured) Residents had asked Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre for a meeting on site which the organisation declined (pictured Centre chief executive Belinda Field) 'When you read the DA it's quite frightening,' he said. Mr Collins understood the development was originally intended to be a women's shelter but said that possibility was getting 'smaller and smaller' as the proposal gained publicity. 'They haven't mentioned domestic violence refuge for women, what they have put is it can be used for drug and alcohol rehabilitation and people who were formerly in institutions. 'This is a quiet little suburb... We've got a lot of older people concerned about this sort of thing in our neighbourhood, and a lot of young families. 'All the community wants to know is, what is going on? It's right next to a club so you can't have drug and alcohol (rehabilitation), surely. The council have made a real mess of this - they've handled it badly.' Mr Collins said the developer wasn't allowed to build on the site because it was a C3 zone - a problem it appeared to have got around with its plan to bring in moveable dwellings. Residents had asked Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre for a meeting on site which it had declined, he said. He maintained that his opposition to the group home was not rooted in racism. Locals argue the group will affect the safety, amenity and house prices of their peaceful lakeside hamlet (pictured Summerland Point) Summerland Point, on the northern end of NSW Central Coast, borders Lake Macquarie 'Nothing's been said in relation to Aboriginal. It's just this development - nothing has been mentioned about race.' Hundreds of objections to the development have been lodged on the Central Coast Council website, with the names of residents redacted. 'I would like to highlight that Summerland Point does not have a police station, and police presence in the area is notably limited,' one local said. 'This lack of law enforcement infrastructure raises serious concerns about the ability to ensure community safety and effectively respond to potential challenges arising from the establishment of a group home in our area.' '...Additionally, this project raises concerns about potential property devaluation,' the local said. 'Residents of our community take great pride in their homes and have invested heavily in maintaining their properties, choosing to live in this area for its peaceful and welcoming environment.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted ADW Johnson and Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre for comment. Terrified locals in a quaint seaside town claim they are terrified to go outside after dark due to mobs of violent drunk youths who attack people and kill animals with catapults. For generations, Herne Bay was a place of calm and serenity, where those in the twilight of their lives would retire to in comfort. However locals say you're more likely to hear police sirens than seagulls these days due to 'feral' gangs of youths who have nothing better to do than cause chaos. In the past year in the deprived town, pets have been killed and buildings vandalised by catapults. Chillingly, foreign students and residents, including pensioners, have also been attacked. The anti-social behavior has become such a feature of the town that one resident has even claimed it was a factor in his father's early death. Pensioner Raymond Foreman, 73, died early this year after he was attacked by a gang of teenagers along the seafront. The gang kicked away his walking stick and left him writhing on the floor in agony after he fell against a wall and tore tendons in his back. He lay there in pain for thirty minutes until help finally arrived and was bed bound until his death just two months later. Terrified locals in a quaint seaside town claim they are terrified to go outside after dark Locals say they are being menaced by mobs of violent drunk youths who attack people and kill animals with catapults Pensioner Raymond Foreman, 73, died early this year after he was attacked by a gang of teenagers along the seafront His distraught son Andrew, 31, (left) is adamant that his death was a consequence of the attack His distraught son Andrew, 31, is adamant that his death was a consequence of the attack, telling KentOnline: 'They put my father in an early grave. 'They did damage that was inconceivable. Even if it was his time soon, which it didn't feel like it was, they hit the fast forward button on that ten-fold.' When MailOnline visited the quiet coastal idyll this week we found residents living on the edge. Following a packed meeting attended by hundreds last month, police pledged to get more officers on the street to deal with the problems. But some locals say they haven't yet seen the effects. Taxi driver Ivan Rachev spends his working day driving through the worst areas and says he has seen it all. He said: 'In the evening there's drunk people everywhere'. We work in this area; I'm a taxi driver and he's a delivery driver and most of the problems are coming from young people, the teenagers, they're making the most trouble. 'They're breaking the windows there, they're fighting, they're stealing bikes.' Pensioner Jim Williams, 75, told us he no longer goes out at night. He said: 'We don't really go out much at night, but we have heard that there's a lot of stuff going on.' 'The only thing is they go up and down on their little bikes and scooters, and there's no police about, we haven't even got a police station here; it's just an office, and that's it. Nobody tells them off, no one takes any notice.' 'They can do what they like and they know they can, and they just think it's funny. They're of an age when they think they can.' For generations, Herne Bay was a place of calm and serenity, where those in the twilight of their lives would retire to in comfort But locals say you're more likely to hear police sirens than seagulls these days The town park is a hotbed for antisocial behaviour according to residents It isn't just criminal damage that has residents down - some of them have been attacked. Last month a distraught homestay host revealed that her young foreign guests were being routinely racially attacked in the town. Kathy Atwal told the BBC her students had 'rocks and stones thrown at them.' She said: 'The local children are using catapults against them and basically they're just causing an awful lot of trouble.' Outraged local Nick Seymour believes this abuse and attacks like it are endemic of a 'sickness' in the youth. He said: They're just showing off in front of their mates. Of course it's really sad when they're killing animals. It's a sign of a sick society.' 'I work in a school, so I think it's often the breakdown at home, but then in school if they don't have normality, then a lot of screentime is making things a lot worse, so they're influenced by the group, and the group now dictates what they see online as well, and there's no filters it's the wild west! 'It's the screentime, that's the huge problem. It's what they're seeing on TikTok, and they egg each other on.' This peer pressure has led to shocking incidents, including the murder of one duck which has left the community scarred. One woman, who preferred to stay anonymous, revealed: 'They killed a duck. But there was a girl there, that's what I can't understand. When it's boys, it's not such a shock, but when it's a girl, well girls are normally softer and love animals. The girl was in the gang. This peer pressure has led to shocking incidents, including the murder of one duck which has left the community scarred Roger Herring, 78, said he had seen children kill birds in trees Cafe owner Mitch Nejni said the town was under seige by the 'plastic gangsters' 'If I saw lots of youths in that park I wouldn't go in there.' Roger Herring, 78, agreed, saying he had seen children kill birds in trees. Police 'understand effect of behaviour' Kent Police Chief Superintendent Rob Marsh said: We are committed to tackling antisocial behaviour in Herne Bay and the surrounding coastline. It can blight a community and we are under no illusion of the effect that the nuisance behaviour caused by a minority of people can have on others. People deserve to feel safe. Our commitment through our dedicated teams of beat officers and PCSOs in Herne Bay and listening to local concerns has resulted in a 22 per cent reduction in the number of antisocial behaviour reports made in the last 12 months. 'While that is positive, we are not complacent and will continue to work to identify offenders and take action against them. People can expect to continue to see high-visibility patrols and the use of additional police powers, such as Section 34 dispersal orders where necessary. Between Friday 27 June and Sunday 29 June 2025, a total of 16 people identifying as causing issues in Herne Bay town centre were dispersed out of the area by using the order. 'They were unable to return for 24 hours and would risk arrest if they did so. Children were returned back home and parents were spoken to about their behaviour. Our officers work hard to ensure Herne Bay remains a safe place to live and visit. Advertisement He recalled: 'They come and catapult them out the tree, and they're floating on the ground and they just repeatedly firing at them. 'I've seen it happen. If I was fitter, I'd down 'em.' 'Why are they doing it? Because they can get away with it. There's no punishment nowadays. People don't get prison sentences these days. 'The doves, you know, the pigeons, because they can't take off that quick. And when they're on the ground, with an injured wing, they're just shooting into them.' Cafe owner Mitch Nejni, 49 agreed, saying: 'To be honest with you, we've been in Herne Bay for 25 years and there's always been this problem. So I think the problem stems from the fact that it was never addressed before and it's just gotten worse and worse and worse. 'We own the bar next door, but that's older, it's not kids. That's more over 21. 'Do you know what it is? It's kids being kids more than anything else. And I do understand it's gotten out of hand, but that's because of many years of lack of police presence, lack of police doing anything. 'Girls in Herne Bay are much worse than the boys. I was stood here and there were two girls walking down in school uniform, they must have been about 12. She's drinking a can of Redbull, and she's walked straight past me and she's thrown it onto the floor. 'She's finished her drink, she's scrunched it up and just dropped it. So I said 'excuse me, I said to her, you just dropped that.' Got back 'oh f**k off, why don't you just f**k off, you know. . 'It's society, that's all it is they've given too much protection to these kids and I think they're taking liberties with it. So you can't enforce any discipline on them. So if this is what we want to do and we want to give these rights to youngsters and kids, then that's what you're going to get. 'Kids from London come down and see the gangs here and call them plastic gangsters. They're plastic, they're just chucking stones at ducks, like a duck can't fight back. 'In London, we live by set rules, whereas in Herne, there's none of that, they don't understand how to be a gangster. You wouldn't get kids in London chucking stones at ducks. It's just silly, really silly.' He is the controversial comedian known for his deadpan delivery and dark humour who has famously been estranged from his father for nearly 25 years. But Jimmy Carr broke that long-running feud to ask his father Jim for a favour, only for him to continue the silent treatment once it was granted, a friend of the star's father has revealed. Jim Carr, 80, was left feeling 'confused and distraught', the friend said, and has been left bewildered as to why his famous son carried on his grudge and not seek a reunion. The pair fell out shortly after Jimmy's mum Nora died in 2001 from pancreatitis at the age of 57. Up until that point, the 8 Out Of 10 Cats host had a close bond with his parents with his accountant father helping to pay for his rent and food during the early days of his career as well as giving him lifts around the country to gigs. But Jimmy cooled towards Jim and cut him out of his life without ever seemingly giving him a proper explanation why. The bad-blood simmered until rising to the surface again in 2021 when Jimmy, 52, told fellow comics Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe on their Parenting Hell podcast: 'I haven't seen my father in 21-years and you know the line, 'My mother's dead and my father's dead to me' which sounds very cold until you meet the guy. I can't have that guy in my life.' Yet a close friend of Irish-born businessman Jim told how Jimmy rang out of the blue nearly eight years ago and asked his father to 'take on a burden' for him. A young Jimmy Carr, aged around nine, with his father Jim, from whom he has been famously estranged for nearly 25 years The pair fell out shortly after Jimmy's mum Nora died in 2001 from pancreatitis at the age of 57 Up until their estrangement, the 8 Out Of 10 Cats host had a close bond with his parents. Pictured: The star on his graduation day at Cambridge University The source revealed: 'It was just before Christmas in 2017 and Jimmy rang his dad to ask him for some help with a problem he had. He had been supporting someone close to him but just couldn't continue doing so. 'Jim has never told me the full details preferring to keep it private but it was a big favour to ask and obviously Jimmy felt he had nowhere else to turn, given that he hadn't spoken to his dad for that last 15 or 16-years prior to that phone call. 'He wanted Jim to take on the burden which he duly did. But while Jim hoped this good deed could rekindle their relationship, Jimmy seemed to cut him off again. He didn't call to thank him or anything, it was radio silence which continues to this day. It's strange because it was him who instigated that temporary thaw in relations. According to a source close to Jim, the comedian has never told his father what he is supposed to have done wrong Jimmy lives in Primrose Hill in North London with Canadian partner Karoline Copping Jimmy is said to have cooled towards Jim and cut him out of his life without ever seemingly giving him a proper explanation why 'Jim is mystified as to what actually caused Jimmy to fall out with him in the first place. He doesn't know what he's supposed to have done wrong, Jimmy has never told him face to face. 'Jimmy is a comedian who is forever joking about being cancelled because of the nature of his jokes but that is what he's done effectively to his own father.' Jimmy - who grew up in Farnham Common near Slough in Berkshire further upset his father in 2022 when he referred to his parents' home town of Limerick in Ireland as a 's*** town'. Writing in his memoir, Jimmy Carr, Before and Laughter, the comedian wrote: 'I might seem urbane, but I'm the son of two immigrants from Limerick who moved to Slough (they moved from a s*** town to another s*** town, I guess they knew what they liked.' Jim took offence at that particular passage and threatened to sue his middle son for defamation as well as calling on Limerick council to revoke the 'Certificate of Irish Heritage 'given to his Jimmy in 2013 unless a public apology was made. But the friend added: 'I think a lot of that is now water under the bridge, Jim felt the joke crossed a line given his heritage but now feels that comedians often make these sorts of controversial falsehoods to get publicity. 'Jim is very close to his other two sons and would like to reunite with Jimmy. He hasn't ever met his grandson through Jimmy and would love to be able to get to know him. 'Life is too sort to keep up these sorts of grievances Jim loves his son and hopes that they can at least start talking again.' Jim, who lives in Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire, declined to comment when approached by MailOnline saying simply: 'I don't wish to fan the flames so I'll pass.' Jim said that he had been banned from watching his son Jimmy perform In an interview with the Irish Mail on Sunday after his son had been embroiled in a row over only paying one per cent tax through a K2 tax avoidance scheme, Jim said: 'No father wants to see his offspring brought low in this way, but for me the emotions this brings are doubly painful. 'Believe you me, I would like nothing more than to pick up the phone and offer him fatherly advice and solace as I did on a daily basis for years through school, Cambridge University and for years afterwards as Jimmy embarked on life as an initially struggling comedian. 'I supported him financially, too, well into his 30s, enabling him to live rent-free in the family home and paying for all his expenses; his bills, his petrol, even his food. 'Despite all of this and the loving bond we once shared, Jimmy cut me out of his life eight years ago. It was sudden and brutal, and to this day I have not been given an explanation.' Jim said that he had been banned from watching his son perform adding: 'The loss forms the backdrop to my daily life and remains a pain I cannot eradicate.' Jimmy lives in Primrose Hill in North London with Canadian partner Karoline Copping, a former commissioning editor for Channel 5. The couple have a six-year-old son. A spokesman for the comic was approached by MailOnline for comment. A Scottish couple living in Spain has revealed the real reasons people head back to the UK. Barry and Karen Livingstone moved to the sunny shores of Torrevieja in 2020 'after years of dreaming about it'. Following in the footsteps of thousands of Brits, the pair have adapted well to the more laid back Iberian lifestyle and insist it is the 'best move we have ever made'. But now, taking to their popular YouTube channel Scottish Couple In Spain, the Scots have delved into their experience of people heading the opposite way to them and shed light on the main issues that drive them back. Walking their beloved springer spaniel across the Santa Pola promenade, just half an hour drive up the coast from their new home, Barry and Karen started off by insisting there were a variety of reasons Brits realise paradise is not for them. A key factor, though, is money. Often those who head there are dealt the brutal truth that the Spanish dream is not financially sustainable. Karen pointed out that homesickness also plays a part, with many missing their friends and family while out there. Barry admitted that family often piled on some added 'pressure' when it comes to decision-making, especially if a spouse dies. Barry and Karen Livingstone moved to the sunny shores of Torrevieja in 2020 'after years of dreaming about it' Following in the footsteps of thousands of Brits, the pair have adapted well to the more laid back Iberian lifestyle and insist it is the 'best move we have ever made' But now, taking to their popular YouTube channel Scottish Couple In Spain, the Scots have delved into their experience of people heading the opposite way to them This has hit particularly close to home for the Scottish couple, who have gone to four funerals since their move five years ago. 'I think some people can find it quite isolating if they've lost a partner,' Karen added. 'That's quite a common one, particularly as there is an older generation of Brits who have been out here for a number of years. It's starting to affect a lot more people now. A large portion of expats in Spain have been there for more than two decades, Barry observed, and many are left unsure whether they want to die and be buried away from home. He claimed that while some of the people heading back to the UK were of working age, most were pensioners. And of the members of their slightly younger age group who moved out with them during Covid, Barry calculated that around half had already gone home. The move also sometimes falls through when health issues emerge and Brits feel uncomfortable with the quality of Spanish hospitals, particularly with the added inconvenience of a language barrier. She said: 'We know many people who have gone home for health reasons because they need more healthcare in their later years and they would rather be back in the UK where things are familiar and everything is easy to understand.' Would they ever rethink things and return home? Karen pointed out that homesickness plays a part, with many missing their friends and family while out there The weather, which has improved their mental health, as well as the cost of living and a less materialistic population were mentioned as the main positives of living in the country 'Safe to say "no", definitely not in the plans,' Karen said. 'I think we have planned pretty well for the future. We have got good plans in place for retirement, we're quite comfortable with the public health system here - I think it's fantastic.' She added that, in summary, there was nothing at all pushing them back to the UK. Besides, their family and friends prefer it that way, now able to stay with them in sunny Spain during holidays, they joked. The weather, which has improved their mental health, as well as the cost of living and a less materialistic population were mentioned as the main positives of living in the country. As if to prove the point, they then showed a panoramic view of Santa Pola's sandy swathes of beaches, sun-kissed even in November when they filmed the video. It was once the the wool capital of the world and the richest UK city outside London. Now, parts of Bradford have become Britain's latest no-go zone - where drug-fuelled chaos and violence have left locals scared to walk the streets and businesses are going to the wall. Fed-up traders and shoppers say areas of the once-thriving city centre are over-run by rough sleepers camped out in tents, using the streets as their personal drug dens and toilets. One of the worst-hit spots is Rawson Square, where heroin and crack cocaine are smoked openly and fights break out daily. Staff at a tattoo shop called The Crow & Cartridge told of facing aggressive behaviour, public vomiting and drug use in broad daylight outside their door. Manager Philippa Leach, 32, said: 'We see them smoking drugs, injecting themselves. Drinking, fighting, urinating - you name it, we've seen it. 'There are ambulances called quite often because they're passed out on whatever they're on. A group of people huddle round a woman with a pipe (right), as one man crouches over a wall covered with his coat, by businesses in the Rawson Square area of Bradford A woman sits in a sleeping bag on the pavement in an area nicknamed Crack Alley by locals A man appears to be negotiating with a woman in a doorway in the Rawson Square area of Bradford A homeless person sleeps in a doorway with only two blankets for comfort in Rawson Square 'There's up to 20 or 30 of them there at a time, just doing what they like and seemingly with very little consequence. 'We've got female staff members who are quite young and they don't want to go outside on their own. 'It is really intimidating and it's round-the-clock. It's when you come to work, it's when you leave work. 'It's hurt our trade because people just don't want to walk up here because they don't feel safe'. Trainee tattooist Jasmin Stevens, 21, added: 'I'm usually the second person here in the morning and I hate waiting outside. 'You get accosted by the crackheads and it's really intimidating.' Signs of drug abuse were everywhere when MailOnline visited the square this week. Outside a former Wilko store, two men were huddled in a fire exit clearly dealing drugs with little concern of who was watching. Another man kept lookout as addicts queued up for their next fix. Nearby, a used crack pipe was obvious among the littered cans of high-strength lager and pool of vomit on the pavement. And a woman could be seen paying for pills with pound coins as children walked by. Two men drink lager in the sun in Rawson Square where local workers have moaned about anti-social behaviour Two women pass each other a tinfoil-covered pipe as a friend rolls a cigarette in Rawson Square A group of people hanging out and smoking in Bradford's Crack Alley A woman who looks intoxicated crouches over in her sleeping oblivious to her surroundings Two men ride a horse and trap through Rawson Place where locals have described it as a 'no go zone' Local Jamie Telford (pictured) said drug addicts were being allowed to do 'whatever they want' and it was 'not helping' them or the community Subhan Abnan, 21, who runs barbers Hairology, said Bradford council's efforts to move on the rough sleepers were not working. He said: 'The council's been coming and taking the tents, but the next morning there's five or six more. 'By the evening, they're all back again. It's full of tents - it's like Glastonbury but without the fun. 'There'll be 30, 40 of them gathered here. It's like their community centre. People avoid the area. They see it and just keep walking. 'We've had one of them screaming, "I'm going to burn the shops down." Why should we have to hear that? We're just trying to run a business. 'It's affecting our business. People are scared to come down here. We've actually cleaned up the litter ourselves, but by the next day, it's worse. It feels pointless. 'You don't even feel safe leaving the shop in the evening. We literally stay inside because we don't want to get caught up in something. 'We promote our business on social media, but new customers always ask: "What's going on outside? Who are they?' How do you even explain it?" 'You see young girls, 24 or 25, sat on benches surrounded by men touching them up, doing all sorts. Who wants to see that? Especially when you're bringing kids around here.' A man clutching a pipe sits on the ground as two men talk in front of him in Rawson Square A man with a bandaged leg pushes a Zimmer frame towards a group of younger people holding a pipe and exchanging money A man with a beer can loiters in a shop doorway as a local shopper walks past pushing a baby in a pram Tattoo artists Luke Naylor and Jasmin Stevens, who work in Rawlins Square. Jasmin said the drug addicts can be 'really intimidating' The chaos, locals say, was made worse by a recent city centre revamp which displaced many rough sleepers and addicts - pushing them into the northern area of the city centre. A workman in a high-vis jacket, who recalls Bradford's status as Britain's 2025 City of Culture, said: 'Twenty years ago, it was beautiful around here. Now look at it. 'City of Culture? It's shocking.' Shooing off a beggar, Sheryn Leech, 36, told how she had been scalded when a drug-addled man turned violent when she refused to add extra food to his order at her chip shop in the city. She said: 'He ordered a scallop but then demanded that I give him the chips for free. 'When I said no, he threw the scallop at me, burning my wrist. It was piping hot with oil. This was six weeks ago and it's still healing. 'I've been threatened with a knives so crackheads can get food for free. I've come home with bruises. I've had a tub of salt thrown at my eyes. I've had all sorts and I'm fed up with it.' 'It really is disgusting. The businesses are dying. Nobody's coming down here anymore. 'I only come to this part of town because I've got work. It's just become a complete no-go zone.' A man makes a strange gesture with his hand as another man huddles over a pipe in a doorway Left: A man urinates behind a bin and, right, a syringe left discarded by addicts Marilyn Atkinson (pictured) said drug addicts walk around the area 'like zombies' Sheryn's mother-in-law, Marilyn Atkinson, 52, added: 'I feel so anxious when Sheryn is coming home from work. I panic until I know she's safe. 'It's scary coming to town. You're scared of getting robbed.' 'Look at me - I'm hiding my bracelets because you've got junkies just walking about like zombies. 'I can't run if someone tries to rip my bracelet off. 'I've grown up in Bradford. I remember when it was safe. Now, I fear for my kids coming to town.' Jamie Telford, 36 pointed to a two-year 'pocket park' built with Lottery funding opposite his Northgate Bistro coffee shop. He said: 'When they were redeveloping it, all the druggies and drinkers had to move on. 'As soon as it was built, they were back. Now they've got a nice new place to loiter at the expense of everyone else. 'There's a camera there that goes straight to the police, but no one ever seems to do anything. 'Don't get me wrong, the homeless need help. Everyone needs help, but when they're up here, they are just permitted to do what they want. 'Which isn't helping anyone and certainly not them.' West Yorkshire Police said it was 'committed to making Bradford city centre a safe and vibrant place to live and work.' Chief Inspector Nick Haigh insisted: 'Those who are committing offences will be dealt with appropriately.' A spokesperson for Bradford Council said 16 people were reviewed for causing 'serious nuisance' in 2024. This led to interventions such as acceptable behaviour contracts and final warnings. Seven of the most serious offenders received criminal behaviour orders from the courts. A council spokesperson added: 'We work very hard to tackle anti-social behaviour by collaborating with police, partners, and stakeholders to address issues while supporting individuals to make positive changes. 'These challenges are common to big cities and Bradford is no different in that regard. 'We are aware of the issues in Rawson Square and are visiting the site daily to progress case files against ASB perpetrators and offer relevant support.' It's every new homeowners' worst nightmare. The deed in their name, their property sealed and then: nothing. For the prospective owners of homes on one new-build estate on the outskirts of Nottingham, this worst-case scenario became their reality. When developer Ilke homes collapsed in June 2023, it left 43 unfinished factory-built houses fall to ruin. These homes had mostly been agreed upon, leaving families, couples and single parents - who should have been living in them today - devastated and stuck in makeshift housing arrangements. Those that did manage to move in to completed properties on the Birch Fields estate in Arnold were perhaps unluckier still. Their promise of a new, open plan country housing estate revealed to be a sham every time they opened their curtains. Instead they were greeted with the shells of demolished homes and today ugly plots of the development site litter the areas around the cosy newbuild houses. Exposed pieces of metal, marking out plots for future houses, and scaffolding remains and the sounds of diggers and construction are constant. It's every new homeowners worst nightmare. The deed in their name, their property sealed and then: nothing For the prospective owners of homes of one new-build estate on the outskirts of Nottingham, this fever dream became their reality When developer Ilke homes collapsed in June 2023, it left 43 factory-built homes to fall to ruin - exposed to the harsh elements for years These homes had mostly been agreed upon, leaving families, couples and single parents - who should have been living in them today - devastated Those that did manage to move in to completed properties on the Birch Fields estate in Arnold were perhaps unluckier still It's far from the dream residents were promised. But for the unlucky tenants-to-be currently being housed in hotels or squeezing into temporary shares with relatives and friends - there is hope. When MailOnline visited the once-frozen in time estate, there was signs of life and even progress at the site. Due to the quick-thinking of a local housing company who swooped in to pick up the project, work has started on finally completing the homes. Most of the 88 completed properties, which tenants had been waiting months for, are now being lived in - apart from a row of four flat-roofed terraces which have had a problem with solar heating panels. They are made from fake brick and stone render - to the surprise of some residents - but are said to be warm and quiet. One recently moved in resident said: They look like real red brick but if you tap the outside wall they sound like plastic. 'But were not complaining, and were happy to have a roof over our heads, unlike some. In a fortunate twist for the tenants who lost their 43 homes, their newly-constructed properties with foundations being lain in the ground this week, will be built of real brick. Eddie Lowe, construction manager of Morro, leading Midlands-based house builder and developer, which replaced Ilke Homes after it collapsed in June 2023, told MailOnline: We are rebuilding these 40-plus homes out of brick because we dont manufacture factory-made properties. Its not what we do. Hopefully the tenants will appreciate proper brick houses.' Their promise of a new, open plan country housing estate revealed to be a sham every time they opened their curtains Today, the scars of the newbuild debacle are still seen on the site Scaffolding is everywhere and the sounds of diggers and construction are constant Eddie Lowe, construction manager of Morro, has stepped in to finally complete the project Slowly but steadily, the estate is being finished at last His firm was appointed by housing association Jigsaw Group after Ilke Homes folded. He said: Weve helped save the day. People have waited too long and we stepped in and it is nice to be able to help and give something back to the community. Mr Lowe explained that the 43 time frame and brick facade properties, originally built off busy Rollaston Drive became damp and full of mould after they were left without roofs - apart from one home which remains standing but is not lived in. He told our website: We are a contractor for social housing which is in partnership with the local authority. These houses are now being rebuild from start after Jigsaw paid to have the damaged ones knocked down. They will be rentals and shared ownership and will hopefully be finished in 2026. Asked if he would want to live in one of the homes on the estate which is an ongoing building site in parts, Leicester-based Mr Lowe, said: I would happily live in one but luckily I dont have to.' Morro stepped in a year after Ilke Homes, which had firstly been appointed by Jigsaw. Many of the partially-built properties had not been fitted with roofs when construction suddenly halted, and were left exposed to harsh weather for a year. Over the past months Morro has been demolishing the damaged homes, leaving ruins near streets of completed houses. The final ones were raise to the ground two weeks ago, and now foundations for the newly built brick hones are being dug in. People living in the partially finished estate have now welcomed the start of work to replace the demolished homes. Taxi driver Hossein Ali moved into the development in March with his wife and their 10-year-old son and daughter, aged eight. Home is a pitched roof factory-built three-bed semi which he said: We are happy with. He admitted: It is not perfect and there is a lot of noise but we could have been destined for the houses knocked down. It could have been us so were thankful its not. The final ones were raised to the ground two weeks ago, and now foundations for the newly built brick hones are being dug in Taxi driver Hossein Ali moved into the development in March with his wife and their 10-year-old son and daughter, aged eight Mr Ali, 51, told how his family had been privately renting but got kicked out when the owner said he was selling the property. They had been on the waiting list for a housing association property for seven years. Unfortunately, the familys home is next door to a row of four terraced homes which have never been lived in due to continual problems with solar heating panels. Mr Ali, pointing up to the scaffolded buildings under repair next door, said: It is a shame these houses aren't ready to be occupied. There has been a continuing problem with the flat roof and solar panels and workmen are coming back and forth, taking things off and putting things on. It is very noisy at times. We look forward to the time when people are living there. Mother-of-seven Yasmin Akthar moved into her comfortable four bed council home in November last year after being in temporary accommodation for three years. She stressed the importance of replacing the demolished properties, saying: 'I totally understand why they pulled the houses down. They were not fit for purpose and were badly damaged in the rain with the roofs missing. It makes no sense to put somebody in a place that is damp and full of mould. The homes had been factory made in Yorkshire but the company went under. We were fortunate that our house had already been made and put in place, like dozens of others, so we were saved.' The mum who lives with her taxi driver husband Mohammed Islam and five daughters, aged three to 18, said: I feel sorry for the residents who haven't moved in yet. Weve been stuck in temporary accommodation, weve had to wait for ages, and it is a very stressful situation. Ms Akthar, who has two sons, aged 21 and 28, who no longer live at home, added: Were living here and were thankful. The structure material is odd because its not real brick. 'They look like real red brick but if you tap the outside wall they sound like plastic! But were not complaining, and were happy to have a roof over our heads, unlike some. Were a big family and were glad were living somewhere new, despite the building works going on. Her husband Mr Islam, 51, told how his desperate family had been on the council's waiting list for eight years, and were grateful to be finally houses. But he stressed the importance of the estate being completed quickly for the sake of stranded families. He said: We feel compassion towards the people who are stuck in the position we had been in, as we had waited for a year for work to start on the estate again before we could get here. It should be finished as soon as possible, families with children, or anyone else, cannot live in hotels forever. 'They desperately need these homes and we need it to be completed too. We want a vibrant community not a building site where we have to deal with all the dust and noise that brings. He added: 'But the properties became very poor and mouldy so I totallly understand why they pulled them down. It makes no sense to put somebody in a property thats already damaged, knowing that youre going to have long-term health complications.' Beauty therapist Gemma Handley, who luckily, recently moved onto her new home with two of her four children, said: It is a great place to live and being on a a construction sire doesnt bother me, I hardly notice it as I am always so busy. Tenant Carl, a ground maintenance worker at Derby City Council, moved into his house in March after beige homeless for eight months. He told MailOnline: We should have moved in last November but there was some water damage inside which needed fixing. The resident, who declined to be fully named, lived with his partner, his 21-year-old daughter and his nearly three-year-old nephew, whom he is special guardian to, said: We love loving here an thin we have the prime spot at the back of the estate. We were made homeless after our private landlord served a two-month notice on us to get is out, despite us doing nothing wrong, so he could move his ex wife in. Jigsaw offered to pay for a hotel for us but we stayed with family.' Another resident, a mum-of-two who had been sofa surfing for months and also moved in March, said: I am happy living here. It was either this or nothing There is construction work carryon on but you turn a blind eye to it and try not to let it bother you. The demolished houses are being rebuilt so that's positive for the families die to lobe there,. The 30-year-old mother, who chose not to be named, said: I have a three bedroom home, through social housing, and me and my kids are thankful. It is good living here after we were kicked out of out rented home of 11 years because the landlord was selling it. Another resident dad-of-two Rajan Rajput, 38, who had waited for eight months before he recently moved onto the new estate recently, said: It's a real shame for the people who are still waiting for a good home. I feel very lucky. But I work from my home, so to look out and see a construction site makes the view horrible at the minute, and I would like to be able to let my kids go out and play without worrying about them. The Arnold-born businessman, who was housed in a hotel for months while on the waiting list, said the sooner families could be given real homes the better.' He said: 'There are people that obviously need these homes, the longer you live in a hotel or somewhere else at the more it takes a toll on your mental health and family. 'It will be a building site for a bit longer, but its just what it is. Were in, were okay, were working around them and theyre working around us.' Jigsaw Homes Midlands, which has moved residents into the rest of the development, said the newly built homes needed to be fully compliant with the requirements of the NHBC, the UKs leading provider of new home warranty and insurance. They said the current residents had been informed about the work, which insisted was taking place away from their homes and would not impact them. The estate includes 85 affordable homes that will be allocated to people on the Gedling Borough Council's housing waiting list. Leader John Clarke, said: It has been an incredibly difficult period following the collapse of Ilke Homes and we know that Jigsaw Homes have done everything they can to get this site back on track. 'We will continue to be in dialogue with Jigsaw Homes about the progress of the site and we appreciate the patience of the residents who have been waiting on our housing list for one of these new homes.' The land now occupied by the housing estate was previously owned by Nottinghamshire County Council, which once had a depot on the site. It's one of the most poisonous biological substances in the world a neurotoxin extracted from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, found in soil, plants and animal intestines. If consumed in food, it attacks the nervous system and causes an array of alarming neurological symptoms. In high doses it can be deadly. Yet purified, diluted and rebranded as Botox, 7.4 million Americans willingly injected this potent toxin into their faces in the last year alone. They did so in the belief that the minimally invasive anti-aging treatment is 'harmless.' Indeed, for many more, the question is not if they should follow suit, it's when. But now, two decades after the FDA approved the toxin for cosmetic use, that comforting certainty has been cast into doubt as, the Daily Mail can reveal, a number of reports have emerged that link it to a host of horrifying and potentially deadly complications. And the message from experts who spoke to the Daily Mail is clear: don't do it. Because with time comes, if not wrinkles, then data. Azza AbuDhagga, PhD, works for consumer watchdog, Public Citizen's Health Research Group. She and her colleagues have been campaigning for the FDA to include stronger health warnings on the labels of Botox products for the last decade. She told the Daily Mail, 'We don't recommend the use of these products for cosmetic reasons at all. It's not worth the three months relief people can get from their wrinkles.' Two decades after the FDA approved the toxin for cosmetic use, a number of reports have emerged that link Botox to a host of horrifying and potentially deadly complications. It's one of the most poisonous biological substances in the world a neurotoxin extracted from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, found in soil, plants and animal intestines. Yet purified, diluted and rebranded as Botox , 7.4 million Americans willingly injected this potent toxin into their faces in the last year alone. The side effects of which AbuDagga speaks are not the all-too familiar Botox 'fails' from an overly frozen forehead to 'Golden Arches' eyebrows, so-called because they hover in a formation that resembles McDonalds's famous 'M.' No, according to AbuDagga, those who indulge in Botox are at risk of Iatrogenic Botulism, which happens when Botox spreads through the body beyond the intended site. At its most mild this can cause drooping eyelids and temporary symptoms that last a number of weeks. At its most severe, it can lead to much more serious, long-term issues. The toxin can travel along the nerves and lodge in the central nervous system, leading to difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, paralysis, seizures and, ultimately, respiratory failure and death. This week, the Department of Public Health in Massachusetts told the Daily Mail they were investigating 18 cases of Iatrogenic Botulism all linked to one beauty parlor in that state - Rodrigo Beauty in Milton. In 2024, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) warned that 22 women across 11 states had suffered 'harmful reactions' to Botox 11 were hospitalized. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Bianca Molina told the Daily Mail that dangers can arise if patients overuse the treatment. The CDC concluded that the incidents were caused by counterfeit or mishandled products, rather than a blanket issue. But AbuDagga doesn't accept that the most egregious outcomes can be simply dismissed as the result of human error or contamination. She maintains that her organization has proof that problems can occur even when everything is done correctly. And, although still rare, reports of people falling sick following Botox injections are on the rise. 'We're seeing that there are even cases associated with normal doses,' AbuDagga said. 'I identified 121 cases with botulism in the database of spontaneous reports that people submitted to the FDA.' She continued, 'There are studies coming out that people have developed seizures. There are also these people developing atrophy at the injection site. All these long-term risks that we just simply don't know much about need to be factored in.' She added, 'These risks are not really clear in the label, sometimes it takes hours, days or even longer than that for people to see the spread of the toxin.' AbuDagga is particularly concerned about potential longer term health risks, because most clinical trials only follow up on patients for six months, so they do not capture the effects of prolonged use. In April 2015, a study on rats led by Frederic Meunier in the University of Queensland, Australia, found that, in high doses, Botox could travel all the way along nerve cells into the central nervous system with potentially devastating consequences including muscle spasms, seizures and paralysis. Botox proponents are quick to point out that the doses used in such studies far exceed those used for cosmetic treatments. AbuDagga is particularly concerned about potential longer term health risks, because most clinical trials only follow up on patients for six months, so they do not capture the effects of prolonged use. Dr Howard Sobel, a cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital, told the Daily Mail, 'I don't think anyone getting Botox should be worried about the side effects that they saw in these particular studies.' Dr Sobel insists that if Botox is obtained from a reputable source and administered by a trained professional, there is 'nil chance' of serious side effects. 'I have not seen in my practice, and I have not seen from any one of my colleagues, that it has had cumulative side effects like some of these people have had in these studies,' he said. At anywhere between $300 and $1,000 a pop, fans of Botox have long been prepared to pay a steep price for a wrinkle-free brow. But, with more data emerging, even some of its proponents are starting to acknowledge that the treatment could come at a much greater cost. A 2022 review in the Annals of Plastic Surgery noted that, with prolonged use, 'changes in muscle composition, function, and appearance [can] persist foryears.' Meanwhile, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Bianca Molina told the Daily Mail that dangers can arise if patients overuse the treatment. 'People who are getting frequent injections of a botulinum toxin, more frequent than recommended or a higher dose, there is a potential for a muscle wasting phenomenon,' she said. 'For instance, the forehead becomes a bit thinner because that muscle layer that we are trying to deactivate just becomes much thinner and more diminutive. And then, 20, 30 years after you've had Botox you may not actually have full functionality.' The widow of 7/7 suicide bomber Mohammad Sidique Khan has reinvented herself under a different name to build a brand new life, MailOnline can reveal. Hasina Khan, now 47, cut all ties to her former existence after her then husband masterminded the worst terror attack ever to hit Britain. Twenty years on from the London blasts that killed 52 and injured 700, Hasina - who now goes by a new first name - lives in a smart four-bedroom detached house in West Yorkshire. It is less than five miles from where cold-blooded Khan plotted the carnage that claimed 52 lives and left more than 700 injured on July 7, 2005. MailOnline understands that Mrs Khan - who said she had been completely unaware of her first husbands descent into extremism or his secret trips to an al-Qaeda training camp - has transformed her life, running holistic wellness retreats for women from the comfort of her home. She also quietly remarried after falling in love with a 50-year-old plumber, with whom she is believed to have three children. Her daughter with Khan, born just a year before the terror attacks, is now aged 21. Locals in the quiet West Yorkshire town where Mrs Khan now lives told how she has rebuilt her life from the ashes of Britains darkest day. Hasina Khan, now 47, cut all ties to her former existence after her then husband masterminded the worst terror attack ever to hit Britain Mohammad Sidique Khan, one of the suicide bombers in the 7/7 attacks One said: Hasina has completely moved on with her life. She found love and they seem like a very normal, happy couple. Youd never imagine what shes been through. "They keep themselves to themselves. Shes often seen out and about with the kids, and her husband is always busy working. Theyre just like any other family around here - polite, private, and trying to live a peaceful life. Shes always very friendly when you see her. "It's 20 years on now and life has changed for the better. But even now, she must still feel traumatised by what her former husband did. I'm sure the shock of that day will never fully fade." Mrs Khan moved from Sheffield to West Yorkshire in around 2021 after securing a detached house for 120,000 in 2017. She and her husband carried out an extensive rebuild, virtually demolishing the original property before transforming it into a sleek, modern four-bedroom home complete with solar panels and a network of discreetly-positioned CCTV cameras. The family now live behind electric gates, with an Audi parked on the drive. Locals told how Mrs Khan is now a personal trainer offering holistic therapies. Twenty years on from the London blasts that killed 52 and injured 700, Hasina - who now goes by a new first name - lives in a smart four-bedroom detached house in West Yorkshire The blasts which tore apart the Circle line train between Liverpool Street and Aldgate stations All three accomplices who carried out the deadly bombings in London on July 7 2005 In one social media post, the fitness enthusiast revealed how exercise became her salvation during dark times: Exercise has always been a passion of mine, as far as I can remember It has always been a way to destress and feel happier. "It was an escape but it also made me stronger and healthier. Mrs Khan also devotes her time to an Islamic humanitarian charity, raising funds and awareness for displaced Palestinians in Gaza. When approached by MailOnline at her home ahead of the 20th anniversary of the London bombings, Mrs Patel initially denied being the widow of Khan, saying we had the wrong address. She later rowed back on this, explaining: Obviously we have to safeguard ourselves. She added: Ive no comment to make. Im not saying nothing. Her second husband said that speaking about 7/7 would potentially be traumatising for her. When approached by MailOnline at her home ahead of the 20th anniversary of the London bombings, Mrs Patel initially denied being the widow of Khan, saying we had the wrong address Mrs Khan met 7/7 bomber Khan at Leeds Metropolitan University and they married in 2001, years before Khan transformed from an unassuming teaching assistant into Britains most reviled mass murderer She met 7/7 bomber Khan at Leeds Metropolitan University and they married in 2001, years before Khan transformed from an unassuming teaching assistant into Britains most reviled mass murderer. In a 2007 TV interview, she spoke of his disbelief and horror at what her husband had done, saying: If somebody did that to me or my daughter I could never forgive them. How can you be so calculated and not have any emotions? She also revealed learning that she had miscarried their child 40 minutes after Khan had blown himself up. She tried to contact him, not realising he was dead. She said: I went back to my own house and put the TV on and saw that the bombings had happened. It was just all over the news. I just couldn't believe it. You normally hear of things like this in America, but you know, London, and I was more worried." Mrs Khan added that she was ashamed of her murderer husband but prayed for his forgiveness. She said: 'I just hope and I pray for him because I feel there was a good person in there but feel he was probably misled and brainwashed by the wrong people. Looking back I can't imagine how I got through those few months. It was like trying to come to terms with the fact that he has committed a terrorist attack. For forty agonising minutes, Dan and dozens of others lay motionless on the tracks in the pitch-black tunnel with time stretching like minutes, not seconds A victim of the explosion is stretchered to a waiting ambulance Emergency services fill King's Cross station after the attack I couldn't believe it, I had lost my child and been moved out of my house. Everything at once. It was unbelievable. Looking back I can't believe how I got through it, I tried to block it out, tried not to think about it." It would later emerge that her husband had recorded a video for their baby daughter then six months old, now approaching her 21st birthday. In it he urged their daughter to be strong and to learn to fight, telling her: "Fighting is good". In the footage, Khan kissed his daughter on the head as he told her that he was sad he would miss her growing up. Sweetheart, not long to go now. And I'm going to really, really miss you a lot. I'm thinking about it already. Look, I absolutely love you to bits and you have been the happiest thing in my life. You and your mum, absolutely brilliant. I don't know what else to say. I just wish I could have been part of your life, especially these growing up - these next months, they're really special with you learning to walk and things. I just so much wanted to be with you but I have to do this thing for our future and it will be for the best, inshallah [God willing], in the long run. That's the most important thing. The atrocity remains the deadliest terror attack on British soil. At 4am on July 7, 2005, Khan, 30, Shehzad Tanweer, 22, and Germaine Lindsay, 19 - left Leeds in a hired Nissan Micra, meeting a fourth accomplice in Luton before heading to London. Khan detonated his device on a Circle Line train at Edgware Road. Tanweer struck between Liverpool Street and Aldgate, while Lindsay carried out the deadliest blast on the Piccadilly Line between Kings Cross and Russell Square. An hour later, Hasib Hussain, 18, set off the fourth bomb on a bus at Tavistock Square. Al-Qaeda later claimed responsibility. To the hordes of passers-by, the neatly coiffed man taking a call outside a smart Middle-Eastern restaurant looks like any other proprietor taking care of business during a busy evening shift. Even the well-heeled clientele inside the establishment, in the heart of a wealthy London suburb, appear oblivious to the sinister dealings going on around them. For Pavel Vinto, 36, the boss of this swish Iraqi-Kurdish restaurant, helps hundreds of migrants enter the UK illegally by laundering cash from his kebab house in Ealing, west London, for people traffickers in northern France. And he does so right under the noses of affluent locals and the police. But today, rather than chatting to another lucrative customer, as he believes he is doing, the Iraqi money man is spilling his secrets to an undercover Mail on Sunday reporter. Shocking footage, filmed with a hidden camera inside Vintos thriving diner, reveals how underground banking networks are syphoning hundreds of millions of pounds a year to facilitate record Channel crossings while operating in plain sight on Britains high streets. Sir Keir Starmer has made stopping the flow of money that facilitates people trafficking a key tenet of his vow to smash the gangs. But The Mail on Sunday tracked down Vintos enterprise with astonishing ease, begging the question as to how he has been able to operate so brazenly. Our undercover investigation also shines a light on the hawala system, an untraceable means of money exchange favoured by smugglers and migrants that protects them from the authorities. Pavel Vinto, 36, the boss of this swish Iraqi-Kurdish restaurant, helps hundreds of migrants enter the UK illegally by laundering cash from his kebab house in Ealing For Pavel Vinto, 36, the boss of this swish Iraqi-Kurdish restaurant, helps hundreds of migrants enter the UK illegally by laundering cash from his kebab house in Ealing Our undercover reporter said he and four friends were travelling from Albania and were seeking passage to the UK. Picture: Stock image The National Crime Agency (NCA) has said that hundreds of millions of pounds are being transferred to and from the UK using this method, with restaurants, car washes and even carpet stores acting as fronts. To unearth these secretive networks, the MoS first made contact with an Iraqi trafficker based in Dunkirk, who was advertising his services on TikTok. Our undercover reporter said he and four friends were travelling from Albania and were seeking passage to the UK. The smuggler, who gave his name as Asoo, told the reporter to go to Hotel de Bretagne outside Dunkirk train station an area notorious for migrant gatherings but that payment should be made beforehand to a contact in London. I give you a shop in London, the smuggler said. You put the money there as a guarantee. When you get to the UK, I take the money. If you dont get to the UK, you go and take your money back. No problem. But if you have cash, no problem pay me before you get in the boat. If you have money in Turkey, no problem. Afghanistan, Iraq, London anywhere. Our reporter said he had a friend in London who could make the payment there. A second undercover reporter met Pavel at his restaurant at 8pm on a balmy Saturday evening Shocking footage, filmed with a hidden camera inside Vintos thriving diner, reveals how underground banking networks are syphoning hundreds of millions of pounds a year to facilitate record Channel crossings The smuggler then sent an address for a Middle Eastern restaurant in Ealing, which we are not naming for legal reasons, and a telephone number for a man named Pavel. In a phone conversation to set up a meeting, Pavel sought to reassure his prospective client that it wasnt a scam. Brother, it is not only you, he said. I have one hundred people. A second undercover reporter met Pavel at his restaurant at 8pm on a balmy Saturday evening. It appeared to be doing good business, with customers on red leather sofas chatting. Pavels slicked-back hair and bulging biceps were enough to let anyone know he meant business. At one point, he was seen clasping a pair of pliers as he grinned menacingly at our reporter. Soon, it was time to talk cash. The payment was agreed at 1,500 per person. For the proposed five migrants, this came to a total of 7,500. You know brother, I am dealing with all the people, Pavel explained. Its like insurance. You know brother, I am dealing with all the people, Pavel explained. Its like insurance. Traffickers, (with their faces covered) try to manage the scene using sticks as migrants wade into the water to be collected by a small boat at sunrise He continued: It [the money] is going to stay until they arrive. Im going to wait for a call from you. So, theyre going to come to London. Theyre going to disappear for two, three days. Theyll be taken to a hotel... Then they call you saying we are here. Then youre going to call me back. Pavel, they are here, safe. Then Im going to transfer the money to them [the smugglers] in France. Thats how its going to be. He added that there would be a 100 fee per person to transfer the money. In most hawala exchanges, however, cash is never physically transferred. Instead, it is a transfer of debt. Usually, the money is first paid to the hawala agent in the UK to facilitate the crossing. Once the migrants have arrived in England, the UK broker then owes this money to the smuggler in Dunkirk. If money needs to be sent in the opposite direction, the debt evens out and the agents take a percentage of the transaction as a fee. The system is legal in the UK, provided a broker registers with the Financial Conduct Authority, and is commonly used by immigrants to send cash home to their families. Pavel continued: It [the money] is going to stay until they arrive. Im going to wait for a call from you' Vinto, pictured, told our reporter he has run his restaurant for only two-and-a-half years, the same amount of time he has lived in England But the informal process makes it attractive to criminals, who leave no trace, and to the migrants, as it acts as a guarantee and protects them from being scammed. The NCA has described this process as criminal escrow. As a Somalian hawaladar admitted in a UN report last year: In the hawala system, we dont ask questions. We only offer the service. But Vintos description of the arrangements suggests he knew just what the money was for: facilitating the record 20,000 small-boat migrants who have reached Britain in the first half of this year. Vinto told our reporter he has run his restaurant for only two-and-a-half years, the same amount of time he has lived in England. Before that, he lived in Germany, but prefers it here, he said. No surprise, given his current residence in Kingston upon Thames, an affluent area of south-west London. Astonishingly, NCA officers had previously arrested a Kurdish man connected with the same restaurant on suspicion of money-laundering offences. The arrest was not connected to Vinto. Before that, he lived in Germany, but prefers it here, he said. No surprise, given his current residence in Kingston upon Thames, an affluent area of south-west London The Ealing restaurant is far from the only high-street establishment to be acting as a money exchange for people smugglers. An Iranian carpet business in London was found to be operating as a front in a network of bankers transferring money for people traffickers following an NCA investigation. Asghar Gheshalghian, 48, was jailed for eight years after phone evidence revealed his links with at least eight Iranian migrants who later arrived in the UK by boat or lorry and claimed asylum. And a car wash franchise in Caerphilly, Wales, was busted after the NCA discovered it was a front for a people-smuggling ring. The Prime Minister has claimed that freezing the assets of those who aid illegal migration will allow the UK to break their business model. The Government is set to introduce a new sanctions regime by the end of this year, designed to stop individuals using the UK to launder cash for smugglers. Announcing his plans in January, Sir Keir said: If youre going to smash a gang that is driven by money, follow the money. But critics have argued the measures are too minor to stop small-boat crossings. The Prime Minister has claimed that freezing the assets of those who aid illegal migration will allow the UK to break their business model Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, pictured, said: Labour is allowing people smugglers and their money men to operate right under their noses with impunity' Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: Labour is allowing people smugglers and their money men to operate right under their noses with impunity. 'Their laughable claim to smash the gangs lies in tatters. Labours tinkering around the edges is making no difference. So far, 2025 has been the worst in history for illegal immigrants crossing the Channel. Only a removals deterrent will actually stop this so every illegal immigrant arriving here is immediately removed to a location outside Europe. An NCA spokesman said: Tackling organised immigration crime, including that facilitated via the hawala banking system, remains a top priority for the NCA because the criminal groups involved put lives at risk and threaten the UKs border security. We have around 80 investigations ongoing into the highest harm people-smuggling networks impacting the UK and are working with partners at home and abroad to disrupt and dismantle them. Wed like to thank the Mail for providing this information, which we are examining more closely. A Home Office spokesman said: Criminal hawaladars are not welcome in the UK. They should be in no doubt they will face the full force of the law. Illegal money laundering for people smugglers can result in 14 years in prison. Emmerdale star Lucy Pargeter is engaged to a member of a drug gang who supplied equipment for what is believed to be Britain's biggest ever amphetamine factory. The actress was pictured visiting HMP Hollesley Bay in Suffolk, where her fiance Elliott Walker, 54, is jailed, The Sun on Sunday reported. Walker, of Kidbrooke, southeast London, was sentenced to six years behind bars in December 2021 for his part in the creation of a giant drug production facility in picturesque Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire. On September 17 that year he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce class B drugs, after admitting he bought specialist equipment for the lab. Run by gangster John Keet, the West Midlands lab was capable of producing 400 kilos of amphetamine per month, worth up to 10m on the streets. Lucy, 48, who has played Chas Dingle in the ITV soap since 2002, and revealed three years ago there was a new beau in the picture. Speaking on the podcast The Heal Is Real in 2022, she said: 'I'm in a new relationship now. Exclusive. Don't say anything.' Rumours ramped up in July last year after the soap star shared a clip to Instagram showcasing a new huge diamond ring on her wedding finger. Emmerdale star Lucy Pargeter is believed to be engaged to drug gang member Elliot Walker Elliott Walker, 54, was jailed for six years at HMP Hollesley Bay in Suffolk after pleading guilty to conspiracy to produce class B drugs The actress shared a clip to Instagram last year showcasing a new huge diamond ring on her wedding finger Sharing a video of her unwrapping a new painting, the new piece of jewellery was put on full display when she teared back the pink tissue paper. While Walker's identity has been a secret until now, once released he would be stepfather to the three daughters Lucy shares with former long-term partner Rudi Coleano. The couple never married but Lucy gave birth to Lola in 2005 and then twins Betsy and Missy in 2017 following a long IVF journey. Lucy and Rudi came close to marrying in 2012, but opted against it for fear of upsetting their friends. Speaking to The Sun at the time, Lucy said: 'We were in Dubai about a month ago and we said: "Sod it, while we're here, let's do it". 'Then I thought all our mates would be like, "Oh cheers, thanks for the invite".' Instead Lucy and Rudi confirmed the news of their split in a statement to Digital Spy, 12 months after first confirming their engagement in 2019. A spokesperson said at the time: 'Lucy Pargeter has confirmed she has separated from her long term partner Rudi Coleano and while no longer together their main priority is raising their three daughters.' Actress Lucy Pargeter (left) in action as Chas Dingle on the set of Emmerdale on May 28, 2025 Lucy was formerly with long-term partner Rudi Coleano, with whom she had three daughters According to the National Crime Agency, the Warwickshire lab to which Walker supplied equipment was capable of producing 400 kilos of amphetamine per month That volume of drugs would be worth 2 million at wholesale and up to 10 million at street level The gang set up the massive drugs factory in picturesque Henley-in-Arden in Warwickshire National Crime Agency investigators infiltrated the secretive app EncroChat that gangster John Keet was using along to run the lab with his associates The gang initially bought amphetamine pre-cursor chemical benzyl methyl ketone (BMK), but quickly realised it was more profitable to make it themselves Following weeks of surveillance, NCA officers raided the site in Ullenhall Lane, Henley-in-Arden, on 27 April 2021, with assistance from Warwickshire Police Lucy is believed to have made a 500-mile round journey to see Walker in the category D jail. A source told The Sun on Sunday: 'Her relationship has been the talk of the prison because some other visitors obviously recognised Lucy the other day as shes been on Emmerdale for ages. 'And Elliott has made no secret of telling other inmates shes his fiancee.' The gang members were all arrested on suspicion of drug offences at their home addresses on the same day the factory was raided. John Keet, of Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, admitted conspiracy to produce amphetamines, one count of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, two counts of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs, one count of conspiracy to import class B drugs and one of conspiracy to conceal, convert of transfer criminal property. He was jailed for a total of 18 years at Kingston Crown Court. Andrew Gurney, 52, known as 'The Geek' due to his specialist electrical installation and plumbing skills, converted a double garage outbuilding into the drugs lab. Gurney, was convicted of conspiracy to produce amphetamine and money laundering. He was originally jailed for six years and three months but the Court of Appeal found the sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it to 10 years. Keith Davis, also of Chalfont St Giles, was convicted of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs and money laundering. He was originally jailed for five years before the Court of Appeal doubled his sentence to 10 years. Bartosz Kaminski, of Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, admitted possession of a CS spray but was cleared of drugs offences. Mail Online has approached representatives of Lucy Pargeter for comment. A Georgia man convicted of murdering his 18-month-old daughter's mother spat at the prosecution team moments after being sentenced to three consecutive life terms for the 2022 shooting death. Taco Nash, 25, was forcibly removed from the courtroom following the vile outburst after a DeKalb County jury found him guilty of killing 22-year-old Mi'ckeya Montgomery. 'Today was the day that they got to see the real him. The rest was a facadehe's a sociopath,' said Jasmine Walters, Montgomery's aunt. Nash was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, along with two additional life sentences and 60 years for the fatal shooting of Montgomery outside their daughter's daycare in Decatur on June 15, 2022. Montgomery's family expressed relief after the sentencing claiming, 'He's right where he needs to be.' Prosecutors revealed that Nash, who had a violent and problem-riddled relationship with Montgomery, had previously been ordered by a judge to have no contact with her. Despite this, the young dad repeatedly called Nash the morning of the shooting, asking to meet and retrieve his belongings, according to DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston. Taco Nash (pictured), 25, was forcibly removed from the courtroom following the vile outburst after a DeKalb County jury found him guilty of killing 22-year-old Mi'ckeya Montgomery Nash was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, along with two additional life sentences and 60 years for the fatal shooting of Mi'ckeya Montgomery outside their daughter's daycare in Decatur on June 15, 2022. Pictured: Mi'ckeya Montgomery with her and Taco Nash's 18-month-old daughter Khloe Montgomery ignored Nash's calls and went to pick up their 18-month-old daughter from daycare where staff, aware of the court order, was told to call 911 if he ever appeared at the business. Nash confronted Montgomery outside the daycare before eventually forcing his way into the building and threatening to shoot her if she didn't leave with him and their daughter. During the aggressive back-and-forth, an employee at the Education Elevation daycare facility called the police, The New York Post reported. Nash, Montgomery and their daughter Khloe, then exited the daycare through a rear door and headed into a wooded area behind the facility. Employees still inside the childcare center reported hearing screams and a single gunshot as police arrived and began searching the area. Nash emerged moments later holding the blood-covered child and claimed that Montgomery had shot herself. However, investigators determined that Montgomery's gunshot wound to the head was inconsistent with self-infliction, ruling her death a homicide. Nash confronted Montgomery outside the daycare before eventually forcing his way into the building and threatening to shoot her if she didn't leave with him and their daughter. Pictured: CCTV footage captured the moment Taco Nash assaulted Mi'ckeya Montgomery inside the daycare facility Nash, Montgomery and their daughter Khloe, then exited the daycare through a rear door and headed into a wooded area behind the facility. Pictured: CCTV footage shows Taco Nash forcing Mi'ckeya Montgomery through a playground and into the direction of a wooded area behind the childcare facility Employees still inside the childcare center (pictured) reported hearing screams and a single gunshot as police arrived and began searching the area The gun was found under her hand, and police believe she was holding her daughter when she was killed. The child, who was not injured, was rushed to the hospital. Before Nash emerged from the woods, he called one of Montgomery's relatives, apologizing for the shooting, according to the District Attorney. Following a trial on July 2, 2025, Nash was convicted of Malice Murder, four counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault Family Violence, two counts of Kidnapping, Aggravated Stalking, Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, and several firearms-related offenses, WSB-TV reported. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Brian Lake imposed a sentence of life without parole, two additional life sentences, and 60 years, marking the end of a lengthy legal battle for Montgomery's family. A sophisticated hacker group known as Scattered Spider is targeting major airline systems in a series of cyberattacks - putting passengers' personal information at serious risk, the has FBI warned. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued an urgent alert on X last month, warning travelers that a cybercriminal group - previously focused on retail and insurance - has now expanded its attacks to include the aviation industry. Nicknamed Scattered Spider, the dangerous hacker group uses slick 'social engineering' tricks, like pretending to be airline employees, to sneak their way into highly protected internal systems. Once they're in, they swipe sensitive data - then hold it hostage, demanding a payout to keep it from being leaked or sold, the agency explained. According to the FBI, the hackers often go a step further - locking up entire systems with ransomware, leaving them completely unusable until the hefty ransom is paid. 'They target large corporations and their third-party IT providers, which means anyone in the airline ecosystem, including trusted vendors and contractors, could be at risk,' the warning read. On June 27, the FBI warned the millions of daily air travelers that the notorious hacker group Scattered Spider started infiltrating the transportation industry, and often gain access by impersonating employees or contractors. Using what the FBI referred to as 'social engineering techniques' - Scattered Spider is known to trick company's IT help desks into letting them inside the secure internal systems. Last month, Delta Air Lines (pictured) locked access to some frequent flyer accounts due to cybersecurity concerns discovered earlier that week, affecting 'a large number of customers' - possibly up to 68,000 One of their go-to tactics is tricking IT desks into adding fake devices - disguised as routine 'help' - which then allow the hackers to slip past key security measures like multi-factor authentication. 'Once inside, Scattered Spider actors steal sensitive data for extortion and often deploy ransomware,' the FBI wrote. 'The FBI is actively working with aviation and industry partners to address this activity and assist victims,' they added. 'Early reporting allows the FBI to engage promptly, share intelligence across the industry, and prevent further compromise.' Brett Winterford, vice president of threat intelligence at Okta, described Scattered Spider as a loosely connected group of young hackers - mostly from Western countries - who collaborate and share techniques in an online forum called TheCom, as reported by Forbes. While money is their main motivation, Winterford said that they're also driven by 'the desire to score a big win that impresses their peers,' according to the outlet. They don't stick to one type of target - if they succeed in attacking one company in an industry, they will try the same trick on similar companies again and again. 'If they enjoy success against a target in any given industry, they'll rinse and repeat against similar organizations,' Winterford added. This is just the latest troubling news in the aviation world - the same tactics seem to be behind the recent cyberattack on Qantas. Brett Winterford (pictured), vice president of threat intelligence at Okta, described Scattered Spider as a loosely connected group of young hackers who work together in an online forum - motivated by both money and praise from peers On Monday, Qantas - Australia's largest airline - confirmed a major data breach that could have impacted up to six million customers. In a statement on its website, Qantas said it detected unusual activity on a third-party customer service platform used by one of its call centers. A cybercriminal reportedly targeted the call center, breaking into the customer service platform - but Qantas said they locked down the breach shortly afterward. 'There are six million customers that have service records in this platform,' the statement said. 'We are continuing to investigate the proportion of the data that has been stolen, though we expect it will be significant.' 'An initial review has confirmed the data includes some customers' names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates and frequent flyer numbers,' it added. However, the airline also assured customers that credit card details, personal financial information and passport data were not stored in the compromised system. 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. Now, the biggest danger is that the stolen data could be used for fraud or even identity theft. A cybercriminal reportedly targeted the call center, breaking into the customer service platform - but Qantas said they locked down the breach shortly afterward (stock photo) Airlines have since been urged to strengthen their security after the massive hack left the aviation giant vulnerable to potential legal consequences. Last month, in a strikingly similar case, Delta Air Lines locked access to some frequent flyer accounts due to cybersecurity concerns discovered earlier that week - but didn't immediately inform the affected customers, The Hill reported. The issue came to light when a customer - who happened to be a TV reporter in Pennsylvania, according to The Hill - was unable to access his Delta account or change his password. When the reporter dug deeper, a Delta reservations agent revealed that the airline was dealing with 'concerns about a potential security breach' affecting 'a large number of customers' - possibly up to 68,000. Although customers were asked to verify their identity by uploading a photo of a valid government ID, a Delta spokesperson insisted that SkyMiles accounts remained secure and said the credential resets were carried out 'out of an abundance of caution,' according to the outlet. Labour was accused of planning to exclude hi-tech Israeli anti-missile systems from Britain's proposed 'Iron Dome' defences last night in a bid to appease its pro-Palestinian backbench MPs. Ministers faced claims that they were preparing to drop 'tried and tested' equipment from Tel Aviv-based firm Rafael in favour of a 'more politically correct' alternative. The accusations come as the Government seeks to upgrade and expand its array of Sky Sabre anti-missile units in imitation of Israel's own 'Iron Dome' defences. Sources told the Mail on Sunday that even though Rafael's control and command system was currently used in all seven existing Sky Sabre units, Ministers were now looking to go instead for a Norwegian-produced rival. The Ministry of Defence responded last night by saying that no such decision had been made. But the fears come amid pressure from pro-Palestinian Labour MPs for the Prime Minister to toughen his policy towards Israeli amid mounting alarm over the scale of the Israeli military action in Gaza and the rising death toll of Palestinians living there. In particular, Sir Keir has faced calls to suspend all arms exports to Israel and to recognise Palestine as a state. Only yesterday, there were reports that French president Emmanuel Macron who will make a state visit to the UK this week is urging Sir Keir to hurry up and recognise Palestine. Labour has been accused of planning to exclude hi-tech Israeli anti-missile systems from Britain's proposed 'Iron Dome' defences (Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv) Sir Keir has faced calls to suspend all arms exports to Israel and to recognise Palestine as a state And last night, one security source told the Mail on Sunday: 'Keir Starmer doesn't want to be seen to be close to Israel on defence. 'He's terrified of the Palestinian lobby. 'And he's wary of [Attorney General] Richard Hermer saying they're complicit in helping Israel break international law.' The UK currently has no equivalent of Israel's famed Iron Dome missile defence system. But the Government's Strategic Defence Review promised last month to provide up to 1 billion in new 'homeland air and missile defence' as well as protection against cyber attack. The MoD is also set to upgrade and expand its current seven Sky Sabre medium-range, ground-based mobile air defence systems. However, sources claimed that instead of continuing with the existing Israeli-produced command and control units for Sky Sabre, Ministers were planning to appease their pro-Palestinian backbench MPs by switching to a Norwegian alternative called NASAMs. Last night, defence expert and cross-bench peer Lord Walney said: 'It would be inexcusable if tried-and-tested Israeli components were no longer used simply for politically convenient reasons.' The accusations come as the Government seeks to upgrade and expand its array of Sky Sabre anti-missile units in imitation of Israel 's own 'Iron Dome' defences (pictured) Lord Walney, former chairman of Labour Friends of Israel, added: 'Britain needs the best high-tech defence as the world gets more unstable. 'It would be dismal if ministers ditched components from an Israeli company to avoid pressure from the pro-Palestine crowd.' Only last week, non-affiliated peer Lord Austin, the Government's trade envoy to Israel, told the House of Lords how 'the RAF would not be able to get its planes off the ground without Israeli technology' and that 'British soldiers would have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan without Israeli defence equipment.' Last night, the Ministry of Defence said: 'No procurement decision to switch to NASAMS has been made.' French police are reportedly using jet skis to deploy nets in the sea in an attempt to deter small boats crossing the English Channel. The new tactic comes just days after footage emerged of French officers using a knife to slash a dinghy packed with migrants before dragging the deflated vessel back to dry land. It is thought that dropping the nets in shallow water will jam the propeller of any small boats in the vicinity and bring them to a halt. The Sun reported that both this measure, and the move to puncture the boat on Friday, are trial methods in an attempt to crack down on the number of migrants reaching the UK. Emmanuel Macron will visit Sir Keir Starmer this coming week and the newspaper says the French President will outline these methods as a strategy to stop the small boats on Thursday. This will soon reportedly become routine for officers rather than being trialled - possibly signalling early success. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'Over the last few months, we have been working together on new ways to crackdown on the criminal gang operations, with the French now bringing in important new tactics to stop boats that are in the water. 'We need to stop at nothing to boost our border security.' French police are reportedly using jet skis to deploy nets in the sea to in an attempt to deter small boats crossing the English Channel Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (above) said France were bringing in 'important new tactics to stop boats that are in the water' It comes just days after footage emerged of French authorities using a knife to slash a dinghy packed with migrants before dragging the deflated vessel back to dry land Former Home Secretary Priti Patel first suggested the idea of using UK border guards on jet skis to physically stop migrant boats. She had wanted Border Force to mimic tactics used by the Greek Navy, which has physically pushed boats trying to cross the Aegean back into Turkish waters. The UK plan mooted in 2020 and 2021 saw officials learning how to redirect migrants back to French waters using high-powered armoured 'personal water craft'. But the pushback plan was cancelled in 2022 before a High Court legal challenge. The PCS union, which represents Border Force staff, had also threatened to strike. The latest methods to puncture the boats now implemented by French police - which were aired by the BBC - comes after the force previously said French law prevented them from interfering with boats more than 10 feet from the coast. Your browser does not support iframes. Former Home Secretary Priti Patel (above) first suggested the idea of using UK border guards on jet skis to physically stop migrant boats Your browser does not support iframes. That rule is in the process of being scrapped, but some officers appeared 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. A 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.' Kate O'Neill, advocacy coordinator at Project Play, said: 'This is not a new tactic it's something that has been happening for a long time in Calais and surrounding areas.' Your browser does not support iframes. Emmanuel Macron (right) will visit Sir Keir Starmer (left) this coming week and the French President will reportedly outline new strategies to stop the small boats Your browser does not support iframes. 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.' A total of 517 people crossed the Channel across eight boats yesterday - bringing the annual total to 21,117. That makes it the earliest point in the calendar year the figure has been reached since the start of the Channel crisis in 2018. Foreign Secretary David Lammy flew to Damascus yesterday to pledge a 94.5 million package in support of Syrias new government. It was the first visit by a British minister to the war-ravaged country in 14 years and signalled the re-establishment of formal diplomatic relations. The funds will provide urgent humanitarian aid to Syria and support the countrys longer-term recovery through the development of areas such as education, the Government said. There is renewed hope for the Syrian people, Mr Lammy said. It is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians. The West has been slowly resetting its approach to Syria since insurgent forces led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ousted Bashar al-Assad as president in December following more than 13 years of war. Foreign Secretary David Lammy flew to Damascus yesterday to pledge a 94.5 million package in support of Syrias new government. Pictured: Mr Lammy and Syria's interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa It was the first visit by a British minister to the war-ravaged country in 14 years and signalled the re-establishment of formal diplomatic relations Mr Lammys visit came days after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order terminating a sanctions program on the country. Britain also eased its sanctions in March, unfreezing the assets of Syrias central bank as well 23 other entities. A stable Syria will reduce the risk of irregular migration, ensure chemical weapons are destroyed and tackle the threat of terrorism, the Foreign Secretary said after meeting Syrian counterpart Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and president Ahmed al-Sharaa. Mr Lammy is also due to travel to Kuwait, where he is expected to announce a new partnership with the Gulf monarchy. Police forces have been accused of going soft on cannabis after figures revealed three in four people caught with the drug last year were let off with an informal warning. Data shows that despite 68,513 people being found in possession of cannabis, only 17,000 were charged. The rest were largely subject to a community resolution, which does not go on an individuals criminal record and, in most cases, simply means a warning not to do it again. The maximum penalty for possession of cannabis, which is in the same category as amphetamines, ketamine and date rape drug GHB is five years in prison or an unlimited fine. Last week, 14 police and crime commissioners called on policing minister Dame Diana Johnson MP to upgrade cannabis to a class A drug and said it was more harmful to society than heroin. They also hit out at Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khans backing for the decriminalisation of possession of small amounts of the drug. The latest figures, which are from a Freedom of Information request and are based on a 12-month period up to September 2024, show a wide discrepancy between police forces. Avon and Somerset have the most robust approach, charging almost four in five people it caught last year, but Thames Valley and Hampshire charged only one in eight. Last week, 14 police and crime commissioners called on policing minister Dame Diana Johnson MP (pictured) to upgrade cannabis to a class A drug Data shows that despite 68,513 people being found in possession of cannabis, only 17,000 were charged The 14 police and crime commissioners also hit out at Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khans (pictured left) backing for the decriminalisation of possession of small amounts of the drug In Wales, Dyfed-Powys charged just 8.6 per cent, while North Wales and South Wales forces took action against more than half. The Metropolitan Police charged 2,929 and gave out-of-court sanctions to 11,057. Overall, 51,495 people caught with cannabis last year did not face court. Of those, 44,482 were dealt with via a community resolution, 3,619 were given a caution, 1,008 received an official warning and 2,386 were given an on-the-spot fine. Avon and Somersets former police and crime commissioner Mark Shelford said Sir Sadiqs call to decriminalise possession of small quantities was extremely foolish and dangerous, and accused him of pandering to a certain group in society who think this is cool and does no harm. Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said cannabis decriminalisation had proved a dangerous social experiment elsewhere in the world. Kevin Moore, ex-head of Sussex CID, described variations in charging rates as two-tier justice, and said many forces are in all likelihood influenced by past sentencing and feel putting offenders before a court is a waste of everyones time. Dyfed-Powys attributed its low charge rate to a policy to expand the number referred to treatment via an adult community resolution. The owner of two popular restaurants that have been forced to close has delivered a stunning parting message, partly blaming staff with poor work ethic for the decision. Melbourne venue Pearl Chablis and Oyster Bar will hold its final service on July 19 after a three-year stint in the CBD. Its sister venue, Pinchy's, which gained a cult following for its lobster rolls and champagne, is also set to close the same weekend. Owner Jeremy Schinck told The Herald Sun many factors influenced his decision to close the venues including growing debt, low CBD patronage and the cost-of-living crisis. He claimed finding quality hospitality staff was challenging post-Covid, with restaurants forced to hire from a mediocre and shrinking talent pool of chefs and front-of-house staff. 'Work ethic after Covid has deteriorated,' he said. 'When you have inconsistencies and restaurants opening and closing, new staff aren't determined to do well in this job. 'They think, "Oh this restaurant's going to close anyway", or "I don't give a damn because I'm studying".' Jeremy and Samara Schinck (pictured) are closing two of their popular eateries, unable to 'bounce back' after Covid Pearl Chablis and Oyster Bar gained a reputation for serving the freshest Australian oysters alongside French-inspired dishes Like most in the hospitality industry, Mr Schinck has found it hard to 'bounce back' after the pandemic. 'We're not getting the Monday-to-Friday crowds in the office,' he said. 'At Pinchy's, we have been hanging in there for last two years and have had to work twice as hard to earn half as much.' 'We're never going to trade out of the debt we are in. 'The margins are that small and we're not making up for the winter losses in summer. I'm just so deflated by it all.' Mr Schinck said wage costs weren't the problem, but rather the high turnover of staff. 'They are paid entry-level corporate salaries but some are behaving like teenagers,' he said. 'They aren't coming on board and thinking let's stay here for five to ten years. During the pandemic in 2020, Pinchys started touring around Melbourne to reach more people stuck at home during lockdown 'They are chopping and changing and this reflects in the business and over time that ruins the restaurant's reputation.' Others in the hospitality industry shared his point of view that poor work ethic from the next generation of hospitality workers was an issue. One recent retiree from the industry said his employer had resorted to hiring older front of office staff because they were more reliable and had better customer service skills. 'There had been a number of under 30s who did not cut the mustard,' he said. 'It was not unusual to have one regularly ring up sick on a Monday, or the day after a public holiday.' He added staff often arrived late and took 20-minute toilet breaks. Another event industry worker said he was exiting the industry claiming new staff were too focused on themselves and took too many personal and sick days. 'They turn up late then walk up the road to a cafe as, "I need my soy milk latte before I can face the day",' he said. 'Not turn up for two hours as, "I needed a haircut and I am flat out on the weekend and can't fit it in". 'I'm doing it on my own for another year then I'm out of it.' Mr Schinck has called for the industry to adopt a tertiary qualification requirement, similar to European countries, so new workers would take the profession seriously. Pinchy's co-founder Samara Schinck described the closure of the venue on Bourke Street as 'deeply emotional'. 'We poured our hearts into creating a space that celebrated great food, genuine hospitality and moments of joy,' she told Concrete Playground. 'Unfortunately, the reality is that we can no longer make the restaurant work sustainably in today's economic climate and at this location.' Daily Mail Australia contacted Mr Schinck for comment. A new Chinese 'super embassy' in London will have on-site accommodation for more than 200 intelligence officers, diplomatic sources have warned. The revelations about the 'spy campus' are likely to increase concerns about the development on the site of the Royal Mint buildings near the Tower of London, which has been revived by No10 despite being blocked by the previous government after warnings from MI5 and Scotland Yard. The Bank of England has also warned Downing Street about the risks of allowing it to be built close to sensitive financial centres. Mapping data shows the proposed site lies directly between financial hubs in the City and Canary Wharf and close to three major data centres, including the Stock Exchange. Earlier this year, The Mail on Sunday revealed that planning documents for the embassy included 'spy dungeons' two suites of basement rooms and a tunnel, with their purpose redacted for security reasons. A source said: 'There will effectively be a student-style campus for spies in the heart of the City. 'And those spy dungeons are so deep that the sensitive cables are virtually at head height.' The MoS can also reveal that the embassy plans exempt a 'cultural exchange' section from 'inspection and verification' by UK authorities. A new Chinese 'super embassy' in London will have on-site accommodation for more than 200 intelligence officers, diplomatic sources have warned Ex-Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith (pictured) has warned of the dangers of the embassy and said: 'It's simple: a bigger embassy has more spies and more repression.' Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Kevin Hollinrake accused Sir Keir Starmer of attempting to 'woo the Chinese Communist Party to bail out their failing economic policies' (Sir Keir pictured with President Xi Jinping) A US security source said 'cultural interests/exchange' is a 'euphemism for intelligence and security services', adding: 'It's where they often stuff their security and intelligence staff, among other diplomats. And if it's a "cultural" centre/space, why do they always declare it off limits in planning documents?' Ex-Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said: 'Everywhere there is a mega embassy... Chinese state-sponsored, trans-national repression of those who have fled the Chinese state or who criticise it grows dramatically. 'It's simple: a bigger embassy has more spies and more repression.' Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Kevin Hollinrake said Labour had been 'caught red-handed trying to ram through this sinister embassy' in a 'desperate attempt to woo the Chinese Communist Party to bail out their failing economic policies'. He added: 'It is shocking Labour want to sign a legal document that will ban British officials checking what is being built in the embassy building. This is yet another surrender document from a Labour Government that puts foreign interests over British interests.' 'The so-called cultural exchange will clearly be used by Chinese spies and communist bullies to further their political ends.' China has dismissed claims the embassy could be an espionage hub. SIr Keir Starmer was left 'humiliated' after French police revealed that they will not routinely slash the boats of people smugglers as they set off to cross Channel. Only two days ago, No 10 hailed footage showing French officers ripping open a dinghy in shallow waters as a 'significant moment' in the bid to smash the people-smuggling gangs. But last night a senior source working for the Gendarme unit responsible the Compagnie de Marche made clear it would 'by no means' be a regular tactic. The source told The Mail on Sunday: 'The slashing of boats will not become routine.' He added: 'It was a pragmatic move ultimately aimed at saving lives. We saw the boat was dangerously overcrowded and liable to sink, and so took the decision to rescue everybody on board. 'This is exactly what happened nobody was hurt, and the very dangerous boat was confiscated. 'This was by no means a change in tactics.' Embarrassingly for the Prime Minister, it comes just days before French president Emmanuel Macron arrives in the UK for a state visit. Only two days ago, No 10 hailed footage showing French officers ripping open a dinghy in shallow waters as a 'significant moment' in the bid to smash the people-smuggling gangs. but a senior source working for the Gendarme unit responsible the Compagnie de Marche made clear it would 'by no means' be a regular tactic Cops were shown slashing the dinghy with knives in their latest attempt to foil migrants and refugees from making the perilous crossing Only yesterday the PM spoke to Mr Macron and raised hopes of making 'good progress' on migration and other priorities. Last night the Tories seized on what they saw as Downing Street's discomfort. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'Only two days ago, No 10 was claiming this as a huge victory. But now they have been humiliated as the new tactic turned out to be a one-off.' He added: 'The French appear to have no intention of routinely stopping these boats despite being paid nearly half a billion pounds of British taxpayers' money. 'Illegal migration continues to flood into the UK, but Labour has lost control of our borders and has no answers.' On Friday, No 10 welcomed video footage showing a French 'gendarme' destroying an inflatable dinghy off a beach south of Boulogne-sur-Mer. The flimsy craft was packed with migrants, who were forced to abandon their crossing as it collapsed into the water. Downing Street said that it was a 'significant moment' that could have 'a major impact on shutting down the tactics these gangs use'. Dramatic scenes unfolded on a French beach as cops deflated a boat carrying migrants All passengers on board made it safely back on the beach as the boat was punctured 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 However, unlike regular police in France, gendarmes are military personnel known for more robust tactics than their counterparts in other law and order units. And a National Police spokesman said that regular officers would 'continue to follow strict rules that bar them from going into the sea' in case they put lives at risk. It follows police trade unionists arguing that interfering with UK-bound migrants in the English Channel could 'lead to more deaths.' A senior source at Alliance the largest police union in the country said: 'If there are 80 people on an overcrowded boat, including women and children, then it is extremely dangerous to try to stop them. 'People can fall in the water, while others resist arrest the potential for disaster, including further deaths, is immense. 'Turning us into sea police in this manner is not the way forward.' It comes as more than 500 people arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel on Friday. Some 517 people came on eight boats, taking the annual total to 21,117, according to news agency PA. There have been 17 deaths in 2025 alone on the cross-Channel migration route, mainly because of flimsy dinghies overturning or deflating, often very close to the shore. Procedural changes now being considered in France will instead focus on the use of patrol boats at sea to intercept so-called 'taxi-boats'. These are the people-smuggling boats that enter the sea empty from inland waterways and attempt to pick up migrants from the beach. A French interior ministry source told The MoS: 'Preventing a taxi boat with one or two people smugglers on board from picking up scores of migrants will be much safer than approaching a boat that is already overcrowded.' Last night a Home Office source said: 'We obviously welcome any action French counterparts are able to do. We want to see an end to these dangerous channel crossing. 'These criminal gangs packing more people into boats are a total disgrace.' Ministers are planning to crack down on cryptocurrency speculators who evade tax on their profits. Under new rules, holders of currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum or Dogecoin will face fines of 300 if they fail to provide personal details to crypto service providers they use to make sure they are paying the right amounts to HMRC. The Government expects the new rules, which are known as the Cryptoasset Reporting Framework and take effect from January, to raise up to 315 million by April 2030. Any service provider which fails to provide accurate details about transactions and tax reference numbers will also face fines. James Murray MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: 'We're going further and faster to crack down on tax dodgers as we close the tax gap. 'By ensuring everyone pays their fair share, the new crypto reporting rules will make sure tax dodgers have nowhere to hide, helping raise the revenue needed to fund our nurses, police and other vital public services.' It comes as Rachel Reeves refused to rule out tax rises in the wake of the Government's U-turn on welfare reforms. The Chancellor, whose tears in the Commons on Wednesday spooked the financial markets, said: 'I'm not going to apologise for making sure the numbers add up. From left to right: Treasury Parliamentary Secretary Emma Reynolds, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq, and Financial Secretary to the Treasury Spencer Livermore Under new rules, holders of currencies such as Bitcoin will face fines of 300 if they fail to provide personal details to crypto service providers they use 'But we do need to make sure that we're telling a story, and a Labour story. We did that well in the Budget and Spending Review, we increased taxes on the wealthiest and businesses.' Asked whether she was prepared to rule out further tax rises, she said: Im not going to because it would be irresponsible for a Chancellor to do that. 'We took the decisions last year to draw a line under unfunded commitments and economic mismanagement. So well never have to do something like that again. But there are costs to what happened. Reacting to the welfare U-turn, she said: Its been damaging. Im not going to deny that. An Islamic charity trustee who used a sermon to say Muslims would 'kill Jews' six days after Hamas's October 7 attacks has been disqualified - with the charity also receiving a formal warning. Harun Abdur Rashid Holmes delivered the talk at Nottingham Islam Information Point where attendees heard 'the hour will not begin until the Muslims fight the Jews and the Muslims will kill them until a Jew hides behind a rock or a tree'. Guests at the event held by the charity, which is said to help victims of Islamophobia and teach about the religion, were also told not to 'busy yourselves with politics and voting'. Such an 'inflammatory and divisive' sermon has now seen the Charity Commissioner hit Nottingham Islam Information Point with a formal warning. The regulator, which operates across England and Wales, said this is one of more than 300 cases involving charities in the past 18 months related to conflict in the Middle East. They said the sermon delivered by Mr Holmes 'did not further the charity's purposes, including to provide relief to those in need, and was not in the charity's best interests', therefore amounting to misconduct and/or mismanagement. Mr Holmes, who is not a trained imam, was deemed not to have acted in accordance with his duties as a trustee and was disqualified in July last year. This means he is now not allowed to hold any senior management position in a charity in England and Wales for three years - and he has been noted by the commission to lack the good judgement expected of a trustee. Harun Abdur Rashid Holmes (above) delivered the talk at Nottingham Islam Information Point where attendees heard 'the hour will not begin until the Muslims fight the Jews and the Muslims will kill them until a Jew hides behind a rock or a tree' The watchdog said while it recognised some of the sermon's content had come from a specific hadith - from the Islamic prophet Mohammed - the appropriate context had not been given and it therefore was 'inflammatory and divisive'. The regulator also said 'no consideration' had been given to the timing of the sermon, coming six days after the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, which Mr Holmes later accepted. The commission's assistant director of investigations and compliance, Stephen Roake, said: 'In times of conflict, people expect charities to bring people together, not to stoke division. In this case, we found due consideration had not been given to the words and rhetoric used. 'The sermon was inflammatory and divisive, and we acted robustly and disqualified the trustee who gave the sermon. We also issued the charity with a formal warning. 'Following our intervention, the charity's remaining trustees have taken positive steps to improve their governance. This includes the introduction of a more robust events policy. All charities that host events and speakers should take note of this case and ensure they have sufficient due diligence in place.' MailOnline has approached Nottingham Islam Information Point for comment. Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth said such instances were 'undermining' charity's 'potential for good' in an opinion piece for the Sunday Telegraph. Mr Holmes (above), who is not a trained imam, was deemed not to have acted in accordance with his duties as a trustee and was disqualified in July last year Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth (above) said such instances were 'undermining' charity's 'potential for good' He wrote: 'Over the past few years, and particularly since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East in October 2023, we have seen charities misused to promote the personal views of those linked to the charity, in some cases inciting hate, or condoning violence. 'While trustees, like all of us, have personal rights to freedom of speech, there can be no hiding place for those who seek to use charities to promote hate or harm to others. 'This is not only to put a stop to fundamentally uncharitable activity, but also to help protect and promote public trust in the wider charitable sector.' Mr Holdsworth added that he will 'not shy away' from using 'more robust powers' to stop those 'undermining the incredible positive impact of charities at home and abroad'. Of the 300 cases considered since the end of 2023 in relation to conflict in the Middle East, around a third have resulted in formal statutory guidance being issued by the commission. More than 70 referrals to police have been made where the regulator considered that a criminal offence might have been committed. But the 'inflammatory and divisive' sermon has now seen the Charity Commissioner, which operates across England and Wales, wade in and hit Nottingham Islam Information Point (above) with a formal warning In January, a London charity was handed an official warning after fundraising for a soldier in the Israel Defence Forces. The Chabad Lubavitch Centres North East London and Essex Ltd, which describes itself as working for the advancement of the Orthodox Jewish religion, raised more than 2,000 after setting up an online page in October 2023 for a soldier stationed in northern Israel. Some 937 was sent directly to an individual soldier but the commission said the trustees of the charity were unable to account for how the money was spent and the regulator concluded the charity's actions had amounted to misconduct and a breach of trust. While charities in England and Wales can legally raise funds to support the UK armed forces, they cannot legally provide aid or military supplies to any foreign armed force, the commission said. It was believed to be the first time the regulator had used its powers to issue an official warning on the issue of fundraising for a foreign military. The case was not one among those referred to police, as the commission said its unlawfulness related to charity law rather than criminal law. Hundreds of elite cops who usually work protecting the royals and senior politicians are set to be deployed at Notting Hill Carnival this year. The personal protection officers are being brought in over fears of violence or crowd-crushing at the three-day street party. They will work alongside approximately 7,000 Met Police officers at the carnival, which is expected to attract crowds of upwards of two million people, The Telegraph reported. Since many of the officers in the Royal and Specialist Protection (RaSP) command are plain clothes officers, they have had to squeeze into old ill-fitting uniforms or be issued new ones specially for the event. A number have also required training on how to use bodycams, since body-worn video (BWV) is not mandatory in some RaSP roles. The decision to employ the vast majority of the elite officers as 'glorified stewards' has not been received well by those working within these units. One source said: 'They will essentially be working as glorified stewards but they don't have any choice in the matter. It's an order from the top but it could hardly be less welcome.' 'Notting Hill is the least popular job of the year. It's not an exaggeration to say that the vast majority of officers hate working at Notting Hill, even those who do regular public order work. A man is taken away in handcuffs by police on the first day of last year's Notting Hill Carnival Performers in costume take part in the main parade of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 26, 2024 Nearly 90 per cent of Metropolitan Police officers who responded to a survey last year said they had felt unsafe while working at the annual festival 'The shifts are very long, the conditions are really stressful and it is a pretty thankless role. The crowds seem to get bigger every year and it is extremely difficult to move around.' Nearly 90 per cent of Metropolitan Police officers who responded to a survey last year said they had felt unsafe while working at the annual festival, while 28.78 per cent had been assaulted. Descriptions of working at the event ranged from Hell. Its a war zone we are sent into year after year to Dangerous. Officers are treated as lambs to slaughter. One officer said the police operation was overstretched, ineffective and an exercise in self-torture, while another claimed they would rather crawl naked through broken glass. Two million revellers flock to the streets of west London over the August bank holiday weekend every year to enjoy the festival, which is rooted in Caribbean culture. However, the celebration has been marred by serious violence, excessive drinking, drug use and destruction of property. There were two murders, eight stabbings and 349 arrests this year and 61 officers were assaulted, the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers and carried out the survey, said. However, while much of the focus has been on crime and violence, many top ranking officers also fear a crush scenario given the number of attendees squeezed into a relatively small area. Nearly 90 per cent of Metropolitan Police officers who responded to a survey last year said they had felt unsafe while working at the annual festival The celebration has been marred by serious violence, excessive drinking, drug use and destruction of property More than 7,000 officers were deployed each day at last years event, and there were more than 350 violent or sexual offences reported In a report from April 2025, the Met Police's Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said his biggest fear was 'crowd density and the potential for a mass casualty event.' Susan Hall, the vice chairman of the London Assembly police and crime committee, also claimed that policing the array of pro-Palestine protests had placed an additional burdern on the force. Yesterday Pro-Palestine activists disrupted the London Pride parade, covering a float with red paint - as almost 30 people were arrested for expressing support for the banned Palestine Action group a day after it was banned. Four Youth Demand protesters targeted CISCO's truck as they charged the US-based company with 'genocide' and said they have 'no place' at the event. It comes less than 24 hours after Palestine Action was banned and designated as a terrorist organisation. A woman driver who crashed into a school killing two eight-year-old girls could face criminal charges, two years on as significant new witnesses have come forward. Police are preparing a file of evidence for prosecutors to consider charges against Claire Freemantle, 48, who had avoided prosecution after saying she had suffered her first ever epileptic seizure at the wheel. The development comes on the second anniversary of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau dying after the Land Rover Defender veered off the road and smashed through a fence into The Study Prep School in Wimbledon, south-west London, as children and staff were enjoying an end-of-term tea party. Nine children and three adults were also seriously injured in the crash on the morning of July 6, 2023. Today, the grieving families and community are holding a memorial event to commemorate the girls. In a poignant reminder, Nuria and Selena's classmates marked the end of their time at the prep school on Friday before moving on to secondary education. Ms Freemantle was arrested at the scene and investigated by police. But prosecutors decided not to bring any criminal charges in June 2024 after Ms Freemantle said she had suffered an epileptic seizure. In October, the Mail revealed Met Police had decided to reopen the probe after a serious case review uncovered significant flaws in the way officers conducted the initial inquiry, including consideration of medical evidence which led to the case being dropped. Driver Claire Freemantle, 47, faced no charges after it was claimed she had suffered an epileptic seizure at the wheel for the first time Nuria Sajjad (right) and Selena Lau (left), both eight, were killed when a Land Rover Defender smashed through a fence as children and staff attended an end-of-year tea party in July 2023 One of the key issues in the original investigation was the diagnosis of epilepsy, which is notoriously difficult to detect without brain scans shortly after a seizure, and a detailed consideration of a patient's medical history. The review is also understood to have been critical of missed opportunities by the original investigation team in the Road Traffic Collisions Unit who failed to interview key witnesses at the scene about the driver's behaviour in the immediate aftermath. The case was subsequently reopened and handed to a top detective superintendent from Specialist Crime Command. Police then made a successful appeal for people who witnessed the crash to come forward to help officers understand whether the driver's behaviour was consistent with her diagnosis. In January, Ms Freemantle was rearrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. She remains on bail. The bereaved families welcomed the case being reopened 'into the death of our beautiful girls and the harm caused to those injured and who witnessed the tragedy'. Ms Freemantle has said she had no recollection of what happened after losing consciousness. She said last year: 'Since I became aware of the terrible event that took place on July 6, the devastating consequences for all those affected have not left my thoughts and will be with me for the rest of my life. 'I have since been diagnosed as having suffered an epileptic seizure with loss of consciousness. Scotland Yard reopened the case after a review revealed significant shortfalls in the way officers conducted the initial investigation into the crash at the Study Prep School in Wimbledon, south-west London Police officers walk past flowers left by members of the community in tribute to the victims of a car crash outside The Study Preparatory School on Camp Road on July 7 last year Nuria's mother Smera was also injured in the horrific crash that took place just after this photo of them was taken 'This was not a pre-existing condition,' she added. 'As a result of losing consciousness, I have no recollection of what took place.' Met Police said: 'Our thoughts are with Nuria and Selena's loved ones at this time. 'Our investigation continues and we are in regular contact with the families.' Anthony Albanese has talked up Australia's independence from the US while paying tribute to wartime Labor leader John Curtin, in a speech that will be sure to raise eyebrows in the White House. Speaking in Sydney on Saturday night to mark 80 years since Curtin's death, the Prime Minister said Labor would pursue Australia's interests, even where they differ from those of the US. The PM drew on Curtin's resistance to British and American pressure to deploy troops to Burma, now Myanmar, following the fall of Singapore during World War II. Curtin, at the time, said the region's security could not be 'outsourced to London', demanding foreign strategy be 'anchored in strategic reality, not bound by tradition'. 'Curtin's famous statement that Australia "looked to America" was much more than the idea of trading one strategic guarantor for another. It was a recognition that Australia's fate would be decided in our region,' Albanese said on Saturday night. 'Yet our alliance with the US ought to be remembered as a product of Curtin's leadership in defence and foreign policy, not the extent of it,' he said. 'Then, and now, we championed the rights and the role of middle powers and smaller nations. Then, and now, we recognised that our regions security depends on collective responsibility. 'Then, and now, we strive for a world where the sovereignty of every nation is respected and the dignity of every individual is upheld. Then, and now, Australia backs our words with deeds.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) delivered the John Curtin Oration in Sydney on Saturday night, marking 80 years since Curtins death Albanese said the government was rebuilding Australia's position as a leader in the Pacific region and working to stabilise its relationship with China. Albanese is due to visit China this month for his fourth meeting with President Xi Jinping and used the Curtin anniversary to reaffirm Australia's broader foreign policy direction. The 'Australian way', Albanese said, required support for strong multilateralism and adherence to a rules-based order. It also included support for smaller and mid-sized regional powers and the rejection of 'great power peace' as the basis of Pacific stability. He said Australia was currently involved in rejuvenating the region's leadership, stabilising ties with China, and deepening the nation's economic engagement in the Asia-Pacific. Albanese took the chance to promote initiatives strengthening co-operation with local powers including Indonesia, India and Papua New Guinea. 'While the nature of global uncertainty evolves, this fundamental truth remains: Australia cannot predict, or control the challenges we will face,' he said. 'But we can determine how we respond. We can choose the way we engage with our region and deal with the world. The PM reaffirmed Australias commitment to multilateralism, regional leadership, and the rights of middle powers in diplomatic and defence strategies (stock image) 'The stability and prosperity we build and defend with our partners, the peace and security we seek for ourselves. Above all, we can choose the nation we strive to build here at home.' Albanese said Australia's alliance with the US was regarded as 'a pillar of our foreign policy' and the nation's 'most important defence and security partnership'. The comments come as Albanese faces growing calls to strengthen ties with Trump's administration, which is pressuring allies to boost defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. Albanese has spoken with the US President three times by phone, but is yet to meet him in person after talks scheduled at last month's G7 summit were cancelled amid tensions in the Middle East. Critics have taken the speech to imply a divide between Canberra and Washington's strategy and interests. Hudson Institute senior fellow Dr John Lee told The Australian that Albaneses speech would be more credible if it was matched with more investment in national defence. Calling for a more independent foreign policy would be understandable and credible if we are prepared to spend more to meet our defence needs rather than rely as much on American capacity, technology and presence as we currently do,' he said. It does not appear that the Albanese government is prepared to do that. Albanese described Australias alliance with the US as a product of Curtins leadership', not the extent of the nation's ties (pictured, US President Donald Trump) Therefore, if Albanese is really serious about a strategic divergence away from the US, this will leave Australia more isolated and vulnerable. He said the comments were unlikely to influence the outcome of the US's 30-day AUKUS review but could shape how Washington responds to its findings. The White House response, he said, would be swayed by their own assessments of Australian intent and readiness to carry its own weight. He said Australia has become an outlier internationally, with NATO countries bar Spain and Asian allies all increasing spending on defence. A criminal gang is stealing Britons' homes shortly after they die by forging wills and posing as the rightful heirs. The fraudsters are exploiting Britain's soft probate system, stealing from both grieving families and taxpayers. A BBC investigation found the gang targets individuals with no immediate family, producing fake wills after they die to falsely claim their estates. They then strip homes of valuables before selling them quickly for below market value to avoid inheritance tax. But the probate service has refused to investigate instances of suspected fraud, saying relatives must challenge such claims through the civil courts a process that can cost tens of thousands of pounds. Sisters Lisa and Nicole discovered they were entitled to inherit a near 1million house in Wimbledon from their late aunt Christine Harverson, who they had not seen since childhood. But their inheritance was blocked when a Hungarian, Tamas Szvercsok, contacted the probate service with a will dated 2016, describing him as her 'dear friend' and naming him sole executor and beneficiary. Close inspection of the document revealed serious irregularities: Mrs Harverson was housebound in 2016 and being cared for by her husband Dennis, who died in 2020. A BBC investigation found the gang targets individuals with no immediate family, producing fake wills after they die to falsely claim their estates. Pictured: Stock image Sisters Lisa and Nicole discovered they were entitled to inherit a near 1million house in Wimbledon from their late aunt Christine Harverson, picture As co-owner of the Wimbledon property, Mr Harverson's consent would have been required for it to be bequeathed. Also, the address provided for Mr Szvercsok in the will did not exist in 2016. Lisa said: 'There's nothing really we can do. I'm sure they've done it to others, which is really sad. 'Some people haven't got relatives to fight their corner. They're just getting away with making all this money off the dead. It's disgusting.' When someone dies with no known relatives, their estate eventually passes to the Treasury. Before that happens, it appears on a public list known as Bona Vacantia Latin for 'vacant goods' allowing anyone with a claim to come forward. Private firms scour the list daily in search of long-lost heirs. If successful, they take a share of the estate, a process featured in the BBC TV daytime series Heir Hunters. Tory ex-minister Sir Bob Neill said digitising the probate system to cut costs had created vulnerabilities being exploited by criminals. 'When you had regional offices you had human scrutiny that was better suited to pick up cases where things went wrong,' he said. 'An automated system isn't good at doing that.' Girls should be mobilised to stop boys becoming unemployable wastes of space, Lord Blunkett has said. The former Labour education secretary said schools should empower girls to expect more from the boys they have relationships with. It would stop boys taking it as read that girls will be interested in them even with a poor work ethic and attitude, he said. The prospect of being shunned by girls would be an incredibly powerful incentive to prevent boys failing in life. He pointed out that many boys try to copy influencers such as Andrew Tate instead of striving to become useful citizens. To combat this, Lord Blunkett, 78, suggested schools promote positive masculinity to form the fathers of the future. He told The Mail on Sunday: We need to mobilise the girls to ensure that they get the message across that if youre a waste of space, we dont want to know you. Lord Blunkett, who grew up in poverty, addressed concerns about the underachievement of boys. The former Labour education secretary said schools should empower girls to expect more from the boys they have relationships with It would stop boys taking it as read that girls will be interested in them even with a poor work ethic and attitude, he said. Pictured: Stock image They have always performed worse than girls at GCSE and are less likely to enter university. Boys need to be shown the link between hard work and a good future in their early teens before they switch off and see it as not for them, he said, adding that boys who want a relationship with young women should be shown the need to step up. This year, the National Education Union revealed a rise in boys becoming radicalised by online incel culture and Andrew Tate, a self-professed misogynist YouTuber. Often these pupils become disengaged in school and develop dark views about women. Lord Blunkett said: Were going to have to engage every mechanism, and one of those is for girls to say boys, were not going to have anything to do with you unless you start engaging with your own future, because otherwise well be carrying you. That sends a message to young men who feel like victims... its your own future in your hands, its not somebody elses fault youre a waste of space, its yours. The peer, who served as Tony Blairs education secretary, said during his childhood in Sheffield boys would often go into apprenticeships aged 15 where they would be mentored by men. They were role models, and they were support mechanisms, he said. This challenge to boys should not be a threat. The peer, who served as Tony Blairs education secretary, said during his childhood in Sheffield boys would often go into apprenticeships aged 15 where they would be mentored by men This idea that somehow masculinity is being denigrated is wrong. What youve got to do is demonstrate your masculinity in an incredibly positive way. He said schools should challenge boys to raise their aspiration to lead a meaningful life contributing to society. This in turn would lead to supportive family structures if they become fathers. Lord Blunkett said the fact that so many boys are ending up as Neet not in education, employment and training is bad for them, bad for the economy and corrosive of the social fabric. The issue is particularly stark for boys from a white working-class background who are the lowest-achieving group in the country. He said migrant families in the UK see education as a ladder to prosperity, but some boys from poor British backgrounds think this is not for them. What we've got to do is to work out what would have the same effect and energizing driving force for more traditional communities, and particularly where white working class boys don't see the point, he said. He advocated schools signposting more work experience and apprenticeship opportunities, so that pupils see the relationship between experience of work in something they are interested in, and their continuance in engaging with education. And he called for New Labours Sure Start programme to be rejuvenated after spending on it fell by more than two-thirds and many centres closed or were scaled back. Sure Start centres, for disadvantaged areas, offer early years learning, health and family support services and have been shown to boost pupils grades years later. In 2024, 73.7 per cent of GCSE entries from girls achieved at least a grade 4 a standard pass in comparison with 67.1 per cent of entries from boys. In addition, universities accepted around 44,000 fewer male students than female. Blunkett, who was blind from birth, was from a deprived family and lost his father aged 12 in an industrial accident at work. He studied part-time at a technical college winning a place at the University of Sheffield, where he studied politics. A father has revealed he refuses to send his children to daycare because he doesn't trust strangers to look after his kids. Tomasi Mariner said his long-held distrust was heightened by the arrests of childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown, 26, and Michael Simon Wilson, 36, last week. Wilson is not a childcare worker but is understood to be known to Brown. Brown has been charged with more than 70 child sex offences, including the sexual penetration of a child and producing child abuse material, while Wilson is facing 45 charges including rape and possession of child abuse material. Parents of 1,200 children were advised to consider testing them for sexually transmitted diseases after coming into contact with Brown. Mr Mariner said he had always been a firm believer in not leaving his children at daycare centres. Theres only very few people that I trust my kids with,' he said in a TikTok. 'Its just very hard for me to trust people, especially with things that matter to me, you know, like my kids. Tomasi Mariner (pictured) said he never trusted childcare centres and chose to keep his kids at home before recent allegations of misconduct shocked him Mr Mariner said his partner had previously asked about considering enrolling their children after discussions with other parents. She said, Oh hey babe, do you think we should put the kids in daycare? weve never put our kids in daycare, he said. I said, Darling, who gave birth to those kids? She said, Yeah, I did. I said, Right, so theyre our kids, arent they?"' Mr Mariner said he did not take the advice of other parents, instead suggesting they worry about their own issues. Mr Mariner clarified he had no problem with families who relied on childcare out of necessity but said he personally could not entrust his children to others. Some couples work and they need that service to watch the kids and you know, Im not having a crack at that. I just dont trust people, he said. Id rather my partner spend time with the kids than put them in daycare, and vice versa. Several early childhood educators took to the comment section to urge parents to reconsider centre-based care, and pushed for systemic reform in the industry. Joshua Brown (pictured) has been charged with more than 70 child sex offences Michael Simon Wilson, 36, (above) faces 45 charges including rape and possession of child abuse material 'As an ex-childcare worker, I do not recommend daycare,' one wrote. 'Most employees are high school dropouts and are lazy and sit on their phones all day. Some are dedicated and love children, the others only care about "ticking all the boxes" and what's good for the centre. 'So, yeah, not worth it if you can help it.' Another said she had been in the industry for 13 years before having two babies herself. 'I won't put them in childcare because of things I've seen and how I've seen workers behave towards kids,' she wrote. 'I went on maternity leave and now my babies have left due to abuse once I left,' a third wrote. 'I'm heartbroken and angry for my babies and their families.' Others defended the industry. 'It's not the childcare, it's the abusers,' one wrote. 'How about let's put the accountability on the person and system that committed the offences, and not on parents,' another said. 'There's over 300,000 childcare workers in Australia. Some of those are amazing people,' a third added. 'Not everyone is blessed to have a parent at home always. Some people have to utilise these services.' Cyclist, in his 50s, dies after bus collision A male cyclist has died after he was struck and trapped underneath a bus near Taronga Zoo in Sydney. The man, aged in his 50s, was hit on Bradleys Head Road in Mosman, on Sydney's Lower North Shore, about 10.35am on Sunday. Emergency crews raced to the scene and a specialist medical team was flown in by CareFlight. The cyclist is yet to be formally identified. The bus driver was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing. The four passengers on board the bus at the time were uninjured. 'Officers attached to North Shore Police Area Command established a crime scene which will be examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit,' a NSW Police spokeswoman said. Traffic diversions are currently in place and motorists are urged to avoid the area. Emergency services attended a fatal crash at Taronga Zoo in Sydney's north on Sunday A cyclist, aged in his 50s, could not be saved from the accident, despite paramedics best efforts Mosman buses on routes 100 and 238 are diverting away from Bradleys Head Road due to the crash. There are no buses to or from Taronga Zoo Wharf and buses are starting and ending trips at Mosman Junction. The F2 ferry to Taronga Zoo arrives at Taronga Zoo Wharf and travellers have been warned to reconsider their planned routes. LiveTraffic is advising visitors to the zoo to use the staff entrance at the corner of Whiting beach Road and Prince Albert street. Elon Musk could be facing a major challenge as he works to launch his new 'America Party'. The former 'First Buddy' announced the foundation of the new party on his X social media platform on Saturday. However, there currently exists a bureaucratic obstacle to Musk getting the new movement off the ground: the Federal Elections Commission. The FEC states that 'new party organizations must register with the FEC when they raise or spend money over certain thresholds in connection with a federal election.' So far, it appears no such registration has been made by Musk, as The New York Times reported the Tesla CEO's game plan to this point has been 'more conceptual than pragmatic.' Even if he had, however, there may be no potential approval coming from the FEC in the near future by design. The agency is meant to be run by six commissioners, appointed by the sitting president. Right now, there are three empty seats on the FEC, not enough to form what's known as a quorum necessary for governing. Elon Musk (right) may face a hurdle at the federal level to get his new 'America Party' up and running Trump (pictured) has yet to appoint any new commissioners to the FEC, leaving it essentially unable to give rulings Three commissioners have stepped down since the president began his second term in January, leaving it essentially defunct until Trump makes those appointments. Trump has yet to name any potential nominees and the White House has yet to address Musk's intention to form a new party. DailyMail.com has approached the White House for comment. Democrat Ann Ravel, who served on the FEC from 2013 to 2017, believes Trump may already want to leave it in shutdown mode for his own motivations. 'Clearly, there is no doubt that President Trump wants to purposely leave the FEC without a quorum,' she claimed to Open Secrets. The America Party's founding came after Musk created an online poll on July 4 asking his followers whether to establish the new party. The results came back 65.4 percent in favor, leading Musk to make the announcement. 'By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!' Musk wrote. 'When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. The agency is meant to be run by six commissioners, appointed by the sitting president. Right now, there are three empty seats on the FEC, not enough to form what's known as a quorum necessary for governing The America Party's founding came after Musk created an online poll on July 4 asking his followers whether to establish the new party 'Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.' Musk had been elevated to a prestigious role within the White House acting as a special advisor to the president and overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency. But in recent months a rift has emerged and the two former friends have been embroiled in embarrassing public spats played out over social media. Many had predicted that Trump and Musk's rosy bromance wouldn't last long and some pointed to betting markets on when they would turn on each other. Betters heavily favored a fallout before July 1, 2025, less than six months after Musk joined Trump's administration as a special advisor. In just a matter of months Musk went from spending $288 million for Trump's election campaign, to slinging insults about him online. The bust up occurred after Musk stepped down from DOGE over Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' which ends tax breaks for electric vehicles, which are Tesla CEO Musk's passion project. Musk also argued that the bill undercut DOGE's cost-cutting efforts by increasing the deficit. The rift deepened after the president rescinded his nomination offer to Musk-ally Jared Isaacman for NASA administrator over donations he made to the Democrats. Since then Trump and Musk have engaged in public mudslinging against each other. Musk accused the president of ingratitude and claimed he would have lost the election without him, while Trump branded him 'crazy'. Since their public break-up, Musk has threatened to start a new, third political party and buttress the reelection campaign of Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, one of the no votes on Trump's big bill. Trump recently outed himself as the person who leaked details about Musk's alleged drug use, according to author Michael Wolff, who penned the eye-popping book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House. The New York Times reported that during the 2024 presidential campaign, the billionaire used so much ketamine he was having bladder problems and also used Ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms and what appeared to be Adderall. Musk has denied The Times' reporting and released a drug test online since. An Australian academic detained on false espionage charges in one of Iran's most hellish prisons has revealed she's just months away from welcoming her second child. Kylie Moore-Gilbert was held in Evin and Qarchak prisons in Tehran from September 2018 after she was arrested by the intelligence arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard when she tried to fly out of the country after attending a conference. Once she was finally freed and allowed to return home to Australia in November 2020, Dr Moore-Gilbert discovered her then-husband, Ruslan Hodorov, had started a new relationship with her University of Melbourne colleague and PhD supervisor, Kylie Baxter. She divorced Mr Hodorov soon after. Dr Moore-Gilbert then met her new partner, broadcaster and comedian Sami Shah, on a dating app before the pair had a daughter in 2023. Now they are expecting a baby boy in October. 'I knew I wanted to have kids when I was in prison,' she told the High Steaks podcast. 'You think at length about all kinds of life choices and what matters in your life. 'It was a source of great angst to me that I had this 10-year prison sentence and I could potentially be 41-years-old by the time I was released from prison and maybe I'd never have that opportunity to have a family.' Dr Moore-Gilbert (pictured) said she was kept in a freezing, tiny room and was subject to psychological torture in Iran Dr Moore-Gilbert split her time in Iran between Tehran's Evin Prison (pictured) and Qarchak Prison Dr Moore-Gilbert, the cousin of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, was arrested after two people she attended a conference alongside flagged her as 'suspicious'. An Iranian Revolutionary Court judge sentenced her to 10 years' incarceration in a secret trial where no evidence against Dr Moore-Gilbert was presented. Dr Moore-Gilbert believes she was a victim of hostage diplomacy. Five years after her release, Dr Moore-Gilbert said she felt gratitude she had met Mr Shah, who has a 16-year-old daughter from a previous marriage. 'I never expected at the time to find someone so quickly,' she says. 'I'm really, really fortunate and, you know, maybe the universe owed me a round of good luck.' Though she expressed trepidation at being a 'boy mum' in today's society, highlighting the need for boys to have male role models, particularly in online spaces where misogynistic views are prolific. 'It really concerns me,' she said. Kylie Moore-Gilbert (pictured with partner Sami Shah and their two daughters) was held in an Iranian jail for 804 days 'I think it's lucky that my partner, Sammy, is quite a feminist dad, and he's very open-minded, and having gender equality is important to him. 'That ethos coming through from the family and those values coming through from the family is really important.' Dr Moore-Gilbert who survived being kept in a freezing, tiny cell and subject to psychological torture, said the task of parenting two kids under the age of three was still daunting. An influencer known for documenting her dreamy Gulf Coast travels with her husband is standing by his side as he was sentenced to prison for child pornography. Joshua Stapleton, 39, and his wife Brittani, 31, are the faces behind the 'Gulf Coast Stapletons' - a social media account that captured snapshots of their seemingly perfect, picture-postcard lifestyle along the Gulf Coast. But their dreamy world came to a screeching halt when investigators discovered that, over the course of two years, Joshua had downloaded images of prepubescent children portrayed in sexually-charged situations, as reported by Fox 5 News. More than four years after authorities launched their investigation, the Georgia native was sentenced last month to five years behind bars, followed by 15 years on probation. On Friday, however, Brittani took to TikTok with a lengthy video defending her husband - going as far as threatening legal action against anyone spreading what she called 'false' statements. 'Josh was absolutely upfront with me about everything in the charges - there were no secrets,' she said in the video. Brittani also posted a photo on Instagram of herself lying on her husband's lap aboard a boat, captioning it: 'If this is the statement you're looking for, here it is.' Her husband's arrest followed an investigation launched by the Cartersville Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division, with support from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Homeland Security. Brittani Stapleton (left), 31, defended her husband, Joshua (right), 39, as he was sentenced to five years in prison for child pornography An investigation uncovered that, over the course of two years, Joshua (pictured) had downloaded images of prepubescent children portrayed in sexually-charged situations and was sentenced last month to five years behind bars, followed by 15 years on probation The couple (pictured) are the faces behind the 'Gulf Coast Stapletons' - a social media account that captured snapshots of their seemingly perfect, picture-postcard lifestyle along the Gulf Coast It was during this time that Joshua was discovered to have downloaded images of children in sexually abusive situations between 2018 and 2020. 'Just a mild-mannered guy, nothing that would even give you the slightest inclination that there was some type of criminal activity going on,' Bryan Canty, who lived across the street from Joshua in Georgia, told Fox 5. Recalling the night in 2020 when multiple agencies swarmed Joshua's home, he remembered thinking, 'What in the world is going on?' 'l learned about the child exploitation charges later and that just threw me for a loop,' he added. 'I had absolutely no idea.' Originally charged with 15 counts of child porn possession, Joshua was later indicted on a staggering 40 counts of sexual exploitation of children. He ultimately accepted a non-negotiable plea deal, pleading guilty to 20 counts while the remaining 20 charges were dropped. Joshua and Brittani - who have amassed more than one million likes across TikTok and Instagram - often share duo workouts, meals, and vacations with their more than 81,000 followers. Just last week, the pair shared several videos from their trip to Orange Beach, Alabama. While defending her husband (right) in a lengthy, eight-minute video, Brittani (left) said: Josh was absolutely upfront with me about everything in the charges - there were no secrets' But Brittani's next public words came in an eight-minute video posted to the popular platform - one many have since labeled 'extremely concerning.' In the video, she sought to correct what she called 'misinformation' circulating online after news of her husband's incarceration broke. 'What you're not allowed to do is post anything that is a false statement, that is damaging to someone's reputation,' Brittani sternly said. 'And I've seen a lot of it, so I'm going to set the record straight, but if I continue to see it, naturally I'm going to have to take legal action because it's absolutely illegal,' she added. Brittani went on to address her most frequently asked question: whether she knew about the crimes before marrying Joshua in 2023 - to which she replied, 'Absolutely, I knew.' In the video, Brittani (right) even went as far as to threatening legal action against anyone spreading what she called 'false' statements following her husband's (left) sentencing She explained that they were friends before dating, and when the charges surfaced, she reached out to him because it didn't sound like him - especially since they had already taken multiple vacations and spent a lot of time together. 'I have a really good judge of character and I knew something was up,' she said. 'I knew that was not Josh.' She also pushed back against accusations that they were projecting 'fake lives' on their social media accounts. 'There's nothing fake about it. It was our lives, we are still happy, he and I have no issues,' Brittani posted. Joshua is currently being held in the Bartow County Sheriff's Office Jail. Authorities have yet to release additional information. The agency under fire over a delayed warning ahead of the floods that have killed at least 50 people in Texas had gone through massive job cuts in the months prior to the disaster. At least 50 people - including 15 children - have died after the Guadalupe River surged nearly 30 feet above its normal height, devastating a children's summer camp and ripping apart families. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was brutally grilled over the delayed warning alerts Texas residents received before the monster flash flood was about to devastate the state. Residents were not warned until 1:18pm on July 3, the day they began, and were told it was 'moderate' storms. Many Texans have blamed the slow updates as part of the reason at least 50 have lost their lives and 27 are still missing. Finger pointing has landed on the National Weather Service which had recently begun the process of hiring 100 new employees. However, this came months after around 600 people were fired from the agency in recent months as part of massive cuts to the federal government under Trump, according to NPR. By April, nearly half of NWS forecast offices had 20 percent vacancy rates. The agency under fire over a delayed warning ahead of the floods that have killed at least 50 people in Texas had gone through massive job cuts in the months prior to the disaster Around 600 people were fired from the agency in recent months as part of massive cuts to the federal government under Trump Noem joined Governor Greg Abbott and other state personnel for a press conference on Saturday, where a journalist grilled the cabinet member on the delayed warning from the National Weather Service. She blamed the 'ancient system' and said the Trump Administration would look into renewing the system to better work for US citizens. 'The weather is extremely difficult to predict,' Noem said. 'But also that the National Weather Service, over the years at times, has done well and at times, we have all wanted more time and more warning and more notification.' She said the Trump Administration is working to 'fix' and 'update the technology.' 'We needed to renew this ancient system that has been left in place with the federal government for many, many years and that is the reforms that are ongoing there.' Noem did not bring up how the Trump Administration had proposed cuts for FEMA and NOAA, both of which help during natural disasters. The proposal includes cutting NOAA's weather laboratories that research severe storms, as well as, its hub for climate science coordination and research. The cuts led to a Florida meteorologist to sound the alarm on what a decimated NWS would do just a month ago. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was brutally grilled over the delayed warning alerts Texas residents received before the monster flash flood was about to devastate the state NBC 6 hurricane specialist John Morales used a June 3 segment to warn about cuts to both the NWS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With the Atlantic hurricane season kicking off on Sunday, Morales warned the budget cuts will impact his ability to predict and track storms. 'As you've grown accustomed to my presentations over my 34 years in South Florida newscast, confidently, I went on TV and told you, "It's going to turn. You don't need to worry,"' he said. 'I'm here to tell you I'm not sure I can do that this year, Because of the cuts the gutting, the sledgehammer attack on science in general.' Morales claimed the Trump Administration's cuts will have a 'multi-generation impact on science in this country' and advised his viewers to call their representatives. 'What we're starting to see is that the quality of the forecasts is becoming degraded,' he said. 'There's also a chance because of some of these cuts that NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft will not be able to fly this year and with less reconnaissance missions may be flying blind. And we may not exactly know how strong a hurricane is before it reaches the coastline.' The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasted last week that this year's season is expected to bring as many as 10 hurricanes. A view of a damaged building at Camp Mystic, the site of where nine girls lost their lives after it was deluged by raging flood waters Meanwhile, Texas continues the rescue effort, as Governor Greg Abbott said the search for survivors will continue 24 hours a day. 'We will find every one of them,' he promised on Saturday, while calling the state's response to the tragedy 'quintessentially Texas.' 'When Texas faces a challenge, we come together, we unite,' he said, while sitting next to Noem. 'It's what Texans do, it's what we will continue to do... We will not stop today or tomorrow, we will stop when it's finish.' He also signed a request for federal aid, which Noem said the president is expected to sign. Earlier today, harrowing images emerged showing the remains of a the leveled summer camp where at least three campers lost their lives after it was deluged by deadly flood waters. At least three campers were killed when the unprecedented current slammed the camp as the girls slept. Dozens more people, including other campers, are still missing. NBC 6 hurricane specialist John Morales (pictured) warned that the Trump Administration's cuts to federal weather agencies will impact meteorologists' abilities to accurately forecast Among those confirmed dead are 15 children, including the three young girls who were attending the popular Hunt, Texas summer camp. Renee Smajstrla, eight, Janie Hunt, nine, and Sarah Marsh all perished when the camp was washed away by the flood waters. Among the other confirmed dead are: Jeff Ramsey and Jane Ragsdale, the director of Heart O' the Hills, another nearby summer camp. And 850 people have been rescued by authorities as of Saturday evening. Heartbreaking pictures show how the side of the summer camp was completely wrenched away by the floods. Inside, sodden beds and blankets of the campers can be seen covered in a thick sludge and belongings such as bags and clothing are also seen strewn across the floor. Another build saw its roof sag over the ruined building as pieces of jagged wood splintered underneath it. A 27-year-old father, Julian Ryan, also reportedly died while attempting to save his family after water flooded their in nearby Ingram. As water quickly rose to their knees, Ryan punched a window to get his fiancee, children, and his mother out of the home safely and onto the roof. A jogger takes a detour around a flooded running path in Louise Hays Park, along the banks of the Guadalupe River Governor Greg Abbott requested federal aid. Noem said the president is likely to sign it However, his life-saving punch severed an artery in his arm and 'almost cut it clean off,' his fiancee, Christinia Wilson, told KHOU. Hours later, he told them: ''Im sorry, Im not going to make it. I love yall.' His body was recovered later that morning after the water receded. The family has since started a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of his funeral services. Experts have also surfaced fears that Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, which is near Austin, will burst as the Llano River is near its crest and flows quickly toward the body of water. 'Boaters need to get off the water ASAP. Debris-filled fast-moving water will arrive rapidly,' CBS Austin Meteorologist, Avery Tomasco, warned. The river is flowing at a whopping 125,000 cubic-feet-per-second - nearly three times as fast as it was mere hours ago. The rising river levels come after unprecedented surge of the Guadalupe River. Parts of the Lone Star State are expected to be lashed by up to five more inches of rain late Saturday, further stoking fears for dozens of people still missing - some areas are even bracing for up to 10 more inches of rain. Locals worry Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, which is near the Southern city, will burst as the Llano River is near its crest and flowing quickly toward the body of water Several counties - including Travis and Burnet Counties - remain under a flash flood emergency as flood waters are tearing down homes, sweeping away children, and leaving families devastated. The loved ones of the missing are desperately begging for help in finding their loved ones. In lighter news, four Camp Mystic campers feared missing have since been confirmed found by their families - Ella Bennett, a Camp Mystic counselor, and Annie Flack, a camper. While, two other unidentified campers have also been found and were airlifted to safety. At least two dozen more still have not been found. Another survivor was captured in a dramatic rescue after she was swept nearly 12 miles downstream by raging floods. The terrified youngster was pictured clinging to the branches of a tree as the rapids swelled beneath her. The girl, who is yet to be identified, was later taken to safety, News 4 San Antonio reports. Pictured: A dad hugging his daughter tight at a reunification center in Ingram. Twenty-four people died during the massive floods in Texas, most of which were children attending a summer camp. Many more are still missing The final death toll is expected to rise as dozens remain unaccounted for after the unexpected flood (Pictured: A drone view of flooded houses along the Concho River) A separate video showed a helicopter airlifting an individual to safety after the unprecedented flooding. Officials have since launched a massive rescue effort to locate dozens of missing individuals. As the extensive search efforts continue, identities of the missing have begun to emerge with families sharing photos of their loved ones in hopes of learning information about their whereabouts. The family of an eight-year-old girl named Renee Smajstrla has confirmed that she was among those who lost her life during the tragic floods. Her uncle, Shawn Salta, shared on Facebook: 'We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday. She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.' Heart O' the Hills camp was also impacted by the flood path. The camp shared in an announcement on their website that their director and co-owner, Jane Ragsdale, died in the flood. 'We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives and was the definition of strong and powerful,' Heart O' the Hills said. A friend of Jane's shared their last text exchange on social media, writing to her that she was thinking of the camp as the summertime approached. Several counties - including Travis and Burnet Counties - are under a flash flood emergency as flood waters are tearing down homes, sweeping away children, and leaving families devastated 'Aw! Thanks. It's definitely our time of year, what we love and live for,' Jane replied. Heart O' the Hills added in their statement they weren't in session during the floods and most of those on the site were accounted for and on high ground. Terrified parents of those missing said they have been left in limbo as they await news from the ongoing searches. 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. Among those named missing: are Linnie McCown, Anna Margaret Bellows, Mary Grace Baker, Greta Toranzo, Lainey Landry, Kelly Anne Lytal, Margaret Sheedy, Virginia Hollis, Cile Stewart, Wynne Naylor, Molly Dewitt, Blakely McCrory, Hadley Hanna, Ella Cahill, Joyce Badon, Reese Manchaca, and Aidan Heartfield. 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. At a press conference late on Friday evening, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the floods had been devastating, and declared that 'we need God more than ever.' 'It needs God, but it also needs a robust response... searches will continue in the darkness of night, and they will continue' into the early hours of Saturday, Abbott said. Rushing water on the Guadalupe River on Saturday. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the floods had been devastating, and declared that 'we need God more than ever' The National Weather Service has warned that Austin is next in line for biblical floods as Kerrville is swamped under dangerously high waters that have swept children down a river, devastated families, and ruined homes 'Well put in everything we have in the entire state.' At least 14 helicopters, 12 drones and more than 500 people from various units have joined search efforts, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said at the press conference. Over 150 people were airlifted from danger during the extensive search and rescue efforts by Texas authorities throughout Friday. Officials said at the press conference on Friday night that a total of 237 people were rescued by authorities through the day, with many more still unaccounted for. The massive flood shocked local officials in Kerr County, with local Judge Rob Kelly admitting that 'no one knew this kind of flood was coming.' President Donald Trump also broke his silence on the devastating floods, as he pledged to fully support the ongoing recovery efforts. 'It's terrible, the floods, it's shocking,' he said late Friday evening. Trump was asked by reporters if he would provide federal aid to the area, to which he responded: 'We'll take care of them.' 'It's a terrible thing,' he added. Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said that the Coast Guard was 'punching through storms to evacuate Americans from central Texas. 'We will fly throughout the night and as long as possible. This is what the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard do,' she added. The remarks came as footage from the ongoing searches of the Guadalupe River show a helicopter heroically saving someone from the flood damage. The footage showed a person being hoisted from the river as one of 14 helicopters deployed during the searches lifted them to safety. When Julian McMahon's heartbroken wife announced he had died in the United States after secretly suffering from an unnamed cancer, one seemingly minor detail raised immediate questions. As part of her statement, shared on Saturday Australian time, Kelly McMahon revealed Julian had passed in the city of Clearwater, Florida - a seaside enclave on the Gulf of Mexico where the Charmed actor had no known connections. Clearwater, which has a population of 116,000, is notorious for being overrun by the Church of Scientology. The religion's global headquarters, Flag, is in the heart of the town, and its followers own most of the commercial real estate. Kelly's statement prompted a flurry of speculation online that Julian - son of former Australian Prime Minister William McMahon - could be a follower of the controversial organisation. 'I live in Clearwater... close to a house [Scientologist] John Travolta owns because we're about a mile from the Scientology center in downtown Clearwater,' one local wrote on Instagram. 'I was wondering if Julian McMahon was a Scientologist since [Kelly's statement] said he died in Clearwater, because why else would he live the last few months of his life there? The only celebrities that do are usually Scientologists. Surprised, that's for certain!' Another person posted on Twitter, 'Why was Julian McMahon in Clearwater when he died? Like, that's Scientology city.' Beloved Australian actor Julian McMahon died last week at the age of just 56 from cancer Julian's wife of 11 years Kelly shared a heartbreaking statement confirming his passing His location of death - Clearwater, Florida, a Scientology stronghold - raised eyebrows online Julian's place of death also sparked a thread on Reddit, where one person dismissed speculation by saying, 'He was an Australian who loved the beach. I don't see him being involved with Scientology'. Indeed, there is no mention of Julian, former model Kelly, his daughter Madison or ex-wife Brooke Burns on any Scientology databases, nor is Daily Mail Australia suggesting he was a Scientologist. Attempts to reach a representative for Julian have been made. So notorious is the town's connection to the religion that former celebrity follower Leah Remini dedicated an entire episode of her docuseries Scientology and the Aftermath to how the church took it over. A Tampa Bay Times investigation revealed the church, its members and companies now own 185 properties in the city's downtown enclave. Church poster boy Tom Cruise lives in a penthouse apartment with his son Connor, and famous follower Kirstie Alley, who died in 2022 from colon cancer, owned a waterfront mansion there - which she bought from fellow late Scientologist Lisa Marie Presley in 2000. Devotee John Travolta's wife Kelly Preston died after a battle with breast cancer in Clearwater in 2020. It's not known if Julian lived in Clearwater. The church owns numerous businesses within the city, including The Fort Harrison Hotel Clearwater has a high population of Scientologists, many of whom attend this religious retreat Julian was father to daughter Madison, whom he shares with ex-wife, actress Brooke Burns His daughter Madison, 25, appears to reside in Miami, a four-hour drive away, where she is a yoga instructor. Widow Kelly, a former model, now describes herself as a 'spiritual concierge', operating a business called Super Spiritual Girl. According to her website, she is a shamanic healer, reiki master, certified meditation instructor and intuitive reader. She has hosted spiritual workshops in Miami. After achieving acting success in Australia on Home and Away, Julian moved to Los Angeles, where he owned two houses. He offloaded a Hollywood Hills home in 2014, and sold his Malibu mansion in 2017. In announcing his shock passing, Kelly said on Saturday in a statement to Deadline: 'With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer. 'Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.' The talented actor was best known for his role as Dr. Christian Troy on the FX series Nip/Tuck. He then won the hearts of many as he portrayed Cole Turner in Charmed seasons 3 through 5 from 2000 to 2003 before returning as a guest for season 7 in 2005. Scientology has a history of attracting celebrities - seen here is its Hollywood location Julian later starred as Jess LaCroix on the CBS series FBI: Most Wanted beginning 2020 but made a surprise exit in March 2022 after three seasons. On the big screen, he starred as iconic supervillain Dr. Doom in two Marvel movies Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (2007). He also appeared alongside Sandra Bullock in 2007 supernatural psychological thriller Premonition. Most recently, he teamed up with Nicolas Cage for the Australian-made film The Surfer. In a statement to Deadline, Nicolas said, 'I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors.' He added: 'Our scenes together on The Surfer were amongst my favorites I have ever participated in, and Julian is one of my favorite people. He was a kind and intelligent man. My love to his family.' Julian and Kelly had been together for 11 years before marrying in a romantic ceremony in Lake Tahoe, a lakeside area on the edge of California and Nevada, in 2014. It was his third marriage. Julian's The Surfer co-star Nicolas Cage (left) shared a touching tribute to his friend Ms Burns shared a simple message in honour of her ex-husband's passing to Instagram He was previously married to model and Baywatch actress Brooke Burns - mum to Madison - from 1999 to 2001. Brooke shared a touching old image of Julian and Madison to Instagram, accompanied with the words, 'Rest in peace' and a heart emoji. Julian's first marriage was to Australian actress and pop star Dannii Minogue, after meeting on the Home and Away set in 1991. Their union was doomed, seemingly in part due to Julian's mother - the late Lady Sonia McMahon, a Sydney socialite - not approving of Dannii. 'His family did not like me,' Dannii said. 'There's a certain social pecking order and I was definitely not in that scene. She [Sonia] only spoke to me a couple of times.' Dannii alleged her former mother-in-law 'caused issues' at the couple's 1994 wedding. 'On the actual day of the wedding there was drama,' she said. 'She said she wasn't going to show up, so that's quite stressful. Julian and I were going ahead with the marriage regardless. 'So she did end up coming and was causing a scene. It wasn't the greatest... it was hard. I tried to stay away from it. I just wanted to enjoy the day.' The marriage ended 18 months later. Three people have died in a two-vehicle crash as emergency services rushed a fourth to hospital in a critical condition. The vehicles collided about 7.20am on Sunday on Bolinda-Darraweit Road near Bolinda, about 55km north of Melbourne. 'Three people from one of the vehicles, who have yet to be formally identified, died at the scene,' a Victoria Police spokesman said. 'The fourth occupant from that car was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.' The driver and sole occupant of the second vehicle was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 'The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing,' the police said. At midday, Detective Senior Sergeant Ben Morris said investigators had not yet determined what caused the crash. 'We do have a deceased animal that's involved on the side of the road which could be involved in what's happened here today, we're not 100 per cent sure,' Senior Sergeant Morris said, per the ABC. Two cars have collided on a road at Bolinda, Victoria, (above) on Sunday morning, killing three people Police believe one of the cars may have drifted across the dividing lines of Bolinda-Darraweit Road (pictured) 'But it appears that one of the vehicles has veered into the oncoming traffic.' The crash took the state's road toll for the year to 156 people. The toll has reached 15 more deaths than the same time last year. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers. A McDonald's customer has come under fire after posting a video criticising the state of one of the fast food giant's locations in Queensland. The woman, known only as Zoe, shared footage of the Hervey Bay restaurant to social media in which the floor of the dining area - both inside and outside - was covered in discarded food wrappers, straws and drink lids. She showed the bin overflowing along with spilled food and liquids on the service counter and many of the seats, making finding a place to even sit down hard. There did not appear to be any staff cleaning up the mess in the video. 'DO BETTER! I can NOT believe how you are still open and running a place in such filth,' she captioned the video. But, rather than agreeing the condition of the outlet was unacceptable, Zoe's post sparked a wave of backlash from viewers, with many rushing to defend the staff who work at the fast-food business and placing blame on customers instead. 'Why are we just blaming the restaurant? Why aren't the consumers cleaning up after themselves?' one person said. Some labelled the TikToker a 'Karen' with one viewer telling her that 'if you think you can do better then go do it'. Several commenters, who said they were current or former fast-food workers, argued that Zoe's criticism was unfair and failed to acknowledge the realities of the job where workers had to serve customers in a rush. 'As a fast food worker, we literally never get time to change bins or clean,' one person explained. 'There is always something else that takes first priority. People don't seem to comprehend how demanding our managers are.' 'Hey, so McDonald's actually provides bins! And staff do clean the restaurant and toilets, when they have time,' someone else said. 'It's not fair on us if we are mid-rush and have people complaining about a mess that other customers have created.' Some said she was being too harsh on young employees 'who can't win cause they also cop abuse from people for taking too long to make their food'. Other people pointed out the video was filmed during school holiday time, blaming school kids for being messy. However, not everyone disagreed and many offered support for Zoe's message. The McDonalds dining room and outdoor area were both covered in rubbish from customers The footage was captured at the McDonalds in Hervey Bay, south of Bundaberg in Queensland 'I'm a customer that will always tidy up after myself, but it is difficult to do so if the bins aren't emptied, that comes down to staff and manager responsibility,' one said. 'Unfortunately that's always been Hervey Bay Maccas for you, it's never changed.' another added. 'Yup its getting worse. Almost [every McDonalds], KFC, Hungry Jacks I've been to is just horrendous with dirty tables, toilets, floors.' 'It's disgusting and the smell was horrid' Zoe replied. A YouGov survey conducted last year revealed that more than a third of Australians (37 per cent) have personally witnessed hygiene or safety issues at their local fast-food outlets. The findings came in the wake of a viral incident involving a McDonald's store in Queensland, where staff were filmed drying a mop under the same heat lamps used to keep fries warm. The footage also showed workers standing on food preparation surfaces while wearing work boots. McDonalds Australia was contacted for comment by Daily Mail Australia. Iran's Supreme Leader has made his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, on Saturday attended a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura - a significant day in Islam marking the death of Husayn ibn Ali, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson. The octogenarian leader was shown in state TV footage waving to the cheering crowds and greeting worshippers who had gathered at a mosque near his office in Tehran. Khamenei could be seen on stage dressed in black and white as the audience before him, fists in the air, chanted: 'The blood in our veins for our leader!' State TV said the clip was filmed at central Tehrans Imam Khomeini Mosque, named for the founder of the Islamic republic. The leader, who has been in power since 1989, spoke last week in a pre-recorded video, but had not been seen in public since before Israel initiated the conflict with a shower of surprise airstrikes on June 13. Khamenei's absence during the war suggested the Iranian leader, who has final say on all state matters, had been in seclusion in a bunker - something not acknowledged by state media. There was no immediate report on any public statement made. Iranian officials such as the parliament speaker were present. Such events are always held under heavy security. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday attended a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura - a significant day in Islam marking the death of Husayn ibn Ali, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Iran's supreme leader made his first public appearance since the outbreak of his country's recent 12-day war with Israel The octogenarian leader was shown in a video broadcast by state television greeting people and being cheered at a mosque on Saturday After the US inserted itself into the war by bombing three key nuclear sites in Iran, US President Donald Trump sent warnings via social media to the 86-year-old Khamenei that the US knew where he was but had no plans to kill him, 'at least for now.' On June 26, shortly after a ceasefire began, Khamenei made his first public statement in days, saying in a prerecorded statement that Tehran had delivered a 'slap to America's face' by striking a US air base in Qatar, and warning against further attacks by the US or Israel on Iran. Trump replied, in remarks to reporters and on social media: 'Look, you're a man of great faith. A man who's highly respected in his country. You have to tell the truth. You got beat to hell.' Iran has acknowledged the deaths of more than 900 people in the war, as well as thousands of injured. It also has confirmed serious damage to its nuclear facilities, and has denied access to them for inspectors with the U.N. nuclear watchdog. Iran's president on Wednesday ordered the country to suspend its cooperation with the watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, further limiting inspectors' ability to track a program that had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels. Israel launched the war fearing that Iran was trying to develop atomic weapons. It remains unclear just how badly damaged the nuclear facilities are, whether any enriched uranium or centrifuges had been moved before the attacks, and whether Tehran still would be willing to continue negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program. Fire and smoke rise into the sky after an Israeli attack on an oil depot in Tehran, Iran, at dawn on Sunday, June 15, 2025 The Iron Dome, the Israeli air defense system, intercepts missiles fired from Iran, over Tel Aviv, Israel, 16 June 2025 Damaged residential buildings after Iranian ballistic missiles hit Bat Yam, central Israel, 15 June 2025 Israel also targeted defense systems, high-ranking military officials and atomic scientists. In retaliation, Iran fired more than 550 ballistic missiles at Israel, most of them intercepted, killing 28 people and causing damage in many areas. The ceremony that Khamenei hosted Saturday was a remembrance of the 7th century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein. Shiites represent over 10 per cent of the world's 1.8 billion Muslims, and they view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Hussein's death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, created a rift in Islam and continues to play a key role in shaping Shiite identity. In predominantly Shiite Iran, red flags represented Hussein's blood and black funeral tents and clothes represented mourning. Processions of chest-beating and self-flagellating men demonstrated fervor. Some sprayed water over the mourners in the intense heat. NetBlocks, a global internet monitor, reported late Saturday on X that there was a 'major disruption to internet connectivity' in Iran. It said the disruption corroborated widespread user reports of problems accessing the internet. The development comes just weeks after authorities shut down telecoms during the war. NetBlocks later said internet access had been restored after some two hours. NATO chief Mark Rutte has chillingly warned that World War III will start with simultaneous invasions from Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Secretary-general Rutte suggested the combined attacks from the Chinese and Russian leaders could trigger a World War nightmare and bring the planet to the brink of Armageddon. According to the NATO chief, China would start by seeking to grab Taiwan - while ensuring the Kremlin dictator simultaneously attacks NATO territory, amid fears Putin is anyway eyeing the Baltic republics Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, formerly part of the USSR. Russia today hit back at ex-Netherlands premier Rutte, claiming he had 'gorged on too many of the magic mushrooms beloved by the Dutch', while warning he should look forward to a future in a hellish Siberian labour camp. Stressing the urgent need to re-arm and boost military budgets, Rutte told the New York Times in a chilling vision of the future: 'Let's not be naive about this. 'If Xi Jinping would attack Taiwan, he would first make sure that he makes a call to his very junior partner in all of this, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, residing in Moscow, and telling him, "Hey, I'm going to do this, and I need you to to keep them busy in Europe by attacking NATO territory". 'That is most likely the way this will progress, and to deter them, we need to do two things' he added. Continuing his terrifying account, Rutte said: 'One is that NATO, collectively, being so strong that the Russians will never do this. Secretary-general Mark Rutte suggested combined attacks from the Chinese and Russian leaders could trigger a World War nightmare and bring the planet to the brink of Armageddon According to the NATO chief, China would start by seeking to grab Taiwan - while ensuring the Kremlin dictator simultaneously attacks NATO territory, amid fears Putin is anyway eyeing the Baltic republics Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, formerly part of the USSR Putin pummelled Ukraine with four S-300 missiles and 157 drones, with 127 of the UAVs shot down or suppressed by electronic warfare 'And second, working together with the Indo-Pacific - something President [Donald] Trump is very much promoting, because we have this close interconnectedness, working together on defence industry, innovation between NATO and the Indo-Pacific.' Rutte warned that Putin is rearming at a fast pace, insisting that Western countries must increase defence spending. 'We have an enormous geopolitical challenge on our hands,' he said. 'And that is first of all Russia, which is reconstituting itself at a pace and a speed which is unparalleled in recent history. 'They are now producing three times as much ammunition in three months as the whole of NATO is doing in a year. 'This is unsustainable, but the Russians are working together with the North Koreans, with the Chinese and Iranians, the mullahs, in fighting this unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. 'So here, the Indo-Pacific and your Atlantic are getting more and more interconnected. We know that China has its eye on Taiwan.' Senior Putin security official Dmitry Medvedev - a former Russian president and ex-premier - lashed out on X: 'Rutte has clearly gorged on too many of the magic mushrooms beloved by the Dutch. 'He sees collusion between China & Russia over Taiwan, and then a Russian attack on Europe. 'But he's right about one thing: he should learn Russian. It might come in handy in a Siberian camp.' The warnings came as Russia continued its onslaught on Ukraine - days after Putin informed Trump by telephone that he had no intention of halting his war of invasion. Senior Putin security official Dmitry Medvedev (pictured) - a former Russian president and ex-premier - lashed out on X: 'Rutte has clearly gorged on too many of the magic mushrooms beloved by the Dutch Explosions hit Kyiv and the surrounding region, with multiple people wounded and residential buildings damaged Two multi-story buildings were damaged in the Vyshhorod district, the fire destroyed four garage premises and a car, and three more cars were damaged Putin pummelled Ukraine with four S-300 missiles and 157 drones, with 127 of the UAVs shot down or suppressed by electronic warfare. Explosions hit Kyiv and the surrounding region, with multiple people wounded and residential buildings damaged. In Ukraine's second city Kharkiv, a two year old child and a woman, 46, were among those hurt as Putin continued to terrorise civilians, seeking to weaken the population's resolve. The Russians also hit Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region. Apartment buildings were also hit in Kramatorsk in drone strikes. Ukraine hit back with an attack sea drone seen being destroyed by Russian defences in Novorossiysk Bay in the Black Sea. Moscow was forced to close its major international airport Sheremetyevo due to the threat of drones. Rutte praised Trump for seeking to make progress with Putin. 'He is the one who broke the deadlock with Putin. When he became president in January, he started these discussions with Putin, and he was the only one who was able to do this,' said the NATO chief. 'This had to happen. A direct dialogue between the American president and the president of the Russian Federation.' Yet this had not yet resulted in a peace deal. 'We are not there yet, and that means that in the meantime you have to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to stay in the fight.' A British woman has warned against buying property in Spain after being forced to sell her squatted villa for a fraction of its value. Louise Bawn, 53, from Bristol, has been battling to win back her 160,000 (138,000) home in Cartama, Malaga, since it was illegally occupied in early 2023. But after repeated inaction by the local police and courts, she has given up and decided to sell. She told MailOnline she will be lucky to get 30,000 (26,000) as she must notify buyers that it comes okupado - filled with squatters. She said: I stand to lose over 100,000 (86,000), not to mention the amount Ive already lost by them stealing two cars plus the entire contents of both the house and garage. My father had thousands of pounds worth of tools which are all gone its disgusting that they are allowed to get away with it. The two-bedroom home is in the village of Sexmo, which sits in the picturesque hills of inland Malaga, but is only around a 20-minute drive from the coast. It was left to her by her late father, and she was in the process of renovating it when it was first broken into in February 2023. Louise Bawn, 53, from Bristol, has been battling to win back her 160,000 (138,000) home in Cartama, Malaga, since it was illegally occupied in early 2023 She told MailOnline she will be lucky to get 30,000 (26,000) as she must notify buyers that it comes okupado - filled with squatters CCTV footage showed men breaking and entering, meaning the authorities had a right to remove them for breaking the law Louise went straight to the authorities who she says did nothing to turf the squatters out. For more than a year, Louise tried everything to get her house back, including hiring a so-called desokupa firm, which sees a group of strong-armed men physically remove illegal dwellers. Louise estimates that she has spent upwards of 20,000 (17,000) on trying to get her house back, including flights, accommodation and legal fees. The two cars which were allegedly stolen from her garage were worth 15,000 (15,000), while her fathers very expensive tools and solar panels he was set to install were valued at 50,000 (43,000). The brand new kitchen that was in the middle of being installed was also ripped from the walls and taken away. The sheer level of destruction was not revealed until September 2024, when police finally removed the squatters after it emerged they were dealing drugs. The very same day, Louise entered the property to find it had been totally ransacked. In a video shared with MailOnline, a security team can be seen installing new alarms and security cameras. Incredibly, just five hours later, the property was taken over by more squatters. I believe there is a network in the area because the person who I saw the first time is not the same one who the alarm caught breaking in, Louise added. The CCTV footage showed men breaking and entering, meaning the authorities had a right to remove them for breaking the law. Louise has been back and forth with the authorities for the past 10 months but has received no meaningful help Squatting has long been a scourge on the Spanish property market, but the public are becoming increasingly aware and tired of the lacklustre laws designed to tackle it Louise estimates that she has spent upwards of 20,000 (17,000) on trying to get her house back, including flights, accommodation and legal fees Despite this, when the Guardia Civil showed up, they took the side of the squatters, leaving Louise locked out of her villa once more. She recalled: We secured the house and within five hours it was broken into again. The Guardia Civil arrived but believed them over us and our estate agent. The squatters claimed they had been living there for two years. The police asked if we were sleeping there and when we said no because we were there to secure it and sell it, they just shrugged their shoulders. Louise has been back and forth with the authorities for the past 10 months but has received no meaningful help. In a letter seen by MailOnline, the Foreign Office said it was unable to intervene in the judicial processes of another country. Louise said: At some point I have to draw a line and stop throwing good money after bad, adding that she would never buy a property in Spain, and never wants to return to the country. Louise continued: My advice is dont even consider buying there my only suggestion is for owners to get a monitored alarm, never leave the property empty for any length of time and get squatters insurance. None of this is a guarantee because I believe some of the police take bribes from the squatters to allow them to stay. The reality of owning a home in Spain is a far cry from the dream life portrayed on property shows. No amount of locks, security gates and alarms will stop the determination of these squatters because the law turns a blind eye and seems to be on their side rather than that of the homeowner. For more than a year, Louise tried everything to get her house back, including hiring a so-called desokupa firm, which sees a group of strong-armed men physically remove illegal dwellers A new 'anti-squatter law' came into effect in April which allows squatters who break into a property to be evicted within 15 days I bet it would be a different story if it was the cops' property being occupied! Squatting has long been a scourge on the Spanish property market, but the public are becoming increasingly aware and tired of the lacklustre laws designed to tackle it. It comes after a new 'anti-squatter law' came into effect in April which allows squatters who break into a property to be evicted within 15 days. However, it does not apply to tenants who had a rental contract and stopped paying their landlord and refuse to move out. This has led many squatters to draw up fake rental contracts in a bid to delay their eviction. Its just one of the many tactics used by networks of squatters across the country, who make a business out of occupying homes. British estate agent Paul Stuart, 44, of Palm Estates, has been working along the Costa del Sol for years. He told MailOnline how the squatter issue has been getting progressively worse since Covid. He said: Ive got loads of clients affected. It genuinely upsets me what these people are doing to people, its so disgusting and immoral, it's hard to find the words. He said the new squatter law does nothing to tackle the problem. The thing is, there is a squatters bible online that gives them all the advice on how to manipulate the law. They are trained and make their own contracts, as soon as cops show up they say yep, we are renters here. The sheer level of destruction was not revealed until September 2024, when police finally removed the squatters after it emerged they were dealing drugs He said once squatters enter an apartment complex, they begin scouting other properties for their network to occupy. He explained: They are surveying homes, Ive been following them they get into one, then watch the others on the development to identify empty properties, then pass that info on Then they go with the locksmith, change the locks, then sell the keys and move onto another one. Paul said it is more difficult to evict squatters in inland areas because the courts are more backlogged. He added: The squatter issue is progressively getting worse, especially since Covid. There are multiple reasons why, one of them is that the rents are too high for more people, and the government has not done a good job of organising social housing. Finally, the court system doesnt deal with bad tenants well enough, meaning the risk factor for landlords renting long term is very, very high. This means they either put them on Airbnb instead, depleting demand, or up the rent to account for the risk. The Tories are demanding foreigners are banned from claiming key disability benefits in the wake of Labour's humiliating U-turn on welfare reforms. Kemi Badenoch's party will attempt to change the Government's welfare Bill to tighten access to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit. The Conservatives will table an amendment proposing a requirement for eligibility for PIP to be determined by a face-to-face meeting, rather than virtually. They also want to prevent somebody from being classed as having a severe condition for the purpose of Universal Credit only by having anxiety, mild depression, or ADHD. And a third amendment would block a planned increase in Universal Credit and restrict PIP for some people who are not British citizens. It comes after Sir Keir Starmer was forced to shelve Labour's own plans to restrict eligibility to PIP, the main disability payment in England, in the face of a huge Labour rebellion. As he endured his worst week in office so far, the Prime Minister also witnessed Chancellor Rachel Reeves openly weeping in the House of Commons. She said her upset was due to a 'personal' issue, but it came as the welfare U-turn piled further pressure on Ms Reeves to fill a black hole in the public finances. Kemi Badenoch 's party will attempt to change the Government's welfare Bill to tighten access to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit Sir Keir Starmer was forced to shelve Labour's own plans to restrict eligibility to PIP, the main disability payment in England, in the face of a huge Labour rebellion Mrs Badenoch branded the Government's watering down of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill - now set to be renamed the Universal Credit Bill as 'farcical'. The Tories will now look to lay amendments to the legislation with Mrs Badenoch due to deliver a major speech on welfare on Thursday. Government 'pushed ahead too fast' on welfare cuts The Government 'pushed ahead too fast' and 'didn't listen enough' on welfare reform, a Cabinet minister said today. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told the BBC that she is 'not going to pretend that it hasn't been a tough or a challenging week' after ministers were forced to scrap their plans in the face of a backbench revolt. 'I'd be the first to acknowledge that, both in the pace and the nature of what we set out, we didn't get it right, but we do need to reform the system we've got,' she said. Asked about the Prime Minister's authority, the Education Secretary added: 'What the Prime Minister has said, and what I also believe, is that what we set out, we pushed ahead too fast. 'We didn't listen enough to people, including, I would say, including to lots of people who had concerns about the nature of that change.' Advertisement She is expected to say the Conservatives are 'the only party that is prepared to take the tough decisions to get spending under control'. 'I have no doubt that, emboldened by their success in forcing Starmer to U-turn last week, Labour's backbench MPs will now be eyeing up more concessions,' she will add. Under the Tory plans, PIP and both categories of Universal Credit health top-up would be limited 'to British citizens, excluding all foreign nationals', according to The Telegraph. There would be an exception for citizens from EU countries who have settled status, who are entitled to equal treatment under the Brexit deal. Under current rules, foreign nationals must prove that they have lived in Britain for two of the last three years to claim PIP. Helen Whately, the Tory shadow work and pensions secretary, said: 'The Government's welfare plans are in chaos. Instead of saving money, the welfare Bill we're voting on next week costs money. 'We've told them how to fix it: stop signing people off sick for mental health problems like anxiety, bring back face-to-face assessments, and only give sickness benefits to British citizens. 'If ministers had the guts to take up even one of these proposals, they could save billions and spare the country from more tax rises this autumn.' Labour's original welfare proposals had been part of a package that ministers expected would save up to 5billion a year. Economists are now warning that tax rises are likely to plug the gap left by the concessions to Labour rebels, as well as Sir Keir's previous U-turn on axing winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners. Ms Reeves has said it is impossible for her to rule out tax rises in the autumn, as she warned 'there are costs' to the watering down of the welfare bill. Sir Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, has demanded the Office for Budget Responsibilty (OBR) watchdog carry out an emergency forecast to update the fiscal outlook in the wake of Sir Keir's climbdowns. In a letter to OBR chair Richard Hughes, he wrote: 'The public, Parliament and markets deserve clarity and transparency about the impact of recent events on the nation's finances and the Government's fiscal strategy.' Speaking to Sky News this morning, Sir Mel said the Tories are calling for a discussion paper on whether foreign nationals should be receiving sickness benefits. He said: 'We've tabled an amendment to the welfare Bill that's going through Parliament at the moment, saying that we think the Government should come through with a discussion paper on that issue and addressing this question as to whether foreign nationals should be receiving those kind of benefits. 'We know that, for example, over the last three years, the number of foreign nationals claiming these benefits has doubled. 'And we know that if you take those households with at least one foreign national within the household, the welfare Bill is about a billion pounds per month. So the numbers are very high. 'We would, of course, be excluding not just those that are British citizens, but those that have rights under international treaties to settle in the United Kingdom.' He added: 'I think the point is that British citizenship should mean something. 'And I think most people would agree with the idea that, you know, if you are to benefit from our welfare state and health benefits and all sorts of other things, it's not unreasonable to expect that to be for those who have citizenship in our country. 'And of course, many foreign nationals can qualify for that, apply for it and achieve it in due course, but what we're calling for is a discussion document from the Government to look at these issues.' A homophobic killer who murdered a man for allegedly making a pass at him has now been jailed again - for throttling his cellmate. Vitalie Tanga, 41, was given a life sentence last year for the senseless killing of Alfred Mattox, who was gay, after beating him to death in his own home in 2021. He was said to have launched the vodka-fuelled attack on Mr Mattox in his Wolverhampton home because he was gay, later claiming it was actually due to the 56-year-old making a pass at him at a party. While Tanga was in jail at HMP Birmingham awaiting trial for the murder of Mr Mattox, he turned on his cellmate Tajinder Kular and throttled him in September 2022. Mr Kular was found unconscious by prison officers in the cell the two men were sharing and died several weeks later. A post-mortem examination found ligature marks around his neck, broken bones in the neck and bruising to the face. The double killer claimed he attacked his cellmate in self-defence after they got into a row over a cigarette, but was found guilty of murder following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court. West Midlands Police said Tanga has now been jailed to life with a minimum term of 27 years, to run concurrently to his previous sentence of life with a minimum term of 25 years for the murder of Mr Mattox. Tanga had been moved into Mr Kulars cell on K Wing the night before the fatal attack, Birmingham Live reported. Vitalie Tanga, 41, was given a life sentence last year for the senseless killing of Alfred Mattox, who was gay, after beating him to death in his own home in 2021 While Tanga was in jail at HMP Birmingham awaiting trial for the murder of Mr Mattox, he turned on his cellmate Tajinder Kular and strangled him in September 2022 Prosecutors said there was unlikely to have been much communication between Mr Kular and Tanga, who speaks Russian but very little English. The killer was observed behaving unusually earlier in the morning. Guards went to check on Tanga at around 11.30am and found him pacing erratically around his cell - before pointing to the bottom bunk bed and sliding a thumb across his neck. He smiled and repeated the gesture when guards asked him what he meant. Then, he pulled back the duvet of the bottom bunk to reveal Mr Kular motionless. Tanga provided conflicting accounts of the incident over the following months before ultimately telling a jury that Mr Kular attacked him after offering him a cigarette and then snatching it back. He claimed he was grabbed by the throat and the two men struggled for around five minutes before the victim fell asleep. Speaking after the sentencing, Det Insp Ade George of West Midlands Police, said: It remains a tragedy that Tajinder Kular lost his life in such circumstances. Tanga has not taken responsibility for his actions or shown any remorse since. 'He instead chose to blame the victim for attacking him and claiming to the court that he acted in self-defence. 'The jury did not believe this account, and this is reflected in the verdict. His first killing took place a year earlier, when Mr Mattox and his friends were attacked while celebrating VE Day at his home. Tanga claimed his victim had made a pass at him moments before his death and he wanted to 'show him he was a man'. Sentencing Tanga last year, Judge Michael Chambers KC said: 'You subjected Mr Mattox to a brutal and sustained attack when he was in his own home. 'It arose from what was a vodka-fuelled rage involving you repeatedly kicking him to the head causing extensive fractures and brain damage from which he died on May 24.' Alfred Mattox, 56 was Tanga's first victim at his home while he was celebrating VE Day with his friends The court heard how Mr Mattox and his lodger went shopping, where they met a friend on May 10, 2021. They bought a bottle of vodka, with the group deciding to go back to Mr Mattox's flat in Merridale to 'celebrate the anniversary of the end of the Second World War'. Killer Tanga also joined in with the festivities before the group went out to buy more vodka. 'All was well' when the victim spoke to his brother on FaceTime at 4.34pm, the court heard. But neighbours raised the alarm with police after hearing 'banging noises' just under an hour later. Police rushed to the scene, arriving at 5.45pm to find Mr Mattox unconscious on the floor. He had sustained extensive fracturing to both sides of his face and skull, as well as brain damage which led to organ failure. The victim died a fortnight later on May 24. A Home Office pathologist told the earlier trial that there must have been 'at least three heavy blows to the head', consistent with kicking. When police arrived at the scene, Tanga told officers outside the flat: 'He is a ******, know what I mean' He later claimed his victim had made a pass at him, telling police in interview he 'had to show him he was a man'. Tanga's second victim was left with bruising to his head and scratches as a result of an attack in Mr Mattox's flat. It is not 'entirely clear' at what stage he sustained injuries but he has since made a full recovery. A nurse who had a boob job in Turkey is still stuck in the country seven weeks later - spending thousands to try and save her nipples and breast. Mother-of-five Chloe Roiser, 31, went under the knife in an Antalya hospital but she could now lose her entire breast. Chloe travelled to Turkey in April for the 3500 surgery but was forced to return at the end of May after removing her dressing which revealed a severe infection. She is currently stuck in Turkey having spent thousands more for accommodation as she gets treatment to fight severe infection, nipple necrosis and to save her breast. Chloe ignored warnings from her friends to undergo the surgery, which was meant to be a 'confidence boost'. She said: 'I never should have touched my body at all. We're never happy with our bodies. Now, I could potentially lose my entire breast. 'I researched different companies. There's only so much research you can do going abroad. 'Everyone warned me not to go but I thought I knew best. When you do research you don't expect something like this to happen, not something this bad. Mother-of-five Chloe Roiser, 31, travelled to Turkey for a boob job Chloe ignored warnings from friends to undergo the surgery, which was meant to be a 'confidence boost'. She is now stuck in Turkey spending thousands to fight nipple necrosis and severe infection The edge of her nipples were red and raised weeks after the surgery 'I booked it at the beginning of the year, flew out in April and went straight to the hospital. Had an X-ray, blood taken. Slept overnight and the next day, they took me to a private clinic.' The surgery on April 24 required an overnight stay, but Chloe didn't notice anything out of place. She said: 'It seemed to be okay. You don't know what to expect if you haven't had that done before. I was on strong painkillers, I was really, really sore. 'I had drains on my boobs I had to empty myself every day after surgery and I couldn't really see anything, there were bandages over it all. 'I had a course of antibiotics and painkillers for three days in the hotel they'd given us. We were stuck in the middle of nowhere and there were building works so I had to change hotels. 'That raised a bit of red flags, they should have moved me. I couldn't sleep and I just had surgery.' She says at a check-up four days later 'it all seemed fine and they re-dressed it for me'. Her final check-up a day later before returning to her home in Wymondham, Norfolk involved a filmed review by the clinic. Chloe's breasts were taped up after the surgery until she travelled back to the UK When she removed the tape she discovered that her nipples were infected She said: 'I had a camera in my face as soon as I got out the taxi. Obviously you can't give a review when my boobs aren't finished.' Doctors gave Chloe some paperwork about after-care and the former healthcare professional was cleared to return to the UK. She said: 'I followed all the aftercare. I have a nursing degree, I'm not silly, I know what I'm doing. They gave me all the bits and pieces I needed to redress and I did all the redressing. 'I did notice on the boob that's infected, the stitches looked like something was going on. 'The tape around it was slightly raised but you couldn't take it off so I couldn't see anything. And I had no feeling in my nipples, so I couldn't feel pain or anything.' When Chloe could take the tape off her breasts at the end of May, she realised 'the edge of my nipples were red and raised'. She said: 'There weren't major signs of infection. I was putting on cream they gave me and I sent them messages - they said just keep doing the cream..' But within a week, Chloe's breast was visibly infected. 'I got directly in touch with them,' she said. 'It's hard, England won't really touch them if it's plastic surgery. Doctors said it was an infection around the stitch area. They didn't say it was necrosis or anything. Chloe had drains on her boobs which she had to empty every day after surgery She is now receiving treatment to fight severe infection, nipple necrosis and to save her breast. 'But my auntie, she's a beautician for 25 years. She was ringing me and said, that's necrosis, you need to get that seen, you could lose your whole nipple. 'I immediately booked flights back. I didn't know if it was an impact infection, I didn't know anything. 'I've got four kids to deal with at home, I'm trying to arrange care. My mum is retired, she's disabled looking after two of my sons. My son is pushing her around the supermarket in her wheelchair. 'I've had to pay for two lots of flights with my daughter and partner who were worried about me. It's not something I wanted to do on my own. 'When the doctors saw me, they had to give me six shots of antibiotics and four local anaesthetics directly into my breasts. 'It was a really bad infection, they had to scalpel all the infection out. They said I'd lost that part of my nipple, and they confirmed it was necrosis at that point. 'They gave me antibiotics by injection into my boob and then two antibiotics to take for seven days. 'I booked it for seven days thinking it'll be all right, I'll be going home.. They didn't say, book a one-way ticket - they weren't really forthcoming with any details. Then, they told me I needed to stay here longer.' Chloe is spending thousands of pounds in accommodation while trying to save her breasts in Turkey She already spent 3,500 on the initial surgery and is now spending more money to try and save her breasts The initial 3500 price of the surgery would be on the lower end of the expected surgery price in the UK according to NHS guidance, but the problems Chloe has faced means her expenses skyrocketed. Chloe, who used to work as a nurse until suffering health problems, said: 'The flights in total cost me 550, I've got a stop-off on the way home because it was the cheapest flight and I'm not in a position to spend any more. 'I had to move my hotel closer to the clinic because the clinic moaned about that, so I had to pay for two hotels for 1500, they're so expensive here and you can't really get anything cheaper. 'Then general costs of living, food, drinks, which is a bomb. The surgery was 3500. Antibiotics I've paid for myself, around 30 Euros. 'I know these complications happen but necrosis happens from lack of blood supply, it often happens because of the surgery. I'm waiting for them to give me all the documentation. 'I've asked for their insurer, but I'm nervous to do it while I'm here because I'm nervous they won't treat me. 'I've got a course of antibiotics and I'm dressing the wound myself and sending photos to them, but they haven't told me anything about when I see the doctor next. I'm totally in the dark. 'I feel bad I've actually come out here and done it. People will tell me I shouldn't have done it. It's partly my own fault. 'I'm feeling drained from it all, mentally and financially drained. I've got such bad anxiety at the moment. The doctor said to my partner, it's not 100% the infection won't come back.' A man who allegedly firebombed a Melbourne synagogue has been identified, as a series of alleged anti-Semitic attacks at several other locations across the city draws international attention. Angelo Loras, 34, from Toongabbie in NSW, was arrested in the city's CBD on Saturday night, about 24 hours after the front doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation were allegedly set alight - forcing 20 men, women and children to flee. Loras has been charged multiple offences including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Sunday, where the court was told it was his first time in custody. He was remanded until a hearing on July 22. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Police are also investigating another separate alleged act of anti-Semitism from Friday night, when protesters who splintered from a larger demonstration allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables, threw chairs and chanted 'death to the IDF' outside Israeli restaurant Miznon. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. On Sunday, the Ren Dao Vegetarian restaurant at Elsternwick opposite the Melbourne Holocaust Museum was also targetted with anti-Semitic graffiti, including a large stencil of Ned Kelly holding two guns spray-painted over a window. Angelo Loras, 34, from NSW, appeared in court on Sunday charged with the firebomb attack The Melbourne synagogue had 20 men, woman and children inside observing Shabbat The Ren Dao Vegetarian restaurant opposite the Melbourne Holocaust Museum was targetted in a graffiti attack on Sunday (pictured) Police have revealed they are investigating this fourth incident, which also included offensive images spray-painted on pillars at a busy intersection and a number of walls elsewhere in Elsternwick. The alleged attacks followed hundreds gathering for a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned 'reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks' on both the Melbourne synagogue and restaurant. He urged the federal government to 'take all action' against those responsible. 'I view with the utmost gravity the anti-Semitic attacks that occurred last night in Melbourne, which included attempted arson of a synagogue in the city and a violent assault against an Israeli restaurant by pro-Palestinian rioters,' Netanyahu said. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related, but the police are increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and Melbourne MP Sarah Witty met with the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, president Danny Segal and his wife on Sunday morning. Mr Burke and Mr Dreyfus described the firebombing as an 'attack on Australia' and the entire community. New video showed the chaotic brawl inside a Melbourne Israeli restaurant after pro-Palestine protesters stormed the venue Officers are seen putting a protester in handcuffs during the demonstration Windows were smashed after protesters hurled furniture at Miznon Mr Burke stopped short of declaring the alleged arson attack an act of terrorism, saying it would be up to Victoria Police to decide. He refused to be drawn on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand the Australian government 'take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law'. Mr Burke said he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon on Saturday night as news filtered through of plans for him to fly from Sydney for the Sunday's meeting. The ambassador took it as a signal of the government taking Friday's attacks very seriously, Mr Burke said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a 'cowardly' act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. 'Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law,' he said. Victorian opposition police spokesman and Jewish MP David Southwick criticised Premier Jacinta Allan, who condemned the attacks in a statement, for not fronting the media over the weekend. Police are seen on either side of a protester after tensions boiled over outside Miznon 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 'Where is the premier,' he asked. 'The Jewish community feel like there is a war zone here in Melbourne. 'This is Melbourne, this is not the Middle East.' Ms Allan is expected to visit the synagogue on Monday. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock today called on Sir Keir Starmer to impose a 'wealth tax' on Britons as ministers scramble to plug a hole in the public finances. Lord Kinnock, who led Labour between 1983 and 1992, said a two per cent levy on assets worth more than 10million could be a 'pathway' out of the Government's woes. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is needing to find billions of pounds in revenue or savings in the wake of Labour's recent U-turns on welfare cuts and winter fuel payments. She has maintained she will stick to her strict fiscal rules on borrowing, while Labour pledged before last year's general election not to hike taxes for 'working people'. Speaking to Sky News this morning, Lord Kinnock said there was now an appearance the Government was being 'bogged down by their own imposed limitations'. But he added there are 'ways around that', such as the introduction of a wealth tax when Ms Reeves presents her next Budget in the Autumn. Lord Kinnock suggested such a levy would raise up to 11billion a year and be popular with a 'great majority of the general public'. But the Tories condemned it as 'the worst thing to do' as they warned of a fresh exodus of wealth-creators from Britain. Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock called on Sir Keir Starmer to impose a 'wealth tax' on Britons as ministers scramble to plug a hole in the public finances Chancellor Rachel Reeves is needing to find billions of pounds in revenue or savings in the wake of Labour's recent U-turns on welfare cuts and winter fuel payments As Sir Keir marks one year in office this weekend, Lord Kinnock admitted there was an appearance of 'stiffness or stagnation' about the Government after just 12 months. 'It's not actually the accurate picture, but the appearance is being given that they have been bogged down by their own imposed limitations,' he said. 'There are ways around that, ways out of it, pathways that I think people are willing to explore and actually, would commend themselves to the great majority of the general public. New Corbyn-led party should be called 'Farage Assistance Group, says Kinnock A Jeremy Corbyn-led breakaway party to the left of Labour should be known as the 'Farage assistance group', former Labour leader Lord Neil Kinnock has suggested. He told Sky News that any 'splintering' would 'only be of assistance to the enemies of Labour'. Asked how much of a threat he thought any new party could be, after Mr Corbyn suggested that discussions were under way, Lord Kinnock said: 'I understand they're, having a bit of difficulty over thinking of a name. 'In a comradely way, I'd suggest one. It would be the Farage assistance group.' He said that a 'division' in the 'anti-right wing vote can only assist the parties of the right, the Conservatives, especially now under Mrs Badenoch and under Farage the Reform party. 'So the splintering offered by a new party of the left can only be of assistance to the enemies of Labour, of the working-class the people who have no means of sustaining themselves other than the sale of their labour by hand and by brain and can only be of benefit to the egos of those who are running such a party.' Advertisement 'They include, for instance, asset taxes in a period in which - for the last 20-odd years in the UK, like quite a lot of other Western economies - earned incomes have stagnated in real terms while asset values have zoomed. 'They've just gone through the roof.' He added: 'You wouldn't have to touch assets of under 6million or 7million. So people's houses would be secure obviously. 'But even by going for an imposition of 2 per cent on asset values above 10million, say, which is very big fortune, the Government would be in a position to collect 10billion or 11 billion a year. 'Now it's not going to pay all the bills, but it does two things - or that kind of levy does two things. 'One is to secure resources, which is very important. But the second thing it does is to say to the country, we are the government of equity. 'And this is a country which is very substantially fed up with the fact that whatever happens in the world, whatever happens in the UK, the same interests come out on top. 'Unscathed all the time while everybody else is paying more for getting services. 'Now, I think that a gesture or a substantial gesture in the direction of equity fairness would make a big difference.' But Tory shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride condemned a tax on assets over 10milluion as 'the worst thing to do'. He said Labour's tax hikes had already seen around 10,000 to 15,000 high net worth individuals leave Britain. 'Some people, the socialists, might say 'well, who cares about that?', he added. 'Well, the problem is that the amount of tax that those people have been paying requires about a third of a million people on average earnings to cover that lost tax that's just gone straight out of the door. 'So the last thing we want to be doing now is piling further taxes on the wealth creators. 'We need to be, if anything, getting those taxes down, and empowering them to go out and do what they do best, which is creating jobs, and, you know, creating wealth and prosperity for our country.' A convicted paedophile has complained from behind bars that prison guards have 'lost' his teddy bear. Shane Medhurst was jailed for 25 years last June after being found guilty of 14 counts of child sex abuse. Among the charges included two counts of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. Medhurst, 58, was jailed at Reading Crown Court, and is currently serving his sentence at the 1,100-capacity HMP High Down jail in Surrey. The jail has two dedicated wings sex offenders, with around 400 inmates convicted of sex offences. Writing in the latest edition of prisoner publication Inside Time, Medhurst said he was really 'into arts and crafts' and had started making his own teddy bears. One in particular, which he called Mr Bear - a bright yellow bear with a blue and white striped outfit and a hat - was his 'favourite' and had taken him three weeks to make. He said other teddies that he made had been sent to family and friends, and had loaned Mr Bear to the library inside the prison - but three weeks later he'd vanished. Convicted paedophile Shane Medhurst has complained from behind bars that prison guards have 'lost' his teddy bear Medhurst, 58, is currently serving his 25-year sentence at HMP High Down prison in Surrey Medhurst said it was a scandal his bear had been stolen. The teddy was described as having a black pen in its pocket, a copy of The Shawshank Redemption in one paw, and a clock in the other. Medhurst's bear also had a bed with a blue cup and plate lying on the top of it, a mini copy of Inside Time on the pillow, and a plaque saying 'Reading helps your time fly'.' The convicted prisoner said he had presented the bear to a 'delighted' library staff member seven weeks prior, but despite promises it would be displayed, Medhurst noticed it was still not on show weeks later. He wrote: 'I found the member of staff who I gave the model to and asked him if there was a problem, only to be told that Mr Bear had been stolen from the store room about a week after I had presented him. 'My question is - how the hell can a bloody great big yellow and blue bear measuring 9' x6' x4' go missing in a supposedly-secure prison? 'Did he do a Shawshank and sneak out through the sewer pipe?' Medhurst said he was upset that the prison guards 'knew nothing' about the alleged theft. The paedophile moaned in a prisoners' magazine that a teddy bear he had crafted had apparently been 'stolen' (file pic) The paedophile was found guilty last year at Reading Crown Court of multiple counts involving children under the age of 13. His charges included five counts of sexual activity with a child, three counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in penetrative sexual activity and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. He was also convicted of one count of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and one count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration. HMP High Down in Surrey declined to comment. An elderly woman was forced to wait 14 hours for help after a fall before she died in hospital. Valerie Hill had to endure 'a long lie' on the floor after she fell and broke her thigh at her care home, an inquest was told. In the end the 89 year old had to wait over 14 hours for an ambulance, before later dying in hospital from pneumonia. The coroner has now warned about 'intolerable' ambulance delays in the Labour-run Welsh NHS. After the inquest jury reached a narrative conclusion, Graeme Hughes, Senior Coroner for South Wales Central, found that the volumes of people waiting for ambulance vehicles has 'reached intolerable levels'. The coroner who led the inquest had now warned Wales' First Minister, Eluned Morgan, that hospital delays and lengthening handover times are having 'devastating' outcomes. This has led to an 'acute concern' among the area's coroners, he said. Welsh Ambulance Service Trust (WAST) have a 15-minute handover expectation, yet evidence shows that this is only reached 10-20 per cent of the time. Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Cardiff, Wales, where Valerie Hill died The 89 year old had to wait over 14 hours for an ambulance, before later dying in hospital from pneumonia The coroner wrote to Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan warning of about 'intolerable' ambulance delays Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB) was found not to be 'the worst in Wales'. Mr Hughes submitted his Prevention of Future Death report to the First Minister of Wales who has until August 9 to respond. The inquest heard Ms Hill fell at her care home in Treharris, Glamorgan, and was eventually taken to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. Mr Hughes said: 'Valerie died on 11 March 2022 at Royal Glamorgan Hospital, following a fall at Ty Bargoed Care Home on 7 March 2022. 'She endured a long lie on the floor of over 14 hours whilst waiting for an ambulance to attend. 'It is possible that this long lie exacerbated known medical conditions. It is probable that the lack of risk assessments completed and referrals for Valerie during her time at Ty Bargoed meant appropriate precautions were not taken to prevent further falls. 'It is possible, due to long ambulance handover times across Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board and inadequate systems in place to effectively manage patient flow that this contributed to the long lie. 'In answer to my question to him as to whether a situation akin to that which Valerie faced on 7 March 2022 could happen again today, he (NHS Deputy Chief Executive) accepted that that was a fair conclusion and that the same risks remain in the system. 'My concern is that this disconnect is having a significant effect upon how the system for conveying acutely ill patients in the community to hospital is operating and changes are indicated to address this system dysfunctionality.' Ms Hill died of pneumonia and a fall leading to a periprosthetic fracture of femur, he said. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and frailty of old age were contributing factors. Parafield Airport in Adelaide has been shut down as tactical police search for a man seen walking on the runway before he disappeared into a drain. Police were called to the airport on Kings Road about 3.25pm on Sunday, after reports that a man dressed in dark clothing was seen in the restricted area. A manhunt was launched with Special Tasks and Rescue Group (STAR) group officers called in to search the area. Fire crews and the dog squad were called in to help with the search effort. The man has not yet been located. It is understood that no flights were affected and no aircrafts were put in danger. STAR forces entered the drain at around 5:30pm in an effort to find the man. They were seen leaving the drain later, but came back empty handed. Parafield Airport was shut down after a man in dark clothes was spotted on the runway STAR Group officers and Police followed the man into a nearby storm drain The airport was closed following the man being spotted. Flights resumed around two hours later, with a plane arriving from Whyalla just after 4:45pm ACST. SA Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A former Army Ranger is enduring a grueling recovery after a family vacation to the Bahamas went horribly wrong. Brent Slough, 42, was nearly sliced in half in a boat hit-and-run incident on the first day of a trip he was on with his wife, Whitney, and two daughters, Layla and Emma. The Texas father was snorkeling just 20 feet from the shore when a boat driver struck him. 'I felt like a thump thump, and I was like, "did I just get hit by a boat?"' Brent recalled the June 30 nightmare to CBS News. 'My left leg wasn't functioning, and I felt like something was wrong with my lower body.' Still in shock from the traumatic events, Brent said he turned around and saw two men speeding away on a boat. One of them allegedly looked back at the severely harmed veteran, but they did not stop despite hearing his blood-curdling screams. Brent's family witnessed the life-threatening ordeal from the beach, with his teenage daughter, Layla, having to rush into the sea and drag him to safety on a float. Brent Slough (right), 42, was nearly sliced in half in a boat hit-and-run incident on the first day of a trip he was on with his wife, Whitney (left), and two daughters, Layla and Emma (middle) Brent (pictured) went to two hospitals in the Bahamas before being advised to travel to Miami for proper medical care Whitney described his gut-wrenching condition, saying his 'bottom was almost completely detached from his legs.' He sustained multiple leg and pelvis fractures and a deep gash that was at high-risk of infection. First responders were called to the gory scene, and Brent spent the rest of the day battling for his life at two different Bahamas hospitals before being airlifted to a Miami ICU. 'The doctor told me, "please get to a hospital in Miami, you need to get to the US for something this traumatic,"' Brent told CBS News. Leaving their daughters in the Bahamas, Brent and Whitney traveled to Florida to ensure he received sufficient care - an expense they had to pay out of pocket. He underwent a four hour surgery, but Whitney said doctors were not able to stitch some of his wounds because they were too deep, so they have been packing them instead, WFAA reported. While Brent remains in the hospital, Whitney went back to the Bahamas to get her daughters and make sure the culprit - who is still at large - is held responsible. 'It's against the law to be within 200 feet of the shore,' Whitney explained to the outlet. Leaving their daughters in the Bahamas, Brent and Whitney traveled to Florida to ensure he received sufficient care - an expense they had to pay out of pocket (pictured: Brent being airlifted to Miami) Brent (second from right) graduated from West Point and served six years in the military, including a tour in Iraq 'Brent was about 20 feet out ... I just wish they would turn themselves in, but if they don't turn themselves in, then we have to find them.' Despite the heartbreak the Slough family has been experiencing, Whitney said she is abundantly grateful her husband is still alive. A GoFundMe, which has already raised more than $71,000, has been created on the Sloughs' behalf to cover Brent's mounting medical costs. 'His upcoming medical needs are great - but we know God will move to make this happen for the Slough family,' the page reads. Brent graduated from West Point and served six years in the military, including a tour in Iraq, according to WFAA. The TACO President? Trump will Always Chicken Out? That's been the slur levelled by some financial traders amid the many twists and turns of the tariff wars waged by the 47th president against Americas competitors. The big threats, the really big threats, simply never come true has been the claim. Take the plans for a gargantuan 145 per cent levy on Chinese goods. These have settled at an effective rate of around 30 per cent, which is serious, but not so very different from the 25 per cent charged on imports under the Biden administration. But no one is calling Trump a chicken after the extraordinary bombing mission that took out much of Irans nuclear processing capacity last month. Flying B2 stealth bombers loaded with 30,000lb 'bunker busting' bombs into the heart of Iran was truly audacious move The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyau (right) is due in Washington this week Flying B2 stealth bombers loaded with 30,000lb 'bunker busting' bombs into the heart of Iran was truly audacious move and one that it was widely predicted no president would dare to make. In truth, however, the claim that Trump was the TACO president was always false and thats because, even now, Trumps critics still have no idea about how he actually works. Why bomb Iran, at the risk of angering his own MAGA base? Why do it when serious experts were warning that even those giant payloads might not have been enough to seriously knock the mullahs off course? Iran is almost certain to acquire a nuclear bomb at some stage down the road. But when it comes to Trump, its all about the deal, stupid. And the Middle East is a great example of the president at work. However intractable the war in Gaza might seem, Trump wants an end to it. Now wheels are in motion. Hamas and Israel are already talking in Doha. The Israeli Prime Minister is due in Washington this week and, although hes not yet landed, Benjamin Netanyahu already knows the terms. Trump bombed Iran and now Netanyahu must fulfil his part of the deal bring the hostilities to a close, even though to do so, could collapse his government - and place not just his political career but his liberty in jeopardy. Hence another Trump intervention: those extraordinary demands that Israel drop charges of bribery and fraud still faced by Netanyahu which he denies. Unwarranted interference in the justice system of a friendly power? Another late-night rush of blood to the head by an insomniac president? A satellite image showing the destruction caused to Iran's Fordow nuclear enrichment site following the June 22 raid No, a signal from Trump that an end to the Gazan bloodshed is imperative, even if that means Israels Prime Minister avoids a trial. Perhaps its a coincidence, but an Israeli court has just delayed the trial on undisclosed diplomatic and security grounds. Whatever the criticisms of Trump, he has a deep abhorrence of needless killing. And he is driven by this conviction: there has to be a deal to get the outcome that works all round, even if that means using threats, drama and brinkmanship. Its true, of course, that his play in the Middle East might not work but there again, it might. And no one else has come close to striking at the heart of Iran or bringing Irael to heel. Sure, Trump didnt end the war in Ukraine on day one. Sure, the Israeli hostages have yet to be returned, despite his threats and promises. But if one thing was certain about his moribund predecessor, Joe Biden, its that nothing at all was going to happen. Trump has made no secret of his wish for a Nobel Peace Prize, or his belief that he merits the award With fire after fire breaking out in the world kitchen, meanwhile, someone has to act. Ukraine, China, the destructive forces of globalisation and immigration, the failure of the West to spend on defence on these and many other issues, Trump has forced a conversation that simply wasnt taking place. Which means that however theatrical his initial boasts might have been, America is already in a better situation. There is also a personal stake for the arch deal maker - of course. Trump has made no secret of his wish for a Nobel Peace Prize, or his belief that he merits the award for his leadership in the Middle East. And however outlandish such a prospect might seem, I for one am unlikely to bet against it. At least 27 campers and counselors were killed and several are missing after devastating flash floods swept through a Texas summer camp on the Fourth of July. Ten girls and one counselor are missing from Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, after the rushing waters destroyed the all-girls private Christian summer camp. The total death toll has risen to at least 91 as of Monday afternoon, after the Guadalupe River flooded and surged by up to 30 feet above its usual water level on Friday. Beloved director of Camp Mystic, Richard 'Dick' Eastland, 70, died while trying to save girls as a month's worth of rain dropped in a matter of minutes. One week before the tragedy, the camp shared videos on social media of the campers happily prancing around on stage during their first term chorus and dance production. The youngest campers slept on low-laying 'flats' inside the camp's cabins, whereas older girls slept in cabins on higher ground, according to the NYT. Most of the missing girls are from the younger age bracket, who were sleeping just yards away from the banks of the Guadalupe River. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that some 750 girls had been staying at the camp when the floodwaters hit. Here is what we know about all of the girls who died in the flood. Hadley Hanna, 8 Hadley Hanna, 8, was among the Camp Mystic attendees killed in the flood Camp Mystic attendee Hadley Hanna died after going missing Friday, a family spokesperson confirmed to CNN. 'Our families are experiencing unimaginable grief. We are reaching out with a heartfelt request for privacy and compassion,' the family said in a statement. 'We appreciate your empathy, your prayers, and understanding. On Friday, her mother told the outlet, 'She is the most joyful, happy kid with a smile on her face. She seemed to be loving camp. This was her first year.' Renee Smajstrla, 8 Camp Mystic attendee Renee Smajstrla (picture), 8, was killed in the flood, according to her uncle The family of eight-year-old Renee Smajstrla has confirmed that she was among those who lost her life during the tragic floods. Her uncle, Shawn Salta, shared on Facebook: 'We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday. 'She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.' Janie Hunt, 9 Dallas nine-year-old Janie Hunt (pictured) died in the flooding at Camp Mystic The mother of Dallas girl Janie Hunt confirmed to local media her daughter was one of the campers killed in the flood. 'We are just devastated,' she told NBC 5. Sarah Marsh, 8 Sarah Marsh (pictured), 8, came from Alabama to attend Camp Mystic before she was swept away and killed Alabama native Sarah Marsh died after the waters swept through Camp Mystic, according to her family. 'Thank you for the outpouring of love and sympathy! We will always feel blessed to have had this beautiful spunky ray of light in our lives. She will live on in our hearts forever! We love you so much sweet Sarah,' her grandmother said, according to The Kerrville Daily Times. Lila Bonner, 9 Nine-year-old Lila Bonner (right), was attending Camp Mystic with her best friend Eloise Peck (left) The family of Lila Bonner, who was sharing a cabin at the camp with her best friend Eloise Peck, confirmed her passing to NBC News. 'In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time,' the family said. 'We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss.' Eloise Peck, 8 Eloise Peck (right) was sharing a cabin with Lila Bonner (left) when they were killed in the flooding Dallas girl Eloise Peck, who recently finished second grade at Bradfield Elementary with her best friend Lili, also died in the flood. 'Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti but not more than she loved dogs and animals,' her mother, Missy Peck, told FOX 4. 'She passed away with her cabinmate and best friend Lila Bonner who also died. Eloise had a family who loved her fiercely for the 8 years she was with us. Especially her Mommy.' Emergency personnel search through vegetation and debris at Camp Mystic A girl reacts in the area outside sleeping quarters at Camp Mystic Multiple people who lost their lives in the biblical flooding were not attending Camp Mystic. The death toll currently stands at 67 - including 38 adults. Texas's Division of Emergency Management predicted the number of dead as a result of catastrophic flooding in Kerrville would top 100, sources told Daily Mail. People have been desperately posting about their missing friends and relatives in a bid to help the search effort to find them, following the flooding. Among the children, who were not attending the camp but tragically lost their lives, are two other young sister who were visiting their grandparents when the flood rushed through their cabin. Lainey Landry, 9 Houston nine-year-old Lainey Landry (pictured) is one the Camp Mystic campers killed by the flood Nine-year-old Lainey Landry, from the Houston area, died in the Camp Mystic flooding, according to KPRC. Anna Margaret Bellows, 8 Camp Mystic camper Anna Margaret Bellows (pictured), 8, died in the flood The mother of the eight-year-old girl from Houston confirmed to NBC 5 that her daughter was among the girls from Camp Mystic who passed away in the flood. Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, both 8 Eight-year-old twin sisters, Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence (pictured), are the granddaughters of the former publisher of the Miami Herald, David Lawrence Jr. The twin granddaughters of the former publisher of the Miami Herald and childhood education advocate David Lawrence Jr. were killed in the flood. Hanna and Rebecca, both 8, were attending Camp Mystic with their 14-year-old sister when the flood came in. Their 14-year-old sister, Harper, was able to make it to safety. 'It has been an unimaginable time for all of us. Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy and sister Harper, and all in our family, so much joy,' Lawrence said in a statement to the Herald. 'They and that joy can never be forgotten.' Wynne Naylor Wynne Naylor died in the floods while attending Camp Mystic, according to her great aunt Young Camp Mystic attendee, Wynne Naylor, death was confirmed by her great aunt, according to The Kerrville Daily Times. Mary Kathryn Jacobe, 8 Young girl from Houston, Mary Kathryn Jacobe (right), was among those from Camp Mystic who died in the flood A family member of the eight-year-old from Houston attending Camp Mystic confirmed she was found deceased on Sunday, according to Fox 26. 'God called Home our angel cousin, Mary Kate. Our hearts are shattered and our words fail us. I pray for this sweet family, and all of those affected by this tragedy,' her cousin said on social media. Linnie McCown, 8 Camp Mystic camper Linnie McCown (pictured), 8, was an elementary school student from Austin Linnie McCown, a student at Casis Elementary in West Austin, is among the Camp Mystic victims, according to the Austin American-Statesman. 'She filled our hearts with so much joy we cannot begin to explain. We are going to miss her so very much but know she's up there shining bright,' her father, Michael, said on social media. Mary Stevens, 8 Mary Stevens (pictured), attended Highland Park Elementary School and was at Camp Mystic Eight-year-old Mary Stevens, who Highland Park Elementary School in north-central Austin, was also one of the Camp Mystic victims. 'You have left the most positive impact on everyone who knew you. I'm the luckiest that I got to be your mom and I will never stop loving you and trying to live life as you did. Fearless. Enthusiastic. Compassionate. And full of joy,' her mother said in a statement shared by the family spokesman. 'Our world is shattered but I have peace getting your letters and knowing you were having the time of your life at camp and had a dance party with all of your friends before the Lord decided to take you from us. He has bigger plans for you.' Blair Harber, 13 Sisters Blair (left), 13, and Brooke Harber (right), 11 were not attending Camp Mystic when they were killed Two sisters, Blair and Brooke Harber, were among those who were killed in the deadly Texas floods. They were not attending Camp Mystic when the natural disaster struck. The girls were with their grandparents at a cabin along the Guadalupe River when they were swept away, reported FOX 4. The girls' parents were staying at another cabin and are safe. Their grandparents, Charlene and Mike Harber, are missing. Brooke Harber, 11 Brooke Harber, Blair's younger sister, was confirmed dead over the holiday weekend. Blair and Brooker were eighth grade and sixth grade students respectively at St. Rita Catholic School, according to their priest, Father Joshua J. Whitfield. 'Even if we may never fully understand why such tragedies happen, we are called to respond with love, compassion, and prayer,' Whitfield said. 'We will honor Blair and Brooke's lives, the light they shared, and the joy they brought to everyone who knew them.' Missing girls lost in the flood At least 11 girls from Camp Mystic are missing from the camp. One counselor is also still unaccounted for, county sheriff Larry Leitha said on Sunday morning. Camp Mystic attendees Kellyanne Lytal and Lainey Landry are among the missing children, according to KENS 5. Wrecked father, Ty Badon, told CNN on Saturday that his daughter and her friends are missing and have not been seen or heard from since the disastrous rush of water. His daughter, Joyce Badon, and her friends, Ella Cahill, Reese Manchaca and Aiden Heartfield were last heard from around 4am on Friday. At least 11 girls from Camp Mystic are missing, including KellyAnne Lytal (right) Pictured: Ella Cahill is still missing Pictured: Joyce Badon is still missing Pictured: Reese Manchaca is still missing Authorities and search teams are still making their way through the wreckage to hopefully account for those missing. Haunting photos from Sunday showed teams searching through vegetation, as young girls accompanied by adults walked around what is left of Camp Mystic. On Sunday, Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Texas amid a swirl of criticism of his administration for making major cuts to federal funding, impacting agencies like FEMA which lead the response to natural disasters. 'I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. 'These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. 'The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. 'Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State. 'Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!' The rollercoaster of a relationship between the world's richest man Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has captivated the attention of many political observers over the last year, but Musk's latest move could be his boldest. Musk officially filed a Statement of Organization Sunday with the Federal Election Commission for his 'America Party' political party after weeks of threatening the GOP. On July 4th, Musk asked 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 budget bill which narrowly passed through Congress after weeks of debate and different factions of the GOP plotting to the tank the legislation as various points the process. '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 slim majorities in both the House and Senate with just a handful of seats giving them the edge over Democrats. Out of 100 seats in the U.S. Senate, 53 are held by Republicans. In the U.S. House of Representatives, 220 seats are held by Republicans and 212 are held by Democrats with three seats presently vacant due to members passing away. Trump's budget bill passed with narrow margins in both chambers last week, with some members of the President's party voting against the legislation. President Donald Trump gestures as he boards Air Force One, Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Elon Musk looks on during a news conference with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 30, 2025. Musk, who stormed into US politics as President Trump's chainsaw-brandishing sidekick, announced on May 28 that he is leaving his role in US government, intended to reduce federal spending, shortly after his first major break with the President over Trump's signature spending bill In the Senate, the vote was 51-50, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaker. Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina joined Democrats in opposing the bill. In the House the vote was 218-214. Republicans Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania voted no. 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. Last Monday before Trump's bill even passed, Musk 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. Despite the relative unpalatability of a national third party or independent presidential campaigns, state level races are another story. There is precedent for a third-party candidate running in place of a major party candidate, and some have even won. Two seats in the U.S. Senate are presently held by Independents, although those independents caucus with Democrats. Dozens of members of the U.S. Senate have been elected outside of the two major parties throughout the chamber's history. In one other relatively recent example, Independent Greg Orman ran against former GOP Kansas Senator Pat Roberts, albeit unsuccessfully in 2014. Orman managed to pull in 42.5% of the vote as the Democrat party did not field a candidate in the race. Musk was curiously silent in the hours following the congressional vote on Trump's budget bill 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. Musk 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 previously threatened to primary any GOP lawmaker who voted in favor of Trump's signature legislation. Two Republican lawmakers who spoke to the Daily Mail on Thursday 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. 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. Representatives Ralph Norman and John McGuire spoke with the Daily Mail Thursday after Trump's budget bill passed through Congress. 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 no 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. While members of Congress brushed off Musk's threat's and even further political involvement following the passage of Trump's bill, some of the President's business allies are willing to to go scorched earth on the billionaire. Venture capitalist James Fishback - whose Azoria 500 ETF invests in companies that don't engage in DEI practices - posted on X that he was withdrawing support for Tesla and Elon Musk. Fishback noted that his firm 'decided to postpone next week's public listing of our Azoria Tesla Convexity ETF.' Fishback added that his organization's 'decision comes in direct response to Elon Musks announcement that he is launching a new national political party.' 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 within the GOP or even have a greater impact with his own political party in its entirety. Michelle Lim, granddaughter of disgraced Singapore oil tycoon Lim Oon Kuin (O.K. Lim), has failed to convince the court that three insurance policies under her name, valued at SGD521,000 (US$409,000), should be excluded from her fathers bankruptcy estate. High Court Judicial Commissioner Mohamed Faizal has rejected Michelle Lims application for a declaration that the three insurance policies are held in trust solely for her benefit by her father, Lim Chee Meng, who was declared bankrupt in December 2024, according to The Business Times. Lim Oon Kuin, popularly known as O.K. Lim, speaks during an interview in 2013. Photo by Reuters The policies are among eight AIA insurance policies the father took out when Michelle was a minor, with him as the policy owner and her as the named insured. But the court has ruled there was insufficient evidence of the fathers intent, prior to his bankruptcy, to establish a trust for his daughters sole benefit over the three policies. The court dismissed Michelles argument that her father intended to hold the policies in trust for her until she turned 21, after which he would transfer them to her name. Lim Oon Kuin, along with his son Chee Meng and daughter Lim Huey Ching, were declared bankrupt last year following settlements in two lawsuits filed by oil trading giant Hin Leongs liquidators and HSBC against the Lim family, according to The Straits Times. The Lim family were given the option for a third party to pay the policies surrender value, over SGD521,000 as of January 16, to the trustees of the bankruptcy estates. The Lims, however, rejected the proposal. Hin Leong was among Asia's biggest oil trading companies before its sudden collapse in 2020. Lim Oon Kuin was given 17 and a half years in jail for orchestrating one of the most serious cases of trade financing fraud in Singapore, according to prosecutors. Passengers paying hundreds of pounds for a luxury train journey were forced off at an unintended rail station following fears of over-crowding by Oasis fans. More than 100 travellers who had handed over up to 640 a head for a 'champagne supernova'-style day out were meant to arrive at Cardiff Central. But those on board the 1930s Pullman-style 'Northern Belle' train finished their day that had involved fizz and canapes at Windsor Castle and Hampton Court by disembarking 10 miles and half an hour away at Newport instead. The company behind the trip has accused rail bosses of 'setting up a Blunder-wall' blamed on the prospect of Oasis gig-goers taking over the main Cardiff transport hub. Britpop chart-toppers Oasis launched their planned 41-date comeback tour - 16 years after splitting - at the Welsh capital's Principality Stadium on Friday evening. Long-feuding brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher have been hailed for their performance and emotional reunion tipped to net each one 10s of millions of pounds. More than 70,000 audience members were there for Friday's concert, which also included support acts Cast and the Verve's former frontman Richard Ashcroft. Oasis devotees were seen celebrating in the sunshine throughout the day ahead of the Gallagher brothers' long-awaited arrival on stage. Oasis launched their reunion tour after 16 years apart at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Friday The firm behind vintage train the Northern Belle has told of disruption they linked to the gig After years of feuding, brothers Liam (left) and Noel Gallagher (right) linked arms in Cardiff Yet it was the subsequent arrival of those thousands of Oasis aficionados that appears to have concerned railway officials. An estimated 120 people were on board the Northern Belle service that has been described as 'Britain's poshest train'. The well-dressed passengers had paid between 550 and 640 each for the trip - but instead of arriving in Cardiff in the Northern Belle's plush carriages, the last leg of the journey was in a local Transport for Wales train. Now the firm behind the Northern Belle service has hit out at Network Rail, also punning on some of Oasis's most famous and popular songs. A spokesman said: 'While Oasis were singing hits like Wonderwall and Don't Look Back in Anger, Network Rail were setting up a Blunder-wall which left our passengers fuming. 'The whole thing rather spoiled their Champagne Supernova.' They continued: 'We can understand Network Rail's fears about overcrowding, but they had known about this for months - so why wait until the last minute to derail the last leg of the Belle's journey? 'Our passengers had paid more than 500 expecting a slap-up day out aboard one of the world's most luxurious trains and most dress up for the occasion. The 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle has been dubbed Britain's 'poshest train' Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher (left) and guitarist brother Noel (right) are seen here in Cardiff Oasis's Instagram account shared this photo of the two Gallagher brothers taking the stage 'But they had to cut short their six-course dinner at Newport and leave the comfort of their plush seats to squash on to a regular service back to Cardiff. 'Obviously they were very disappointed and so are we especially as, with a bit of forward planning, this situation could have been avoided.' A Network Rail spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Due to the high number of passengers expected for the Oasis concert, we agreed with West Coast Railway, who operate the Northern Belle, to divert the service to Newport where onward travel arrangements were in place. 'We apologise for any inconvenience this caused to passengers travelling on that service. However, our priority will always be to make decisions that support the safe and efficient operation of the railway.' Oasis lovers have been sharing online their affection for both Noel, 58, and 52-year-old Liam who appeared for the first time together since splitting in 2009. Their set, beginning with Hello from their 1995 album (What's The Story) Morning Glory?, took in hits including Supersonic, Wonderwall and Don't Look Back In Anger. And on the second night there Noel and Liam emerged on stage linking arms - before the younger brother let go before bowing down to his elder sibling. Throughout their sets so far, poignant pictures of the Gallagher family's home in Manchester flashed up on the screen along with baby pictures of both brothers. Old black and white pictures of their mum Peggy and dad Tommy were also flashed in the screen from time to time as Stand By Me played. Oasis fans were seen cheering in the streets of Cardiff ahead of Friday night's first concert Liam Gallagher (pictured), 52, sang lead vocals on songs including Supersonic and Whatever His elder brother Noel Gallagher, 58, took on tracks including Don't Look Back In Anger Ahead of their final song Champagne Supernova, Liam told the Cardiff audience on Friday: 'Thanks for putting up with us over the years - we're hard work, we get it.' The group's next scheduled gigs include five nights at Manchester's Heaton Park, including next Friday and Saturday, then five at Wembley. These are due to be followed by performances in cities including Edinburgh, Dublin, Toronto, Mexico City, Tokyo and Buenos Aires. Oasis are also scheduled to play Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne and Santiago. The two final dates are set to be in Brazilian city Sao Paulo on November 22 and 23. A property feud has erupted on a wealthy Massachusetts island after a brazen neighbor allegedly chopped down someone's 50-year-old trees to carve out an 'ocean view' for himself. Patricia Belford, 80, has accused Jonathan Jacoby, 55, of breaking onto her Nantucket property and cutting down 16 trees without her permission in February. According to a $1.4 million lawsuit, Jacoby removed decades-old cherry, cedar and Leyland Cypress trees from the home 'with the specific purpose of improving the ocean view from his own property' - which he is trying to sell. Belford and Jacoby are next-door neighbors sharing a property line, but most of the trees taken down were far from that border, Belford says. Jacoby has been accused of doing the unauthorized landscaping to make his stunning 4,491-square-foot beach compound at 3 Tautemo Way more appealing to potential buyers. In its Zillow description, the contemporary home, listed at just under $10 million, has 'sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean' and Hummock Pond. Hummock Pond, a salt-water pond on the southwestern part of Nantucket, and Cisco Beach are just fractions of a mile away from Tautemo Way. And the only things inhibiting those 'sweeping views' of the nearby bodies of water were apparently the trees the Belfords planted in the 1970s. Jonathan Jacoby allegedly removed decades-old trees from the home 'with the specific purpose of improving the ocean view from his own property' (pictured: court evidence showing cut down trees on Belford's land) The average home price on the ritzy Massachusetts island was roughly $4.5 million as of May 2025, according to Realtor.com (pictured: Nantucket homes on the water) Hummock Pond, a salt-water pond on the southwestern part of Nantucket, and Cisco Beach (pictured) are just blocks away from Tautemo Way When the trees were slashed, Matt Erisman, the property manager of Belford's $4.2 million home, notified the Nantucket Police Department (NPD), prompting an investigation. Belford herself does not live at the property, located at 1 Tautemo Way, but in an assisted living facility, according to the Nantucket Current. Jacoby's former landscaper, Krasimir Kirilov, voluntarily told investigators Jacoby was responsible. Belford, who is suing on behalf of her family's trust, claimed losing the trees has caused emotional distress In a police statement submitted as lawsuit evidence, Kirilov said Jacoby reached out to him for help cleaning up landscaping work he was going to do on his own. Once he realized the work was not on Jacoby's property, Kirilov refused the offer. 'The NPD concluded that Jacoby entered the property knowingly and willfully and cut the trees for his own personal benefit,' the lawsuit reads about the ongoing investigation. Nantucket Police Lieutenant Angus MacVicar told the Nantucket Current there are pending charges against Jacoby. Belford, who is suing on behalf of her family's trust, argued the trees added not only privacy, but value to her home - with a nursey estimating they each could cost thousands of dollars. 'Based on the number of trees removed, the replacement cost alone exceeds $486,000,' the document, filed on June 23, states. 'This does not account for the historic value, loss of screening, increased noise, reduction in overall property value. Belford and Jacoby are next-door neighbors sharing a property line, but many of the trees taken down were far from it (pictured: In its Zillow description, the contemporary home has 'sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean' and Hummock Pond (pictured) 'Jacoby's actions were not only economically damaging but also emotionally devastating for Belford.' Nantucket has become a hot spot for wealthy vacationers looking for a beach getaway. The average home price on the ritzy Massachusetts island was roughly $4.5 million as of May 2025, according to Realtor.com. Only about 14,200 people live on Nantucket year-round - compared to the more than 80,000 that swarm the island for the summer, according to US Census data. It is unclear if Jacoby lives in Nantucket fulltime, and his lawyer did respond to the Current's request for comment. 'The way I feel is that I am confident once all of the facts and evidence have been presented, that justice will be served,' Erisman told the outlet. 'However, much of what has been taken from the Belfords is irreplaceable, and it's sickening.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Belford and Jacoby for comment. Victims of the flash floods wrecking havoc on Central Texas are infuriated as local officials blame the National Weather Service (NWS) for failing to warn communities of the dire threat before it was too late. As of Monday afternoon, at least 91 people - including 28 children - have been killed by the devastating floods that have been sweeping the Lone Star State since the early hours of the Fourth of July - when rapid rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to surge more than 30 feet above its normal level. Rescue teams are frantically searching for dozens of missing victims, including 11 girls and a counselor who were at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the river in Kerr County, when tragedy struck. As search, rescue and recover efforts are underway - with Donald Trump signing a 'major disaster declaration' to support first responders - local officials have accused the NWS of rolling out delayed warnings, especially in the Hill Country - dubbed 'Flash Flood Alley' - in Kerr County, where the devastation has been the greatest. The federal agency issued a flood watch on Thursday at 1:18pm, estimating up to seven inches of rain on Friday morning in South Central Texas. A flash flood warning was issued at 1:14am on Friday, with a more extreme warning coming at 4:03am, urging people to immediately evacuate to high grounds as the situation became 'extremely dangerous and life-threatening.' For many victims, the issue wasn't about politics or who failed, but that no one warned them as the water rose, leaving them in the dark until it was far too late. 'This wasnt a forecasting failure,' meteorologist Matt Lanza told the Texas Tribune. 'It was a breakdown in communication.' Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly did not know what kind of alert system Camp Mystic had to try and get all 750 of its campers to safety (pictured: a girl reacting to the damage at the camp) Rescue teams are frantically searching for missing victims, including 11 girls and a counselor who were at Camp Mystic (pictured), a Christian summer camp along the river in Kerr County, when tragedy struck Local officials have shifted the blame to the NWS, claiming the agency cost people their lives (pictured: a volunteer searching through debris) Most of the devastation has been concentrated in Kerr County (pictured: a state trooper walking through Camp Mystic with a cadaver dog) 'The warnings were there. They just didnt get to people in time.' Further complicating matters, these warnings were issued during hours many Texans were asleep. 'The Weather Service was on the ball,' Chris Vagasky, a Wisconsin-based meteorologist told Wired. 'I really just want people to understand that the forecast office in San Antonio did a fantastic job. They got the warning out, but this was an extreme event.' But local officials have shifted the blame to the NWS, claiming the agency cost people their lives. At a Friday press conference, Texas Emergency Management Chief W. Nim Kidd said the amount of rain that slammed the Hill Country and Concho Valley was drastically underestimated. 'The amount of rain that fell at this specific location was never in any of those forecasts,' he said. Dalton Rice, the city manager for Kerrville, Texas, agreed that communities were under prepared for the sheer amount of rainfall. The NWS is in the process of hiring 100 new employees, as nearly 600 employees have left over the last few months after the Trump administration fired probationary federal employees and offered buyouts and early retirements. By April, nearly half of NWS forecast offices had 20 percent vacancy rates. But NWS meteorologist Jason Runyen said the New Braunfels office, which delivers forecasts for Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas, had extra staff on duty during the storms. At least 67 people - including 21 children - have been killed by the devastating floods that have been sweeping the Lone Star State (pictured: a Kerrville neighborhood submerged in water) Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (pictured) vowed to update the 'ancient system' in place 'There were extra people in here that night, and thats typical in every weather service office - you staff up for an event and bring people in on overtime and hold people over,' he said. While Texas officials point fingers at the federal government, victims are frustrated with the lack of an efficient emergency response system to circulate emergency warnings. 'What they need is some kind of external system, like a tornado warning that tells people to get out now,' Christopher Flowers, 44, said. Flowers was staying at a friends house along the Guadalupe River as the chaos erupted. When he checked the forecast in the hours before the floods surged, he was unalarmed. It was not until he woke up in the pitch black, surrounded by water, that he knew something was wrong. Bud Bolton, a resident of Blue Oak RV Park in Kerrville, told the Houston Chronicle he and others did not receive any warning before the community was destroyed. 'You have the river authorities and I know what they do,' the enraged Texan told the outlet. 'You cannot tell me its not their f***ing job to oversee this river and monitor this river, because thats what they do. Thats their job. A flash flood warning was issued at 1:14am on Friday, with a more extreme warning coming at 4:03am, urging people to immediately evacuate to high grounds (pictured: debris along the river) In a Sunday morning Truth Social Post, where Trump (pictured) announced he signed the emergency declaration 'Where was the notification for all these families that needed to get out of here, because it had to be rising up that way first.' Lorena Guillen, a local restaurant owner, who also lives in the RV park, said when she called her sheriff's office before 3am, she was not told to evacuate her home. 'We started seeing the cabins floating from the other RV Parks floating down the river,' she told the Houston Chronicle. 'We started seeing cars with lights on and people honking inside their cars and they were just floating away.' Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly revealed the county most devastated by the floods has no unified emergency response system to notify residents of an oncoming disaster. 'Weve looked into it before The public reeled at the cost,' he said. He also did not know what kind of alert system Camp Mystic had to try and get all 750 of its campers to safety. 'What I do know is the flood hit the camp first, and it came in the middle of the night. I dont know where the kids were,' he added. 'I dont know what kind of alarm systems they had. That will come out in time.' Texans are frustrated with the lack of an efficient emergency response system to let victims know a severe storm was underway Jonathan Porter, the chief meteorologist at AccuWeather, said measures could have been taken beforehand to reduce the harm done. 'People, businesses, and governments should take action based on Flash Flood Warnings that are issued, regardless of the rainfall amounts that have occurred or are forecast,' he said. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined Governor Greg Abbott at a Saturday press conference, vowing to update the 'ancient system' in place. 'The weather is extremely difficult to predict,' Noem said. 'But also that the National Weather Service, over the years at times, has done well and at times, we have all wanted more time and more warning and more notification.' She said the Trump Administration is working to 'fix' and 'update the technology.' 'We needed to renew this ancient system that has been left in place with the federal government for many, many years and that is the reforms that are ongoing there.' Trump said first responders have helped save about 850 lives so far, although victims feel this response is no match for the destruction (pictured: a helicopter searching for victims) At a Friday press conference, Texas Emergency Management Chief W. Nim Kidd (pictured) said the amount of rain was drastically underestimated, blaming the NWS for failing to warn them sooner In a Sunday morning Truth Social Post, where Trump announced he signed the emergency declaration, he wrote: 'These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing.' 'Our incredible US Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives.' But victims including Guillen, feel they have been left in the dust, with these efforts being no match for the extent of the destruction. 'There was too much loss - human loss and property loss,' she told the Houston Chronicle. The director of Camp Mystic was killed while trying to save girls from the horrific flooding that swept through the Texas summer camp. Richard 'Dick' Eastland, 70, died while trying to rescue campers from the biblical rushing waters that struck the state on July 4. At least 11 girls and one counselor are missing from Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, and five of their fellow campers have died after the rushing waters destroyed the all-girls private Christian summer camp. The death toll has risen to at least 69 people, including 21 children after the Guadalupe River flooded and surged by up to 30 feet above its usual water level Friday. Eastland's nephew, Gardner Eastland, confirmed the death in a Facebook post on Saturday. The camp director's wife, Tweety, was found safe at their home, according to Texas Public Radio. Father-of-four Eastland died in a helicopter on the way to a Houston hospital, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly told the Washington Post. The Eastlands have owned and operated Camp Mystic since 1974, and many viewed him as a father figure at the camp. 'It doesn't surprise me at all that his last act of kindness and sacrifice was working to save the lives of campers,' The Kerrville Daily Times guest columnist Paige Sumner said in a tribute to Eastland. Beloved director of Camp Mystic, Richard 'Dick' Eastland (pictured), 70, died while trying to save his campers At least 11 girls are missing from Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, and five of their fellow campers have died after the rushing waters destroyed the all-girls private Christian summer camp Eastland (center) and his wife, Tweety, have owned and operated Camp Mystic since 1974, and many viewed him as a father figure at the camp 'Dick was the father figure to all of us while we were away from home at Camp Mystic for six weeks. 'He was the father of four amazing boys, but he had hundreds of girls each term who looked up to him like a dad. I would never have taken a fishing class if it wasnt taught by my new friend Dick.' The couple has 11 grandchildren, and several of their children and their partners help manage the camp. According to the camp website, the Eastland's oldest son, Richard, manages the camp's kitchen; their youngest son, Edward, and his wife are directors of Camp Mystic Guadalupe River. The couple attended the University of Texas in Austin and reside at the camp grounds. Eastland is the third generation from his family to run the all-girls Christian summer camp since its founding in 1926. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Camp Mystic on the banks of the Guadalupe River, where some 750 girls had been staying when the floodwaters hit, had been 'horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I've seen in any natural disaster.' 'The height the rushing water reached to the top of the cabins was shocking,' he said on X after visiting the camp on Saturday. Eastland (pictured) died in a helicopter on the way to a Houston hospital, according to Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly The camp was destroyed after the Guadalupe River flooded and surged by up to 30 feet above its usual water level Friday Eastland (right) is the third generation from his family to run the all-girls Christian summer camp since its founding in 1926 Windows in the cabins were shattered and the interiors were completely covered in mud Photos show the summer camp was destroyed after the deadly floodwaters wrecked the grounds. Windows in the cabins were shattered and the interiors were completely covered in mud, with campers belongings in disarray. At least five campers were killed when the unprecedented current slammed the camp. Renee Smajstrla, eight, Janie Hunt, nine, and Alabama native Sarah Marsh, 8, all perished when the camp was washed away by the flood waters. Best friends Lila Bonner, 9, and Eloise Peck, 8, were also killed in the devastating flooding. The families of 11 other campers are desperately searching for their daughters as the death toll continues to rise. Authorities were coming under scrutiny over whether the camps and residents received proper warning about the flash floods and whether enough preparations were made. The flooding in the middle of the night caught many residents, campers and officials by surprise. The National Weather Service escalated the alert to a flash flood warning at 1am Friday, then a more serious Flash Flood Emergency by 4.30am - but by this stage water was already pouring into families' homes. Texas's Division of Emergency Management predicted the number of dead as a result of catastrophic flooding in Kerrville on July 4 would top 100, Daily Mail can exclusively reveal. In an email sent out Saturday, the state disaster office told partners the number of dead would surpass 100, two different sources confirmed to Daily Mail. The estimate of the dead is vastly different than the message state officials are projecting publicly, insisting that they are still searching for people who are alive, and refusing to say rescue efforts have shifted to recovery of remains. 'Our state assets and local partners are continuing to search for live victims,' the head of TDEM W. Nim Kidd told reporters at a press conference Saturday. 'Our hope and prayer is that there is still people alive that are out there.' As of Sunday morning, 69 had been confirmed dead, and 11 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic are missing. Of the dead, 46 are adults and 21 are children, local officials said. Additionally, DNA testing will be used to help identify the remains of the flood victims, a state source told Daily Mail. Families have been asked for blood draws or other records to help identify the bodies of loved ones who have been recovered. Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, Dallas residents who were at Camp Mystic, have been identified as being among the dead in flooding in Texas Richard 'Dick' Eastland, director of Camp Mystic, has also been confirmed dead Relatives of the missing have started arriving in the Kerrville area from across the Lone Star State to provide investigators with DNA samples. More is emerging about the victims, including those lost at Camp Mystic. The all-girl's Christian camp hosted 700 campers, including Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck of Dallas. Their parents were told the devastating news that their girls, described as 'best friends,' had died in the flood waters. Some of those who are missing or died at Camp Mystic are connected to wealthy families in Highland Park. Known as the Beverly Hills of Dallas, Highland Park and neighboring Park Cities are home to many of missing girls who belong to prominent families. Some have ties to Highland Park United Methodist Church - whose most famous member is former President George W. Bush. 'This crisis affects many our HPUMC family and our local Park Cities community, including generations of women and families touched by Camp Mystic,' wrote Highland Park United Methodist Church head pastor Paul Rasmussen. 'One of the girls unaccounted for, Hadley Hanna, is a part of our church family. Please pray for her safety and for her parents, Doug and Carrie, along with her two sisters.' A woman searches the area, following flash flooding, in Hunt, Texas, U.S. July 6 Items lie scattered inside a cabin at Camp Mystic after deadly flooding in Kerr County, Texas, U.S., July 5 First responders from College Station Fire Department search along the banks of the Guadalupe River, as rescue efforts continue following extreme flooding, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Ingram, Texas Over 300 people attended a prayer vigil at the church Saturday in support of the flood victims. A hotline has been established for anyone who is looking for loved ones. Relatives are asked to call 830-258-1111 with information of the missing, including their last known location. A man has been arrested after a Windrush exhibition was vandalised in an early morning attack. The 24-year-old is currently in custody being quizzed by Scotland Yard officers after portraits were damaged in Brixton, south London, on Thursday. Officers were called to reports of vandalism at the exhibition at around 6.09am. Met Police said it does not currently believe the incident is a hate crime, adding that further enquiries will take place to establish the circumstances. Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, who leads policing in Brixton, said: 'We understand that those in the community will feel distressed about vandalism to the Windrush exhibition in Brixton. 'We believe that this was not a hate crime, and I want to reassure anyone with concerns, that a man has now been arrested. 'Local neighbourhood officers have been in contact with the organiser of the exhibition, and remain in the area to respond to any questions or worries that people may have.' A man has been arrested after a Windrush exhibition was vandalised in an early morning attack Portraits honouring the Windrush generation have been vandalised in Brixton Friends of Windrush Square said on Thursday that it believed the incident was an 'act of racial hatred'. The group's chair Ros Griffiths told the Standard: 'It's very upsetting. A couple of weeks ago it was Windrush Day and hundreds came out to remember the legacy of the Windrush Generation. 'The exhibition had been up for two weeks. I urged everyone to stand in solidarity with the Windrush Generation.' Trump's Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent landed a fresh attack on the President's former 'First Buddy' Elon Musk in the latest flare up in the duo's feud. During an appearance on CNN's State of the Union Sunday Bessent told SOTU anchor, Dana Bash that the 'America Party' - the political party Musk registered with the Federal Election Commission Sunday wasn't of concern to the White House. Bash kicked off the exchange, noting that 'it's not a big secret that you had your differences with Elon Musk when he was working in the administration. He announced this weekend that he is starting a new political party.' 'Does that worry the Trump administration' Bash asked Bessent. Bessent replied, first acknowledging that 'the principles of DOGE were very popular,' referring to the Department of Government Efficiency which Musk foremrely led for the Trump Administration. 'I think, if you looked at the polling, Elon was not,' Bessent added. 'So, I believe that the boards of directors at his various companies wanted him to come back and run those companies, which he is better at than anyone,' Bessent continued. Bessent then further expended on the idea that Musk is better served concentrating his efforts in the business world, adding 'I imagine that those board of directors did not like this announcement yesterday and will be encouraging him to focus on his business activities, not his political activities.' Musk's interference in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race earlier in 2025 is one example of an instance where his involvement appears to have negatively impacted the conservative candidate in the race. Elon Musk stands in the Oval Office to attend a press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 30, 2025. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks to reporters following a Senate Republican luncheon, in the U.S. Capitol on June 27, 2025 in Washington, DC Tesla CEO Elon Musk was seen with a black eye in the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC Several weeks ago on Capitol Hill, Bessent came clean after weeks of speculation that he was the one responsible for the black-eye Musk was seen sporting during his last event as a member of the Trump administration. Bessent faced an unusual line of questioning when he testified on Capitol Hill during a hearing on his department's budget before the Ways and Means Committee back in June. Bessent was grilled about whether he really tackled Elon Musk in the White House last month. 'Mr. Secretary, how are you doing?' Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) said innocuously. 'So far, so good,' Bessent quipped back. 'Okay. I was just curious because I know Elon Musk body checked you at the White House. No animosity to Elon Musk, right?' Gomez continued. 'You know that?' Bessent asked about the sparring event. 'That's what I heard,' Gomez responded. Bessent had been partaking in three days of trade negotiations in London and had not yet been questioned about the story. 'So you believe, you believe what you read on Breitbart is what you are telling us, Congressman,' Bessent pressed. 'I didn't know ... If it's too sensitive for you I won't ask that question, but let me move' Gomez flubbed. 'I will take South Carolina over South Africa any day', Bessent replied, referring to his home state versus Musk's nation of birth. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testifies before the House Ways and Means Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Elon Musk is seen with a bruised eye that Musk claimed he received at the hands of his son, X A A-12, as he attends a press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 30, 2025 Elon Musk attends news conference with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington Musk was spotted with a black eye as he delivered a sort of farewell address in the Oval Office upon departing from his role as a 'special government employee' heading up Trump's Department of Government Efficiency DOGE). At the time, Musk claimed that the black eye was the result of roughhousing with his young son, X A A-12, who is more commonly know as X. But speculation grew as more was revealed about his tense standoff with Bessent. Former Chief Strategist Steve Bannon told DailyMail.com in May that Musk's turbulent time in the White House was marred when he was confronted over wild promises to save the administration 'a trillion dollars'. That's when an irate Musk physically 'shoved' 62-year-old Bessent. 'Scott Bessent called him out and said, "You promised us a trillion dollars (in cuts), and now you're at like $100 billion, and nobody can find anything, what are you doing?"' Bannon revealed. And that's when Elon got physical. It's a sore subject with him. 'It wasn't an argument, it was a physical confrontation. Elon basically shoved him.' Bannon said the physical altercation came as the two billionaires moved from the Oval Office to outside Chief of Staff Susie Wiles' office, and then outside the office of the then National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz. Police arrested a man after he allegedly approached multiple children at a public splash pad. Moynul Janu, 34, of no fixed abode, has been charged with two counts of attempted kidnapping following several incidents at Victoria Park in Cardiff. South Wales Police were called after concerns were raised about Mr Janu's behaviour at the aquatic play area. He is accused of approaching several children, with police calling for witnesses who may have seen anything to come forward. Parents also raised fears that Janu had been secretly photographing and videoing their children in the park. However, officers did not find any recording devices upon searching him. The splash pad, which originally opened in 2016, was delayed in reopening this summer due to a wait on the delivery of parts from Italy, WalesOnline reported. However, the play area was reportedly functional again by the end of May, with Cardiff Council officially announcing it on June 3. Man has been charged with two counts of attempted kidnapping after allegedly approaching multiple children at the splash pad in Victoria Park, Cardiff (pictured) The splash pad is located in Victoria Park (pictured), a Grade II-listed location in Canton, west Cardiff South Wales Police were called after concerns were raised about a man's behaviour at the aquatic play area The splash pad is in a Grade II-listed park in Canton in west Cardiff and has 33 features for children to experience, including sprays, jets, a giant tipping water bucket and a tunnel. A South Wales Police spokesperson said: 'Just before midday on Thursday, July 3, officers attended Victoria Park, Cardiff, following a number of calls which raised concerns about a man's behaviour in the splash park area. 'Moynul Janu, 34, of no fixed abode has been charged with two counts of attempted kidnap and two counts of public order and has been remanded in police custody. 'Some people were concerned he had been taking photographs or recording children, but we can confirm when officers searched him, he was not in possession of any such devices. 'Anybody who may have information about the incident or who noticed something suspicious is urged to make contact. 'Please give reference 2500210810.' CCTV has been released of a woman that officers would like to speak with after a man was stabbed in the chest with a broken glass bottle on a train. The incident came after a fight broke out on a train between Brighton and Haywards Heath, West Sussex, at around midnight on July 1. During the altercation a person was seen threatening a man with a glass bottle, before smashing it and stabbing the man in the chest with it. British Transport Police (BTP) say their officers - and paramedics - rushed to the scene at Haywards Heath to respond to the 'serious assault'. Two people were taken to hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. A man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm but was later released without charge, while another man was arrested on suspicion of affray. Officers believe the woman in the CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation. CCTV has been released of a woman (above) that officers would like to speak with after a man was stabbed in the chest with a broken glass bottle on a train British Transport Police (BTP) say their officers - and paramedics - rushed to the scene at Haywards Heath to respond to the 'serious assault' (Stock Image) Anyone who recognises her is asked to contact BTP. They can be reached by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. Reference 17 of July 1, 2025, should be used in any correspondence. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. The owners of a pet lion that escaped from a farmhouse and injured a woman and her two children have been arrested in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore. The arrest comes after dramatic video footage surfaced showing the lion leaping over a wall before attacking the victims in a residential area. The lion is seen jumping on the woman's back and knocking her to the ground, while a man heroically rushed over to her in an attempt to scare the animal away. The woman and her five and seven-year-old children sustained injuries to their faces and arms on Wednesday night when the lion escaped from its cage, police official Faisal Kamran said. According to a police report, the children's father told police that the lion's owners stood by and watched as the animal clawed at his family, making no effort to restrain it. He also told police that the owners were 'amused to see their lion attack'. All three victims were rushed to hospital but were not in critical condition. The lion later returned to the owners' farmhouse and was relocated to a wildlife park, police said. Keeping exotic animals such as lions is considered a status symbol among some wealthy Pakistanis, despite the legal requirements and high fees associated with ownership. An escaped pet lion attacked a woman and two children in a busy street in Lahore, Pakistan. The incident was captured on CCTV The owners of the pet lion have since been arrested, according to local police. This screen grab shows how the lion lunged charged at the woman and knocked her to the floor A man heroically came to the woman's aid and chased the lion away In December 2024, an adult lion escaped from its enclosure in another neighbourhood of Lahore, terrorising 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. Police are looking for three men in connection with an alleged rape that took place last week. CCTV footage has been released by the cops and shows three men in dark clothing walking along Princes Avenue in Hull - where the incident took place. Humberside Police said the footage was taken at around 1am on July 3 and the men could have valuable information to help with their investigation. Hundreds of hours of footage has been trawled through since the reported rape while the victim is said to be supported by specially trained officers and Humberside's protecting vulnerable people unit. The Detective Chief Inspector acknowledged that locals may feel concerned but insisted that her team were doing everything in their power to look into the incident. Anyone who recognised these men or had further information was advised to contact the police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference 25*91417. Anonymous tips could be directed to via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Murphy said: 'The CCTV images we have released today are from Thursday (3 July) and we are looking to identify and speak with the men in the images, as they may have valuable information that could assist with our investigation. CCTV footage has been released by the cops showing three men in dark clothing who could have valuable information to help with a reported rape The trio were walking along Princes Avenue in Hull where the incident took place 'Extensive enquiries have been, and continue to be, underway including hundreds of hours of CCTV footage from the local area being reviewed. 'We also continue to work closely with partner agencies, as well as our protecting vulnerable people unit to establish the circumstances around this incident. 'The victim also continues to be supported by specially trained officers at this time. 'Whilst rare, incidents of this nature naturally cause concern within local communities, and I'd like to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to investigate this incident which occurred within an address on Princes Avenue. 'We are urging anyone who recognises these men or believes they may have further information that would assist our investigation, to contact us on our non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference 25*91417.' Traumatised passengers hit out at Ryanair after they were seriously injured jumping off the wings of a holiday jet when panic spread about a suspected fire onboard. Danielle Kelly, 56, said people started jumping for their lives after an air steward ran along the aisle and told them to evacuate the Manchester-bound flight as fast as possible. The flight, from Palma in Majorca, was already delayed by two hours but was taxiing to the runway in the early hours of Saturday morning when there was a loud bang and cabin crew ordered everyone to leave immediately. Mrs Kelly, a self-employed fitness instructor, who was sat in row 18 with her daughter, Frankie, 26, said she feared there was a terrorist onboard so followed other passengers out onto the wing in the chaos. I saw a member of the cabin crew run from the back to the front of the plane, he was on the phone and suddenly started shouting, "everyone get off the aircraft now, everyone evacuate." It was utter chaos, passengers were screaming, "open the doors, open the doors". It was terrifying, I thought there was a terrorist on board, so I grabbed my daughter and got out. Cabin crew deployed the emergency shutes at the front doors but passengers sitting in the middle were left with no choice but to jump the 18ft from the wings onto the tarmac. Stewardesses told travellers to leave behind their belongings in case there is a fire and the plane explodes which, passengers said, only added to the panic. Eighteen people were injured after passengers rapidly dismbarked from a Ryanair flight at Majorca airport following a fire alert that turned out to be a false alarm Danielle Kelly, 56, suffered a broken right heel, fractured left wrist and smashed elbow, when she plummeted to the concrete below The self-employed fitness instructor, who was sat in row 18 with her daughter, Frankie, 26, said she feared there was a terrorist onboard so followed other passengers out onto the wing in the chaos Mrs Kelly, who had been on a week-long holiday in the resort of Portals with her daughter, Frankie, 26, friend Francine Elkinson, 57, and her daughter, Savannah, 26, suffered a broken right heel, fractured left wrist and smashed elbow, when she plummeted to the concrete below. Speaking from her hospital bed, in Palma, this evening Mrs Kelly, of Whitefield, Greater Manchester, added: There was no announcement from the pilot or any of the other cabin crew. The door nearest to us opened and everyone ran onto the wing and started jumping off. Im 56-years-old, I didnt want to jump but I feared for my life. It felt like a life or death situation. I knew as soon as I landed that I was seriously injured, I couldnt walk but the ground staff were shouting for everyone to move away from the aircraft in case it exploded. It was terrifying, weve been left completely traumatised by the experience. Ive got my foot and arm in plaster and Ive got to have three different surgeries to pin my foot, wrist and elbow tomorrow, Im in a mess. Mrs Elkinson, 57, also suffered a bad break to her right foot and underwent a three-hour operation yesterday, when surgeons inserted pins and plates to repair it. The company director said: People were screaming, "get off the plane now," there was no organisation, everyone was scrambling and screaming, it was complete chaos. There was no guidance about what to do from the captain or the crew. I was petrified, my daughter went first and was standing on the tarmac telling me to jump and she would catch me. I hit the floor and my foot blew up, I thought I had snapped it. I couldnt walk and my daughter had to drag me away. I was put on an airport ambulance but it took about 40 minutes for the paramedics to arrive. Danielle was crying she was in so much pain, it was horrendous. Mrs Elkinson, 57, also suffered a bad break to her right foot and underwent a three-hour operation on Saturday, when surgeons inserted pins and plates to repair it Passengers rushed to evacuate the plane, with six needing to be taken to hospital for treatment The way Ryanair have dealt with it is terrible, saying that people only suffered minor injuries and the evacuation was under control. Absolute rubbish, they are just trying to play it down because no one knew what they were doing. Another passenger, who didnt want to be named, told the Mail she suffered a double fracture to her pelvis and broke a bone in her lower back when she jumped from the wing. A member of the cabin crew was screaming on the Tannoy for everyone to get off the plane, they were saying, "leave your bags, the plane could explode", which obviously just made everyone panic, she said. People were clambering over each other to the exits, it was chaotic. Im usually a rational thinking person. No one wants to throw themselves off the wing of a plane unless the alternative is worse everyone was led to believe it was an emergency and they had to get out immediately. When we got onto a bus back to the terminal people were asking a member of the cabin crew how it happened and saying it was awful. But he simply said, "we did our best, we are only human." But there was no direction from the crew and they just werent very competent. There was no clear guidance, it was every man for himself. She said doctors had told her it could be three months before she is walking again and plans to take legal action against the airline. In total 18 people were injured, with six people hospitalised as a consequence of the way the evacuation was handled. At least one female member of the cabin crew is thought to be among the injured. The incident happened at Palma Airport in Mallorca in the early hours of Saturday morning So far none of those in hospital have been visited by a representative of Ryanair, although the airline has been in touch to offer them alternative flights home and an insulting 4 food voucher. A Ryanair spokesman said: 'This flight from Palma to Manchester discontinued take-off due to a false fire warning light indication. 'Passengers were disembarked using the inflatable slides and returned to the terminal. 'While disembarking, a small number of passengers encountered very minor injuries (ankle sprains, etc) and crew requested immediate medical assistance. 'To minimise disruption to passengers, we quickly arranged a replacement aircraft to operate this flight, which departed Palma at 07:05 Saturday morning. 'We sincerely apologise to affected passengers for any inconvenience caused.' CONVICTED criminals including violent thugs are being freed from jail to be deported then returning to Scotland creating a revolving door of foreign offenders. Prisoners from overseas can be released after serving half of their sentences if they are earmarked to be sent back to their homelands. But the scheme has been abused, with some offenders coming back to the UK and then being locked up to serve the rest of their original terms. It comes amid concern over criminals from other countries contributing to overcrowding which has led to the early release of hundreds to free up space. Last night Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: Law-abiding people across the UK will be outraged at repeat foreign offenders being housed in our already overcrowded jails. With the SNPs billion-pound replacement for Barlinnie prison in Glasgow still years away and Labour also being soft on crime, this revolving door situation cannot continue. The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said nine foreign criminals were sent back to Scottish jails after having been let out for deportation in the past ten years. It emerged in January that more than 1million of public cash had been handed to illegal immigrants in Scotland, including dangerous criminals, so they can fight deportation. Nine foreign criminals were sent back to Scottish jails after having been let out for deportation in the past 10 years Liam Kerr, Scottish Tory justice spokesman, said that 'law-abiding people across the UK will be outraged' The Mail previously revealed more than 630 people served with deportation orders after being convicted for crimes including sexual assault and violence had not been removed by the Home Office. The number of foreign criminals at large in the UK rocketed over the past year from 11,940 to 17,428 a record high. The number in Scotland stands at 635. An Albanian criminal who was deported after serving a prison sentence for burglary successfully won the right to remain in the UK after sneaking back into the country in defiance of a deportation order. Ardit Binaj, 32, was deported after serving just six months of a two-and-a-half-year sentence for burglary under a prisoner transfer agreement with Albania. He illegally entered the UK in 2014 and was arrested for burglary the following year. He was sentenced to 30 months, in addition to a six-month sentence for another burglary and 18 weeks for a separate theft. During Binajs initial appeal hearing, he claimed he had sought early release to return to Albania to care for his ill grandmother, who later passed away. The judge rejected this, concluding he had returned to avoid serving his full sentence. Gucci-wearing Albanian Dorian Puka has been jailed and deported twice over burglaries In another case, an Albanian burglar who claimed asylum to avoid deportation taunted British taxpayers and the Home Office by filming himself cruising around London in a 300,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Gucci-wearing Dorian Puka, 28, has previously been jailed and deported twice for a string of burglaries in the UK. Last year it emerged the Scottish Government was in talks with UK ministers over the deportation of criminals to serve sentences in their home countries to ease overcrowding. As of last October, there were 629 foreign nationals in Scotlands jails, 325 of whom had been convicted of a crime. Last November, an academic claimed Scottish jails resemble a mini UN conference. Jim Watson, a criminal justice lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland, told the Daily Telegraph that during a visit to HMP Barlinnie he had met inmates from all over the world. An SPS spokesman said: We have been managing a rising and extremely complex population for more than a year now. The Scottish Government said deportation is a matter for the UK Government. A Home Office spokesman said: Since the election weve removed 4,436 foreign criminals, a 14 per cent increase on (the year before). Her steely account of homelessness and hope in the face of adversity captivated more than two million readers worldwide and was adapted into a film released this year starring A-listers Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. But it has now been claimed that Raynor Winn's account of losing her home before embarking on a mammoth trek of the South West Coast Path in her best-selling 2018 memoir, The Salt Path, may not be as 'unflinchingly honest' as initially billed - after allegations published today said she omitted key elements of her story. Following an investigation into their backgrounds, The Observer said that The Salt Path's protagonists, Raynor Winn and her husband, Moth, previously went by their less flamboyant legal names, Sally and Tim Walker. And rather than being forced out of their home in rural Wales when an investment in a childhood friend's business went awry, as the book suggested, it is alleged that the property was repossessed after Winn stole tens of thousands of pounds from a former employer and was arrested. When the couple failed to repay a loan taken out with a relative to repay the stolen money - agreed on terms that the police would not be further involved - they lost their home, it is claimed. A spokeswoman for the Winns on Sunday night told the Mail that the allegations made in the Sunday newspaper were 'highly misleading'. Their statement added: 'The Salt Path lays bare the physical and spiritual journey Moth and I shared, an experience that transformed us completely and altered the course of our lives. This is the true story of our journey.' When asked to specify which allegations were misleading or factually inaccurate, the spokesman declined to comment further but said that the couple were taking legal advice. Questions have also been raised about Moth's debilitating illness, corticobasal degeneration [CBD], a rare neurological condition in the same family as Parkinson's disease, which is central to the book. Following an investigation into their backgrounds, The Observer said that The Salt Path's protagonists, Raynor Winn (right) and her husband, Moth Winn (left), previously went by their less flamboyant legal names, Sally and Tim Walker Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs in the film adaptation of The Salt Path, which was released in May this year The Winns with Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, the stars of the recent film adaptation The life expectancy for sufferers after diagnosis is around six to eight years, according to the NHS - however Moth has been living with the condition for 18 years with no apparent visible symptoms. As part of The Observer's investigation, a number of neurologists specialising in CBD were contacted, with one telling the newspaper that his history with the illness 'does not pass the sniff test'. It is suggested that anyone suffering from CBD for longer than 12 years would need round-the-clock care. Released in 2018, The Salt Path details the Winns' decision to embark on the South West Coast Path when they lose their home after investing a 'substantial sum' into a friend's business which ultimately failed. In the book, Winn writes: 'We lost. Lost the case. Lost the house.' The memoir then describes their subsequent 630-mile walk to salvation, wild camping en route and living on around 40 per week, and is described as a 'life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world.' It prompted two sequels and the film adaptation, which was released in May, starring The X Files' Anderson and Isaacs, who recently starred in HBO's The White Lotus. The Winns posed for photographs alongside the actors on the red carpet in London at the film's premiere. The Winns at a gala screening of The Salt Path film in Newquay, Cornwall earlier this year Raynor Winn at home in Cornwall. She has become a huge success since her book's release Ros Hemmings said she had been left upset by details in Raynor Winn's book and the subsequent film adaptation However following interviews with eight people with knowledge of the situation, it is now claimed that the Winns actually lost their 17th century farmhouse in rural North Wales when Winn stole around 64,000 from the late Martin Hemmings, her former boss at his family-run estate agency, where she worked as a bookkeeper in the early 2000s. Martin has since died but his wife Ros told The Observer: 'Her claims that it was all just a business deal that went wrong really upset me. 'When really she had embezzled the money from my husband. It made me feel sick.' After initially suspecting she had stolen around 9,000, investigations revealed she had allegedly stolen much more and the police were reportedly called in and Winn was arrested. The Winns are then said to have visited a distant relative of 'Moth' in London who agreed he would lend them the money to repay the stolen funds - as long as the Hemmings agreed not to pursue a criminal case. 'I just hoped I would never hear from her again,' Mrs Hemmings said. 'Until somebody waved that book at me [The Salt Path] and said: "Guess who?"' The loaned money is then said to have accrued substantial interest until it eventually exceeded 150,000, it is said. When the relative's business then failed, there was a court case and the Winns' home was repossessed to repay the relative's business associates. A further allegation likely to harm the couple's account of 'homelessness' are based on documents which show that, at the time they lost their property in Wales, Sally and Tim Walker owned a house in the south-west of France, which they had purchased in 2007. Mrs Hemmings told The Observer she was glad her husband didn't live long enough to see the publication of the book and release of the film. 'It would have made him so angry,' she said. The Winns did not respond to a further request for comment. A tight-knit Maryland community came together to give a little girl who has been battling terminal cancer for years a spirited summertime Christmas celebration. Kasey Zachmann, 9, of Bethesda, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer called medulloblastoma when she was five years old. After years of grueling surgeries, trials, and rounds of chemo and radiation, her parents, Alyssa and Joe, received heartbreaking news from her doctors on June 23. Doctors said Kasey's cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and she may only have a few weeks to live. Learning what no parent ever wants to hear, Alyssa and Joe were determined to make sure their daughter spends her time joyfully and surrounded by loved ones. And with Kasey's diagnosis day, June 28, just days away at the time, they planned to turn the glum anniversary into Kasey's favorite holiday - Christmas Day. 'I was trying to think of fun things that we could do for Kasey to build memories,' Alyssa told Bethesda Magazine. 'So we thought it would be amazing to give her the chance to celebrate Christmas one last time.' Her immediately parents reached out to their neighbors, asking for them to decorate their homes with Christmas lights. Kasey Zachmann (middle), 9, of Bethesda, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer called medulloblastoma when she was five years old Kasey, wearing a Nutcracker-themed dress, smiled as she enjoyed the day with other kids in her neighborhood and her sister, Zara. She also received cards and gifts 'This week will be incredibly hot and not the best climate for putting up lights, but we're not sure how much time we have,' the Zachmanns wrote to their neighbors, NBC reported. Despite the scorching heat and humidity, hundreds of community members happily complied with the festive request. As neighbors decked the town with lights and wore Christmas-themed outfits, 25 firetrucks drove over to the Zachmann's house - bringing Santa along with them. Kasey, wearing a Nutcracker-themed dress, smiled as she enjoyed the day with other kids in her neighborhood and her sister, Zara. She also received cards and gifts. She and her family made sure to drive by each and every house that participated to show their gratitude. 'It was magical. We tried to get to every single house, so it took us two hours to drive around,' Alyssa told Bethesda Magazine, noting that some people were standing in the rain when they arrived. What started as an email to those living nearby blew up into an event spanning 11 neighborhoods along the DC-Maryland border, according to The Washington Post. Learning what no parent ever wants to hear, Alyssa (pictured with Kasey) and Joe were determined to make sure their daughter spends her time joyfully and surrounded by loved ones What started as an email to those living nearby blew up into an event spanning 11 neighborhoods along the DC-Maryland border This diagnosis day turned holiday party was even celebrated nationally, with people from all 50 states sending in videos to wish Kasey a merry Christmas. 'June 28 for us has been diagnosis day, has been a heavy day for us,' Alyssa told NBC. 'For us to now be able to think about June 28 as Christmas in June, especially next year, we're so thankful.' An Irish mother-of-two who was hit by a parked car that 'unexpectedly' moved has died after 11 days in hospital. Denise Morey, from Knocknaheeney, County Cork, was severely injured after she was struck on Popham's Road in Farranree, Cork City on June 23. Ms Morey, who was in her 60s, had parked her SUV on Pophams Road, which is on a steep hill, but the car suddenly moved and ran over her. Emergency services rushed to the scene where they treated Ms Morey before taking her to Cork University Hospital. She was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where she succumbed to her injuries on Friday. A death notice issued by her family said Ms Morey died 'peacefully, after a tragic accident, in the presence of her loving family and in the tender and in the tender and exceptional care of the ICU Ward at Cork University Hospital'. She was described as the 'dearly beloved wife of Billy, much loved mother of Samantha and the late Bernard and adored nan of Nicole, Reece, Zach and Jake.' 'Sadly missed by her loving husband, family, brothers, sisters, relatives, neighbours and a close circle of friends', the notice added. Denise Morey, from County Cork, passed away on Friday 11 days after she was struck by a parked car Ms Morey had parked her SUV on Pophams Road, but the car suddenly moved and ran over her. Pictured: General view of Pophams Road, where the tragic accident happened Tributes have poured in for the mother-of-two from her loved ones. One mourning friend said: 'Denis was salt of the earth and such a lovely, lovely person. May she rest in peace.' Another said: 'Denise was a kind lay with a big heart, may er gentle soul rest in eternal peace'. Tributes have been paid to a scientist who was allegedly murdered in broad daylight. Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, was attacked on Saturday afternoon as she walked on South Road in Dundee. Emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 4.25pm but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that following a post-mortem examination, the incident is being treated as murder and that a 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with Dr Gomos death. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal and he is due to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court today. Dr Gomo, who is believed to have had a ten-year-old daughter, had moved from Zimbabwe to Scotland to complete a PhD at the University of Dundee. An expert in water conservation, Dr Gomo led initiatives to improve water and food security in both Scotland and sub-Saharan Africa, and was hailed as a rising star in her field. The mothers death has been condemned as truly shocking by her friends and colleagues both in Scotland and in Africa. Dr Fortune Gomo was described as a rising star in her field A police tent marks the site of the tragedy as officers search the immediate area Angela Machonesa, who studied with Dr Gomo in Zimbabwe, wrote: A child will now grow up without the love and presence of a mother. A family will mourn a daughter who once lit up their home with hope and promise. A community, ours, will ache for a friend, a sister, a schoolmate, who inspired us all. Her future was not just her own, it belonged to all of us who saw the power of what an African girl can become when given a chance and when fuelled by brilliance. A spokesman for the University of Dundee added: This has been a truly shocking event in our city and for our university community. It will be particularly distressing for those who knew and worked with Fortune throughout her time as a PhD student and postdoctoral research assistant in geography, and for all of those in our close-knit community of African colleagues and students. A woman looks at the floral tributes that had been left close to the scene Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this tragic time. Members of Dundees Zimbabwean community gathered in the city yesterday afternoon to pay their respects to Dr Gomo and demand action on spiralling crime across the country. Choking back tears, one resident told crowds: Why should we live in fear? Why should our kids live in fear? We demand peace. Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp, the officer leading the inquiry, said: Firstly, my thoughts remain with Fortunes family at this incredibly sad time. They are being supported by specialist officers and I would ask that their privacy is respected. Our enquiries are continuing and I remain satisfied that the incident poses no wider risk to the public. At this early stage of the investigation we are following a number of lines of inquiry. I am also acutely aware of content circulating on social media and would urge the public not to speculate about the circumstances of the incident. The public will notice a visibly increased police presence in the area and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns to speak with our officers. DS Sharp said it had been a distressing incident for those who witnessed and attended the incident and appealed for anyone who can assist officers to contact Police Scotland on 101 or to call Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111. The mother of one of the four murdered University of Idaho students has revealed her daughter was beaten in the face by killer Bryan Kohberger as she tried desperately to defend herself. Kaylee Goncalves' mom Kristi shared the update after Kohberger pleaded guilty to the brutal stabbings of Gonclaves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, Maddie Mogen, 21, and Ethan Chapin, 20. Kohberger's admission was part of a plea deal with Latah County prosecutors that allows him to dodge the death penalty, infuriating several of the families including the Goncalves. Ahead of his sentencing later this month, Kristi shared harrowing details about her daughter's final moments on November 13, 2022. She also hit back at critics who have suggested the family cares more about 'vengeance than justice'. 'He deserved life on death row,' Kristi wrote. 'People say that the Goncalves don't want justice, they want vengeance. 'Well let me ask you a question about that... if your 21yr old daughter was sleeping in her bed and BK [Brian Kohberger] went into her house with the intention to kill her and he did, by stabbing her MANY times, as well as beating her in the face and head while it was clear that she fought for her life... what would you want? Justice or vengeance?' The Goncalves family was calling for the killer to face death by firing squad if convicted. The mom of murdered Idaho student Kaylee Goncalves (second left) revealed her daughter was beaten in the face by killer Brian Kohberger before her death. Goncalves was murdered along with Madison Mogen, 21, (on shoulders) Xana Kernodle, 20, (second right) and Ethan Chapin, 20 Kristi Goncalves shared the details in a post where she slammed the plea deal offered to her daughter's killer Kaylee tried to defend herself as she was attacked by Kohberger on November 13, 2022, her mom shared They have since slammed the plea deal, hitting out at lead prosecutor Bill Thompson for notifying them of the decision by letter. However, several of the other families have expressed gratitude they will be spared a trial. 'BK did not show Kaylee ANY mercy,' Kristi added. 'People tell us we should be happy with life in prison without parole as he will never get out (how is that not a win they ask) well the death penalty also means life on death row. 'We knew it would be decades before he ever would face the firing squad. We knew that his execution was not going to happen anytime soon, BUT his life on DEATH ROW while serving his time would have been much worse than serving his time as life in prison.' Kohberger's shock guilty plea was entered on Wednesday. The deal also included a clause that Kohberger cannot ever appeal his conviction. He will be sentenced later this month and will have the chance to speak. But Kohberger will not be forced to address the court, meaning his true motive may never be known. Bryan Kohberger, 30, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to the murder under a controversial plea bargain which spared him the death penalty. He will instead see him serve four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole Kohberger targeted the students at their home in Moscow, Idaho. Two other housemates survived the ordeal Lead prosecutor Thompson laid out his key evidence Wednesday at Kohberger's plea hearing. The evidentiary summary spun a dramatic tale that included a DNA-laden Q-tip plucked from the garbage in the dead of the night, a getaway car stripped so clean of evidence that it was 'essentially disassembled inside' and a fateful early-morning Door Dash order that may have put one of the victims in Kohberger's path. These details offered new insights into how the crime unfolded and how investigators ultimately solved the case using surveillance footage, cell phone tracking and DNA matching. But the synopsis leaves hanging key questions that could have been answered at trial - including a motive for the stabbings and why Kohberger picked that house, and those victims, all apparent strangers to him. Kohberger, now 30, had begun a doctoral degree in criminal justice at nearby Washington State University - across the state line from Moscow, Idaho - months before the crimes. 'The defendant has studied crime,' Thompson told the court. 'In fact, he did a detailed paper on crime scene processing when he was working on his PhD, and he had that knowledge skillset.' Kohberger's cell phone began connecting with cell towers in the area of the crime more than four months before the stabbings, Thompson said, and pinged on those towers 23 times between the hours of 10pm and 4am in that time period. A compilation of surveillance videos from neighbors and businesses also placed Kohberger's vehicle - known to investigators because of a routine traffic stop by police in August - in the area. Bryan Kohberger was pulled over with his father (pictured together) before his arrest Kohberger's apartment and office were scrubbed clean when investigators searched them, and his car had been 'pretty much disassembled internally', prosecuting attorney Bill Thompson told the plea hearing Wednesday The Goncalves family has slammed lead prosecutor Bill Thompson for offering the plea deal On the night of the killings, Kohberger parked behind the house and entered through a sliding door to the kitchen at the back of the house shortly after 4am. He then moved to the third floor, where Mogen and Goncalves were sleeping and stabbed them both the death. Kohberger left a knife sheath next to Mogen's body. Both victims' blood was later found on the sheath, along with DNA from a single male that ultimately helped investigators pinpoint Kohberger as the only suspect. On the floor below, Kernodle was still awake. As Kohberger was leaving the house, he crossed paths with her and killed her with a large knife. He then killed Chapin - Kernodle's boyfriend, who had been sleeping in her bedroom. Two other roommates, Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortensen, survived unharmed. Mortensen was expected to testify at trial that sometime before 4.19am she saw an intruder there with 'bushy eyebrows,' wearing black clothing and a ski mask. Roughly five minutes later, Kohbeger's car could be seen on a neighbor's surveillance camera speeding away so fast 'the car almost loses control as it makes the corner,' Thompson said. After Kohberger fled the scene, his cover-up was elaborate. But methodical police work ultimately caught up with him, with Kohberger now one of the world's most notorious mass-murderers. Justice Beale said the 'ultimate issue' the jury needs to consider 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.' Last Monday, Pastor Ian Wilkinson looked sombre with his arms crossed as the jury was instructed on how to 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.' BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 5. Azerbaijan's Khankendi city, which was occupied for many years, has this time hosted the leaders of regional countries, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. "The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) held here was not just a diplomatic meeting - it was also a strong message from Azerbaijan and our head of state: Karabakh is free, on the path of development, and a fully legitimate center of international cooperation. The summit, held on Azerbaijans initiative and hosted by the country, was significant politically, economically, and symbolically. Holding an international event in Karabakh, which was occupied, destroyed, and left in ruins for nearly 30 years, shows that regional realities have changed, Azerbaijans will has prevailed, and the countrys regional leadership role is evident. The fact that the summit took place specifically in Khankendi was not accidental. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev clearly explained the strategic and moral reasons behind this choice in his speech. He pointed out that the city was under illegal control of Armenia for many years, its population subjected to ethnic cleansing, and its cultural and religious heritage destroyed. After Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity following the 44-day Second Karabakh War in 2020, a process of restoration and reconstruction began in these areas. That is why Khankendi - a city once known as the center of separatismhas today become a hub of international diplomacy. This represents a bridge from the past to the future for both the Azerbaijani people and the countries of the region, he said. According to the analyst, high-level leaders from Iran, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Turkiye, and other countries participated in the summit. This clearly demonstrated Azerbaijans international prestige. The leaders visit to Khankendi once again proved that no force can establish illegal regimes in Azerbaijani territories, stimulate ethnic separatism, or disrupt regional stability. The summit not only showcased the unity of ECO countries but also showed how flexible and systematic Azerbaijans diplomacy is. Important issues such as regional cooperation, economic integration, energy security, and climate change were discussed at the venue where the leaders gathered, he added. Garayev pointed out that during his speech at the event, President Ilham Aliyev spoke about the atrocities committed and the destruction of cities during the period when Armenia occupied parts of Azerbaijani territory. The head of state showed the past and present of Karabakh. Although nearly 20 percent of Azerbaijans territories were occupied for almost 30 years, the Azerbaijani Army ended the 30-year longing in just 44 days in 2020. Currently, large-scale restoration and construction work is underway in all liberated Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, and the region is undergoing decades of development within a few years. Former internally displaced persons are already returning to these areas and living in their native lands. As President Ilham Aliyev said, so far the return of former IDPs has been ensured in 16 cities and villages, and more than 50,000 people now live, work, and study in the liberated territories. The head of state also touched upon the right of Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from Armenian territory to return. Armenia does not want dialogue with the Western Azerbaijan Community and rejects it. However, this issue must ultimately be resolved, and efforts will continue to ensure the return of Western Azerbaijanis to their ancestral lands in Armenia. President Ilham Aliyev also highlighted Azerbaijans investment climate, transport corridors, energy, and cooperation in other fields, he reminded. The analyst emphasized that another important decision at the summit was the declaration of Shusha as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026. This decision proves that Karabakh is being rehabilitated not only politically but also economically and culturally. According to him, the leaders attending the event also stressed the importance of holding the summit in Khankendi. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov stressed that holding the meeting in the historic city of Khankendi, located in Azerbaijans Karabakh region and a symbol of peace, was of special significance. Recep Tayyip Erdogan noted that holding the event in Khankendi - a city liberated from occupation - gave the summit special importance and meaning. The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan also touched on this issue, saying that holding the summit in Khankendi expressed Azerbaijans support for peace and development. Other leaders also specially noted this, sending a clear message to the world that Azerbaijan is a supporter of peace and that these territories have historically been part of Azerbaijan, he mentioned. Garayev added that the 17th Summit of the ECO holds a special place among the events hosted by Azerbaijan. This event is important in several respects. First, it shows that Azerbaijans territorial integrity is recognized and accepted internationally, and this is demonstrated to the whole world through the visits of many leaders. Second, it reiterates Azerbaijans leadership role in regional transport, energy, and trade issues and the countrys steps and efforts for the welfare of the entire region. Third, it demonstrates that Azerbaijan has not forgotten the pains of the past while looking to the future. From now on, Khankendi is not only a liberated city but also a new platform for regional cooperation. This summit showed that Azerbaijan is not only a state that wants peace but also one that can organize it and lead regional processes, Garayev concluded. Pilot on Boeing 757 dies of heart attack mid-flight with 239 passengers on board A pilot onboard a plane flying from Bangkok to Novosibirsk in western Siberia died from a heart attack, transportation prosecutors said Friday. Sergei Golev, 44, suffered the attack in the cockpit and died despite all attempts at resuscitation - e ven a cardiologist, who was among passengers on the flight, failed to revive him. Fortunately the 239 passengers onboard t he UTair Boeing 757 landed safely in Novosibirsk despite Golev's death. Death in the air: Pilto Sergei Golev passed away onboard a UTair Boeing 757 from Bangkok to Novosibirsk The captain attempted an emergency landing in the Chinese city of Chengdu, but abandoned it because Golev died before the jet touched down. Senior investigator Anastasia Utochkina told Life News : 'The co-pilot died at 12.25am, Novosibirsk Time (5.25pm GMT), three hours after takeoff. 'The captain made a decision to descend, while the crew called over the tannoy for a female physician who happened to be among the passengers. 'However, her attempts to revive the man, who was lying on the cockpit floor, failed.' Safe landing: 239 passengers were taken to the final destination of Novosibirisk airport despite Golev's death Airport officials insist that the co-pilot was merely traveling as a passenger and in no way and at no point was in control of the aircraft. Irina Levit, a press officer at Novosibirsk airport: ' The deceased pilot was traveling as an ordinary passenger. 'The aircraft belongs to UTair airline, where Sergey Golev was employed. There was no threat to passengers.' Golev was a crew member a reserve pilot, tasked, ironically, with replacing a crew member in case they fall ill. Chaos as Manhattan's Bellevue Hospital is evacuated amid mass floods The hospital lost power as Sandy hit and has not had full power since the superstorm struck 150 members of the National Guard took part in the evacuation procedure Millions of gallons had flooded the hospital basement Soldiers and rescue service workers had to carry children and patients to safety The National Guard was called in to help evacuate hundreds of patients and staff from New York's Bellevue Hospital on Wednesday as the flooded medical center in Manhattan struggled to operate while the power outage continued. The public hospital lost power when Hurricane Sandy hit on Monday and electricity was spotty as the facility relied on generators, with members of the Army National Guard hiking up to the hospital's roof with fuel throughout the week to power the generators. A chaotic rescue scene unfolded on Wednesday, as the medical staff carried infants down the stairs and soldiers took patients out on gurneys while the strong odor of fuel filled the air and emergency lights provided intermittent lighting to the rescue crews, according to local media reports. Chaotic: Hundreds of patients and staff were evacuated from Bellevue Hospital as the facility struggled to operate during the power blackout that continued to plague New York City Urgent transfer: The most critical patients were moved to nearby medical centers and other patients were discharged 'It's Katrina-esque in there,' a Bellevue nurse told ABC News about the conditions. One hundred and fifty members of the National Guard assisted in Wednesday's rescue effort to move the most critical patients to nearby medical centers, according to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Millions of gallons of water had flooded into the basement of the hospital, located near the East River on 1st Avenue and 27th Street. Always Ready, Always There: The National Guard was on hand to carry patients out of the flooded medical center in lower Manhattan Bellevue is the second Manhattan hospital forced to evacuate patients in the aftermath of the superstorm. NYU's Langone Medical Center had to move patients because the hospital's backup generators failed to kick in when the building lost electricity as the storm pounded the East Coast on Monday night. It was an accident, we had a fight: Girlfriend arrested after chilling note is found next to police officer's body Tiniko Thompson, 46, is alleged to have killed her boyfriend Carl Patrick, 53, Mr Patrick was a 25-year veteran of the Miami police force Officers found his body under burned bedding in his Florida home They also found a note in the kitchen saying 'It was an accident...' Ms Thompson has appeared in court on second-degree murder charges She claims that Mr P atrick shot himself but a medical examiner said his injuries were not consistent with that assertion Police rev eal that they found another note in her car similar to the one left Suspect: Tiniko Thompson, 46, is alleged to have killed her boyfriend Carl Patrick, 53, a Miami police officer in his Pembroke Pines, Florida home on May 9 The girlfriend of a Miami police officer who was found shot to death in his home has been arrested. Tiniko Thompson, 46, is alleged to have killed her boyfriend Carl Patrick, 53, in his Pembroke Pines, Florida home on May 9. Police officers found a chilling note along with the body, reading, 'It was an accident, we had a fight.' According to officers, Mr Patricks' body was found earlier this month in his bedroom under burned bedding. They described the scene as being 'consistent with something being lit on fire' and reveal he was still dressed in his police uniform. Mr Patrick's former girlfriend, Ms Thompson has been arrested in connection with the murder, according to police. She made her first appearance in court on Thursday on second-degree murder charges. Ms Thompson is alleged to have killed Mr Patrick and left him to die at home while he fled the scene stealing his mobile phone and fleeing. Two days later, her mother reported her to the police after she threatened to commit suicide. It was then that Patrick's body was discovered in his Pembroke Pines home. When officers examined the house, they found a note in the kitchen that read, 'It was an accident, we had a fight.' However, it is not clear how Mr Patrick would have been able to shoot himself. The medical examiner determined that the bullet-wound didn't match up with how he would have shot a gun at himself, as he would have used his right-hand to fire the gun. Ms Thompson said she had left the scene and went to live in her car for the next several days. But police said that they found another note in her vehicle like the one found in the kitchen, which told how she was too scared to call police after what happened. According to a medial examiner, Mr Patrick's life could have been saved if he had received immediate medical attention. His death has been ruled a murder (homicide.) Arrested: Ms Thompson said that Mr Patrick had shot himself - she described him as abusive and said that she was scared of him From sparkly plastic cases to the classic Boomer-favourite wallet case, phone cases already come in a range of weird and wonderful styles. But the latest case is arguably the most unusual one yet. O2 has joined forces with pioneering Creative Technologist, Marc Teyssier, on a new phone case, which is designed to mimic human skin. Dubbed the 'Skincase', the creepy case is 3D-printed using silicone, which means it not only looks like human skin, but also feels like it. Available in four skintones, the Skincase features special pigments that change colour when exposed to UV just like our skin burning in the sun. O2 hopes it will remind holidaymakers to take as much notice of their skin while on holiday as they do their phone. 'Our phones are objects we don't expect to change and to react in a humane way,' Mr Teyssier said. 'By creating a tangible, visceral reaction to UV exposure, together with O2, the Skincase not only raises awareness of sun safety towards but highlights how sun protection is an undeniable priority.' O2 has joined forces with pioneering Creative Technologist, Marc Teyssier, on a new phone case, which is designed to mimic human skin Dubbed the 'Skincase', the creepy case is 3D-printed using silicone, which means it not only looks like human skin, but also feels like it Europe has seen record-breaking temperatures this week, as a deadly heatwave sweeps the continent. Spain recorded its hottest June day on record at the weekend, with 46C recorded in El Granado, in the Andalucian province of Huelva. Meanwhile, a new record high for June was also recorded in Mora in Portugal on Sunday, at 46.6C (116F), according to the national meteorological agency. With many Brits counting down to their European breaks, O2 set out to find a way to remind these holidaymakers about sun safety. 'Holidays should be about creating unmissable moments, bringing home souvenirs and making memories not about roaming bills and sunburn,' said Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2. 'With mobiles being such an essential part of everyday life, and while on holiday as our research shows, we've created the Skincase to demonstrate in real time just how severe the effects of sunburn can be, and to promote awareness of vital sun safety among holidaymakers.' To create the case, Mr Teyssier combined silicone with a UV-reacting pigment, and fed the mix through a 3D printer. To make it look as lifelike as possible, the researcher even etched lines into the synthetic skin, making it look like the palm of a hand. To make it look as lifelike as possible, the researcher even etched lines into the synthetic skin, making it look like the palm of a hand To create the case, Mr Teyssier combined silicone with a UV-reacting pigment, and fed the mix through a 3D printer Europe has seen record-breaking temperatures this week, as a deadly heatwave sweeps the continent. Pictured: a sunbather on the beach in Dorset When it's inside or in the shade, the case is either beige, tan, or dark brown, depending on the design. However, when you take it outside, or shine a UV light on it, it quickly changes colour - turning either pink or darker brown. Unfortunately, the phone case is still a prototype, and it remains unclear when, or if it will go on sale in the UK. This isn't the first time that Mr Teyssier has come out with a skin-inspired phone case. Back in 2019, the researcher developed a skin-like phone case that responded to different forms of human contact such as tickling, caressing and pinching. Speaking at the time, he said: 'This skin has a subtle surface texture the sensing is performed in the dermis and the hypodermis layer (fat layer) and the elasticity is what allows us to perform expressive gestures such as pinching.' O2 is the only major UK provider to offer inclusive EU roaming as standard (up to 25GB). A mysterious inscription discovered in a centuries-old tomb in Naples could finally uncover the long-lost burial site of Count Dracula. Researchers say the burial site, tucked within the Turbolo Chapel of the Santa Maria la Nova church complex, could belong to Vlad III, the real-life inspiration behind Bram Stoker's infamous 1897 vampire novel. Known as Vlad the Impaler, the 15th-century Romanian ruler earned his grim nickname through brutal tactics, including impaling his enemies on massive stakes. Though he was reportedly beheaded in 1476, his grave has never been conclusively identified. After more than a decade of study, researchers deciphered a mysterious, Latin-like inscription on the tomb, uncovering two key words: 'Blad,' interpreted as 'Vlad,' and 'Balkan,' the region he once ruled. The marble tomb also features a knight's helmet crowned with a dragon's head, a symbol tied to the Order of the Dragon, a medieval secret society that once counted Vlad among its members. Flanking the tomb are two sphinx-like statues, which experts believe may serve a dual purpose. In Italian, the sphinxes may reference 'Tebe,' or Thebes, the ancient Egyptian city. But scholars suspect it's also a cryptic nod to 'Tepes,' the Romanian epithet for Vlad, meaning 'the Impaler.' The tomb of Dracula, in the cloister of the church of Santa Maria la Nova, is now a museum of history Known as Vlad the Impaler, the 15th-century Romanian ruler earned his grim nickname through brutal tactics, including impaling his enemies on massive stakes The team began their research in 2014 after learning about a theory that suggested Vlad's daughter, Maria Balsa, smuggled his remains out of Romania following his death. Historical records suggest she was later adopted by the powerful Ferrillo family of Naples, sparking the idea that Vlad was laid to rest in what is now Italy. Maria is also believed to have arranged his burial in her father-in-law, Matteo Ferrillos, tomb inside the same chapel where her father may have been laid to rest. The tomb sits in the small cloister of the church complex, a former monastery for Franciscan Friars and now one of the most visited religious sites in the city. What sparked the researchers' interest in the tomb was the unusual symbols carved that are not typically seen in Christian burials. Professor Giuseppe Reale, director of the Santa Maria la Nova complex, said: 'It emerges that the mysterious inscription is an epitaph in praise of Vlad III of Wallachia, widely known as Count Dracula.' In 1462, Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia, is believed to have impaled the bodies of 20,000 people outside the Romanian city of Targoviste to ward off Ottoman forces. This led to him receiving the nickname Vlad the Impaler, posthumously. The covered walkways around the small cloister, in the Church of Santa Maria La Nova are decorated with a series of fresco paintings. The discovery was made inside the Turbolo Chapel, part of the Santa Maria la Nova church complex in Naples' historic center. The church was originally built in 1279 and rebuilt several times due to fires and earthquakes. Vlad the Impaler was arrested for the murders and held in prison for 12 years, although the exact location and length of this captivity are disputed. The consensus is that he was imprisoned in Romania between 1462 and 1474, although other reports claim he was held in Turkey. Vlad was killed during a battle against the Ottomans in 1476. It was previously believed that Vlad was buried at Snagov Monastery, near Bucharest, but a study published in 1933 cast the first serious doubt. Researchers excavated the area and found only animal bones, no human remains, raising a red flag that the grave long believed to hold Dracula was empty. This discovery fueled decades of speculation and now lends significant weight to the recent findings in Naples, where a hidden inscription inside a centuries-old tomb may point to Vlads true resting place, suggesting that historians may have misidentified his grave for nearly a century. For now, the tomb remains sealed off from the public as experts dig deeper into what could be the most dramatic rewrite of vampire legend since Stoker gave the world Count Dracula. From UFOs buried in the Sahara Desert to mysterious doorways in the Arctic, Google Maps users have made dozens of wild discoveries over the years. But this latest find might be one of the strangest sightings yet. Keen-eyed internet sleuths have spotted what appears to be a massive skull lurking in the waters of a Canadian island. Users have been baffled by the sighting, with some claiming that it might even be a sign of alien interference. The strange structure can be found on the northern coast of Cormorant Island, just off Canada's northeast coast. When viewed from the north, a sandbank beneath the water reveals a distinct shape of a human skull. Scott Waring, founder of UFO Sightings Daily, who spotted the shape, told MailOnline: 'I believe ancient alien visitors created the skull. They did this to leave a sign behind for others to see that says, "we were here first".' However, scientists say there is a much simpler explanation for this confounding illusion. Social media users have been baffled after spotting what seems to be a skull lurking in the waters of a Canadian island The strange skull-like formation can be found on Google Maps by searching for the village of Alert Bay, the island's only settlement. However, you will need to rotate the map 180 degrees in order to see the 'face' looming out from the waters. On social media, commenters flocked to share their amazement at this sinister discovery. One commenter wrote: 'That's actually incredible. It's amazing!!' Another chimed in: 'Help me out here, in the words of X-Files, I want to believe.' While the sight might be a mystery to some, Mr Waring is convinced that it must be extraterrestrial in origin. The UFO hunter says that the sandbar's human-like appearance is 'not a coincidence'. He adds: 'The details of the skull are completely accurate, but on a scale of 100 meters across.' The strange structure can be found on the northern coast of Cormorant Island (pictured), just off Canada's northeast coast But not everyone is on board with these claims of alien activity. UFO researcher Philip Mantle told MailOnline: 'There are no signs that alien life forms have visited the earth in antiquity and left evidence of such. 'It could well be a natural rock formation that looks skull-like. A bit like seeing faces in the clouds.' In fact, scientists say there is a very good reason why all sorts of geological structures get mistaken for faces or skulls. When faced with a structure containing intricate and varied patterns, the brain turns this noisy, dynamic information into patterns and objects that we can understand. The brain gets this right most of the time, but sometimes certain predispositions cause errors which disturb our perceptions. Dr Robin Kramer, an expert on face perception from the University of Lincoln, told MailOnline: 'Our face detection system has evolved to be great at detecting faces and it makes more sense to err on the side of caution by occasionally seeing faces where there arent any, rather than missing faces where there are.' Scientists call this phenomenon pareidolia, which is a bias towards seeing meaningful patterns in inanimate objects. Some believe that the structure was carved by ancient aliens, but scientists say there is a more likely explanation (stock image) Scientists say that we are likely to misinterpret geological structures such as this sandbar as faces due to a psychological phenomenon called pareidolia Dr Kramer says: 'Face pareidolia explains why we might see faces in geological structures, as well as pretty much anything else.' Scientists think that we evolved this sensitivity towards faces because it helped our ancestors find friends and spot enemies. For hunter-gatherers, it was better to briefly mistake a bush for your neighbour's animal than miss someone sneaking up on you. Professor Kevin Brooks, a psychologist at Macquarie University, told MailOnline: 'We tend to classify anything vaguely face-like as a face until proven otherwise its safer that way. 'Evolutionary psychologists speculate that we evolved this mechanism to help our survival, and increase our chances of passing on our genes, bringing forth another generation of people who are also good at face detection.' Some people are more sensitive to faces and so might experience more pareidolia in their daily lives. Dr Susan Wardle, a researcher at the National Institutes of Health, told MailOnline that pareidolia isn't 'usually' a sign of any psychological or neurological issues. However, a high rate of pareidolia might be a sign of someone's bias towards believing in the paranormal. The phenomenon, called face pareidolia, is when people identify meaningful patterns in inanimate objects. This is more common in people with strong beliefs in the paranormal (stock image) A Finnish study conducted in 2012 found that people with religious or paranormal beliefs were much more likely to see faces in random stimuli. This could explain why alien hunters seem to find faces or patterns in geological features so frequently. Dr Wardle concludes: 'Most people who see faces in things recognise that the faces are not real. 'Issues can arise when people interpret visual patterns to have meaning that they do not, or when they have difficulty distinguishing true perceptions from illusory ones.' Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more It is practically a universal experience for women to be on an unending quest for bras and undies that are both pretty and practical. The sexy ones are rarely supportive, the comfy ones often just, blah. But Australian shoppers have struck gold with cult brand First Thing, whose bestselling Everyday Bra has won thousands of fans. Praised as both supremely comfortable and confidence-boosting, the ultra-soft and flattering wardrobe staple ticks all the boxes - and now, the brand has unveiled a new, limited edition shade to add to your drawer. The chic navy blue hue Midnight joins the range of neutrals - Blush, Taupe, Umber, Black and another limited-edition, Blossom pink. The $59 Everyday Bra has more than 200 five-star reviews, with fans raving about the dreamy 'butter soft' fabric and barely-there underwire that gently supports without digging in. The flattering cut of the cups make it seamless and smooth under t-shirts, while offering enough cleavage for lower necklines - perfect for everyday wearability. Thousands of shoppers have discovered what has been dubbed 'the comfiest bra ever': The Everyday Bra by Australian brand First Thing A new limited edition shade, Midnight, has just been unveiled in a new campaign starring model Jess Purchase Many of online reviews feature testimonials from customers declaring it the 'most comfortable' they've ever worn. 'Finally found my favourite bra,' a recent shopper wrote. 'Fits so seamlessly under everything and honestly feels like Im wearing nothing!' Another shopper was effusive in her praise of the brand: 'I have bought countless bras online that all claim to be the "most comfortable" bra, but this is the first one that matches that claim. Everyday Bra The bestselling bra from First Thing has hundreds of five-star reviews, praising its 'buttery soft' fabric and barely-there underwire that offers gentle support without digging in. Shop 'The fabric is so lightweight it doesnt even feel like I'm wearing a bra. The shape of the cut is great if you dont want to show off cleavage or you dont want to uplift. 'There is a surprising amount of support despite the thin fabric. Id prefer a thicker strap but even so these thin straps dont dig in... I also purchased the strapless bra and I cant begin to describe how comfortable it is. 'Truly a bra that Ill be able to wear all day with zero digging in. Very happy customer.' First Thing's bra collection boasts buttery soft fabric that creates ultra-comfy and flattering yet chic wardrobe staples (left, The Wireless Seamless Bralette, and right, The Plunge Bra) First Things knicker collection boasts the same comfy-meets-chic credo, with bikini, g-string and high-waist cuts. Past customers have reported that the undies are the comfiest they've tried: 'I am so glad I found this brand. These g-strings are SO comfy. 'As a long-time g-string wearer I have been looking for something comfortable that doesn't show under clothes and doesn't give me a wedgie after wearing for a few hours. These undies are IT. 'They have a fair amount of stretch in them so they are easy to get on and off my big butt. The fabric is also very soft and they hold up really well in the wash. I have purchased one in almost every colour!' First Things knicker collection boasts the same comfy-meets-chic credo, with bikini , g-string and high-waist cuts Model Jess Purchase wears the Strapless Bra and G-String in limited Edition Midnight shade First Thing only launched in 2023 but has experienced astronomical growth thanks to the popularity of its cult Everyday Bra. 'After searching for underwear for myself, I couldn't find a product that I felt excited to wear every day,' says Founder Georgia Gazal. 'I recognised the need for an Australian underwear brand that empowered women to feel confident and sexy with unparalleled comfort.' The Aussie brand uses environmentally friendly fabrics, such as recycled nylon for its underwire bras, and LENZING Modal, a sustainably sourced fabric from beechwood trees. To shop the full range, visit the First Thing website. Sami Sheen enjoyed some refreshment at an Erewhon market in Calabasas, California, on Friday. The 21-year-old daughter of Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen was spotted leaving the market with a container of food. Two weeks ago the OnlyFans star revealed she plans to have her breast implants removed less than two years after she got them. Out and about: Sami Sheen collected some food and a drink at the market She wrote that she's 'been experiencing health issues for nearly 2 years' with 'the weirdest symptoms.' Sami said that she 'finally discovered that I have breast implant illness,' adding, 'idk how I [hadn't] figured this out sooner but I'm so happy to finally have an answer.' She told her 202,000 followers: 'I'm hoping to get them removed asap so I can start feeling better.' And she asked: 'Pls lmk if you know of any good explant surgeons near LA.' Looking back at a picture of her pre-cosmetic surgery figure, Sami said; 'It's definitely gonna be hard going back to this size. not only physically, but mentally.' She lamented: 'I don't want to at all but i know i'll feel so much better once they are out. so i guess it's worth it.' She told fans: 'I posted about this on my TikTok but figured i would talk about it on here in case anyone else is experiencing the same thing. this is your sign to always put your health first!!!' The reality television star also noted that her sickness has affected her hair, writing in parentheses: 'Also I can't believe this is all my real hair, another thing that these implants took from me.' Someone asked Sheen what her symptoms are, which she detailed in a list. Thinking: The 21-year-old looked pensive at the location Chronic fatigue, headaches, acne, memory loss, brain fog, vertigo, joint pain, dry eyes, and mood swings were just some of the uncomfortable effects. Also listed were hair loss, allergies, skin rashes, severe anxiety, and sensitivity to temperature. Sami shared: 'BII often mimics certain autoimmune diseases, but I'm certain it's my implants because these symptoms started almost immediately after getting them done.' The influencer said she experiences 'nearly all of these symptoms every single day' and that 'it's exhausting'. Looking ahead: Sami revealed she plans to have her breast implants removed Not happy: She has been experiencing health issues for nearly 2 years' with 'the weirdest symptoms' Problems: Her list of problems is lengthy The list goes on: Also listed were hair loss, allergies, skin rashes, severe anxiety, and sensitivity to temperature As recently as April, Sami said on TikTok that she planned to get another, larger boob job. She said at the time: 'They're finally fully dropped and settled in. I feel like I could've gone bigger and I really wish I went bigger. When the time comes to get them redone I'm definitely going bigger.' The star initially went under the knife in 2023 at age 19. 'I think I'm gonna go over the muscle so they look a little bit more natural,' she shared at the time. 'Can we just go one more time?' pleads my son as we race back round to the front of the queue (making full use of our fast passes). I sat in the front first time and my shorts got soaked. This time I'd managed to get slightly less wet in the third row and so in the name of research I agree to another turn to see if the back row is the place to be if you want to remain dry. We're trialling Mission Bermudes, the newest attraction at Futuroscope, the science-meets-thrills theme park in western France. The ride which comes with splashes and surprises officially launched last month. It's one of Europe's most ambitious theme park rides to date, combining the soaking chaos of a white-water rapids ride with the G-force drama of a rollercoaster, all set within a spectacular physical environment that includes mist-shrouded jungle, secret bunkers and a swirling vortex that threatens to suck the ride in. Boarding the specially designed 10-person 'Rocking Boats', we're told we're on a rescue mission to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a scientific team studying strange phenomena in the infamous Triangle. What follows is 10 minutes of nonstop twists, reversals, near-misses and a finale that involves a vertical 16-metre plunge. Antonia Windsor and her son trialled Mission Bermudes, the newest attraction at Futuroscope, the science-meets-thrills theme park in western France The ride which comes with splashes and surprises officially launched last month It's one of Europe's most ambitious theme park rides to date, combining the soaking chaos of a white-water rapids ride with the G-force drama of a rollercoaster It's bold, baffling (particularly if you don't understand French) and completely bonkers in the best possible way. We start in a foggy swamp, dodging half-submerged aircraft wreckage and passing long-lost boats before we hurtle into rapids where miraculously this time I remain dry have a near-miss at a blow hole and then we get sucked backwards into a concrete bunker. From there, we're lifted into the sky and spat out onto a rail that plunges into a splash pool at speeds of more than 60km/h. What makes this attraction stand out is the technology. When on water you feel as though you're on a boat, but the ride is actually on hidden rails and the electromagnetic motors allow the 'rocking boats' to climb slopes, pivot unexpectedly and even travel backwards. While other attractions in the park use screens and 3D glasses, this is like being on the set of your own action movie complete with Hollywood-worthy special effects: bubbling geysers, falling trees and even a giant water bubble that bursts metres from your boat. The immersion is physical (quite literally if you position yourself in the front seat). If Futuroscope isn't yet on your radar, it should be. It's all set within a spectacular physical environment that includes mist-shrouded jungle, secret bunkers and a swirling vortex that threatens to suck the ride in Located near Poitiers in the Vienne region of western France, Futuroscope is one of France's largest theme parks, attracting more than two million visitors a year Opened in 1987, it predates both Disneyland and Parc Asterix and it's always been the clever cousin of the amusement park world more science and space than superheroes and cartoons Among the other rides we found motion simulators, interactive theatres, and cutting-edge projection formats focusing on space, climate, exploration and invention Located near Poitiers in the Vienne region of western France, it's one of France's largest theme parks, attracting more than two million visitors a year. Opened in 1987, it predates both Disneyland and Parc Asterix and it's always been the clever cousin of the amusement park world more science and space than superheroes and cartoons. Among the other rides we found motion simulators, interactive theatres, and cutting-edge projection formats focusing on space, climate, exploration and invention (we particularly enjoyed the 4D tornado chaser ride that took us into the centre of a twister). Mission Bermudes is the headline act in a 300 million revamp that's transformed the place into a full resort, with two new hotels and a brilliant new indoor/outdoor waterpark called Aquascope the place to head if you really want to get wet. As we exit the ride for the third time, my son runs ahead repeating his cry of 'just one more time!' This is the sign of a good ride - perhaps the most exciting you'll find in Europe this summer. Carole Hopson doesn't take no for an answer. She became a pilot at age 50, flying with United Airlines, then eight years later achieved the rank of captain and has now published her first book. In an exclusive chat with MailOnline Travel, the 60-year-old explains her inspiration, reveals why she thinks women make the perfect pilots and shares the unique phrase she uses to catch her passengers' attention. It was a fateful journey in a first class cabin that sparked Carole's interest in flying. The former journalist and brand executive was peering into the cockpit from her seat when the pilot saw her looking. 'He said "come on up front". And I sat in the jump seat all night across the North Atlantic watching the stars and the pilot's buttons and switches and I just knew I had to do this,' reveals Carole. It was her boyfriend - now husband - that bought her her first flying lesson, which Carole describes as the 'moment' she knew 'he was a keeper'. That first flight? 'It was unworldly. It was orgasmic,' says Carole. From that moment, she knew she had to quit her job and retrain. And it was at flying school that Carole first heard of Bessie Coleman, the subject of her debut novel A Pair of Wings. Bessie became the first African American woman to earn a flying licence in 1921. Carole Hopson doesn't take no for an answer the United Airlines captain became a pilot at age 50, made captain at 58 and has just published her first book It was at flying school that Carole first heard of Bessie Coleman, the subject of her debut novel A Pair of Wings Carole says: 'It changed my life. I had been to several universities and yet I had never heard of Bessie Coleman. How was that? It disturbed me profoundly and I said "Jeez, I should do something about this". And I wound up writing the book. 'Bessie's mother was born a slave in Texas. Her mother had 13 children, nine lived and Bessie is 11 when the Wright Brothers make their first flight. Bessie's stunned and she knows she just has to do it. 'But none of the flight schools on either coast, none of them will admit a black woman. 'So she winds up going over to France, which means she has to learn French. At age 26, she starts learning French in night school and when she's proficient she goes over to France and she learns to fly from combatant soldiers. She comes back to the US and barnstorms all across the country.' Carole says she was incredibly inspired by Bessie's tremendous journey and bravery. Much like Bessie, she's also faced barriers to her career. Although she went through flight school quickly, Carole had a child soon after completing her exams, followed by a second. She explains: 'It seemed like I had worked so hard to bring these children into the world, now why would I run out of their world? So I stayed home and I blinked, and 14 years flew by and I was 50. By that time, I said to my husband "either I get to the airlines now, or I'll never get there". 'I've gotten plenty of nos. "Oh you'll never make it to a major airline. Oh you'll never make captain. You're too old for that! You're too black for that! You're too much of a woman.".' Despite becoming a published author, Carole would like to continue flying for as long as she can Bessie Coleman (above) became the first African American woman to earn a flying licence in 1921. Carole says: 'At age 26, she starts learning French in night school and when she's proficient she goes over to France and she learns to fly from combatant soldiers' Carole is one of around 150 Black women pilots, who make up fewer than one per cent of America's pilots. She wants to change that. The pilot runs the Jet Black Foundation, whose goal is to send 100 Black women to flight school by 2035. 'Most of our talent pool as pilots has come from the military,' explains Carole. 'They were and are magnificent. But we need to look for a talent pool that's never been tapped. 'Women especially are built for this mission. We're resourceful. We understand how to build teams quickly. Prioritising is something I learned as a mom, you have so many things you're juggling. And if I can do it, if I can make that [career] change, anyone can.' The mother of two even uses her experience as a parent when she needs to get her passengers' attention onboard. Carole reveals: 'I come out before every flight and say "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard". And every once in a while the PA system isn't as loud as I need it to be. So I usually say, "Ladies and gentleman, I'm gonna use my mom voice". It always brings a giggle.' Despite becoming a published author, Carole would like to continue flying for as long as she can. 'There is something about the wonder of watching an airplane overhead that gives me the tingles even now. The responsibility, the training, the work, everything in it is all about the people behind you. 'The plane doesn't know if I'm a woman, or a man, if I'm black or white, if I'm young or old. The airplane knows how I command it.' A Pair of Wings by Carole Hopson is published by Cassava Republic and available on Amazon, WH Smith and other retailers. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 6. The peace process must be carried out exclusively under the leadership of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elchin Amirbayov said in an interview with Mundo Internacional, Trend reports. "We have never been so close to concluding a peace treaty with Armenia. Azerbaijan is fully committed to achieving a lasting and irreversible peace. President Ilham Aliyev demonstrates a strong determination to seize this historic window of opportunity," he said. E. Amirbayov noted that since the end of the Patriotic War we have managed to achieve significant progress. "Azerbaijan has regained control over its territories, which has changed the geopolitical picture of the region. Today, there are no more foreign troops on our land, and this has created favorable conditions for dialogue It was we who proposed five basic principles that should form the basis of the peace treaty. Armenia accepted these principles, and for more than two years our delegations, led by the foreign ministers of both countries, worked on preparing the text. In March of this year, we announced that the draft agreement in its final version had been agreed upon, he said. E. Amirbayov emphasized that the agreement stipulates that the parties undertake to mutually recognize the territorial integrity and inviolability of borders, renounce any current or future territorial claims. "Armenia, despite its political readiness, faces a legal obstacle: its constitution still contains a provision on the annexation of the Azerbaijani region of Karabakh, which is incompatible with the provisions of the treaty. We explain to the Armenian authorities that this constitutional norm must be changed so that in the future a change of power in the country does not lead to a resumption of the conflict on its basis. We cannot allow future generations to face war again. Secondly, we insist that this process should be carried out exclusively under the leadership of Armenia and Azerbaijan. International mediation is no longer required. In this regard, we call for the dismantling of outdated structures such as the OSCE Minsk Group and other platforms created in the 1990s that have not produced tangible results. These formats have lost their relevance and are effectively inactive after 2020," he said. E. Amirbayov noted that if these two obstacles are removed, the parties will be able to move towards signing a peace treaty. "The ball is now in the Armenian government's side. A lasting and irreversible peace is possible, but it requires bold and far-sighted decisions," he said. A holidaymaker who fell from his balcony while on a lads holiday to Ayia Napa has warned other tourists to be prepared for the worst. Sam Hudson, 24, had been partying with his brother and a pal at the resort town when he tumbled from the second floor of his hotel while drunk. The single dad said he is 'absolutely kicking myself' at not taking out travel insurance because of the hefty hospital bill he has been left with as doctors have been desperately trying to mend his broken back, pelvis and leg. 'I know I was an idiot,' he told MailOnline. But the decorator from Lincoln said that wouldn't have even made a difference as he had drunk more than four pints and would not be covered. 'It's just not something you'd think about', he explained. He also advised all travellers make sure they had a Global Health Insurance Card before jetting off. Mr Hudson, who has a two-year-old son, left a pool party alone on June 15 when a passerby spotted him trying to walk between balconies at the Anmaria Beach Hotel, where he was staying. It is believed he was trying to reach his brother's room - which was next door - but Mr Hudson says he can't remember anything before the fall. Sam is still undergoing treatment in hospital following his horrific balcony fall Doctors told Sam he is 'lucky to be alive' after falling from a second-floor balcony The balcony where Sam fell from It is believed he was trying to reach his brother Nathan's room which was next door but Mr Hudson said he can't remember anything before the fall (pictured Nathan and Sam) 'I dont even remember falling, its just a blur. I havent got a clue to be honest why I was walking between balconies, Id never done something like that before. 'Apparently I went to another hospital before this one but I dont remember that either. 'Its scary that I can't remember anything but I would get awful nightmares at the beginning. 'My first memory is being on all these machines but Ive tried to block out all that stuff because I was in so much pain.' The passerby phoned the emergency services when they saw Mr Hudson plunge from the balcony. He was then rushed to a local clinic, Famagusta hospital in Paralimni, before being transferred to the biggest hospital on the island, Nicosia General Hospital. Doctors said at the time Mr Hudson, who was in 'unimaginable pain', was 'lucky to be alive'. They operated on his pelvis a week ago. 'Its been getting better since the operation, I can finally get up and I spent an hour in the wheelchair today, but Im still in absolute agony which is to be expected since Ive been laying down for so long,' Mr Hudson said. 'Ive been going stir crazy, theres only so many things you can watch on Netflix. I zone out now I hardly even watch it anymore. Mr Hudson's stepmother, Karen, and her husband flew out the next day to be with their son who is in 'unimaginable pain' and have set up a GoFundMe to help cover medical costs 'I also miss my son so much, I FaceTime him a couple times a day but he's too little to understand why I'm not there. I hope I can see him when I leave hospital.' He said he didn't regret going on this trip but wished others would not have to go through what he has had to go through. 'I will not be going on another lad's holiday though,' he said and revealed that he will only stay in rooms on the ground floor. 'I'm definitely scared of heights now.' His brother, Nathan, and their friend only discovered the terrifying accident when they returned to the hotel where they were met by police waiting in the lobby. Mr Hudson's stepmother, Karen, and her husband flew out the next day to be with their son and have had to fly back and forth while trying to manage their business. 'You just go totally numb, it was the worst phone call you could get. Your mind goes straight for the worst,' Mrs Hudson told MailOnline. The 'devastated' family have set up a GoFundMe to cover health costs after they were faced with paying for a repatriation plane - which costs around 16,000 - or staying in Cyprus for the duration of Mr Hudson's recovery. Nathan (right) is said to be in shock after seeing his brother (left) in hospital and has been unable to eat or sleep since the accident Nathan is said to be in shock after seeing his brother in hospital and was unable to eat or sleep immediately after the accident. Ms Hudson said: 'You know what young boys are like but I never could have predicted something like this would happen. 'Doctors at the hospital have said he's lucky to be alive or to not have more severe damage. 'Even though the balcony is second floor, the hotel is on a slope and there's a restaurant too, so it's more like the fourth floor. 'If the passerby hadn't seen him, Sam could have been lying there for much longer because their room was at the back of the hotel. She added: 'We told him so many times before he left that he needed to get travel insurance but he didn't listen. 'I want the government to make it a legal requirement that all young people must have travel insurance before travelling because I don't another family to have to go through what we have. 'I've heard of families having to remortgage their house or sell their car to cover costs of accidents like this - all because they didn't think to take out insurance.' The cops have launched an investigation into the circumstances. A Netflix mini-series which is discovered with a 'secret code' and it has a 100 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score. Inspired by the non-fiction book Spotify Untold, Netflix's The Playlist has been lauded by fans after Unilad uncovered a new way to find new shows. According to the publication, they found the show through using the 'music genre category' which reportedly changed their algorithm to show a range of new shows. And The Playlist was one of the top shows found with the 'new code' and it has already bagged a perfect score on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatoemeter. The six-episode series follows entrepreneur Daniel Ek (Edvin Endre) and his business partner Martin Lorentzon (Christian Hillborg). It sees Daniel, a Swedish tech entrepreneur, and his partners set out to revolutionize the music industry with a streaming platform. A Netflix mini-series which is discovered with a 'secret code' and it has a 100 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score Inspired by the non-fiction book Spotify Untold, Netflix's The Playlist has been lauded by fans after Unilad uncovered a new way to find new shows Each episode unfolds from a different perspective, including programmers, lawyers, artists and industry executives, to show how Spotify revolutionized the way we listen to music. And viewers have raved about the show as they said it 'raises pertinent and unsettling questions.' One penned: 'The Playlist starts out like a conventional biopic but culminates with a critical look at the industry.' 'While modernist in its methods, the series smoothly and intelligently weaves its stories into an enlightening whole, forming a vivid impression of life at the heady frontlines of the bloodless digital revolution.' 'The series is limited by its decision to show the most benevolent angle of such a savage industry.' 'The Playlist is near perfect. The mini-series sets the bar high for all biographical dramas to come after it. Particularly because it captures the ills of the tech industry, the joy, the fallout, and the many many people that all go into one success...' 'Tells the story of Spotify from various perspectives... That structure helps slice up a story that doesnt have a ton of conflict.' According to the publication, they found the show through using the 'music genre category' which reportedly changed their algorithm to show a host of new shows And The Playlist was one of the top shows found with the 'new code' and it has bagged 100% on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatoemeter 'Riveting enough to be a definite binge watcher. Great casting and authentic acting.' 'Great show. It shows different perspectives, one per episode but still goes on in time. Especially the last episode is a nice surprise but I wont spoiler :)' 'The way they showed how the journey of each individual played into the plot was very impressive. A 10/10 absolute binge worthy' The Biography drama was first aired in October, 2022 on Netflix and also bagged a score of 7.4 on IDMb. Another celebrity has twirled off the Dancing With The Stars dance floor for good. In a surprise twist, 7News Melbourne presenter Karina Carvalho was sent packing during Sunday night's episode, becoming the second contestant to be eliminated from the hit Channel Seven competition. Despite putting her best foot forward alongside professional partner Andrey Gorbunov with a sizzling salsa, the judges weren't completely sold. Karina showed clear improvement from her first performance, with judge Sharna Burgess applauding her transformation, while Helen Richey called her efforts 'impressive'. But Craig Revel Horwood, never one to hold back, wanted to see 'more hip action', and it wasn't enough to keep her safe from elimination. 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. Another celebrity has twirled off the Dancing With The Stars dance floor for good In a surprise twist, 7News Melbourne presenter Karina Carvalho (left) was sent packing during Sunday night's episode, becoming the second contestant to be eliminated from the hit Channel Seven competition Following her shock exit, Karina paid tribute to her dance partner, telling the audience: 'Andrey is not just a fantastic, highly qualified dancer, he's such a great teacher and he's so patient and he's put together the most beautiful choreography for us.' It was a tough night overall, as the second group of celebrities hit the floor for their round-two routines - each hoping to avoid the dreaded chop. Opening the show was Home and Away actor Kyle Shilling, who took on an emotional Viennese waltz with Lily Cornish. While Craig said it felt more like a 'contemporary freestyle', he still declared it 'absolutely amazing'. But not all feedback was glowing - Helen Richey urged Kyle to work on his ballroom frame, while Sharna advised him to 'learn how to lead'. Meanwhile, all eyes were on Mia Fevola, who stole the night with a heartfelt Viennese waltz danced to the same track her mother Alex performed to years earlier. Judges were visibly moved, with Mark Wilson calling the performance 'flawless', Craig describing it as 'absolutely gorgeous' and Sharna urging Mia to believe in herself. Shaun Micallef brought his signature wit and theatrical flair to a foxtrot with Ash-Leigh Hunter. Despite putting her best foot forward alongside professional partner Andrey Gorbunov with a sizzling salsa, the judges weren't completely sold Karina showed clear improvement from her first performance, with judge Sharna Burgess applauding her transformation, while Helen Richey called her efforts 'impressive' It was a tough night overall, as the second group of celebrities hit the floor for their round-two routines - each hoping to avoid the dreaded chop While some judges were charmed, Craig called it 'smoke and mirrors' and accused him of using facial expressions to 'mask all the terrible technique'. Helen, however, loved 'Mr Suave' and admired his respect for the genre. Osher Gunsberg returned with a jive that had the judges doing a double take. 'You must have a twin,' joked Helen, praising the dramatic improvement. Sharna said his performance skills were so strong, they masked any remaining issues with his footwork - while Craig and Mark agreed he had finally come alive on the dancefloor. Closing the night was comedian Felicity Ward with partner Aric Yegudkin, who delivered a cha-cha-cha full of sass and precision. Judges couldn't get enough - with Helen calling her a 'natural dancer', Craig praising her rhythm, and Sharna confidently predicting: 'We're gonna see you right at the end of this competition.' But it was Mia Fevola and Gustavo Viglio who topped the leaderboard with 34 points -a clear standout among the stars. Dancing With The Stars continues on Seven on Monday at 7.30pm Love Island fans were sent into a frenzy on Sunday night as they praised a 'brutal' new take on the iconic Casa Amor twist. The segment has been known for causing chaos in the villa, and this year's is set to be no different, with no couples declaring themselves 'closed off.' But as Sunday's episode began, a new twist was introduced that saw the Casa Amor bombshells briefly head into the main villa, giving the girls a brief glimpse at their competition, before bidding farewell to their male partners. It was a move to sent the girls, and particularly Meg Moore, spiralling, as they begun to question whether any of the boys' heads would be turned by the stunning new arrivals. In a further twist, it was then revealed that one of the girls, Emma, was in fact Harry Cooksley's ex-girlfriend, adding yet another layer of drama as the pair were faced with an awkward reunion. Whether Casa Amor was a welcome addition for our islanders or not, the new twists went down a storm with fans, with one even calling for producers to get 'a raise.' Love Island fans were sent into a frenzy on Sunday night as they praised a 'brutal' new take on the iconic Casa Amor twist A new twist was introduced that saw the Casa Amor bombshells briefly head into the main villa, giving the girls a brief glimpse at their competition Tweets on X included: 'Brutal the girls are getting to see the girls before the boys head to Casa Amor; 'Introducing the Casa girls to the main villa girls before the guys get sent off is wild work; 'Helena right now WHOS EMMAAAAAA; Not the girl he's got tatted entering the villa; Who brought Emma in, give them a raise.' That evening in Casa Amor, Dejon suggested spicing up the atmosphere with a game of Truth or Dare so that everyone could get to know each other on a deeper level and the group quickly get down to business. Harrisons attraction comes under question when hes asked if hes more attracted to the new Bombshells or Toni. But what will his response be? Ben engages in a three way kiss with the Bombshells of his choice. One of his choices is Emma, forcing Harry to watch on from the wings. Lucy licks the torso of the Islander she fancies the most and Harrison snogs one of the Bombshells hes most attracted to, and the couple quickly get carried away as they continue to smooch. On Monday, fans will get to see the hunky male bombshells who are set to join the girls in the main villa, and it seems most have set their sights on Shakira. Six bikini-clad beauties strutted into the main villa, before inviting the boys to join them in the famous Casa Amor In a further twist, it was then revealed that one of the girls, Emma, was in fact Harry Cooksley's ex-girlfriend Whether Casa Amor was a welcome addition for our islanders or not, the new twists went down a storm with fans, with one even calling for producers to get 'a raise' It seems that Shakira will have men lining up to date her, with the first hunk revealed as Chris, 29, a commercial real estate manager from Manchester. He said: 'I'm physically most interested in Shakira, she's had a bit of a rough time so I think I could go in and make a difference for her. 'I like Emily and Yasmin as well, Yasmin has quite an interesting personality, we'd be quite funny together. Emily is very attractive and seems to be very sweet personality wise.' Sharing his game plan to land himself a partner, he added: 'I'm feeling very excited to get involved, there's been a lot of drama in that villa. It feels like it's all to play for! 'I'm looking forward to having time and space to make connections with people, without distractions.' Up next is Ty, 23, a site engineer from Barnsley, who said he might be the man to finally tame Helena's wild ways. He said: ' I've got my eyes on Shakira - she needs a Northern lad in there, our personalities would be the most matched I think. 'Emily seems like a really sweet girl, someone you could take home to your parents. Helena is really good looking but she needs taming! I reckon I'm the man for the job.' For Martin, 23, a graduate from London, he hopes to be the man who can reassure Shakira after she'd been 'messed about' by Harry in the villa. He said: 'I've got my eyes on Shakira, I've had my eyes on her from the start. For her to blossom, she needs someone who knows what they're doing, not someone who is messing her around. 'I like that she's after emotional intelligence and stimulating conversation. I think Yasmin is hilarious, she's got a fiery personality, outgoing, I like how she says what she wants, when she wantsand she has great posture!' For Jamie, 26, an electric engineer from Barking, there are three particular beauties who have caught his eye: 'Yasmin, Shakira and Toni.' Up next is Cach, 24, a dancer from east London, who admitted he feels some couples have played it 'too safe' in the villa. He said: 'Everyone is being a bit safe and settling with what's in front of them. Harry is doing it in the right way which is why he's getting into a lot of trouble!' Rounding out this year's Casa Amor bombshells is Boris, 28, a model who is originally from Ljubljana, but now lives in Dubai. He said: 'I'm super attracted to Shakira, I think she's got a great personality and seems like a good girl. 'I'm sure we'd get along well and have a good time together, but I need to see in person, it's all about energy.' The 'main' polyamorous girlfriend of Travers 'Candyman' Beynon has quietly split from the tobacco tycoon, it can be revealed - as he vanishes from social media. Nisha Downes moved into the sprawling 'Candy Shop Mansion' home of married Mr Beynon - who dubbed himself the Candyman due to his gaudy, Instagram-focused lifestyle - on Queensland's sunny Gold Coast in 2015. Now, 29, Nisha confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that she has traded in her old life of wild parties, designer shopping sprees and sex for a more conventional relationship and way of living. 'I was 19 when I moved in (to his 'Candy Shop Mansion') and when I turned 27 I wondered if [the relationship] was what I really wanted,' she admitted. 'I started thinking about my life and how long did I really want to do this for. Stuff like, 'if we did have kids would I be comfortable in that dynamic, forever?'.' Nisha Downes (pictured right) was previously the 'main' girlfriend to Travers 'Candyman' Beynon and wife Taesha (pictured left) - and has now, for the first time, confirmed her departure In an interview, Downes confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that she split with the Freechoice tobacco tycoon three years ago This December marks three years since she farewelled the gaudy home and opulent estate in Helensvale for 'a new life'. 'Nothing hectic happened in the end,' she said. 'I just felt being with one person would be a bit more intimate.' Still living on the Gold Coast, Nisha has traded in her string bikini for corporate attire - working as a development manager in the construction industry. Unearthed footage of her mansion 'audition' 11 years ago shows Downes, then 19, meeting Beynon and his wife for the first time, admitting she 'stalks' his social media pages and 'loves to party'. Later in the video, Ms Downes revealed that she was 'a bit obsessed' with the 47-year-old. She admits she sometimes got a bit jealous of other women in the house, including Mr Beynon's wife of a decade, Taesha. Nisha (pictured above) ditched the Candy Mansion for a 'normal life' 'I respect that Taesha is Travers' wife and she respects that I'm his girlfriend,' she says. 'Looking at him, I'm like, it's so crazy to think that's my boyfriend. 'My mum was definitely concerned. She did call me and tell me she didn't want me to move in but I was just like, 'Well, you can come and see what it's all about, meet Trav and Taesha so you're more comfortable with it'. 'Then mum came up with her husband and mum's just obsessed with him, and she can see me now for months after living in Melbourne. 'I'm healthy and happy. I look better than I have before.' For more than a decade, Beynon's 'Candy Shop Mansion' has been the talk of the Gold Coast with its annual parties. Until the pandemic, he regularly hosted hundreds of guests at a time. There was the odd incident. Questions surrounding 'Candyman' Travers Beynon are beginning to swirl following the tobacco heir's apparent internet exit. Pictured In 2015, fireworks set off for his annual shindig sparked a brush fire across the canal, which was witnessed by a Daily Mail Australia reporter who attended the party. And in 2018, Beynon was slapped with a $13,000 council fine after complaints about a giant topless Virgin Mary statue. The flamboyant businessman certainly was not shy about sharing glimpses of his lavish lifestyle on social media with his millions of followers on social media - including stunt photos of naked women lying down covered in sushi. But Beynon has since stepped back from posting. He last shared a public update to Facebook back in April 2023, while his last TikTok post occurred in August 2019. It's apparently a similar story for the Beynon family tobacco empire, with the main FreeChoice Tobacco site also currently offline. While its franchise stores are still operating, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported that FreeChoice vacated its Gold Coast head office in February, with the space, owned by one of Beynon's companies, now leased to a new business. The flamboyant businessman was certainly not shy about sharing glimpses of his lavish lifestyle to social media It comes amid what appears to be a period of upheaval for Beynon with the playboy recently having another crack at offloading his Candyland mansion. Beynon first listed the 14-bedroom canal-side property back in 2023 and, at one stage, it had an eye-watering $25million price tag attached. The Gold Coast Bulletin reported in May that Beynon had enlisted another agent to give the property the push it needs to get it over the line. He had engaged the services of agents Ivy Wu and Isaac Kim from Ivy Realty to run an expression of interest campaign for the lavish property. Travers originally purchased the home, located in the northern Gold Coast suburb of Helensvale, in 2010. He later snapped up neighbouring land, effectively tripling the footprint of the compound. The property sits on a substantial 1.4 acres with 175m of private water frontage. The house itself is set across an expansive 2,230 square-metre floorplan and boasts mosaic murals and hand-painted frescos. John Boulware's life was snatched from him in a grisly car crash when he was just 16-years-old in 1984. The St Paul, Minnesota high school student was traveling to a Prince concert with three friends two days after Christmas, when their car careened into a tree at an estimated 40 miles an hour around 7:45 p.m. Boulware - who was not wearing a seat belt - died from hemorrhaging caused by a broken neck. His three friends survived. While a teenager killed in a car crash is undeniably tragic, it's a mysterious photo taken moments after the crash that has seen Boulware's death reenter the public consciousness four decades later - it's even convinced skeptics that life after death exists. The mystery first unfolded when Officer Brian Coyle examined photographs he had taken of the crash site that rainy Thursday night. While Boulware's body laid crumpled across the front passenger seat - one image showed an apparent disembodied head over the wreck, which appeared to be looking down at the teenager's corpse. The 'Ghost That Screamed' image from 1984 has been dubbed the world's most haunted photograph - the disembodied head floating over the car is believed to be the soul of tragic teen John Boulware Experts say the face bears an unmistakable resemblance to the young Boulware (left) with curly hair and sideburns and an apparent nose and mouth open in a contorted scream The face bears an unmistakable resemblance to Boulware, with curly hair and sideburns, and its mouth open in an agonizing scream. Streaks of light and a shadow resembling a dog also appeared in the frame, with Coyle unable to account for the anomalies. Matt Fraser - known for When Heaven Calls: Life Lessons from America's Top Psychic Medium and reality show Meet The Frasers - exclusively told the Daily Mail, 'Ive seen many images over the years that capture spiritual phenomena, but this one is truly profound' While some claim the image is a result of mere pareidolia - the psychological response to seeing faces and other significant and everyday items in random stimuli - others, including a world renowned celebrity psychic, say it is irrefutable evidence of a soul leaving its earthly body. Matt Fraser - known for When Heaven Calls: Life Lessons from America's Top Psychic Medium and reality show Meet The Frasers - exclusively told the Daily Mail, 'Ive seen many images over the years that capture spiritual phenomena, but this one is truly profound. 'What youre looking at in "The Ghost That Screamed" is a rare and powerful moment caught between life and the afterlife. 'This photo was taken just moments after a tragic accident, and what stands out immediately is the ghostly face, what looks like a man screaming, rising above the wreckage. When I see this, I see the soul in transition.' Fraser says 'the soul is pure energy,' and claims that it leaves the body at the moment of death. 'Now, what makes this image so haunting is the expression,' he added. 'It appears as if hes screaming. In many tragic deaths, the soul doesnt immediately realize that it has passed. 'Theres often confusion, shock or even a replaying of their final moments.' Fraser believes this photo captured the moment Boulware's soul was 'lingering between two worlds,' not fully realizing he died yet. He called the visible excess energy 'interesting', 'thick' and 'tangible'. Other Reddit users have speculated the spirit of a dog can be seen in another image in front of the car door - claiming this is the ghost of a former pet helping Boulware pass over In Barry Conrad's 2016 Casefiles Unknown special, Officer Coyle was seen examining an original print of the 'Ghost That Screamed' The St Paul, Minnesota high school student was traveling to a Prince concert with three friends two days after Christmas when their car careered into a tree at an estimated 40 miles an hour around 7:45 p.m. Boulware - who had been unrestrained - was the only one killed Reddit users have speculated the spirit of a dog can be seen in another image - claiming this is the ghost of a former pet helping Boulware transition to the afterlife - which Fraser agrees with. The Undeniable Proof podcast host said, 'Sometimes, souls linger briefly, trying to reconnect to the body or comprehend what just happened. Its not until the body fully shuts down that the soul continues its journey to the other side. At that moment, others begin to appear: spirit guides, guardian angels and even loved ones and pets who have passed before them.' He claims a guardian angel is 'always the first to arrive' after a sudden death, and that the often referenced tunnel of light provides peace for the dead. 'By the time they reach the other side, many souls describe the experience as feeling like a dream,' he claims. 'They dont remember the pain. They only know theyre safe. Its then that spirit guides help explain what happened and gently prepare them for their new life in the afterlife.' He also saw other shadows and figures surrounding the scene when examining the photo. 'I believe these are part of his spiritual team - souls who came to help guide him home,' he added. 'Its very common for a person to be greeted by loved ones and spirit guides in their final moments. They appear not only to comfort, but to help ease the transition and remind the soul that they are not alone. 'This photo is one of the clearest visual examples of that in-between moment. And although its eerie, it also validates everything Ive witnessed through my work as a medium. It shows that the soul is real. It shows that energy lives on after death. And it reminds us just how thin the veil really is between this world and the next.' Renowned tarot card reader Angie Banicki doubles down on the analysis, claiming Boulware was left 'surprised' by his sudden death. 'The message I see using my cards is that he was young and passionate and his face was just one of confusion about how he was going,' she said. 'The dog was definitely the carrier of his spirit onward. I dont see anger in his face. More he just is being taken so quickly. He is surprised and yelling out in search of understanding.' Social media sleuths called the photo 'really creepy!' and said, 'He must have been absolutely devastated by what happened.' 'I mean, you can CLEARLY see the boy no doubt', they wrote. Officer Coyle has said he remains 'haunted' by the inexplicable photo decades on Others questioned the validity of the snap and blamed the phenomenon on 'long exposure', writing, 'The streaks and supposed dog are long exposure artifacts. The two streak lines are visible as panel lines across the vehicle side and if you track the angle to the starting point the dog is an exposure of the visible seat at the same angle.' However, many said they 'Cant explain the face.' But someone was left wondering if the light streaks were just a result of 'the rain and low quality cameras at the time. 'Its all double exposure of film, and long exposure with shaky hands.' In Barry Conrad's 2016 Casefile Unknown special on The Ghost That Screamed, Officer Coyle said he remained haunted by the inexplicable photograph. 'Saint Paul Police Department developed the photos and I didn't think much of it until a couple of days later when one of the officers that worked in the photo lab got a hold of me and said that I should probably stop by because he has something that he wanted to show me,' he said. He was 'fairly surprised' by what he saw. 'There were some images on the pictures that definitely weren't there when I was taking the pictures and that I didn't have any explanation for. I just couldn't explain what it was.' Voicing his belief that the apparition was replaying what had happened to Boulware in the accident, Coyle said, 'I had found out from the witnesses that when the accident happened he had been sitting with his back against the passenger door facing where eventually my camera location was, looking down at his lap. 'There's no explanation in my mind and the experts haven't been able to to give me an explanation either.' One of her best-known film roles was in 1989's gritty James Bond flick Licence To Kill, from the Timothy Dalton era. Before that, she starred on the late seasons of the classic 1970s and '80s sitcom Three's Company. The actress later worked with high-profile directors, including Sean Penn, Kevin Smith and Lawrence Kasdan in the 1990s. She went on to appear in numerous horror films, and scored a late-career triumph with a recurring role on the acclaimed series Jane The Virgin. This star looked unrecognizable when she was spotted out in Los Angeles earlier this week. Can you guess who this film and television star is? One of her best-known film roles was in 1989's gritty James Bond flick Licence To Kill, from the Timothy Dalton era Before that, she starred on the late seasons of the classic 1970s and '80s sitcom Three's Company. The actress later worked with high-profile directors, including Sean Penn, Kevin Smith and Lawrence Kasdan in the 1990s - who is she? She's the 70-year-old actress Priscilla Barnes. Priscilla was spotted in a cool, casual ensemble that made her look particularly youthful. She wore relaxed jeans that were ripped at the knee and a magenta T-shirt that she wore without a bra. The actress, who wore her long blond hair down, was seen arriving home after making a grocery run. Barnes' achieved her biggest success as a fixture on Three's Company when she joined the show in its final three seasons, from 1981 to '84. She starred with founding series leads John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt as the nurse Terri Alden, who was one of multiple replacements for original star Suzanne Somers, who rounded out the eponymous trio. Priscilla was born in Fort Dix, New Jersey, to a father who was a major in the Air Force and a homemaker mother. She and her three siblings moved around throughout her childhood for their father's work, before they settled in Southern California. She's the 70-year-old actress Priscilla Barnes; pictured top with Three's Company stars John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt in 1982 Barnes' achieved her biggest success as a fixture on Three's Company when she joined the show in its final three seasons, from 1981-'84. She starred with John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt as the nurse Terri Alden, a replacement for original star Suzanne Somers Priscilla was spotted in a cool, casual ensemble that made her look particularly youthful She wore relaxed jeans that were ripped at the knee and a magenta T-shirt that she wore without a bra. The actress, who wore her long blond hair down, was seen arriving home after making a grocery run Priscilla was born in Fort Dix, New Jersey, to a father who was a major in the Air Force and a homemaker mother She and her three siblings moved around throughout her childhood for their father's work, before they settled in Southern California After working as a model in a fashion show, she got her big break in 1973 when Bob Hope spotted her at the show and asked her to join the group of performers he was leading for a performance at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC After working as a model in a fashion show, she got her big break in 1973 when Bob Hope spotted her at the show and asked her to join the group of performers he was leading for a performance at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. Buoyed by her newfound success, she relocated from San Diego to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Hollywood. Her small early roles included a part on the Lynda Carterstarring Wonder Woman, but she got her first serious screen attention for playing a nurse with a single line on a 1975 episode of Columbo. From there, she scored guest roles on The Rockford Files, Starsky & Hutch, Kojak and The Love Boat, among other late-'70s shows. One of her early film roles was in 1978's college sex comedy The Seniors, in which she starred with a young Dennis Quaid. After Three's Company, her '80s TV appearances included a guest role on Murder, She wrote, as well as two unrelated stints on The Love Boat and two separate roles years apart on Hotel. In 1989, she joined the James Bond franchise by playing the wife of the secret agent's longtime friend Felix Leiter in Licence To Kill, though her character was violently dispatched early on in the film. Priscilla remained prolific, and she appeared in numerous films throughout the '90s, including the horror film Stepfather III, the Sean Penndirected drama The Crossing Guard, which starred Jack Nicholson, and Kevin Smith's comedy Mallrats. In 1989, she joined the James Bond franchise by playing the wife of the secret agent's longtime friend Felix Leiter in Licence To Kill (pictured), though her character was violently dispatched early on in the film Priscilla remained prolific, and she appeared in numerous films throughout the '90s, including the horror film Stepfather III, the Sean Penndirected drama The Crossing Guard (pictured), which starred Jack Nicholson, and Kevin Smith's comedy Mallrats Priscilla has been married to the actor Ted Monte since 2003; pictured together that year She also worked with Star Wars scribe Lawrence Kasdan on his comedy Mumford in 1999. Her 2000s and 2010s projects were less prestigious for the most part, but she did appear in the cult-classic horror film The Devil's Rejects in 2005, which was written and directed by Rob Zombie. In 2014, she scored one of her best roles as the scheming Magda on Jane The Virgin. Her character was the mother of Petra (Yael Grobglas) who tried to help her daughter take over a hotel owned by her husband Rafael (Justin Baldoni). Priscilla has been married to the actor Ted Monte since 2003. Legendary R&B boyband Damage have revealed the shocking racism they faced in the Nineties and how a lack of support with their mental health led them to forge new careers beyond the spotlight. In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, the group - now in their 40s - explained they were forced to dress and act a certain way in order to avoid being perceived as 'dangerous', and had to fight for press coverage after being told 'black faces don't sell magazines'. Originally formed by Jade Jones, Andrez Harriott, Rahsaan J. Bromfield, Noel Simpson, and Coree Richards, Damage burst onto the scene with their groundbreaking debut album Forever in 1995. Coree left the band in 2001, shortly after the release of their second album, Since You've Been Gone. Today, Damage are recognised as one of the UK's most influential R&B groups, having sold over four million records worldwide - but their path to success was anything but easy. Jade, who is married to fellow pop star Emma Bunton, explained: 'Being five black guys in a band, there was an image that had to be portrayed, you know, for it to be palatable for, for the pop market.' R&B boyband Damage have revealed the shocking racism they faced in the Nineties (pictured: Jade Jones, Noel Simpson, Andrez Harriott, Rahsaan J Bromfield and Coree Richards) In an interview with MailOnline, the group - now in their 40s - explained they were forced to dress and act a certain way in order to avoid being perceived as 'dangerous' He continued: 'We only got put on the cover of Smash Hits through fighting [for it]. We were told we weren't allowed to be on the cover before because black faces didn't sell magazines in the 90s. 'Therefore, for them to make it more palatable for everybody, we had to do a shoot, which was definitely not our style at the time, but it was something we had to swallow. 'There a picture of us with pastel coloured suits on, with flowers and roses all around us. 'Boyband Five were out at the time and they were able to dress and act however they wanted. We had to act a certain way. 'Not saying that we were bad boys. We never were, but we could never portray ourselves or even have an inkling of any aggression about us or any attitude, otherwise we just get shut down.' MailOnline has contacted Smash Hits for comment. Noel added: 'We could never ever be portrayed as the bad boys of pop. Our stuff would have been cancelled straight away.' Sharing his thoughts, Andrez said: 'There were bands like Five, NSYNC which all come down the lineage of people like New Kids on the Block, which come down the lineage of the Jackson 5, etc. 'All those bands, they could take American clothing, American language, use American music producers, and create R&B songs.' Jade revealed: 'We only got put on the cover of Smash Hits through fighting [for it]. We were told we weren't allowed to be on the cover before because black faces didn't sell magazines' He continued: 'And when Damage would do something like a cover of an Earth, Wind and Fire song, which should have been a massive hit, radio struggled to play it. 'There is a really restrictive, dominant, paradigm that black males have to fit into. 'And there is unconsciously and consciously an idea that we are dangerous, and for us as young black males, we have to provide a counter narrative to that nonsense just to be us. 'I remember our record label, we went to Aquascutum to get jackets in central London and the English gentleman image was really kind of being portrayed through us because we have limited bandwidth. 'We couldn't come out in baggy jeans and hoodies, or everyone would be terrified. 'It's really different now, but at that time we had to provide a counter narrative to this idea that five black guys in a space is dangerous.' Mental health struggles were also a significant part of each member's journey, a challenge that wasn't openly discussed during their rise to fame. Reflecting on a turning point while on tour in Southeast Asia, Rahsaan explained: 'At that point we were just like a hard no, we need to stop doing what what we're doing right now. Andrez claimed: 'It's really different now, but at that time we had to provide a counter narrative to this idea that five black guys in a space is dangerous' Mental health struggles have been a significant part of each member's journey, a challenge that wasn't openly discussed during their rise to fame 'Up until that point, we didn't realise that we had the power to do that. 'We were just part of the machine, that kept those cogs going and It was really something therapeutic for us to be able to do that.' Andrez shared: 'You know, when we were coming up as a band, mental health was not discussed in any space, whether it was creative industries or private business or statutory spaces, you know, the welfare of individuals wasn't really considered. 'For us, the impact of being so young, getting up really early for television shows, this constant hamster wheel of trying to get the records out, etc. I don't think we'd have reflected on the impact of that until many years later. 'The hardest time would have been when we first separated and you have to really find yourself within society. We did this since we were 12, 13, 14 years old. 'We had to go out and do job interviews and work in organisations and, you know, find ourselves in the world. 'It wasn't necessarily the impact of the band, it was more so the closing when we ended and then when we came back together.' Explaining how their tight bond helped them through their hardship, Jade explained: 'I think even when we were younger, I think we, we always had a real family connection' Noel said: 'You get into a band and you're really young, you don't think it's ever gonna end. 'The free clothes, the taxis everywhere, the trainers, all the amazing stuff, the red carpets and all that, and you never think it's gonna end. 'You know, when it does come all crashing down and for me personally, I had to go and like sign on, which was an eye opening experience for me when when we first when we first split.' Explaining how their tight bond helped them through their hardship, Jade explained: 'I think even when we were younger, I think we, we always had a real family connection between all of us. 'So therefore we were always there, everyone was always allowed space and you could always tell if somebody wasn't feeling too good. 'So we kind of helped pick each other up a lot and that was throughout performances and everything. 'I think that's just our synergy that we have together that allowed us to kind of have that safe space between each other.' Damage initially split in 2002 after releasing their album Live & Liberated. They then had a brief reunion in 2010 before officially splitting up. Damage initially split in 2002 after releasing their album Live & Liberated. They then had a brief reunion in 2010 before officially splitting up Each member of Damage has gone on to forge a career outside the spotlight - paths that, in many ways, reflect the personal growth and life lessons they took from their time in the band. Rahsaan now serves as a deputy head at an alternative provision (AP) school, supporting young people who don't thrive in mainstream education. Noel works with the charity Carers Choices, offering vital support to those looking after loved ones. Jade discovered a passion for food and became a professional chef, while also dabbling in property. Andrez spent over a decade working with children in the justice system through the local authority, eventually launching his own organisation. He's now an organisational consultant, working within the NHS. The group have revealed they are coming back to the UK in December 2025 at O2 Shepherds Bush Empire stage. Limited tickets remain for fans still hoping to attend. Damage are now gearing up for their biggest headline show in over a decade as they prepare to celebrate 30 years since their debut. The iconic R&B group will return to the stage on December 5, 2025, with a special anniversary show at London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire. Speaking about the highly anticipated show, the group said on Instagram: 'Our fans have shown us so much love, and we can't wait to hit the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire stage next December for our biggest headline show in 10 years, celebrating 30 years together. 'It's going to be epic! With Kele Le Roc, Manny Norte plus more joining us, it's a party you don't want to miss!' Tickets went on sale in November, and limited availability remains for fans still hoping to attend. SBS presenter Karla Grant has opened up about her surprising romance with Married At First Sight star Nasser Sultan. The journalist told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday, even though the couple are very different, they still have a lot in common. 'I was taken by surprise myself,' Karla admitted. 'We love travelling, we love going to the movies, we love theatre. There's a lot of things that we have in common that probably people on the outside don't really appreciate.' Karla revealed she is a MAFS viewer and instantly knew who Nasser was when he approached her at an event in 2018. 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. SBS presenter Karla Grant has opened up about her surprising romance with Married At First Sight star Nasser Sultan 'He kept on asking me out, but I was always so busy with work and travel. Finally, I said "yes",' she explained. Nasser and Karla have been quietly dating for several months after reconnecting at a party last year. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia last month, Nasser said: 'We've known each other for four years, to be honest. Then we just reconnected at a party and fell in love. 'That was it. It was like love at first sight - just not Married At First Sight!' Gushing about his girlfriend, Nasser added: 'She's gentle, smart, elegant, very well-educated, respected in the industry. And she's not fake. And she's not on Instagram.' Indeed, while Nasser has often courted publicity since starring on MAFS back in 2018, Karla is renowned for her serious work as a presenter and producer for SBS's Indigenous current affairs program, Living Black, and largely shuns the spotlight. The romance between the Walkley Award-winning journalist and the self-confessed reality TV 'troublemaker' may seem unexpected, but Karla herself said it best in a rare public statement. 'Nasser is one of a kind. He's attentive, caring and thoughtful and I see how he is with those who are closest to him. He's always helping his friends,' she said. The journalist told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday even though the couple are very different, they still have a lot in common She continued: 'Our union was very unexpected, but it is growing into something very special.' The relationship marks a fresh chapter for Karla, who was previously married to journalist and broadcaster Stan Grant for 16 years before they split in 2000. Stan famously left Karla for his Seven Network colleague Tracey Holmes, leading to one of the biggest media scandals of the decade. Meanwhile, Nasser has continued to make headlines in his own right over the years - from pulling cheeky publicity stunts to faking romances for tabloid attention. But insiders say his romance with Karla is '100 per cent genuine' and not just another ploy for the cameras. The fact that Nasser, a man who once said, 'write whatever you want about me so long as you write about me,' has kept their relationship low-key until now, speaks volumes. 'I credit her for making me calm. I'm still a troublemaker - don't worry about that' he said. 'And yeah, it's just blown me away, seriously, how this whole thing's happened'. The ex-fiancee of NRL star Braith Anasta celebrated her recent engagement to her Bra Boys boyfriend Evan Faulks with an intimate party on Saturday. Rachael Lee, who made headlines in May after Faulks got down on one knee, took to Instagram to share a slew of snaps and videos of the special day. The happy couple celebrated their engagement with cheese boards, fruit skewers and a metre-long pavlova, as well as a cake decorated with daisies and blueberries. Rachael was glowing in a maroon patterned dress that dramatically fell to the floor and she accessorised her outfit with a chunky brown belt and cardigan. Her husband-to-be opted for neutral tones in a white t-shirt, cream-coloured chinos and sandals. 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. Braith Anasta's ex fiancee Rachael Lee celebrated her engagement to Bra Boys boyfriend Evan Faulks with intimate party on Saturday Rachael Lee, who made headlines in May after Faulks got down on one knee, took to Instagram to share a slew of snaps and videos of the special day 'I'll love you forever...' she captioned one picture, which showed the happy couple gleaming as Rachael showed off her engagement ring. 'Celebrating our love w family & friends.. Forever blessed,' she captioned another. Braith Anasta's ex Rachael announced her engagement two years after her split with the NRL star, who has played for teams such as Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers. The mother-of-two announced the exciting news in an Instagram post in May, sharing a video and pictures of Evan proposing during a trip to Uluru. In the clip, Evan could be seen getting down on one knee in a romantic outback setting at sunset. With tears of joy streaming down her face, the couple embraced and kissed. 'I knew from the moment I seen you, it was going to be forever - The universe always has a plan.. I love you always x,' Rachael wrote in the caption. 'FuturesMrsFaulks yippiiieee xx.' Rachael was glowing in a maroon patterned dress that dramatically fell to the floor and she accessorised her outfit with a chunky brown belt and cardigan Rachael announced her engagement in May, two years after her split with the NRL star Rachael looked ethereal in the video, wearing a boho chic two-piece ensemble featuring a long skirt and a matching top tied at the front. It comes after she opened up about her relationship with Evan in April. She told The Sunday Telegraph her romance is 'so beautiful and deep' and Evan was an amazing presence in her children Addison, 13, and seven-year-old Gigi's lives. 'My relationship with Evan is something I've never had before,' she said. 'I feel so beyond lucky to have him in mine, Addi and Gigi's lives. Evan is such an honest, loyal and kind soul and a really great father and partner.' She also hinted they have 'really exciting future plans happening together'. Rachael added that she and Braith have been navigating the role of co-parenting their daughter Gigi. 'Co-parenting comes with its ups and downs, and a lot of agreeing to disagree,' she added. She previously said her romance is 'so beautiful and deep' and Evan was an amazing presence in her children Addison, 13, and seven-year-old Gigi's lives Rachael and Braith confirmed their split in November, 2022, following months of rumours Evan has been romantically involved with Rachael since the start of last year. They reportedly met at Crown Plaza in Coogee over Christmas the year before and were photographed together in public for the first time in May 2024 celebrating her 36th birthday. In 2023, Evan was extradited from Queensland following a sprawling 18-month investigation into alleged drug consignments intercepted by US authorities. Police allege he was a 'high-ranking member' of the Maroubra-based Bra Boys surf gang. Evan faced court on March 19, 2024, charged with knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime with intent to conceal and dealing with property worth more than $100,000, which was suspected to be the proceeds of a crime. The first two charges were withdrawn on that date, and Evan pleaded not guilty to the third. Evan has been subjected to strict bail conditions, including remaining on good behaviour, reporting to Maroubra police station between 8am and 8pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and not going within 500m of any point of international departure. Rachael and Braith confirmed their split in November, 2022, following months of rumours. One month later, Rachael debuted her romance with Blake Hillen, a bricklayer and amateur boxer from the Sutherland Shire. However, a source told Daily Mail Australia in 2023 that Rachael and Blake were once 'inseparable', but were now off - with both unfollowing each other on Instagram, and she later found love with Evan. Braith went on to date Evie Tziomakis, but a source confirmed they had parted ways in June, 2024. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 6. The Azerbaijan International Development Assistance Agency (AIDA), which operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has joined the project to establish a Youth Leadership and Innovation Center in Kenya. The center will operate in the capital Nairobi, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. The aim of the project is to improve the qualifications and role of young people in society, develop leadership qualities and intensify efforts to build a successful career. The presentation ceremony of the Center took place on July 4. AIDA financial assistance in the amount of $34,000, allocated for the logistical support of the project and calculated for two stages, was presented to the Center by the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Kenya Sultan Hajiyev. A letter of intent was signed at the ceremony between AIDA, the Kenya Institute of Special Education and Training and other project partners. The speakers assessed AIDAs participation in this humanitarian project as an integral part of the dynamically developing relations between Azerbaijan and Kenya. Former Bond girl Caterina Murino has revealed she is expecting her first child at 47, after two heartbreaking miscarriages and a gruelling IVF journey. The Italian actress, who shot to global fame alongside Daniel Craig in his 007 debut Casino Royale, confirmed she is pregnant with a baby boy, due in September, the same month she will turn 48. Caterina, who has been in a relationship with French lawyer Edouard Rigaud for eight years, admitted the road to motherhood hasn't been easy. 'At my age, I had to ask medicine to help nature,' she said, referring to the IVF treatment she underwent. She added: 'You don't always decide when the right time to become a mother comes.' The star bravely spoke about her previous miscarriages and described her fertility journey as 'trying,' but said she is now looking forward to the new chapter with joy and gratitude. Former Bond girl Caterina Murino has revealed she is expecting her first child at 47, after two heartbreaking miscarriages and a gruelling IVF journey The Italian actress, who shot to global fame alongside Daniel Craig in his 007 debut Casino Royale, confirmed she is pregnant with a baby boy, due in September, the same month she will turn 48 Caterina also recalled the intense public reaction to her steamy scene with Craig in Casino Royale, where she played the seductive Solange. She revealed that one fan's jealousy even led to a terrifying death threat. 'When he kissed me in the film it was so sexy, so real,' she said. 'It must have looked very real, because among the many fan letters I got was a death threat from someone who was jealous.' Despite the darker side of fame, the actress says she remains proud of her role in the iconic spy franchise and is now focused on the biggest role of her life: becoming a mum. It was British theatre and actors (she regards Kenneth Branagh and Daniel Craig as gods) that inspired Caterina to become an actress. She grew up in Sardinia and originally intended to become a doctor, but when she failed to get into medical school, she entered the Miss Italy contest and came fourth, before becoming a model. She shot to fame in 2006 when she starred as a Bond girl alongside Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. The star played Solange who Bond seduces before she is tortured to death later in the film. Caterina also recalled the intense public reaction to her steamy scene with Craig in Casino Royale, where she played the seductive Solange and revealed that one fan's jealousy even led to a terrifying death threat Two years ago, Caterina made an entrance at Venice Film Festival as she attended the Poor Things premiere The actress was posing up a storm with her beloved dog on the red carpet, before it escaped from her and ran loose Patroness of the festival Caterina looked in her highest spirits while striking a pose with the sausage dog, until it escaped and ran off during the film screening Two years ago, Caterina made an entrance at Venice Film Festival as she attended the Poor Things premiere. The actress was posing up a storm with her beloved dog on the red carpet, before it escaped from her and ran loose. Patroness of the festival Caterina struck a slew of poses with her sausage dog, until it ran off during the film screening. In a series of hilarious moments, Caterina managed to catch up with the dog and put its leash back on. The star was captured trying to reach out to the cheeky pet as it tried to wander during the iconic event. Friends of Sydney socialite and stylist Kelly Smythe are growing concerned in the wake of her shocking forgery scam scandal. The one-time 2000s 'It' girl was arrested in May for allegedly forging prescriptions and was taken into custody at Surry Hills Police Station in Sydney's inner east. The 47-year-old, who lives on Australia's most expensive street in Point Piper, spent the night at the station before appearing before Downing Centre Local Court via video link, where she made a release application while being held on remand. Now, her friends have broken their silence over the scandal, revealing that not all is as it seems and the 'truth will come out'. 'There was a huge amount going on for Kelly that only people in her inner circle are aware of,' one close friend told the Sunday Confidential. 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. Friends of Sydney socialite and stylist Kelly Smythe (pictured) are growing concerned in the wake of her shocking forgery scam scandal The one-time 2000s 'It' girl was arrested in May for allegedly forging prescriptions and was taken into custody at Surry Hills Police Station in Sydney 's inner east The insider then shared a revelation regarding the celebrity stylist that sheds some light on her mental wellbeing at the time of the alleged offences. 'She was in a very scary place and a victim to serious DV for many years,' the source said. 'The man involved was eventually charged and pleaded guilty to his crimes, but it changed her and she never fully recovered.' The New Zealand-born socialite's glamorous life unravelled overnight after she was charged with two counts of using a false document to obtain property and two counts of obtaining or attempting to get a prohibited drug by false representation. A charge sheet showed Smythe allegedly used a false letter and two fraudulent scripts to get dexamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine from the Paddington Compounding Pharmacy on Oxford street in February 21 and May 15. Dexamphetamine medication is used in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (sleep disorder) while Lisdexamfetamine treats moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder in adults. Smythe's barrister Charles Alexander lodged a release application on his client's behalf. 'She knows she needs to stay on the straight and narrow,' he told the court. Kelly Smythe (pictured right) alongside leisure wear designer Pip Edwards She was known for living life in the fast lane before take a step away form the limelight several years ago Magistrate Sharon Freund said the police facts indicated there may be further charges pending, but no fresh charges had been laid. The magistrate granted bail but added: 'I suspect your client may have an issue with the drugs she has been self-prescribing.' Smythe, who wore gold-rimmed sunglasses during her video-linked court appearance, said: 'Thank you so much, ma'am.' The case will be back before the court in July. At the height of her career, Kelly was a Seven Network stylist and the go-to fashion adviser to Sydney's elite, styling Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Hawkins, Jodi Gordon and Sonia Kruger. But after five years at the helm of the wardrobe styling department, Seven cut ties with her. With the local fashion industry teetering on the brink of collapse, Smythe struggled with freelance work and former friends say she vanished from the limelight. She tied the knot in 2011 with Alex Nikolaidis, 10 years younger than her, at St Mark's Church in the ritzy eastern suburbs enclave of Darling Point in front of clients and Sydney's society set including Roxy Jacenko, Holly Brisley and Chris Bath. The couple welcomed a son, who is now 14, a year before saying 'I do'. They are now divorced. Kendall Jenner was spotted playing around with friends after her 'tone deaf' appearance at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding in Venice. While vacationing with friends in Saint-Tropez located in the south of France, the supermodel was seen taking a shot while balancing a $60,000 handbag on her head. Her limited edition Hermes Kelly Doll bag is worth approximately $50,000 or $60,000, according to Sotheby's. She was joined by her younger sister Kylie Jenner, 27, as they partied at the exclusive Loulou's beach club on Pampelonne Beach right before jumping into the ocean in their party dresses. This comes shortly after she and the rest of her family attended the Bezos-Sanchez wedding, facing backlash and fueling the polemics surrounding the billionaire's Venetian nuptials. The model, 29, hid a grimace as her friends recorded her taking the shot of hard liquor as they screamed in excitement, as seen in model Devon Lee Carlson's Instagram post on Saturday. Kendall Jenner was spotted playing around with friends after her 'tone deaf' appearance at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding in Venice. While vacationing with friends in Saint-Tropez located in the south of France, the supermodel was seen taking a shot while balancing a $60,000 handbag on her head Carlson's post also included a snapshot of her and Kendall posing with large Chloe bags after going shopping together in luxury designer stores. In the photo, which Kendall reposted on her Instagram Story, she wore a red minidress paired with matching flip flops while holding hands with Carlson, who wore a complementing look. The Wildflower Cases founder also shared a photo of Kendall alongside their friends after they enjoyed an impromptu swim after doing shots at the day club. Her day of partying comes amid her lavish Euro summer with her sister Kylie. On the same day, as Kendall was seen wearing the same dress, the bikini-clad sisters were pictured enjoying an impromptu dip in the cooling ocean. Kendall showed off her model figure in a black bikini which she wore with a sheer polka dot dress. They were joined by a group of pals as they all frolicked in the sea after some afternoon cocktails at the club. The model, 29, hid a grimace as her friends recorded her taking the shot of hard liquor as they screamed in excitement, as seen in model Devon Lee Carlson's Instagram post on Saturday Carlson's post also included a snapshot of her and Kendall posing with large Chloe bags after going shopping together in luxury designer stores. In the photo, which Kendall reposted on her Instagram Story, she wore a red minidress paired with matching flip flops while holding hands with Carlson, who wore a complementing look Right before heading to France, Kendall was in Italy with her sisters and their mom Kris Jenner for the star-studded wedding of billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. After the nuptials, she was also on auntie duty as she joined Kylie with her kids Stormi and Aire for a boat ride through Venice's historic canals last weekend. Described as the 'wedding of a century,' the 61-year-old Amazon founder and the former journalist, 55, exchanged vows in front of nearly 200 VIPs on San Giorgio Maggiore island in Venice, Italy. The Bezos wedding began last Thursday with the first of three days of parties in Venice but impeccable sources revealed days before that the Amazon founder and journalist-turned-philanthropist Lauren Sanchez were already married. A source closely connected to the organization of the week's events told DailyMail.com: 'They have been married for at least a month, more than a month. 'The marriage is fully legal and took place in America under American law.' The Wildflower Cases founder also shared a photo of Kendall and Kylie alongside their friends after they enjoyed an impromptu swim after doing shots at the day club The source adds: 'When they were planning the wedding, they were clear about the fact that they were already secretly married There is no application for a wedding license from the couple because it was not required. 'Whatever happens at the wedding on Friday, it will not be a wedding. Under Italian law, it will not be a wedding celebration, any vows said or rings exchanged will have no legal meaning.' The source added that Bezos had personally confirmed that he and Sanchez who met when both were married to other people are already legally married, and that they had also signed a pre-nuptial agreement to protect his $244 billion (177 billion) fortune. Pioneering Australian TV chef Peter Russell-Clarke has died in Melbourne aged 89. Russell-Clarke, who was the face of Coon cheese in television advertisements during the early 1990s, passed away on Friday after suffering complications following a stroke. He was surrounded by his beloved wife Jan and two children Peter and Wendy. His close friend Beverley Pinder paid tribute to the TV chef, telling the Herald Sun on Sunday: 'Peter Russell-Clarke was a phenomenon years ahead of his time.' 'His wife Jan was his backbone. A loveable, larrikin artist and gentleman of the art of relaxed cooking.' 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. Pioneering Australian TV chef Peter Russell-Clarke has died in Melbourne aged 89 Russell-Clarke was the face of Coon cheese in television advertisements during the early 1990s The late chef, who enjoyed 65 years of marriage with Jan, 91, previously admitted that none of his accomplishments would have been possible without her support. Derryn Hench, who starred alongside Peter in the 1983 comedy At Last... Bullamakanka: The Motion Picture, penned some words about the chef in the wake of his death, describing him as 'talented and a bit of a rogue'. 'He was our first TV cook, he was the egg man,' said Derryn of his longtime pal. 'He taught me to put ground pepper on fresh strawberries, he wasn't adverse to trying new things. He once cooked steak for Prince Charles he was very talented.' Russell-Clarke was best known for his ABC series Come and Get It, which aired in the 1980s. He became famous for his catchphrase 'G'day' on the five-minute cooking program, starring in over 900 episodes. The chef has written and illustrated 25 cookbooks, including an encyclopaedia of food. Russell-Clarke has cooked for Victoria's State Premiers, the Prime Minister, the Duke of Edinburgh and The Prince of Wales' Silver Jubilee dinner in Australia. Russell-Clarke passed away on Friday after suffering complications following a stroke He was surrounded by his beloved wife Jan and two children Peter and Wendy A chef who always appealed to a family audience, Peter found himself at the centre of controversy in 2008 when an expletive-ridden 'blooper reel' surfaced on YouTube. Speaking to nine.com.au in 2014, Russell-Clarke said that he believed the video had 'cost him work'. 'Swearing can be very descriptive,' he told 9 Stories at the time, adding that it was not words themselves that were bad 'but how they're used'. 'If you say: "F*** you mate" that's threatening. But if you say: "F*** me dead" that's not bad,' the cook shared. Peter was born in Ballarat in 1935, living between the homes of his excommunicated Anglican minister father and dressmaker mother, who he is thought to have gained his Bohemian style from. The iconic Aussie chef spent time in various foster homes as a child and even lived with a Chinese family for a stint, where he discovered the rich flavours of Asian cuisine that he would revisit throughout his career. The cookbook writer even experienced a period of homelessness, once revealing that his love of 'fine food' began when he scavenged the bins behind iconic Melbourne restaurant Florentino. However, as with any underdog story, Russell-Clarke defied the odds to become one of Australia's first celebrity chefs, going on to teach a generation how to cook in the TV scape. Despite his pioneering role in televised cooking, the chef had in recent years slammed the proliferation of reality cooking shows such as MasterChef and My Kitchen Rules, saying they aren't educational Despite his pioneering role in televised cooking, the chef had in recent years slammed the proliferation of reality cooking shows such as MasterChef and My Kitchen Rules, saying they aren't educational. Speaking to Woman's Day in 2017, Peter said that it was more a case of style over substance with televised cooking competitions. 'You don't end up learning anything from cooking shows now,' he said. 'I think TV should be entertaining but also educational.' Peter, who was also a dab hand as an artist, also revealed that he had little time for time-saving cooking gadgets that are constantly popping up in Australian kitchens. 'I don't need all that flash stuff,' he said. 'I'm happy with the camping stove.' The Block star Darren Palmer has quietly offloaded his luxe Bondi Beach home for a cool $8.25 million - more than doubling what he originally paid for the property. Palmer, 46, and his husband Olivier Duvillard, a cosmetics executive, finally closed the deal on their four-bedroom, four-bathroom sanctuary just metres from the surf after pulling it from auction earlier this year. According to realestate.com.au, the couple had listed the property on Sir Thomas Mitchell Road with a price guide of $7.95 million in April, but opted for a private sale after the right buyer failed to materialise on auction day. Their patience paid off. Celebrity agent Alexander Phillips secured the sale off-market to a buyer from their database - setting a new street record in the process. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The Block star Darren Palmer (pictured) has quietly offloaded his luxe Bondi Beach home for a cool $8.25 million - more than doubling what he originally paid for the property Palmer, 46, and his husband Olivier Duvillard, a cosmetics executive, finally closed the deal on their four-bedroom, four-bathroom sanctuary just metres from the surf after pulling it from auction earlier this year Darren and Olivier originally snapped up the 1930s Californian bungalow for $2.98 million in 2015 and completely transformed it in a major rebuild in 2022. The three-storey residence features designer finishes throughout - including a statement open fireplace, natural stone kitchen, a dreamy master suite, and an outdoor plunge pool framed by palm trees. 'This is actually the longest-term house I've had in my entire life, except for when I was a child,' Darren revealed in an interview with Home Beautiful earlier this year. When Darren purchased it in the mid 2010s, the home had already been raised to two levels before the author forged ahead with his own renovation plans. Darren collaborated with architect John Deuchrass and construction company Taste Living to completely rebuild the home after he bought it. 'The poor old house has a lot to be improved upon. I spent years imagining what it might be when it was completely done,' Darren told Domain. He went on to say he kept only one bedroom 'with the original 1920s horsehair plaster ornate ceiling' but ended up renovating the rest over two years. It's not the only property Darren and Olivier have offloaded recently. According to realestate.com.au, the couple had listed the property on Sir Thomas Mitchell Road with a price guide of $7.95 million in April, but opted for a private sale after the right buyer failed to materialise on auction day Celebrity agent Alexander Phillips secured the sale off-market to a buyer from their database - setting a new street record in the process The pair also quietly sold their Byron Bay retreat for $2.6 million to fashion entrepreneur Candice Rose O'Rourke, founder of the popular lifestyle label Zulu & Zephyr, and her husband Josh. That dreamy coastal property, located just 100m from Tallow Beach, boasted its own private path to the sand and offered all the trimmings of a Byron escape - think open-plan living, neutral tones, and breezy design perfect for barefoot luxury. Darren will, meanwhile, return to The Block when the renovation series returns to TV in August. Richard Gere was among thousands of Buddhist followers on Sunday as the Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in India. Describing himself a "simple Buddhist monk" who usually didn't celebrate birthdays, the Dalai Lama celebrated Sunday's milestone by praying for peace after China insisted it would have the final say on who succeeded the Tibetan spiritual leader. Gere, a practicing buddhist since 1978, was seen reverently kissing the spiritual leader's hand at the event, held at Dharamshala - headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile. The Hollywood star, 75, best known for his starring roles in An Officer And A Gentleman and Pretty Woman, had previously taken to the podium, where he declared it a 'joyous, joyous day' to 'celebrate this extraordinary life'. Gere has been a regular visitor to Dharamshala for decades and is a staunch advocate of the Tibetan Independence Movement, a non-profit organisation that supports the independence of Tibet from the People's Republic Of China. He is also co-founder of cultural and educational non-profit Tibet House US, based in New York City, and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the International Campaign for Tibet. Richard Gere was among thousands of Buddhist followers on Sunday as the Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in India Gere, who began practicing buddhism in 1978, has a long standing friendship with the Dalai Lama (pictured together in 1987) The actor previously claimed his outspoken criticism of China and his Tibetan activism had scared off the big studios and affected him taking mainstream roles in Hollywood. 'There are definitely movies that I can't be in because the Chinese will say, "Not with him,"' he told the Hollywood Reporter in 2017. 'I recently had an episode where someone said they could not finance a film with me because it would upset the Chinese.' Gere was even banned from the Academy Awards in 1993, after he spoke out about China's occupation of Tibet and its 'horrendous, horrendous human rights situation' when he was invited to present the award for best art direction. That did not stop him from becoming an outspoken critic of China's regime and Gere has gone onto create two foundations, the Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet and The Gere Foundation in New York. Gere, who has a long standing friendship with the Dalai Lama, is banned for life from China. The actor claims he was not bothered by the Academy ban, saying: 'I didn't have to put on a tuxedo again. I was fine with that.' On Sunday, Gere was among red-robed monks as they chanted at the Himalayan hilltop forested temples in India, home to the Dalai Lama since he and thousands of other Tibetans fled Chinese troops who crushed an uprising in their capital Lhasa in 1959. He was seen reverently kissing the spiritual leader's hand at the event, held at Dharamshala - headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile The Hollywood star had previously taken to the podium, where he declared it a 'joyous, joyous day' to 'celebrate this extraordinary life' Gere has been a regular visitor to Dharamshala for decades and is a staunch advocate of the Tibetan Independence Movement 'I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don't normally engage in birthday celebrations,' the Dalai Lama said in a message, thanking those marking it with him for using the opportunity "to cultivate peace of mind and compassion". Dressed in traditional robes and a flowing yellow wrap, he walked with the aid of two monks while flashing his trademark beaming smile to thousands of followers. Beijing condemns the Nobel Peace Prize winner - who has led a lifelong campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau - as a rebel and separatist. Alongside the celebrations, however, is the worry for Tibetans in exile that China will name its successor to bolster control over the territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since. That raises the likelihood of rival challengers to the post; one by self-declared atheist Beijing, the other by the Dalai Lama's office based in neighbouring India, a regional rival of China. On Sunday, Gere was among red-robed monks as they chanted at the Himalayan hilltop forested temples in India, home to the Dalai Lama The celebrations on Sunday are the culmination of days of long-life prayers for Tenzin Gyatso, who followers believe is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama The celebrations on Sunday are the culmination of days of long-life prayers for Tenzin Gyatso, who followers believe is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, a man whose moral teachings and idiosyncratic humour have made him one of the world's most popular religious leaders. 'While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone,' he said in his birthday message. 'Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place.' In a speech to followers, the Dalai Lama said his practice of Buddhism meant he had dedicated his life towards seeking compassion. 'I'm now 90 and... when I reflect on my life, I see that I have not wasted my life at all', he said, speaking in Tibetan. Gere previously claimed his outspoken criticism of China and his Tibetan activism had scared off the big studios and affected him taking mainstream roles in Hollywood 'I would not have regrets at the time of my death; rather I would be able to die very peacefully.' The celebrations also included his key announcement that, after being inundated with messages of support from fellow Tibetans both inside and in exile, the spiritual institution will continue after his death. The ceremony ended with the Dalai Lama eating a slice of cake and thousands singing "happy birthday". No details have been released for the future succession. Bindi Irwin has revealed that her daughter Grace is already exhibiting incredible artistic skills. The four-year-old is a budding photographer and is as handy with the lens as most adults. The Wildlife Warrior, 26, shared an image on Instagram on Sunday in which she was cuddled up to husband Chandler Powell. In the caption, Bindi revealed that the tot took the photo for the couple in a particularly sweet moment. 'This is the first photo Grace has ever taken of us,' Bindi wrote. 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. Bindi Irwin has revealed that her daughter Grace is already exhibiting incredible artistic skills. The four-year-old is a budding photographer and took this photo of her parents, Bindi (right) and her husband Chandler Powell (left) It appears the (Grace, front) is taking after her uncle, Bindi's brother Robert Irwin (pictured), who is also well known for his photography skills. Robert, 21, even won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award in 2020 'She asked me if she could take a photo on my phone, looked at it, and said, "cuuute," she continued. 'Everything about these few minutes in time makes my heart happy. It's the little moments that really mean the most.' It appears the little girl is taking after her uncle, Bindi's brother Robert Irwin, who is also well known for his photography skills. Robert, 21, even won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award in 2020. It comes after Bindi shared a heartwarming family photo last month as she visited Disney World in the US with her husband Chandler and their daughter Grace. Bindi could be seen posing with her brood in front of the Florida theme park's iconic Cinderella castle in a sweet photo posted on Instagram. Chandler, 28, carried little Grace, who was dressed for the occasion in a sparkling frock and a Mickey Mouse hat, as Bindi held her husband's hand and smiled. 'May was an incredible month,' Chandler captioned the family photo. It comes after Bindi shared a heartwarming family photo last month as she visited Disney World in the US with her husband Chandler and their daughter Grace. All pictured The former wakeboard champion then listed some moments the family shared, including Bindi's shock medical emergency, which emerged as a blessing in disguise. 'Visiting my family in Florida, Bindi getting life-changing surgery, Oregon adventures, and Disney all together,' he wrote. 'Very grateful,' Chandler finished off the post, which has garnered over 33,000 likes. Earlier this year, Bindi was rushed to hospital just hours after touching down in Las Vegas for a gala honouring her late father Steve Irwin. She suffered a ruptured appendix and was raced into surgery, missing the prestigious event she was due to attend alongside brother Robert Irwin and mother Terri Irwin. Robert told People magazine at the time, Bindi was recovering and her mother was at her bedside. 'She's going to be okay, but surgery - out of all the things we were ready for, that was not one of them,' Robert explained. Terri also missed the event while accompanying her daughter to hospital and staying by her side through surgery. Earlier this year, Bindi was rushed to hospital just hours after touching down in Las Vegas for a gala honouring her late father Steve Irwin Robert explained Bindi had been suffering some pain in the lead-up to the gala, but had tried to soldier on. 'She came to Las Vegas and was ready to put on a brave face. She said, "I'm just going to tough it out." 'But the surgeon told her, "Your appendix is going. It's got to come out."' In an Instagram post, Bindi revealed, while her appendix was removed, doctors discovered another 14 lesions from her endometriosis. These were also successfully removed. She also had a large hernia repaired, which had developed after giving birth to daughter Grace in 2021. Kylie Jenner used Instagram to share a set of vacation photos with her 393 million followers on Sunday morning. The 27-year-old billionaire has been on holiday in St. Tropez with her sister Kendall Jenner and friends. In her latest carousel, the mother-of-two posed with a miniature Hermes handbag worth five figures. The fashion house's limited edition Kelly Doll purse retails between approximately $50,000 and $60,000, according to Sotheby's. One image showed the valuable accessory propped next to Kylie as she posed with a glass of wine, and elsewhere in the photo collection she held it in her hand for a mirror selfie. Kylie Jenner used Instagram to share a set of vacation photos with her 393 million followers on Sunday morning In her latest carousel, the mother-of-two posed with a miniature Hermes handbag worth five figures; pictured with sister Kendall Jenner One image showed the valuable accessory propped on a table She held a larger iteration of the bag in two more snapshots showcasing her in a three-piece Chanel co-ord. The reality television star's look included a cleavage-baring bra top, micro corset, and mini skirt. She posed on a staircase while toting the pricey pocketbook near her hip while her tousled raven locks fell down her back. Jenner captioned the post with an infinity emoji, and she's already collected more than one million likes from her adoring fans. In addition to her sister, she was joined by three women, one of which was her longtime BFF Anastasia 'Stassie' Karanikolaou. The women wined and dined and also took a dip in the ocean as they enjoyed a luxurious boat day. Shortly before heading to France, Kylie was in Italy with her sisters and their mom Kris Jenner for the star-studded wedding of billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. During the three-day bash, the internet dubbed her a 'vibe' as she went viral for steadily sipping a glass of wine throughout the various festivities. She held a larger iteration of the bag in two more snapshots showcasing her in a three-piece The reality television star's look included a cleavage-baring bra top, micro corset, and mini skirt In addition to her sister, she was joined by three women, one of which was her longtime BFF Anastasia 'Stassie' Karanikolaou (far left) The women wined and dined and also took a dip in the ocean as they enjoyed a luxurious boat day The group of ladies gathered around a device with their pedicured feet propped up The drink-in-hand energy Kylie served at the nuptials earned praise from fans across various social media platforms. 'Kylie is a vibe!!' one posted in the comments section of a video of her at the celebrations, with another writing, 'Kylie ate,' along with a fire emoji. 'King Kylie is back,' another declared as someone else insisted she 'will always be that girl.' Her drink of choice also sparked a buzz across the internet, with some calling it 'relatable' and 'iconic.' 'The go-to glass of wine at the function is so me,' one TikToker quipped. 'How i want to be all summer drinking rose, unbothered, happily wifed up,' that same TikToker wrote in another post. Jenner's three-year-old son Aire made a cameo in the carousel The makeup maven showed off her designer threads Described as the 'wedding of a century,' the 61-year-old Amazon founder and the former journalist, 55, exchanged vows in front of nearly 200 VIPs on San Giorgio Maggiore island in Venice, Italy. Following the intimate ceremony, the billionaire couple hosted a star-studded rave. The Bezos wedding began on a Thursday, with the first of three days of parties in Venice but sources revealed that the lovebirds were married ahead of the weekend ceremony. A source closely connected to the organization of the events said: 'They have been married for at least a month, more than a month. 'The marriage is fully legal and took place in America under American law.' Hannah Campbell and Lawrence Murphy are engaged. The My Kitchen Rules stars, who featured on the 14th season of the cooking show in 2024, made the happy announcement at their baby's gender reveal party. The two had shared the good news that they are expecting their first child just two weeks ago, and now they are also set to wed. In a post to Instagram on Sunday, the couple shared a glimpse at the romantic beach proposal. 'THE EASIEST YES OF MY LIFE,' Hannah wrote excitedly in her caption, alongside images that also showed her impressive diamond engagement ring. 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. Hannah Campbell and Lawrence Murphy (both pictured) are engaged. The My Kitchen Rules stars made the happy announcement at their baby's gender reveal party 'THE EASIEST YES OF MY LIFE' Hannah wrote excitedly in her caption, alongside images that also showed her impressive diamond engagement ring Hannah said that the pair were planning to shoot their baby's gender reveal when Lawrence got down on one knee. Hannah said that the pair were planning to shoot their baby's gender reveal when Lawrence got down on one knee. 'Lawrence told me we were filming our gender reveal and then he proposed instead. Here's to forever with my best friend. I'm the luckiest girl in the world,' she explained. The two announced that they are expecting a baby in an Instagram post made last month. What's more, the couple revealed a sweet detail about their baby's due date that melted fans' hearts. 'A little darling is on the way, due on a day that already holds so much love - @iamlawrencemurphy mum's anniversary,' Hannah captioned the post. In the post, Lawrence could be seen leaning down and kissing Hannah's pregnant belly as they posed on a beach in Perth. Hannah wore a white textured top and pants combo while her partner opted for white jeans and a laid-back black T-shirt. Friends, fans and family flooded the comments section with well wishes for the parents-to-be. Hannah and Lawrence featured on the 14th season of the cooking show in 2024 MKR judge and chef Colin Fassnidge hilariously quipped: 'Not sure if that's just from eating dinner? But if it's a baby congratulations.' 'These photos are more adorable than I even imagined. So much love for the three of you! I can't wait!!!!' penned 2022 Celebrity Apprentice star Beck Zemek. 'Oh, magic. Congrats you epic humans,' podcaster Heidi Anderson chimed in. Big Brother star Sarah McDougal wrote: 'Omg, my heart. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!' Teaming up on the Aussie cooking show last year, Hannah and Lawrence's dynamic partnership quickly made them standouts in the competition. But when it comes to gracing the screen, it wasn't the couple's first rodeo. The couple both have TV backgrounds, with Lawrence appearing in the second season of the popular BINGE series The Twelve, and Hannah previously featuring on Channel Seven's Big Brother in 2020. During her stint in the Big Brother house, Hannah proved to be a formidable player. She was nominated for eviction only twice - during her first and last rounds. After spending 27 days in the house, she secured 10th position in the competition, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. BBC Breakfast star Nina Warhurst is heartbroken following the death of her beloved father after he passed earlier this week. The 44-year-old TV presenter shared the news on her Instagram on Sunday. Nina posted a black-and-white photo of her and her dad holding hands, confirming the sad news. She explained how she spent three days by his side with her mum and sisters as they treasured the last moments. They enjoyed afternoon tea, chips and wine together before he passed. On Instagram, she wrote: 'My Dad died on Wednesday night. BBC Breakfast star Nina Warhurst is heartbroken following the death of her beloved dad after he passed earlier this week The 44-year-old TV presenter shared the news on her Instagram on Sunday, with a black-and-white photo of her and her dad holding hands, confirming the sad news 'From Sunday me, my Mum and sisters spent precious time with him around the clock.singing, crying, laughing, sharing memories. 'On his last day we had nursing home afternoon tea, chippy chips and wine together. Nina added: 'He drifted away gently with me and Amy holding him and telling him to "go on ahead. We'll see you there soon." And he did. I had my hand on his heart as the ripples softened and stopped. 'A gentle end to a gentle life. So much love and laughter and sunshine across days Ill never forget. 'He is in my mind all the time now as we adjust to a world without him in it. I cant quite accept thats real yet. 'But we think its really important for anyone going through this to know that the end can be peaceful and beautiful.' In the comments section, she was met with support from her followers. Her sister Amy said: 'It was beautiful. Arent we lucky? Love you Nines x' Fans and friends alike left sweet comments under Nina's heartbreaking Instagram post on Sunday She explained how she spent three days by his side with her mum and sisters as they treasured the last moments Nina and BBC Breakfast co-star Charlie Stayt who she presents the morning show with The political editor's father battled with dementia, which she has previously spoke about Another wrote: 'What the most beautiful and poignant post. So much love to you at a heartbreaking time xxx.' A third penned: 'So sorry for your loss x forever in your heart x locked in a bond eternally xxx.' The political editor's father battled with dementia, which she has previously spoken about. In a candid chat last year , she and her sisters Amy and Mel admitted they were still coming to terms with the toll it has already taken on his cognitive ability. Dementia, a degenerative condition with no known cure, commonly affects the brain's ability to think, remember, and function normally, with suffers typically losing their memories over time. Taking to Instagram last year, Warhurst admitted she was devastated after her father failed to recognise her. Sharing a photo of herself and Chris, she wrote: 'My Dad. I missed him so much this week. Dementia means he's here, but not here. Today was the first time he couldn't quite place me. 'Then he got out a new glasses case. He was clearly chuffed with it but knew it was funny to be chuffed with a new glasses case. 'In some ways, he taught me to laugh. Properly from the tummy. And to laugh at myself.' She added: We're all holding on to those deep-rooted connections for as long as we can. Dementia isn't the end. It's the start of a new chapter. 'So much respect for his key worker today who told me that it's all about cherishing those connections, instead of missing the ones we've lost. The staff are superstars and it means the world.' If you've been affected by anything in this article, please call the Dementia UK helpline on 0800 888 6678. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 6. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry expressed condolences over the loss of life as a result of flooding in the US state of Texas, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry wrote on its X page, Trend reports.. "We are deeply saddened by many deaths and injuries as a result of flash floods that hit central Texas, United States. We express heartfelt condolences to the U.S. Government and all the people who affected by this tragedy," the publication says. Prolonged heavy rains and the overflow of the Guadalupe River caused flooding in the US state of Texas. At least 50 people died as a result of the incident. Eva Longoria, Shakira and Christie Brinkley are among the Hollywood stars sharing their devastated reactions to the catastrophic Texas floods that have left at least 67 dead. On Sunday, Longoria, who was born in was born and raised in the Lone Star State, took to Instagram to share her heartbreak for all the victims and families in Kerr County. The Desperate Housewives star, 50, revealed her heart was 'heavy' for 'all the flood victims in Texas.' '[It's] unbelievable, the flooding, and the camp that was affected. I know so many families that have been going to those camps for years,' she said in an emotional video. 'So sending my prayers to those families and communities. I'm so far away, so it feels harder when you're not close to do more.' The mother-of-one detailed how it has also been challenging for her to watch the ICE raids 'from afar' as she films her new series, Eva Longoria: Searching for France. Longoria went on to praise those 'fighting the good fight' after leaving a church and saying a prayer for all the immigrants out there. Eva Longoria , Shakira and Christie Brinkley are among the Hollywood stars sharing their devastated reactions to the catastrophic Texas floods that have left at least 67 dead 'It's a heavy world right now. And I hope everyone is taking care of their mental health and dipping in and out of the news. You can't just stay in that cycle... it'll make you crazy but, at the same time, staying aware and on top of it,' she told her followers. Colombian superstar Shakira revealed she would be donating a portion of the proceeds at her San Antonio stop to a non-profit organization. 'Dear San Antonio, Our hearts and prayers are with those affected by the flood in Central Texas,' she wrote on her Instagram Story. We are donating a portion of tonight's show proceeds to Catholic Charities of San Antonio, who are providing disaster relief to the families impacted.' She continued: 'If you would like to join me in donating, please click on the link below. Your help is important and appreciated.' Khloe Kardashian also shared a powerful statement. 'I can't stop thinking about the families in Texas and the overwhelming pain they're going through right now. As a mother, this kind of tragedy hits in a place words can't reach. The loss of those sweet, innocent children is something I can't fully process. there are just no words for this,' she began. The reality star added: 'My heart is so deeply aching for every parent, every family member, and every community. Please know that so many of us are carrying you in our hearts right now and I'm praying with everything I have in me for those still missing. Texas, we are holding you close.' Stars like Christie Brinkley, Maren Morris and Katherine Schwarzenegger shared resources for how to help, including donating to the Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Mercy Chefs and Kerrville Pets Alive!, a group working to rescue pets lost in the flood and reunite them with their families. Miranda Lambert, who founded the nonprofit organization MuttNation Foundation to help rescue animals and shelters, jumped on Instagram to urge fans to support her group's fundraiser. Colombian superstar Shakira revealed she would be donating a portion of the proceeds at her San Antonio stop to a non-profit organization Miranda Lambert, who founded the nonprofit organization MuttNation Foundation to help rescue animals and shelters, jumped on Instagram to urge fans to support her fundraiser Stars like Christie Brinkley, Maren Morris and Katherine Schwarzenegger shared resources for how to help 'Babies omg,' Sharon Stone wrote over a video of a a young boy, named Ruffin Boyett, recalling how he swam to safety amid the flash flood 'Hey y'all, I just wanna jump on here and say how devastated we are to hear about the floods in South and Central Texas. I can't come up with any words for the loss that everybody's suffering,' she said. The country star said she and MuttNation Foundation were working on finding ways to help pet owners in this disaster and get more information on the situation. 'Keep sending prayers and I'll keep you posted,' she said. Brooklyn Decker encouraged those living in Austin, Texas that want to provide flood relief support to Kerville, Ingram, Hunt and the surrounding areas, to drop off 'canned food, bottled water, clothing (all sizes), hygiene products, trash bags, brooms, shovels, basic cleaning and emergency supplies' to Commodore Perry Estate. Meanwhile, Mandy Moore wrote on Instagram: 'Thinking of everyone affected by the horrific flooding in Texas.. keeping these families in my heart. Unfathomable.' Khloe Kardashian also shared a powerful statement 'Thinking of everyone affected by the horrific flooding in Texas.. keeping these families in my heart. Unfathomable,' Mandy Moore wrote on her Instagram Joanna Gaines shared that her heart goes out to 'everyone affected by the flooding along Guadalupe River, especially those still waiting for news about missing loved ones.' 'To the families, first responders, and entire communities impacted: we're praying for you, and are with you,' she concluded. As of Sunday morning, 67 had been confirmed dead, and 11 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic are missing. Of the dead, 46 are adults and 21 are children, local officials said. The tragic fatalities occurred after the Guadalupe River surged nearly 30 feet above its normal height, devastating a children's summer camp and ripping apart families. Keira Knightley oozed Parisian chic as she and husband James Righton attended the star-studded Musee des Arts Decoratifs gala at the iconic Louvre on Sunday. The couple posed up a storm at the star-studded event where they double dated with fellow married couple Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons. Black Doves star Keira, 40, was the epitome of sophistication in a white tweet gown which boasted black lapels and statement silver buttons. Still rocking her new shorter hairstyle, the dress also featured racy split and she completed the look with dazzling diamond earrings. Meanwhile Klaxon's musician James, 41, who shares daughters Edie, ten, and six-year-old Delilah with his wife, looked dapper in a classic black tuxedo and shades. Spiderman star Kirsten, 43, was also dressed to impress in a silver metallic gown which was cinched at her waist with a gold buckled belt. Kristen Dunst oozed Parisian chic as she and husband James Righton attended the star-studded Musee des Arts Decoratifs gala at iconic Louvre on Sunday. The couple posed up a storm at the star-studded event where they double dated with fellow married couple Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons The stunner forwent jewellery letting the sparkly ensemble speak for itself as she cosied up to her suited and booted actor husband, 37. Together the couple are parents to sons Ennis, seven, and four-year-old James. Also on the guest list was German movie star Diane Kruger, 48, who turned heads in a flowing ruffled look. The gala was in celebration of the centennial for the 1925 International Exhibition of Decorative Arts, with Oscar winning movie director Sofia Coppola serving as Artistic Director. According to Harper's Bazar, as well as a VIP guest list, the bash was also accessible to anyone who purchased a ticket, unlike New York's Met Gala. In statement Sofia said: 'I am honoured to be entrusted with the artistic direction of the Bal d'Ete at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris.' 'This city is my beloved second home, so to celebrate this icon of French culture is especially inspiring to me.' Earlier this month it was revealed Keira's companies make her a whopping 25million. Black Doves star Keira, 40, was the epitome of sophistication in a white tweet gown which boasted black lapels and statement silver buttons Still rocking her new shorter hairstyle , the dress also featured racy split The Chanel ambassador toted her essentials in a tiny bag from the luxury brand She accessorised with dazzling diamond earrings and a huge cocktail ring Meanwhile Klaxon's musician James, 41, who shares daughters Edie, ten, and six-year-old Delilah with his wife, looked dapper in a classic black tuxedo and shades Spiderman star Kristen, 43, was also dressed to impress in a silver metallic gown which was cinched at her waist with a gold buckled belt The stunner forwent jewellery letting the sparkly ensemble speak for itself as she cosied up to her suited and booted actor husband, 37 Also on the guest list was German movie star Diane Kruger, 48, who turned heads in a flowing ruffled look The stunner put on a very leggy display as she climbed out of her chauffeur driven car Adding extra height to her frame with heels she also carried a bag in the shape of a book Camille Rowe slipped into a stunning floral embroidered gown with intricate detailing, teamed with black heels The French model put on a showstopping display in her elegant look Penelope Cruz posed up a storm in a deep purple sheer gown covered with silver sequins which boasted a layered top and skirt The gala was in celebration of the centennial for the 1925 International Exhibition of Decorative Arts, with Oscar winning movie director Sofia Coppola (pictured) serving as Artistic Director As well as a VIP guest list, the bash was reportedly also accessible to anyone who purchased a ticket, unlike New York's Met Gala (Louvre pictured) Penelope Cruz looked stunning in a semi-sheer evening dress during her appearance at the event 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 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. The Spanish actress was seen leaving the star-studded event later that night Kirsten Dunst (L) and Keira Knightley (R) were also seen making an exit on Sunday evening Ten states and the District of Columbia have banned a popular fast food to-go container that could mean takeouts are about to get more expensive for customers. Earlier this week, Delaware joined the cohort of states and the capital that have banned Styrofoam containers in the fast food industry. The restaurant industry has often leaned on the white, creaky material because it insulated food for roughly 14 cents per container, compared to a biodegradable option that typically runs for around 25 cents. 'It could be something that affects us when it comes to pricing [of our food],' Ezell Barnes, who owns a Delaware food truck called Zoagies, told Delaware Online. 'We already exist on razor-thin profit margins.' CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association, Carrie Leishman, said the new ban could largely affect small businesses and potentially run them into the ground. 'The stain which this could place on a small business could end so many of them,' she told the outlet. 'What this bill really impacts is equity in the restaurant business,' she said. 'The impact upon our local ethnic minority communities, given its effects on these small restaurants, will be incredibly damaging.' 'It could be something that affects us when it comes to pricing [of our food],' said Ezell Barnes (pictured), who owns a Delaware food truck called Zoagies CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association, Carrie Leishman, said the new ban could largely affect small businesses and potentially run them into the ground The Delaware ban follows that of California, Oregon, and Rhode Island, which outlawed the material January 1, 2025. The first US state to ban the product was Maine in January 2021 Your browser does not support iframes. However Leishman noted that 'most of Delaware's restaurants were already in compliance' with the law. The Delaware ban follows that of California, Oregon, and Rhode Island, which outlawed the material January 1, 2025. The first US state to ban the product was Maine in January 2021. The law was signed in 2019 by Governor Janet Mills, but didn't go into effect until 2021. The Delaware bill was signed in 2022, but went into effect on Tuesday. 'Polystyrene cannot be recycled like a lot of other products, so while that cup of coffee may be finished, the Styrofoam cup it was in is not,' Mill said in 2019. 'In fact, it will be around for decades to come and eventually it will break down into particles, polluting our environment, hurting our wildlife, and even detrimentally impacting our economy.' New York also signed its law in 2019 under former Governor Andrew Cuomo. It went into effect in 2022. A 2024 waste study by the Department of Sanitation in New York City showed that polystyrene - what Styrofoam is made of - decreased 54 percent by weight between 2017 and 2023. It is feared that the ban will impact small businesses like food trucks the most 'It could be something that affects us when it comes to pricing [of our food],' Ezell Barnes, who owns a food truck called Zoagies, said. 'We already exist on razor-thin profit margins' The containers are popular for containing a variety of takeout food The Empire State was one of the first states to ban plastic bags in March 2020, seeing a decrease of 67 percent between 2017 and 2023, the study found. California was the first to ban plastic bags in 2014 and will enact another law in 2026 prohibiting the sale of 'reusable' plastic bags that are thicker. The Golden State has vowed to cut single-use plastics by 25 percent by 2032 and to recycle 65 percent of what's left. It shift to recycled plastic in the same time frame, according to Cal Recycle. Californians throw out 290 Olympic pool-sized worth of plastic each day. Styrofoam takes 500 years to decompose and it cannot be recycled, like glass and certain types of plastic. The material also leaks large amounts of ozone in the atmosphere, which causes environmental and respiratory issues, according to Colgate University. Styrofoam is estimated to take up roughly 30 percent of the US' landfills, with around 5billion pounds of it, according to Heal The Planet. Americans are increasingly turning to services that are setting off alarm bells. Instead of waiting for a traditional payday, workers are increasingly using apps like DailyPay, FlexWage, and Tapcheck to get paid the same day they work sometimes just hours after clocking out. It's called on-demand pay, and it's growing fast as millions of households face financial stress. The service lets users withdraw wages they've already earned before their scheduled payday. 'It helps a lot of employees, especially ones in school who need to pay a bill while check isn't scheduled for another week,' one Reddit user said about DailyPay. 'But don't make it a habit when you get paid in full, your check is little.' These apps are marketed as an alternative to payday loans. There's no interest, but workers typically pay a flat fee of $2 to $5 for instant access. Next-day deposits are often free. An increasing number of employees are getting app-based advanced wages, employers reported The rise of on-demand pay comes as Americans face mounting financial pressure from nearly every direction. Total household debt surged by $167 billion in the first quarter of 2025, reaching a record $18.2 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Around $5 trillion of that debt is non-housing, consumer debt. While credit card balances dipped slightly falling $29 billion from the previous quarter student loan debt jumped by $16 billion. Delinquencies spiked after the end of a multi-year pause on repayment reporting. Overall, 4.3 percent of household debt is now delinquent in some way. That situation is especially dire for Americans living paycheck to paycheck. Roughly one in three consumers struggle to manage their debt, and 35 percent say they can't pay all their bills on time, according to new survey data from digital finance firm Achieve. Experts warned against using the pre-wage option too frequently - they said it can cause bills to spiral out of control America's labor market has shown surprising resilience - analysts were recently surprised with how many US employees got jobs last month 'When people are overwhelmed and about to miss bill payments, they often don't know what steps to take,' Brad Stroh, the firm's CEO said about the survey's findings. The agency suggested consumers should avoid quick fixes to their debt problems like cash advances, saying they 'can deepen long-term financial challenges.' 'One significant concern with on-demand pay is the potential for high associated costs,' Austin Kilgore, an analyst at the Achieve Center for Consumer Insights, told DailyMail.com. 'The real danger emerges when individuals fall into a cycle of repeatedly accessing their wages early rather than managing their existing funds. 'This can lead to a situation where a significant portion of their income is consumed by fees, essentially preventing them from having full access to their earned money.' But the problem doesn't seem to stem from American employment opportunities. Early Thursday, the Labor Department released it's June jobs report that showed shocking resilience in the jobs market. Last month, America added 147,000 jobs, up from 139,000 added in May. Hidden in today's numbers was good news for debt-burdened Americans: the average wage is still increasing. Last month, employers typically paid $36.30 an hour for work, an $0.08 hourly increase from the month before. The positive numbers were shocking to many analysts, especially given the news on Wednesday. Private companies shed 33,000 jobs in June, according to a separate ADP report. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghanas founding Prime Minister and one of Africas most iconic leaders, was widely hailed as the Osagyefo, meaning redeemer. Rightly so, as Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957, under his leadership. From Nkrumahs dream of African liberation and anti-imperialism to Modis vision of a cohesive Global South, IndiaGhana ties continue to strengthen this age-old spirit of sovereignty, self-reliance and mutual respect.In a powerful affirmation of this deep-rooted solidarity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped onto Ghanaian soil on July 2, 2025, marking the first official visit by an Indian head of government to the West African nation in over three decades. On his arrival at Accras Kotoka International Airport, the Prime Minister was received by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and greeted with cultural fanfare and a wave of warmth from Ghanas Indian diaspora. However, the grandeur of the visit was not just symbolic. The sojourn, as part of PMs five-nation tour, gave the much-needed clarity and push for a more stable and structured relationship with Ghana, significantly strengthening Indias strategic commitments towards the prosperity and development of Africa. For long, there has been a critical view of Indias development partnership with Africa, particularly by Western policy analysts, who looked at Indias investment as predatory and not making structural economic changes in Africa to make them self-reliant. Silencing the critics, the Prime Minister made the overarching goal of Indias Africa policy amply clear. Our development partnership with Africa is demand-driven. It is focussed on building local capacities and creating local opportunities. Our objective is not just to invest, but to empower. To help develop self-sustaining ecosystems, PM said emphatically, in his historic address in the Parliament of Ghana. Ghanas multi-layered diplomatic engagement with India, characterised by widening interest in agriculture, infrastructure, technology, pharma, defence and culture, has now been taken to the level of a comprehensive partnership. The newly signed bilateral agreements, particularly on health, digital infrastructure and cultural exchange, will result in providing significant tangible outcomes from the high-level visit shortly. Sustained focus on health services and digital payment networks, as outlined during the visit, could be a significant growth amplifier in the region. Due to deficient capacity for pharmaceutical research and development (R&D), Africa manufactures less than 2 per cent of the medicines it consumes, making it heavily dependent on imports. With the plan to establish a vaccine manufacturing hub in Ghana, India is giving a major push towards Ghanas health sovereignty and West Africas rapid industrial growth. A stable domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing industry will not only better guarantee future supplies but also create high-paying manufacturing jobs and increase the overall economic productivity in the region. Indias traditional medicine systems (AYUSH) are also likely to get a major boost in Ghana. Being the second most populous country in West Africa, these bilateral initiatives will have significant outcomes and a multiplier impact on the entire region. Trade has always been a key priority between India and Ghana, with bilateral commerce touching $3 billion. Indias nearly $2 billion investment in diverse sectors like infrastructure, energy, pharmaceuticals, and IT makes Ghana an important destination for private players. Ghanas abundant gold, oil, and newly discovered critical minerals (for EVs and the electronics industry) will further boost the bilateral trade, aiming towards doubling it in the next five years. This likely upward trend in the bilateral trade, together with a more robust and reliable digital payment system in Ghana, by integrating Indias Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GHIPSS), is poised to create West Africas first cross-border real-time growth corridor. Ghana plays a crucial role in ensuring regional stability in West Africa, being a key partner in transatlantic strategic engagement on governance, trade and security. As terrorism and transnational threats rise in the region, this partnership adds strategic depth to Indias Africa outreach. PMs mantra of security through stability synergises with Indias commitment to extend maritime security, defence supplies and cyber security to Ghana. Post Operation Sindoor and amidst continuous realignment of the global world order, the visit can be seen as a significant diplomatic move that goes beyond the ceremonial gestures, and could result in developing an ambitious yet pragmatic blueprint for future collaborations, not just with Ghana, but also about Indias deepening engagement in Africa beyond trade and economy to contemporary global issues. Elevating the diplomatic relations to the level of comprehensive partnership will bring in more depth, momentum, as well as accountability in the bilateral relations between India and Ghana. After the inclusion of the African Union (AU) in the G20 as its 21st permanent member in 2023, the recent visit by the Prime Minister to Ghana has further reaffirmed Indias positioning as a leader of the Global South, advocating for equity, reform in global institutions, and pro-Africa development models. (The writer is Director, African centre of India, a New Delhi based think-tank. Views are personal) Prime Minister Modis recent visit to Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago has been a resounding success The geopolitics is changing at a fast pace and the world is getting more and more polarised with the developed nations grouping together. In this scenario the South-South cooperation is a viable alternative in dealing with the changing realities. In this scenario, India which is emerging as a powerful nation, is well poised to lead the South- South dispensation. In this context Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent five-nation diplomatic tour becomes very pertinent. Prime Minister Modi began his five nation tour made a first stop at Ghana. Following Ghana, Modi had a short but meaningful stopover at Trinidad and Tobago. Modis visits to these countries were short but very important from the South-South perspective. He met Ghana President John Mahama. Prime Minister Modi and President Mahama agreed to cooperate in various fields including finance, technology, skill development, healthcare, and digital innovation sectors where India has both experience and expertise. As a gesture of gratitude, Ghana conferred upon Prime Minister Modi its highest civilian honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana. In the second leg of his tour Modi landed in Trinidad and Tobago. It was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation in over two decades. Trinidad and Tobago has a large population of Indian origin who have worked hard to build what the country is today. This visit was as emotional as it was strategic. It was a rare moment in history when emotional ties translate into stronger diplomatic and economic relations. In Port of Spain, Prime Minister Modi addressed the Parliament and attended an event organised by the people of Indian origin. For India, Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago offer strategic gateways to West Africa and the Caribbean, respectively. Ghana has natural resources, including gold, bauxite and lithium which are of vital interest to Indias growing industrial and green energy sectors. While Indias maritime strength can foster regional security and economic growth for Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago offers India a natural partner for collaboration in education, renewable energy, pharmaceutical, and digital innovation. Both Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago stand to gain from Indias technological prowess, development expertise, and investments. Besides, Indian initiatives in digital domains, public infrastructure, healthcare and vocational training can come handy to these countries. As PM Modi continues his tour he is likely to make many more strong bonds with other countries he would be visiting. Indeed, India is deepening its footprint across the Global South. Unlike China India is not behaving as a donor or a Superpower, but as a partner rooted in shared struggles and common aspirations. His engagements in Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago have not only revitalised bilateral relations but also reaffirmed Indias commitment to building a more balanced and equitable global order. This tour will go a long way in strengthening Indias global diplomacy one that recognises the historical connections, leverages economic opportunities, and promotes solidarity among developing nations. LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Royal Bank Of Canada from $61.00 to $64.00 in a research note released on Thursday,Benzinga reports. Royal Bank Of Canada currently has a sector perform rating on the specialty chemicals companys stock. Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of LyondellBasell Industries from $90.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, April 4th. Fermium Researc raised shares of LyondellBasell Industries to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of LyondellBasell Industries from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Monday, April 28th. UBS Group reissued a sell rating and issued a $51.00 price objective (down from $76.00) on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a research note on Monday, April 7th. Finally, Argus cut shares of LyondellBasell Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 30th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $68.31. Get LyondellBasell Industries alerts: View Our Latest Report on LyondellBasell Industries LyondellBasell Industries Stock Performance NYSE LYB opened at $62.00 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $19.93 billion, a PE ratio of 19.14, a P/E/G ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.82. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $58.32 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $66.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.83 and a quick ratio of 1.04. LyondellBasell Industries has a 1-year low of $51.11 and a 1-year high of $100.46. LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 25th. The specialty chemicals company reported $0.33 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.36 by ($0.03). LyondellBasell Industries had a net margin of 2.81% and a return on equity of 13.19%. The firm had revenue of $7.68 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.69 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.53 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 7.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that LyondellBasell Industries will post 6.31 EPS for the current fiscal year. LyondellBasell Industries Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 9th. Investors of record on Monday, June 2nd were issued a dividend of $1.37 per share. This is a positive change from LyondellBasell Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $1.34. The ex-dividend date was Monday, June 2nd. This represents a $5.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 8.84%. LyondellBasell Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 169.14%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On LyondellBasell Industries A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LYB. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG lifted its holdings in LyondellBasell Industries by 26.9% during the 4th quarter. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG now owns 188,680 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $14,013,000 after buying an additional 39,957 shares in the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 61.7% in the 4th quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 2,217 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $162,000 after purchasing an additional 846 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its holdings in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 154.5% in the 4th quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 2,777 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $206,000 after purchasing an additional 1,686 shares in the last quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of LyondellBasell Industries in the 4th quarter valued at about $95,000. Finally, State of Michigan Retirement System raised its holdings in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 1.8% in the 4th quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 78,165 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $5,805,000 after purchasing an additional 1,400 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 71.20% of the companys stock. About LyondellBasell Industries (Get Free Report) LyondellBasell Industries N.V. operates as a chemical company in the United States, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Poland, France, Japan, China, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company operates in six segments: Olefins and PolyolefinsAmericas; Olefins and PolyolefinsEurope, Asia, International; Intermediates and Derivatives; Advanced Polymer Solutions; Refining; and Technology. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for LyondellBasell Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for LyondellBasell Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rice Partnership LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 1.1% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 16,788 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 181 shares during the quarter. Rice Partnership LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $2,227,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Argentarii LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter worth $236,000. McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 1.0% in the first quarter. McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc. now owns 8,966 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,189,000 after acquiring an additional 85 shares during the last quarter. Sierra Ocean LLC boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 24.0% in the first quarter. Sierra Ocean LLC now owns 842 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $112,000 after acquiring an additional 163 shares during the last quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 19.7% in the first quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 60,709 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $8,053,000 after acquiring an additional 9,998 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Jackson Thornton Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the first quarter valued at $208,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories Stock Down 0.3% Shares of NYSE ABT opened at $133.70 on Friday. Abbott Laboratories has a 1 year low of $99.71 and a 1 year high of $141.23. The firm has a market cap of $232.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.34, a PEG ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 1.27 and a current ratio of 1.78. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $133.29 and its 200-day simple moving average is $128.41. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.07 by $0.02. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 19.01% and a net margin of 31.89%. The business had revenue of $10.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.38 billion. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, July 15th will be issued a $0.59 dividend. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.77%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is currently 30.61%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently weighed in on ABT. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Bank of America lifted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $133.00 to $150.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, March 10th. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $145.00 target price (up previously from $133.00) on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $117.00 to $127.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Finally, Raymond James Financial raised their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $132.00 to $142.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Six 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 companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $142.61. Read Our Latest Research Report on ABT Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Sally E. Blount sold 2,600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, April 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.66, for a total value of $337,116.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 34,058 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,415,960.28. The trade was a 7.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.46% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) and AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV Get Free Report) are both large-cap medical companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, risk, dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability and earnings. Profitability This table compares Johnson & Johnson and AbbVies net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Johnson & Johnson 24.42% 33.46% 13.30% AbbVie 7.31% 412.03% 13.11% Dividends Johnson & Johnson pays an annual dividend of $5.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.3%. AbbVie pays an annual dividend of $6.56 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.5%. Johnson & Johnson pays out 57.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. AbbVie pays out 279.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Johnson & Johnson has raised its dividend for 64 consecutive years and AbbVie has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years. Volatility and Risk Analyst Recommendations Johnson & Johnson has a beta of 0.41, suggesting that its stock price is 59% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, AbbVie has a beta of 0.48, suggesting that its stock price is 52% less volatile than the S&P 500. This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Johnson & Johnson and AbbVie, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Johnson & Johnson 0 11 7 2 2.55 AbbVie 0 8 16 3 2.81 Johnson & Johnson presently has a consensus price target of $170.88, indicating a potential upside of 9.61%. AbbVie has a consensus price target of $211.29, indicating a potential upside of 11.50%. Given AbbVies stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe AbbVie is more favorable than Johnson & Johnson. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Johnson & Johnson and AbbVies gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Johnson & Johnson $88.82 billion 4.22 $14.07 billion $8.99 17.34 AbbVie $56.33 billion 5.94 $4.28 billion $2.35 80.64 Johnson & Johnson has higher revenue and earnings than AbbVie. Johnson & Johnson is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than AbbVie, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Institutional & Insider Ownership 69.6% of Johnson & Johnson shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 70.2% of AbbVie shares are held by institutional investors. 0.2% of Johnson & Johnson shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of AbbVie shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Summary AbbVie beats Johnson & Johnson on 11 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks. About Johnson & Johnson (Get Free Report) Johnson & Johnson is a holding company, which engages in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of products in the healthcare field. It operates through the Innovative Medicine and MedTech segments. The Innovative Medicine segment focuses on immunology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, oncology, cardiovascular and metabolism, and pulmonary hypertension. The MedTech segment includes a portfolio of products used in the interventional solutions, orthopaedics, surgery, and vision categories. The company was founded by Robert Wood Johnson I, James Wood Johnson, and Edward Mead Johnson Sr. in 1887 and is headquartered in New Brunswick, NJ. About AbbVie (Get Free Report) AbbVie Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Humira, an injection for autoimmune and intestinal Behcet's diseases, and pyoderma gangrenosum; Skyrizi to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic disease, and Crohn's disease; Rinvoq to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial spondyloarthropathy, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease; Imbruvica for the treatment of adult patients with blood cancers; Epkinly to treat lymphoma; Elahere to treat cancer; and Venclexta/Venclyxto to treat blood cancers. It also provides facial injectables, plastics and regenerative medicine, body contouring, and skincare products; botox therapeutic; Vraylar for depressive disorder; Duopa and Duodopa to treat advanced Parkinson's disease; Ubrelvy for the acute treatment of migraine in adults; and Qulipta for episodic and chronic migraine. In addition, the company offers Ozurdex for eye diseases; Lumigan/Ganfort and Alphagan/Combigan for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension; Restasis to increase tear production; and other eye care products. Further, it provides Mavyret/Maviret to treat chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1-6 infection; Creon, a pancreatic enzyme therapy; Lupron to treat advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis and central precocious puberty, and patients with anemia caused by uterine fibroids; Linzess/Constella to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation; and Synthroid for hypothyroidism. It has collaborations with Calico Life Sciences LLC; REGENXBIO Inc.; Janssen Biotech, Inc.; and Genentech, Inc., as well as collaboration with Tentarix Biotherapeutics, LP to develop conditionally-active and multi-specific biologics for oncology and immunology. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is headquartered in North Chicago, Illinois. Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. nVent Electric (NYSE:NVT Get Free Report) is one of 56 publicly-traded companies in the ELEC MISC COMPONENTS industry, but how does it contrast to its rivals? We will compare nVent Electric to similar companies based on the strength of its profitability, dividends, institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations and risk. Earnings and Valuation This table compares nVent Electric and its rivals revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get nVent Electric alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio nVent Electric $3.08 billion $331.80 million 21.13 nVent Electric Competitors $2.49 billion $167.53 million 35.70 nVent Electric has higher revenue and earnings than its rivals. nVent Electric 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. Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score nVent Electric 0 0 6 1 3.14 nVent Electric Competitors 82 1247 1571 107 2.57 This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for nVent Electric and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat.com. nVent Electric currently has a consensus target price of $70.67, suggesting a potential downside of 4.44%. As a group, ELEC MISC COMPONENTS companies have a potential upside of 2.49%. Given nVent Electrics rivals higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe nVent Electric has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Profitability This table compares nVent Electric and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets nVent Electric 18.22% 13.54% 6.84% nVent Electric Competitors 3.57% -15.55% 1.52% Risk & Volatility nVent Electric has a beta of 1.31, indicating that its share price is 31% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, nVent Electrics rivals have a beta of 0.98, indicating that their average share price is 3% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional and Insider Ownership 90.1% of nVent Electric shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 61.3% of shares of all ELEC MISC COMPONENTS companies are held by institutional investors. 1.8% of nVent Electric shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 14.8% of shares of all ELEC MISC COMPONENTS companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Dividends nVent Electric pays an annual dividend of $0.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.1%. nVent Electric pays out 22.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, ELEC MISC COMPONENTS companies pay a dividend yield of 1.4% and pay out 0.3% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. nVent Electric has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years. nVent Electric lags its rivals as a dividend stock, given its lower dividend yield and higher payout ratio. Summary nVent Electric beats its rivals on 10 of the 15 factors compared. nVent Electric Company Profile (Get Free Report) nVent Electric plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, markets, installs, and services electrical connection and protection solutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Enclosures, Electrical & Fastening Solutions, and Thermal Management. The Enclosures segment provides solutions to protect electronics and data in mission critical applications, including data solutions. This segment also offers digital and automation solutions, system integrations, and global services. The Electrical & Fastening Solutions segment provides solutions that connect and protect power and data infrastructure. This segment also offers power connections, fastening solutions, cable management solutions, grounding and bonding systems, and tools and test instruments. The Thermal Management segment offers heat management solutions that protect people and assets. This segment includes heat tracing for freeze protection and process temperature maintenance and control; pipe freeze protection, surface deicing, hot water temperature maintenance, floor heating, fire-rated wiring, and leak detection; and heat trace systems, connected controls, remote monitoring, and annual service programs. The company markets its products through electrical distributors, contractors, and original equipment manufacturers under the CADDY, ERICO, GARDNER BENDER, HOFFMAN, ILSCO, RAYCHEM, SCHROFF, and TRACER brand names. Its products are used for various applications, such as industrial, commercial and residential, infrastructure, and energy. nVent Electric plc was founded in 1903 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for nVent Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for nVent Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 6. Azerbaijans Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, has extended his condolences to Turkiyes Minister of National Defense, Yasar Guler, Trend reports. I was deeply saddened by the news that five of the 19 Turkish servicemen who suffered methane poisoning in a cave on July 6 have died. They were conducting search operations to recover the body of a Turkish Armed Forces officer killed by terrorists on May 28, 2022, during operational activities in the area of the Pence-Kilit anti-terror operation. Your pain is our pain. We stand firmly with the fraternal Turkish Armed Forces in their decisive fight against terrorism and support you with all our strength. I pray to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of the fallen heroic Turkish soldiers in peace. We share the grief of their loved ones and express our deepest condolences to their families. May Allah grant a speedy recovery to those servicemen currently receiving treatment, Hasanov said in his message. Avantax Planning Partners Inc. purchased a new stake in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SGOV Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 2,749 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $277,000. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SGOV. True Wealth Design LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $30,000. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada bought a new position in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $73,000. Rossby Financial LCC acquired a new position in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the 1st quarter valued at about $101,000. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $105,000. Finally, Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV grew its stake in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 5,076.2% in the 4th quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 1,087 shares of the companys stock worth $109,000 after purchasing an additional 1,066 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF alerts: iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA SGOV opened at $100.42 on Friday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $100.53 and its 200 day simple moving average is $100.50. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF has a 52-week low of $100.15 and a 52-week high of $100.75. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Company Profile Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SGOV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SGOV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lowered its position in Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV Free Report) by 3.3% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,405,073 shares of the companys stock after selling 48,141 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp owned about 0.62% of Elevance Health worth $611,151,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. World Investment Advisors grew its stake in Elevance Health by 14.2% in the first quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 23,446 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,198,000 after acquiring an additional 2,909 shares during the period. VELA Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of Elevance Health by 28.9% in the 1st quarter. VELA Investment Management LLC now owns 2,674 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,163,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares during the period. Wayfinding Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of Elevance Health in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $81,000. Truist Financial Corp increased its stake in Elevance Health by 5.6% during the 1st quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 263,768 shares of the companys stock worth $114,728,000 after purchasing an additional 14,072 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Impax Asset Management Group plc raised its holdings in Elevance Health by 12.0% during the 1st quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 28,670 shares of the companys stock worth $12,470,000 after buying an additional 3,074 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.24% of the companys stock. Get Elevance Health alerts: Elevance Health Stock Down 0.4% ELV stock opened at $348.92 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $78.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.61, a P/E/G ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 0.60. Elevance Health, Inc. has a twelve month low of $347.21 and a twelve month high of $567.26. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $387.65 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $398.41. The company has a quick ratio of 1.43, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. Elevance Health Dividend Announcement Elevance Health ( NYSE:ELV Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 22nd. The company reported $11.97 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $10.60 by $1.37. The company had revenue of $48.77 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $46.26 billion. Elevance Health had a return on equity of 18.61% and a net margin of 3.23%. Analysts anticipate that Elevance Health, Inc. will post 33.96 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 25th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 10th were paid a dividend of $1.71 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, June 10th. This represents a $6.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.96%. Elevance Healths dividend payout ratio is presently 26.69%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have recently weighed in on ELV. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $478.00 price target on shares of Elevance Health in a report on Wednesday, June 4th. Baird R W lowered shares of Elevance Health from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. Truist Financial set a $500.00 price target on Elevance Health and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 9th. Robert W. Baird reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $529.00 price objective (down from $625.00) on shares of Elevance Health in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th. Finally, Mizuho increased their price objective on Elevance Health from $455.00 to $505.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, April 9th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $498.87. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Elevance Health Insider Activity In related news, CFO Mark Kaye sold 4,588 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $424.82, for a total value of $1,949,074.16. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 18,977 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,061,809.14. This trade represents a 19.47% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.29% of the companys stock. About Elevance Health (Free Report) Elevance Health, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a health benefits company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Health Benefits, CarelonRx, Carelon Services, and Corporate & Other. It offers a variety of health plans and services to program members; health products; an array of fee-based administrative managed care services; and specialty and other insurance products and services, such as stop loss, dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental health insurance benefits. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ELV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Elevance Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elevance Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookstone Capital Management grew its position in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 78.3% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 6,699 shares of the investment management companys stock after buying an additional 2,942 shares during the quarter. Brookstone Capital Managements holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $3,660,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Deutsche Bank AG lifted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 15.4% in the 4th quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 1,038,057 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $594,412,000 after purchasing an additional 138,198 shares during the period. Baxter Bros Inc. lifted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 1.0% during the 4th quarter. Baxter Bros Inc. now owns 15,506 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $8,879,000 after purchasing an additional 151 shares during the last quarter. Erste Asset Management GmbH lifted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 5.9% during the 4th quarter. Erste Asset Management GmbH now owns 5,743 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $3,309,000 after purchasing an additional 320 shares during the last quarter. Terra Nova Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the 1st quarter worth $1,643,000. Finally, Adams Diversified Equity Fund Inc. lifted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 41.5% during the first quarter. Adams Diversified Equity Fund Inc. now owns 49,800 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $27,205,000 after buying an additional 14,600 shares during the last quarter. 71.21% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms recently commented on GS. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $760.00 to $720.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $610.00 to $560.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 15th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target 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. Wall Street Zen cut The Goldman Sachs Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, June 14th. Finally, JMP Securities decreased their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $625.00 to $600.00 and set a market outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, The Goldman Sachs Group has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $603.73. The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Up 1.3% The Goldman Sachs Group stock opened at $725.05 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $222.47 billion, a PE ratio of 16.83, a P/E/G ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 1.35. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $437.37 and a 12 month high of $726.00. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $617.08 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $591.89. The company has a current ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.41. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, April 14th. The investment management company reported $14.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $12.57 by $1.55. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 11.86% and a return on equity of 13.76%. The firm had revenue of $15.06 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.99 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $11.58 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current year. The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 30th were given a dividend of $3.00 per share. This represents a $12.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.66%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 30th. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 27.85%. Insider Buying and Selling at The Goldman Sachs Group In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, Director John B. Hess acquired 3,904 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 15th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $511.68 per share, with a total value of $1,997,598.72. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 3,904 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,997,598.72. This trade represents a increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.55% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About The Goldman Sachs Group (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Minneapolis Portfolio Management Group LLC grew its position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP Free Report) (TSE:CP) by 0.3% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 309,454 shares of the transportation companys stock after buying an additional 1,035 shares during the period. Canadian Pacific Kansas City comprises 3.0% of Minneapolis Portfolio Management Group LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 20th largest position. Minneapolis Portfolio Management Group LLCs holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City were worth $21,727,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. North Capital Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Bernard Wealth Management Corp. acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Millstone Evans Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 4th quarter worth approximately $36,000. Curio Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 4th quarter worth approximately $39,000. Finally, Curat Global LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 1st quarter worth approximately $42,000. Institutional investors own 72.20% of the companys stock. Get Canadian Pacific Kansas City alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have recently weighed in on CP shares. Susquehanna reiterated a positive rating and set a $94.00 price target (up from $90.00) on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research report on Tuesday, June 24th. Citigroup lowered their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $91.00 to $84.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $122.00 to $121.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $100.00 to $90.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 9th. Finally, Evercore ISI lowered their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $89.00 to $88.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $90.95. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Down 0.8% Shares of CP stock opened at $81.11 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $74.74 billion, a PE ratio of 27.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 0.81. The businesss fifty day moving average is $79.13 and its 200-day moving average is $76.31. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a 1 year low of $66.49 and a 1 year high of $87.72. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 30th. The transportation company reported $0.74 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.74. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a return on equity of 8.68% and a net margin of 25.99%. The business had revenue of $2.66 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.56 billion. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys revenue was up 8.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.93 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 3.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 27th will be issued a $0.1644 dividend. This represents a $0.66 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.81%. This is a boost from Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 27th. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.30%. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Profile (Free Report) Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP Free Report) (TSE:CP). Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chilton Capital Management LLC lessened its stake in Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:VNQ Free Report) by 13.3% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 88,624 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 13,538 shares during the quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLCs holdings in Vanguard Real Estate ETF were worth $8,024,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in VNQ. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec purchased a new position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $299,211,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF during the 4th quarter worth about $124,165,000. Brooklyn FI LLC raised its position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 6,345.2% during the 4th quarter. Brooklyn FI LLC now owns 1,308,438 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $123,579,000 after acquiring an additional 1,288,137 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 21.7% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 2,763,958 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $250,249,000 after acquiring an additional 493,609 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 235.0% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 409,447 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $37,071,000 after acquiring an additional 287,218 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 60.03% of the companys stock. Get Vanguard Real Estate ETF alerts: Vanguard Real Estate ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA VNQ opened at $90.02 on Friday. Vanguard Real Estate ETF has a fifty-two week low of $76.92 and a fifty-two week high of $99.58. The firm has a market capitalization of $33.82 billion, a PE ratio of 35.58 and a beta of 0.91. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $89.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is $89.31. About Vanguard Real Estate ETF Vanguard REIT ETF (the Fund) is an open-end investment company. The Fund invests in stocks issued by real estate investment trusts (REITs), companies that purchase office buildings, hotels, and other real property. It tracks the return of the MSCI US RIT Index, a gauge of real estate stocks. The Vanguard Group, Inc provides investment advisory services to the Fund. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VNQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:VNQ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Real Estate ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Real Estate ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chilton Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) by 2.7% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 20,547 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 547 shares during the period. Chilton Capital Management LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $1,427,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. M. Kulyk & Associates LLC boosted its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 3.9% during the 4th quarter. M. Kulyk & Associates LLC now owns 3,182 shares of the companys stock worth $274,000 after acquiring an additional 119 shares in the last quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC boosted its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 31,494 shares of the companys stock worth $2,709,000 after acquiring an additional 136 shares in the last quarter. BIP Wealth LLC boosted its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 3.9% during the 4th quarter. BIP Wealth LLC now owns 3,642 shares of the companys stock worth $313,000 after acquiring an additional 138 shares in the last quarter. Xponance Inc. boosted its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 4.9% during the 4th quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 3,156 shares of the companys stock worth $271,000 after acquiring an additional 146 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mystic Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 1.2% during the 4th quarter. Mystic Asset Management Inc. now owns 13,185 shares of the companys stock worth $1,134,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 11.54% of the companys stock. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Novo Nordisk A/S Price Performance NVO stock opened at $69.05 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $69.96 and a 200-day moving average price of $75.71. The company has a market capitalization of $308.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.43, a PEG ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 0.64. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 52-week low of $57.00 and a 52-week high of $143.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a current ratio of 0.74. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Novo Nordisk A/S ( NYSE:NVO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 7th. The company reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.92. The firm had revenue of $11.87 billion during the quarter. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 34.52% and a return on equity of 80.94%. As a group, equities analysts expect that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 EPS for the current year. Several research firms recently issued reports on NVO. BNP Paribas began coverage on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th. They set an underperform rating on the stock. Guggenheim lowered shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Kepler Capital Markets upgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, March 13th. BMO Capital Markets restated a market perform rating and issued a $64.00 target price (down previously from $105.00) on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res upgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, April 28th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $112.00. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on NVO 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chilton Capital Management LLC raised its position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report) by 9.6% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 73,909 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 6,485 shares during the quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLCs holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities were worth $6,921,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Proficio Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 192.9% in the 4th quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 1,119 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $109,000 after purchasing an additional 737 shares during the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. boosted its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 11.2% in the 4th quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 41,915 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $4,089,000 after purchasing an additional 4,224 shares during the last quarter. M&T Bank Corp boosted its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. M&T Bank Corp now owns 19,478 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,901,000 after purchasing an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Arizona State Retirement System boosted its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 45,727 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $4,461,000 after purchasing an additional 634 shares during the last quarter. 96.54% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently issued reports on ARE shares. Baird R W reduced their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $129.00 to $102.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 12th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $100.00 to $82.00 in a research report on Friday, April 11th. Citigroup reduced their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $110.00 to $74.00 in a research report on Monday, June 2nd. Wedbush reduced their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $104.00 to $76.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $114.00 to $100.00 in a research report on Monday, May 12th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $99.54. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Performance ARE opened at $76.96 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $72.30 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $86.39. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a 1 year low of $67.37 and a 1 year high of $130.14. The company has a market capitalization of $13.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 101.26, a P/E/G ratio of 6.48 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 0.22 and a quick ratio of 0.22. Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, April 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.28 by $0.02. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a return on equity of 0.64% and a net margin of 4.62%. The firm had revenue of $758.16 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $755.64 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.35 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 9.32 EPS for the current fiscal year. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 30th will be paid a $1.32 dividend. This represents a $5.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.86%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, June 30th. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio is 694.74%. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Profile (Free Report) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since our founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ARE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Shenhua Energy (OTCMKTS:CSUAY Get Free Report) and SunCoke Energy (NYSE:SXC Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, profitability, earnings, risk, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for China Shenhua Energy and SunCoke Energy, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get China Shenhua Energy alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score China Shenhua Energy 0 1 0 0 2.00 SunCoke Energy 0 0 1 0 3.00 China Shenhua Energy currently has a consensus price target of $32.50, suggesting a potential upside of 107.27%. SunCoke Energy has a consensus price target of $13.00, suggesting a potential upside of 49.00%. Given China Shenhua Energys higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe China Shenhua Energy is more favorable than SunCoke Energy. Earnings & Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio China Shenhua Energy $47.07 billion 1.66 $8.68 billion $1.62 9.68 SunCoke Energy $1.88 billion 0.39 $95.90 million $1.09 8.00 This table compares China Shenhua Energy and SunCoke Energys revenue, earnings per share and valuation. China Shenhua Energy has higher revenue and earnings than SunCoke Energy. SunCoke Energy is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than China Shenhua Energy, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Institutional and Insider Ownership 90.4% of SunCoke Energy shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.5% of SunCoke Energy shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Risk and Volatility China Shenhua Energy has a beta of 0.23, indicating that its stock price is 77% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, SunCoke Energy has a beta of 1.11, indicating that its stock price is 11% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares China Shenhua Energy and SunCoke Energys net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets China Shenhua Energy 18.12% 11.45% 8.75% SunCoke Energy 4.95% 13.40% 5.61% Dividends China Shenhua Energy pays an annual dividend of $1.06 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.8%. SunCoke Energy pays an annual dividend of $0.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.5%. China Shenhua Energy pays out 65.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. SunCoke Energy pays out 44.0% 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. SunCoke Energy has increased its dividend for 4 consecutive years. Summary China Shenhua Energy beats SunCoke Energy on 9 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About China Shenhua Energy (Get Free Report) China Shenhua Energy Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and sale of coal and power; railway, port, and shipping transportation; and coal-to-olefins businesses in the People's Republic of China and internationally. It operates through six segments: Coal, Power Generation, Railway, Port, Shipping, and Coal Chemical. The Coal segment produces coal from surface and underground mines; and sells coal to power plants and metallurgical and coal chemical producers. The Power segment generates electric power through thermal, wind, water, and gas; and sells electric power to power grid companies. The Railway segment provides railway transportation services. The Port segment offers loading, transportation, and storage services. The Shipping segment provides shipment transportation services. The Coal Chemical segment produces and sells methanol; and polyethylene and polypropylene, as well as other by-products. The company was incorporated in 2004 and is based in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. China Shenhua Energy Company Limited operates as a subsidiary of China Energy Investment Corporation Limited. About SunCoke Energy (Get Free Report) SunCoke Energy, Inc. operates as an independent producer of coke in the Americas and Brazil. The company operates through three segments: Domestic Coke, Brazil Coke, and Logistics. It offers metallurgical and thermal coal. The company also provides handling and/or mixing services to steel, coke, electric utility, coal producing, and other manufacturing based customers. In addition, it owns and operates cokemaking facilities in the United States and Brazil. The company was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Lisle, Illinois. Receive News & Ratings for China Shenhua Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Shenhua Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Graham (NYSE:GHM Get Free Report) and Flowserve (NYSE:FLS Get Free Report) are both industrials companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, analyst recommendations, risk, profitability and valuation. Profitability This table compares Graham and Flowserves net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Graham alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Graham 5.83% 12.07% 5.37% Flowserve 6.12% 17.68% 6.85% Risk & Volatility Graham has a beta of 0.9, indicating that its stock price is 10% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Flowserve has a beta of 1.25, indicating that its stock price is 25% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Graham 0 0 2 1 3.33 Flowserve 0 1 8 1 3.00 This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Graham and Flowserve, as reported by MarketBeat. Graham presently has a consensus price target of $60.00, suggesting a potential upside of 11.17%. Flowserve has a consensus price target of $63.00, suggesting a potential upside of 13.94%. Given Flowserves higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Flowserve is more favorable than Graham. Institutional and Insider Ownership 69.5% of Graham shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 93.9% of Flowserve shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.7% of Graham shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.8% of Flowserve shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Graham and Flowserves gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Graham $209.90 million 2.82 $12.23 million $1.11 48.62 Flowserve $4.61 billion 1.57 $282.76 million $2.14 25.84 Flowserve has higher revenue and earnings than Graham. Flowserve is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Graham, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Flowserve beats Graham on 10 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Graham (Get Free Report) Graham Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs and manufactures fluid, power, heat transfer, and vacuum equipment for chemical and petrochemical processing, defense, space, petroleum refining, cryogenic, energy, and other industries. It offers power plant systems, including ejectors and surface condensers; torpedo ejection, propulsion, and power systems, such as turbines, alternators, regulators, pumps, and blowers; and thermal management systems comprising pumps, blowers, and drive electronics for defense sector. The company also provides rocket propulsion systems consisting of turbopumps and fuel pumps; cooling systems, which include pumps, compressors, fans, and blowers; and life support systems that comprise fans, pumps, and blowers for space industry. In addition, it offers heat transfer and vacuum systems, including ejectors, process and surface condensers, liquid ring pumps, heat exchangers, and nozzles; power generation systems, such as turbines, generators, compressors, and pumps; and thermal management systems comprising pumps, blowers, and electronics for energy sector. Further, the company offers heat transfer and vacuum systems consisting of ejectors, process and surface condensers, liquid ring pumps, heat exchangers, and nozzles for chemical and petrochemical processing industry. The company also services and sells spare parts for its equipment. It sells its products directly in the United States, the Middle East, Canada, Asia, South America, and internationally. Graham Corporation was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Batavia, New York. About Flowserve (Get Free Report) Flowserve Corporation designs, manufactures, distributes, and services industrial flow management equipment in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through Flowserve Pump Division (FPD) and Flow Control Division (FCD) segments. The FPD segment offers custom and pre-configured pumps and pump systems, mechanical seals, auxiliary systems, replacement parts, upgrades, and related aftermarket services; and equipment services, including installation and commissioning services, seal systems spare parts, repairs, advanced diagnostics, re-rate and upgrade solutions, retrofit programs, and machining and asset management solutions, as well as manufactures a gas-lubricated mechanical seal for use in high-speed compressors for gas pipelines and in the oil and gas production and process markets. The FCD segment provides engineered and industrial valve and automation systems, including isolation and control valves, actuation, controls, and related equipment; and equipment maintenance services for flow control systems, including advanced diagnostics, repair, installation, commissioning, retrofit programs, and field machining capabilities. This segment's products are used to control, direct, and manage the flow of liquids, gases, and multi-phase fluids. It primarily serves oil and gas, chemical and pharmaceuticals, power generation, and water management markets, as well as general industries, including mining and ore processing, pulp and paper, food and beverage, and other smaller applications. The company distributes its products through direct sales, distributors, and sales representatives. Flowserve Corporation was founded in 1790 and is headquartered in Irving, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Graham Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Graham and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gold Reserve (OTCMKTS:GDRZF Get Free Report) and Sandstorm Gold (NYSE:SAND Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, analyst recommendations, valuation, dividends, risk, profitability and institutional ownership. Profitability This table compares Gold Reserve and Sandstorm Golds net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Gold Reserve alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Gold Reserve N/A -38.97% -31.01% Sandstorm Gold 15.80% 2.00% 1.56% Valuation and Earnings This table compares Gold Reserve and Sandstorm Golds gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Gold Reserve $3.11 million 102.75 -$15.19 million ($0.21) -15.29 Sandstorm Gold $176.28 million 16.07 $14.29 million $0.10 96.60 Sandstorm Gold has higher revenue and earnings than Gold Reserve. Gold Reserve is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Sandstorm Gold, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Gold Reserve and Sandstorm Gold, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Gold Reserve 0 0 0 0 0.00 Sandstorm Gold 0 2 4 0 2.67 Sandstorm Gold has a consensus target price of $9.25, indicating a potential downside of 4.24%. Given Sandstorm Golds stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Sandstorm Gold is more favorable than Gold Reserve. Institutional & Insider Ownership 52.0% of Sandstorm Gold shares are held by institutional investors. 12.8% of Gold Reserve shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.5% of Sandstorm Gold shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Sandstorm Gold beats Gold Reserve on 11 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About Gold Reserve (Get Free Report) Gold Reserve Inc., an exploration stage company, engages in evaluating, acquiring, exploring, and developing mineral properties. It also holds interests in LMS Gold project located in Alaska, the United States. The company was founded in 1956 and is based in Spokane, Washington. About Sandstorm Gold (Get Free Report) Sandstorm Gold Ltd. operates as a gold royalty company. The company focuses on acquiring royalties and gold and other metals purchase agreements from companies that have advanced stage operating mines. It offers upfront payments for companies to acquire a stream and receives the right to purchase a percentage of a mine's production for the life of the mine. The company has a portfolio of 243 streams and royalties. It primarily has operations in Canada, Mexico, the United States, Mongolia, Burkina Faso, Ecuador, South Africa, Ghana, Botswana, Cote D'Ivoire, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guyana, Paraguay, French Guiana, Turkey, Sweden, Fiji, and Australia. The company was formerly known as Sandstorm Resources Ltd. and changed its name to Sandstorm Gold Ltd. in February 2011. Sandstorm Gold Ltd. was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for Gold Reserve Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gold Reserve and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 6. The Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha road project has been named the winner in the Innovative Construction Methodology category by the International Road Federation, Eyyub Huseynov, a project engineer at the Azerbaijan State Agency of Automobile Roads (AAYDA), told Trend. According to him, the road infrastructure in the liberated territories is being built to high standards that fully meet modern requirements. The Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway, in particular, has been equipped with reinforced concrete and metal safety barriers, fencing, and lighting systems along its entire length. The new road serves as an alternative to the Victory Road and is significantly shorter, Huseynov noted. While the Victory Road is 101 kilometers long, the new highway stretches for 81.7 kilometers, reducing the travel distance by 19.3 kilometers. The first 48 kilometers of the road, classified as the first technical category, consist of six lanes, while the remaining 33.7 kilometers have four lanes. He added that the route includes extensive infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient transportation. Along the entire stretch, there is one major interchange, 11 bridges, seven tunnels, six viaducts, underpasses, and other essential facilities. The total length of bridges built within the framework of this project reaches 1,557 meters, Huseynov said. Providing further updates on construction progress, the agency representative emphasized that the Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway connects the districts of Fuzuli, Khojavend, Khojaly, and Shusha, and originates from the Hajigabul-Horadiz-Agbend-Zangezur corridor highway. Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust (OTCMKTS:BOWFF Get Free Report) is one of 30 public companies in the REIT EQTY TRUST RESID industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its rivals? We will compare Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust to similar companies based on the strength of its earnings, analyst recommendations, valuation, risk, institutional ownership, profitability and dividends. Insider & Institutional Ownership 79.8% of shares of all REIT EQTY TRUST RESID companies are owned by institutional investors. 19.0% of Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 6.0% of shares of all REIT EQTY TRUST RESID companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust alerts: Profitability This table compares Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust 67.26% 8.55% 4.79% Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust Competitors 4.78% 0.70% 1.01% Dividends Risk and Volatility Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust pays an annual dividend of $1.19 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.3%. Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust pays out 29.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, REIT EQTY TRUST RESID companies pay a dividend yield of 3.9% and pay out 202.8% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust has a beta of 1.15, indicating that its stock price is 15% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trusts rivals have a beta of 0.64, indicating that their average stock price is 36% less volatile than the S&P 500. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust $440.33 million $429.28 million 12.78 Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust Competitors $981.89 million $190.00 million 22.57 Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trusts rivals have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust. Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust 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. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust 0 1 0 0 2.00 Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust Competitors 397 2265 2134 39 2.38 As a group, REIT EQTY TRUST RESID companies have a potential upside of 14.67%. Given Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trusts rivals stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Summary Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust rivals beat Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust on 8 of the 15 factors compared. About Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust (Get Free Report) Boardwalk REIT strives to be Canadas friendliest community provider and is a leading owner/operator of multi-family rental communities. Providing homes in more than 200 communities, with over 34,000 residential suites totaling over 29 million net rentable square feet, Boardwalk has a proven long-term track record of building better communities, where love always lives. Our three-tiered and distinct brands: Boardwalk Living, Boardwalk Communities, and Boardwalk Lifestyle, cater to a large diverse demographic and has evolved to capture the life cycle of all Resident Members. Boardwalks disciplined approach to capital allocation, acquisition, development, purposeful re-positioning, and management of apartment communities allows the Trust to provide its brand of community across Canada creating exceptional Resident Member experiences. Differentiated by its peak performance culture, Boardwalk is committed to delivering exceptional service, product quality and experience to our Resident Members who reward us with high retention and market leading operating results, which in turn, lead to higher free cash flow and investment returns, stable monthly distributions, and value creation for all our stakeholders. Boardwalk REITs Trust Units are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol BEI.UN. Receive News & Ratings for Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bayer Aktiengesellschaft (OTCMKTS:BAYRY Get Free Report) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) are both large-cap medical companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, risk, earnings and analyst recommendations. Dividends Bayer Aktiengesellschaft pays an annual dividend of $0.02 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.3%. Novo Nordisk A/S pays an annual dividend of $1.64 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.4%. Bayer Aktiengesellschaft pays out -2.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Novo Nordisk A/S pays out 48.5% 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. Get Bayer Aktiengesellschaft alerts: Profitability This table compares Bayer Aktiengesellschaft and Novo Nordisk A/Ss net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Bayer Aktiengesellschaft -7.26% 13.94% 4.09% Novo Nordisk A/S 34.52% 80.94% 24.23% Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Bayer Aktiengesellschaft 0 1 1 2 3.25 Novo Nordisk A/S 2 5 3 1 2.27 This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Bayer Aktiengesellschaft and Novo Nordisk A/S, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Novo Nordisk A/S has a consensus target price of $112.00, suggesting a potential upside of 62.20%. Given Novo Nordisk A/Ss higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Novo Nordisk A/S is more favorable than Bayer Aktiengesellschaft. Institutional and Insider Ownership 11.5% of Novo Nordisk A/S shares are held by institutional investors. 0.1% of Novo Nordisk A/S shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Bayer Aktiengesellschaft and Novo Nordisk A/Ss top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Bayer Aktiengesellschaft $50.44 billion 0.60 -$2.76 billion ($0.92) -8.34 Novo Nordisk A/S $42.12 billion 7.32 $14.64 billion $3.38 20.43 Novo Nordisk A/S has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Bayer Aktiengesellschaft. Bayer Aktiengesellschaft is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Novo Nordisk A/S, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Risk & Volatility Bayer Aktiengesellschaft has a beta of 0.86, suggesting that its share price is 14% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Novo Nordisk A/S has a beta of 0.64, suggesting that its share price is 36% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Novo Nordisk A/S beats Bayer Aktiengesellschaft on 12 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Bayer Aktiengesellschaft (Get Free Report) Bayer Aktiengesellschaft, together its subsidiaries, operates as a life science company worldwide. It operates through Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, and Crop Science segments. The Pharmaceuticals segment offers prescription products primarily for cardiology and womens health care; specialty therapeutics in the areas of oncology, hematology, and ophthalmology; and diagnostic imaging equipment and digital solutions, and contrast agents, as well as cell and gene therapy. The Consumer Health segment markets nonprescription over-the-counter medicines for self-medication and self-care; and solutions for nutritional supplements, allergy, cough and cold, dermatology, pain and cardiovascular risk prevention, and digestive health. This segment also provides breeding, propagation, and production/processing of seeds, including seed dressing. The company has a collaboration with Acuitas Therapeutics, Inc. to strengthen gene editing programs; Peking University in the area of basic pharmaceutical research; the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in the development of the compound emodepside for the treatment of infection with soil-transmitted helminths; bit.bio Ltd. for the discovery and manufacture of regulatory T cells for use in creating therapeutics; Hologic, Inc. in the field of contrastenhanced-mammography solutions to improve diagnostic imaging for the detection of breast cancer; and Twist Bioscience Corporation centering around the research and development of antibody-based pharmaceuticals, as well as with CrossBay Medical Inc. It distributes its products through wholesalers, pharmacies and pharmacy chains, supermarkets, online and other retailers, and hospitals, as well as directly to farmers. The company has collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific. Bayer Aktiengesellschaft was founded in 1863 and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. About Novo Nordisk A/S (Get 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. The Diabetes and Obesity care segment provides products for diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular, and other emerging therapy areas. The Rare Disease segment offers products in the areas of rare blood disorders, rare endocrine disorders, and hormone replacement therapy. The company also provides insulin pens, growth hormone pens, and injection needles. In addition, it offers smart solutions for diabetes treatment, such as smart insulin pens and Dose Check, an insulin dose guidance application. The company has a collaboration agreement with Aspen Pharmaceuticals to produce insulin products; and with Korro Bio, Inc. for the discovery and development of new genetic medicines to treat cardiometabolic diseases. Novo Nordisk A/S was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Receive News & Ratings for Bayer Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bayer Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR Get Free Report) and Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:HWM Get Free Report) are both aerospace companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, dividends, risk, institutional ownership, valuation, profitability and analyst recommendations. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Archer Aviation and Howmet Aerospace, as provided by MarketBeat. Get Archer Aviation alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Archer Aviation 0 1 7 0 2.88 Howmet Aerospace 0 4 13 0 2.76 Archer Aviation presently has a consensus price target of $13.13, suggesting a potential upside of 29.50%. Howmet Aerospace has a consensus price target of $142.13, suggesting a potential downside of 21.30%. Given Archer Aviations stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Archer Aviation is more favorable than Howmet Aerospace. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Archer Aviation N/A -79.78% -61.08% Howmet Aerospace 16.64% 27.25% 11.48% Insider & Institutional Ownership This table compares Archer Aviation and Howmet Aerospaces net margins, return on equity and return on assets. 59.3% of Archer Aviation shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 90.5% of Howmet Aerospace shares are owned by institutional investors. 7.7% of Archer Aviation shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.0% of Howmet Aerospace shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Volatility and Risk Archer Aviation has a beta of 3.1, indicating that its stock price is 210% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Howmet Aerospace has a beta of 1.43, indicating that its stock price is 43% more volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Archer Aviation and Howmet Aerospaces revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Archer Aviation N/A N/A -$536.80 million ($1.31) -7.74 Howmet Aerospace $7.55 billion 9.66 $1.16 billion $3.07 58.82 Howmet Aerospace has higher revenue and earnings than Archer Aviation. Archer Aviation is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Howmet Aerospace, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Howmet Aerospace beats Archer Aviation on 9 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About Archer Aviation (Get Free Report) Archer Aviation Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in designs, develops, and operates electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in urban air mobility. The company was formerly known as Atlas Crest Investment Corp. and changed its name to Archer Aviation Inc. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California. About Howmet Aerospace (Get Free Report) Howmet Aerospace Inc. provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries in the United States, Japan, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Italy, Canada, Poland, China, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Engine Products, Fastening Systems, Engineered Structures, and Forged Wheels. The Engine Products segment offers airfoils and seamless rolled rings primarily for aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines; and rotating and structural parts. The Fastening Systems segment produces aerospace fastening systems, as well as commercial transportation, industrial, and other fasteners; and latches, bearings, fluid fittings, and installation tools. The Engineered Structures segment provides titanium ingots and mill products, aluminum and nickel forgings, and machined components and assemblies for aerospace and defense applications; and titanium forgings, extrusions, and forming and machining services for airframe, wing, aero-engine, and landing gear components. The Forged Wheels segment offers forged aluminum wheels and related products for heavy-duty trucks and commercial transportation markets. The company was formerly known as Arconic Inc. Howmet Aerospace Inc. was founded in 1888 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Receive News & Ratings for Archer Aviation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer Aviation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ifrah Financial Services Inc. boosted its holdings in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT Free Report) by 3.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 28,781 shares of the retailers stock after acquiring an additional 970 shares during the quarter. Ifrah Financial Services Inc.s holdings in Walmart were worth $2,527,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Whelan Financial increased its stake in Walmart by 2.3% in the 4th quarter. Whelan Financial now owns 4,339 shares of the retailers stock worth $392,000 after acquiring an additional 97 shares during the last quarter. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 1.7% in the 4th quarter. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,937 shares of the retailers stock worth $538,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares in the last quarter. Scott & Selber Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Scott & Selber Inc. now owns 2,920 shares of the retailers stock worth $256,000 after purchasing an additional 105 shares in the last quarter. Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC now owns 7,794 shares of the retailers stock worth $684,000 after purchasing an additional 105 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Van Strum & Towne Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 1.6% in the 4th quarter. Van Strum & Towne Inc. now owns 6,849 shares of the retailers stock worth $619,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares in the last quarter. 26.76% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Walmart alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO C Douglas Mcmillon sold 29,148 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $96.58, for a total transaction of $2,815,113.84. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 4,451,199 shares of the companys stock, valued at $429,896,799.42. This trade represents a 0.65% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP John D. Rainey sold 2,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.00, for a total value of $217,800.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 630,518 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $62,421,282. This trade represents a 0.35% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 142,711 shares of company stock worth $13,710,319 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 45.58% of the companys stock. Walmart Stock Up 0.7% Shares of NYSE:WMT opened at $98.29 on Friday. Walmart Inc. has a 52-week low of $66.67 and a 52-week high of $105.30. The firm has a market capitalization of $784.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.00, a P/E/G ratio of 4.73 and a beta of 0.68. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $97.14 and a 200-day moving average price of $94.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.22 and a current ratio of 0.78. Walmart (NYSE:WMT Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 15th. The retailer reported $0.61 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.58 by $0.03. Walmart had a return on equity of 21.76% and a net margin of 2.75%. The firm had revenue of $165.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $164.53 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.60 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Walmart Inc. will post 2.55 EPS for the current fiscal year. Walmart Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 27th. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 12th were given a $0.235 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 0.95%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 9th. Walmarts dividend payout ratio is currently 40.17%. Analysts Set New Price Targets WMT has been the subject of a number of research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $103.00 price objective (up from $102.00) on shares of Walmart in a report on Monday, June 9th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Walmart from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, May 12th. KeyCorp upped their price objective on Walmart from $105.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, June 9th. Raymond James Financial cut their price objective on Walmart from $115.00 to $105.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 11th. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Walmart in a report on Tuesday, May 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $106.67. Get Our Latest Stock Report on WMT About Walmart (Free Report) Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, other units, and eCommerce worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, PhonePe and other sites; and mobile commerce applications. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Walmart Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Walmart and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intercontinental Hotels Group (NYSE:IHG Get Free Report) and Civeo (NYSE:CVEO Get Free Report) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, analyst recommendations, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends and risk. Risk and Volatility Intercontinental Hotels Group has a beta of 1.33, indicating that its share price is 33% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Civeo has a beta of 1.36, indicating that its share price is 36% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Intercontinental Hotels Group alerts: Profitability This table compares Intercontinental Hotels Group and Civeos net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Intercontinental Hotels Group N/A N/A N/A Civeo -3.30% -7.23% -4.20% Dividends Valuation and Earnings Intercontinental Hotels Group pays an annual dividend of $2.23 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Civeo pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.2%. Intercontinental Hotels Group pays out 39.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Civeo pays out -61.7% 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. Civeo has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Civeo is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. This table compares Intercontinental Hotels Group and Civeos gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Intercontinental Hotels Group $4.92 billion 3.77 $628.00 million $5.64 21.22 Civeo $660.05 million 0.49 -$17.07 million ($1.62) -14.76 Intercontinental Hotels Group has higher revenue and earnings than Civeo. Civeo is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Intercontinental Hotels Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Intercontinental Hotels Group and Civeo, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Intercontinental Hotels Group 2 2 2 0 2.00 Civeo 0 0 1 0 3.00 Civeo has a consensus price target of $27.00, indicating a potential upside of 12.92%. Given Civeos stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Civeo is more favorable than Intercontinental Hotels Group. Insider & Institutional Ownership 15.1% of Intercontinental Hotels Group shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 81.4% of Civeo shares are held by institutional investors. 4.7% of Civeo shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Intercontinental Hotels Group beats Civeo on 9 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Intercontinental Hotels Group (Get Free Report) InterContinental Hotels Group PLC owns, manages, franchises, and leases hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Greater China. The company operates hotels under the Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, voco, HUALUXE, Crowne Plaza, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, EVEN, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Garner, avid hotels, Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and Candlewood Suites brand names. It also provides IHG Rewards loyalty program. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC was founded in 1777 and is headquartered in Windsor, the United Kingdom. About Civeo (Get Free Report) Civeo Corporation provides hospitality services to the natural resource industry in Canada, Australia, and the United States. The company develops lodges and villages; and mobile assets, including modular, skid-mounted accommodation, and central facilities that provide short to medium-term accommodation needs. It offers food, housekeeping, and maintenance services, as well as laundry, facility management and maintenance, water and wastewater treatment, power generation, communication systems, security, and logistics services, and camp management services. In addition, the company provides development activities for workforce accommodation facilities, including site selection, permitting, engineering and design, manufacturing management, and site construction services, as well as lodging and catering services. It serves oil, mining, engineering, and oilfield and mining service companies. Civeo Corporation was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Intercontinental Hotels Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intercontinental Hotels Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. decreased its stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Free Report) by 39.4% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 17,791 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 11,558 shares during the period. iShares Russell 2000 ETF accounts for 0.6% of Proffitt & Goodson Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 24th largest position. Proffitt & Goodson Inc.s holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF were worth $3,549,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. CM Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. CM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,531 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,222,000 after buying an additional 45 shares in the last quarter. BOS Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 2.9% in the 4th quarter. BOS Asset Management LLC now owns 1,612 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $356,000 after buying an additional 45 shares in the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 5.1% in the 4th quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. now owns 996 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $220,000 after buying an additional 48 shares in the last quarter. Capital Group Private Client Services Inc. grew its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 0.3% in the 4th quarter. Capital Group Private Client Services Inc. now owns 18,028 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,984,000 after buying an additional 48 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Saiph Capital LLC grew its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 3.0% in the 4th quarter. Saiph Capital LLC now owns 1,697 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $375,000 after buying an additional 49 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Russell 2000 ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 ETF Price Performance Shares of IWM stock opened at $223.08 on Friday. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a 12-month low of $171.73 and a 12-month high of $244.98. The firm has a market capitalization of $66.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.69 and a beta of 1.15. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $207.96 and a 200 day simple moving average of $209.96. About iShares Russell 2000 ETF iShares Russell 2000 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 2000 Index (the Index). The Index is a float-adjusted capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and includes securities issued by the approximately 2,000 smallest issuers in the Russell 3000 Index. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lee Danner & Bass Inc. decreased its stake in Constellation Brands Inc (NYSE:STZ Free Report) by 8.3% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 16,525 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,486 shares during the period. Lee Danner & Bass Inc.s holdings in Constellation Brands were worth $3,033,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in STZ. Piscataqua Savings Bank raised its position in Constellation Brands by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Piscataqua Savings Bank now owns 3,720 shares of the companys stock worth $683,000 after purchasing an additional 62 shares during the period. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC increased its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 5.8% in the first quarter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC now owns 1,128 shares of the companys stock worth $207,000 after buying an additional 62 shares during the period. World Investment Advisors increased its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 1.7% in the first quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 3,801 shares of the companys stock worth $698,000 after buying an additional 62 shares during the period. Moody National Bank Trust Division increased its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 0.9% in the first quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division now owns 6,991 shares of the companys stock worth $1,283,000 after buying an additional 64 shares during the period. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 3.0% in the first quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 2,242 shares of the companys stock worth $412,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.34% of the companys stock. Get Constellation Brands alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have commented on STZ. Citigroup lifted their price target on Constellation Brands from $170.00 to $174.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their target price on shares of Constellation Brands from $191.00 to $185.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, June 5th. Barclays set a $202.00 price objective on shares of Constellation Brands and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, June 26th. Truist Financial upgraded shares of Constellation Brands from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $190.00 to $215.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price target on Constellation Brands from $289.00 to $233.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 14th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $213.35. Constellation Brands Stock Performance Shares of STZ stock opened at $172.61 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average is $177.11 and its 200 day moving average is $183.33. Constellation Brands Inc has a one year low of $159.35 and a one year high of $264.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a current ratio of 1.07. The company has a market capitalization of $30.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -72.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.57 and a beta of 0.67. Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 1st. The company reported $3.22 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.45 by ($0.23). Constellation Brands had a negative net margin of 4.11% and a positive return on equity of 31.41%. The business had revenue of $2.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.57 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $3.57 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that Constellation Brands Inc will post 13.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. Constellation Brands Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 14th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 30th will be issued a $1.02 dividend. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.36%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 30th. Constellation Brandss dividend payout ratio is currently -170.71%. Insider Transactions at Constellation Brands In other news, EVP Samuel J. Glaetzer sold 3,150 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $188.54, for a total value of $593,901.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 3,126 shares in the company, valued at $589,376.04. This trade represents a 50.19% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Corporate insiders own 12.45% of the companys stock. About Constellation Brands (Free Report) Constellation Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, imports, markets, and sells beer, wine, and spirits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. The company provides beer primarily under the Corona Extra, Corona Familiar, Corona Hard Seltzer, Corona Light, Corona Non-Alcoholic, Corona Premier, Corona Refresca, Modelo Especial, Modelo Chelada, Modelo Negra, Modelo Oro, Victoria, Vicky Chamoy, and Pacifico brands. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Materion (NYSE:MTRN Get Free Report) is one of 103 public companies in the MINING MISC industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its rivals? We will compare Materion to similar businesses based on the strength of its valuation, profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends and risk. Profitability This table compares Materion and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Materion alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Materion 0.59% 12.83% 6.49% Materion Competitors -938.79% -12.66% -5.27% Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Materion and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Materion 0 1 0 0 2.00 Materion Competitors 615 1682 3314 139 2.52 Insider & Institutional Ownership As a group, MINING MISC companies have a potential upside of 15.41%. Given Materions rivals stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Materion has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. 93.6% of Materion shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 36.9% of shares of all MINING MISC companies are held by institutional investors. 2.6% of Materion shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 9.5% of shares of all MINING MISC companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Risk & Volatility Materion has a beta of 0.8, suggesting that its share price is 20% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Materions rivals have a beta of 0.76, suggesting that their average share price is 24% less volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends Materion pays an annual dividend of $0.56 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.7%. Materion pays out 112.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. As a group, MINING MISC companies pay a dividend yield of 1.7% and pay out 49.4% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Materion has raised its dividend for 13 consecutive years. Materion lags its rivals as a dividend stock, given its lower dividend yield and higher payout ratio. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Materion and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Materion $1.68 billion $5.89 million 171.18 Materion Competitors $8.37 billion $455.46 million -0.56 Materions rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Materion. Materion is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Summary Materion rivals beat Materion on 9 of the 15 factors compared. About Materion (Get Free Report) Materion Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, produces advanced engineered materials used in semiconductor, industrial, aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, consumer electronics, and telecom and data center in the United States, Asia, Europe, and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Performance Materials, Electronic Materials, Precision Optics, and Other. The company provides advanced engineered solutions comprising beryllium and non-beryllium containing alloy systems and custom engineered parts in strip, bulk, rod, plate, bar, tube, and other customized shapes; engineering and product development services; alloyed metals, beryllium products, and beryllium hydroxide; precision strip, rod, and wire products, as well as engineered strip metal products; and ToughMet alloys and SupremEX aluminum silicon carbide metal matrix composite formulation products. It operates the bertrandite ore mine and refinery located in Utah that provides feedstock hydroxide for its beryllium businesses and external sale. In addition, it produces advanced chemicals, microelectronics packaging, precious metal, non-precious metal, and specialty metal products, including vapor deposition targets, frame lid assemblies, clad and precious metal pre-forms, high temperature braze materials, and ultra-pure wire. Further, the company designs and produces precision thin film coatings, optical filters, and assemblies. The company sells its products directly from its facilities, as well as through company-owned service centers, outside distributors, agents, direct sales offices, and independent sales representatives. The company was formerly known as Brush Engineered Materials Inc. and changed its name to Materion Corporation in March 2011. Materion Corporation was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. Receive News & Ratings for Materion Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Materion and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meridian Investment Counsel Inc. lessened its holdings in Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR Free Report) by 19.1% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 3,834 shares of the companys stock after selling 908 shares during the quarter. Meridian Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in Carrier Global were worth $243,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 3.3% during the first quarter. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. now owns 8,406 shares of the companys stock valued at $533,000 after purchasing an additional 266 shares in the last quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 24.0% during the first quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 34,021 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,157,000 after purchasing an additional 6,582 shares in the last quarter. World Investment Advisors grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 38.2% during the first quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 5,516 shares of the companys stock valued at $350,000 after purchasing an additional 1,525 shares in the last quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltd grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 8.1% during the first quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltd now owns 189,986 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,045,000 after purchasing an additional 14,214 shares in the last quarter. Finally, OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 4.3% during the first quarter. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 20,893 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,325,000 after purchasing an additional 867 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.00% of the companys stock. Get Carrier Global alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CARR has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Carrier Global from $83.00 to $84.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, May 7th. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of Carrier Global from $89.00 to $72.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 14th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Carrier Global from $65.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, May 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of Carrier Global from $66.00 to $79.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, May 16th. Finally, Robert W. Baird increased their price target on shares of Carrier Global from $80.00 to $88.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, May 20th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $83.82. Insider Activity at Carrier Global In other news, Director Maximilian Viessmann sold 4,267,425 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.30, for a total transaction of $299,999,977.50. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 54,341,534 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,820,209,840.20. The trade was a 7.28% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 7.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Carrier Global Trading Up 0.0% NYSE CARR opened at $75.29 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $64.55 billion, a PE ratio of 11.65, a P/E/G ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a fifty day moving average of $71.47 and a 200 day moving average of $67.36. Carrier Global Corporation has a 1 year low of $54.22 and a 1 year high of $83.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 1.20 and a quick ratio of 0.83. Carrier Global (NYSE:CARR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $0.65 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.58 by $0.07. Carrier Global had a net margin of 25.45% and a return on equity of 18.10%. The company had revenue of $5.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.17 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.51 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Carrier Global Corporation will post 2.99 earnings per share for the current year. Carrier Global Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 8th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 21st will be paid a dividend of $0.225 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, July 21st. This represents a $0.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.20%. Carrier Globals dividend payout ratio is currently 13.93%. About Carrier Global (Free Report) Carrier Global Corporation provides heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates through three segments: HVAC, Refrigeration, and Fire & Security. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CARR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Carrier Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Carrier Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Profitability This table compares American Biltrite and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets American Biltrite -1.40% -10.96% -2.20% American Biltrite Competitors -11.01% 65.74% 4.94% Insider and Institutional Ownership 91.0% of shares of all BLDG&CONST MISC companies are held by institutional investors. 3.8% of shares of all BLDG&CONST MISC companies are held by company 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. Get American Biltrite alerts: Earnings & Valuation This table compares American Biltrite and its rivals revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio American Biltrite $188.74 million -$2.64 million -0.88 American Biltrite Competitors $6.80 billion $567.85 million 24.00 Volatility and Risk American Biltrites rivals have higher revenue and earnings than American Biltrite. American Biltrite 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. American Biltrite has a beta of -0.14, suggesting that its stock price is 114% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, American Biltrites rivals have a beta of 0.97, suggesting that their average stock price is 3% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary American Biltrite rivals beat American Biltrite on 8 of the 9 factors compared. About American Biltrite (Get Free Report) American Biltrite Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides tape, jewelry, flooring, and rubber products worldwide. The company produces and offers pressure sensitive tapes, films, and protective sheeting under the American Biltrite and Ideal brands, which are used in various markets, such as automotive and transportation; construction; shoe/footwear; graphic arts, print, and signage; and various other industrial and consumer applications. It also manufactures and distributes commercial flooring primarily for healthcare, educational, and institutional sectors; and performance sheet rubber in North America, as well as designs and supplies fashion jewelry to department stores under the brands of Guess, T Tahari, Robert Rose, Berry, and Jessica McClintock. The company sells its tape products through sales organizations, distributors, and select manufacturers representatives. American Biltrite Inc. was founded in 1908 and is based in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. Receive News & Ratings for American Biltrite Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Biltrite and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, July 6. Approximately 6,000 people are expected to be resettled in the village of Khidirli in Azerbaijans Aghdam district, with the construction of 1,498 private houses planned over two stages, Leyla Sarabi, Head of the Public Relations Department of the Reconstruction, Construction and Management Service in Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, told journalists during a media tour, Trend reports. She noted that in the first stage, the development will cover an area of 170.44 hectares. At this stage, 719 families comprising a total of 2,951 people will be resettled in Khidirli. As part of this phase, 719 individual houses have been built, including 263 two-room houses, 332 three-room houses, 121 four-room houses, and three five-room houses, Sarabi said. She added that modern social infrastructure has been established to support the returning residents. The village now hosts administrative and utility buildings, a multifunctional administrative center, a club and community center, a medical center with an emergency department, a guest house for temporarily accommodating education and healthcare workers, utility and service facilities, workshops, a secondary school, and a nursery-kindergarten. Approximately 20 percent of the territory has been allocated for green spaces, Sarabi highlighted. Ardagh Metal Packaging (NYSE:AMBP Get Free Report) is one of 20 publicly-traded companies in the METAL PROC&FABR industry, but how does it compare to its peers? We will compare Ardagh Metal Packaging to related businesses based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, risk and earnings. Dividends Ardagh Metal Packaging pays an annual dividend of $0.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 8.8%. Ardagh Metal Packaging pays out -1,000.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, METAL PROC&FABR companies pay a dividend yield of 1.7% and pay out 42.0% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Ardagh Metal Packaging is clearly a better dividend stock than its peers, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Get Ardagh Metal Packaging alerts: Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Ardagh Metal Packaging and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Ardagh Metal Packaging 1 3 1 0 2.00 Ardagh Metal Packaging Competitors 113 445 438 1 2.33 Profitability Ardagh Metal Packaging presently has a consensus target price of $3.84, indicating a potential downside of 15.14%. As a group, METAL PROC&FABR companies have a potential upside of 11.45%. Given Ardagh Metal Packagings peers stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Ardagh Metal Packaging has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. This table compares Ardagh Metal Packaging and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Ardagh Metal Packaging 0.08% -112.58% 2.44% Ardagh Metal Packaging Competitors -11.34% -7.25% 2.12% Institutional & Insider Ownership 16.9% of Ardagh Metal Packaging shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 57.2% of shares of all METAL PROC&FABR companies are held by institutional investors. 0.0% of Ardagh Metal Packaging shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 12.0% of shares of all METAL PROC&FABR companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Ardagh Metal Packaging and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Ardagh Metal Packaging $4.91 billion -$3.00 million -113.13 Ardagh Metal Packaging Competitors $2.04 billion $107.04 million 11.73 Ardagh Metal Packaging has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its peers. Ardagh Metal Packaging 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. Risk & Volatility Ardagh Metal Packaging has a beta of 0.56, meaning that its stock price is 44% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Ardagh Metal Packagings peers have a beta of 1.00, meaning that their average stock price is 0% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Ardagh Metal Packaging peers beat Ardagh Metal Packaging on 10 of the 15 factors compared. Ardagh Metal Packaging Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A., together with its subsidiaries, supplies consumer metal beverage cans in Europe, the United States, and Brazil. Its products are used in various end-use categories, including beer, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, hard seltzers, juices, pre-mixed cocktails, teas, sparkling waters, and wine. The company serves beverage producers. Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. is based in Luxembourg, Luxembourg. Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. is a subsidiary of Ardagh Group S.A. Receive News & Ratings for Ardagh Metal Packaging Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ardagh Metal Packaging and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Franklin Covey (NYSE:FC Get Free Report) is one of 20 public companies in the Consulting industry, but how does it contrast to its competitors? We will compare Franklin Covey to related companies based on the strength of its risk, profitability, analyst recommendations, earnings, valuation, institutional ownership and dividends. Profitability This table compares Franklin Covey and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Franklin Covey alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Franklin Covey 3.81% 18.28% 5.98% Franklin Covey Competitors 7.79% 28.02% 8.76% Insider and Institutional Ownership 69.9% of Franklin Covey shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 85.1% of shares of all Consulting companies are owned by institutional investors. 15.5% of Franklin Covey shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 5.6% of shares of all Consulting companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Franklin Covey 0 0 1 0 3.00 Franklin Covey Competitors 69 677 1253 61 2.63 This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Franklin Covey and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat. Franklin Covey presently has a consensus price target of $35.00, suggesting a potential upside of 60.22%. As a group, Consulting companies have a potential upside of 21.31%. Given Franklin Coveys stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Franklin Covey is more favorable than its competitors. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Franklin Covey and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Franklin Covey $287.23 million $23.40 million 27.65 Franklin Covey Competitors $3.11 billion $272.15 million 23.38 Franklin Coveys competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Franklin Covey. Franklin Covey is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Risk and Volatility Franklin Covey has a beta of 0.86, indicating that its stock price is 14% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Franklin Coveys competitors have a beta of 0.69, indicating that their average stock price is 31% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Franklin Covey competitors beat Franklin Covey on 7 of the 13 factors compared. Franklin Covey Company Profile (Get Free Report) Franklin Covey Co. provides training and consulting services in the areas of execution, sales performance, productivity, customer loyalty, and educational improvement for organizations and individuals worldwide. The company operates through Direct Offices, International Licensees, and Education Practice segments. It also provides a suite of individual-effectiveness and leadership-development training and products. In addition, the company operates Strive platform, a learning deployment platform; Impact platform that helps automate implementation of learning initiatives; All Access Pass, a subscription platform that enables improved deployment of content, services, technology, and metrics to deliver behavioral impact at scale; and Leader in Me, which provides access to digital versions of student leadership guides, leadership lessons, illustrated leadership stories, and other resources. Franklin Covey Co. was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Receive News & Ratings for Franklin Covey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franklin Covey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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 superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, risk, profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and valuation. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV and Weis Markets, as provided by MarketBeat. Get Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV alerts: 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 Profitability This table compares Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV and Weis Markets net margins, return on equity and return on assets. 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 Risk and Volatility Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV pays an annual dividend of $0.47 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.4%. 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 29.6% 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. Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV has a beta of 0.77, indicating that its stock price is 23% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Weis Markets has a beta of 0.46, indicating that its stock price is 54% less volatile than the S&P 500. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV and Weis Marketss revenue, earnings per share 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 $4.81 billion 0.42 $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. Receive News & Ratings for Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. reduced its stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report) by 1.7% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 166,348 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 2,868 shares during the quarter. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc.s holdings in Invesco Senior Loan ETF were worth $3,443,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $46,000. Park Square Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF during the 4th quarter worth about $62,000. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC grew its position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 248.4% in the 1st quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 3,132 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $65,000 after purchasing an additional 2,233 shares during the period. IMG Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $70,000. Finally, SBI Securities Co. Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $101,000. Get Invesco Senior Loan ETF alerts: Invesco Senior Loan ETF Trading Up 0.1% Shares of BKLN opened at $20.98 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $20.87 and a 200 day simple moving average of $20.88. Invesco Senior Loan ETF has a 52-week low of $20.02 and a 52-week high of $21.19. Invesco Senior Loan ETF Company Profile The Invesco Senior Loan ETF (BKLN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of senior loans issued by banks to corporations. BKLN was launched on Mar 3, 2011 and is managed by Invesco. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BKLN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tradewinds LLC. decreased its stake in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 1.4% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,880 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 82 shares during the quarter. Tradewinds LLC.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $780,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Cim LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Cim LLC now owns 16,967 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,919,000 after buying an additional 73 shares in the last quarter. Capital Square LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 2.7% in the 4th quarter. Capital Square LLC now owns 2,941 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $368,000 after buying an additional 77 shares in the last quarter. Consilium Wealth Advisory LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Consilium Wealth Advisory LLC now owns 3,822 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $507,000 after buying an additional 78 shares in the last quarter. Cyrus J. Lawrence LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 9.0% in the 4th quarter. Cyrus J. Lawrence LLC now owns 954 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $107,000 after buying an additional 79 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Edge Financial Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Edge Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,530 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $336,000 after buying an additional 81 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories Price Performance Shares of ABT stock opened at $133.70 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.27, a current ratio of 1.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. Abbott Laboratories has a twelve month low of $99.71 and a twelve month high of $141.23. The company has a market cap of $232.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.34, a P/E/G ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 0.73. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $133.29 and a 200 day simple moving average of $128.41. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.07 by $0.02. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 19.01% and a net margin of 31.89%. The business had revenue of $10.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.38 billion. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, July 15th will be given a $0.59 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.77%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 30.61%. Analysts Set New Price Targets ABT has been the topic of a number of research reports. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Barclays upped their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $158.00 to $159.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Raymond James Financial increased their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $132.00 to $142.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Leerink Partners started coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a report on Monday, June 16th. They set a market perform rating and a $143.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Leerink Partnrs raised Abbott Laboratories to a hold rating in a 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 given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $142.61. Read Our Latest Report on ABT Insider Buying and Selling In other Abbott Laboratories news, Director Sally E. Blount sold 2,600 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, April 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.66, for a total value of $337,116.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 34,058 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,415,960.28. This trade represents a 7.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock. Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Volatility and Risk Wacoal has a beta of -0.08, suggesting that its share price is 108% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Wacoals rivals have a beta of 0.87, suggesting that their average share price is 13% less volatile than the S&P 500. Insider and Institutional Ownership 65.8% of shares of all TEXTILE APPAREL companies are held by institutional investors. 0.8% of Wacoal shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 19.2% of shares of all TEXTILE APPAREL companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Wacoal alerts: Dividends Wacoal pays an annual dividend of $3.14 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Wacoal pays out 73.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, TEXTILE APPAREL companies pay a dividend yield of 2.1% and pay out 43.3% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Wacoal lags its rivals as a dividend stock, given its lower dividend yield and higher payout ratio. Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Wacoal $1.14 billion $46.13 million 38.81 Wacoal Competitors $6.37 billion $620.41 million 7.47 This table compares Wacoal and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Wacoals rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Wacoal. Wacoal is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Profitability This table compares Wacoal and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Wacoal 4.06% 3.39% 2.48% Wacoal Competitors 3.32% -34.41% 5.65% Summary Wacoal rivals beat Wacoal on 8 of the 11 factors compared. About Wacoal (Get Free Report) Wacoal Holdings Corp. engages in the manufacturing, wholesale, and retail sale of intimate apparel, outerwear, sportswear, and other textile products and accessories in Japan, Asia, Oceania, the United States, and Europe. The company operates through Wacoal Business (Domestic), Wacoal Business (Overseas), Peach John Business, and Other Businesses segments. It offers intimate apparel mainly womens foundation wear, lingerie, nightwear and childrens underwear; and outerwear, sportswear, and other textile products and accessories. The company also engages in the restaurant, cultural and service-related businesses; and manufacture and sale of mannequins and fixtures, interior design work, and other textile-related businesses. It offers products through department stores, general merchandisers, and other general retailers in Japan, as well as directly managed retail stores, E-commerce websites, and distributors in Japan and internationally. Wacoal Holdings Corp. was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Wacoal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wacoal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ZTO Express (Cayman) (NYSE:ZTO Get Free Report) is one of 45 publicly-traded companies in the TRANS SERVICES industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare ZTO Express (Cayman) to similar businesses based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, profitability, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, dividends and risk. Valuation & Earnings This table compares ZTO Express (Cayman) and its competitors revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get ZTO Express (Cayman) alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio ZTO Express (Cayman) $45.21 billion $1.21 billion 11.42 ZTO Express (Cayman) Competitors $9.45 billion $184.70 million 14.15 ZTO Express (Cayman) has higher revenue and earnings than its competitors. ZTO Express (Cayman) is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Dividends Institutional & Insider Ownership ZTO Express (Cayman) pays an annual dividend of $0.68 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.8%. ZTO Express (Cayman) pays out 43.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, TRANS SERVICES companies pay a dividend yield of 2.9% and pay out 47.0% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. ZTO Express (Cayman) is clearly a better dividend stock than its competitors, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. 41.7% of ZTO Express (Cayman) shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 55.5% of shares of all TRANS SERVICES companies are held by institutional investors. 41.3% of ZTO Express (Cayman) shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 23.1% of shares of all TRANS SERVICES companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares ZTO Express (Cayman) and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets ZTO Express (Cayman) 20.77% 15.91% 10.65% ZTO Express (Cayman) Competitors 2.85% -6.69% 2.80% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for ZTO Express (Cayman) and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score ZTO Express (Cayman) 0 1 3 1 3.00 ZTO Express (Cayman) Competitors 364 1332 1507 90 2.40 ZTO Express (Cayman) presently has a consensus target price of $21.76, suggesting a potential upside of 20.55%. As a group, TRANS SERVICES companies have a potential downside of 2.80%. Given ZTO Express (Cayman)s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe ZTO Express (Cayman) is more favorable than its competitors. Volatility & Risk ZTO Express (Cayman) has a beta of -0.18, indicating that its stock price is 118% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, ZTO Express (Cayman)s competitors have a beta of 0.94, indicating that their average stock price is 6% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary ZTO Express (Cayman) beats its competitors on 12 of the 15 factors compared. ZTO Express (Cayman) Company Profile (Get Free Report) ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. provides express delivery and other value-added logistics services in the People's Republic of China. It offers freight forwarding services; and delivery services for e-commerce and traditional merchants, and other express service users. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China. Receive News & Ratings for ZTO Express (Cayman) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ZTO Express (Cayman) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 6. The Khankendi Congress Center seamlessly combines modern design with national architectural traditions, Najaf Badalov, a representative of the Center, told journalists, Trend reports. According to Badalov, the Congress Center, equipped with state-of-the-art technical facilities, occupies an area of 6,500 square meters. The Center features event halls that can accommodate 600 guests in a theatre-style setup and 350 guests in a banquet setup. It also includes meeting rooms, conference rooms, and various other multifunctional spaces. Combining modern elements with traditional national architecture, the Center offers extensive opportunities for hosting congresses, conferences, seminars, business meetings, and other events of both national and international significance, he said. Badalov noted that at the initial stage of its operation, the Congress Center provided permanent employment for 12 people. Eight of them are residents of Khankendi, Khojaly, Kalbajar, and other liberated territories. Distinguished by its modern functionality, the Congress Center is one of the key projects contributing to the socio-economic development of our liberated territories. Its establishment once again demonstrates that the projects implemented by the Azerbaijani state to revive these lands continue consistently and at a rapid pace, he added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 6. The Khankendi Business Center is contributing to the growth of employment opportunities for the local population, Najaf Badalov, a representative of the Center, told journalists, Trend reports. According to him, the Business Center, which consists of four floors and a basement, covers a total area of over 4,500 square meters. The Business Center will feature 24 office spaces and six conference rooms. In addition, it will house the Zefir Cafe & Terrace restaurant with a seating capacity of 120, as well as provide office and printing supplies, dry cleaning, and laundry services, he said. Badalov noted that the Center, established as part of the restoration efforts in the liberated territories, is built in line with the principles of functional management and high service standards. The Khankendi Business Center offers a modern and comfortable business environment for resident companies, with a charming view of the city. Designed to accommodate various entrepreneurial entities, start-ups, and corporate structures, the Center also plays an important role in boosting local employment. At the initial stage, 20 employees were recruited, including 12 residents from Khankendi, Khojaly, Shusha, and other liberated territories. One of them is a veteran of the Second Karabakh War, he added. Oriental Land (OTCMKTS:OLCLY Get Free Report) is one of 35 public companies in the HOTELS & MOTELS industry, but how does it contrast to its competitors? We will compare Oriental Land to similar businesses based on the strength of its valuation, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, dividends, risk, earnings and profitability. Get Oriental Land alerts: Earnings & Valuation This table compares Oriental Land and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Oriental Land $4.46 billion $815.34 million 44.50 Oriental Land Competitors $4.04 billion $347.37 million 24.66 Oriental Land has higher revenue and earnings than its competitors. Oriental Land is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Risk & Volatility Insider & Institutional Ownership Oriental Land has a beta of 0.65, indicating that its share price is 35% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Oriental Lands competitors have a beta of 1.00, indicating that their average share price is 0% more volatile than the S&P 500. 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 company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares Oriental Land and its competitors 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% Dividends 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 summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Oriental Land and its competitors, as provided 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 competitors stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Oriental Land has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Summary Oriental Land competitors 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. Receive News & Ratings for Oriental Land Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oriental Land and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Corning (NYSE:GLW Get Free Report) is one of 28 publicly-traded companies in the Communications Components industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its peers? We will compare Corning to similar companies based on the strength of its institutional ownership, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, valuation and earnings. Get Corning alerts: Profitability This table compares Corning and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Corning 3.34% 16.47% 6.64% Corning Competitors -20.22% -15.24% -6.38% Earnings and Valuation This table compares Corning and its peers revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Corning $13.12 billion $506.00 million 102.10 Corning Competitors $1.63 billion -$16.41 million 44.17 Dividends Corning has higher revenue and earnings than its peers. Corning 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. Corning pays an annual dividend of $1.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.1%. Corning pays out 215.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. As a group, Communications Components companies pay a dividend yield of 2.4% and pay out 137.0% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Corning lags its peers as a dividend stock, given its lower dividend yield and higher payout ratio. Risk and Volatility Corning has a beta of 1.11, meaning that its share price is 11% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Cornings peers have a beta of 0.89, meaning that their average share price is 12% less volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Corning and its peers, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Corning 0 3 9 1 2.85 Corning Competitors 279 1072 1961 99 2.55 Corning presently has a consensus price target of $53.75, suggesting a potential upside of 1.24%. As a group, Communications Components companies have a potential upside of 8.24%. Given Cornings peers higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Corning has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Institutional & Insider Ownership 69.8% of Corning shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 60.8% of shares of all Communications Components companies are held by institutional investors. 0.4% of Corning shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 12.3% of shares of all Communications Components companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Corning beats its peers on 11 of the 15 factors compared. About Corning (Get Free Report) Corning Incorporated engages in the display technologies, optical communications, environmental technologies, specialty materials, and life sciences businesses in the United States and internationally. The company's Display Technologies segment offers glass substrates for flat panel displays, including liquid crystal displays and organic light-emitting diodes that are used in televisions, notebook computers, desktop monitors, tablets, and handheld devices. Its Optical Communications segment provides optical fibers and cables; and hardware and equipment products, such as cable assemblies, fiber optic hardware and connectors, optical components and couplers, closures, network interface devices, and other accessories for the telecommunications industry, businesses, governments, and individuals. The company's Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that offer material formulations for glass, glass ceramics, crystals, precision metrology instruments, and software, as well as glass wafers and substrates, tinted sunglasses, and radiation shielding products for various markets comprising mobile consumer electronics, semiconductor equipment optics and consumables, aerospace and defense optics, radiation shielding products, sunglasses, and telecommunications components. Its Environmental Technologies segment provides ceramic substrates and filter products for emissions control in mobile, gasoline, and diesel applications. The company's Life Sciences segment offers laboratory products, including consumables, such as plastic vessels, liquid handling plastics, specialty surfaces, cell culture media, and serum, as well as general labware, and glassware and equipment under the Corning, Pyrex, Falcon, and Axygen brands. The company was formerly known as Corning Glass Works and changed its name to Corning Incorporated in April 1989. Corning Incorporated was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Corning, New York. Receive News & Ratings for Corning Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Corning and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Comerica (NYSE:CMA Get Free Report) and M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, risk, dividends, profitability and analyst recommendations. Get Comerica alerts: Volatility & Risk Comerica has a beta of 0.92, meaning that its share price is 8% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, M&T Bank has a beta of 0.63, meaning that its share price is 37% less volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings for Comerica and M&T Bank, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Comerica 6 9 6 0 2.00 M&T Bank 1 7 13 0 2.57 Dividends Comerica currently has a consensus target price of $62.30, suggesting a potential downside of 2.32%. M&T Bank has a consensus target price of $211.48, suggesting a potential upside of 4.39%. Given M&T Banks stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe M&T Bank is more favorable than Comerica. Comerica pays an annual dividend of $2.84 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. M&T Bank pays an annual dividend of $5.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.7%. Comerica pays out 53.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. M&T Bank pays out 36.2% 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. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Comerica and M&T Banks gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Comerica $4.99 billion 1.68 $698.00 million $5.29 12.06 M&T Bank $9.30 billion 3.50 $2.59 billion $14.93 13.57 M&T Bank has higher revenue and earnings than Comerica. Comerica is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than M&T Bank, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Insider & Institutional Ownership 80.7% of Comerica shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 84.7% of M&T Bank shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.2% of Comerica shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.5% of M&T Bank shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Comerica and M&T Banks net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Comerica 14.89% 11.59% 0.94% M&T Bank 19.86% 10.18% 1.28% Summary M&T Bank beats Comerica on 13 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About Comerica (Get Free Report) Comerica Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services. The company operates through Commercial Bank, Retail Bank, Wealth Management, and Finance segments. The Commercial Bank segment offers various products and services, including commercial loans and lines of credit, deposits, cash management, payment solutions, card services, capital market products, international trade finance, letters of credit, foreign exchange management services, and loan syndication services for small and middle market businesses, multinational corporations, and governmental entities. The Retail Bank segment provides personal financial services, such as consumer lending, consumer deposit gathering, and mortgage loan origination; and various consumer products that include deposit accounts, installment loans, credit cards, student loans, home equity lines of credit, and residential mortgage loans. The Wealth Management segment offers products and services comprising financial planning, trust and fiduciary services, investment management and advisory, brokerage, private banking, and business transition planning services for affluents, high-net worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, business owners, and executives, and institutional clients. The Finance segment comprises securities portfolio, and asset and liability management activities. It operates in Texas, California, Michigan, Arizona, and Florida, the United States; and Canada and Mexico. The company was formerly known as DETROITBANK Corporation and changed its name to Comerica Incorporated in July 1982. Comerica Incorporated was founded in 1849 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. About M&T Bank (Get Free Report) M&T Bank Corp. operates as a bank holding company, which engages in the provision of retail and commercial banking, trust, wealth management, and investment services. It operates through the following segments: Commercial Bank, Retail Bank, Institutional Services and Wealth Management, and All Other. The Commercial Bank segment offers a wide range of credit products and banking services to middle-market and large commercial customers, mainly within the markets served by the company. The Retail Bank segment refers to the services to consumers and small businesses through the companys branch network and several other delivery channels such as telephone banking, internet banking, and ATMs. The Institutional Services and Wealth Management segment relates to helping high net worth individuals, institutions, and families grow, preserve, and transfer wealth. The All Other segment reflects other activities of the company that are not directly attributable to the reported segments. The company was founded on August 30, 1856 and is headquartered in Buffalo, NY. Receive News & Ratings for Comerica Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Comerica and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Watches of Switzerland Group plc (LON:WOSG Get Free Report) was down 7% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as GBX 378.40 ($5.16) and last traded at GBX 392.18 ($5.35). Approximately 4,602,500 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 219% from the average daily volume of 1,442,017 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 421.60 ($5.75). Get Watches of Switzerland Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Shore Capital reiterated a not rated rating on shares of Watches of Switzerland Group in a research report on Thursday. Read Our Latest Analysis on WOSG Watches of Switzerland Group Price Performance The company has a current ratio of 1.95, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 109.69. The firm has a market cap of 910.26 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 2.17. The companys 50-day moving average is GBX 401.07 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 450.05. Watches of Switzerland Group (LON:WOSG Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 3rd. The company reported GBX 41.60 ($0.57) earnings per share for the quarter. Watches of Switzerland Group had a net margin of 3.84% and a return on equity of 11.38%. Equities research analysts predict that Watches of Switzerland Group plc will post 42.739726 earnings per share for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Ian Carter bought 27,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, April 11th. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 347 ($4.73) per share, for a total transaction of 95,425 ($130,201.94). 4.16% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Watches of Switzerland Group (Get Free Report) Established in 2007 the Watches of Switzerland Group is the UKs largest luxury watch retailer, operating in the UK, US and Europe comprising seven prestigious brands; Watches of Switzerland (UK and US), Mappin & Webb (UK), Goldsmiths (UK), Mayors (US), Betteridge (US), Analog:Shift (US) and Hodinkee (US), with a complementary jewellery offering. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Watches of Switzerland Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Watches of Switzerland Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. For almost 40 years Ian Broudie and the Lightning Seeds have been a stalwart of the British music consciousness. Emerging in the late 80s Liverpool scene as first a producer, Ian founded the Lightning seeds initially as a solo project before they became a full-fledged touring band in 1994. Achieving instant success with debut album Cloudcuckooland, Ians subsequent five decade spanning career, has brought with it numerous albums and singles which have charted in the UK, America and around the world, thousands of gigs and travels to all corners of the globe. This summer, this globe-trotting will bring Ian and the Lightning Seeds to Limavady for the first time ever, when they headline the 15th anniversary edition of Stendhal Festival. The show is sandwiched between two other high-profile festival slots at the Isle of Wight Festival and Camp Bestival as another busy festival season for Ian is testament to how the music he has created remains a cultural touchstone in the UK soundscape. Its been a really good summer so far, Ian said, Isle of Wight was great, its a bit of a trek to get there on the ferry but once that side of things was over and done with the gig itself was fantastic. Weve done Blenheim Palace and a few other shows and so far, we have really been feeling the love. Its hard to explain but not just the love from the audiences, its with us all on stage in the band and the overall vibe we are getting all over is one of overarching love, maybe it's that Oasis are back this summer and Pulp are playing shows and bands from that era are on the scene again, but yeah there has been a lot of love and we are really enjoying the festival season so far. He added: "It feels great that the music is still resonating with audiences, thats what you hope for as a songwriter, as much as you want to make a splash you hope that your stuff sticks around for a while too and thankfully that has been the case with Lightning seeds. Throughout his career Ian has stepped foot on some of the most hallowed festival stages all over the world, from multiple appearances at Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight, V Festival, Latitude, Down the Rabbit Hole (Holland) and loads more, meaning that they have played a special role in his life. Festivals are pretty much a way of life for us now every summer, nobody tours anymore in the summer and they just go from one festival to another, he said. For me the worst part is the travel and then the waiting to get on stage because that is the best bit. Ian continued; Weve been very lucky in terms of festival highlights, I can point out the Mexico City gig we did, all the times we played Glastonbury in the sun and the rain. Festivals are seminal moments for people and for bands and Im happy that those moments are still something we can take part in. While Ian and the Lightning seeds have never stepped on stage at a venue in Limavady before, they are no strangers to Northern Ireland, a place Ian has spoken about in previous interviews, saying he has a deep affinity with the country due to the people, their spirit and musical culture. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stendhal Festival (@stendhalireland) Ive said it before and Im happy to say it again, I feel very much at home in Northern Ireland, the people and the music culture here I find so similar to what I grew up with in Liverpool. He said. The people are fantastic and the way they are about music, its always around and everyone loves a singsong, its a fantastic place to come and play for audiences. Looking forward to the Headline Set at Stendhal Festival on July 5, Ian said festival goers can expect a memorable show, punctuated by all the big hitters he has crafted over his seven studio albums. From the big hits such as Pure, Lucky you and Sugar-coated Iceberg, to some deep cut fan favourites like What if, Ian says fans of the band wont be disappointed. Weve never been to Limavady before, but I have done a little bit of research on Stendhal and from the videos and pictures Ive seen it looks like a really lovely event and we are very much looking forward to performing there. We plan on the show being a celebration, so everyone can expect all the songs you know and a performance with a lot of love. Ian Broudie and the Lightning Seeds perform at Stendhal Festival, Limavady, on Saturday July 5. For more information visit Stendhal Festival Next month will see the second time Kneecap have beat the British Government in court, the Irish rap trio said at their largest gig to date. The 45,000-strong crowd in Finsbury Park, London watched them walk on in front of a screen that said Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people. They were supporting Irish band Fontaines DC, whose front man Grian Chatten joined to perform their collaboration Better Way To Live. People echoed the Belfast groups chants when they repeated the f*** Keir Starmer and youre just a s*** Jeremy Corbyn comments made at Glastonbury the previous weekend. Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court earlier this month charged with a terror offence and will return next month. Fellow member Naoise O Caireallain, who uses the stage name Moglai Bap, said if anyones free on the 20th of August, you wanna go to the court and support Mo Chara before shouting free Mo Chara, free, free Mo Chara. Wearing a keffiyeh, O hAnnaidh responded: I appreciate it, the 20th of August is going to be the second time Kneecap have beat the British Government in court in their own court, on their own terms, and were going to beat them for the second time. I tell you what, there is nothing like embarrassing the British Government. Last year Kneecap won a discrimination challenge over a decision by former business secretary Kemi Badenoch to refuse them a 14,250 funding award. The UK Government conceded it was unlawful after the band launched legal action claiming the decision to refuse the grant discriminated against them on grounds of nationality and political opinion. It was agreed that the 14,250 sum would be paid by the Government to the group. During the performance the group intermittently broke off the mosh pits and raucous crowd by addressing the war in Gaza, which is a recurring theme of their shows. O hAnnaidh said: Its usually around this point of the gig that we decide to talk about whats happening in Palestine. I understand that its almost inhumane that Im thinking of new things to say on stage during a genocide, for sound bites. Its beyond words now, like, we always used to say obviously theyre being bombed from the skies with nowhere to go, but its beyond that now. Theyve been being starved for a few months on end, and not only that, the areas that they have set up, to collect aid and food, have turned into killing fields and theyre killing hundreds a day trying to collect food. He continued: Its beyond words, but again, we played in Plymouth last night to 750 people and we did the same thing, so it doesnt matter how big or small our audience is, Kneecap will always use the platform for talking about this. O Caireallain had said earlier in the show: They can try and silence us, they can try and stop us, but were not going to stop talking about Palestine as long as theres a genocide happening in Palestine were going to keep talking about it and yous are going to keep talking about it, and they cant stop us. The UN human rights office has recorded 613 killings near humanitarian convoys and at aid distribution points in Gaza run by an Israeli-backed American organisation since it began operations in late May. On Friday its spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the rights office was not able to attribute responsibility for the killings, but it is clear that the Israeli military has shelled and shot at Palestinians trying to reach the distribution points operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF has denied any serious injuries or deaths on its sites and says shootings outside their immediate vicinity are under the purview of Israels military. The Israeli military has said previously it fires warning shots to control crowds or at Palestinians who approach its troops. Police are investigating after four people taking part in an Orange Order walk were hit with what are believed to be air weapon pellets. The procession was passing along Sauchiehall Street near Kelvingrove Street in Glasgow when the incident happened on Saturday. Police said no-one was seriously injured but condemned the dangerous occurrence and said investigations were continuing. Elsewhere, four people were arrested following Orange Order processions in Lanarkshire on Saturday. The parades were part of celebrations for the County Grand Orange Lodge of Glasgow and Orange Lodges in Lanarkshire to remember the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. In Glasgow, thousands of participants marched from different parts of the city and converged in the centre for a parade to Glasgow Green before returning to where they started later in the day. Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, event commander for the annual Boyne processions in Glasgow and Lanarkshire, said: Police in Lanarkshire made four arrests following the Orange Order procession on Saturday July 5 2025. The offences were primarily for breach of the peace and acts of anti-social behaviour. There were no arrests at the event in Glasgow, however, we are investigating an incident on Sauchiehall Street near to Kelvingrove Street in Glasgow, where four participants in the procession were struck by what was believed to be air weapon pellets. Thankfully, no-one was seriously injured and our enquiries into this dangerous occurrence are ongoing. A proportionate policing plan was in place, and we worked with a range of partners to ensure public safety and reduce disruption to the wider community. I would like to thank the vast majority of the participants, and the wider community, who engaged positively and behaved responsibly throughout. The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland later released a statement condemning the alarming suspected air weapon incident and expressing deep concern. It stated: This reckless act has escalated the level of hostility towards the Orange Order, endangering the lives of our members. The Most Worthy Grand Master urgently requests a meeting with the First Minister of Scotland to address this incident and the escalating tide of anti-Protestant sentiment we face daily. We urge the First Minister to take decisive action against these hate crimes, including condemning the attacks on our properties and our members. The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland stands united with the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow and Police Scotland in ensuring that those responsible for this cowardly act are swiftly brought to justice. Minister for victims and community safety Siobhian Brown said the Scottish Government will meet with Grand Orange Lodge representatives for discussions. She said: It is deeply concerning that anyone would seek to attack a public march and put those taking part, as well as spectators and the wider public, at risk. Ministers condemn behaviour of this kind against any individual or organisation, for which there can be no justification whatsoever. The Scottish Government fully supports Police Scotland to take appropriate action following its investigation and will shortly meet with representatives of the Grand Orange Lodge to hear their concerns. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 6. Construction work on the Victory Park, the foundation of which was laid by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in February of this year, continues at a rapid pace. A number of buildings built in violation of construction standards during the occupation and which became unsuitable for use were demolished on the territory of the park, which will cover an area of 8.3 hectares. The Victory Arch, a symbol of our Victory, is also being built in the center of the park. Its height will be 44 meters, which corresponds to the number of days of the Great Patriotic War. An observation deck for city guests is being created at the top of the arch, Afet Telmangizi, head of the public relations department of the Service for Restoration, Construction and Management in the city of Khankendi, Agdere and Khojaly districts, told journalists, Trend reports. She noted that it is also planned to install 44 symbolic stairs from the square in the center of the park to the Victory Arch, on which information about the liberated settlements for each day of the Patriotic War will be posted: "For the convenience of the elderly, children and people with disabilities, it is planned to install elevators to the top of the monument - the observation deck. According to the project, it is planned to lay wide strips of greenery in the park. The trees in the park were preserved, and more than 300 additional trees and more than 9,000 different types of ornamental shrubs were planted." Content Overnight on June 21-22, American military aircraft launched strikes on three nuclear facilities inside Iran, most notably the fortified Fordow plant. To reach the underground facility, located inside a mountain near Qom, the United States employed bunker-busting bombs. Although the strikes marked Washingtons entrance into in a war initiated by Israel against Iran on June 13, President Donald Trump framed US involvement as limited, emphasizing his desire to avoid a broader conflict. Iran insisted on a response, albeit a symbolic one. Unlike its reaction to the first Trump administrations 2020 assassination of Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, in which Iran targeted the US Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, this time Tehran opted for the first-ever strike on a US military base in the Gulf. It launched missiles toward al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the regions most significant hub for American air operations and home to the forward headquarters of the US Central Command, which is responsible for all military operations in the Middle East. While the strike was largely symbolicQatar had been warned in advancethe attack demonstrated Irans willingness to escalate should a full-scale war with the United States erupt. This development heightened the Gulf states fears about potential damage to critical infrastructure and national economies in the event of regional escalation. Considering these concerns, Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states have adopted a public posture of neutrality, attempting to distance themselves from the conflict between the American-Israeli axis and Iran. This included reportedly denying the United States use of its military bases on their soil for strikes against Iran. By the end of the 12-day Israel-Iran conflagration, Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbors had largely succeeded in avoiding direct fallout. However, Irans symbolic attack on al-Udeid served as a stark reminder that a wider conflict could drag the Gulf states into the center of the storm. This possibility strengthened Riyadhs commitment to a policy of strategic nonalignment and conflict avoidance, which is vital to protecting its economic diversification agenda. Yet, the United States has hinted at renewed efforts to normalize relations between Israel and key Arab and Muslim countriesmost notably Saudi Arabia. President Trump views expansion of the Abraham Accords as a central foreign policy goal, as his Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff has stated. Such a development poses a challenge to Saudi Arabias neutrality strategy. Normalization could undermine Riyadhs position as a neutral actor and increase the likelihood of entanglement in future Israeli-Iranian escalations. At present, normalization does not appear to be on the horizon, as Riyadh insists on linking it to the creation of a Palestinian state. Staying Out of the Conflict Saudi Arabias regional strategy is deeply informed by its Vision 2030 development plan, which emphasizes economic diversification and the cultivation of new industries. These priorities have driven Riyadh to de-escalate tensions with regional neighbors and to avoid entanglement in conflicts that could damage its investment climate or disrupt economic reforms. Since the onset of the war in Gaza, Saudi Arabia has expressed concern about regional spillover. In the weeks leading up to Israels June 2025 strike on Iran, Riyadhjoined by other Gulf capitalsreportedly sought to dissuade President Trump from initiating a military confrontation. At the end of May 2025, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman traveled to Tehran to meet Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and deliver a message urging diplomatic engagement with Washington and reaching an agreement to avoid escalation. The Gulf states also insisted that their airspace would not be used for any US military operations targeting Iran. The rationale was clear: involvement would not only expose vital infrastructure to Iranian retaliation, as occurred in the 2019 Abqaiq attacks in Saudi Arabia, but also deter foreign investment by reinforcing perceptions of regional instability. When Israel attacked Iran on June 13, 2025, Saudi Arabia publicly condemned Israeli aggression. Saudi media adopted a relatively restrained tone toward Iran, and the government announced support for Iranian pilgrims still in the Kingdom, offering them continued care until they could return home. While a weakening of Iranian regional influence was not unwelcomed, as occurred in the past year with Syrian President Bashar al-Assads fall and Hezbollahs setbacks, the kingdom remains uneasy about unchecked Israeli dominance in the region. Excessive pressure on Iran, cornering it into narrow options, could destabilize the Gulf and harm Saudi economic and security interests. The kingdom did view the US strike on Irans nuclear facilities with concern. Riyadh stopped short of condemning the American action but issued a balanced statement expressing alarm over the potential consequences. It harshly criticized Irans retaliatory strike on al-Udeid but refrained from escalation, interpreting the response as a calibrated signal rather than a provocation. Diplomatic channels between Riyadh and Tehran remained open; following the Israeli-Iranian ceasefire, Irans new chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousaviappointed to replace Mohammad Bagheri who was killed in Israels June 13 initial attackplaced a call to Khalid bin Salman to discuss bilateral relations and military developments. The Resurgence of Normalization Talks? The end of hostilities has not dispelled fears of future conflict between Israel and Iran, especially because the issue of Irans nuclear program is not resolved. While Saudi Arabia remains confident in the effectiveness of its neutral stance, a future round of hostilitiesparticularly one involving deeper US engagementmay not afford it the same insulation. Thus, Riyadh continues to prioritize the de-escalation agreement that it reached with Iran under Chinese auspices in 2023 and wants Washington to avoid further military entanglement in the region. The Trump administration appears intent on capitalizing on Irans weakened regional posture by reshaping the Middle East in line with American and Israeli interests. Recent reports suggest that Washington is pursuing expanded Abraham Accords agreements, potentially involving Syria, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. Yet, for Riyadh, normalization with Israel in 2025 differs significantly from the context of two years ago. Prior to the start of the Israeli war on Gaza in October 2023, Saudi Arabia was engaged in normalization talks with the Biden administration. At the time, such an agreement appeared to offer tangible benefits: a defense pact, access to civilian nuclear technology, and advanced American weapons systems. However, the events of the past two years have altered the calculus. With the Gaza conflict ongoing, normalizationespecially if it sidelines the Palestinian causeis increasingly untenable. Saudi Arabia has since advocated for a clear pathway to a two-state solution as a prerequisite for normalization. It even coordinated with France to convene an international conference in New York on the matter, though this initiative was postponed due to the Israeli-Iranian war. The push for a two-state framework runs counter to current Israeli preferences. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu still believes that he can secure a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia without a Palestinian state. The United States may push the Israeli government to declare its willingness to accept the two-state solution, contingent upon Palestinian Authority reforms, in order to make the normalization deal with Saudi Arabia possible. Moreover, the strategic benefits of normalization are no longer as compelling. While a US defense agreement remains attractive for protecting Saudi territory, and while the kingdom is still interested in procuring American weapons, Riyadhs recent experience suggests that neutrality and diplomacy may offer more reliable security. A defense pact alone would not shield Saudi Arabia from attack in the absence of a positive relationship with Iran. Despite US and western supplies of weapons, even Israel still suffered from Iranian missile attacks. The civilian nuclear program, once under negotiation, also appears to be relegated to the back burner. The American insistence on prohibiting uranium enrichment in Iran suggests a broader regional stance, one that would likely preclude Saudi enrichment as well. Although there was speculation about progress on the nuclear issue ahead of Trumps visit to the kingdom in May 2025, no announcement followed. From Riyadhs perspective, normalization in this situation without a robust economic and security partnership with Washington risks conceding to Israeli regional dominance, which is an uncomfortable prospect. For all these reasons, Saudi enthusiasm for normalization currently appears muted. President Trump had previously stated that Saudi Arabia should join the Abraham Accords in its own time, but it seems the dynamics for Trump may have shifted in the post-Israel-Iran war. On the other hand, if Syriadespite its history of conflict with Israel and its occupied territoriesjoins the normalization track, US pressure on Saudi Arabia may intensify. Conclusion Saudi Arabia views its neutral posture in the conflict between Israel and Iranand by extension, between the United States and Iranas the most effective strategy to safeguard its territory and Vision 2030 economic transformation. Normalization with Israel at this juncture could compromise that neutrality, undermining a policy that has proven effective and exposing the kingdom to heightened risk in any future conflict. Despite the apparent success of this neutral approach, challenges remain. Chief among them is the risk of renewed conflict, possibly leading to drastic Iranian measures such as closing the Strait of Hormuz, an outcome with severe economic implications for oil-exporting Gulf states. In parallel, Saudi Arabia could face increasing pressure to join the Abraham Accords. Doing so would not only deviate from its current neutral stance but may also require abandoning the requirement of the Palestinian issue, a situation that would come with significant strategic and reputational costs. The Town End podcast have announce their charity jersey for 2025. Once again the podcast has teamed up with Dundalk Village as their chosen charity and main sponsor for the podcast. This will be their second charity jersey after a successful jersey launch in 2023 helping to raise over 300 for Dundalk Village project works in Uganda. Speaking at the launch of this year's jersey, former Dundalk FC player and Dundalk Village representative, Donal Greene said: We are delighted to be linking up again for a new charity jersey with The Town End lads for 2025. Dundalk Village is a sustainable farming and community development initiative based in Nakasongola, Uganda. Since its founding in 2020, the project has been dedicated to improving the lives of rural Ugandans through grassroots agricultural programs and vital community support services. To date, Dundalk Village has delivered clean drinking water to over 100 families, distributed mosquito nets to multiple villages, and provided access to education and critical medical treatment for children suffering from malaria and other life-threatening conditions. Fans can directly fund Dundalk Village community initiatives by purchasing the Town End podcast jersey Chris Clarke from The TownEnd podcast said: It's great to be able to announce this years charity shirt. We wanted to take some inspiration from Dundalks 1st Division seasons gone by. A jersey we all always really liked was the 2006 jersey. Despite winning a playoff against Waterford that year, the Controversial FAI Independent Assessment Group denied Dundalk FC promotion but John Gill had begun assembling his squad which would eventually gain promotion two season later. He continued: Working again with Donal and Dundalk Village has been a real honour as hes someone who has backed the podcast from day one, and we are delighted to be able to highlight all the great work Dundalk Village have been doing as well. The Town End have once again teamed up with Dundalk FC jersey manufacturer Playr-fit have come on board to help design and create this year's Jersey. Read Next: Louth County Council meets with Dundalk councillors over Blackrock Beach concerns Chris continued: Playr-fit and in particular Karl OConnor has been great helping this creation come to fruition, we are so proud of it and we hope the fans of Dundalk FC will be too. We would like to thank Vinny and all the crew in Tonys Pizzeria as well as Marc Carolan from Black Mountain Studio for their continued support of the podcast and feature on the sleeves of this year's shirt. Also a big thanks to Gerry Scully for the photographs and Nita Whelan, Dundalk FC, for the use of Oriel Park to showcase the jersey. The shirt is available from today, Tuesday, July 1st for a limited time from the playr-for website https://playr-fit.com/ the-town-end/ To celebrate the 1st birthday of its Irish wolfhound mascot, Briosca, XL Stores Ireland launched a nationwide colouring competition, and has announced that its winner is a talented young artist from north Louth. XL Stores Ireland said that the response to the competition was incredible, with over 230 amazing entries from talented young artists across the country, and that it is thrilled to announce that the grand prize winner is Mya Donaghy, who picked up her entry form at Watters XL, Annavackey, Hackballscross, Co. Louth. Mya has won a 2,500 family hotel voucher for her stunning and creative artwork. XL Stores Ireland said that its independent judge was especially impressed by her use of colour, shading, and overall artistic flair and hailed her masterpiece a truly standout piece of art! XL Stores Ireland has offered a "huge congratulations to Mya and a big thank you to everyone who entered!" and added that it is also delighted to recognize five fantastic runners-up, each receiving a 50 Jiminy Eco Toys voucher for their brilliant entries. Read also: Arthur's Archive: Take a trip down Louth's memory lane! Paul Bealin, BWG Foods Cash & Carry Sales Director said, We were blown away by the creativity and effort shown by all the young artists who took part. Myas entry really captured the spirit of Briosca and stood out for its vibrant use of colour and detail. Were proud to support creativity in our communities and look forward to more fun initiatives like this in the future." The Louth Garda Division saw a significant increase in the number of burglary offences recorded in the county in the 12 month period to March 2025, compared to the previous 12 month period, according to the latest figures released by the Central Statistics Office. 375 burglary and related offences were recorded in the Louth Garda Division in the 12 months to the end of March 2025, up 62 or 19.8% on the 313 recorded in the previous 12 months. In the first quarter (Q1) of this year 109 offences were recorded, up from 88 in the final quarter of 2024, and also up from 100 in Q1 2024. The figures contrast with the national figures for burglary offences, which fell by 6% in the year to Q1 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. The number of theft and related offences recorded in the Louth Garda Division also rose in the 12 months to the end of March 2025, but Q1 of this year also saw a decrease on Q4 2024. Read also: Louth man found guilty of raping tourist in Dublin as victim seeks restorative justice meeting 2,458 theft and related offences were recorded in Louth in the 12 months to the end of Q1 2025, up 349 or 16.5% on the 2,109 offences recorded in the 12 months to the end of Q1 2024. There was a fall in the number of offences recorded in Q1 of this year however, with 529 offences recorded, down from 623 in Q4 2024, and also down from the 571 recorded in Q1 2024. The Local Enterprise Office Louth is once again stepping up to support the local business community with a suite of new Management Development Programmes, open to business owners across Louth. Nikki Campbell, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Louth, explained that: Our goal is to provide practical learning that empowers local business owners to grow and succeed. These new programmes address current challenges and opportunities, offering vital support for both start-ups and established businesses. The new programme offering includes five focused themes, each delivered by expert trainers and designed for immediate impact. All training is heavily subsidised, ensuring it is accessible to business owners and managers in Louth. Most programmes include one-to-one mentoring, enabling business owners to tailor learning to their specific business needs. Ideation to Creation: Ideal for early-stage entrepreneurs who have received a Feasibility Grant but need structured support to progress. Running from September 2025, this blended programme includes a workshop and significant one-to-one mentoring. Participants will learn to refine and validate their idea and develop a confident, actionable business plan. Read also: Plans for new Large-scale Residential Development in north Louth Smarter Business with AI: This is a practical, five-part online programme for local businesses. Evening sessions will teach you to integrate powerful AI tools for smarter operations and enhanced productivity, helping you work smarter, not harder. Commencing late August with sessions through September, it includes post-completion mentoring. HR for Non-HR Managers: This programme provides essential, jargon-free HR skills. Gain confidence in managing a team, this programme will cover key areas like contracts, recruitment, performance, leave policies, grievances, disciplinaries, and equality & diversity. Starting in August, this is perfect for business owners and managers who need to navigate HR challenges effectively and efficiently. Finance Essentials for Business: is a three-session programme for business owners commencing in late August. This course helps demystify business finance by providing a practical learning in business finance, accounts, profit vs. cash flow, forecasting, and costing/pricing. The programme includes direct mentoring to business owners to apply the learning in their own business and make more informed financial decisions. Christmas for Retailers: This practical workshop, taking place in August, is designed to help local retailers maximise sales and customer engagement during the crucial Christmas trading period. This programme will focus on enhancing the digital shopfront, logistical preparation, merchandising, seasonal marketing and customer engagement. A must for all retailers, this programme will commence in August and includes one to one follow up mentoring. Nikki Campbell added: We want every business in Louth to know that the Local Enterprise Office is here to support you. These programmes are about building capability and confidence in key areas, helping you face challenges and seize opportunities. We encourage all business owners to register now. To register your interest, visit www.localenterprise.ie/louth and complete the form on the homepage, or call 042 9324185. 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. Read also: Louth TD says party's bill would help end price gouging 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. 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. Read also: Groundbreaking All Right All Night initiative comes to Louth 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 Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. A Cork motorist convicted of drink-driving had gone through a difficult period in his life at the time of the offence and ended up living in a tent, the district court heard. Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told Clonakilty District Court that Rafal Ostrowski, aged 43, of Stonewood, Clonakilty, was stopped while driving a Ford Mondeo at Dunmanway North, Co Cork on April 4, 2025, at 7.53pm. Despite only having a learner permit, Mr Ostrowski was not accompanied by a qualified driver, and the vehicle did not have a valid insurance disc displayed. Talking to Mr Ostrowski, gardai noticed a strong smell of alcohol and he was asked to take a roadside alcohol breath test, which he failed, recording a level of 39mg per 100ml of breath, where the legal limit for a learner permit holder is 9mg. The court was told Mr Ostrowski was the father of two children, who live in Cork city, and he takes an active role in their lives. On the day of the offence, he had bought the car from a private seller and had not yet arranged for it to be insured. The court heard that he had been forced to leave the accommodation he was renting at the time when the property was sold, and ended up living in a tent. The court was told Mr Ostrowski was now working and getting his life back on track, and had no previous convictions. Judge Joanne Carroll convicted Mr Ostrowski of drink-driving and imposed a mandatory 12-month driving disqualification. The no insurance charge was struck out. This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme A woman in her 60s has died following an incident on Cork's northside almost two weeks ago. On Monday, June 23, gardai confirmed that a woman in her 60s sustained serious injuries in a road traffic incident that occurred shortly before 12 noon, on Pophams Road in Farranree. Emergency services and gardai responded following reports that a woman had been struck by a parked car (SUV) that unexpectedly moved. She was removed to Cork University Hospital. The road was temporarily closed to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Gardai also appealed for any witnesses to come forward. A garda spokesperson has confirmed that the woman has since died. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: "I can confirm a woman(60s) has passed away as a result of a road traffic incident, that occurred on Pophams Road, Farranree, Cork on Tuesday 23 June, 2025. "Investigations ongoing." Anyone with information is asked to contact Gurranabraher Garda Station on 021 4946200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Just a day after former White House advisor Elon Musk claimed on X that he's creating a new political party in the US, some deep-pocketed figures have offered support and potential interest. Replying to an X post that said the America Party would offer "independence from the two-party system," billionaire Mark Cuban and investment banker Anthony Scaramucci both replied to Musk, providing some possible next steps. After celebrating the America Party announcement post with emojis, Cuban said that he works with the Center for Competitive Democracy and could help get Musk's party on ballots. Scaramucci also responded on X, saying he would "like to meet to discuss." I work with @voterchoice . They will help you get on ballots. That is their mission. https://t.co/o4ERVGwQNH Mark Cuban (@mcuban) July 5, 2025 Scaramucci previously served as the White House communications director in 2017 during Trump's first term before being dismissed 10 days in. The former Trump ally has since crossed to the other side of the political aisle and supported both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential campaigns. Similarly, Cuban previously supported Harris and was even tied to the Democratic candidate as a potential running mate. While there are still plenty of questions about Musk's proposed political party that comes after a hostile fallout with Trump, the Tesla CEO's post on X indicated that it would focus on taking over "two or three Senate seats and eight to 10 House districts." It's unclear if Musk has already filed the necessary paperwork to officially establish the America Party. The latest filings with the Federal Election Commission show several documents that reference Musk's new party, but the veracity of these is questionable, and they sit alongside a slew of apparent joke filings, including the "American Meme Party," "The Diddy Party" and "The DOGE Party." Streaming FIFA Club World Cup live Streaming FIFA Club World Cup live Fluminense v Chelsea Sign up with Bet365 here Make your first deposit of at least 5 Go to the Live section and watch every match Watch the match on Bet365 Viktor Gyokeres seems to have his bags packed. The Swedish forward is very close to becoming a new player for Arsenal, after a new contact between Arsenal and Sporting CP in recent hours. Negotiations have progressed quickly, and everything indicates that the agreement is closer than ever, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. The forward, who had a great season in Lisbon, is no longer training with the Portuguese team. Those close to him assure that his focus is solely on making the leap to the Premier League. There is no turning back. His cycle at Sporting is practically over, and all that remains is for the clubs to finalize the last details of the transfer. There is optimism in London. Arsenal believes that Gyokeres could be the missing piece in their attack. Mikel Arteta has been searching for a forward with strength, mobility, and goal-scoring ability for a while, and the Swede fits that profile. His performances in the Portuguese league and European competitions have caught the attention of several teams, but Arsenal is the closest to securing his services. Arsenal will pay 70 million for Gyokeres. Although it has not been made official yet, everything points to the transfer being closed for a significant figure, possibly around 70 million euros, including variables. The deal could be finalized in the next few days if everything continues on the current path. Sporting, on the other hand, already accepts that they will not be able to retain their top scorer and is working to find a replacement. His departure is not surprising in Portugal: it was only a matter of time before a big club came for him. Thus, Gyokeres is on the verge of making an important leap in his career. If all goes well, he will be a new Arsenal player and will arrive in the Premier League with the responsibility of making a difference in one of the most demanding teams in England. This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Confirmado por Fabrizio Romano! Gyokeres tiene nuevo club BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. More than $3 million of foreign investments have been attracted to Qom province, located in central Iran, during the first three months of the current Iranian year (from March 21 through June 21, 2025), Director General of Qom Province Department of Iran's Ministry of Economy and Finance Mehdi Farahani told reporters, Trend reports. According to him, 6 projects have attracted foreign investments in Qom province in 3 months. Farahani said the country has attracted investments from the Persian Gulf and neighboring countries. The official pointed out that a total of about $14 million worth of foreign investment project licenses have been issued in Qom province during three months. Iran's Ministry of Economy and Finance announced that in the first two months of the current Iranian year (from March 21 through May 20, 2025), a total of 177 projects worth $8.5 billion of foreign investment have been approved in Iran. Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - July 5, 2025) - DDC Developments, a Miami-based leader in eco-friendly modular construction, announced a significant corporate milestone: a 200% year-over-year increase in inquiries for its patented hurricane-resistant, energy-efficient modular building systems. In direct response to this unprecedented growth, the company is launching a national expansion initiative, establishing a 50,000 square-foot manufacturing facility to scale production and meet surging demand across the United States. DDC Developments Announces 200% Surge in Demand and Launches National Expansion with New Manufacturing Facility To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/257861_9812e652343e4a04_002full.jpg The new facility, set to open later this year, will significantly boost DDC Developments' production capacity, enabling the company to serve a broader range of commercial, residential, and institutional projects nationwide. This expansion marks a pivotal step in DDC's strategy to deliver resilient, sustainable construction solutions to markets facing increasing climate risks and a forecasted "above-normal" 2024 storm season, as projected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). DDC Developments Announces 200% Surge in Demand and Launches National Expansion with New Manufacturing Facility To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/257861_9812e652343e4a04_003full.jpg "Our 200% surge in demand is a clear signal that the market is urgently seeking faster, greener, and more resilient building solutions," said Danilo Dominguez Cruz, Founder and CEO of DDC Developments. "The new manufacturing hub will allow us to accelerate project delivery and support communities nationwide as they adapt to evolving climate challenges." DDC Developments' modular systems are engineered to exceed Florida's stringent building codes, utilizing stay-in-place insulated panels made with 40% recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS). These panels provide superior insulation, reduce heating and cooling demands by approximately 30%, and are rated to withstand winds exceeding 200 mph, surpassing Category 5 hurricane standards. The company's technology reduces build times by up to 60%. It lowers labor costs by 40%, offering developers and investors a rapid return on investment, with many projects reporting ROI within six months. The company's national expansion is further supported by ongoing partnerships with ESG-focused investment firms, reinforcing DDC's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the construction sector. For more information about DDC Developments' expansion and modular construction solutions, visit www.ddcdevelopments.com or contact Danilo Dominguez at danilo@ddcdevelopments.com. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aF7xYjzkVI To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257861 SOURCE: Plentisoft Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - July 5, 2025) - The Law Offices of Robert Gregg is proud to mark over 33 years of providing aggressive, results-driven legal representation in criminal defense and personal injury. Founded and led by Robert S. Gregg, a respected and award-winning Dallas criminal defense attorney, the firm celebrates over thirty years of unwavering service to individuals and families across the Dallas and Fort Worth area. Law Offices of Robert Gregg Celebrates 33+ Years of Legal Excellence To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/257862_df129736c4ea39e1_002full.jpg Since opening its doors, the Law Offices of Robert Gregg has handled over 1,000 criminal defense and personal injury cases, securing thousands of dismissals and favorable outcomes for clients. The firm has earned a reputation for precision in strategy, fearless courtroom advocacy, and an unrelenting focus on client success. For more than 33 years, the firm's focus has remained clear - to fight for and protect the rights of individuals and families. The Law Offices of Robert Gregg specializes in a broad spectrum of criminal defense matters-including felony charges, misdemeanors, drug offenses, and violent crimes-as well as personal injury cases such as wrongful death, serious vehicle collisions, and workplace accidents. Known for its disciplined approach and high dismissal rate, the firm has become a go-to resource for clients who want both compassionate counsel and courtroom toughness. The Law Offices of Robert Gregg has also consistently received recognition for excellence, most notably through Robert S. Gregg's six-year streak of recognition as one of the Best Lawyers in Dallas by D Magazine (2017-2022). This honor, awarded by peers in the legal profession, reflects the high standards and client satisfaction that the firm has achieved. This foundation of excellence continues to guide the firm's current and future strategy. In addition, the legal team at the Law Offices of Robert Gregg mirrors Robert's legacy while upholding the firm's core values, integrity, preparation, and relentless advocacy for clients. With strong roots in the Dallas-Fort Worth legal community, the firm continues to serve criminal defense and personal injury clients across Texas. Over the years, the Law Offices of Robert Gregg has become known for being a trusted partner for securing dismissals in high-stakes cases, making it the go-to firm for clients needing aggressive legal representation. Its results-driven and client-first approach ensures that every case is treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. The firm's legacy is not just built on wins-it's built on trust. Trust that has been earned over three decades of consistent performance, ethical practice, and results that speak for themselves. To commemorate its 33+ year milestone, the firm, which has molded itself into a people-first law firm, is reaffirming its commitment to continue setting the standard for legal excellence while maintaining its position as a trusted law firm in Dallas, Texas. The Law Offices of Robert Gregg is prepared to continue leading as a criminal defense and personal injury law firm in Dallas for another 30+ years. For more information about the Law Offices of Robert Gregg, visit the firm's website. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257862 SOURCE: Plentisoft NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Highlights: Formation has planned a 20,000 metre multi-phase drill program at its flagship N2 Gold Project in Quebec, host to a global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central) 2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone 2,4 . Phase 1 has been expanded to a fully funded 7,500 metre program targeting expansion targets in the "A" zone, a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~522,900 ounces of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open), and the "RJ" zone, host to high-grade intercepts from historical drill holes as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres 2 , which was expanded by Agnico Eagle Mines in 2008 in the most recent drilling at the Property. Formation anticipates commencing its drill program in July. The Company filed its 30-day notice with the responsible municipal authorities for its upcoming 2025 exploration activities on June 17, 2025 . Formation will also focus on N2's significant base metal potential, where it recently completed a revaluation process which revealed significant copper and zinc intercepts within historic drillholes with significant gold grades (>1 g/t Au). The Company has working capital of ~C$2.6M, putting it in a very strong financial position to execute its exploration programs. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 6, 2025 / Formation Metals Inc. ("Formation" or the "Company") (CSE:FOMO)(FSE:VF1)(OTCPK:FOMTF), a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company, is pleased to announce that it has elected to expand its maiden drill program at its N2 Gold Property ("N2" or the "Property"), located 25 km south of Matagami, Quebec, to a fully funded 7,500 metres. The Company anticipates commencing on the program in July, having officially filed its Annual Exploration Work Notice ("Planification Annuelle Des Travaux d'Exploration") with the responsible municipal authorities for its upcoming 2025 exploration activities on June 17, 2025. This filing must be completed 30-days in advance of the commencement of fieldwork and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and reflects the Company's continued commitment to transparency, community engagement, and responsible mineral exploration practices. The work program will focus on advancing key targets across Formation's Quebec-based properties. The 7,500 metres comprising Phase 1 is part of its planned 20,000 metre multi-phase drill program at N2, an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4. "We are very excited to commence our maiden drill program at N2" said Deepak Varshney, Chief Executive Officer of Formation. "Filing the Annual Exploration Work Notice marked the final regulatory step as we prepare to commence field activities upon receipt of the ATI. Based on our on-going review and planning for Phase 1, we feel comfortable in expanding our maiden drill program to a fully funded 7,500 metres. We anticipate receiving the ATI permit shortly, allowing us to proceed with our exploration activities as scheduled." Mr. Varshney continued: "The summer is going to be a very exciting time as we embark on our fully funded maiden 7,500 metre drill program at N2. Given the scale of the property, the compelling geological data, and the Abitibi Greenstone Belt's established history as a hotbed for gold mining, we are hopeful that the program will deliver our goal of delivering a near-surface multi-million-ounce deposit at N2. We see the potential for a significant gold deposit at N2, and our maiden 7,500-metre drilling program will mark the beginning of Formation's pursuit of that goal. Our maiden program will focus on building on the successes of our predecessors. The drilling discoveries made by Agnico-Eagle and Cypress show the potential at N2. With gold at almost $3,400, over 4 times the price in 2008 when Agnico last drilled the project, we believe that the timing is perfect for N2 and look forward to a very busy upcoming quarter." The drill program is designed to focus on discovery drilling at new high-potential targets along the mineralization strikes at the "A", "RJ" and "Central" zones in the northern part of the Property in order to discover new auriferous trends and unlock new zones of gold mineralization. The program will also focus on high-priority infilling and expansion targets in these zones to significantly enhance the auriferous zones identified to-date (Figure 1). Historical highlights from the top two priority zones include: A Zone: With a historical resource of ~522,900 gold ounces (10.7 Mt @ 1.52 g/t Au), the "A" Zone is a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~15,000 metres of drilling across 55 drillholes, 84% of which intercepted gold mineralization. The best historical intercept includes up to 1.7 g/t over 35 metres. ~1.65 km of strike has been drilled, with 3.1+ km of strike to be tested as part of the 20,000 metre program. RJ Zone: With a historical resource of ~61,100 gold ounces (243 Kt @ 7.82 g/t Au), the "RJ" Zone is a high-grade target that was expanded upon in the last drill program in 2008 by Agnico-Eagle when gold was approximately ~$800/oz. Historically, 20,875 metres has been drilled over 82 drillholes, with best intercepts of 48 g/t over 0.5 metres and 16.5 g/t over 3.6 metres. ~900 metres of strike has been drilled, with 4.75+ km of strike to be tested as part of the 20,000 metre program. The Company has retained Strategy Exploration Advisors ("Stratexplo"), an independent exploration consulting firm based out of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, as the field operations manager for its planned 20,000 metre multi-phase drill program. Stratexplo crews will be responsible for conducting surface exploration at N2, including field logistics, sample collection and dispatch, geological mapping and interpretation, exploration targeting and advising as per National Instrument 43-101 collection and reporting guidelines. These responsibilities are in addition to Stratexplo's on-going work as the Company's permitting manager, where they recently facilitated Formation's submission for its Application for Autorisation de Travaux d'exploration a Impacts (ATI) to the Ministere des Ressources naturelles et des Forets (MERN), and were responsible for the submission of its Planification Annuelle Des Travaux d'Exploration. The ATI submission was completed following discussions with all necessary parties and the Company anticipates receiving its ATI permit within the coming weeks, after which it intends on commencing its maiden drill program at N2. Figure 1 - PDDH design for 20,000m Drill Program Comprising 87 claims totaling ~4,400 ha within the Abitibi sub province of Northwestern Quebec, Formation's flagship N2 Gold Project is an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of 877,000 ounces: 18.2 Mt grading 1.48 g/t Au (~810,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~67,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4. There are six primary auriferous mineralized zones in total, each open for expansion along strike and at depth. Compilation and geophysical work by Balmoral Resources Ltd. (now Wallbridge Mining) from 2010 to 2018 generated numerous targets that have not yet been investigated with diamond drilling. There are two primary focuses for Formation: the "A" zone, a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with numerous intermittent and consecutive auriferous intervals (84% of historical drill holes intercepted Au up to 1.7 g/t over 35 m) 2 , of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open); and the "RJ" zone, host to high-grade intercepts from historical drill holes as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres2, which was expanded by Agnico Eagle Mines in 2008 in the most recent drilling at the Property. Figure 1 - Property overview summarizing historical work completed at each of the six mineralized zones and their respective historical resource. The Company also believes that N2 has significant base metal potential, where it recently completed a revaluation process which revealed significant copper and zinc intercepts within historic drillholes known to have significant gold grades (>1 g/t Au). Assay results range from 200 to 4,750 ppm and 203 ppm to 6,700 ppm, for copper and zinc, respectively, indicating strong potential for elevated base metal (Cu-Zn) concentrations across the property, specifically at the A and RJ zones. Property wide geology at N2 features volcanic and sedimentary rocks formed in regional anticlinal and synclinal flexures. Three principal deformation structures (Figure 1), oriented along the known NW-SE to WNW-ESE structural trends typical of VMS deposits in the Matagami region, function as critical geologic controls for mineralization on the property. For the 2025 exploration season, Formation plans to concentrate its efforts on the northern part of N2, targeting gold deposit expansion and discovery along identified zones and fault systems associated with the main deformation features (specifically WNW-ESE trend), with IP surveys and drilling planned to model mineralized zones that will hopefully contribute to an updated NI-43 101 compliant resource. Formation will also look to further review historic base metal assays from older drill core and undertake additional work in 2025 to assess the property's copper and zinc potential. The Company is also pleased to announce a non-brokered listed issuer financing exemption (LIFE) private placement (the "LIFEOffering") for up to 2,200,000 charitable flow-through units ("CFT Units") of the Company at $0.50 per CFT Unit, pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), for gross proceeds of up to $1,100,000. Each CFT Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "LIFECFT Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "LIFEWarrant"). Each LIFE Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.60 for a period of 24 months from the date of closing. Each LIFE CFT Share will qualify as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The LIFE CFT Units will be sold on a structured basis whereby the Company will issue the LIFE CFT Shares and LIFE Warrants comprising the LIFE CFT Units to purchasers purchasing as principals and/or to an agent for one or more disclosed principals; the LIFE CFT Shares and LIFE Warrants comprising the LIFE CFT Units will then immediately be sold to one or more back-end buyers. The LIFE CFT Units issued pursuant to the LIFE Offering will not be subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an offering document (the "Offering Document") relating to the LIFE Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website (www.formationmetalsinc.com). Prospective investors in the LIFE Offering should read the Offering Document before making an investment decision. Concurrent with the LIFE Offering, the Company is completing a non-brokered private placement (the "CFT 4MH Unit Offering" and, together with the LIFE Offering, the "Offerings") of up to 2,298,850 units (each a "CFT 4MH Unit") of the Company at $0.435 per CFT 4MH Unit, for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000. Each CFT 4MHUnit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "CFT 4MH Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "CFT 4MH Warrant"). Each CFT 4MH Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.60 for a period of 24 months from the date of closing. Each CFT 4MH Share will qualify as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The CFT 4MH Units will be sold on a structured basis whereby the Company will issue the CFT 4MH Shares and CFT 4MH Warrants comprising the CFT 4MH Units to purchasers purchasing as principals and/or to an agent for one or more disclosed principals; the CFT 4MH Shares and CFT 4MH Warrants comprising the CFT 4MH Units will then immediately be sold to one or more back-end buyers. All securities issued in connection with the CFT 4MH Unit Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day following the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. Closing of the Offerings may take place in one or more tranches as determined by the Company and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company may pay certain eligible finders a cash fee of up to 7% of the gross proceeds raised in respect of the Offerings from subscribers introduced by such finders to the Company. The Company may also issue to eligible finders such number of finder warrants (each, a "Finder Warrant") as is equal to 7% of the number of LIFE Units or CFT 4MH Units sold under the Offerings to subscribers introduced by such finders to the Company. The Finder Warrants, to the extent they are issued, will entitle the holders thereof to acquire one (1) common share of the Company at a price of $0.60 per Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offerings for fieldwork at the Company's exploration projects and, in the case of the net proceeds from the LIFE Offering, as more particularly set out in the Offering Document. Qualified person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Babak Vakili Azar, P.Geo., an independent contractor and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Historical reports provided by the optionor were reviewed by the qualified person. The information provided has not been verified and is being treated as historic. About Formation Metals Inc. Formation Metals Inc. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Formation's flagship asset is the N2 Gold Project, an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces (18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4) and six mineralized zones, each open for expansion along strike and at depth including the "A" zone, of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open), and the "RJ" zone, host to historical high-grade intercepts as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres. FORMATION METALS INC. Deepak Varshney, CEO and Director For more information, please call 778-899-1780, email info@formationmetalsinc.com or visit www.formationmetalsinc.com. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notes and References: Readers are cautioned that the geology of nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of the geology of the Property. The above referenced resource estimates do not have a category, are considered historical in nature, and are based on prior data prepared by a previous property owner, and do not conform to current CIM categories. While the Company considers the estimates to be reliable, a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current resources in accordance with current CIM categories and the Company is not treating the historical estimates as a current resource. A 0.5 g/t Au cut-off was used in the preparation of the historical estimates with a minimum 2.5 metre mining width. Significant data compilation, re-drilling, re-sampling and data verification may be required by a qualified person before the historical estimates can be classified as current resources. There can be no assurance that any of the historical mineral resources, in whole or in part, will ever become economically viable. In addition, mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Company is not aware of any more recent estimates prepared for the N2 Property. Needham, B. (1994), 1993 Diamond Drill Report, Northway Joint Venture, Northway Property; Cypress Canada Inc.; 492 pages. Guy K. (1991), Exploration Summary May 1, 1990 to May 1, 1991 Vezza Joint Venture Northway Property; Total Energold; 227 pages. Forward-looking statements: This news release includes "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements respecting: the Company's plans for the Property and the expected timing and scope of the 2025 drilling program at the Property; the Company's goal of delivering a near-surface multi-million-ounce deposit the Property; the Company's anticipated timeline with respect to the Application for Autorisation de Travaux d'exploration a Impacts (ATI) to the Ministere des Ressources naturelles et des Forets (MERN); the Company's view that the Property has the potential for over three million ounces of gold; the 7,500-metre drilling program marking the beginning of the Company's pursuit of that goal; and statements respecting the Offerings and the expected use of proceeds therefrom. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. No Offer or Solicitation to Purchase Securities in the United States This press release does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction in the United States, and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, as such term is defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act ("Regulation S"), except pursuant to an exemption from or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. Persons nor shall there by any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. SOURCE: Formation Metals View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/formation-metals-expands-maiden-drill-program-at-the-advanced-n2-gold-project-to-1045995 Ende Mai leitete US-Prasident Donald Trump mit der Unterzeichnung mehrerer Dekrete eine weitreichende Wende in der amerikanischen Energiepolitik ein. Im Fokus: der beschleunigte Ausbau der Kernenergie. Mit einem umfassenden Manahmenpaket sollen Genehmigungsprozesse reformiert, kleinere Reaktoren gefordert und der Anteil von Atomstrom in den USA massiv gesteigert werden. Ausloser ist der explodierende Energiebedarf durch KI-Rechenzentren, der eine stabile, CO-arme Grundlastversorgung zwingend notwendig macht. In unserem kostenlosen Spezialreport erfahren Sie, welche 3 Unternehmen jetzt im Zentrum dieser energiepolitischen Neuausrichtung stehen, und wer vom kommenden Boom der Nuklearindustrie besonders profitieren konnte. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders von der Energiewende in den USA profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter. Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! Guizhou, China--(Newsfile Corp. - July 6, 2025) - On July 5, Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 officially opened in Guiyang under the theme "Harmonious Coexistence Between Humans and Nature - Global Collaborative Development for Green Transformation." Ding Zhongli, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League, attended and delivered the keynote speech. Former State Councilor Dai Bingguo was also in attendance. Istvan Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly; Maurea Toirena, Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands; and Seni Fassinet Sylla, Second Vice President of the National Transitional Council of Guinea, delivered speeches. Xu Lin, Secretary of the Guizhou Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Guizhou Provincial People's Congress, delivered the welcome speech. Li Bingjun, Deputy Secretary of the Guizhou Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and Governor of Guizhou Province, presided over the opening ceremony. Liu Jie, Deputy Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and Governor of Zhejiang Province; Lu Yansong, Editor-in-Chief of Xinhua News Agency; and Dong Baotong, Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment, delivered speeches. Zhao Yongqing, Chairman of the CPPCC Guizhou Provincial Committee; Ma Hancheng, Deputy Secretary of the Guizhou Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China; and other provincial leaders attended the event. In his keynote speech, Ding Zhongli stated that, guided by Xi Jinping's Thought on Ecological Civilization, China is firmly committed to a path of civilized development characterized by economic growth, improved livelihoods, and a sound ecological environment. The country has strengthened environmental protection in a comprehensive, all-region, and whole-process manner, advancing ecological civilization to a new level and contributing both wisdom and strength to global sustainable development and the building of a prosperous, clean, and beautiful world. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the concept "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" and the 10th anniversary of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Dedicated to pooling global wisdom and contributing to the development of ecological civilization, Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025, under the theme "Harmonious Coexistence Between Humans and Nature - Global Collaborative Development for Green Transformation," holds great significance. China is ready to work hand in hand with the international community to firmly uphold the concept of ecological civilization, improve environmental governance systems, promote green and low-carbon development, and deepen international exchanges and cooperation to jointly tackle global ecological challenges and advance the global cause of ecological civilization. Istvan Jakab stated that the Sustainable Development Goals encompass all aspects of ecological, economic, and social life, and that every country in the world should work together in solidarity. Hungary places great importance on environmental protection and the transition to a green economy and stands ready to work with all parties to build a more peaceful and mutually respectful future. Maurea Toirena remarked that in the face of shared ecological challenges, nations must deepen cooperation and mutual understanding. He commended China's forward-looking vision, policies, and actions as a model for the international community. He expressed hope that all parties would uphold the principle of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature to ensure a vibrant and resilient planet for future generations. Seni Fassinet Sylla stated that the clear and compelling theme of Eco Forum Global Guiyang places humanity's responsibility at the heart of the global future. He emphasized that Guinea is committed to building a more resource-efficient and resilient economy, viewing ecological civilization as a cornerstone of national development and a legacy to pass on to future generations. On behalf of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee and the People's Government of Guizhou Province, Xu Lin extended a warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to all guests. He noted that President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the development of ecological civilization in Guizhou, providing consistent strategic guidance and timely, targeted direction. Guizhou, bearing in mind President Xi's expectations, has embraced the concept of ecological civilization to chart a path of high-quality development-bringing greenery to mountains and rivers, empowering industries across sectors, and benefiting countless households. The province is making every effort to achieve the integrated goals of economic prosperity, public well-being, and environmental excellence. The remarkable transformation of Colorful Guizhou is a vivid reflection of the broader changes unfolding in the pursuit of a Beautiful China and stands as a powerful testament to the truth and practical strength of Xi Jinping's Thought on Ecological Civilization. Guizhou will continue to work with all parties to ensure the success of the forum and fully leverage its outcomes, striving to enhance the "green content" of development to boost its "gold content," and to present a new image of a beautiful Guizhou-pristine, low-carbon, and vibrant. Liu Jie stated that Zhejiang is one of the birthplaces of Xi Jinping's Thought on Ecological Civilization. In 2005, during a visit to Yucun Village in Anji, Comrade Xi Jinping first proposed the concept "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," initiating the province-level practice of Chinese modernization marked by harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Over the past 20 years, Zhejiang has pursued a consistent blueprint across successive administrations, advancing green and low-carbon development across all sectors, implementing comprehensive ecological remediation, promoting ecological protection and restoration throughout the region, and strengthening territorial spatial planning in all dimensions. The province has become China's first "eco-province," achieving a remarkable transformation from "Green Zhejiang" to "Ecological Zhejiang," and now to "Beautiful Zhejiang." He extended a warm invitation to all guests to visit Zhejiang and experience firsthand the charm of "Picturesque Jiangnan, Dynamic Zhejiang." Lu Yansong remarked that Xinhua News Agency will continue to deepen its coverage and interpretation of Xi Jinping's Thought on Ecological Civilization, vividly presenting the Guizhou chapter of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, and highlighting China's green transformation as both an inspiration and a call to action for the world. Dong Baotong stated that guided by Xi Jinping's Thought on Ecological Civilization, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment will remain committed to its green mission, boldly explore new paths for transformation, strengthen ecological safeguards, and share governance experiences to promote harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Also present at the opening ceremony were officials from relevant institutions and political parties of various countries; Chen Zhou, Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee; Yang Linping, Vice President of the Supreme People's Court; Chen Zhi, Member of the Editorial Board of People's Daily; Qi Zhuquan, Deputy Director of China Media Group; Jiang Erxiong, Vice Governor of Fujian Province; Li Jianzhong, Vice Governor of Hunan Province; Wang Jinnan, President of the World Green Design Organization and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Li Zhanguo, President of the Zhejiang Provincial High People's Court; Zhu Yu, President of the Hunan Provincial High People's Court; Li Yongli, President of the Chongqing High People's Court; Liu Shijin, Chief Chinese Advisor of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development and former Vice President of the Development Research Center of the State Council; Long Yongtu, former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation and former Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia; Zhang Jun, Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia; Zhao Shuchong, President of the Chinese Society of Forestry and former Director of the State Forestry Administration; Wang Xiufeng, President of the All-China Environment Federation; Zhu Changjie, Vice President of the China Police Association; among others. Also in attendance were members of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, leadership members of the Standing Committee of the Guizhou Provincial People's Congress, the provincial government, the provincial committee of the CPPCC, as well as principal officials from the Provincial Military Command, the Provincial High People's Court, the Provincial People's Procuratorate, and the Guizhou Armed Police Corps. This year's forum brought together nearly 1,000 guests from 62 countries and regions. Attendees at the opening ceremony included members of the delegation from Zhejiang Province, the forum's guest province; leaders of international and regional organizations; foreign diplomats based in China; academicians and experts; and representatives from leading enterprises, universities, media outlets, research institutions, and industry associations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257886 SOURCE: 41Caijing The probe report was to be submitted by May 9, a deadline missed by the police. read more A Mumbai court on Friday issued a show cause notice to city police for not submitting an inquiry report in a criminal complaint filed against film and television producer Ekta Kapoor for allegedly disrespecting Indian soldiers in one of her web series. The probe report was to be submitted by May 9, a deadline missed by the police. The magistrates court in Bandra had in February directed the Khar police to conduct an inquiry into the complaint against Kapoor and others under section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Under this section, a magistrate can carry out an inquiry into a criminal complaint, or direct the police to do so. The magistrates court had called for a report from the police by May 9. The show cause notice was issued as the police havent submitted the report yet. The complaint was filed by YouTuber Vikas Pathak, also known as `Hindustani bhau. Besides Ekta, Pathak named her OTT platform Alt Balaji, and her parents Shobha and Jeetendra Kapoor in the complaint. As per the complaint filed through advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, a web series on Alt Balaji showed a military officer engaging in an illicit sexual act in one of its episodes. Pathak came across the episode in May 2020, the complaint said. The accused have stooped to a cheap low and shamelessly targeted the dignity and pride of our country by depicting Indian Army military uniform in the illicit sexual act with national emblem on it, the complaint said. The statement came a week after reports of the couples breakup swirled ahead of the wedding of billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos, which Bloom attended alone. Perry has been on a world tour. read more Popstar Katy Perry and actor Orlando Bloom have split, multiple media outlets reported Thursday. Outlets including People and USA Today cited a statement that said the pair have been shifting their relationship over the past many months to focus on co-parenting and would continue to be seen in public with their daughter. The statement, attributed to representatives for both stars, said their priority would be raising their daughter with love, stability, and mutual respect. The statement came a week after reports of the couples breakup swirled ahead of the wedding of billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos, which Bloom attended alone. Perry has been on a world tour. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Representatives for Perry and Bloom did not immediately respond to The Associated Press request for comment. Perry, 40, and Bloom, 48, have been romantically linked since 2016. The pair split in 2017 but rekindled shortly thereafter, getting engaged on Valentines Day in 2019, as Perry revealed during an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live. In 2020, the pair welcomed a daughter named Daisy Dove Bloom. Perry and Bloom got UNICEF to announce the news on its Instagram account. Both are goodwill ambassadors for the United Nations agency that helps children. Bloom and his former wife, Australian model Miranda Kerr, have a son, Flynn, who was born in 2011. Daisy is Perrys only child. Perry, born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, was previously married to comedian Russell Brand. Born and raised in California, the 13-time Grammy Award nominee helped usher in the sound of 00s pop, quickly becoming one of the bestselling artists of all time for her campy, big, belting anthems. She has released seven studio albums, most notably 2010s sugar-sweet Teenage Dream. The album produced five No. 1s that tied a record set by Michael Jacksons 1987 album Bad. Bloom, who is from Canterbury, England, is best known for his roles as the elf Legolas in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films as well as Will Turner in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Saif Ali Khan has already dismissed rumours of him planning to buy back Pataudi Palace, his ancestral home, from a hotel chain few years back. read more In a massive setback for Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, the actor has lost out on properties belonging to the Pataudi family worth Rs 15000 crore as the Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared them as Enemy Property. They have overturned a 1999 verdict favouring his great-grandmother, Sajida Sultan. As per Indias Enemy Property Act, such assets are those left by individuals who migrated to Pakistan post-Partition (1947) or became citizens therehere, due to Sajidas brother moving to Pakistan. The government can now manage or seize them. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Saif Ali Khan has already dismissed rumours of him planning to buy back Pataudi Palace, his ancestral home, from a hotel chain few years back. He also pointed out that the propertys price being Rs 800 crore is a massive exaggeration. The actor told Mumbai Mirror that he is the owner of the property, which was leased to Neemrana Hotels. However, after his father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudis death in 2011 he desired for the family to possess the palace once again. Its impossible to put a value to it in monetary terms because emotionally, the property is priceless. My grandparents and father are buried there, theres security, serenity and a spiritual connection there for me. The land goes back by a few centuries, but the palace that my grandfather built for my grandmother is around a hundred years old. He was the ruling monarch then, but since then, privy purses and titles have been abolished. These are different times which is why my father leased it out and Francis (Wacziarg) and Aman (Nath), who ran a hotel in the palace, took good care of the property and were like family. My mother (Sharmila Tagore) has a cottage there and she was always comfortable, said Khan. Today, hes a frail 90. But in March 1959, in his early 20s, the 14th Dalai Lama undertook perhaps one of the most difficult journeys of his lifetime fleeing Tibet under the cover of darkness, disguised as a soldier, to escape Chinese authority. Two weeks later, he arrived in India, which he has since adopted as his home read more Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama turns 90 on July 6. He's been the spiritual leader of Tibet for over almost seven decades now. File image/AFP It all began with a simple invite; the 14th Dalai Lama had received an odd letter from a Chinese general. It was an invitation to watch a dance performance in Lhasa. However, there was a caveat to attend minus bodyguards and armed soldiers. Immediately, the Dalai Lama and his close aides smelled a rat and he was advised to flee. What followed was an unforgettable journey from Tibet to India he crossed the Himalayas on foot, travelling only at night and finally reached Arunachal Pradesh where he was given asylum by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Weeks later, he shifted to Mussoorie, where he stayed at Birla House for a few days, before finally moving to his eventual home of McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradeshs Dharamsala, from where he has been running a government in exile for six decades. Now, as the Dalai Lama turns 90, we take a look back at this arduous trek and what led the Dalai Lama to undertake it. Tibet, China and rising tensions At the beginning of the 20th Century, Tibet increasingly came under Chinese control and a year later, communist China invaded the country high up in the mountains. Then in 1951, China drew up a 17-point agreement legitimising Tibets incorporation into China. However, in the subsequent years, Tibetans faced oppression and mistreatment at the hands of the Chinese. These increasing tensions between Chinese troops and Tibetans erupted in turmoil and frequent protests and by 1956, the ethnic Tibetan people were up in arms; as more and more farmers were stripped of their land, tens of thousands organised themselves into armed resistance groups and began to fight back. Chinese army reprisals grew increasingly brutal and included wide-spread abuse of Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns. Tibetans gather during armed uprising against Chinese rule on March 10, 1959 in front of the Potala Palace (former home of the Dalai Lama) in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet (Xizang). File image/AFP Then in March 1959, a full-scale revolt broke out between the Tibetans and the Chinese. It was amidst this uprising that on March 10, 1959, Chinese general Zhang Chenwu invited the Dalai Lama to a performance by a Chinese dance troupe. However, the invitation also asked the Dalai Lama to come without his bodyguards or soldiers. This raised the hackles of supporters of the Dalai Lama; suspicious of the intent behind the friendly overture, they advised the Tibetan spiritual leader to escape from Tibet, fearing that he would be abducted by the Chinese. A plan set in motion Fearing the worst, the Dalai Lama and his closest supporters came up with a plan to flee Tibet and the Chinese hand and seek refuge in India. In fact, his then-Lord Chamberlain Thubten Woedhen Phala had sent an official, Thupten Tsephel Tekhang, to the then-Indian Consul General in Lhasa SL Chibber, to brief him on the situation. Phalas message said that if Tibetan talks with the Chinese did not work out His Holiness would need to seek refuge in India and requested him to convey the same to the Indian government so that this could be considered when the time came. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Phala also decided that the Dalai Lama and his aides would escape in small groups at different points of time with the spiritual leader being in the final group. Escape under the dark of night After much planning, on March 17, the Dalai Lama dressed as a soldier left the summer palace in Tibet in the dark of night along with his mother, sister, younger brother and several top officials. The Dalai Lama and his group mostly travelled at night to avoid Chinese detection and spent their days hiding at Buddhist monasteries or camps of the Khamba tribe. The 14th Dalai Lama fleeing Tibet into exile with Khampa (men from the Eastern province of Kham) bodyguards in March. Image Courtesy: dalailama.com According to accounts of those involved in the escape, the Dalai Lamas mother fared terribly in the cold. Her skin peeled and she was barely able to stand. But after facing many challenges the harsh climate, the extreme heights of the Himalayas and the fear of being caught by the Chinese the Dalai Lama and his entourage, on March 26, reached Lhuntse Dzong, a few days march from the McMahon Line, the border between India and Tibet. The Tibetan leader then wrote a letter to the Indian prime minister, seeking refuge in India: Ever since Tibet went under the control of Red China and the Tibetan Government lost its powers in 1951, I, my Government officers and citizens have been trying to maintain peace in Tibet, but the Chinese Government has been gradually subduing the Tibetan Government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In this critical situation we are entering India via Tsona, the Dalai Lama added. I hope that you will please make necessary arrangements for us in the Indian territory. Confident of your kindness. When Nehru received the letter, he took immediate measures to welcome the Tibetan leader and his at the first Indian post at Chuthangmu, north of Tawang, then part of the Kameng Frontier Division. Then on March 31, the Dalai Lama, his family members, bodyguards, and fellow Tibetans were received by Indian border guards at the Khenzimane Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. Nehru faces fire For Indias Jawaharlal Nehru, the decision to grant the Dalai Lama refuge was no easy task. The PM faced severe criticism, many warning him of the consequences of antagonising China. V K Krishna Menon, who was the defence minister at the time had objected to the asylum at a crucial Cabinet meeting. Bharatiya Jan Sangh leader Deendayal Upadhyay also said the move obstructs, rather than helps, fulfillment of this objective [of actively supporting Tibets struggle for independence. But, Nehru remained steadfast. The Dalai Lama being recieved by PN Menon and other Indian officials. Image Courtesy: tibet musuem.org Setting up home in India Finally, on April 2, the Dalai Lama and his team reached Chutangmu, a tiny Assam Rifles outpost near Tawang where they were formally welcomed by Indian government officials. The following day, the Nehru government announced it had granted the Dalai Lama political asylum. Eventually, the Dalai Lama moved to Tezpur from where he issued a full statement on his escape from Tibet. It is thanks to the affectionate support and the loyalty of his people that the Dalai Lama was able to make his way, by an extremely difficult route, it said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The 14th Dalai Lama with then Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru. Image Courtesy: tibetmusueum.org The Dalai Lama wishes to categorically state that he left Lhasa and Tibet and came to India of his own free will and not by force, it said. Shortly after the statement, China issued its own remarks, accusing India of meddling in its internal affairs. Beijing insisted that the Dalai Lama be returned. Following this, the Dalai Lama lived in Mussoorie for a few months before moving to McLeodganj in Dharamsala and set up the Tibetan government-in-exile. The rest, as you know, is history. With inputs from agencies Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Brazil today (July 6) where he will attend the Brics Summit. Modi is also set to meet President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday (July 8). The men will likely discuss deepening cooperation on a wide range of issues, including energy and defence. But how have India and Brazils defence ties deepened during the Modi years? Lets take a closer look read more Prime Minister Narendra Modis five-nation tour continues. Modi is in Brazil today (July 6) where he will attend the Brics Summit. Modi is also set to meet President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday (July 8). All eyes will be on the two men, who will likely discuss deepening cooperation on a wide-range of issues including energy and defence. Modis five-nation trip, which began in Ghana on July 2, will wrap up in Namibia on July 10. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Modis five-nation tour, his longest diplomatic foray in nearly a decade, will see him visit Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. But what do we know about the lesser-known but crucial strategic relationship with Brazil? How has the defence relationship between India and Brazil deepened in the Modi years? Lets take a closer look: India-Brazil defence relationship India and Brazil established diplomatic relations in 1948. The two countries originally signed a defence agreement in 2003. The relationship was elevated to that of a strategic partnership since 2006. The countries also established the Joint Defence Committee (JDC) as a mechanism to increase cooperation. During the Modi years, meetings of the JDC have been held regularly. In all, seven such meetings have been held since its inception the last such gathering in 2021. Meanwhile, high-level defence delegations have visited each other in 2022, 2023 and 2024. They have also established several mechanisms to improve bilateral relations. This includes Joint Commission Meeting (Foreign Minister level), Strategic Dialogue (NSA), Foreign Office Consultations (Secretary), and Joint Defence Commission. The 2nd Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) was held in Brasilia in June 2023. The medium-range Akash air defence system is in service with the Indian Army and Air Force. (Photo: BEL) Last year, the 2+2 political-military dialogue held its first meeting. India and Brazil have seen visits of over a dozen high-level and defence delegations. This includes high-level defence officials from both sides, such as Indias Chief of Air Staff visiting Brazil and Brazils Air Force Commander, Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz, coming to India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In August, Brazilian Navy Commander, Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, made a five-day official visit to India. India-Brazil potential for military platforms The two countries have much to gain by cooperating when it comes to developing military platforms. Brazils defence budget in 2024 was $25 billion. It has the worlds 11th-largest army. India, meanwhile, has a defence budget of $74 billion. It has the worlds second-largest standing army. Indias defence exports surged to $2.76 billion in 2025. This was a 12 per cent increase over the previous year. In 2013-2014, defence exports were at Rs 686 crore. Thats a massive 34-fold increase. The country is aiming to increase its defence exports to 5.84 billion (Rs 50,000 crore) by 2029. Brazil has expressed interest in purchasing several defence items from India. This includes the Akash air defence system, a medium-range, surface-to-air missile system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, which displayed an outstanding performance during Operation Sindoor, Indias Scorpene Class submarines and Garuda artillery guns. P Kumaran, Secretary (East) of Indias Ministry of External Affairs, P Kumaran, said the defence system would be discussed during Modis trip. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brazil has also displayed interest in purchasing Indias Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. PTI Theres going to be talk on defence cooperation, avenues for joint research, and training, Kumaran said. They (the Brazilian government) are interested in secure communications systems on the battlefield, offshore patrol vessels, partnership for maintaining their Scorpene-class submarines, Akash air defence system, coastal surveillance system and Garuda artillery guns, Kumaran added. An MoU for Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to maintain the submarines could be on the agenda. They are also interested in the Akash Air Defence system, coastal surveillance systems, and Garuda artillery guns. They are also interested in manufacturing defence industries in a joint venture with us and joint R&D and co-development systems, he added. Brazil could also buy Offshore Patrol Vessels from MDL. Brazil has also displayed interest in purchasing Indias Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. According to our rules, we should have not less than two and not more than three kinds of fighter aircraft. Currently, we have the F-5 and the Gripen, but after 2030, we will need maybe two more kinds as the F-5 goes. So, while the Gripen remains, the Tejas is one of the options for our second or third fighter plane, Damasceno was quoted as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brazil is also looking at Indian helicopters and drones the latter of which could involve a transfer of technology. We have seven squadrons of 12 helicopters each, and we are looking for more, perhaps 24 new choppers, Damasceno added. We will consider Indian helicopters, he added. The next-generation BrahMos supersonic missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is also on Brazils radar. A senior defence official told Financial Express, For Brazil, the BrahMos-NG can be a suitable choice for their new Gripen aircraft. The new system is designed for a wide range of fighter aircraft platforms with best-in-class specifications. Kumaran also said the countries could launch a joint venture through Brazils aerospace firm Embraer. The firm has designed the C-390 Millennium, a multi-role transport aircraft, which India could look to acquire as part of its own efforts to upgrade the Indian Air Force. The next-generation BrahMos supersonic missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is also on Brazils radar.. Representational image: Wikimedia Commons There are reports that Embraer could join hands with Mahindra to jointly manufacture the C-390 in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Compared with the C-130 (an American plane noted for its ruggedness), the C-390 is faster and carries at least as much load. We are offering this to India, and the MOUs with Mahindra are already done. So far, its serviceability level is over 97 per cent, Damasceno added. The Indian Air Force does need medium transport aircraft, he added. Brazilian firms Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (CBC) and Taurus Armas are already in joint ventures with Indian firms when it comes to small arms and ammunition production. What do experts say? They say Modis visit is just the latest sign of deep trust between the two democratic powers. A piece in Financial Express stated that Brazil is currently trying to reinvent its defence strategy for the modern age, while seeking stronger strategic alliances. India, they say, is a critical partner to its growing defence ambitions. Indias ambassador Reddy was quoted as saying, Defence cooperation has become a cornerstone of our strategic relationship. Major-Brigadier Rui Chagas Mesquita, Secretary of Brazilian Defence Products, was quoted as saying by EurAsia Times, When we look at India, we seek to work together so that we can also jointly develop finished products and use Brazil as a hub for selling these commonly developed products in the Latin American market. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 7. Product exports through the customs of Bushehr Province in southern Iran reached $2.75 billion, totaling 7.65 million tons, from March 21 through June 21, 2025, the head of Bushehr Provinces customs, Ali Soleimani, told reporters, Trend reports. He noted that 20 percent of Irans total non-oil exports of 34.5 million tons were shipped through Bushehr customs. Soleimani explained that the main exports included gas condensate, cement, fish and shrimp, gypsum, fruits, and vegetables, primarily destined for China, the UAE, India, Pakistan, Oman, Brazil, Turkiye, Qatar, and Kuwait. The official also mentioned that imports through Bushehr customs amounted to $483 million and 180,000 tons over the three months. Imported goods included rice, power plant equipment, and automobile spare parts. Soleimani added that these products mainly came from the UAE, China, India, Russia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, Japan, Thailand, and Germany. The data from Irans Customs Administration shows that the country's non-oil exports totaled approximately $11.7 billion and 34.5 million tons in these three months. Compared to the same period last year, non-oil exports decreased by 14.4 percent in value and 9.3 percent in weight. Meanwhile, Iran imported nine million tons of non-oil products worth $13 billion, showing an 11.7 percent decrease in value and a 4.35 percent decrease in weight compared to the same period last year. --- Follow the author on X: @BaghishovElnur Chinese President Xi Jinpings disappearance from public view for two weeks is raising questions about who controls the reins in Beijing. The development comes in the backdrop of reports that his successor Wang Yang, a technocrat, is being groomed to take over. All this and more in our weekly roundup of stories from around the world read more United States President Donald Trump would be a happy man. His signature One Big Beautiful Bill has become a law. Trump signed the legislation on July 4, coinciding with American Independence Day. Chinese President Xi Jinpings absence for two weeks has triggered speculations about who holds the reins in the Asian country. The buzz has been further fuelled by his decision to miss the Brics summit in Brazil, which is taking place on July 6 and 7. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A severe heatwave has gripped Europe. Temperatures have surpassed 40 degrees Celsius in some places, prompting authorities to issue heat alert warnings. However, there is no relief for most Europeans, even at home, who do not have access to air conditioning. More from Explainers How India-Brazil defence partnership has deepened under PM Modi All this and more in our weekly wrap from around the world. 1. US President Donald Trumps signature spending bill has become law. The legislation was passed by the US House of Representatives before the Republicans self-imposed July 4 deadline. While Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries gave a speech for eight hours and 44 minutes on the floor to delay the vote, the legislation was passed by 218214, with two Republicans breaking ranks to oppose the bill. Trump celebrated the Houses approval of his tax and spending legislation. I want to thank Republican congressmen and women, because what they did is incredible, he said. Dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, it will affect everyone seniors, students, taxpayers, families and low-income Americans. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson holds up a vote count alongside fellow Republicans after signing President Donald Trumps signature bill of tax breaks and spending cuts, July 3, 2025, at the Capitol in Washington. AP As the contentious bill becomes law, who stands to gain and lose? We take a look here. 2. Chinese President Xi Jinping was out of public view between May 21 and June 5. His absence sparked rumours about whether power is shifting within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Xi is also not attending the Brics summit for the first time since taking power. General Zhang Youxia, the First Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), could hold power in China. There are also reports that technocrat Wang Yang is being groomed as Xis successor. What is going on? And should India worry? Read our report to find out. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 3. Trumps 90-day pause on the April Liberation Day tariffs on dozens of countries is coming to an end next week. Top US officials had pledged to achieve 90 deals in 90 days. But how many trade agreements have actually been realised? As Trumps July 9 deadline nears, we take a look at what is the status of Trumps bilateral trade deals with India, China, the United Kingdom and several other countries. How costly will the tariffs be for the US? Heres our story. 4. Will there be two Dalai Lamas? Tenzin Gyatso, the current Dalai Lama, has confirmed ahead of his 90th birthday that he will have a successor. The Tibetan spiritual leader announced that he would be reincarnated after his death, asserting that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the authority to recognise his successor. His remarks are being seen as a message to Beijing to stay away from the selection process. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China, which wants to influence the selection of the next Dalai Lama, has reacted to the development, saying the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must adhere to the principles of domestic search in China and approval by the central government. Does this mean there is a possibility of two Dalai Lamas? We explore in this report. 5. Extreme heat has sizzled Europe, leading to health warnings and alerts about wildfire risks. While the heatwave has turned deadly, many people do not have air conditioning (AC) in their homes. Only around 20 per cent of European homes have ACs. According to the 2018 International Energy Agency (IEA) report, based on data from 2016, the European Union (EU) has far fewer AC units than China or the United States. But why are ACs so rare in Europe? And as temperatures break records, is there a shift in European attitudes towards the appliances? We explain here. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 6. Glastonbury Festival, the UKs largest music festival, has stirred a massive row. Police in southwest England have initiated a review after controversial remarks on stage by performers rap-punk duo Bob Vylan and the Irish-language hip-hop trio Kneecap. After leading chants of free, free Palestine, Bob Vylans frontman Bobby Vylan remarked death, death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). Avon and Somerset police have now launched a criminal investigation into whether the comments amounted to a criminal offence. Glastonburys organisers and the BBC, which broadcast the performances live, are also facing flak over the incident. Heres our report. This is all we have for you this week. If you like how we explain news, you can bookmark this page. As unmanned aerial threats grow more sophisticated and prevalent, the Indian Navy has been prioritising counter-drone capabilities. Long-range NLOS communication solutions vital for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore coordination are also being worked on read more Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Pentagon Rugged Systems India Limited to integrate anti-drone and long-range communication systems on Indian Navy platforms, in a significant move to enhance maritime warfare readiness. The agreement, signed on July 5, 2025, focuses on two key areas: the integration of advanced Anti-Drone Systems and the deployment of Long-Range Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) Communication Systems. These technologies are expected to bolster the Navys operational capabilities in both blue-water and littoral theatres. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As unmanned aerial threats grow more sophisticated and prevalent, the Indian Navy has been prioritising counter-drone capabilities. The anti-drone system being developed under this partnership promises real-time detection, tracking, and neutralisation of hostile drones, with coverage extending up to 30 km. The system is designed to jam frequencies across the 400 MHz to 6 GHz spectrum, enabling neutralisation without causing collateral damage to friendly systems or infrastructure. Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has taken a decisive step towards future warfare readiness by signing a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Pentagon Rugged Systems India Limited on 05 Jul 2025 to jointly integrate cutting-edge Anti-Drone Systems on Naval ships with cutting-edge pic.twitter.com/s7EuYUmyj7 Chairman, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (@CMD_HSL) July 6, 2025 The partnership is also aligned with Indias Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programmes, with both companies aiming to indigenously design and produce the technologies. According to the official statement, integration trials are scheduled to begin in the next quarter, with deployment on frontline vessels to follow shortly after. Cmde Hemant Khatri, Chairman and Managing Director of HSL, stressed the urgency of equipping the Navy to counter asymmetric threats. This MoU is a significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence technology. Our partnership with Pentagon Rugged Systems will not only enhance the combat readiness of our naval platforms but also foster indigenous innovation in maritime security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The collaboration also targets long-range NLOS communication solutions, which are vital for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore coordination in complex maritime environments where traditional line-of-sight communications can falter. These systems are expected to significantly improve the Navys ability to operate in contested zones while maintaining secure and resilient communication links. This image illustrates how the NLOS enables communication over long distances. Image courtesy: HSL Dr. Swaminathan Manikandan, Managing Director of Pentagon Rugged Systems India Ltd, echoed the sentiment, saying, We are proud to collaborate with HSL to deliver indigenous, mission-critical, rugged, real-time, and scalable Anti-Drone technology tailored to address high-risk maritime threats. Sources in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said that Reuters X account may have been blocked due to a confusion or a technical glitch from the X side read more On Sunday (July 6), users pointed out that international news agency Reuters X account had been blocked in India. When users tried accessing the account, a notice popped up, saying the account had been withheld in response to a legal demand. However, the Indian government has denied raising any new request in this regard and sought an explanation from the Elon Musk-owned social media platform. A government spokesperson clarified in a statement Sunday morning: There is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold Reuters, and we are continuously working with X to resolve the problem. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier, sources in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology told Network 18 that it seems to be a confusion or a technical glitch from the X side. The government did not ask X to block Reuters. Have asked X why they have done it. So many other handles of Reuters are still available in India, which shows that the government wants Reuters in India. It seems like a technical issue or confusion from the X side," they said. Along with Reuters, the Reuters World account is also inaccessible to users in India. Confusion According to sources quoted in media reports, X seems to have acted now on a request made by the Indian government during Operation Sindoor in the month of May. The Reuters account was not blocked then, as requested by New Delhi. However, it seems, the X officials did act on that request now. An order was issued on May 7 (during Operation Sindoor) but it was not enforced. X seems to have enforced that order now which is a mistake on their part. Government has reached out to X for resolving it at the earliest, an official source said. Notably, other accounts of Reuters, such as Reuters Tech News, Reuters Fact Check, Reuters Asia, and Reuters China, are still accessible in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This comes days after the Indian government faced criticism online for unblocking several Pakistani-origin social media handles, which were blocked during the four-day standoff with Pakistan. However, the government had to reinstate the ban within 24 hours. Its likely that the government may have now sent a new request to X to block all the handles which were targeted in the original order issued in May, thus taking down Reuters too. The Supreme Court has asked the central government to urgently vacate the official residence meant for the Chief Justice of India, which is still occupied by former CJI Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, nearly eight months after his retirement. read more The Supreme Court has taken the unusual step of asking the Union government to urgently vacate the official Chief Justices residence, which is still occupied by former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, reported the Hindustan Times. In a letter dated July 1, the Supreme Court wrote to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), requesting that Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg in Lutyens Delhi the designated house for Indias sitting CJI be handed back immediately. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I am to request you to take possession of Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg, from Honble Dr. Justice DY Chandrachud without any further delay as not only the permission that was granted for retention has expired on 31st May, 2025, but also the period of six months provided in Rule 3B of the 2022 Rules has expired on 10th May, 2025, the letter from a Supreme Court official to the MoHUA secretary stated. Justice Chandrachud, who served as the 50th CJI from November 2022 to November 2024, continues to live in the Type VIII bungalow nearly eight months after retiring. His two successors Justices Sanjiv Khanna and the current CJI Bhushan R Gavai have chosen not to move into the Krishna Menon Marg house and have stayed in their previous official residences instead. According to the letter, Justice Chandrachud had written on December 18, 2024, to then CJI Sanjiv Khanna, seeking permission to stay at 5 Krishna Menon Marg until April 30, 2025. He explained that although he had been allotted Bungalow No. 14 on Tughlak Road under Rule 3B of the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, renovations at the new house were delayed because of pollution-related construction bans under GRAP-IV. For India, the evolving dynamics offer a narrow but valuable window to expand its trade footprint provided it can navigate policy risks and global headwinds with agility read more With a 26 per cent US tariff on key Indian exports looming on July 15, India finds itself at a critical juncture in global trade. The proposed duties covering over $6 billion worth of goods across sectors like steel, aluminium, auto parts, and textiles threaten to derail already fragile supply chains. As the IndiaUS trade pact talks enter a decisive phase, New Delhi faces growing pressure to secure a limited deal that can stave off steep tariff penalties and restore momentum to bilateral trade. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid this uncertainty, India continues its push to emerge as a credible alternative to China in global supply chains. The government is intensifying its Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) programs across 14 sectors, including electronics, textiles, and automotive, to boost exports and domestic manufacturing. The pharmaceutical industry with one of the largest pools of US FDA-approved facilities is poised to scale up exports of generics, while new trade pacts like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE have already doubled bilateral trade. Global Growth Slows: India Not Immune to Trade Headwinds Yet, even as India gains from global diversification strategies, it remains susceptible to the broader economic slowdown. Morgan Stanley recently cut Indias FY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.1 per cent, and the IMF revised its 2025 outlook to 6.2 per cent, citing the ripple effects of global trade contraction. The roots of the disruption trace back to the Trump administrations 2018 tariff escalations targeting China, the EU, and Canada. The USChina standoff deepened over the years, culminating in steep 2025 tariffs of up to 245 per cent on select Chinese goods under President Donald Trumps renewed leadership. Although recent signs point toward a cautious de-escalation with bilateral meetings resuming and some tariff rollbacks on the table the global economy has already felt the shockwaves. According to revised mid-2025 estimates by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), global merchandise trade is now expected to stagnate around 1.9 per cent growth, far below historical trends. If trade tensions escalate again, the WTO warns of a 1.5 per cent contraction, with North Americas exports potentially declining by over 12 per cent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Global players such as the IMF and OECD are also dialing down their optimism. The IMF now projects a slide in global trade growth from 3.8 per cent in 2024 to 1.7 per cent in 2025. A Fragmented Trade Landscape: Protectionism on the Rise The aftermath of these trade wars has not been one-sided. China responded with sweeping tariffs of up to 125 per cent on American imports and expanded non-tariff barriers. The EU, Canada, and Mexico followed suit, imposing countermeasures on key US exports. Even long-standing US allies like Japan and South Korea have publicly criticized the move, weighing reciprocal trade policies of their own. This tit-for-tat escalation is reinforcing protectionist sentiment and weakening the multilateral trading framework upheld by the WTO. Ocean freight volumes have dropped drastically with container bookings from China to the US plunging by 25 per cent and global volumes down by 18.4 per cent year-on-year choking global supply chains and intensifying recessionary fears. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Industries most affected include technology, electronics, automotive, and agriculture. In the US, retaliatory tariffs from China and the EU have crippled agricultural exports, including soybeans and pork. Meanwhile, retail giants such as Nestle and Procter & Gamble are signaling price hikes due to rising import costs and production delays. Indias China+1 Moment: Opportunities in Diversification In this shifting trade environment, India is being seen as a key beneficiary of supply chain diversification. American and European companies are exploring China+1 strategies, placing India firmly on their radar. The PLI scheme is already bearing fruit: Indias electronics exports are on an upward trajectory, and the pharmaceutical sector is scaling operations to meet growing global demand. The government is also pursuing new bilateral and regional trade agreements including with the EU to enhance market access and investment flows. However, India is not immune to the downside. Dumping concerns are growing as Chinese goods, unable to enter US markets, may flood other economies like India. Indian manufacturers face margin pressure from cheaper imports and weaker global demand. Monitoring and enforcement of trade safeguards will be critical in the months ahead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Balancing Diplomacy and Economic Reform: The Way Forward As tariff walls rise and retaliatory actions multiply, the global trade landscape is becoming more fragmented and uncertain. For India, the evolving dynamics offer a narrow but valuable window to expand its trade footprint provided it can navigate policy risks and global headwinds with agility. The path forward lies in balancing strategic diplomacy with bold economic reforms. Indias success will depend on how effectively it can tap into realigned global supply chains while insulating itself from external shocks. The stakes are high not just for India, but for the future of open and rules-based global trade. The author is academic associate, Economics, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The Israel-Iran conflict is over, at least for the time being. The war in Gaza, however, rages on. Despite frequent attempts to get the warring parties to agree to a ceasefire, it remains elusive. The Donald Trump administration, with Egypt and Qatar as key interlocutors, had recently proposed another ceasefire of 60 days. While initial reports suggested that Israel has agreed to the contours of the ceasefire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his statements later, denied it, and Hamas is yet to take a call on it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The positions of Israel and Hamas in it are acutely divergent. While Hamas is looking at a complete end to the war accompanied by full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, Israel is looking for the release of its hostages with no guarantees on ending the war till Hamas is totally removed from Gaza. With this being the case, an early ceasefire in Gaza looks unlikely. Meanwhile, the ceasefire between Israel and Iran has opened doors for American diplomacy in the region. Expansion of the Abraham Accords is being seen as the preferred instrument in it. There are inputs that Lebanon and Syria could be next to join the Abraham Accords now that they are effectively out of the Iranian sphere of influence. With the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the Al Shaara-led regime has suddenly become the favourite in Washington. Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa (previously Abu Mohammad al-Joulani with ISIS and Al-Qaeda links) was welcomed in the White House with open hands, economic sanctions on Syria are being removed, and there are economic packages being worked out to help rebuild Syria. The same is the case in Lebanon, where the government has assured the US and Israel that Hezbollah will not be allowed to regain strength in South Lebanon. Concurrently, efforts to restart the normalisation process between Israel and Saudi Arabia are being pursued. In fact, well before the Israel-Iran conflict broke out, President Trump visited Saudi Arabia and the West Asian region in May 2025 as his first visit abroad after taking over the presidency. Despite a successful visit in which a Saudi investment of almost $600 billion was promised, no headway could be made as far as normalisation of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia is concerned, with the Gaza war and the Palestine issue remaining key sticking points. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If the normalisation with Saudi Arabia does not move forward, the entire project of Israel being mainstreamed into the West Asian region will remain an unfinished project. It may be recalled that one of the primary reasons for the outbreak of the Gaza war was the process of this normalisation which was nearing fruition in September 2023. In the last week of September 2023, Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz became the first Israeli minister to head an official delegation to Saudi Arabia to take part in a conference of the United Nations Tourism Organisation. He was soon followed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi on October 3, leading an Israeli delegation to the Universal Postal Unions 2023 Extraordinary Congress. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), as well as Israels PM Netanyahu, also spoke publicly of the deal, the contours of which indicated that Saudi Arabia would have gotten a defence pact with the US as well as a nuclear program. Israel was to offer assurances to the Palestinian groups, but there would be no clear outcome on the two-state solution. If Saudi Arabia and Israel had established formal diplomatic relations without a permanent solution to the Palestine issue, it would have dealt a death blow to the struggle of the Palestinians. Before any more progress on normalisation could take place, the war broke out on October 7, triggered by the Hamas terror attack into Israel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the Gaza war as well as the recent Israel-Iran conflict, Saudi Arabia had to join other Arab/Muslim nations in the region to strongly condemn Israeli strikes into Gaza as well as the unilateral strikes on June 13, violating the territorial integrity of Iran. In such a situation, it is very unlikely that Saudi Arabia will relent soon and move towards normalisation. Any major expansion of the Abraham Accords is therefore likely to remain remote in the near future except, possibly, adding Lebanon and Syria to it. What can then be the path towards peace and economic progress in the region? Can economy and connectivity work where diplomacy is currently facing headwinds? Here is where the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) comes into the picture. It may be recalled that IMEC was one of the most successful outcomes of Indias G20 Summit in Delhi in September 2023. Coming as a surprise announcement at the Summit, it immediately caught the imagination of policymakers, businesses, and industry. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In its concept, it is a bold and transformative connectivity project with a vision to connect India with Europe across the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, creating an alternate link to the Suez Canal, which has faced frequent disruptions due to conflicts in the region. It envisions a multi-modal economic corridor involving multiple businesses, integrating railways, ports, highways, energy networks, and digital infrastructure to enhance trade, investment, and connectivity across the three continents. When implemented in full, IMEC promises to unlock new opportunities for multi-dimensional trade through multi-modal transport linkages across regions that have traditionally been close trade partners. It has the potential to facilitate faster and more efficient movement of goods, bypassing existing bottlenecks, reducing shipping delays, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and cutting costs. It also aims to secure regional supply chains, improve trade accessibility, and facilitate the economic prosperity of people and countries along the alignment of the project. One of the key and very interesting parts of the architecture unveiled at the G20 Summit was the alignment, which passes through Jordan and Israel, culminating at the port of Haifa, before its onwards sea passage to Europe. Interestingly, Egypt, which was traditionally a gateway from the region, was excluded from the original architecture despite having better-developed ports and rail infrastructure, giving a clear indication that IMEC was being seen as an instrument of economic connectivity as well as a geopolitical instrument to include Israel. However, even before it could take shape, the war in Gaza erupted, putting it on a backburner. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In recent months, however, IMEC has come alive again. Whether it was PM Modis visit to Washington earlier in February, the AI Global Summit in France in February, or the visit of EU Commissioners to New Delhi in March, one common thread is the mention of IMEC and the commitment to see that this project is implemented at the earliest opportunity. S Jaishankar, Indias External Affairs Minister, during his recent visit to Brussels in June, held extensive talks with the EU delegation. Among the talks, key points of discussion included the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and projects like IMEC, which can not only enhance connectivity but also unlock many other opportunities for collaboration. During recent discussions on IMEC, there is also a clear realisation that the originally proposed alignment may require a modification, and perhaps, the inclusion of Oman in the East and Egypt in the West will offer more options, which are less conflict-prone, to advance the IMEC project. In the West Asian region too, there is a strong positive outlook towards getting IMEC off the ground. India is already working bilaterally with the UAE and Saudi Arabia on coordinating many issues, like plugging the missing links and key regulatory mechanisms, which would be essential for smooth transit of goods through IMEC. The EU too has woken up to the huge promise of IMEC and has started deliberations on it. France and Italy, key signatories of IMEC from Europe, have also nominated special envoys for IMEC. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If signatory countries in the IMEC and others like Egypt, Oman, etc, do decide to move forward, it can create a huge opportunity for the three regions. India, which is seen to anchor the project, can play a very important and pivotal role in kick-starting the project. With close and strategic relationships with Israel as well as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and the EU, India can play a key role in putting collective economic prosperity as the driving factor, putting the conflict on a backburner. Focused and collective efforts on a shared vision of enhanced trade, connectivity, green energy, and prosperity can perhaps do what diplomacy is not able to doend the cycle of conflict in West Asia. Maybe IMEC can do what the Abraham Accords was aimed forlasting peace in West Asia. Col Rajeev Agarwal is a West Asia expert and a Senior Research Consultant at Chintan Research Foundation, New Delhi. His X Handle is @rajeev1421. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With the Dalai Lama turning 90, the stakes could not be higher. A manipulated succession would permanently compromise the Tibetan movement and also hurt Bharats strategic interest read more Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama attends an event celebrating his 90th birthday according to a Tibetan calendar at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamshala, India, Monday, June 30, 2025, ahead of his birthday according to the Gregorian calendar on July 6. AP A nations foreign policy is ultimately judged by how well it serves its national interest. History bears testimony that when a country ignores this principle, disaster follows. Indias own experience with Jawaharlal Nehrus foreign policy stands as a cautionary tale. Nehrus approach, often idealistic and detached from hard realities, led to a series of strategic blundersthe most glaring being his miscalculation on Tibet and China. However, pursuing national interest does not mean abandoning ethics or dharma. As history also shows, the absence of moral anchors often boomerangs. The amoral opportunism of US foreign policy in the 1970s and 1980swhether it was opening the doors to Communist China that eventually facilitated Chinas rise or fuelling fundamentalism in Afghanistan to counter the Soviet Union that ended in the horrors of 9/11offers sobering lessons. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For Bharat, a civilisational state steeped in dharmic consciousness, foreign policy has always been more than transactional. The Bharatiya outlook traditionally views the world not through the narrow prism of power blocs but through the wider lens of dharma. Nehrus concept of non-alignment stemmed from this civilisational discomfort with power-centric alliances. Unfortunately, while he refused to align with any bloc, he also failed to align with alla more authentic Bharatiya approach that balances relationships based on dharmic considerations. Bharatiya statecraft has never been naive about the ways of the world. The Mahabharata makes it abundantly clear when it quotes Bhishma as exhorting Yudhishthira: If the one who is fighting under deceit, one must fight back using deceit. This understanding should guide a traditionally dharmic state like Bharat in dealing with adharmic states such as Pakistan and communist China. (Theres a need to differentiate communist China from civilisational China, which was much closer to Bharat in ideas and outlook.) Instead, Nehru chose to blind himself to Chinas expansionist ambitions. His most tragic misstep came when he deliberately looked the other way when Maos troops invaded Tibet in 1950. The Chinese invasion of Tibet was not just a cataclysmic event for the Tibetans but also a major geostrategic setback for Bharat. While Sardar Vallabhbhai Patels opposition to Nehrus Tibet policy is well documented, especially his letter to the then prime minister in December 1950, where he exhorted him to be more watchful of Chinas imperialistic tendencies, Rajendra Prasad too wrote a letter on November 18, 1962, to Sri Prakasa, highlighting the moral failings of the Nehruvian foreign policy. Prasad writes, in the matter of Tibet, we acted not only un-chivalrously but even against our own interest in not maintaining the position of a buffer state for it and thus exposing a frontier of about 2,500 miles to the Chinese except for a small strip belonging to Nepal. I have very strong feelings about it. I feel that the blood of Tibet is on our head, and we must do prayashchit, which is already being forced on us. Let us hope that we shall be successful. But the Prime Minister does not like the name of Tibet to be mentioned even now and regards any mention of its liberation as manifest nonsense. No one suggests that we should march our armies into Tibet. But is there anything wrong in wishing well of Tibet and treating it as a sovereign country under the suzerainty of China? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Today, on July 6, 2025, as the Dalai Lama celebrates his 90th birthday, Bharat must introspect. Its prayashchitpenancefor Nehrus Himalayan blunder is not over. Tibets destiny remains entwined with Bharats strategic and moral dilemmas. The future of Tibet is now deeply tied to the question of the Dalai Lamas successiona spiritual event that has acquired profound geopolitical dimensions. Given Beijings proven record, there is little doubt it will try to orchestrate the succession process to install a pliant figure. The fate of the Panchen Lamaabducted by China after being recognised by the Dalai Lama, replaced by Beijings own nomineeserves as a chilling precedent. In 1995, when the 14th Dalai Lama identified six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lamathe second highest spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhismthe Chinese government responded by abducting the boy and installing its own candidate. Thus, there now exist two Panchen Lamas: one legitimate, yet disappeared; the other, a puppet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Panchen Lama is traditionally entrusted with the role of helping to identify the next Dalai Lama. By securing this position under its control, Beijing laid the groundwork to someday influence the selection of the Dalai Lama himself. With the Dalai Lama turning 90, the stakes could not be higher. A manipulated succession would permanently compromise the Tibetan movement and also hurt Bharats strategic interest. Therefore, it is imperative for the 14th Dalai Lama to secure his succession while alive, perhaps even innovating within Tibetan tradition by revealing or training his reincarnation in his lifetime. He has already suggested that the next Dalai Lama could be found outside Tibetpossibly even in India, where he has lived for over six decades. Such a move would not only preserve the sanctity of Tibetan Buddhism but would also deny Beijing the leverage it desperately craves. Moreover, it would allow the Dalai Lama to personally mentor his successor, safeguarding doctrinal integrity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bharat must stand ready to support this processnot just out of dharmic solidarity with Tibetans, but also because it aligns squarely with its national interest. A free and spiritually vibrant Tibet acts as a moral and strategic bulwark against Chinese expansionism. Supporting Tibetans in securing an untainted succession of the Dalai Lama is, therefore, both Bharats moral duty as well as its strategic imperative. The succession of the Dalai Lama is far more than a religious ritual. It is a powerful assertion of Tibetan agency against Chinese imperial overreach. For Bharat, this is an opportunity to atone for past errors and to act in a way that is both dharmic and strategically astute. This, truly, would be Bharats ultimate prayashchit. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Oppama, one of Nissans key domestic plants since 1961, has an annual production capacity of 240,000 vehicles. However, its utilisation rate fell to just 40 per cent last year, well below the 80 per cent typically required to break even read more Nissan has no plans to exit the Indian market and is launcing three new products in 2027, said MD Saurabh Vatsa. Image courtesy: Reuters Nissan Motor is in talks with Taiwans Foxconn to allow the electronics giant to produce electric vehicles at a Japanese plant that may face closure as part of the automakers global restructuring, people familiar with the matter reportedly said. The potential collaboration centers on Nissans Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo. A source at Nissan confirmed the discussions to Nikkei business. The plant employed around 3,900 people as of the end of October, and local governments have expressed concern about its future amid Nissans plans to reduce its final assembly factories worldwide from 17 to 10. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Partnering with Foxconn, officially known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, would enable Nissan to preserve jobs and lower production costs. Foxconn aims to produce its own electric vehicles at the site, while Nissan could improve the plants low utilisation rate by outsourcing surplus production lines to the Taiwanese manufacturer. Foxconn has been aggressively expanding its footprint in the EV sector. In 2024, it took a 50 percent stake in a chassis subsidiary of German auto parts maker ZF. It is now exploring a joint venture with Nissan to use the Oppama facility, sources said. Oppama, one of Nissans key domestic plants since 1961, has an annual production capacity of 240,000 vehicles. However, its utilisation rate fell to just 40 per cent last year, well below the 80 per cent typically required to break even, according to data from research firm MarkLines. Nissans declining global sales have exacerbated the plants underuse. Closing the plant could trigger significant costs due to potential layoffs and disruptions to Nissans local supply chain. Many affiliated parts suppliers are located near Oppama. The site also includes essential infrastructure such as a research center, test tracks, and a dedicated wharf for vehicle shipments. Shutting it down would require Nissan to replicate these facilities elsewhere, further complicating its vehicle development efforts. Foxconn has been seeking a manufacturing base in Japan since announcing its EV ambitions in 2019. In May, it signed a memorandum of understanding to supply electric passenger vehicles to Mitsubishi Motors and is also arranging to deliver electric buses to Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus. Using Oppama as a base could strengthen Foxconns ties with Japanese automakers. The companys behind-the-scenes interest in Nissan reportedly contributed to earlier merger talks between Nissan and Honda in December. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Japanese government has expressed caution about Foxconn gaining influence over Nissans management, but protecting jobs at the plant may help ease official concerns. Nissan is grappling with sluggish global sales and facing fresh headwinds from US President Donald Trumps automobile tariffs, which are expected to cut the companys operating profit this fiscal year by as much as 450 billion yen, or about 3.12 billion dollars. China has used its embassies and a coordinated disinformation campaign to cast doubt on the performance of Frances Rafale fighter jets following their combat use in clashes between India and Pakistan in May, French intel says. read more China used its embassies to sow doubts about the performance of French-made Rafale fighter jets after they were used in combat during the India-Pakistan clashes in May, according to French military and intelligence officials. The effort, aimed at harming the reputation and sales of Frances flagship fighter, was carried out through coordinated lobbying and disinformation, officials said. The Associated Press, citing a French intelligence service report, reported that it suggested defence attaches in Chinese embassies led efforts to dissuade countries notably Indonesia from buying additional Rafale jets, while urging potential buyers to consider Chinese-made aircraft instead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The four-day confrontation in May between India and Pakistan involved dozens of aircraft and marked the most serious escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals in years. French and Indian military officials have since reviewed the outcome closely, especially focusing on how Pakistans Chinese-supplied aircraft and missiles fared against Indias use of Rafales in precision airstrikes on Pakistani territory. Rafale sales are a major component of Frances defence industry and play a critical role in the countrys efforts to build strategic partnerships, particularly in Asia, where Chinas influence is growing. Social media campaign and targeted diplomacy raise concerns Pakistan claimed its air force downed five Indian planes, including three Rafales, prompting questions about the aircrafts effectiveness from existing and prospective customers. India acknowledged losses but did not disclose the number of aircraft shot down. French air force chief Gen. Jerome Bellanger said there was evidence of three losses: a Rafale, a Sukhoi and a Mirage 2000. Of course, all those, the nations that bought Rafales, asked themselves questions, Bellanger said. France has since moved to defend the Rafales reputation amid what officials describe as a calculated disinformation campaign by Pakistan and its ally China. French authorities say manipulated images, AI-generated content, and even video-game footage were used online to simulate damage to Rafale jets. Over 1,000 newly created social media accounts spread messages highlighting Chinese technological superiority, according to researchers who track online disinformation. While French officials have not directly linked the online campaign to the Chinese government, the intelligence service reported that Chinese defence attaches reinforced the same anti-Rafale narrative during meetings with foreign defence officials. These attaches allegedly lobbied countries that had bought Rafales or were considering doing so, repeating claims about the jets poor performance in India. Asked by AP about the allegations, Chinas Ministry of National Defense said: The relevant claims are pure groundless rumours and slander. China has consistently maintained a prudent and responsible approach to military exports, playing a constructive role in regional and global peace and stability. Frances Defence Ministry responded by acknowledging a vast campaign of disinformation that it said targeted the Rafale and aimed to promote Chinese alternatives. The Rafale was not randomly targeted. It is a highly capable fighter jet, exported abroad and deployed in a high-visibility theatre, the ministry stated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The ministry also stressed the broader implications of the campaign: By attacking the aircraft, certain actors sought to undermine the credibility of France and its defence industrial and technological base. Dassault Aviation has sold 533 Rafales, with 323 exported to countries including Egypt, India, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, and Indonesia. Indonesia, which has ordered 42 Rafales, is now reportedly re-evaluating its options. Justin Bronk, an airpower expert at the Royal United Services Institute in London, said China could be leveraging Pakistans performance in the May clashes to damage Rafales export prospects. They certainly saw an opportunity to damage French sales prospects in the region, he said. From a point of view of limiting Western countries influence in the Indo-Pacific, it would make sense for China to be using the performance of Pakistani weapon systems or at least purported performance in downing at least one Rafale as a tool to undermine its attractiveness as an export, Bronk added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies While he tries to save his government from getting toppled due to damaging corruption allegations, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez suffered another severe setback. A party official for Spains ruling socialist party resigned over accusations of sexual harassment read more While he tries to save his government from getting toppled due to damaging corruption allegations, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez suffered another severe setback. A party official for Spains ruling socialist party resigned over accusations of sexual harassment. The Spanish premier was hoping that in the weekend meeting of the federal committee of his Spanish Socialist Workers party ( PSOE) would be able to move past all the scandals and corruption charges. However, such hopes faltered on Friday night after an online newspaper, El Diario, published allegations from various female PSOE workers who said that they had been subjected to sexual harassment by Francisco Salazar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is pertinent to note that Salazar oversaw the institutional coordination at the Moncloa Palace, the office and official residence of the prime minister. The accusation prompted Salazar to announce on Saturday that he was stepping down from his position and his new role as the deputy in the PSOEs organisational secretariat. Salazars confusing response to accusations While speaking to El Diario about the accusation, the Spanish party official said that he could not recall any inappropriate interactions. Ive racked my brains over it and it seems mind-boggling to me, he said. I keep wondering if Ive screwed up and said something inappropriate to a workmate, and the truth is, I cant find [an example]. Sources working at Moncola in Madrid told the Spanish newspaper that the party has launched an investigation, but also mentioned that no official complaint had been lodged against Salazar. On Saturday, Sanchez had to apologise once again for what he described as misplaced confidence in those accused of wrongdoing, adding: I was wrong to place my trust in people who didnt deserve it, but we wont fall short in a time of democratic regeneration. misplaced confidence in those accused of wrongdoing, adding: I was wrong to place my trust in people who didnt deserve it, but we wont fall short in a time of democratic regeneration. The prime minister is facing immense pressure to call for snap polls, since he has already maintained that he would not step down. The captain doesnt shirk his responsibility when the sea gets rough; he stays put to ride out the storm and guide the ship to port, he said. On Monday, Santos Cerdan, who served as the PSOEs organisational secretary and was Sanchezs right-hand man, was remanded in custody after a supreme court judge found firm evidence of his possible involvement in taking kickbacks on public construction contracts. Hence, Sanchez will be navigating rough waters as he deals with one scandal after another. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 6. Two members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed this morning in Lorestan province in western Iran, the IRGC headquarters' public relations department in Lorestan province said in a statement, Trend reports. According to information, IRGC soldiers were killed as a result of unexploded explosive devices detonating in the Khorramabad district of Lorestan province during the 12-day Israeli airstrikes on Iran. On the morning of June 13, Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran. The attacks killed numerous high-ranking military officials, including Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff; Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); and Gholam Ali Rashid, head of the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, along with nine nuclear scientists and other senior figures. That same evening, Iran launched a retaliatory strike dubbed Operation True Promise III, firing hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at multiple targets across Israel, including Tel Aviv. The attacks caused civilian casualties and widespread damage Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday condemned the synagogue attack as a cowardly act of violence. read more A man walks past the burnt front entrance of the East Melbourne Synagogue in Melbourne on July 6, 2025. Source: AFP A man suspected of setting fire to an Australian synagogue as worshippers ate dinner inside has been arrested and charged, police said Sunday. The 34-year-old allegedly set the front door of a busy Melbourne synagogue ablaze on Friday night as around 20 people ate dinner in observation of Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. The attack has drawn strong condemnation from the prime ministers of both Australia and Israel. Victoria state police charged the man with a string of offences, including reckless conduct endangering life. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Detectives will continue to examine the intent and ideology of the person charged to determine if the incident is in fact terrorism, police said in a statement. The worshippers escaped unscathed through the back of the synagogue before firefighters doused the blaze. Police said they were yet to find a link between two other incidents targeting Jewish residents in Melbourne on Friday night. A group of about 20 protesters swarmed an Israeli-owned restaurant, interrupting the dinner service as they chanted at patrons. The protesters allegedly flipped over tables and smashed a window, according to local media. Cars were set on fire and daubed with antisemitic graffiti in a third incident in another part of the city. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday condemned the synagogue attack as a cowardly act of violence. And the fact that people were having a peaceful dinner, and (were) disrupted by this act of violence could have had catastrophic consequences, he said in a statement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was reprehensible, while decrying the restaurant incident as a violent assault by pro-Palestinian rioters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We demand that the Australian government take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law and prevent similar attacks in the future, he said. Jewish neighbourhoods in Melbourne and Sydney have in recent months been hit by a wave of antisemitic vandalism. Masked arsonists firebombed a different Melbourne synagogue in December, prompting the government to create a federal task force targeting antisemitism. With the announcement of his reincarnation ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama made it clear that Tibetans will not bow to China. The Dalai Lamas reincarnation is not just a matter of faith but it is a geopolitical contest that goes far beyond Tibet to the roots of the Communist Chinas expansionism and the Dalai Lama is at the vanguard to challenge it. read more For decades, China has sought to delegitimise a religious leader in exile, undermine his centuries-old institution, and attempt to command his followers. That exiled leader, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, turned 90 on Sunday, and millions are celebrating his life in defiance of Chinas decadeslong campaign. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes to the Tibetan leader, saying the Dalai Lama has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline and that his message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a much-awaited announcement, the Tibetan leader said earlier this week that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue after him and only Tibetans entrusted by him will have the right to recognise his reincarnation. In a quick response, China said it had the sole right in the matter and warned India against any support to the Dalai Lama setting the stage for a confrontation. For an atheist regime to claim ownership of religious affairs predating its communist ideology by centuries would appear extraordinary, but neither Tibet nor the Dalai Lama are mere territorial or religious issues for China. These issues are central to the geopolitical contest that it began soon after it came to power in 1949. Tibet remains the historical and geopolitical basis of the India-China conflict even if modern discourse often obscures it, says Eerishika Pankaj, the Director of the Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA). ALSO READ: Why Dalai Lamas succession is Bharats strategic imperative and moral duty China claims Tibet to be a part of China and further claims Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh to be parts of Tibet and India-China territorial disputes is therefore rooted in Chinas claims on Tibet. The very transformation of Indias northern boundary from a cultural frontier with Tibet to a militarised border with China traces directly to the Chinese annexation of Tibet in 1950. Chinas claim over Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet is not a standalone territorial assertion but part of a broader narrative of Tibetan territorial unity under Beijings sovereignty, says Pankaj. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dalai Lama lays bare Chinas lies & expansionist agenda and that rattles China One of the first things that Chinese leader Mao Zedong did after winning the Chinese Civil War (1945-49) and establishing the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) was to order the invasion and subjugation of Tibet. Mao claimed that Tibet had always been a part of China and it needed liberation from the Dalai Lamas rule who had ruled for centuries. Therein lies the root of the Tibet-China conflict and the Chinese disdain for the Dalai Lama and his movement. While Tibetans say that they were always independent, China claims Tibet was always a part of China. The reality is more nuanced than that but not for to claim ownership of Tibet and justify its invasion. China cannot tolerate the Dalai Lama as he does not toe its line and has been laying bare before the world Chinas excesses for decades, says Prof. Tej Pratap Singh, a scholar of China at the Department of Political Science, Banaras Hindu University (BHU). A successor recognised by Tibetans in exile, as the Dalai Lama announced this week, is bound to be anti-China and is bound to deny legitimacy to the Chinese rule in Tibet and any territorial claims on Indian land that arise from Chinese rule. That would be unacceptable to China, says Singh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While China has portrayed itself as the utopia that brought millions out of poverty and become the worlds manufacturing hub, the Dalai Lama and his Tibetan movement have been laying bare before the world that it has not just deprived basic religious and cultural rights to an entire population but has also systematically destroyed their monasteries, cracked down on the teaching and usage of their language, and even broken up their region the present-day Tibet province under Chinese rule is less than half of the historical Tibet. The 14th Dalai Lama fleeing Tibet into exile with Khampa (men from the Eastern province of Kham) bodyguards in March. Image Courtesy: dalailama.com At its core, China cannot tolerate the Dalai Lama as he keeps the story alive that the basis of Chinese control of Tibet is false, says Jigme Yeshe Lama, a scholar of Tibet at the Department of Political Science, University of Calcutta. In the 13th century, when Mongols ruled China, the rulers established a priest-patron relationship with Tibetan religious leaders wherein Tibetan lamas provided religious teaching and guidance and Chinese rulers extended patronage, says Lama. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lama says, Terms like sovereignty, suzerainty, or autonomy are Western concepts that do not accurately describe the historical Tibet-China relationship. The relationship was unique that evolved over centuries. Tibet was always autonomous but rulers in Beijing often notionally counted it as a part of their empire because of their patronage, but they never controlled Tibet as the Communist Party now claims. If they really controlled Tibet, the Qing dynasty would not have invaded eastern Tibet in 1905 and Lhasa in 1910, forcing the 13th Dalai Lama to flee to India where he remained until his return in 1912. In 1905, Viceroy George Curzon of British India said that Chinese suzerainty over Tibet was constitutional fiction and practically non-existing after a British military expedition (1903-04) into Tibet returned. The stage is set for geopolitical games and India has to be ready For years, the Dalai Lama had floated the possibility that the institution could end with him and that would have denied China an opportunity to appoint its own Dalai Lama. While the cessation of the Dalai Lamas lineage might have denied China the opportunity to insert a proxy Dalai Lama, it also risked demoralising the Tibetan cause and weakening the transnational spiritual ecosystem that underpins Tibetan identity, says Pankaj, the Director of ORCA. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pankaj tells Firstpost, By reaffirming continuity, the Dalai Lama has preemptively staked spiritual and moral legitimacy for reincarnation. It gives Tibetans and their allies a clear directive to rally around a non-Chinese anointed successor. The continuity ensures a living challenge to Chinas narrative and offers continuity for Tibetan resilience both spiritually and politically. With its warning to India, China has already trained its guns on India. For a long time, a section of the strategic community has argued that India should not get involved in the Tibet-China conflict. Pankaj, however, says that the Chinese control of Tibet and narrative remains the ideological and territorial epicentre of the India-China tensions and India cannot afford to stand aside. ALSO READ: China signals it's setting stage for Dalai Lama's succession In recent years, as India has toughened its stance on China and increased engagement with Tibetan leaders, critics have said the approach may backfire as China considers Tibet a red line. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Such concerns are misplaced as the respect for Chinas red lines has never brought India any concessions, says Anushka Saxena, a China researcher at the Takshashila Institution. For context, while India has formally accepted Tibet and Taiwan as parts of China under the One China Policy, China has never recognised Indias territorial integrity. Saxena says, Whether India supports the Dalai Lama on reincarnation or not, no territorial acceptances from China or thaws in bilateral tensions can be expected. When it comes to Chinas red lines, anything short of pure compliance means separatism to China. India already hosts the Dalai Lama and his followers, which is a big sore point for China. So, it would be folly to assume that unless India parrots the Chinese rhetoric and toes the Chinese line on reincarnation, it will get any benefits. While Indias approach has often been described as incoherent, Pankaj calls it strategic ambiguity and one rooted in principles instead of short-term interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India has refrained from overtly playing the Tibet Card in maximalist ways, but this restraint is neither passive nor indicative of policy neglect. It reflects strategic ambiguity, a deliberate decision to preserve the cards potency and use it responsively when circumstances warrant as seen during high-stakes episodes like the 2017 Doklam standoff or the post-Galwan shift in Indias diplomatic posture, says Pankaj. In the coming years, India will need to use this card carefully as the reincarnation is set to prop up a host of issues, says Saxena. India has to deliberate policy responses beyond reincarnation, such as the potential for over-the-top Chinese military deployment in Tibet bordering India, internal protests against Chinas appointee, and the potential of the next Dalai Lama being an Indian citizen. India will face competing pressures from China and the West, and managing those without either derailing the proximity to the United States or the diplomatic conversations with China would need careful handling, says Saxena. ALSO READ: Why India's Tibet card against China is stronger and working like never before As with the case of Taiwan, where China has used its financial and military might to coerce nations into abandoning ties with the self-ruled island, China is expected to try to delegitimise the Dalai Lama as well, but Pankaj says it may not be that simple. Unlike Taiwan, where Chinas argument rests on sovereign territoriality, the spiritual legitimacy of the Dalai Lama transcends borders and temporal power. Reincarnation is inherently a matter of faith and recognition by religious authorities. No amount of material inducement can substitute the sanctity that millions the world over place in the Dalai Lama. Moreover, unlike Taiwan, the Tibet issue does not hinge on formal diplomatic recognition but operates in the space of transnational civil society, spiritual networks, and cultural affinity, says Pankaj. In his opening remarks at the meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva drew a parallel with the Cold Wars Non-Aligned Movement, a group of developing nations that resisted formally joining either side of a polarized global order read more Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, China's Premier Li Qiang, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other leaders, attend the opening meeting of BRICS Summit, at the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Reuters Leaders of the growing Brics group of developing nations met in Brazil on Sunday, calling for reform of traditional Western institutions while presenting the bloc as a defender of multilateral diplomacy in an increasingly fractured world. With forums such as the G7 and G20 groups of major economies hamstrung by divisions and the disruptive America First approach of U.S. President Donald Trump, expansion of the Brics has opened new space for diplomatic coordination. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his opening remarks at the meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva drew a parallel with the Cold Wars Non-Aligned Movement, a group of developing nations that resisted formally joining either side of a polarized global order. Brics is the heir to the Non-Aligned Movement, Lula told leaders. With multilateralism under attack, our autonomy is in check once again. Brics nations now represent more than half the worlds population and 40% of its economic output, Lula noted in remarks on Saturday to business leaders warning of rising protectionism. The Brics group gathered leaders from Brazil, Russia, India and China at its first summit in 2009. The bloc later added South Africa and last year included Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as members. This is the first summit of leaders to include Indonesia. The vacuum left by others ends up being filled almost instantly by the Brics, said a Brazilian diplomat who asked not to be named. Although the G7 still concentrates vast power, the diplomat added, it doesnt have the predominance it once did. However, there are questions about the shared goals of an increasingly heterogeneous Brics group, which has grown to include regional rivals along with major emerging economies. Stealing some thunder from this years summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping chose to send his prime minister in his place. Russian President Vladimir Putin is attending online due to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Still, several heads of state gathered for discussions at Rios Museum of Modern Art on Sunday and Monday, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. More than 30 nations have expressed interest in participating in the Brics, either as full members or partners. Growing clout, complexity Expansion of the Brics has added diplomatic weight to the gathering, which aspires to speak for developing nations across the Global South, strengthening calls for reforming global institutions such as the United Nations Security Council and the International Monetary Fund. If international governance does not reflect the new multipolar reality of the 21st century, it is up to Brics to help bring it up to date, Lula said in his opening remarks. Lula defended the integrity of Irans borders, two weeks after the country was bombed by the United States, and highlighted the failure of U.S.-led wars in the Middle East. The Brics nations will also continue their thinly veiled criticism of Trumps U.S. tariff policy, according to diplomats drafting a joint statement. In April, the blocs foreign ministers voiced concern about unjustified unilateral protectionist measures, including the indiscriminate increase of reciprocal tariffs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brazil, which also hosts the United Nations climate summit in November, has seized on both gatherings to highlight how seriously developing nations are tackling climate change, while Trump has slammed the brakes on U.S. climate initiatives. China and the UAE signaled in meetings with Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad in Rio that they plan to invest in a proposed Tropical Forests Forever Facility, according to two sources with knowledge of the discussions about funding conservation of endangered forests around the world. The growth of the bloc has also increased the challenges to reaching consensus on contentious geopolitical issues. Ahead of the summit, negotiators struggled to find shared language for a joint statement about the bombardment of Gaza, the Israel-Iran conflict and a proposed reform of the Security Council, two sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. To overcome differences among African nations regarding the representation on a reformed Security Council, the group agreed to endorse seats for Brazil and India while leaving open which country should represent Africas interests, a person familiar with the talks told Reuters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BRICS has emerged as an influential grouping as it brings together 11 major emerging economies of the world, representing around 49.5 per cent of the global population, around 40 per cent of the global GDP and around 26 per cent of the global trade. read more From left, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's Premier Li Qiang pose for a group photo at the 17th annual BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, July 6, 2025. (AP Photo) In what is being seen as a diplomatic achievement for India, the BRICS nations on Sunday strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam that killed 26 people. In a joint declaration issued after the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the leaders called the assault criminal and unjustifiable, and reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. The bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and new member states called for united global action to root out terrorism and emphasised the importance of cooperation under international law. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We express strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured. We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens, it said. We urge to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism. We emphasize the primary responsibility of States in combating terrorism and that global efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must fully comply with their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, it added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also asserted that the victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale. PM Modis call for imposing sanctions on terrorists without hesitation comes against the backdrop of China blocking efforts at the UN Security Council in recent years to list several Pakistan-based terrorists. For personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism, supporting terror or terrorists, should not be acceptable under any circumstances, he said. There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism. If we cannot do this, then the question naturally arises whether we are serious about the fight against terrorism or not, he asked. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The top leaders of BRICS held deliberations on a range of pressing challenges facing the globe on the first day of the groupings two-day annual summit in this seaside Brazilian city. Emerging nations, which represent about half the worlds population and 40 percent of global economic output, have united over serious concerns about US import tariffs read more A photo ceremony before a plenary session of the Brics summit in Kazan, Russia. File Image /Reuters BRICS leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday are expected to decry US President Donald Trumps indiscriminate trade tariffs, saying they are illegal and risk hurting the global economy. Emerging nations, which represent about half the worlds population and 40 percent of global economic output, have united over serious concerns about US import tariffs, according to a draft summit statement obtained by AFP on Saturday. Since coming to office in January, Trump has threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive duties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His latest salvo comes in the form of letters informing trading partners of new tariff rates that will soon enter into force. The draft summit declaration does not mention the United States or its president by name, and could yet be amended by leaders gathering for talks Sunday and Monday. But it is a clear political shot directed at Washington from 11 emerging nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO (World Trade Organization) rules, the draft text says. It warns that such measures threaten to further reduce global trade and are affecting the prospects for global economic development. Xi no show Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the BRICS have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to Western power. But the summits political punch will be depleted by the absence of Chinas Xi Jinping, who is skipping the annual meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president. That absence has prompted fevered speculation in some quarters. The simplest explanation may hold the most explanatory power. Xi recently hosted Lula in Beijing, said Ryan Hass, a former China director at the US National Security Council who is now with the Brookings Institution think tank. The Chinese leader will not be the only notable absentee. War crime-indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin is also opting to stay away, but will participate via video link, according to the Kremlin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hass said Putins non-attendance and the fact that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be a guest of honor in Brazil could also be factors in Xis absence. Xi does not want to appear upstaged by Modi, who will receive a state lunch, he said. I expect Xis decision to delegate attendance to Premier Li (Qiang) rests amidst these factors. Still, the Xi no-show is a blow to host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who wants Brazil to play a bigger role on the world stage. In the year to November 2025, Brazil will have hosted a G20 summit, a BRICS summit, and COP30 international climate talks, all before heading into fiercely contested presidential elections next year, in which he is expected to run. Lula warmly welcomed leaders and dignitaries on Saturday, including Chinas Premier Li Qiang, as the leftist president hosted a pre-summit business forum in Rio. Faced with the resurgence of protectionism, it is up to emerging countries to defend the multilateral trade regime and reform the international financial architecture, Lula told the event. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose nation is still reeling from a 12-day conflict with Israel, is also skipping the meeting and will be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A source familiar with the negotiations said Iran had sought a tougher condemnation of Israel and the United States over their recent bombing of Iranian military, nuclear and other sites. But one diplomatic source said the text would give the same message that BRICS delivered last month. Then Irans allies expressed grave concern about strikes against Iran, but did not explicitly mention Israel or the United States. Artificial intelligence and health will also be on the agenda at the summit. Original members of the bloc Brazil, Russia, India, and China have been joined by South Africa and, more recently, Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia. This cohesion within BRICS stands in stark contrast to the recent G7 summit in Canada, where Western unity on supporting Ukraine against Russia seemingly collapsed read more FILE - From left, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira attend the Outreach/BRICS Plus format session at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. (Maxim Shemetov, Pool Photo via AP, File) Diplomats from the BRICS countries have reportedly agreed to a common declaration to be tabled at the Rio de Janeiro leaders summit in a sign of unity and consensus among the diverse group. News agency Reuters reported that the breakthrough came after a similar attempt fell flat in April during the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers. The agreement on a common declaration is a major step, especially as world powers get divided on various global issues and the group becomes more diverse with new members coming in. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For instance, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates last year joined the five initial members of the BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. To bridge internal divides, BRICS members reportedly agreed to back Brazil and India for permanent seats on a reformed UN Security Council. However, the question of Africas representation remains unresolved, with no member endorsed to champion the continents interests. Sources also indicate that BRICS is poised to take a firmer stance on issues of West Asia, moving beyond vague expressions of concern to more precise language in its final communique. On the economic front, the group is expected to continue criticising protectionist trade policies, particularly the US tariffs introduced under President Donald Trump. In April, BRICS ministers condemned unjustified unilateral protectionist actions, a sentiment likely to be reiterated at this weeks summit. Stark contrast with G7 This cohesion within BRICS stands in stark contrast to the recent G7 summit in Canada, where Western unity on supporting Ukraine against Russia seemingly collapsed. The G7 meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta, ended on June 17 without a joint statement condemning Russias war against Ukraine, now over three years old. Efforts to push for peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin have stalled, despite unprecedented sanctions. Notably, Trump, who took office earlier this year, refused to sign a declaration with strong language against Russias invasion and has neither imposed new sanctions nor committed more than $50 million in additional weapons aid to Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a final declaration, the 11-member bloc, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members such as Iran, warned that Trumps indiscriminate import tariffs were threatening the global economy read more Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (C) speaks during the first plenary session of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AFP Brics leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday issued a call for urgent global action, voicing alarm over the United States escalating tariff policies under President Donald Trump and urging an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in war-torn Gaza. In a final declaration, the 11-member bloc, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members such as Iran, warned that Trumps indiscriminate import tariffs were threatening the global economy. We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules, the leaders said, referring to the World Trade Organization. The bloc described such policies as illegal, arbitrary, and disruptive to global trade, supply chains, and economic stability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Brics group, which accounts for around half the worlds population and 40% of its economic output, has long been critical of unilateralism in international trade. While its members differ on many issues, they have found unity in opposing Trumps protectionist policies. The statement comes amid renewed threats from Trump to reimpose tariffs on allies and rivals unless new trade agreements are reached by August 1. On the Middle East, the Brics bloc also demanded urgent action to halt the 22-month-old war in Gaza, calling for negotiators to reach an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire. We exhort the parties to engage in good faith in further negotiations to achieve an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire, the statement said, while calling for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and all other parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The summits Gaza statement came as talks between Israel and Hamas resumed in Doha, amid intensifying international pressure to end the conflict. The war began with Hamass October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, prompting a devastating Israeli military response. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, at least 57,418 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since the Israeli campaign began. The United Nations has deemed the figures credible. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the Brics group includes Iran, a key adversary of Israel, it also comprises nations like Russia that maintain significant diplomatic or economic ties with both sides. Their joint call signals growing frustration among emerging powers over the wars global humanitarian and geopolitical fallout. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Trump has said he hopes for a breakthrough in ceasefire negotiations within the coming week. As Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads to Washington DC to meet US President Donald Trump, Gaza ceasefire and Iran are likely to be the main agenda. read more US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, April 7, 2025. File Image/Reuters Amid talks of a fresh Gaza ceasefire, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to Washington, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday. Many see the trip as a joint victory lap after the US-Israel strikes on Irans nuclear facilities last month. This will be the third time the Israeli premier will visit the White House since Trump returned to power. What makes it significant is that Netanyahu is heading to an election year. Hence, he would try to yield a vote bank back home with his visit to Washington. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, things were awkward the last time Netanyahu was in the Oval Office in April. He sat beside Trump awkwardly while the POTUS announced that Washington would be engaging in direct talks with Iran in a last-ditch effort to rein in the countrys nuclear program. Interestingly, reports suggested that it was the same month Netanyahu attempted to convince Trump to launch an assault against Iran. However, he was snubbed by the American leader. Gaza Ceasefire on Trumps mind This time, Trump is most likely to be eager to advance a ceasefire deal for Gaza. The deal would entail Hamas releasing the remaining hostages and aiming to end the long war in the Coastal enclave, which was triggered by Hamass surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In light of this, on Sunday, Israel sent negotiators to Qatar, a mediating country, to try to bridge differences with Hamas. The United States have been saying that it was also brokering talks between Israel and Syria that aim at restoring calm along their frontier. Then there is also unfinished business with Iran. The two leaders are likely to discuss the 12-day conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv. While speaking to his government this month, Netanyahu said he is expected to speak to the Trump administration about the Iran situation. These come in the wake of the great victory that we achieved, Netanyahu said of Israels bombing campaign in Iran. Taking advantage of the success is no less an important part of achieving the success, he added. Another peculiar whammy for Netanyahu is that the trip allows him to postpone his cross-examination in his corruption trial, which Trump has blatantly called to be cancelled. Time is important in this regard since Israeli courts go on summer recess from July 21 until early September. Hence, Netanyahus trip to Washington is a Pandoras box which is yet to be opened. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Qassem, who succeeded longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah after Israel killed him in September, said the groups fighters would not abandon their arms and asserted that Israels aggression must first stop. read more One of the armoured vehicles of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers patrols in the Buwayda region of Marjayoun in southern Lebanon by the border with Israel on July 4, 2025. AFP Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Sunday his group would not surrender or lay down its weapons in response to Israeli threats, despite pressure on the Lebanese militants to disarm. This threat will not make us accept surrender, Qassem said in a televised speech to thousands of his supporters in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold, during the Shiite Muslim religious commemoration of Ashura. Lebanese leaders who took office in the aftermath of a war between Israel and Hezbollah last year have repeatedly vowed a state monopoly on bearing arms while demanding Israel comply with a November ceasefire that ended the fighting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Qassem, who succeeded longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah after Israel killed him in September, said the groups fighters would not abandon their arms and asserted that Israels aggression must first stop. His speech came as US envoy Tom Barrack was expected in Beirut on Monday. Lebanese authorities are due to deliver a response to Barracks request for Iran-backed Hezbollah to be disarmed by the end of the year, according to a Lebanese official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Lebanese authorities say they have been dismantling Hezbollahs military infrastructure in the south, near the Israeli border. Israel has continued to strike Lebanon despite the November ceasefire, claiming to hit Hezbollah targets and accusing Beirut of not doing enough to disarm the group. According to the ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah is to pull its fighters back north of the Litani river, some 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Israeli frontier. Israel was to withdraw its troops from all of Lebanon, but has kept them deployed in five points it deemed strategic. Qassem said Israel must abide by the ceasefire agreement, withdraw from the occupied territories, stop its aggression release the prisoners detained during last years war, and that reconstruction in Lebanon must begin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Only then, according to the Hezbollah chief, will we be ready for the second stage, which is to discuss national security and defence strategy. Supporters dressed in black for Ashura marched through Beiruts southern suburbs before his speech, waving Hezbollah banners as well as national Lebanese, Palestinian and Iranian flags. Some also carried posters of the slain leader Nasrallah. In his remarks, Qassem said that his movement will not accept normalisation with the Israeli enemy, after Israels top diplomat said his government was interested in such a move. Lebanon, which is technically still at war with Israel, did not comment. Syria, which was also mentioned by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, said it was premature to discuss normalisation. Describing former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as an immature political child, Pakistan Tehreeke Insaf party has slammed him for suggesting that Islamabad could extradite individuals of concern to India as a confidence building measure. read more Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has criticised former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, calling him an immature political child for suggesting Islamabad could consider extraditing individuals to India as a confidence-building measure. In an interview with Al Jazeera aired on Friday, Bilawal said, As part of a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan, where terrorism is one of the issues that we discuss, I am sure Pakistan would not be opposed to any of these things. His remarks came in response to a question on the possible extradition of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar to India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD PTI reacted sharply to the comments, condemning the suggestion and accusing Bilawal of undermining national security and misrepresenting Pakistans stance on sensitive matters. Both LeT and JeM have been banned by Pakistan, according to the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). While Saeed, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind, is currently serving a 33-year sentence for terror financing, Azhar, a UN-designated global terrorist, has been proscribed by NACTA. Reacting to Bilawals remarks, Sheikh Waqas Akram, spokesperson of the jailed former prime minister Imran Khan-led PTI, in a statement on Saturday, said the PPP leader is an immature political child, the Dawn newspaper reported on Sunday. Bilawals proposal was ill-advised and detrimental to Pakistans national security narrative, and such statements humiliate the country on international platforms, he said. We fail to understand why Bilawal is so keen on appeasing India, he said. The former foreign minister, Akran said, was proving time and again that he lacked political wisdom, vision, and understanding of regional geopolitics. Bilawal has become a symbol of confusion and contradiction in Pakistans foreign policy discourse PPP was founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on the legacy of Kashmir, but today, Bilawal is betraying that legacy by pursuing political gains at the expense of Kashmiri blood, he said. In the interview, Bilawal said that cases prosecuted against these individuals (Saeed and Azhar) were those related to Pakistan, such as terrorist financing. However, he noted that prosecuting them for cross-border terrorism was difficult due to what he claimed was noncompliance from Delhi. India is refusing to comply with certain basic elements that require that conviction to take place, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its important to present evidence within these courts, for people to come over from India to testify, to put up with whatever the counter-accusations will be. If India is willing to be cooperative in that process, I am sure there will be no hurdle in extraditing any individual of concern, Bilawal said. Pressed on the whereabouts of Saeed and Azhar, Bilawal stated that the former was incarcerated, while Islamabad believes the latter is in Afghanistan. With inputs from agencies It was the first time that Omri Boehm, 46, had returned to Germany after the speech he was to give in Buchenwald to mark the 80th anniversary of its liberation from the Nazis was suspended due to pressure from the Israeli embassy. It was at the beginning of April. Now, in June, he was back at the scene of the crime. In a country still scarred by the Holocaust, any criticism of the Israeli government can be grounds for cancellation. Ill be honest, I felt more frustrated than I would have liked, said the Israeli-German philosopher in a cafe in the center of the city of Leipzig, where he was participating in Bachfest, the Bach festival. It was not so much the cancellation itself but the lack of reaction in Germany to his speech, published among other international media by EL PAIS. It is a sunny day at the end of spring in Leipzig and almost two months have passed since the cancellation of Boehm, a professor at the New School in New York, and author of Radical Universalism; Boehm is also a thinker who claims to be from the school of Enlightenment, of Kant and also of Spinoza. Tensions in the Middle East had escalated at the time of the interview with Israeli strikes on Irans nuclear facilities and Iranian retaliatory attacks on Israel. Born in northern Israel in 1979 and descended from German Jews on his fathers side and Iranian Jews on his mothers, the conflict felt very personal. Omri Boehm, in Leipzig on June 14. Patricia Sevilla Ciordia A few days later, the U.S. would intervene, and Boehm would remark: I fear that the region is heading towards the logic of total war, something that, in the long run, will also make life in Israel impossible. During the interview in Leipzig, Boehm returned several times to the same theme: Israels survival. The current violent destruction of Palestine, conceived as necessary to preserve the Jewish state, also means the complete destruction of Israel, he said. Why? Israel would delegitimize itself with the destruction of Palestine; it could hardly remain morally, physically or legally intact and all this would tear the Israeli rule of law to shreds. Israel will not survive the destruction of Palestine, he said. His arguments together with his single state solution to the conflict, including a binational confederation (the Haifa Republic, as one of his essays is called), and accusations leveled at the Israeli authorities of using the Holocaust to whitewash the European far right, led to Boehm having to cancel his speech in Buchenwald. On the one hand there is the Israeli government, and the Israeli embassy here, using the memory of the Holocaust to fight human rights and take advantage of the important fight against antisemitism in order to legitimize the politics of the hard right, he says. On the other, you have the post-colonial left which, it must be stated clearly, did not take a stand against Hamas crimes on October 7 and thought it was a legitimate form of resistance, which I find despicable. And now, in view of the abuse of Holocaust remembrance, it is quick to dismiss this memory as a Western ideology. The failure of the moderates The moderates, what Boehm calls the Liberal Zionist center that he identifies with intellectuals such as David Grossman or Eva Illouz, have also failed, in his opinion, because they have taken too long to speak out clearly against Israeli crimes. He seeks a much more nuanced position. And, actually, quite a lonely one. Boehms Jewish-German grandmother, who lost her parents in the Holocaust and escaped alone to Palestine in 1939 at the age of 16, gave Boehm a taste of the Bildungsburgertum, Germanys educated bourgeoisie. He talked to her about Thomas Mann, Schopenhauer and Wagner. He did his military service, studied at Yale and Heidelberg and in his work he recovered the thread of this German enlightenment destroyed by Hitlers 12 years of National Socialism. In Radical Universalism, Boehm rereads and reinterprets three texts (the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, Kants essay What Is Enlightenment?, and the Old Testament narrative of Isaacs sacrifice) to formulate a defense of universal humanism against the right [that] fights in defense of traditional values and the left [that] fights in defense of gender and race. But also a defense against the liberal progressives [...] who have failed to uphold international law, that is, to protect Palestinians from the systematic destruction of the means of subsistence that Israel has sown in Gaza. Genocide? I dont know, replies Boehm, who claims the term has come to be used as an ideological weapon and that he prefers to stick to legal definitions. Its become almost impossible to talk and think about it, Boehm says. One side accuses you of being a genocide denier; the other, of antisemitism. In my view, there is ethnic cleansing taking place. Crimes against humanity, too. They are horrible crimes (...), and they are no lesser crimes than genocide. But, for many people, those [definitions] are not enough, because the use of the word genocide has become very important to the ideology that seeks to portray Israel and Zionism as genocidal. We must resist this logic. And on the other hand, in Germany, of course, if you use this term, and people may have reason to use it, then youre antisemitic. As if Jews could not be genocidal. Well, they can be. At the end of the conversation in the Leipzig cafe, opposite the Nikolai-Kirche, where Bach once played the organ, Boehm gave a speech at the Paulinum, the modern and gleaming university church. There he spoke of Bach, music, language, philosophy and cited Maimonides, Adorno, Benjamin and Schopenhauer. The 12-day war between Israel and Iran, as Donald Trump calls it, had just broken out and during questions he expressed his concern. A few days later, he wrote in an email: The [Iranian] regime is dangerous and antisemitic. But there is a tendency to present it as the origin of the conflict in the Middle East. In his opinion, the real conflict is not a global and metaphysical one with the Iranians. Its the local political conflict with the Palestinians. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition With India setting its red lines on key issues in sectors such as agriculture and dairy for the proposed interim trade agreement with the US, the ball is now in Washingtons court to finalise the deal, sources said. read more India has set clear red lines on critical sectors such as agriculture and dairy in negotiations for an interim trade agreement with the United States, leaving the next move to Washington, official sources said. The two sides are working against a fast-approaching July 9 deadline, which marks the end of a 90-day suspension period for the 26% reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US on Indian goods. These additional duties announced on April 2 as part of broader tariff hikes on dozens of countries were temporarily held back to allow space for trade negotiations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If the proposed trade talks fail, the 26 per cent tariffs will come into force again, one of the sources said. India is seeking full exemption from the 26% tariff, though the 10% baseline duty remains in place. Officials said that if all contentious issues are resolved, an interim pact could be announced before the deadline. In February, India and the US launched formal talks for a broader bilateral trade agreement (BTA), with both countries aiming to conclude the first phase of the BTA by fall (SeptemberOctober). The interim deal is intended as a stepping stone toward that goal. India has drawn its red lines now the ball is in the US court, a source told PTI, adding that resolution on agriculture and dairy sectors that have historically proved sensitive will be key to concluding the interim agreement. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal last week stated that India does not enter into any trade agreement based on deadlines and will accept the proposed trade deal with the US only when it is fully finalised, properly concluded and in the national interest. FTAs are possible only when both sides get benefitted and it should be a win-win agreement, he has said. National interest should always be supreme. Keeping that in mind, if a deal is made then India is always ready to deal with developed countries, Goyal had said on July 4. The Indian team returned from Washington last week after holding talks with the US on an interim trade pact. Differences are also there on steel, aluminium (50 per cent) and auto (25 per cent) tariffs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India has hardened its position on giving duty concessions to the US on agriculture and dairy products as both are sensitive subjects. India has never opened the dairy sector in any of the previous trade pacts signed. US President Donald Trump last week said his administration is sending letters to the first batch of 10-12 countries, sharing details of reciprocal tariff rates and the entire process could be completed by July 9. His comments came amid increasing suspense in India on whether New Delhi and Washington would be able to firm up a much-anticipated trade deal before the US presidents tariff deadline ends. He has, however, not named the countries. The president has stated that the reciprocal tariffs would come into effect from August 1. While the US is looking at duty concessions in sectors like certain industrial goods, automobiles (electric vehicles particularly), wines, petrochemical products, dairy, and agriculture items such as apples, tree nuts, and alfalfa hay; India may look at duty cuts for labour-intensive sectors like apparels, textiles, gems and jewellery, leather, plastics, chemicals, oil seeds, shrimp, and horticulture products. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US is Indias largest trading partner from 2021-22. During 2024-25, the bilateral trade in goods stood at USD 131.84 billion (USD 86.51 billion worth of exports, USD 45.33 billion of imports and USD 41.18 billion trade surplus). Indias merchandise exports to the US rose 21.78 per cent to USD 17.25 billion in April-May this fiscal year, while imports rose 25.8 per cent to USD 8.87 billion. The two-way trade in services expanded from USD 54.1 billion in 2018 to an estimated USD 70.5 billion in 2024. India is also a key destination for American businesses such as professional, scientific, and technical services, manufacturing, and IT. The US accounts for about 18 per cent of Indias total goods exports and over 6 per cent in imports and about 11 per cent in bilateral trade. India received USD 70.65 billion between April 2000 and March 2025, making Washington the third largest investor. In 2024, Indias main exports to the US included drug formulations and biologicals (USD 8.1 billion), telecom instruments (USD 6.5 billion), precious and semi-precious stones (USD 5.3 billion), petroleum products (USD 4.1 billion), gold and other precious metal jewellery (USD 3.2 billion), ready-made garments of cotton, including accessories (USD 2.8 billion), and products of iron and steel (USD 2.7 billion). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Imports included crude oil (USD 4.5 billion), petroleum products (USD 3.6 billion), coal, coke (USD 3.4 billion), cut and polished diamonds (USD 2.6 billion), electric machinery (USD 1.4 billion), aircraft, spacecraft and parts (USD 1.3 billion), and gold (USD 1.3 billion). With inputs from agencies Vaibhav Tanejas official role in Musks political party was confirmed through paperwork submitted to the US Federal Election Commission read more Indian-American Vaibhav Taneja, currently the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Tesla, has been named as the Treasurer and Custodian of Records for Elon Musks newly launched political venture, the America Party. Musk, an ex-ally of US President Donald Trump, said Saturday he had launched a new political party in the United States to challenge what the tech billionaire described as the countrys one-party system." The worlds richest person and Trumps biggest political donor in the 2024 election had a bitter falling out with the president after leading the Republicans effort to slash spending and cut federal jobs as head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Musk has clashed with Trump over the presidents massive domestic spending plan, saying it would explode the US debt, and vowed to do everything in his power to defeat lawmakers who voted for it. Now he has created the so-called America Party, his own political framework, through which to try and achieve that. When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy, the Space X and Tesla boss posted on X, the social media platform that he owns. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom." Tanejas official role in Musks political outfit was confirmed through paperwork submitted to the US Federal Election Commission (FEC), which lists him as both Treasurer and Custodian of Records of the party. BREAKING: Its official. An FEC filing under Elon Musks name just confirmed the creation of a brand new political vehicle, the AMERICA PARTY. The paperwork lists Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja as both Treasurer and Custodian of Records. You dont file FEC paperwork unless youre pic.twitter.com/aQFbA8XuC2 Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) July 6, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is not clear how much impact the new party would have on the 2026 mid-term elections, or on the presidential vote two years after that. The Trump-Musk feud reignited in dramatic fashion late last month as Trump pushed Republicans in Congress to ram through his massive domestic agenda in the form of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Musk expressed fierce opposition to the legislation, and ruthlessly attacked its Republican backers for supporting debt slavery." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who clashed with Musk while he ran DOGE, said on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday that DOGEs principles were popular but if you look at the polling, Elon was not. I imagine that those board of directors did not like this announcement yesterday and will be encouraging him to focus on his business activities, not his political activities, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies New rules suggest that Chinas ruling party plans to standardise its decision-making process, and that President Xi may delegate some of his power to his juniors read more Is Chinese President Xi Jinping planning for succession 12 years after ruling with an iron fist? According to a report by Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP), new rules governing some party organs suggest that Chinas ruling Communist Party of China is planning to standardise its decision-making process, and that President Xi may be delegating some of his power to his juniors. The new rules, approved on Monday (June 30) by 24-member Politburo, the partys top echelon, would apply on several party coordinative institutes. These are the organisations responsible for coordinating cross-agency policies in a specific area. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD State news agency Xinhua reported that these regulations aim to standardise the policy coordination and review process at the top. Xinhua reported that the new rules say such party institutes should focus on planning, discussing and checking on major matters. Xi giving his deputies more power According to observers cited by the SCMP, this new move underscores a trend that the Chinese president is delegating more powers to his deputies on day-to-day basis. Dali Yang, a political scientist at the University of Chicago, explained that Chinas new measures under Xi Jinping aim to formalise governance through laws and regulations, bringing greater consistency to operations. Especially because he remains himself the chairman of so many of these coordination organs, in addition to his party [and] state titles, all of which need his time and attention, which is not limitless, Yang said. However, Victor Shih, an expert in Chinese elite politics and finance at UC San Diego, noted that these efforts to streamline high-level coordination bodies dont signal significant delegation of power. However, it does seem that Xi might pay less attention to day-to-day details, which necessitates a policing mechanism to ensure that his policy priorities are still being carried out by lower-level officials. Since 2012, Beijing has breathed new life into long-standing party coordination groups, created new ones, and absorbed entire government offices into them, with Xi chairing most. These steps reflect Xis push for strengthening the comprehensive leadership of the party, tightening its grip over critical policy areas like economic affairs, national security, reform, and cybersecurity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Many of these bodies started as leading small groups but have since been upgraded to central commissions, which play larger roles in decision-making and coordinating across key agencies. For instance, in 2020, the partys Hong Kong and Macau affairs group was elevated and now includes regional leaders and officials overseeing national security and foreign affairs. By 2023, it had fully absorbed the powers of the State Councils Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office. Similar consolidations have occurred in areas like financial stabilisation, religious policies, and engagement with overseas Chinese. Since 2023, these party groups have also become platforms for power-sharing among Xis top allies. Two commissions launched in March 2023the Central Financial Commission and the Central Science and Technology Commissionare led by Premier Li Qiang and Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, respectively. Meanwhile, Xis chief of staff, Cai Qi, now heads the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, overseeing cybersecurity and internet policya role Xi himself once held. Naruhitos visit commemorates the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. In recent years, he has visited some of the most bloody battlegrounds and bombing sites, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Hiroshima. read more On Sunday, Japans Emperor Naruhito began a weeklong visit to Mongolia, where he planned to honour hundreds of Japanese prisoners of war who were detained in brutal conditions. Naruhitos visit commemorates the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. In recent years, he has visited some of the most bloody battlegrounds and bombing sites, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Hiroshima. The emperor has stated that this is part of his commitment to atone for and remember the tragedy of war committed in the name of his grandfather, Emperor Hirohito. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the great bulk of Japanese soldiers were sent to Siberia, around 12,000 to 14,000 ended up in Mongolia, where they fought alongside the Soviets against Japan. Most of the POWs were put to hard labor and construction work for the Mongolian governments headquarters, a state university and a theater that are still preserved in the capital Ulaanbaatar. The prisoners toiled under harsh conditions and scarce food. Japanese records show about 1,700 of them died in Mongolia. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war this year, we should never forget the pain and sorrow of the people, Naruhito said last week. I believe it is important to not forget those who died, deepen understanding of the wartime past and to nurture the peace-loving heart. Naruhito and Masako were scheduled to meet Mongolias President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and his wife. The couple will also attend the opening ceremony of Naadam, Mongolias annual festival that focuses on three traditional games of horseracing, wrestling and archery. Naruhito had previously visited Mongolia as crown prince in 2007. Back in 2018, several news outlets reported a now-deleted Facebook post where Greene floated the idea that lasers or blue beams of light supposedly controlled by Jewish people might have sparked wildfires read more In a since-deleted 2018 Facebook post, multiple news outlets reported that Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested that lasers or blue beams of light from space solar generators in the sky started wildfires. Source: Reuters After getting President Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill to cross the finish line, Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has a new task at hand: Declaring war on what she termed climate modification. Greene took to X on Saturday (July 5) and declared her intentions to go all-out against deadly practice of climate modification and geoengineering with a bill. If passed, the legislation would make such efforts a felony offence. According to the congresswoman, the bill aims to stop the injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere for the express purpose of altering weather, temperature, climate, or sunlight intensity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She claimed in her post that she had been researching weather modification and was now all set to act. It will be similar to Floridas Senate Bill 56. We must end the dangerous and deadly practice of weather modification and geoengineering, she wrote. Greene didnt explain why a bill targeting weather control is a top concern for Georgia or her constituents, but anyone even loosely following the far-right MAGA congresswoman knows her beef with the skies isnt new. Back in 2018, several news outlets reported a now-deleted Facebook post where Greene floated the idea that lasers or blue beams of light from space solar generators, supposedly controlled by Jewish people, might have sparked wildfires, including Californias deadly Camp Fire which scorched 150,000 acres and claimed 85 lives. She later denied making such claims in an interview. After Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in 2024, Greene seemed to double down. She took to X, stirring controversy with a post hinting at shadowy forces manipulating the weather. Her X post triggered a community fact-check note on X, which bluntly stated that hurricanes and other large storms cannot be created artificially with modern technology. Undeterred, Greene kept pointing fingers at they who she claims can control the weather, fuelling fresh debate over her conspiratorial rhetoric. PM Modi has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the 17th BRICS Summit, kicking off a two-leg visit aimed at strengthening ties with Brazil and engaging with global leaders. During the trip, he will also visit Brasilia for talks with President Lula da Silva. read more Modi arrives in Brazil for BRICS Summit, to hold talks with President Lula and global leaders. File image/PTI Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 17th Brics Summit. He landed at Galeao International Airport, beginning a two-leg visit to the country at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. This is Modis fourth visit to Brazil. Besides taking part in the Brics Summit in Rio, he will also visit the capital, Brasilia. On social media platform X, Modi posted: Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I will participate in the Brics Summit and then head to its capital, Brasilia, for a State visit at the invitation of President Lula. Looking forward to a productive round of meetings and interactions during this visit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During his stay, he will hold bilateral talks with President Lula to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Brazil in areas like trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and cultural ties. On the sidelines of the Brics Summit, Modi is also expected to meet several other world leaders. The Brics group, which originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to add Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, becoming a major alliance of emerging economies. Before coming to Brazil, Prime Minister Modi visited Ghana from July 2-3, where he addressed Parliament at the invitation of President John Dramani Mahama. On July 3-4, he visited Trinidad and Tobago, meeting President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Argentina was his next stop, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to that country in 57 years. India and Argentina have decided to boost ties and work together in areas like minerals, defence, space, energy, pharmaceuticals, and digital payments. The decision came after PM Modi met President Milei in Buenos Aires during the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years. read more Modi-Milei talks in Buenos Aires: India, Argentina to boost ties with diversification in trade. Image: X India and Argentina have agreed to deepen cooperation in key sectors such as critical minerals, defence manufacturing, space, shale gas, pharmaceuticals, digital health, telemedicine, information technology, and digital payments. The agreement came after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires on Saturday night. This marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. Modi had previously v isited the country in 2018 for the G20 Summit. He arrived in Buenos Aires earlier in the day and received a ceremonial welcome at Ezeiza International Airport. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The two leaders held delegation-level talks after Modi paid tribute to General Jose de San Martin, Argentinas national hero. President Milei then hosted a lunch in his honour. #WATCH | President of Argentina, Javier Milei and PM Narendra Modi share a hug as the Argentinian President welcomes the PM in the capital city, Buenos Aires. (Source - ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/aAW9XRkcgo ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2025 Officials said the two sides agreed to set up a joint working group on agriculture and explore cooperation in drones and defence manufacturing. India also offered to support the maintenance of Argentinas military helicopter fleet and proposed several military platforms. In trade, Modi called for Argentinas support to expand the India-MERCOSUR trade agreement. MERCOSUR is a South American trade bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. India also pushed for greater market access for its pharmaceutical products, suggesting a regulatory upgrade from Annex II to Annex I in Argentinas pharma classification system to ease entry. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Argentina, in turn, briefed the Indian side on its fast-track approval system for Indian medicines. Digital cooperation was another key focus, with Modi highlighting the success of Indias Unified Payments Interface (UPI). President Milei expressed strong interest in adopting UPI, especially in terms of how it could help Argentinas central bank manage monetary policy more effectively. The two leaders also reviewed progress on cooperation in critical minerals like lithiumessential for Indias clean energy goals. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in August 2022, and the first joint working group meeting under this MoU took place in January. India and Argentina elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership in 2019 during the visit of then-President Mauricio Macri to India. Bilateral trade between the two countries has been growing steadily. Trade volume more than doubled from 2019 to 2022, peaking at $6.4 billion. In 2024, the total trade stood at $5.23 billion, making India Argentinas fifth-largest trading partner. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following the talks, Modi received the Key to the City of Buenos Aires from Mayor Jorge Macri. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, Excellent meeting with President Javier Milei of Argentina. We are marking 75 years of India-Argentina diplomatic relations and 5 years since we elevated our relationship to a Strategic Partnership. We have covered significant ground, but we agree the journey ahead is even more promising! Chinas immense demand for raw materials as the worlds top consumer of most key minerals. It has long driven its firms to pursue assets abroad read more A mining machine is seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China. File photo/Reuters Chinese mining companies have stepped up acquisitions abroad, reaching their highest level in more than a decade as they seek to secure vital raw materials amid rising geopolitical tensions. There were 10 overseas mining deals by Chinese firms worth more than $100 million in 2023, the most since 2013, according to an analysis of data from S&P and Mergermarket. Separate research from the Griffith Asia Institute also found that last year marked the busiest period for Chinese overseas mining investment and construction since at least 2013. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinas immense demand for raw materials as the worlds top consumer of most key minerals. It has long driven its firms to pursue assets abroad. Analysts say the recent rise in dealmaking reflects efforts by Chinese groups to accelerate acquisitions before global political tensions restrict such activity, Financial Times reported. Michael Scherb, founder of private equity firm Appian Capital Advisory, said there had been more activity in the past 12 months because Chinese groups believe they have this near-term window Theyre trying to get a lot of M&A done before geopolitics get difficult. The momentum has continued into 2024. Zijin Mining of China recently announced a $1.2 billion deal to acquire a gold mine in Kazakhstan, while in April, Appian sold its Mineracao Vale Verde copper and gold mine in Brazil to Baiyin Nonferrous Group for $420 million. In the next few years we are likely to continue to see a healthy level of dealmaking activity from Chinese mining companies, said Richard Horrocks-Taylor, global head of metals and mining at Standard Chartered. Christoph Nedopil, director of the Griffith Asia Institute and a specialist in Chinese overseas investment, said that unlike transport and infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative which have tended to be smaller mining and resource deals have remained substantial. He said this shift aligns with Chinas emphasis on high-tech manufacturing, particularly in sectors such as batteries and renewable energy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China maintains a dominant position in processing critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earths, but still depends on imports for many raw materials. The United States and several European nations are working to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains for these materials, which are vital for electric vehicles, semiconductors and green technologies. Western countries including Canada and Australia have grown increasingly wary of Chinese investment in domestic mining operations due to the strategic nature of a lot of these minerals, said Adam Webb, head of battery raw materials at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. Analysts say Chinese firms have grown more adept at acquiring mining assets from western rivals, often willing to take longer-term views on value and invest in riskier locations. There has been a [growing] sophistication of Chinese buyers outbound M&A strategies, said Scherb. The Chinese government used to select one buyer per asset sale process and back that group. Whats evolved over the past three to four years is the government allowing Chinese groups to compete with one another. That implies they dont fear losing to the west anymore. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD John Meyer, an analyst at SP Angel, said Chinese groups were actively acquiring resources to keep the west out of certain critical materials which they dominate. He added, Every time someone gets close to mining lithium, the Chinese come running with a cheque book. Among the most active players in overseas deals are CMOC, MMG and Zijin Mining. Meanwhile, Chinese financial institutions have issued billions of dollars in loans for mining and mineral processing projects in developing countries. Timothy Foden, co-head of the international arbitration group at law firm Boies Schiller Flexner, said Chinese firms were also benefiting from a rise in resource nationalism, particularly in African countries such as Mali. Some military-led governments have taken over western-owned mining assets and demanded increased royalties. Chinese companies are often willing to accept lower returns in exchange for operating control of such assets, Foden said. Sundays attack comes against a backdrop of soaring regional tensions following the Israel-Hamas war, airstrikes by the United States on Iranian nuclear sites, and a brief Iran-Israel conflict read more Armed men aboard skiffs attacked a commercial vessel in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on Sunday (July 6), firing small arms and rocket-propelled grenades, in one of the most serious maritime assaults in recent weeks amid persistent threats by Yemens Houthi rebels. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center, run by Britains Royal Navy, said the attack occurred 51 nautical miles (94 kilometers) southwest of the Houthi-held port of Hodeida. An armed security team aboard the vessel returned fire, and the situation is ongoing, it said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD UK-based maritime security firm Ambrey reported that the ship was targeted by eight skiffs and later struck by two unmanned surface vehicles, damaging its cargo. Two additional unmanned vessels were repelled, and the vessel was reportedly still moving northbound through the Red Sea. No group has officially claimed responsibility, but Ambrey noted that the targeted vessel matched the established Houthi target profile. The Houthi-run Al-Masirah television channel acknowledged the attack but did not provide details, instead airing a speech by the groups leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. Sundays attack comes against a backdrop of soaring regional tensions following the Israel-Hamas war, airstrikes by the United States on Iranian nuclear sites, and a brief Iran-Israel conflict earlier this year. The US Navys Bahrain-based 5th Fleet referred inquiries to Central Command, which did not immediately respond. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have launched a sustained anti-shipping campaign since November 2023, initially targeting Israel-linked vessels in solidarity with Hamas amid the war in Gaza. After US and British forces struck Houthi targets in January 2024, the rebels expanded their maritime campaign to include American and British-affiliated ships. Between November 2023 and January 2025, Houthi attacks damaged or sank over 100 merchant vessels, killing four sailors and prompting many global freight companies to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, bypassing the Red Sea corridor that usually carries 12 per cent of global trade. In mid-March, the United States launched a broader military offensive against the Houthis, prompting the rebels to declare a unilateral ceasefire. That pause in maritime attacks was broken Sunday, though the Houthis have continued firing occasional missiles at Israel during the lull. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, the decadelong civil war in Yemen remains in a deadlock between the Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition-backed exiled Yemeni government. The Yemeni Coast Guard, aligned with the exiled government, has also engaged in past firefights in the Red Sea, further complicating maritime security. Though Somali pirates have previously operated in the region, their activities typically involve hijacking for ransom and have been less frequent in recent years. With inputs from agencies Chinas statement came after the 14th Dalai Lama few days back made it clear that a trust not the Chinese government will decide on matters of succession read more Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama addresses via a video message at the inaugural session at the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference at the Dalai Lama Library and Archive near Tsuglagkhang, also known as Dalai Lama's Temple complex, in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India. Reuters As the buzz around the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama gains traction on social media on his 90th birthday, a rattled China has asserted that the spiritual leader doesnt hold any authority to decide on matters related to the centuries-old reincarnation system. Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong wrote on X on Sunday (July 6) that the 14th Dalai Lama is only one part of the 700-year-old tradition. The reincarnation of Dalai Lamas neither began from him nor will end due to him," Feihong wrote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Facts You Must Know about #DalaiLama Reincarnation: The 14th Dalai Lama has affirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue. In fact, as a unique succession method of Tibetan Buddhism, the practice of Living Buddha reincarnation has continued over 700 years. pic.twitter.com/kYgj2LXLub Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) July 6, 2025 The envoy described the Living Buddha reincarnation practice as a distinctive succession tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, noting that it remains active and widespread, with over 1,000 reincarnation lineages currently thriving in Xizang (Tibet) and Tibetan communities across Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, and Qinghai. What triggered Chinese response? Chinas statement came after the 14th Dalai Lama few days back made it clear that a trust not the Chinese government will decide on the matter of succession. The revered spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism clarified his succession plan during a major gathering of Buddhist leaders in Dharamshala to celebrate his 90th birthday. For the first time, he explicitly stated his belief that he will be reincarnated. Speaking at the convention, the Dalai Lama outlined that the process to identify the next Dalai Lama will involve consultations with spiritual leaders, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, and other key figures. This move asserts his authority over the sacred tradition, directly challenging Beijings influence. Beijing quickly fired back, insisting that any reincarnation must have its approval, reigniting tensions over the future of Tibetan spiritual leadership. The Chinese government in response pointed to a 2007 regulation passed in Tibet asserting state authority over the recognition of reincarnated lamas a position rejected by the global Tibetan community. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What did save Iran after 12 days of Israeli total control of its airspace, which facilitated an extraordinary onslaught on Irans Islamic Republic that hit its nuclear programme, destroyed many of its symbols of government, and decapitated its military hierarchy? Suppose you ask Fayyaz Zahed, an Iranian reformist political analyst. In that case, he answers that it was not the regimes delusional ideology, but Irans ancient history, and the experience of surviving invasions by Alexander the Great, the Mongols, and the Arabs. Similar to Chinas case, Irans rich history and imperial legacy have shaped its self-perception as the center of the civilized world a nation destined for greatness and informed its policies in the Middle East and beyond. The arc of Irans history spread from centuries of imperial grandeur in antiquity to the moment when the empire faced a new power rising in the south, Islam, thus marking the beginning of a Persian decline and eventual collapse in the 19th century under the imperial ambitions of Great Britain and Russia. Past greatness has made the dire memories of encroachment by foreign powers in the contemporary era an Iranian version of Chinas Century of Humiliation. Hence, like China, Irans modern history has been a struggle for status befitting a great power, marked by a vigilant jealousy of its sovereignty. A non-Arab country in an Arab region, unique also for being the only state in the Muslim universe having Shia as a state religion, Irans external relationship needs to be understood against its self-perceived exceptionalism. Closer to our time, the consequential meaning of the British-American coup that overthrew the democratically elected prime minister Mohammad Mosaddegh in 1953 laid the groundwork for popular anti-Western sentiment that grew throughout the 1970s, ultimately leading to the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Since then, there has been a tendency in the West to see Iran as a monolith of Ayatollahs and radicals bent on destroying Israel, for which they need the nuclear bomb. In such a scenario, Benjamin Netanyahu is Israels Churchill, fighting heroically to save his people from imminent annihilation. This, I am afraid, is an utterly simplistic, even false, reading of a far more complex reality. Iran is a richly diverse society, and so is its political class. The division between reformists and fundamentalists within the political system is a genuine one. The Iranian reformists, first among them the current president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and his entire team, want to rein in the nuclear project, reach an accommodation with the West, and bring an end to the sanctions that have crippled the Iranian economy. It is there that they perceive the threat to the regimes survival. The drive to nuclear status has been an obsession of the Ayatollahs, their most potent symbol, and the insurance for regime survival, the ultimate protective shield of the Islamic revolution against its challengers in the region and beyond. North Korea is their proof. Although the nuclear program has never delivered a bomb, and only scant energy at astronomical cost, it has been the mullahs most potent nationalist symbol. Securing the regimes survival is the objective, not annihilating Israel, which is far more likely to be destroyed at the end of a long war of attrition, for which the Iranians created and lavishly financed the ring of proxies surrounding the Jewish state, than under a mushroom cloud. If it wanted a nuclear bomb, Iran could have produced it long ago. Irans scientific and technological excellence, supported by a rich human capital, makes it far better positioned than North Korea and Pakistan, two nuclear powers, to join the nuclear club. If Iran doesnt yet have the bomb, it is because it has not yet made the political decision to produce it. This war may have settled the debate inside Irans political class in favour of the bomb. Irans now demonstrated vulnerability is proof of its need for a nuclear bomb, like North Koreas, to protect itself. In other words, Netanyahu will go down in history not as Israels Churchill, as he presumes to be, but as the father of the Iranian atom bomb. He has twice torpedoed a diplomatic solution that the Iranians always wanted, first when he convinced Donald Trump in 2018 to withdraw from Obamas 2015 nuclear agreement, whose provisions the Iranians fulfilled to the letter, and now by starting a war in the middle of a negotiating process over a new nuclear deal. Moreover, since the end of the Iran War, Netanyahu and his friend in the White House, Donald Trump, are engaged in a campaign of deception that obscures the picture. U.S. intelligence knows better than its own president. Neither Irans nuclear programme nor its ballistic missile threat has been obliterated; possibly the atomic project was postponed by only a few months. The Iranians have taken away from the Fordow site more than 400 kilograms of enriched uranium to 60% which can be enriched to 90% in a matter of days, enough to produce 10 warheads. There are undamaged centrifuges, there are enough scientists, and there are unknown sites. Iran has already stopped any watchdog from monitoring its nuclear activities, and it will not be a surprise if it decides to abandon the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty). Still, this war is a moment of reckoning for the Islamic Republic, as its hollow empire has been diminished by Israels breaking of its entire proxy system. Sunni Pan-Arabism has been a fiction, and Shiite Islam was supposed to supplant it as the voice of the masses. Ayatollah Khomeini, the father of the revolution, and his current successor, Ayatollah Khamenei, positioned themselves as the Frantz Fanons of our age who would redeem the wretched of the earth. But, instead of redemption, what Israels combat pilots found lying under the skies of Tehran was an unpopular and repressive Iranian regime that has spent billions of dollars on a nuclear program and on projecting the Islamic Revolution through armed regional proxies, while presiding over a domestic economic disaster and stifling paralysis. Irans gross domestic product, or total output, has fallen 45% since 2012. Crippling international sanctions over the nuclear program contributed to this downward spiral, but so did corruption, a bungled privatization program and bloated state companies. The regime, remote from a youthful and aspirational society, looks sclerotic to many, and its religious leadership is now up against the wall. The Islamic Republic is a rotten tooth waiting to be plucked, like the Soviet Union in its latter years, said Karim Sadjadpour, an Iran expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington. If we pursue the Chinese simile, Chinas political stability requires, according to Xi Jinping, an overall structure of values, a structure that in Iran relies on a minority of the people and a corrupt, to the bone, nomenclature that pervades them. In rethinking its post-war strategy, Iran does not have too many friends to rely on. Its allies were a disappointment. Russia is entangled in the Ukrainian quagmire, China is happy seeing the United States consumed by the forever wars of the Middle East, Syria is now negotiating a peace deal with Israel, and Irans proxies have all been diminished by Israel. Still, recent history shows that Iran has always been capable of adapting its policies to its weaknesses. In 1988, to save the regime from destruction, it accepted a dishonoured end to its war with Iraq. In 2003, following the U.S. invasion that had toppled the Taliban in Afghanistan and Irans nemesis, Saddam Hussein, in Iraq, the Ayatollahs were willing to reach a Grand Bargain with the American Satan, giving up their entire nuclear programme and dismantling their regional system of proxies. Alas, the radicals in Tehran proved to be far more rational than the Americans. The answer to Irans demarche came from then vice president Dick Cheney. We do not negotiate with evil, he said. This is a poignant lesson in the power of stupidity in history. Iran is not in a dissimilar condition these days. It is willing to negotiate with the U.S. a nuclear deal in exchange for shielding the regime from an American or Israeli attack. This is not about a final peace settlement; it is about buying time while the regime regroups and revises its strategy to adapt it to the changing conditions. Irans clash with Israel, a peer competitor for regional supremacy and a bitter theological enemy, is a conflict between two existentially vulnerable powers. This, I would argue, is a typical Thucydides Trap, which Israel would like to see usher in a definite showdown. Israels zero-sum game strategy is driven by its Holocaustic fears and unrealistic aspirations to uncontested hegemony. Irans idea of the destruction of Israel stems from a Shiite eschatological belief in the return of the last Islamic messiah, Imam Mahdi, amid an Armageddon that the destruction of Israel will trigger. If history has any lesson in it for Iran, it is that Shiism should avoid falling into the same delusional trap of destroying Israel that had doomed Sunni pan-Arabism. By pouring its energy and resources into a war of annihilation against Israel, it would jeopardize its primary objective: regime survival. Like Xi Jinping, Supreme Leader Khamenei is haunted by the memory of the fall of the Soviet Union. The lessons they both drew are similar: stick to the fundamentals of the regime, only that China is a global power, and Iran is a diminished, decimated power at war with Big Satan standing behind the Little Satan. But Iran is not alone in letting illusory ambitions cloud its judgment. If Israel cannot destroy Irans nuclear program, it certainly cannot achieve total victory over Irans regime. The idea of toppling the Iranian regime through a bombing campaign, a design that Netanyahu had clearly set as an objective, was a delusion, a total lack of historical culture. Both Donald Trumps call for Irans total surrender and Netanyahus drive for regime change through a bombing campaign were delusions, a total lack of historical culture. The Allies call for Germanys unconditional surrender in World War II was what kept the Nazi regime to fight to the bitter end. And, regime change requires, as in Iraq, boots on the ground, which in this case would be suicidal to the invaders. In Iran, there are now signs of a patriotic surge even among opponents of the regime who have spent time in prison. It is, then, not just Iran: none of Israels security challenges can be overcome through total victory. The Islamic Republic is humiliated and not in a place its ever been before, but it could still stay alive long enough to exhaust Israel in a war of attrition and get the United States entangled in a conflict it does not want. No matter how many bombs Netanyahu drops, diplomacy will remain the only answer. Nor could Israel hope for the tacit complicity the Arab states demonstrated in the war against Hamas and Hezbollah. While these countries have no love for Iran, they have a vested interest in regional stability, primarily as they work to diversify their economies. The risk would always remain that a cornered Iran might even attack the Gulf states directly, hitting their oil installations or disrupting transport lanes in the Persian Gulf. These countries want a nuclear deal, not a regional conflagration. Meanwhile, Israels military hubris is becoming inadmissible to its Arab moderate allies. They wanted Israel as an equal partner in a regional peace, not as a new hegemon. Wisely, the Gulf states have in recent years reached out to Iran in quest of stability that would allow them to focus on their economies. Now they are in for years of uncertainty that can adversely affect their grand economic plans and the confidence of foreign investors. The Middle East is at the threshold of a new chapter that calls for visionary leadership that is capable of thinking in grand diplomatic terms. This means bringing the war in Gaza to an end, opening a political horizon to the Palestinian nation, and extending the Abraham Peace Accords to Syria and Saudi Arabia. But if a new Middle East is what we want to build, Israel needs to assume the diplomatic wisdom that the Gulf States have shown in their rapprochement with Iran. An Israeli-Arab peace should not be a confrontational enterprise against Iran. It must be a step toward integrating Iran into a broader system of peace and security in the region. Irans rivals in the Middle East should not take its humiliation as the last destination of the historical process. Iran is a great nation with a formidable history and an extraordinary capacity for resurgence. It is up to its neighbours, Israelis and Arabs, to make it so that this would be a benign, rather than a malignant, comeback. Shlomo Ben Ami (Tangier, Morocco, 1943), former Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, is vice president of the International Toledo Center for Peace and author of Prophets without Honor: The Untold Story of the 2000 Camp David Summit and The Making of Today's Middle East. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The request is tied to allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of justice, the office of the special counsel said in a statement. Yoons legal team argued that prosecutors have not provided credible evidence to support the charges read more South Koreas special prosecutors on Sunday (July 6) filed a request to detain former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges related to insurrection, stemming from his controversial declaration of martial law last year. The request is tied to allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of justice, the office of the special counsel said in a statement, citing Yoons actions during the December 3 incident, when he briefly imposed martial law during a political standoff. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Today, the special counsel filed a request for a detention warrant with the Seoul Central District Court for former president Yoon Suk Yeol on charges including abuse of power and obstruction of special official duties, Prosecutor Park Ji-young, a member of the counsel, told reporters. Yoons decree lasted for roughly six hours before it was struck down by lawmakers, some of whom were forced to scale the walls of the National Assembly to bypass security forces encircling the building and cast their votes against the measure. The former president was questioned for several hours on Saturday (July 5) by the special counsel as part of the ongoing investigation into the attempted insurrection, officials said. Yoons legal team criticised the detention request. They argued that prosecutors have not provided credible evidence to support the charges. In a statement, his lawyers said they plan to explain in court that the request for an arrest warrant is unreasonable. Last week, the court had dismissed an arrest warrant requested by the special counsel after Yoon initially refused to appear for questioning, citing that he had since expressed a willingness to comply with future summons. The latest development marks a dramatic turn in the political fallout from Yoons brief but highly controversial martial law declaration, which drew widespread criticism from political opponents and rights groups at the time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the country would re-establish diplomatic ties with Syria after a years-long civil war. The announcement came during Lammys visit to Damascus read more The Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, David Lammy, announced that the country is re-establishing diplomatic relations with Syria after the countrys years-long civil war. There is renewed hope for the Syrian people, Lammy said in a statement on Saturday. It is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians," he furthered. The announcement came after the British foreign secretary paid a visit to Syria, meeting the countrys interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. It is pertinent to note that this is the first time a British minister has visited the West Asian country in 14 years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to The Guardian, Lammy went to the country bearing gifts, one of them being a pledge of 94.5 million of urgent humanitarian aid. The UK minister noted that the aid would support the countrys long-term recovery and also help nations hosting Syrian refugees from around the world. The West changes its outlook towards Syria Lammys announcement came at a time when the West is slowly resetting its approach towards Syria since insurgent forces led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ousted Bashar al-Assad as president in December. This also marked the end of the civil war after 13 long years. Last month, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order terminating American sanctions on Syria, helping it to rebuild itself after the war. Meanwhile, in April, the UK also eased its sanctions on Damascus, unfreezing the assets of the Syrian central bank and 23 other entities. However, the UK still maintains sanctions on members of the former regime. A stable Syria will reduce the risk of irregular migration, ensure chemical weapons are destroyed, and tackle the threat of terrorism, Lammy said after meeting his Syrian counterpart, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, and the president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. At the meeting, Lammy emphasised the importance of an inclusive and representative political transition in Syria and offered Britains continued support, the statement said. According to The Guardian, the British foreign secretary will now travel to Kuwait, where discussing regional security and ways to strengthen bilateral relations will be at the top of the agenda. In addition to this, he is expected to announce a new partnership with the Gulf monarchy to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from Reuters. While Ukraine seeks clarity on the halt of weapon shipments from the US, Democrats argued that Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth paused military aid by falsely citing weapon shortages read more After US Secretary of State Pete Hegseth unilaterally halted agreed shipments of military aid to Ukraine, Democrats argue that the Pentagon boss cited baseless concerns that the American weapon stockpile was running low to announce such a measure. Before Hegseths proclamation, a batch of air defence missiles and other precision munitions were due to be sent to Ukraine to aid it in its ongoing war with Russia. These aid pledges were made during former US President Joe Bidens tenure. However, Hegseth went on to conduct a presser in which he announced the halting of shipments of weapons to Ukraine. According to a NBC News report, the Pentagon chief solely decided to halt sending aid even though experts noted the aid would not have jeopardised the US readiness. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per the report, this is the third time Hegseth has halted US military supplies to Ukraine. When US President Donald Trump was asked about the pause on Thursday, he claimed that it was a necessary move because Biden emptied our whole country, giving them weapons, and we have to make sure we have enough for ourselves. What is the Trump administrations argument? Last week, A White House spokesperson said that the move was made to put Americas interests first following a [defence department] review of our nations military support and assistance to other countries across the globe. The strength of the United States armed forces remains unquestioned just ask Iran. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told reporters on Wednesday that the capability review is being conducted to ensure US military aid aligns with our defence priorities. We see this as a commonsense, pragmatic step towards having a framework to evaluate what munitions are sent and where, Parnell added. He also seemed to confirm that there is no current shortage of arms for US forces. Let it be known that our military has everything that it needs to conduct any mission, anywhere, anytime, all around the world, he said. What is Congress thinking? The move surprised several members of Congress as well as Ukraine's European allies. Democrats argued that there is no evidence that American weapon stocks are in decline. We are not at any lower point, stockpile-wise, than weve been in the three-and-a-half years of the Ukraine conflict, Adam Smith, a Democrat and ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, told NBC News. Smith said that his staff had seen the numbers on weapon supplies and that there is no justification to suspend aid to Ukraine. The weapons that are being delayed by the pause include dozens of Patriot interceptor missiles that can defend against Russian missile attacks, as well as howitzers and other missile systems. Amid the pause, Russia has recently ramped up its bombardment of Ukrainian cities, using missiles, wreaking havoc among civilians in the war-torn country. This decision is certainly very unpleasant for us, said Fedir Venislavskyi, a member of the Ukrainian parliaments defence committee, according to Reuters. Its painful, and against the background of the terrorist attacks which Russia commits against Ukraine. The Department of Defence is yet to respond to the charges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping skip the Brics Summit in Brazil, heres how the expansion of the group has led to the emergence of an ideological divide. read more In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping attend a concert marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China and opening of China-Russia Years of Culture at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing on May 16, 2024. (Photo via AFP) As Brazil gears up to host the Brics Summit 2025, two of the most prominent members of the group, leaders from Russia and China, are not attending the international summit, which started on Sunday. Experts believe that this may be a sign that the groups recent expansion has also led to an ideological divide between the member nations. The 72-year-old Chinese President Xi Jinping have been attending the summit for the past 12 years. What becomes more interesting about this is the fact that no official reason has been given other than scheduling conflict. Chinese Premier Li Qiang will now be representing the country instead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), may have also decided not to travel to Rio to avoid embarrassing the summit host, who is a signatory to the ICC statute. Last year, Mongolia engaged in an acrimonious legal dispute with the ICC after it did not act on the warrant when Putin visited the country. Is rapid expansion also creating space for ideological differences? In 2023, Putin abandoned his plans to attend the Brics Summit in South Africa after the countrys President Cyril Ramaphosa was unable to offer any guarantees regarding Putins arrest or otherwise under the warrant. It is pertinent to note that the Russian leader is accused by the ICC of being instrumental in abducting and deporting tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. Over the years, Brics have often been described as the G7 alternative for the developing world. In recent years, the group has witnessed significant expansion with new nations joining the bloc. However, the process of expansion is diluting its coherence as a body offering an ideological alternative to Western capitalism represented by the G7. Its founding members were Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Last year, the group expanded to include Indonesia, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, countries in various stages of economic development and with varying levels of antagonism towards the West. Interestingly, the current make-up of the group leans towards autocratic societies, leaving India, Brazil and South Africa uneasy. Experts argue that with diverse voices now part of the group, Brazil, the host this year, would struggle to push its agenda. For example, Brazil has often called for the reform and the expansion of the United Nations Security Council ( UNSC). However, China, which is a permanent member of the body, has often blocked Indias bid. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Apart from this, Brazil would also like to push for more commitments towards reducing carbon emissions. However, the plan would collide with new members like Saudi Arabia, Russia and the UAE, who are oil and gas-based economies. Hence, with expansion, the group is slowly becoming ideologically divided. Nevertheless, Xis decision to stay away is puzzling, given that the USs retreat from its global leadership role has provided a golden opportunity for China to pick up the mantle. Many wonder if both Russia and China are losing interest towards the body. The Global South has often been a victim of double standards and nations that make major contributions to the world economy are deprived of a seat at the decision making table, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the BRICS Summit on Sunday. read more India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the first plenary session of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6, 2025. Image- AFP Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for urgent reforms in global institutions, including the UN Security Council, the World Trade Organisation and leading financial bodies, stating that they must reflect the current realities of the world. In the age of AI, where technology evolves every week, its unacceptable for global institutions to go 80 years without reform. You cant run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters! Modi said in his address at a session on reform of global governance at the BRICS summit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also said that without the Global South, these institutions are like a mobile phone with a SIM card but no network. The Global South has often been a victim of double standards and nations that make major contributions to the world economy are deprived of a seat at the decision-making table, PM Modi said at the BRICS Summit on Sunday while calling for urgent reform of the key global bodies. The top leaders of BRICS held deliberations on a range of pressing challenges facing the globe on the first day of the groupings two-day annual summit in this seaside Brazilian city. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin skipped the summit. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egypts Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi also didnt attend the gathering. The BRICS has emerged as an influential grouping as it brings together 11 major emerging economies of the world, representing around 49.5 per cent of the global population, around 40 per cent of the global GDP and around 26 per cent of the global trade. In his remarks, Modi spoke extensively on the Global South and said it has often faced double standards be it development, distribution of resources or security related matters. The Global South often received nothing more than token gestures on topics like climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access, Modi said. The prime minister said two-thirds of humanity still lack proper representation in global institutions built in the 20th century. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Many countries that play a key role in todays global economy are yet to be given a seat at the decision-making table. This is not just about representation, its also about credibility and effectiveness. The prime minister said the global institutions are unable to function properly or meet the challenges of the 21st century. Whether its ongoing conflicts across the world, the pandemic, economic crises, or emerging challenges in cyber or space, these institutions have failed to offer solutions, he said. The annual BRICS Summit began with a family photo of the leaders followed by an address by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Modi said the world today needs a new multipolar and inclusive order and this has to begin with comprehensive reforms in global institutions. These reforms should not be merely symbolic, but their real impact should also be visible. There must be changes in governance structures, voting rights, and leadership positions, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The prime minister asserted that the challenges faced by countries in the Global South must be given priority in policymaking. Modi said the expansion of BRICS is proof of the fact that it is an organisation that has the capacity to change itself according to the times. Now, we must demonstrate the same determination to reform institutions like the UN Security Council, the WTO, and multilateral development banks, he said. The prime minister also noted that India has always considered it a duty to rise above self interest and work towards the interest of humanity. Were fully committed to work along with the BRICS countries on all matters, and provide our constructive contributions, he said. In his address, Lula said the world is witnessing the unparalleled collapse of multilateralism and that the meeting is taking place in the most adverse global scenario. We are fully committed to make constructive contributions on all subjects, along with the BRICS countries, Modi added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed It is a truism that authoritarian regimes stand or fall on the loyalty of the security forces, and U.S. President Donald Trump has left little to chance since returning to the White House. His defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, immediately purged a half-dozen top generals, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and in early May ordered a 20% reduction in the number of four-star generals and a 10% cut in lower-ranking generals. But it was a speech to troops a month later, at a base named after a Confederate general, that revealed most clearly Trumps conception of national security and the role of the armed forces in ensuring it. He made no mention of the world today, addressed no common American interest that might necessitate national defense, and expressed no concern about threats from China or the Russian invasion of Ukraine. And whereas U.S. presidents typically speak of individual heroism as evidence of a country worthy of defending, Trump said nothing about cherished Constitutional rights such as freedom of expression and assembly, and not a word about democracy. America did not exist in Trumps speech. Instead, Trump used U.S. military history to advance a cult to himself. Great battlefield achievements became deeds performed for the pleasure of a leader, who then invokes them to justify his own permanent power. Military glory becomes a spectacle into which the leader can inject any meaning. That is the fascist principle that Trump understands. All politics is struggle, and he who can define the enemy can stay in power. But whereas historical fascists had an enemy without and an enemy within, Trump only has an enemy within. That is why, immediately after joining Israels attacks on Iran, he hastily declared victory and a cease-fire. The world is too much for him. The army is just for dominating Americans. The enemy was identified in Trumps comparison of Americans seizing undocumented migrants in 2025 with the courage previous generations demonstrated fighting in the Revolutionary War, the two world wars, Korea, or Vietnam. Charging a trench or jumping from a plane is of course very different from ganging up on a graduate student or bullying a middle-aged seamstress. But here we see Trumps purpose: preparing American soldiers to view themselves as heroes when they participate in domestic operations against unarmed people, including US citizens. In his speech, Trump portrayed himself as more than a president. He repeatedly mocked his predecessor (You think this crowd would have showed up for Biden?), summoning soldiers to defy the fundamental idea that their service is to the Constitution, not to a person. Such unprecedented personalization of the presidency suggests that Trumps authority rests on something besides an election, something like individual charisma, or even divine right. Soldiers should follow Trump because he is Trump. Most Americans imagine that the U.S. Army is here to defend us, not to attack us. But Trump used the occasion to goad soldiers into heckling their fellow Americans, to join him in taunting journalists, a critical check on tyranny who, like protesters, are protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. Trump was teaching soldiers that society does not matter, and that law does not matter. Only he matters, and he loves soldiers so much, Were giving you an across-the-board raise. This is the way a dictator speaks to a palace guard or a paramilitary. We are witnessing an attempt at regime change, rife with perversities. It has a historical component: We are to celebrate the Confederate traitors like Robert E. Lee, who rebelled against the U.S. in defense of slavery. It has a fascist component: We are to embrace the present moment as an exception, in which all things are permitted to the leader. And of course it has an institutional component: Soldiers are meant to be the avant-garde of democracys demise, whose job is to oppress the leaders chosen enemies inside the U.S. Describing migration as an invasion, as Trump did in his speech, is meant to blur the distinction between his administrations immigration policy and a foreign war. But it is also meant to transform the mission of the U.S. Army. If soldiers and others are willing to believe that migration is an invasion, they will see those who disagree as enemies. And this is exactly what Trump sought to achieve when he portrayed elected officials in California as collaborators in an occupation by criminal invaders. The U.S. military, like other American institutions, includes people of various backgrounds. It depends heavily on African-Americans and non-citizens. Trying to transform it into a cult of the Confederacy and a tool to persecute migrants would cause great friction and gravely damage its reputation, especially if U.S. soldiers kill U.S. civilians. (There is also the risk that provocateurs, including foreign ones, try to kill a U.S. soldier.) Trump would welcome and exploit such situations. He wants to turn everything around. He wants an army that is a personal paramilitary. He wants the shame of our national history to become our pride. He wants to transform a republic into a fascist regime in which his will is law. But what do U.S. soldiers want? Trumps speech was a highly curated affair, with audience members selected on the basis of their political views and physical appearance. Four days later, however, the military parade Trump staged in Washington honoring the Armys 250th anniversary and his own birthday was widely described as a flop, in which some 6,600 soldiers in combat fatigues walked, not marched, past a sparse crowd. As spectacles of military glory go, Pyongyang or Red Square it was not. I wasnt there. Like at least four million other people in the U.S. that day, I was at one of the anti-Trump No Kings rallies held in some 2,100 cities and towns across the country. It was the largest single-day political protest in U.S. history, dwarfing attendance at Trumps parade and proving that a democracy exists only if a people exists, and a people exists only in individuals awareness of one another and of their need to act together. This awareness is Trumps worst enemy. Timothy Snyder is Professor of History at the University of Toronto. His latest book is On Freedom. Project Syndicate, 2025.www.project-syndicate.org Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Wednesday Night Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later at night. Low 71F. NNW winds shifting to E at 10 to 15 mph. Hannah Cairo was stuck on a math problem. All she could think about during those weeks was a new approach. After months of trying to prove the result, I managed to understand why it was so difficult. I realized that if I used that information correctly, I might be able to refute the claim. Finally, after several failed attempts, I found a way to construct a counterexample [a case that does not satisfy the studied property and therefore proves it is not universally true]. Ciaro says it required several tools, including fractals, and she had to arrange everything very carefully. It took me a while to convince Ruixiang Zhang [the professor of the course where the problem had been posed] that my proposal was actually correct, Cairo says. She was rightand with that, Cairo solved the so-called Mizohata-Takeuchi conjecture, a problem first proposed in the 1980s that had kept the harmonic analysis community had been working on for decades. The conjecture was widely believed to be true if so, it would have automatically validated several other important results in the field but the community greeted the new development with both enthusiasm and surprise: the author was a 17-year-old who hadnt yet finished high school. When I moved to the U.S. from Nassau [in the Bahamas, where she was born], I entered the educational system as a high school student, although I took classes at UC Berkeley. I wrote to professors, telling them what books Id read on the subject, and asking if I could attend their classes. Many said yes, including Zhang, she says. One day, he proposed proving a special, much simpler case of the conjecture as a homework assignment. As an optional part, he included the original conjecture. And I became obsessed with it, she adds. The Mizohata-Takeuchi conjecture falls within the field of harmonic analysis, which attempts to break down functions into simpler components, such as sinusoidal functions. Today, its a very active area of research and has become a fundamental tool in numerous applications, from compressing digital audio and video files to designing telecommunications systems. Harmonic analysis was born in the early 19th century with the work of French mathematician Joseph Fourier on the study of the heat function, a partial differential equation that describes the diffusion of heat in a solid body. His revolutionary idea was to break down this complex function as a sum of sines and cosines. The technique, known as Fourier series, opened the door to a new way of understanding physical and mathematical phenomena. In the theory of harmonic analysis, everything is made up of waves. You can build anything with them, if you use the right number of waves, says Cairo. In whats known as Fourier restriction theory, researchers study what types of objects can be built using only a limited set of waves. Only certain things can be constructed, and its very difficult to understand which ones. The Mizohata-Takeuchi conjecture states that if you use only certain types of waves, you get a shape made of lines, she explains. Once I obtained the first counterexample, I tried to reformulate the entire problem in frequency space. And I observed what my construction looked like this way. Then I realized that, in fact, there was another, much simpler way to design a counterexample, she states with satisfaction in one of the rooms of the San Jose Residence in El Escorial, where the 12th International Congress on Harmonic Analysis and Partial Differential Equations was held from June 9 to 13. The event, organized by the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (ICMAT) and the Autonomous University of Madrid, is known as the El Escorial Meetings and, in its nearly 50-year history, has become one of the most prestigious in the field. This was Cairos first international scientific trip. Its a wonderful experience spending time with other people who love mathematics, she says. At the conference in El Escorial, she gave one of the programs scheduled talks. And, far from feeling self-conscious, she enjoyed it. Cairo enjoys public speaking. She loves teaching other students who are sometimes older than her. Her vocation, she says, is to help other people, to make them happy. And, for as long as she can remember, shes been fascinated by mathematics. She began reading complicated textbooks on the subject on her own. I always wanted to be a mathematician, but I didnt really know what it meant until I learned abstract algebra from books. Its funny, because abstract algebra is the opposite of the mathematics I do now. Actually, at first, I thought I would go into number theory. When I was 13 or 14, I wrote a paper on number theory, but it dealt with a problem that nobody cared about, she recalls, laughing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Berkeley Math Circle summer camp a program where pre-university students collaboratively solve difficult math problems had to be held online. This allowed Cairo, from the Bahamas, to enroll in the course. Math circles are about exploring and sharing your ideas with friends; theyre not like school math, where you have to memorize. The work is similar to painting a picture with your ideas. Its not about achieving a tangible goal, but simply about understanding things, asking questions, and its also a great way to make friends, she says. The program director recognized Cairos extraordinary mathematical talent another goal of this type of activity is to identify people with a special talent for mathematics and foster their interest and ability and invited her to teach in future editions. And she did. Now, at her new university, the University of Maryland, where shell begin her Ph.D. this fall, she hopes to start her own group. At the University of Maryland, she will continue working under the supervision of Zhang. He helped me so much, and Im really grateful. Beyond his class, which I loved, he spent countless hours tutoring me, she recalls. In Spain, ICMATs new Mathematics Intensive Programme (MIP) also aims to identify and support promising young mathematicians. Agata Timon Garcia-Longoria is the coordinator of the Mathematical Culture Unit at ICMAT. Remarks by President Antonio Costa at the joint press conference following the EU-Moldova summit in Chisinau European Council / Council of the European Union European Council Statements and remarks 4 July 2025 19:50 It is a true pleasure to be back in Chisinau. Thank you, Madam President, for your warm welcome and for hosting us today, in our first-ever EU-Moldova Summit, which marks a true milestone in the deepening of our relations. As Moldovans decided democratically, Moldova's future is in the European Union. This is our common goal, and the European Union is here to support Moldova every step of the way. For almost five years, you, Madam President, and your government, have led Moldova and its people on the European path with courage, vision, and continuous reform. The Commission's assessment is clear: the progress achieved by Moldova on its European Union path is remarkable. The European Union leaders have recognised it unanimously in the European Council last week. Allow me to read this paragraph of the conclusions: "The European Council commends the Republic of Moldova for the pace of its accession-related reforms, welcomes the significant progress achieved, and encourages the Republic of Moldova and the Commission to intensify work in the accession process. The European Council invites the Council to take the next steps in the accession process in line with the merit-based approach, with clusters being opened when the conditions are met." And very importantly, "It takes good note of the assessment of the Commission that the fundamentals cluster is ready to be opened." Now it is time to accelerate our work and take the next step towards accession. The accession process is not a box-ticking exercise. Sustained reform efforts deliver tangible results for the Moldovan people. They open new opportunities for your citizens, and benefits of Moldova's close cooperation with the EU are already visible - on the ground and in people's everyday lives. From visa liberalisation to roaming. From energy support to investments in infrastructure. Last winter, the EU contributed 60 million in grants to fund heating compensation and 30 million for electricity compensation. The EU has funded 700 km of roads and 200 km of railways - and the renovation of 22 hospitals and 120 schools. These and other benefits will further grow in the future. During our meeting today, we agreed to work on further accelerating Moldova's integration with the EU single market. To drive economic growth. To support Moldovan businesses. To create jobs and improve living standards. In one word, to boost your competitiveness. Time and again, the EU has proven to be a reliable, predictable partner for the Moldovan people. A partner that stands with you in good times and in challenging ones. And we will remain so. Strengthening Moldova's security and resilience has been a key focus of our support. We strongly believe that the choice of who leads Moldova should rest with its people - not with those who seek to manipulate, divide or undermine their democratic will. We share a common goal: building a Europe that is free, safe and at peace. A Europe based on democracy, rule of law and shared values. Moldova has chosen the European path. And we are here to walk it with you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint declaration following the first Republic of Moldova - EU Summit European Council / Council of the European Union European Council Press release 4 July 2025 18:55 On 4 July 2025, the European Union and Moldova held their first-ever summit in Chisinau. The meeting marked a historic milestone in the EU-Moldova relations, reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, security and prosperity across Europe, and highlighting Moldova's European future. During the summit, leaders adopted a joint declaration outlining a common vision and concrete deliverables for Moldova's EU path. The declaration expresses strong political support for Moldova's accession process, welcomes its reform efforts and sets out commitments in areas such as energy, security and defence, trade, economic development, the digital transition and youth. It also highlights the EU's staunch support for Moldova's sovereignty, territorial integrity and resilience in the face of Russian hybrid attacks. The full text of the declaration is available below: NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Opening remarks by President Antonio Costa at the EU-Moldova summit in Chisinau European Council / Council of the European Union European Council Statements and remarks 4 July 2025 18:10 Opening remarks by President Antonio Costa at the EU-Moldova summit in Chisinau First of all, it is a great pleasure for us, and for me personally, to be back here in Chisinau. I was last here in March, on the day that marked three years since Moldova applied for the membership of the European Union. Allow me to commend you for Moldova's steady progress on its path towards European Union membership, which was recognised by all European Union member states last week in the European Council. Moldova's European Union path is delivering real results for the people, and this will continue. On infrastructure, jobs, opportunities for businesses, higher living standards, increasing competitiveness of your economy, and above all greater access of the world's largest single market - this is what European Union integration means. We are here to continue to work with you and to give you confidence in this European path that is decisive not only for your security, but also for our security and for our common prosperity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strengthening ties with EDA's shareholders, EU Member States European Defence Agency 04 July 2025 Less than two months since its appointment as EDA Chief Executive, Andre Denk has started touring Member States to discuss their respective defence priorities and EDA's pivotal role in serving its Member States' interests and leveraging defence and capability development cooperation in the European Union. Earlier this week, Chief Executive Denk visited Sweden and Italy - where he met with the Ministers of Defence of both countries, as well as top national defence authorities. Sweden In Stockholm, he met with Minister of Defence Pal Jonson and with the Chief of Defence, General Michael Claesson. He also visited the Swedish Defence ResearchAgency (FOI), the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV), and the Swedish Armed Forces. Discussions revolved around Sweden's ongoing priorities and EDA's concrete support to Member States in innovation, capability development, and joint procurement. Italy In Rome, he met with Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, National Armaments Director Admiral Giacinto Ottaviani, Chief of Defence General Luciano Portolano, and Deputy Chief of Defence General Del Bene. Discussions focused on reinforcing cooperation in defence, aligning industrial and technological priorities, and advancing European strategic autonomy. During his trip to Rome, Andre Denk also presented the results of the first-ever Operational Experimentation (OPEX) campaign dedicated to unmanned systems - i.e. UAVs and UGVs - for cross-domain logistics at the Italian Army's multifunctional experimentation centre, CEPOLISPE. EDA's Chief Executive will travel to other Member States in the coming weeks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Opening speech by President von der Leyen at the EU-Moldova Summit European Commission Speech Jul 4, 2025 Chisinau Dear Maia, Dear Prime Minister, Mr Speaker of the Parliament, Dear Antonio, It is a pleasure to be here again in Chisinau, in your beautiful country. Today, I bring together with Antonio and on behalf of the 27 Member States a very clear message - Moldova's future lies in the European Union. You have shown incredible courage and determination. That was clear eight months ago, when the people of Moldova took a crucial step, and voted to anchor your European future in your constitution. Now, Moldova has a historic opportunity to make progress. We look forward to opening all clusters of Moldova's accession talks, as soon as possible. We are here as friends. We cherish your country, your culture, your traditions, and your wonderful cuisine. The Miorita, the sarmale, and of course the famous Moldovan wine, the apples, the plums. Everything that makes you proud, makes us proud together. You have shown true solidarity. You deployed your firefighters alongside ours in key high-risk areas during the summer months. So when Moldova joins the European Union, we will all be safer, more resilient, and more united. We launched together a EUR 1.9 billion Growth Plan last year. You worked very hard, and I have good news: I can confirm that we release the first EUR 270 million. It means a new Balti Regional Hospital, a restored district heating in Chisinau, and lower electricity and gas bills. And of course, lots of investment in the competitiveness of Moldova. We will also abolish roaming costs for Moldovans travelling to the European Union and for members of your diaspora returning home for holidays. Free WiFi will be installed in public areas across Chisinau, and SEPA will make it easier - and cheaper - to send money between families and businesses. Dear friends, This is a joyous occasion, the first ever EU-Moldova Summit. We stand by your side to embrace your European future and your desire for independence, the desire that Moldova has demonstrated since Bogdan the Founder. Maia, you have said that for Moldova, Europe is a dream that must become a reality. We in the European Union will do all that we can to make your dream come true. Thank you very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by President von der Leyen with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa and President of Moldova, Maia Sandu European Commission Statement Jul 4, 2025 Chisinau Madame President, dear Maia, Thank you for hosting us here in the beautiful city of Chisinau, it is wonderful to be back here again. 12 months ago, we have opened accession talks. 9 months ago, we agreed on the Growth Plan for Moldova. And 8 months ago, the people of Moldova have enshrined their European future in Moldova's constitution. What a testament to Moldova's and our unwavering commitment. That same commitment, dear Maia Moldova is constantly proving in making progress in the accession process. This is why the Commission recommended to the Council, that Moldova is ready to open the fundamentals cluster. And we look forward to opening all clusters of Moldova's accession talks, as soon as possible. Meanwhile we are working very closely together. You have shown true solidarity. I think of how you welcomed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees, as turmoil broke out beyond your borders. Or how you rapidly deployed your firefighters alongside ours in key high-risk areas during the summer months last year. And being a Member of the EU is exactly this. It is first and foremost about solidarity and protection. The European Union will protect Moldova's freedom, democracy, identity and security. You have shown that Moldova is also a reliable security partner. We have signed a Security & Defence partnership. We are also committed to protecting you against the hybrid attacks and energy shocks that your country has been victim of. Who is behind those attacks is clear to all of us here. These are the same agents of autocracy trying to undermine our democracies everywhere in Europe. And we will show. We will show them the power of democracies. We are connecting Moldova with our EU electricity market, for stable flows. No more blackmail. On top of our civilian mission, we are now supporting the Centre of Strategic Communications. It is working to detect the Kremlin's lies as soon as they start spreading, and to debunk them. We have also launched a strategic group with experts from the civil society. They are trained to spot these lies and establish the truth, the facts, the figures about Moldova and the EU. Third, we cannot wait to welcome you in our Union. This is why, in parallel to accession talks, we are already bringing your economy closer to ours. Today, I can announce the release of the first EUR 270 million under the Moldova Growth Plan. You have delivered on reforms - and so we deliver on promised support. And with an overall envelope of EUR 1.9 billion, more will come. This will support your competitiveness and bring concrete benefits to your people. Then by October your integration into the Single Euro Payments Area will be complete. We call it SEPA. That means faster, cheaper, and safer transfers of euro - and that is more opportunities for your businesses and for your people. And finally, we will end all roaming charges between us. From our experience in the European Union, it is a great way to connect people and businesses. Dear Maia, let me once again tell you how much we in Europe admire you and your fight for democracy. Like all strong families, we stand by each other when it matters most. Moldova's place is with us in our European family. And you said it beautifully; the European Union is already here. It is in the minds and hearts of the people. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU and Moldova forge deeper ties at historic first Summit in Chisinau European Commission Press release Jul 4, 2025 Chisinau At the first ever EU-Moldova Summit in Chisinau, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu agreed to deepen cooperation in the interest of EU and Moldovan citizens. The leaders discussed EU accession and related reforms, economic growth as well as security and defence cooperation, including countering hybrid threats. During the Summit, President von der Leyen announced the release of 270 million in pre-financing from the 1.9 billion EU Growth Plan for Moldova, supporting the country's reforms and bringing its economy closer to the EU Single Market. This disbursement will translate into a new Balti Regional Hospital, restored district heating in Chisinau, and lower electricity and gas bills for the people of Moldova. Overall, the Growth Plan will support better roads, modernised schools, new hospitals, growth for small businesses and the protection of Moldovan cultural heritage. This investment underscores the EU's strong commitment to Moldova's success. President von der Leyen also announced that cheaper euro bank transfers will be available as of 5 October 2025 through Moldova's inclusion in the Single European Payment Area (SEPA), granted in March by Member States. Finally, President von der Leyen has proposed to integrate Moldova into the EU Roaming area as of 1 January 2026. The 'Roam Like at Home' initiative will allow Moldovan citizens to make calls, send text messages and use mobile data with Moldovan numbers while travelling in any of the 27 EU Member States without incurring roaming fees. The leaders agreed to step up efforts to counter ongoing hybrid and cyber-attacks by Russia and its proxies aimed at destabilising the country ahead of the September parliamentary election. The EU reaffirmed its assistance for Moldova's resilience, including through the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova as well as supporting Moldova's Centre of Strategic Communications tasked with detecting and debunking Russian disinformation. Leaders highlighted the need for clear communication on the benefits of EU integration and stressed the importance of strengthening anti-corruption efforts and safeguarding the integrity of the upcoming elections. A Joint Declaration, including the full list of deliverables, President von der Leyen's speech at the EU-Moldova Summit, and a factsheet with further details are available online. Background EU-Moldova relations are at an all-time high as Moldova advances on its EU path. In June 2022, Moldova was granted candidate status. The European Council decided to open accession negotiations with Moldova in December 2023. The first Intergovernmental Conference, officially opening accession negotiations, took place in June 2024. In October 2024, Moldovan citizens chose to anchor their European future in their country's Constitution. On 4 June 2025, the EU-Moldova Association Council highlighted the EU and Moldova's joint efforts to accelerate integration across various policy fields, in particular greater access to the EU Single Market. The EU is supporting Moldova through political, financial and technical assistance. In March 2025, the EU adopted the 1.9 billion EU Growth Plan for Moldova. The Growth Plan - the largest EU financial support package since Moldova's independence - underpins reforms essential for Moldova's EU accession and has the potential to double the Moldovan economy over the next decade, transforming the lives of Moldovan citizens. Earlier this year, the Commission and Moldova agreed on a 2-year Comprehensive Strategy for Energy Independence and Resilience to decouple Moldova from the insecurities of Russian energy supply and fully integrate it in the EU energy market. Under this strategy, overall support to the Republic of Moldova will account to 250 million. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns Israeli regime's continued war crimes in occupied Palestinian territories IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 4, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has strongly condemned the escalation of genocide in occupied Palestine and the brutal massacre of hundreds of defenseless Palestinians by the Israeli regime over the past week in various areas of the Gaza Strip. In reaction to the ongoing crimes committed by the Israeli regime, Baqaei described the military's persistent attacks on residential neighborhoods, refugee camps, shelters, and vital aid distribution centers as unprecedented war crimes. Referring to the ongoing targeted attacks on refugee gathering centers and the savage bombing of the Mustafa Hafez school in Gaza, he said that the U.S., Germany, and other supporters of the occupying regime are responsible for the continuation of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized the Israeli regime's ongoing claims regarding the complete annexation of the West Bank, describing it as a dangerous indication of its expansionist ambitions. He urged the international community, as well as Islamic countries, to take urgent and decisive action to support the oppressed Palestinian people and to resist the colonial agenda aimed at erasing Palestine's deep-rooted historical identity. Additionally, while commending the continuous efforts of Francesca Albanese, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights, in exposing the brutal crimes of the Israeli regime and advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people, Baqaei condemned the increasing pressure from the U.S. and other supporters of the Israeli regime to silence the rapporteur. 3266**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Baiba Braze in Prague: Without security, there is no prosperity. We are united with the Czech Republic against threats and for growth Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04.07.2025 The Czech Republic's contribution to the security of Latvia and NATO's Eastern Flank, support for Ukraine and containment of Russia, the deterrence and defence capabilities of the EU and NATO, as well as bilateral cooperation in security and the economy - these were the main topics discussed by Foreign Minister Baiba Braze during her working visit to the Czech Republic on 3-4 July, 2025. She met with the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavsky, Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvorak, and Commander of the Czech Armed Forces Karel Rehka. The Minister also met with Petr Novotny, CEO of Skoda Group, as well as with academic staff and students of Latvian language studies at Czech universities. Foreign Minister Baiba Braze stated: "The Czech Republic is a close and reliable ally of Latvia. We highly value its readiness to ensureits military presence within the NATO brigade in Adazi and its involvement in the defence of Baltic airspace. Together, we are providing practical support to Ukraine, including through the Latvia-led Drone Coalition and the Czech Munitions Initiative. Russia continues to employ unconventional means of attack - hybrid threats, cyberattacks, pressure at borders, and acts of sabotage. Therefore, supporting Ukraine and weakening Russia's capabilities is not only strategically necessary but also the most cost-effective way to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security." SECURITY In talks with Czech officials, the results of the NATO summit in The Hague were positively assessed - notably the historic agreement on allocating 5% of national GDP to defence, the reaffirmed commitment to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, and ongoing military support for Ukraine. The ministers agreed that Europe must continue the rapid development of its defence industry, which also holds significant economic potential by creating jobs and fostering innovation. They discussed the need to strengthen the EU's Eastern border, the EU enlargement process, and both countries' priorities in the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework. ECONOMY Both countries expressed interest in deepening economic cooperation, particularly in high value-added goods, tourism, and the space exploration industry. In her meeting with Skoda Group CEO Petr Novotny, Minister Braze discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation in the transport sector. Regular flights and growing interest in Riga as a destination are creating new opportunities for tourism and broader economic collaboration. PEOPLE The Minister met with lecturers and students at Charles University in Prague and Masaryk University in Brno. Currently, more than 20 students are studying the Latvian language in the Czech Republic. Latvia and the Czech Republic enjoy active cooperation in the fields of culture and education. Baiba Braze also gave interviews to Czech media outlets Novinky.cz, iRozhlas.cz, and Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Presidents of Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia discussed strengthening defense and energy resilience President of the Republic of Lithuania July 04, 2025 President Gitanas Nauseda met with Estonian President Alar Karis and Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics in Tallinn. During the meeting, they discussed the security situation in the region and joint actions to strengthen defense and energy resilience. During the meeting, the three Presidents discussed joint initiatives implemented by the Baltic States and Polandnamely, the Baltic Defense Line and the Eastern Shieldwhich aim to protect the external borders of NATO and the EU. The countries are calling on the European Union to recognize these projects as serving the common European interest and to allocate appropriate funding. The Lithuanian leader emphasized that the shared ambition of the Baltic countries is clear: to deepen transatlantic ties and ensure that the U.S. military presence in the region remains strong. According to Gitanas Nauseda, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia are committed to taking swift action following the decisions adopted at the NATO Summit in The Hague. He noted that Lithuania currently allocates 4% of its GDP to defense and will increase that to over 5% next year. The President stressed that Lithuania, like Estonia and Latvia, remains a staunch supporter of Ukraine, and that peace in Europe is impossible without a free, sovereign, and victorious Ukraine. "Our joint commitment is unwavering: we must sustain and increase military assistance, impose strong and painful 18th package of sanctions, mobilize frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's reconstruction, and remain firm in our call for Ukraine's membership in NATO and the EU." The Presidents discussed the progress of the Rail Baltica project. The Lithuanian leader highlighted its importance for military mobility and stressed the need for continued joint efforts to secure EU funding in the next multiannual financial framework. On the topic of energy resilience, President Gitanas Nauseda proposed exploring the potential of the Baltic countries jointly purchasing liquefied natural gas from the United States, pointing out that this would help lower gas prices and bring stability. In the evening, the President of Lithuania, along with the leaders of Estonia and Latvia, will attend the XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Festival in Estonia. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BEIJING, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Decision-makers and strategists attending the 13th World Peace Forum have sounded the alarm over the risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI). The three-day event, which wrapped up on Friday in Beijing, put AI in the spotlight, featuring two dedicated panels that examined its risks and regulation, as well as its expanding role in armed conflict. Regarding AI risk and regulatory challenges, a widely held view among participants was that the use of AI must never come at the expense of human safety, and that life-and-death decisions should always remain in human hands, rather than being delegated to machines. "We have to be very careful that we don't unintentionally unleash the power of AI in a way that would harm people," said Balthasar Staehelin, personal envoy of the president to China for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), "there is an ethical responsibility here -- one that must always be considered in light of international humanitarian law." Advancements in information technology have enabled AI's widespread use in conflict scenarios, yielding both promising and troubling results. The ICRC and other humanitarian organizations, for example, are deploying AI to match individuals searching for displaced family members, as their names may be spelled slightly differently in Arabic, and to help plan the best routes for refugees fleeing conflict zones. AI has been used in mine clearance, too. Low-flying drones equipped with AI technology can help detect mines, a way far more efficient than previous methods. Unfortunately, AI has also been employed to search for, track and identify combatants, and even lock onto targets, raising serious concerns about the growing role of robots in lethal operations, potentially even taking human lives. This unease is hardly new. As early as 1942, science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov proposed his "Three Laws of Robotics," which included the rule: "A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm." In an interview with Xinhua this March, Staehelin also noted that the act of killing in war should always be a human decision, not one made by AI. This warning was echoed by Bruno Angelet, Belgian Ambassador to China, who believed that accountability for battlefield decisions must always rest with people, not machines. "It is a person who decides that the system can make decisions, and it is a person who is accountable. There is no stone or computer that will be accountable," he said. Reinforcing this perspective, Zeng Yi, founding dean of Beijing Institute of AI Safety and Governance, observed that AI acts as a mirror -- reflecting humanity's choices and exposing whether our actions are truly responsible, especially when reckless decisions by individuals threaten to endanger society as a whole. Xiao Qian, deputy head of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, furthered the discussion by highlighting the legal ambiguity and difficulties in assigning accountability in AI-led actions. If a drone misidentifies a target, it becomes extremely challenging to determine who is responsible -- the programmer, the commander, or the machine itself -- sparking ongoing debate. Many AI systems also operate as black boxes, making legal compliance and effective oversight nearly impossible, she said. Christian Bessiere, research professor at the French National Center for Scientific Research and the University of Montpellier, broke down AI's risks into four main categories: economic, "black box" opacity, cultural, and military. On regulation, he cautioned against excessive oversight that could stifle innovation and advocated for the creation of a strong, independent, non-profit international body to provide regulatory guidance. Turning to the question of global AI governance, Gong Ke, executive director of the Chinese Institute of New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies, identified escalating geopolitical tensions as the greatest risk facing international cooperation on AI. He added that a key challenge is making AI governance more inclusive, ensuring that all countries and stakeholders have a seat at the table. Yet even reaching the smallest consensus on AI governance remains extremely challenging amid ongoing geopolitical strains and competing national interests, observed Xiao Qian. She noted that while scientific groups are actively launching initiatives to raise awareness about the risks of military AI, these efforts have yet to receive significant attention or respect from governments. 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. Ecuador reaffirmed on Friday in Rabat that the Autonomy Initiative represents "the basis" to resolve the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs Friday 04 July 2025 This position was voiced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of the Republic of Ecuador, Mrs. Gabriela Sommerfeld, during a press briefing following her talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita. In this regard, and in line with the majority of UN member states, the Republic of Ecuador also expressed its support for Morocco's 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 the Republic of Ecuador withdrew its recognition of the so-called "sadr" on October 22, 2024, and severed all ties with this fictitious entity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Republic of Liberia, as a new non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council starting 2026, reaffirmed on Friday in Rabat, its support for Morocco's territorial integrity and its sovereignty over all its territory, including the Sahara region. Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs Friday 04 July 2025 This stance was expressed by Liberia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow Nyanti during a press briefing following her meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita. Nyanti also reiterated her country's full support to Morocco's 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. The Republic of Liberia, she added, also welcomes the growing international consensus and dynamic driven by HM King Mohammed VI, in support of the autonomy plan and the sovereignty of Morocco over its Sahara. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkiye Transfers Command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 to Italy NATO Allied Maritime Command Jul 4 2025 AKSAZ NAVAL BASE, Turkiye -- Turkish Rear Admiral H.Ilker Avci handed over command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) to Italian Rear Admiral Francesco Iavazzo during a ceremony at Aksaz Naval Base, Turkiye on 4 July 2025. Vice Admiral Didier Maleterre, Deputy Commander of Allied Maritime Command, presided over the ceremony and offered his congratulations to the incoming and outgoing commanders. The ceremony marked the conclusion of a successful seven-month command period by the Turkish Navy with the flagship frigate TCG Kemalreis. The deployment included participation in key NATO and national exercises, including Steadfast Dart-25, Dynamic Manta-25, Dynamic Mariner-25/FLOTEX-25, Mare Aperto-25 and MED Strike-25, along with deterrence activities across the Area of Responsibility. Throughout the deployment, SNMG2 carried out a wide range of operations to bolster NATO's deterrence and defence posture, including vigilance activities, maritime situational awareness and interactions with other Allied units. A total of 16 warships from 9 Allied nations served with the task group - from Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkiye, and the United States - spending 122 days at sea. The ships carried out 15 port visits to six different countries - Albania, France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkiye - delivering NATO's message of unity and cooperation to more than 30 local civil and military authorities. Following 213 days in command, Rear Admiral Avci reflected on the achievements of the group. "With the efforts of our multinational staff, the dedicated crew of the flagship and the participating Allied naval units, we have covered every inch of the Mediterranean Sea and showcased NATO's superiority in the maritime domain," he said, "contributing to the Alliance's strengthened deterrence and defence posture." Under Rear Admiral Avci's leadership, SNMG2 demonstrated high-level coordination and flexibility, executing complex, multi-task operations, conducting exercises while maintaining the maritime environment across the region. During this period, SNMG2 enhanced readiness, interoperability and cooperation by conducting joint training and Passing Exercises (PASSEX) with numerous Allies. SNMG2 also supported NATO's Operation Sea Guardian, contributing to maritime situational awareness and maritime security in the region. Assuming command, Admiral IAVAZZO said it was a proud moment for the Italian naval forces and for him personally. "It is a profound honour and responsibility to assume command of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two," he said. "The Italian Navy remains firmly committed to the objectives of the Alliance, contributing advanced capabilities, operational expertise, and a long-standing tradition of maritime excellence. Italy's continuous participation in NATO's Standing Naval Forces reflects a strong culture of integration and interoperability, further affirmed by the solid results achieved during previous Italian commands. "Under my command, SNMG2 will continue to uphold freedom of navigation, ensure the security of vital sea lines of communication, and maintain a credible and coherent posture of deterrence, in close coordination with our Allies. Professionalism, readiness, and cohesion will continue to guide our efforts in support of NATO's collective defence and maritime security." SNMG2 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OSCE training on arms control enhances border security in Turkmenistan OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 4 July 2025 An OSCE-organized training course on Combatting Illicit Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), Conventional Ammunition (CA) and Explosives took place from 1 to 4 July 2025 in Ashgabat. The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, in close co-operation with the Conflict Prevention Centre/Forum for Security Co-operation of the OSCE Secretariat, organized the course to strengthen the existing institutional capacities of border, customs, police and other law enforcement bodies in the area of combating illicit trafficking of SALW, CA and Explosives. The training course presented the Frontex Handbook on Firearms and shared European and international good practices and experiences in the fight against illicit trafficking of SALW, ammunition and explosives at the borders. In addition, this course offered comprehensive training in SALW/CA identification, documentation, post-seizure record-keeping and tracing, focusing on the target groups. In his address at the opening of the training course, William Leaf, Acting Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, said: "As the largest regional security organization in the world, representing one billion people, the OSCE supports all 57 participating States in their efforts to improve comprehensive security through a number of OSCE commitments related to border security and management." "Illicit trafficking and uncontrolled spread of SALW, ammunition, and explosivespose threats across the OSCE region, and the OSCE works with the Organization's 57 participating States to mitigate these risks," stressed Leaf. "As frontline defenders, border and customs officers play a key role in identifying and preventing such threats," he added. The course was delivered by international experts from the German Bundeswehr Verification Centre (BwVC), Interpol, and Forum for Security Co-operation of the OSCE Secretariat. Applying concrete example-based exercises, the experts involved trainees in practical exercises that were carefully tailored to control measures at the border crossing points and enhance co-operation between various services at the borders, in particular between border police/ guards and customs. The training course was organized within the framework of the Centre's extrabudgetary project "Strengthening State Border Service Capacities of Turkmenistan" and financially supported by the Government of Germany. The training efforts reflect the OSCE's commitment to significantly supporting the fight against the proliferation of illicit firearms and related threats. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Teodoro unfazed by possible China entry ban Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno July 4, 2025, 7:12 pm MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday said he will not mind if he will be barred from entering China and its territories, similar to what happened to former senator Francis Tolentino. "Wala naman akong pakialam [kung] gawin nila sa akin 'yun (I won't mind if they do that to me)," Teodoro told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Teodoro also said it is the prerogative of any country, without explanation, to allow or deny anybody from entering its territory. "Nasa sa kanila naman 'yun, 'di ba (It is up to them, right)?" he said. China barred Tolentino from entering its territories for his "egregious conduct on China-related issues. Tolentino, who served as chairperson of a special committee on maritime and admiralty zones, authored two bills that further highlighted the Philippines' rights to its maritime zones. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act on Nov. 8, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in fortifying maritime sovereignty and securing national interests, especially in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The Maritime Zones Act identifies the Philippine internal waters and defines the archipelagic waters, full entitlement of a 12 nautical miles territorial sea, declaration of a 24 nautical miles contiguous zone from the baselines, and the 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone and continental shelf where the Philippines can exercise sovereign rights and jurisdiction. On the other hand, the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act establishes two east-west routes and one north-south route, namely the Sea Lane I (Philippine Sea-Balintang Channel-WPS), Sea Lane II (Celebes Sea-Sibutu Passage-Sulu Sea-Cuyo East Pass-Mindoro Strait-WPS), and Sea Lane III (Celebes Sea-Basilan Strait-Sulu Sea-Nasubata Channel-Balabac Strait-WPS). (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palace elated by Lithuania approval of PH's WPS stance Philippine News Agency By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos July 4, 2025, 4:03 pm MANILA -- Malacanang on Friday expressed elation over Lithuania's support for the Philippines' stand and policy to defend and protect the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This, after Lithuania's Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene backed the Philippines amid China's incursions and aggression in the WPS. "Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa bansang Lithuania at kay (We are grateful to the country of Lithuania and to) Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing. "At nakikita po ang ginagawang trabaho ng Pangulo, kung paano ba ipagtanggol ng Pangulo at ng administrasyong kasalukuyan ang karapatan ng mga mangingisda natin at iba pa nating mga kababayan patungkol po dito sa West Philippine Sea (They see the work that the President is doing, how will the President and the current administration defend the rights of our fishermen and other compatriots regarding the West Philippine Sea)." In an exclusive interview with NewsWatch Plus during his official visit to Manila, Sakaliene hailed the Philippines' documentation and reportage of China's harassment of fisherfolk as a "gold standard." Sakaliene also described China's actions in the WPS as "gaslighting." President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in the June 21 episode of his podcast, pledged to continue protecting Philippine territory, saying he would not allow any foreign power to seize "even an inch" of the country's domain. Marcos also vowed to continue asserting the country's sovereign rights over the WPS. To protect the country's marine resources, Marcos, on Nov. 8, 2024, signed Republic Act (RA) 12064, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and RA 12065, the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. RA 12064 delineates the maritime zones under the jurisdiction of the Philippines, while RA 12065 designates the sea lanes and air routes suitable for the continuous and expeditious passage of foreign ships and aircraft through or over its archipelagic waters and the adjacent territorial sea. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ICC junks Duterte disqualification plea vs. two judges Philippine News Agency By Benjamin Pulta July 4, 2025, 3:15 pm MANILA -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has turned down the request filed by defense counsels of former president Rodrigo Duterte to disqualify two judges from hearing the case against him. In a decision dated July 3, the plenary of judges said it found no grounds to doubt the impartiality of Judges Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou and Maria del Socorro Flores Liera. "The plenary of judges, acting unanimously, considers that no actual nor reasonable apprehension of bias arises in respect of Judges Alapini-Gansou and Flores. The plenary of judges considers that the judges acted, at all times, in accordance with the judicial duties assigned to them under the (Rome) Statute," read the order signed by ICC President, Judge Tomoko Akane. In their request, the defense counsels claimed the two judges had pre-judged the case against Duterte since the magistrates took part in earlier proceedings before Duterte's arrest which determined whether the ICC continued to have jurisdiction following the former president's order for the Philippines to withdraw from the Rome Statute on March 2019. The ICC had ruled that it retained jurisdiction with respect to alleged crimes that occurred during the war on drugs since the preliminary examination commenced prior to the Philippines' withdrawal. Duterte is currently under ICC custody to face charges of crimes against humanity for the thousands of individuals killed during his administration's war on drugs. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel puts 85 percent of Gaza under forced displacement orders: UNRWA Iran Press TV Friday, 04 July 2025 7:11 PM UNRWA says 85 percent of the besieged Gaza Strip is now within Israeli-militarized zones or under forced displacement orders. According to the agency's latest report, more than 714,000 Palestinians have been displaced yet again since Israel violated the ceasefire in March. The agency also warned that the fuel crisis in Gaza is deepening since no fuel has entered the blockaded Palestinian territory for more than four months. "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 fuel." Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, recently said at a news conference that the displacement orders were "severely hampering people's access to essential humanitarian support and the ability of aid workers to reach those in need." Dujarric said Warning that displacement orders also "strain vital services and push people into increasingly smaller swaths" in the enclave, He said "no shelter assistance has entered Gaza in four months." "Our shelter partners say that 97% of the sites surveyed reported displaced people sleeping in the open." Palestinian and UN officials say that nowhere in the besieged Palestinian territory is safe. About 90% of the population of the Gaza Strip has been displaced at least once since October 2023, when Israel launched its aggression against Gaza. Rights groups and Palestinian officials have condemned such forced displacement orders as collective punishment and part of Israel's ongoing genocidal war on Gaza. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is "committed" to US President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to take over the Gaza Strip and displace its Palestinian residents. The number of Palestinian aid seekers killed by Israeli forces since May 27 in the besieged Gaza Strip has reached 613, according to the UN. US contractors ostensibly guarding controversial aid distribution sites have been using live ammunition and stun grenades. More than 57,100 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza since October 2023. Thousands of victims are feared trapped under rubble, inaccessible to emergency and civil defense teams due to relentless Israeli attacks. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former war minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its war on the blockaded Palestinian region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia urges immediate ceasefire in Gaza Iran Press TV Friday, 04 July 2025 4:31 PM Saudi Arabia has called for an immediate ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip and underscored the urgency of ending the "horrific suffering" endured by Palestinian civilians. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the top priority was "to halt the bloodshed in Gaza and alleviate the appalling humanitarian conditions faced by Palestinians." The top Saudi diplomat made remarks while speaking at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Friday. When asked by a reporter about the prospect of normalizing ties with Israel, the Saudi foreign minister reiterated the Kingdom's unwavering support for the creation of a "Palestinian state on the June 1967 borders." The US has been pushing for a normalization of relations between the countries, building on the 2020 Abraham Accords that established regular diplomatic relations between Israel and a number of Arab states. But Saudi Arabia has insisted that could not happen without a resolution in the Palestinian issue and unless an independent Palestinian state is recognized on 1967 borders with East al-Quds as its capital. The latest remarks also come as the Palestinian group Hamas is reviewing proposals submitted by mediators aimed at reaching a deal that includes a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and humanitarian relief for Palestinians. The Palestinian resistance movement said on Thursday it will submit its final decision to the mediators after the conclusion of these consultations. The proposal follows reports that Israel has agreed to a near-complete withdrawal from Gaza under a potential 60-day ceasefire. Israeli media indicates that a limited military presence would remain in the Morag Corridor, separating Gaza's southern and northern regions. The deal includes a phased exchange of 10 living captives and 18 deceased ones for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. On July 1, Trump urged Hamas to accept the 60-day ceasefire, claiming Israel has agreed to the terms. However, the US recently approved a $510 million weapons sale to Israel, reinforcing its military support amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which has killed at least 57,130 Palestinians and wounded 135,170 since October 7, 2023, according to Gaza's health ministry. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former war minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its war on the besieged Palestinian territory NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN: Over 600 Palestinian aid seekers killed in Gaza Iran Press TV Friday, 04 July 2025 4:03 PM The United Nations human rights office says at least 613 Palestinian aid seekers have been killed in Gaza, mostly at sites run by the controversial Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). "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, confirming that the US-Israeli scheme is deadly. Still, the toll is lower than figures given by the Palestinian Health Ministry, which stated that more than 650 were killed and over 4,000 wounded. The GHF has been tasked by the Israeli regime and the US government to distribute aid in Gaza since late May. 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. The UN's Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has described the distribution sites run by the GHF as "death traps" for starving civilians in the blockaded territory. Mahmoud Basal, a civil defense 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 centers," he said. "Some were shot by Israeli snipers, others were killed by drone attacks, air strikes or shootings targeting families seeking aid." A new report by the Associated Press (AP) on Wednesday have also detailed how American contractors guarding the aid centers used live ammunition, stun grenades and pepper spray against the Palestinian aid seekers. Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Thursday said US-linked armed groups have killed hundreds of starving Palestinian aid seekers, decrying the European Union over its inaction on the crimes committed in Gaza. Nearly 170 non-governmental organizations have called for the immediate discontinuation of the controversial Israel-US-backed program of the GHF, and called for a return to the UN-led aid mechanism that existed in the war-torn territory until March, when the Israeli regime imposed a full blockade on humanitarian assistance entering Gaza. Since dawn on Friday, at least 41 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli raids on several areas in Gaza, according to medical sources. Israel launched the campaign of genocide in Gaza on October 7, 2023. It has killed at least 57,130 Palestinians there so far, according to the health ministry of Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BEIJING, July 5 (Xinhua) -- In the courtyard of Beijing's Xuannan Bookstore, an unusual art exhibition is quietly unfolding. Each painting features figures wracked with pain -- gripping knees, clutching elbows and wincing in discomfort. This public-interest exhibition is dedicated to raising awareness of tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT), a rare joint disorder. The artworks are the result of a collaborative effort by patients, their families, medical professionals and artists. Organized by China Alliance for Rare Diseases (CARD), the Beijing Association for Rare Disease Diagnosis, Treatment and Security, and the Chinese Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD), the exhibition will run from Friday to Sunday. "Swollen joints, pain, stiffness and limited mobility. These paintings aren't just artistic expression -- they're windows into the lived reality of patients," said Li Linkang, executive director of CARD, during a salon event on Friday morning. Li pointed to a hand-drawn image of a deformed joint, its twisted lines and vivid red tones capturing the raw, daily suffering of those living with TGCT. TGCT is a rare condition that originates in the synovial lining of joints, bursae and tendon sheaths. With an incidence rate of just one in 20,000 -- it has been included in China's catalog of rare diseases. According to experts, TGCT is easily misdiagnosed or overlooked altogether because of its rarity and often subtle symptoms. Data shows that around 60,000 new cases are diagnosed in China each year. Niu Xiaohui, director of the bone and soft tissue tumor diagnosis and treatment center at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, believes that doctors need to step out of the clinic to raise public awareness -- while the public needs to stay alert to spot rare symptoms. Huang Rufang, founder of CORD and a rare disease patient himself, echoed this call for broader public education. "Through the paintings, we hope to portray the pain and challenges patients face and help people realize that this rare tumor isn't as distant from our lives as it might seem," Huang said. Outside the salon, the exhibition space was steadily filling with visitors. A mother crouched down beside her young daughter, gently pointing to a cartoon illustration on a display board. "This illness causes little lumps to grow inside the joints," she explained softly. In recent years, China has placed growing emphasis on building a stronger support system for people with rare diseases. Enhancing access to rare disease medications has been incorporated into its overarching Healthy China 2030 blueprint. China's official list of recognized rare diseases has expanded to 207 conditions. Notably, more than 90 rare disease drugs have been included in the national medical insurance system -- significantly easing the financial burden on patients. Meanwhile, innovative drugs for treating TGCT are currently undergoing the regulatory review process for market approval in China. In the view of Vivian Zhang, managing director and general manager of Merck China Healthcare, rare disease diagnosis and treatment involve several critical links, from awareness and clinical care to drug availability. "It takes a joint effort from all sides to bridge the gaps," Zhang said. "Only by working together can we connect these isolated islands and form a continent of hope." US, Colombia recall envoys as once-warm relations sour Iran Press TV Friday, 04 July 2025 11:28 AM The United States and Colombia have both recalled their ambassadors amid escalating tensions over an alleged plot to topple Colombian President Gustavo Petro's left-wing government. On Thursday, the US State Department announced that John McNamara, the charge d'affaires at the US embassy in Bogota, returned to Washington "following baseless and reprehensible statements from the highest levels of the Colombian government." In response, President Petro ordered Colombia's ambassador to Washington, Daniel Garcia Pena, to return home for consultations. Petro said he wanted to discuss progress on key priorities in the bilateral relationship. The diplomatic rift comes after Colombian prosecutors opened an investigation into a reported plot to overthrow Petro. The probe was launched following a report by the Spanish newspaper El Pais, which published recordings implicating former Colombian Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva. The recordings suggest Leyva approached US lawmakers, including Florida Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart and Carlos Gimenez, seeking international pressure against Petro. "This is nothing more than a conspiracy involving drug traffickers and the extreme right in Colombia and the United States," Petro said on Monday. In late January, the US briefly suspended consular services after Petro refused to allow US military planes to return Colombian refugees and migrants. Petro accused the US of treating these individuals like criminals, restraining them with shackles and handcuffs. The dispute has included threats of trade tariffs of up to 50 percent from both sides. Additionally, Colombia's government recently declined a US request to extradite two rebel leaders wanted in Washington for alleged drug trafficking. Security concerns have also heightened in Colombia, following bombing attacks in the southwestern city of Cali in June that reportedly killed ten people, and an attempted assassination of conservative opposition senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay during a campaign rally in Bogota. The diplomatic standoff marks a sharp decline in relations between the two countries, once considered close allies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Apocalyptic': Dozens killed as Israel targets displaced Gazans, aid seekers Iran Press TV Friday, 04 July 2025 10:56 AM As the humanitarian crisis deepens in the besieged Gaza Strip, Israeli airstrikes on Friday killed at least 37 Palestiniansincluding civilians seeking food at aid distribution centersaccording to medical sources. In one of the most lethal events of the day, 15 individuals lost their lives and 90 others sustained injuries while waiting for humanitarian aid near the al-Tahlia roundabout in eastern Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Eight Palestinians, including women and children, were killed when Israeli forces targeted a tent housing displaced individuals near Tiba Towers in al-Mawasi, located to the west of Khan Yunis. The majority of the victims were individuals from the same family whose residence was directly struck near the Tiba Towers, as reported by eyewitnesses. Additionally, several others were injured during the attack. In a separate nearby attack, three more individuals, among them two children, lost their lives close to the British field hospital. Airstrikes also targeted two tents on the Khan Yunis beachfront, resulting in the deaths of four civilians, primarily women and children. The official Palestinian Wafa news agency reported that Israeli artillery targeted tents accommodating displaced civilians in al-Mawasi, Rafah, in southern Gaza, causing further casualties. In the central region of Gaza, four individuals lost their lives in the al-Bureij refugee camp as a family's residence was struck during a nighttime offensive. In the meantime, three more people lost their lives in southern Gaza City as a result of a strike on a family residence located in the al-Sabra neighborhood. Israeli forces also targeted a school that was providing shelter for displaced individuals; though, there were no immediate reports about the number of possible casualties. Separately, eyewitnesses stated that Israeli forces razed multiple residential buildings in the northern flank of Khan Younis. The latest attacks come as the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory said on Thursday that Israel is "responsible for one of the cruelest genocides in modern history." Francesca Albanese made the remarks at the UN Human Rights Council as he presented her latest report, condemning the Tel Aviv regime over weaponizing Gaza as a testing ground and calling for sweeping international action. "The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory is apocalyptic," she said. "In Gaza, Palestinians continue to endure suffering beyond imagination. Israel is responsible for one of the cruelest genocides in modern history." Albanese stated that official statistics indicate more than 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured; however, prominent health experts believe that "the true toll is far higher." She criticized the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation - Israel's newly established aid system in Gaza, which has been linked to hundreds of deaths thus far - labeling it as "a death trap - engineered to kill or force the flight of a starved, bombarded, emaciated population marked for." Albanese noted that arms manufacturers have garnered substantial profits by providing Israel with munitions used in the bombardment of Gaza. "Arms companies have turned near-record profits by equipping Israel with cutting-edge weaponry to unleash 85,000 tons of explosives - six times the power of Hiroshima - to destroy Gaza," she said. The senior UN official denounced Israel over using the Gaza war to "test new weapons, customized surveillance, lethal drones, (and) radar systems," warning that Palestine's defenselessness had made it "an ideal laboratory for the Israeli military-industrial complex." She also called on businesses to act, stressing, "Corporate entities must urgently cease all business activities and terminate relationships directly linked with, contributing to, and causing human rights violations and international crimes against the Palestinian people." Albanese said she no longer believed ignorance or ideology were sufficient explanations for global inaction. "In the face of genocide - so visible, so livestreamed - these explanations fall short." She concluded with a call for civil society to play its part, saying, "Trade unions, lawyers, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens should encourage such behavioral change from the side of businesses and governments by pressing for boycotts, divestments, sanctions, and accountability. What comes next depends on all of us." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia becomes first country to recognize Taliban by accepting Afghan envoy Iran Press TV Friday, 04 July 2025 6:23 AM Russia has formally accepted the credentials of a new Afghan ambassador appointed by the Taliban, marking the first time a country has officially recognized the group's government since it returned to power in 2021. Gul Hassan Hassan presented his credentials to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in Moscow on Thursday. The move is widely seen as a major diplomatic endorsement of the Taliban-led government. "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," Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The ministry cited areas such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure as key sectors for future collaboration. "We will continue to assist Kabul in strengthening regional security and combating the threats of terrorism and drug-related crime," the statement added. In a parallel meeting in Kabul, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi praised the development, telling Russian ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov that "This brave decision will be an example for others." "Now that the process of recognition has started, Russia is ahead of everyone," he added. The Taliban returned to power in August 2021 following the irresponsible withdrawal of US and NATO troops. Since then, no country has formally recognized the group as Afghanistan's legitimate government, though severalincluding China, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, and Uzbekistanhave posted ambassadors in Kabul, indicating a cautious engagement. Russia had previously designated the Taliban as a terrorist organization in 2003, a classification it lifted in April 2025. In July 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the Taliban as "allies in the fight against terrorism," while Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the Taliban administration as "a reality," advocating for a "pragmatic, not ideologized policy" toward Afghanistan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Germany responsible for Israel's continued genocide in Gaza: Iran Iran Press TV Friday, 04 July 2025 6:34 AM Iran's Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned Israel's escalating genocide in the Gaza Strip, holding the regime's supporters, including the United States and Germany, responsible for the continued massacre of Palestinians. The ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks on Friday, a day after the Gaza Government Media Office said more than 300 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the last 48 hours. Baghaei denounced the brutal killing of hundreds of defenseless Palestinians across the Gaza Strip in the past week, saying Israeli attacks on residential areas, refugee camps, shelters, and aid distribution site are "unprecedented war crimes." He also referred to the systematic strikes by the Zionist regime on shelters for displaced Palestinians such as the Mustafa Hafez school in Gaza City. The United States, Germany, and other supporters of the occupying entity are behind the continuation of genocide and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip, he added. 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 57,130 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 135,173 others. On Wednesday, all 15 Israeli ministers from the right-wing Likud party urged prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex the occupied West Bank before the end of the parliament's summer session on July 27, citing support from US President Donald Trump. Baghaei said the annexation call is a dangerous sign of Israel's expansionism, calling for "urgent and serious" action by the international community and Islamic countries to support the Palestinian people and confront the colonial scheme aimed at eliminating Palestine as a nation and a historical and deep-rooted identity. Meanwhile, the spokesman praised Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, for making continuous efforts towards exposing the atrocious Israeli crimes and defending the rights of the oppressed Palestinians. He further condemned mounting pressure from the United States and other supporters of the Zionist regime to silence the UN rapporteur. In a speech to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Thursday, Albanese called on countries to cut off all trade and financial ties with Israel and withdraw their sponsorship for an "economy of genocide". She also presented her latest report, which named dozens of companies complicit in Israeli crimes against Palestinians. The US has on several occasions called on the United Nations to remove Albanese over alleged "antisemitism". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At 90, Dalai Lama still charts an uncertain future His newly announced succession plan follows the Tibetan spiritual leader's decades of balancing defiance and diplomacy. By Tenzin Pema for RFA Tibetan 2025.07.04 -- The Dalai Lama turns 90 years old on Sunday, a milestone birthday for the spiritual leader who transformed from humble origins in the then-remote, inaccessible "Roof of the World" to global statesman and Buddhist leader helming one of history's longest non-violent resistance movements. As he had promised more than a decade ago, the Dalai Lama announced ahead of his 90th birthday that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue on to a successor one that he said would be selected by his non-profit, not the Chinese government. Beijing, for its part, says the selection must adhere to Chinese law. During an event kicking off his birthday celebration, the Dalai Lama reflected on the connections of his life as a leader rather than the tensions. "Throughout my life, I have worked for the welfare of the Tibetan people, preservation of the Dharma and for the happiness of all," he said. "I have engaged in dialogues and discussions with scientists and many representatives of the world, and cultivated deep insightful relationships with individuals across the globe. As a result, I consider my life so far has been a profoundly purposeful and deeply fulfilling one." Recognition, invasion, escape For the man born Lhamo Thondup on July 6, 1935, in the small hamlet of Taktser in northeastern Tibet's historical Amdo region, the journey to spiritual leadership began at the age of two, when a party of Tibetan monks, following ancient portents and Tibetan Buddhism reincarnation traditions, arrived at his village in search of the 14th Dalai Lama. After the 13th Dalai Lama's passing in 1933, search teams had fanned across Tibet following reported signs and visions - including the head of the embalmed 13th Dalai Lama turning from southeast to northeast, indicating where his successor would be found. The precocious boy correctly identified items belonging to the 13th Dalai Lama. Following his recognition, he journeyed with his family to Tibet's capital Lhasa in 1939, where his formal enthronement ceremony was held a year later on Feb. 22, 1940 - launching a life that would span the Chinese invasion of Tibet, the birth of a global movement of peaceful resistance in exile, and the spread of Tibetan Buddhism worldwide. The young Dalai Lama's childhood ended abruptly in 1950 when the Chinese Communist regime's People's Liberation Army (PLA) invaded Tibet. He was only 16 when he assumed full temporal and spiritual leadership of his nation as Chinese troops overwhelmed Tibet's poorly equipped army. For nearly a decade, he sought to find accommodation with China's new communist rulers, even traveling to Beijing to meet Chairman Mao Zedong in 1954-55. But Mao's chilling comment to him that "religion is poison" revealed the impossibility of that hope and foreshadowed the religious and cultural destruction that ensued during the Cultural Revolution. As guerrilla warfare erupted across Tibet and tensions reached a breaking point, the unthinkable became inevitable. On March 10, 1959, thousands of Tibetans surrounded the Dalai Lama's summer palace in Lhasa, fearing Chinese plans to abduct their beloved leader. Seven days later, under cover of darkness and disguised as a soldier, the 23-year-old Dalai Lama began his legendary escape across the Himalayas to India. Time Magazine would later headline his flight as "God-King in Exile." Traveling only at night to avoid Chinese patrols with a party of 100 including family members, cabinet ministers, and Tibetan guerrillas, the Dalai Lama arrived in India after two harrowing weeks. Tibetan devotees later spoke of mist and clouds that seemed to shield the Dalai Lama's escape party from being spotted by Chinese planes. Whether divine intervention or fortunate weather, the escape captured the imaginations of people worldwide. Gift of democracy Arriving in India as a refugee, the Dalai Lama faced an unprecedented challenge: leading 80,000 displaced Tibetans who had followed him into exile while keeping alive hopes for Tibet's freedom. Rather than establishing a traditional monarchy-in-exile, he chose a revolutionary path: granting the gift of democracy to the Tibetan people. In February 1960, at the holy Buddhist pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya in India's northeastern state of Bihar, the Dalai Lama outlined his vision for democratic governance. Later that year, he established the first elected representative body in Tibetan history, with the members who represented the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism and Tibet's three historical provinces of Kham, Amdo, and U-Tsang taking their oath on September 2, a day that has since been celebrated as 'Tibetan Democracy Day.' The democratic transformation has accelerated over the past five decades, with the adoption of the Charter of Tibetans-in-Exile by the Tibetan parliament-in-exile in 1991, the establishment of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission as the judicial arm of the Tibetan government in 1992, and the first direct elections of the Tibetan political leader by exiled Tibetans in 2001. The most significant moment in the Dalai Lama's democratic reform came in the form of his historic devolution of all political powers in 2011 to the democratically elected leader of the Tibetan exile government, known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). "Since the fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, the Dalai Lamas have assumed both spiritual and temporal rule over Tibet. As I am the fourteenth in line of that institution, it is most appropriate if I, on my own initiative, happily and with pride, end the dual authority of the Dalai Lama," the Dalai Lama said in March 2011 when he announced the transition. He added that "the rule by kings and religious figures is outdated" and that Tibetans must "follow the trend of the free world which is that of democracy." Lobsang Sangay became the first democratically elected political leader, or Sikyong, of the Central Tibetan Administration in 2011. In 2021, Penpa Tsering, who had previously served as the Speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, won the presidential elections, taking over from Sangay in what was the first transfer of power since the Dalai Lama's announcement in 2011. "The decision to devolve my power is also a part of advancing the democratization process," the Dalai Lama said. Beyond democratic reforms, the Dalai Lama has built what is regarded as one of the world's most successful refugee communities designed to keep alive the Tibetan way of life spanning the Tibetan settlements in India, Nepal and Bhutan, to a growing diaspora spread across countries in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. From his early days in exile, the Dalai Lama focused on establishing schools for Tibetan children. A comprehensive educational system enabled Tibetan students to learn their history and preserve their language, religion, and culture, while keeping pace with modern advancements and needs. He founded the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in 1959; created the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies as the primary university for Tibetans in India in 1967; and supported the establishment of hundreds of monasteries and nunneries in exile to preserve Tibetan religious traditions - the large majority of which can be found in different parts of India. Middle Way approach Until 1985, the Dalai Lama rarely traveled outside India. But recognizing that Tibet's survival depended on international support, he embarked on an unprecedented campaign 60 international trips between 1986 and 1999, visiting an average of 10 countries annually. He met with world leaders, changemakers, policymakers, scholars, artists and activists to elevate the Tibetan struggle to global consciousness. In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his "peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect," cementing his status as an international moral authority. Other major honors include the 2007 Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by the American Congress; the 2012 Templeton Prize for contributions to spiritual understanding; and the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award for community leadership. The 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace unanimously bestowed upon him the title "Universal Supreme Leader of the Buddhist World." Indeed, the Dalai Lama's ascension to the world's most visible and revered ambassador of Buddhism was as remarkable as it was deliberate. Yet his impact and appeal transcended religion. With his infectious laughter, warm humor and teachings on how to promote moral values, inner happiness and religious harmony, he made ancient Buddhist wisdom relevant to modern audiences. Stadium-sized crowds gathered for his teachings. His books became bestsellers. His meetings with world leaders generated global headlines, even as they drew angry reactions from the Chinese government. A pivotal moment in the Tibetan struggle came in 1987-88, when he presented his "Five-Point Peace Plan" to the U.S. Congressional Human Rights Caucus in 1987. He later elaborated on it at the European Parliament on June 15, 1988 as the "Strasbourg Proposal," in which he introduced the "Middle Way Approach" that formed the basis of negotiations between the Dalai Lama's envoys and the Chinese government in several rounds of talks. Rather than demanding independence for Tibet, the Dalai Lama's 'Middle Way' approach calls for meaningful autonomy for all Tibetans living in the three traditional provinces of Tibet within the framework of the People's Republic of China - one that enables the protection and preservation of Tibetan culture, religion and national identity. Nine rounds of formal talks and one informal meeting between his envoys and Chinese officials occurred between 2002 and 2010, but achieved no breakthrough. Chinese officials rejected proposals by the Tibetan delegation seeking greater autonomy for Tibet within China. "All my life I've advocated for nonviolence. I've done my utmost to restrain the understandable impulses of frustrated Tibetans... Especially, ever since our direct conversations after my exile began with Beijing in 1979, I've used all my moral authority and leverage with the Tibetan people, persuading them to seek a realistic solution in the form of a genuine autonomy within the framework of the PRC," the Dalai Lama wrote in a new book published in March 2025. "I must admit I remain deeply disappointed that Beijing has chosen not to acknowledge this huge accommodation on the part of the Tibetans, and has failed to capitalize on the genuine potential it offered to come to a lasting solution," he said. Several governments, including those of the United States and European countries, have repeatedly urged China to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama's representatives for a peaceful resolution to the Tibetan issue. But Beijing continues to call him and the CTA "separatists," while ruling out any talks on the demand for greater autonomy for Tibet. "Any contact or talks [with a representative of the Dalai Lama] will only be about the personal future of the 14th Dalai Lama himself, or at most, a handful of people close to him, not the so-called 'high degree of autonomy for Tibet,'" a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said last year when outlining conditions for possible resumption of talks on Tibet. His comments reflect Beijing's intensified focus on the issue of the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, including exploring all avenues to gain control over the selection of a successor amid efforts to gain legitimacy over its occupation of Tibet and authority over the global Buddhist population. But in his recent memoir titled "Voice for the Voiceless," the Dalai Lama wrote that his successor will be born in the free world - which he described as outside of China. "Since the purpose of a reincarnation is to carry on the work of the predecessor, the new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world so that the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama that is, to be the voice for universal compassion, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and the symbol of Tibet embodying the aspirations of the Tibetan people will continue," he wrote. Edited by Greg Barber Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content July not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dalai Lama succession: China warns India against interfering in Tibet-related matters Three-day religious conference wraps in Dharamsala, Dalai Lama celebrates 90th birthday Sunday. By RFA staff 2025.07.04 -- China warned India on Friday against interfering in Tibet-related matters after an Indian minister supported the Dalai Lama's statement that his successor should be chosen by a Tibetan nonprofit group, rejecting moves by China to steer his succession. "No one has the right to interfere or decide who the successor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be," said Kiren Rijiju, India's minister for minority affairs. China's foreign ministry urged India to be prudent in its words and actions. "We hope the Indian side will fully understand the highly sensitive nature of Tibet-related issues, recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama," said spokesperson Mao Ning. India's foreign ministry spokesman Shri Randhir Jaiswal later on Friday released a statement saying, "Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion." The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959, stated on Wednesday that upon his death, he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust would be authorized to identify his successor. Beijing maintains it has the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor. The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) said in a statement: "The process of reincarnation for Tibetan Buddhists is a sacred tradition. Any attempt by the CCP to interfere in this spiritual matter is an unacceptable violation of religious liberty and must be swiftly condemned by the international community." Penpa Tsering, president of the Tibetan government in exile, spoke to reporters in Dharamsala at the end of the three-day conference of Tibetan religious leaders, where the Dalai Lama affirmed his succession plans. "If China tries to use this in any way, in any means, we will not recognize it. In the future also we will not accept any of China's choices." Reporting by Dawa Dolma and Tenzin Woser in Dharamsala; additional reporting from Reuters; edited by Charlie Dharapak Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content July not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNHCR: Needs intensify as 1.4 million people return to Afghanistan UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Briefing notes This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR's Afghanistan Representative Arafat Jamal - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. 4 July 2025 GENEVA -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is urgently seeking funding to protect over 1.4 million people who have returned or been forced to return to Afghanistan so far this year, including over 1 million from Iran. Daily returns from Iran increased significantly after 13 June, with the highest number recorded on 1 July, when over 43,000 people returned. This is a stark increase from the January to June average of 5,000 arrivals per day. From Pakistan, we saw a rapid increase in numbers in April, with nearly 150,000 people returning that month. Our teams are at the borders, receiving and assisting streams of exhausted, hungry, and scared people every day. Staff and structures are absolutely inundated. UNHCR has deployed additional staff, and we are providing essential relief items, hot meals and emergency financial assistance to help meet immediate needs. But amid funding constraints, and given the scale and pace of returns, we will not be able to sustain support for more than a few weeks. These returns are part of a complex protection crisis. UNHCR is concerned that returns are happening in extremely difficult conditions, and that many are not voluntary. Many people who returned said that they felt compelled to leave, as they saw fellow Afghans being deported. Returnees who arrived in Afghanistan in recent months have been sharing concerning stories of increased restrictions, harassment and discrimination. This is part of a broader, worrying regional trend. Refugee-hosting countries have issued return orders with deadlines for Afghans to depart, or face deportation. Since these announcements, the situation for Afghans in bordering countries has deteriorated quickly. Immense challenges lie ahead for returnees, from accessing documentation, housing healthcare and education, to rebuilding their lives in a country they do not know. It is particularly worrying as returns are highly concentrated in just a few areas. Returns mark the start of a difficult journey in a country facing multiple, overlapping crises, and struggling to recover after four decades of instability. For women and girls in particular, life in Afghanistan brings extreme restrictions. UNHCR urges countries in the region to ensure that returns to Afghanistan are voluntary, safe, and dignified. Forcing or pressuring Afghans to return risks further instability in the region, and onward movement towards Europe. UNHCR calls on the international community to urgently and substantially increase funding - to meet both critical needs at the border upon arrival, and provide longer-term assistance to help returnees settle in Afghanistan. UNHCR's response in Afghanistan this year is only funded at 28 per cent of a required $216 million. The global community must not turn away from the people of Afghanistan at this pivotal time, and should stand with them to restore hope, and give them a fighting chance of recovery, stability and prosperity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas 'positively' responds to Gaza truce proposal amid Israeli attacks IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 5, 2025 The Palestinian resistance movement of Hamas says it has given a "positive response" to a United States' proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, announcing its readiness to seriously engage in talks to implement the proposed framework. Hamas said late on Friday that it had handed over its response to Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating the ceasefire negotiations, according to Al Jazeera TV network. "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 Palestinian resistance movement said in a statement. Israel has not yet responded to the proposal that calls for a 60-day truce in Gaza's war now in its 21st month. Hamas announced its agreement three days ahead of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, where Gaza will be on agenda. According to Al Jazeera, the proposed ceasefire framework includes a phased release of Israeli prisoners and an increased flow of humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip. Under the plan, Hamas would release 10 living and 18 deceased Israeli prisoners from the list of 58, beginning with eight live prisoners on the first day of the ceasefire. Also, all Israeli military operations would stop once the agreement takes effect. Under the proposed framework, negotiations for a permanent ceasefire would begin on day one under the supervision of mediators. Despite Hamas announcing its positive response to the ceasefire, Israel continued its military operations in Gaza on Saturday, killing 56 Palestinians since the beginning of the day. At least nine of the victims were aid seekers shot dead by the regime's forces. Israel has been preventing the entry of food, fuel, and other basic supplies into Gaza, including baby milk, as part of a crippling siege in place since March 1 this year. The restrictions on fuel entry have deteriorated an already dire healthcare system, with hospitals forcing to halt services at some wards. The Israeli regime has killed at least 57,338 Palestinians and injured 135,957 others since the start of the war on October 7, 2023. 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Baqaei says Israel must be unequivocally condemned and held accountable for flagrant atrocity crimes IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 5, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has urged condemnation of Israel and holding the regime accountable for its flagrant atrocity crimes. "With each passing day, new dimensions of #Netanyahu's war crimes in Tehran and other Iranian cities targeted by the Israeli regime's aggression are displayed to the public," Baqaei wrote on his X account on Saturday. "The video below captures the aftermath of the Israeli regime's 23 June brutal assault on #Evin Prison's medical facility where inmates' families & friends had gathered to visit their loved ones," he added. "They were trapped & burned to death under the rubble alongside a number of staffers and passersby: 79 precious lives perished as the result of #Israel's cruel war crime," he stated. "No person of good conscience can remain silent in the face of such cruelties that are grave violations of international humanitarian law and blatant war crimes," he noted. "This Israeli regime must be unequivocally condemned and held accountable for the flagrant atrocity crimes it perpetrated against Iranians," Baqaei reiterated. The Judiciary announced on June 23 that the Israeli regime launched an attack on Evin Prison. The Judiciary emphasized that this act of aggression blatantly violates international laws. Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangiri said on June 29 that 71 people lost their lives in an Israeli attack on Evin Prison, in northern Tehran. Those killed included administrative staff, young men doing their military service, inmates and their family members visiting them. Neighbors living in the vicinity of the prison were also killed or injured, he added. Israel began an unprovoked war of aggression against Iran on June 13, killing over 600 people, including top military commanders, scientists, and civilians. The Iranian Armed Forces responded powerfully, inflicting widespread damage to areas across the occupied territories. On June 22, the United States joined Israel, and in coordination with the regime, attacked three Iranian nuclear sites in violation of international law, prompting global condemnations. The U.S.-Israeli aggression lasted 12 days and came to an end following a ceasefire. 9376**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli drone attacks on south Lebanon leave 1 killed, 3 injured Iran Press TV Saturday, 05 July 2025 10:59 AM One person has been killed and three others wounded in two separate Israeli drone attacks on southern Lebanon. Local news agencies reported on Thursday that an Israeli drone targeted a civilian vehicle on a highway in the Khalde area, south of Beirut, near the Martyr Salah Ghandour roundabout in the city of Bint Jbeil, in Nabatieh Governorate, leaving at least one person dead and two others wounded. A second drone targeted a residential building in the town of Shebaa, located in the Hasbaya District, injuring one person. Under the November 27 ceasefire agreement with the Israelis, the Zionist forces are supposed to fully withdraw from Southern Lebanon. However, the Israeli forces still maintain military presence at five strategic border outposts. The Tel Aviv regime claims the Israeli forces have launched their attacks in southern Lebanon to target the Hezbollah resistance movement. Despite the truce between the two neighboring sides, the arrogant Israeli forces have continued to launch near-daily attacks in southern Lebanon since they began their wide-scale assault on Lebanon in 2023 that escalated into a full-scale war by 2024. Authorities have reported nearly 3,000 Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including the deaths of at least 225 people and injuries to more than 500. The conflict has killed more than 4,000 people, wounded over 17,000, and displaced nearly 1.4 million, according to official data. The border between southern Lebanon and the Israeli-occupied land has been monitored by international troops of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for decades. UNIFIL has recorded the numerous violations carried out by the Israeli regime forces with impunity. The secretary general of Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement, Sheikh Naim Qassem, says the Israeli regime seeks to weaken Lebanon through continued aggression, occupation, and political pressure, stressing that Lebanon's strength is rooted in its resistance front, armed forces and nation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address People visit the Yuncheng missile frigate in Hong Kong, south China, July 5, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit. The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island. This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Photo by Huang Qiantian/Xinhua) HONG KONG, July 5 (Xinhua) -- A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong made its first visit to Hong Kong, a move widely seen as not only a demonstration of military strength but also a step toward deepening ties between Hong Kong and the mainland. The naval fleet, comprising the aircraft carrier Shandong, the Yan'an missile destroyer, the Zhanjiang missile destroyer, and the Yuncheng missile frigate, arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday to begin a five-day visit. On the day the naval fleet arrived, hundreds -- if not thousands -- of Hong Kong residents gathered along the shore to watch. Local media rushed to cover the story. Chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee said that both the steadfast presence of the PLA garrison in Hong Kong and the cordial visit by the modernized naval fleet have made the "Pearl of the Orient" shine brighter, reflecting the country's ability and determination in safeguarding peace, while allowing Hong Kong, under "one country, two systems," to continue to play its part in the nation's development. Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government Chan Kwok-ki attended the deck reception on the Shandong aircraft carrier. He believed the visit by the naval fleet allowed the wider public in Hong Kong to witness the strength of the country's military and would help enhance students' sense of national identity and pride. Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government Cheuk Wing-hing shared on social media that he toured the ski-jump flight deck, arresting cables, carrier-based fighter jets, and helicopters aboard the Shandong. "The rapid progress of our country's national defense is truly remarkable," Cheuk said. "I am deeply moved and feel proud of our nation." The Shandong aircraft carrier was open to the public for visits. Starry Lee, a member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said that this allowed people to experience firsthand the remarkable achievements of the country's naval modernization, and held significant meaning in fostering a stronger sense of patriotism in Hong Kong society. Friday was the first open day of the fleet's visit to Hong Kong, with a focus on student visitors. More than 10,000 visits were made aboard the Shandong, Zhanjiang, and Yuncheng ships. "My ancestral home is Shandong. When I first stepped onto the deck, I couldn't help but cry. Our country has truly become strong!" a lecturer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University surnamed Wong said. Some secondary school students from Macao were organized by their schools to travel to Hong Kong for the visit. They happily toured the ships while taking photos with their smartphones to share with classmates who missed the visit. They said that boarding the warships was more than just a visit; it allowed them to witness the long history of China and the country's remarkable progress. Seeing the modern carrier-based fighter jets and the spirited, high-morale crew aboard the vessels left a deep impression on Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR government. Chan said that the visit by the naval fleet fully reflected the country's deep affection for Hong Kong. "A strong nation must have a strong military, and our country's navy will only grow stronger," he remarked. "Stepping aboard the domestically built aircraft carrier Shandong and standing on the deck of this steel giant filled me with excitement," Jeffrey Lam, a member of the Executive Council of the HKSAR, said. Just as the Shandong sailed forward with strength and determination, Hong Kong, with the support of the country, will surely overcome all challenges and continue to enjoy prosperity and stability, Lam added. People visit the Zhanjiang missile destroyer in Hong Kong, south China, July 5, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit. The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island. This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Photo by Huang Qiantian/Xinhua) Israeli strikes kill at least 42 Palestinians in Gaza since dawn, dozens of them aid seekers Iran Press TV Saturday, 05 July 2025 10:04 AM Israeli strikes have killed at least 42 Palestinians across Gaza since the early hours of Saturday, with dozens of the fatalities identified as aid seekers, according to reports from the besieged territory's hospitals. These attacks have taken place across the Gaza Strip from Gaza City in the north to the area around Rafah in the south. Medical sources at Nasser Hospital have told the media that nine Palestinians, including three children, have been killed by Israeli forces near an aid center north of Rafah. A medical source at al-Ahli Hospital says one Palestinian was killed and others injured in an Israeli attack on Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood. At least six people were killed and more than 10 injured in an Israeli shelling of displaced tents in the al-Mawasi area west of the city of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Nasser Medical Complex. Al-Mawasi was designated as a "humanitarian zone" by Israel. Israeli forces bombarded the al-Shafi School, killing at least five people and injuring others in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood. Two people were killed after Israeli military jets targeted a house in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat, also in central Gaza, says four people were killed after the Israeli army targeted an aid distribution point on Salah al-Din Street, south of Wadi Gaza. The Gaza Civil Defense says it rescued 11 injured individuals, including children, after an air strike targeted a house belonging to the al-Zinati family near the Gifted School in Sheikh Radwan, northwest Gaza City. Israel's war on Gaza has killed at least 57,268 people and wounded 135,625 since the start of the onslaught on October 7, 2023, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. 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, as of June 27. 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. The GHF began distributing limited food packages in Gaza at the end of May, overseeing a new model of deliveries that the UN says is neither impartial nor neutral, as killings continue around the organization's sites, which rights groups have slammed as "human slaughterhouses." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu era sees 40% rise in Israeli settlements in occupied West Bank: Report Iran Press TV Saturday, 05 July 2025 9:01 AM Palestinians in the occupied West Bank face a 40% increase in settlement outposts under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration, alongside a surge in settler violence and vandalism, known as "price tag" attacks, according to a recent report. The Israeli Channel 12 television channel revealed on Friday that the West Bank has been witnessing a surge in Israeli settlements since the formation of Netanyahu's cabinet at the end of 2022. The number of settlements rose from 128 in the West Bank to 178, indicating an approximate increase of 40%, accompanied by unprecedented demolitions of Palestinian residences. The report came just two days after 14 ministers from Netanyahu's right-wing Likud Party, together with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, signed a letter urging the Israeli premier to proceed with the immediate annexation of the occupied West Bank. "The announcement of dozens of new settlements, the unprecedented pace of establishing illegal outposts, the construction of strategic roads, and the large-scale demolition of Palestinian buildings all aim to strengthen Jewish control over the area and effectively eliminate the [so-called] two-state solution," the channel reported. "No administration has ever encouraged settlement as much as this one," Meir Deutsch, chairman of the far-right Regavim movement, was quoted as saying in the report. The report shows that a minimum of 50 new settlements have been declared in the West Bank following the establishment of the current Israeli administration. "According to research data, 19 of the newly recognized settlements already exist, seven are currently grazing farms, 14 are neighborhoods in settlements, and 10 are settlements only on paper." Alongside the "establishment of dozens of new settlements, construction in existing settlements in the West Bank broke records in the past two and a half years, and even more so since early 2025," the report added. It explained that a total of 41,709 settler units have received approval, a figure that surpasses those documented during the six years prior to Netanyahu's administration. The report highlighted that the total count of illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank reached 214 by the conclusion of 2024, with 66 of these being established amid the ongoing Israeli genocidal war against Gaza. "Most of the illegal outposts established are farming outposts occupying vast areas, with grazing lands currently covering about 787 square kilometers, mostly in central and eastern West Bank." The report also noted that the escalation in settlement construction aligns with the surge in the population of illegal settlers. Between 2013 and 2023, the number of settlers in the West Bank increased by 38%, rising from 374,000 to 517,000, based on data from the West Bank settlements council, Yesha. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas warns al-Aqsa Mosque a 'red line' for resistance Iran Press TV Saturday, 05 July 2025 7:44 AM Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has warned that the al-Aqsa Mosque is a "red line," pledging to protect the sacred site from the Israeli regime's relentless assaults and settler incursions, regardless of the cost. Senior Hamas official and head of the Movement's al-Quds Affairs Office, Haroun Nasser al-Din, in a statement on Friday reiterated that the holy site remains both a religious and national priority. "Al-Aqsa is a red line. We will not allow the occupation's malicious plans against the Mosque and against Jerusalem to pass, no matter the cost," Nasser al-Din said. He condemned what he described as the intensifying efforts by Israeli occupation police forces and settlers to prevent Palestinian worshippers from entering Al-Aqsa's courtyards and to impose a new status quo by force and Judaization policies. "These attacks are part of the occupation's systematic plan to empty al-Aqsa of its people and impose full control over it," he added. The Hamas official praised the resilience of the Palestinians who continue to mobilize and respond to the calls to protect al-Aqsa despite increasing Israeli restrictions, harassment, and arrests. Their steadfastness, he said, sends a clear message of unshakable commitment to defending the Mosque. Nasser al-Din called on Palestinians in Jerusalem and 1948-occupied Palestine to maintain their presence at al-Aqsa and intensify their efforts to confront the Israeli attempts to Judaize the city and alter its religious and historical landmarks. Despite severe Israeli military restrictions, approximately 40,000 Palestinians performed Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied al-Quds. Local sources reported that Israeli police enforced strict measures around the holy site, particularly at the Al-Amud and Al-Asbat gates, where officers checked IDs, denied entry to many worshippers, and arrested several young men attempting to enter. The Israeli regime maintains restrictions preventing thousands of West Bank Palestinians from reaching Al-Aqsa, mandating special permits to pass through al-Quds' military checkpoints. Human rights groups describe the measures as institutionalized religious discrimination. The Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has reported a sharp escalation in Israeli violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites during June, targeting especially the al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied al-Quds and the Ibrahimi Mosque in al-Khalil. In its monthly report issued Thursday, the ministry said Israeli forces and settlers have carried out over 25 raids on the al-Aqsa Mosque Compound/Al Haram Al Sharif throughout the month. The incursions, the ministry said, included the performance of Talmudic rituals, restrictions on access for Muslim worshippers, and the imposition of limitations on the number of people allowed to pray inside. "The mosque was also closed 11 times under the pretext of 'security concerns,'" the report said. In al-Khalil, the ministry said that the Israeli occupation authorities banned the call to prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque 89 times in June and closed the site to worshippers and visitors for 12 consecutive days. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas says responded in 'positive spirit' to Gaza ceasefire proposal Iran Press TV Saturday, 05 July 2025 7:14 AM Palestinian resistance group Hamas says it has responded in "a positive spirit" to the Gaza ceasefire proposal and is prepared to enter talks about implementing the agreement, which includes the exchange of captives and negotiations to end the Israeli regime's genocidal war on Gaza. The Gaza-based group announced in a statement on Saturday that it had completed its internal deliberations as well as consultations with other Palestinian resistance groups regarding the latest proposal to halt the Israeli aggression against Gaza. "The movement [Hamas] 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," read the statement. The agreement would include a 60-day ceasefire with a phased release of Israeli captives by Hamas in return for the entrance of increased humanitarian aid to the besieged territory. The proposed exchange includes the release of 10 living and 18 dead Israeli captives from the "List of 58." Releases would occur on days 1, 7, 30, 50, and 60, beginning with 8 live captives on the first day. In return, aid would flow into Gaza immediately following Hamas's approval, in quantities comparable to the January 2025 agreement. Distribution would be handled by agencies including the United Nations and the Palestine Red Crescent Society. As part of the proposed ceasefire, all Israeli military assaults would stop once the agreement takes effect. The deal includes a pause in military and surveillance flights over Gaza for 10 hours each day, or 12 hours on days when captives and abductees are exchanged. Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire agreement would begin on day one under the supervision of mediators. Talks would cover a full exchange of captives for Palestinian abductees, future security arrangements, and Israeli troops' withdrawal. Accordingly, Hamas' ally, the Palestinian resistance group the Islamic Jihad said on Saturday that it supports plans for talks between Hamas and Israel on a ceasefire in Gaza, but demanded "guarantees" that the process would lead to a permanent ceasefire. "We presented [Hamas] a number of detailed points on the mechanism for putting in place the mediators' proposal, and we want additional guarantees to assure us [that Israel] will not resume its aggression after [the captives] are freed," the group said in a statement. US President Donald Trump says the Israeli regime has accepted the mainframe of the ceasefire agreement, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to publicly endorse the proposal. Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over war crimes in Gaza, is expected to meet Trump in Washington on Monday. Israel's genocidal war on Gaza has killed at least 57,268 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and wounded 135,625, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was also reached on January 17. The agreement went into effect on January 19. Israel resumed its genocidal war on Gaza on March 18, killing at least 400 people in overnight attacks, shattering the two-month ceasefire with Hamas. Israel, with backing from the United States, decided to remove itself from the negotiations for phase two of the ceasefire deal that would ultimately see an end to the war and the release of all Israeli captives still being held in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address '40 Israeli forces' killed, wounded in complex ambush in northern Gaza: Resistance commander Iran Press TV Saturday, 05 July 2025 3:02 AM The Palestinian resistance movement of the Islamic Jihad's armed wing has announced either killing or injuring at least 40 Israeli forces during a complex ambush targeting various groups of the troops in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. The announcement was made on Friday by one of the commanders of the al-Quds Brigades, as the military wing is named, various resistance news outlets reported. The official specified the location of the operation as Gaza City's Shuja'iyyah neighborhood. He commended the strikes for "matching the operational terrain precisely," and enabling the resistance fighters to "control the enemy and its advancing vehicles." The ambush included targeting of a home, where roughly 10 Israeli forces had barricaded themselves in, with guided missile. Roughly 20 more forces were also hit inside another such building with a TBG (thermobaric grenade) that relies on dispersing gas, liquid or powdered explosive. The strikes also featured detonation of a minefield, which contained six anti-armor explosives, against invading vehicles. 'Troops fled screaming' According to the commander, "In this particular operation, the enemy soldiers lacked the ability to take initiative or respond." "They resorted only to fleeing and screaming, and barely fired a shot at our fighters." 'Charred corpses' The ambush, the commander added, was followed by scenes of "charred Israeli corpses" being scattered around across the neighborhood. The enemy, however, "lies to conceal battlefield losses" in this case too, he added. The Israeli military has so far admitted to losing only two troopers, adding that eight more forces, including troopers and officers, have also been wounded as a result of the resistance strikes. The ambush took place as part of Palestinian fighters' continued defensive operations in the face of an October 2023-present war of genocide by the Israeli regime. The regime began the war after Gaza's resistance fighters infiltrated deep within the occupied Palestinian territories, encircling strategic Israeli bases and taking hundreds of the regime's illegal setters captive. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exiled Afghans Critical As Russia Recognizes Taliban Government By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi July 05, 2025 Afghans living abroad have told RFE/RL of their fears and concerns following Russia's decision to officially recognize the Taliban as their country's government. Russia is the first country in the world to do so since the group regained power in 2021. "How can the Russian Federation recognize the Taliban?" asked Farzana Rezaie, founder of the Afghan Women's Movement in Exile. Rezaie was speaking to RFE/RL's Afghan Service from exile in Pakistan, where hundreds of thousands of people fled after the Taliban regained power in 2021. "Legitimizing a group that has deprived half of society of the right to live [freely], is that diplomacy or a betrayal of human morality?" Rezaie added. Former lawmaker Shukria Barakzai voiced immediate practical worries. "This recognition has sparked a change in political equations in the region," said Barakzai, who also served as the Afghan ambassador to Norway. "Unfortunately, Afghanistan, once again, will be pushed to a unwanted proxy war," she added. Russia's move, announced on July 3, followed a decision by Russia earlier this year to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist groups, lifting a ban that had been in place since 2003. "Official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries," the Russian Foreign Ministry said. The Taliban's acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, praised what he called Russia's "bold move" and expressed hope that it would become an example for other countries. Many Western countries have been reluctant to directly engage with the Taliban government amid concerns over human rights violations, including a ban on girls' education past primary school. Other countries have stopped short of official recognition but have engaged with the Taliban by accrediting its appointed ambassadors and pursuing economic and other interests. Neighboring Uzbekistan hosted a Taliban delegation earlier this year for talks about a rail link, while India dispatched a special envoy to improve trade ties. Russia's recognition of the group is likely tied to its desire to maintain and expand influence in Central Asia, and may also be linked to security concerns about the Islamic State-Khorasan, an Afghanistan-based militant organization that was behind the deadliest attack in Russia in decades. Scores of people were killed after gunmen stormed a concert venue in the Moscow region in March last year. Some analysts say Russian officials likely view the Taliban as a lesser evil or even a potential security partner. The Taliban toppled the Western-backed Islamic Republic of Afghanistan government as US-led international forces withdrew in 2021. The withdrawal marked the end of a 20-year mission that had ousted the Taliban's first regime, which ruled most of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-recognize-taliban- afghanistan/33464754.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WFP delivers food inside Gaza amid restrictions and growing insecurity World Food Programme 5 July 2025 GAZA, Palestine -- The UN World Food Programme (WFP) continues to deliver life-saving food assistance inside Gaza despite deteriorating security, limited access, and growing desperation of communities in need of food assistance. A recent WFP assessment shows nearly one person in three is not eating for days, placing more people at risk of starvation. More than 700,000 people have been forced to relocate since March 18 as an estimated 85 percent of Gaza is now considered an active militarized zone. Here are the latest updates on food insecurity and WFP operations in Gaza, including quotes from WFP Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Carl Skau, who is currently in Palestine: WFP Operations inside Gaza Since 21 May, when border crossings re-opened to limited amounts of aid, WFP teams have been able to dispatch dozens of aid convoys with more than 1,200 trucks carrying 18,247 metric tons (MT) of food aid inside Gaza. Despite these efforts, the food delivered to date is still a tiny fraction of what a population of over two million people need to survive. The breakdown of the food aid brought into Gaza includes (as of 03 July): o 12,275 MT of wheat flour for bread o 5,828 MT of ready to eat rations o 113 MT of emergency nutritional supplies o 30 MT of yeast for baking While most trucks carrying food assistance into Gaza have been intercepted by hungry civilian communities, WFP has been able to conduct some direct distributions. These include: o Food aid distributed directly to 24,649 people (5,357 households). o Nutrition prevention assistance to 102,544 children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women across 92 active distribution sites. o Nutritional supplements to 11,125 people. o In addition, 250,000 meals were also provided in June through 72 community kitchens by food security partners. Israeli authorities have provided written assurances that operating conditions inside Gaza will improve, and that more trucks will be able to carry food aid into Gaza. The assurances also include the use of more routes and border crossing points with faster clearances, dependable communications, and without armed forces near convoys. In agreement with Israeli authorities, WFP's target is to bring 2,000 MT of food aid into Gaza every day (1,000 MT to the north, 1,000 MT to the south). WFP stands ready to scale up food assistance into Gaza if a ceasefire comes into effect. We have experienced teams on the ground, and proven systems in place to respond at scale. During the recent ceasefire, WFP facilitated nearly 40 percent of all humanitarian aid that entered Gaza, including 8,000 trucks of food, which helped push back the tide of hunger. The agency stands ready to do this again. WFP has over 140,000 metric tons of food in or on its way to the region - enough to feed the entire population of 2.1 million people for two months. Food Needs Inside Gaza Inside Gaza, the fear of starvation and desperate need for food remains high. A recent WFP assessment found nearly one person in three is not eating for days at a time. Findings from the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, show a high risk that famine will occur as conflict persists and humanitarian agencies are unable to provide essential aid. Some 470,000 people are expected to face Catastrophic hunger (IPC Phase 5) between May and September of this year. Malnutrition is surging and some 90,000 children and women urgently need treatment. Food aid is the only real way for people to eat: o Flour for bread is 3,000 times more expensive than before the war - 23 euros per kilo of flour. And cooking fuel is simply nowhere to be found. Requirements to Scale Operations WFP stands ready to scale up and deliver life-saving assistance directly to the most vulnerable families in need. For this, WFP urgently calls for: At least 100 aid trucks per day to be allowed through northern, central and southern border points. Faster loading and dispatching of trucks from crossing points into Gaza. No armed presence near convoy routes or civilian aid distribution points. Uninterrupted connectivity to allow humanitarian organizations to coordinate effectively. A sustained ceasefire that creates the necessary conditions for safe, scaled, and impactful humanitarian aid. Note to editor WFP Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Carl Skau, visited Gaza City on 1-2 July, talking to families there and assessing the humanitarian situation. The following quotes may be attributed to him: "This is my fourth visit to Gaza since the start of the conflict. The situation is the worst I've ever seen. It's hard to find words to describe the level of desperation I have witnessed. People are dying just trying to get food. Our kitchens are empty; they are now serving hot water with a bit of pasta floating in it. A mother told me she had gone to a kitchen hoping to find a hot meal and fainted there. There was nothing to eat and she went home without anything for her children. A father I met had lost 25 kgs in the past two months. People are starving, while we have food just across the border." "Our WFP teams in Gaza are doing heroic work under conditions that are simply impossible. They are frequently caught in cross-fire, they are stuck in steaming hot cars for 24 hours straight, escorting food convoys through combat zones. We don't have enough fuel for our vehicles, or spare parts for our trucks or cars, or basic equipment to communicate. And our national staff are not just aid workersthey live here, they face the same dangers, the same hunger as the rest of the population. We can't continue in these conditions." "A ceasefire is urgently needed. We stand ready to deliver - we have the food, the capacity and the systems to assist the entire population in Gaza. During the previous ceasefire, we showed what was possible: delivering over 8,000 trucks of food in only 42 days. We can do it again, but we need all routes and entry points to open, and we need safety and order to be able to reach most vulnerable. The ceasefire must also be the first step toward lasting peace." # # # The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kabul On Course To Be World's First Capital To Run Out Of Water By Farangis Najibullah July 06, 2025 Kabul could become the world's first capital to run out of water completely, experts say, blaming the crisis on rapid population growth, climate change, and mismanagement. The Afghan capital's groundwater levels have plummeted by up to 30 meters in the past decade, while almost half of the city's boreholes -- the main source of drinking water for the residents -- have dried out, according to a recent study by the Mercy Corps NGO. Demand for groundwater in the city is disproportionately high: each year, 44 million cubic meters more water is extracted than can naturally be replenished -- nearly double the sustainable rate. Kabul's population has grown from about 2 million in 2000 to more than 6 million in 2025, putting immense pressure on its water supplies. The city's aquifers are also being drained by more than 100,000 unregulated borewells and hundreds of factories and greenhouses, according to Mercy Corps and Afghan water management experts who spoke to RFE/RL. "Kabul has some 400 hectares of greenhouses that consume about 4 million cubic meters of water annually. said Najibullah Sadid, a water resources and climate change researcher based in Germany. "There are also more than 500 beverage businesses operating in Kabul. Just one such company, Alokozay, the largest soft drink company in the city, uses about 1 million cubic meters of groundwater each year." The United Nations has warned that without swift action, Kabul's groundwater could be depleted by 2030, posing an existential threat to residents and sparking a major wave of migration. 'Having To Choose Between Water And Food' Many parts of Kabul have already run dry, and residents rely entirely on the limited amount of water they purchase from tankers. One person who lives in the relatively affluent area of Taimani in northwestern Kabul says he spends a quarter of his salary on water. "My monthly salary is 21,000 Afghani ($300) and I spend at least 5,000 Afghani ($70) on water for our family of 10 people," he told RFE/RL on June 26. "We use this water for tea, cooking, washing-up, laundry, and bathing." "There are many families that can't afford to buy water, it's like having to choose between water and food," the Taimani resident said. He also said that those who can't pay for water travel several kilometers to bring it from areas that have public water pumps. Even in sweltering summer weather, many apartment blocks in Kabul only get water once or twice a week. Water contamination is another major challenge that has plagued Afghanistan, where nearly 80 percent of people have no access to safe drinking water, according to the United Nations. Most of Kabul's groundwater is contaminated with sewage, toxins, and high levels of arsenic, experts say. Potential Solutions The Western-backed former Afghan government, which collapsed in 2021, received more than $4 billion from international donors to overhaul its water sector, according to the World Bank, but the sector remains largely underdeveloped both in the capital and the rest of the country. Officials of the current Taliban-led government in Kabul did not respond to RFE/RL's request for comment. However, many local experts believe the Afghan capital could still resolve its water crisis relatively quickly if decisive steps are taken. "This problem is not new. For over a decade, various proposals on how to tackle the problem have been presented to Afghan authorities, but it has never been a priority for them," Sadid told RFE/RL. Among the proposed solutions is the construction of the Shahtoot dam and reservoir, some 30 kilometers southwest of Kabul. If completed, it would supply drinking water to more than 2 million of the city's residents and help replenish its aquifers. Another project envisages the construction of a 200-kilometer pipeline to divert more than 100 million cubic meters of water per year from the Panjshir River to the capital. Feasibility studies for both projects were conducted under the previous Afghan government. In April, the Taliban's Ministry of Energy and Water said it was awaiting budget approval to begin construction work on the Panjsher River pipeline. The government is reportedly seeking additional investors to fund the $170-million initiative. Meanwhile, the Shahtoot project is expected to be finished in 2027, if Afghanistan succeeds in raising funds. It's estimated that it will cost around $236 million to complete the dam and reservoir. Abdul Baset Rahmani, a Kabul-based expert on water resources and climate change, says that the water shortage in the Afghan capital could be "resolved within a year-and-half, if there is a political will to do so." However, he also warns of urgent needs in the short term, calling on international aid agencies "to provide emergency assistance to the impoverished people in Kabul who cannot afford to buy drinking water." "Such support would spare these people from enormous financial and mental strain, prevent diseases, and help many children to return to school," he says. "There are many children who can't get education because in order to help their families they walk several kilometers every day to places where water is distributed free of charge." Aid groups, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the UN Children's Agency, UNICEF have undertaken several projects in Afghanistan in recent years to help hundreds of thousands of people access clean drinking water. Their projects in 2024 included the repair of "1,315 hand pumps and the installation of 1,888 bio-sand filters to remove contaminants from water," in several Afghan provinces, according to the ICRC. But despite these efforts, unless more urgent government action is taken and major infrastructure projects are completed, Kabul's water crisis is likely to persist and could ultimately force an estimated 3 million people - or roughly half its population -- to flee the city. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kabul-water-crisis- running-out-of-water-afghanistan-2025/33461892.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 05 July 2025 - Day 1228 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 UK Ministry of Defence reported that the Russian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Major General Mikhail Gudkov was killed on 02 July 2025 in the Kursk oblast in western Russia. Gudkov, appointed as a Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy on 28 March 2025, was killed in a Ukrainian strike on a Russian command post. It is likely Gudkov was directing marine infantry units attempting to establish a buffer zone in the Ukrainian oblast of Sumy. Russia's advances in Sumy have slowed due to Ukrainian counterattacks and significant Russian losses. Gudkov was the former commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet's 155th Marine Infantry brigade. Gudkov is reportedly the second senior Russian general to be killed in 2025, the fifth general killed in the last 12 months, and the sixteenth Russian general killed since Russia launched its illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The loss of so many high-ranking officers is likely to have had the effect of undermining command and control in parts of the Russian Armed Forces. This has likely contributed to Russian tactical and operational difficulties during the conflict. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, 170 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of this day. Ukrainian defenders are decisively intercepting the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression. Today, Russian troops launched one rocket and 51 aviation strikes, using two missiles and dropping 92 controlled aviation bombs. In addition, they engaged 1376 kamikaze drones and carried out 4805 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Ukrainian soldiers repelled 21 Russian assault actions in the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions since the beginning of the day. In addition, the Russian enemy launched seven air strikes, dropping 18 controlled bombs, and carrying out 256 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, including six from reactive salvage systems. In the South Slobozhansky direction, Russian forces three times stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Vovchansk and in the direction of Barn. Aviation strikes suffered vovcans ki farms, ohrimivka, zibine, prikolotne and home. In the direction of Kupyansky, Russian forces carried out offensive actions in the areas of settlements Golubivka, Kindrashivka, Kolodyazi, Zagrizove, Zeleny Gorge and in the direction of the Kupyansk. Ukrainian defenders stopped eight enemy attacks. In the Lyman direction, Russian invaders 33 times attacked the positions of Defense Forces near the settlements of Novoyegorivka, Grekivka, Karpivka, Green Valley, New Peace, Ridkodub, Mirne, Torske, Grigorivka. Four Russian assaults were repelled by Ukrainian defenders in the Siversky direction - the Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of Verkhnyokamiansky, Grigorivka and Ivano-Daryivka, another assault is ongoing. In the Kramatorsky direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled five Russian attacks in the areas of Bila Gora, Chasovoy Yar and Stupochok. In the Toretsk direction, the Russians six times went into offensive on the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of populated points of Toretsk, Diliyivka, Rusyn Yar and in the direction of the White Mountain. Defense forces stopped all enemy attacks. In the Pokrovsky direction since the beginning of the day, the Russian occupiers 51 times tried to advance on the position of Ukrainian units. Russian forces attacked in the areas of settlements Poltavka, Malinivka, Novoekonomicne, Peace-loving, Beam, Lisivka, Shevchenko, Razine, Gorihove, Dachne, Zvirove, Udaachne, Novosergiyivka, Muravka, Novopavlivka, Oleksiyivka and in the directions of Volodymyrivka, Sergiyevka, Filiya and Pokrovsk. The opponent caused air strikes on Pokrovsk and Sukhomu Yar. According to preliminary data, today in this direction there were 135 Russian invaders, of which 85 - irrevocably. Also Ukrainian soldiers destroyed one combat armored car, three cars, five motorcycles, seven BPLA, also damaged one car, two motorcycles and one BPLA antenna of the Russian enemy. In the Novopavlovsk direction, Russian forces tried 15 times to break through the defense of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of the settlements of Zyrka, Tolstoy, Voskresenko, Zaporizhia Shevchenko, Novopil. The two clashes are still going on. In the direction of Gulyajpils .komu, Russian forces went to attack eight times on the position of Ukrainian defenders in the area of Malinivka. Four clashes are still ongoing. Bilogira the opponent attacked unkekorovnimi aviation missiles. In the Orihiv direction, the Russian aggressor attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders five times in the area of Kamiansky. Ukrainian soldiers repelled one attack of the Russian invaders in the Pridniprovsk direction. Olgivka settlement suffered an airstrike. In the rest of the destinations - there are no special changes. Within the framework of the reduction of the capabilities of the enemy to manufacture high-precision weapons, on the night of July 5, the units of the Forces of Ukraine unmanned systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in interaction with other components of the Defense Forces, made an impression on the important object of the military-industrial complex of the Russian aggressor - AT "VNYIR-Progress" (Cheboksary, Chuvas Republic of Russia). The goal was the powers from the production of adaptivnih antenna grids "Comet". They are used in Shahed-type aircrafts, Iskander-K missiles, unified planning and correction modules (UMPC) for controlled airbombs (CAB), and other high-precision weapons with which the enemy regularly fires on Ukraine, including civilian infrastructure. It has been confirmed that the means of impact have reached the target area. The results are getting real. Defense forces continue to take all measures to undermine the military-economic potential of Russian occupiers and force Russia to end its armed aggression against Ukraine. In addition, a military-industrial complex facility of the enemy producing "Kometa" adaptive antenna arrays has been successfully hit. On the night of July 5th, units of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in cooperation with other components of the Defense Forces, struck an important facility of the russian aggressor's military-industrial complex, JSC "VNIIR-Progress" (Cheboksary, Chuvash Republic of the russian federation). The target hit was the facilities for the production of "Kometa" adaptive antenna arrays. The operation itself was a part of measures reducing the enemy's capabilities to manufacture high-precision weapons. "Kometa" adaptive antenna arrays are used in Shahed-type UAVs, Iskander-K missiles, unified guidance and correction modules (UMPK) for guided aerial bombs, and other high-precision weapons with which the enemy regularly attacks Ukraine, in particular civilian infrastructure. It has been confirmed that the means of destruction have reached the target area. The results are being clarified. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of Chile Gabriel Boric Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney July 4, 2025 Ottawa, Ontario Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric. Prime Minister Carney and President Boric affirmed their shared commitment to democracy and human rights. They discussed the robust trade and investment relationship between Canada and Chile, and opportunities to deepen this partnership. In particular, they emphasized strategic co-operation on critical minerals, energy, artificial intelligence, and wildfire response. Prime Minister Carney and President Boric agreed to remain in close contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with Ethiopia to promote the sustainable development of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, a flagship project of the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and expand bilateral trade and investment, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Sunday. Li made the remarks during his meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The Chinese premier arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to attend the 17th BRICS Summit. Wang Yi Holds Talks with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: July 03, 2025 09:30 On July 2, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot. Wang Yi said that Belgium, as a founding member of the European Union (EU), is located in the "heart of Europe". China and Belgium respect and trust each other, and have established an all-round partnership of friendly cooperation, serving as a force of stability in China-EU relations. President Xi Jinping stressed that China and Belgium, as well as China and the EU, need to build more bridges rather than erect walls. Under the current circumstances, it is all the more necessary for China and the EU to strengthen face-to-face exchanges, enhance mutual trust and dispel misunderstandings. He expressed the hope that the new Belgian government will continue to build bridges of dialogue, understanding and cooperation between China and the EU. China is accelerating efforts to foster a new pattern of high-standard opening up, and will further lower market access thresholds and adopt more measures to facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and Belgium. Wang Yi stated that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. China supports European integration and hopes that the EU will view China's development and rejuvenation in a positive and friendly manner, and pursue a rational and pragmatic policy toward China. In the face of changes and turbulence, China looks forward to strengthening strategic communication and coordination with the EU, jointly upholding the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, safeguarding the international free trade system, and defending international fairness and justice. Maxime Prevot said that China has demonstrated remarkable vitality in its development and is one of the most important trading partners of Belgium. Belgium-China high-quality bilateral relations have yielded fruitful outcomes. No matter how the situation evolves, Belgium will remain China's friend and will continue to deepen cooperation and jointly create the future with a positive and constructive attitude, so as to better support each other's development. Belgium appreciates China's visa-free policy for Belgian citizens and hopes to further strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges with China. Noting that Taiwan is part of China, he said Belgium respects China's sovereignty and reiterated Belgium's continued commitment to the one-China policy. Amid the current complex and tense geopolitical situation, both the EU and China are committed to multilateralism and upholding international law. Belgium looks forward to taking the upcoming EU-China Summit as an opportunity to strengthen communication and cooperation to jointly address challenges. The two sides also exchanged views on the hotspot issues of common interest and concern. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen Meets with Wang Yi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: July 03, 2025 08:50 On July 2, 2025 local time, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen met with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Brussels. Wang Yi said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), and the future direction of China-EU relations has attracted attention from all parties. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, and all eyes will be on the choices humanity makes. The more complex and challenging the international landscape becomes, the more China and the EU, as two great civilizations and major forces, need to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, and assume responsibilities, firmly serving as forces of global stability and certainty. The upcoming China-EU Summit is an important meeting to be held at a critical juncture. China looks forward to working with the EU to summarize the valuable experience and significant insights from the development of China-EU relations over the past 50 years, and map out the prospects for dialogue and cooperation in the next 50 years, sending a clear, positive, and proactive signal to the world. China has always supported the process of European integration. Both sides should uphold multilateralism and free trade, safeguard international rules and order, promote the peaceful resolution of international disputes, and join hands in addressing global challenges such as climate change. China remains committed to high-quality development and high-standard opening up, and is ready to work with the EU to uphold the positioning as partners, deepen economic and trade cooperation, expand two-way openness, properly handle differences through consultation, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. Ursula von der Leyen said the upcoming EU-China Summit will be the best opportunity for both sides to jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The EU is committed to developing stable and constructive relations with China, and mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation. Ursula von der Leyen said she looks forward to the in-depth communication with Chinese leaders on issues of common interest and concern. This demonstrates the commitment and responsibility of the EU and China to further deepen cooperation and jointly tackle climate change and other global challenges, and sends a strong and positive signal to the world. She reiterated that the EU will continue to uphold the one-China policy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China and the European Union Hold the 13th Round of High-level Strategic Dialogue Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: July 03, 2025 17:23 On July 2, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the 13th round of China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue in Brussels with High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission Kaja Kallas. Wang Yi said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The upcoming China-EU Summit has attracted much attention. Over the past 50 years, China-EU relations have weathered many storms and overcome numerous obstacles. Only by comprehensively reviewing the path the two sides have travelled can they correctly chart the course ahead. The development of China-EU relations shows that the two sides should regard each other as partners, not rivals, and that cooperation remains the keynote and ballast. The two sides should properly handle differences through communication within this framework. There is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and the EU, but rather extensive common interests. Both sides support multilateralism and open cooperation, uphold the central role of the United Nations and greater democracy in international relations, and are committed to resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue. Faced with rising uncertainties and instabilities in the international landscape, China and the EU, as two major forces and two major economies, should step up exchanges, deepen understanding, enhance mutual trust and advance cooperation, so as to jointly uphold the post-war international order and provide much-needed certainty to the world. China is ready to work with the EU to ensure positive outcomes of the upcoming China-EU Summit and to chart the course for the future development of China-EU relations. Wang Yi stressed that China's diplomacy carries forward the harmonious gene of the Chinese civilization and advocates for peace, inclusiveness and cooperation. China is the major country with the best track record with regard to peace and security. China is different from the United States, so the path the U.S. has taken should not be projected onto China. The historical and cultural backgrounds and values of China and the EU are different, but differences should not be seen as reasons to view each other as adversaries, nor should disagreements lead to confrontation. Today's Europe faces various challenges, but these challenges have not come from China in the past, present, or future. The two sides should respect and learn from each other, pursue common development and progress, and make new contributions to human civilization. The Chinese side hopes that the EU will truly develop an objective and rational understanding of China and pursue a more positive and pragmatic policy toward China. Wang Yi emphasized that as comprehensive strategic partners, the most important aspect for China and the EU is respecting each other and accommodating each other's core interests. China has always supported European integration, and supported the EU in enhancing its strategic autonomy and playing a constructive role in international affairs. Wang Yi expressed the hope that the EU will also respect China's core interests with concrete actions. The Taiwan question bears on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 once and for all resolved the issue of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, in the United Nations from both factual and legal perspectives. Wang Yi hopes that the EU will earnestly abide by the one-China principle. Kaja Kallas said that the EU and China are partners, and the two sides share common responsibilities and exert significant influence on major issues such as supporting the leading role of the United Nations and upholding international law and the international order. The EU remains committed to the one-China policy and is willing to work with China to make good preparations for the upcoming China-EU Summit, enhance mutual understanding through candid communication, develop a more constructive EU-China relationship, and carry out more balanced and fairer economic and trade cooperation. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the Iranian nuclear issue. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi: Rare Earth Will Not Become an Issue Between China and the EU Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: July 04, 2025 17:14 On July 3, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met the press together with German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul in Berlin and answered questions on the spot. In response to a reporter's question about European companies' concerns over China's export controls on rare earth, Wang Yi stated 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 in line with international practices and contributes to safeguarding world peace and stability. Rare earth exports have never been and should never be an issue between China and the European Union (EU). As long as export control regulations are observed and necessary procedures are followed, the normal demands of European companies will be guaranteed. The relevant Chinese authorities have also established a "fast track" for European companies. Certain forces are deliberately hyping this matter between China and Europe with ulterior motives. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi on Important Inspirations from 50 Years of China-EU Diplomatic Relations Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: July 04, 2025 15:06 On July 3, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met the press together with German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul in Berlin and answered questions on the spot. Wang Yi said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), which is of great significance in building on past achievements and charting the future. China-EU cooperation has grown from scratch and expanded steadily. Today, the daily trade volume between the two sides is equivalent to the total annual trade volume of previous years. China-EU relations have also kept reaching new heights, forming a comprehensive strategic partnership. Both sides should take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to thoroughly review and reaffirm important inspirations drawn from history. In other words, the China-EU relationship should be characterized as a partnership, with cooperation being the defining feature, independence the key value, win-win outcomes the prospect for development. Both sides should take this year's high-level exchanges as an opportunity to cherish the efforts made by predecessors, carry forward the hard-won spirit of cooperation, and work together to open up the next 50 years of China-EU relations that will be more resilient and autonomous, more mature and stable, and more forward-looking. Wang Yi said that some people are now attempting to talk down China-EU relations, exaggerate specific issues, turn economic and trade matters into security issues, or cling to biases against China and confine themselves in a cocoon of false information. However, denying past achievements only obscures the vision for the future; showing no respect for the efforts of the predecessors amounts to negating their present. The trend of the times toward progress is unstoppable. China-EU relations will only continue to move forward, not stagnate, and certainly not regress. China's policy towards Europe is stability and consistent. China supports European integration, supports Europe's strategic autonomy, and supports Europe in becoming an important pole in a multipolar world. Whether Europe is in a time of prosperity or adversity, China's policy has never changed. No matter how the international and European situations evolve, China's position remains consistent. Wang Yi emphasized that amid the current international situation fraught with chaos, China remains the most important force for stability and the most predictable factor of certainty in the world. On peace and security issues, China has the best record among major countries. China has never plotted wars, never participated in conflicts, and never engaged in geopolitical rivalry. In terms of global economic recovery, China contributes about 30 percent to world economic growth each year. China has also been accelerating high-standard opening up and fostering a more market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment. On international and regional disputes, China adheres to political settlement through dialogue and consultation, opposes the use of force and unilateral sanctions, upholds the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized countries. Wang Yi stressed that China's development represents a growing force for peace in today's world. China, with open arms, is always ready to welcome countries around the world, including European countries that wish to cooperate with China, to share opportunities, jointly protect Planet Earth, humanity's one and only home, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on July 4, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: July 04, 2025 18:20 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. It's 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: It's reported that Beijing doesn't 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. China's position on the Ukraine crisis is objective and consistent, that is, negotiation, ceasefire and peace. A prolonged Ukraine crisis serves no one's 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 Taliban's government. What's China's 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 Afghanistan's 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 have played a positive role for keeping normal operation of diplomatic missions in each other's country and promoting 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. What's China's comment? Mao Ning: I'd refer you to competent authorities for anything specific. There's 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 China's COMAC, according to sources. Would the Foreign Ministry be able to confirm this? Mao Ning: I'd refer you to competent authorities on that. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Path to peace lies beneath our feet; strength will not bring true peace: Chinese foreign minister Global Times By Global Times Published: Jul 05, 2025 10:12 AM Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday criticized the notion of "might makes right," questioning where rules and justice stand under such logic at a joint press conference in Paris with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot. "Strength will not bring true peace; it may well open 'Pandora's box'. How should countries lacking strength, especially small and medium-sized ones, find their place? Are they to be laid out on the table, left at the mercy of others?" said Wang. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, is visiting Europe from June 30 to July 6, at the invitation of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU Kaja Kallas, Federal Foreign Minister of Germany Johann Wadephul, and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noel Barrot. Responding to questions about China's stance on the Iran nuclear issue and the current situation in the Middle East, Wang said that the Iran nuclear issue could have been a model for resolving international disputes through dialogue and negotiation. However, it has now triggered a new round of crisis in the Middle East. Despite hearing the knock of peace, the door to peace remains shut. China deeply regrets this outcome and believes there are profound lessons to be learned. Wang reiterated China's clear and consistent position on the Iran nuclear issue. "We value the repeated public commitments made by Iranian Supreme Leader that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons, and we also respect Iran's right, as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), to the peaceful use of nuclear energy," he said. Based on this, relevant parties should accelerate negotiations to reach a new international agreement on resolving the Iran nuclear issue, placing Iran's nuclear activities fully under the strict supervision and safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Wang said. He emphasized that the path to peace lies beneath our feet, and history will question the sincerity of all parties involved. The Chinese foreign minister said that military conflicts between Israel and Iran should not be repeated as war cannot resolve the Iran nuclear issue, and preemptive strikes lack legitimacy. The excessive use of force will only escalate conflict and breed more animosity, warning that the US's brazen bombing of a sovereign country's nuclear facilities has set a dangerous precedent and if it leads to a nuclear disaster, the entire world will bear the consequences. Wang also emphasized that the genuine resolution of the Iran nuclear issue cannot ignore the core issue in the Middle East, which is the Palestinian question. The humanitarian disaster in Gaza must not be allowed to continue. The Palestinian issue must no longer be marginalized. The legitimate aspirations of the Arab nation should be fulfilled as soon as possible, and the just voices of the broader Islamic world must be given due attention. The "two-state solution" remains the only realistic path to resolving the chaos in the Middle East, and the international community should take more concrete and effective action to support this goal, Wang said. Wang called for China and France, both as permanent members of the UN Security Council, to uphold justice and take responsibility by supporting conflict resolution through dialogue and negotiation, opposing double standards, and basing their positions on the merits of the matter itself. The UN and its Security Council should play their due role in promoting peace. China is willing to work with France to make unremitting efforts toward these goals. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, France agree to promote multilateralism, bring more certainty to world Global Times By Xinhua Published: Jul 05, 2025 08:47 AM French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday, pledging to jointly promote multilateralism and strengthen coordination against hegemonic conflicts and bloc confrontation. During their meeting at the Elysee Palace, Macron asked Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, to convey his best wishes and friendly regards to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Macron noted that France and China share a broad consensus on numerous important issues, including advocating multilateralism and adhering to international laws. France and China, both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, bear even greater responsibilities as today's world is facing challenges of growing uncertainty and unpredictability. The French side looks forward to strengthening policy coordination with China on international economic, financial, and global governance issues, jointly addressing global challenges, injecting more vitality into multilateralism, and preventing the world from falling into hegemonic conflicts and bloc confrontations, Macron said. He said the European Union and China should make strategic choices to become each other's predictable and trustworthy friends and partners on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The French side places great importance on developing France-China relations and welcomes more Chinese investment to France to develop a more balanced economic and trade relationship. He expressed hope to visit China again at an appropriate time. Wang conveyed President Xi's warm regards to Macron, stating that China is willing to work with France to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, prepare for high-level exchanges in the next phase, and deepen cooperation in all fields. China and France are comprehensive strategic partners and two major stabilizing forces in the world, Wang noted, stressing that the more turbulent the international situation becomes, the more the strategic value of China-France relations is highlighted. China believes that the trend of multi-polarization is unstoppable, and the trend of globalization is irreversible, Wang said, emphasizing that the 80th anniversary of the United Nations should be taken as an opportunity to further strengthen the UN's core role and ensure it plays its due role. He said China is willing to strengthen strategic communication and united cooperation with France, jointly practice multilateralism, oppose unilateral bullying, and resist bloc confrontations, so as to inject more certainty and predictability into a world of change and turmoil, promote equal and orderly multi-polarization and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind. He stated that China is advancing toward high-quality development, committed to building a new, higher-level open economic system, creating a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized, while actively advancing the strategy of expanding domestic demand. China is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with France and hopes that the French side will provide a more favorable and fair environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in France, he said. China and the EU have resolved the brandy issue through friendly consultations, noted Wang, expressing the hope that France, as a core major power in the EU, will urge the EU side to properly address China-EU trade and economic disputes and actively respond to China's concerns. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, the Gaza situation, the Iranian nuclear issue, and other topics. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address French President Emmanuel Macron Meets with Wang Yi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: July 05, 2025 10:05 On July 4, 2025 local time, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Elysee Palace in Paris. Emmanuel Macron asked Wang Yi to convey his best wishes and friendly regards to President Xi Jinping. He said that France and China share broad common understandings on numerous important issues, including advocating multilateralism and observing international law. France and China, both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, bear even greater responsibilities as today's world is facing increasing uncertainty and unpredictability. France looks forward to strengthening policy coordination with China in such aspects as international economy, finance, and global governance, jointly addressing global challenges, injecting more vitality into multilateralism, and preventing the world from falling into hegemonic conflicts and bloc confrontations. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the European Union (EU) and China should make strategic choices to become each other's predictable and trustworthy friends and partners. The French side attaches great importance to developing France-China relations and welcomes increased Chinese investment in France to develop a more balanced economic and trade relationship. Emmanuel Macron expressed the expectation to visit China again at an appropriate time. Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings to President Emmanuel Macron, saying that China is ready to work with France to deliver on the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state, prepare for high-level exchanges in the next phase, and deepen cooperation in all fields. China and France are comprehensive strategic partners and two major stabilizing forces in the world. The more turbulent the international situation is, the more prominent the strategic value of China-France relations becomes. China believes that the trend of multi-polarity is unstoppable and the trend of globalization is irreversible. Wang Yi emphasized the need to take the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations as an opportunity to further strengthen the central role of the United Nations and ensure it plays its due role. China is ready to work with France to enhance strategic communication, unity and cooperation, jointly practice multilateralism, oppose unilateralism and bullying acts, resist bloc confrontations, inject more certainty and predictability into a world of change and turmoil, promote an equal and orderly multi-polar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind. Wang Yi said, China is advancing toward high-quality development, committed to building a new, open and higher-standard economic system, fostering a first-rate business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized, while actively advancing the strategy of expanding domestic demand. China is ready to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with France and hopes that the French side will provide a more favorable and fair environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in France. Noting that China and the EU have resolved the brandy issue through friendly consultations, Wang Yi expressed the hope that France, as a core major country in the EU, will urge the EU to properly handle China-EU economic and trade differences and actively respond to China's concerns. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, the situation in Gaza and the Iranian nuclear issue, among other topics. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM calls for sustained, healthy and stable devt of ties in meeting with German Chancellor Global Times China approaches Germany and EU with an honest and open attitude: expert By Chen Qingqing Published: Jul 04, 2025 10:30 PM German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday in Berlin, according to a statement from Chinese Foreign Ministry. According to the statement, Merz told Wang Yi that the German side is willing to work with the Chinese side to maintain openness and mutual benefit, promote fair trade, and jointly address crises and challenges, which is in the interests of both sides. The new German government adheres to the one-China policy. During the meeting with Merz, Wang said China stands ready to work with Germany to maintain close high-level exchanges, utilize consultation mechanisms in various fields, and promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of China-Germany relations, which will not only be conducive to both sides but also benefit Europe and the world. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is on a trip to Europe with France as his next stop after Germany. During the meeting, Wang said that the Chinese side appreciates the new German government's willingness to promote the further development of China-Germany relations with a constructive attitude and pragmatic spirit, according to a release from Chinese Foreign Ministry. Wang stated that China welcomes Germany's development and prosperity, as well as its greater role in Europe and the world. He said he believes that the new German government will view China's development positively, adhere to a rational and pragmatic policy toward China, genuinely respect China's core interests, support China's national reunification just as China unconditionally supported German reunification, and continue to uphold the one-China principle. China is committed to building a higher-level open economic system, with its doors of openness only widening further, and is willing to share market opportunities with Germany to create new prospects for development, Wang said. Wang has also met with Gunter Sautter, Foreign & Security Policy Advisor to the Federal Chancellor on Friday in Beilin, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. On Thursday, Wang co-chaired the eighth round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Wang 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, Xinhua reported. Facing the current turbulent international situation, particularly the prevalence of protectionism, anti-globalization, and unilateral bullying, China and Germany must strengthen strategic communication and coordination, Wang stressed. This marks Wang's first visit to Germany after the new German government was formed, and China has higher expectations for the stability of Germany's China policy, Cui Hongjian, director of the Department of European Studies, China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Friday. "This is because the Merz government positions itself as 'more stable and efficient,' making this strategic dialogue an important opportunity for Germany to showcase the stability and effectiveness of its policies," Cui noted. The two sides need to engage in strategic dialogue to "align" their positionsmutually identifying concerns, clarifying stances, and exploring to what extent they can move forward together, Cui noted. Analysts believe that Wang's trip to Europe lays a solid foundation for strengthening exchanges across all areas in the future, but also for future high-level interactions between China and Europe, demonstrating a sincere and concerted effort to address mutual concerns. They noted that in the long run, maintaining institutionalized and regular strategic communication between China and Europe reflects the resilience of the relationship, indicating that both sides still have strong mutual needs. China-EU relations in focus According to the AFP, Wadephul voiced concerns over China's export restrictions on rare earths. Addressing the issue, Wang told a press conference alongside the dialogue that rare earth exports have never been, and should not become, an issue between China and Europe, emphasizing that as long as export control regulations are followed and necessary procedures are fulfilled, the legitimate needs of European companies will be guaranteed. "This meeting fully demonstrated China's foreign policy toward Germany and Europe: we approach Germany and Europe with a sincere and open attitude, not avoiding any sensitive issues, including the Ukraine and rare earths issues," Dong Yifan, an associate research fellow at the Belt and Road Academy of Beijing Language and Culture University, told the Global Times on Friday. China has always regarded Europe as a strategic partner and actively takes a constructive approach to strengthening communication with European countries, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts, and promoting cooperation, with a focus on solving problems, Dong noted. Wang said that China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been open and consistent, which includes insisting on peace talks, not providing lethal weapons to the parties in the conflict, and controlling the export of (civilian/military) dual-use items, including drones, according to Xinhua. China has not only fulfilled its international responsibilities, but also established the "Friends of Peace" group with Brazil and other Global South countries at the UN, mobilizing greater efforts for a ceasefire and an end to the conflict, Wang said, adding that China's objective and fair position has been widely recognized by the international community. China-German relations hold a significant position in the broader China-Europe relationship, and many issues involving Europe could be addressed more easily if China and Germany reach a consensus, such as the recent hot topics in Europe regarding electric vehicles and rare earths, Cui noted. Following the visit to Germany, Wang is scheduled to visit France for talks with the French Foreign Minister and the meeting of the China-France high-level dialogue mechanism on people-to-people exchanges, according to an earlier announcement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. In France, Wang will meet minister for Europe and foreign affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, who visited China in March, according to AFP. Although this visit will mainly focus on cultural exchanges, it is clear that during his time in France, Wang will engage in extensive contacts with various sectors of the French government, including not only diplomatic counterparts but also potentially higher-level French leaders, Cui noted. "China has always valued strategic communication and coordination with France. Currently, France, and Europe as a whole, face a core question: do they have a clear and defined strategic goal?" Cui said, noting that as relationships with major powers like the US, Russia, and China undergo profound changes, it is even more important for China and France to reaffirm certain fundamental consensuses. In the current international landscape of major power relations, China-France and China-Europe relations should be among the most stable, with the greatest potential to contribute positively to global stability and certainty, the expert said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address